by Forthright
Tucking the strand under his shirt, Akira said, “Thanks, Boon. Really. I owe you one.”
“It’s all good, Akira.” Boon didn’t quite meet his eyes. “We’ll settle up some other time.”
Kimiko eased away from Hisoka-sensei’s entourage of experts and ducked into the kitchen, only to find Dickon Denholme already there, resplendent in traditional attire. “Very dashing!” she said approvingly. “Noriko, they’re ready for you upstairs.”
Her older sister set tea and a selection of snacks on the table. “That’s an interesting choice, Kimiko. Has Mama seen you?”
She shook her head. “The Amaranthine in charge of wardrobe are keeping her occupied. She’s eating up all their fuss and flattery.” A veritable flock of avians had arrived earlier, toting boxes, chests, and trunks from which spilled a fortune in silk. “Don’t you just love peacocks?”
“I thought they were pheasants,” Noriko murmured, half to herself.
Dickon gazed at them over the rim of his tea cup. “I know the flamingo.”
Kimiko shooed her sister toward the door. “Go and be preened, then come back down to show off for us. We’ll repay you for your snacks with increasingly outrageous compliments.”
“Don’t be silly.”
“I expect to see you in at least three empress-level designs,” insisted Kimiko. “Indulge me!”
Noriko hung up her apron and departed with her head held high … and cheeks pink.
Interesting.
Kimiko studied her companion, whose gaze was firmly fixed on his tea.
Doubly interesting.
She cheerfully said, “Hisoka-sensei thinks of everything.”
“His attention to detail is … admirable.”
“I’m not sure I like all the subtleties. Quen’s straightforwardness is more to my taste.”
He smiled faintly. “Then you have made a good match.”
“May I ask an impertinent question?”
“Yes.”
“Where do you rank?”
Dark eyes lifted. “Seventeenth.”
She didn’t even try to hide her astonishment. “In which class? Battler?”
“Overall.” After a lengthy silence, he quietly added, “My father is the beacon of Wardenclave.”
Kimiko gasped, “How are you here?”
“I have always been attached to the Starmark clan. Six months ago, when my debt to Glint was satisfied, Harmonious offered Rein and me a place. I wanted to settle down. Hisoka found out.”
“Reaver Denholme, are you joining our family?” Kimiko playfully added, “For the ceremony, I mean?”
“Added security.” He inclined his head. “You understand.”
FORTY-ONE
Reliquary
Eloquence lurked with Ever and Rise in the garden nearest the grand pavilion where Dad awaited their guests. Following some ancient protocol, Quen was being kept out of the way until he could make a grand entrance. So he’d been banned from the initial reception, leaving Dad to his fun—playing the host, with a side of paternal posturing.
“Yet?” whispered Ever.
“Soon,” he promised. Quen’s ears were tuned to the road beyond the heavy gates, which Valor and Prospect would swing wide at the Miyabe entourage’s arrival.
His only real duty until his big moment was keeping Ever neat. But Akira, who had arrived ahead of the main group, had suggested leaving the parents to their own devices. While they handled all the formal introductions and fanfare, Quen could show his friends around.
“Yet?” Ever asked again.
Quen gave one puppy ear a tug and said, “Yes. Can you hear the car motor?”
His brother nodded eagerly.
“We must stay very quiet—you and me and Rise.”
Ever pressed his face against Quen’s neck to stifle a giggle. The pup adored games of all kinds, but especially when they were on the same team.
A line of black sedans rolled into view. Hardly subtle, but Quen was willing to bet that no one had noticed the cars wending their way through Keishi. Not with Argent Mettlebright as escort.
The fox emerged to open the door for Kimiko’s kindred. The first to appear was undoubtedly her father. The man did a double-take when he saw who was holding the door for him. Had he not realized one of the Five was attending them?
Probably not. Foxes rarely brought attention to themselves except to distract.
Which was exactly the case. Quen nudged Ever and pointed.
While the shrinekeeper fumbled for words before Argent’s haughty stare, Suuzu opened the opposite car door and calmly ushered out Kimiko. A murmured word, a quick hug, a grateful smile, and then his suitor’s gaze was searching.
