A hush fell upon the courtroom as Era Jie opened her mouth to speak. Her addressing of the audience- a hasty gathering of ministers, magistrates and curious aristocrats- was simply a prolonged indulgence. She sat upon one of two thrones atop a dark marble dais, relishing in the sight before her. Standing in the centre of the room was a miserable bastard of Wunei. He had committed murder and high treason, and was undeniably responsible for the disappearance of her daughter. Ravi Jie swayed unsteadily in place, his gaze low. He had no desire to meet the loathing stares of his enemies on the surrounding benches. How they must all savour this.
The polished stone beneath his feet reflected a dishevelled corpse. His drawn cheeks were a mess of smeared makeup and bruised welts, his eyes narrowed by fists and fatigue. The ragged hemp robes given to him by Ai made for a modest shroud. If he was to die, then he wished for a more hurried end. His dignity had already been surrendered for the sake of his unborn child; to suffer the gloating of Era and her court of vipers would only heighten his humiliation.
They had brought him to Lizha’s Hall, an antiquated audience chamber near to the Daishun’s Court. For a building so rarely used, it was certainly well kept. The walls of grey marble and pillars of jade were immaculately polished. Above, grille-reinforced windows shed light through a silver-etched ceiling.
Ravi raised his head when the Daishu finally called his name. ‘Chen’, she called him. The boy that pretended to be Jie. A smirk twisted her gold-glistening lips as she gleefully parroted the tale of his capture. Such self-satisfaction oozed from her tone that it was easy to imagine she’d made the arrest herself.
“Two years ago, this traitor sought to sow disorder in our city. He proclaimed himself a Jishun, using the name Jie to claw power from the honourable members of this court. His misuse of that power caused suffering for many. Master Lao Xiaozi, for one. My daughter, Jishu Fuu Jie, for another. We have all mourned her absence.” Era grew quiet for a time and Ravi almost expected to see a shred of grief in the woman’s face. If she had any such feelings, she hid them well. “Ravi fled Hanshi a doomed criminal. Today, as you can see, he made his grand return. I hear you made some impressive claims, Chen. Would you care to repeat them before my court?”
Ravi did not reply. Judging by Era’s expression, his silence was no less impudent than an insult.
“It seems the boy is awestruck in the face of a Daishu,” she remarked, to which quiet sniggers sounded throughout the audience. “Yes, I am talking to you now, Chen. Or should I call you Stormbringer? That is what you promised, is it not? You, with your favour of the Heavens, will take this city. You, with your season of unending storms, you-” Unable to maintain her composure, she finally broke into a fit of laughter. “Have you forgotten where you are?”
Again, Ravi said nothing. The amusement of the crowd was louder now, rising to a hum of murmurs and chuckles. He didn’t bother to look at them.
Steadying her breath, Era continued, “If nothing else, at least you provide some small measure of entertainment. How grand it shall be to at last watch you die. My executioners are exceptional and unquestioning in their duty. My word will be the difference between a slow, agonising death, or one that is far more prompt. With that in mind, I now ask you: where is Fuu? Where have you taken my daughter?”
Running his tongue over his broken lip, Ravi focused on that taste of iron. If he allowed his mind to wander, fear and pain would paralyse him. The attention of the court upon him was like that of a beast, patiently waiting for him to falter. If that moment ever came, it would surely be his last. Gathering himself, he spoke clearly, “Where is my father?”
The spiteful warmth faded from her face, replaced with an icy stare. “The Daishun has better things to do than to deal with misbehaved lessers.”
“I suppose that’s why he sent you.”
Era paused. In only a moment, there was a boiling venom behind those walnut eyes. “Say what you mean, Chen.” Pushing her was a necessity, but Ravi needed to find a balance if he hoped to survive. Negotiations were possible. They always were. If I don’t believe that, what else do I have?
For as long as he had known her, Era had been a deeply embittered woman. She was too proud to have ever spoken with him before his trial, but he had seen her indignation in her conversations with his father’s supporters, the resentment with which she greeted the concubines and children of the Royal Harem, the stewing displeasure that warped the words in her public speeches. Harbouring feelings of inferiority was unfitting for a ruler. Such insecurities created openings, and Ravi was more than willing to take advantage of them.
“The Daishu is here, while the Daishun is not. You say meeting me is beneath him. Where does that leave you?”
Whispers disturbed the courtroom. Ravi heard mentions of ‘treason’ and ‘execution’, and was unmoved. He needed not fear what he already faced.
