Cloud Cover

[interval – current date]

Sinder had been slinging messages nonstop, some by digital means, some as a Reach. Honestly, it felt like cheating, using Michael’s superlative crystal arrays to boost his range. Not that he could reach Juuyu directly. Distance was still prohibitive. The action was so far north, Juuyu was practically in Sinder’s old stomping grounds. Or above them, anyhow. But as soon as Goh Impleer got into position with Inti, they’d set up a relay. The secondhand information was mostly fresh and only a little muddled by monkey nonsense.

In the midst of all the mayhem, his rock baby had surprised him by doing their darndest to help. That had resulted in some eerily melodic feedback, but Inti had thought it was cute. Because … well, it was cute. Which made Sinder oddly proud.

“You gonna be a Reach like your … uhh. Let’s go with dragon. Like your dragon. That’s true without making any premature commitments. Bet you could if you wanted. Be a Reach, I mean. And just so you know, it’s not that I’m not willing to commit. I can. I’m just worried they won’t let me keep you. Or you might not want to be kept. I mean, Timur’ll want you, too. And he’ll insist on papka. But you and me can be more … less. Because all these bonds are hard enough to explain as it is.”

The rock imp strapped to his front warbled like a hatchling.

Stinking cute.

Sinder couldn’t wait to see if Timur had been catching any extra resonance.

But when he strolled through their door, Sinder was treated to a big dose of déjà vu. Only this time, he caught Fend—once again in speaking form—getting cozy with Jacques Smythe.

Neither of them looked even the least bit guilty. Still, Sinder couldn’t quite hide his pique. “I would like to point out that, for once, I’m not the one who spilled your secret.”

Fend made a face. “I never had one. Or didn’t keep it long.”

“Don’t sulk,” Jacques soothed. “Argent may have realized, but he let you keep your secret. I certainly never knew, and he tells me everything. But this is a pleasant surprise, and I want all the sordid details, but … after.”

“I didn’t know Fend’s secret either, which means Hisoka didn’t know. And seriously, it’s not like you weren’t going to be outed eventually, what with all these trees moving in. In fact, Hajime’s probably the one who tipped Argent off.”

Fend left Jacques’ arms in order to drape himself all over Sinder.

“Yeah, yeah. You’re damned smart, but he’s doubly sly. Just chalk it up to superior years and move on.” Awkwardly patting Fend, Sinder arched his brows at Jacques.

“I was simply re-introducing myself. Fend and I are old friends, but … well! We’ve never really chatted. And now his lordship has put him in charge.” And to Fend, “What can I do?”

“What’s he mean, in charge?” Sinder asked softly.

Fend butted the underside of Sinder’s chin, then looked up through his lashes. “I am acknowledged. Argent is trusting me with all he holds dear.”

“No kidding? That’s kind of amazing.” He gave one velvety ear a gentle tug. “What do you want me to handle?”

A kiss grazed Sinder’s throat, and then Fend drew himself up, a clawed hand resting lightly on the rock imp between them. “Where’s Timur?”

“I thought he’d be here. I was looking for him.”

“How about Kyrie? I want cloud cover.”

Jacques said, “Lord, it’s simple enough to find out.” And lifting his voice, he called, “Hajime?”

Sinder hated that he’d forgotten about Hajime. Again. How on earth had Jacques made the leap to pollen immunity so fast?

The tree said, “There is a limit to my range. Kyrie is beyond it.”

That’s when Timur arrived, Anjou close on his heels, each with a child in arms.

“What’s happened?” Timur asked. “Anjou said you need me?”

After a quick conference, Fend rattled off orders, and everyone—nearly everyone—hurried off to do what needed doing. For Jacques, that involved minding the boys, who were eyeing each other from opposite sides of the man’s lap. Etienne trilled shyly, and Gregor’s whole face lit up.

Sinder was just contemplating escape when Jacques led out in a cheerful sing-song. “Sinder, love. We should talk.”

“About …?”

“Affairs of the heart.” His smile was coy. “You needn’t be embarrassed about your gentleman reaver.”

“I’m not embarrassed. And it’s not an affair. Or about hearts, for that matter. It’s not like that.”

