The Gifted

Chapter Seven: The Inn

Guys, The Gifted now has 125 reads!!  AH!  MILESTONE! It's probably silly but, I'm thrilled!  Thanks to everyone for sticking with it! 

I've been away for a while due to exams (why I thought it was a good idea to take genetics and physics at the same time, I'll never know) but, I'm itching to write more so hopefully there will be a couple more updates in the next few days.  

Thanks for making this possible! Here's the next chapter of The Gifted!  Enjoy!

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I backed up to the water's edge, making sure Flint wasn't looking, but he seemed to be keeping his word. Still, I wasn't happy with this arrangement. The bit with Kane might be true, but I doubt that was the only reason behind this. I knew Flint was still being wary of me.  It made me mad that I couldn't blame him for it.  His logic was sound and he had a lot to lose if caught, but how long was it going to take for him to trust me?

I quickly stripped off my clothes, leaving my underclothes on. It would be miserable putting dry clothes over wet ones but I wasn't about to completely expose myself with a mere tree guarding me against Flint's eyes. Just as I was about to enter the water Flint spoke up from behind the tree, "Do me a favor and throw your clothes over here."

"So you can run off with them? I thought you said you weren't foolish?", I scoffed

"And I thought you had this trust thing figured out? Relax. I'm just going to check them over for anything. I'll toss them back before you get out."

My voice turned to honey, "Oh, I see. How noble of you." Unbelievable. He was using my own words against me. I angrily bundled up my pants, shirt, and cloak, and threw them at the tree. Grabbing the soap, I stepped into the water, a wave going through my body as it made contact with the cold liquid.

Making sure all but my head was covered by the dark water, I called out for Flint to take my clothes. He quickly grabbed them without even a glance in my direction and ducked back behind the tree.  

I tightly held onto the soap as I ran it over my body. It smelled faintly of pine, something that grew abundantly in these parts. It made sense, even if dogs did pick up on the pine smell, they wouldn't be able to choose a direction due to the natural growth in the area. A shiver went up my body.  Despite the cold chills, I was enjoying the water. 

"Can I ask you something?"

"You can ask, but I don't know if I'll give you an answer." 

I rolled my eyes, "Don't worry, I'm not asking for rebel secrets. Actually, what I want to know is why you are keeping my family name from everyone? I mean, James is with the rebels right? So why the secrecy?"

He laughed lightly, "Oh people do know your brother and his surname but, they also know the King's lapdog shares that name. Thankfully, that's all most people know.  Your first name is relatively safe.  I'll have to tell the council, of course but, I doubt they'll want it getting around that you've changed sides. Better for everyone that way."

His words jabbed at my heart.  I understood.  I understood completely.  How could I not? My name came with power but it also came with fear, something I learned while growing up and something that only increased once my gift emerged.  It was a reality that hurt but, one I was slowly getting used to.  My father not being able to wed me off was not only due to my stubbornness in the matter.  Other factors played in.  This included. 

Lathering the soap in my hair, I took in a breath and plunged under the icy water. I stayed there for as long as I could, reveling in the feeling of weightlessness.  Not able to hold my breath any longer, I surfaced to float on my back.  The stars were just visible through the tree tops.  The moon could no longer be seen, closer to the horizon to wake the sleeping sun.  My thoughts swirled in my mind, until a particular one was made clear to me.