Arrows of Time - Kim Falconer [47]
‘When?’
‘It’s already done.’
Teg froze for a moment, his hands braced on his thighs. As the sun came out from behind a cloud, he bent his knees, threw back his head and howled—long, deep and joyful.
Rosette stood at the edge of the cliff, the wind blowing her cloak away from her body like a dark flag. It was clasped at the throat, dark red lining whipping against the rich black wool. She could smell apple cider. It reminded her of another time when she’d stood above the temple valley. It seemed ages ago. Where had the naivety gone? She stared at the grounds, her eyes shielded against the bright sunlight, scrutinising everything.
The rows of jacarandas and acacias looked thinner than she remembered, but that could simply reflect the time of year. The redwood grove was the same—massive trunks that rose up towards the top of the valley with their rich and fragrant green branches. The courtyard statues were all familiar and in the right place, though their companion trees were gone, unless the saplings near them counted. The brightly coloured banners that topped the temple library were absent; short flags, dark purple and black, were in their place. She wrapped her cloak around herself and called to Drayco, stroking the back of his neck when he appeared. ‘It’s not what I expected,’ she whispered to him. ‘Something’s not quite as it should be, no matter when it is.’
He stood at her side, scenting the air. I agree, Maudi, this isn’t our time. But more pressing for the moment—someone is coming.
‘Where?’
Rosette leaned forward, watching the bend in the road that led out of the valley.
Just ahead. It’s a rider. Coming up from Treeon. Can’t you smell her?
‘Not like you can, my lovely. Beware?’
Always.
His hackles went up at the sound of hooves clipping over the cobbles. Rosette closed her eyes and reached out with her inner sight to perceive the traveller. A horse and rider were winding their way along the zigzag path that led from the valley floor. She got an image of messages; many to deliver by the look of the saddlebags filled to the brim with scrolls and booklets. It was most likely an apprentice on her mentor’s errands. She shut her eyes tighter. The horse shone in her vision like a newly pressed gold piece. Perhaps that was just the morning light in her face, though she knew there was such a colour—a golden yellow with white mane and tail. They called it palomino, a strain she’d never seen outside paintings and tapestries. They were common before the Corsanon wars, but few, if any, remained in Gaela now. Could it be that long ago?
It could, Maudi.
The horse seemed young and eager, pulling against the reins, anxious to reach the top. He pranced and tossed his head as the rider, a young woman, held him to a collected trot. Rosette adjusted her assessment as they approached the crest of the grade. The one who handled the horse so expertly was probably only a girl, small, slender and topped with flames of wild red hair. She opened her eyes to find Shane staring at her.
‘What are you doing?’ he asked.
‘Checking out the approaching company,’ she answered.
‘What approaching company?’
‘A girl on a horse.’ Rosette nodded to the rider as she appeared over the top of the ridge. It was a palomino after all, and not the sunlight.
Rosette’s group hadn’t been spotted yet, and none of them moved.
‘Do you know her?’ Shane asked.
‘I don’t think so.’
Shane dug his hands into his pockets and shivered. ‘Is it me, or has it suddenly got colder?’
Rosette hooded her eyes and stared at the rider. ‘It isn’t just you,’ she whispered. ‘Be ready.’
‘For what?’
Rosette shook off the chill and shielded her mind, closing her thoughts from any who might pry. The girl may or may not be a mind-traveller, but either way, Treeon would be full of them, and Rosette suddenly felt the need for caution. Drayco? Lie low, can you? The horse might spook when he picks up your scent. They’re coming straight this way.
Where would you like me to go?