The Forest Behind Bars

Chapter XI: Determined battle

He knows. Tuebor breaks the silence.

I don't even both asking Tuebor how he knows this. Magic is powerful and strange. The older, the more mysterious.

I sit up from where I had been lying on the ground. A glance to the other side tells me Aster has already noticed my movement.

He has been nervous since eating, not knowing how things will go.

''He knows Tuebor is missing. He will be here shortly. Just stay quiet and let me talk.'' I tell him.

He opens his mouth, but I cut him off kindly. ''I'll ask for help if I need it. Don't worry, we will make it out today.''

He nods and nervously fumbles with the rim of his shirt.

''It will be okay. We will escape together.'' I say, trying to comfort us both.

Overpowering him will be easy, but what after? We run and escape and then?

He doesn't respond, letting the silence return.

The silence reminds me that after today, it will never be quiet again. Birds will sing. Trees will rustle with wind. Rain will patter on the ground.

I will not be alone again. How I wish I could share it with Cayden again.

After an hour or some, we hear heavy footsteps coming down the stairs towards the prison door.

I can feel his anger even through the heavy door. Is it my magic returning? Or is it Tuebors' senses?

The door opens carefully as Chief walks in. Not sparing a glance at the other occupied cells along the way, he stamps at me in one straight line.

I remain quiet, waiting for him to speak as he searches for words.

''Where is my dagger, Avery?'' His words are clipped. He is trying not to let his mood shimmer through his words. But the mood is shimmering through his posture and clear in his eyes.

I stand up slowly. ''You mean this dagger?'' I casually hold Tuebor up with my right hand. I can't suppress the smile that curves my lips upward.

''Hand it over.'' He is trying to restrain himself.

It's delightful how he thinks it will work. Foolish of him.

''No, I don't think I will. Why not give it a shot and try to take it from me?''

He has no choice. Not getting the dagger means giving me access to my magic and thus giving me the power to escape. Getting the dagger means having to come and fight me over it.

His hand grabs the keys at his waist. He rarely carries his own keys. Far too lazy and arrogant for that.

While he struggles with the rusted lock, I glance a look at the hallway. No other guards. This will be easier than I expected.

He finally unlocks the door and, in his anger and arrogance, leaves it open.

I didn't even start the fight yet, and he is already blinded.

He spares no second and lunges for the dagger.

I side step him easily.

I could slip out of the cell before he notices anything, but my pride and anger makes him want to hurt first.

And so as I side step him, I throw my fist into his side. A quick jab. As it already threw him off, I don't bother adding more strength.

He roars as he turns around. And lunges again for Tuebor, now safely tucked into the rim of my pants.

I dodge his aimless blow and punch him again, this time on the side of his face. Hitting him squarely on his cheek. My sharp senses tell me his teeth cut through.

''It seems power made you feel invincible. Didn't bother brushing up on your combat before storming in here brainlessly?''

My talking seems to make him snap back to his senses a little. His eyes are still wild and savage.

''You'll regret the day you crossed me.'' His voice is a low growl, and he throws himself back into tactless leaps for the dagger.