In the time of Oharu

The Second Volume November 1936 to November 1937

Chapter 4

by David Reese Dorrycott

Spontoon Island created by Mr. Ken Fletcher. Used with permission.

Songmark and other characters (See Appendix A for complete character listing)

created by Mr. Simon Barber used with permission.

February 1^st, 1937

Oharu woke in pain. Her eyes she found were glued shut, thus refusing to open, forcing her to rub the caked sleep out of her lashes. It was a painful act, yet the pain was nothing compared to her headache, or the taste of dead fish in her mouth. Finally she managed to crack one eye open, only to be blinded by a bright, sunny afternoon. Last night, last week, the last three weeks were nothing but a half remembered blur of drink, nightmares and more drink. Somewhere in that time she had eaten, for mother nature was even now demanding that she release her bodies pressure. Staggering to her paws and knees the once proper Priestess made her way into the bushes.

Behind her, unknown to the mouse two women watched. One, a doe had been with her the last week. The other, another mouse, was currently rolling up filthy blankets, empty date wine bottles and other trash. The doe was helping her. It was shift change for the two.

“She still calls you Molly” the mouse asked.

“Not in four days” the doe answered. “She has said nothing. Only holding, crying.”

“And drinking” the mouse added. “Redah, why do you stay? There are others who would take your place. And gladly.”

Picking up the last empty wine bottle the doe shook her head no. “Kahlaoah. None but you and I. And the Great Mother yes. Should see what has become of her. Her heart has fallen. Her love forever ruined. With our care we hope to help it rise back into the sun. She fought a fragment and won. Alone. She is a hero beyond heros.”

“Even Heros fall” the mouse reminded her friend.

Redah uncovered one of the baskets her friend had brought, the bringing having required two trips as Tahama had not let her helper come up to the ancient wreak. Within were new bottles of date wine, bottles she carefully buried in a shadowed pit dug for them. The earth would help keep them cool, those same shadows would keep the sun off the earth. “Yes, they fall. All heros must fall Kahlaoah, or they are not true heros. Still with help they can rise again.”

“But look what it has done to her. She has lost thirty pounds, her fur is ragged and when did she really last sleep?”

Covering the bottles with a freshly cut banana leaf Redah looked towards where Oharu had dragged herself. “I do not know if she truly sleeps. Great Mother asked if we would try. Only you and I. I look most like that Songmark woman. I am honored, I am cursed. You look most like her. Had we not cared for her as a mother cares for her child she may have starved by now. We choose to do this. Now I must hurry off, for she will return. When she awakens again it must be you she sees.”

“And I will wash her. I will brush her. I will feed her then help her drown her memories yet again.”

“Do not remind me. I will never be a hero. I could never stand such a fall. Now I must go, she is coming.” Kahlaoah watched her friend Redah scampered off down the path, her load of empty baskets carefully balanced. They had accepted this, to help a fallen hero find her way home. Not every task to the Great Mother were enjoyable, or pleasurable. Yet if they did not take this task upon themselves all would know how well the doe Molly had murdered a Honored Mothers heart. And not even the Great Mothers orders would save that doe’s life. Not for such an insult. What would follow would kill the mouse as completely as a blade in her heart.

Oharu felt partially remembered paws help her into a sitting position. Gratefully she accepted a wooden mug of cool water. She was feeling a small bit better as her pain had finally burned itself out, leaving but ash behind. Though she badly wanted a different drink the mouse knew that she could not concentrate as she must with it in her. A little, later. After she understood. Looking back at the mouse who was now running a damp brush through her fur she blinked. “She was almost Molly” she whispered. “You are?”

“Kahlaoah” the mouse answered, as she had all last week. By tonight she expected Oharu to be drunk again. But maybe not. For her eyes were bright and she had started asking questions. It was, the Great Mother had warned them, the beginning of a hero’s return from her lost love.

“I am... Oharu. A drunkard” the mouse explained. “How long?”

A drunkard. Mother Oharu had never said this. Was she finally awakening Kahlaoah hoped. “Three weeks Oharu.”

“Three weeks.” She leaned against the mouse, forcing her to take her brush elsewhere. “I stink” she decided after a turning of time. “Is there a pool?”

“There is.”

“Help me too it. Then return to your home. They must be worried for you.”

Getting out from under the limp, near helpless mouse proved difficult. Still Kahlaoah managed enough strength for the feat. Soon they were both in the small pool, Oharu again leaning against the mouse’s soft body. “I am so weak” she whispered, absently snuggling her face against Kahlaoah’s naked breasts. “You are so warm. So strong.” A moment later she was asleep again.

When Oharu woke again it was dark. A small fire burned near her, casting its light and warmth upon her now thin body. Kahlaoah sat beside the fire, feeding sticks into it as it needed such. “You will want your wine now” she asked her charge.

“Later. Tell me, what I have done these three weeks.” A shiver as her weakened body reacted to the night chill overcame her. Kahlaoah responded quickly, laying on the clean blanket behind Oharu, pulling them together. It was something she had gotten used to, even though it always ended up being... more.

“Everything Oharu?”

“Everything Kahlaoah.”

“Well, on the first afternoon you cursed at a tourist for walking on your beach” the mouse started.

It was raining again outside the White House. It was always raining in Washington D.C. Or so humid that ones fur simply melted into useless nothing. Why any civilized nation would build their Capitol in the middle of a swamp Lady Tsukiyama did not know, nor did she care to know. Only that it was reported that the weather improved not too much later in the season. At the moment she was arranging within her mind the conversation that she would have with the current American President. Not that it would matter much, should the coming election replace him. Yet it must be done. One could not ignore the Americans. Like a great sleeping tiger they lay in their den. Unmoving, or at best moving only little. Once awoken America’s tiger would crush a nation such as her own without even noticing it. Of this the Imperial mouse was deathly certain.

“Lady Tesuukeeyamah” a middle aged terrier asked.

Inwardly cringing at the un-meant insult she nodded. “I am Lady Tsukiyama, yes” she answered.

“Tsukiieyama.” the terrier tried again. “My apologies Lady. My knowledge of Japan and all things Japanese is limited. If you will come with me please. The President is waiting.”

“Thank you.” Following the black suited terrier Lady Tsukiyama happily accepted that the insult truly was unintended, and that this man had tried to pronounce her name correctly. She herself found many American names difficult to pronounce, thus much patience must be made for this young country. They soon arrived at a closed door and the terrier indicated that she should wait. Wait, that was all any diplomat ever did. Wait to be impressed by some rulers lack of care. Wait because another ruler considered you beneath them. Wait, wait and wait.

“Mr. President. Lady Tsukeyama has arrived for her meeting.”

“Bring her in Robert” a deep voice replied, at which the terrier turned to the Imperial mouse to gesture that she should enter. As she did so he stepped out of the room, closing that door behind him. This she found interesting, for rare were the times she had spoken to the Emperor face to face, and only once truly alone.

“Lady Tsukiyama. Welcome” the American President said in greeting. “You are replacing the current Ambassador then?”

“No Honored President. I am sent by my Emperor to represent him. Directly.” She dipped a delicate paw, one her maid had spent much time on this morning into her Kimono. She then withdrew a single envelope. “My authorization. Written by the Emperor himself.” Stepping forward she placed the envelope on the Presidents desk, then stepped back three steps to watch as he opened, and read the single page within that envelope.

“I do not quite understand. You represent your Emperor directly. But not your country? This does not make sense to me my lady.”

“Which is why I was sent Honored President” she answered. “An example. You rule your country. Yes?”

“With the will of the people yes. And with Congress’s occasional agreement.”

“My Emperor Honored President. Does not rule. He is the Religious head of our country. The Shogun rules our country. Thus you have made mistakes by sending certain representatives to deal with him. You have been played by the Shogun.”

“Why? And if this is true, what use will you be in negotiations?”

“That is why I have been sent. To say that why. I am, to every intent and purpose the Emperors eyes, ears and mouth. What you say to me is as though you speak directly to the Emperor. What I say is as though he speaks himself. Honored President. The Shogun is leader of the army, and the army desires conquest. My Emperor is the leader of our religion, exactly as the Pope is leader of his Catholic religion. My Emperor desires peace. Yet to gain peace he must speak directly to you. Since he cannot, I was chosen to do so. At this moment neither the military nor my Emperor desires conflict with America or Great Britain. As such the Army in China has made every attempt not to disrupt any interests of your two countries. If you will look, you will see that this is true.”

“And what does your Ambassador have to say about you being here” the President asked.

Lady Tsukiyama allowed a small smile. “He fears for his position. As the Emperors Presence I may relieve him of his post. What he does not know is that painfully, there truly is no one in our Embassy here better qualified for the position. Thus he is safe.”

Carefully folding that letter the President replaced it into its envelope, opened a drawer in his desk to remove a leather bound book and place it into that. Then he returned that book to his drawer, closing it. All to buy time of course. “How dangerous is your mission” he asked abruptly.

“There is a good chance that I will not survive it” she answered just as bluntly. “Very few chosen to stand as an Emperors Presence live long. There are those who hate such. Others who fear. Yet others who’s plans would be ended unless the Presence is ended. Yet I am in America. Those who would try such are not within striking distance. Thus my mission may be successful.”

“I see. Tell me this Lady Tsukiyama. Why does your army invade China.”

“For the same reason America invaded Hawaii, destroying its legal government. Greed Honored President. Simple greed.”

“BY GOD you are a blunt woman” the President laughed. “Strike the nail on its head and damn those who think otherwise. Please Lady, sit.”

“I may not Honored President. I have been instructed to never sit in your presence. Or he who may one day replace you.”

“Very well. Tell me. How may we settle the difference between our countries?”

She took a breath, this was a question she had not expected to be asked as yet. Still. “Our differences are of custom. We are nine thousand years of civilization. You are only not quite one hundred and sixty one. Your ways are still raw as you search to find your souls. Even all of Europe has been civilized less time than we. Only China exceeds us. We are well settled in our place. We see things from different windows Honored President. Forgive me Honored President.”

She withdrew a second paper from her obi, opening it to read, refreshing her mind of the story she wished to tell. Closing that paper she returned it to its place. When she spoke again her voice, her entire demeanor changed. “Henry the Fifth invaded France in thirteen August, 1415. On the twenty-fifth of October, 1415 he laid waste to the best France had to offer, laying waste to centuries of strength. Yet in time Britain was thrown off French soil. Should our countries foolishly go to war, it is possible that we may run free for years. Yet America will, here Honored President I stress the word WILL, destroy us. I would not have history repeat itself. No upon my peoples souls.”

The President stood quietly. “You are speaking as the Emperor” he said softly, realizing finally exactly what Lady Tsukiyama truly was.

“I am. Though the Kodoha military clique foolishly believes our military overpowering. My followers in the Navy are aware of the hidden truth of America. A country half the size of your state of Texas cannot possible hope to win a war against your entire country. Thus I wish to tender this woman as my self. To find a path which we may both continue in peace.”

“I had never thought to see the day” the President admitted. “Oh I had read of such, in fantasies. But to truly meet. Very well, we shall speak. I will let the State Department play with your Ambassador, but you Lady Tsukiyama. You and I will speak honestly.”

The mouse abruptly swayed, reaching out as if to steady herself she almost fell before regaining her balance. “Thank you Honored President.” Her voice was again normal, if not somewhat weaker than before. “I am Honored. Now I must go, for speaking such is draining.”

“And will one day cost you your life?”

Lady Tsukiyama nodded in agreement. “It is possible. For such as we Honored President, death is always in the shadows. Yet if my mission is successful I will live to a very old age. Though I will be removed from my place in court. Such positions as I hold now, they change one. I will no longer be trusted in the Emperors presence, for I now understand him as he understands himself.” She pressed her kimono flat. “I am him. Yet there can be only one Emperor and I am not worthy. Now I must leave.” Bowing she stepped back as though removing herself from her Emperors presence, then turned and left by the door she had entered by.

As soon as the door closed another opened, a heavyset bulldog entering the room. “You heard everything” the President asked.

“Everything Mr. President.”

“And your opinion.”

“Japan truly wishes peace with us, and Britain. They don’t give a rats ass about anyone else. Problem is those who truly rule can change things in a heartbeat. He’s warning us, through her, that the leash upon his General’s is held not by him, but another. And that if they decided to attack us there is nothing he can do to stop it, and no chance Japan could win.”

Sitting back down in his chair the American President steepled his paws. “Then why send her? Why bother? Why waste the effort if she can do nothing?”

Sitting in a waiting chair the bulldog crossed her legs, pulling out a cigar. “She’s here to teach. To explain and offer a different viewpoint. I donno sir. Maybe, but if even half of what she’s told you is true State has royally screwed the pooch on this one. You bring Watson in right now and he’ll swear that Hirohito is top dog over there. She says he isn’t. I’d like to bring in some people, citizens who have lived in Japan. Non-military, non-State. Ask some questions.”

“Your quite correct Robert. Which is why you are my Chief of Staff. Do what you need to do but don’t break any laws. At least none you can be prosecuted for. I want a report within the week, not one minute later.”

“Your gonna have it.” He tapped a report he was carrying. “Now about this...”

“You have spoken with the President My Lady” Lady Tsukiyama’s maid asked as she helped her employer remove her tobacco smoke stained silks. They were now in the Cipangu Embassy and must watch their words, for within all Embassies Honor was a word used as a doormat.

“I have. Tea please. I will dress myself.” She waited until Atsuko had left before slumping into an over stuffed chair. Were the American’s to learn that the Emperor was playing twin decks her entire mission would be a complete and utter failure. It was true that the Emperor wanted nothing but peace with America, He was well aware that his nation would be crushed by her larger neighbor no matter how successful a first strike. He was also aware that without oil Cipangu would lose her industry, for there were few natural resources upon their lands. Yet to placate America, he must also placate the hated British. That dismayed him greatly he had explained most politely.

The mouse knew that truth was as the American’s said ‘It royally pissed him off to bow to a nation that had so insulted his own.’ As it did her. But America and England were siblings. Squabbling in peace, joined as one in war. When one was attacked, the other would soon come to its aid. Attack even the smallest English holding and Americas great industry would cease making tractors, cars and toys. It would then turn its industry to the making of war materials. As she had said, one single state in this mighty nation was twice the size of her entire country. Awaken this giant and Cipangu would be crushed like an annoying insect. Thus this play must work. Thus the Emperors plan to align with America against Russia, Italy and Germany must be successful. No matter the cost to herself.

“I have your tea My Lady” Atsuko announced as she entered the room. “You have not dressed, will you desire a bath?”

“No Atsuko. I would prefer a brushing. Choose something agreeable please.” She sat up, waiting as her maid created the drink. Atsuko was a most delicate rabbit Lady Tsukiyama knew. Most delicate, and would do whatever her mistress asked. Even if that was the cost of her life. Her Honor though. ‘No’ the mouse thought as she accepted her tea. ‘She will not meet the fate of my sister. Not by my orders. I have not the right to ask such.’

