Crown of the Starry Sky: Book 11 of Painting the Mists

by Patrick Laplante

  “Hah! A bargain?” Cao Wenluan said. “Is that what the Li Clan says these days? I suppose there’s nothing like a false story to polish up a tarnished reputation.”

  Li Yang looked back at him coldly. “You would do well to remember that we do business together, and a sour mood leads to sour agreements.”

  “So it’s not true?” Mi Fei asked, flushing slightly. “I had my suspicions, but no one’s ever had the courage to share the truth with me.”

  Cao Wenluan’s eyes narrowed. Then he grinned. He erupted into peals of laughter that filled the waiting room. The other guests jumped. “What a brave young woman. Trying to manipulate me through compliments and by showing weakness. I will allow it.”

  “Commander….” Li Yang urged.

  “Relax,” Cao Wenluan said. “Everyone knows the story. Besides, I think you’re next.” A beautiful lady with long orange hair came by to fetch Li Yang. He left them with great reluctance. “The Li Clan,” Cao Wenluan said when Li Yang was out of earshot. “They like to say nothing with as many words as possible. They’re not as straightforward as my Cao Clan.”

  “I’ve heard great things of your Cao Clan,” Cha Ming said. “They say you excel at war, and your combat strength is the greatest of all the clans.”

  Cao Wenluan nodded. “Yes. Most of us are strong. Some are stronger than others. We have a particularly high concentration of gold-ranked guardsmen.” There was a glint of gold, and an item appeared in his fingers. It was a pin—a golden Kingfisher Guard pin. To obtain it, one would need to pass a gold-ranked admission trial after reaching peak rune carving or equivalent. “I could probably give a normal rune-gathering cultivator a run for his money. Though, to be honest, it’s a big gap. Normal cultivators don’t exactly reach rune gathering, do they?” He grinned again, and Cha Ming shivered. He did not like this man.

  I think if Xiao Bai and I chipped in, and my brothers did, we could take him, Huxian sent.

  Shut up, you brainless fool, Xiao Bai said. He’s an arrogant twit who’s giving us free information.

  “I’ve heard of your family’s legendary prowess,” Mi Fei said. “Though I can’t say our family is closely related. We’ve always been closer to the Li Clan and the Wei Clan.”

  “Your clans are complementary,” Cao Wenluan agreed. “War is costly, but it is necessary.”

  “Of course,” Mi Fei said. “You were saying something about the Li Clan?”

  “I’m wounded,” Cao Wenluan said. “You’re needling me for information, and you’re so merciless at doing it. But that’s fine. Like I said, everyone else knows. At least, everyone important. I was just making light of one of the great lies the common people have been told.” He pointed to the door leading to the Iridescent Phoenix Clan’s chief of trade. “Do you see those wonderful guards? Those strong men and women guarding the door?”

  “What about them?” Mi Fei asked.

  “They’re Golden Dragons,” Cha Ming said with interest. He hadn’t seen many other than Shneraz or the Pale Lady.

  “Yes, and there used to be many more,” Cao Wenluan said. “They were strong, and difficult to fight in their mountains. Yet they have a weakness in that they are too honest and too generous. They made a bad bargain with the Li Clan once. It was a poorly made contract that their ancestors shouldn’t have signed.

  “The contract ruined them. They should have fought, but dragons are honorable. They accepted their losses. Year after year, they grew poorer. Finally, realizing what the Li Clan was intentionally doing, they fought the Li Clan. They lost. As a result, the Li Clan gained possession of their land. More importantly, they gained possession of their precious metals.”

  “Is that how the Golden Dragons came here?” Mi Fei asked.

  “At first, they wandered,” Cao Wenluan said. “They traveled amongst the other demon tribes, offering the only service they could—their strength of arms. Alas, they were easy to anger. They fought with the Star-Eye Monkeys, and their culture was very incompatible with the Iridescent Phoenix Clan. Eventually, they were forced to move to the prefecture.

  “By then, they’d realized something terrible: by abandoning their home, they’d given up something that was difficult to replace. You see, demons are tied to the land for many reasons. In their case, they gave up the precious metals that fuel their techniques.”

  “Dragon metals,” Cha Ming whispered.

