Authors: Kim Falconer
He stroked her wet hair, then slipped her whole body into his lap and cradled her like a child. ‘Grayson?’ he asked, his voice barely audible.
‘We’re going separate ways.’
‘Are you okay with that?’
She slid from his arms and swam away, doing a lap underwater before she returned to him. ‘There was never any commitment.’
‘Doesn’t really answer the question, Rosette.’
She sighed. ‘I hadn’t seen him in a long time. And I hadn’t thought about it much. I’ve had more urgent things on my mind.’ She leaned her head back, her hair floating over her breasts, her legs stretched out in front of her.
‘Did you tell him?’ Jarrod asked.
She rolled onto her belly, tracing the turquoise-veined tiles with a fingertip. ‘I didn’t get the chance to say anything.’
‘You mean you didn’t take the chance.’
She splashed him again. ‘The thing is, Jarrod, I’m not even completely sure it’s his.’ She looked away.
‘Really?’
‘I’m missing some pieces, as it were.’
‘How so?’
‘I’ve been gone a year of his time, no idea how long of mine. Unless I’m gestating an elephant, it doesn’t add up.’
‘Shane?’
‘I don’t think so. I don’t remember anything like it, but we were in a strange time loop. I don’t remember everything that happened.’
‘Selene reacted strongly to you.’
‘Most women do.’
He chuckled.
‘Does it matter, in any case?’ she asked.
‘You mean genetically?’
She nodded, swishing her hand through the water to make small waves.
‘The Richter-Paree blood dominates. It doesn’t really matter too much who the father is in that sense, as long as there is genetic compatibility.’
‘The Richter line is from Earth, but my father’s Gaelean. That seemed to work fine for me.’ She rolled over, frowning. ‘Where is he?’
‘Who?’
‘An’ Lawrence, of course.
‘An’ Lawrence?’
‘Jarrod, stop repeating. Where is the Sword Master of Treeon Temple and Temple Los Loma? Why isn’t he here?’ She narrowed her eyes. ‘What aren’t you telling me?’
‘Nothing, really.’
‘Then tell me where he is!’
Jarrod swallowed. ‘There was some confusion in the corridors between Nell of another world and Kali.’
She sat on the steps, crossing her arms. ‘Are you purposely trying to keep me in the dark?’
‘Not at all.’ He explained An’ Lawrence’s sudden departure.
‘So he dashed back into the portal when he realised Nell was not our Nell?’
‘Apparently.’
‘But Teg found Kali. Rescued her from a very different Treeon, and some falconer who thought to add her to his bevy. He told me about it today.’ She pulled her hair back from her face, wringing it out and twisting it on top of her head. ‘Can you imagine that? Kali on some hunter’s forearm?’
Jarrod shook his head.
‘Finish the story.’ She smiled. ‘Where’s An’ Lawrence now?’ She stood, pulling him up with her. ‘Hopefully he’s in the kitchens, cooking up a feast. I’m longing for Avan-chak.’
He gripped her hand and followed her out of the pool. ‘We don’t know,’ he said.
‘What?’
‘That is, we aren’t sure.’
‘You’re saying he went through the portal and hasn’t returned?’
‘He hasn’t returned
yet
.’
She dropped his hand, swiping water from her arms and chest. ‘We have to find him.’ She shook out her leggings and stepped into them.
‘Kali and I are going in the morning. We’re just settling things here first.’
‘I’m coming too.’ She continued to dress.
‘That’s not a good idea.’
‘Why not?’
He looked at her flat belly, about to speak.
‘I’m pregnant, Jarrod, not disabled. I can wield a blade and cast a spell as sharp as ever. Maybe even better. What’s the problem?’
‘You’ve been in such a long time-flux, there’s no way of telling what stage you’ll be in when the portal spits us out into a new world. The corridors aren’t running true—something we need to discuss as well. And…’ He took a deep breath. ‘We can’t exactly search for An’ Lawrence and coach you through labour at the same time.’
Her face slackened. ‘That could happen?’
‘It’s possible. This is new territory. You’re the first of your line to be such a world-hopper.’
