The Last of the Chieftains

To be published 2027

When the steppes bloom red.

1930s, Tibet. The two sons of the Maichi chieftain live on a sparse plateau, wreathed in luxuries.

Their clan is one of many in the region, held in uneasy balance by archaic obligations and feudal grudges. The younger son, growing up under the shadow of his prodigal brother, is branded an idiot at birth. It frees him from the expectation of succession, allowing him to spend his days pursuing childish whims.

When outsiders come with steel guns and opium seeds, both are given free rein to make what they can of these gifts. The elder, funded by the growing drug trade, wastes no time brutally expanding the tribe’s domain. Meanwhile, his unconventional sibling pursues the beautiful daughter of a rival chieftain and heads to the borderlands in search of a more inclusive future.

As modernity tears through their ancient society, birthrights that were once set in stone crumble. When the dust settles, what will be left to sow?