Children of the Dragon

By Melissa Stone

Orphaned at a young age and taken in by
Telvan’s most notorious bandit gang, Kinrou
had no real expectations in life. He knew
nothing of his past, nor did he care to. Then,
one day, with the death of a Dragon Warrior,
everything changed.

After a trip to Karath, the capital city of
Telvan, he was told about a threat to the peace
and that he had been hand picked by the
Sky Lords themselves to stop it if only he
could discoverwhat this threat was in time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Melissa Stone
• Release date: Sep 4, 2012
• ISBN: 9780988001510

Melissa Stone

Melissa Stone lives in Cut Knife, Saskatchewan with her husband, two kids, dog, and two cats. When she’s not writing she enjoys reading, drawing, and a variety of crafts.Find her online at http://purenightshade.deviantart.comWorldanvil: https://www.worldanvil.com/author/purenightshadeDo you want to support her outside of buying her books? You can do so at the following places:Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/Y8Y269WPPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/purenightshade

Book preview

Chapter 1

Summer, 874

She scanned the crowd surrounding the wagon, looking for a single person. She knew he was down there and knew he’d be beside the wagon. On a normal day, he was easy to pick out of a crowd from both his clothing and the ever present honour guard. Today was not a normal day. Today, he wore white as his fellows did and his guards mixed in among the others around the wagon.

There.

She spotted his long brown hair. Feeble sunlight winked off the solid gold clasp that bound its length into a long tail. She smiled; the sight of her only son—her only child—always lightened her heart. She watched as Sahiren took one of his fellow Dragon Warriors—a woman named Chounen—aside and held her as she cried. Even the ever exuberant Nalshen seemed depressed as he sat with one of the younger priestesses.

Her smile became a frown as she located the thaumaturge Nahiro. He stood still, staring at the bundle wrapped in white cloth lying on the wagon. At the distance he stood from her, his face was unreadable, but she could make a guess on what it was.

He blames himself, a velvety soft voice said at her side. He couldn’t get to her fast enough.

I only hope he recovers, Shinjaloye replied. I can’t have him looking at the new Warrior and wishing them to be Shanye.

Were Nahiro and Shanye close?

Not as close as Shanye would have liked, but Nahiro considered her to be a good friend and confidant.

Rikkala nodded. I would instead worry about Nalshen. From what I’ve been able to gather, he also blames himself. Not for not being able to reach her in time to heal her as Nahiro does, but for not staying closer to her in the battle. Invisibility is a wonderful ability, but an invisible woman isn’t immune to Zalite arrows.

Shinjaloye smiled, but it faded quickly. I worry about him not at all. The young priestess he sits with will keep his head on straight and prevent him from becoming lost in his grief.

At this, the Fire Sage laughed. I can guess at the methods she’ll use to do so. Rikkala paused. What of the crown prince?

Sahiren is familiar with loss, sad as it is to say. I worry that all the losses he has suffered in his life are why he still refuses to take a bride. He is, perhaps, afraid that if he opens his heart to someone new, he’ll be hurt.

I can understand that, Rikkala said in a soft voice. At least he has his fellow Warriors to associate with.

There is that blessing. Kal Sharash knew what he was doing when he Chose my son.

He always does, Honoured Majesty, though his reasons aren’t always clear to us mere mortals.

Shinjaloye shook her head. When will you perform Shanye’s ritual?

Tonight. If we delay any longer, it may not take. Both women shuddered at the thought. In some countries, I hear they bury their dead in the ground, Rikkala continued. In Doval, they construct elaborate wooden boxes to contain the bodies before they’re put in a deep hole. The hole is filled in with earth and the site marked by a stone with the person’s name on it.

Shinjaloye looked ill at the thought. The ways of other people are different. Just as the Fire Lord dictates that we burn our dead, I’m certain that the other four Sky Lords have rituals they wish their people to follow. Though, how burying a body in a box allows the soul to fly free to dwell eternally with Kal Kiterr is beyond me.

Perhaps Nahiro could explain it to you, Rikkala suggested. He communes with each of the Sky Lords on occasion. It would educate you in the ways of your neighbours and give him something to do rather than blame himself for Shanye’s death.

Is that why you brought up the subject of Dovalian funeral rites? Better that than for a darker reason.

We’ve had no conflict with Doval since Sahiren was born. Had he been a girl child, Emperor Lehenar would have been more aggressive.

