Arrows of Time - Kim Falconer [88]
‘Maybe, Grayson, and maybe not. We don’t know how fast or slow time is moving for any of us.’
‘It’s not going fast for me, I promise.’ He traced his finger along the edge of the lion’s shoulder. ‘I thought she would be back by now, or at least would have sent a message. It’s been half a year, for me.’
Kreshkali gave his shoulder another squeeze and sat down. He shifted along the narrow bench, releasing tension as she leaned against him. It was a comforting gesture, and he allowed it.
‘I thought we would have heard something by now as well,’ she whispered. ‘Not much we can do but carry on, though. The bright side is, she may have only experienced a few days of absence herself not all these months.’
‘Or it might be many years for her. She might be living her whole life out in another world, away from us. I can’t…’ He let his thought trail off.
‘If that’s true, then she and Jarrod aren’t meeting with much success. Or they can’t get back. I don’t think it helps to dwell on either of those possibilities.’
He nodded, taking another drink. ‘Do you know where they were called to?’ he asked. ‘Or what the problem was?’
She shook her head. ‘I know it was urgent. They were away within hours.’
‘I remember. I didn’t even hear about it until after they’d left.’ He rubbed his forehead as if trying to shift a heavy weight. ‘Can’t Scylla communicate with Drayco? Would she have heard something?’
‘I’d have told you if she had, but there’s been no word through the corridors. Too much time and space between. The mind-links don’t often transmit that far, even with the temple cats.’
Grayson returned to his work. ‘Nothing to do but wait, then,’ he said.
‘For now.’ She stood up, again looking over his shoulder. ‘That’s a spectacular Lamussa. Where’s it going?’
‘Lamussa! That’s the name. Over the heart, between the breasts, wings extending towards the collarbones.’
Kreshkali whistled. ‘It’s amazing. Who’s it for?’
‘I don’t know. One of yours, I presume.’
‘I would have remembered that, if I’d been told. When did they commission it?’
‘That’s the strange thing. They haven’t yet, at least not in person.’
Kali tilted her head, waiting for him to continue.
‘I got the image, and the instructions, in a dream. It was as clear as clear. I actually saw the lion, alive and well at her side, growing up out of thin air as she described it.’ He got shivers talking about it and noticed she did as well.
‘When is she coming?’ Kreshkali asked. ‘I want to meet this woman.’
‘Two days’ time, on the new moon, first light.’
‘I’ll drop in.’
‘My door is open to you, Kali.’ He smiled. ‘You’d walk through it anyway, though, wouldn’t you?’
She bent down and kissed his cheek. ‘To see this go on, I would. If I can, I’ll come, but…’
Grayson searched her eyes. ‘You won’t be here, will you?’ He didn’t wait for her to respond. ‘You’re going after Rosette?’
‘I plan to check a few things out,’ she said, breaking eye contact. ‘I’m going to talk to an old friend. I may not be back in time.’
Grayson studied her face a little longer. ‘Witches’ business, I see, and I’ll be none the wiser for my questions.’ He stood to embrace her. ‘It’s best kept that way, for my own sake I think, but if you catch word or glimpse of Rosette…’
‘I’ll come straight to you, I promise.’
He kissed her lightly. ‘I’ll be here.’
Nell studied the undulating fence line that spread for leagues either side of the gate. The imposing wrought-iron staffs with spiked tips reminded her of a thousand island spears, standing sentinel over the baked red earth. Fortunately, the entrance was wide open and unguarded.
Strange people. Why have a barrier and then leave it unattended? Her temple cat sent her the message as he rubbed his cheeks on the edge of the gatepost.
‘Not unattended, Torgan.’
The feline tasted