The Gifted

Chapter Twenty-Two: Challenge

"Is there a problem? If you're innocent then you have nothing to be concerned about," Councilman Ulra asked.

"Everything is fine. I'll escort Evelyn back to the council." Flint made to grab my hand but as soon as I felt his skin on mine I jerked away. His eyes narrowed at me because of the action but my own stubbornness refused to settle and stared back at him with the same intensity.

If he thought I was going through with the trial he was completely mad. There was no way the Council would side with me knowing my background. As far as I knew, while Kane was certainly difficult, they had no reason to not trust him. Which left me with only one option. My opponent being a militant was irrelevant.

"I challenge my accuser!" There were slight gasps and a new wave of whispers surfed through the surrounding crowd. "That is something you do as an alternative to a trial, is it not?"

Even though I believe I made the safe decision in this matter, Ulra's ecstatic grin told me otherwise. He wanted this, which only confused me. "Yes, while it hasn't been done in some time, a duel is an option."

I felt a strong arm pull me roughly back away from Ulra. "Requesting to take her place."

My eyes widened at the plea that sounded more like a demand. "Flint, that's not necessary."

Flint ignored me and simply continued to stare at Councilman Ulra. Ulra's smile changed to one of annoyance, "That's not allowed, Flint. You know the laws."

"Then make an exception.", he ground out through gritted teeth. "Or are you finally showing your true character?"

James cleared his throat and walked between Ulra and Flint. "Flint, take Evelyn back to her room. Stay with her until I get there."

Flint didn't move. "You can't expect me t-"

"Flint," I grabbed his arm, my touch making him look at me. "Let's go."

"You should listen to the girl, Flint. She seems to know when to back down." Ulra's pretentious grin was back in place on his face.

The seconds passed in silence as if they were hours. Finally, without a word, Flint pushed through the line of guards and went in the direction of my room. A hand went to the small of my back and gently pushed me in the same direction. I looked at James only for a moment before taking off after Flint through the halls.

We didn't go to my room. Instead, I ended up following him to Bran's room, the space still packed with disorganized piles of books and papers. "Flint, Evelyn, I thought you two were at- what happened?" One look at Flint's brewing expression and Bran's cheery attitude changed to one of concern.

"Pull out anything on council law, especially the ones pertaining to challenges."

Bran's forehead creased and gave me a questioning look. "Kane accused me of being a traitor and I may have challenged him rather than go to the Council."

Bran's eyes scanned my body up and down, taking in my womanly frame. "You challenged a Militant?"

I nodded.

"You?"

Again I nodded, accompanied with an eye roll.

He looked back to Flint, "Why is it that you never have normal friends?" Flint just glared at him in response. "Right, council law. Got it."

Two hours later and I was sitting in my room with a very frustrated Flint. Bran had found everything he could on council law but came up empty-handed on a solution for my situation.

Flint sat at my table, staring off into space with a concerned look on his face. A hand madly drumming his fingers against the sturdy wood. I looked at him, "You know, it's not going to be too difficult."

His fingers stopped beating against the table, "You can't use your abilities in this fight. Council Ulra knows it'ss be unfair." He then immediately picked up the nervous habit once again.

"You're right. I can't use my gift but," I looked at him meaningfully, "I'm not going to lose. I was trained in weaponry and strategy. I can do this." I spoke with more confidence than I felt I had and Flint was kind enough not to point out my shaking hands.

Finally, the door to my rooms opened, breaking the silence and Flint's incessant finger tapping. James closed the door behind him and took a seat next to me. "It's been scheduled for tomorrow."

I swallowed a small lump in my throat and nodded. So soon? I wasn't expecting that.

James took one of my shaking hands and squeezed it, "I don't like this. Councilman Ulra is up to something. I trust you can win, but be careful. I don't trust Kane and I trust Ulra even less. I might even go so far as to expect foul play. That being said, until the fight I'll have a guard that's loyal to me posted at your door throughout the night."

James looked over to the brooding Flint. "I'm glad you're here. Your post starts now. I'll have Sir Devon replace you later. Don't stay in her chambers for too long. People talk." With that, he walked out the door, leaving Flint to boil his anger and me to stress about what I had gotten myself into.

A/N: Guess who's back!? I know I've been M.I.A. for a long time and I'm sorry about that. I'm hoping to get back into this again.  Also, peep the new cover.  I tried my hand at it.  Let me know if it's terrible!