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Hwan Zei was already returning so soon. Anyone could recognize such a rigid yan from any distance. It made no difference if he rode with the other imperial guards around him. Hwan Zei was the Imperial Guard. But why had he returned? The yan was no measly messenger. 

The Twũn Guard rode right up to the crowd at the gate. Hwan and his hands glared down upon everyone there, ensuring all had his attention. He almost looked disgusted at everybody there. 

Hwan began reading off a scroll. “By order of Theewan Twũn Tem the third, stylized as the New Spring, heir to Heaven’s throne and Empire of Center, the clans of Lung Chun of Genstal, and Cor Tse of Swaylaw are to negotiate terms without any martial engagement.” 

Dei looked to both his sides at Cor and Lung, seeing that they had already accepted such agreements. Thank the Goddess that their peace was now imperial decree. 

“And,” Hwan Zei continued, “it is duty of Larchu of Center, That Zyur Dei see the negotiations benefit the good of Center.” Hwan then turned and revealed the paper to everyone. “This notice has been marked with Theewan’s family stamp in the absence of the Heavenly brand. And is immediately in effect.” 

“Da Hwan,” Dei spoke out. “Greatest appreciation for the notice. These two clans have already reached an agreement. The two, and the Daylight Order, will meet at Sway Palace to discuss terms tonight. Zyur asks Da Hwan, or any representative of the Imperial house, to join, in possible, and council the discussion. If possible.” 

An imperial proxy would help ensure everything was sorted fairly. The clanlords would try to sway matters in their favour. And so, a reminder of the imperial rule making a return would ensure they all considered what was best for the unity of Center. But that’s not truly what Dei was asking. 

Dei needed information on what happened to his son. Qinsu was said to be adducted, through the nature of the incident was not clear. Surely, a private discussion with Hwan could help clarify the matter. But, to what extent did Hwan understand the matter, if he did even know about the details. Eluna keep us safe that the matters were not as exaggerated as Yu described. Because if they were, that would require a different sort of council meeting entirely. One that Twũn Tem needed to join. 

“Larchu Zyur is trusted to guide the matter in the best possible direction. As it is Zyur’s duty.” With Hwan’s blank expression, the yan might as well have just said ‘no’. Would he have talked if he even came back to Swayking? His self-important act was insufferable. 

Hwan then raised another paper for all to see. It was Dei’s message to Theewan Twũn. Was there a reply? Hwan didn’t say a word, and only stared at Dei. A quick nod, and Jin moved up to fetch the message. 

“If Zyur is communicating with His Highness around us…” Lung daikoh spoke out, “Then surely we’re all privy to what they are saying.” The daikoh walked up beside Dei. “I didn’t even get a chance to talk with His Highness myself.” 

“Agreed” Cor added. “As the Daylight Order, we are just as involved in discussions with Theewan, unless a situation like that of the Thirteen happens again. “Cor approached to Dei’s other side, careful eye on Lung. 

Jin came back with the message. There was a reply written below Dei’s writing. The Twũn mark stamped underneath revealed it was Twũn Tem himself who replied. 

Twũn did answer. 

The air drew still. It was as if Dei could barely catch a breath. Everything within him wrung tight and then sunk. Any feelings he had, temperature or emotion, tried to sink out of his body. Dei tried rereading the message over and over to make sure he got it right, but there was only one simple line. 

Above was Dei’s message, “I pray to the Heavens that we are all safe.” And below was Theewan Twũn Tem’s reply. 

“The best of us do heavens work.” 

An answer that Dei needed. 

But the answer he hoped to never receive. 

There was no point trying to reread the message. Dei pulled his glance from the paper and lifted his face toward the skies, knowing Eluna was still up there. 

Sweet Princess, keep my son safe 

Dei closed his eyes, digging deep within to prey with his soul. 

Please, Sweet Princess, bring my son back to me alive and well. 

Suddenly, something was snatched from Dei’s hand. It was Lung, The old yan took the letter to have a look. Dei didn’t brother with that. It’s not as if anyone else would understand. How could anyone even help? But then again, were the details the Dei suspected honestly true? Was this problem with Qinsu actually a matter beyond them all, beyond these mere worlds of theirs. Dei needed more answers. He needed to talk with Twũn Tem. Or someone. Anyone. 

“Da Hwan,” Dei called out as the Imperial guard was turning to leave. And then Dei saw it. For that split moment. No matter how stern and emotionless Hwan Zei tried to appear, he still had a soul just like everybody else. And Dei caught a glimpse of it, enough to inform Dei of something. Hwan Zei knew! The captain was aware of the matter of Qinsu. 

“Please, Da Hwan” Dei asked softly. “Join me at Swayking if you can.” 

The yan turned to avoid Dei’s eyes. “Hwan will consult with His Highness first.” And Hwan started away. 

Lung daikoh was still reading over the message; his brow concentrated in his attempt to decipher it. Cor slowly approached him and stuck out his hand. Lung daikoh hesitated at first, but quickly realized all Cor wanted was the message. 

Once Cor had a quick glance at the paper, he shrugged. “It seems His Highness is well and is being looked after.” Cor handed the message back to Lung and then returned to his yan. 

Lung daikoh gave himself another look at the message. Why did it feel like he was not going to take the message as lightly as Cor had? The older yan reread it over and over again until he finally lowered the letter. Slowly. Slow enough for Dei to notice. 

Dei glanced at Lung daikoh and found the older yan starting at home, eyes wide with a strange hint of terror. Dei stared back hoping to not reveal his new found worries. But something about that only made Lung daikoh’s eyes widen more in that slight sense of realization. Lung Chun was their elder after all, and he ruled long enough to understand that truth as to why the Yuan respected the Heavens. 

Lung daikoh stared even longer. So much that Dei had to accept the fact. Lung Chun daikoh understood what Theewan’s reply implied.