No trace: Part Two of The Accidental Trilogy

Chapter Three

The next night, I started on the very first page. It took some time, but I soon saw that it was not the first page of the bible, but words detailing when the book had been published. 1611. Nearly, I tried to think, arithmetic was another skill that needed work. At least a thousand years ago. It seemed strange that a bible would be out of sight. But I kept at it and soon reading a single page was longer such a chore in itself, as I no longer had to sound every word.

Soon it was merely the long ones. But it was still some time, I not only wanted to be able to read this book but understand what they were talking about as well.

The weekly church service attended by the entire household helped.

On my thirteenth birthday, a fact I knew by looking at records, I finished my first book. And could count up to a hundred. Practicing my arithmetic was a simpler practice, listening to the housekeeper managing the household accounts once a week.

I soon started a new book, again choosing one from a forgotten corner of the library. I also regularly practiced other Khalinyne skills, the two women visited the night after my birthday had detailed others that I had not known about, not that I admitted to any of this.

One, being able to talk to other Khalinynes, without having to be anywhere near them, was very interesting.

'Our clan leader has accepted your position for now,' one of them said.

'Don't take no for an answer then.'

'Not completely. But there still things you must know regardless. It is true what we said before, you will not age further once you reach your eighteenth year.'

'And the other part,' the other one reminds her.

'Yes, I was just coming to that. There are two tiers to Khalinyne kind. There are, those that are under the age of eighteen. And those who have turned eighteen are termed as an Elder. And those who have turned eighteen are given another gift that no other Khalinyne has in their possession.'

'There is something else you should know,' the other adds. 'Khalinynes can bear human children, in the same manner as humans do.'

'Thank you for this information.'

'It is only a warning. Having attachments this early is not recommended.'

Thankfully they left soon after. Honestly, would be more thankful if that was their last visit. Right then I only to make more plans.

My plan at the moment was to go to London, from what I had heard of the gossip, opportunities in London were on the rise.