Strange Attractors - Kim Falconer [16]
Drayco was panting on the ground, tail lashing. I’m wondering why we’ve done any of this. We could be curled up by a warm fire, tucked away in Dumarka right now. Remind me why we didn’t want that, Maudi?
‘I had the perverse idea the Sword Master needed rescuing, remember?’
I do, and now that the rescue is accomplished, are you ready to go home?
‘Yes, oh yes. I’m ready.’ She rubbed her belly, the smallest bulge pressing at her waist band. It felt like butterflies were dancing in there. ‘As soon as I have a proper word with An’ Lawrence, we are heading back.’
I suspect he is thinking the same of us.
She squared her shoulders. ‘I’ve nothing to justify. He vanished and we came looking. Simple as that.’
What about the part where we disobey the direct request to stay in the Dumarkian Woods and tutor Teg in the star lore while Kreshkali went tracking him down herself?
‘He doesn’t know that bit, does he?’
If not, he soon will. Would you deceive him?
‘No, it’s done. No point trying to paint it different colours.’ She rubbed her arm. ‘Where is Kreshkali, anyway? She left before us.’
Wherever she is, whatever has happened, there is no point worrying.
Rosette stroked the temple cat’s back. He was stretched out like a sphinx and she kissed the top of his head.
‘Well said.’
Drayco purred and she closed her eyes, exhaustion taking over, especially now that she was back in her human form. Her stomach growled. ‘I’m famished.’
I will hunt for you, Maudi, just as soon as we are away. Is there water, though? I’m thirsty.
‘Good idea.’ She got out her waterskin and took a long swig, then cupped her hand as she poured out a drink for her familiar. When he’d finished lapping, she took her damp hand and stroked the fur of his face, wiping away dust until his coat glistened jet black. She got lost in the depths of his amber-orange eyes for some time before suddenly stiffening. ‘What’s keeping them?’ She stared out the portal entrance.
Drayco’s hackles were up, but he didn’t reply.
‘Drayco? Do you hear something?’
I hear many things, Maudi.
‘Of course, but do you hear the sound of the others charging into the portal after us?’
He pricked his ears. I hear the warhorse. Stand back!
‘Oh crap. Here he comes!’ She struggled to her feet and jumped aside, pressing against the corridor wall as the clip of iron-shod hooves sounded at the entrance. The golden warhorse rushed in, ears back, nostrils flaring. Rosette held out her hand to him, reaching for his reins as he reared, trumpeting a challenge. ‘Easy, big man,’ she said, sending a waft of tranquil energy from her fingertips. ‘We’re safe here. The battle’s over.’
The stallion brought his head around to her shoulder, whiffling in her scent. He did the same to Drayco and fluttered out his breath, clearly deciding all was well. She ran up the stirrups and loosened the girth a few notches. ‘You’ll need water too. Where are the others?’
She went to the edge of the portal, tendrils of energy reaching out to her as she passed. ‘Not yet!’
Too late. The portal blurred, streams of colour racing by.
‘Oh, Dray. Not this again.’
We’ve left them behind?
‘You were meant to wait,’ she said to the Entity. Her voice was a whisper, her eyes welling.
It’s all right, Maudi. I’m sure they would have got through behind us.
Tears fell down her cheeks.
Why are you so upset?
She pushed her fists into her eyes and shook her head. ‘I’m not upset.’
His tail snapped the air. Really?
‘All right, I am upset, but not really. I mean, I feel waves of emotion at the slightest thing lately. It’s like I’ve turned into a little water-sign child.’
Drayco sat down. It’s the litter. They always bring up emotion.
‘I wish you would stop calling her a litter. I’m only having one!’
He ignored the emphasis. In any case, I trust we’re heading for the Dumarkian Woods?
‘We’d better be.’
I shall rest until we arrive.
Without waiting for her response, he laid out flat and closed his eyes.
Shaea kept her head down, her