The Spell of Rosette - Kim Falconer [93]
‘I have to go after them.’
‘I know. There’s gold in the saddlebags; plenty for more supplies. Go back to the town we passed by this morning and stock up. You’ll be needing your overcoat and gloves by tomorrow night. The winds are biting on Mount Prieta.’
Jarrod nodded. ‘And you?’
‘I’ll catch up with you by tomorrow night. Next day at the latest.’ She stood on tiptoe and kissed him. He wrapped his arms tightly around her lithe body.
‘Thank you, Nell.’ Jarrod released her and bent down to kiss one cheek, then the other, then her lips.
‘We’ll thank each other when we find Rosette and work out what to do with her wily spell.’ Nell stepped backwards, further into the trees.
Jarrod felt again the boom of energy and looked up to see the black hawk soaring above the treeline, the Three Sisters shooting after her.
He grabbed his brace of rabbits and went to his mare, tightening the girth before mounting. ‘We’re heading out, Wren,’ he whispered, while stroking her neck. ‘And we’re going hard. Be strong.’
He looked down the road towards the town, then up to the mountains. Turning the mare northwards he urged her into a brisk trot then a canter. He had sufficient grain for the horse and almost enough food for himself. That was all the supplies necessary. He didn’t plan on losing another moment. He had to find Rosette before Kreshkali did.
EARTH AND GAELA
CHAPTER 12
Kreshkali closed the book and stared at her hands. The interpretation didn’t please her, though it was no real surprise. She knew the Lupins had been her inheritance—she had not realised, though, just how deep the connection went. A peal of thunder rumbled outside her apartment, bright flashes momentarily engulfing the golden glow of candlelight. She hardly noticed. Packing empty water bottles and her notes into a backpack, she pulled on her boots, grabbed her cloak and headed for the portal.
The sewer under Half Moon Bay was dank, as always, dark and slick with ooze, the smell nauseating. She made her way to the portal by the light of a small lantern, glancing over her shoulder more than once before she reached it. If ASSIST had sent trackers, she couldn’t spot them. Her new apartment was safe, so far, though there was no real sanctuary on Earth, especially not for her. There was always a risk.
She’d need help again soon, and she didn’t relish the idea of asking for it. If Jaynan could fool her, it proved anyone could. There must be a way to tell friend from foe, but it had eluded her. Extinguishing the lantern, she hid it in a crevice and stepped through the portal.
They were waiting on the other side. She sensed them just beyond the door of her chamber beneath Los Loma, half a dozen at least. She pushed it wide, light from the passageway beaming in.
‘Do you understand what must be done?’ she asked, taking in the beasts.
The Lupins were gathered around, most in wolf form, a few bipedal. All were attentive though only one communicated, using mind-speech. Aye, Mistress. We get the young witch and we bring her to you.
‘That’s right, Hotha,’ she said, taking a deep breath. ‘But we need to discuss the word “get”. She’s invited, not forced. I want her intrigued enough to come down and meet me, alone, but she’s not to be harmed or coerced. She’s a mistress too. Do you understand? She’s of the blood.’
What if she doesn’t want to come?
‘She will. Born under the sign of the Twins—curious as a cat. Besides, it’s part of the trade—all set up. You just have to play it right.’
And the others?
‘Absolutely in no way are they to be harmed.’
What if they interfere?
‘Knock them out—but I mean it, no lasting harm. And they aren’t to suspect anything, any of them, not even her. Especially not her. I have to tell her myself.