Page 76 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
Lou said, “Allow us to treat you to lunch.”
She asked, “What’s all this?”
“This and that, but mostly us,” said the redhead. “I’ll getthe door. Go on, Rook. You have the years. You first.”
Tami watched in fascination as the newcomer sketchedshimmering figures on the room’s windows and doors. “Sigils?” she whispered.
“A bit of added privacy,” he said with a wink.
Pushing back her chair, Tami stood in happy suspense. Themen—males—didn’t disappoint. All three underwent a subtle transformation, theirAmaranthine features becoming readily apparent.
Lou stepped forward, his tail swaying, and spoke with quietformality. “Tamiko Lisbet Reaverson, principal of schools, proponent for peace,twin of trees, you have become the allotment from Red Gate Farm. Meet with us,learn our names, and take your rightful share of trust.”
“The enclave?” she guessed. “You’re part of the enclave?”
“Its founders.” Lou offered his hands. “I am Kinloo-felNightspangle, often called Rook. My brother Doon-wen, alpha of the Nightspanglepack, led an answering allotment to Archer to meet your family and consider ourfuture.”
“You’re Jiminy’s family.”
“Yes.”
“Does Melissa know?”
“More or less.” The redhead offered his hands. “Moremorethan less. She hasn’t been next door just yet, but we’ll coax her into the nestby and by. Linden Woodacre. Squirrel clan.”
Rook said, “We are showing our true faces, telling our truenames, and meeting with you in good faith, because trust has two sides.”
Cyril, whose ears were now showed both points and piercings,spread clawed hands wide. “Your secrets are ours, and ours have become yours.You will join our number as a founder and guide our two enclaves toward abrighter future.”
“Me? Wouldn’t it be better for you to work with Grandad?He’s the one who prepared the way for an alliance.”
“You’re tree-kin,” said Linden, as if that explainedeverything.
Tami frowned. “Is there some hierarchy at work here?”
“More of a practicality,” said Cyril. “It’s a matter oflifespan.”
She sighed. “I know I’ll probably live longer than Grandad,but he’s been waiting his whole life for this.”
Cyril made a soft noise, a very birdlike noise. “She doesn’tknow.”
Rook’s tail bristled. “By oversight or omission?”
“Hey, now,” said Linden. “Don’t assume the worst. A wholelotta stuff’s happened in short order.”
Tami took a deep breath and addressed them each in turn.“Cyril Sunfletch. Kinloo-fel Nightspangle. Linden Woodacre. I know your names,and I know I have a lot to learn. What has you concerned?”
“Not concerned,per se,” said Cyril. “Simplysurprised. In nearly every regard, you might consider us heralds who carry goodnews.”
She had to wonder why this latest surprise was setting off somany guarded looks and speaking glances. It was as if none of them wanted to bethe messenger.
Cyril must have drawn the short straw.
Heaving a sigh, he explained, “Those born with a golden seedin their hand choose a good place and plant that seed. For many years theyguard and tend their twin, and in exchange, they receive their tree’sblessing.”
“So say the tales, but cut to the chase,” urged Linden.
“Tami, you have become tree-kin. You will share your tree’slifespan.” Cyril’s smile was tight with sympathy. “We wantyouto joinour number because you will live as we do, ever onward, evermore.”
