Page 15 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
Ms. Reeves seemed pleased with progress and set the groups to the task of formal introductions. “We have until mid-high before we need to move on, so take your time asking questions. I’ll be available to mediate as needed.”
“Mid-high?” asked Tenma.
All around the room, other students were asking the same thing. Ms. Reeves simply smiled and left the explanations to the group members.
Eloquence used a flat hand to describe the angle of the sun. “Halfway to the sun’s zenith, so midmorning. Amaranthine don’t rely on clocks, so we’ll reference the position of the sun, moon, stars, or tides, as appropriate.”
Tenma checked his watch, then glanced around the room. “Is it just me, or are we short a reaver?”
Quen slouched further in his chair. “Do we really need one?”
But a weedy, wide-eyed boy at the neighboring table had noticed the lone duo. “Reeves-sensei, those two don’t have a reaver.”
“What? Oh, my. Why didn’t you speak up, Eloquence?”
A couple of titters came from the same girls who’d approved Hanoo’s bracelet.
Ms. Reeves’ posture begged for patience. “I suppose thatwasrather ironic. ButEloquenceis his given name. You’ll get used to the dog clans’ naming sense as you meet more of them. For instance, Sentinel Skybellow is head of our school’s security team.”
Conscious of the whole class’s interested scrutiny, Tenma turned and placed his hands on the table. Quen did the same, giving the boy some space.
“We should divide neatly.” Scanning the class, then peering at her roster, Ms. Reeves murmured, “Who’s missing?”
Every Amaranthine in the room turned their attention to the door.
Several moments later, the rest could hear the echo of running feet out in the hallway. Then the door slid open, and a girl entered. “Sorry!” she gasped, doubling over as she tried to catch her breath.
Quen tested the air, then leaned forward. This reaver—theirreaver—was pink-cheeked from her run, bright-eyed with eagerness, and closely-kept by no less than three levels of warding. She was a slender, leggy pre-adolescent with an abundance of dark blonde curls, and her eyes picked up the willow-green of her tunic.
The girl straightened, then bowed to their teacher. “I apologize for being so late, Reeves-sensei. There was a mix-up in the office, and they wouldn’t let me through.” With a mischievous little smile, she added, “They seemed to think I was too young, but my mentor sorted them out.”
“I’m sure he did.” Ms. Reeves made a note on her paper. “We’ve been chatting about proper introductions. Will you make yours for the class?”
“Of course, Sensei.” And turning to the room with a warm smile, she said, “I'm Isla Ward of Stately House, apprentice to Hisoka Twineshaft. My designations are linguist, cultural liaison, and diplomat.”
NINE
Straggler
Eloquence noticed a small stir in the corner where the phoenix’s triad sat. Suuzu’s human friend waved furiously at Isla, mouthing something incomprehensible.
Ms. Reeves also caught his gyrations and peered at him bemusedly. “Did you have something to contribute, Hajime-kun?”
Akira bounced to his feet. “Mostly just sayinghey. Me and Isla are practically family, so I knew she’d be here at New Saga. But she never mentioned we’d be in thesame class.”
Isla’s posture pleaded ignorance and innocence.
The boy grumbled something about keeping denmates informed, and several facts shifted into sudden focus. Eloquence blurted, “Akira Hajime, are you the Mettlebright beacon’s kin?”
“Yep, I’m her younger brother,” he cheerfully replied.
That made direct ties to three of the Five. What was Hisoka Twineshaftdoing? If there was a risk here, why endanger children with such prominent connections? Or were Argent Mettlebright’s bondmate’s brother and the cat’s own apprentice the reason the cat was relying on him? He dearly wished the feline spokesperson was less fond of subtleties.
“You guys be nice to Isla.”
Akira’s gruff demand was almost rude and wholly unnecessary, but it struck the right sort of chord with a dog. Eloquence stood to give his words the proper weight. “Her welcome is assured. Her place is secure. Rest easy, friend of phoenixes.”
The boy’s grin was grateful.
