THIRD INTERLUDE
Baijen’s Triumph
In Kekonese religious mythology, Old Uncle Jenshu, the One Who Returned, had a favorite nephew named Baijen, who remains the country’s most well-known and revered ancient hero. Stories of Baijen, the courageous Green Bone warrior, have been told to Kekonese children for hundreds of years, and more recently, comic books and films have recounted his adventures and deeds. Unlike his divine uncle Jenshu, however, Baijen remains a mortal champion and is not worshipped as a god.
According to legend, when Baijen was finally slain in furious battle against his greatest foe, the invading Tuni General Sh’ak, he was recognized by the gods for his valor and accorded a place in Heaven. From his vantage point in the divine realm, Baijen looked down upon the Earth. He witnessed his remaining men fighting and dying in his name, and saw that his people were on the verge of being conquered. He watched, helpless, as his beloved, grief-stricken wife prepared to throw herself from the cliff before the oncoming army could reach their mountainside home.
In a panic, Baijen begged the gods to allow him to return to Earth for one night and give up his place in Heaven to another. At first, his request was refused, but Baijen was immovable in his pleas. He wailed and beat his head on the steps of the jade palace, refusing to be deterred until Yatto, the Father of All, taking pity on him, agreed.
The fallen warrior fell at the feet of the gods and wept in gratitude. That very night, he returned to Earth, sweeping over the battlefields littered with bodies, and entered the tent of the Tuni general. He burst in upon his shocked
enemy and, laughing in triumph, killed him where he stood in his underclothes.
In accordance with the pact Baijen had made with the gods, the soul of General Sh’ak flew to Heaven. Baijen, the savior of his people, was left to roam the Earth as an exiled spirit for all eternity.
Green Bones have an old saying: Pray to Jenshu, but be like Baijen.