Ahoy there me mateys!  The first book in this series won the Hugo Award for Best Novella in 2021.  All four can be read as standalones but I am glad I read them in order. This book was a gem and may be the best of the series.  Chih the cleric gets to go back to the Abbey after four years on the road.  They are excited to be home.  Upon arriving, Chih finds chaos and sorrow.  Their mentor, Thien, has passed away.  Thien's family is at the gates with mammoths threatening battle if Thien's body is not given up.  The majority of the clerics are not home but on an archeological dig.  The neixin are bitter and politicking.  And Chih finds other unexpected changes.  This was a beautiful book about the past, grief, changing friendship, memory, love, stories, and reevaluating purpose.  It felt bittersweet but certainly ended with hope.  I read late into the night in one reading and was captivated.  I cannot wait for book 5 (and hopefully more).  Arrrr!