Now I wasn’t sure that would ever happen.
Longhai didn’t ask me any questions. What I was really doing here, why I wasn’t still working for Khanujin, why I hadn’t introduced myself with my real name to Madam Su at the door.
Guilt bubbled up my throat, a confession spilling out before I could stop it.
“About the trial,” I began, “I’m sorry I deceived you—about being a man.”
“I don’t care whether you’re a mare or a stallion, young Tamarin. You are too skilled. Even if I were blind, I would hire you in an instant. I’ve never met your father, but I imagine he must be quite proud of you.”
I wished I could beam from his praise, but it was hard enough to summon a smile. “I’m not so sure of that anymore.”
Hesitation creased Longhai’s brow, and he closed the door behind us. “I received this a few days ago,” he said, unrolling a sheet of parchment from his desk drawer.
It was a drawing of me. Quite accurate, too. The artist had captured my freckles as well as how I usually parted my hair, and I was even biting my lip the way I tended to when I wasnervous.
Maia Tamarin, age 18. May be traveling under the identity of her brother Keton Tamarin. If found, bring to authorities immediately, alive. Reward of 10,000 gold jens.
“Master Longhai, I can explain—” My tongue groped to find the right words.
Longhai ripped the drawing in half. “I’m sure it must be a misunderstanding. If you wish, I could speak to the governor on your behalf. I have some influence in this city, and he will listen to me.”
“It is not that simple,” I said. “But thank you.”
“Then you are welcome to hide here as long as you wish. My staff can be trusted, but be wary. Even the most honest man will turn into a viper for a sum of ten thousand jens.”
Ten thousand jens. Not long ago, I’d never even dreamed of seeing such a sum. Now it was the reward for my capture.
I swallowed. “I noticed the scrolls hanging from the buildings in Nissei. Are they notices about me?”
“No, they’re conscriptions.” Longhai’s tone turned grave. “Haven’t you heard? His Majesty is drafting men into the army once more.” He leaned against his desk. “My sons were taken along with many of my workers.”
The floorboards tilted, and the edges of my vision blurred. The whole shop could have collapsed and I would have stood there, immobilized by shock. All I could think about was Keton. Gods, if the emperor came for him again, then everything I’d done would have been for nothing.
“I knew the war had resumed.” The muscles in my throat were so tight it hurt to speak. “But if it’s reached this far south already…I thought we’d have more time.”
“Unfortunately not,” replied Longhai. “There was a battle in the Jingshan Province, not far from the Winter Palace. His Majesty lost a thousand men. He needs more.”
I balled my fists, trying to ignore the anger gathering under my skin. There was no hope of a truce, not with Lady Sarnai missing. Not with Edan powerless.
The shansen had Gyiu’rak on his side. He was too strong. He’d rip apart my country thread by thread.
A’landi would fall.
Rain and thunder filled the silence between us, and I breathed in. Slowly, my shoulders fell.
“We can do nothing,” Longhai said, answering his own question, given my silence. “You have nothing to worry about while you’re under my care—”
“His Majesty’s soldiers arehere?” I asked, my blood turning cold.
“They left a few days ago, after it was announced the war had begun again. They are marching north to defend the Winter Palace. It’s said the shansen’s army is gathered there.”
A mix of relief and dread came over me. “I was there.”
“They won’t be back to look for you,” Longhai assured me.
All I could manage was a meager smile. I’d expected a hundred men and women under his employ, but there were only a handful of seamstresses tittering by the cutting tables. Now I knew why.
“Do you know where the conscription officers are headed next?”
