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The Guildsman waved his hand. “We wish to decentralize our chi production. Perhaps some land in each clan capital upon which to build a refinery. Some hand in the administration of farms growing blood lotus. Perhaps a licensing system, controlled by the Guild to ensure quality and yield. Most importantly, we would seek to root out an impurity amongst Shima’s people. A deformity, if you will.”
    Tatsuya’s eyebrow raised in silent question.
    “Those who speak to the minds of beasts,” Maru offered. “Y ō kai-kin, they are named. Our scriptures speak against them. We would seek permission to … cleanse the land of their taint.”
    “And in exchange for these trifles, you offer my brother’s head?”
    The smile in the Guildsman’s voice was obvious now. “We would, my Lord.”
    “My twin brother.” Tatsuya took one step closer to the Lotusman. “A man with whom I shared a womb. The son of a Sh ō gun. A descendant of great Kazumitsu himself.”
    A pause, filled with the empty hiss-woosh of the Guildsman’s bellows.
    “My Lord?”
    “Think you, the blood of the Kazumitsu is to be bought with trifles?”
    hiss-woosh
    “Think you, I would enlist the aid of mechanics and artisans—not a single soldier or samurai amongst you—to help win me a war I am already winning?”
    “Great Lord, I—”
    Tatsuya gunned the chainkatana’s throttle.
    hiss-woosh
    He could swear he heard the Lotusman gulp.
    “Lord Tatsuya, I counsel—”
    The Bull raised the weapon, blades hovering an inch or two from the Guildsman’s throat. He revved the engine again, watching the lanternlight gleam on growling teeth, noting with grudging admiration that the Lotusman did not flinch.
    “Be at ease, Guildsman,” said Tatsuya. “I am not the sort who murders an emissary, no matter how grave the disrespect I or my family are shown. Count yourself fortunate you did not offer this same deal to my brother. The Bear does not share my fondness for clemency.”
    hiss-woosh
    “You do not offer me a triumph, chi-monger. I have already won this war. And you do not offer me my brother’s head, for he is already dead. What you offer is a swifter victory. The avoidance of a siege. And that is worth some consideration, surely, for I have no stomach to starve my own twin to death inside the walls of Blackstone Keep.” Tatsuya met the Guildsman’s eyes. “But I will not give all you ask.”
    Condemned prisoners choose their last meals with less care than the Lotusman used to choose his next words.
    “That you give us anything at all is truly pleasing, great Lord…”
    “This talk of a licensing system. Quality assurance. In this I see wisdom. But you will not build your refineries in my cities. Keep your tarworks and smokestacks out in the wilds where I need not inhale the stench. Nor will I help you ‘cleanse’ any of my citizens for a harmless accident of birth. And I will require approval on any further military projects your Artificers engage in, before the work begins. It is illegal for a commoner to carry a blade longer than a knife in these lands. I cannot fathom how your masters consider it acceptable to be building warships and motorized swords without the Sh ō gun’s permission.”
    “I will … need to report these requests to my superiors.”
    Tatsuya’s eyes narrowed. “Requests?”
    “Commands, great Lord.”
    “We have time. The Bear has nowhere to run—once your sappers blow the Junsei bridge, of course. I will consider this demolition ample apology for your threats against a son of the Kazumitsu line. Memories of your temerity will sink into the Junsei with the broken stone.”
    “I will give the order to blow the charges as soon as they are in place, great Lord.”
    “Good.” As much warmth lay in the Bull’s smile as in a drift of snow. “I look forward to hearing your superior’s response.”
    “… Hai.”
    The Lotusman bowed low, backing away with his comrade. Out of the tent and out of Tatsuya’s