by Kim Falconer
‘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.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Campbell, J. (1972/1984). Myths to Live By. New York: Bantam Books.
Chown, M. (2003). The Universe Next Door: The Making of Tomorrow’s Science. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
De Angeles, L. (2000). Witchcraft Theory and Practice. Minnesota: Llewellyn Worldwide.
Falconer, K. (2005). Astrology & Aptitude: How to Become What You Are Meant To Be. Tempe: American Federation of Astrologers.
Fortune, D. (2003). Moon Magic. Boston: Red Wheel/Weiser.
Goldstein-Jacobson, I. (1960). Simplified Horary Astrology. Alhambra: Frank Severy Publishing.
Goswami, A. (1995). The Self Aware Universe: How Consciousness Creates the Material World. New York: Tarcher.
Hillman, J. (1997). The Soul’s Code: In Search of Character and Calling. New York: Grand Central Publishing.
Hyde, M. (1992). Jung and Astrology. London: The Aquarius Press.
Talbot, M. (1993). Mysticism and the New Physics (2nd ed.). New York: Arkana Penguin Group.
RECOMMENDED WEBSITES:
Kim Falconer’s official Quantum Enchantment Website www.kimfalconer.com
Kim Falconer’s Astrology, Mythology and Quantum Theory Site www.falconastrology.com
Voyager Online www.voyageronline.com.au
Voyager Blog www.voyageronline.wordpress.com
Jeannette Maw’s Good Vibe Blog—Law of Attraction for the Real World www.goodvibeblog.com
The Spell of Rosette
Quantum Enchantment: Book One
KIM FALCONER
Rosette is a child of two worlds: Gaela, steeped in magic, and an Earth choked with failing technology. The key to their survival is literally in her blood, a spell passed down through her family line to preserve the one they’re sworn to protect.
Unaware of her lineage, Rosette runs scared when her family is murdered. She takes refuge with Nell, a shape-shifting high priestess of the ancient blood, who teaches her the arts of witchcraft, stars and sword.
Shadowed by the fabled Kreshkali, queen of the underworld and mistress of the wolf-like Lupins, Rosette and the temple cat, Drayco, find themselves little more than a step ahead of those who will do anything to control the portal that links the many-worlds.
Voyager online
for travellers of the imagination
Booklovers of science fiction and fantasy have a new destination! Voyager Online has the latest science fiction and fantasy releases, previews of upcoming titles, book extracts, author information and weekly competitions. It also features exclusive contributions from some of the world’s top sci-fi and fantasy authors.
There’s a message board where you can discuss books, authors and anything about sci-fi and fantasy with other fans, a place for you to read and submit book reviews, and there are special offers and competitions for members.
So why not visit Voyager Online today at:
www.voyageronline.com.au
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
First, I’d like to acknowledge all my wonderful readers. Your letters and emails are much appreciated. Thank you! Thanks also to my son, Aaron Briggs, for his artistic genius, insights and goading. To Sara Briggs for all those handwritten words and boundless enthusiasm, and Cavy too, of course! Deep appreciation also goes to Ly de Angeles, my mother, Eunice Falconer Mosher, my sister, Shawn, and my granddaughter, Kayla, for bringing me so much love, joy and support.
Gratitude goes to my publisher, Stephanie Smith, who asks all the right questions, Equinox Management for sure and steady guidance, Sue Moran and Annabel Adair for their astute editing, Brian Cook Manuscript Appraisal Agency and Dr Wendy Michaels for the coherent and articulate critiquing. For their artistic contributions and friendship, I thank Jodi Osborne, Kurtis Richmond, Tris O’Connor and Helen Nailon.
For connecting me to the right people, I thank Mystic Medusa, dear friend and wing woman, and for showing me the ropes, Candida Baker and Mark Abernethy. For teaching me how to pray rain and get into alignment with bliss, my good vibe coach, Master Jeannette Maw, and for his tips in On Writing, Stephen King.
I also thank Tim for his endless encouragement and fabulous coffee, Thatcher, Sean and Dan for the blueberry pancakes, Sam for the chocolate, and all the staff at Espresso Head for the great company and endless stacking! Thanks go to Victoria Sullivan for suggesting Stephanie—what synchronicity! And to Jacqui Sullivan for always believing in me. I also thank the Cabin Crew and everyone at HarperCollins who had a hand in this, especially the art department, the proofreaders and typesetters, Chren for all the messages and Linda Funnell for the pivotal feedback. A special thanks to the Captain of Voyager Online, Natalie Costa Bir!
Thanks also to Matt Connolly for his music, warm friendship and cat minding, to Dr James Roush for his falconry support and mentorship and to Dr Greg Briggs for decades of veterinary advice. For the literal warm fuzzies I thank my familiars Draygon and Gratch and, for my very best-best, thank you E.J., your friendship means the many-worlds to me.
Blessings to you all!
About the Author
Kim Falconer lives in Byron Bay with two gorgeous black cats. As well as her author website, she runs an astrology forum and alternative science site, trains with a sword and is completing a Masters degree. Her novel writing is done early every morning. Currently she is working on additional volumes in the Quantum Enchantment series.
Visit her website at
www.kimfalconer.com
Visit Voyager at:
voyageronline.com.au
voyageronline.wordpress.com
twitter.com/voyagerbooks
Visit www.AuthorTracker.com for exclusive information on your favorite HarperCollins author.
Books by Kim Falconer
QUANTUM ENCHANTMENT SERIES
The Spell of Rosette
Arrows of Time
Copyright
HarperVoyager
An imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
First published in Australia in 2009
This edition published in 2010
by HarperCollins Publishers Australia Pty Limited
ABN 36 009 913 517
www.harpercollins.com.au
Copyright © Kim Falconer 2009
The right of Kim Falconer to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her under the Copyright A
mendment (Moral Rights) Act 2000.
This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced, copied, scanned, stored in a retrieval system, recorded, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
HarperCollins Publishers
25 Ryde Road, Pymble, Sydney, NSW 2073, Australia
31 View Road, Glenfield, Auckland 0627, New Zealand
1–A, Hamilton House, Connaught Place, New Delhi – 110 001, India
77–85 Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8JB, United Kingdom
2 Bloor Street East, 20th floor, Toronto, Ontario M4W 1A8, Canada
10 East 53rd Street, New York NY 10022, USA
ISBN 978 0 7322 8772 6 (pbk.)
ISBN 978 0 7304 4339 1 (epub)
About the Publisher
Australia
HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty. Ltd.
25 Ryde Road (PO Box 321)
Pymble, NSW 2073, Australia
http://www.harpercollinsebooks.com.au
Canada
HarperCollins Canada
2 Bloor Street East - 20th Floor
Toronto, ON, M4W 1A8, Canada
http://www.harpercollinsebooks.ca
New Zealand
HarperCollinsPublishers (New Zealand) Limited
P.O. Box 1
Auckland, New Zealand
