Page 139 of Mikoto and the Reaver Village
“First of Dogs?” she asked. “But isn’t that you?”
Glint began, “He was my ….” Faltering, he cleared his throatand started again. “Path is …was…. I am not sure how to …?”
Radiance, who stood beside Snow, said, “Path was the first StarmarkKith.”
Lilya had noticed that members of the dog clans wereindistinguishable from wolves when in truest form. However, Kith of the wolfclans always looked like wolves, while the dog clans seemed to represent allkinds of dog breeds.
“Who …?” But Lilya stopped. Because it wasn’t hard to guess.
This was one of those secrets that adults didn’t seem tothink children understood. But Ever was terrible at keeping secrets.
Looking to Moon, whose arm was draped around Snow’s neck,she revisited an earlier insight. “You are like Laud to Quen. Like Quen toEver.” Beloved foster parent.
“That is the way of things,” he agreed, sharing a smile withRadiance.
Stepping closer so Glint would have to look her in the eye,she asked, “Ever’s Da lovesallhis sons. Was Path your Rise?”
Glint’s mouth trembled, and he sank to his knees and pulledher into his arms. “So you know about such things?”
“Rise is Ever’s big brother. We all love him.” She wanted totell him not to be sad, but that would be like telling him to stop caring abouta member of his family. “I’m not supposed to know about Kith-sire. But I’veoverheard some things. And Ever explained some other things.”
“Path was both my son and my companion. A packmate and apactmate. He shared every part of my life, and I miss him more than I can express.”
“Let me,” said Moon. “I will speak for all here.”
“Please, friend,” begged Glint.
“And then I will sing,” murmured Lapis, who stood to oneside, cradling Rifflet close.
“You’re a dear,” pronounced Radiance, who was smiling eventhough her cheeks were wet with tears.
From within the circle of Glint’s arms, Lilya watched Moonstep to one side and transform into a large white wolf. He nuzzled Snow, lickedher forehead, then settled back on his haunches, lifted his muzzle to the sky, andhowled.
Ginkgo was trying not to gawk at his surroundings whileHannick Alpenglow looked between him and Salali. The horse clansman’s mannerwas patient and ponderous. As if he hadn’t decided how to react to the suddenarrival of guests.
“Salali,” he sighed. “What have you done?”
The squirrel beamed unhelpfully.
In an effort to break the ice, Ginkgo gave his ears a littlewiggle, but Hannick’s mellow gaze didn’t stray. Which was kind of impressive.
He flicked them again, just to be coy.
“Burr in your ear?” Hannick inquired mildly. “I can gather alight and forceps.”
“Bid for attention,” Ginkgo admitted.
“You have mine.”
He let his ears droop and adopted a more respectful posture.“I usually impress people.”
“I usually do not.” Hannick faced Salali and immediatelylooked fondly beleaguered. “Salali, why is this gentleman here?”
“My new apprentice would be more comfortable with a neutralparty looking after his interests. Be his advocate.”
“But why bring himhere?”
Ginkgo stole another glance at their surroundings. Hisgardener’s heart was going pitty-pat. He wanted to explore everything from theflower borders to the herb beds. Not to mention several varieties of trees thathad to be both ancient and affectionate.
