Chimera Awakened

Chapter Eighteen

"What do you mean 'transport'?" I asked, stunned.

"I mean," Broderick drawled patiently, "his gift is transportation. He can move himself, and others, hundreds of miles in a matter of minutes."

"Damn," Hale commented, clearly impressed. "I haven't heard of a transporter in awhile."

"Yeah well, he doesn't like to brag about it."

"I'll bet," Hale said and pushed himself off the table. "Although, if I remember correctly, they can only transport to a place they've been before."

"Right," Broderick agreed. "He can get us about 15 miles from Bete Grise."

I could only listen, dumbstruck by the revelation of Graham's gift. He'd kept it a secret from everyone except Broderick apparently.

When Hale lifted his brows in question Broderick added, "We spent some time in Brila in the last 5 years."

"Great," Hale said and clapped his hands together once. "I trust you'll have someone prepare for our journey?" Broderick nodded then Hale added, "Perfect. Now, get out of my room. Your thoughts are making me uncomfortable, Broderick."

Broderick chuckled and kissed me lightly on the lips, tapped my bottom and walked out.

********

I was tossing and turning in my bed, unable to quiet my thoughts. Broderick would face his challenger tomorrow and one of them would die. Fists, he'd said. The pounding sound of flesh and bone crashing into each other filled my ears. I remembered Broderick, crouched over the man that tried to kill me in my old room, slamming his fist into the man's face like he was in a trance. Over and over and over again I heard that sickening thud.

Then, we would travel to Bete Grise and almost definitely face that gray beast to retrieve the Conduit Stone. Insignificant, he'd called himself. Rage boiled inside of me again. How could he think that? He was needed and loved - as a good General and friend is loved, obviously. Rising, I pulled on my robe and decided to find him and show him just how significant he was.

Eventually, I found him in his office, sitting in a cushioned chair next to Graham in front of a fire in the hearth. I had opened the door quietly and they didn't hear me enter.

"She'll hate it," Graham said quietly.

"I know." Broderick sighed. "She needs to be kept safe if this goes badly tomorrow."

"I'll do everything I can to make that happen if the need arises."

"I know that too."

They were silent for a few moments and my heart was pounding so hard I was amazed they couldn't hear it. They had to be talking about me but I was unsure what exactly they were discussing.

"Charlie," Graham said suddenly. "She might be in danger too."

"I've thought about that. Take her with if she's willing. Hopefully Evelyn will leave more easily if she's with you."

I stepped forward then, shaking with fear and anger. "Leave and go where?"

They whipped their heads around and I watched Broderick's face turn grimly determined as Graham looked abashed.

"Evelyn," Broderick said coolly and rose. "Eavesdropping?"

"Answer the question," I spat out.

Graham rose tentatively and mumbled, "I think I should go."

"No," I commanded. "Stay and tell me what this is about."