Page 127 of Mikoto and the Reaver Village
Sinder’s incredulity came out in a soft whistle. “Crystaladept?”
“Quite the charmer,” confirmed Ginkgo.
“Well, then. I propose a practical test. The battlers inthese mountains are trying to work out how to track a dragon. And catch one.See if you can outdo them. Chase after me. I want to see how you fare withtracking. Bonus points if you can show off a bit of sigilcraft on the fly.”
Ginkgo raised a hand. “Aren’t you worried all those rookieswill get between you?”
“I could stay with him,” offered Mikoto.
Kyrie turned his wrist gratefully, but he said, “You wouldnot be able to keep up.”
“Not a bad idea to have friends to fall back on,” counteredSinder. “How about we pair Mikoto with Timur. They’ll do well enough. And Kyriecan run with Torloo.”
Mikoto didn’t recognize the name, but Kyrie flushed withpleasure. “He is my friend.”
Ginkgo hesitated and turned to Transcendence, who’d beenlistening closely to every word. “What do you think? I’d feel better with one ofyour people on hand. Just in case.”
The white dog nosed his shirt, nipped his ear, and huffed.
A sharp rap sounded on the door. With a murmured apology, oneof the guards let himself inside. Mikoto was a little surprised to see Glintand Radiance’s youngest son.
“Da?” Kyrie blurted, only to dissemble. “You look likeEver’s da.”
“Well met! My name is Reveille Starmark. You must be Ever’sgood friend Kyrie.”
The boy quickly presented his palms.
Ginkgo waved a casual greeting. “The resemblance is uncanny.”
“You’re not the first to mention it.” Reveille met Kyrie’spalms and smiled faintly. “May I consider your mistake a compliment?”
Kyrie blushed to the tips of ears. “Please, do! I loveEver’s da almost as much as my own.”
“Then trust should come easy and linger long.” He took a conspiratorialtone. “I was whelped after my eldest brother left Wardenclave, so I don’treally know him. I’m a little jealous.”
“Come and visit?” the boy suggested.
“Maybe someday. But let us concern ourselves withthisday.” With a jaunty flick of fingers toward Transcendence, he said, “Since myaunt cannot run with you herself, I will share your path.”
FORTY-SIX
Practically Family
Lilya woke to Gregor’s finger in her nose. His delightwhen she opened her eyes was contagious, and she was still smiling when shelugged her freshly dressed nephew into the kitchen.
“Good morning,” murmured Waaseyaa, who was setting breakfaston the table. He had Rifflet tangled in his hair and Noble bouncing around his ankles,trying to reach the little dragon. Yet the man seemed pleased to have theircompany.
Ginkgo strolled through the door and laughed. “Which one ofyou wants my help most?”
“’Ko!” called Gregor, reaching eagerly.
So Ginkgo swooped in to pluck up Gregor, freeing Lilya torescue Waaseyaa from Rifflet’s antics.
Not until they sat to eat did Lilya ask, “Where’s Kyrie?”
“With Sinder. I’ve already made his excuses to the morninginstructors.” Ginkgo casually added, “You can stay back, too. If you want.”
Lilya smiled. It was good timing. “May I visit Glint?”