Much as I craved a daughter as any woman does, I prayed to the Fire Lord for a son. I’d rather die than see a daughter of mine married to Lehenar’s eldest son.

His eldest?

Lehenar has many children, but most of them are illegitimate. Only Leshmiir would have been suitable. To offer a lesser son would have been an unforgivable insult.

Rikkala shook her head. Imperial politics are beyond me. Though, if Lehenar is so desperate for an alliance, I pity Emperor Kenjariyo.

As do I. I hear he’s been trying to marry off the elder of his two daughters with little success. Regarding Leshmiir, he feels as I do.

Have you considered trying to interest Sahiren in the idea?

Of marriage? More than once. In the Tiger Princess? No. I can’t bring myself to, not after this tragedy. She sighed. I need to find him a bride, and soon. My councillors have been bringing it up far too often of late.

My advice to you is to wait. Let him grieve for a time. I will pray for guidance. Perhaps he has no interest in marriage because Kal Sharash has a plan for him.

I hope so. I would hate for our line to end with him. The people won’t accept an illegitimate Heir.

Go. Find Nahiro. Ease his pain. I will do what I can to help this situation.

Shinjaloye smiled at the other woman. You’re a good friend, Rikkala. Kal Sharash be with you.

And with you, my empress.

Chapter 2

What are you doing all the way up there?

Trying to find some quiet, came the annoyed reply. Why follow me up?

I think I’m going to join you in your dislike of women, Kinrou. They’re down in the caves washing clothing. Why they feel the need to chatter incessantly is beyond me. It echoes everywhere!

Ah, Jiken. You like bedding them too much to be like me.

Well, yes, but they rarely say much while I’m doing so.

I wouldn’t know.

I worry that you’re not interested in that.

If you think I’m like Yaren, think again.

Jiken’s shoulders sagged in relief. Good. I might have had to hurt you if you were.

You have a problem with men who prefer other men?

Not as such, no, but it would have been unforgivable for you to keep that kind of secret from me.

I’m allowed some privacy.

Not from me! We’re practically brothers. My mother raised you as her own.

Kinrou rolled his eyes. She was afraid that if she didn’t, she’d have been killed the way my first ‘mother’ was.

Jiken shrugged. She was a captive trying to escape. Of course they killed her! That’s our way.

I’m not arguing. I’m just saying what I saw.

Jiken was silent for a long while, looking out at the cluster of ragged peaks that made up the Shadaran mountain range. The tallest was capped in snow, even at the height of summer. Even Mt. Dorayen, where they were sitting, boasted a small white cap.

Kinrou, do you ever think about your real mother?

No, was the blunt reply. As far as I know, that slave woman was my real mother.

I’m told that she wasn’t.

Kinrou shrugged. It doesn’t matter. She’s dead for all I know. I don’t even know where I come from.

Doesn’t matter; you’re one of us. Jiken grinned.

Kinrou grinned in spite of himself. Jiken’s grins were infectious; those around him generally couldn’t help but return them. Anyway, I came up here for a reason. I heard something you might think interesting.

I’m all ears.

I heard that one of those Dragon Warriors got killed recently.

How is that interesting?

Think about it. The entire country is in mourning. The chief is planning a bunch of raids to take advantage of that. Now me… I have a better plan.

Kinrou raised an eyebrow. You have a plan? Haven’t you learned by now that your plans never work?

When have my plans gone wrong?

You want examples? Fine. When we were six, you thought it would be a great idea to play Kal Sharash fighting the Shadows, but you wanted to use real fire. You nearly burned all my hair off. Then when we were eight, you decided to teach me to swim and we both almost drowned. You stabbed me through the shoulder three months later playing Bandits and Soldiers. At age thirteen, there was that incident with the exploding sheep's bladder. At fifteen, you were trying to make time with those two girls without the other knowing. It backfired.

Only because you messed up.

So, it’s my fault the Boss wanted to take me out on a raid?

Well, no, but you could have at least let me know.

You know I couldn’t. To continue, there was that raid we went on for my sixteenth birthday. Do you need me to point out how badly that failed?

Ok, ok, I get the point. This plan is foolproof, though.

That’s what you always say.

"No, really. I figure while the country is mourning, security will be lax. Why not take this

opportunity to put our names up there with the greatest Shadowhawks of all time?"

