Arrows of Time

by Kim Falconer

  There was no response. He gathered pungent herbs to mask his Lupin scent and headed down the road—a young journeyman herbalist from Morzone on his way to Treeon in need of directions. The driveway was long, shaded by oaks draped with pale green moss. When he reached the manor house, dogs charged out to greet him, teeth bared and hackles high. Easy, boys. Is your master about?

  Their growls quickly changed to curious yips as they sniffed and wagged their tails.

  That’s surely a yes? He roughed their backs.

  A woman with flaxen hair the same colour as the dogs appeared from the stables, dressed for the hunt, her right hand gloved. He recognised her as one of the riders. She smiled at him, unafraid. Good start.

  ‘Are you lost?’ she asked.

  What a lovely voice. The dogs ran to her as she spoke, making to jump up before thinking better of it as she scolded with her finger. They contented themselves with dashing back and forth between them. ‘Not any more.’ Teg beamed a smile that made her blush. ‘I’m looking for the turn-off to Treeon Temple. I seem to have gone astray.’

  ‘Somewhat.’ She smiled. ‘I’m Lily. Stay for the noon meal and my husband and I will set you straight.’ She put a slight emphasis on the word husband.

  It delighted him that she felt that was necessary. ‘You’re most kind,’ he said. He crossed the distance between them and followed her into the stables. Two horses were cross-tied in the breezeway, a groom hosing them down. They didn’t startle as he passed, and Teg felt even more grateful for his time at Temple Los Loma. He’d learned how to relax among a variety of species and had taken quite a liking to horses, and they responded in kind. Kreshkali? He sought her with his mind.

  ‘We’ve an injured bird here; we’re just cleaning her up now.’ The woman guided him into the tack room.

  ‘What happened?’ Teg asked. He made it sound light, curious. He knew it was Kali, though she hadn’t answered his calls. His palms were sweating. Kali? Are you all right?

  ‘A trapping of some kind,’ Lily said, frowning.

  ‘More than that,’ the man added as they entered the tack room. He turned and extended his hand to Teg, eyeing him from head to foot. ‘I’m Jago.’ His voice was a deep baritone. ‘You’ve met Lily, my wife?’

  Teg gripped his hand, finding it interesting that they both added possessive labels to each other’s name. He held Jago’s eyes for a moment, but moved his gaze when he spotted the black falcon on the table. She was hooded, perched on a bar, allowing her wounds to be dressed. Teg felt the sweat break out on his forehead and wiped it with the back of his hand. Kali? Can you hear me?

  Teg? The voice was soft, distant. It’s so dark, she said.

  You’re hooded, that’s all. You’re okay. I can see you, right in front of me.

  I tried to shift. Nothing happened.

  It’s going to be all right. I’ve come to rescue you.

  A wafting sound came from the bird.

  ‘Have you worked with falcons?’ Jago’s question brought his attention around.

  ‘In Morzone, yes.’

  ‘Good place for it. I know most of the falconers there. Who’ve you hunted with?’

  Teg couldn’t take his eyes off Kali.

  Caspian…Spates, I think, she said to him.

  Are you sure, Mistress?

  In my Gaela, yes.

  ‘Spates. Do you know him?’ Teg said the words with confidence.

  ‘Caspian? Excellent trainer. His partner is the better of the two, though…is she still riding that wild red chestnut?’

  Sara. Kali’s voice was weakening.

  ‘She was last time I saw her. Sara’s been working him hard and steady. He’s coming round, though I wouldn’t volunteer to have a go.’

  Jago laughed. ‘That’s saying a lot, especially seeing you’re on foot. It’s a hefty trek, Morzone to Treeon.’

  Water. Kali’s message was a demand.

  ‘She’s thirsty,’ Teg said, interrupting.

  Jago eyed him. ‘Is that so?’

  ‘That’s what I’m getting too,’ Lily said, handing a dropper to Teg. She righted the bird as it listed slightly, steadying her balance. Black claws gripped her glove. ‘Can you get the hood off?’ she asked. ‘She does need a drink.’

  Teg released her from darkness and was rewarded with a shriek. Her wings extended, hanging like a scarecrow’s. She allowed the drops of water to be trickled down her throat.

  ‘You’ve a way with her,’ Jago said. ‘Are you a healer?’

