The Spell of Rosette - Kim Falconer [141]
‘Stay,’ he whispered, squeezing her waist, his lips brushing her ear.
‘I’m heading back to Dumarka.’
‘Don’t trick me. You’re going to follow them. I know it and I’m coming with you.’
She paused for a moment before shaking her head. ‘Rowan, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you can’t.’
‘Why not?’
‘Think. How would it look?’
‘It would look like I was taking a long and welldeserved break with an old friend.’
‘It would look like you were going with me to find Rosette. You think Makee wouldn’t have you traced?’
‘Not if I…’
‘Not if you what? Besides, your head’s still not right. I can see it in your eyes. You can barely ride.’
‘I’m riding now.’
‘No…I’m riding, you’re clinging. You’d fall in a second if I wasn’t here. You have a concussion the size of the Dumar Gorge and a fever that’s kept me warm in the snow for the last four nights, though you’ve hidden that well. The only place you’re going is to the healer, right alongside Scylla, and then to bed. How you could even think of her travelling now is beyond me.’
‘I was feeling much better before. I’m just tired.’
‘You were better before because Rosette was boosting you with magic. She’s a very forgiving daughter.’
‘Like her mother?’ His head rolled to one side and he looked about to faint. Nell whipped her arm around behind her back to keep him upright. ‘Not quite,’ she said, her jaw tight.
The sound of horses brought her head up.
‘No more talk. If you’re too weak to shield your mind, let me know.’
‘What would you do?’
‘I’ve a little spell that’ll leave you unconscious for days.’
‘No thanks. I can manage.’
‘I’m serious, Rowan. You spill the truth and you’ll wish you were on another world.’
He patted her leg. ‘I’m fine.’
Three scouts—two women and a man—galloped past, heading out of the valley. They saluted An’ Lawrence as they whisked by. Nell knew they were off to look for Lupins that they were never going to find.
She urged Diablai forward. ‘Hang onto me, and keep that mind-shield up.’
An’ Lawrence was silent. Whatever he was thinking was well contained.
There was help at the gate. Strong arms reached up for Scylla, lifting her down and taking her and An’ Lawrence to the healer’s rooms.
A young woman came and took Diablai’s reins. ‘La Makee is waiting for you, Mistress Nellion,’ she said, ‘she’s in the…’
‘I know where she is, thank you very much.’ Nell swung her leg over Diablai’s neck and leapt to the ground.
‘Check his feet carefully, please, and go slow with the water,’ she ordered, stroking the smooth black neck. ‘He’s had a long workout.’
She watched as Diablai was led away towards the barn, gathering her thoughts before facing Makee.
‘Back so soon?’
She swung around to find La Makee at her side, materialising from nowhere.
‘You’re getting good at that,’ Nell smiled.
‘Years of practice.’ Makee looked her up and down. ‘Hard ride?’
‘You could say so.’
‘Rosette?’
Nell’s face changed, her hands trembling slightly. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she let none escape. She shook her head slowly from side to side.
‘A shame,’ Makee responded, her voice softening momentarily. ‘It is hard to lose a student, such a good one at that.’
Nell flicked the moisture from her face, her shoulders squaring. ‘I wouldn’t have lost her if you and An’ Lawrence hadn’t concocted such a ridiculous journey. What were you thinking?’ She glared at the woman. ‘What was he thinking?’ she added under her breath.
‘He was thinking about the good of Treeon, no doubt.’ Makee matched her stance. ‘But that’s not something you’d understand, is it?’
Nell narrowed her eyes. ‘Perhaps I understand better than you, High Priestess.’
Makee took a step forward and lowered her voice. ‘Really? Did she acquire the…’
Nell raised her hand, blocking any further words. ‘Not here.’
They headed for the main temple, like warriors readying to spar. Their conversation remained light, though, a show for the many watching eyes.
‘You’ll stay the night, won’t you?’ Makee asked, her voice rising sweetly into the courtyard as they