Uncovered

Chapter Twelve:

(Benjamin's POV)

She didn't want to see me. I couldn't blame her. Fire ate at surrounding trees. The forest was silent despite my anger. I loved Anne, almost as much as I used to love my wife. I couldn't stand hurting her. I felt like an awful man. I hadn't bothered knocking on her door. Turning on my heel, I went to the training hollow. Someone would want to have a small fight. Holly was sitting near the entrance, monitoring the class as they sparred in pairs.

"Evening. Does anyone need a partner?" I held my hand out.

"I can work with you until it's time for the next lesson," she smiled, shaking my hand.

My body went on the ground seconds after. My cheeks burned as I stood, scanning for her. Energy slammed against my back. I spun, throwing fire. Holly wasn't there.

"Are you always this awful? I can do this all night, Benjamin," she mocked from behind me.

"I'm not used to your fighting style, plus I don't want to hurt you," I turned around again.

"Like hell. Don't be naive. Try your hardest. That might not be much, though, seeing as you're the last living Gazer."

"That's a pretty low blow, even from a drifter."

Hot energy slapped against my face before I could even blink. Anger boiled in my stomach as I quickly tracked her movement. Lightning flung into her arms, shooting dangerous sparks through her body. I smiled half-heartedly, almost worried that I had hurt the witch.

"See? I knew you weren't too weak. Nice job, but there's still room for improvement. How do you feel about climbing?" she looked over at me.

"It's been a few years, but I can manage. Why?"

"I want you to climb to the opening in the roof."

"Uh, why? That's pretty counterproductive."

"No, it's not. Start climbing while I give the class more instruction," she walked back toward the group.

Sighing, I went to one of the walls and slowly started climbing. Twenty minutes passed. My hands and knees were raw, bleeding. The callouses had gone soft while I was in the coma. I looked down, realizing how far up I'd gone. Holly's figure was barely distinguishable.

"Good job, Benjamin. I'm very proud of you. Now hang there for ten minutes. Remember not to fall," she said loudly, clapping her hands.

"How does your mind think this is proper training?"

"It doesn't. I want you to follow orders and swallow the ridiculous amount of pride you have."

"You're insane, woman."

She laughed before going back to her rock. I closed my eyes and let myself hang from the ceiling. Five minutes passed before my arms screamed for relief. Holly was right. I had too much pride. My fingers slowly slipped one by one. I yelled as I dropped from the ceiling. My eyes teared up from the wind buffering against my face.

Suddenly, I was floating.

Anne was casting, holding me in the air with invisible arms. Her face was passive, stoic even. I groaned as she dropped me onto the ground.

"I saved your life, Benjamin. By Gazer law, you belong to me until the debt is paid off," Anne said sternly before going back to her training.

I stayed motionless, realizing the witch had studied both Gazers and Storm Voices. She knew our traditions, laws, and history now. I groaned and closed my eyes.