  ‘A herbalist’s apprentice, yes. I’m headed for Treeon.’

  ‘To apply?’ Lily’s eyes went wide.

  It was as good a story as any and it seemed to impress them both. ‘Aye. I’ve got some of the blood in me.’

  Careful. Kali sent the message as she dipped her head for more water.

  ‘I don’t doubt that,’ Lily replied. She eyed him, no attempt at subtlety.

  ‘We’ll let her rest now. The injuries are not extensive—she’s more exhausted and traumatised than anything.’

  Jago led them to a large, open-air space where several falcons of various sizes perched. He opened a cage and helped Lily transfer her to the roost. A breeze fluttered her black feathers as he slipped the hood back on. Teg made no move to go.

  ‘Come, lad. We’ll share a meal and you can tell me what old Caspian’s been up to.’

  I’ll be back for you, Kali. Don’t try to shift. You’re in a cage.

  A cage? This is your idea of a rescue?

  It will be. Gather your strength. I’m not leaving.

  There was no response, but her wings lifted slightly, then folded neatly behind her back.

  Teg sat at the dining table, shoulders squared, his hosts firing questions at him one after the other. They were both curious, Lily especially so. She gave him nothing but smiles and sweet laughter—maybe that explained Jago’s increasing interrogation. It seemed he was stirring up old memories, reminding them of someone else. It was just his luck to have to deal with this as well as think of a way to get Kreshkali out—a way other than violence. These were sound people and he didn’t want to hurt them. The rescue would have to wait until she recovered enough strength to fly, or shift, in any case. Would that be hours or days? He stared at his plate, wondering where his appetite had gone.

  The table was laid out with a magnificent midday meal—enough for more than the three of them by triple. Bowls of salads and garden vegetables sat next to fresh apples, citrus and berries, and there was meat. The scent tantalised him, his mouth watering when a platter was brought in—a huge white porcelain dish holding a dozen golden-roasted pigeons. They were stuffed with rice and glazed with sweet orange and ginger sauce.

  ‘Are these from today?’ Teg asked, steering the conversation away from his personal connections in Morzone, of which he actually had none. He’d never even been to the place. His generalisations were starting to run thin on that topic and he needed a new one, quick.

  ‘It was a good morning’s hunt.’ Lily smiled at him with more enthusiasm than he thought necessary. Couldn’t she sense the tension in Jago? Was that why she was doing it? He gave her the briefest of smiles in return.

  ‘Hungry?’ she asked.

  He held his plate up and she piled it high with a choice selection. ‘It looks amazing.’ He moved his fingers aside when she brushed them.

  ‘So tell me, Teg.’ Jago’s voice cut through their private exchange. ‘Have you spent much time near the plateau of Los Loma?’

  He choked, swallowing hard to keep from coughing. Lily handed him a glass of water, her eyebrows raised.

  ‘Some,’ he said, clearing his throat. ‘That ginger sauce is full of chilli, isn’t it? Delicious.’ He stuffed his mouth again so he wouldn’t have to speak.

  ‘The Temple guards were around early this morning,’ Jago said. ‘Seems there’s trouble at Treeon—the High Priestess’s consort’s dead. Murdered, apparently.’

  Teg swallowed again, keeping his expression blan
d. ‘Do they have any clues?’

  ‘A few. They’re looking for a covey of witches that escaped in the night.’

  The food went cold in his stomach. He drank again from his glass. Kali, we’ve got trouble.

  ‘They might have been the ones who trapped the black falcon, eh, Teg?’ Jago asked. ‘Seen anyone in your travels?’

  Teg wiped his mouth. ‘Not ‘til I found you.’

  Jago poured himself a deep red wine and shook his head. ‘Of course not. You’ve come the other way, haven’t you?’ He chuckled, not a contagious laugh. ‘Witches’ business anyway. Isn’t that right, Lil?’

  She frowned at her husband. ‘Witches’ business, I suppose, but tell us, Teg, do you know anyone from Los Loma?’ She leaned closer, lowering her voice. ‘Do you know a man named Hotha? He’s from Los Loma, the heart of the mountain.’ Her voice was soft but the question razor-sharp.

  ‘I never said I was from Los Loma.’

  ‘But you certainly aren’t from Morzone,’ Jago said.

