When War Calls(5)

‘Now, Bo, we all know he has a learning disability,’ said Dion sarcastically. ‘We’ll just have to go over and give him a friendly reminder.’

Bo chuckled. ‘Soon,’ he said. ‘I want to see how this plays out.’

‘He’s going to need our help,’ protested Konnor.

‘No, Jaden can handle himself. Besides … it’s all about the timing, is it not?’ asked Bo with a grin.

Although they did not agree, the boys laughed nervously and waited. There had been too many conflicts in the past to ignore them anymore, and like this one, it had always been Ardim that started them. Jaden would often try to avoid the conflict, but once engaged he had shown he would not back down, and as Ardim aggressively shoved Jaden backward, it was clear the confrontation was already past peaceful resolution.

‘Where do you think you’re going?’ asked Ardim mockingly as Jaden recovered his feet.

Jaden rolled his eyes. ‘Who said you could talk to me?’

Pain struck across Ardim’s face, his hardened exterior shattered with a single question. ‘Keep away from her!’ he said harshly. ‘She wants nothing with you.’

‘Opinion respected,’ said Jaden, calmly attempting to walk past Ardim. He was halted again as the giant adolescent stepped into his way once more.

‘You may want to get out of my way.’ Jaden’s voice was controlled. The elders of Callibra had often warned him against his temper, punishing him with the most humiliating chores each time it was let loose. Ardim had been overjoyed when he had learned of this predicament. He now jumped at every opportunity to see how far he could push before Jaden cracked.

‘Strong words from a brat,’ Ardim sneered, his breath heavy and fists clenched.

Jaden sighed. It was all an act. He knew that, or at least thought he knew, but Ardim’s arrogance was like a bucket of icy water thrown on a chilly July morning, coating its victim in waves of hateful, oppressive sensations and leaving them irritated, unguarded and with a yearning to retort.

Jaden could hardly stand it. The mere notion that Ardim could think he was superior was disgraceful. One as ill mannered, lacking in wit and ugly as him … it was an atrocity! And no matter how the words he spoke made him seem, there was always a hint of incredible delight behind his eyes, suggesting he was having the most fun he had ever had in his entire life.

It was a trap, this much seemed obvious, but whether or not true was not relevant right now. Ardim would still be in Jaden’s way, and he would cause as much physical damage as was legal before letting him go.

‘Not all of us can be as big and stupid as you, Dimmy, why not go run into a wall a few more times? Make yourself beyond moronic.’

‘That’s not my name, runt.’ Ardim started to get closer, his size becoming more intimidating as he tried to stand over Jaden.

‘You’re right. I meant to say “Dummy”.’

With one big push, Jaden was sent flying back four steps, Ardim’s hands coming up faster than anticipated. Jaden had to take a quick breath before he lost his temper.

‘You push your luck,’ Jaden threatened, unwillingly allowing his anger to gradually surface.

‘She’s not yours, kid, stay away from her!’ Ardim was almost shouting.

Jaden was lost for a reply. ‘What?’ he asked. Did Ardim think he owned her?

‘I’m warning you, brat, you go near her again and I’ll make your life hell.’

Ardim raised his right fist, but Jaden was now paying more attention to Alyssa riding away. He had missed it, his one chance for the day to talk to her, gone again, right before his eyes. With a protective father, there were very few moments Alyssa was approachable, and whenever she was alone, Ardim was somehow always nearby. It was why Jaden was having such a hard time talking to her over the previous six months.

Jaden’s shoulders slumped as he sighed inward deeply. Why did this always seem to happen?

He focused back on Ardim. This bull of a man had ruined his chance the last time as well. There was little else to do than return the favour in some way.

‘I have to see your face,’ said Jaden slowly, ‘it’s already hell.’

Ardim’s upper lip curled at the insult a moment before he was upon Jaden, using all of his weight in an attempt to crush him. With expert accuracy, Jaden moved into the oncoming force, using his shoulder to lift Ardim up and over, flipping him onto the ground. Ardim fell heavily, hitting his head as Jaden spun and kicked down with his left foot onto Ardim’s chest. In less than a second, Jaden had then rolled to the right before jumping straight back up to be on Ardim’s chest, readying to deliver a deadly blow to his throat.