Faerie Winter - Janni Lee Simner [35]
Except for Karin. What little I knew of magic—that visions were less terrible when spoken aloud, that magic could save as well as destroy—I’d learned from her. My own mother had suggested it might be best if I continue to learn from her.
I did not want to leave the Lady’s side, but neither could I lie. “She has taught me, yes.”
The Lady’s face darkened, the way storm clouds did when they blocked the sun. “Very well, Daughter. Take her, then.”
Karin’s gaze didn’t waver. “Release your hold on her first. She is under my protection, as all students are under the protection of their teachers.”
“You presume much.” The Lady released my hand and brushed her fingers lightly over my arm. Something left me, and I fell to my knees, understanding at last how small and weak I truly was. The Lady smiled, and I flinched from the daggers in her gaze, knowing they could cut right through me. She was still beautiful, though, beautiful as a new-sharpened blade.
Karin drew me to my feet. There was anger in her silver eyes, and a hint of the Lady’s perfect beauty as well. I fought the urge to bow before her, too, as if something of glamour lingered in me yet. My head dipped, just a little, and Karin lifted it.
“Not to me, Liza.” She whispered the words close to my ear, so low I doubted even the Lady could hear. “Never to me.”
I looked at her, knew her. She was Karin, only Karin. For some reason the thought brought tears to my eyes, and I was too weak to fight them.
“It is good to see you well, Daughter.” Only the faintest echo of storm-cloud anger lingered on the Lady’s face. “I look forward to learning more of the events that have brought you here this day. Will you and your”—she paused meaningfully—“student join me for a glass of wine? A few pre-Iron bottles yet remain, and I have brought one with me.”
“I truly regret that I cannot join you.” Karin bowed her head. “But my student and I have much to discuss. I am sure you understand.”
“Oh, I understand.” How had I ever found the Lady’s voice anything but threatening? “You will do as you must. As shall I. I am certain we will meet again. In the meantime, I have some matters of my own to tend to. Did you know, Daughter, that Tara yet lives?”
“I have heard something of it.” If Karin had any reaction to the words, I couldn’t hear it in her voice.
The Lady had said she meant to go after Mom. I shivered as snowflakes landed in my hair, melted, and trickled down my neck. How could I have forgotten?
I couldn’t do anything for Mom if I remained here under the Lady’s power, any more than I could help Matthew or Kyle or—
Johnny. “There’s a boy from my town here.”
The Lady raised her pale eyebrows. “Is that one your student too, Daughter?”
Karin looked down, and the ragweed vine unwound from around her boot to retreat into the snow. “No.”
We couldn’t leave him. I had to make Karin understand.
She nodded at her mother, a respectful gesture. “Root and Branch and all Powers go with you.”
“And with you.” There was no warmth in the Lady’s voice.
Karin turned from her mother, and she walked away. Just like that. For a moment I didn’t move, as if glamour held me still. The Lady gave me a long, disdainful look. “Go on, then. Follow your teacher.”
I hurried after Karin, catching up with her where the path left the town. My footsteps creaked against the damp snow; hers made no sound. “We can’t leave him there.”
“I have no intention of it.” Karin didn’t slow her pace. “But first I must get you to safety. We will think on what to do after that.”
I didn’t slow down, either, but I told myself I’d return for Johnny, one way or another. No one deserved to be left helpless under the Lady’s power. At least I’d gotten Matthew free, and maybe Kyle as well. Kyle had run in the same direction we now walked. He couldn’t possibly outrun a hawk. “I’ll come back.” I spoke the words aloud, making them a promise.
The path turned to follow the frozen river. We picked our way downstream along its uneven bank. Snow landed on my cheeks and bare hands. “You came for me.” My voice seemed loud in the chill air. I