The Chronicles of Kale: Dawn of Retribution (Book 2) (10 page)

Kale curled his lip, still confused at how Reem knew so much about him. He shook his thoughts and looked up at the solid form in front of them. “It’s a wall. Are we not seeing the same sight before us?”

“Look at this place, kid. The whole village is unlike anything we could’ve expected. I’ve taught you to not judge with sight alone.” Illadar took a step and extended an arm. His hand was now directly before the wall. With another foot forward, they watched as his fingertips vanished into the sand. In another instant, he was gone.

“See you on the surface, Kale.” Thomas smiled before stepping into the wall.

Kale turned to face Reem. “What is on the other side?”

“Is this a hint of fear I sense, young dragon?” Reem laughed.

“Of course not you bag of sand. I fear nothing you could possibly do in this underground prison.” Kale quickly looked away, belatedly realizing he needed to maintain a level of peace while they still held Neelan captive. Her life rested in their care.

“If you fear not, then go now.” Reem shoved Kale toward the wall. He cackled in amusement as he watched Kale disappear from sight.

Chapter 9: The Imbola Clan

T
he sand pulled him along, like many tiny fingers scratching against his flesh. It pressed against his lungs, forcing what little oxygen he held to escape his lips. It was terribly reminiscent of when they had first entered the village through the sinking sand. In a flood of relief, he felt his body slip out into the fresh air. The sunlight drenched his ivory flesh.

“About time, kid.” Illadar smirked at Thomas as the two burst into a fit of laughter.

Sand completely filled Kale’s pants. He spat to relieve his mouth from the tiny grains, and dusted off the thin coat which covered his body in all visible areas.

“I believe he was more frightened than we thought.” Thomas joked while continuing to stare at Kale’s pants, which hung low at his bottom from the weight of the sand.

“All right, that’s enough, you two.” Kale shook his legs, allowing sand to rush to the ground.

“Let’s get movin’, kid.” Illadar ruffled Kale’s hair and lightly shoved him forward. “It’s bloody hot and we’ve got a long way to travel.”

They walked a great distance in the dreadful heat. Kale removed his tunic, cleverly wrapping it to fit over his head and shield against the sun’s rays. Any amount of relief was vital to guard against excessive exposure or fatigue.

Eventually, the high temperature wore on Thomas who requested temporary refuge beneath a lone tree which cast minimal shade. He sighed, knowing that without food, the risk of teleporting would prove fatal. He lifted a satchel to his blistering lips and took a long swig. Though the water was warm, it soothed his dry throat.

“While I regain strength, we must discuss things, Kale. I wish to know more about this new mutation of yours. Your body, just as the dunes of this desert, is shifting. Has this new ability happened often since you’ve first discovered it?”

“Only once before—though I felt it for the first time back at Alden’s camp.” Kale replied.

“I see. We must keep close watch on this—I could plainly see you have no control over the ability. It’s just as before. The worst scenario at this point is that you permanently obtain these mutations and find yourself stuck in a void between human and dragon.”

Kale cringed at the thought. Because of Neelan, he was willing to accept his human form; but to be trapped within an inhuman shell was something he could not bear. His aching stomach interrupted the moment, growling in response to his hunger. “Can’t you conjure us something to eat? Our last meal feels like ages ago.” He gripped his gut.

“If only it were that simple.” Thomas chuckled. He braced his hands upon each knee and rose to his feet. “Shall we continue?”

Illadar cupped a hand over his brows and examined the position of the sun. “By the looks of it, we are workin’ with limited light. You’ll just have to tolerate it, kid.”

Along their trek, hunger finally began to get the best of all three. Their feet felt sluggish and weighted down as each man sifted through the hot sand with his shoulders hung.

“Kale—stop,” Thomas commanded.

In the near distance, slithered a thick, and very lengthy, brown snake. At the end of its tail was a shell-like, textured carapace.

Kale’s mouth filled with saliva as he eyed the serpent.

“It’s a Rattler, as we called them back in Mirion. Very deadly if struck by their venom—but also very edible if you’re able to catch ’em.” Illadar’s eyes glazed over with excitement. The creature was the first sign of life they had encountered since beginning their journey to the Imbola Clan’s camp.

