The Spell of Rosette - Kim Falconer [150]
Makee straightened. ‘I’m listening, Kali. Tell me what I can do.’
It seemed like hours before Rosette spotted land. It bobbed into view when she had all but given up. Jarrod was unconscious but breathing. Drayco stood above her, straining to keep sight of the horses and scanning endlessly for sharks. The sun was high, a searing heat in the now cloudless sky.
Jarrod still bleeds. The sea tigers will come.
‘I know, Dray. I’m hoping the spell will hide us for a while longer.’
Me too. I’m really, really not liking the ocean. His tail lashed as he kept a vigil. Maudi, the horses have reached shore. They are shaking like dogs.
‘We’ll be there soon.’ Rosette redoubled her efforts, kicking her legs in a smooth, even rhythm. Finally, she felt the swell roll up under her, carrying them towards the beach. When her toes touched bottom, she was flooded with relief.
It lasted only a second. Behind her, a huge wave was building up overhead and rolled straight for them.
‘Jump, Drayco! Swim!’ she screamed, grabbing the edge of the board tight and sucking in her breath.
The wave ripped the plank from her arms and held her under for longer than she thought she could stand. After being slapped into the sand and churned in the whitewash, Rosette staggered to her feet, gasping for air and searching for Jarrod. The board was up on the sandy beach with Jarrod next to it, coughing and struggling to get up.
She waded through the shallows just as Drayco swam to her side, taking her sleeve in his jaws and, part guiding, part dragging, pulling her onto the beach. She reached Jarrod and they clung to each other in their wet, heavy clothes before crawling away from the water. With dry sand beneath them, they collapsed.
‘We did it,’ Rosette said as Jarrod flopped down beside her.
We are safe on dry land, Drayco answered. He shook, arcs of water flinging from his coat, and immediately began licking his wet fur.
Rosette rolled over on her back and looked up at him. Are you all right, Dray? You were so brave in the water. Her arms were like dough rolled in sugar.
I am unharmed. Are you? The massive feline stood over her as he began licking her face and neck.
She laughed aloud. Rough tongue!
He shook again. So, Maudi, where are we?
I don’t know and don’t care. Besides, Dray, you’re the geographer. Where do you reckon?
The feline sat on his haunches and lifted a paw, licking the dampness between his toes. I’ve absolutely no idea, but I’m delighted we’re off the sea.
Me too, Drayco. Me too!
CHAPTER 19
‘Get up,’ Nell whispered into An’ Lawrence’s ear. ‘Nell? Where have you been?’
She lit a small candle by his bed and pressed her finger to her lips. ‘Here and there. Come on. We have to go.’
He sat up and stretched. ‘It’s pre-dawn.’
‘And no moon. Get dressed.’
‘Did you find Rosette and Jarrod? What’s happened? Where are they?’
‘Keep your voice down,’ she said, waving her hand. ‘I’ll explain later. We’re going for a little trip; that is, if you still want to help.’
‘Of course I do. Where, though?’
She lit another candle and tossed him his clothes. ‘Where’s your pack?’ She rummaged in the closet for his coat and found his sword by his bed.
Scylla got up and stretched. She seemed unconcerned, as if she’d been expecting this.
‘How’d you get past the temple guards?’
Nell glared at him.
‘Sorry I asked,’ he mumbled, pulling on his pants.
‘Where’s Zero?’ Nell asked.
‘Dorms. Why?’
‘We need him too.’
An’ Lawrence stood, buttoning his shirt. ‘Nell, what’s going on?’
‘You’ll see.’ She watched Scylla head for the door without a limp. ‘How’s her wound?’
‘Healed.’
‘And your head? Can you handle a sword?’
‘Always.’
She clicked her tongue. ‘Let’s go.’
Rosette awoke flat on her back, squinting at the sunlight. She didn’t know how long she’d lain in the sand, but her hair was dry, her eyelids were encrusted with salt crystals and her lips stung. She touched them with her fingertips and winced. Pushing up onto her elbows, she checked Jarrod. He was asleep on his side, his breath