February 6^th, 1937

The sable Tatiana Bryzov stood quietly in the darkness of South Island. She was standing just out of detection range of a series of campfires and upwind of them. She was taking her time while making certain of her decision. The sable knew that she was taking an extreme risk this time, having slipped out of Songmark just after bed check then hired the fastest water taxi she found waiting. It was a expensive hire as well, for the wolf now waited for her on the clock. If she was not back in bed before morning wake up her dorm would gain so many demerits she’d probably be a grey furred old woman before they were paid off. Still this was worth the risk, for the payoff was such a great prize as to leave her shaking. For before her was the campsite of Songmark third years. They were ‘on maneuvers’ Miss Devinski had informed Tatiana. Freezing their tails off was more like it the sable decided, though with a temperature only in the high fifties at this altitude it was nothing like Mother Russia’s bitter winters. Still Tatiana knew that she was getting a taste of what awaited her, if she was still a student at sunup.

At the moment Maria, the Italian bull of a woman, was keeping watch for her dorm and appeared to be half asleep. Tatiana though wasn’t fooled by what she saw. She’d paid attention as her adoptive mother Oharu had cast her strange spells, learning more than she wanted anyone to know she knew. There was a smell about that camp of things waiting, watching. Not bad things, but things that would awaken those who slept should she trigger them. Having watched her adoptive mother had given the Russian an edge over this encampment, and Maria’s act fooled her not one instant. Gently she started singing, repeating a song that she’d heard Oharu sing many times. Slowly those watchers turned and noticed her, just as slowly they accepted her as a friend. For only a friend could sing that song with such a pure voice. Finally satisfied that she had calmed those who watched, the Russian slipped as noiselessly as she could down directly towards Maria.

Even with all her training it wasn’t noiselessly enough though, for as she slipped around a bush Tatiana found the Italian waiting for her. There was a questing look on her face, and her stance was one who would happily break the Russians back if given any reason. “I must speak with Amelia. Please” Tatiana nearly begged. “In private.”

“Whay” the Italian asked, still standing like a massive statue between Tatiana and her goal. Taking the bovine wouldn’t be easy Tatiana knew, she also knew that she could, but that the noise would wake everyone within a mile. Besides, spending months in hospital as her bones healed then being a cripple for life wasn’t a very interesting future. Without another word she stepped back, reaching into her civilian blouse with her off paw to remove her package. From it she selected a single small pamphlet, moving forward again to carefully offer it to Maria.

Accepting the pamphlet as though it were made of high explosive Maria gestured that Tatiana should remain where she was. Then carefully moving back into the firelight Maria inspected what she held, almost whistled then moved forward again. “Very impressive forgeries this is” she admitted.

“Nyet. Real. I have contact inside English Consulate. May see Amanda now Dah” the sable asked, her accent slipping back in her nervousness. “Pravda I must be in bed at reveille. Please.”

“So you have... Two hours. Three with fast taxi. Which?”

“Three” Tatiana admitted. “Have mothers taxi.”

“Interesting. A moment then.” Turning back to the firelight Maria found the English housecat Tatiana had come to see, waking her to explain what was needed. It was a surprised Amelia who joined Tatiana a few minutes later. “How. Helen and I both placed guardians” she demanded.

“Mother is Priestess is pravda. I listen carefully. Unimportant now. Must speak with you. Private. Please. My life now on this is.”

Amelia weighed her options. That the Russian had slipped through their guardians was not at all unimportant, but as the sable said that could wait. “Very well, lead. Maria. If I am not returned within the half hour wake everyone.”

A few minutes walk in the moonlight took both women far enough from the campsite to speak normally, if no loudly. Tatiana waited until Amelia had settled down before joining her. “You take after your mother” the English girl observed.

“Adopted yes. Amelia I be blunt. I want join your spy group.”

“My.. Spy group” Amelia echoed.

Before she could speak further Tatiana laid the remaining three pamphlets into the housecats lap. “Pravda Amelia. Was hard to accept what your dorm is dah. You work for Spontoon. Will work for England. I wish to work with you. As of now I am no longer Soviet Agent. I am agent Mother Russia against Starling. All that is Starling. I return to Consulate after this meeting, they discover my words I am dead.”

Declining to answer Amelia bought time by reading the pamphlets. “English passports” she whispered. “Real?”

“Very” Tatiana answered. “From Spontoon English Consulate. Not forgery. All very legal. I have contact in Consulate now. Amelia, I offer myself, my secret contact your use. I offer my life. Please. You are only path I have now.”

Setting the passports aside Amelia tried to understand. Finally she admitted to herself that this was just too odd to understand with the little information she had. “Tatiana. You’re a Russian spy. An admitted Russian spy. Your part of Red Dorm, none of whom may be trusted. And what in the world makes you think I work for the Spontoon government as a spy.”

Tatiana swallowed, for what she was going to say would seriously get her killed if Amelia desired it. Then, she was already on Starlings hit list after her mistake last year, though the name wasn’t yet filled in. “You work with certain ferret” Tatiana answered. “You go special places.” Taking a deep breath the Russian fired her biggest guns. “Pravda much is guess but you suddenly unwelcome your Consulate after Forsythe vanishes. Forsythe was English Navy spy. We certain of that already. You then replace Forsythe. This is obvious to even child.”

“I see. Tatiana, I am much afraid that you are very mistaken. I am not a Spontoon agent” Amelia argued.

“Nyet. You are English agent on loan Spontoon. You have built excellent closed cell. Dah, you still training but you already better most professionals I know. Amelia. Pravda. I have turned against Starling. Ask mother Oharu. She knows truth. Dah, we both know she cannot lie herself out of mud puddle. I am Communist dah. I am not socialist. Starling is cheap gangster. Gangster cheaper Molly’s father. He stole our revolution. Stole our country. I am loyal Mother Russia dah. Not Starling. You accept me I pledge loyalty to you as long as does not hurt Mother Russia I do what you ask. Amelia. Remember Vostokiye? I make terrible mistake there. Starling knows. Not who. Only mistake made someone. Death warrant signed, name only not known. They will find out. Week, year, ten year. Then I vanish. I share Ruth Whitehall death.”

“Leibowitz” the housecat corrected with a shudder. “I was not aware you knew of that horror as yet. And your precious contact” Amelia asked.

“Is mine. You not meet yet. You not know who is. Important you not know who is. Very important. Maybe in future but not here. Not now. I die, mother knows contact. She tell you then. She introduce contact, you. Make all right between you both.“

“I see.” Amelia was at a loss for words. That and if these passports were real she had a way home, though the name she would travel under was less than desirable. From the sables words she already knew the person that was Tatiana’s contact, but she knew several people in the English Consulate. It was only enough to make guesses with. “May I have time to think about this. To talk to my dorm?”

“You give me running head start, if decide inform Russian Consulate or ferret?”

“A running head start. Tatiana, where would you go if I did?”

“To mother” the sable admitted. “She wants me learn be Priestess. Better than be jacket for Starlings cow lover. Better than take long swim at night.”

Amelia couldn’t help a shudder at those thoughts. She and Helen had been shown those remains by that ferret. Had been forced to read Helen Whitehall’s statement. “He wouldn’t” she gasped in horror.

“Starling has already done so others” Tatiana corrected. “Ferret almost make mother take long swim. Has made others. You give me running head start?”

“Tatiana, I’ll give you hours. Simply hours. Now get back to Songmark. When we have decided I will notify you. Personally.”

“Thank you” Tatiana agreed.

It was, Amelia realized, the emotion in those last two words that made her realize that the Russian was serious. Deadly serious. Carrying her little clutch of impossible passports she returned to her campsite and her waiting friends.

Tatiana quickly returned to her waiting water taxi. Unconsciously slipping into what would normally be Oharu’s place she allowed her thoughts to run free as her wolf pilot hurried to return her. Oharu she was certain, had not yet made the connection between certain water taxis that sported small brass tikis and the local Priestess population. Though Tatiana herself wasn’t completely certain to the why, gathering such information had required simply keeping her eyes and ears open. That though wasn’t important to her at the moment. What was important was her actions. She had just placed her neck on the block and triggered the guillotine with her own paw. Wither it struck her neck, or missed was now completely within Amelia’s paws. Within a few days she would be under Amelia’s full control, or on her way to become a jacket for Starlings latest lover. Her only other choice was to become a priestess. An interesting idea, but one that wasn’t very attractive to the adventure hungry sable. Still it was a better choice than death. Shivering in emotional reaction she went over what had pushed her this far. Remembering.

Remembered that not much more than a week before her controller had been removed from her life. Her life had moved from being upon the edge, to that edge now cutting deeply into her flesh. Certain information had been discovered. Information that a Soviet agent had been turned in Vostokiye. Considering that the paranoid White Russians tended to ferret out most Red agents within weeks, it could only be a pawful of long term agents. Agents too important to compromise yet too dangerous to ignore. At least all were already so isolated from each other that none knew the other existed, each believing that they were the sole agent still alive. All were in critically important positions as well. Then there was her.

“Comrade Bryzov” her controller had said as she had settled down for her weekly briefing. “I must ask you a question. You were in Vostokiye dah? December of ‘35?”

“Dah Controller. You have my reports on all events I was aware of” she admitted.

“I see. Reports are that late January information surfaced that Red Agent was successfully turned. In December of ‘35. Could that be you?”

Well trained, better trained than her politically correct, politically appointed controller it was a simple matter for the sable to fool him. “Comrade. In December 1935 I was just First Year Songmark student. Turning me would be waste of anyone’s time. I knew then nothing of importance. I still know nothing of importance. I had no contacts. I was nothing. Even at this moment I know only my mission. Yet since you suspect me shall we retire to interrogation room and Comrade Gadinka’s pleasant company?”

“Do not try to fool me Bryzov” her controller snapped, though his anger was more from fear of that name rather than suspicion. “When I find proof I will enjoy watching Comrade Gadinka turn you into garbage.”

“Dah, you would. Knowing when Moskov discovers your actions you will be next to feel Gadinka’s gentle touch. I am loyal to Mother Russia you fat simpering toad. Had I turned you would not be speaking to me. I would be in small cage, returned to Mother Russia for Glorious Commissioners party entertainment. I am tired of your threats. Any more and I will report you to Moskov myself.”

She had not stood from her chair, nor raised her voice yet the bear who was supposable in charge of her had physically backed up. Tatiana deathly frightened him, for she was true NKVD and he was only a politically correct party controller. “You walk dangerous ground Bryzov” he warned.

Finally standing Tatiana had removed her Songmark jacket, laying it carefully over the chairs back. “Then notify Moskov. Find new girl to be Songmark agent. Find new girl to become local Priestess daughter. Find new girl get job inside English Consulate decoding White Russian radio traffic. Find new girl to break English Consulate woman. Find new girl to make friends with English agents. Dah. You do this. Then you explain to Moskov how successful agent is really spy for White Russia. This I wish to see. Do, or remove yourself from my life. Your constant interference severally endangers my mission.”

White under his fur the bear hurried around to the back of his overlarge desk. Opening a drawer he withdrew his revolver, pointing it at Tatiana’s chest. “You are under arrest. We will see what Comrade Gadinka learns from you.”

“Put that toy away you idiot” a new voice ordered. From another room came a rather tall direwolf. One Tatiana well knew from her NKVD training, though even now not his name. “Tatiana please sit.” He turned towards the bear, glaring at him. “You comrade are a fool. You are now removed from this agents life forever. Remember that, or I will remove you from this life completely.” Turning his attention to Tatiana the huge male simply stood, devouring her body with his eyes. “Comrade Bryzov. I apologize for that ones actions. His understanding of women is limited to the bedchamber, and rarely at that. Sit, we will talk.” He turned to the bear. “You will leave now. Dah?” he asked in a conversational tone. One that had the bear leaving as though set on fire. One did not anger this direwolf. One simply did not.

When the two were alone the Direwolf walked over, locking the office door. “You will be assigned Comrade Milken. She is not much better but keeps her nose out of agents lives. Unless instructed otherwise of course.” Walking back to the desk he turned to again study Tatiana. “Questions?”

“None Comrade” Tatiana answered.

“Good. I would not have given you my name anyway. Your Millicent. How much control have you over her.”

“Very delicate. At this moment she believes herself in love with me. I was instructed to reinforce that feeling. May I now cease? Being with a woman is uncomfortable for me.”

“Nyet. If anything you are to reinforce it further. You will marry her.”

Tatiana stood in shock. “COMRADE!”

“Be quiet. Sit. You will marry her before Mayday. That is order from top. She must believe that to you she is most import of all things. Your life belongs to Starling, not yourself. If Starling wants you marry sea slug you marry sea slug, have many sea slugs for Mother Russia. Be happy is only female Englander. We need way into their secrets. You are most important agent in this area. You have penetrated further than even I hoped. You will do this Tatiana, or you will join your mother. Thus says those well above me.”

“My mother?” the sable asked. “What of Oharu.”

“Not that low born slant eyed peasant trickster” the direwolf corrected. “She who bore you, who is even now comforting the guards of re-education camp twenty-three.”

“My.. My birth mother is still alive? Mama Krasa still lives?”

That question caused the direwolf to chuckle. “You still care? I am surprised. Was it not you who announced them to the NKVD? What care you now. Still I would not much worry. I have recently seen her. The body is alive Tatiana Bryzov. Krasa Bryzov though died long ago. Nor is her body much beautiful anymore.” He sat behind the desk, pushing a dusty book aside. “Your traitorous father died in the salt mines. A cave in. For him it was easy. Your traitoress mother, she survived several years until finally her mind left her. She is nothing now, only a rag to wipe ones muddy boots upon. A thin comfort on a cold lonely night. Nothing more. You did well turning in such dangerous people. If you wish, for a price I will personally see to it that her body no longer survives.”

“What price” Tatiana asked, already reaching up to the buttons of her blouse. Long knowing this direwolf she already knew what the real price would be. No matter what petty extra things he would add.

“Good. So you do still care for her. You still have a heart. You will need it. There are three things. A month after your wedding, when you return from your honeymoon in American Hawaii a photograph of your mothers grave will be given you. You will insure your new wife believes with all her soul you are deeply in love with her. You will of course be watched. Second. You will find a way to involve yourself in the English woman Lady Allworthy’s life. I do not care how, you will do this. Lastly. Ah sweet little Tatiana. It has been a long time since we were together. You will now remind me of how things once were in training camp those cold winter nights.”