Internally, Kinrou cringed. What are you suggesting?

Jiken looked smug. Break into the palace treasury and steal the Dragon Crown.

Have you lost your mind? That’s suicide!

They say it can’t be done. I say they’re wrong.

I say you’re crazy. It can’t be done! Some of the greatest bandits have tried and were executed for their trouble: Barhen the Swift, Dugen One-Eye, Left-handed Tulken, and even old toothless Miken. As I recall, he was your grandfather, right?

Jiken ignored the question. Look, I’ve been studying-

Yeah, right, Kinrou snorted.

Just listen, alright? I’ve been studying the bandits who tried and I know why they failed: poor timing. Most of the attempts were made during festivals and parties. Security at the palace increases during those times.

It won’t be much less than normal just because one stupid woman got herself killed.

No, but a lot of soldiers died in that fight, too. They’ll be holding funerals and such for days. Law requires the empress to allow anyone who wants to take part in the rituals the leave to do so. If we leave now, we can take full advantage. We can do this, Kinrou.

If I don’t go, you’ll go by yourself, won’t you?

Got that right.

Kinrou sighed. Fine, fine. I’ll go if only to keep you from doing anything stupid.

Great! Let’s get going. It’s a four-day trip to the capital on foot, so we’d better get a move on.

We need to pack first, not to mention get permission for this.

I did all that before coming up here. I figured I’d be able to talk you into this one way or another.

You’re rotten, you know that?

Of course. I’m a Shadowhawk Bandit.

* * *

The next morning, in the pre-dawn darkness, the two bandits left the mountain hideout. Sleepy sentries waved them on. Both were on foot with their supplies split between them. Despite the stillness of the forest around the Shadaran Mountains, both crept quietly. Large predators who had failed to make a kill during the night could still be on the lookout for a meal. Said predators could mistake a human for one of its normal prey animals.

Once it was light enough to send the nocturnal predators back to their dens for the day, the two young men relaxed enough to pause near a small pond. They quenched their thirst and took some food out of their packs to eat as they travelled.

Hard journey bread wasn’t to Kinrou’s taste, but it eased the ache in his stomach. He looked over at Jiken, who gobbled his down with every sign of enjoyment before turning to the pouch of jerky on his belt. Kinrou shook his head.

He’d grown up on food like that, but had never gotten used to it. A part of him knew there were better things to eat out there, though he’d never seen them. Secretly, his only goal in life was to survive long enough to taste fantastic food. It didn’t matter to him if he died right after eating it. His life would be complete at that point.

They hiked through the woods until their feet hurt. They came out of the woods on the banks of the Dragon River and stopped, taking off their packs. They sat down on the river’s edge and took their boots off and let their aching feet sit in the cool water.

So Kinrou, what are you going to do with your share? Jiken asked.

My share?

Of the profits. That crown is worth a lot of money. Melt it down or ransom it back to the empress. Either way, we’ll be wealthy men.

Kinrou shrugged. I don’t know. I haven’t decided yet, though to be honest I haven’t thought about it. Maybe I’ll go to a place with nice food. Maybe I’ll buy a decent horse.

Jiken shook his head. You aren’t thinking big enough. One horse? For the money we’ll get, you could have a dozen or more rivalling those owned by the Zalite Emperor! You could have a wardrobe full of clothing made of the finest Shanshiire silk with strings of Jiinalese pearls.

I don’t like pearls, Kinrou admitted. I prefer darker gems.

I didn’t know you were a connoisseur.

I’m not. I just see what the high-ranking bandits wear.

I wouldn’t base a preference for specific stones on what they wear. Most of that is flash with very little substance. I’m pretty sure that stuff is fake.

I know, but it still looks nice.

You’re a strange one, Kinrou.

* * *

Four days after they’d left Mt. Dorayen, the two exhausted bandits spotted the outskirts of Karath. The poorest people made a meagre living from their small plots. Unable to afford a house within the protecting walls, they spent much of their time praying that the borders would remain peaceful. During the skirmish with the Zalites not too long ago, their prayers had changed, praying that the fighting wouldn’t come anywhere near their homes.

Within the high stone walls, there were still plenty of poor people, but they weren’t as badly off as those outside the walls. As a person moved towards the centre of the city, the wealthier the people living there got until you reached the Imperial palace.