‘And you saved this bit of information for last? I can’t travel the corridors?’
‘Not to new places.’ Jarrod wiped his face. ‘This hasn’t been my day for timing.’
She slipped on her boots. ‘So what are you saying? I’m out to pasture?’
‘Kali was thinking you might like to spend the summer in Dumarka.’
I would love to go home, Maudi. There is peace in Dumarka, good hunting, wild seas, and a warm fire at night.
She smacked her lips. ‘Dumarka?’
‘Drayco likes the idea,’ Jarrod said.
‘I guess I
could
get a lot of work done. It’s been ages since I’ve had time to draft charts, correlate research.’
‘You’d have the time and space to finish the apprentice manual and complete your training.’
‘Then I’d be able to take on an apprentice of my own.’
‘You’ll need someone there anyway.’
She shook her head. ‘I’d rather be alone.’
‘You may not think so as time passes.’ He put his hand on her belly.
‘I suppose you and Kali have someone in mind?’
‘She thought it would be Grayson.’
‘Not in the picture.’ Rosette’s voice muffled as she pulled her top on over her head.
‘Teg’s an option too. He’s been keen to study the stars with you.’
‘I don’t need baby-sitting, Jarrod. I’m fine.’
‘Let’s see what Kreshkali says about it.’
Rosette’s eyes stormed. ‘It feels like I have little choice in the matter.’
He shook his head at her protests. ‘Have you forgotten Kreshkali’s first rule—her only rule?’
Rosette suppressed a smile. ‘
There is always a choice.
Good reminder.’
‘And she’s still your mentor, Rosette. She has jurisdiction.’
Her arms fell to her sides. ‘All right,’ she said, letting out a little laugh. ‘I’m choosing to consider this option. Lead the way, but make it past the kitchens. I’m also choosing to quell my hunger.’
I wouldn’t mind another snack myself, Maudi.
‘We’re all hungry here,’ she said, striding between Drayco and Jarrod.
‘You’re lucky the temple grounds are so productive. The stocks are overflowing.’ He took her hand and led the way to the kitchens.
Kreshkali stood in front of the portal, tightening the strap on her backpack. She’d packed in a hurry, not knowing how much time had elapsed since An’ Lawrence had disappeared, uncertain as to her chances of ever finding him again in the shifting worlds beyond the corridors. He’d been foolish to risk it—foolish and brave. She loved him for it and hoped she could someday tell him so.
There’d been little argument from Rosette, who
seemed satisfied with her assignment to Dumarka. Teg rankled at his part, though. She knew he would. He showed enthusiasm for studying the stars and Earth literature with Rosette and already was bonding with her, but he protested the exclusion from their search for the Sword Master. She suspected that he mostly protested the separation from her, though he didn’t say so. It was all the more reason to have some time apart. A mentor could become as attached to her apprentice as he to her. She sighed as she slipped on her pack. They decided to send Annadusa through to Dumarka in the autumn, if Kreshkali and Jarrod were not back by then.
‘Ready, my queen?’ Jarrod asked.
‘Reading my thoughts?’
‘Never without your permission.’
‘Then yes, I’m ready.’ She turned to take a last look at the barren landscape that swept towards Temple Los Loma, invisible behind the single hill. The wrought-iron gates stood open and the apple trees beside them were flowering, the ground scattered with a carpet of blossoms, pink and white on the baked red earth. The fragrance was delicate and sweet.
‘It’s spring,’ she said, running her hands through her spiky hair.
Jarrod followed her line of sight to the trees. ‘We’ll be back before autumn in Dumarka,’ he said. ‘In time for the birth.’
‘You sound certain.’
‘It’s the best approach, don’t you think?’
She laughed. ‘Energy follows thought. I can’t believe I need the reminder.’
At the sound of her laughter, three ravens winged in, one landing on her shoulder, the other two on the rocky outcropping above the portal.
‘The Sisters are coming?’ Jarrod asked.
‘They’re restless for change.’
‘I thought you were sending them to Dumarka with Rosette and Teg.’
