Strange Attractors - Kim Falconer [152]
‘Good man,’ she whispered, looking at his shadow in front of the tent flap. ‘Come in, Teg.’
He ducked his head at the entrance, light streaming in with him. He had two mugs and a plate of flat bread.
‘How’d it go?’ she asked, taking the drink. ‘Do we have agreement?’
‘We do. An’ Lawrence is leading half the troops south to circle behind the Corsanons. They left almost an hour ago.’
‘Hotha’s holding on here?’
‘Until Rashnan catches up.’
‘Excellent.’ She ate in silence, studying his face.
‘I want you with An’ Lawrence, Teg.’ She held his eyes. ‘Don’t look so worried. It’s not a punishment.’
‘I thought I would fight beside you.’
‘You may still, but I want you with him for another reason.’
He sat immobile, eyes soft, waiting for her to continue. She loved that about him, the way he didn’t interrupt. So much patience in one being, true to his Capricorn sun. He had Earth magic, through and through, even though he was born on Gaela. Or maybe because of it.
‘All Lupins carry Earth magic,’ he said, his voice barely audible.
‘I remember.’ She blew on the edge of her mug, taking a sip, offering a smile.
‘My task with An’ Lawrence?’
‘Depending on what Makee pulls, Rosette may come up behind the Corsanons. I want you there in case she does. She’s no idea of our plans and I can’t reach her.’
Teg nodded. ‘Me neither, but I’ll find her if she’s anywhere to be found.’
Kali bit into the bread. It was still warm from the pan and had a smoky taste. ‘Thank you.’ She washed it down with more coffee, strong and black. ‘How long will it take you to catch up?’
‘I’ll be at their camp tonight, whenever I leave.’
She laughed. ‘I love your confidence.’
His voice went very soft. ‘I love your…’
She stopped his words, her fingers resting lightly on his lips. She could feel his pulse there.
‘Kali,’ he whispered.
She brushed his hair back from his cheek, leaning forward. Her lips almost touched his. Almost. She stood abruptly. ‘I’ll meet you,’ she said. ‘When there are no Corsanons between us.’ She didn’t hear his response. She was out of the tent and into the sky, streaming for the heart of the Dumarkian Woods before he could respond.
Grayson tapped on the door, the frame vibrating as he did. Maluka had taken over one of the rooms next to his workshop. He wondered why he’d not noticed that, and laughed to himself. I’ve not had time to notice the little things, the inconsequential details of life.
Inconsequential, is it?
The voice rocked him back on his heels. It sounded like it was inside his head.
‘Entrée.’
He rubbed his neck. ‘Lack of sleep,’ he muttered to himself. He opened the door to Maluka’s room and was met with the scent of peppermint oil and soot. It took his eyes a moment to adjust to the dark.
‘Come in,’ she said.
There was a short candle burning on her bedside table, a journal face down on the pillow. The shelf above her bed was stacked with books and odd items—feathers and stones, sticks and woven webs. He didn’t know if they were for spells or ritual, or simply a Lupin girl’s tendency to collect interesting things. He pulled his eyes away in case they were for magical purposes and turned to her. ‘I got you up,’ he said, realising she wore only a singlet and a sarong draped around her hips.
She shook her head. ‘Couldn’t sleep.’
He understood. If it hadn’t been for Annadusa’s herbs, he doubted he would have caught his few hours. ‘We need your help,’ he said, lowering his voice.
‘That’s what I’m here for.’
‘Can you communicate with the pup?’
Fynn sat by the door, his eyes never wavering from Maluka.
‘Of course. What’s up?’
The breeze came in from the open window, ruffling the curtain. ‘Are you healed enough to check the perimeter?’
‘Run the boundary? Certainly.’ She bookmarked her journal and returned it to the shelf. ‘You think the fires were intentional?’
‘I want to rule it out.’
She nodded. ‘Just give me a moment to change.’
‘Of course. I’ll…’
She peeled her singlet off and dropped her sarong before he could finish his sentence or avert his eyes. By the time she’d buttoned her leggings and