Strange Attractors - Kim Falconer [139]
Careful what you focus on, girl. Thoughts are powerful things.
Shaea startled. ‘How do you do that?’
Do what?
‘How do you get your voice inside my head?’
With clear intention. You can do it too.
‘I don’t think so.’
You can. It’s in your blood.
‘Nothing’s in my blood but chill and ache, I promise.’
Give it a chance. Concentrate.
‘I don’t want to. I can’t, anyway.’
Rall chuckled, a grating sound. You do it the same way you used to speak to Xane.
Shaea looked at her hands, the reins sliding through her fingers when the mare tossed her head. I don’t want to talk about Xane, to you or to anyone else. She sent the words like an arrow to the target.
‘Well done!’ Rall said aloud. ‘You’re a natural.’
Shaea glared at the back of her head and didn’t reply.
When she crested the rise, a village appeared underneath the stars. It spread out from a single street, the lights still on in many buildings. There was a central bakery with a warm yellow glow, the multiple chimney stacks high and smoking. Shaea’s mouth watered. There were other establishments—a stable, a bank, a barber and a pub. Farms appeared in the distance dotted with sheep, everything blue-white in the moonlight. She could hear voices above the music. A few horses were tied up outside the pub, light pouring out from the double doors. The animals had their heads down, a hind foot cocked.
‘Don’t people go to sleep around here?’ Shaea asked, yawning.
‘Not when there’s music on. This is where Treeon apprentices come to play and the place is usually fully awake until near dawn. Lucky for you, if it’s supper you’re after. Stay alert, and don’t give anything away.’
How would I do that, Rall? I don’t know anything to give away. I don’t even know what we’re doing here.
Excellent communication, girl! But you need to shield your thoughts and keep your face smooth. You’ve got consternation written all over you.
‘I don’t know what that word means, and what’s a mind shield for demon’s sake?’
Think of it as a secret door, one that lets messages in and out at your command, and keeps the source hidden.
I have no idea what you’re on about.
Rall lifted her brows. ‘Don’t you?’ she said aloud. ‘Then what were you doing when you chatted to Xane, him all the way over at the military yards and you behind the bakery, snivelling in the street?’
I said I don’t want to talk about Xane. And that was private.
You see? Private. Use your mind shield to keep the thoughts private.
Rall continued to explain but Shaea tightened her fists and turned away. She was cold, tired, hungry and displeased. She tuned the witch out, closing that imaginary door with a snap.
‘That’s perfect. Well done.’ Rall jumped off the warhorse. ‘You’re definitely a natural.’
Shaea dismounted, shaking her head. If the Entity hadn’t insisted she follow Rall, she might still be in those lovely woods. She wished the Entity was close to hand. She’d ask why. Or perhaps give it a kick.
‘Take the horses to the stable and see that they are rubbed down, fed and watered.’ Rall tossed her a coin.
‘And where are you going?’
‘To the pub, of course.’ Rall cocked her head towards the door. ‘Meet you there.’
Shaea led the horses to the stables. She was greeted by two girls lounging on hay bales. They were playing a game with dice and cards but got up the moment they eyed the warhorse and the lovely mare. They went to work on the animals and Shaea watched for a while until she felt satisfied they knew their business. She patted the bay mare’s rump and handed over the coin. We’ll be back for you two. Hopefully not until we’ve all had a proper rest. She braced her back, pushing her palms deep into her spine.
‘Saddle sore?’ one of the girls asked.
‘It’s been a long ride.’ Shaea returned her smile.
‘Stay a while.’ The other girl winked. ‘We’re good at getting the knots out.’
Shaea kept her grin in place. ‘I would, but my mentor