Strange Attractors - Kim Falconer [61]
‘Makee?’ She was about to say more when the Three Sisters swooped out of the pub only to return immediately, even more agitated, their volume redoubled. ‘Warriors are coming!’ Kreshkali said. ‘Is there a back door?’
‘The fire escape. This way.’ Clay grabbed his guitar case and motioned to the stairs. He led them up, the temple cats leaping past when they reached the landing. They all headed down the zigzag steps that hugged the outside of the building. Rosette kept one hand on the rail and the other on Clay until An’ Lawrence stopped them.
‘You’re not coming with us, lad,’ he said, blocking the way when they reached the alley.
‘I have to. They’ve seen me with you.’ He threw his hand towards the building. ‘I’d be taken if I stay. Questioned. You can’t leave me behind for that.’
‘We’ll get you out of the city, but no further,’ Kreshkali said. She led the way into the empty street, the deluge already turning it into a river.
Rosette squeezed Clay’s hand. ‘You are him, through and through,’ she said, though her words were lost in the downpour.
‘What’s that, Rosette?’
‘I said, this time I’m not letting you go.’
When they reached the top of the quarry road, Rosette was soaked to her skin and shivering in spite of the pace. She peered over the edge, unable to see more than a few feet in front of her. ‘Where are the steps?’ she asked.
Jarrod was on one side of her, Clay on the other. They seemed to think she was likely to tumble and she suspected An’ Lawrence had instructed them to mind her.
‘It looks more like a waterfall than a road,’ Clay said.
Drayco shook, his ears and tail languid. There is too much water. I hate this.
‘Who conjured the rain, anyway?’ Rosette asked. ‘It’s got an uncanny feel.’
‘I did, with Teg,’ Kreshkali said. ‘Would you have preferred to burn?’ She leaned over the edge. ‘The steps are a little rough in spots, so mind your footing.’
‘Teg’s okay?’
‘You’ll see for yourself,’ Kreshkali said. ‘We’re meeting him at the bottom.’
CHAPTER 9
RIVERLANDS & CORSANON, GAELA & BORDERLANDS & TEMPLE LOS LOMA, EARTH
‘This might be it,’ Shane said, running his hand along the smooth wooden surface.
‘It’s a wall, Shane, solid wood. Face it—there’s no way out of here unless May decides to let us go.’ A chuckle floated up the stairs and Selene tightened her jaw. ‘It doesn’t sound like there’s much chance of that.’ She was slumped on the floor, huddled with Tamin as far away from the corpses as possible. Her hand was over her mouth and nose, her eyes closed.
‘This isn’t just a wall, Selene. See the purple glow? Like the Entity, don’t you think?’
She opened one eye. ‘You said that hours ago and still I don’t see a way out.’
‘At least I’m looking. Come on, Selene. Help me.’ He stepped aside. ‘I can’t figure out what opens it but something must.’
Selene skirted the treasures to inspect the wall, Tamin’s small hand in hers. ‘It is glowing.’
‘As I said…’
‘Could there be a glamour on it?’ she asked.
‘If May is a witch, I don’t see why not.’
‘She’s a strange witch,’ Tamin said, looking at all the riches side by side with the decay. He reached out to the wall, stroking it like a horse. ‘Sometimes you can coax it open,’ he said.
‘What?’ Shane turned the boy around to face him. ‘You’ve seen this before?’
He nodded. ‘But it only led back to the river. Back to May.’
‘Was it this exact one?’ Selene asked.
He pointed to the other side of the room. ‘It was over there, last time.’
‘Then maybe this is our way home.’ Selene’s voice lifted and she stroked the wall as well.
The thick timber logs that made up a solid barrier rippled and disappeared. Light struck Selene’s face. ‘The Entity!’
‘What is it?’ Tamin took a step back.
‘A friend.’ Selene tightened her grip on his hand. ‘Let’s give it a try. Anywhere has got to be better than this.’ She reached for Shane. ‘Come on, before we miss the chance.’
Shane glanced at the treasures. ‘What the river brings, is it, May? We’ll see about that.’ He gave Selene and Tamin a nod. ‘You first. I’ll be right behind.