Strange Attractors - Kim Falconer [177]
Rosette straightened. ‘I’m fine. Just a little deaf and a bit sore.’ She spoke aloud, crossing her arms.
‘Still no sword?’
There was no mistaking the question, even though Rosette didn’t hear it properly. Her hand went to her empty belt. ‘I’ve had some trying events, Mistress.’ She said the words formally. ‘I’ll replace it, again.’
I’m sure you will, but I doubt you’ll like the weight and feel of the Corsanon blades. She pulled Rosette into her arms and hugged her. I know what you’ve lost. Her eyes drifted over to the willow tree.
She followed her mother’s gaze. Is he there?
Kreshkali nodded.
Rosette buried her face in her mother’s bosom.
And I know what you’ve gained! Kali touched the fine silver chain at her daughter’s throat. Keep it safe, keep it hidden. She turned to Teg and motioned him closer. Things are going to get messy tonight. Corsanon rides, one hundred strong. I don’t want them setting a foot on our sacred land, but if they do, I don’t want them to ever leave.
Drayco roared, planting his forepaws on Rosette’s shoulders, his head inches from her face. She embraced him, joining his song, feeling the vibration in both their throats. Teg morphed, threw back his head and howled. As their chants died down, she turned to Drayco. Anyone answer?
Many—all Lupin. They come.
CHAPTER 23
PRIETA FOOTHILLS & DUMARKIAN WOODS, GAELA
An’ Lawrence signalled his archers and they spread out, taking up vantage points all around the valley. He kept them in check, though he could see their itchy fingers even this far off.
Why not now, Rowan? The camp sleeps.
Tactically it’s a good move, Scylla, but we are badly outnumbered. I’d rather wait for Bangeesh and Treeon to arrive.
We didn’t last time.
But last time Nell had the spell and Rosette wasn’t born. This isn’t a recapitulation of previous events. The same strategy may not work.
If not a repeat, what then? I’m a little confused, Rowan.
An’ Lawrence rubbed the sweat off his face. He was a little confused himself and it didn’t help knowing Scylla felt the same. She was usually the crystal-clear one. Her unruffled, unfettered mind often contrasted his over-analytical or blocked viewpoint, but not today.
Scylla, I…
Rowan, I hear Drayco. He says it’s time.
Now?
Dawn. We can’t let them join up with the temple priestesses.
How far have they got?
Scylla bristled. To the edge of the Dumarkian Woods.
He groaned. There would be no waiting for the other temples’ support. He would launch an attack on these warriors at sunrise.
We may want to free the horses, Rowan? Scylla purred, an offer of comfort.
I was thinking the same. You keep watch. I won’t be long.
I will come.
Not this time, lovely. These are Corsanon horses. Most have never seen a creature such as you. You’ll alarm them as sure as beating a drum.
She purred louder, sweet in his mind. Be safe. I’ll keep watch. Bangeesh is not far off.
Can you hear them?
I hear Peony, the High Priestess’s familiar.
What does she say?
They are breaking camp. She says they’ll be here not long after sunrise.
An’ Lawrence wrapped his arms around Scylla’s neck and kissed the top of her head before slipping out of the shadows. Turning the horses loose was a grand idea, if he could get them to run without raising the camp. He’d heard of the loyalty of these Corsanon beasts, especially the golden ones. He hoped it was more myth than fact.
He worked his way down towards the camp, keeping his eye on the guards. They were posted at every corner of the valley and at the midpoints halfway between. They paced back and forth, two death dogs straining at the ends of their leads. Voracious animals. He shivered while watching them chew up the ground as they lunged against their restraints. The bullmastiffs were huge beasts, bigger even than Rosette’s glamour. Certainly more dangerous. These animals couldn’t be called off. They were trained to attack, to latch onto their prey and not let go until they held a limp