Prologue
"Brother! Brother!" A young monk scrambled over worn steps, leading to a private meditation square. "Brother," he arrived breathing hard and sweaty, prostrating himself in respect. "I… apologize, for this intrusion…" he took a few ragged breaths.
Lonakarak of the Junisita tribe, ex-master of the Ching, did his best to focus old, rheumy eyes, and exhaled what remained of his serenity.
"Out with it boy, I'm too near death for pleasantries."
The Batonian initiate glanced to ensure they were alone.
"The spirit of light, Master. He awakens."
Master Lo froze as a shiver raced down his curving spine. He pushed to his feet and the boy helped him descend towards the ancient monastery.
"Don't wait for me, boy, run ahead. Wake Brother Anzan, and Brother Genyo, they'll know what to do."
"I did that first, Master."
"Good lad. Have the lists brought, and a child from every promising bloodline." Afternoon light peaked over the mountains, and Lo nearly tripped as another thought occurred to him. "The physical rituals…were they completed?"
"Yes, Master," the boy's eyes showed his pride. "We collected the clippings, oils, and other secretions with the usual methods. The spirit will awaken clean and refreshed."
Lo's old heart regained some luster, and he patted the boy's arm. Still, it was far too soon. The spirit wasn't supposed to wake for at least a month, which meant he had been disturbed by a dream, or would have some demand. That someone or something would have awoken him was inconceivable, so Lo didn't bother asking if it was so.
With the boy's help, he limped to his room and fetched ceremonial robes and oils. It was vital that the spirit roused to familiar surroundings, faces and scents, or else he might become confused, or…agitated.
To keep from the prying eyes of the uninitiated, Lo and his guide took the secret passage from the old wing, through tunneled rock to the base of the mountains. As they emerged they found the other masters in haphazard dress, surrounded by panicked initiates arranging bowls of food, water, and alcohol. Half a dozen blindfolded women waited with crying infants doing their best to feed or otherwise soothe them.
"Brother Lo," Brother Genyo came forward with obvious relief. "Excuse our disarray, but I assure you nearly everything is arranged. If you require anything, we are here to support you."
Lo smiled politely and bowed. Genyo would indeed do anything Lo asked, though not out of loyalty or kindness. He was an ambitious snake who'd waited several decades for Lo to die, but in this moment he knew Lo held the lives of all in his hands.
"Thank you for your unwavering support. Please have the hopefuls ready near the spirit's home."
"Of course, brother."
Lo limped up the holy path. It was a fair climb up the volcano, and custom dictated it must be made without assistance. The steps at least were well worn over the centuries, littered with decorative holy relics, plaques and pools. Lo wondered for a moment how many times he had ascended, but quickly gave up, having long ago lost count.
Halfway he noticed it was rather quiet in his mind, and chuckled. "Nothing to say this afternoon?"
"I prepare for death," hissed his shadow, "as should you."
"Perish the thought," Lo mumbled. "I'd miss your sunny disposition."
They walked on in silence until they reached the holy cave, and the plateau. The spirit was thankfully still half alert, his skin glowing with light as he basked in the sun, warmth radiating from him in the renewal. Lo knelt and waited patiently.
It could take all day to be noticed, but it was better to be uncomfortable than to speak and risk disturbing the spirit before he was ready. Lo meditated and recited several chanted prayers in his mind to occupy the time. At one hundred and eighty seven years old, Lonakarak was very good at waiting.
"Good morning, child."
Lo smiled at his master's voice. That it was not morning was irrelevant—when the spirit woke he preferred to think it was, and so Lo blinked and rose, repeating the words spoken since before the first island king.
"Good morning, Exalted. On behalf of all your worshipers, I thank you for your presence."
The island god Ando smiled, and Lo withheld a sigh of relief. It was risky but overall better to direct the conversation, if he could manage it, and this initial success made him confident enough to try.
"You have woken earlier than expected, Exalted. Is anything amiss? Can I serve you in some way?"
Ando blinked as if confused, then looked at the sun. "I had a dream," he said, eyes still unfocused.
"Another battle, Exalted?"
The spirit's neck turned, his eyes squinting dangerously.
"How did you know that?"
Lo winced, and considered his words. Describing the dream usually pleased the spirit.
"I…did not know, Exalted, merely surmised. You have had such dreams before."
Lo released a breath as the spirit's eyes became less dangerous. Ando muttered something incomprehensible as he looked away, lids drooping again in exhaustion.
After this near-disaster, Lo decided it safest to wait and let the spirit decide if and when to speak again. The sun dipped beneath a canopy of grey cloud and lit the world in red and orange before Ando stood. He walked to Lo and bowed, his eyes largely cleared.
"Nothing is amiss. Since I am awake I will see your hopefuls, now, if they are ready."
Lo worried his ancient knees might not unlock, but managed to stand.
"Of course, Exalted. Thank you very much. They await your inspection."
Together they walked from the plateau to the bottom of the cave, where the other monks had now gathered. All were experienced and knew the protocols, save for one customary new initiate. They came forward with the infants, some of whom already wailed from the prolonged wait. Ando approached, and as usual when near him the babies silenced, staring with wide eyes. He smiled and walked to each, touching and inspecting, letting some grope his fingers.
"They have been measured, Exalted," Lo said at his side. "Their heads are correct, their skin is flawless. The mothers are from lines tracing back to the original kingdoms."
Ando nodded and put his hands in his cuffs.
"Thank you, children, you may take them away now."
Lo gestured and the monks hurried away, pushing the blindfolded women along the path. Sometimes, Ando invited the monks to meditate with him, but it seemed not today. The disappointment in the initiate was palpable, and that he had not managed to hide this even from Lo was so offensive he would never be allowed in Ando's presence again. Thankfully, the spirit seemed not to notice.
He turned back to the plateau and sat on the cliff, Lo puffing behind him. They sat in silence but Lo felt he must not waste the opportunity, since the spirit might rest now for months if left alone.
"I'm sorry to disturb you, Exalted, but there is ill news from the isles. More of the foreigners from across the sea have come. Disease is spreading. Some Alakus have been killed."
Ando seemed not to hear, but finally mumbled. "It's not important."
"But…" Lo withheld the very foolish scoff that tickled his throat. "The Alakus have ruled a hundred years, Exalted, and the peace is threatened. The isles are in turmoil."