  “So you know them,” Cao Wenluan said. “Yes, those very same metals. And the Li Clan, being vicious, tried to use these same metals to bind the Golden Dragon Clan into servitude. Given their experience with the Li Clan, they naturally refused. So they starved. Their numbers dwindled until only a fraction of their number remained. To this day, the Li Clan refuses to sell dragon metals to them, and most who buy from them need to sign an end-user agreement swearing that the products will not be resold to the Golden Dragon Clan. There are few exceptions. The prefectural government, for example. There are contingencies with the adventurer’s guild for high-level missions. There are only two other organizations with this qualification in the city.”

  “The Kingfisher Guard and the Iridescent Phoenix Clan,” Mi Fei concluded.

  “These are powerful organizations that will not bend to the Li Clan,” Cao Wenluan said. “As a result, qualifying for the Guard is a great honor and a great obligation for Golden Dragons. The Iridescent Phoenix Clan hires only a few of them as guards, and their pay is not high enough to support many clansmen.”

  “Surely they could get the metals elsewhere,” Mi Fei said.

  “Transportation is expensive, and the prefecture has high taxes on the metals,” Cao Wenluan said. “Or did you think the Li Clan did this alone? It’s not exactly easy to travel throughout the kingdom without higher-level citizenship. Which, might I add, is very difficult for most demons to obtain.”

  “So they’re trapped,” Cha Ming said. “What an awful pity.”

  “In that, we are agreed,” Cao Wenluan said. “But like I said, it’s common knowledge. I brought it up less because of your flattery, Miss Mi, and more because Li Yang annoyed me earlier today. I just can’t stand that snivelling coward.” He sized up Cha Ming. “Given enough time, you would make a very good opponent, Clear Sky. Be sure to work hard. Same with you, little demon children.”

  Xiao Bai was practically twitching in her seat. If not for Mi Fei’s firm hand on her shoulder, she might have jumped him.

  “Cao Wenluan?” an attendant said. It was the same orange-haired woman as before.

  “I’m sure we’ll meet again,” Cao Wenluan said, bowing. “Till next time.” He winked at Mi Fei.

  “What a repulsive man,” Mi Fei said, shuddering.

  “Careful,” Xiao Bai said. “You might end up marrying him.”

  “I’d rather kill myself,” Mi Fei muttered.

  “If it comes to that, I’ll help you,” Xiao Bai agreed.

  “Well, that was interesting,” Cha Ming said. “I didn’t know the Golden Dragons were once so populous. Much less that they were nearly eliminated by the Li Clan. A pity we couldn’t talk to Li Yang longer.”

  “Did he give anything away?” Huxian asked.

  “Yes,” Cha Ming said. “Cao Wenluan doesn’t seem to be involved in the attack, and he was honest, for the most part. As for Li Yang, he admitted he had done something to warrant bad treatment.” He looked to Mi Fei. “That aside, I can sense he owes us a much greater karmic debt than he did yesterday. To both of us.”

  It was well into the evening by the time they got into the trade manager’s office. Their method of gaining entry, though wonderful for gaining goodwill, came at a cost. They had intentionally lost the face-slapping contest so badly they were pushed to the back of the line, even after those who came later.

  “Come in, come in,” the trade manager said. “No need for formalities.” Surprisingly, the trade manager was male. His clan, according to Huxian and Xiao Bai, was very female dominated. And like female Phoenix Clan members, he wore makeup, and
his hair was dyed many different shades of blue. He was dressed in what Gua would call the height of fashion. He also wore colorful plumage—in his case, blue plumage that showed his Frost Phoenix ancestry.

  “I understand that it was difficult for you to withstand the humiliation, but I assure you that your sacrifice will not be in vain.” He nodded to Xiao Bai and Huxian. “You may call me Unblemished Azure. How can I help you all today?”

  “Please call me Daoist Clear Sky, and these are my companions, Lady White, Lord Eight Directions, and Daoist Misty Sea,” Cha Ming said. “We’ve come here as part of a mission from the Kingfisher Guard, Manager Unblemished Azure. We’d like to know if there’s anything you can tell us about the caravan raids that have been occurring.”

