Strange Attractors - Kim Falconer [60]
‘How many familiars do you have?’ Clay asked. He lifted his finger towards the black bird and the raven struck at it.
‘This isn’t mine. She belongs to my mentor.’
‘I thought he was your mentor.’
‘He is, and so is she.’
Rosette stood as Kreshkali stormed into the room. Heads turned and conversations stopped, all eyes on the witch. Her hood was thrown back, spiky blonde hair wet, blue eyes blazing. ‘Rosette de Santo!’ she screamed.
‘Over here.’ Rosette waved, giving a small smile. ‘Are you hungry? The stew is delicious. Best ever. I’ll order you some. Meat or no meat? They offer it either way.’ She made to call the waiter.
What Kreshkali said next was unintelligible to most—a string of profanities popular in the back streets of Earth’s Half Moon Bay. Rosette cringed under the onslaught. Drayco ducked his head, his ears drooping.
Kreshkali stood above her, a raven on each shoulder, Jarrod at her side. He stepped forward, wrapping his arms around Rosette and hugging her tight. ‘Brace yourself, my lovely,’ he whispered in her ear. ‘Kali’s not pleased.’
I get that…
‘In all the worlds, in all the times, this is where I find you two?’ As Kreshkali bellowed the words, the remaining patrons grabbed their children and headed for the exit. ‘Supping in the Shek while Corsanon burns?’ All three birds took flight and circled under the rafters. It was hard to hear anything over the sound of their protests, save for Kreshkali’s voice. It cut through, even with the pounding rain. She turned to An’ Lawrence as if seeing him for the first time. ‘And you! What have you been doing? You look fit to faint.’ Kreshkali pointed at his wound. ‘Why haven’t you seen to that?’
Everyone looked at the protruding arrow and he pushed the chair away, standing. ‘She’s the one fit to faint,’ he said, his voice matching Kreshkali’s intensity. ‘What were you doing letting her run through the corridors in that condition?’
‘Letting her?’ Kreshkali’s eyes slowly turned to Rosette, as did her father’s.
Maudi? It seems that now you will need to explain what you neglected to mention before. You know? The bit about ignoring Kreshkali’s directive to stay in Dumarka?
I see that. Any suggestions?
If you feel at all inclined to lose consciousness again, this would be the perfect time.
Rosette winced then squared her shoulders. ‘I…I didn’t…Actually, I did…We, that is, Teg and I…we thought…’ She turned to Clay. ‘But look! I found him! I found Clay.’
Nice diversion, Maudi.
The young bard had stopped chewing the moment Kreshkali entered the room. His spoon was still suspended over his bowl, his eyes glued to her.
Kreshkali startled. ‘And now you’re grave robbing?’
‘Grave robbing?’ he said around a mouthful of food. ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’
Kreshkali ignored him. She felt the top of Rosette’s abdomen as if trying to determine the contents of a solstice gift. ‘How’re you feeling?’ she asked, her voice lighter.
‘Hungry,’ Rosette answered, returning her attention to the meal.
There was no telling how long the reprieve would last. She might as well get a few bites in while she could. Kreshkali turned her attention back to the shaft in An’ Lawrence’s leg. Her hands hovered over it for a moment before she slipped it out and handed it to him. As she put pressure on the wound, he blanched white.
‘A warning would have been nice,’ he said through gritted teeth.
‘You’d only have tensed up.’ A golden light glowed from her fingertips and surrounded his leg. ‘Feeling better?’
‘Somewhat. Thank you.’ He rubbed his shoulder. ‘This still hurts, though.’
She placed her hands over his head and closed her eyes. ‘Do eat your pepper stew,’ she said, stepping back. ‘Rosette’s cure?’
He nodded, and started to finish his food.
‘At least you got your herb lore right.’
‘Actually, she pulled off a glamour that surprised even me. But, Kali, things aren’t right. Makee’s here,