Jade War

“My clan is expanding our business interests in this country,” Hilo said. “We’re buying real estate. We have plans to export more Kekonese goods to Espenia, and we want to help our Lantern Men in the clan to grow their companies by entering the Espenian market. My Weather Man wants to send more Kekonese students, like my cousin Andy, to get an international education before they work in the office on Ship Street. We need help to do all of that. We need connections in this country, and we need partners and allies.” Not just the pragmatic partners that Hilo knew the Weather Man’s office was cultivating—foreign politicians, business people, educated graduates—but true allies who understood the weight of clan and jade, even if it was in their own strange and provincial way. Hilo gave Dauk Losun’s shoulder a firm pat. “Don’t take this the wrong way at all, but you don’t come across like any sort of Pillar I’ve ever met in Kekon. But now I can see why you’re the right sort of man to be Pillar in a place like Espenia. You stay in the background, but you make things happen. I would like for Green Bones to grow strong on both sides of the ocean. Will you and your people help in that, Dauk-jen?”

Dauk was silent for a minute. Then he said, “I hope you’ll understand if I can’t agree to such a proposal right away. We’re a small but proud community here in Southtrap, and even though people call me Pillar, it’s only out of respect. Others would have to agree, and no offense, Kaul-jen, but you’re still a stranger to us. We don’t know what will happen after this agreement you’ve made with the Crews, whether it will hold, or whether it’ll only bring more trouble.”

Hilo let go of Dauk’s shoulder and blew into his cupped hands to warm them from the chill. Dauk did not seem bothered by the cold. “I’m not offended by your reluctance at all,” Hilo assured him. “In fact, I would’ve had to reconsider my favorable impression of your judgment if you’d said yes right away without first talking to your wife and friends. I’ll say only one other thing, and then let’s get back to the house where it’s warm. I don’t make promises lightly. You can ask anyone who knows me whether that’s true. Here’s the promise I’m making to you, Dauk-jen. If you’re willing to trust me and to ally with the No Peak clan, in five years, we Kekonese will have more power in this country than any of the Crews.”

The Pillar of Southtrap clasped his hands together and touched them to his forehead, inclining in a salute. “That’s something I’d like to bring about, Kaul-jen.”

CHAPTER 41 Green as Fuck

Anden met with Hilo one last time before the Pillar left to return to Janloon. Hilo came to the Hians’ yellow townhouse on a Sixthday morning, arriving alone in a taxi, wearing slacks that were casual enough for travel, dressed up with a fine new tan sport coat he’d bought from one of the expensive shops near the Crestwood Hotel on Bayliss Street. “Uncle and Auntie Hian,” he said when he came in, “I’m glad to have this chance to tell you in person how grateful I am that my cousin’s being well cared for.” He presented Anden’s hosts with a generous monetary gift and a beautiful rolled silkscreen print from a famous Janloon artist. The elderly couple were intimidated to the point of near speechlessness, murmuring their thanks and saluting repeatedly.

Hilo said, “Let’s go out for breakfast, Andy.”

They went to a Stepenish bakery and coffee house in Lochwood. “There was a place like this next to the hotel where I stayed in Lybon when I went to fetch Niko,” Hilo explained. “I like these little pastries they make. Haven’t found them in Janloon, though. Someone should set up a shop.” The waitress came by and Hilo nodded for Anden to pick whatever he wanted and to place their order. “All this is going to pay off, Andy,” Hilo said when the waitress departed. “Your studies, I mean.”

“What do you think will happen now with the Crews?” Anden asked.

“I made an agreement with Kromner. It’s risky because it means putting some of our jade in the hands of criminals. I’m only doing it because I think it’ll work out for us, but you never know. From now on, I need you to keep your eyes and ears open, to tell us what you see going on, even if it doesn’t seem important. Steer clear of any trouble, though. It’s good that you have friends here, but they’re not family or clan, and No Peak can’t keep you safe when you’re so far away.”