Page 48 of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox
Tsumiko asked, “Did you have to learn things like this—etiquette and international customs?”
“For both countries and clans, but we have our own ways of doing.” Sansa settled a kimono covered in red maple leaves on one of the stands, shaking out its folds. “Reavers are a people without borders, a society from everywhere and nowhere.”
“What was it like at Ingress Academy?”
Sansa straightened and eased her back. “Many teachers from many places. Guest lecturers from among the Amaranthine. Many books and records. Much coaching on body language and proper courtesy. As a battler, I learned weapons, fighting styles, strategy.”
A far cry from Tsumiko’s training at St. Midori’s. Maybe she could visit this academy sometime? “Is that where your children attend?”
“Yes, yes. Darya is sixteen. She is a ward.”
“Daddy’s girl?”
“Very much, yes. Our son Timur is like me, my brothers, and my mother before me. We are built strong.”
“A battler?”
“Through and through,” Sansa said proudly. “Then there is Isla, who is made for peace. Even though she is only eight, she is favored by the diplomacy division. And little Annika shines brightest. That is why they took her so early. And why we were encouraged to add to our family.”
“You and Michael are a good match,” Tsumiko said shyly.
The woman smoothed a hand over her belly. “Reaver parents hope for children with strong hearts and bright souls. Perhaps this time, we will bear a beacon.”
“Michael said your baby will come while we’re gone.”
“Yes. This is good. Childbirth upsets Argent.”
“Doesn’t he like babies?” Tsumiko asked.
Sansa knelt before a trunk filled with shoe boxes. “He tried to explain once. The build and break of two souls in one body, the dividing of spirits. Amaranthine are sensitive to things we cannot see.” With a sly tone, she added, “He is too gentle. My pain is his distress.”
“What about Gingko?”
“A doting uncle. A great help.” Sansa laughed. “Our gardener makes a fine nanny.”
“Because foxes like to nestle.”
Sansa nodded. “And because children are their treasure. Amaranthine no longer multiply as humans do, so they cherish each new life as rare and precious.”
Tsumiko let that idea swirl through her thoughts for a while before asking, “Doesn’t that make Gingko special to Argent?”
“Truly.”
“Then why would Gingko think he’s hated?”
Turning to her with an equally attentive gaze, Sansa asked, “Do you think Argent hates you?”
“That’s what he says.”
Sansa waved that aside. “Words are not the place to look for truth when it comes to foxes.”
Mystified, Tsumiko asked, “Where should I be looking?”
“There is a reason foxes hide their tails.”
TWENTY NINE
Clan Crests
