Return to Inheritance

Chapter VII

"Oh! I had actually forgotten about it," she explained, but glad she didn't have to give it back. Without as much as a thought, she had fixed the weapon on the sword frog in her belt, where her sword used to stay. Since it fit well, she hardly realised it probably shouldn't have been there.

"You shouldn't let it hang like that without a sheath, else you might just hurt yourself. Lucky you you've got a pocket in your boot, special for daggers!"

"I had always wondered what that was for, thanks!" By now they were making their way towards one of the small tables in the first hall, so Jade placed the dagger where it was supposed to stay right before taking a seat. She hadn't even noticed they were already in the first, and most elegant hall from the whole building!

"This reminds me," she then said. "I kind of stand out in my usual outfit... am I going to get assassin clothes or something like that?"

"Yes, that," he started. "Earlier, when you left us I asked Kris to sort this out for you. You'll find them in your wardrobe."

"How thoughtful of you, thanks!"

"Anyway, about... the reading issue... Are you sure you don't want any help on it?"

"Actually," she began shyly. "I'd really appreciate it, but I'm thinking it would be too much to ask."

Hearing her say that made him laugh out loud. Luckily there weren't many people in the hall yet, else they would have all wondered what was so funny. The shame would have killed Jade.

"In that case," he quickly said after calming down, "let's go back to the central hall and pick a book."

Without a word, Jade followed. She wasn't eager to try reading after such a long time. After getting a book that Cinder picked they went back to the main hall because it was more silent and the two chandeliers helped to light up the area much better. Overall, it was a better reading place.

"So what book did you choose?"

"Great Expectations by Charles Dickens." He handed her the book as soon as they were seated, and the girl made an effort to start reading.

"Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens," she repeated while opening the book. Then she took a deep breath and slowly started reading each word, one by one, like a child. "Chapter one. My fother's... fanily mone.... deing Pirriq.... amb my Christion mone Philiq..."

"Wait, stop," interrupted Cinder.

"I'm horrifying, ain't I?"

"You're just out of practice," he smiled, trying to make her feel better. "Read after me and follow all letters closely." Then he started reading as he kept the book facing the girl so he had to read upside-down. "My father's name..."

"My father's name..."

"... being Pirrip..."

"... dieng Pirriq..."

"No, you're confusing d with b and p with q. Try again."

"... being... Pirriq... I mean Pirrip," she finally said, making Cinder let out a smile.

"... and my Christian name Philip.." he continued.

"... and my Christian mane..."

"Name."

"Name... Philip... my infant tougne..."

"Tongue. You see, the first one is the n and the second is the u," he pointed.

"But I know all letters, I just mix them up when I see so many in one place," she explained, quite frustrated.

"Jade, I'm sorry to tell you, but I think you might be dyslexic." He seemed serious so before saying anything, the girl stared at him in confusion.