“You are bold if nothing else,” Era remarked. “When I give the order to carve the flesh from your bones, will you still wear that defiant face? Perhaps I should have it shaven off.”
“I didn’t risk a return to Hanshi so that I could antagonise its ruler, Daishu Jie, but to deliver a warning.”
“I thought you were here to seize the city?” she replied innocently, a half smile reappearing on her lips.
“That was the plan of Sio, the woman that bid me to come here. She is a Host of Heaven and an enemy to Han.”
Like a disturbed beehive, the crowd buzzed into an uproar. Accusations and cries of offence lashed at him from all directions. “Liar! Traitor!” they called, “Heretic! Heathen!” Lowering his head was all Ravi could do to ignore them. How many of the Heaven’s Hosts are still breathing? She’s a legend. Of course they’d recognise her. Mentioning details had been a mistake. An accusation against a Host might as well have been an insult to the Heavens themselves.
The Daishu’s voice cut through the clamour, quieting the room in an instant. “Sio? Truly?” she asked, her expression almost one of delight. “How fascinating. I wonder, what will she have to say for herself?”
Upturning her delicate hand, Era beckoned for someone to rise. To Ravi’s left, a woman stood from the benches. His breath caught like a thorn in his throat. How? Why?
There was no mistaking those emerald eyes, those locks of hair like shining jade. This woman was Sio Ko. An elegant satin dress adorned her body, the crimson dye contrasting the icy teal upon her lips.
“Only this,” Sio replied without a glance in his direction. “I say let the boy speak. Aren’t you interested in hearing his story?”
“Oh, exceedingly so,” Era assured her. “Very well. I will allow a brief stay of execution. You may all ask your questions in an orderly fashion, though not before he has answered mine. Where is my daughter?”
Ravi shrugged, sending streaks of pain along both arms. He tried his best to hide his wince. “I don’t know. I last saw her at Hema, beyond Hangu. She left with Sio.”
“And for what purpose,” Era began, returning her attention to the Host, “Would she have found herself there?”
Sio ran a finger over her chin pensively. “To accompany her brother, perhaps? Her affairs were her own. My business with your daughter was coincidental.”
“This court has been your home for a number of years,” the Daishu said matter-of-factly. Her tone wavered between burning anger and steely authority. “This mention of business… There was contact between the two of you, and on no occasion did you deign to alert me of her whereabouts?”
“I serve the Heavens first and foremost. All other considerations, including my assistance to Han, are second to that.”
Era peered at Sio through narrowed eyes. “There should be no need for me to remind you that the holder of the Mandate stands as an equal among the Heavens. That man is my husband, and I am the Daishu. When you speak to me, you speak to Heaven.”
A slight smile curled Sio’s lips, though vanished in an instant. “As you say, Daishu Jie. Your daughter is cooperating with me in a bid for peace between the nations of Sakao. For now, she’s lodging somewhere west of Keisato, and although I’m not aware of her precise location, she’s unlikely to be in any danger.”
Nodding slowly, Era motioned for Sio to return to her seat. “In other words, I still have a daughter. That alone is more than I have known in the two years since she disappeared. I expect to learn a great deal from you before tomorrow comes. Before that however, we must conclude Chen’s hearing. Even fools possess wisdom if only you are willing to find it. Those present may ask their questions. When his answers fail to satisfy me, or if I simply grow tired of hearing his voice, he will be put to death. At long last.”
“At long last,” came an echo of agreement from around the room. A series of demands, remarks and questions followed, some brief, others lengthy and in precise detail. All were in order of court standing, Ravi noticed, though at times two or three ministers attempted to speak at once, inviting warning glances from their Daishu. He recognised most of his interrogators. The sneers upon their faces were much the same as they were when he’d first arrived at his father’s court. And now they can justify their disgust for me.
Many of the questions he had already asked of himself, and to those, his answers were almost rehearsed. To those he hadn’t expected, he didn’t know what to say.
“Who drove you to suicide?” a man’s voice called from the closest bench.
“...What?”
The speaker was shorter than Ravi, though strongly built. His plain white tunic was sleeveless, exposing his rugged biceps. He wore his dark hair in a ponytail. “A difficult question? Reworded… who was it that pushed you to end your life?”
“...Who are you?”
“If my name will help you answer, it’s Seojin Singh-Jin. I’m a travelling academic, twenty-seven years of age, born in the city of Hayan, living in Hanshi as a student, I am an envoy for Minister Diao.”
Era clapped her hands loudly. “I could care no less about your life story. Questions are to be asked of this traitor, not by him. Give your answer, Chen. The faster we finish here, the cleaner your death shall be.”
