Arrows of Time - Kim Falconer [194]
Her face slackened. ‘That could happen?’
‘It’s possible. This is new territory. You’re the first of your line to be such a world-hopper.’
‘And you saved this bit of information for last? I can’t travel the corridors?’
‘Not to new places.’ Jarrod wiped his face. ‘This hasn’t been my day for timing.’
She slipped on her boots. ‘So what are you saying? I’m out to pasture?’
‘Kali was thinking you might like to spend the summer in Dumarka.’
I would love to go home, Maudi. There is peace in Dumarka, good hunting, wild seas, and a warm fire at night.
She smacked her lips. ‘Dumarka?’
‘Drayco likes the idea,’ Jarrod said.
‘I guess I could get a lot of work done. It’s been ages since I’ve had time to draft charts, correlate research.’
‘You’d have the time and space to finish the apprentice manual and complete your training.’
‘Then I’d be able to take on an apprentice of my own.’
‘You’ll need someone there anyway.’
She shook her head. ‘I’d rather be alone.’
‘You may not think so as time passes.’ He put his hand on her belly.
‘I suppose you and Kali have someone in mind?’
‘She thought it would be Grayson.’
‘Not in the picture.’ Rosette’s voice muffled as she pulled her top on over her head.
‘Teg’s an option too. He’s been keen to study the stars with you.’
‘I don’t need baby-sitting, Jarrod. I’m fine.’
‘Let’s see what Kreshkali says about it.’
Rosette’s eyes stormed. ‘It feels like I have little choice in the matter.’
He shook his head at her protests. ‘Have you forgotten Kreshkali’s first rule—her only rule?’
Rosette suppressed a smile. ‘There is always a choice. Good reminder.’
‘And she’s still your mentor, Rosette. She has jurisdiction.’
Her arms fell to her sides. ‘All right,’ she said, letting out a little laugh. ‘I’m choosing to consider this option. Lead the way, but make it past the kitchens. I’m also choosing to quell my hunger.’
I wouldn’t mind another snack myself, Maudi.
‘We’re all hungry here,’ she said, striding between Drayco and Jarrod.
‘You’re lucky the temple grounds are so productive. The stocks are overflowing.’ He took her hand and led the way to the kitchens.
Kreshkali stood in front of the portal, tightening the strap on her backpack. She’d packed in a hurry, not knowing how much time had elapsed since An’ Lawrence had disappeared, uncertain as to her chances of ever finding him again in the shifting worlds beyond the corridors. He’d been foolish to risk it—foolish and brave. She loved him for it and hoped she could someday tell him so.
There’d been little argument from Rosette, who seemed satisfied with her assignment to Dumarka. Teg rankled at his part, though. She knew he would. He showed enthusiasm for studying the stars and Earth literature with Rosette and already was bonding with her, but he protested the exclusion from their search for the Sword Master. She suspected that he mostly protested the separation from her, though he didn’t say so. It was all the more reason to have some time apart. A mentor could become as attached to her apprentice as he to her. She sighed as she slipped on her pack. They decided to send Annadusa through to Dumarka in the autumn, if Kreshkali and Jarrod were not back by then.
‘Ready, my queen?’ Jarrod asked.
‘Reading my thoughts?’
‘Never without your permission.’
‘Then yes, I’m ready.’ She turned to take a last look at the barren landscape that swept towards Temple Los Loma, invisible behind the single hill. The wrought-iron gates stood open and the apple trees beside them were flowering, the ground scattered with a carpet of blossoms, pink and white on the baked red earth. The fragrance was delicate and sweet.
‘It’s spring,’ she said, running her hands through her spiky hair.
Jarrod followed her line of sight to the trees. ‘We’ll be back before autumn in Dumarka,’ he said. ‘In time for the birth.’
‘You sound certain.’
‘It’s the best approach, don’t you think?’
She laughed. ‘Energy follows thought. I can’t believe