The Forest Behind Bars

Chapter XII: Power shards

I hit him a couple more times with my fists before I stick out my leg and trip him.

While slipping out of the cell, I pull the door with me and slam it shut. I rip out the keys that were still hanging in the keyhole.

Beating him was too easy with my restoring power, not nearly yet at its full force. But it already made me quicker, more aware of his movements. It takes away all the weakness I collected in this dreadful prison.

Tuebor's own magic also wasn't a liability. It had given me small slices of the stored magic, eager to see Chief hurt as well. I wonder what had happened to the object to have developed a wrath for the human in such a short time compared to its ancient existence.

Tingling sensations run through my fists from the punches I threw at him. I could have used the dagger now in my possession, but hitting him with my fists felt good. Punching pain into him was just the thing I needed, but I'm not done yet breaking his pride.

I take Tuebor from where I had stashed it in the rim of my pants and hold it in my hand.

Chief's head snaps to the side from where he is sprawled on the ground and pushes himself up with his hands. He jumps up and reaches for the bars that now keep him in instead of me.

I finger the dagger in my hand, tipping the point towards his face.

The pain and realization seem to hit him now as his unchecked temper wears off. His eyes clear away some of the wild fog that bewildered him.

Chief snarls, ''You wouldn't hurt me. You never hurt those guards who tortured you. And that boy.'' He adds, trying to throw me off by making me remember those horrid times.

But those times have only fueled my rage towards him. And unfortunately for him, he has already been defeated.

''It sounds like you have mistaken my dislike for causing harm as an inability to do so. Those guards were just following your orders. Just as I was just biding my time. Now you will regret the day you crossed me.'' I throw his words back into his face in a dark tone.

His eyes widen with fear. My smile only grows, and I know the pupils in my eyes have thinned into small black lines.

My power rumbles somewhere deep inside. Getting out of the cell was another step to unlocking my formidable power. It seems to radiate around me, but I keep most of it in check.

I don't know how long it will take for me to restore my power, but a minute outside the enchanted bars isn't enough.

I take a step closer to the bars and Chief steps back in fear.

I hold a hand out in front of me between the bars and will for life to fill the debts of this place. I don't place any comforting life, but grow mushrooms littered over the floor.

Amanita phalloides to be specific, also called Death Cap. Despite its name, it won't kill you immediately. It will first make you nauseas, give low blood pressure, and make you throw up. Later, death will follow, and as a cure is yet to be found, it is a great option.

The thorns of vines fill up the horizontal gab for food and grow vertically between the bars, making it impossible to pass food through. But possible to look through to see the wretched man being tortured by hunger or poison.

His options will be poison or hunger. Either way, he will not have a fun time.

With the help of Tuebor, I melt the lock, making it unable for him to get out with the keys that the guards all carry.

''Have a pleasant stay.'' Is all I say before I turn to Aster, who is looking at me with wide eyes.

I use the keys to unlock his cell and let him out. Intentionally causing the keys to make excessive noise to further irritate Chief about his defeat.

''I knew you were powerful, but...'' He trails off.

I smile softly and my pupils grow again until they almost look human again.

''Most of my power is still locked away. That was only a small shard. One that I'm not sure we can't count on to escape further. It is still weak.''

He swallows and nods. I leave it for now.

He shouldn't fear me for my power. Unlike Chief, I use it with passion and care.