Strange Attractors - Kim Falconer [179]
‘None of that’s yours, I trust.’
None that I notice. Ride on, Rowan. They’ve set the others loose.
He leaned forward, the palomino galloping hard up the hill, ears still forward. ‘You love battle, do you, lad? Stick with me. This is going to be a big one and you’re on the winning side.’
Rosette closed her eyes, straining to hear the riders from her hiding place in the brambles. Their hoof beats thudded on the hard-packed road. She could feel it in her bones as she lay on her belly, pressed under the thickets of blackberries—their stems like spiky purple sea urchins, their tiny white flowers an illusion of sweetness. She strained harder. Her hearing was still dulled, random at times. High-pitched sounds got through loud and clear, but that was about it. She sent her thoughts to Kreshkali who was circling high overhead in the early dawn light. We’re ready, Mistress.
Wait for my mark.
She put her arm around Drayco. Can you tell how many?
About a dozen, Maudi.
She felt the ground beneath her vibrate. They were getting close. It rattled her teeth. A dozen? It feels like more than that to me.
His tail bristled. You’re right. It is a fair bit more.
Why didn’t you say so?
I didn’t want to worry you.
Thanks.
Teg leaned over. He was snug against her other side. I can’t see much from here. How many do you reckon?
About a dozen…or so.
He frowned. More than that, surely.
You mean how many all together?
They are fifty strong. Kreshkali’s voice cut in. Shield. There are plenty of Corsanon witches among them. High Priestesses from the old temple. Beware.
They both looked skyward and then at each other.
Is Hotha’s lot ready? Rosette asked.
I certainly hope so, Teg replied.
They scooted back until Rosette could only see a thin ribbon of road in front of her. The sun was rising, washing the edge of the woods with a rose light. Birds burst into song as if a switch had been flipped. Some were like little alarms, others coaxing, all tweeting and chirping and cackling. She smiled. I can hear the birds!
I knew you’d be all right. Teg nudged her.
And I am. She kissed his cheek.
Focus, you two! Kreshkali cut into their thoughts.
Rosette peeked skyward through the brambles. A stand of white egrets took flight, their wings blood red in the sunrise.
The black falcon shot out of view. They are here.
The horses came to a halt in front of her, the ground becoming still, dust settling. She could see them from their knees down, golden legs, shod hooves, long flaxen tails swishing. They were in perfect form. She nudged Teg. Those are the temple priestesses.
How can you tell?
All palominos. That was their way.
A few other horses approached, one with grey legs and a white tail. It was particularly well shod—the nails perfectly even, a neat row of three on the inside, four on the outside, a well-drawn toe-clip in the middle. Rosette’s spine tingled. It reminded her of Jarrod. He was so precise when it came to farrier work. She flung the thought out, concentrating on the group in front of her.
Orders were barked. A temple witch dismounted along with several Corsanon warriors. Rosette strained, cupping her ears. She could make out fragments of the conversation, the higher frequency of the priestess discernible. It was enough to know what would happen next.
‘This is the only way in,’ the priestess said.
There was a long pause.
What are they saying, Dray?
The warrior is concerned about ambush, Maudi.
As well he should be.
‘That’s what the scouts are for,’ the temple priestess said. ‘Send them in first.’
They lowered their voices to a whisper and Rosette couldn’t follow any more. She sighed, her mind suddenly wandering back to her childhood. She recalled the day she and Jarrod were playing hide-and-seek. She’d buried herself so deep in a bramble patch that he couldn’t find her. She had to yell for help to get out. She clasped her hand over her mouth to keep from giggling