Strange Attractors - Kim Falconer [137]
The temple cat loped beside him, her nose lifting to test the air. A day and a half at the run.
Thank you, lovely.
We aren’t going to run for a day and a half though, are we, Rowan?
Not at all. We camp at the next sheltered valley. Teg can search north and you and I’ll go east. Once we spot the Corsanons, we’ll call Kreshkali and…
I think she’s already spotted them, Scylla interrupted.
An’ Lawrence caught sight of the falcon riding the thermals high above them. That’s good news. He brought his horse down to a halt and waved Teg in. The lad shifted as he approached, tipping his head skyward. He’d spotted her too.
‘Any word?’ the Sword Master asked the Lupin. There was no point in both of them bombarding Kreshkali with questions. He suspected Teg was already speaking to her. The lad had his eyes closed. An’ Lawrence didn’t miss the serene expression that crossed his face.
She’s his mentor, Rowan. He’s bound to have a deep reverence.
I’m Rosette’s mentor and I’ve never seen that look on her face when she speaks to me.
She was never in love with you.
My point exactly, though the confirmation isn’t particularly comforting.
‘She has news from Temple Dumarka,’ Teg said, cutting into his thoughts. ‘She asks when you plan to camp.’
‘As soon as we find a decent valley.’
Teg closed his eyes again. ‘She says there’s one ahead, over the next ridge and to the south. Grazing for the stock and several springs.’
You could tell me directly. An’ Lawrence tipped his head towards the sky.
This is more fun, don’t you think? Kreshkali’s voice warmed his mind.
Not really. He turned to Teg. ‘That’s where we’re headed then, over the ridge and south.’ An’ Lawrence gave him a quick nod and waved his riders on. ‘Pass the word. We camp at the next valley.’
He urged his horse forward as Teg morphed back into wolf form and darted away. It wasn’t far to their destination and within an hour the expansive valley was inhabited like a small village. Rows of tents had gone up, a picket line enclosing the far end where horses grazed. Smoke rose from cook fires and a hunting party had already gone out. He made certain Teg was leading one of the groups. The lad was an excellent hunter.
Is that the only reason, Rowan? Scylla asked him.
Hush, lovely, she comes.
Kreshkali back-winged onto his outstretched arm, leaping away the moment her talons brushed his wrist. She morphed into human form, the ripple hitting his face, stinging his skin. He shut his eyes, waiting for the shock wave to pass.
‘Nice spot,’ she said, shading her eyes as she surveyed the valley. ‘And your warriors impress me. If they fight as well as they pitch a tent, we’re in good shape.’
‘It’s not the fighting I’m worried about, Kali.’
‘Me neither.’
She filled him in on her meeting with the High Priestess Saphon.
‘Saphon? That name’s not in the archives.’
‘Not even in Timbali?’
‘Not that I’ve ever heard.’
Kreshkali tapped her lips. He wanted to kiss them but looked away instead.
‘If the plan works, it’s a perfect result,’ she said. ‘There will be no trace of the temple at all. Corsanon can’t touch them.’
‘Unless we can’t get them back.’
‘Not an option.’ She brushed dust from her cloak, blowing a small down feather from her shoulder. ‘You sent my apprentice hunting?’
‘I didn’t know you’d mind.’
‘Hardly. Sounds a grand idea.’
Before he could say another word, she dropped to one knee then launched herself into the air, morphing as she cleared the ground. She flew over the treetops, her long shrieking whistle coming back on the wind. It was answered in the distance by a wolf’s howl.
Not quite the exchange you were hoping for, Rowan?
Scylla, I…
He comes. The lead Lupin.
An’ Lawrence didn’t finish his thought but turned to face Hotha. He stiffened at the Lupin’s grin and his fingers twitched, pausing for a moment over the hilt of his sword. The action wasn’t missed but it only made Hotha’s grin widen.
‘What are the