Arrows of Time - Kim Falconer [189]
‘There’s plenty of deadwood about for a fire. And…’ He pointed into the distance. ‘It looks like we’ll be having company. If we offer our mentor a meal, it might improve her mood.’
Rosette cringed. ‘Did you let her know where we were?’ she asked.
Teg shook his head. ‘Did you?’
‘I’ve been shielding.’
‘Me too.’
They turned as one to watch the falcon’s approach. It winged in from the direction of Temple Los Loma, making a beeline for them. When she was overhead, the black raptor spiralled down, whistling shrilly. It didn’t sound like a cheerful welcome.
‘We best offer her landing,’ Rosette said. ‘That tree’s all but rotten.’ She made no move to get up.
‘Thanks,’ Teg said out of the side of his mouth. He was standing before she saw him move, his left arm extended, his head tilted back to watch her descent. The falcon swooped down, stalling just above his head and landing on his forearm. For a moment they stared at each other, transfixed. Rosette took a deep breath. This was going to be interesting.
A force of energy cut the air, blowing her hair back from her face. She shut her eyes against the dust and when she opened them Kreshkali stood before her. ‘Since when did I have to go scouting the countryside for my apprentices? Didn’t any of you hear my calls?’
She stared at each in turn, including Drayco, who had stopped chewing. His dark orange eyes stared back. Rosette ignored the question and embraced her mother, holding her in an envelope of peace. ‘We’ve been playing with our mind-shields,’ she said, smiling at Teg.
‘Practising,’ Teg corrected quickly.
Kreshkali tilted her head. ‘And you’ve worked through the rage?’ she asked.
‘We’ve had a successful hunt,’ Rosette said. She had no intention of discussing her emotions as if she were an errant schoolgirl. ‘Are you hungry?’
Kreshkali eyed her. ‘What’s on offer?’
‘Roast rabbit,’ Teg said. ‘We were about to make a fire.’
‘Get on with it, then.’ She looked at the lowering sun. ‘I want to be back before dark. We’ve plans to make.’ As Teg went off to gather wood, Kreshkali extended her arm, stopping Rosette from following. ‘Sit. Talk to me.’
Rosette obliged, returning to her spot in the red dust. She crossed her legs and tried to relax. ‘What?’ she asked. Her voice sounded sharp in her head. She took a deep breath and spoke again. ‘I’m fine, if that’s what’s worrying you. I just needed to get away.’ She tilted her head towards her familiar. ‘Dray too.’
Drayco had resumed working on his carcass.
Kali murmured an agreement. ‘And how’s the body feeling?’
‘Better now.’
‘Better than…?’
‘Before. It was awkward at first,’ Rosette said. She rubbed her arms. ‘It felt stiff and heavy. My ribs are cracked too, by the way. Very painful. I’m getting used to it now, adjusting. The hunt was marvellous.’ She brightened. ‘Teg’s lovely.’
‘Off topic,’ Kali said. ‘We’re talking about your body.’
‘It’s fine.’
‘Indeed it is.’
Kali stared out at the horizon as Rosette studied her profile.
‘What’s wrong, mother?’ she asked.
‘Nothing’s wrong.’
‘Okay, then what’s right?’
‘It all depends, Rosette, on how you view it.’
She touched Kali’s shoulder, looking straight at her. ‘Is this about the spat with Jarrod?’ she said in a rush. ‘I know I reacted strongly, but I had this huge wave of emotion and it had to break somewhere. He can take it, I promise. I’ll speak with him tonight. We’ll be fine.’
‘I’m not worried about Jarrod.’
‘What, then?’
Kreshkali levelled her eyes with her daughter’s. ‘He was trying to tell you something this morning, though admittedly not very well.’
‘Oh, I know!’ Rosette interrupted. ‘He’s in a twist about losing my DNA, losing the spell. Of course he would be. As I think about it now, I don’t know why I blew up. After my apprenticeship, when I take on one of my own, I’ll give it some serious thought. That could be a good time to…’
Kreshkali gripped her shoulder, stopping her