Page 20 of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
“That looks too thick for a simple courtesy letter.”
“You’re right. They enclosed a substantial reaver bulletin detailing the reasons behind Hisoka’s sudden, unscheduled trip.” Michael withdrew several folded sheets that fairly vibrated with sigils. “He and two other members of the Five are in Belgium, dealing with a rash of attacks in northern Europe.”
Argent asked, “Who is attacking whom?”
“At least a dozen humans are dead, and early reports suggest that their attacker—or attackers—were Amaranthine.”
“Quite the problem after all those promises of peace.”
“They’re keeping it from the public, but key leaders in the United Nations are calling this a breach of trust; our treaties are at risk.”
“Enter the reavers.” Argent held out a hand for the report. It stung his fingers.
Michael muttered an apology and cancelled the protective seal for him. “We can’t allow something like this to spark panic. The retaliation could be terrible, especially since the most visible Amaranthine are the exchange students who enrolled in human schools at summer’s end. They’re adolescents.”
Argent’s brows arched. “Do the humans not realize that our children are neither young in years, nor harmless?”
“Most humans trust what they see.”
“Which is why they make such good toys.”
Michael frowned. “That’s a wretchedly outdated attitude!”
“And I am an antique.” Argent flipped to the last page and winced. The seal on this page was very much intact, and it created a discomfiting glare.
Taking the letter back, Michael said, “I’ll just summarize the last part.”
Argent frowned. “You’ve been letting me read your communiques for years,friend. Are you keeping secrets from me now?”
“No. But I want to be the one to tell you this.” Michael laughed uneasily. “Some things are better coming from a friend.”
The ward’s mood shift put Argent on edge.
“There’s a special alert included, reaver eyes only. New information has come to light.” Michael held his gaze and solemnly said, “They’ve discovered that humans and Amaranthine can be genetically compatible.”
Argent eventually spoke into the stilted silence. “How did this illustrioustheyreach their conclusion?”
Indicating the first report, Michael said, “Some of the attacks involved rape. Three women are pregnant, and tests point to an inhuman father.”
“Shocking.”
“It is, rather. Reavers are supposed to be Amaranthine experts, yet this is the first officially documented case of a … hybrid.”
Argent snorted. “Crossbreeds have been happening for millennia. Why do you think the Amaranthine first took human form?”
Michael’s eyes widened. “Oh, that’s … almost romantic. But there are no records of children with a mixed heritage.”
“If the reavers want to fill in the gaps in their understanding, they should speak to the wolves. Cats and dragons put down unfit young, but pack is everything to wolves.”
“The same follows for dog clans.”
Argent shrugged. “Yes, but they are more guarded than wolfkind. Dogs are more likely to take offense if reavers come sniffing around for scandal.”
Michael nodded slowly. “And what about foxes? In general.”
He smirked. “Surely you know your folklore, Michael. Who did hot-blooded young tricksters beguile?”
“The kitsune in stories usually lured unsuspecting travelers off the road.”
