Page 47
“There is little they aren’t capable of.”
Unease grips me. To do this to an ally, an honored guest, is despicable. What will the prince do to me should I push him too far? And it’s only a question of when.
“It’s fortunate he’s alive, that it wasn’t worse,” Jin says grimly, staring at the tower of bamboo and iron rising above the trees. “It’s clear they wanted to prevent Lord Chao from participating in the tournament. They are afraid we’ll secure the starfire.”
“The tournament is less than a week away. Can’t another take Lord Chao’s place?” I ask.
Jin shakes his head. “We will have to forfeit. I can’t challenge the general on the tower. None of our other soldiers here are General Xilu’s match, especially in climbing. It’s not just the starfire at stake but our reputation. If they imagine us weak, it will stir dangerous ambitions. The Iron Mountains don’t honor alliances when there’s the chance for conquest.”
“Anything can happen on the tower. Maybe General Xilu will slip, the weather could turn. Climbing isn’t just about strength, but balance, agility, and quick thinking.”
Jin is studying me, his eyes hooded. “You sound like you know a lot about climbing.”
“I’ve climbed the trees near my home since my childhood.”
“Are you good?” he asks intently.
I think of how I used to harvest the fruit from the highest branches, the times I sat in the trees to stare at the palace, how I scaled the walls to escape the soldiers. “It’s helped me survive.”
“I heard you defended His Highness against the assassins. The first time we met… you cut me. You can use a weapon too,” he continues, like he’s talking to himself.
“Whatever you’re thinking, the answer is no,” I say flatly. “I have my own troubles with His Highness.”
“Has he done anything to you?” His voice is taut.
“He offered me a position as one of his consorts.” I flush as I say this, Jin’s face darkening.
“Have you given him an answer?” he asks.
“Not the one he wants,” I say slowly. “I’m running out of excuses… and out of time.” In more ways than one. Jin’s expression clears a little, like he cares. But while I trust him more than Prince Zixin, one person’s villainy doesn’t make the other good.
“I asked you a question earlier. I’ll ask it again.” His gaze bores into mine. “Do you want to get out?”
“Yes.” This time my answer is clear.
“I can bring you with us. But I can’t endanger the alliance, the safety of my people by taking away one the Prince of the Iron Mountains claims.” The heaviness in Jin’s voice is akin to regret. “We need your help first, and you need to unlatch yourself from the Iron Mountains. Otherwise, our hands are tied—they will use you as a reason to scheme against us.”
“I don’t want that,” I say. “How do I ‘unlatch’ myself ?”
He angles himself toward me, a bar of moonlight falling across his face. “There is a way; it is dangerous.”
“I have a feeling I’m not going to like it,” I mutter, folding my arms across my chest.
“We need a champion. You want to be safe from the prince.” Jin leans closer, dropping his head toward me. “If you challenge and defeat General Xilu, we’ll both get what we want.”
I stare at him in disbelief. “I fail to see how dying will help me.”
“It’s a challenge, not a fight till the death. You don’t have to be stronger than him or the better fighter—just faster. General Xilu will be tired after battling those who want to represent the Iron Mountains, weakened when he faces you. If you climb as well as you say you do, if you stay out of his reach—you could win.”
“You make it sound like I’ve agreed.” I recall General Xilu’s pitiless face, the intimidating size of him, his reputation for fighting and brutality. “Think of another plan.”
“You know this could work.” Jin speaks carefully, letting each word sink in. “Once you defeat General Xilu, you will be the Thorn Valley champion. Prince Zixin will be forced to release you to travel to the Amber Forest; he won’t have a hold on you… unless you change your mind and agree to marry him.”
“And you get a champion without risking any of your necks.”
“More importantly, our reputation,” he corrects me. “I don’t suggest this lightly.”
“What about rescuing the duke’s daughter? How can I take on a magic-wielder?” I’m grasping for reasons to refuse, even as my curiosity sparks about the Amber Forest.
