But enough gossip. Back to planning.
“Other than not being affected by siren song, what do you think are the skills competitors need in order to make it through the Gauntlet?”
Broderick relaxes further in his chair, settling his hands over his torso, long fingers twining together. Their length fascinates me, and I sometimes wonder what it would be like to have those fingers trace over my skin. To be touched by him in a way that I haven’t been touched before.
Unaware of my thoughts, Broderick answers my question. “Well, one of the rules is that competitors cannot overtly use their magical abilities. That means no shifting from shifters. No spells from witches and such. However, lots of mythics still have natural advantages. Superior strength and stamina. Those competitors tend to have an advantage in some challenges because of their speed and ability to potentially fight off things they might come up against. But there is a mental element. Puzzles to solve. Oh, and of course, everyone needs the ability to swim.”
My stomach sinks.
As quickly asIwould if thrown into a body of water.
“Why is swimming such an important part of the Gauntlet?” I ask, trying to keep the hopelessness from my voice.
Broderick doesn’t seem to notice, and I wonder if the witch realizes that I’m more than just curious. That I’m interested in competing.
Or at least, I was when I thought I might have a chance.
“My understanding is that the trials are always set up in one of the coves on Lake Galen. While competitors don’t have to swim the entire time, there is usually a good portion of the race that requires swimming.”
My last feeble hope burns up in a puff of smoke. I duck my head to hide the disappointment that I’m sure is overwhelming my face.
“Were you planning on entering?” Broderick asks the question so easily, answering my silent query from a moment ago. He asks as if the idea of me in Galen’s Gauntlet makes complete sense to him.
I don’t sense wariness in his voice. I don’t hear judgment or fear on my behalf.
And maybe that could be enough. His easy belief in me.
But it’s not.
It helps, but it’s not enough.
“I was considering it,” I admit. “But I don’t think that I would be able to. Based off your description.”
Now, his voice tightens with apparent concern. “What did I say?”
I try to wipe all the vulnerability from my face as I raise my head. “Swimming. I can’t swim.”
Broderick looks genuinely confused by this confession. As if he cannot fathom an adult who can’t keep themself afloat.
I’m sure there is a vast number of people in the world who don’t know how. But this hurts. The acknowledgment that I am less than he thought I was. There are so many ways that is already true. I didn’t need another.
I stand abruptly, ready to walk away from the pity in his face.
“Wait, Ophelia.” He extends a hand, but doesn’t grab me. “There’s time.”
I pause my escape, but I don’t turn to face him. Not when I’m worried the pressure behind my eyes might be tears. “What?”
“We live near a lake,” the witch says, his voice gentle. Cajoling. “Plenty of water. I can teach you.”
He can teach me?
Behind me, I hear Broderick stand from his chair, and I can feel his presence at my back. Tall, warm, but not intimidating. I don’t mind when this witch looms over me. Someone else would have my hackles raised and my adrenaline spiking. They’d set off alarms in my head and turn my breaths into anxious gasps.
But I trust Broderick Shelly. The man who bled for me.
There are times when he gestures and I catch a sight of the scar on his hand, and I know without a doubt he’s a good man.
“I’m sorry if I sounded surprised,” he says, unaware of my admiration for him. “I grew up in a seaside town. And then I moved here, where there are water mythics everywhere. Where the lake is an integral part of the town. It’s been a little while since I’ve encountered someone who doesn’t know how to swim, but that’s completely normal. But …” He hesitates, clears his throat, and presses on, “I can teach you. If you want to learn. If you give me a chance, I would be honored to help you, Ophelia. So you can compete in the Gauntlet. So you canwinthe Gauntlet.”
