THE GIFTED

CHAPTER 14

Candice

I once again woke up in an infirmary, I probably shouldn't make this a habit. But this one was different. In a good way. It had a rustic feel to it. The beds were made of bamboo and wood. The ceiling wasn't solid, instead, it was made of a leather cloth. And in place of windows, there were open walls, about six beds lined on both sides of the room. I lay in one of them. Outside, I could see many trees.

The environment made me feel safe and calm. It was secluded and I couldn't see anyone there. As I think back to the training session

The smell of honeysuckle gave a warm sensation in my tummy. Next to me, there is a makeshift cart, on which there seems to be a few herbal medicines and potions. I slowly made my way out of bed. The walls, or whatever was left of the walls were covered in flowers and beautiful vines. There is a gentle breeze that makes my hair to fall on to my shoulder.

I look down at what I'm wearing. It's a sort of nightgown, in a light blue colour, made from the softest cotton. I wonder who undressed me. I walk out of the door and my barefoot lands on soft dirt. I'm in the woods I'd seen when we first came to the Cavern.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" An unfamiliar voice asks me.

I slightly jump out of surprise and look to my left to see a girl of maybe fourteen or fifteen years of age. She is short and chubby with milk chocolate skin. Her black hair is cut into a Mohawk. The tips of her hair dyed silver. Her eyes are the colour of tree bark and around them, there are wrinkles to show that she smiles a lot. She is panting lightly. A black bow and arrow hung over her shoulder.

"Yeah, it is really beautiful." I look around and reply.

"Um...may I know who you are?" I ask her. She smiles and replies. "Hello. My name is Diana. I'm the Chief archer here at the Cavern."

"Nice to meet you too. Where are the others?"

"They are all resting after the swimming practice." She answers "Erin took it hard on them." Her eyes do not show pity, instead they hint mischief.

"Tell me about it!" I reply thinking of how much effort I had to put in to keep myself from dying.

"You have cool powers. I haven't seen someone that strong since ...." She stops, caught up in the memory. "Oh. Um. Sorry" she said after snapping out of it.

"How long was I out?"

"A few hours. It's one in the afternoon, now."

"Oh..."

"Come on I'll take you to the others."

We walk in comfortable silence, out of the woods. Everyone looks at us. Then the guardians with the bows do something weird as we pass by. They slightly bow in respect, not to me but Diana. I can't imagine her being just fourteen years of age possessing such vast authority and command. She also seems like a very laid back person.

"How old are you?" I ask her, curiosity getting the best of me.

"Don't know. I lost count long back." She replies casually.

"How come?"

"Guardians age very slowly. Once we pledge into Guardianship, we are semi-immortal and heal very quickly. In short, I am physically, maybe, fourteen but in reality, I have lived for nearly three hundred years."

I don't say anything. I just look at her in shock. She smiles and continues.

"I know that it's all new to you and might be hard to accept but it is the truth. And eventually, you will have to accept it."