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

Chapter 34

Keppar

JAYDAR GRITTED HIS TEETH AND CONCENTRATED FIERCELY. He twisted his wrists in the ropes. He felt a bead of sweat drip down the side of his face. From previous experience he had discovered that the easiest way to ignite his hands was through anger. He tried to think of something that angered him, which in his current situation wasn't hard.

The second his eyes rested on the lamp in the corner of the room Jaydar had almost burst out laughing. The Erif obviously didn't know that he was part Erif and therefore could burn through the rope otherwise he wouldn't have tied him up with rope. Idiot.

Jaydar suddenly felt the now familiar tingling sensation on his scalp. He knew that his hair was about to alight. He tried to twist around and see his hands. He had emitted heat from them before but not actual fire. Jeb had told him that his fire would develop as he used it more. He said that Jaydar would be able to control it with practice and be able to call it up immediately. Jaydar smiled as he felt the heat coming out of his hands. His confidence boosted as the rope gave way slightly.

Jaydar's head snapped up as he heard the doorknob rattle. He pulled his wrists away from each other hard trying to snap the rope. He felt his desperation rise as he heard the key in the door turn. The Erif must be back. If only he could get rid of these ropes he might be able to make a break for it. He might just have a chance. It would be the only one he'd get.

Jaydar clenched his fists intensifying the heat. He saw the door opening. He felt the rope giving way.

"A little more," Jaydar muttered. "Come on, just a little more!" 

The door opened just as Jaydar felt the rope snap. He jumped up from the chair sending it toppling down with a crash. He saw a flash of red hair and threw his fist out instinctively. He heard a surprised cry of pain as it connected hard. Almost instantly a foot connected with his chest sending him reeling back. Jaydar felt as if he had been kicked by a mule, there was so much force behind it. Jaydar's reflexes were not as fast as usual as a result of his imprisonment. Before he could react a fist connected with his jaw quickly followed up by a sharp kick to the torso. Jaydar suddenly found himself flat on his back, a foot resting on his throat pinning him to the ground. It had all happened in the blink of an eye.

Jaydar blinked. He found himself staring at a slim beautiful auburn haired girl, a long knife in her hand. She in turn was looking down at him in confusion. Jaydar stared at her in shock, transfixed by her bright green eyes. 

*   *   *

Torin was hidden behind some large rubbish bins. He peered through the crack in between at the castle's kitchen door. The bins reeked and Torin found it hard not to gag. But that worked to their advantage, ensuring no one wanted to stay in the vicinity for very long. It was the perfect hiding place.

Daye was sitting behind Torin, her hands over her mouth and nose. She couldn't stand the smell. Alex was beside her checking the content of his backpack. Aurora and her camouflage suit had disappeared, she was trying to find them some suitable servants clothes.

"I think I'm going to be sick," Daye said.                             

"Suck it up princess," Alex said, with a smirk.

Daye glared at Alex.

"Quiet! There's someone coming this way!" Torin whispered.

Torin quickly scurried backwards, pressing himself back against the wall. He tensely waited as the footsteps steadily grew louder. He glanced at Alex and Daye to see them as equally tense, preparing to spring up and run at a moment's notice. Torin turned his attention back to the person approaching them. The footsteps stopped. He heard someone grunt and over the top of the first bin he saw them raise a bucket. The disgusting contents of the bucket poured out and into the bin.