Arrows of Time - Kim Falconer [71]
‘We’ll have to test that claim,’ An’ Lawrence said. He noticed the packs. ‘I hope you brought plenty of ink.’
‘There’s work for me here?’
Kreshkali snorted. ‘They’ll be queuing.’
‘They were in Treeon, too.’ He mounted up, An’ Lawrence closing the gates behind him. ‘I was hoping for a bit of a break and…’
‘No chance. You’ll be amazed at the designs people are drawing. Impressive.’ Kreshkali eyed him for a moment. ‘I have a new apprentice. His name’s Teg and he’s got something very special in mind.’
Grayson shot her a glance. Her voice had softened, but she didn’t seem to notice. ‘So it’s straight to work?’ he asked.
‘Naturally.’
Grayson cleared his throat. ‘And Rosette? You really have no idea where she is?’
‘With Jarrod. That’s all I know.’
‘You’re certain?
‘Why?’
‘I’ve had dreams. She was alone.’ Grayson looked behind at the greenery flanking the gates—the only leafy flora on the red horizon. ‘Are you sure there’s been no word?’ he asked, bending forward to offer his mount the apple core.
Kreshkali watched the seeds fall from the mare’s mouth as she chewed around the bit. An’ Lawrence grumbled. It was a practice he didn’t approve—feeding horses with bits in their mouths.
‘The trees?’ she said.
‘Rosette loves those apples, always has one in her pocket. And these are definitely from Treeon.’
Kreshkali considered. ‘It’s possible.’
An’ Lawrence nodded. ‘Feels like something she would do.’
‘If so,’ said Kreshkali, narrowing her eyes, ‘she’s having quite a…time. They were here full grown when we arrived, three days after she left.’
They turned their horses towards the southwest and headed back to the temple, Scylla again taking the lead. They rode at a leisurely pace, cresting the last hill at a jog before dropping down into the temple grounds. ‘It looks so different.’ Grayson stood up in his stirrups to get a better view. ‘I like what you’ve done to the place.’
‘Everyone’s put a lot into it.’
‘Has it got a name yet?’
‘It does.’ Kreshkali looked out over the estate. ‘Temple Los Loma.’
‘For the Lupins?’
She nodded. ‘For all of us.’
‘And how’s that going?’
‘Fine,’ An’ Lawrence said before she could answer.
Kreshkali chuckled. ‘You’re about to see for yourself. Here comes Teg.’
Grayson watched the young man striding towards them. He didn’t look particularly Lupin, but he was very handsome—as most of that species were. He took Kreshkali’s reins when she dismounted, locking eyes with her. They had a silent exchange that left him smiling.
‘Sword Master,’ Teg said, dipping his head.
An’ Lawrence gave him a curt nod.
‘This is Grayson.’ Kreshkali opened her arms towards the man as he dismounted.
Teg’s hand went out, his wide eyes smiling. ‘I’ve been hoping to meet you. Will you be staying long?’
‘Long enough to do your work, if that’s what you mean.’
‘Oh, I didn’t…well, I did, but…thanks. That’s great news.’
Grayson unstrapped the saddlebags and hoisted them over his shoulder. ‘Where can I camp?’ he asked.
‘We’ve cleared you a space in the workshops, but don’t go there yet. Come have a meal with us first. I want news of Treeon. News of Makee.’ Kreshkali turned him away from the row of artists’ studios in the building opposite the main manor.
‘We’ve got some things to discuss,’ An’ Lawrence added, lowering his voice. ‘In private.’
Teg reached for the Sword Master’s reins, a question on his face.
‘I’ll see to her myself, but you might want to look after the palomino.’
Teg eyed the golden mare, who was rubbing her face on Grayson’s shoulder, covering his vest in white hairs.
‘Shall I?’ he asked.
The mare inched towards him, nostrils fluttering.
‘All yours, thanks. Just watch her near hind leg. She got a wire cut a few months back and still gets a little skittish when you handle it. If you run your hand down from her hock, strong and sure, she’ll be fine.’
‘I appreciate the warning.’ Teg spoke to Grayson, but his eyes drifted to the Sword Master. ‘It’s good to be told such things.’
An’ Lawrence shrugged his shoulders and led the way to the horse barn; Teg followed with the other two mounts. Kreshkali