Strange Attractors - Kim Falconer [37]
I believe it would have been palaces.
Rosette turned a bright smile onto the coachman. ‘Take us to the palace square please,’ she said.
The horses were fine enough to be from the higher end of the city and she thought the more extravagant her request, the less likely it was to be questioned.
‘My pleasure, Mistress.’ The driver tipped his hat. ‘And the dog can ride with you.’
Isn’t he just cordial, Maudi?
‘Thank you.’ She popped a gold piece in his hand and opened the door for Drayco. ‘In you get, Laddie.’
Drayco jumped onto the seat and stuck his head out the far window, panting as the horses took off.
‘What are you doing?’ she whispered.
If you’re going to make me into a dog, I’m going to behave like one. He tipped his nose to the moon and barked all the way to the city.
When An’ Lawrence awoke, it felt like he was crawling out of mud. He didn’t recognise his surroundings. He automatically reached for his sword, straining until he realised his hands were bound behind his back, his face pressed into the ground. He was certain someone had been hammering his head with a shovel. It throbbed with every heartbeat and his ears were ringing. He tried to move his legs only to find the pain in his head redoubled. It was worse in his thigh, shooting to his toes when he tried to look. He forced one eye open. All he could see was a stone floor, filthy straw and the edge of a wooden bucket. The light was dim, coming from a lantern outside. A shadow fell across his face from a high barred window.
Prison? How did that happen?
His memory had not returned as quickly as the physical sensations. He felt tortured and it took a few moments of controlled breathing before he could manage the pain and assess his situation. As he generated a warm, vitalising energy up his spine and through his limbs, he lifted his head a little higher. Memory returned.
He was shot. That was certain. He blinked his eyes and strained to look down his side. A broken arrow protruded from his left thigh, the blood around it brown and crusted. They’d taken his boots and his cloak and sword. There was no food or water nearby. So they aren’t planning on keeping me alive for long? That’s almost a relief.
The relief, Rowan, is the sound of your voice. I’ve been trying to wake you for hours.
Scylla, my lovely! Do they have you too?
Certainly not. I’m outside your window, on top of a wine cart.
I thought I sent you into the corridors?
You did.
What happened?
I came back out.
An’ Lawrence chuckled then winced. How many guards?
Seven, but that’s not the problem, Rowan.
It’s not?
Hardly. They are planning on executing you in about five minutes and Rosette is still on her way.
She’s what? I know I sent her and Drayco into the corridors. Isn’t anyone staying put? Where’s Teg?
I don’t know about the Lupin. I can’t reach him, which means he’s probably dead.
An’ Lawrence groaned. Kreshkali’s going to kill me.
Actually, Rowan, the guards coming down the stairs are going to kill you. Stall them, if you can. I’m waiting for Rosette. She comes now. Be ready.
Scylla, my lovely. I’m shot in the leg, hog-tied and barely able to control the pain in my head. Also, my bladder’s about to burst. What is it you want me to be ready for?
I suspect we will have to fight our way out. Here they come. Buy time!
An’ Lawrence took a deep breath, then blew out towards the cockroach inches in front of his face. Its long antennae waved at him briefly before it scuttled over his head and down his back. He focused on his solar plexus, generating more energy to soothe his pains. He couldn’t think with the pounding in his skull. As the waves of heat rolled up his back, he imagined perfect health, perfect fitness, perfect strength. He opened and closed his eyes a few more times, like working the hinges on a rusty old gate, and relaxed. As the headache lessened, the throbbing in his thigh increased and he focused more healing energy there. Just when he thought he might be able to sit upright without vomiting, he heard footsteps outside. A key twisted in the lock