The Spell of Rosette - Kim Falconer [118]
She knocked.
‘What do you want?’ A woman’s voice, sharp, suspicious.
So far, so good. ‘I’m looking for directions. I was told you might help,’ Kreshkali called out above the rain.
After a pause, the bolt inside the door slid back and it opened as far as the chain-guard. She could see eyes checking her out from head to foot. The door clicked shut and was opened again, this time wide. A grizzled woman with twin lines etched between her brows stuck her head out into the gloom. Her steel-grey hair was pulled back into two thick plaits that hung over her shoulders to her breasts. Her face was broad, her cheekbones strong, her eyes dark, like a jaguar’s.
‘There are many directions to ask about,’ the woman said, her voice softer than before.
‘Which is your favourite?’
‘I’d have to say the north node.’
‘Me too.’
The older woman motioned Kreshkali in and led the way to a small kitchen. It had a single cupboard and bench, a small sink, and in the centre was a broad wooden table with mismatched chairs.
‘You live alone?’ Kreshkali asked, pulling out the seat next to the stove. It was warm from recent use.
‘More or less,’ the woman replied. ‘My name is Annadusa.’ She held out her hand, bangles and beads sliding down her arm.
‘I’m Kreshkali.’
Annadusa sat opposite her. ‘You a bit lost, are you? Need directions?’ She said the words offhandedly, flipping her thumb across the edge of a worn diary.
‘If you could, please.’ Kreshkali matched her casual tone.
‘First some tea to warm you up, and then I’ll send you on your way. You won’t get lost with this.’ She scribbled on a loose leaf and pushed it across the table. Kreshkali smiled softly. ‘I thought it might be that simple.’
The note said, Can’t talk here. Take me to yours?
Kreshkali folded the note and tucked it in her pocket, turning her attention to the steaming cup in front of her. She took a whiff. ‘Coffee?’ she whispered.
Annadusa beamed. ‘I have connections.’
The aroma filtered up her nose as she drew in her breath, the vapour enveloping her face, making her eyes dance. She let out a soft sigh as she sipped it. If this was a tracker, at least she’d die happy. Coffee wasn’t a commodity on Gaela and she hadn’t the time to trade for it here on Earth. She’d forgotten how rich the taste was, how welcoming.
‘It’s not quite that simple, actually.’ Annadusa spoke in a merry tone again, like a youngsters’ storyteller.
‘It’s not?’
‘I think I’ll have to guide you.’
‘You will?’
They drained their cups and stood.
‘I’ll get my coat.’
Kreshkali took a deep breath as she waited for the other witch to return. She hadn’t had the benefit of the horary chart when she found Jaynan. She hoped this time, things wouldn’t go wrong.
CHAPTER 15
Jarrod awoke, in the dark. The fire was mere coals, banked with warm stones. Nell was sleeping close to it, a short distance from Scylla and the Sword Master. Judging by the regular breathing, he guessed their dreams were sweet and the injuries mild. Thank the goddess for Nell’s herbs and magic. The feline wouldn’t be doing well without both.
He didn’t see Drayco until he went outside. The temple cat stood staring up the path that led to the summit, the early-morning light turning him golden. He was completely still except for his whiskers. They twitched with every breath.
‘Are you feeling better, Drayco?’ Jarrod asked.
The feline turned his head briefly before looking back up the track.
‘Will you let me see?’ Jarrod stretched out his hand, keeping it steady, determined to check the feline’s vital signs. Drayco lashed his tail and sat down in the snow, wrapping it tightly around his front paws.
‘I’m going to take that as a “yes”. Just give me a warning and I’ll back off. I only want to help.’
He knelt beside Drayco, lifting his hand slowly to the temple cat’s thickly furred neck. He stroked it, working his way to the ear and giving it a good scratch. A soft vibration issued from Drayco’s throat. Confident that he had permission, Jarrod grasped the massive head in both hands and pushed