It was hard for Jiken and Kinrou. They’d never been to a city before. The biggest town they’d ever seen before that was Andalosh. They had to force themselves not to stare or clamp their hands over their ears at the noise. It was at once the most terrifying and wonderful experience. Not to mention the smelliest.

Kinrou wrinkled his nose in disgust as they entered the city. He couldn’t see the marketplace, but he could smell it. The mingled odours of fish, animal dung, sweat, various cooked foods, and perfumes assaulted his nose.

If this is what they call civilization, I’m glad we are what we are, Jiken muttered, his voice thick with disgust.

Kinrou nodded. Which way now?

It’s easy to get there. Each section or Row of the city has four gates leading into the next one. It’s how the city expands, building more Rows on the outside. It helps keep invaders out of the important parts of the city. It also keeps the poor away from the wealthy.

I hate rich people. They treat poor people like they have a disease.

Poverty is the disease to them. Associating with people who have it means they’ll catch it.

This is why people like us exist, to even things out.

Jiken nodded. There’s the first gate, he said, pointing up ahead.

The gate was a massive iron affair with thick metal bars set into the tall stone wall. A pair of armed and armoured soldiers stood guard—one on either side—while a third soldier scrutinised everyone who passed through the gate.

Just how do you plan on getting through that?

Everyone has a right to attend the funerals. All I have to do is tell the soldiers we’re going to one for our cousin and they have to let us through. It will help that redheads are lucky in Telvan. We just do this at each gate we get to until we reach the Great Temple and we’ll be fine.

Temple Row is three away from the palace.

That’s why we borrow some Acolyte robes when we get there, Jiken explained. No one questions anyone wearing temple garb.

That’s because no one in their right mind would impersonate a member of the Chant! I’m not religious as a rule, but that’s sacrilege!

So is what we plan on doing, Jiken countered.

Kinrou paused. I’m ok with that, but the disguise thing-

Then we might as well go home now. There’s no other way to get to the palace.

We couldn’t go in as soldiers?

Two of the previous attempts tried that. The soldiers are too well trained. Not as well trained as Zalite soldiers, but they’re close. A bandit couldn’t hope to mimic one of them.

How are priests easier?

Jiken rolled his eyes. Most of them come from the common people. I’m not suggesting priests, anyway. Acolytes are the least disciplined in the hierarchy, and so are easier to mimic. Are you done with the questions?

For now. Kinrou followed Jiken to the gate, where the soldiers let them pass without incident. Jiken looked quite puzzled by that and somewhat put off.

Kinrou suppressed a grin. He worked hard on getting us in, and it was all for nothing. He looked around. So much white. Just how bad was the slaughter, anyway? He poked Jiken.

Y’know, we do kind of stick out here. Everyone I see is wearing white.

We don’t own anything white, Jiken reminded him. We aren’t high ranking enough.

Don’t you think we should at least get something? A scarf or a headband, maybe?

White is nearly as expensive as red. I don’t have that kind of coin.

Who said anything about buying it? Kinrou asked, putting on his best innocent face. You’re forgetting who we are.

How do you want to do this?

Kinrou looked around. That vendor over there. He’s charging more for his stuff than he needs to. You go distract him while I work.

Why do you get the good part?

It’s my idea and besides, I’m better at this than you are.

Jiken muttered something unflattering under his breath as he walked towards the stall. With his hands behind his back, he examined the wares with his eyes. It was an impressive selection. The vendor had small items like handkerchiefs and headbands, medium ones such as scarves and neckties, and larger items of clothing. He even carried white jewellery and cloaks.

The vendor watched Jiken. Is there something I can help you with?

I’m looking to buy a neck scarf.

We have the latest styles available, though I doubt you’re interested.

What’s that supposed to mean?

A man such as yourself wouldn’t know a Dovalian diamond cut from a Jiinalese flower style.

Is that so? Jiken tapped one scarf with a finger. This is a standard Telvanite design made from woven silk. It came from Port Alyen, if I’m not mistaken. You have no foreign designs here, as to sell those to funeral goers would be an unimaginable insult to the deceased. He pointed to another. This one is a design currently in fashion in the hometown of the Dragon Warrior Chounen. It’s a little ostentatious for my taste. I prefer a simpler style such as this one from Andalosh, he concluded, tapping a third scarf.

