At dawn on the fourth day of our reign, outside the palace, Daji and I wait with all of the court surrounding us, including Kryptosia and Tina, and Sun Wukong, and Baby Krakthulhu. Only one person is missing.
Adjusting my robes, I turn to Kryptosia and one of the Imperial Guards. "Any sign of him?"
"He is like a thistle in the wind," the guard replies. "Where he's gone to, no one knows. He hasn't even returned to retrieve his belongings."
"Then our last imperial orders are to hunt him down by any means necessary." Daji's voice is a taut string on a pipa. "No one rests until he's found and captured."
"Yes, my empress," the guard answers.
Cries from the court and the flapping of feathers make the hubbub of conversation fall silent. Moments later, the Alkonost glides slowly down from the clouds, pulling the coach that carries Emperor Kubla Khan and Empress Abora.
