Arrows of Time - Kim Falconer [118]
‘Visiting witches from beyond the Dumar gorge. We’re here for Beltane.’
‘From the Forest of Vesper? Romanon Bay?’ He smiled. ‘You timed that rather well.’
‘I’m getting the hang of it.’
Selene crossed her arms. ‘What in demon’s fire is Beltane?’
‘One of the Sabbats, a spring fire festival,’ Nell answered, condescendingly. ‘A time to honour the vegetation gods and the great mystery.’
‘Wonderful,’ Selene said, looking out into the distance, her lips pursed.
‘Festivals usually have an element of merriment to them,’ Shane said, leaning closer to her. ‘Especially those involving fertility rites and…’
‘I know.’ She pushed him back. ‘I’d like a clear view of what I’m walking into and so far all I hear is snips and snags.’
‘You want a clear picture?’ Nell said. ‘Think of markets, feasting, bonfires and dancing. What’s the riddle in that?’
Selene looked at Jarrod, who nodded an affirmation. ‘There’ll be music and horse races, demonstrations. Sword work too.’ Jarrod stared at Selene’s weapon. ‘That’s not going to go down well, though. You best let me carry it.’
She put her hand on the hilt. ‘Not a chance. I won’t go unarmed.’
‘Then you’ll not go at all,’ Nell said. ‘We want to blend, not stand out like wolves among the chooks. Do you fancy arrest and imprisonment?’
‘Let them try. They won’t touch me.’ She gripped the hilt of her weapon.
‘Selene,’ Shane said. ‘It’ll be all right.’
He offered her a drink from his water bag. She ignored it.
‘I’ll mind it well for you,’ Jarrod said, his eyes level with hers, arms out to receive her blade. ‘We really can’t manage this if you’re carrying a sword.’
She kept her lips pressed tight while undoing her belt. ‘You best look after her.’ She kissed the scabbard and handed it to Jarrod.
He bowed to her and took the blade. ‘Thank you.’
Nell smoothed her dress over her hips and shouldered her pack. ‘Are we all ready now?’
Selene grumbled. ‘Ready enough.’
Nell opened out her arms as she stepped onto the road. ‘Can I remind you all that this is a festive time of year and we’re travellers who enjoy such things?’ She twirled around, her head back, face to the sun. Torgan bounded beside her.
‘Witches know how to have fun? Is that it?’ Selene asked, her face still frowning as she watched Jarrod strap on her sword.
‘I can’t speak for them all, but I certainly do,’ Nell said.
‘In that case,’ Shane smiled, pulling a low whistle from his pack, ‘I’d best give us a tune.’
He glanced at Selene before he started to play. ‘This one’s new—something I picked up in Gaela.’ His lips closed around the whistle and a dance of sound filled the air.
The rabbit bolted, Torgan taking off after it as Nell’s laughter rang out. Selene scowled.
‘Come now,’ Nell said, leading them down the road. ‘To Beltane!’ Nell kept smiling, but she let her mind drift to her familiar. She couldn’t see the temple cat in the tall grass, but she could hear him cutting left and right and doubling back through the pasture. The quarry was giving him quite a run. When they crested the first hill, Torgan emerged from the hayfield and joined them. Did you get it, Torgan?
No, but very close.
Never mind. There will be roast meats at Treeon.
I’m hungry now…
Lucky we’ll be there soon, then!
‘How far is it?’ Selene asked as they stood on the crest.
Nell surveyed the ridges and valleys that rolled out before them, squinting into the distance. She pointed a long, tattooed finger towards a cleft between the hills. ‘There they are. Can you see?’
‘See what?’ Selene said. She wrinkled her nose and shaded her eyes.
‘I’ve got them,’ Jarrod said, his face relaxed. ‘They’re out filling baskets with wild flowers. It wouldn’t hurt for us to do the same.’
‘Pick flowers?’ Selene said.
‘Exactly.’ Nell was sparkling. ‘We can’t arrive unadorned.’
‘You think I’m going to carry flowers?’
‘You’ll be wearing them, Selene, preferably in your hair and along your bosom if possible.’ Nell considered her for a moment. ‘You do have bosoms somewhere under there,