Arrows of Time - Kim Falconer [162]
‘I can’t actually see his aura right now.’
Something to work on.
He turned to Jago, who was struggling to lift his head. ‘Sorry, sir. We thank you for your hospitality.’ He quickly undid the ties on Kali’s legs and dropped them to the ground. He checked the wounds. ‘And your healing skills,’ he added, ‘but we’ve got to be on our way.’
‘Who are you?’ Jago looked from him to the raptor and back.
‘A falconer, like you.’
‘And a murderer?’
‘You’re still alive, are you not?’
Enough, Teg. Let’s go, Kali screeched.
He ducked under the railing and headed towards the fringing woods as two temple guards came around the corner of the stables, swords drawn.
‘Halt!’ one said, rushing forward.
Two more guards appeared at the opposite end of the breezeway, blocking that exit.
Can you fly, Kali?
Can you run?
Teg launched Kreshkali with an upward thrust of his arm and sprang over the railing, landing on all fours.
‘Lupin!’ one of the guards yelled.
‘Get the horses. He’s headed for the woods.’
Teg didn’t linger to hear the rest. The captain was barking louder than the dogs—clearly unnerved. He hoped the momentary confusion would give him a good head start. He sprinted through the paddocks and out into a field of grazing broodmares. The horses parted in front of him like a river diverting, heads high and ears back. The dogs were close behind and gaining. He called on a boost of energy and charged up the grade, keeping Kreshkali in his sights as she flew overhead. That’s when he saw the eagle. Mistress! Above you.
I’ve got it. Keep running. The portal is south-west.
He turned left.
No, Teg! The other way.
He cut to the right, glancing up in time to see the grey raptor above her drop into a dive. It let out a shrill cry. Mistress, look out.
If it hit her at that speed, she’d be knocked to the ground, killed instantly. She couldn’t shift midair. That was certain death if she couldn’t shift back before losing too much altitude. He didn’t think shifting would help anyway. The eagle looked like it could drop a horse. Teg slowed his pace while he watched. Mistake. A tracker dog sank its teeth into his hind leg before he knew it was on him.
Teg spun around snarling, the pain like a hot knife. Temple guards were riding hard through the pastures, jumping the fences and gaining speed as they chased him up the hill. They would try to cut him off before he reached the cover of the woods. He wasn’t going to let that happen.
With his mind focused, he sent a blast of energy towards the lead dog and launched at its throat. His teeth sank into muscle and he shook the creature like a rag doll. It collapsed to the ground, unmoving. Two other dogs had caught up and both leapt to attack him.
Back off, canines! He screamed at them in his mind, sending a charge of power with the message. It scorched them and they dropped mid-launch. He risked a quick look skyward. Kali was above the eagle, darting east, outmanoeuvring it.
Get out of there! she yelled to him, her call ringing shrilly over the valley.
Riders cut him off from the west, forcing him to turn straight southward. Perfect. He boosted his legs with every bit of energy he had left, charging towards the cover of the woods. Hooves were churning behind him. He could hear the laboured breathing of both animal and rider about to overtake him. He plunged into the darkness of the pine trees as the lead rider’s blade swiped his flank. A new pain shot up his spine and hot drops of blood spattered his face.
Kali whistled overhead. He couldn’t see her any more, but her call was anger. Not a death knell. Keep to this side of the creek, Teg. Do you see it?
I’ve got it.
Are you hurt?
Somewhat.
Keep running, Teg. You’re almost there.
The eagle?
Not a problem. Run.
Teg winced as he scrambled over boulders and fallen trees that lined the babbling stream, sharp pains shooting through his side. He stumbled and slipped on the moss-covered rocks.
The horses have stopped, but the dogs are still behind you. Kali