I stay curled up on my side as Chief exits my cell. No remarks to me or Aster.
He is pleased to have bested me. Foolish of him to believe he could ever best me. Sure, even if I had tried, I'm not sure I would've won, but I am weak. Thank goodness the dagger will fix that before he will notice it's gone.
As soon as the guards have followed Chief and the door closes, Aster presses himself closer to the bars of his cell.
''Are you insane?! I thought you said not to talk to him, much less taunt him!''
I wince slightly as I uncurl myself and push myself backwards until my back hits the wall. Only then do I show the dagger I stole.
He looks surprised and confused. ''Wh- How... Is that from Chief? Did you pick pocket Chief?!''
I nod.
He doesn't even question why I risked myself like that. He just raises his eyebrow.
''It's an enchanted dagger. Holds protection powers against curses, magical influences and other things.''
''And why do you need it? Because I'm not sure he would let you live if he notices its missing and you stole it.''
''Pfft, I'm too precious for him to kill.''
He doesn't respond to my poor attempt at joking, but waits until I answer his other question.
I sigh: "You didn't question how powerful magical creatures were locked in here and never managed to escape? You really believe metal bars could stop us?''
''I never thought about it. Maybe I did believe the bars to be enough.''
''The bars are enough in their current state. They are spelled to keep us weak. Their magic influences our energy, locks away our powers.''
''And the dagger-,'' He says but before I can answer he figures it out, ''will remove the influences giving you your strength and power back.''
I nod. ''Yep, it will give us a chance to escape.''
I know the chance is small that we won't make it out now that I have the dagger, but I don't want to jinx it or get his hopes up too much by being too confident.
''What's the plan? How can I help?'' He asks, excited. So far, for not getting his hopes up too high.
''First sleep,'' I say while turning away from him and lying down, ''Plan later.''
I hear him sigh, but he can't argue after he saw me get beat up.
I fall asleep quickly and my dreams aren't pestered with nightmares, but have the pleasant presence of him. Cayden.
YOU ARE READING
The Forest Behind Bars
FantasyAvery has been locked up for a long time now. Hurting both mentally and physically. But the arrival of a new prisoner gives her a chance at hope. Hope for escaping and a future. A chance at returning to her beloved forest.
