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

Chapter 32

Keppar 

JEB LOOKED AT JAYDAR AS IF HE HAD GONE INSANE. "Are you seriously thinking about this?" he asked.

"Yeah I am," Jaydar whispered, fiercely. "This might be our one chance of getting out of here."

"It can't possibly work, you do know that don't you?" Jeb said. "This place is sealed tight. Crimson would never risk losing you, not now."

Jeb closed his right hand and clenched his fist for a few seconds. When he snapped it open a small wave of fire erupted out of it before instantly disappearing. He was frustrated and needed to vent it. The best way he found was to let some heat slowly seep out of his hands.

"I know, but," Jaydar glanced at Gage who was in his usual place near the door, "he just seemed so genuine."

"He might be genuine but he's stupid if he really thinks he's getting out of here. We are in the castle dungeon after all," Jeb said.

"I can't help but feel sorry for the guy, he desperately wants to get back to his family," Jaydar said. "And I want to help him."   

"I don't know. I just feel that all we're going to accomplish if we listen to this guy is getting out heads chopped off," Jeb said, with conviction.

"I know but what else can we do? What other glimmer of hope has arisen since we've been here?" Jaydar stared at Jeb.

Jeb looked at Jaydar seriously. "Jaydar, I've been here for over five years now and there's been nothing. If there really was a way out I wouldn't be here now, would I?"

"I suppose not," Jaydar said. "Then what are we supposed to do? Despite what you think Crimson is going to kill me one of these days on purpose or not. I know that I definitely can't hold out much longer, so I have to take what chance I've been given now before it's too late."

Jeb was silent. He stared at the ground. He knew this wasn't a good idea, he could feel it in every ounce of his being. But then again what if this was the last chance Jaydar had? He stared at Jaydar and knew that he couldn't just stand by while Crimson tortured every last breath out of him.

"All right," he said, finally.

Jaydar glanced up. "What?"

"All right, I'm in," Jeb said.

Jaydar was surprised. "Really? Are you sure?" 

Jeb smiled. "Yes, after all someone has to be there to stop you from getting yourself killed."

"True." Jaydar smiled gratefully. The last thing he wanted was to have to go through with Gage's plan on his own.

"When did he say this great escape was happening?" Jeb asked.

"Tonight."

"When tonight?"

"I don't know. He didn't say,"

"Brilliant, no way to prepare ourselves."

Jaydar looked up as there was a rattle of keys at the door. He quickly turned to Jeb.

"If I'm not back in time you go, understand?" he said.

"But I can't just leave you." Jeb glanced at the other Erifs. "They'd kill you!"

"You have to. Go to Latainia, tell my family I'm still alive. If they know then I might just have a chance," Jaydar said, urgently.

"But-"

"Please!"

The door burst open. An Erif stood in the doorway, his eyes searching the cell. Jaydar knew by the look of him that he wasn't an ordinary guard. His clothes and armour were too fine and elaborate for him to be a common soldier. He had long red dreadlocks that hung down to his waist. He walked straight up to Jaydar, stopping barely a metre from him. He just stood there staring at him. Jaydar felt uncomfortable under his gaze. Finally he spoke.