Page 146 of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
Harmonious Starmark threw his arms wide. “Do you think we came to while away an afternoon?Of coursethere’s a purpose!”
Stepping forward, Hisoka said, “I take full responsibility for this assemblage. And though our reasons are manifold, the most pressing is a gap in our ranks. The representative for the fox clans recently stepped down. We are here to assess Argent’s qualifications.”
“Impossible.” Argent looked from face to face. “I am nobody. And I have nothing to offer.”
“I’ll admit, the details I’ve gathered are largely unconfirmed, but they create an appealing profile.” Hisoka asked, “Will you hear me out?”
“Go on, then. What do you presume to know?”
“You are familiar with human customs, expressions, and assumptions. And you are fluent in several of their languages.” Hisoka paused, but when Argent offered no response, he continued. “You have stayed informed regarding news from the In-between, in large part because of the strong ties you’ve formed with Michael, First of Wards, and Sansa, a daughter of the Order of Spomenka. And you cherish a son of mixed heritage.”
Argent’s eyes narrowed. “One poster child is not enough?”
“Not if we expect to protect others like them.” Hisoka kept right on going. “You and your lady saved the life of a human woman during the delivery of a hybrid child, using a technique that has since saved the lives of two other women.”
“Really?” Tsumiko asked. “In so short a time?”
Michael spoke up. “Rilka and her attendants left us almost immediately after Lilya’s birth, claiming an emergency. Was it related?”
Hisoka inclined his head. “Mare Withershanks had been in contact with her former apprentice—Brynn Fallowfield. Afterward, she wished to try some new techniques with two women who had been under observation for some months.”
Tsumiko leaned forward. “And …?”
“Both women survived delivery.”
She dared to ask, “The babies?”
Hisoka’s lips thinned, but he nodded. “Alive.”
Adoona-soh stepped in. “While the official report from England states that the Smythe infant was stillborn, my son let it be known that he considers your son to be under his protection.”
“Subtle,” muttered Argent.
“He shared the truth in the strictest confidence, as do I.” Adoona-soh arched her brows at Tsumiko. “May we see him?”
She hesitated, glancing toward the dragon spokesperson. Hadn’t there been something said about dragons putting down children with mixed bloodlines?
“One matter at a time,” begged Hisoka. “If I may continue?”
Adoona waved a hand at him. “You know how much we love the sound of your voice.”
Hisoka smiled serenely. “If I seem to drone on, it is only because our host is eminently qualified for the post I am offering.”
Argent huffed.
“There is, of course, the matter of Miss Hajime. The international community loves the idea of a bond that transcends species. Your choice will endear you to the public.”
The fox’s expression soured further. “So this truly is a publicity stunt.”
Tsumiko was grateful when Sansa slipped to her other side. The battler’s presence was steadying, especially when all the attention suddenly shifted her way.
Hisoka said, “Miss Hajime, while you show no signs at the moment, you impressed one of our best trackers. And Naroo-soh is not given to exaggeration. I take it you are an unregistered reaver?”
Put on the spot, Tsumiko couldn’t lie. “Yes.”
“And not your garden variety reaver. Otherwise you wouldn’t need Michael’s ward at your wrist.”
“Tsk.” Argent stole the beads, tossing them to Michael. “She does notneedthe trinket.”
