Page 153 of Mikoto and the Reaver Village
Reveille raised both hands and took a soothing tone. “Youand me both, but I’m not asking you to play midwife. The pup was born a littleafter mid-high. It’s probably theonlyreason she let me chase Kyriethrough the forest instead of doing it herself.”
“She needs a nanny?”
“You’re standing in for Path.” Reveille kept edging towardthe door, clearly eager to fulfill his aunt’s wishes. “You’ll speak for him. Presentthe pup to our Da and announce his name.”
“But I never met Path.” Ginkgo tucked a bewildered tail. “I’mnot even a dog.”
“Auntie has always been … contrary. And slow to trust.”Lowering his voice, Reveille added, “And short on patience. So hurry it up.”
Mikoto rose and asked, “May I attend?”
“Of course, headman. She liked you even before yourpromotion.”
With a small smile, Mikoto admitted, “It can be difficult totell.”
Ginkgo shot a questioning look at Lapis.
The dragon indicated Noble and Rifflet. “I have all thecompany I need until such time as Hisoka returns with Kyrie. Hurry along. Itdoes not do to keep a lady waiting.”
“Coming, coming!” sang out Reveille, who practically carriedGinkgo to the low building.
Several important personages milled outside. He recognized Hannickand Salali, and he could only assume the rabbit was head of the Duntuffet clan.But Reveille bustled him straight inside, where an abundance of fresh strawalmostcovered the scents he associated with birthings.
His escort gave him a bump in Snow’s direction, so Ginkgohurried past anyone else in the periphery and said, “I’m here. I’m also alittle confused but mostly honored. You sure about this?”
Transcendence—he really needed to remember her rightful name—angledher head toward the pup nuzzling at her belly.
Ginkgo melted. “Nowthat’swhat I call cute. Okay ifI say hey?”
Without really waiting for an answer, he hunkered down nextto the pup, leaning into Snow, surrounding himself with the homey scents ofmotherhood and milk.
“You’re a Starmark for sure.” The puff of puppy down wasred, and Ginkgo had little doubt it would grow out into the silky curls thatmade combing Rise so much fun. “You know, I’ve never been this close to anewborn pup. Cubs for days, but you’re my first baby dog.”
The little guy stopped nursing and thrust his nose in Ginkgo’sgeneral direction.
“Clumsy little wobbler.” He gathered the pup onto his lapand urged, “Get a whiff, why don’t you?”
The pup’s ears had a decided droop, and he thought the tailwould have a respectable sweep. “Odds are on copper, but maybe you’ll please yourgrandsire with a show of silver.”
His little voice piped, and he lipped Ginkgo’s chin.
“Now you listen to me,” he gruffly ordered. “Your mother isa growly nipper, but she knows what’s what. That’s why I’m here.Nobodyloves little ones more than me, and I have some stiff competition.”
Transcendence did nip his ear then.
Which brought his attention up. “Oh. Hey, Resplendence.”
“Auntie had me write down the words you need to say.” Theguard he’d met at the front gate radiated happiness. “They are Path’s messageto Da.”
Unfolding the page, he read the pronouncement through a fewtimes. “Got it.”
It was incredibly sad that this pup’s father wasn’t here tohelp welcome him. He was missing out. And Snow was undoubtedly missing him. Ginkgolifted his hand and said, “You did good, mama.”
She bypassed his hand to nip his ear again.
“Watch it, little mister,” he grumbled to the pup. “She’llbe after yours next. But don’t let it worry you too much. I’m pretty sure itmeans nice things.”
A throat cleared, and people filed inside. All fivefounders. Resplendence and Reveille, who Ginkgo guessed were Glint andRadiance’s youngest children. Waaseyaa entered, as did Wardenclave’s headman. Ginkgooffered a little wave to Mikoto, whose mystification softened into a smile.
