Arrows of Time - Kim Falconer [148]
Kreshkali shivered. The rush of blood returning to her extremities burned like liquid fire. She was scooped up and wrapped in soft gossamer swaddling. She didn’t resist. She’d have to gain strength back in safety and it looked like these angels disguised as falconers were going to provide it. The rhythm of the horse’s gallop was like a lullaby. She didn’t know where she was headed, but it felt good. She would survive.
EARTH—TIME: FORWARD
CHAPTER 33
They’re here, Maudi. They’ve arrived!
Who’s here, Dray? Rosette didn’t want to take her attention off the glamour.
Jarrod! Scylla!
Oh, good news. Where are they? I can’t see them.
Jarrod’s coming straight towards you. Scylla remains with me. She can’t get into this world either. I told her to tell the Sword Master you’re here, but he still thinks I’m delusional. Drayco made a spitting sound.
Does he, my lovely? Never mind. When I get back into my body, I’ll kick him for you. He will apologise, I promise.
Unnecessary, Maudi, but an entertaining image nonetheless. Thank you.
She wanted to rough his neck. My pleasure. She risked diverting her focus away from her body to scan for Jarrod. I still can’t see them.
Up ahead.
There he was! She sensed Jarrod first, and his head jerked up the instant she spotted him. He was a long way off, walking between An’ Lawrence and a woman. Jarrod! Here! I’m here. It’s me.
Rosette? I can’t see you.
That’s because I’m disembodied, if you can believe it. I’ve run into a bit of trouble.
Drayco was right?
Of course, and he’s not impressed that no one believed him.
I knew it was a possibility but…where’s your body?
On the gurney. I’ve got a glamour cooking. We need to get out of here.
And the rush?
She wanted to laugh. I’d say that most of the armed troops in the city are looking for us right about now.
I can’t leave you for a moment, can I!
It’s been somewhat more than a moment, love. She revelled in his presence, soaking up the feeling of appreciation and bliss as their energies touched. He’d found her. Peace. But where was Kreshkali? They’d need her to help reanimate her corpse. She thought she’d be with Jarrod. Where’s Kreshkali?
Right here. Can’t you see?
Technically, I can’t see anything. I don’t have eyes.
Trust me, she’s here. She’s the one who found me, to bring to you.
Rosette shielded her thoughts. That wasn’t right. She could perceive everything around her and Kreshkali wasn’t in the picture. Drayco, who’s the woman with Jarrod?
Nell.
Rosette felt her glamour slip. Which one?
Torgan’s Nell, but the temple cat is not here. Curious.
Drayco, listen to me carefully. Who do they think Nell is?
Kreshkali. I corrected them, but they aren’t listening to me. Teg knows. He’s pretty upset.
Who the heck is Teg?
The apprentice Lupin. Remember? I like him.
You like a Lupin?
This one, yes. He’s just headed into the portal. Off to look for Kreshkali. About time somebody did.
And I thought things would be simple once we found Jarrod…
Hurry, Maudi. Behind you. Troops!
She spun around. Grayson and Everett walked side by side, the gurney between them. They quickened their pace as Jarrod and the others came into view, Grayson assuring Everett that this was genuine help. They were by the lake now, not far from the portal. Everett looked over his shoulder and they broke into a run.
Behind them a squadron of armed troops followed at the jog. Grayson pushed the gurney to An’ Lawrence and Jarrod, the three of them racing up the path to the portal. Nell hung back, standing beside Everett, and turned to face the inquisition. Rosette didn’t linger. She flew into the portal ahead of her corpse.
An’ Lawrence stared at the body bag, his hands shaking. He mopped his brow.
Her body is very cold, Rowan. Like the day of the blizzard on Los Loma, Scylla said.
I know. I remember.
Can you revive her again?
Not this time. Not like that.
His familiar sat close, also staring at the black body bag. Drayco says Rosette is here with us now.
An’ Lawrence touched the edge of the bag. His fingers were burnt by the