Arrows of Time - Kim Falconer [36]
He raised his hands, bringing the flute to his lips. The tune he played was a complex one, though he could render it perfectly now. How long have I been practising under the shadow of this mountain?
He received no answer as he started another tune. This one spoke of loss and surrender, the giving up of one thing for another. Every other lass in Tensar worshipped the bards and their creative offerings, but he had fallen for the one who wanted something else. As his arms began to ache and his mouth went dry, he spotted Rosette and her tabby rounding the corner of the cave entrance. She appreciated his music. Fortunate, since it seemed they might be trapped together forever.
‘That sounds amazing,’ she said. ‘Soul-captivating.’
‘It’d want to, all the work I’ve been putting in.’
She smiled that incredible smile of hers. ‘No tremors yet?’ she asked.
‘None.’
‘It seems to be getting longer, the time between. Do you think?’
He nodded his head.
‘What is it, Shane? What’s happening to us?’
He rose and looked her straight in the eye. ‘We’re trapped.’ He spoke softly, as if he didn’t believe his own words.
‘Where exactly?’ She searched his face, the scrutiny making him swallow.
‘In Time.’
‘Time,’ she whispered. ‘And how do we get out?’
‘I don’t know that we can.’ He watched as her hand sank into the fur of her temple cat’s neck. She only did that when she was deep in thought, or frightened.
‘We can, Shane.’ She shook her head. ‘We’ll find a way.’
‘I’m glad you think so.’
‘I don’t think. I know.’
Rosette closed her eyes as she leaned against the granite wall, sliding down next to Shane. She pulled out her water bag, took a swig and offered him the last. ‘Let’s go through it again,’ she said. ‘We’re caught in a time loop, and we don’t know why or, more importantly, how to get out?’
He nodded.
‘Going round and round through the same sequence of events?’
‘More or less.’
Less, Maudi.
What do you mean, Drayco?
We used to meet Shane in the swamp, racing out of the cavern as the ground shook. Now we have these long philosophical discussions and music and language lessons before everything rips apart. We never go out into the swamp any more.
Do you miss it?
Hardly. I would like to hunt, though…
Hungry?
Not really. Just an urge.
I know what you mean. She caressed Drayco’s back. And Shane’s teaching me to play music?
Don’t you remember, Maudi?
Sort of. Her face lit up as Shane handed her a penny whistle. I do now!
The events are changing a little bit, Maudi, every time round.
I think so too, but I’ve no idea what to do about it.
Me neither.
She smiled. ‘Thank you.’ She put the whistle to her lips, tapped her foot and launched into a slip jig. Shane accompanied her on the flute and when they reached the end, she burst out laughing. ‘This is wonderful fun!’
‘You always say that.’
She studied Shane’s profile, noticing the frown lines. She put her hand on his shoulder, and he forced a smile. ‘We’ll get out of it, Shane. I promise.’
‘You always say that too.’ He turned away.
‘Hey.’ She nudged him. ‘We need more of this, or we’ll die of thirst.’ She shook the empty water bag. ‘And don’t tell me I always say that.’
‘You do, and it doesn’t matter. It’ll be half full again next time round. Besides, there’s no way out, with or without quenched thirst.’
‘There has to be.’
Shane lowered his head, rubbing his temples.
I think he’s going to cry, Maudi.
Goddess of the woods, I hope not! ‘Come on, Shane. It’s not that bad.’
‘Really? How long do you think this has been going on?’
She shrugged.
‘Let me put it this way, Rosette. How much time do you think it would take to master my language, if you studied every day?’ he asked.
‘Fluently? A year, at least. Probably more. Your