Page 43 of For Ever More

Shenming falls silent, probably recalling the Elders’ caution. But it’s clear, Jin won’t relent. “The Sun Dragon,” the captain replies at last. “He is… dying. Our only recourse is to bring him to the Waterfall of Eternal Night, which will appear in the Three Kingdoms. I will lead the search. As we are traveling with the dragon, we must take great care to avoid danger.”

“The waterfall is a myth,” Lord Chao says skeptically. “Those stars claimed to lead to it do not exist.”

“Because this constellation can only be seen from our island, imbued with the dragons’ aura,” Shenming replies.

Jin leans forward. “We are prepared to help, but first await the Elders’ decision on our request.”

“We are running out of time before the waterfall appears,” Shenming argues.

“Then the Elders should not delay,” Lord Chao says, clasping his hands before him.

“If we miss the waterfall, it will vanish—not appearing again for decades. The dragon will die,” I tell them.

Jin tilts his head back, his eyes sliding to me. “Are you accompanying the captain on this journey?”

“Yes.”

The corners of his mouth tighten. “I just brought you back from the Three Kingdoms, Miss Yining. You court death by returning.”

“I must go.” I cannot divulge my reasons before the captain, as Jin should know.

Shenming clears his throat. “Will Thorn Valley help us? The Sun Dragon’s well-being affects both our kingdoms.”

“Then let us discuss terms,” Lord Chao says shrewdly. “We need help to fend off the spreading decay. We also need reinforcements to guard the border, with the growing force of the Iron Mountains.”

“The Elders will consider—”

“We are aware of the Elders’ negotiation tactics: to wring us dry with false promises, then discard us when our use is gone,” Jin says coldly. “We seek more than hollow assurances. None of our demands are unreasonable. Strengthening the borders protects both our kingdoms—just as saving the Sun Dragon protects us all.”

Shenming nods slowly. “I will speak to the Elders, I will support your requests. If they do not send soldiers to the border—upon my return, I will join you there myself.”

Silence falls, his offer surprising us all. Shenming is more principled than I imagined, with a sense of his own rightness, not just the Elders’ obedient servant. They would also prefer to send a troop of soldiers than lose their favored captain.

“I trust you, Captain Shenming. You are a person of honor,” Jin says gravely. “Very well, we will provide the support you require. Where do you wish to go in the Three Kingdoms?”

“The Pearl Ocean,” he replies. “Southeast of the Iron Mountains.”

“Our enemies would expect us to travel from the north of our realm through the forests of Thorn Valley, across the borders of the Iron Mountains.” Jin appears deep in thought. “The southward trail is indeed safer, yet its terrain is rumored to be perilous.”

“Can you provide a guide to bring us safely there?” Shenming asks.

Jin smiles, a shadow of the devious advisor. “I will accompany you.”

I stare at him in disbelief, trying to deny how my heart soars.

“Have you traveled this path before?” the captain probes.

Jin shakes his head. “But there is someone here who has likely studied the way keenly, plotting for an invasion of our realm. Someone who would even know where the enemy soldiers are stationed once we cross into the Three Kingdoms.”

“The Prince of the Iron Mountains.” My insides twist. “Would he tell you this?”

“No.” Jin’s eyes are opaque and dark. “But he would tell you.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

THE PRINCE OF THE IRON MOUNTAINS?” SHENMING repeats, swinging to me. “Why would he speak to you?”

“I helped him escape the Palace of Nine Hills in exchange for returning Dian’s ring,” I say evasively. “He might feel a sense of obligation.”