The vendor stared blankly at him as Jiken continued speaking. I doubt I’d care to buy any of your wares now. You, sir, are the most insulting individual I’ve met in Karath. I’ll have you know that I’ve been on the road for four days now, ever since I heard that my cousin’s ritual would be today. It is impossible to travel quickly and arrive at your destination looking as though you’d just stepped out of your bedchamber. In the future, I’d keep your assumptions to yourself or risk being more of an ass than you already are.

Several of the people listening to Jiken’s verbal thrashing of the vendor laughed, applauding his audacity. The vendor’s face turned red. How dare you insult me?

You insulted me. Turnabout is fair play. Jiken paused. I’ll take my business elsewhere. He turned and walked away, looking as offended as possible. He spotted Kinrou out of the corner of his eye. He nodded and kept walking, pausing to look at the wares of the other vendors.

Kinrou approached once Jiken was out of sight of the first vendor. They walked in silence until they were able to duck into a gap between two rows of buildings.

How did it go? Jiken asked.

Grinning, Kinrou produced two small scarves and handed one to Jiken. Have fun?

Jiken tied his scarf around his neck. Yes, I did. See, this is why knowing things about women is a good thing. Listening to their conversations can teach you a few things.

I’d wondered where your knowledge of fashion came from.

Put your scarf on and let’s go. If we duck through this alley, we can get to a part of this Row where we won’t be recognised.

Good thinking. I don’t think it would be a good idea to be seen wearing that man’s wares.

Chapter 3

After crossing unchallenged onto the outermost part of the palace grounds, both bandits stopped and stared. The paths were paved with stones cut into intricate patterns that fit seamlessly together. Not so much as a single blade of grass poked up from between the pieces. Neatly trimmed hedges separated the sections of the palace from each other. Fountains could be heard off in the distance as they splashed in private gardens. Music, soft voices, the wicker of horses, and an impatiently mewing cat, among other indistinguishable sounds, floated in the air.

Now where? Kinrou whispered.

Jiken led him down the path, heading straight for the main building. The treasury is on the other side, he replied in the same hushed tone.

I can’t believe we’ve made it this far.

See? My plans don’t all fail.

Kinrou grinned, even though he knew Jiken couldn’t see it. For the first time since leaving Mt. Dorayen, he dared to believe that something good would come out of this venture. He had to admit that disguising themselves as Acolytes was a stroke of genius.

They made it into the palace with no one so much as batting an eye. Their disguises seemed to put people at ease.

That won’t last for long.

* * *

They passed through the next two gates with little incident. Jiken had a chance to use his story of attending a cousin’s ritual, making him much happier. When they reached Temple Row, both stopped to stare. The streets were paved with much nicer stone than the previous Rows had been. Small shops dotted the streets selling flowers, sweets, fruit, music, fine jewellery, and religious paraphernalia. Closer to the Great Temple, there were stalls offering candles and incense.

Kinrou looked around. Incredible. I’ve never seen anything like this.

The small temples in the northern towns don’t do it justice, even though all temples in Telvan are supposedly modelled on this one. It’s just so much more elaborate. The impressive thing? I hear the palace is even grander and more elaborate.

I’d think so, but I can’t imagine it.

We’ll find out for sure when we get there.

Kinrou shook his head, continuing to look around as he walked. He spotted a large group of people heading towards the Great Temple. He tapped Jiken on the arm with the back of one hand and headed towards the group, walking a short distance behind them. They were close enough that the casual observer would assume they were together, but not close enough that the people in the group would think they were being followed.

Both tried not to gawk as they passed the stone dragon statues and climbed the massive staircase. It became clear that their attempts had failed when a young woman in the rusty-coloured robes of a junior priestess approached them. This is your first visit to Karath? she asked and then smiled. It’s easy to tell. All those who see this temple for the first time look as you do.

I’ve heard about it, but I didn’t expect the reality, Jiken told her.

She smiled. Are you here for a casual visit or for a funeral?

The second. A cousin of ours died in the recent fighting.

I grieve for your loss.

Kinrou shook his head. Save your grief for someone who needs it.

At the priestess’ miffed look, Jiken added, We didn’t know our cousin very well. His loss is sad, yes, but it isn’t having an adverse effect on us. We’re here, as we were the only family members that could make it on such short notice.

I see.

