Old Guard

“He wants to talk to you.”

Argent glanced between Hallow and his proffered phone. “Is that absolutely necessary?”

“Jacques thinks so.” With a small shake of his head, the bat-crosser from Boon’s team softly added, “I think it would be wise.”

“Why?”

Hallow bluntly said, “You need to calm down. He can do that.”

Argent huffed and put out his hand.

A moment later, Jacques’ voice was chiding him from half a world away. “Are you being difficult? This is no time to be peevish. There’s too much at stake.”

“I am aware of the stakes.” And in a more moderate tone, “How was Ginkgo’s bonding?”

“Ah. I really wish you wouldn’t travel without me. The information lag alone …!”

Argent frowned. “To the point, please.”

“The bonding ceremony had to be postponed.”

And then silence.

Argent’s stomach plunged. “Whoever thought you would be a calming influence was badly mistaken.”

“Lord, sorry. That wasn’t meant for a dramatic buildup. I was just handed a baby. Nickolay is now privy to our conversation.”There was a lilt to his tone. Argent could hear the smile he was giving the baby. “There is nothing specifically amiss, but Sansa has put the whole enclave on high alert. And I must ask. Are you certain there are two vixens in your vicinity?”

“Senna and Nona always work in tandem.”

“What if tandem means one sister is playing decoy while the other is diminishing our defenses? Hypothetically speaking.”

“Stately House is one of the safest places in the world. I made sure. I make sure.” His den was virtually unfindable, nearly impenetrable. But no sooner had these thoughts formed, the existence of exceptions presented themselves. Like the manifestation of trees. And his son’s unique ability to slip past barriers. A trait he may have inherited from his diabolical sire. “Why did Sansa delay the bonding?”

“And empty the enclave. Everyone’s been moved to the main house, and the surrounding yard has become an encampment of wolves. We’re striving for a festive air, for the sake of the children, but … well. As the old adage goes, better safe than sorry.”

“Why?”

“Kyrie.”

“Again, why?”

“My information is secondhand, but according to Sibley, one of the remnant stones that serves as an anchor for the outermost barrier went missing. All very suspicious. But the wolves didn’t have anything to report.”

“Which is also suspicious.”

“In hindsight, quite.”

“When was this?”

“This morning. Before dawn. Amidst the excitement of the Scattering’s arrival. Which is why Sansa wanted me to ask if you’re facing one vixen or two.”

Argent didn’t like to sound boastful. “I cannot see either of them giving up the chance to see my face when they do their worst.”

“Are you up to confirming that?”

He could see where this was headed and didn’t like it one bit.

Jacques forged on. “You’re a fox. Can’t you ask them?”

“No.”

“Give audience then? They may wish to gloat.”

The very idea repulsed Argent, but he would do anything for Isla. Even this. After a lengthy silence, he reported, “No response. They are not yet in range.”

“Right. Anjou will relay that to the powers that be. Any orders?”

“Ask Michael and Sansa to trust us. And Ginkgo should kn– ”

“Ah,”Jacques interrupted. “About that. Ginkgo isn’t here. Well, he’s still here, but not here-here. He went after Kyrie.”

Argent’s jaw clenched. “Could you expand on that as-yet-unmentioned detail?”

“Right. Sorry. Again, my information is secondhand, but that anchor stone from the outer barrier? Kyrie went after it. And Ginkgo went after him.”

“Change of plans,” Argent drawled. “Tell Sansa that Fend will take the lead.”

“Beg pardon?”

“Fend is in charge. Trust the defense of Stately House to him.”

Jacques’ incredulity was plain. “Timur’s Kith partner?”

“Timur’s Kith-kin partner, the sly boots.” With a grim smile, Argent added, “Let him know that I will consider his success proof of his attainment.”

Argent kept catching flares of light in his periphery and suspected stars. He wasn’t used to accounting for impish assistance, but he liked the potential. “Could I beg a favor?”

Nothing.

“If you are witnesses only, so be it. But if you have time on your hands, could you fetch two far-flung friends?”

Still nothing.

“Harmonious Starmark. Adoona-soh Elderbough. They are making their way here, but from considerable distances. You could hasten their journeys.”

“True.”

Argent blinked, then narrowed his eyes against the sudden swelling of brilliance before him. A skybound star put out considerably more light than a descended one.

“Your prayer shall be answered.”

