He threw something into the air, but I ignored the instinct to follow the movement and see what it was. I wasn't that green.
He chuckled, the sound grating down my spine. I shifted my feet, readying for an attack, but for several seconds nothing happened. His eyeless features just stared at me through the glow of his lilac cage.
Without warning, something hit me side on and threw me into the air. I twisted around, landing in a rolling tumble, then bounced back to my feet.
There was nothing there. Nothing I could see or feel, anyway.
Amaya?
Something, she replied. Hides.
Obviously. Where?
Everywhere.
Oh, great.
I swished her back and forth, but her flames didn't reveal anything—sinister or not—hiding.
I glanced over my shoulder at Taylor. He was still encaged, but an odd sense of satisfaction oozed from him. Bastard, I thought, and imagined myself standing next to him. The minute I was, I lashed out with a clenched fist. I should have hit nothing but air, but his head snapped back, as if I had hit him.
Then he disappeared again, and the lilac flames fell to the ground, landing in tight coils that writhed and burned.
Seems you could do with a little fear yourself, I said.
It was certainly a blow that should never have hit. I shall endeavor to restrain my confidence a little bit longer.
His voice was so close to me I felt the brush of air past my cheek. I spun around and lashed out with my sword, but hit nothing.