Page 138 of Night's Reckoning
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Cheng leftTenzin at the dock with four richly carved boxes bearing Arosh’s treasure. He bent down and kissed her forehead. “You know how to find me.”
“I do.”
She was dressed in her finest court clothing. Embroidered red silk adorned her body, and gold and jade combs decorated her hair. She would walk onto Penglai Island as the daughter of Zhang Guolao, head unbowed, a warrior returning with honor from battle, laden with treasures too long lost.
She didn’t know if Johari had made it back to Alitea yet, but she had no doubt the vampire would eventually deliver her message to Saba. It could take years, but Johari had the eyes of a survivor.
“Tenzin.” Myung was Penglai’s boatman, someone Tenzin rarely encountered. He bowed and gestured to the front of the ship. “Welcome, daughter of Zhang.”
“Myung.” She stared at him. “You know I hate the bowing people.”
The vampire grinned. “Why do you think I always greet you with a bow?”
“Irritating ant.” She boarded. “My thanks for safe passage.”
“The daughter of Elder Zhang is always welcome on my boat.”
They set sail across the water, and Tenzin pushed a little wind into Myung’s sails, making the water vampire laugh. As they approached the island, the fog parted and the shining jewel of the immortals rose from the sea.
It was spectacular from the water, just as the elders intended. She rose and disembarked, overseeing the transfer of the treasure from the boat to the carriages. Once they reached the top level of the island, eight servants appeared, each ready to help carry a chest. Tenzin took the leather sword case that Cheng had made for the Laylat al Hisab and carried it against her breast as the servants brought each chest with them, two by two.
She followed them through the garden and immediately sensed Ben’s amnis. She looked around but did not see him. He would likely be locked in Zhang’s quarters. There were too many humans running around the palace grounds for a newborn to be on the loose.
Tenzin walked through the jeweled doors and into the Hall of the Elders, scanning the room for familiar faces as she walked toward the front.
There. Giovanni was in the Hall, watching the procession of treasure and filial devotion. Tenzin locked eyes with him and was relieved to see no hatred. The familiar blue-green eyes followed her as she walked.
As one, the elders rose and Tenzin stopped at the steps of the Hall. She bowed toward her father and placed the sword on the ground before his feet.
“Zhang Guolao, elder of Penglai, Eternal Ruler of the Naiman Khanlig, High General of the Altan Wind.” She took a breath. “My father and immortal sire, as you have blessed me with the gift of eternal life, I humbly present the gift of Arosh, Fire King of the Western Mountains. In accordance with the Treaty of Kashgar, I bring you the final gesture of peace between your house and his.” Tenzin rose to her knees, opened the box, and lifted the sword from its silk bed. “Crafted by Harun al Ilah, the Laylat al Hisab, the Night’s Reckoning, was recovered from the East China Sea, and has finally come to your hand.”
Tenzin rose and walked up to her father’s throne, holding the sword before her.
She could feel Giovanni’s eyes on her back, among the throngs of the curious and suspicious. “Aabmen,” she said quietly. “Your sword.”
Zhang’s eyes met hers. “No finer weapon has ever been given to me. You are welcome at my side.”
Tenzin bowed her head, handed over the sword, and took her place to the right of Zhang’s throne.
Zhang spoke to the assembly. “Let the rest of Arosh’s gift be presented to the court of the elders, that we may convey our gratitude to the Fire King in turn and thank him for his offer of peace at last.”
As the servants opened the rest of the boxes of treasure and lifted each item from their glass cases, the murmurs of amazement swept through the crowd. Even in Penglai, the richness of Arosh’s gifts and Harun’s brilliance could not be diminished.
“I also have documented reports from Benjamin’s assistant Fabia that detail the rest of the excavation,” Tenzin said quietly. “The glass pieces will need extensive desalination to ensure they are preserved. I’ll make sure Tai receives the details and the inventory.”
Zhang waved a careless hand. “It’s fine, Tenzin. I am pleased the scholars at the university will be recognized for their work. I look forward to seeing an exhibition one day.” He lifted the sword. “This really is an extraordinary blade.”
“It is.”
“Will you take it to my armory, daughter? Tai will find the perfect place for it.”
“Of course.”
She left the Hall via the antechamber where Ben had first met Zhang. She took to the sky, her heart moving slowly as she approached her father’s house. She entered through the front door, only to be met by Tai.
Ben’s amnis was everywhere—golden, warm, and even stronger than before. She looked around, but though his amnis and scent were everywhere, she didn’t see him.
