Page 67 of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
Michael knew what that meant, but only in the most academic of terms. Although things were different once, the Amaranthine clans were no longer prolific. In this generation, a tenth child was rare, and according to hints and whispers that weren’t considered the business of reavers, they were set apart. Sacred.
“You are the tribute of Evernhold House,” Michael said. “I’m honored.”
Deece further ducked his head.
Either he was very shy or much younger than his build suggested. Possibly both. Or …ah.
Leave it to Hisoka-sensei to thrust them into a delicate situation without warning. Clearing his throat, Michael said, “Deece, you aren’t accustomed to reavers. Are you?”
“He is not.” Hisoka warmly added, “I would trust him to no other.”
“Again, I am honored.”
THIRTY EIGHT
Unreported Incidents
Michael truly appreciated the simplicity of his wife’s wisdom. For the remainder of the day, Sansa took charge of Deece. She had him shoveling paths, peeling vegetables, currying horses, and learning her patrol route. And with each new task, Deece relaxed a little more.
“She is part of the reason I brought him to you,” Hisoka remarked from behind a newspaper.
“Sansa?” asked Michael.
“As you know, feline clans are a matriarchy. Deece is more comfortable when there’s a lady in charge.”
Michael slouched in his usual place at the kitchen table, watching the ladies work. Two of the horses were Kith like Minx, sentient members of the Withershanks clan. But the third had transformed and introduced herself as Vynn Alpenglow, Rilka’s current apprentice.
Hisoka folded away the most recent reaver communique, and Michael asked, “Learn anything new?”
“One usually does if they take the time to consider matters from another’s perspective.”
Michael toyed with his empty teacup. “Does anyone know you’re here?”
“No.” Hisoka ran a hand over short pewter hair, roughing it up. “My mother might allow me to speak for our clans, but only if I don’t neglect familial obligations. Deece needed me, so I slipped away. The international community won’t miss me for a week or two.”
“You’ve been overseas.”
“Oh?” Hisoka’s attitude subtly shifted. “Where did you hear that?”
“A passing reference in another report.” Michael eased back his chair and waved for Hisoka to follow. “Why don’t we talk in my office?”
Once they were safely behind wards, Michael riffled through papers. “This is a quiet place, so I have plenty of time to read. I’ve been keeping up with events.”
“And reading between the lines?”
“As you used to say, Sensei, distance offers perspective.”
“You always were studious.” Hisoka accepted a seat. “May I relay some incidents that will not be in the reports? Your perspective will undoubtedly inform mine.”
“Your secrets are safe with me.”
Hisoka began slowly, adopting the same casual pace that made his classroom lectures feel like informative chats. “The Emergence only worked because the general populace doesn’t see the Rivven as a threat. Due in large part to the continued role of reavers as guardians of the human race.”
Michael nodded. “The media likes to imply that average citizens are safe because we’re keeping you under our thumb.”
“Peaceful cohabitation cannot progress toward wholehearted cooperation without the perception that we are harmless.”
“A useful misconception.”
