Arrows of Time - Kim Falconer [152]
‘Somewhat.’ She smiled. ‘I’m Lily. Stay for the noon meal and my husband and I will set you straight.’ She put a slight emphasis on the word husband.
It delighted him that she felt that was necessary. ‘You’re most kind,’ he said. He crossed the distance between them and followed her into the stables. Two horses were cross-tied in the breezeway, a groom hosing them down. They didn’t startle as he passed, and Teg felt even more grateful for his time at Temple Los Loma. He’d learned how to relax among a variety of species and had taken quite a liking to horses, and they responded in kind. Kreshkali? He sought her with his mind.
‘We’ve an injured bird here; we’re just cleaning her up now.’ The woman guided him into the tack room.
‘What happened?’ Teg asked. He made it sound light, curious. He knew it was Kali, though she hadn’t answered his calls. His palms were sweating. Kali? Are you all right?
‘A trapping of some kind,’ Lily said, frowning.
‘More than that,’ the man added as they entered the tack room. He turned and extended his hand to Teg, eyeing him from head to foot. ‘I’m Jago.’ His voice was a deep baritone. ‘You’ve met Lily, my wife?’
Teg gripped his hand, finding it interesting that they both added possessive labels to each other’s name. He held Jago’s eyes for a moment, but moved his gaze when he spotted the black falcon on the table. She was hooded, perched on a bar, allowing her wounds to be dressed. Teg felt the sweat break out on his forehead and wiped it with the back of his hand. Kali? Can you hear me?
Teg? The voice was soft, distant. It’s so dark, she said.
You’re hooded, that’s all. You’re okay. I can see you, right in front of me.
I tried to shift. Nothing happened.
It’s going to be all right. I’ve come to rescue you.
A wafting sound came from the bird.
‘Have you worked with falcons?’ Jago’s question brought his attention around.
‘In Morzone, yes.’
‘Good place for it. I know most of the falconers there. Who’ve you hunted with?’
Teg couldn’t take his eyes off Kali.
Caspian…Spates, I think, she said to him.
Are you sure, Mistress?
In my Gaela, yes.
‘Spates. Do you know him?’ Teg said the words with confidence.
‘Caspian? Excellent trainer. His partner is the better of the two, though…is she still riding that wild red chestnut?’
Sara. Kali’s voice was weakening.
‘She was last time I saw her. Sara’s been working him hard and steady. He’s coming round, though I wouldn’t volunteer to have a go.’
Jago laughed. ‘That’s saying a lot, especially seeing you’re on foot. It’s a hefty trek, Morzone to Treeon.’
Water. Kali’s message was a demand.
‘She’s thirsty,’ Teg said, interrupting.
Jago eyed him. ‘Is that so?’
‘That’s what I’m getting too,’ Lily said, handing a dropper to Teg. She righted the bird as it listed slightly, steadying her balance. Black claws gripped her glove. ‘Can you get the hood off?’ she asked. ‘She does need a drink.’
Teg released her from darkness and was rewarded with a shriek. Her wings extended, hanging like a scarecrow’s. She allowed the drops of water to be trickled down her throat.
‘You’ve a way with her,’ Jago said. ‘Are you a healer?’
‘A herbalist’s apprentice, yes. I’m headed for Treeon.’
‘To apply?’ Lily’s eyes went wide.
It was as good a story as any and it seemed to impress them both. ‘Aye. I’ve got some of the blood in me.’
Careful. Kali sent the message as she dipped her head for more water.
‘I don’t doubt that,’ Lily replied. She eyed him, no attempt at subtlety.
‘We’ll let her rest now. The injuries are not extensive—she’s more exhausted and traumatised than anything.’
Jago led them to a large, open-air space where several falcons of various sizes perched. He opened a cage and helped Lily transfer her to the roost. A breeze fluttered her black feathers as he slipped the hood back on.