‘They wouldn’t have a bar of it.’ She stroked the bird’s glossy neck. ‘I’m glad to have them with me. Besides, Mossie is at the cottage. He’ll keep an eye out.’
Clouds raced across the face of the sun, dulling its intensity. Jarrod frowned, his eyes fixed on the horizon. ‘Someone’s coming,’ he said.
‘By all the elements, Jarrod, you’ve got good eyes in that tulpa of yours. I can’t see anything but dust.’
‘They’re running towards us. Fast.’
‘A farewell party?’
‘Perhaps.’ Jarrod squinted. ‘A quadruped.’
‘Just one?’
‘Looks like it.’
Kreshkali closed her eyes, allowing her inner sight to reach out towards the one who approached them. She touched a familiar consciousness.
Hotha?
She straightened, sending the thought to him as he ran.
What’s the rush?
Did you think I’d let you go without a word?
She laughed, turning to Jarrod. ‘It’s Hotha.’
He nodded.
You’ll be watching over Los Loma while we’re away, won’t you, Hotha?
As agreed.
She opened her eyes. She could spot him in the distance, a small black speck trailing a cloud of dust. As he approached his form became more distinct, a magnificent wolf, running so hard his feet barely touched the ground. It was only moments before he stood before them. The shock wave blasted their faces as he morphed into a man.
‘And you can tell An’ Lawrence that I will be
overseeing his sword students until he returns.’ Hotha chuckled between gasps of breath. ‘That’ll bring him back, quick as Santa Ana.’
‘I’ll be sure to pass that along.’ Kreshkali gave him a hug, the raven on her shoulder squawking as she leaned into the Lupin.
‘Settle down, black bird,’ he said, pointing a finger at her. ‘You’re much too scrawny for my taste.’
The raven flapped her wings.
‘Be nice, you two,’ Kali said, stroking down the ruffled feathers.
Hotha bowed an apology. ‘Your apprentices safely tucked away in Dumarka?’ he asked.
‘They’d be scathing to hear you put it that way, but yes. They went last night.’
He nodded, and gave her a sly smile. ‘Good luck in your search, my queen. Be safe. The corridors…’
‘They are being tampered with, I know, but they will run true for me. It’s your safety I’m concerned about. Eyes open, Hotha. There could be trackers about.’
‘The Lupins will keep watch here, Kali, and on Gaela.’ He embraced her again, kissing both cheeks and then her lips.
She lingered for a moment before stepping back. ‘Ready, Jarrod?’ she asked, waving the other two ravens into the portal.
Jarrod gripped the Lupin’s forearm in farewell and followed. Kreshkali came last, passing her hand, open palm, over the plasma ripples of the Entity, bowing as she did. She focused her mind on An’ Lawrence.
‘Take us to him, please, wherever he may be,’ she whispered and felt the rush of energy carry them away.
Rosette waited until Hotha had returned to his wolf form and trotted through the gates. He disappeared down the lane to Temple Los Loma. When he was
completely out of sight, she relaxed, allowing the glamour to slip away. Sweat dripped down her brow and she wiped it with the back of her hand. She exhaled in a long, low whistle. ‘Close call.’
Teg agreed. ‘That’s the best glamour I’ve ever seen. Hotha was staring right at me and didn’t suspect a thing.’ He clapped her on the shoulder. ‘You’re amazing. I almost wish we were going to Dumarka to study together.’
‘There’ll be plenty of time for that once we find An’ Lawrence.’ She looked down at her belly. ‘I don’t plan on this rescue mission taking long.’ Her shoulders squared.
Safely tucked away indeed.
‘Shall we?’ Teg asked. He gestured towards the portal.
Rosette took a final look at the gates of Temple Los Loma and the dry red lands beyond. She bowed to the Entity, following Teg and her temple cat into the portal. Her face relaxed as she placed her hand over the warm plasma stream, electric strands of energy zapping towards her palm. ‘Follow them,’ she said. ‘Take us as near to Rowan An’ Lawrence as we can possibly get.’ She closed her eyes and the portal whisked them away.
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