Chapter 145: Linked Fates

Chapter 145: Linked Fates

Chapter 145 - Linked Fates

Why didnt I say something?

Flynn raked a hand through his hair, ripping through any tangles in his brown curls. Not a wince. Without glancing at his fingers, he let the proof of his inner panic disappear on the cobblestones. He casually strolled down the street to get back to poshtown, his face the picture of routine boredom.

Inside, the cracks he fastidiously kept together for weeks were coming apart. He wanted to scream curses to the sky and slap himself. All his levels in Controlled Appearance seemed hardly worth anything.

Nows not the time for foolish mistakes. Get a grip.

An easy tell of nervousness was becoming hyper-aware of your body, like suddenly realizing you had two hands. A lesson he had received long before gaining his skill. With an effort, Flynn stilled his arms at his sides and ordered his heart to slow to a more comfortable pace. There wasnt anyone who would notice out here, but he couldnt afford a blink out of place back in the clerk's office.

A fucking truthteller in Sylspring.

Most truth skills worked on your reactions, expressions, voice, smell, heartbeat or a combination of those; the best ones read your mana fluctuations. Those were still general skills with ways to counter them. The abilities of a truthteller were granted by their profession. Flynn had no idea if there was a way around them even if he knew how they worked. And he didnt.

While his education at Hawkfield had not delved deeply into the topic, it taught him enough to know that hoping to deceive a questioner was pure lunacy. Truthtellers were chosen as children before they opened their First Seal. Brought up to unravel any lies wherever the Republic pointed.

Cursed gods and bloody idiots.

The governor of a minor territory like theirs shouldnt have the pull to call one from the mainland, and certainly not send them out of Higharbor. That was what they told him, what he had believed till a few hours ago.

Could it be a mistake?

Kai had sounded completely sure, and Flynn trusted his words more than what the Voice or his pompous teachers told him.

Where did he hear it?

There was a chance his friend had misunderstood, though the knowledge he had shown made the possibility unlikely. His own curriculum had failed to mention the restriction truthtellers had to abide by. When one asked a question, it was the duty of a citizen of the Republic to tell them everything they knew. As simple as that.

His education was less broad than he had been led to believe. The more he spoke with other employees andmore oftenoverheard, the more incongruities came up. A sea of small, seemingly insignificant holes and deficiencies.

The scholarship program promised to create the first generation of Republic citizens native to the archipelago. He always thought that meant obedient and grateful little boys and girls, but maybe the lies ran deeper.

For all the time he had spent studying the crimes under Common Law, he had little understanding of how political positions were appointed above a mayor or the limits of the governors authority.

We were never really the same, were we? Never expected to do anything beyond what we were told or wish for more than the scraps they presented as gold.

Flynn had never considered himself particularly interested in the political machinations of the world. As long as he knew what was right and wrong, his friends and foes, the path before him was crystal clear. He knew what needed doing, it was only a matter of how to achieve it.

Then came the first thread, the first doubt. He hadnt thought much of it, a single string hardly affected the final result. So he had pulled at it more out of pride than anything else. He wasnt afraid of the truth.

Before he realized it, the whole tapestry was coming apart, his life spinning into incomprehensible chaos. The only choice he had was to keep pulling and pray the end result would make more sense than what he had now.

His steps rapidly led him toward the government building, just slow enough not to seem hurried. He gave a brief nod or smile to everyone who crossed his gaze while making sure to avoid getting entangled in a conversation.

Why didnt I say something?

The impulse to slap himself rose again, he might have indulged it if no one else was watching. He should have done something, argued harder, said it wasnt going to happen.

When Kai told him leaving was the only option and that he was coming with him, he stood there like goddamn fish on shore. As if he was drowning in a storm and someone threw him a rope, relief had flooded him.

He had muttered weak rejections, aware that anything but outright refusal would lead nowhere. The argument had not lasted half an hour before he agreed to the plan. Grabbed onto Kai with both hands, knowing he might pull him down with him, but too scared to let go.

Such a selfish bastard.

He had tied their fates together with a double knot, conscious he was leaving Kai the short end of the stick. No number of words would convince the Republic they were vague acquaintances after this. If the truthteller or the investigators found his links with the rebels, theyd both pay the price.

Flynn took a second to reciprocate the smile, The rooms in this building all have triple digits, I think yours is in the other building east of the main square.

The girl slumped down, letting the bags hit the floor, defeated. Still in the way of the exit. Could you show me where it is? Ive just arrived here and Im still not very familiar with the town. Her big hazel eyes looked at him.

Flynn stared at her, dazed while his mind considered a dreadful possibility. Sure. I can take you there.

The girl's smile widened, Thank you a lot. Youre my savior, this is already the third building Ive been to. Im Annyl by the way.

Flynn.

Annyl lifted her bags without any effort, moving out of the only exit. What were the chances? If a ship came to ferry the truthteller, it was possible it would carry more people. This girl was certainly not what he expected a questioner to look like.

Are you also new? Annyl hinted at his backpack.

Shit!

Actually, Im moving out. Flynn began to lead the way through the streets at an unhurried pace. He stopped his eyes from glancing at each street they passed to calculate the quickest way out.

Oh, why? Did you ask for a transfer?

I quit. Ive decided to move to Higharbor. And if she was a truthteller, was their meeting a coincidence or did she hear he was leaving?

Thats a pity. It would have been nice to know a friendly face. Annyl said sadly. I guess its understandable, Ive heard many people wanted to leave after what happened. Was it as terrible as they said?

Worse probably. I still have nightmares. He could avoid her questions, but if he appeared suspicious the Republic might decide to try a more forceful method. Hed likely get stuck in Sylspring for days or weeks, and theyd take the chance to dig much deeper.

Im sorry. I didnt want to make you think of that. I just cant believe anyone would cause such harm, dont you think?

She says sorry and then keeps pushing.

Flynns face darkened remembering that night, Yes, it was horrible.

Especially to the people they say they want to save, Annyl muttered to herself, loud enough that there was no doubt he heard.

What do you mean? Flynn faked the confusion proper of a taboo topic.

Have you not heard the rumors? Since you were here you must know more. I know were not supposed to talk about it, but I promise not to tell if you do. She winked with a conspiratorial smile.

Ive heard of them. Even though that wasnt why he knew.

So you believe it was them?

Yes, I couldnt believe they would push themselves so far, but everyone saw the fires before the accident began. That should be enough, even if it was a pretty girl asking he had already pushed the limits of what hed normally say. Im sorry I dont like to talk about it.

I understand. I hope you have a good time in Higharbor, its a beautiful city. Any idea what youre going to do there?

Not really, but bigger city, bigger opportunities, right?

Yeah, so you decided to move on a whim?

A friend asked me to go with him, he has always been very resourceful. Im sure well figure something out.

He must be a very good friend.

Hes the best friend I have, Flynn stopped before a pastel blue building with a soaring hawk on the door. This is the building.

Truthteller or not, I hope to never see you again.