Strange Attractors - Kim Falconer [56]
Or was he simply trying to get a better view of burning Corsanon? Maybe. Or he might have been sent—a spy. She didn’t know. Her mind whirled, the events of the long day taking the sense right out from under her. She ducked behind a grove of elms, flipped up her cowl and hid, catching her breath. She was a fast runner, had to be in the streets, but the fine outfit slowed her down, and the new boots. In any case, he kept up. Rain hit the ground and in moments it turned the road into a muddy river. She shivered, wrapping her cloak tight.
‘Uncanny weather, don’t you think?’
Shaea startled at the voice. ‘Teg! Why are you following me?’
‘Not following. Our paths are simply taking the same course.’
They were both puffed from the run.
‘Same thing, don’t you think?’ She coughed, clearing her throat, remembering to keep her voice smooth and clear. ‘Where are you going? This way leads only to the quarry road, did you know?’
‘The quarry road is where I’m headed,’ he said, laughing. ‘Don’t look so startled. I’ve been asked to meet someone there, is all. Same as you?’
‘Who’ve you been asked to meet?’ She watched for it but he didn’t hesitate. His pupils didn’t expand. He didn’t lie.
‘My mistress.’
Shaea nodded. It was a truth, and no surprise that he would have been attached to a mentor. One with his looks and manner would not be passed by no matter what his other talents. He was too pleasant to be around. She couldn’t imagine passing him by in any case.
‘Shall we go together?’ he asked.
‘Might as well. You’d have a hard time tracking me in the downpour.’ She lifted her cloak up to her knees and examined her new boots.
‘I would never have a problem tracking you,’ he said.
‘What do you mean?’ He was talking nonsense. Her prints vanished the moment she lifted her foot from the ground and she told him so.
He winked. ‘Tracks are not the only way to follow a woman.’
Shaea scrunched her face. ‘Then don’t follow.’ She held out her hand and pulled him into step beside her. Rall had said to run and she had, but the quarry was in sight. There was no need to race now and she didn’t mind his companionship. His hand was large, his long fingers lacing hers. She pretended it was Xane and smiled, until she remembered Rall. The witch said things had gone wrong.
How wrong, she didn’t know. Shaea looked over at Teg; the rain hammered down between them. On closer inspection, he looked battle sore, battle weary. It didn’t make sense, unless he’d been in the fray with Xane. She wanted to ask which side he was on but didn’t. He was with her now and it felt right. Besides, with his build and the sword he carried, he could come in more than handy before the night was over. It didn’t hurt to have him along; she could use someone like him. He might even help her find Rall. She squeezed his hand and carried on.
Rosette followed Drayco through the double doors, a wash of light, sound and merriment meeting them. She paused. What’s wrong with these people, Dray? Don’t they know their city’s on fire?
If they do, Maudi, they don’t seem to care. He was at her side, mouth open, tasting.
The place was a carnival—laughter rang like bells, music played, couples danced. She looked over her shoulder, checking to see if the alley was still there. The way these people were carrying on, she could have entered a whole other world, leaving the dark streets of Corsanon far behind.
Patrons grouped at the bar, roaring over frothy mugs of ale and throwing dice along the counter top, whooping at the results, no matter what they were.