The Spell of Rosette - Kim Falconer [9]
This time, she heard the rapid-chatter reply of a goshawk, ‘Ki ki ki’.
‘Jarrod!’ She grabbed her boots and scrabbled up the gorge, making her way towards the sound. Vines scratched her legs and branches swept her face before she finally heard the crunch of footfalls ahead.
A smile lifted her face, crinkling her eyes when she spotted him. ‘Jarrod!’
He came towards her with his familiar stride, a compound bow in one hand and a quiver of arrows at his back. He walked like a warrior, his eyes gleaming through a mass of dark brown curls that had escaped the tie at the back of his neck. His shoulders were broad, his body strong and his eyes a deep sea blue. He reached her, rising up on his toes to kiss her lips. He wasn’t a tall youth, but damn, he had presence. Kalindi melted into his arms.
‘What are you doing here, gorgeous one?’ he asked. ‘You said you wouldn’t hunt today.’ He squeezed her tight.
‘You haven’t heard?’ Kalindi pulled back to search his face.
‘Heard what?’
‘Don’t you know?’ She blanched at the memory. ‘They shot Assalo. No dogs anywhere and the house empty, except…in the kitchen…the blood…’ She started to shake, tears filling her eyes.
‘Whoa. Easy now.’ Jarrod put his hands on her shoulders, leading her to a fallen log. He eased her down beside him. ‘Have you been here all night?’
She nodded, rubbing his hand with her thumb.
‘Hungry?’
She nodded again.
He dug into his pack and pulled out half a loaf of bread and a wedge of cheese. ‘Eat a bit first, then let it out slowly, one thing at a time.’
She took a few bites before she spoke, telling him what happened when she got home last night.
Jarrod gathered her up in his arms. ‘Dark demons, Kalindi. Your parents, Bethsay and John’ra? Even D’ran? They’re all dead?’
‘I don’t know, but I’m not going back.’ She wiped her cheek on his shoulder and shuddered.
Jarrod shook his head. ‘You don’t have to. But just think for a moment: who would have done such a thing?’
Kalindi swallowed her last bite. ‘John’ra’s been acting strangely ever since he decided to run for council.’ She packed up the remaining bread and cheese and handed it back to Jarrod. ‘He’s been very touchy.’
‘I remember. His last words to me were, Stay away from my daughter or I will run you out of town.’
She smiled, pushing his shoulder with the palm of her hand. ‘Not about that. John’ra’s never warmed to you, especially since he caught us sparring behind the barn.’
‘I said it’d be risky.’
‘You were right.’ She gave him a light smile before letting it fade. ‘What do I do now?’
‘You have to stay hidden, at least until we know more. Why don’t you take the bow and go south to the seagull cliffs? If anyone sees you, you’re just a girl out hunting. If someone’s after you, you’ll be armed.’
‘What about you?’
‘I’ll check out the estate and meet you at the cove before sunset.’
She closed her eyes and looked away. ‘They might still be there.’
He pulled her into his arms. ‘It’ll be all right. Just don’t let anyone spot you crossing the main road. No-one knows you’re here?’
Kalindi shook her head, pulling on her boots. She took the quiver and bow. ‘Did you bring matches?’ she asked.
He fished in his pocket and handed them over. ‘Take my short knife too.’ He pushed stray hair back from her face. ‘Do you need anything?’
‘If you get into the house?’
He nodded.
‘Can you get my hairbrush and coin purse, and my journal and pens?’
‘Top dresser drawer?’ he asked.
She smiled back. ‘And my wool coat, please. Oh, and my backpack. I left it on the swing-seat.’
‘I’ll get what I can and meet you before dark.’ He kissed her lips.
‘At the cove,’ she said.
Kalindi knelt in front of the kindling. The sea breeze had picked up, making the fire tricky to start. With dry kelp and a stack of twigs, she managed a smoke-covered glow. Cupping her hands around it, she blew gently until it crackled with a bright flame. She sat back, warming her hands and adding twigs and, finally,