Arrows of Time - Kim Falconer [154]
Teg tore a small loaf of bread in half. Steam rose from the centre and burned his fingers. ‘I know of Hotha,’ he said. He popped a piece of bread in his mouth as their faces brightened.
‘I thought you might!’ Lily said, reaching for the other half of the bread.
Teg didn’t offer anything else. He was making a good show of preoccupation with the food, though he was having trouble getting it down. He couldn’t work out if they knew Hotha as friend or foe. He could pose as either. Then it occurred to him that they were being extremely cordial considering there were murderers on the loose and he might be one of them. Suddenly, he felt like a pig being fattened for Beltane.
‘He’s an accomplished falconer,’ Jago was saying.
‘What’s that?’
‘Hotha. He’s a good hunter.’ Jago’s eyes were on Lily. ‘He rode with us on several occasions, but he doesn’t come this way much any more.’
‘Have you spoken to him recently?’ Lily asked, her hand reaching out to stop Teg’s next mouthful.
He put down his fork and turned his full attention to her. ‘I’ve not seen him for some time. Are you concerned?’
Her brow creased.
‘Not at all,’ Jago said. ‘A man like that can take care of himself.’
‘A little,’ Lily whispered. ‘Can you get a message to him?’
Teg groaned internally. There had to be a smooth way out of this. He was about to respond when a woman entered, distracting Lily. She was one of the grooms, plump and blonde with a smile like summer sun. Her short stature made Teg wonder how she handled the tall horses he’d seen in the stables. How did she ever saddle and bridle them?
Her eyes darted to him. ‘Milk crate,’ she said.
‘Pardon?’
‘Mind your thoughts around Jess,’ Jago said, laughing deeply. ‘She comes from a long line of witches.’
Jess joined the laughter. Teg thought he would be sick.
‘Don’t look so alarmed,’ Jess said. ‘I’ve got more important things to do than skulk around inside your mind.’ She shook her head, her golden hair bouncing. ‘I never make a habit of eavesdropping.’
‘That’s good to know,’ he replied.
She looked at him closely, letting her eyes take in his form as if she were studying a horse at the markets. ‘For you I might have made an exception, but I see your mind shield is already well in place.’
‘Sit down, Jess.’ Lily pulled out the chair next to her. ‘And let our guest eat.’
Teg was surprised at the inclusion. Other staff members entered the dining hall and filled the remaining seats.
‘Thanks, but I’ve got the broodmares to turn out still. I came in because I’m worried about the new falcon. She’s making a lot of noise.’
Jago rose from his seat, motioning the rest of them down. ‘Stay here, Jess. I’ll let the mares out and check on the bird.’
Teg was up, ready to follow.
‘Eat, lad. I won’t be long.’
Teg slid back into his chair and faced the two women, who were now asking him more questions about his origins.
What are you doing, Kali? Are you all right? Teg sent the message through his mind shield, testing to see if Jess caught it. There was no indication that she did.
I’m getting that man away from you before the word ‘Lupin’ comes up. What are you doing wining and dining with these people?
I’m trying to rescue you.
There’s that word ‘try’…
Kali, I thought we could tell them the truth, but I’m having second thoughts. They may have alerted Treeon that we’re here, or that I’m here. I’m feeling a wee bit vulnerable.
You’re feeling vulnerable? She all but screamed at him. I’m hooded, in a cage, injured and unable to shift or fly. Remember? And watch the groom. Smart witch, that one.
Jess turned to smile at him.
Shield!
‘You’re no stranger to the birds of prey, are you?’
‘I thought you didn’t eavesdrop.’
‘Normally no, but your mind is so deep and rich. I just wanted to…’
‘Jess, get out of it,’ Lily said as she thrust a plate into the other woman’s hands. ‘He’s just a journeyman herbalist on his way to Treeon. Nothing more, nothing less. Isn’t that right, Teg?’
He nodded,