Mikoto and the Reaver Village (Amaranthine Saga #4) - Forthright . Page 0,13

the barest fraction of a moment, Mikoto wanted to drop his uncle’s braid and pretend he was strong or important or immune to the emotions he had no words for. And for a fraction of a moment, he was disappointed in himself. Mikoto tightened his grip and wound Uncle’s braid around his fist, then his wrist. He would not let go. Not now. Not ever.

Waaseyaa accepted that much as he accepted anything. Without remark. Yet at this range, and tangled as he was, Mikoto briefly touched a vibrant bond that soared above them, even to the treetop, and deep into the earth, for Zisa was well-anchored upon this hill. And Waaseyaa was the beacon set upon it.

All of the sudden, Mikoto registered a deep rattle, and he tensed. The big cat was prowling toward him, all slink and sway. Like a black panther, but much larger. And far less threatening, since his alert was a purr.

Mikoto found himself staring into orange eyes.

“His name is Fend,” reminded Uncle in an undertone. The toddler in his arms babbled and laughed, clearly happy to see the big cat.

Fend’s broad nose touched Mikoto’s forehead, the lightest of taps. And then the purring was loud in his ears, for the feline was rubbing his face against Mikoto’s. Cheek to cheek. First one side, then the other. Over and over, like an affectionate housecat.

Was it a show of preference? That was really very flattering, especially in Wardenclave, where folks took pride in being dog people. Mikoto wondered what Glint would say if he saw this … and smiled.

Fend sat back. Making way for the man, who was definitely taking notice now.

Offering his hand, he cheerfully asked, “Who are you, then?”

NINE

Clay Pit

Tenma had never considered himself impetuous, but there was no other word to describe his sudden urge to walk in the woods. He’d only meant to look around. Familiarize himself with the surroundings. Not strike off on his own.

But there was most assuredly something off in this direction. He’d learned to trust that certainty, even when it led him into strange situations.

Like this one.

He was in the woods below the village, that much he knew. So he couldn’t be very lost. The creek hadn’t been a surprise. In his mind, mountains and springs went together. At least, that’s the way it worked back home. But when he’d reached a wide bend in its course, he found what looked like an exposed clay bed.

The grayish matter was just the sort of thing Goh-sensei liked to work with, and Tenma had thought to bring him a sample. However, in getting a closer look and trying to collect some, Tenma had somehow found himself stuck. And sinking.

Struggling only caused him to sink faster in the miry clay. He was up past his calves, helpless to free himself. Tenma rubbed at his nose, knocking his glasses askew, feeling like a child instead of a grown man.

He would be missed. If he didn’t show up for the noon meal, Goh-sensei would notice and come looking. Unless he grew preoccupied with his work.

An hour might see Tenma sunk. Better to yell for help. There were plenty of Amaranthine in Wardenclave, and their senses were keen. They’d hear his voice, and they’d be strong enough to rescue him from his own foolishness.

A bird called then, sharp and close, and fluttered to the ground near the edge of the clay. Cocking its head to one side, it studied Tenma with a beady eye.

Despite his desperate situation, Tenma was taken by the beauty of the thing. Ever since graduating from New Saga High School, he’d traveled constantly. Usually with Goh-sensei. Until recently, also with Inti. And one of the things Tenma marveled over was the existence of so many birds. What was normal and boring to one region was strange and new to a traveler like him.

This bird had brilliant blue feathers, barred with black and white, and a distinctive crest atop its head. Striking and, Tenma hoped, overly large for its species.

“Hello,” he called softly. “Good morning.”

Tenma made a basic hand sign, identifying himself as a reaver. Which wasn’t entirely true, but he was part of the In-between now. And he’d always gotten on well with Kith.

“By some chance, are you a friend?”

The bird spread its wings and beat them once, adding a call.

Tenma was convinced. “I’m glad you found me. I seem to have become stuck. Could you send for help?” He waved toward the village. “I’ve only been here a few days.