“My uncle owns it,” Remi said. “I run it for him. It does all right. We hold matches here every month, and we fill the space about half the time. We’re not nearly as big as the jadesports events at Marcucuo, but it’s more intimate here. Some of what they do is fake, choreographed. The only thing you can’t do here is lethal Channeling. Otherwise, we’re no-holds-barred. So this is one of the few places on the continent guys can come to train and get amateur experience before trying to go big time in Marcucuo.”
Anden felt he knew less than he should about the seedy world of jade combat for sport and profit. In Kekon, jade was not permitted in professional athletics of any kind. Green Bones were expected to adhere to aisho and serve their clans, or else use their abilities in noble professions such as medicine, teaching, or religion. Anden was sure that Hilo would curl his lip at the idea of a jade warrior stepping into a ring in front of a howling audience to win attention and money for himself. There were, however, obviously people who did it anyway, in places where such things were legal or at least overlooked. Anden couldn’t help but think of Jon Remi as a lower type of Green Bone, not at all respectable.
Nevertheless, No Peak had bargained and associated with disreputable people before when necessary—from motorcycle gangs in Janloon, to the Crews, and the Espenian government itself. Anden had long ago learned not to hold Keko-Espenians and their ways to the same standards as Kekonese. According to No Peak’s sources, Jon Remi was the top Green Bone in the city of Resville. He possessed a loyal group of followers, and he kept the Crews and the police out of Kekonese neighborhoods and businesses. He managed fighting dens, whorehouses, even shine dealers—unsavory activities—but a man who did not follow the rules was the sort of ally they needed in Resville at the moment. Anden said mildly, “I obviously have a lot to learn about this part of the country.”
“We’ve never had close ties to the guys in Port Massy. Sure, we respect Dauk, and we follow the rules about keeping jade to ourselves. We’ve hosted visiting Fists from Janloon, and some of our people have gone to train in the old country and brought back some useful skills. I’m all for keeping up connections.” Jon Remi crossed his arms. The tattoo of a black skull with snakes coming out of its eyes grinned at Anden from across the distance between them. “But we’ve always run things separate from Port Massy and from Janloon. So tell me: Why’s the No Peak clan suddenly interested in Resville?”
“We go where our enemies are,” Anden replied.
Remi said, “You mean the Mountain clan.”
“They’re buying their way into new construction here. They have a controlling stake in the Sands of Illusion casino over on the east side, and they’re establishing a foothold in retail, restaurants, and sports betting.” All areas where the Mountain had traditionally been strong in Janloon. “Whatever profits they make here, they’ll send back to Kekon to use against No Peak. So you can see why this is a concern to us.”
“And your cousins sent you here to talk to me about it.” Remi smiled. “We don’t have many people in this city ourselves,” Anden said.
“We need a local partner. I was told that you were the person to talk to. It would be worthwhile for you, more profitable than this club.”
“You’re not the only one who’s looking for a partner, you know.” Remi leaned forward, his eyes fixed on Anden. “The Mountain has less here than you do. How do you imagine they plan to protect their investment from so far away, especially against the Crews, and against their mortal enemies, the Kauls?”
At Remi’s words and the abruptly low, shrewd tone of his voice, Anden understood at once that he and his cousins had been preempted. The Mountain had already approached Jon Remi for an alliance. Anden half expected to be attacked and killed in that moment. He had to resist the urge to look around wildly for enemies. Yet no one emerged from some unseen position to slit his throat, and Remi remained seated exactly where he was, smiling, knowing full well that Anden’s thoughts were racing with calculation and unease.
Anden sat still and kept his eyes on the other man’s face. If Jon Remi was already working for Ayt Mada, he wouldn’t have given Anden any chance. He must still be in play.
Anden said, calmly, “What did the Mountain offer you?”
“Exactly what you’d expect,” Remi said. “Money, manpower, and jade, in exchange for protecting the Mountain’s properties and business interests in Resville from crewboys and the No Peak clan.”