That had been her deciding point. Not so much the price of her body, for she had paid such many times during her training. Many times to the same direwolf. It was being reminded of what she had done to her own parents. Even though at the moment of her actions she had truly believed her parents wrong. That only her teachers were right. Had believed in her heart that her parents understood why she did what she had done, that they would return to her with only their outlook towards the government changed. Starling had done that to her. What she would do to Starling... It would take years for the foul creature to die under her paws. Many, many years. As to Amelia, had the direwolf known Tatiana’s true plans she would have died under his claws right then. For Amelia was her escape plan. Her way out of the NKVD.

Opening her eyes she looked forward, they were now by her estimate a good twenty minutes from Eastern Island even in this craft. Turning to the wolf behind her she waited until he acceded that she was staring at him. “I am doing right?” she asked.

“I not understand” the wolf admitted.

“You are mothers guardian. Yes?”

A surprised look crossed the wolfs face, followed by a low chuckle. “Like mother like daughter. Even though not related by birth. Yes. I am Priestess Oharu’s servant and Guardian.”

“Slow please, I have serious question for my mothers Guardian.”

Quickly the boat slowed until it drifted silently in the current. “You will ask what?”

Very slowly, very deliberately Tatiana explained her position, her decision and what the future held for her should she fail. If she could not trust her adopted mothers Guardian she knew that she could trust no one but her adopted mother. In this even her powerful mother could not help her, for it was outside her abilities. To survive she had to be able to trust others. Finally her words ended. “Should I continue, or should I take the long swim right now” she asked seriously. Waiting for an answer she was surprised when the wolf only restarted his engine, returning to his course for Eastern island. Though she waited in silence he spoke no further to her until they came to a landing at a small, out of the way dock near Songmark’s gate.

“Like your mother you have chosen a path that has but one chance for life Daughter of Oharu. I will speak with those I must. An answer will come to you.”

“Will I be given a running head start” she asked softly.

“None would harm the daughter of Oharu Wei. It will be to her to determine your fate, should that be decided. I cannot foresee her turning her eyes from you Daughter of Oharu. She could never do that. Of this I am absolutely certain. Now hurry, for soon the priestess will sing the morning song.”

Tatiana reached into a pocket, taking out several shells to pay for her expedited transport only to have the wolf wave her off. “You have presented me with a great puzzle. Those whom I must go to now will pay your debt. May the Gods watch over you Tatiana Wei, for now you truly need them.”

It seemed that she barely managed to slip into bed before Miss Windlesham slammed open the rooms door. “Rise and shine ladies” the feline sang. “For it is a beautiful day today. Ten mile forced march with full packs. Before breakfast. We wouldn’t want you to have stomach troubles now, would we.”

Tatiana found that for the first time she truly could not meet the eyes of her roommates.

Sometime later on Meeting Island a certain ferret watched as a certain wolf leave his office. What had been reported to him was a near disaster. A terrible disaster. So many carefully laid plans would have to be reworked. There were now new options, but were they as good as what he had spent the last two years creating, worse or better. That would have to wait for the future to decide.

“How do we survive our youth” he asked himself, remembering that some of his own decisions as a teenager had not been much less of a mess. After all, Tatiana was in all truth nothing more than a teenager. A well trained teenager but still a teenager. Walking out to Kjellfrid he asked the rabbit to arrange a meeting between himself, a certain greyhound and a bulldog in the English Consulate. Between them they might come up with a way out of this mess, but it was already certain that several Russian gentlemen would have to depart the land of the living. Never enough would travel on to be certain, but an attempt would be made. They had shown their cards. Tatiana had just dealt him herself as a wild card. Now he would show them his paw.

February 12th, 1937

Long weeks had passed on South Island since the events that had led up to Oharu Wei being placed on ‘forced vacation.’ In those twenty-three days her heart, though it would never mend fully, had come to accept that which was truth. That she could never have the doe she so desired. She so needed. Since then the mouse had spent all of her time rebuilding those things we call emotions. First by slipping so fully into Misogi that she was able to safely release all control of them, then taking what had become a tangled net of need, want, desire, love, fear and such, one thread at a time. Weaving again control over herself. Yet at its core was still her undying love for the doe. It was an emotion she could never set aside, thus she made it the core of what she would be forever. Its strength would hold against all that struck at her in the future. Its hopelessness would forever remind her that no matter how strong one was, there would always be something beyond their reach.

This work of certainty had taken time, time that was granted to her by Spontoon’s High Priestess. Now though she could again face the world without tears in her eyes, or the emotionless dead stare of those who had lost all hope. This did not mean that she was fully healed, only that she had regained that control which all need to function. Healing would come later, most likely when someone finally managed to enter her life with the touch of love. Time would bring her back into the normal path of life, right now though she was raw edged, without the smoothness granted years of life.

Soft barefooted steps announced a visitor. Still there was no movement by the mouse, for she was as yet weaving those last few threads into a whole. It was delicate work, for unlike those born upon Spontoon and trained as Priestess’s Oharu could not see her own soul. Each step had to be taken with care, feeling rather than seeing where to place each threads final anchor. Time passed, time in which the sun rose in the East, then fell to its sleep in the West. All this time the mouse’s visitor remained quite. Remained waiting as only another Priestess could. Then as the suns last rays drifted to nothingness those dark orbs opened. Oharu had finished her task. She was again whole.

“You have returned to us” the calico feline known only as Dia-Kura asked in Spontoon’s liquid language. She was, as always, wearing nothing but a short paw woven skirt. For unlike Oharu, Dia-Kura preferred her body to be as open to the elements as she could allow it. When not in sight of Euro’s the feline wore nothing more often than not.

“I am. Almost ready” the mouse agreed. She too spoke only Spontoon’s major language. “It was my understanding. You never leave Meeting Island.”

“Rarely” the calico admitted. “Meeting Island is were I was born, where I trained, where I live. It will be where my bones come to rest. Times yes. I do leave. When I have need.”

“Such as now? Dia-Kura, I am not at this moment a Priestess. I am resting. I am not allowed to speak of such things. Even to speak to you.”

“This I know” she held up a carved stone, setting it between them. “I have been given permission” she explained. “I need for this a sister. Not a Priestess” the feline admitted. “My friend has reached that point where her pain begins to overwhelm. I was directed to you, as you have now twice recovered from such.”

“Let there not be a third time” the mouse admitted. “For I do not believe that I could again manage this passage. It is exceptionally difficult.” She took a breath, adjusting the lava-lava she wore. “More so than I ever suspected. Had I done this the first time, there would never have been a second. Yet there was not the time. Huakava could not know my true need, I myself refused to see it. So much I thought myself so strong.” She shrugged. “And so I have been reminded, I am but mortal. What is your need that you come to speak with me.”

“Helen Whitehall” Dia-Kura admitted. “My friend you saved. She has begun seeing shadows.”

“They are real?”

“No my sister. They are mind dreams. To her though they will soon become real. It is her past, still reaching for her.”

Oharu leaned back against a section of rotted fuselage that had once been an Empress of the air. “I had thought she had one to fill her heart” she admitted. “This is not so then?”

Shifting the feline looked about her before answering. “She still has not fully decided. It leaves Helen’s heart... Unsettled. Unsettled, shadows roam.”

Oharu thought over those words, searching for a path her visitor much needed. “There is no interest between you” she asked.

“None.” Dia-Kura laughed. “I have never had an interest in women, rarely even in men. I am, I am wedded to my path it seems.”

“You have a sister then?”

Dia-Kura waved a paw to her side. “Once. She passed on. Natural illness. Now, no. I understand fully such need. It is difficult to serve those whom we hold dear to our souls without a sister to help us remain in contact with what is truth. You are Saimmi’s sister, thus you keep her in contact with what is with us. But yourself?”

“For now my adopted daughter Tatiana” the mouse admitted. “Though in truth I must find a sister. I cannot be as useful as I must without one. It is something I must do this coming summer. You though have no sister.”

“None. Why?”

Oharu smiled, took a moment to brush a leaf beetle from her lava-lava before answering. “Ask your Helen. She will never leave these islands. Her chosen profession does keep her in closer connection with what is new than most. Becoming your sister, it will help her forget the shadows.”

Dia-Kura laughed. “Oh yes, traipsing among the forgotten paths, watching as I meditate for hours. This will be very helpful for her.”

“I thought more your taking her to Casino Island. To those tourist places that do not close. A shared meal. Perhaps a movie, a walk in the flower gardens, even a swim in the bay. These things are what sisters do, and in the doing speak to one another of their days. So she will learn from you and you from her. Is there truth in the rumors that you desire her son?”

“ME!” Laughing even harder this time the calico took minutes to gather herself. “Desire a baby? No, not I. He would though make a wonderful husband for someone else who has just entered this world.” She held up both paws, forestalling any comment the mouse might make. “Matchmaking I am not good at my sister” she admitted. “I do have dreams. Sometimes.” She giggled again. “No sister, I’ve no desire to chase any boy who is still wearing dypers. There is this too. I have nothing but what you see before you. How could I possibly invite Helen anywhere.”

“She is not rich” the mouse asked, a tug of a smile on her lips.

“Rich.” Dia-Kura shrugged. “She could buy me for a pet, take me away to England never to return. She is that rich. I do not wish to ask her anyway. I prefer the ‘respectfully mysterious Native Priestess’ act anyway.

“It is a good act” Oharu agreed. “As long as you do not let it get between you and friendship. I am unaware, have you a home?”

“I have a small cavern next to an abandoned ancient shrine” Dia-Kura answered. “From the long ancient times. No spirit resides there. It is where I keep things that I may need, where I most often stay in the worst weathers. Home? No. I have...” She shrugged. “When I was released by my teacher I had no place. I explored. I, well I’ve never really settled down. Much as the Priests, I simply wander. When I am needed I am found, but owning anything doesn’t interest me. Not really.”

“You should have a home” Oharu scolded. “All must have a place to call their own, lest their spirit begins to drift. A place she may be visited, may train students. For your needs, tomorrow is Saturday yes?”

“It is.”

Twisting her body the mouse reached behind herself into the rotting fuselage. Turning back she leaned forward, placing a small cloth bag in the felines lap. “Use this. It is not much, still it is more than I have need of. Great Mother gave it to me for my needs. I have had no needs, and hope to soon return home. It would be wasteful for me to keep this when another has need. Yes? Of course by serving others, you repay me this gift many times over.”

Dia-Kura hefted the little cloth bag in one paw. “You are certain you will not need this” she asked.

“I will not. What I do need is a bath. It has been too long since I last bathed. My clothing too is worse for the wearing. Money means almost nothing to me, cleanliness more. Now please go to gather your new sister within your life. If she will accept such. Having someone to share a close friendship with may cure her shadows.”

“I saw a pool on my way here” Dia-Kura said. “If you will allow me to wash your dress, to brush your back I would feel I have some way repaid you.”

Standing slowly, for it had been days since her last meal Oharu nodded in agreement. “My dress yes, my back. Please understand that I am somewhat ashamed of my back.”

Standing to join the barely shorter mouse Dia-Kura stepped aside. “I am aware of your back my sister. As by now are all your sisters. Scars of the body do not make a monster of the soul. With your permission I will brush your back after you have bathed.”

Oharu blushed, that act alone telling her that she had woven her emotions together well. “If it does not bother you. It has been months since anyone other than myself has brushed my back. My fur must be in poor shape. But it is a bath I really need. I cannot go beg for food smelling like this. Not even to my own students.”

Sometime later the two walked away from that place Oharu had retired too, the mouse though damp now clean, as was the lava-lava she wore. “I must ask of you one thing Dia-Kura” Oharu asked. “When you look into the fires, have you too seen a darkness building?”

“A darkness yes” the feline answered. “I cannot see past it. Not with any reliability. What one moment appears a safe path through that the next becomes an ending for all. All I am certain of is that this will be a testing for our nation. A testing for our people that a great many will not survive.”

“It is what I see also my sister. So I will be speaking again with you. To learn your secrets for Huakava’s great book. We are too few to chance losing any knowledge.”

“You will, as Helen is often known to say, be as busy as a beaver” Dia-Kura laughed. “Running this way, that. Yet you are right my sister. Huakava’s great work must be completed and soon. I feel we have less than two pawfulls of summers left us. Perhaps less but no more. I beg you complete your work within the year, that within two it may be published. Once in many paws our way cannot be thrown aside as so many others have been.”

Oharu smiled to her companion. “This task. To this task I will agree” she answered.

It was just before sunup when they arrived at within sight of a village’s outskirts. Both paused to listen as the local priestess sang the morning song. “She uses a different beginning” Dia-Kura noted.

“She uses the same as I” Oharu corrected. “Her tune though is lower.”

“Thus we need the great work.”

“Yes, as I have a Great Work for you my sister.”

Dia-Kura stopped, studying her companion. “You are not the Great Mother Oharu” she reminded the mouse. “You may not demand of me anything.”

“No. Nor are you. Yet we both stepped aside when offered that place. I would have you prepare, in the case Saimmi does not survive this coming darkness.”

“How... I told no one” the calico gasped.

“There were but four who Huakava felt could take her place. I was first asked. You were second, Saimmi third. Whom the fourth was I do not yet wish to announce.” She reached out, taking the felines paws within her own. “Huakava informed me, when I said no the third time. Saimmi knows that fourths name as well as your own. That other, I do not think that she would make a good second. Her health is not as strong as she wants people to believe. Spontoon needs a second ready to take up the burden should Saimmi fall. I am asking you to offer yourself.”

Dia-Kura sighed, pulling her paws free from Oharu’s. “As I grew I always wanted to be High Priestess” she admitted. “Yet, when Huakava approached me I knew I was not the right choice. I do not know why I knew, I simply knew. I will not make a good High Priestess my sister. It should be you.”

“Sister. Here there is a problem that cannot be ignored. I was not born on these lands. I would not be fully accepted and I am to be Saimmi’s Shield. I would fall before her in any case. Then too I have been touched by the fragment. It is not a safe thing to allow one touched by that darkness to lead the light. Even though it is truth that should a balance be made, I am the greater than all but Kama. She is yet a child. I think that in the fullness of time she will replace Saimmi should she live that long. I would not shed from bowing to her though in truth I fear her at this time. That though is not a certain thing, for after the darkness all is jumbled.”

“You. More powerful that the Great Mother?” Dia-Kura shook her head no. “I think not. If you were then you would guide us now. Not she who does.”

Turning her back on the village Oharu studied the way they had come. “I have been bound from using my gift by the Great Mother until I heal fully. It is a binding I accepted” she whispered. “Dia-Kura, the Gift is not all that we hold. I am trained in ways no priestess of this nation may ever understand. This gives me strength that the Great Mother needs in the future. My training sister, needs no gift to function. Watch the trail we walked, and learn from this story I shall sing.”

