Strange Attractors - Kim Falconer [123]
I thought our packing off to Dumarka was a little complacent.
She kept her own mind shield tight; Nell was gliding in a thermal above her. I am packing off to Dumarka. I must. I know the baby’s coming soon and really, I need the rest, in that form.
In that form?
Drayco, I discovered something new and I think I can do it. I know I can.
Maudi?
I read the theory of how to be in two places at once. She said the words in a rush before he could interrupt. So the pregnant me is going with Nell to Dumarka but another me is slipping out when we get to the portal and going to track Makee. I’m not letting her get the spell, Drayco, and I can do this. I want to do this.
She swooped lower, bracing for her familiar’s response.
Maudi, must I point out the obvious? You have no experience with the technique. It’s not taught in any of the temples and only a rare few High Priestesses know how to do it.
I realise that, Dray.
Also, remember you are not yet a High Priestess.
I haven’t forgotten that either.
Then how can you contemplate it? It’s a brilliant idea, I give you that, but I think the next thirty seconds that it will take us to reach the portal isn’t quite enough time to study and prepare for the ritual, let alone understand it and perform it. Am I missing something, Maudi?
You are. She veered to the right, catching a thermal that lifted her high above her familiar until he was a black speck on the dust-red plains. From that vantage point, she dove.
Best tell me quickly. It’s fifteen seconds away now.
Janis Richter’s notes were not the only thing I read in Kreshkali’s grimoire.
Even from her high vantage point she saw Drayco falter. Maudi, you didn’t…
I did. The book itself opened to the exact page.
Really, Dray, it offered it up to me. I had to read on. I know how it’s done and alignment is nine-tenths of it anyway. I’m aligned, Drayco. I can feel it. I want to be in two places at once and I will.
This is going to be hard to explain.
What’s that?
I will be with you in the hunt for Makee, Maudi. There could be a battle. I will go with you there. Not open to discussion.
You can’t, not at first. Listen, sweetie. Here’s what we will do. She broke out of the dive, riding a thermal to the entrance gate as Drayco dropped to a trot. You stay with me and Nell until I’m settled at the cottage, a few hours at the most. When Nell goes to engage the Watcher like I think she plans, you come to the portal. I’ll be there waiting. We’ll track Makee together, ahead of An’ Lawrence and the others.
How will you explain my absence at the cottage?
I’ve got it figured out. Don’t worry.
I am worry-free, Maudi. You know that, though it would be an easier state to maintain if you’d discussed this topic with me sooner.
Rosette back-winged onto the ledge above the portal, shifting to her human form when she landed. Nell had done the same and was already down the embankment, looking up at her. She tightened her mind shield. There wasn’t time, and I didn’t want Nell picking up on it.
She might have agreed.
And she might not have. This is necessary, Dray, and it will work.
Risks?
Best not know them…
Drayco’s tail snapped.
It’s going to be fine. I promise.
He rumbled a purr. If anyone can do it, Maudi, a witch born under the sign of the Twins can.
Thank you, Drayco.
Rosette groaned as she slid down the bank, Nell clasping her hand and keeping her upright as she hit the ground. Drayco came to her side, panting. He pushed his head into her thigh and she buried her hand in his ruff. Nell stared back at Temple Los Loma and together they surveyed the wide expanse, their eyes resting on the mountains, smoking and rumbling as if the Earth would soon erupt. Rosette kept hold of Nell’s hand as the Three Sisters glided into the crevasse behind them. ‘We’ll bring him back, Nell. We’ll find a way to bring Jarrod back, and figure this out. Earth will survive.’ Rosette squeezed her hand.
Nell nodded and led her into the portal.
Here I go, Dray. Here I go! Rosette closed her eyes and let her hand slip from Nell’s. She called