Shaking off the water from our watery journey into Xanadu, I pull Daji and Tina and Kryptosia onto dry land. The morning sun paints everything with an unearthly glow. ,Emperor Kubla Khan stands awaiting us with Abora beside him. Dressed in the golden court robes, she looks like the Empress of Xanadu already.
Bowing low, Daji and I chorus, "It's an honor to be back in Xanadu." Our simple robes sway as we bow. Tina bows a bit lower than necessary, and Kryptosia's bow is perfect.
"Rise, temporary Imperial Majesties," Kubla Khan booms. "When the sun rises over the pleasure dome and the verdant fields on the morrow, your reign will begin. We have little time to show you the ropes. I trust you read over the documents we sent?"
Rising, I answer in a serious voice. "Oh, Emperor of Xanadu, your wisdom and benevolence are second to none. They are flawless jade."
