Page 163 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
Tami edged closer to Joe. “All Argent said was that themeeting would have the appropriate balance.”
“So … seven of us, seven of them.” Ash dared to ask, “Hewouldn’t have brought the whole council, would he?”
“No way,” said Kip. “They’re all over the place, doing theirDichotomy Day thing like good little ambassadors for peace.”
Tami nodded. “Harmonious Starmark is touring South America.Lapis Mossberne is in Jerusalem. Tenna Silverprong is in Russia. And KimikoMiyabe is visiting Wardenclave.”
“That leaves Elderbough and Farroost.” Melissa asked, “Anywhiff?”
Kip, whose nose was twitching nearly as fast as his tail,asked, “Are you kidding?”
“The wards are too strong, but they’re also dropping hints.”Jiminy indicated several points along the wall. “Fox. Dragon. Wolf. Phoenix.”
Joe simply shrugged, opened the door, and walked through.
“Gutsy,” muttered Kip.
“Punctual,” countered Tami, patting his shoulder on her waypast. “Let’s not keep our guests waiting.”
Ash waved the others inside, then followed, carefully easinghis wings through. The apple barn was closed for the season—tables stacked,baskets stowed, floors swept—but the scent of fruit lingered in the air. Moresigils wheeled along the walls and amidst the rafters, fainter in here, withthe lights switched on.
Argent waited just inside the door. “Allow me,” he murmured,solicitous as a butler.
He thought the fox meant to add more wards to the door, butwith little more than a touch, he banished Ash’s illusions.
Giving his wings a little shake, Ash whispered, “Thanks.”
“It was no trouble.” With a lift of his brows, Argentsuggested, “Brace yourself.”
Before he could ask what for, Tamiko blindsided him.
“Can you believe it?” Her lovely eyes were dancing, herhappiness adding a squeak to her question.
“I might believe anything on this night.”
“He’s here, he’s here, he’shere!”
She bounced against him, not an unpleasant sensation, and hespread his wings further for balance. Whose arrival could possibly haveeclipsed that of Hisoka Twineshaft and Argent Mettlebright?
Ash’s gaze darted to the cluster of strangers surrounding SpokespersonTwineshaft, and he understood. The Starmark clan had sent a representative.With a chuckle, he suggested, “How about we sayhi?”
Tamiko nodded, but she remained very much locked in place,also far from unpleasant. Ash took advantage of his now-visible wings to hideher with his feathers. “Starstruck?” he teased.
“He’s … he’s Eloquence Starmark!”
Chancing a peek, he reported, “And he’s coming this way.”
“May I beg an introduction?”
“No need to beg.” Ash gently turned Tami to face Eloquence.“We’re surprised and honored and … really very happy.”
Tamiko leaned heavily into Ash, a position he encouraged bywrapping his arms around her from behind. Her heart was racing, but she ralliedenough to say, “Hi.”
Eloquence offered his palms. “My father sends both his greetingsand his congratulations. He will come to meet you as soon as he is able. In themeantime, he sent me … and a cask of star wine with which to liven the night.”
To Ash’s amusement, Tamiko thanked him in Japanese, thenEnglish, then again in Japanese before blurting, “You’rehere.”
“I apologize for unsettling you.” Eloquence took adeferential posture. “Sensei thought it best that we meet quickly and makefriends. If that’s acceptable.”
