Angel of Storms (Millennium's Rule, #2)(30)
“So… how do I do it?”
“With magic, but so little you barely notice you’re using it. Reading minds is the same, and we think you weren’t able to do so before because you were in a world with very little magic.” He chuckled. “Unfortunately, it’s impossible for me to show you what I do when I block you from reading my thoughts, because I’ll have blocked you from reading my thoughts. All I can do is force you to learn this instinctively. I’ll tell you when I can no longer see your thoughts. Are you ready?”
She winced. “I suppose—”
“Why did the corrupter do that to you?” he asked.
A flash of memory rose, which she quickly pushed aside. Yet he said it isn’t not thinking. Trouble is, I’m used to stopping myself thinking about it.
“Did you want her to?” he pressed.
Yes. And no. “I was only trying to—”
“Don’t explain. Try to stop me seeing your thoughts.”
But she wanted to explain. She had only been trying to help the priests find the corrupter. And the woman had taught her how to reverse what she had done so she could… No. Don’t let him see that. She gritted her teeth. If she could sense him reading her mind somehow she would have something to resist.
“It’s not like pushing something away,” he told her. It’s like wrapping your head in cloth, he added. “So you tried to undo the damage the corrupter had done?” he asked.
With a jolt her mind returned to the day she had stood in the darkened alley and deliberately stolen magic from the Angels to—Cloth around my head. Cloth around my head. It’s a protection. A shield. She drew in magic and imagined it enveloping her mind, barring any incursion from outside or projection from within. Within she was free to–
“You did it!” Her concentration faltered at his exclamation. She was aware now of how open and vulnerable her mind felt. He smiled. “And now you’ve lost it. But you know what it’s supposed to be like, so you only have to keep doing it until it feels as natural as walking. Do it again.”
She reconstructed the block as slowly the second time, yet more easily. The awareness of her mind being open and vulnerable was uncomfortable, now that she had it. Keeping it shielded and protected became her preferred state, even if the concentration it took was tiring.
Nobody likes having to moderate what they think all the time, she mused. Though there are still plenty of events in my past I’d rather not think of.
“You’ve picked that up quickly,” he said. “Which gives us time to try something else.” As he took her hands she swallowed an objection. “Draw in air and magic.”
She sighed, did as he instructed and felt them leave the world again. He turned and looked towards the faint shape of the building.
“Instead of trying to resist the gravity, try moving us towards the house.”
Rielle looked at the distant building. He had given her no clue on how to do what he asked. Perhaps instinct would help again. I want to be there. I want there to be closer. Then Baluka’s hands slipped from her own. Turning back, she saw him smile and beckon. Panic flooded her mind. No! Don’t leave me here! She reached out towards him, but her hand did not meet anything, passing though his body. Even though he was next to her, he was elsewhere.
Something loomed in the brightness. Baluka abruptly grew more distinct. His hands gripped hers.
“Time to go.”
At once the valley began to rush past. They hurtled towards the house at a frightening speed, but no rushing air buffeted her and as they came to an abrupt halt in the courtyard there was no jolt. People were emerging from the house. Baluka moved them closer to a man who stopped to gaze at the road leading to the Travellers’ arrival area. Slim and dark-skinned with long straight hair, he wore the most extraordinary clothing Rielle had ever seen. Sleeves of soft white cloth burst from a tightly buttoned vest. His trousers were equally tight to below the knee, and soft white cloth ballooned out again before disappearing in a pair of broadly cuffed boots.
The man glanced at them, then turned and squinted. As air surrounded Rielle again he smiled, stepped forward and bowed from the waist.
“Traveller Baluka. Welcome back,” he said in the Travellers’ language. “I was wondering when you’d come down to join us, but now I see you were waiting for the rest of your family to arrive.”
Baluka smiled. “Lord Felomar, it is an honour to visit you and your beautiful home again.” He bowed in reply. “You are correct. I am not surprised you spotted me training our guest. Nothing escapes your attention on your property and your country, and possibly this entire world, if not all the worlds.” He turned to Rielle. Bow as I did but with your hands pressed to your chest. “May I introduce Rielle Lazuli, our guest.”
“A pleasure.” As the lord bowed again she did as Baluka had instructed.
“Looks like Father finished our business in Kezel faster than we expected,” Baluka said. Following his gaze, Rielle saw a line of wagons descending towards the house. “I apologise if our early arrival upsets your plans.”
“Not at all,” Felomar replied. “Do you intend to leave early as well?”
“Not unless you need us to.”
“No, you are welcome to stay as long as you wish. We shall have plenty of time to enjoy each other’s company.” The lord clasped his hands together. His fingers were long and elegant, Rielle noted. His face was narrow and finely boned. He was quite beautiful, yet with a warmth that was appealing. She had a sudden wistful desire to draw him.