“You know the old saying: ‘Jade warriors are young, and then they are ancient.’ I know which side I’m nearer to,” Dauk said wryly, clasping his hands behind his back as they walked. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help, but even compared to those thugs in the Crews, we Kekonese have little clout in national politics in this country.”
“My cousins appreciate every effort you’ve made on our behalf, Dauk-jen,” Anden said. “The truth is that things aren’t going so well in Kekon. The Slow War has worsened relations with the ROE and our enemies are using that against us, even as they attack us in many other ways. We need our businesses here in Espenia, so my cousins are looking for any leverage to improve our position, even long shots.”
Dauk pursed his lips. “I would also like nothing more than to see the ban on jade lifted, but I’m not sure that’s possible. The No Peak clan is powerful, but it can’t change the attitudes and laws of an entire country of people who don’t understand us.”
After being so rudely rebuffed the previous day, Anden was inclined to agree with Dauk, but he said, “Only five years ago, we thought there was nothing we could do against the Crews except take their abuse, but look at how things have changed. Who’s to say what could happen in the future?”
“Spoken with the optimism of a young man.” Dauk snorted, but he smiled in the dark.
Anden asked, “Have you had any more trouble with the Crews lately?” Crewboys and Green Bones in Port Massy maintained a violent hatred for each other. The local Crews believed the Kekonese had deliberately sold them bad jade and were to blame for the ruin of Boss Kromner’s Southside Crew and the resulting bloody and sensational Crew wars and police crackdown. The Kekonese would never forgive the brutal execution of Rohn Toro.
Dauk Losun’s expression sobered. “The Crews are wounded, but wounded animals are still dangerous. We have more jade and more trained Green Bones than we used to, so the Crews have reason to respect and fear us. We have No Peak to thank for that, but it’s possible to go too far, to expose ourselves to danger by acting too openly and forcefully.” They’d arrived back at the Dauks’ house. Anden could hear the Hians’ and Sana’s voices, but the Pillar didn’t go inside yet. He paused on the walkway up to the door and rubbed a hand over the back of his neck before turning to face Anden, his brow furrowed as he chose his words.
“Your cousin, Kaul Hilo, sent his own Pillarman to help us punish the Southside Crew. They found and executed the men who murdered my good friend Rohn Toro and who nearly killed you and your sister-in-law.”
Anden did not reply. He’d known Maik Tar had made trips to Espenia on Hilo’s orders, and the purpose was of no surprise. However, Dauk’s expression held no satisfaction; his face was unsettled. “Willum Reams’s body was never found, but the two Green Bones who were with Maik that night, they told me what happened. Anden, it was too terrible. Maik went too far; there was no need for it.”
On New Year’s, as the fireworks were going off, Tar had drunkenly thrown an arm over Anden’s shoulders. “I want you to know, I sent those spenny bastards to the afterlife screaming the whole way. For you, kid.” He’d clinked Anden’s glass of hoji with his own, then wheeled off into the party.
Dauk blew out a troubled breath. “It’s only natural to take vengeance for our friends and to punish our enemies, but if we’re connected to horrible crimes, we’ll only be seen as killers, and jade will always be covered in blood. You come here to tell me that No Peak wants to grow its businesses and build its influence. Acting in ways that make us seem even worse than the Crews—that goes against what you’re hoping for.”
Anden said quietly, “Dauk-jen, you’re right to bring this up.”
“You’ve lived here, Anden; you understand that in Espenia, we Green Bones have to tread much more carefully than in Janloon. As the Crews have gotten weaker, the police have turned their attention on us. They look for any excuse to arrest people in Kekonese neighborhoods and search them for jade, even if no other crime has been committed.” Dauk grumbled, “It does keep Coru busy—he’s had no shortage of defense counsel work. But it hurts our community. Young people these days, why would they want to train in the jade disciplines if it means facing persecution and living like outsiders? They choose instead to abandon their heritage to fit in like proper Espenians. Anden, my greatest fear is that in twenty years, there will not be any real Green Bones left in this country.”