Ravi shook his head. “I don’t understand the question.”
Seojin stared at him as if mesmerised. His name and russet-brown skin marked him as an immigrant from Jinha, though his accent was impossible to place. “Daishu Jie ordered your execution more than two years ago. That’s why you left. There’s only death for you here in the capital, so why would you return? I don’t believe it was by your own accord.”
“Well, you certainly don’t need knowledge to have an opinion. This is my home. This is where I belong. I won’t be denied that.”
Seojin raised a single quizzical brow. “If coming home is worth facing your execution, you would have never left.”
Ravi could feel the heat rising in his face. “According to whom? I live as I please. I killed Xiaozi because I wanted to. I left Hanshi because I wanted to. I don’t need a reason to come home. Why should I need anyone else to make a decision?”
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“The easiest way to persuade someone into doing something is to convince them it was their idea. I’m sure you feel as though your decisions have been your own, but perhaps that wasn’t the case.”
This is dangerous. Whatever the academic was trying to achieve, he was succeeding in wasting time. Information was the only bargaining chip Ravi had to offer in return for his survival. Allowing the interrogation to stray from his purpose for too long was out of the question.
“Didn’t you hear me say I’m here to deliver a warning?”
“I thought you didn’t need a reason to return home?” Seojin asked. “I’m not interested in the excuses you’ve prepared for the Daishu and her ministers. I want to hear the truth of the condemned traitor, Jishun Ravi Jie.”
“No, you don’t. You want to hear the same tale you’ve been told about me, only this time from my own lips. Here’s the truth. Only months ago, I travelled west of the Hangu following an invitation from Sio to what she called the ‘Imperial Summit of Sanzan’. She’s conspiring with your enemies in Won and Sen.” Before Ravi had even finished, his audience were already voicing their outrage.
“And?” Sio called out from the benches, her voice smothering their uproar in an instant. Quiet stares shifted from Ravi to the Heavens’ Host. That emerald gaze did not waver.
“And?” Ravi asked.
“Wasn’t there more?”
“More?” he breathed. What is she thinking? “You spoke of war.”
Sighing, Sio seemed almost deflated. “Conquest, Jishun Jie, and come now, this continent has been at war for years. Among the things you’ve seen and heard, is there nothing else you can remember? Was there truly nothing more you managed to piece together?”
Ravi didn’t reply.
“How disappointing. No matter. Do you recognise this?” Reaching out her hand, she presented a festering prize. In Sio’s palm was a severed finger. Fungal growths like tiny black clams sprouted from the remaining blotches of blue flesh. “One of the guardsmen that brought you in found this in your possession. Naturally, I placed it under my care. The city’s military police haven’t the slightest idea just how dangerous your contraband is.”
Ravi inhaled deeply. There was no hiding now what he had done. “It’s a young girl’s finger. I took it from her corpse.”
Era laughed humourlessly. “So boldly do you show your monstrous nature.”
“She was already dead, along with her entire village.”
“And upon finding them, was the desecration of their remains the first thing that came to mind?”
“I did what I did for Han’s sake.”
“How could plucking the finger from a child’s corpse possibly achieve-” Era said, but the rest of her sentence caught in her throat. Frowning, she opened and closed her mouth as if trying to form words, yet no sound would come.
“Hush,” Sio whispered, placing a finger over her painted lips. All throughout the courtroom, wide-eyed faces watched in silence as their Daishu clutched desperately at her throat. “You can still breathe. There will be no further interruptions, however. What I am telling you is important, and you will all listen carefully.”
Rising from her bench, Sio pushed through the audience until she stood between the Daishu and her prisoner, the severed finger lying in her palm for all to see.
“West of the Hangu Mountains, there was a village named Yizhou. A little further westward, a pine forest grows atop a dying Heaven. You know it as the Fourth, the Elusive One, observer of all things. I doubt any of you have ever come close to guessing its true nature. I can’t fault you. Ignorance can seem like safety. In less than a year’s time however, that illusion will be shattered. Those of you that survive will learn exactly where your place is within this world. Your futures are less than kind. I’m sorry.” Sio seemed almost wistful for a moment, her eyes tired. “There was a time when a vast, terrible sea of rot swept across this continent, bringing sickness and death to all in its wake. The Seihito Rotfever preyed upon a peaceful nation as it crumbled. Humanity was driven to the very brink of extinction, losing so much progress, so much of their history, but still they endured. When the societies of Sakao collapsed into thirty squabbling kingdoms, it was the Fourth Heaven that saved them from complete annihilation. Now the Fourth is dying.”