Had that been a prayer, then? Perhaps begging for miracles amounted to the same thing. He inclined his head. “Thank you.” And because he was curious, “Who might you be?”

“Soriel.”

“Of the Dawning?”

An awkward smile. A small shrug. “Don’t look so impressed. Bearing witness to beginnings is nothing compared to undertaking them. Continue what you have started, Argent Mettlebright. And … thank you for asking. I don’t often get to step in. It’s a nice change of pace.”

And the star streaked away.

As did two others, each in a different direction.

Juuyu skimmed to his side, his eyes wider than Argent had ever seen them. “What did you do?”

“I … asked for help.”

The phoenix blinked. “Has that always been an option?”

Argent gestured helplessly. “That was Soriel.”

“Of the Dawning?”

“Imagine my surprise.”

Juuyu peered in the direction he’d disappeared. “Where did he go?”

“To bring reinforcements. I wanted Harmonious and Adoona-soh.”

“There was a third.” Juuyu used his whole arm to show the final star’s heading. He held Argent’s gaze and asked, “Hisoka?”

It was the direction of home.

Argent dared to hope that the Five would face this trouble together.

Boon drifted closer, speaking into his phone. “Nothing here. But if Doon-wen’s right, we’ll converge soon. Hang on. Argent, what did I just see?”

“Stars.”

“Huh. Okay, sure.” And then his expression changed, and he glanced around. “Uhh. More importantly, what did I just hear?”

Juuyu’s brows arched, but he shook his head.

Argent also signaled to the negative.

Boon tugged at his ponytail and uttered a bewildered, “Mom?”

Then one of the dexes whistled, short and shrill. She pointed to an arc of light streaking from the South. Argent had seen the same phenomenon mere weeks before, during their time in the tropics, when a veritable shooting star had delivered Paltry into their midst.

Adoona-soh arrived in a rush, haloed in a brilliance that simply dispersed, twirling up into the blue to join the lights that were still dancing just out of focus.

“Did you see that?” Adoona-soh looked windblown, even rattled. “Did you see him?”

Argent asked, “Did you meet Soriel as well?”

She goggled at him, then lifted a hand as if to call back her helper. “That was Cadmiel.”

Senses sharpening, Argent demanded, “What do you have there?”

In her other hand, Adoona-soh gripped crystals. And they weren’t just any stones. She held out her hand so they could all see. “Cadmiel said they were too fine to be lost to the sea. So Jashiel coaxed the tides to retrieve them.” With a pleading look at her son, she asked, “Have I stepped into a bard’s tale?”

Boon’s smile was sympathetic. “I take it you recognize these, Argent?”

“The hairpins are Isla’s. I helped Michael tune them as part of her personal wards. And while I don’t keep track of all his jewelry, I do know that this stone … and this one … belong to Lapis. Fair to assume these are all his.”

“How did Lapis’s rings end up in the drink?”

“Isla may have been carrying them.” Argent slowly added, “Or wearing them.”

Adoona-soh said, “It would be just like Lapis to try to add to her protections.”

“True.” Argent tensed when Boon did.

But Adoona-soh flashed a stand-down signal, and another of the dexes whistled. A second point of light was streaking their way. The she-wolf rolled her eyes and snapped, “Stop shouting Harmonious. You are deafening my pack.”

Moments later, Harmonious Starmark joined them. Brimming with enthusiasm, he exclaimed, “Soriel of the Dawning! Can you believe it? He guided Da, back at the beginning of everything for our pack. I’ve heard the story a thousand times and more, but to meet him for myself? Amazing!”

“Ah,” said Juuyu, his gaze fixed in another direction. “This bodes well.”

They turned to face another oncoming star. Argent’s heart lifted when Hisoka arrived in their midst, as poised as if he’d always traveled this way.

Harmonious was the first to move. Enfolding their leader in a gentle embrace, he gruffly said, “You’re here. Thank goodness. It’s good to see you.”

Argent gazed after the retreating star. “Friend of yours?”

“A new acquaintance, though his name is familiar enough. Auriel. He … well. Once upon a time, he saved my mother’s life.” Hisoka disentangled himself from Harmonious, giving the dog’s broad shoulder a grateful pat. “I was already on my way, but his was a welcome visitation.”

“We’ll see Isla safe,” promised Harmonious. “The Five. Together.”

“That is certainly one of our goals,” Hisoka acknowledged.

“Nona,” Adoona-soh said darkly. “She goes too far.”