  “Ah,” the man said. “What caravan raids do you mean, exactly?”

  Cha Ming’s eye twitched. “You know. The ones that have been happening in your territory?”

  “I have no idea what you are talking about,” the man said. He blinked innocently.

  Stop embarrassing us, you oaf, Xiao Bai said. You’re being rude!

  Be polite! Huxian sent.

  Cha Ming had no idea how to do that. Fortunately, Mi Fei came to the rescue. “We didn’t mean caravan raids, dear manager, but the events ignorant people perceived to be caravan raids. We know that your illustrious clan would never allow such things to go unchecked.”

  “Of course, of course,” the man said, stroking his chin. “I recall such rumors. Scandalous things.”

  “Vexing things,” Mi Fei said. “Yet we’re obligated to investigate for the sake of protocol.”

  “I completely understand,” said Unblemished Azure. “Now, what questions would you have about events that are rumored to have occurred?” He looked back to Cha Ming. It was a challenge to take the demon seriously now, but he could see what was going on. He decided mentioning Huxian’s sighting of their silly group would be unwise.

  “I’ve heard very terrible and probably untrue…”

  Mi Fei coughed.

  “I mean, definitely untrue things,” Cha Ming said. “They say that your caravans were attacked, just like those in the Star-Eye Monkey Clan.”

  The man gave him a look that told him to go on.

  “The caravans near Stargazer City that were definitely attacked and not defended in their territory.”

  “Ah, yes, I recall hearing such rumors about this as well,” Unblemished Azure said. “Well, it doesn’t hurt to say there are some slight truths to these things. There have been sightings.”

  “Would you know who might be responsible for these attacks? The ones that… definitely didn’t happen?” Cha Ming asked.

  Huxian facepalmed.

  “Our guess is that Stargazer City is at it again,” Unblemished Azure said uncertainly. They are a warmongering people, and their people have been sighted on border raids, and in the jungle. All evidence points to them.”

  “But we saw mixed human and demon bandit groups when we intercepted bandits in your territ—” Cha Ming was forced to pause when Unblemished Azure went into a coughing fit. Oh, give me a break, he basically admitted it happened.

  It’s the principle of it, Huxian said.

  Stop being silly or I’ll beat you up, Xiao Bai added.

  Mi Fei once again came to his aid. “So these events that definitely did not happen would likely have been caused by Stargazer City, in your humble opinion, if such things had happened.”

  “Yes, those thieving monkeys are terrible, smelly, and have no sense of culture,” Unblemished Azure said haughtily. “They’re savages. All they do is take and destroy. No matter how much they complain, their terrible situation is as much their doing as anyone else’s. If they didn’t want their land taken, they shouldn’t have provoked us.”

  “So you’re saying there are ongoing conflicts?” Cha Ming asked. “There have been fights, and you’ve taken their territory?”

  Unblemished Azure glared at him.

  Oh, come on, he’s basically admitted to it.

  “Maybe I could clarify,” Mi Fei volunteered.

  “No!” Unblemished Azure said, slamming his hand on his desk. “He will learn manners, or we will cease speaking.”

  Cha Ming’s eye twitched. “So what you are saying is that Stargazer City’s forces have waged an unfair war on the noble people of Shimmerwing City, and in recompense for their aggression, they awarded concessions of territory to Stargazer City. Am I correct?”

  “It’s more nuanced than that, but it will do,” said Unblemished Azure.

  Cha Ming shuddered. “Pardon me for being terribly rude, but when I went to Stargazer City and spoke to their chieftain, I noticed their people did not seem fit to wage such a war.” He prepared himself to be scolded.

  Instead, Unblemished Azure smiled. “Go on.” Apparently, badmouthing enemies was safe territory. He relaxed a bit.

  “They seemed burnt out,” Cha Ming said. “I’m sure your people are aware of their abilities. They’ve been fighting constantly. Have they been aggressive toward your people for long?”

  “Only in the past decade,” Unblemished Azure said. “But many of our people have died, so you can see why any caravan attacks would be blamed on them.”

  Cha Ming nodded. “I can see that. I have heard rumors that your clan is considering w— I mean, a punitive expedition in retaliation for your lost craftsmen.”