“Is that even possible?” Ravi asked. Only as he spoke did he realise how deathly still the room had become.
Sio shot him a sideward glance. “It’s possible, and it’s happening. For all the preparations I’ve made, I always hoped the time would never arrive.” Lowering her gaze, she bit the inside of her lip. “Freedom does not come without cost. We must suffer for a better future, but none of us suffer alone.”
Ravi stepped toward her, the iron cuffs heavy upon his wrists. “What does that mean? What happens when the Fourth Heaven dies?”
“You remember what you saw in the forest. That stench. That decay.” Holding out her hand, she offered him the putrid finger. “The infested dead. This finger is no longer infectious, and by some miracle you didn’t contract the disease, but its influence is already spilling out into the surrounding lands. This is the work of the First Heaven.”
“That monster, Mei Mistuki, she said the same thing.”
“Living Meigui are tricksters, but what she told you about the forest was no lie. The decay essence is the First Heaven. That finger you so casually pocketed-”
Ravi could feel the blood draining from his face. “How is that possible?”
“The Heavens are not gods, nor are they born equally. The First is made up of trillions of tiny bodies that form a greater whole. They feed on organic matter, reducing all things to a gruesome mulch, but they also require living hosts to survive. The Fourth Heaven was supposed to be the last.”
“Mei said creatures from Xia’an were resistant to the decay essence.”
“Early generation splinters of Xia’an can resist small amounts. The Fourth ingested every trace of the First Heaven it could find before entering a deep, centuries-long slumber. Mogu Forest grew upon its back. It did resist, but living things do not live forever. The Fourth is simply succumbing to its age, becoming a bountiful feast for the First.”
Ravi took another step closer. “So what happens when the Fourth dies?” he asked again.
“The Decay Nexus will rise from Heaven’s grave,” she answered. “The modern world will witness the rebirth of a primordial colossus, and all reason will cease to exist. Don’t worry yourself. You can’t make a difference. The death of the Fourth is unavoidable.”
Looking around the courtroom, there were faces of fear, of confusion, many stared in disbelief, some in anger, but not a soul wore an expression of acceptance.
“I don’t care if it’s unavoidable. That doesn’t mean we’re powerless. We won’t just kneel and surrender to decay, even if Heaven commands it,” said Ravi.
“Nor do I expect you to,” Sio replied. “I chose you because your spirit is strong, even if your body is not. You will guide this nation through the coming darkness, and when the time of the Descent comes, your legacy will lead humanity’s future.”
“Descent?”
“First comes struggle- your fight for self-preservation. Survive this city. The rest can come later.”
Sio snapped her fingers and the voices of the audience returned to their owners in a symphony of hesitant gasps and grunts. Cries of rage sounded from the ministers, but all died away before the Daishu’s accusation.
“Traitor,” Era hissed. “To conspire with a convicted murderer, to spit such foul words of heresy against the Heavens, to work your corrupt magic so that you might silence a Daishu- all are crimes of the most heinous nature.”
“In your eyes perhaps, but with how little they see, they might as well be blind. Short-sightedness is your people’s blessing. You will not inflict it upon me.”
“Enough of your spite. Guardsmen! Restrain her.”
Standing as stunned as the others throughout the courtroom, the men of the military police were suddenly roused by their Daishu’s words. In a matter of seconds, they had surrounded Ravi and Sio both, though none dared to lay a hand on a Host of Heaven. Her face turning red, Era barked orders and threats at the wide-eyed guardsmen. Those that heeded her command could manage no more than a single step. Weapons quivered in sweat-spotted hands.
Sio gave them a slight smile of reassurance. “Don’t worry. I won’t harm you. Contrary to what Lady Era seems to think, I’m not your enemy. My duty now is the same as it has been since the Second Heaven commanded me. Prepare them for what must come, I was told, and I will obey without question. A Host isn’t granted the privilege of choice.”
Era’s fist thudded against her throne. “Capture or kill her, I have no preference, but do something! Have you all the hearts of cravens?!”
“It’s instinct,” Sio corrected her. She turned to the Daishu, though did not face her. “Self-preservation. Fear is invaluable. You would do well to learn it.”
“Is that a threat? I stand among-”
“The Heavens? You? What gave you that idea? Your husband’s claim to Hanshi’s throne is the Mandate of Heaven, a direct manifestation of their power, and even he couldn’t hope to challenge them. No human stands among the Heavens. Certainly not you.”
