Gifted

3

Isaiah James followed the prison guard through the corridor of the City Gaol. Mr James was a graceful man. His black three-piece suit was pristine and highlighted with a red cravat. His shoulder-length silver hair was neatly combed back from his faced and his oiled goatee was similarly well-kept. A black walking cane tapped the flagstone floor as he walked, though his strides were strong and unhampered by limp. On his lapel, a small pin in the shape of a knife was secured.

The prison guard escorted Isaiah to the cell at the end of the corridor and unlocked the door for him.

"Thank you, Gregory," Isaiah said to the prison guard. "I shan't be too long."

"You're very welcome, sir. Take as long as you like."

Isaiah stepped into the cell and the door closed behind him with an echoing clang. The cell was very small with a bare stone floor. Bright sunlight streamed in from a barred window set high in the opposite wall, illuminating a latrine bucket and a small stool in one corner, and a pile of dirty sheets in the other.

Isaiah cleared his throat loudly. The pile of sheets stirred. A young girl sat up from beneath them and stared at Isaiah with fierce eyes. She was dressed in simple workman's trousers and a large shirt, both of which were filthy. Her feet were bare. Long dark hair framed a pale face that was crusted with dried blood.

"Good morning. My name is Isaiah James and I'd like to talk to you," he said politely, holding his hand out to the girl for her to shake. She eyed it distrustfully and remained silent.

"May I?" Isaiah asked, gesturing to the stool in the corner. After another moment of silence, he dragged it to the centre of the cell and sat down.

"The following is what is now officially stated in the City records," he started. "Last night at 11:54pm, on the edge of the south-east district, a City Marshall arrested you for assault against a representative of the House of Dominus, and for the stealing of his property. After reportedly exhibiting magical capabilities, you were subdued by one of this man's associates who graciously gave you up to the passing Marshall after retrieving the item you stole from his colleague. The House of Dominus requested you to be executed at first light for these transgressions against one of its members but, as you can see, I have managed to delay that ruling in the hope that you might answer a few of my questions. If you do decide to indulge me, I'm sure I could call in a few favours to get you released from this charming institution. Am I going to be disappointed?"

A look of protest crossed the girl's face as if she were about to deny his accusations, but she decided against it.

"Perhaps," the girl said suspiciously, her voice strong and clear.

"Well that's a good start. Firstly, I think it would benefit both of us to properly introduce ourselves to the other. Like I said, my name is Isaiah James and I am an Inquisitor at the House of Bellator. It's my job to investigate illegal and magical happenings here in the City which is why your predicament caught my attention."

The girl narrowed her eyes at him. "So you're Gifted?"

"Yes," he replied slowly, "I am blessed with certain talents."

"Well whatever you've been told, I en't done no magic, so you're wasting your time old man," she said defiantly.

"Old man?" Isaiah said with surprise, "I would hardly call myself old, there are many much older than me. But, I suppose, to one as young as yourself I would certainly seem old. Regardless, there's no need to deny your magic. All those old wives' tales about House members kidnapping Gifted children from their homes are utter poppycock, people are afraid of us for the simple reason that they do not understand us. Besides, a reliable informant of mine was present at that market last night and fully supports the report submitted to the City records. He also recognised you from some of his more . . . unsavoury work in the south-east district. It seems you have quite the reputation in the criminal underworld, Erin."