The Spell of Rosette - Kim Falconer [30]
Nell got up and went to the door. She picked up her own bokken, a practice sword made of rosewood, the hilt carved with circular symbols and runes. She held it out flat with both hands, bowed to her stone altar near the fire and then lifted it overhead, swinging it through the air so fast Rosette saw only a blur. A whistling sound followed and Drayco jumped to his feet, back bristling. Nell’s eyes burned as she stared at her.
‘Pity you aren’t any better?’ Nell roared. Do you hear what you are saying?
Nell didn’t wait for an answer to her mental query. She put down the bokken and returned to the table.
‘Magic isn’t a competition. Witchcraft, sword-craft, star-craft—none of it is about being good or bad, more or less, better or worse. It is simply about being. Sure, there are levels of competency, and tests and rituals and sparring, but ultimately the magic is energy, just like everything else. You play with it, or not. It is always there in abundance for you. Good or bad? You decide. Energy makes no such distinction.’
Rosette relaxed her face and slid back down into her chair. ‘Okay, Nell. I get it. And I do want to apprentice with the sword. I want it more than anything. I’ve just been afraid…I wouldn’t be good enough.’ She whispered the last few words.
Nell didn’t respond immediately. When she did, she reached across the table and patted Rosette’s hand.
‘Fear is instinctive, my dear. Just don’t forget that in your life you are the one creating how capable you are. If you want something with your whole heart, nothing can stop you. Do you want this with your whole heart?’
Rosette looked up. ‘I do.’
‘Then consider Treeon. There’s much you can learn from An’ Lawrence, and others there.’
‘Will they accept my application?’
‘I know the High Priestess.’
‘Is that in my favour?’
Nell cleared her throat. ‘La Makee and I have a history. It’s not a completely comfortable one. Still, we are on better terms now. Shall I compose a letter to her tonight?’
Rosette took a deep breath. ‘That means I would be leaving soon?’
‘In late autumn, before midwinter solstice, if you’re accepted.’ Nell squeezed her hand. ‘I know you’re restless, Rosette. I also know you love it here.’ She smiled. ‘It’s your choice. Stay or go—this year or the next. Like I said, you decide.’
‘What about my story? What will I tell them of my past? They’re sure to ask.’
‘My experience is, always say what is closest to the truth.’
Rosette looked around the cottage, her eyes resting on her familiar stretched out in front of the crackly fire. You ready for a change, Dray?
I like to travel. See more of the world.
She laughed. How do you know? You’ve never been anywhere.
The massive feline yawned. Are you certain about that, Maudi?
Rosette’s eyebrows went up. She looked back at Nell and smiled. ‘Let’s write the letter!’
EARTH
CHAPTER 4
Kreshkali closed the door of her apartment and locked it. She was out of breath from the narrow flight of stairs and the change of temperature. The crossings sapped her energy, more and more each time. She removed her long coat and gave it a shake. The rain hadn’t let up nor had the relentless electrical storms that zapped above the city skyline. They never did. Earth’s climate was like an endless nightmare now. When a flash of lightning lit up the windows, she scowled at it.
What good is all this star-lore if I live in a world where I can’t ever see the damn things?
The smog and pollution were enough to block any view of the planets or constellations, but added to that were the clouds filled with acid rain. Daytime was no better. Solar shields had obscured the sunlight for so long that neither tree nor grass could grow any more. ASSIST still had worm-free electrical power, but they were the only ones. Their monopoly on the shields assured it.
And what good’s all the power in the world if nothing can grow?
Rotting