She began to sing in her native language, her rough voice filling the space about them with a song not heard on Spontoon before. As Dia-Kura watched two figures appeared from the shadows. One tall, strong, armed and armored in a style she had not seen before. Before that figure rose a young woman, slight of form, without arms or armor. As the calico watched in awe the two engaged in battle. Certainly the stronger must prevail, yet at the end of Oharu’s song it was to the slighter female figure to whom the warrior bowed.

“You are the warrior” Dia-Kura gasped after recovering. “How?”

“Saimmi is the lady” Oharu agreed. “My sister, strength and power does not guarantee victory. Nor does having or not having our gift entail ability. I used none of my gift to show you that scene, I could not. I did not use that which the fragment woke within me. I used only that ancient training drilled into me since my ninth birthday. I will never disobey our Great Mother. Not even if it were to cost your life, my life, my daughters life or the life of she whom I love more than my own life. I trust her, that is all I ever need say about this.”

“Then I trust you” Dia-Kura decided. “I will think upon your request. After I have taken Helen to Casino Island.”

“You will of course wear something other than a simple grass skirt” Oharu asked. “There are Euros around even now who would mistake you for a China Dock Huntress.”

“But I have nothing else” the feline admitted.

With a laugh Oharu removed her own lava-lava, leaving her standing in nothing but a once white loincloth. “Far be it for me to leave a sister in need. Return this when you no longer have need, or keep it.”

“But. My skirt cannot fit you.”

“There is food within the forest my sister. I am now adept at weaving grass. Fear not, by noon I will be fully dressed again.” She placed the cloth in Dia-Kura’s paws. “Return it or not, as you feel is right. Now go. Have fun and help your Helen keep her shadows at bay. Until the time comes that my pet decides that her heart is where she should be.”

“Your pet?”

Again Oharu laughed. “It is a joke between myself and Miss Devinski. I hope one day to speak with her again. For now this is denied me. Care for your sister to be, I look forward to speaking with you again.”

“As I do.” Accepting the garment Dia-Kura watched the now near naked mouse return up the path they had just walked down. ‘So strong’ she thought. ‘So easily hurt.’ Folding the borrowed cloth she turned back to the waiting village. Someone was going to have to teach her how to wear it after all.

“Its impossible” Helen Whitehall laughed later that evening as Dia-Kura led her into the only open cinema on Casio Island. “I am on a date with a Priestess.”

“Not date” Dia-Kura corrected. “Having fun only. Secret is I never watched film. I never had been to restaurant. Expensive both.” She checked her coins, those that Oharu had given her and a pawfull she’d added from her own tiny collection. As careful as she had been, as cheaply as her position had allowed her to pay there were now very few left. “You need break, same myself Helen Whitehall. This good for both of us.”

Looking around her the hound felt that she understood. With her legal problems behind her (sort of, that filthy bulldog had somehow escaped her anger to return to London and still breathed) she had thrown herself fully into her teaching and the Goddard Club. Catherine Devinski had not visited often this year. Always busy, one or the other of them. Helen knew the clues though. After all she’d used them enough herself. Catherine still wasn’t certain. She still needed time to think. Time Helen intended to give her but it did make her life lonely. She had started looking forward to the weekly Cribbage games. Whist had proven too difficult for weekly events, requiring as it did four players. Still on occasion it had been fun to have so many females about, chatting about their lives. She much missed that now. And she had noticed her companion silently counting the few shells that she still had.

“Tell you what Dia. You paid for dinner and the movie, I’ll spring for the rest of our entertainment and you can pay our way home. Deal?”

Dia-Kura looked again into the near empty cloth bag. “I so wanted” she sighed, knowing the truth was there hadn’t been enough money after all. “Okay.”

February 13th, 1937

Early the next morning Oharu looked up as a well known figure approached. Setting aside her breadfruit meal she rose, bowing with respect to that figure.

“My daughter Dia-Kura tells me that you have recovered” Spontoon’s High Priestess announced, ignoring the fact that Oharu had not risen from her bow. “Is this truth?”

“It is Great Mother” Oharu answered.

“Oh stand up daughter. You embarrass me” the feline ordered. There was humor in her voice, but as yet not a great deal. “You gave her all the money I left you. Why.”

Standing straight Oharu brushed down the grass clothing she had woven. “She had need. I did not. Where there is need is where that money should be.”

“And your dress?”

“A little thing. Perhaps she will enjoy the wearing.”

This time Saimmi did laugh. “It has been over twenty years since Dia-Kura wore anything but a grass skirt and that small red cloth, then only during her moons. She was so uncomfortable when I spoke with her, yet I feel you were right. It is not seemly that a Priestess be thought a China Dock Huntress on Casino Island. You have not eaten well I can easily see.”

“I have been within Misogi Great Mother. Within such, certain needs are not noticed. I have eaten today, lightly. That my stomach would not revolt. I will eat more tomorrow.”

Saimmi settled down on a cleared log, looking around her at the place Oharu had chosen to retreat too. “An ancient wreaked aircraft. Is there meaning to this?”

“I chose this place yes” the mouse admitted. “For I was as wreaked as this aircraft. I chose it because I do love such things. To leave it alone when I might share some time. This seemed selfish.”

“You also might sit down, before you fall” Saimmi noted. She waited until Oharu had settled down, still looking about her. “No fire?”

“I had no need of one. For now.”

“Understandable. You have yet to tell my birth mother your decision.”

“I have not” the mouse admitted. “I cannot grant her grandchildren. Molly visits her. I cannot twist my life around two such painful things.”

“I ask that you hold your decision Oharu. Molly will leave soon and mother is not one to expect all her children to place a baby within her arms. I am an example of this. She will have Helen and Amelia. They will grant her more than enough grandchildren I think.” She watched the mouse before her. “Yet you desire children of your own.”

“I have been denied” Oharu admitted. “Annette thinks that, should the new drugs prove themselves, certain Doctors may be able to repair my scarring. Such an operation would be too dangerous at this time. Infection could kill, at least it would forever deny me children should such happen. She has asked that I wait, wait until she has the skill needed. So I will wait. Even so I cannot naturally bear any child. It would have to be cut from me.”

“Caesarean Section is what the Euro’s call that. It is dangerous yes, but not so dangerous when care is taken. Would you give up your gift to be a mother?”

Oharu looked up. “I would give my life to bear a child Great Mother. Even though I must lay with a male, I would do almost anything to bear a child.”

“Or six” the feline finished. “We shall see what the future grants us. My daughter Dia-Kura tells me you asked her to be my second. This is amusing, as I have recently decided the same. She has agreed to think of this. After she recovers from her day with Helen Whitehall. It appears that buttered popcorn and her body do not agree with each other. In the least, not at the levels she attempted. She is a rather prolonged guest again of Mrs. Whitehall’s, who has indoor plumbing. I fear she will take some time before she eats such food again.”

“I have never had popcorn” Oharu admitted. “It is dangerous?”

Saimmi leaned back slightly, smiling. “As I myself discovered, when a young child, buttered popcorn in large quantity is dangerous to anyone Oharu. It is the oils. Should you try it, please try the smallest container. Not the, as I was informed, MegaMonster size. Daughter. About Molly.”

“Yes” Oharu asked.

“I believe it best that you never seek her out again. She will not seek you. Though your heart is hers, I must now demand your full attention. That darkness you and Dia-Kura spoke of. Huakava’s Great Book is too important. If there is again war, as we all believe. It will not just be technology this time. There are too many paths that do not escape that darkness. Paths that enter, never to leave. Huakava saw this as well. We must not let our beliefs, our rituals vanish as so many already have. I will ask your word on this.”

“You have my word on this Great Mother. If it can be done, I shall do this with great delight.”

“Very good.” Leaning forward the feline clasped her paws before her. “We have both made mistakes. Mistakes that cost you badly. Until this darkness passes we cannot afford any other mistakes. Not I. Not you. Others may falter. We can not. Thus Eastern Island is still forbidden you until that doe has graduated. Other than my students and your adopted daughter, all Songmark students and faculty are forbidden you. This will be a problem?”

Oharu thought carefully about that question. It was true she much desired to return to Eastern Island. To speak with... “No, there in no real problem” she answered. “Though I will miss Miss Devinski. She is great fun. In truth Great Mother your order makes of my life a bit the easier.”

“Very good. About the hound. You have discovered her secret?”

“She is a Priestess. Perhaps High Priestess” the mouse answered. “I do not understand her path.”

“It is good that you discovered this yourself. Thus you may speak with her, but not on Eastern Island. Learn from her what you can, as she is very closed about her way. I also believe that it would be better if you spoke English as well as you have learned Spontoon. I would like it if you would make some small effort to learn how to better read and speak that language. To my students it is second nature. There may come a time when you will need to speak to them in their language. Your French?”

“Has improved, with help from tourists” the mouse admitted. “I may carry on conversations that are not greatly involved. Still it is not as good as my Spontoon. Why?”

“As High Priestess I am constantly invited to embassy events” Saimmi explained. “Most may be ignored, some cannot be. It will be helpful if you may shield me from as many of these as possible. I am no Pope to desire attention. Nor am I Huakava who greatly enjoyed, as Helen once said, yanking their chains. Then there is this. You successfully deferred questions that Huakava would have...” Saimmi giggled, “Blown up about. You will be my warriors shield. I need you to shield me as well. If only from those boring parties. Too, your adopted daughter has her own companion now. Like any force information is needed. Euros chaff at being denied carrying their message to our other islands. It would be nice to know a few of their secrets.”

“I am again a spy” Oharu sighed, looking down at her own paws. “I will wear thin clothing, seduce unwary wives, be hunted by angry spouses in the dark of night. Woe is me, for I will be the ruination of many lives.” She abruptly snorted, breaking into laughter. “Oharu Wei, Priestess spy. Ruiner of pure wives. How dreadfully unbelievable.”

“It is good to hear you laugh” Saimmi admitted. “You are also a very very poor spy. I ask only that you listen, then report to me. Your practice with the bow?”

Oharu nodded yes as she fought to control her laughter. Finally she took a deep breath, steadying herself. “As a Miko I had to learn it, for the sound of a bowstring frightens evil spirits away. Thus all Miko are trained with the bow, though not many are good with it. I much enjoy such.”

“I see. Have you competed?”

“Many times.” Oharu’s rough voice became animated. “It was one thing I very much enjoyed. To pit my skill of eye and judgement against others. It also helped that any money I won would help my temple. Millet will keep one alive, it tastes though horrible.”

“There is an annual competition held by the Cipangu Consulate. Any who wish may enter. I must tell you that it has grated upon our people that no one has ever defeated the current Miko.”

Oharu nodded in agreement. “Urako? That does not surprise me. All Miko’s train daily. Certainly she would defeat most all who stand against her. You will have me face her? Is there a reason?”

Saimmi grinned, slapping her paws together. “There is a competition soon. It would warm my heart greatly for a Spontoon citizen to win. Just once. Being Priestess against Priestess, no one could claim outside interference.”

Standing Oharu stretched, her movement causing many bones to return to place. “I will be a very short time to train. Still no Miko would desire to call upon more than her skill. It would not be honorable to do so. So, to prepare, I may return to Main Island then?”

“You may but your duties as a Priestess are still denied you, other than the book and that only as truly needed. You have not yet truly rested. Also, there is a party at the French Consulate tonight. Your best dress please. You are still on retreat until at least after the competition. Most likely at least two weeks further. Maybe even months. I have not decided. You have yet to pleasure yourself.”

Oharu blushed, then leaned forward, the act opening her straw blouse more than somewhat. “Am I being approached by my own sister? Oh how many mouths will talk.”

Saimmi though simply giggled. “I like this side of my sister” she admitted. “I would be happy if this side remained for all time. Your dark side is simply too heavy for my heart. No Oharu, neither your sister or Great Mother has that kind of interest in you, though I am aware of some who do. Would you mind their attention? All would be delighted to fill that massive heart of yours. Or at least hold you for a night.”

Oharu turned serious abruptly. “I will not refuse a visit. My heart though is filled. Tattered yes, but filled. I cannot offer anything greater than friendship now. That will change in time Great Mother. Time does not heal, it does allow others to find ways into anyone’s heart. I must train though, if I am to be of any challenge to Urako. I must suspect that she is at least as effective with bow and arrow as myself.”

Saimmi stood carefully. “Then let us walk to the docks. There is a certain wolf who has been waiting hours. You understand that he is quite smitten by you as a Priestess. That poor police officer. I believe that he passed his teeth rather painfully.”

“He did not” Oharu gasped.

“Only barely” Saimmi admitted. “Had not several bystanders have pulled him away we would be looking for a new police officer. He was very much angered. You were marked, all could see that. That police officer saw your mark most clearly, and ignored it. His only excuse was he did not look with his mind, and being one who wears that Euro cross he did not think to look with his heart. He will now.”

Turning to follow Saimmi Oharu bit her upper lip. “I do not wish anyone harmed because of my foolishness. That mistake was as much mine as his.”

“He was born here. He was raised here. Thus the fault was fully his own my daughter. As much as it would have been yours had you ignored his cross. Now that is behind, he has learned and will never make that mistake again. Ahead is a long day and I have many young women to send to you. Treat each kindly, lest I be forced to send you to Nunui Hale for half a year to find a companion. It is cold there you understand, and very wet. I did not much enjoy my visit when I angered Huakava several years ago.”

“Then I shall not anger you. Unless... Does it snow there?”

“In winter yes.”

Oharu grinned. “Then Great Mother, I shall very much anger you the summer after Huakava’s great work is completed.”

“And I will very much send you to freeze in the snows of that nation little mouse. Your tail will be frozen straight, so that it can be used as a handle to guide you in your duties.”

In answer Oharu simply stuck her tongue out. Saimmi started laughing at the sight of that pink flesh. “As you are well again, I must ask a test of you” she continued once she again had control of herself. “There is no pass or fail with this test, and of all my daughters you are the only one I have not yet tested in this. I see that you are able, but not at your strongest. This is good for what I need to know. I would see your power daughter. I ask that you draw upon all you may, to gauge against all I may call upon. In this way I will know always exactly where your failing place is, and what I may call upon you to do.” She rubbed her paws together, warming them. “You will be the anchor for my warriors Oharu. You will be their, and my shield many times. I must know what they can expect from you at your worst. Will you do this?”

Oharu studied her superior. “All I may draw upon” she asked seriously. “Cipangu and Spontoon?”

“And anything else except the fragment. I do not wish to awaken such for a simple test. Now sit, for we must meditate first.”

“Anything... That which has opened within me I do not yet understand. I will call upon it, but not fully. What symbol do you choose Great Mother” the mouse asked, watching as Saimmi rubbed the earth clean between them and made a simple mark upon it. “I will gauge your strength at this, your weakest time, against my own. Doing so will tell me where among my daughters your power lies. I know that your gift is mind and soul, thus so I will gauge you among those of my daughters with the same gifts. Now, begin.”