“I can tell there’s a bond.” Jacques shrugged. “Can’t help myself. Add it to my list of impish symptoms.”

“Yeah, well. Stuff happened.” He gruffly begged, “Don’t tease.”

“I wouldn’t. I’m not. I count Timur as a friend, and I like to think he confides in me. And you and I get on. It’s a nice surprise, your being the one he needed.”

“He’s not in love with me or anything.”

“Au contraire.” Jacques’ smile was wry. “I understand lonesome. And I know happy when I see it. You mean the world to Timur.”

“Well, yeah.” Sinder shuffled his feet. “So?”

“So! As his friend and yours, I would like to make an addendum to your file on me. I assume there is one.”

“You might have warranted a footnote or two,” Sinder said warily.

“Anything recent?”

“I found out your full name, courtesy of Kyrie, who heard it from Boniface.”

“Lord, my brother’s a prig.”

Sinder thought he said it fondly.

“With regards to my assorted legacies from Dayith and Solace, let the record show that I’ve become a good influence. Or a bad one. It’s all a matter of perspective.” And in even tones, Jacques explained why it was a risky business having him waft about in their bedchamber. “I could be more explicit, but discretion—and your pallor—forbids. If you require more than anecdotal evidence, I daresay the enclave will give proof. Three years from now.”

“Aren’t you sealed?”

“Well-warded. But Fend’s whiskers were in a twitch over me. And while I don’t mind in the least, you have been slowly inching my way. Definitely out of character. Steady on.”

Sinder swore softly and dragged himself back a step. “I don’t have time for this.”

“There are more perilous games afoot. I suggest tossing me out. Gently. Preferably in the direction of the naproom, where I can mind these two and man a phone. Have Sonnet do a sweep through here. She knows what’s needed. After things calm down, ask Timur to ward against me, same as you would for starshine or tree pollen.”

“Can do. I can’t believe your Jacques-ish-ness is contagious.”

“You make that sound like a bad thing.”

Sinder sighed. “No, it’s not. If you really are the answer to the Waning, you’re the best thing that’s happened to the clans since … well, since Tenma.”

“Exactement.” Jacques stood and hefted the little ones. “Come along, me boyos. We’ve naps and nappies to navigate. What say we collar Uncle Bon-Bon and call it revenge?”

But then his pocket pinged.

“Sinder, would you be so good? It’s bound to be important.”

He dipped into the man’s pocket, tapped in a pin he probably wasn’t supposed to know, and answered. “Hi, Boon. Okay if I put you on speaker. Uncle Jackie’s juggling babies.”

“Just you two?”

“Yeah, it’s just us.”

Speaker employed, Jacques immediately asked, “Argent?”

“Fine. We’re all good. The Hightip sisters won’t be causing any more problems, but we still have one. The Rogue wasn’t here.”

“Kyrie thinks he’s here,” Sinder said.

“Aww, hell. On my way.”

Sinder snorted. “Even at top speeds, it would take ….”

But then a shrill whistle came through the speaker, and Boon shouted, “Hey, buddy! Can I catch a ride?”

Jacques and Sinder exchanged a look, and Sinder asked, “Who are you talking to?”

“Not sure.”And then to someone else, “You got a name?” The response was too muffled to carry over, but then Boon was saying, “Uh-huh. No kidding? Well, it’s real nice to meetcha. Thanks for this. Seriously.”

“Who …?” Jacques began, shaking his head. “Who would be faster than Boon?”

Sinder could only shrug.

Then Boon was back with them. “Okay, we’re all set here. Veliel is willing to hurry things along, and I’m not the only one getting a lift. Sit tight. Backup’s on the way.”

Sibley’s senses were taut as he scanned the surrounding woods, searching for a feeling he didn’t want to find. Dr. Kodoku’s gaze used to make him want to squirm away, to hide, to run. He’d developed a sort of second sense about him. “We should get back, yeah?”

Ginkgo asked, “You picking up on something?”

“Dunno for sure. Maybe. I don’t feel safe.”

Dima asked, “Is it me?”

