Page 19 of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
Tsumiko asked, “And the wards keep them out?”
“Before, Michael’s wards were simply for camouflage, hiding Stately House from prying eyes. But a beacon is not easily dampened. Every day, Minx and I have had to turn aside inquisitive creatures. Until we can add more layers of protection, I may need Argent’s help.”
“That’s the second time you’ve mentioned Minx.”
“She is near.” Sansa asked, “Can you tell?”
Tsumiko scanned the forest, but nothing tugged at her the way the moth-made paper had. She couldn’t even sense Michael’s wards. After several moments, Tsumiko shook her head. “This isn’t anything like how Argent feels. And I think the bond might have something to do with that.”
“He is very strong. Minx does not make so much noise.” Sansa lifted her voice. “Do you, koshka?”
A large cat, bigger than a lion, slipped into the open. She was inky black with unnervingly red eyes that showed no whites.
Tsumiko scooted behind Sansa, who said, “Minx, this is the new mistress of Stately House. Tsumiko, this is Minx. She has been my companion since I was a girl, and was my grandmother’s before me.”
“Is she safe?”
“I would never insult a huntress with such a word. Better to sayyouare safe, miss.” Sansa knelt and held out her hand to the feline. “Minx cannot speak, but she understands us quite well. Greet her as you would any new friend.”
Following Sansa’s example, Tsumiko offered her hand. “Hello, Minx. Thank you for helping to keep our home safe.”
Closing the distance between them, Minx butted her head against Tsumiko. She had to grab hold to keep from toppling backward and discovered that Minx’s fur was thick and soft. Leaning into the big cat’s imposing bulk, Tsumiko risked petting her. A deep purr took Tsumiko by surprise. “You like me?”
“Yes, miss,” Sansa laughed. “Did you not hear? You are dazzling. Like every other Amaranthine, she is smitten.”
She concentrated on Minx for several moments before quietly saying, “Argent isn’t. He hates me.”
“He hates captivity, not you.”
Tsumiko wished it didn’t feel like the same thing. “I want to set him free.”
“Good. So does Michael.” Sansa left off tugging Minx’s ears, a small frown on her face. “But you are a beacon.”
“Does that make a difference?”
Sansa nodded. “Once bonded to a soul such as yours, yes. He may well claim hatred to keep his pride. You are enough to tempt Hisoka-sensei himself.” The battler’s frown deepened. “And others of the Five are not half so noble. Oh, miss!”
“Wh-what?”
“Once they know, they will come for you!”
“We’re in the middle of nowhere.” Tsumiko lifted her wrist. “And the bracelet seems to work well enough.”
“Too late, too late.” Sansa took her arm and hurried back the way they’d come. “Michael must double, notriplethe wards! Stately Housemustkeep its secrets!”
“Too late forwhat?” Tsumiko gasped, jogging to keep up.
But Sansa only shouted over her shoulder, “High alert, Minx! We may already have company!”
THIRTEEN
Urgent Matters
In his locked and warded office, where overstuffed bookshelves and stacks of reaver communiques lined the walls, Michael dropped the heavy envelope onto his desk. “The crest is Hisoka’s, but the letter isn’t. One of his assistants responded to let me know that our privacy-sealed enquiry will await his return from overseas.”
“Along with hundreds of others,” Argent guessed.
“Without a doubt.”
