Arrows of Time - Kim Falconer [170]
‘The good outweighs any risks,’ Kreshkali replied, a slight smile on her lips.
‘What do you mean?’
‘I mean, we need as many contributors as we can get. Besides, the child hears the call of her own.’
Annadusa shrugged. ‘Nonsense. Rosette’s no Lupin. She’s your blood.’
‘So she is.’ Kreshkali looked away for a moment. ‘Anna, why don’t you work up a calming energy to weave underneath our spell? I think that will vanquish any potential problems.’
‘Like something I’d use to soothe a child waking from a nightmare?’ Her face brightened as she spoke.
‘Precisely.’ Kali gripped her arm, holding Annadusa back before she returned to the hall. ‘This is going to work.’
‘It will, Kali. It will.’
She kissed her cheek and let her go. A ruckus in the trees by the stables caught her eye. Three ravens stared out of the greenery, their white eyes dancing.
What news, my lovelies? she asked them.
He comes!
Who?
The silent one. He brings many!
Kreshkali laughed. There were plenty of times she wished the leader of the Lupins was indeed silent. Good work! Keep watch for Rowan.
Always.
Thank you! She raised her arms to the black birds before turning to the Lupins. ‘Hotha! Teg! Here,’ she called aloud, waving them in. ‘This way. Bring them all this way.’
Kali embraced the Lupin leader. For a moment he engulfed her and tears welled up. ‘I’m glad you’re here.’ She straightened and turned to Teg. How are you faring? Hotha didn’t give you too hard a time?
I’m fine, Mistress.
She smiled. ‘Teg, I want you to go in first and instruct the others as they enter.’
Teg went straight to the hall. Hotha didn’t move. He pushed damp hair back from Kreshkali’s cheek. ‘I warned you it was too big a risk letting her…’
‘Later,’ Kali said cutting off his words, her back stiffening. ‘Nothing but good feelings past this door. That’s not negotiable. Make sure everyone understands.’ She raised her voice. ‘Bring your joy, in whatever form it takes. Leave all else behind.’
He parted his lips. ‘All business, then?’
She put her finger to his mouth and shook her head. ‘Do this my way, please, Hotha. I know it will work.’
Their eyes locked.
‘Your way, then, for now.’ He sighed, the tension melting from his face. He pulled his hair back and tied it with a band. ‘I want her alive as much as you do, Kali. Whatever it takes.’ Hotha looked over the crowd. ‘Where is he?’
Kali hesitated for a moment, studying his eyes. His features didn’t move, but she caught the subtle smile behind the mask. ‘You mean An’ Lawrence?’ She glanced around as if he would appear from the stables or down the lane. ‘I don’t know. He took off.’
‘Took off?’
‘Looking for me. He hasn’t returned.’
‘That’s unfortunate.’
Her eyebrows went up. ‘I never thought I’d hear you say that.’
‘We do need as much energy as we can muster, and his is…’
‘Considerable?’
He nodded.
‘As is yours.’ She linked her arm in his and escorted him across the threshold. He bowed to the altar and entered the hall, followed by dozens of Lupins who all did the same. They were bipedal, glowing with warmth and trust. He’d schooled them well. It lifted Kreshkali’s face into the brightest smile she’d felt in quite some time. ‘It’s working,’ she said. ‘I can feel it.’
GAELA—TIME: FORWARD
CHAPTER 41
‘I don’t give a rat’s crap what you need, Rowan. You abandoned Gaela and shifted to that other world.’ La Makee sat by the fire, her familiar, the black raven Woca, on her shoulder.
‘Earth,’ he said.
‘Earth, yes—and the problems there are yours, not mine.’
‘You mean I abandoned you. That’s it, isn’t it? That’s why you’re so irked.’
Makee stopped chewing. ‘Irked?’ She handed the rest of her meat to Woca and wiped her lips. The bird took off. ‘Irked?’ she said again. Her voice was like a blade. ‘I am well more than irked, Rowan An’ Lawrence.’
Her face contorted and he found himself wishing he’d chosen his words more carefully. He wanted to win her over, not alienate her.
Too late for that, Rowan, his familiar pointed out.
Are you laughing, Scylla?
It’s somewhat humorous from where I’m sitting.
The fire