  Teg didn’t deny it. There was no point. It was also clear who he reminded them of. Hotha! That Lupin, on any world, was a lover of women. It didn’t surprise him that he’d been this way before and stirred everyone up, particularly Lily. They may not realise he was a Lupin too, but they were onto his connection. What now? Stick as close to the truth as possible, lie outright, or make a run for it? Running was looking like a most attractive option, but he wasn’t going anywhere unless he could take Kreshkali with him. He had to stall while she revived. Kali? Can you hear me?

  Teg tore a small loaf of bread in half. Steam rose from the centre and burned his fingers. ‘I know of Hotha,’ he said. He popped a piece of bread in his mouth as their faces brightened.

  ‘I thought you might!’ Lily said, reaching for the other half of the bread.

  Teg didn’t offer anything else. He was making a good show of preoccupation with the food, though he was having trouble getting it down. He couldn’t work out if they knew Hotha as friend or foe. He could pose as either. Then it occurred to him that they were being extremely cordial considering there were murderers on the loose and he might be one of them. Suddenly, he felt like a pig being fattened for Beltane.

  ‘He’s an accomplished falconer,’ Jago was saying.

  ‘What’s that?’

  ‘Hotha. He’s a good hunter.’ Jago’s eyes were on Lily. ‘He rode with us on several occasions, but he doesn’t come this way much any more.’

  ‘Have you spoken to him recently?’ Lily asked, her hand reaching out to stop Teg’s next mouthful.

  He put down his fork and turned his full attention to her. ‘I’ve not seen him for some time. Are you concerned?’

  Her brow creased.

  ‘Not at all,’ Jago said. ‘A man like that can take care of himself.’

  ‘A little,’ Lily whispered. ‘Can you get a message to him?’

  Teg groaned internally. There had to be a smooth way out of this. He was about to respond when a woman entered, distracting Lily. She was one of the grooms, plump and blonde with a smile like summer sun. Her short stature made Teg wonder how she handled the tall horses he’d seen in the stables. How did she ever saddle and bridle them?

  Her eyes darted to him. ‘Milk crate,’ she said.

  ‘Pardon?’

  ‘Mind your thoughts around Jess,’ Jago said, laughing deeply. ‘She comes from a long line of witches.’

  Jess joined the laughter. Teg thought he would be sick.

  ‘Don’t look so alarmed,’ Jess said. ‘I’ve got more important things to do than skulk around inside your mind.’ She shook her head, her golden hair bouncing. ‘I never make a habit of eavesdropping.’

  ‘That’s good to know,’ he replied.

  She looked at him closely, letting her eyes take in his form as if she were studying a horse at the markets. ‘For you I might have made an exception, but I see your mind shield is already well in place.’

  ‘Sit down, Jess.’ Lily pulled out the chair next to her. ‘And let our guest eat.’

  Teg was surprised at the inclusion. Other staff members entered the dining hall and filled the remaining seats.

  ‘Thanks, but I’ve got the broodmares to turn out still. I came in because I’m worried about the new falcon. She’s making a lot of noise.’

  Jago rose from his seat, motioning the rest of them down. ‘Stay here, Jess. I’ll let the mares out and check on the bird.’

  Teg was up, ready to follow.

  ‘Eat, lad. I won’t be long.’

  Teg slid back into his chair and faced the two women, who were now asking him more questions about his origins.

  What are you doing, Kali? Are you all right? Teg sent the message through his mind shield, testing to see if Jess caught it. There was no indication that she did.

  I’m getting that man away from you before the word ‘Lupin’ comes up. What are you doing wining and dining with these people?

  I’m trying to rescue you.

  There’s that word ‘try’…

  Kali, I thought we could tell them the truth, but I’m having second thoughts. They may have alerted Treeon that we’re here, or that I’m here. I’m feeling a wee bit vulnerable.

  You’re feeling vulnerable? She all but screamed at him. I’m hooded, in a cage, injured and unable to shift or fly. Remember? And watch the groom. Smart witch, that one.

  Jess turned to smile at him.

  Shield!

  ‘You’re no stranger to the birds of prey, are you?’

  ‘I thought you didn’t eavesdrop.’

  ‘Normally no, but your mind is so deep and rich. I just wanted to…’

  ‘Jess, get out of it,’ Lily said as she thrust a plate into the other woman’s hands. ‘He’s just a journeyman herbalist on his way to Treeon. Nothing more, nothing less. Isn’t that right, Teg?’