Quen deposited Ever on the snow-dusted path and commanded, “Quick and quiet, bring our lady here.”
The mission was perfect. Even if Dad spotted Ever, he’d never interrupt a pup so convinced of his stealthiness. Where Eloquence would have been collared, Ever would be indulged.
Kimiko picked him up and followed the guidance of one chubby finger.
Stepping into the open, Quen held out his hand to her. Nobody seemed to notice, with the exception of Argent, who’d glided to Suuzu’s side. It would seem Akira’s little scheme had serious backing. Assured of success, Quen turned his full attention to Kimiko.
This was the first time he’d seen her dressed in anything but the modest black and tan of her school uniform. Voluminous hakama swished softly with each step, the heavy red silk marked with a lavish chrysanthemum pattern. Far from the simple attire of a shrine maiden, but reminiscent in style. Here was a proud daughter of Kikusawa Shrine.
Wide pleats fell from a high waist, which was knotted over a wrapped shirt with full sleeves. He recognized Amaranthine craftsmanship, hand-painted flowers blooming across white silk. The vee of the neckline had been arranged to show additional layers beneath, colorful bands of silk creating a display of wealth and refinement.
More impressive than the quality of her clothing was the careless grace with which she wore it. No stiffness. No self-consciousness. In fact, he wondered if he should step in to keep her neat. Kimiko was doing nothing to discourage Ever’s enthusiastic “sniffening.”
“Mind your claws, Ever,” Quen murmured.
“I mind.” The boy settled his head on Kimiko’s shoulder, tail swaying contentedly.
She sketched a casual greeting with her free hand. “Aren’t you looking fine? Very coordinated. My sisters and I clash so much, nobody would guess we’re related, but you three belong together.”
He loved that she’d included Rise. Quen claimed her hand and bent close, his head tilted invitingly. She rose up on tiptoe to bestow one of the greetings he’d taught her yesterday. The friendliest in her repertoire.
Mostly for Ever’s benefit, he made a show of perusing her scent. To his surprise, he only found nuances of happiness and excitement. “You’re not nervous?”
Kimiko rubbed noses with Ever. “Today is too special not to savor. I’m planning to enjoy every part of it.” Her gaze was clear, and she seemed totally up to the challenge ahead. “Let’s make a good beginning.”
Kimiko found the Starmark compound both sumptuous and spare. Graceful lines. Serene views. Staggering scale. But there was very little in the way of accumulation or ornamentation. As if the buildings’ only purpose was to provide the Starmark clan with a comfortable place to gather. The underlying attitude couldn’t have been clearer. Dogs cherished Kith and Kindred above all else. Only when precious people filled these rooms did they become treasuries.
“Akira is waiting for us.” Eloquence’s hand rested lightly on her lower back, guiding her along an inner corridor. “We have similar roles at the moment.”
“Is he formalizing a betrothal?” she asked lightly.
Eloquence huffed. “He is—to use his term—babysitting.”
He guided her into an inner room with low ceilings and a sizable fireplace on each end. The space was noticeably warmer and furnished
with low couches and tufted footstools. Embroidered curtains swathed the walls with color, and tasseled cushions mounded in corners. Books, papers, and crystals were strewn across a long worktable.
Akira sat sideways on one of the couches, facing a slim Amaranthine with pale green hair. They seemed to be deep in conversation. Kimiko gestured questioningly, not wanting to interrupt.
“I’ll introduce you.”
As Eloquence guided her closer, she could hear what was being said.
“Touch your nose.”
Akira did.
“Touch my nose.”
Akira obeyed. Was it some sort of children’s game?
“Are you even trying?” sighed the stranger.
Kimiko took in the Amaranthine’s showy coloring, sheer wardrobe, and excess of accessories and pegged him for a dragon. But not the one she’d been expecting, for Lord Mossberne was a blue.
He’d noticed them, but with a dramatic roll of his eyes, he continued his little game. “Touch Kyrie’s nose.”
