Page 59 of Mikoto and the Reaver Village
“Oh!”Isla sounded delighted.“I like your friendsalready. How secure are your surroundings?”
“Unrivaled, I should think.” Tenma searched Mikoto’s face.“Am I allowed to say where we are?”
“Do,” urged Zisa. “How else can you introduce me?”
Still, Tenma waited for Mikoto to give some sign. Youngthough he seemed, even younger than Tenma had been when he started at New Saga,Mikoto was the headman of Wardenclave. He would know how much was too much.
Mikoto asked, “How secure areyoursurroundings?”
“If this is a competition, I might win. Sensei and I areat Lord Mossberne’s home in the heights.”She was smug now.“He gave meyour room, Tenma. The east-facing one.”
Tenma groaned. His friends might forever tease him for LapisMossberne’s grateful impulse, especially Isla.
Isla glibly went on,“A secure line. A secure room. I’ve alsobegun adding wards, since you sounded concerned.”
Mikoto nodded and said, “You may explain our circumstancesto Reaver Ward.”
Tenma began, “Isla, I’m at Wardenclave. And that was MikotoReaver.”
“Oh!”Isla’s voice radiated warmth.“It’s apleasure, Headman. But Tenma, this iswonderful. Have you met mybrother?”
“Just this evening. A nice man.” More softly, he added, “Agood father.”
“Isn’t Gregor a dear?”
“He is never at a loss for admirers.”
“And my sister!”Isla exclaimed.“You met Lilya.”
“I … suppose I did.” Tenma had been rather more interestedin Mikoto. He couldn’t recall much about the girl. “Quiet. Very quiet. Not muchlike you, I think.”
Sisterly concern overflowed.“This is her first time awayfrom home. I hope she’s not withdrawing. Did she seem unhappy?”
To his embarrassment, Tenma couldn’t answer. He looked toMikoto and Zisa, hoping they had something to contribute.
Zisa leaned closer to the phone. “Your sister has courageand ended the evening with a smile.”
“Ah, thatisgood to hear. Who is this, please?
“I am Zisa.”
Silence reined for three full beats.“Oh? Oh, dear.”Isla was clearly flustered.“Oh, this is a pleasure! Tenma, you’re notteasing, are you?”
“You know who he is?”
“Of course! While the name of Waaseyaa’s tree twin is notlisted in any contemporary literature, any student of history can uncover theoccasional mention. And, well, I’ve had several opportunities to chat withDickon Denholm on the subject of trees.”
“He is one of ours,” said Zisa.
Mikoto quietly explained, “Waaseyaa’s youngest son.”
“Baby of the dynasty,” boasted Zisa. “We have a dynasty, youknow. That is what Glint calls our family tree.”
“Yes, I am aware.”Isla’s tone softened.“Papkawas recently awarded dynasty status. We’re all very pleased for him, of course,but … well, it’s also a lot of pressure.”
“Oh? Oooh!” Zisa leaned so close to the phone, his nosenearly touched the screen. “Glint likes linking dynasties. Are you part ofours?”
“No, no.”Isla veered off into a brief overview ofher lineage, which carried down almost exclusively through Northern Europe.Never crossing with the fabled bloodlines that flourished an ocean away.