Saimmi herself slipped into meditation, drawing from Spontoon’s heart the power she needed for this simple test. It was, in truth, nothing more than the testing of two batteries, one near exhausted against one that was full. Testing by using twin light-bulbs. The brighter symbol indicated the greater power. Saimmi, knowing her own level, could then gauge each of her daughters own abilities against hers. Some had proven a bit stronger, most less. Two had proven equal and one barely had managed to draw at all. None knew their level, for the test required that they turn their senses to look elsewhere. Knowing this strange mouse’s ability at her weakest would tell Saimmi the very last that she needed to know about her. Opening her eyes Saimmi opened her right paw, a golden gleaming emblem of light rose from the flesh, casting its light outwards.

To be nearly blown out by the brilliant blue from Oharu’s left paw. It was Saimmi decided later, like holding a candle against a bonfire at its strongest. If this then was Oharu at her weakest, Gods grant no one ever face her at her strength the High Priestess decided. “It is enough” she said softly, watching in near awe as that blue symbol faded to nothingness as Oharu eased from her meditation.

Only then did Oharu open her eyes, to see that Saimmi’s symbol still shown brightly. “Such power” Oharu gasped. “I am nothing beside you.”

Almost Saimmi believed the mouse was being sarcastic, until she remembered that the mouse could not know what had occurred. Not only had she been deep in meditation, but her eyes had been closed as well. Had she known the truth she would never had said such, it was not her sisters way to be so petty. “The truth my daughter” Saimmi admitted. “Is that beside you I am the candle, you the bonfire.”

“This can not be” the mouse gasped. “I can not be the greater. It is not acceptable for a simple Priestess to be stronger than the High Priestess.”

Saimmi laughed at Oharu’s words. “It was you who refused the High Priestess’s staff little one, not I. Because you refused, because Dai-Kura refused I got stuck with it, so do not tell me that it is wrong that you are the more powerful. That panther knew what she was doing when she came to you first. So just hold your tongue and accept the truth.”

“But...”

“I warn you...”

Very carefully Oharu raised her left paw, grasping her tongue and waited.

“I should spank you for that, instead, keep the position while I speak.” Saimmi carefully stood up, brushing the earth from her sari. “You have not yet had your month, and you will have it. Or two, or three or a year. I will decide when you will return to your duties.” She walked past the sitting mouse, looking up at the aircrafts wreckage. “You love aircraft. Well Spontoon is the place to live certainly. The two women who have cared for you have done so of their own free will. They considered it an honor. As soon as your rest is over I will send you to Sacred Island. It is best to finish that as quickly as possible. There are events building that require I have your full abilities, though you will still attend school until you finish Seventh Grade.”

She turned around. “Release your tongue my sister. Tell me, have you now decided about my families offer?”

“I will accept” Oharu answered. “After Sacred Island.”

“Very good.“ Walking to where Oharu could see her Saimmi withdrew a letter from her sari. “Your pet prairie dog failed out of Songmark. Her heart was physically too small. Miss Devinski said that had she remained in Songmark she would have died before first year classes ended. She left you this letter. Whatever you did to, and for her. You left a deep impression upon her. I think a good one. Now, if you do not mind I have to travel to Eastern Island and you need to practice. I will return tonight, for mother has promised a dinner with something called a pineapple up-side down cake. I understand that it is quite good.”

Accepting the letter Oharu stood slowly. “If it were within my power I would hurt you” she told the feline. “You know my love of all things pineapple.”

“And corn fritters. You have such a wide like in tastes.” Saimmi placed a paw on Oharu’s shoulder. “You are my friend, my sister and my most trusted Priestess. Should you win the contest I will buy you a cake for yourself. Fresh from a Casino oven. And all else you desire. My word.”

Oharu smiled, giggling lightly. “And all know that the High Priestess’s word is inviolate. Or is that indigo?”

Both women giggled, then Saimmi said her good-bye and left. Left to allow Oharu to read her letter.

That very same afternoon, the ferret Albert Sapohatan was currently sitting behind lowered bamboo curtains somewhere on Main Island. He was truly enjoying the shade to be found under the a tourist umbrella at this time of day. For all the world he appeared as nothing more than a visitor taking rest from the noon day sun. Only tourists would believe that lie though, for Spontoon’s top espionage leader was waiting for a meeting with three very special people, though he had only requested two to come. It would become a meeting that dozens of countries would have gladly paid lives to know about, especially Red Russia. As he sipped his tea he watched as seven figures approached down the beach. One was a native guide, a requirement for all non-natives visiting Main Island legally. The others were from the English Consulate. A bulldog who he knew went by the name of Major Thomas William Hawkins, a slightly younger border collie known as Jacob Dasher and a greyhound who could only be Captain Heller. They were accompanied by three young ladies and though two of them were unknown to Albert, the rather large chested tabby could only be his current problem. Millicent Holmes, or soon to be Wei as he remembered. Apparently hot and tired the group entered a nearby refreshment stand, vanishing inside where it would be cooler. It would also be impossible for any watchers to see what happened next.

There, unseen to outside observers the group separated. All three women remaining behind to chat as women tend to do while the men, after excusing themselves, vanished towards the water closets. Only that was not their destination, for within five minutes all three had independently joined the ferret at his table. “You do realize the risk we are taking” Captain Heller said as he sat. “Is extremely great.”

“Risk is our business Captain” Albert answered. “Currently there are two water taxis returning to Casino Island with engine troubles. One contains a French agent, the other a German. When risk is manageable it is acceptable. Currently at this moment there is not a single agent you need worry about upon Main Island.”

“Meaning of course” Jacob Dassher continued. “That we are simply surrounded by several hundred agents belonging to you.”

“Not quite that many” Albert admitted. “Still we are very well protected.”

“Accepted” the bulldog agreed. “Now to be rather less than social. What reason did you invite the three of us to this little luncheon? Have you abruptly discovered that our naval forces are even now steaming towards Spontoon in a secret plan to invade?”

Albert grinned. “HMS Devonshire and London are currently docked in Hawaii. They are on a goodwill mission that will last nine more days. Currently they are the closest English ships to Spontoon, though HMS York and Exeter are due to pass through the Panama Canal tomorrow for visits to the American West coast.”

“So you know our ships disposition, that is easy work” Dassher admitted. “Should we speak of your own warship, and that Q-ship that belongs to the American Procyk? Coral Breeze I believe her name is.”

Albert waved his paw as though the information was nothing. “It is. Now that we have succeed in impressing each other with our secret knowledge, most of which was taken from the newspapers, shall we get to the business at hand? That being two young ladies. Tatiana Wei and your young Millicent.”

“Oh God. What has Millicent done now” Heller asked.

“Millicent” Albert answered, “Has done nothing worth mentioning that I am aware of. You certainly know of her actions within your Consulate better than I. She did pass the Harrods test I noted.” He smiled as the Collie’s mouth dropped open. “Oh please, it did take us nearly a year to understand that significance between a new courier carrying a large package between the American and English Consulate. Until someone noted that in certain trash the previous copy of Harrods catalog appeared the same day. Followed soon by shipments from that same store to the American’s Major Dalmont. It was the Sears catalog you received, wasn’t it Mr. Dassher? I will let you know that we spent almost a quarter of a year of wasted time hunting secret messages or codes within those recovered Harrod’s catalogs, though we never have managed to recover anything useful from your trash Dassher. Tell me, am I correct”

“Yes. Sears” Dassher admitted. “They carry excellent fishing gear for very good prices. You have of course shared this information?”

“Not at all” Albert laughed. “You fooled us very well. Let everyone else puzzle out your secret. It is quite amusing and was a good test of our own people. Now to be serious.” He snapped his fingers and a young squirrel arrived to place a large case beside him. “Please have refreshments served now” he instructed as he opened the case. As quickly as she had arrived the young girl vanished. “She is really nothing more than an employee here. One who knows how to keep her muzzle shut when instructed to do so. You may have your agents follow her all you desire, but please remember that she has reached the age where a husband is very much desired and we do have some interesting laws regarding what happens between males and females. If she is harmed, I assure you that the response will be from her Great Aunt, who is a full time Priestess.”

Placing three small packets of papers on the table Albert leaned back. “Read carefully gentlemen. We all have a serious problem now. It is what this meeting is about.”

Selecting a packet each of the Englishmen read carefully while Albert waited. Finally as the last packet was returned to the table he spoke again. “Some background. Tatiana by being adopted by the Priestess Oharu Wei is now a full Spontoon citizen, with all rights and responsibilities. You note that she offered to take that long swim. That means she is well aware of what doing so would result in. She is not in love with Millicent, I doubt that she will ever be more fond of the girl than as a friend or sister. She is though an excellent actress. I can guarantee you that what she says is the truth, as much as we have been able to verify it over this last week. Amelia and her dorm turned in quite official passports to their tutors. Each with the name, position and information Tatiana gave our agent. How she obtained those passports I do not know.”

“Millicent arranged them” the greyhound admitted. “Quite unofficially.”

“And she is still alive? Impressive” Albert admitted. “I must assume that you are aware of the situation between those two. That you have not only allowed the girl to continue breathing, but have advanced her position can only mean that you have a use for this situation. But this changes a lot of things I believe.”

“Quite a few” Dassher admitted. “Tell me, how did you turn the Japanese girl.”

“She turned herself” Albert admitted. “Just like she turned Tatiana, with the truth. Oharu is one of those who can look at the truth and accept it, frightening as it is. No mater how much it may hurt her. For her the truth is more important that her own life. I honestly do not think that she could lie her way out of a water taxi.”

Dassher looked to his two companions before continuing, having to wait as non-alcoholic drinks were placed on a lazy Susan in the tables middle. He watched amused as Albert spun the lazy Susan, allowing the others to select drinks before taking the last, immediately sipping its contents. “You want us to trust you” he admitted.

“Trust? Can we trust each other” Albert asked. “Maybe, but we do need to work together. At least here, today.”

“Very well.” Dassher drank from his own glass before continuing. “As I see it, if Tatiana wishes to remain alive and useful she has to follow those orders. Yet being with a woman is distasteful to her. So how does she fool Millicent?”

“I don’t know” Albert admitted.

“I see. Could this Priestess Oharu know?”

Albert thought over that question. Answering it one way would give too much information. Answering it another might be just as bad. It was a difficult decision. He decided to sidestep, to open a false lead for his visitors. “You would have to ask her” he finally said. “We are all aware that Tatiana sold herself to Nikki, that Nikki then sold her to Oharu. Yet Oharu became her adopted mother and as we all know Tatiana has changed quite a bit since then. Oh she is still a pure communist, will be all her life I would guess. But she’s not doing the things she used to do. Perhaps Oharu is guiding her in this, though the why I honestly do not know. Maybe Oharu wants Millicent for herself, to replace that doe she loves. Maybe she wants both as Priestess in training. I honestly don’t know. You had best ask her that.”

“You will allow us to ask a Priestess such things” Hawkins asked.

Albert shrugged. “You can ask any Priestess anything, just be aware that you may not like the answer, or understand it. Some speak in riddles, some vaguely. I have found that Oharu speaks only the truth, but not all of it. From experience I will tell you that she cannot lie her way out of a Jay walking ticket. There is this to remember, she has been on her yearly retreat, is still within that. What she will talk about I do not know, but I do know that religion isn’t one of those subjects. Priestess on retreat in our country. It is their time to themselves. It is important that they withdraw though I am not privy to the reasons. For that you must has the High Priestess yourself. If she will see you. In any case, she has, I have been informed, changed somewhat since losing the doe.”

Hawkins nodded yes as though he had experience in such things. “Then today, after this meeting I shall go and ask her certain things. She is still on South Island I believe.” He leaned back in his chair, looking up at the palm thatch roof while various light foods were placed before him. Ignoring the young squirrels presence he continued speaking. “Millicent is desperately in love with Tatiana, yet her loyalty to Crown and Country has proven to be unshakable. From the letters we have intercepted Tatiana is reinforcing this loyalty, certainly not the actions of one trying to turn an agent. Tatiana is not in love with Millicent, so what use can she get from the girl. Remembering that she is going against her own nature by bedding young Millicent. Her nature mind you, not her training. I am quite certain that she has been well trained in such actions, wither she enjoys it or not.”

He paused to select a bit of sweetmeat, using a tiny fork to pop it into his mouth then using the eating of that meat to buy time. “Russia is pushing hard. Why” he continued after swallowing. “What are they up to that they have so abused their best agent in this area. An agent they admit is their best. Why would Starling want to get an agent into our works so badly he’d throw away his best tool trying to do so. If he suspected the girl she’d be recalled. He likes to watch slow executions I am informed. Especially of pretty young women.”

“She is your girlfriend” Captain Heller reminded the bulldog. “Maybe they are trying to play the jealousy angle. Could they have an agent ready, waiting to replace Millicent after your done with her?”

“That is a slim possibility. Still you will investigate it when we return. Tell me Mr. Ferret, who’s name cannot be spoken lest the universe stop. What do you know of this direwolf Tatiana spoke of.”

“Very little” Albert admitted. “And its Albert Sapohatan, as if you were not already aware. This is his third visit to our nation. When he arrives there is always a shake up at the Russian Consulate.”

“He is then, my alter ego” Hawkins decided. “I know more of him than you do it seems. Very well, now I do think I know what is going on.”

“Care to share” Heller asked.

“In this company yes. It is a game move. A Chess game. He is attempting to take one of my pawns with his knight, and Tatiana can be nothing less than a Knight in this game. Millicent, just starting is no better than a Pawn at the moment. This is nothing more than a move in his game.” Abruptly chuckling, the sound again causing his Collie companion to flinch Hawkins raised his glass of fruit juice. “To the game gentlemen. Let us see if a Pawn will take the Knight, or Red shall sacrifice the Knight to hide their position.”

“And how will you manage this my English friend” Albert asked as he placed his glass back on the table.

“By cheating of course. By cheating. How else? If you will assist of course.”

Albert simply waited.

“I need your Queen to make a false move, drawing his attention for a moment. That would be the Priestess Oharu. I need also your Bishops, Amelia and Helen, to create a smoke screen for the Red Knight to retire too. For this game to end successfully I must distract our Red King long enough to turn his Knight without him becoming aware. Tatiana wishes to see Starling fall. To do so how better than to turn her double? Dangerous for her yes, but she is after all my enemies piece. Not mine. Her loss would cause neither of us harm.”

“There is young Millicent” Heller reminded his superior.

“Pawns are sacrifices we often must make Captain. If you cannot risk a Pawn you do not belong in this game. Losing Millicent, she is easily replaceable. Losing a chance to steal a Knight. I would sacrifice five Pawns for such a prize.”

“And my pieces” Albert asked, understanding what Hawkins proposed to do as he had done so many times himself.

