Strange Attractors - Kim Falconer [157]
Is Makee insane?
Far from it, Rosette. In one moment she’s revealed the spell, destroyed the temple and blamed it on a Dumarkian temple cat and a Lupin. Clever, really.
She’s not destroyed the temple yet. Help me!
Rosette pointed to the barn, a two-storey brick building that stood on raised ground near the temple road. If we can bring it down crosswise, the water will disperse around it.
We have to lift it.
How?
The Air Elementals!
A twister?
Definitely!
Rosette took a deep breath, calling on the Elementals. The fire in her spine burned bright and she felt it growing, encouraged by Nell’s similar actions beside her. Together they called in Air, drawing it into a spiral, augmenting its spin and volume until it swelled like a giant dust devil—a tornado larger than ever seen on the Ubi Plains. At the last moment before the torrent reached the temple grounds, they released their spell.
The twister cut across the valley, straight to the barn. It lifted the building, spinning it around, the bricks flying out in all directions. With a wave of her arms, Rosette halted the call. The twister dispersed and the brick building crashed to the road, blocking the temple grounds with roof-high rubble. The water hit it full force, forming a standing wave, rivers cutting their way around both sides of the grounds.
People were climbing onto the temple roof, clinging there with bags and belongings. Some were standing on the walls, casting spells of their own to protect what was left of the grounds. The water had diverted, but not all of it. A rushing river snaked through the temple gardens, tearing a new path, leaving trees and statues uprooted in its wake. Rosette didn’t miss the arms pointed towards her, even from such a distance away.
We’ve got to get out of here, Nell. They’re coming.
Not without the spell!
Passillo? She laughed but heard no sound. It’s all right, Nell. I’ve got her. Rosette pulled open her cloak, revealing the vial secured around her neck. Nell’s face contorted, mouthing words. Rosette shook her head, cupping her ears. I can only hear your mental voice, Nell. She shrugged. I’ve gone deaf. Hope it’s temporary.
It best be temporary. I have much to say to you with both voices.
Excuse me, Maudi? Nell? The Corsanon temple guards are halfway up the hill. They seem upset. Shall we go?
Rosette spun around. Run!
Nell morphed, the wind nearly knocking them down. Head for the mountains, both of you. Dead run! Stop for nothing. The black falcon screamed towards the top of the gorge, though Rosette could see no sign of Makee, or the witch Rall and her apprentice.
Where are you going, Nell?
She’s got to be stopped. Meet me at the portal below Prieta south. If I’m not there before you, head straight back to Los Loma!
Rosette bolted, Drayco on her heels.
The chestnut mare trotted along at an easy jog while Clay sang. He was learning a new tune from Shane, his eyes bright with excitement. ‘What’s it called?’
‘It’s got a few different names.’
‘What do you call it?’
‘Her Long Black Hair.’
‘Ah, like Rosette? Did you two…’
‘Nah,’ Shane answered fast. ‘She’s too…’
‘Yeah. I know what you mean. She’s daunting, in a way, but also alluring. I think I wouldn’t mind…’ Clay was about to say more when he spotted a large black bird zeroing in on them.
‘How many shapes can that witch shift into?’ he asked, pointing skyward.
‘Don’t know. Plenty, I’ll wager.’
Clay kept his arm outstretched. ‘Try not to lose your horse this time.’ His face crinkled, eyes squinting at the creature flapping overhead. It knocked his arm hard as it landed, springing back and morphing, the wings turning to particles of dust that floated away, a cloaked woman touching her feet lightly to the ground as she landed.
‘Here you are!’ she said.
Clay screwed up his face. ‘On the road, right where you left us, Nell.’
‘Indeed.’ She brushed a white down feather from her sleeve.
‘Did you want us to