“The Hightip sisters are an affront to peace, and the Rogue will go the way of his sire.” Juuyu’s fingers lightly touched the hilt of the blade at his hip, and his demeanor promised a swift end to his prey. “Maker mark, and Maker move.”

“We have been moved.” Hisoka considered the view. “Are we in a position to intercept?”

“That’s the gist of it.” Boon leveled his arm along the correct bearing. “Any minute now, we should be able to … hold up. Huh. There we go. I’m catching Nightspangle chatter.” He missed a beat. “Hell and hellions. Why did nobody mention that these were Doon-wen’s people?”

“You hadn’t heard?” asked Harmonious. “Good of Cyril to step in.”

Juuyu fidgeted. “Cyril Sunfletch is a public figure. Vital to the peace process.”

Boon barked a laugh. “And the Five aren’t?”

Harmonious was more diplomatic about it. “I understand what you’re saying. But who can argue with Soriel of the Dawning? Or Auriel of the Golden Seed.”

“Or Cadmiel of the Echoing Song,” interjected Adoona-soh.

“There. See?” soothed Harmonious. “Maker bless, you have to agree we’re where we’re meant to be.”

And then the next president of the United States arrived with Lapis, ringed by large black wolves. Hardly subtle. Argent immediately began pulling sigils into order while greetings were exchanged. Hisoka was offering belated personal congratulations with regards to Sunfletch’s appointment when Lapis caught Argent’s eye.

Of course the dragon would recognize the remnant stones Adoona-soh had surrendered to him. The rings and hairpins rested in the breast pocket of the suit that Jacques had promised would make the right sort of impression on the world. But Lapis was too diplomatic to interrupt Hisoka. So Argent whisked the anxious dragon from Cyril’s arms and dropped away from the rest for a private word.

“The angels who brought us together also salvaged several precious trinkets.”

Lapis found his voice. “There is a ring. I gave her a ring. She has it still.”

“Show me where,” Argent urged.

The dragon looked.

Argent pivoted in order to follow his gaze. Further south than expected. Not that there was anything to see. With foxes, there wouldn’t be.

Lapis’s hands were trembling. “My sigils worked for a while, but they noticed. I can only be sure of the ring. Argent, it is close. They may be watching.”

“If so, then they are seeing things.”

“Illusions?”

“There has been ample time to prepare. You and I are already lost to everyone’s view. All the better to stage a rescue, hmm?”

“This is all my fault, and now I’m a hinderance.” Head bowed, Lapis whispered, “I can swim. Set me down in the sea. Free your hands. Reach her for me?”

“When the time comes, I will be relying on your hands. But first, tell me of this ring.” Argent narrowed his eyes as he concentrated. “Teach me its song.”

Lapis took a steadying breath, then began to hum. The notes were simple, but the winds were willing. Argent was soon catching resonance.

“Enough. I have her.” And she was closer than he’d expected.

A moment later, a sly chuckle teased at the edges of his mind.“I told you he would come.”

Senna.

A beat later, Nona’s sweet inquiry. “So eager. Should we be flattered?”

“He can only be pursuing us, for there is nobody else.”Senna radiated smugness. “I told you the right enticements would draw him into our sky.”

This again.

He refused to answer. They were only trying to flush him out. It was a good thing Lapis couldn’t hear them. Yet.

With his lips nearly touching Lapis’s ear, Argent warned, “They are here, and they are cruel. They will send visions of terrible things to draw you out. They will make outrageous claims. Or make it seem that Isla is begging for you. Ignore them, no matter what you think you see.”

“But Argent,” he answered miserably. “I love her.”

So Tsumiko had been right.

“All the better,” said Argent. “You and I are closest to her—both in nearness and in knowing. Leave the vixens to the rest of the Five. Focus on the ring. It will be a faithful guide. We will take Isla back.”

“I am willing.”

“Good.” Argent searched Lapis’s face and said, “My plan is simple. They will drop her. You will catch her. And I will carry you both to safety.”

“If Isla falls from this height …!”

Argent sternly interrupted, “My pocket. Your stones. Choose the one she knows best. Use it to signal to her. If she knows we are here, that we are below, she will know it is safe to act.”

Lapis fumbled through his options, placed one ring upon his finger, and whispered to its remnant stone. It whispered back.

“Good,” Argent repeated. “Now. My senses are sharpest in truest form. You will ride, and we shall hunt.”