Page 165 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
Argent indicated the remaining member in their lineup. “Andthat is Jacques. He has his uses.”
The man flushed as if he’d been paid a great compliment.
Hisoka rapped his staff twice more against the ground at hisfeet. “You called for help, and we are here. We seven share the same vow. Youshall have our guidance, our protection, and whatever resources you need. Neverfear to ask. Our answer will always beyes.”
“And this,” continued Argent, whisking the drape from atopthe barrel. “Shall signify the height, depth, and breadth of our resolve.”
Jiminy gasped. Eyes wide, he gesticulated wordlessly,babbling in the manner of wolves. He looked rather like a cub, wriggling on theverge of incontinence.
“Tsk. Have you something to say, Kourogi-kun?”
He clapped a hand over his mouth.
Argent rolled his eyes. “That was an invitation for you todisplay your superior knowledge.”
“By all the stars who ever sang,” Jiminy said with obviousreverence. “It’s pink.”
“Oh, well-spotted,” Argent drawled. “Thank youforclarifying that for all assembled.”
Tami raised her hand. “I see a little pink, but most of theblock is clear.”
“We still call it a pink. That hint of color at the centeris stronger than a triple-shot espresso to the system.” Jiminy warmed to histopic, talking fast. “The essence of this stone, the power it contains, hasbeen pulled in tight, condensed, and multiplied.Anyremnant of thissize would make a serviceable anchor, but this is ridiculously strong. Size.Clarity. Color. If this rock was a reaver, it’d be a beacon.”
Sinder spoke up. “You are in the presence of the OrchidSaddle.”
Jiminy broke ranks, pushing right into the dragon’s personalspace. Hand brushing urgently at Sinder’s, he asked, “One of the FourGentlemen? First-sensei mentioned them in passing, and I looked for moreinformation. But I only found one reference, barely a fragment of a story.”
The dragon begged, “Don’t ask.”
Jiminy blinked and closed his mouth.
Juuyu reached across and biffed Sinder across the back ofhis head.
“It doesn’tlooklike a saddle.” Kip casually pickedthe rock up and eyed its angles. “Not even close.”
“Have a care.” Hisoka quickly retrieved the stone, returningit to the cask. “The term is largely figurative.”
“What’s it supposed to do?” asked Tami.
Juuyu answered. “Harness the wind.”
“Kind of like how Pecos Bill saddled a cyclone?” asked Kip.At the various blank looks he received from the Amaranthine contingent, hefolded his arms. “American tall tale. It’s legit lore, only a little newer.”
Argent sighed. “Setting aside the assorted fables, thiscrystal is Twineshaft’s gift to this enclave and its ward, in token of hisattainment.”
Jiminy swayed. “Yours, Sensei?”
Hisoka shook his head. “Yours, now, Fourth of Wards. MayCadmiel’s song and Bethiel’s blessing ward the grove you’ve pledged to protect.And may every tree and all their kin thrive in peace for all your generations.”
Tami only left for work on schedule because Joe hadhustled her out of Ash’s arms and into the house for a shower. And becauseFaisal had barged in to help her dress. And because Juuyu Farroost had handedher a Founders coffee to chase away the lingering effects of too much star winebefore ushering her into a shuttle with blacked-out windows … and high enoughceilings to accommodate Ash’s wings.
“Good morning,” he murmured as she slid into the seat besidehis.
She hummed around a sip of coffee.
He was dressed in his janitorial coveralls, and his wingswere gone from view. Like today was just another workday.
“Where’s Kip?”