Hawkins became deadly serious. “Your Queen, I am no fool Albert. She will hold against stronger attacks than this Red King may ever raise against her. She will also protect the Knight, for the Knight is her child. Adopted or not, a mother will defend with all she has a loved child. This may extend to my Pawn but that isn’t important. I certainly will not depend upon it. Your borrowed Bishops though. Some danger yes. One day I will take back my loaned Bishop Albert, but not just yet. Should we allow the American’s to play? After all the endgame will be upon their Hawaiian board and one of your pieces still belongs to them.”

“I think not” the ferret admitted. “They are such poor players after all. Very well, for a price I will loan you my pieces.”

“That price?”

“You are discarding a Pawn. I will pick it up.”

“Millicent? Albert. If that pawn falls to the Red King there will be nothing left worth picking up.”

Albert studied the three men across from him. “I did not say fall, I said discard. You are discarding her. She will, once she marries Tatiana become a full Spontoon citizen. She will belong to me. Or you may whistle into the wind for my pieces.”

Hawkins didn’t reply instantly, instead he thought over the implications. “A Spontoon citizen working in one of my Consulates with Most Secret Access. You do realize that she will not turn. We’ve already tried everything short of breaking her, and Tatiana has tried those things we cannot.”

“I don’t need another agent in your consulate” Albert laughed. “I’ve enough as it is. I need Oharu. Would you like to see just how good she can be, when she needs to be?”

“Certainly. What great American secrets has the Japanese Priestess given you that you will share with us?” the bulldog asked.

Returning to the case Albert removed three sketch books, books sent to him by Oharu after her trip to Hawaii. “I believe that you will find these interesting” he answered, offering the books to his companions. What followed was more silence as pages were turned, broken by the occasional comment or question. Finally Hawkins looked up. “Here I suspected Annette as the spy, learning too late that it was the mouse not the thinly dressed otter who was dangerous. You do realize that it has been over fifteen yeas since I was so completely fooled. Why, I even sent a report to my superiors suggesting the same type of team to test our own people.”

“What was the decision” Dassher asked, still studying the art before him.

Hawkins shrugged. “They are trying it on a limited scale. When the truth comes out of course they will end such trials I imagine. Unless there has been acceptable returns by then. Very well, you may pick up my discards Albert. Be aware if I suspect that you have ever successfully turned her against Crown and Country that I will send you her head. This you may explain to your White Queen.”

“Turning her against you is not in Spontoon’s best interest Thomas. Truthfully, as far as I am concerned you may continue to use her as you planned. When I need to play her, then she will become mine. Of course just as you are doing, that play my be to sacrifice her. Once played I will have no further use for her, so you may pick her up if you so desire. Yet for this move I must have one like her, and she is the best protected piece I can see.”

“Its those Kuo Han slavers, isn’t it” Dassher asked.

“It is” Albert admitted. “A English woman of Millicent’s build will be impossible for them to ignore. Each trap requires a different kind of bait. To be truthful we have lost almost as many women as we have recovered. I need to find out where their training camp is. I have to use another woman next summer, it will be Millicent.”

“A Pawn sacrificed twice, then picked up perhaps for future play. Interesting idea Albert, and one I have never heard successfully played before. Next summer? Your Bishops to follow and recover her?”

“My bishops, and our shared Red Knight Thomas. You are aware of a certain drug that has fallen into our paws, one used upon the Songmark girl Liberty?”

Dassher gasped. “So it is real. Any chance we can have a sample?”

“About the same chance as your granting me an audience with the Crown Jewels, then looking away as I leave with a rather large and heavy suitcase. I will though have a report of all we know about it delivered to you in the morning, including updates as we have them. We have just enough of this drug to maybe take over a camp. Maybe. I am not yet certain. All we know is that the main training camp is on an island near Kuo Han but not which group. Certainly not which one. If we can take that camp, find the records. We might, just might get many of our children back.”

“Sounds like you have a hidden agenda” Hawkins decided. “And your secret weapon?”

“A woman named Illie.”

“Illie” Heller squeaked. “Arctic White fox, speaks Cantonese?”

 “Why yes”: the ferret admitted. “You are aware of her?”

“I happened to see her in action outside your courthouse last year. She broke a sword canes blade in her bare paw without injury. Albert, I have never in my life seen anyone move that fast. She is frightening. She is a killer.”

“Assassin” Albert corrected. “I have spoken to her, through Mrs. Whitehall about an action like this. She is, I will admit, rather hungry for the chance. Your answer?”

“Millicent is yours though she will be allowed to think she is still working for England” Hawkins decided. “We have lost citizens to Kuo Han ourselves, and every agent I’ve sent in this last year. Your Coral Breeze will supply transport I would guess. I will insure that at least two cruisers are in the area on practice maneuvers and just happen to be listening to the correct frequency. Still this has strayed from our original reason for being here. How can Tatiana possibly marry Millicent, and what do we do about the suspicions already upon her.”

Albert sat his drink down, signaling for refills. “I have a name of a Russian agent in Zemlya who has already approached the French about defecting. You have an agent in the area. I believe that you have a code that the Russian’s have broken?”

“Dragon Two” Heller supplied. “They don’t know we know, not yet. So we have our agent send a message in Dragon Two reporting information given him by this as yet unnamed Russian agent. Interesting. We remove a Red Russian Rook with no threat to ourselves other than by an already compromised code, clearing a future double agent from suspicion. That still leaves at least four Russians on Spontoon who need to be dealt with.”

“We cannot touch the direwolf or his secretary. That will tip our paw” Hawkins objected. “The other two, I’ll deal with them myself later this week. If you allow Albert.”

“Give me two days to get the word out, then enjoy yourself Thomas. Tatiana has already approached Amelia about joining her, and kept Millicent’s name out of the conversation. I will explain things to Amelia after this is over so that she will accept Tatiana. When the time comes you will have to do the same. Spontoon law allows women to wed and our treaty with your country requires that you honor those marriages.”

“Not that many like the idea, but it is the law” Dassher agreed.

“Very well, a marriage well before Mayday. That’s enough time to prepare things, act, then let things cool down. You will supply the funds for a month in Hawaii for two yes?”

“US!” Dassher gasped.

“We are but a small country Jacob” the ferret explained. “A month in Hawaii? How could we possible manage to support that. Besides, I have a feeling that the Russian’s will be footing some of that bill. I will speak to Oharu. Perhaps she has enough influence over Tatiana to make her do this.”

“A Red Russian double agent whom the Russians believe is only following their orders” Hawkins whispered. “Red Russians believing that they have a secret channel into our business. Closer unofficial contact with your government, a chance to retrieve kidnaped British citizens next Summer with little danger to our own people. You wouldn’t happen to feel like loaning your Queen sometime would you?”

“When you loan me yours” Albert suggested.

“I don’t much think that the O’Flynn would much like that” Hawkins admitted. “She is a touch picky about her loyalties. I will ask her though. So we keep our Queens off each others table for now, least they crush each other. That I will quickly agree too.”

“Agreed. So Jacob, when will you use Tatiana as the missing Princess?”

“You know about that” the bulldog asked.

“Guessed, now I know. I’m no fool Thomas I can see how close the two are in looks, even though there are years between the Princess’s last photograph and the Tatiana of today. They could be twins after all. You will play her for all she is worth, then allow the wolves to tear her body to shreds.”

“If I have no choice yes. My country comes first, as your country comes first for you Albert. Then we are agreed. Tatiana will marry Millicent. Millicent, as long as she remains loyal continues upon her current path. Tatiana joins Amelia’s squad with Millicent held in reserve. Two Russians will have tragic accidents. When it is your need Millicent becomes bait for the Chinese. At worst Tatiana becomes a grieving widow who never had love for her wife in any case. I will supply two ready warships at that time. Any records will be shared between us.”

“Agreed. I will speak with my Queen about pressing the Russian Knight into making the correct move. I gain a temporary Pawn, two Bishops gain further experience. Experience they will both need when they become Queens. Russia loses this match. One day one of us will checkmate that Red King and whomever does will inform the other. Thomas, this is a dangerous move you are making. All over the chance of capturing a single Knight.”

Hawkins sat back, relieved. “One wonders if the Knight knows her mother is already dead. How would that change this game.”

“None to the better” Albert decided. “She would attack the Red King. He would rip her to shreds without more than the effort to yawn. My Queen would destroy him and all within his influence. It would take years to learn our new opponents play style. Years neither of us believe that we have.”

“Besides” Dassher reminded Hawkins. “We still owe his Queen for a returned Bishop of our own, and the saving of two Knights long thought lost.” He paused to drink the last of his fruit juice. “It is not a debt that any of us would dare repay by discarding her piece as though it were worthless.”

“You speak as though she were a player” Albert observed.

“Please Albert. Huakava was a player. Saimmi is a player. What fool would believe that one such as your Queen would not eventually become a player. If not by your order than by Saimmi’s order.”

“Excuse us gentlemen” the collie Jacob Dassher said, breaking into the conversation again. “But I do believe that the two of us should have something to say about what happens here.”

“You do” Hawkins admitted. “Just not in this event. As to the why, this I will most happily explain when we are back within or own walls. Jacob, right now what would you do with young Millicent, knowing what you know now.”

“At best, send her home with a letter to the Home Office regarding this. At worse, remove her from her position” the collie answered. “Still that will not do what needs to be done I think.”

“Heller?”

Captain Heller shook his head no. “I’m not really certain Major. My gut instinct is a bullet to the back of her head. Still as I look at things, she isn’t the problem. Young Millicent has been completely open with us. This Tatiana girl is apparently too well protected to safely touch. As I see it the problem is this direwolf, whom you tell us is also untouchable. I’m sorry sir, I’d ship her home too. For her own safety.”

Major Hawkins looked to his two companions. “Your both on the right track. Here is the benefit of Albert’s and my long experience. And even longer friendship. The facts are this. Russia has discovered that someone either turned or was debriefed by White Russians at a certain place and time. Now Tatiana, whom I have begun entering a working relationship with, is a Russian agent who was at that place at that time. At this moment it is certain Starling has a death warrant signed, just waiting for a name. With me so far?”

“Yes sir” both hounds answered.

“Good. From what I know of events and rumors Tatiana was tricked into revealing information she should not have. Now in the spy game we use Chess terminology. At the time Tatiana would be considered a Pawn, with a capital P. Millicent for example is a pawn with a lower case P. It is a matter of training and experience. Tatiana most likely ran across a Knight or Rook who simply outplayed her. Again, a matter of experience. Still with me?”

He waited until both men acknowledged they understood before he continued. “Very good. Of late Albert here has been training two Songmark girls for his own game. They have advanced to Bishop level, with a small b. In the same period Tatiana has only advanced to perhaps Knight, with a small k. These labels indicate the strength of each piece. Knowing these strengths we, Albert and I, are able to determine which piece to play against our opponents. But on Spontoon I will admit I am outclassed piece for piece and thus do not desire to play against him. Or the Americans, as you can see from these books how a Queen was used, with a small Q. Or in this new case the Russians. Questions?”

“If you two are so aware of each other, why are we even here. Why are we alive” the greyhound asked.

“Professional respect” Albert answered. “Thomas and I have known each other for a very long time. We have played against each other several times. We chased the same woman and he won. Over the years we’ve discovered that when we support each other against a third player it is not only a great deal more fun, but we lose fewer pieces, or lives than alone. Not just that, I was best man at Thomas’s first marriage.”

“So its friendship, respect and mutual agreements” Jacob added. “And us?”

“Very strong Knights, with a capital K. Both of you” Thomas answered. “It is my hope to advance you both to player status soon. At least Bishop. Playing against Albert here will result in almost constant defeat, but he doesn’t tend to throw your pieces into the ocean as others would do. In a Chess game you can reset the board. In life you end up very dead and Spontoon is one of the best places to learn the game without losing lives.”

Jacob laughed softly. “As long as your friends with He who must never be named?”

Hawkins smiled at those words. “Correct. Now we have Tatiana who has placed herself in a poor board position. At the same time she has aligned with me, making her controller believe she is playing me. With only that little play to show the Direwolf would know that the reverse is true, that I am playing her and wonder why. But Tatiana has also gathered young Millicent into her arms, placing her on the board. This our opponent will know is a successful capture, though a delicate one. Thus his demand that his Knight marry my pawn, to strengthen her position while weakening my own. As such he most likely believes that the doing so will check my movement against his Knight. Were Millicent or her father more important it would. As it is he has made a mistake but cannot know this as yet.”

Accepting a fresh glass of fruit juice Thomas Hawkins continued. “This White Queen we talk of is the Priestess Oharu. Once a Japanese pawn, with a very small p, she has changed boards. In changing boards she has strengthened her position to that of a small Q, Queen. How? In several ways. By becoming a Priestess who is respected by everyone who meets her. By going to China and playing the game alone and without training against her own people. Not only winning, but bringing three still useful if damaged pieces back with her. I think that should Oharu truly place her paws on the table this game would become exceptionally difficult. For all of us.”

He drank some of his juice before continuing. “Oharu has adopted Tatiana, which makes her a Queens pawn. As you know it is always exceptionally dangerous to take the Queens pawn, for the Queen can and will sacrifice herself to take your King. That would be you gentlemen, or Albert or myself. Now this direwolf, who’s true name is Sidokha, has decided to play his pieces on Spontoon. We will eat two of his pawns and take his Knight. But he will not know that his knight has been taken. We will use a Pawn in another country to expose one of his Rooks. That Pawn will leave for Singapore as soon as he transmits his message. With luck we will not lose that Pawn, but it is possible. That nation is a very dangerous board to play upon after all. Red King will turn on Red Rook, allowing Red Knight to slip out of the trap she has created for herself behind the shielding movements of two White Bishops. Red Knight will join with White Bishops as instructed by the Red King in what looks to him as a delayed attack. Red Knight will take White Pawn captive, thus again following Red Kings orders. White King will, in apparent frustration of losing the Red Rook take two Red Pawns. Removing them for further play. Red King, if the play is successful, will retire believing that he has won this round. In his eyes he will have compromised two White Bishops, removed a Turned Red Rook from play, captured a White Pawn and found influence upon a White Queen. All at the cost of two Pawns. In his eyes his position is a great deal stronger.”

“Except” Captain Heller continued. “He has instead removed a strong Red Rook from his own play. His Red Knight has turned herself under the protection of the White Queen, aligning herself in power with two White Bishops all at the cost of a single White Pawn which we still control anyway. At the very worst we lose one White Pawn in the Red Rook play.” Taking his own fruit drink in paw the Greyhound swallowed deeply. “I am not ready for this game yet” he admitted a few moments later. “I can’t play with lives as if they were Chess pieces.”

