Rise of the Erifs (The Fire Song Chronicles Book 1)

Chapter 5

Latainia

A WEEK HAD PASSED SINCE THE ERIF ATTACK AND TORIN WAS ACCOMPANYING HIS FATHER ON an official trip to some of the outlying cities and villages. They were the hardest hit during the war because of their strategic positions surrounding the capital. Now King Xenon had to prepare all of Latainia for the impending war with the Erifs. It was a reawakening of old hatreds. They had to be ready.

Jaydar, Jenna and Kalani were seeing them off from the palace. Torin hugged his sister and mother before turning to Jaydar. The brothers embraced. Then Torin put a hand on Jaydar's shoulder.

"You're going to be all right, aren't you?" he asked, the worry gnawing away at him inside written all over his face. 

"Of course."

"Promise me you won't do anything stupid. Please," Torin said. He then added with a smile, "Or at least wait until I'm back."

"I know, big brother. I'll be fine," Jaydar said, almost mockingly.

Torin looked Jaydar in the eye.

"I promise." Jaydar gave in eventually.

Torin smiled. "I challenge you to a tournament when I get back. Better start practising."

"You better start worrying."

Torin laughed, descending the stairs to where his father was already mounted and waiting. He smiled as Torin pulled himself up into the saddle beside him.

"Ready?" King Xenon asked.

Torin nodded and the King gave the order to move out, their armed escort falling into formation around them.  

Queen Jenna and Kalani went back inside but Jaydar watched them until they reached the gates, a nervous knot twisting in his stomach. Once they were gone he walked back inside the castle, going straight to his quarters and closing the doors behind him.

Jaydar stepped into his armour. The Latainian blacksmiths had devised a unique way to heat the steel so it was lighter than regular armour and didn't inhibit the wearer's ability to move swiftly. The technique gave the armour more flexibility whilst increasing the strength of it at the same time. His chainmail-like suit that went under the armoured plates was black and made of a tightly woven material that could withstand the slice of a sword, with two grey stripes down the sides and a reinforced breastplate to protect Jaydar's vital organs. He slipped a knife into each boot to keep it hidden from sight and placed his large fighting knife in his belt. He sheathed his sword at his hip and swung his shield's strap over his shoulder so the shield hung at his back. Last of all Jaydar carefully placed his helmet on his head, coloured black to match the rest of his armour, and flipped up the visor.

Jaydar walked out of his quarters and headed for the stables, clenching his fists at his sides to stop them from shaking. His path took him by the Great Hall which he tried to quickly pass without being seen. 

"Jaydar, is that you?"

Jaydar hissed in frustration at his mother's voice. He turned around to face her.

Jenna took in his armour and weapons, her brow creasing in confusion. "What are you doing? You look as if you're prepared for battle."  

Jaydar didn't reply.

"Jaydar," Jenna said, demanding an explanation.

Jaydar took a deep breath. "I'm going to Keppar."  

Jenna dropped the cup of tea she was holding and it smashed on the stone floor. 

"You're what?" she breathed.