Arrows of Time - Kim Falconer [30]
The class was silent, their collective gaze fixed ahead. Although none of them made eye contact, they were completely attentive.
‘You did well, all of you. Maluka, your work is exemplary, though you need to think further ahead.’
A Lupin girl squared her shoulders and gave a slight nod.
‘Teg, your initial move was smart. Where was the follow-through?’ He didn’t wait for an answer. ‘I’d like all of you,’ he said, raising his voice, ‘to practise moving from block to cut to block this afternoon. Focus on each action completely, and when it is executed shift fluidly to the next. There is always a next move, even when your opponent is lying at your feet. Questions?’
Maluka stepped forward, her eyes resting on his. They were a deep teal blue and lined with black lashes. Her hair, held back in a short ponytail, was red as sunset—strange colourings for a Lupin. But the potency in her gaze alone gave her away—it was beyond human. ‘Sword Master,’ she said, her voice melodic, sweet, ‘when will we be working more with energy forces?’
There was a murmur of approval from the other students. He smiled. This one will have to meet Rosette.
‘You mean magic?’ he asked.
The entire class nodded, eyes bright.
‘When you can protect yourself without it,’ he answered.
Some of the faces fell, but Maluka dipped her head, her eyes never breaking contact with his. It was a challenge. He felt a fire rise up his spine, and he gathered it, blazing it back to her. She didn’t look away. The breeze fluttered loose strands of hair across her face and she relaxed, brushing them aside. ‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘I look forward to it.’
He exhaled. In the distance a bell tolled, indicating the noon break.
‘Done, and well done,’ he said to the class. ‘And, Teg, get some cold packs on that shoulder.’
The other Lupin met him with much the same look as Maluka before turning away. As his students cleared the practice arena, forming small groups as they headed towards the manor house, he smiled. They’ve got talent, he said to his familiar.
Some more than others.
He turned to find Scylla sitting under a willow tree, her eyes glowing like amber jewels in the shade. She was framed in the weeping branches, a curtain of green tendrils wafting in the breeze.
You think so, Scylla?
I know so. Watch out for the male.
‘Are you warming to the Lupins, Rowan?’
He hid his surprise at Kreshkali stepping out from behind the tree. Thanks for the warning, he said to Scylla.
She gave what felt like a mental shrug. I thought you’d have sensed her.
I didn’t. He took the towel Kreshkali tossed him and wiped the sweat and dust from his body. ‘They’ve got potential. They all do.’
‘And they fit in?’
‘Maluka, definitely. Vivacious girl, much like Rosette.’ An’ Lawrence searched for Teg, but he’d vanished.
‘And Teg?’
‘Talented.’
‘In the group?’
‘He’s a loner, though the others respect him.’
‘Good enough.’
An’ Lawrence ducked under the rail, then took a long drink from his waterskin. ‘What’s up, Kali? I know you didn’t come out here to chat about my students.’
She’s got news, Rowan.
Good news?
Not really. She’s worried.
He didn’t react to his familiar’s insights, his face remaining smooth and placid.
‘I’ve not heard a word from Rosette since they left the Isle of Lemur. I thought perhaps Scylla or you…’ Her voice trailed off. ‘But no, I can see you’ve not heard from her either.’
‘Scylla can’t reach Drayco mind to mind. The distance is too far, wherever he is.’ He watched his familiar preening herself for a moment before she returned to her statue-still pose. ‘She’s not perturbed.’
‘Well, I am. They’ve been gone three months now.’
‘Three months our time. No knowing how long it’s been for them.’ He headed for the manor.
She fell into step with his long stride. ‘I can’t shake this sense of concern, Rowan. I’m crossing over to Treeon to see if there is any word there.’
‘Makee may know something?’
‘I’m hoping