“And yet the game is not yet over gentlemen” Thomas continued. “In some months we will play the Knights Pawn to draw in the Chinese. Call them the yellow pieces. Yellow Pawns take White Pawn. White Knight and two White Bishops move onto the yellow board. Add to that a wild Bishop, that would be Illie. These are four major pieces played to not recover the Pawn, which is expendable. But to take the Yellow King and Queen. To throw over the entire Yellow board. If we play this right a major problem will be removed from this area. We will lose the Pawn, that is unavoidable. Even should she live she will become another’s piece, not ours though she will remain under our roof. And she will be changed, that is unavoidable. Still a Pawn twice played is a rarity. Made available for a third play is unheard of, yet young Millicent will never be more that a Pawn. She has no real talent for the game and a dangerous weakness, one held in check by the Red Knight. Destruction of the yellow King and Queen is paramount. To that we will add two Rooks in the form of warships. Possible even two Queens, should the O’Flynn prove interested. Gentlemen, we are looking at pushing back the Red King for at least a years play and taking a strong Yellow King out of play. All for, at worst the loss of two Pawns and this could not happen without Albert’s assistance. Thus he gains the White Pawn for a time should she survive. That is something I strongly doubt however, in my mind and experience we will be sending that jacket of her’s home to her mother. Either way such a cheap price is more than worth this play. Questions?”

“It’s a little difficult to follow” Dassher admitted. “Since Chess only has a certain number of pieces. But I’ve managed. Still, out of all this it seems Spontoon gets the high ground.”

“Do they” Hawkins asked. “Spontoon is training a spy for us, not the first by the way. A spy who has created her own cell without even knowing it. We will also gain the use of Tatiana when we need her. A long term problem will be removed, one that has swallowed many English citizens and more than a few merchant ships. Over the long run it is we who gain, though I will admit that it doesn’t look that way right now. Simply by slapping Soppies paws we have already gained. You really don’t think that a young girl could have out swum the professional diver who was chasing her do you. Soppies came out with exactly what Albert wanted us to know, nothing more. She came out so frightened that it will be some time before she foolishly exceeds her mission parameters again. It was a chess game, though I would have dearly been saddened to have lost Soppie. She is a good agent and really rather pretty. Much like Amelia, though she did cause us problem with her vindictive attack upon the housecat. Amelia, as I explained to her, was in no position to assist her, was not the agent she thought she was. Had she tried more than she did, I would have had two young women who’s parents would be grieving now.”

Heller snorted. “It will be strange to have young Millicent wandering about with a wedding ring, and her partner being another woman” he admitted. “It will drive some people rather bonkers I am afraid. She will find herself alienated. Certainly to a communist? How am I to deal with her difficulties.”

“You wont” Hawkins explained. “She will. You and Dassher are to become her best friends. I know you act like you can’t stand the idea, but that act ends now in regards to Millicent. She will need strength to lean against as her life is about to become interesting. Very interesting. Jacob, I want you to have Proud begin giving our Pawn further training. After hours advanced training. She’s going to end up in a girlfight within a week of her marriage announcement, or at least her marriage. I want her to come out of it without a scratch and her attacker beaten senseless. It is the best way to stop petty violence. Is that clear? ”

“As crystal sir.” Taking out a pad the collie wrote down his orders before saying anything else. “What about discipline sir. A fight inside the Consulate?”

“Take everyone involved to the Red room, throw them in with nothing but their unders. Winner take all. Just make certain that Millicent is the winner. Even if you have to drug the rest.”

“Yes sir. May I sell tickets?”

Hawkins did a double-take. “Tickets? Oh, yes. Women fighting. Why not. The embarrassment may be enough to stop any further problems.”

“I’d like a ringside seat” Albert suggested. “If you do not mind?”

“Be delighted old man. We will sit together with fish a chips, betting on who falls next. Now is there anything else? Our ladies have been waiting for lunch quite a while now.”

“Your ladies are stuffed by now” Albert corrected. “You will have a very slow walk home, unless you take a taxi from here. I would very much consider the green taxi already waiting. It is a slow, but very stable craft. Best for young women with overfull stomachs, and men supposable interested in what is under that heavy clothing that they wear.”

“Then until we meet again. Gentlemen?” Hawkins and the rest stood, taking their leave before vanishing the way that they had come. After a while Albert observed the seven headed away, walking towards a pier and waiting water taxi. “Your opinion” he asked the empty air.

From a hidden booth his wife appeared, settling down in an abandoned chair as the waitress cleaned things up. “Cool sweet tea and something light please Oola” she asked the girl. “My opinion husband? My opinion is that Hawkins has the jist of it. His only difficulty is not knowing I am still alive.”

“True. True” her husband admitted. “What is O’Flynn like?”

“She’s a skunk, really, a skunk. Sometime in her life she was captured and de-scented. While awake. It was an attempt by the Americans to break her. Instead she killed her captors, they hadn’t gotten around to declawing her yet. Their mistake. Professional. She plays the game by the rules. We spent a week together once with the Commanders team hot on our tails though luckily they didn’t know who we were. I’d trust her if I had too. Kill her if I had too. She really admires the Major but she hates the Americans and distrusts the English. Strange, him being English and all.”

“Who knows” Albert admitted. “Maybe she’s in love with him.”

“Could be. So, your going to play this exactly like you laid it out?”

“Of course not. Neither will the Major. That was all for his mens benefit. That direwolf has to die. He’s way too dangerous and smart. He will pick up on the truth within days after the last move. Millicent though is expendable. Tatiana will be happy to lose her, its not like the ermine is Sapphic or anything.”

“Expendable? I watched you looking at her as she came up the beach” Elizabeth giggled. “Your tongue was hanging out like a young pups. My god Albert, how can she walk with a chest that big.”

“Carefully. Very carefully. And that’s exactly what will draw Kuo Han to her. Like flies to honey she’ll become their number one target. I can guarantee that. Especially if she starts wandering the less used beaches of Main Island. Say late in the evening. Alone?”

“It’ll take some doing” Elizabeth admitted. “I think that we can manage to make her think its her own idea though. I hate what will happen to her. Even if somehow she’s rescued it will be at least a few days before everything will be in place. Kuo Han’s slavers work fast, its how they stay in business. Amelia and her crew will accidently have access to a long range amphibian?”

“I’ll see what Rain Island can spare around that time” Albert agreed. “Or perhaps I should speak to a certain mare. Now lets have lunch. I’m starving.”

A soft sound of a Russian peasants song drifted from Red Dorms open doorway as a figure silently moved up the stairway. Tatiana Bryzov was alone, her dorm mates having been sent in different directions over an hour ago by their schedules. Tatiana was going over her homework at the moment, working out yet again why her figures would not quite close. It was a simple problem she was stuck on, a modified loop flight with a known distance and known speed and wind from a specific direction and speed. How fast at each leg, how much fuel would be used. She had completed this problem dozens of time in her Songmark career already, the only difference being that this time it was for a multi-engine aircraft. With another futile look to her book of Logarithmic Tables the Russian sable gave up. It was still the same log number, 9677.

Setting aside her work for the moment she stared out her window. A good breeze was tumbling through it, across her face and out the open door behind her. It brought a taste of freedom with it. It brought to her memories of a certain Glen, where she had learned to be herself, to be what she wanted to be. Picking up her pencil she stared at its tip, whispering words her adoptive mother had taught her own students. It had taken her weeks of hidden effort to manage this, what was to those students a simple task. Abruptly the graphite and wax core burst into flame, bending towards her in the breeze. Calling the fire, to light a sacred flame. Something Oharu had brought with her from Cipangu.

“Are you sacred fire” she asked the little flame. “Or only fire.” Her tiny flicker of flame remained silent as always, so with a gentle puff from her lips she ended its tiny life. “Just as Starling ends mine. When discovers truth.” she whispered, setting her smoking pencil aside. “What I get myself into” she groaned.

Just then the tiniest of sounds came from behind her. With Songmark trained reflexes the young girl spun away from her chair, ending up several feet away from her desk in a combat stance as her chair slid towards that sound. Instead of her dorm mates she found herself staring at Miss Devinski, Songmarks lone hound instructor. She was standing at the door, one claw extended and pressed against the frame. “Five points positive to your Dorm Tatiana” Catherine Devinski announced. “Your reactions are excellent.”

“Thank you Instructor” Tatiana answered, drawing herself back up into a more normal standing position. “You have task for me?”

“No Tatiana, I have come to discuss with you your application.”

“To marry Millicent” the young girl asked.

“Yes. Please sit.” Selecting Brigit’s bed the hound settled down in a relaxed position, pulling an envelope from one of her many pockets. It was the envelope that Tatiana had used when tending her request. “We, all the instructors, have carefully reviewed your request child. Do you know our answer?”

“Nyet Miss Devinski. I think though is nyet.”

“Perhaps. Perhaps not. You would not be the first Songmark student to marry while in her second year. Nor is being married a reason to expel you, as long as said marriage does not interfere with your student life. You are aware of several students who are married I assume, one being one of Red Dorm itself. There are though many factors to weigh when making these kinds of decisions. Your parents are dead?”

“Father died in mine accident” Tatiana explained. “Birth mother disown me long ago. Probable dead, certainly mindless now. Oharu is adoptive mother. I already have her answer before sending request.”

“I see. Though we are your guardians there are times when we must consider many things, including your birth parents desires. Or in your case an Adoptive parent. Oharu is teaching you her path?”

“Nyet. She wish, I say no. Is not what I am.” Tatiana glanced at the still smoking pencil, rethinking her action of a few moments ago. “I listen dah. I practice little things only. Is pravda mother wishes me trained. She says see many paths for her into coming darkness. Few leave darkness. She wishes to insure Great Stone Glen has protector. Should she not walk from darkness.”

“And you refused her.”

Squaring her shoulders Tatiana locked her eyes with those of her instructor, a dangerous thing to do she had been warned by third years, yet still she did so. “Mother Oharu is strongest woman I ever meet” she announced. “There no task she unable do, no threat she unable to stand against. Mother Oharu will not need me. She will march from darkness, still strong. All who stand against her ragged shadows melting into earth.”

Miss Devinski frowned. “Do not be a fool Tatiana. Oharu is strong yes. She has survived things that many of our graduates might not, but she is after all mortal. Just like you and I. I think that she is trying to help you. Not protect, you don’t need that from her. But help. For example, is she aware of what you are doing, teaching yourself things only a Priestess should know?”

“She know” Tatiana admitted. “Sometime she correct words, how paw held. I think amuses her.”

“It does not. I have spoken with her just today about you young lady. She is proud of you. Proud of your decisions and your intelligence. You are not a source of amusement to her, except when you are attempting to amuse her. Tell me about Millicent, why you want to marry her.”

“I do not” Tatiana admitted. She looked around the room, as though many ears were listening. “I not wish this discussion here” she decided.

“Very well then, where” the yellow furred hound asked.

“Best. Great Stone Glen. Second best your office.”

Moving to stand Miss Devinski paused. “You are aware that our decision is final” she asked her student. “That if you refuse to abide by it, you will be expelled?”

“Dah. I know” the Russian admitted. “Miss Devinski, I must weigh my desires, my needs against anothers. This I have found difficult. We will leave now?”

“Please follow me Tatiana.” Standing Miss Devinski slipped that envelope back into her pocket, walking out the door without looking back.

Instead of the office building or main gate Tatiana found herself following her instructor towards the odd mound in Songmarks geographical center. Reaching it Miss Devinski led her student to the face not visible to the other students. Speaking a word Tatiana could not understand the hound waited, then continued. “Henrika, we would like to visit please.”

To the sables stunned surprise a section of the mound simply vanished, leaving behind an opening that one fur could fit through. “It is always here Tatiana, but only Henrika may open it, then only when she desires. Follow, and learn a Songmark secret.” Stepping through the opening the hound vanished. Taking a breath Tatiana followed her.

It was a small chamber she found herself in. Larger than she had expected, for its floor was much deeper than the mounds base, but overall no more than ten feet square. From somewhere a female skunk appeared, but where Tatiana could never guess. What shocked her was that in such a small area the musky scent of skunk should have been overwhelming, yet there was nothing. “Has she been...” Tatiana started to ask when the skunk turned to face her. There was something about those eyes the sable realized. She had seen it once before, when her adopted mother had been taken over by some kind of spirit. “You were the one. You took over mother.”

“Very observant child” the skunk answered. “Yes, as I have taken this body, I did use your mothers to speak with your Liberty. Your mother though allowed this. This body, there was nothing within to allow or refuse. Even though your adoptive mother tried her best.”

“What happened” Tatiana asked.

It was Miss Devinski who answered that question. “We are not exactly certain. What we do know is that during her break between second and third year Henrika traveled to Krupmark Island, with a male who was supposed to be in love with her. Apparently she expected to meet his family. Sometime after arriving there she was drugged, then eventually broken. Oharu bought her from a male claiming to be an agent of a ‘Huntress.’ Not as we know them here, this one hunts intelligent furs for food, the ancient way. By then Henrika’s mind was gone. Oharu spent many nights with Henrika, would you like to see the best that her efforts managed to recover?”

“Nyet. I not think so. Not yet” Tatiana admitted. “Mother tell me little about this girl. Not this much. She was operated upon dah I know. This happen to me, you kill yes?”

“That is your wish” the yellow furred hound asked.

“Dah. Better to be dead than mindless. Why we are here?”

“That we may speak in complete secrecy, should the spirit of this place allow.”

“I will allow this” the skunk agreed. “For Songmarks children are forever my children. When you are ready to leave.” She placed a paw upon the sables shoulder. “Your mother has great honor, though she is unaware of this. Care for her, I fear her time will not be as long as she hopes. I am but a spirit, not a God. Thus I can know little more that the Priestess who serve me. Each day the paths available to her reduce, and those that take her out of the darkness to come reduce as well.” Turning away the skunk walked towards a stone wall, then seemed to simply vanish.

“Why show me her” Tatiana asked, watching that patch of darkness as if she wished to step into it herself.

“Why? To frighten you? No, I think not” Miss Devinski answered. “Nor is Henrika’s existence or condition a secret from the other students, though her being host of this places spirit is. You see, without the spirits attendance Henrika is nothing more than a very young child. She will never be more than that, her mind turns away from all learning. It was all, besides some fragmentary memories that Oharu could recover. It would, as that one admits, require the power of a God to heal Henrika’s mind of that which is so fears. That another personality might grow within it. The Henrika I knew is gone. She will never return. No, I believe that I showed her too you to prove to you that we care for our girls, even if they never finish their course. Please, find a place and sit. Then we will clear the air about your Millicent.”

Settling on a broken column of carved stone Tatiana waited until her instructor spoke again. “We have been made aware of your orders, of your situation. Oharu has vouched for you, should we discharge you she will take you into her home to live as long as you desire. Tatiana, accepting a Priestess as your adopted mother makes you a full fledged Spontoon Citizen. Not simply the temporary one that our charter allows. It also grants you near instant respect by every Spontoon native who follows the old ways, and instant disgust from those who wish to change us. For wither you accept this or not your very presence means that Oharu is there in spirit. No matter where you go. Now you want to marry a Euro, making her a citizen as long as you are married. Making her also part of a Priestess’s immediate family. Oharu will always be judged by both of your actions, even after she is dead. Are you certain this is the path you want?”

