Shimmer by Jennifer McBride Page A

of sympathy. ‘Your father has promised to be in touch for your birthday, and he said to tell you that he loves you very much.’
    The tears she had held back stung her eyes again. She had not cried since she was a small child and she certainly wasn’t about to do so now in front of Amurru and David. She turned her back on them. If they refused to help her then she would figure out a way to get home on her own. Her birthday was still seven days away. She could not wait that long for news. She refused. She would help her family, and no stupid human or armourowl would be able to stop her!

For friends and fathers
    Kora heard the front door of the house slam. She knew that David had only been waiting for his mother to leave for work so that he could summon her. At least that was one bonus of being kept a secret, he could only summon her when they had complete privacy.
    She suspected that David wanted to talk. But that was only because he felt guilty about his refusal to unharness her. Her forehead creased into a scowl. And he should feel guilty. But what good would talking do? The only thing that would help her father now was action. She needed to do something. She had to come up with a plan.
    â€˜Kora?’ David’s voice floated into her globe. ‘Please come out. I want to talk to you.’
    She shook her head. Why should she go to him? She didn’t feel like talking right now. She crossed her arms, staring at Amurru defiantly. But Amurru only blinked at her until finally she relented. If she didn’t go, David would only wish it.
    She shimmered into his room, an angry retort on her lips. But she swallowed her words when she saw him. He stood in the middle of the room, a silver tray in his hands. On it was a steaming cup of tea, a mound of chocolate chip cookies, and two crumpets dripping with melted butter and honey. A little vase on the tray held a couple of yellow daisies from the garden. Her anger drained away as she realised it was for her.
    She stared up at his face. ‘You made all this for me?’
    â€˜Who else?’
    â€˜But you went to so much trouble. You could have just wished for it, David.’
    â€˜I wanted to do it for you myself.’ He shrugged as he put the tray down on the desk. ‘It’s not the same if you have to make it yourself. Even if you do use magic.’
    She sat down on the edge of the bed and David passed her the tea. He propped himself against the edge of the desk, watching her. ‘Go on, drink it,’ he said. ‘It’ll make you feel better.’
    She doubted that. It would take more than a cup of tea to make things better. But she lifted the cup and sipped. It was hot and sweet and milky. And David was right, it did calm her nerves a little. She looked up at him and smiled.
    â€˜Thank you.’
    He shrugged. ‘It’s nothing.’
    She didn’t answer, but she was touched. No one had ever made her anything before. At least, not without using magic. She took another sip of her tea and waited for him to speak.
    â€˜Kora?’
    â€˜Mmm?’
    â€˜I really am sorry about Atym. And your father.’ He stared down at his feet. ‘But I just can’t let you risk your life, too.’
    â€˜I know you mean well, David, but surely it is my decision to make.’ Kora shook her head as she spoke. ‘It is not for you to decide whether I risk my life. And it is not for Amurru to do so, either.’
    â€˜But if I did let you go,’ said David, ‘what good would it do? What could you do to help either of them?’
    â€˜I would think of something.’
    David stood and strode across the room, agitated. ‘You told me yourself that no genie can harm Vennum because he is half-human. You would only risk being harnessed by Vennum yourself. Surely that would only make things even worse for them?’
    Kora shrugged. ‘I do not know what I will do yet, David. But I will come up with a