If you’ll excuse us, Priestess, we’d like to go find out when our cousin’s ritual will be held or if we’re too late.

Should you require any assistance at all, do not hesitate to ask.

I’ll be sure to mention your help in my prayers tonight.

My name is Inhari Devanaliil, she supplied.

Jiken bowed. Farewell, Priestess Inhari. May Kal Sharash eternally light your path.

And yours as well.

Both watched Inhari as she walked away. When she was out of sight, they slipped down a hallway off to the side. A heavily embroidered silk tapestry partially concealed the entrance. Kinrou figured the gold thread used in the embroidery was worth enough money to keep a small village fed for half a year. It led to a smallish room. Open cubicles lined one side, some holding neatly folded piles of clothing and footwear. The wall opposite to the entrance held cloak hooks. The last wall, to the right of the entrance, had shelves full of dark red hooded robes.

After examining the robes, Kinrou determined that they were arranged by size with the smallest ones nearest to the door. He grabbed one close to his size and put it on over his clothing while Jiken did the same. Pulling the hoods up, they headed back out into the temple, keeping their heads down to avoid being recognised.

Doing their best to stay anonymous, they walked towards the exit, mimicking the stately gait the other priests affected. As they walked, they passed groups of people asking for their blessing. Both made the gesture of blessing: crossed forearms with the fingers splayed open. It seemed to satisfy them, allowing the two bandits to continue on their way.

* * *

It was dark by the time they reached the part of the palace where the treasury was located. To either side of the door was a soldier in full armour carrying a massive pole arm with a wickedly hooked blade. Each man also carried a sword at their waist and a long dagger strapped to the outside of their left boot.

Moment of truth, Kinrou. Now we find out just how good this plan is. If we go forward and this fails, we’ll be thrown in prison until they execute us. If we turn back now, no one will know we made it this far in.

For a moment, Kinrou debated turning around and going home, but only for a moment. Some part of his mind desperately wanted into that treasury while another wanted to flee. He opted to listen to the first part. The Dragon Crown was worth a fortune, but who knew what other treasures lay inside?

Let’s do this.

Good.

Any idea on how to get past the guards?

Simple. We’re Acolytes; we can go virtually anywhere we want.

Kinrou swallowed. I hope you’re right about this.

* * *

The guards saluted as Kinrou and Jiken approached. Is there something we can do for you, my lords? asked the one on the left.

We need access to the treasury, Jiken replied.

Might I ask why?

We were sent to retrieve a few items from inside by one of the higher-ranking priests. I forget which one.

Of course. He turned and pulled the door open for them.

My thanks, Kinrou said, entering the treasury with Jiken right behind him. Once they were inside, the door closed.

The treasury was lit by lanterns and cleverly placed mirrors to reflect the meagre light they put off, amplifying it until every corner of the room was lit as if it were high noon. It didn’t look at all like the way the poets described it at all. All the treasures and precious objects were arranged on shelves or stored in boxes.

I expected piles of coins and gemstones, Jiken commented, looking around.

This makes more sense, though. It’s much easier to find what you’re looking for.

Granted, when you’re looking for the single most valuable and important object in the country, it’s not that hard to find. Jiken took his robe off and set it aside.

What are you doing? Won’t we need those to get out of here again?

That’s my backup plan. I’m hoping to go out through that window over there. He pointed to a small window near the ceiling on the left wall.

It’s a little small, don’t you think?

We’ve gotten through things tighter than that. Remember that manor house in Onjelaria?

Oh yeah, that widow’s crawlspace. Kinrou smiled. We’ll be fine. That’s just a window. Then it dawned on him. Wait, if you knew that was there, why did we come in the way we did?

It’s locked on the inside. Sure, we could break all the glass, but we’d still get cut trying to crawl in that way. Then we’d get hurt falling down. I had no idea what would be under the window, so there was a chance that we’d knock something over. In any event, the crash would alert the guards. It makes a better escape than entrance.

That made sense to Kinrou. He took his robe off and stashed it with Jiken’s.

On the far end of the room was an altar made from red wood and decorated with gold. It was large enough to hold a single lidded coffer. Beside the altar was a pair of stone statues. One was shaped in an approximation of a woman’s body and the other like a man’s. The male statue was bare, but the woman’s wore ornate robes with the Dragon Crown perched on its head.

Look at it Kinrou, Jiken breathed.