Strange Attractors - Kim Falconer [122]
Rall didn’t answer her question but strode off into the meadow. ‘We’ve a good way further east to travel tonight. Keep up. The horses are waiting.’
‘Horses?’ Shaea hurried after her, wading through the tall grass. She wrung her hair, twisting it into a knot on top of her head, and wiped her hands on her cloak. She kept her eyes on Rall, a black form in the darkness. They climbed to the edge of the valley where trees and shrubs appeared like sentinels, their groping branches warning them back. She hoped they weren’t going to enter the wood. It was darker still.
‘Where are we?’
‘The southeast border of the Cusca Plains.’ Rall winked. ‘Does that help?’
‘Not really.’ Shaea followed Rall into the trees.
At least the wind was gone, and it was dry. Stars twinkled between the treetops, the moon high overhead lighting the way. She smelled the horses before she could see them, the warm aroma of alfalfa, leather and dried sweat wafting towards her. When she pushed through the shrubs to a clearing she saw the creatures tethered to a low branch, silhouettes under the dappled moonlight. One was a magnificent warhorse, from fine-bred stock, palomino in colour and perfectly groomed. The other was a Desertwind, a bay with long black legs and a sweet face with a single white star on her forehead. You’re gorgeous, the both of you, she said to them, automatically using her mental voice.
In the streets of Corsanon, she’d had plenty of time to commune with horses. Hitched to wagons or tied outside pubs, they were always around. She sighed. After Xane got the apprenticeship, those horses were her best friends, her only friends. I see you’ve been waiting for us.
Both animals nickered.
‘Off to a good start. Excellent,’ Rall said. ‘But can you sit one?’
‘I can, Rall.’ Shaea laughed. ‘You know I can! Xane and I used to walk the carriage horses for the pub masters, remember? One leading and one riding. That’s how we got so good at their ways.’
‘I remember, and lucky for you. We have a few miles to cover. Mount up.’
‘Thank you,’ she whispered, her eyes on the bay mare. Rall kept talking but she was too absorbed to hear the words.
Rosette held Nell’s hand as she walked into the early morning light of Temple Los Loma. The air was fresh; a strong breeze was coming up from the south, clearing the ash and smoke. The mountains still plumed in the distance but Temple Los Loma remained untouched. ‘There’s some potent spell on this place, isn’t there, Nell?’
‘There is, and I’ve yet to find the source.’
Rosette closed her eyes. ‘It’s running underneath everything, like the caverns of Los Loma Gaela.’
Nell touched her arm. ‘That’s a thought worth exploring.’
Rosette smiled. ‘Thank you.’
Nell inclined her head towards the entrance gates to the north. ‘Shall we fly?’
‘If we want to get there before noon, I think we must. I’m down to a waddle these days.’
Drayco took off at a run, the Three Sisters above him. I’ll meet you there, Maudi. He gave a roar that surprised her. It was answered by Scylla, her screech coming from somewhere behind the training grounds. Horses’ heads flew up and the brood mares bolted, foals frisking at their sides. They stampeded to the far end of the paddock.
Drayco, what’s that about?
Just saying goodbye, Maudi.
You’ve never done it like that before.
I might be gone for some time.
I hope not. Rosette crouched, dipping her head to her chin. She took a deep breath and launched into the air. As her toes left the ground she shifted into a falcon, light, free and soaring. The shock wave scattered leaves across the road and bent the trees lining the driveway. She shot upward, Nell beside her, calling in a high-pitched whistle. Oh, this does feel good. As the wind streamed past, her eyes adjusted to the telescopic vision. I love flying!
She spotted Drayco running below—the top of his back arching, his legs bunched before stretching into a straight line as he extended his paws. Shield, my lovely, she said to him. I’ve something to discuss and we’ve