He glanced up—way up—into his wind’s face. Even though she was no longer a giantess, Dima was just as tall as Anan. They had the same skin and silver eyes, but Dima’s hair wasn’t a dark cloud. More like whitecaps on a churning sea, silver-tipped peaks that looked sharp enough to be dangerous.

“Nah. I’m not scared of you. It’s just … I don’t like how this feels, and that means it’s time to go.”

Ginkgo said, “Then we go. Only let’s use the gate this time. I want to check on something quick.”

They filed along a narrow trail, with Ginkgo in the lead and the two storms bringing up the rear. Sibley glanced back in time to see Dima stumble and Anan steady her. She elbowed him, and he rolled his eyes. Their faces were expressive, but if they were talking, it wasn’t out loud. Watching them, he realized something.

“You’re like a brother and sister.”

Anan snorted. “We are a brother and sister.”

“Twins,” said Dima. “I am older.”

Kyrie stopped at that, his eyes bright with interest. “I did not know winds could have siblings. Does that mean you were born together?”

“The eldermost are not born. We were made, for that is the Maker’s business.”

Dima inclined her head. “We are judgment. We are wrath.”

“We were,” Anan countered. “We became companions. We became change.”

“Because of Bethiel.”

“Yes. Because of Bethiel.”

Kyrie’s attention drifted as little winds tugged at his loose hair. Sibley wondered what they were telling him, because his expression grew worried. But his voice didn’t show it when he announced, “We should go to the gate.”

Ginkgo, who’d paused to check his phone, said, “Looks that way. Message from Sinder to that effect. Oh, wait. Sinder’s phone, but it’s Fend. Since when does Fend send texts?”

Kyrie and Sibley traded smiling glances.

“Also … Anan? Dima? He’s asking for cloud cover. Can you lower visibility without actually storming?”

“Perhaps,” Anan said doubtfully.

Dima grumbled, “You want me to hold to this size, walk upon two feet, and summon a cloud bank? All while keeping my temper?”

Anan grimaced. “Perhaps I ….”

“You? You are all crashes and claps,” she countered. “Give me a moment. I will manage. See if I don’t.”

Ginkgo beckoned for them to keep following. He was moving faster now, so Sibley tried the leaping gait again. Soon, he and Kyrie were racing, and a road came into view. Sibley had never seen it from the outside, so he did his best to memorize the surroundings. Especially the biggest trees and stones. It was important to know your options for hiding places.

“Isn’t it locked?” Sibley asked.

“Anyone with a tuned crystal can come and go,” said Ginkgo. “Trusted friends.”

“Like Lapis. Or Canarian. Or Ever and his da,” Kyrie offered by way of explanation. But then he quietly added, “And the Dare brothers.”

“Yeah, them, too.” Ginkgo’s ears were flat. “How much have you worked with them?”

“Not enough,” Kyrie answered. “They never stay for long.”

“Those TV guys are here?” Sibley asked.

“It was meant to be a Christmas surprise. Josheb wanted to play Santa. And if they could swing it, they were gonna be here for my bonding.” Ginkgo offered Sibley a crystal. “Come on, little bro. Caleb and Josheb are definitely here, and they might be in trouble.”

When Boon called everyone close and relayed his plan, there was a fair amount of shuffling while Argent decided who should stay and who would go. Because the serenely smiling Soriel was limiting their travel party to ten.

Nobody was surprised when the fox gave priority to Stately House’s best fighters—Boon, Adoona-soh, six other Elderbough wolves, Juuyu, and Argent himself. The rest could return at a somewhat more reasonable pace, lending continued support to Lapis and Isla.

Which meant Hisoka was stranded.

And in Isla’s vicinity.

With no polite way to extricate himself.

But then a familiar voice lightly brushed his mind, and four words had never been more welcome.“I am here, Hisoka.”

“Novi.” He turned, already reaching, and his oldest friend glided easily into his arms. Foreheads pressed together, they communicated without spoken words, for Novi’s voice was meant for celestial choruses.

“I have missed you,”Hisoka confessed.

“And I, you.”

“Nemi?”

“Gaining in strength, overflowing with gratitude.”

“Were you with these others all along?”