Kale wasted no time; his hunger consumed his rationality and his natural dragon instincts took hold. He sprung forward with amazing speed, pouncing upon the unsuspecting snake. With a swift motion, he barbarically slammed the Rattler’s head into the ground—smashing it with his fist until blood spattered the sand.

“Jumping balt toads, Kale, it’s a snake, not a cougar. I believe you’ve killed it.” Thomas wrinkled his nose in distaste.

After a brief debate, they decided it would be wise to break and cook supper. The risks were too high to continue on as they were. Using dried leaves Thomas had collected from the tree he earlier rest below, he focused a minimal amount of energy to ignite a small fire. Due to his fatigued state, a blackened discoloration immediately appeared in the veins of his hands. He knew that during their quest, he would need to take caution and moderate the usage of magic.

Illadar used a small knife to slice the Rattler’s nearly indistinguishable head from its limp body. He quickly tossed the head away, explaining that deadly venom could still be present. Using the tip of the blade, he continued to remove the serpent’s skin and gut the insides out.

Kale closely inspected his hands upon Illadar’s command to ensure there were no punctures to his skin.

It wasn’t long before the snake’s inner flesh turned a golden brown over the fire and they each enjoyed a helping of meat.

With their bellies temporarily held over by the small portions, they each agreed to rest. They were confident enough in their pace to make up for lost time once waking. During the day, the sun seemed to suck the very energy from their bodies. As night fell, they knew it was the most opportune time to give in to the peaceful bliss of sleep, despite the colder temperatures. They allowed the fire to dwindle as to not draw attention to their location. They huddled near one another to discourage any snakes or other desert creatures from approaching as each fell into an instant sleep.

Kale was awoken in the night to a firm shove against his ribcage. “What in Pan’s name. . .” He mumbled and rolled over to lift his weary body.

Zandol, The Emerald Prince, huffed heavily before bowing his head. “I am glad to see you are well.”

“I’d hardly call it that. Those abominations living underground have taken Neelan. We are in search of a clan to the south.” Kale brushed the sand from his shoulders. “So, might I ask why you’re here? I thought I have to summon you to me—yet, here you stand?”

“You don’t enjoy my company?” Zandol laughed and lowered his massive body to the ground. “Use your human ears, dragon child. Upon the land where I fell, I may roam freely—however, should you
need
me, you may summon my presence. Truth be told, I have come to inform you that, should you continue in the same direction, you will head dramatically off course.”

“But, we’ve been watching the suns location. I’m certain that we’re heading to the south,” Kale firmly replied.

“That you are. Though, if it is their leader you seek, you will need to make way to the southeast. The camp you are currently heading toward does serve as the home to many of the Imbola Clan bandits. However, if it is their leader, Beshin, you seek you’ll need to alter your course.”

Kale didn’t bother to question Zandol’s knowledge of their location. As a spirit dragon, he could move across the entire desert effortlessly, and Kale was confident in the information given. He wanted to be grateful for the help, but couldn’t help but feel discouraged. The time it would take to reroute their course, easily added another day of travel by foot. He ran a hand through his hair and looked to the sky.

Neelan, I promise we will be together again—soon. I will make it to their leader and bring him back, no matter what the cost.

“You should go now, Firehart. If your female companion’s time runs short, every moment is valuable. Don’t let her end up like me. . .” Zandol faded away into the darkness.

Kale felt surprisingly well rested for the unknown amount of sleep he had. He shook Thomas and Illadar awake, enduring the foul words spat his way from the two men as they sleepily struggled to sit upright. He informed them both of the newfound information and urged the need to move forward.

Thomas stood and dusted off his robes. “We’re going to teleport.”

Kale and Illadar stared at Thomas with dumbfounded expressions.

“You’re gonna’ end up killin’ yourself, old man. Don’t do somethin’ foolish.” Illadar shook his head in disapproval.

