Page 125 of Mikoto and the Reaver Village
“Wait.” Zisa’s head turned. “Mikoto is coming.”
Ginkgo angled his ears toward the trail. Sure enough, theslow, soft tread of boots approached. Moments later, Mikoto lifted an arm, leftthe path, and cut their way. Zisa abandoned Sinder in order to welcome theheadman with characteristic affection. Which was clearly mutual.
With a gurgle of laughter, Zisa stole Noble from Mikoto’spocket and skipped to Waaseyaa’s door.
“Hello,” Mikoto greeted in a low voice.
“Couldn’t sleep?” asked Ginkgo.
“Not really.” He shrugged awkwardly. “Am I intruding?”
Ginkgo hooked his arm. “Kyrie’s waiting on us, and you’rewelcome. Did you know there’s a Kith shelter just over there?”
“Yes.” With a faint smile, Mikoto remarked, “I did notrealize you were acquainted with Transcendence.”
“Who now?” His ears went cockeyed.
Sinder interrupted to grumble, “Well,Ididn’t knowthis was here. Why are there so many barriers around a barn?”
“I know, right?” said Ginkgo, pulling open the door.
“It is a wolvish custom,” said Mikoto. “Glint and Radiance supportedher decision to go into seclusion.”
“You mean Snow?” Ginkgo turned to Sinder. “The Kith in hereknows you’re coming. Best I can tell, she doesn’t mind.”
“About Snow.” Mikoto touched his shoulder. “Did Radiancetell you she is Kith?”
The question confused him. “She introduced her. How elsewould I know her name?”
“Nickname,” gently corrected the headman. “Radiance has aplayful manner. She finds misunderstandings like this amusing.”
“I’m sorry?” Ginkgo didn’t like the direction Mikoto seemedto be going. His ears drooped.
Mikoto took the lead and offered his palms to the white dog.“May I enlighten our guests?”
Snow’s gaze locked with Ginkgo’s, and she dipped her head.
“I am pleased to introduce Transcendence Starmark, who is chiefof Wardenclave’s security team. They are often referred to as the Demon Dogs ofDenholm. Transcendence has been in seclusion since the death of her bondmatelast winter.”
“You’re a traditionalist?” asked Sinder, who’d loweredhimself into a passive crouch just inside the entrance.
Mikoto hesitated, but Snow—who Ginkgo really needed to thinkof as Transcendence—made a sharp gesture with her muzzle.
“This was her choice, but also a necessity.” Mikoto’s wholeposture radiated respect. “The chief’s bondmate Path was a Kith of the Starmarkclan.”
FORTY-FIVE
By Your Deeds
Now that he had a name, Mikoto had sort of hoped that Sindercould call out to the whisper of wind that was suddenly, achingly missing. Thestillness was unnerving. An absence he’d always associated with the end ofsummer. It had always meant that Lupe was gone from Wardenclave. Except now heknew that he’d lost touch with his imp.
The lonesomeness left him empty, breathless, but Kyrieneeded Sinder. Something about an assessment.
“Why me?” asked Sinder, looking between the Mettlebrightbrothers.
Ginkgo’s tail puffed and settled. “Because you won’t askunnecessary questions.”
Sinder made one of those pretty little fluting sounds thatreminded Mikoto of the avian clans. Finally, the dragon said, “I’m willing, solong as you don’t ask how I came to my conclusions.”
