Page 3 of Mikoto and the Reaver Village
Dimityblest.
The clan leaders still considered Wardenclave home. Visitorswere often impressed by them. Historians could get especially starry eyed. Butto Mikoto, these guys seemed pretty normal. They were nice folks. Goodneighbors. Family friends.
“I do not understand,” Mikoto repeated.
“You are the first headman to take charge before hisfortieth year. And you are the first to be inducted because of hispredecessor’s death.” Yulin’s voice softened with sadness. “Traditionally, youwould have been mentored by your father.”
But he was gone.
Yulin said, “Gabe left you to us.”
Mikoto swallowed hard. “How could he have? It was sudden.”
“Your progenitor lingered as long as he could. He lived tomeet a great-great-granddaughter, but he knew he would never see your fortiethyear.” Yulin heaved a shaky sigh and repeated, “Gabe left you to us. Well, tome.But the others demanded their share, and you can only benefit from theircouncil.”
“I … Ireallydo not understand.” Mikoto knew thisshould have been a great honor, but he hated the idea of being pulled in fivedirections. “Am I supposed to report to all of you? Will I be assigned courses?Apprentices usually live with their mentor. How can I …?”
“No, my good noble.” Yulin’s hands sought his and supportedthem. “We will not add to your responsibilities. We will take them for aseason, then share them for a season, then return them when the season is right,and you are ready.”
“So I amnotin charge?”
“You are.” Yulin gave his hands a squeeze. “But you willdelegate the majority of your duties to a staff of volunteers. Us.”
Mikoto realized something that maybe should have beenobvious. “Do you speak for the Dimityblest clan?”
“Yes. Until such time as my progenitor returns.” Yulin gotstraight down to business. “I will be with you, and I will deal with allaspects of public relations. Your induction will undoubtedly garner theinterest of the international press.”
Reflexively, Mikoto grabbed Yulin’s wrists. The moth smiledand matched the gesture in a silent pledge.
“Naturally, our first priority must be to our guests. Thesummer courses begin in a week, and this year’s attendees include some specialcases. We need to check with Merl, who will manage the instructors, theirschedules, and any supplies they require. He is the Alpenglow designate.”
Mikoto blinked and breathed easier. “Merl is one of mymentors?”
Yulin flashed a sweet smile. “At my request, since you andhe have established a certain rapport.”
“Thank you,” he whispered.
“I am here to make thingseasierfor you.”
“Who else?”
“Salali, of course. And Bram stands byanyDuntuffet,so you have your pick of the warren.” Yulin gestured back in the direction ofhome. “Merl has promised an array of your favorites if you are willing to breakyour fast with him.”
Mikoto nodded. Then hesitated. “What about the Starmarkdesignate?”
“Ah.” Yulin went up on tiptoe to deliver a fleeting kiss toMikoto’s cheek. An apology of sorts. One that made the answer quite plain. Itwould be Glint himself.
THREE
Colt Alpenglow
Wardenclave had been part of the Emergence, chosen forits historical significance. The New World village where an alliance betweenAmaranthine and reavers was first forged still flourished. A rustic localewhere reavers sent their kids to summer camp. It made a good story. Both HisokaTwineshaft and Harmonious Starmark made sure of that.
Mikoto had been five when the film crews first arrived. Journalistswith their questions and angles and human interest. Politicians with theirskepticism and their constituents and their upcoming elections. Tourists withtheir bravery and their bucket lists and their billfolds.
They were always so amazed when they passed through theouter wards, which hid an entire mountain range. Denholm’s unveiling was usedto prove the existence—by their very absence—of whole swaths of wildernessunder Amaranthine protection. So while peacemakers and lawgivers were hammeringout treaties, cartographers and cryptid hunters and conspiracy theorists huntedfor more hideaways.
Like it was a children’s game. Hide and seek.
