Page 161 of Mikoto and the Reaver Village
Ginkgo’s voice was there, too. Right beside him. “Rise fromhere, Damsel,” he urged, stroking firmly at his back.
“Whenever you’re ready,” said Timur, who held him snug andsteady, one large hand covering his blaze.
Then the sun crested, and Kyrie gasped. Sinder writhed.
“That’s the stuff,” praised Ginkgo. “Spread your wings forus, Sinder.”
“Please?” Kyrie added in an awed whisper.
He trembled with the effort, but he managed.
Timur spoke the traditional rites in Old Amaranthine first, thenboomed a joyous, “Well done!”
FIFTY-SEVEN
Woo the Wind
Mikoto sought out Merl.
When had they last spent any time together? Too long. True, Merlwas essentially running the camp this summer. And everyone was extra busy withthe upcoming induction ceremony. But Mikoto was suddenly certain that he neededhis brother. His best friend.
“Hear me out?” he begged.
Merl ushered him into the garden behind his house, unlockedthe small shed that served as their shared armory, and readied himself to spar.Because this was how they did things. Mikoto always needed a while to figureout how to say what was on his mind.
They bashed around for a bit, changed weapons, and clashedsome more.
After another exchange, Merl silently passed him a trowel,and they weeded most of the herb garden before Mikoto began to talk. There wasso much. He knew he was forgetting details, but he managed the basics. And Merllistened closely, often pausing in his work to watch Mikoto’s face. The coltwas amazed by it all. Every word.
So was Mikoto, come to think of it.
“Your connection to her must be strong if Tenma mistook youfor one of us,” said Merl.
Mikoto grunted his agreement.
“So?”
He looked up.
“Have you made your choice?”
“I have.” He studied his hands. “Will it cause problems?”
Merl whole expression warmed. “Fewer than you seem torealize. But if problems arise, you can count on Wardenclave’s support.”
Mikoto nodded.
“Have you told Yulin?”
“No.”
“He will be the most help, so go to him next.” Merl rosesmoothly. “But first … wait here, please.”
The colt disappeared inside, returning a minute later with alittle bell, which he suspended from a branch of the plum tree in the corner ofthe yard. It chimed once, then settled into silence.
“But first,” Merl resumed. “Talk to her.”
“How?”