“No. They are Maker-sent, but I am sister-driven.”

“Nemi drove you out?”Hisoka asked, only teasing.

“Nemi sings. For her child. And for their bondmate.”

Hisoka felt teased in return. Perhaps he deserved it. “I suppose I did relent.”

“Rhomiko’s regard looks well on you.”

“What?”

Novi slipped from Hisoka’s arms in order to pull him against his side, ready to fly. “When we reach your stately new home, once the danger has passed, perhaps you should find a mirror.”

Ginkgo had been running with the Elderbough pack since forever, so he knew both wolves at the gate. He’d attended their whelping feasts. Tussled with them when they were little. Led them on a merry chase when they were training. He trusted them both, but he didn’t like the look of things when he passed through the barrier.

Jumpy. Wary. Confused.

They were slowly circling a heap of baggage, noses twitching. Their puffed tails tucked as Ginkgo approached, so he took a soothing tone. “What’s all this?”

“I’d love to know,” said Oolong Elderbough, his eyes darting nervously. “It just … showed up. And we can’t figure out how.”

“It’s not like our backs were turned,” added his cousin Doogh. His voice quavered slightly.

“This isn’t right,” whispered Oolong.

Doogh gave Ginkgo a pleading look. “What should we do? Report it?”

“Yeah. To me is fine. You all right?”

“No.” Oolong looked ill. “I don’t know why, but … no.”

“Something’s wrong,” his cousin agreed shakily.

Kyrie marched up to Doogh, hands on offer. “You are safe. You did well.”

The wolf clansman flinched away. And immediately dropped into a near grovel. “Kyrie! I’m so sorry! I don’t know what …!”

Sibley piped up. “We know. It was him. You saw the Rogue.”

“Did we?” Oolong asked softly. “Maker have mercy, what have we done?”

Anan stepped forward to loom, but though he looked like a thundercrash, his words were grace and mercy. “Kyrie is right. You did well. He is pleased with you.”

Sibley was nodding. “Yeah, this works out. So long as the TV guys don’t get hurt.”

Ginkgo had to admire the kid.

He was good in a crisis.

Just then, the sun simply … disappeared. Everyone looked up as silvery clouds hid the sky, swirling steadily lower until the treetops were lost in thickening mist.

Dima eyed her handiwork critically. “How much lower? I assume the goal is blinding our enemy …?”

Kyrie raised his hand to just above his eye-level. “Here, please.”

A few seconds later, Ginkgo was forced to crouch in order to see anything. His phone vibrated, and he answered with a question. “Did Caleb and Josheb make it to the house?”

On the other end, Sinder swore.

Then a new voice came on. “What did you find?”

Ginkgo worked his way over to the pile of baggage. Kyrie and Sibley joined him, unabashedly listening in. “Their stuff’s stacked inside the gate, but the guards can’t remember how it got here. A very bad sign. That you, Fend?”

“Yes. Hello. You give excellent scritchies,”he said briskly. “More to the point, ask Kyrie to tune the trees. And if the winds are willing, bring the Junzi into play.”

“You should know that Boon called. Backup’s on the way. Him. Probably Dad. They’ll be here … well, soon. They’re being helped by stars.”

“What?”Fend sounded outraged. “He can’t put me in charge, then give me no time to show my worth. Wretched thing. Well, fine. Let’s hurry this along. The Rogue’s an idiot, so it was barely a challenge in the first place.”

Ginkgo couldn’t help smiling. “You think?”

“I know,” Fend countered haughtily. “So we will get to the Dare brothers and retrieve them intact. You will focus on the Rogue. Locate him. Waylay him. But don’t end him. Promise you’ll wait for Timur and I to join you. Otherwise, Argent might withhold the attainment he promised.”

And he was gone.

Ginkgo pocketed his phone, then met Kyrie’s solemn gaze, then Sibley’s pensive one. “You heard him. We’re supposed to hold off. No dragon-slaying until Fend’s here to supervise.”

He’d meant it as a joke.

But Kyrie gravely countered, “Unless it becomes necessary.”

As if he’d let his sire live a little longer, but only as a favor to Fend.