Page 20 of Fionn
I swirled around to find myself face to face with another man. I knew that velvety voice, although it was grave now, not as light as during dinner. Fionn.
"Yes, that's me."
I hadn't even realised I'd said his name aloud.
So this was what he looked like. Long dark hair that shimmered green, but that had to be a trick of the light. Everything about him was angular, chiselled, from the square jaw to the almost triangular eyebrows above dark green eyes. Just like Kelon's, his face had been painted shades of green and turquoise. Maybe it was a cultural thing? Or had they been taking part in a body paint activity before going swimming?
He reached out an arm, but I shrank back instinctively. His gaze clouded over for a second, then he nodded to himself and withdrew a little.
"I apologise. I didn't want to startle you. How are you faring? Do you need something to hold on to?"
I nodded towards the log which was only a few metres away now. "I'm headed to that log. You can join me, if you wish."
"That is very gracious of you." He smiled. Everything instantly seemed brighter.
I forced myself to look away from him as I swam to the log. It was larger than it had seemed from afar, big enough for several people to hold on to. I grabbed it tight, pushing it against my chest until it was taking some of my weight.
"Ouch!"
A sharp pain shot through my hand.
Fionn was by my side in an instant.
"What is it?" His voice was a strange mix of worry and suppressed anger.
"I think I cut myself on some barnacles. Nothing bad."
"Show me," he growled.
I held out my hand. Water mixed with blood pooled on my palm.
He hissed as if it was him in pain. "I am sorry."
"It's not your fau-"
A wave hit me and I swallowed saltwater. When I'd stopped coughing, I asked him, "Do you know where we are? And how far it is back to the island?"
"Yes, I know, but I am unsure how the distance converts into your units of measurement. Not that it matters. It is too far for you to swim."
Raw indignation rose in me. I hated being underestimated.
"I swim for a living," I snapped. "I can cover any distance you can."
Fionn smiled gently. "I watched you last night. You swim very well indeed, but Kelon brought you far away from the island. You would have to swim all day and even then, it would take a favourable current. You look exhausted already. Your hand is hurt. I would rather you let me carry you."
"Carry me? I doubt that would be much faster." I almost added something along the lines of 'or are you a professional athlete, too'. I didn't like to boast. Only if people underestimated me. Then I was all too happy to show them my medals and titles.
"My species is adapted to life underwater," he began, but I interrupted him.
"Wait a second. My species? What the bloody hell are you on about? You're human, just like me."
He grinned. "Trust me. I'm not."
And then he lifted his hair, exposing his neck. On either side of his throat were gashes in his green skin, moving organically like... gills.
"Kelon had those but I thought..." I didn't know how to continue my sentence without sounding ridiculous.
"It's not just that. Here, feel my greenskin."