“I shall be fine. My body feels rested, and my belly is satisfied. Now is the most opportune moment before I expend my energy walking. I can’t bring us directly to the Imbola Clan’s location, though I can get us close. I’ve passed the southeastern desert border on multiple occasions. The walk from there, if all goes accordingly, shouldn’t take until sunrise judging by the star’s positioning. We are in luck that there is a mere sliver of moon tonight. We wouldn’t want the Clan to watch us stroll toward them. I have a hunch they would be anything but welcoming.
Sorcerer-on-a-stick
simply does not appeal to me.” Thomas smiled, stretching his arms high above his head. “Shall we then? I see no reason to linger here. Adding another day to reach their camp, just might be one too many for Neelan.”

Kale and Illadar hesitantly nodded before gripping onto Thomas’ arm.

The old sorcerer closed his eyes and spoke “
Kalora Xenari
.”

With a quick
zap
, they were sent through a void in time and dropped onto a bed of grass. Kale rubbed his stomach which still hadn’t adapted to teleportation. Meanwhile, Thomas was hunched over, panting heavily—the color completely removed from his face.

“I knew this was a poor idea. Are you going to be all right?” Kale questioned in concern while placing a hand upon Thomas’ back.

“I’m fine,” Thomas spoke quickly as he slid the sleeve of his robe over a blackened hand. He would not admit to weakness, though his head pounded terribly and veins pulsed against his flesh as though about to explode. He inhaled and pinched his eyes shut. With a lengthy exhale, he took a step forward. “We must keep moving.”

The desert wind roused as they continued to the southeast. Dunes were plentiful and their massive height and breadth made them strenuous to walk around. It looked like a dry sea of violent waves. After passing a sizable dune, which resembled more of a mountain than blown, accumulated dirt, a flicker of light came into view.

“Do you think that’s it?” Kale questioned.

“The odds seem high. Only a home to bandits would be so lively in the dark of night.” Illadar squinted forward to better investigate. “Some of the lights have moved which tells me there are guards present.”

“What shall we do? There are two options—risk the light of dawn catching us and attempt to slip inside where their leader is located now, or we can take the safe route and make camp somewhere concealed until the next nightfall.” Thomas stopped walking to await their response.

“You’ve just expended your energy to bring us here. I’ve hunted at night for most of my life. I’m certain there’s enough time for us to make our move. There is no more time for waiting. If I lose Neelan, then I lose my very will to live. If my brethren are to rise again, all hope now rests in this mission—and Neelan’s will to remain strong until we return.” Kale’s heart had fallen so deeply for Neelan that she had become his weakness. Without her, he was lost. She was the one who had warmed his soul and should he lose her, his very heart would return to its former shell of ice. The man he had become would step back into the darkness of despair.

“We need to devise a plan. We can’t just walk in and request to meet with the leader.” Illadar rubbed his scruffy chin. “It’d be nice to have some of Elanya’s potion about now.”

“Speak for yourself!” Thomas huffed. “I believe I’d rather die than go through that torment again. Besides, I’m sure the bandits have no remorse simply because of gender. I would go as far to bet that they’d forcefully fondle places that make your skin crawl just thinking about!”

Kale and Illadar both shuddered at the thought.

Thomas chuckled. “Anyway, I have an idea. I can form a distraction with magic—something simple, so I don’t want to hear any complaints from the pair of you.” He casually ensured his hand was still tucked inside his sleeve to avoid any concerns.

“Brilliant idea, old man!” Illadar nodded in approval. “Once they investigate the distraction, we can slip inside. From that moment on, we’ll have to improvise. This is unfamiliar territory and we won’t know what to expect once we pass the outer walls.”

“Agreed. Now let’s get going.” Kale insisted.

“Overzealous, impatient dragon.” Thomas laughed to himself. “I suppose we should make our move soon.”

They approached the perimeter of the village which was much larger than they had assumed from afar. Taking refuge behind a nearby dune, they could see two guards standing at the entrance, and two more patrolling the surrounding area. The village was secured behind a stone wall, which made Kale wonder how many people they had enslaved in order to carry large rocks across the blazing desert to create the barrier. The structural detail confirmed their suspicions that the village must be where the Imbola Clan leader resided.