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The sun was setting when the clay roof tiles of her hokkan rose into view. She arrived in time for the changing of guards; the bar was already filled with men coming off-duty. After six days, Isla had learnt their schedule, even recognised several faces. The soldiers here were unlike those of Beltaer. Eling soldiers were often rowdy. The more vulgar they were, the more it seemed their friends were impressed.

These Tsun men seemed, on the other hand, to lie on the opposite spectrum. Polite, almost afraid of contact.

So they should be. It suited Isla, made her worry less of leaving Tam Mai alone while she went digging for information.

'Another fruitless day?' The barmaid stopped her before she retreated into the private hallway. 'Shall I send dinner to your room?'

'The usual if you could, Yui ... dae.' She tacked on the honorific at the last moment, still unaccustomed to the Tsun etiquette.

'If I may offer a suggestion?' Yui's voice waffled with hesitance. 'Some of my customers might be able to help.'

Isla raised an eyebrow. She had learnt all there was to learn. Emperor Gyoseong had indeed appointed a healer from Liguer, and she was indeed a long-term guest at Momuji Castle. There was only one thing Isla had not yet managed to secure. 'What, you think one of them would be willing to bring me to the castle?'

She had tried paying messengers to Eshe, but the healer was kept under strict watch and nobody could meet her without the Emperor's own approval. Her letters never passed the Imperial Warden of Letters. After bribing merchants for a trader's pass into the castle got her nowhere, Isla even considered coercing some unsuspecting guard into escorting them through the gates—but the risks were far too great. Even then, she did not know what to expect once she got beyond the cliff walls.

'Well, if one has a petition for the Emperor, their chances of an audience increase greatly if it were to be introduced by a member of his own court.'

'Why would he entertain the introductions of a common soldier?'

'General Eunkoji is no common soldier.'

Isla followed Yui's gaze to a man by the window. He sat straight by his pit table, legs folded beneath him in the formal sitting position. Tall, rigid. Hair braided into a high bun held together by a stick and wrapped in a strip of cloth in the imperial chequers of red and gold. It was difficult to guess his age. Unlike most of the older men in Tsunai, he kept his face clean; but there were lines across them that younger men did not have.

'He used to lead the Imperial Defence Force. Half the population of Momuji would not be here were it not for his sacrifices during the harbour waves some thirty years ago. Now he is the captain to the Empress's guards, though he retains his previous title and rank.'

'So the Emperor would hold him in high regard.'

'He's a good man. He'll listen to Lilja-dae's story.'

'I can't just go up to him and start talking about my problems.'

'Why not? People come to me and start talking about their problems all the time.'

Isla was not convinced. Approaching the man like any other normal human being? Without even using her theurgy? 'You get paid to do that.'

'I don't see coin in my hand right now.' Yui smirked. 'The only other option I can think of is to visit the Temple of Tennu. Only monks are permitted to board there, but it's always open for visitors. A pass is not expensive to purchase, and it'll get one through the Hancheon Gate easily enough.'

'And this temple is in the castle complex?'

'South of the third enclosure.' Yui nodded. 'But the pass doesn't allow access to other parts of the castle. Definitely not beyond the third enclosure.'

Isla chewed on her lips. The Ligueri were not known to worship Tennu. Eshe once told her they were rain-chasers, consisting of itinerant tribes, and thus prayed mostly to Ghenzu.

But surely she would visit the temple, if only once? if only to sightsee? What were the chances they would both be there at the same day, same time? 'I would have to sit at the entrance every day, morning until night, hoping she'd come.'

Or I could find a map of the castle complex and sneak out of the third enclosure once I'm in there. She could pretend to be a thief if she were caught, or a curious tourist ... And who would take care of Tam Mai while you're dumped in a dungeon for months?

Yui sensed her thoughts. 'Each enclosure is gated behind high walls and packed with soldiers.'

'I know. I was just thinking.'

'The best channel is the official channels.' Yui folded her arms over her chest. 'There is no reason the Emperor would deny Lilja-dae's request. Find a sponsor, and he'll grant an audience much quicker.'

Isla sighed. 'I don't know ...'

'What is there to lose? There's no risk in this, no harm.'

Perhaps that's why it sits so strange with me.

'Like I said. The general may look tough, but he really is a man of the people. I'm sure once he hears of Tamma-uchi's condition, he would be willing to help introduce your case. Think it over. Don't rush the matter, if it's too uncomfortable. Why not have dinner here at the bar tonight? I'll set a table close to his.'

And risk Tamma jumping in to people's heads?

Yui saw the doubt in Isla's face. 'It is unhealthy to keep her locked in there all the time.'

Tam Mai did not mind. Not after living through worse. In fact, her sister preferred it that way.

But Yui was right—she could not hide Tam Mai forever, not if she wanted her to get better, and there was no harm in making an appeal to the general. Isla was so used to plotting and scheming, such clean approaches never even crossed her mind.

She went upstairs to fetch her sister. Tam Mai was adding the finishing touches to her landscape of Tanmoji: dark, tranquil, exotic.

There was something melancholy about the composition, a stark contrast to the artist's face when she was told they would be dining with the other guests. Tam Mai dressed quickly, grabbed a roll of canvas from the closet, and followed Isla downstairs.

'You've been really patient, so I thought why not,' Isla explained as they were seated.

