CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

PART EIGHT Spring 2201 – The Domain

Chapter 35 – The Dead Rabbit

Chapter 36 – A Conversation in the Firelight

Chapter 37 – Augustus

PART NINE Summer 2201 – Ice and Fire

Chapter 38 – The Saddle

Chapter 39 – Casting a Spell Out of Ice

Chapter 40 – The Scent of Plum Blossom

Chapter 41 – The Darkening of the Light

Chapter 42 – Ice and Fire

EPILOGUE Spring 2203 – Mosaics

A Bridge Over Nothingness

A Gift of Stones

In Times to Come…

Character listing

Glossary of Mandarin terms

Author’s note and acknowledgments

Credits