The Spell of Rosette - Kim Falconer [159]
‘The trick is getting clean water into every home. How do we do that when it’s been the only currency for the last hundred years? People don’t think of it as natural or free.’
Jarrod lifted his face. ‘We have to take the charge off it. Get people thinking, knowing, that there is enough to go around, enough for everyone.’
‘Can you do that?’ An’ Lawrence asked. ‘Change the way people think about it?’
‘It’s up to them, but we can lead the way. Show them how,’ Kreshkali said.
Rosette tipped her cup towards herself, looking at the last few drops in the bottom. ‘I don’t understand half of what you’re talking about.’ She looked at Drayco. If he’d been the least bit hesitant, she’d have snuck out to join Zero in sword practice hours ago, but her familiar was relaxed, calm and curious. She trusted that. She could get this.
‘It’s a lot to take in, I know, but we can’t wait for your cognition. We have to start right now.’ Kreshkali reached out her hand. ‘Come on.’
‘Where are you taking me this time?’
‘Not far. A little trip to the sea.’
I’ll wait here, if you don’t mind, Drayco said without moving, his eyelids opening halfway as he dozed by a rat hole.
‘We won’t be long.’ Kreshkali tossed Rosette a cloak.
They made their way down the metal fire-escape to the abandoned street below. Looking both ways, Rosette followed Kreshkali to the seawall, the roiling swell crashing on the rocks in front of her. She gagged as she inhaled the fetid mist rising from the wave.
‘What now?’ she asked, holding her hand over her nose.
Kreshkali drew a black-handled dagger from its sheath. The blade glinted blue when the lightning flashed.
‘We need a bit of DNA, Rosette, and a bit of the spell.’
‘We do?’ Rosette took a step back.
‘Just a few drops.’
‘How many’s a few?’ she asked, clasping her hands behind her back.
‘Thirteen will do. One for each lunar month.’
‘Lucky thirteen?’
‘Let’s hope so.’
Rosette raised her index finger. Kreshkali grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the wall when the next wave crashed. ‘Stay close. I don’t have to remind you what would happen if you fell in.’
‘Stripped to the bone, I think, is the phrase you used.’
‘Just keep it in mind.’
‘I am.’
They dashed forward as the sea pulled back. Kreshkali pricked her own finger and then her daughter’s, and they counted together as the drops fell silently into the sea.
‘This is crazy. How can such a small amount have any effect at all?’ Rosette asked as they ran back to the wall before the next wave broke.
‘Potency is a mysterious thing, Rosette. Sometimes it is based on how much, and sometimes on how little. The alchemy of this spell is activated by the greatest possible dilution. Ultimately, we want a solution that is so highly diluted that there is no longer any trace of our DNA present.’
Rosette stared at the brown water swirling with yellow foam as it rushed back. ‘I suspect that’s the case already.’
Kreshkali nodded. ‘It’ll take time for this cure to spread, years, perhaps generations, but the deactivation of the sea-devils has begun.’
They both ducked when a gunshot sounded in the distance.
‘Let’s get you home.’ Kreshkali took her hand again. ‘Send a message to Drayco. Have him and Jarrod meet us at the portal. They can escort you.’
‘I can find my way.’
Kreshkali looked at her without blinking until Rosette swallowed.
‘Right. I’ll have them meet us.’ She let out her breath when the older witch released her.
‘This world’s treacherous, Rosette. Keep that in mind before you think to go strolling down the lane. From now on, wear your sword under your cloak at all times and make certain you are never seen. They burn witches here.’
She nodded. ‘Where are you going?’
‘Back to Treeon. There’s one more thing I need to do.’
CHAPTER 20
‘An’ Lawrence sent you?’ Clay eyed the witch slowly. ‘In the middle of the night?’
‘He did, so best not delay. And keep your voice down. You’ll wake the whole dorm.’
‘I doubt it, after all they drank tonight.’
‘Just be quick.’
‘You’re Nell, right?’
‘Nellion Paree.