To that, my brothers flapped their wings, making sounds of agreement.
Even so…My hands fell to my lap in defeat. Nothing I said would sway them.Think about it. Please.
Snow seeped through my robes, the cold burning my knees. As I started to get up, a heavy cloak wrapped over my shoulders.
“You’re fast, Lina,” said Takkan.
Admiral whinnied from behind me, tied to a tree. Takkan gestured at the cranes, bowing his head in apology. He approached them carefully, and I gave a nod to my brothers that he could be trusted. Still, Reiji snapped his beak at him—until Andahai pulled him back by the wing.
“It’s only me,” Takkan said quietly. “I sent the others home. The hunt is over.”
He knelt to wrap Hasho’s wing with the cloth of his family’s banner. “We’ve never seen cranes at this time of year, or else we would not have…”
I placed a hand on his arm.
Benkai studied Takkan and me, his eyes discerning. I could read exactly what he was thinking:Could this be—
Takkan, your betrothed?Kiki cut in for my brother from inside my sleeve.
Ever in good spirits, Yotan tossed snow at me humorously.Dare I guess, you actually like him?
My paper bird was taking far too much pleasure in this. She relayed Hasho’s teasing:I seem to remember you telling Father only monsters lived up north.
My hand was still on Takkan’s arm, and I lifted it quickly, as if I had touched fire. My brothers laughed, squawking, and I wanted to pluck their feathers.
He’s just a friend,I told them all with a flick of my wrist.
He’d have to be a good friend to ride off after a girl with a bowl on her head, says your brother Reiji.
Kiki snickered from within my sleeve, and I glared.Yes, he’s a good friend.
Andahai stepped forward, the least amused of them all. I didn’t need Kiki’s help to understand what he was saying:Quick then, tell him goodbye. Since you’re here and you have the net, you might as well come back with us.
A smile tilted Takkan’s lips. “Six cranes,” he observed. “Like the ones you folded.” He took in how protectively my brothers surrounded me. “They know you.”
I was glad I couldn’t say anything in response. I swallowed hard, not ready to begin my farewell.
“What is it, Lina? You look sad.”
Iwassad. Sadder than I ever expected to be at the prospect of leaving this place. Leaving Takkan.
His cloak weighed heavily upon my shoulders, and I was starting to take it off when Takkan drew close. “Did my mother already tell you the news?”
I shook my head. I wasn’t sure I could handle more news.What has happened?
His gaze focused intently on me. “Lord Yuji has murdered A’landi’s khagan and stolen his enchanter. The Wolf is now his to command, and he’s amassing an army to seizeGindara.”
Shock made my chest go tight, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe. My brothers began squawking, their noises incomprehensible as they circled me, shouting over one another.
Takkan watched us curiously, his brow creasing. But he gave no indication of his thoughts.
“I must leave Castle Bushian tonight,” he said.
My lips pursed tight.Tonight?
“Yes, during the festival. I’ll draw less attention then. You look panicked, Lina. Don’t worry, this isn’t farewell.”
It was for me. I was leaving now—with my brothers.