Era struggled to find a reply. When she spoke, her voice was carefully stiff. “Their servant utters such daring words. Undermining the authority of a Daishu as she sits upon her throne demonstrates courage, if nothing else.”
Sio shot a glance at Ravi. “Having courage would imply I’ve something to fear,” she said, then offered a bow to Era. Confusion plastered the Daishu’s face. “It’s about time I left. I apologise if I’ve offended you, Lady Jie.”
Era rose, her eyes wild. “You will not leave. Not alive.”
“You’ve nothing to gain from killing me. Ravi’s death won’t help you either.”
“I will finally see Yunri’s brat suffer. Ending the bloodline of that brazen slut is more than enough reason to execute him.”
Sio raised her gaze to the ceiling. “I see. With him gone, would that sate your jealousy?”
“Jealousy?” Era scoffed.
“Is there another word to describe it?” the Host asked innocently.
“A Daishu does not feel jealousy or any other such ill-bred yearnings.”
“How very impressive. At this point, I doubt it matters much what you feel. You’ve already missed your chance.”
Era laughed. “Have I? Say what you mean.”
Leaning forward, Sio raised a hand to her ear. “Listen carefully. You might hear him before he arrives.”
A hush descended on the room once more as all its inhabitants paused to listen. There was an approaching voice, its complaints indistinct, though the muffled tone carried an obvious rage. Ravi knew that voice. It belonged to the man he’d waited so long to see again. As the sound of footsteps on marble thudded closer to the courtroom, his stomach felt grappled between fear and excitement.
Thick arms parted a pair of heavy wooden doors. The Daishun strode through without hesitation, though the expression upon his face was hardly one of confidence. He was afraid, wearing that same look he’d worn on the day of Ravi’s sentencing. The day he’d damned his own son to a death of many cuts.
This was the legendary ruler of Han, Ravi’s father, Daishun Wunei Jie. So strong was his manner and stature that even his otherwise unimpressive attire seemed to outshine the finery of those before him. He wore his hair in a tidy knot upon his head, and his beard was neat despite its length.
“Out,” he croaked. His voice was barely more than a whisper. Only a draught from the open doors disturbed the stillness of the room. Wunei exploded into a deafening roar. “Out, all of you! Return to your manors! This audience is over! Guardsmen, escort the Daishu to the palace.”
The crowds stood and hurried to leave, but Era stood firm. “I will not be ordered around like a serving girl. Is that what you take me for?”
“The order was not given to you,” he said coolly, though not without an edge of anger. “I take you for what you are. Once again you betray me. Did you believe that if you held this gathering out of my sight, I would remain oblivious to your tormenting of my prisoner?”
“He is no more your prisoner than mine,” she replied, her face flustered.
“He is my son. My blood. Even as a sentenced traitor, that fact remains the same. His fate is mine to decide.”
“His blood is tainted by his whore mother. He has been twisted since birth, a malign-”
“Enough!” Wunei boomed, his voice crashing against the walls. “Speak no more. You will return to the palace or spend the night in the Royal Harem. No doubt your fellow courtesans have missed you dearly.”
The military police that had surrounded Ravi and Sio now encircled their Daishu. Era didn’t move at first, stunned both by scorn and disbelief, unspoken grievances held upon her tongue. Neither she nor her husband said a word as they passed one another.
Soon only five remained in the courtroom. Two guardsmen watched Ravi vigilantly as Wunei studied him for what seemed an age. There was still unease in those eyes. Perhaps there always would be, so long as his son drew breath.
“Your arrival is appreciated, Lord Jie, though it could have certainly been more prompt,” Sio remarked, still standing at Ravi’s side.
Wunei offered her a sideward glance. “The note I received of Era’s conspiracy was hardly enlightening. I assume I owe you thanks for that. It’s the only reason I shall accept for your refusal to leave.”
The Host bowed slightly. “The warning was mine. What I do is my duty, and for that I deserve no thanks.”
“Even so, I’m grateful.”
“No doubt you are. Another few minutes and Lady Jie would’ve been parading your son’s corpse through the streets.”
A grimace creased the Daishun’s face. “For now, whatever plans Era had for the Jishun’s execution are postponed. He is to be confined until further notice.” Motioning to his guardsmen, Wunei turned to leave. “Escort him to Fei House.”
Ravi stood dumbstruck, swaying in place like a senseless fool. Things can’t end like this. I need to say something, anything. Taking a step forward, he reached out, calling, “Father-”
“Stop,” interrupted the Daishun. “Do not talk.”
And with that, he was gone.