  “That is indeed the case,” Unblemished Azure said. “Though I do not see how this is any business of the Kingfisher Guard. The relationship between two demon clans are of no concern to the empire.”

  Cha Ming hesitated. “I only believe that things may not be so simple. There may be unofficial human elements involved. Peace might be the better answer.”

  “Peace?” said Unblemished Azure. “And what is peace? Human peace? The kind of peace that devastated the Golden Dragons back when they were in their prime? I do not know what the empire wishes to do by involving themselves in this conflict, but I advise you cease meddling. The last thing we need is the peace of humans.”

  Cha Ming could see that he was sincere, though it pained him.

  “But I understand. I can see you are a lover of peace. Both of you humans are bonded to demons, and you regret the spilling of demon blood. I also see a link to the Golden Dragon Clan and the Inkwell Turtle Clan on your person.” He shook his head. “We also wish for peace, but it is difficult to see how it is possible. In fact, it has already been decided. Things will not go well for those we used to call friends.”

  “You mean your people are going to war?” Cha Ming asked.

  He nodded. “Yes, indeed. We have tolerated enough insults. Moreover, despite what I said, humans have already gotten themselves involved. If you want to report something to the Guard, tell them we’re tired of the Li Clan’s outrageous conduct.”

  “Might we know the nature of their conduct?” Cha Ming asked.

  “No, but tell them anyway,” Unblemished Azure said.

  “I will report this, of course, though I do not know what they will say,” Cha Ming said.

  Unblemished Azure shrugged. “I do not mention this expecting anything to change, Clear Sky. Now tell me, is there anything else you require? The hour grows late.”

  “There is one last thing,” Cha Ming said. “While rescuing a caravan in Star-Eye Monkey territory, we happened upon a strange group of demons. They were variant demons. Their fur was black, and they had exceptional control over ink instead of their traditional affinities. I was wondering if you’d heard of such things in your clan. We have reason to believe the ones responsible for these raids have been targeting such individuals.”

  Unblemished Azure frowned, then looked Cha Ming straight in the eye. He uttered the most bald-faced lie Cha Ming had ever heard. “No. We have not heard of such individuals before. None have appeared, and none have gone missing.”

  “Then it seems I’ve wasted your time,” Cha Ming said.

  “It might have been a waste, b
ut I will tell my clan head that the Guard is interested in this matter,” Unblemished Azure said. “They will wish to know. It is more respect than the empire usually shows, and besides, your demon companions showed us great honor today. It would be good to meet in better circumstances, friend of our ancient friends.”

  They rose, and Unblemished Azure ushered them toward the door. “Before you leave, a few words,” he said. “You seem like a man of peace. Well, I am also a man of peace. Many are like me, of course. Should you bring up sufficient reason to reconsider such an aggressive thing as war… well, let it be known that our clan is not unreasonable if shown sufficient respect.”

  Then his eyes narrowed. “But we will die before bearing any insult. In this way, we and the Star-Eye Clan are the same.”

  They walked out of the building with fewer answers and more problems than they had hoped for.

  “Is war what we’re supposed to stop?” Cha Ming asked. “I’m supposed to interfere in this matter, but I don’t know why. And I don’t know how.”

  “It wasn’t very nice of them to give you an open-ended mission,” Mi Fei said. “All the ones I’ve taken were straightforward.”

  Cha Ming looked to Huxian and Xiao Bai. They were chatting merrily and giving them some space. They were reasonable in that sense. “It seems we’ll need to go soon, either way. I don’t much like war. Things don’t have to boil down to a zero-sum game. If demons lose, that doesn’t mean that humans win.”

  “Ironically, my parents would agree with you,” Mi Fei said. “So do I, and the Wei Clan would as well. You’re not alone in your beliefs.”

  “Unfortunately, that’s not enough,” Cha Ming said. “The Li Clan is definitely suspicious, and though Cao Wenluan was honest, I don’t like him.”

  “He’s a conqueror,” Mi Fei said. “He’s always been this way. He likes to win. In combat, in war.”

  “And with women, apparently,” Cha Ming remarked. “If he tries to force an engagement, let me know. I’ll be the first to try beating some sense into him.”