Page 29 of Untamed

“Let me know if you need anything,” Papá said.

I traversed the hardwood, each boot step echoing.

The door groaned as Papá shut me into the parlor with my strange relative. Papá and Mamá had thought him lost as another victim of the valley’s many dangers. Instead, he had become another bestower of magical giftings. Looking into his hazel eyes, I relaxed. When I traveled to Valle de los Fantasmas, he had saved a friend’s life and given wise advice that put the shattered pieces of my soul back together. I could trust him.

“Uncle,” I stood before him, folded hands over my lap. “How did you get here so quickly?”

I had overheard Papá saying he sent word earlier this week. Even if Uncle Uly had managed to get the message instantly, cross the valley, tramp through the hidden caves, get a horse and travel nonstop, it would have taken the exact number of days between then and now.

A raspy laugh escaped his throat. “Don’t trouble yourself with mathematics. Like I said, I have my ways of getting word quickly and faster methods of travel." He whistled two singsong notes.

I scrunched my nose, confused.

A flapping noise and a clank startled me. I whipped my head toward the window and gasped.

“Don’t fret. This one is a bit of a stickler, but he’s harmless.” Uncle reached down to the floor where the skinny beaked bird strutted.

“Is that acosturero?”

The bird tweeted its melodic song.

“Yes, he is. He informs me that new ships are in port.” Uncle Uly whistled in a similar cadence.

The costurero swooped out the window, leaving me in a wake of understanding.

“So, you can speak to birds. Still, how did you travel so quickly?”

“Take a seat.” He dragged an armchair across the hardwood floor, bumping my leg. “I might assume you’re interrogating me rather than coming for lessons.”

“I’m not here for lessons.” I crossed my arms.

“Then why are you here?”

“Papá bade me to give you an audience. Here I am.”

He let out a throaty laugh. “Yes, here you are.”

“You still haven’t answered my question. Perhaps I should be more direct. Can you teleport?”

“No, I cannot.” He leaned back and nodded. “Your whyzer brought me here. Now, he can teleport, but it took some convincing for him to open a doorway.”

“I didn’t think anyone could open portals these days.”

“You’d be surprised, and your whyzer has many more gifts.”

I looked away, still hurt by my whyzer’s words all those months ago. He had refused to give me my gifting because Iwas selfish. He was right, but the barb of his declaration still stung. Considering that I’d used Monserrat’s information for my benefit, I wilted a fraction. Maybe I hadn’t changed.

Uncle Uly wore a sympathetic smile. “How did you get your gifting?”

“I don’t know.” Weakness rolled through my body, and I dropped into the armchair angled beside him. If it were possible, I would shrink into a corner. Instead, I kept my focus on the dust dancing through the sharp angles of sunlight. “I prayed on the way to Giddel after I learned about Himzo’s plan to attack us. I asked for a way to protect my kingdom. Sometimes, I think the Ancient One heard my plea, but I can’t imagine that he’d oblige someone like me.”

Uncle leaned to the side and met my eyes. Flecks of honey and green sparkled in his gentle gaze. Tears ran along my nose. How had he gotten me to share my heart so quickly?

I wiped my burning cheeks. “Uncle, I know you long to train me, but I refuse to use my gifting again, and I don’t see how you can help me.”

“Dear, dear niece, I can help you understand what’s been given to you. Then, when you are ready, you can use it.”

“So, I don’t need to use it now?”Or ever, I thought to myself.

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