Page 146 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
The Kith-kin offered pleading palms. “I could hardly go intomore detail when he doesn’t have the grounding and I don’t have the know-how.It’s why we needed help. It’s why we’re confiding in you.”
Having been in close quarters with them for nearly twohours, Argent had formed his opinions, mostly based on scent and guesswork. Thesimmering tension between them was an endearingly innocent blend of want andwillingness. What made the whole mess interesting was Joe’s confidence. Hisdecision was more than made.
In contrast, Kip reminded Argent of some of the childrenthey brought into Stately House. Frightened by the pull of instincts theyhadn’t learned to trust. Desperate to belong anywhere, to matter to anyone. Awedby their good fortune. Sure there must be some mistake. Cautious to give in.Helpless to resist.
Argent enjoyed secrets and strategies, especially when theynetted a prize. In large part, it’s why he’d taken on Tami and Ash. TheReaverson-Sunfletch courtship had the potential to redefine public opinion inAmerica and—of greater personal importance—add strength to his ongoing campaignto protect crossers. All he had to do was maximize on an establishedrelationship.
But Joe and Kip actuallyneededa go-between. In thetraditional sense. Hardly Argent’s forte, yet a very personal prize hung in thebalance. Answers.
“I have intimate knowledge of the bond you hope to nurture,and I am willing to teach you what you need to know. I have the necessary strengthand scope to handle a beacon, and I have sufficient influence to protect yourprivacy. However ….” Argent sat a little straighter. “I have a condition and arequest.”
“What’s the condition?” Kip asked warily.
“Beneath your own wards, there is a very different seal uponhis soul.” Argent didn’t bother to hide his distaste. “I want it gone.”
“I’ll have to remove all the other sigils first.” Thesquirrel cautiously added, “He’ll be exposed.”
“Fortunately for you, I have considerable experience shutteringbeacons.” Argent casually added, “With your sigilcraft and mine, this room isnow sacrosanct. You will retreat here for tending, as well. Especially earlyon, when inexperience is bound to leave you awash.”
Kip acquiesced with a nod. “And your request?”
“May I bring in Hisoka Twineshaft?”
Joe seemed a little dazed. “Umm … if you think it’s best.”
With a hint of a smile, Kip said, “Even an under-the-tablemeeting has to have equal sides.”
Joe opened his eyes in a strange place. Starlight cutthrough beveled glass, sigils wheeled slowly in midair, and he could hear thetrickle of water nearby. A fountain? Crystals like the ones Kip had loftedsparkled like fireflies, and more details slowly came into focus—trees andtrellises, ferns and forget-me-nots. “Where am I?” he murmured.
“This is a fox dream.” Argent joined him on what seemed tobe a stone bench. “You fell asleep. I am taking advantage.”
“Is this real?”
“No. But fox dreams are more true than false.” His gestureencompassed the glassed-in garden. “At home, this is my haven. Like your room,my garden is sacrosanct.”
“Why am I here?”
“Kip will require another hour or more to undo the rest ofhis sigilcraft. Then I will help him remove your original seal.”
“Do I have to be awake for that part?”
“No. I will keep you company here. You need the sleep.”
Little creatures rustled in the foliage. He recognized oneor two, like the gem snake that Kip had told him was a midivar. But he had nowords for the blue bird about the size of a chicken that wobbled past or thecurious mouse-like critter with eensy antlers. He smiled when he recognized a gossameer.
“Do you know what these are called? Kip’s been teaching metheir names, but I don’t know most of these.”
“You like Ephemera?”
“Yeah.” He reached for the creature that puffed along like atiny, translucent jellyfish. “Doon-wen invited some specialists to study ours.I guess some are pretty rare. The orchard has already been declared a preserve.”
Argent blandly remarked, “So youcantalk.”
Joe shrugged. “I like Ephemera. They’re one of my favoriteparts of home.”
“And doubtless, you are theirs.” He raised a hand andclucked his tongue. “Have you ever tamed them?”
“Yes.” To his amazement, a tiny winged monkey zipped from anearby shrub and darted to Argent’s palm. Joe put two and two together. “Youlike them, too.”
