“Well, what?” Flying Arrow said. “What do you want me to do? Declare war or something?”
“They'll kill him if you do that!” Rippling Water said, looking frustrated. “Why don't you give them the Sword?”
“Eh? Infinite blast you, Lady Matriarch, that's treason!”
“Is it treason to preserve the life of your son?”
“I don't know! Why are you asking me? Ask him! Yes, your mate, Flaming Arrow, whom the bandits have supposedly captured!”
“Eh? Are your brains addled?” Rippling Water asked. “This isn't my mate!”
“Then who is it?”
“That's the Lord Emperor Sword. Can't you tell?”
“No, I can't tell!”
“Why not, Lord Emperor?” Rippling Water spat. “Is that because he's Flaming Arrow's twin brother? Is that why you can't tell them apart?”
“Flaming Arrow's brother died at three days old!” Flying Arr
