Page 71 of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
“You should also know that the pull is mutual,” said Michael. “At least, that’s always been the case for me.”
“You will crave my company?”
“Don’t sound so surprised, friend.” Michael ruffled Deece’s hair. “I did warn you. I get terribly attached.”
FORTY
Not in Textbooks
Hisoka didn’t reappear until midmorning, long after the Rilka and Vynn had cleared away all traces of breakfast. He waved aside Michael’s offer of refreshment, saying, “I was having a chat with Minx. We are distantly related, you know. On my father’s side.”
“Sansa may have mentioned that at some point.” Michael hesitated. “How is that possible, though?”
“You need to ask?”
Michael searched his memory, but none of his resources went into any detail about the Kith. They were simply a lesser order of Amaranthine. “I’ve heard them referred to as cousins, but I thought it a term of endearment.”
Hisoka chuckled. “How long have you known Minx?”
“As long as I’ve known Sansa.”
“And this is the first time you gave a thought to where she came from?”
Michael said, “Minx has been a part of Sansa’s family for six generations.”
“And before her connection with the illustrious Order of Spomenka?” Hisoka prompted.
He shrugged. “It’s not as if Minx cantellme.”
“True. Only cats commune with cats.”
“She told you?”
“Did I not mention I was having a chat with Minx? I’m sure I said as much.”
Michael’s bewilderment mounted. “This isn’t in our textbooks. Nor was it in any of the lectures at academy.”
“Why teach what everyone knows? The Kith are intelligent, loyal, and make good pets.”
Having been through enough of Hisoka-sensei’s lectures to recognize a leading remark, Michael asked, “Are you allowing—even perpetuating—that impression?”
“I have never been called upon to correct or clarify the reavers’ assumptions about this particular facet of Amaranthine culture.”
“Until now?”
Hisoka looped and arm around Michael’s waist and steered him out the door. “Let’s find that nephew of mine. Do you think him ready?”
“Yes.” They were halfway across the lawn before Michael dared to ask, “Why should I be questioning the role of the Kith in Amaranthine society?”
“Because with you, my secrets are safe.” Hisoka quietly added, “Didn’t you make me this promise earlier? I’m quite sure you did.”
. . .
They found Deece in front of the little-used stable, moving through a slow dance while twirling a staff with weighted ends. While there was an ornamental, even ceremonial feel to the design, there was no mistaking the staff’s primary function. Which was confusing in the extreme.
Hisoka murmured, “Really, Michael. You act as if you’ve never seen a warrior before.”
“But the Amaranthine neither carry weapons, nor use them.”