  He nodded, taking a mouthful of fruit. The sweet juice trickled down his throat. He coughed. Kali? What’s Jago doing?

  He’s taking my hood off.

  ‘So tell me, Teg.’ Lily scooted her chair closer to him. ‘Are you related to Hotha? Is he a…brother perhaps? An uncle?’

  ‘Me? No…My family is from the outskirts of Morzone…’ His voice trailed off as he directed his thoughts to Kreshkali. Are you out of the cage?

  I am.

  ‘Oh, come now, Teg. You don’t know enough about that city to be born and bred there. Where are you really from?’

  ‘You can tell us,’ Jess added. ‘We can help you, whatever you’re mixed up in.’

  Kali, they know.

  Get out, Teg! Now!

  Teg bolted, leaping from his chair and down the stairs, shifting to all fours before his feet hit the ground.

  An’ Lawrence stood at the gates of Temple Los Loma.

  ‘It’s the right place, Sword Master. Well done,’ Grayson said. ‘Is it the right time?’

  ‘I think so.’

  The apple trees were vibrant, full of leaves and swelling fruit. That fitted. The temple cats were relaxed, always a good sign. Fynn had scrambled out of Grayson’s backpack, awake now and delighted to see Shane, who rewarded him with a pennywhistle tune. The sweet high-pitched jig lifted spirits, a welcome relief, and the Three Sisters greeted them all with loud caws, their shiny black wings whiffing through the air as they swooped and dived. They didn’t seem to be upset that their mistress wasn’t present, and he took that as a comfort. He searched the ground for prints, boot or paw. There was no sign of Teg.

  Grayson bent over the body bag, feeling the edges, frowning deeply. ‘Everett said we only had a day or so until…’

  ‘Once she thaws, it’s all over, unless her heart starts up again. Is that about right?’ An’ Lawrence asked, turning away from the corpse. He looked at the sky; it was pale blue and cloudless, a sliver of moon rising in the east. The sun was already making him sweat.

  ‘That’s what I gather.’

  Rowan, we need a High Priestess, fast, if we’re going to revive
Rosette. Kreshkali isn’t here.

  He reached out and stroked the top of Scylla’s head. Any ideas?

  Treeon. Or Timbali?

  An’ Lawrence patted her back, directing his attention to the others as they gathered around him. ‘Get her into the temple hall. Assemble everyone.’ His voice boomed as he waved them towards the gates.

  ‘Where are you going?’ Grayson asked.

  ‘To get us a High Priestess, or a Timbali witch, even La Makee if I can find her.’

  ‘But Kreshkali…’

  ‘We don’t know when she’ll arrive and we need someone who can do the ritual. We need a High Priestess. Makee is one. It’s our only chance.’

  ‘She’s on sabbatical,’ Jarrod said. ‘How will you find her and get her back here in time?’

  ‘The Entity will take me to her.’

  ‘You’re trusting a lot.’ Jarrod had his hand on the edge of the black body bag. ‘The Entity has been opening strange corridors lately.’

  ‘It’s worth the risk. Kali may get back here in time; I may find La Makee. This doubles our chances of saving Rosette.’ An’ Lawrence called Scylla to him and backed towards the portal, waving them away. ‘Set it up. Get everyone into the Temple hall, meditating. Lift the roof off the place with healing energy. Joy. You have to start with a sense of joy. That’s the first step.’ He turned to Jarrod. ‘You know what to do. I won’t be long.’ He gripped his sword and dashed through the portal, Scylla by his side.

  He felt a particular thrill as his hand passed over the plasma waves sparking out from the Entity. He was clear now. Whatever Kreshkali was up to, in whatever form or world, he didn’t have time to wait. The more he thought about it, the more he knew Makee was the best bet if Kali didn’t show. In spite of their past, he trusted the woman, and because of their past, he felt confident he could find her in a flash. Would she come? Surely curiosity alone would bring her back. He tightened his grip on his sword.

  The streams of colour and light slowed and the portal opened onto a familiar scene—the flat lands east of Corsanon. What in demon’s darkness was she doing there? The sounds of clashing steel and thundering hooves, shouts and screams, came in on the breeze. He smelled smoke and turf and blood. Scylla’s hackles were up, her spine tense.