The Spell of Rosette - Kim Falconer [79]
‘But, Nell, it could get out of control. She has no guidance!’
‘I wouldn’t say none.’
Jarrod slumped in his chair. ‘I can’t believe you sent her to Treeon.’
Nell smiled. ‘I had my reasons…’
In another world, Kreshkali awoke from a troubled dream. She looked at her chronometer: 11:11 a.m. The opaque window, and the sheeting acid rain, made it difficult to distinguish day from night.
She kicked back the covers and stretched. ‘Well now, isn’t this interesting.’ She smiled. ‘Jarrod Cossica, I’ve got plans for you!’
CHAPTER 10
An’ Lawrence stood in the centre of the dusty arena, heart pounding, his sides heaving. The autumn sunlight warmed the back of his neck as sweat dripped down his face. He hadn’t trained like this for years—not since he was a journeyman in the elite ranks of the Timbali high-guard. Because of his background he had already been initiated and trained at the Timbali Temple, and who would have guessed that those simple things—magic, acknowledgement from a higher-ranking officer, a meeting with a witch—would have led to such machinations?
He took a deep breath. Rosette was turning out to be as brilliant with her use of magic as her mentor. It was potent, and he never felt it coming. No-one here could have easily taught her such skill. It was either innate or learned from long hours of training. He shook his head. What bothered him was that Nellion Paree didn’t use her magic quite this way—at least, she hadn’t twenty years ago. Rosette’s style was unique, and it made him uncomfortable.
He took another deep, focused breath to slow his respiration and steel his thoughts. The sun was dropping far to the west and the shadows from surrounding sycamores cast long, cold fingers through the arena. An’ Lawrence mopped his forehead and raised his sword. This would be their last round.
‘Again,’ he commanded, his voice challenging his opponent.
Rosette dived towards him, feigning a swipe to his shoulders before tucking down low and cutting for his knees. He blocked the move—only just—propelling her backwards with the momentum of his blow. An’ Lawrence smiled through gritted teeth. She improved with every hour of training. What a delight to work with such aptitude, a delight and a mystery.
‘Good, but next time see if you can actually strike a blow!’ he said, his mouth quirking.
She leapt to her feet and he gauged her stance. She shielded her mind and body so well it was impossible to predict her moves. Her agility astonished him. The combination of flexibility and strength proved an effective weapon in itself. Mixed with enchantment, it became invincible—almost.
‘Quickly,’ he commanded when she stood for several heartbeats. ‘Don’t give your adversary any time to recover.’
Her body glistened with sweat and her chest rose and fell in controlled breaths. A snarl lifted the left side of her mouth. ‘Quickly, is it?’ she countered, still not moving.
Rosette was as obstinate as she was skilled. The Sword Master suppressed a laugh. More shades of Nell. He felt the familiar rush of energy course down his spine as he observed her. She couldn’t know how much she reminded him of her mentor. An’ Lawrence strengthened his mind-shield as he speculated. What was Nellion like now? Had she told Rosette of their past? Doubtful. Nell had made it clear that he was someone she never wanted to speak of or to again.
The instant his mind drifted, she was on him, inches from his face, her sword pressed against his chest, the move toppling them both. He rolled as he hit the ground, intent on pinning her down.
Rosette de Santo seemed to have other ideas.
As the Sword Master sprang back towards her, he felt her knee thrust up between them, driving into his abdomen and throwing him back into the ring netting. He paused against the ropes, judging as his student vaulted to her feet. She must have been exhausted, but she showed no sign of fatigue. Crouching like a wildcat, she barely moved to fill her lungs.
An’ Lawrence leapt forward, his eyes on hers. He was aware of the sun setting behind