‘What was that about?’ Taylor asked with a glint in his eye.
‘Not what you’d like it be,’ I sighed. ‘I’m just burning bridges.’
Chapter Fourteen
The rest of the day passed slowly. We spent most of the time discussing what might occur during the upcoming Adventure challenge. Considering my role with mountain rescue, I was well-placed to win. The trouble was that the Carnegies – and Aifric – would be very aware of that. When night fell and I curled up in bed to get some sleep, my mind was still whirring over the possibilities. I had to be prepared for every eventuality. If I slept, it wasn’t for long.
It was a relief when dawn came. I spent some time applying make-up to hide my bruised eyes and dressed carefully so that I looked my best. I didn’t want anyone to think that I wasn’t ready for whatever the second challenge would bring; showing weakness of any kind was not an option. In any case, it was worth the effort when I glimpsed the briefest flash of irritation on Aifric’s face as I joined the other competitors in the main hall. I also caught the Bull grinning evilly at me. Clearly he was hoping – and expecting – that I’d fail miserably. I resisted the temptation to order him to start cheering my name but it wasn’t easy.
‘We would like to thank Clan Carnegie for the wonder of the Artistry challenge,’ Aifric boomed. ‘And we are excited by what the Adventure challenge will bring.’
From my left, Angus nudged me. ‘Is that the royal we?’ he said in an undertone.
I smirked. ‘Now, now,’ I whispered back. ‘He is our Steward, after all.’
‘He shouldn’t be.’
I glanced at him, surprised and not entirely sure what he meant. There wasn’t time to ask, though, because Aifric was speaking again.
‘We trust that there have been no further leaks and that the nature of the Acumen challenge remains under wraps.’ He didn’t look at me as he said this but several others did. I tried to look innocent. ‘We will pass over to the Carnegies to explain how the challenge will work. In the interests of fairness, only the competitors and the organisers shall remain in this hall.’ He bowed once and swept out.
The supercilious lordling who seemed to be the MC stepped up. ‘Competitors will be blindfolded and transported to the challenge site, then released onto the course in groups. You are permitted to work with others to achieve success but any points garnered will be your own. As I’m sure you are all aware, Adventure asks a lot of all the competitors, both emotionally and physically. Your progress will be tracked sporadically via drones, and the audience will watch from the auditorium so as not to disturb the action. Places will be decided by the order in which you return with your Clan flag in hand.’ He smiled coldly. ‘Your ultimate goal is simple. Find your flag. You will receive clues at particular points throughout the challenge to help guide you on your way. Hopefully most of you will return in one piece. In this challenge, anything goes.’
I frowned. ‘What does that mean?’ I asked Angus.
‘That competitors can use their Gifts as they see fit,’ he murmured. ‘And they can interfere with others, as well as help them. In theory, it’s the Carnegies’ job to make sure that no one gets injured. In practice, the more blood that’s spilt, the better.’
Bugger. That didn’t sound particularly good, especially as I would now be a target with my name shining out from the top of the league table. Maybe winning the Artistry challenge hadn’t been so wise after all.
Most people were dressed for action; even Tipsania had foregone her voluminous skirts for a jumpsuit. I noticed her at the front, clinging to Byron. No matter what was going on between me and him, it irked me that she was cuckolding him behind his back. I reminded myself that it wasn’t my problem but it didn’t help.
She simpered as a piece of paper was handed to her. I scowled. Tipsania did a good job of playing the role of helpless female; I didn’t think she was any more helpless than I was.
The paper was a map and we all received a copy. It wasn’t very detailed but there was enough information to indicate where the first clue was located. It seemed that we were to start at the base of a small group of hills and move towards the ocean’s edge. On the map the distance didn’t appear far; neither did the terrain seem treacherous. Judging by the way the Carnegie MC had spoken, however, those would both be dangerous assumptions.
I studied the map closely, then folded it and tucked it inside my jacket. Another official came over and gave us each a cursory check, looking for forbidden items. He eyed Bob’s letter opener and my bottle of water. ‘You are only permitted to bring one object with you,’ he intoned. ‘The water or the,’ he paused, ‘knife.’
I thought that calling the letter opener a knife was being overly generous but Bob would be pleased. I weighed up my options and decided on the genie. At this time of year, there was bound to be snow I could melt down if I got dehydrated. And Bob would be entertaining, if nothing else.
Angus watched me make my choice. ‘Wouldn’t a pocket knife be more useful?’ he inquired.
A wet sponge would probably be more useful, I thought. I smiled though, aware that Bob would be listening. After the lack of glory yesterday, he could probably do with some ego stroking. ‘Oh, this scimitar is more useful than you think,’ I said airily.
Angus’s eyebrows shot up. ‘Scimitar?’
I coughed. ‘Yes. What are you taking?’
He pointed. ‘Rope. My grandfather used to say that there was nothing more useful. There’s a lot that can be done with it.’
It was a sensible choice. ‘I’m sure it’ll serve you well,’ I said sincerely. I glanced round, trying to see what the others were bringing along. There was a worrying number of weapons. I made a note to avoid anyone who was carrying anything of that ilk and began to stretch.
Angus seemed amused. ‘Getting ready for a sprint? The Adventure challenge is more of a marathon.’
‘I want to make a quick start,’ I told him. It was true. In discussion with Taylor the previous day, we decided it was the only way. Go too slowly and others would follow me; go slowly and I’d end up caught up in their tracks and mistakes. To be successful, I had to pull away from the herd. If necessary, I’d choose a circuitous route even if it was longer. The Hunt was going to be difficult enough because we were being sent out in staggered groups.Also, I was used to relying on a team so doing this alone would be tough. But it was not insurmountable; this kind of challenge was far more suited to my skills than music.
Angus nodded. ‘Interesting. You don’t want to team up with me and work together? We’ll both be in the last group, after all.’
I grinned. ‘Thanks but I’m probably going to draw considerable fire. You’ll do better on your own.’ Plus, he’d slow me down.