This brought her attention to the child sitting on the dragon’s lap. When Akira tapped the boy’s nose, he giggled softly. The child’s coloring was astonishing. Light brought out the faint iridescence of lavender scales along his hairline and on the backs of his hands. Wide eyes turned her way, showing the deep red of rose petals. Most astonishing were the four pale horns showing through his dark hair. A dragon crosser?
Kyrie offered a shy wave, which Ever returned enthusiastically.
The dragon offered the sign for peace, which he reinforced with a promise of protection. But then he went right on with his game, saying to Akira, “Kiss my nose.”
This time, Akira hesitated. Then with great care, he reached up to grab the dragon’s nose instead.
“That’s the right idea!” he praised in nasal tones, thanks to Akira’s pinch. “But who have we here?”
Akira gave himself a shake, then bounded up. “Kimi, you made it!”
But he swayed in place, and the dragon stood to steady him. “Easy now. Your good phoenix isn’t here to prop you up.”
“I’m fine. It’s getting better, I think. But anyway … Kimi, I want you to meet Kyrie!” He claimed the dragon crosser and brought him over. “I’m his uncle.”
Eloquence said, “Our fathers decided early on that these two would need each other. Best friends, right Ever?”
“Best,” agreed the pup, who’d claimed Kyrie’s hand as soon as he was close enough.
“And Lilya,” mumbled the half-dragon.
Akira mussed the boy’s hair, which seemed to actually be purple. “Yep, you have Lilya at home.” To Kimiko he explained, “She’s Isla’s baby sister. But this guy belongs to Sis. Meet my nephew, Kyrie Hajime-Mettlebright.”
Kimiko offered her palms to the toddler, who met them with wide-eyed solemnity. She was more than a little confused. Everyone knew about Lord Mettlebright’s crosser son, a fox-eared adult with a roguish grin. “How …?”
“It’s a long story, but it has a happy ending.” Akira cuddled his nephew close. “We’re blood related, me and Kyrie. For real.”
“I had no idea,” she murmured, offering her open arm to the boy.
Kyrie quickly made the change, clearly happy to be as close to Ever as possible.
Eloquence quietly explained, “Many crossers are fostered by a relative or by an enclave. Few are aware of Kyrie’s presence in Argent’s den, let alone his connection to Lady Mettlebright.”
“What handsome young gentle-sirs,” she gallantly declared. “I didn’t know courting Eloquence would bring such treasures as you into my life!”
“Your lady has clear eyes.” Sinder had been hanging back, but he joined their little knot. “Eloquence, may I meet your discerning suitor?”
Both Akira and Eloquence moved to reclaim the youngsters and free her hands.
“Sinder’s pretty great,” said Akira.
“He is here at Hisoka Twineshaft’s behest,” added Eloquence.
The dragon swept into a bow, but his formality had a teasing quality. “Sinder Stonecairne, a dragon of the Icelandic Reach, a person of little renown, more by design than by capabilities.”
She liked his breezy braggadocio.
When his hands settled lightly over hers, Kimiko’s gaze caught on the old rope chain wound across the back of his hand … and the item linked to it.
“Fascinating, isn’t it? You’d consider it an antique.” Sinder unwound the chain. “I was studying this before Akira and Kyrie found me. Bit of a mystery.”
“Where did you find it?” she asked, cupping her hands in mute request.
“One of the trackers found it last night.” Sinder let the heavy chain pool in her palm. “The catch is broken, so it was dropped.”
Akira leaned closer. “So it’s a clue?”
“It’s a reliquary.” At first glance, Kimiko thought someone had raided Kikusawa’s treasury, but on closer inspection, the ornamentation was slightly different. Crafted from gold, the slender rod was no bigger than her little finger.
“You recognize this item?” asked Eloquence.
“We have something similar at home.” She arranged her fingers along one edge, where she knew the catches to be. “May I?”
Sinder spread his hands wide, urging her to proceed.
Pushing one of the knobs, she pressed her fingernail into a grove and gave a careful twist. The end swung away, making it possible to slide a panel, revealing a hollow space. “Oh,” she sighed. “This one’s empty.”
