In the Shadow of the Rings by Frank Kennedy (grave mercy .txt) 📕

to shield another house from potential retribution. It is considered a noble act.

It even leaves the other house indebted to the intervening house. We might gain in stature.”

Perr turned to Li-Ann. “And what do you think of Daughter’s unusual stratagem?”

Mother did not hesitate. “She is, as always, leading with a reckless heart. These precedents you speak of, Daughter, do not account for a post-Collectorate Hokkaido. We no longer live in the shadow of the Chancel ory. The great families have few al egiances.”

“I think you’re wrong, Mother. These so-cal ed ‘great families’ have shared concerns. The Freelanders gain strength. They’l threaten The Lagos and our privilege. The families wil look inward to protect each other instead of sacrificing. I believe they wil accept an act of intervention without so much as a shrug of the shoulders.”

“Your ideas are interesting,” Perr said, “and not without potential.

But any danger from the continent is years away, perhaps even decades. Daughter, the political landscape is too delicate. Your Mother and I deny your request for intervention.”

Kara sensed the futility from the moment she entered her father’s elaborate office, but she pivoted to her mother for one last shot.

“Please, Honorable Mother. You often said how Chi-Qua and I were

a shining example of true friendship. When I was thirteen, you confessed to never having a close friend as a child. You said it was your greatest regret. Please, Honorable Mother.”

“Everyone has regrets.” She waved off Kara. “Childhood is over.

You have begun your initial training at Nantou, and your career proper wil launch within the year. The Baeks’ disgrace is no longer our concern.”

“This is your final word?”

The parents spoke in unison. “It is.”

“Fine.”

Of course, it was anything but. Kara had a final play, the worst option but also the only. She knew they’d never trust her again, but they’d have to concede. The real question was whether they’d bring Lang to account. Her plan worked if they valued secrecy over confrontation. Kara rose from her chair and started to walk away.

She wanted them to believe they beat her, even if for a few seconds.

She swung about.

“There was another matter,” she said. “Are you familiar with a synthetic drug cal ed mahali?”

Their confusion showed. “No,” Perr replied. “Should we?”

“Probably not. It doesn’t impact people like us. Usual y. It started on the continent a few years back. Nobody knows how. Mostly, it circulated in the worst parts of the cities. Now, it’s making the rounds on Pinchon. A few neighborhoods in Zozo and Umkau. They say it’s becoming popular among long-haul shipping crews.”

“I see. And what is the effect of taking mahali?”

“It brings on temporary blindness and deafness. Cuts you off from the world for maybe an hour, but your subconscious takes over. The users say it leads you to other worlds. Incredible journeys.

And it’s highly addictive. Some have died.”

Perr sighed. “I see nothing addictive about that experience. Why do you mention this, Daughter?”

“I thought maybe you would be interested because Lang is the island’s biggest dealer in mahali.”

Their faces drained of color even as their rage exploded. They fired back at Kara with a level of disgust and denial she predicted.

“How dare you make this accusation against your Honored Brother,”

Li-Ann said. “And after you come in here begging for our help with Chi-Qua Baek.”

“Is this your revenge?” Perr asked. “Bring shame upon your eldest brother? What madness has consumed you, Daughter?”

“Not madness, Honorable Father. A contact list of suppliers and clients. Smuggling schedules. Rendezvous points. I found them on Lang’s memglass then I copied them.”

“You stole your brother’s property?” Perr asked the question as if he didn’t hear most of what Kara said. “What has Lang ever done to you?”

“I’d go down the list if I thought it mattered. I didn’t intend to find out your heir was bringing shame to Syung-Low.” She reached inside a pocket and revealed a memglass. “This is a copy. I have two others.

Would you like to see?”

Li-Ann rose. “How disgusting a child have you become? Whatever is on the memglass is a fraud. Did you genuinely believe we would fal for your mindless scheme?”

“What I hoped, Honorable Mother, is you would accept my plea for intervention. Had you done so, I would have destroyed the evidence.”

“Blackmail?” She pivoted to her husband. “This child is trying to blackmail her parents.”

“Not blackmail,” Kara said. “Compromise. Announce Syung-Low to be the accusers of Baek then intervene to bring Chi-Qua into our household. No one ever has to know about this, even Lang.”

“Sit,” Perr told Li-Ann. “Daughter, if this evidence does support your accusation, what wil you do with it should we fail to compromise?”

“Nothing. For a time. But you’l come to your senses. If another family had this information – especial y if they were on the executive board of Hotai Counsel – they’d ruin us overnight. Others inside Nantou would fal by association. We’d be run out of The Lagos.”

They didn’t fight back this time. She saw reality sinking in. Pinchon was collapsing beneath them. Centuries of honor and privilege for Syung-Low hung by the