Page 16 of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
“Notlargest, miss. Strongest,” Sansa gently corrected. “The Five Clans have prestige, pride, and the power to keep both.”
“Because they’re predators?” Tsumiko guessed.
“Some consider that a factor. But historically, the Five maintained deep ties with reavers.” With traces of pride, she said, “As allies, our strength became theirs.”
Tsumiko wondered if she could become a source of strength for Argent. If he gained power, could he break the bond that fettered his life to hers?
Sansa indicated the cat’s paw. “This crest belongs to Hisoka Twineshaft. He guided the Emergence, so human governments consider him the spokesperson for all Amaranthine.”
“He’s their leader?”
“Yes. Agoodleader, despite his protests.” Chuckling softly, she added, “He holds a power he did not seek. Michael says that is why it is safe.”
“Have you met him?”
“Yes, yes,” said Sansa, a far off look in her eyes. “In my day, he was only a teacher at Ingress Academy. Hisoka-sensei was good to Michael. And to me. Sensei noticed me because of Minx.”
“Minx?”
Sansa stood. “I need to check the wards. Join me, miss. Some things will be easier to explain if I show you.”
ELEVEN
Michael’s Plan
Argent was just baiting his next trap when Michael opened the rigged door from the inside.
“Really, friend?” With an expertise gained from a lifetime of foxish encounters, the man touched the sigil at the center of Argent’s latest ploy. An hour’s worth of effort collapsed into nothing. Michael leaned against the door frame. “Care to explain why I’ve been undoing pranks all morning?”
“Not especially.”
“Isn’t this a bit childish?”
Itwas, but Argent wasn’t about to explain himself. Not even to Michael. “She has not complained.”
“I doubt she’s capable. Though you’ve given her every reason.”
“Tsk.Did she run crying to you?”
“No. Not once.” Michael’s expression lost most of its affability. “How many years has it been since you had the strength to create not one, but a dozen sigils in the space of a day?”
The answer was a triple digit figure, but Argent chose to keep that little detail to himself. “Who is counting?”
Michael’s eyes narrowed, and he stepped forward. “We used to use quiet mornings like this to shore up your reserves.” Opening his arms wide, he asked, “Do you have need of me, friend?”
“I do not.”
“Because your new mistress is a trove, and she hasn’t the sense to keep a lock on the door.” Michael let his arms fall. “And you’re venting your excess by making mischief for her.”
Argent’s gaze slid sideways. “Are you scolding me?”
“Aren’t you grateful to her?”
“I hate her.”
“Butwhy? From what I know of your history, she has to be the first mistress to make no demands.” Michael stepped close enough to straighten Argent’s bow tie. Soft and sad, he acknowledged the plain truth. “Even Lady Eimi pressed you into service.”
Argent’s eyes slammed shut. His butler’s attire and polished manner had been a small price to pay for nearly seventy years of relative peace. But they were still a source of shame. “I live at my lady’s command. If she wants me to change, I will be changed.”
