Page 26 of Alder Woodacre and the Acorns of Affection (Amaranthine Interludes #3)

Joe took the chair next to Ash’s and reached for his hand. A wing curved around his back, offering shelter … but also pulling him closer. Wanting his friend close. Needing his family in order to face this.

Kip kept right on talking, his voice pitched to soothe. “You think you’re Ash’s father, yeah? His biological father.”

Kaga repeated, “I did not know.”

Tami, who had Ash’s other hand, looked to Joe with a quizzical expression, like she wasn’t sure what to believe.

Choosing the simplest course, Joe asked, “Kurloo? Is it true?”

“Yes. The kindred scent is clear.” The wolf eased an arm around the crow clansman’s shoulders. “You were right to come, Kaga. When did you first suspect?”

He stared at his hands, then stole a look at Ash. “Ten days. I needed to surrender my responsibilities and make my goodbyes.”

Tami asked, “You left your home?”

Kaga seemed to think the question strange. He finally stated, “I have a son.”

Ash’s grip on Joe’s hand tightened, and his gaze was pinned to the table when he said, “My father is Cyril Sunfletch.”

“Yes.” That was all. Simple acceptance.

The silence grew weighty, but Ash finally lifted a wary gaze. “My mother?”

Kaga looked embarrassed. “I am a tribute. I served my clan as a Kith-sire, and I did not often take speaking form, but I was envious of those who could take a lover into their arms.” With a faraway look, he explained, “An invitation came to attend a Song Circle in this part of the Widelands. Another crow clan wished to exchange several Kith in order to strengthen bloodlines. I shared a farewell flight with my sons and daughters, who had been selected. They may yet be adding their strength to the Skyloft and Merrycry clans.”

Kurloo said, “I know both of those clans. Good people.”

Kip nudged things forward. “So a Song Circle brought you here. And youuu … made a new friend …?”

“I had never been away from home before, and this land is so different. Exploration led to discovery. A human woman came upon me in truest form and mistook me for a god. She gave me her food, even though she must have been hungry. And she returned each day with other little gifts. It was all a misunderstanding, yet I made certain I was always there to receive her tokens. It was like being courted, and her soul held a beguiling hint of starlight.” He quietly added, “I stole away from my kindred. I hid what I was doing. I neglected my duties in order to meet with her.”

“You were in love,” said Tami.

Kaga ducked his head. “I was certainly captivated.”

“What was her name?” whispered Ash.

“I do not know. She never spoke, not even when I showed myself to her in speaking form.” He quietly confessed, “In those days, the Song Circle lasted a full moon cycle. And so for most of a month, I delighted in a lover’s embrace.”

“And then you left,” Ash said flatly.

“Yes. After making certain she understood that I needed to go, I returned to my clan and my enclave, and she returned to her husband’s tent.

” He made a helpless gesture. “I may not have known their language, but I watched and learned what I could.

That man had three wives, and she was less favored than the other two. But that was her rightful place.

“She believed herself visited upon and blessed by her gods. What I did not once suspect was that the form of that blessing was … you.”