The dragon had her by the shoulders. “Tell me what you expected to find!”
“A seed.” Kimiko was surprised at herself. That little detail was supposed to be a secret.
Eloquence growled, and Sinder snatched back his hands, fast sinking to his knees. Kimiko hadn’t ever seen this posture before, but the abasement was clearly an apology, possibly unique to the dragon clans. Even so, he radiated urgency. “What kind of seed?”
She wavered between keeping the family secret and sharing what she knew. To her astonishment, Akira reached down and grabbed Sinder’s nose. “Are you doing that thing? Why would you do that to Kimi?”
“Forgive me. The first time was unintended.” Sinder lowered his gaze. “I’m not plying, only prying. Perhaps it’s better that she speak to someone she already trusts?”
Eloquence murmured, “Kimiko?”
Akira’s friend. Hisoka’s choice. Kimiko made up her mind to answer. “We don’t know what kind of seeds they are, but they must be precious to be kept so carefully. Given the obvious similarities to the old stories, my grandfather always believed the reliquaries to be Kikusawa’s greatest treasure.”
Sinder’s eyes widened. “Sweet zephyrs rising, you’re talking in plurals.”
“We have three.” She sheepishly admitted, “I used to play with them when I was little.”
“Three seeds?”
Kimiko shook her head. “One of ours was empty, too. But the other two are intact.”
The dragon spoke slowly. “And when you say ‘similarities to the old stories,’ to which tales are you referring?”
She took a confiding posture, adding a signal for secrecy. “The Songs of Trees, of course. It’s impossible not to think of Auriel when you’re entrusted with two golden seeds.”
Sinder snatched at Eloquence’s sleeve and whispered, “Bring Hisoka.”
FORTY-TWO
Evers Mum
Hisoka listened carefully.
Kimiko had expected more of a reaction, especially after Sinder’s dramatics. She asked, “You don’t think this is important?”
“It is. Undoubtedly. But there is a time and a place for everything, and this is neither.” He took her elbow and guided her to the door. “Kimiko, you have people to meet and a betrothal to formalize. Eloquence, rejoin your father and brothers and await your suitor’s pledge. Suuzu … ah.”
Suuzu stood just inside the door. More accurately, he leaned against the wall, looking dazed. He must have arrived
close on Hisoka’s heels, making him privy to the entire explanation. Here was the shock she’d anticipated, but why should Suuzu be so rattled? Automatically, she checked on Akira, who was already moving toward his best friend.
“Hey, Suuzu.” Akira sounded worried. “You doing okay?”
The phoenix silently pulled his friend close, pinning Kyrie between them. The little crosser warbled a questioning note. Suuzu’s low trill seemed to reassure him, but Kimiko was concerned by his posture. Suuzu radiated an inexplicable distress.
Hisoka said, “Sinder, I apologize for the inconvenience, but will you carry a message to Boonmar-fen Elderbough at Kikusawa Shrine, letting him know what’s transpired. The two of you will protect the treasury. No access. From any quarter.”
“Understood.” Sinder left so quickly, he seemed to vanish into thin air.
Kimiko frowned at her companion. Suuzu held himself even more upright than usual as he escorted her toward her evening’s obligations. “Are you worried about something?”
He seemed to haul himself into the present and managed a wan smile. “My role is minor. Better to ask if you are worried.”
“Not really.” She gestured broadly with her free hand—gratitude, anticipation, happiness. “I never once expected to have the full set.”
“Of …?”
“The Five.” Kimiko added a skip to her step. “Do you know the two I haven’t met?”
“Yes.”
“And you’ll introduce me?”
“Gladly, should the need arise. But the spokespersons are quite forward when it comes to seeking human interaction.” He gestured to the fore. “As you shall see.”
Kimiko followed his gaze. The wolf watching their approach was quite tall, quite tanned, and quite beautiful. Hurrying her steps, Kimiko was already rattling off greetings and compliments. Adoona-soh Elderbough’s surprise modulated into pleasure, and her posture shifted to a stance that was universally understood.
