THE GIFTED

CHAPTER 7

FIGHTS AND FINDINGS

Stephan

My best friend almost killed me. I had to plead with Reid to lend me his uniform. It was a snug fit, a little too snug. That is very concerning. Am I getting fat?

I also managed to get him to convince my parents that this was an important trip to the battlefield for an inspection. Luckily they bought it. I am happy about leaving; it feels good to be away from all the hassle of the palace, besides no one paid any attention to me. But getting Carol out was the hard part. People flocked around her like flies near an open banquet table.

She pretended that she wanted to use the restroom. She had to ask (beg) her handmaids to stay back. It was probably the longest restroom visit in the history of the country. The country will be in a state of emergency known as 'Throne Room Emergency'. As per protocol, this means that the entire state will be in lockdown because both heirs to the throne are missing.

We had to leave. In the crowds, I had spotted Alexis. I instantly knew that we all had to group. It was too strange to be coincidental. To be honest I expected more resistance from them, seems like they know a couple of things already. I am worried about dad he already has enough to worry about and mom will be in hysterics. Reid helped me to arrange the carriage and essentials. The journey to the Cavern should take about five days, maybe longer if we take into account the extra stops we will be making.

My first thought when I met Andrew Frost: He is going to eat me alive. But thankfully he didn't. Phew.  He turned out to be a nice guy. We bonded over teasing Alexis. He is the closest thing I have to Reid. Carol is our navigator, she is busy studying the maps, I am the driver, Andy is the lookout or watchman and Alexis is the sleeper (because all she does is eat and sleep).

Alexis and Carol seem to have already met. They both were talking the entire time. All of us are still in the clothes we wore earlier in the day. It is extremely annoying. Upfront I am keeping the horses at a steady pace. It has been three hours since we left the capital. (We left at three, now it is half-past six)

We have finally crossed the border of the capital and night has started to slowly set in. There is a meadow to my right, it is the perfect place to stop for the night. I bring the carriage to a halt. "Okay, everyone. Get out"

Andrew and Alexis step out. Both of them stretch at the same time. But they don't realize it. Caroline remains inside, she is not an outdoor person because of an incident from her childhood. Don't ask her. She will most likely kick you in the groin.

"Why have we stopped Steph?"Andrew asks. He sounds like Reid.

"Um... we have to set up camp for the night. Travelling at this hour is risky; there might be bandits here. Early morning is the best time to get going."

"Okay...it's your call princy," Alexis says. I don't get why she calls me that. Note to self: Come up with a better nickname for Alexis. 

From the small compartment at the back of the carriage, I pull out a tent and some food. Andrew helps me set it up. By the time we are done Alex managed to get a fire started. Finally! Something useful from sleepyhead. Alex, that's my nickname for her. It's not necessarily bad but it suits her.

"Normally, three people can fit inside the tent. But with the bags, only two."

"I call the tent!" Alex yells and crawls inside like a small hamster. I and Andy look at each other and laugh.

"Andy, you want to join me in the carriage?"

"Sure, but where will Caroline go?"

"She can sleep with Alex in the tent"