He was still not worried, though, because he knew his sister. “Shae will never agree,” he scoffed.
Lan tapped out a cigarette for himself and offered the pack to his younger brother, who took one, even though it was not his preferred brand. “You and I know that,” Lan said. “I don’t think Grandda does. He’s always doted on Shae, so he believes she’ll obey him. If she doesn’t, we’ll lose face with Ayt Yu and the Tankus. No matter what, the family’s not going to be the same after this.” At Hilo’s silence, Lan grumbled, “So that’s why I haven’t been so cheerful this morning. And now I can tell I’ve ruined your morning as well, although it’s your own fault for asking.”
Hilo lit his cigarette but found he couldn’t enjoy the taste. “The old man hasn’t given his answer to the Tankus yet, has he? Maybe you can still talk him out of it.”
“Maybe,” Lan said, not sounding hopeful. “Grandda’s getting more stubborn as he gets older. You know the position I’m in. In the end, it’s his decision.”
The owner of the restaurant came to their table to introduce himself as Mr. Une and to ask if there was anything unsatisfactory with the meal since Lan hadn’t eaten much. When they assured him the food was excellent, the restaurateur saluted them deeply, saying he was pleased to serve the Pillar’s grandsons, and he hoped they would carry a favorable review of his humble establishment to the Torch himself.
Lan conversed with Mr. Une with all the courteous gravity Hilo had watched him develop over the past few years, but his smile was thin. Grandda was already seventy-six, much older than Ayt Yugontin, yet despite grooming Lan for the leadership, he had not yet announced his own retirement. Lan was in a predicament as the Pillar-in-waiting. No matter how much he disagreed with Kaul Sen, defying or disobeying him might further delay when he would be named Pillar.
When Mr. Une left, Lan said to Hilo, “Not a word of this to Shae, understand? I don’t want to start any feud between her and Grandda if we can avoid it.”
Two years later, Shae would feud vociferously with their grandfather all on her own, but at the time, neither Lan nor Hilo knew what was to come.
“I’m trusting you, Hilo,” Lan said. “Swear you’ll keep it quiet.”
Hilo widened his eyes innocently and spread his hands with affable nonchalance. “On my jade, brother,” he said, though he wondered if Lan had told anyone else. He doubted his brother confided about clan issues with that haughty wife of his. “Anyway, I’m not stupid enough to be the one to deliver the bad news. If Shae found out from me, she’d probably throw me off a roof.” They sat together in silence for a few minutes, finishing their cigarettes. Hilo said, “I’m glad I’m just a Fist and don’t have to deal with the clan politics bullshit that you do.”
But Hilo did not stop thinking about what Lan had told him. Their grandfather was an old fool, Hilo decided, for trying to turn back the clock, on a decision he had made, no less. The One Mountain Society had divided a generation ago. Attempting to bring the Mountain and No Peak together made about as much sense as trying to glue a cracked egg. Instead of behaving like an ancient warlord by arranging a political marriage for Shae, Grandda ought to simply retire. Once Lan was in charge of the clan, he could name Hilo his Horn and Shae his Weather Man. Together, they would be stronger than the Tankus or any of Ayt Yu’s potential successors, instead of yoked to them like some feudal tributary. The sooner Lan took over as Pillar, the better.
The more Hilo thought about it, the angrier he grew toward his elders. He was also selfishly worried about his own prospects. He was too young, in everyone’s opinion, to rise to the position of Horn for several more years. When Lan became the Pillar, he would be expected to choose a senior warrior to command the military side of the clan, someone with a great deal of jade and experience.
Hilo couldn’t afford to gradually rise up the ranks, awaiting his turn. Even in retirement, their grandfather was sure to have a say in everything. Lan would be surrounded by old cronies. Unless he was the Horn, Hilo couldn’t be certain of having influence with his elder brother or authority in the clan, nor would he have enough status in No Peak to make everyone accept his relationship with Wen.
Much to the delight of Mr. Une, Hilo returned to the Twice Lucky two days later to try its dinner menu. This time he had Maik Kehn and Maik Tar with him. Lan had told him not to speak to Shae, but Hilo decided he could safely discuss the situation with his two closest and most trustworthy fellow Fists.