Tatiana looked first to her paws, then up to Miss Devinski, again meeting those eyes that seemed so all knowing. “I have spoke with mother deeply. She is agreeable. She says Millicent is my punishment. That I may never have a male fully in my life again. That Gods have judged me, for what I do to birth parents. Pravda I was much wrong that day. I believe mother, father return. Return think like I did. Was NKVD that come. Take me away. To train as agent. I excellent agent material they say. Turn in evil spies. Praise me so much by time I learn what happen truth, I too proud admit horror.”

She took a deep breath, for it was hard to hold her gaze with her instructor. Without her adoptive mothers training she knew that she could not have even managed a few seconds. “So I come Spontoon. I accept Spontoon. But I evil child. Though changing, dah I still dark hearted. Gods look upon me, discuss. Decide Millicent my punishment. Miss Devinski pravda I not love Millicent. Maybe we be friend, but I not love. I not like be with woman, though all Songmark seem like that.”

“Tatiana. There are currently forty one students in Songmark. Of those, two first years are Sapphic, three second years and four third years. Nine of forty one is only twenty-one percent. Less than the world average. Of the rest of our students twelve have vowed not to marry or sleep with a male until they finish school. That is twenty-nine percent, much less than the current world average. Do not marry Millicent. Let her go. Events will be made to occur that saves face with your controller.”

“You very good with numbers” the sable admitted. “Less than world average, so what is world average Sapphic?”

“Somewhere between twenty four and twenty-seven percent, at this moment. At least from the best research we have available to us, which is not by any government. Being a girls school we have to have an idea what to expect coming to us. As to how many are pure heterosexual? Thirty-nine to forty one percent. The rest either walk both paths, or no path at all.”

Tatiana nodded yes, accepting her instructors words. Her NKVD training claimed that any woman could be seduced by another woman, with the right training. That she knew was a lie, too many had turned away from her when she tried, though none of those had been Russian. Russian women had no spirit, the refused nothing since Starlings bloody wings opened over their lives. And too many things in her life were proving to be lies, but not her political belief. She had read the unedited manuscript available in Songmark’s library. It was pure thought, it was good. It was all that Starling was not. From that she would not be swayed.

“I can not turn from my path” she finally answered. “To save Mother Russia I need fool Soviets. Pravda Mother right. Must pay for evil. Millicent, to care for, to protect. She is like child in many ways. You say yes, you say no. Dah. I will marry her. I will carry my punishment. Is less than deserve I think.”

Miss Devinski leaned back, looking first up at the carved stone roof above her before speaking. “You will give up your education in order to marry a woman you neither love nor want. Tatiana. You have changed. You no longer deserve to be in Red Dorm. I will move you to another.”

“Please no” Tatiana almost begged. “Is where am comfortable. Know how they are. How they react. New girl be overwhelmed in seconds. Patricia correct, we are sharks. We feed upon each other. They give me hard time for this pravda, not so hard can not survive. Beside. I tell them is trick to get secret information from Millicent. To use her. Maybe they think me smarter than I think I am.”

“Will you use Millicent?”

“Sometime. Dah. Not as much she use me though. Miss Devinski. Millicent has great problem. I know problem, Mother is help her deal with. Can not tell you what is, only that is personality.”

“Yes. Your mother said as much. Not what her secret is, only that she has one that, if left on her own will destroy her.” Running a paw down the length of her tail Miss Devinski shuddered. “What could be so bad that, if left to her own devices she would find a way to commit suicide in the darkest places of Casino Island within the year?”

“Can not tell you. Pravda, can not tell you.”

“Tatiana. I am also warned that this summer she will be placed in greatest danger by this nations government. They do not expect her to survive. I charge you to insure that she does, and returns here too our arms.” Miss Devinski watched the reaction on Tatiana’s face before continuing. “It is an espionage play. Her people have abandoned her to Spontoon. Spontoon intends to use her as bait for Kau Hon. You must allow this, for it will help strengthen Millicent though it will change her. No one can know how, but it will change her. It will also help crush an enemy of all countries. Come to me when Millicent vanishes, you will be fully briefed. Then you will be sent with those who will deal with her captors. Trust your mother, she wishes to teach you several rituals that may help you find and protect Millicent. Are you still intent upon marrying her, knowing even this, that she is to be a pawn in a game she doesn’t know the rules of. That she might not survive the playing of?”

“I protect Millicent Miss Devinski. She is good friend. I admit keeping her happy is... difficult. I am well trained for such. Dah Miss Devinski, I do so. I be her Champion.”

“So I see. Tatiana, you will keep a secret for me?”

“If not against Russia, Mother, Spontoon or Millicent yes” the sable agreed.

“Such qualifiers. No, it involves only all Songmark students. From the very first to the very last.”

“Dah. I keep such secret for you.”

“Very good. Tatiana, who will join the ranks of married Songmark students it seems, causing even more paperwork for us. Each student is given a harsh test. Usually in their second year, sometimes in their third. Some students, such as Patricia managed it in their first year, though she is the first to do so quickly. It is a test of moral character though we lost her to no act of her own. It is one of the main reasons that we have only had one student fail to graduate once reaching their third year. Tatiana, Songmark is not just teaching you everything about aircraft, how to survive, even how to make a living on your own in a male dominated world. It is about finding your true self. How strong are you, inside. Sometimes students create this test by themselves. Amelia and Molly have, though you cannot be aware of just how close both have come to failing.”

“Amelia passed her’s when she decided to have that kit she believes that we are unaware of, even though it would mean failing Songmark. Then not shattering when she lost it because of the Marsh Typhus. Molly, Molly has barely passed her own test. When she did not shoot your mother or Captain Granite. Patricia passed her’s when she returned. Not when she swam at ebb tide from Casino Island to Main Island, then found your mother. All while seriously injured. It was when she decided to return, to face not only her attackers but us as well. It is unfortunate that she failed, she would have made an excellent Songmark graduate. Tatiana, your adopted mother would have made an excellent student. She has faced herself as deeply as anyone may, then returned. Though changed, she has returned and continued to her work. Now you have too. And you have passed.”

Tatiana stared at Miss Devinski as if she were some alien from another world. “Not understand” she finally admitted.

“No. No I did not think that a Russian would. You Russians are all so stoic. Tatiana. You had a choice. Remain in Songmark and leave Millicent to her future. One your mother and two other of the priestess’s I have spoken with informs me would end at her own paw before you started your third year. Instead you accept her as what she is, your burden. Now knowing that she still may still not survive to see you enter these gates for your third year. You accept her in that stoic Russian way, but you accept her and all it means to your life. Even to leaving Songmark forever. That is a moral test Tatiana. Will you do the right thing no matter the cost to yourself. You have passed and I am most proud of you.”

“Yet am no longer Songmark student” the Russian admitted. “May have dignity to leave now, before Red Dorm returns?”

“No you may not” the hound answered. She withdrew again that envelope, offering it to Tatiana. “Read this.”

Accepting the envelope Tatiana slit it open with one fingerclaw. Taking out a single sheet of paper she saw that all four instructors had signed it. “Permission Granted’ were the only words written above those signatures. Her paws seemed to suddenly grow weak, she almost lost hold of the paper before she recovered. “Thank you.”

“Had you failed this test my Russian spy, you would no longer be a Songmark student. And if you believe that this was a difficult choice, oh wait until you find our what we have set up for Beryl. Tatiana, you are taking into your life the life of another. As with a child Tatiana, this is for the rest of your life. I am told that her life, her future are now completely in your paws. Be careful with her my student, because she is truly a fragile thing. Have you popped the question yet?”

“Nyet. Need to know own future first. So can warn wife to be what to expect.” Tatiana carefully folded the paper in her paws, slipping it back into its envelope before speaking again. “Dorm restricted this weekend. With luck will ask next weekend. Hope she say yes, am very bad with seduction.”

Laughing Miss Devinski slapped her knee. “You? My dear you and your mother are a pair. Did she ever tell you that she once almost seduced a woman to changing sides? No? You should ask her about a certain waterfall and a wildcat. Choose April twentieth. We will insure that all dorms are available that day.”

“Why then?”

“Simple” the hound answered. “It is Millicent’s birthday.”

“Oh. About mother. She is natural” the sable admitted. Noticing the hounds quizzical expression Tatiana managed a small smile. “Before we become mother daughter, night she buy me from Nikki. I go to her. She very caring. Morning I know love her, not as lover. As sister maybe. Took many weeks decide want her as mother. She agree, but I always remember that night. She would make Molly best wife anyone ever wish for.”

“Which we all know now will never happen” Miss Devinski admitted.

“How much you win that bet” Tatiana asked.

“I lost a rather large sum Tatiana. You see I too know that they are meant to be. Now I see that they never will be. It was after all Molly’s choice. She chose, Oharu accepted. It takes a strong person to make either choice. Molly had within her paws someone who loved her without reservation, someone strong in her own way, who could care for her, protect her. Someone who could protect her not only from her own country, but her own destructive ways. She turned away as was her right. Oharu has the ability, if not herself then by others to turn Molly’s heart to her. She declined to even think about such. Saimmi, you know the High Priestess? Yes, that Saimmi. She told me that a God offered to grant Molly’s purest love to her. And she refused.” She paused, looking down at her own paws for a moment. “Both are damned fools.”

“Dah” Tatiana agreed softly.

Looking up again the hound smiled. “That is out of our paws, though I wait with held breath for when you will use your hidden knowledge against Molly. If nothing more than to see her expression.”

“Is anything Songmark not know” Tatiana asked.

“We do not know who took Henrika to Krupmark. Nor who shattered her such. We hope that such records will be found at a certain slave training camp.”

“One Millicent be sent too?”

“Yes Tatiana. One the pawn Millicent will lead hunter killers too. You will be one of them?”

“Dah. And if find such record. I bring back in own paws. If is Molly’s Lars?”

“What do you think?”

Tatiana took a deep breath, holding it just long enough to control an outburst of emotion. “I think” she finally answered. “Molly wear black for long long time. I think also I keep her away from mother. I not like gangster Molly. Something is wrong inside her. She is dangerous even now to mother. Mother will not defend against her.”

“I understand. Have you any more questions?”

“What may speak of, from what we talk about.”

Standing Miss Devinski brushed herself off. “You have been given permission to marry. You have met Henrika. What happened to her, who returned her too us and how. Nothing more.”

“Agreed. Miss Devinski?”

“Yes?”

“I think know now what you are. What all Songmark instructors are. I think I not anger you again if can help it. I do like sleep.”

“You are not the first to understand, I hope you will not be the last. Learn to love Millicent, even though such goes against what you are. You have accepted your fate. You are bound now Miss Wei. Best to learn to enjoy your prison. In doing so you will live a better life.”

“Dah. I learn. Not like, but learn.”

Turning to the darkness Miss Devinski call out. “Henrika. We are ready to leave now, and thank you.”

In answer sunlight spilled into the chamber, startling Tatiana. For some strange reason she had not noticed that the entryway had closed, nor that they had spoken in torchlight. Following her instructor she walked out of the mound, noting with delight the life about her. She had learned important things, been trusted with important information. She was trusted and still a Songmark student.

“Tatiana.”

Looking up Tatiana found Miss Devinski holding a slip of paper. “Midnight Miss Wei, or not at all.”

Taking the offered pass the sable felt a shiver of excitement. It was her instructors way of saying ‘pop the question now.’ Bowing deeply to her instructor as her mother had taught her, Tatiana stood and ran for the gate.

Millicent had just begun to prepare her evening dinner when there was a knock at her door. Though not expecting any visitor, being within the Consulate Compound, she felt a bit safer answering than were she alone outside the compound. Besides Sergeant Proud had been turning her body black and blue with his paw-to-paw training. None of which was by any book she had ever heard of. Opening her door she was surprised at who stood on the other side. “Tatiana, how?”

“Is not such good guards you have” the love of her soul admitted. “May come in? Have one question.”

“But of course my love. But are you not worried? People will talk about you should they discover you here.”

“If not back at Songmark by midnight, might move in.”

Tatiana’s words sent a shiver of pure pleasure through the felines body. To have the sable here waiting for her each day. But no, that would never happen. It couldn’t happen. Such dreams were flights of fantasy, never to occur in the harsh light of wakeful reality. Shutting her door after the sable entered Millicent turned to face her. Wanting so much, accepting what was. “Why come to me?”

“Pravda Millicent. As said. Have come ask one question.” Reaching into one of her Songmark uniforms many pockets Tatiana withdrew something. Holding it out she asked her question. “Will marry me?”

Millicent found herself staring at a tiny ring box, within was a simple gold band with a tiny diamond. It had probably cost Tatiana everything she had the tabby realized. Looking up into that face she dreamed of each night Millicent almost passed out. “Will I... Marry you? Of course I shall marry you my dearest love. When? Where?”

Removing the ring from its box Tatiana gently took Millicent’s left paw, slowly sliding the ring over the cats finger. As in all such actions Millicent’s slight finger fur gave her a touch of trouble, but she had been careful in her secret measurements last week and the ring fit perfectly. “Before May. Maybe April twenty? When classes end maybe we go Hawaii for month. Get to know each other.”

“Why Hawaii” Millicent gasped while studying the ring. “It is not as if we will ever leave the hotel room.”

Accepting her fate Tatiana pulled Millicent forward into as romantic a hug as she could manage. “Mother says is beautiful place. Would like to see. Want to see with you.” She nuzzled Millicent’s neck fur, unsurprised when the cat lifted her head, giving her sable lover full access to her throat. “I love you” she finished, her lie undetectable by the entranced feline.

“Bedroom” Millicent finally managed to gasp. “To hell with dinner. I want you. Now.”

It was a much rumpled sable who returned to Songmark that night with barely time to spare. She had left Millicent sleeping, then had taken a slow taxi home. One without a metal Tiki on its bow. It was Liberty standing at the gate when she arrived.

“Trust yah have a pass” the coyote demanded.

Offering her pass to her dormmate Tatiana waited until the gate opened, observing her companions shocked expression at the existence of the thing. “Ahn while we have been pullin double shift, you’ve been playin on Casino Island from tha smell oh yah. Ah feline, ahn female? You?”

“Dah” Tatiana agreed, accepting her pass back. Like all it had to be returned to the office by its bearer. “Millicent very energetic.”

“Millicent.”

“Dah” the sable agreed as she started walking away. “Wife to be. Am getting married her April twenty.”

Her answer was the sound of Liberty’s body hitting ground, the coyote having passed out from shock.