Strange Attractors - Kim Falconer [65]
‘Rosette!’ she screamed. Rising out of a shock wave, Kreshkali morphed into falcon form and shot down the cliff. She’s caught in the deluge. Run, Teg. Get to the bottom as fast as you can!
Again Teg shifted, tearing down the teeth of the stairs, following the rapids that carried Rosette and her familiar towards the bottom.
Rosette loved reciting the scientific names of flora and fauna, especially in moments like these when her mentor was fit to snap. It might pacify the High Priestess a little. She had thought of sending the information to Teg, knowing he would not look good with his stammering, but she changed her mind. He could handle it and she wanted the redemption herself. They had yet to sit down with Kreshkali and explain themselves. It was very much her idea to leave Dumarka and search for An’ Lawrence. She would have to admit that, so why not at least gain a little ground while she could?
Maudi, I think we need to literally gain ground. Do you hear the roaring?
Like a beast. What is that?
Water.
Water?
Yes, and we’re standing in a culvert, as your sedge grass shows. The temple cat’s head went up. Climb, Maudi! Get out!
Kreshkali screamed, grabbing her arm. Rosette felt the vice-like grip for a second before it was ripped away. A wall of water knocked her off her feet. She gulped in a breath and was dragged under, the black deluge closing over her head.
Drayco! She shrieked her familiar’s name. Where are you?
Beside, Maudi. I’m here.
She was buoyed up, and wrapped her arm over Drayco, the momentum of the rapids throwing them forward as they shot down the cliff.
‘Clay!’ she screamed above the white water, her head barely above the surface. She couldn’t see; her eyes were stinging and her cold limbs were finding it hard to keep her upright.
He’s here, Maudi, next to me.
Is he breathing?
He’s screaming, just like you.
What about Jarrod? The others?
I don’t know.
The ground came up fast, the water pounding her into the road. She gasped, choking as she half crawled, half swam to the edge and dragged herself out. An arm reached for her, helping her up. Drayco had her by the cloak, pulling her forward as well.
‘Rosette! Where in the demon’s mountain did you come from?’ Her rescuer pulled her to her feet, supporting her as she coughed up water. ‘You’re nearly drowned.’ He pulled sticks from her hair as he pushed it back from her face.
She focused her eyes. ‘Shane!’
‘Aye, it’s me.’
‘How did you get here?’ she asked, coughing and spitting.
‘I could ask the same of you.’
She enclosed him in a bear hug. ‘To the portal,’ he said as he started to lead her away.
‘Wait. The others. Where’s Clay?’
‘Clay?’
They’re coming, Maudi.
She looked up the cliff and a wolf leapt into view, skidding to a halt in front of Shane. He morphed, Kreshkali landing on his arm before shifting as well.
‘Shane?’ Teg said. ‘How?’
‘Long story.’
‘Help me find Clay,’ Rosette yelled above the rain.
‘Teg, enough of the storm. Shut it off.’ Kreshkali closed her eyes, searching with her mind. ‘Goddesses of the woods, not this,’ she whispered.
‘It’s all right, Kali! He’s here!’ Rosette called out, but Kali didn’t move for some time.
They found Clay in an eddy a little further downstream and pulled him out. He was conscious, no broken limbs. Leaning him against her shoulder, Rosette walked back to the portal.
‘Where are you going with him?’ Kreshkali asked.
‘We’ve got to get dry,’ she shouted, the rain pouring into her mouth as she spoke. ‘And he’s not being left behind. Look at him. He can barely stand. He’ll die if we leave him.’
An’ Lawrence and Scylla came slipping down the embankment, both covered in mud.
‘It’s been quite a gathering, I see,’ Shane said. ‘And this is what happens when I leave you, my girl?’ he said to Rosette, taking in her swollen belly.
She laughed through chattering teeth then whispered into his ear. ‘You know not to call me girl; besides, it could be misconstrued.