Yui had made good on her promise. General Eunkoji scowled over his plate just across their table. Other soldiers bowed at him as they entered, but none were bold enough to actually speak to the man.

'You mustn't stare, though. It's rude.'

'But don't you think he's scary?'

At least she speaks in Srikh. 'Even more reason not to stare.'

'Eldest, when are we going to see the castle?'

'I'm still trying to find a way. It's difficult. The Emperor here is suspicious of every crab that crawls up his cliffs. He doesn't allow simply anyone to enter the gates.'

'And your friend never comes out?'

'Not that anyone's seen.' The only time people had ever seen her was when she first arrived in Momuji, only to be immediately escorted into the castle grounds.

Tam Mai spoke the question in Isla's mind. 'Is she ... is she a ... prisoner there?'

Isla took her sister's hand and squeezed. 'No, Tamma. No one's a prisoner. I'm sure she's only hard at work. The Emperor's son is very sickly, they say, and Eshe's not one to leave someone who needs her help.'

Tam Mai's face suddenly lit up—Yui had come to light their hearth.

A pot of soup and vegetables soon followed, accompanied by a platter of toppings and plum wine. Once they were all displayed over the fire, Tam Mai pulled on Yui's rolled sleeve. 'Yui-assa, I made something for you. Do you want to see?'

Since when were Tamma and Yui on gifting terms? Her sister drew the canvas from beneath their table.

Yui gasped when it was unrolled, revealing her likeness painted in cherry blossom watercolours. Flowers bloomed between the braids of her hair, rice and wine stains splotched the backdrop.

A swell of pride filled Isla's chest. She had always known her sister was good, but this ...

'This is incredible!' Yui took the roll to better marvel at it. 'What a talent this girl has!'

Tam Mai blushed. 'You like it?'

'I love it! I'll have it framed and displayed next to our antique fans! How did you know cherry blossoms are my favourite?'

'She has a gift for capturing her subjects' true nature,' interjected Isla quickly. 'At least that is what our Rajini Chei tells everyone. That's why she's a favourite in her court, isn't that right, Tam Mai?'

'Y-yes, Eldest Lilja.'

'Well, I see why the rajini holds nothing back to have this mysterious condition of yours treated. Chou-dasang! Come look at this!' Her switch to Tsun was swift. All Isla knew was that she waved down the hokkan keeper, and soon a small crowd gathered to see Tam Mai's work of art.

'Steady breaths,' whispered Isla in their native tongue.

Beside her, Tam Mai nodded. She was tense, as she was prone to become when surrounded by a sea of strangers. This was no sea; a puddle, perhaps, but Isla knew better than to underestimate even a drop.

The men fawned around Yui and her portrait. She was young and popular, with her pointed face and delicate features. Isla did not understand what they were saying, but undoubtedly they were competing over who could honour her with the highest compliments. A soldier turned, robe swaying close to Tam Mai's face. Something heavy jingled in his pockets, a small noise easily missed. But he reached into his pockets and played with his trinkets—keys, perhaps a chain.

Isla saw the quiver in Tam Mai's lips. She leaned close to her ear. 'Remember what I said about when you can use your theurgy?'

Tam Mai shuddered. "I can use it now?"

But only me, Tamma. Remember? Listen to me alone.

She thought of Arikit, their small home by the river. The wooden deck on their weeping fig, overlooking the water and their father's sampan bobbing in the horizon.

She could hear the call of whistling ducks, the trickle of water ...

'Lilja-dae?' Yui's face was full of concern. 'Is all well?'

The soldiers watched them, now intrigued by the two girls who only spoke in Common Kapuluan. Whatever peace Tam Mai was able to collect quickly scattered. Her breath quickened, sweat dropped down the side of her neck.

Isla rose as calmly as she could. 'I'm afraid Tam Mai's feeling ill. We'll have to take our dinner in our rooms—I'm so sorry, you've set the table so beautifully.'

'Don't worry about it ... I'll have dinner brought up to the room.' Her eyes darted between Isla and Tam Mai. 'Shall I help? Will she be all right?'

'It will pass.' Isla helped Tam Mai up. She was burning up, trembling as she walked.

Do you hear the whistling ducks? Remember how Mama would sing their song?

The men parted as they passed. Tam Mai's hand gripped hers so tight it was beginning to hurt.

You loved to chase them every morning, and they loved to chase you with your basket of bread. You would get your toes so wet, mud all over your feet, Noi would scrub you clean in the river ...

And Mama would be waiting with a towel, a pot of porridge ready in the kitchen. Even now Isla recalled its aroma, or perhaps it was all the meat sizzling around them. Everyone had slowly returned to their tables. Only the general still watched their retreat, something akin to sorrow on his face.

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↝ END CHAPTER FOUR ↜

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☆ this chapter is dedicated to Gorgymwah. thank you for your reads and votes! ☆

Video: Ambient sounds of Yui's tavern
Image: Photomanipulation + digital painting of Yui and General Eunkoji by yours truly

Unlike Isla, you don't have to worry about the honorifics! >_<) For those who don't know, some cultures use an honorific as a way to address others. The honorifics you use for someone would depend on many things; their age, social status, occupation, how familiar you are with them, etc. The ones used in this story are entirely fake! but they follow similar rules.
They don't play an important role in the book other than to serve as part of the world, so you don't need to memorise or even understand them, lol.

Please don't forget to vote if you liked this chapter, and leave your thoughts behind if you have a moment to spare.