Strange Attractors - Kim Falconer [162]
Like a dream he watched the enemy ride past. The warhorses pranced, snapping twigs and leaping over logs, tireless, magnificent. There were mountain riders among them too and, surprisingly, a troop of sword riders on Desertwinds. Where did they come from? That breed belonged only to Corsanon. They were never sold or traded outside the borders. He sensed the shock in Willem as well. He imagined he could hear his thoughts.
Demon witches! They’ve been stealing from us all along.
If that was true, it would have been going on for years. These animals were fully trained, mature. It didn’t make sense. It would take decades of theft to breed up a herd like this.
And then he saw the wolves but it was clear no one else did.
He was glad the temple priestesses had put a calming spell in the glamour. He knew these scout horses and more than a few of them would have bolted, no matter who was saying whoa. He was certain Rose would have, but under the glamour her lids were half shut, a hind hoof cocked. He wished he felt as calm. Inside, he wanted to shout—not with fear but with recognition. There was something in the wolf creatures that stirred him deeply. He was not afraid. He was exhilarated. How was that possible?
He hid his thoughts from the priestesses, who could probe his mind. This was crazy. He shouldn’t feel this way. When the riders passed, the glamour dissolved. His mare’s head came up and he barely kept her from slamming into Willem’s mount as she shied. He got her under control and looked to the Stable Master for instructions. He didn’t mention the wolves.
‘You’ll ride with Willem’s lot. Stay close. No wandering.’ He raised his voice so all could hear. ‘We aren’t scouting any more. It’s straight to Dumarka. We’ll settle the temple.’
Xane wasn’t sure what settle meant but he had a pretty good idea it wasn’t a friendly activity. His hackles went up. He didn’t want to harm Dumarka. It was inexplicable—it could even get him hanged—but he was dead set against it, just the same.
Rosette kept a hand on Drayco’s neck, smiling up at Clay. It was hard to believe he was alive, and still harder to realise he didn’t remember their time together at Treeon, or on Earth. She had to keep reminding herself that it hadn’t happened to him.
Not yet, anyway, Maudi.
Drayco, what are you saying? Do you think we have to live through all that again?
Not us, but maybe he does.
I hope not.
Why? You both seemed to enjoy it.
She closed her eyes, remembering—picnics under the apple blossoms, late nights in the hot springs, talks by the fireside, wild revelry and dancing at the festivals. He was a great kisser.
Drayco sneezed. If you say so…Maudi, they are asking about the baby. They want to know where it is. They don’t understand what happened.
I know. Thank you, Drayco. She pressed her head into her familiar’s neck and closed her eyes. When she turned to Shane and Clay, tears streamed down her cheeks. ‘He died.’ She shook her head. ‘My baby died.’
Shane placed his hand on her knee and studied a pebble he’d picked up from the ground. Eventually he kissed her forehead and skimmed the stone towards the entrance. ‘Where to, Rosette?’ he asked, finally looking at her face.
She couldn’t hear the words but his gestures were obvious. His expression made it look like any destination was going to be wrong. She rubbed her eyes, wiping her nose. ‘We need to get a bird’s-eye view of what’s happening.’
Clay answered but she couldn’t read his lips. He stood to the side, leaning against his horse’s shoulder, pensive.
Dray?
He says it sounds like a good trick, getting a bird’s-eye view. He’s very sorry for your loss.
‘Thanks, Clay.’ She looked towards the sky. ‘I couldn’t do it when we were friends but I’ve got it down now.’
‘You can shape-shift? Fly?’ He made the motion with