The Chronicles of Kale: Dawn of Retribution (Book 2) (3 page)

The old man’s fingers grazed over Kale’s face, filling the long pus-filled scrape with a clear liquid. His thin white hair fell flat against his narrow face. It had been more than two hours since he had begun the healing process. He leaned in, gently blowing a lengthy breath against Kale’s pale cheek.

“How does it feel now?” The healer, Konnar, questioned.

“Sore. But I’ll live. I’m just thankful to see again.” Kale released a soft grunt as he tilted his head to glimpse upon Neelan.

She flashed a comforting smile before bashfully concealing her face beneath long strands of brunette hair.

“Will he be all right, Konnar?” Kale directed his attention toward Thomas, who lay on his side, asleep.

“Aye,” Konnar replied. He placed a jar of cream within a small wooden case before walking across the room to wash his hands within a small bucket. “Let ’em rest now, and by mornin’ ya should see him up and walkin’ around.”

Kale sighed in relief. Thomas was the one who had always been by his side, and the thought of losing him was unacceptable. Though Kale would never admit his feelings, he needed Thomas throughout this journey. The old sorcerer was rational and always strived to ensure the best for Kale—he was the closest person to a father Kale had.

A cool breeze caressed Kale’s arm, causing the hairs to prickle upward at the follicle. Alden pushed his way through the front flap of the tent and made way toward where Kale lay.

“We must talk, boy.” Alden lowered himself atop a wide stack of straw, removing his black velvet hat. “I shall begin by apologizing for the crude behavior of my men tonight. To you as well, Miss.” He nodded in the direction of Neelan. “Our days have been long as we attempt to cleanse Ravondore of Jedah’s wrongdoings. It isn’t uncommon for some of the men to indulge in a bit of ale during their nights off patrol. The man you crossed paths with tonight had no forewarning of company joining us and I’m certain he feels quite foolish. Jonas is generally a gentleman; so again, I apologize for his inappropriate behavior.” Alden rubbed a clammy palm against his freshly shaven chin. “I do believe it is your turn now—Kale Firehart—to explain some things to us if you wish to remain here among us as an ally.”

Kale wrinkled his forehead, confused by the sudden turn in conversation. He moaned as he swung his feet around and pulled his torso upright.

“Take it easy, kid.” Illadar cautioned.

Kale knew that any sudden movement would cause his vision to impair. Though Konnar’s medication had eliminated further spreading of the venom which had entered his body, the dart had struck so close to his eyes that his sight wouldn’t become sharp until he slept off the remaining toxins.

“What exactly are you trying to accuse me of, Alden?” Kale had to blink hard as he spoke to hold focus on Alden’s stern expression.

“What you did to Jonas tonight . . . it was not normal.” Alden held his wide-spread palms before his face. “The marks on his neck look as though a wolf tore into his flesh. No mere man could cause such an injury.”

Kale glanced down at his own hands, recalling everything that had happened during his confrontation with the drunkard. He remembered the anger swelling within his heart at the thought of Neelan being threatened. Then, the overwhelming sensation in his fingertips—the one he knew that meant something was happening—changing within his body.

“This is not how it might seem.” Kale still didn’t trust Alden enough to confide in his secret. “I was overwhelmed by everything that has happened—and between the effects of venom and anger I was feeling, I couldn’t help myself.”

Alden’s arm shot forward, grasping Kale’s hand tightly within his own. He lowered his face to better inspect the dirt-filled fingernails, still crusted with dried blood.

“What in Pan’s name do you think you are doing?!” Kale tugged his arm forcefully back.

“Something is going on, and as commander of this camp I shall see to finding the answer.” Alden replied while carefully watching Kale’s expression. “Pan, you say . . .”

Kale swallowed, realizing that out of habit he may have revealed too much.

“In lore they say he is the Dragon God. Interesting.” Alden stood, adjusting the golden chain of his cape.

“Sir, pardon my interruption, your presence is requested at the pit. Charles has been waiting to show you his new weaponry.” A thick man with no teeth poked his head in through the tent flap. His gums clicked against his tongue as he spoke.

Alden grunted, perturbed by the interruption.”Very well.” He turned to face Kale, straightening his posture to signify his authority. “Though I will return by morning to finish this discussion. I advise that you rest now.”

The moment Alden exited the tent, Kale flung his head back in relief. Having to constantly watch his words and force his mind to function as a human does was incredibly exhausting. He stood, stretching his arms to the sky. His loose-fitting brown tunic still bore the remnants of blood from their earlier attack. Kale walked across the room, knowing that both Neelan and Illadar had their eyes glued to his every move.

It’s not like them to remain so silent
. Kale thought to himself as he plunged his hands into the cool bucket of water.

He scrubbed at his fingers in a poor attempt to remove the filth wedged beneath his nails. Kale’s eyes wandered as he washed. It was his first time viewing his surroundings. The previous hours had been spent lying on an uncomfortable wooden table while having painful ointments smeared across his face and green, bitter-tasting, medicine balls shoved down his throat. All the furniture within the tent appeared to be chopped or carved from wood. Kale could only assume this was a repeated process—a method used at each new camp to lighten the load during travels. A narrow wooden plank held five white books; each with a hand-written spine that identified the contents. The rest of the tent was very basic, set-up to accommodate the wounded or sick.

Kale finished cleaning his fingers to the best of his ability before withdrawing them from the water and smearing both across his pants. “What is going on with you two?” He finally questioned—too uncomfortable by the thick tension in the air.

Neelan quickly stood and peeked cautiously from the tiny slit of their tent. “We know something is wrong with you, Kale.” Her eyes met Illadar, then Kale. “What you did to that man—it was inhuman. No normal nails would cause such flesh wounds.”

“She’s right, kid. What I saw tonight was similar to the first time you touched me with those hands—with your ability.” Illadar placed his palms upon each knee, leaning forward to speak in a hushed tone. “I think that this is something we will need to discuss with Thomas when he wakes tomorrow.”

“Talk with Thomas?” Kale forced a laugh. “Do you not see all that he has gone through? The last thing we need to do is burden him with what has happened here tonight.”

“Enough Kale!” Neelan snapped. “You know I shall stand by your side no matter what odds we face. However, I will not sit back while you foolishly attempt to disregard such an obvious issue.” She pointed to the tip of her left ear. “These are something I must live with. Why? Because I am an elf.” She shot a finger toward Kale, dropping her voice. “And you may appear human on the exterior, but you have inner differences. Why? Because Kale, you are a
dragon
.”

Kale stared blankly—speechless for words. He knew she spoke the truth, but still could not understand why until now, he had never experienced the sensation. From the very moment he had felt anger, his innate ability to draw heat from within emerged. But this—this was something entirely different. It had felt as though the very flesh of his new body was conforming to fit some animalistic desire to shred the drunkard into tiny pieces of meat.

“I need to sleep now,” was the only response Kale could muster. Even he couldn’t explain what was happening.

He returned to the wooden table, rolling onto his side. He couldn’t face Neelan or Illadar after what just occurred. Though Kale could feel their eyes burning into the back of his skull, he knew there would be no rest while watching their concerned expressions. As he closed his heavy eyes, the last thing he expected was the visit that was soon to come.

Chapter 3: To Seek Your Destiny

T
he fog was thick, and surrounded Kale’s body in a damp, humid cloud. He could vaguely make out the endless silhouettes of willow trees; their tall trunks overflowing at the top with draping limbs that cascaded down in a rain of lush greenery. His blue eyes panned the surrounding area—searching for a sign to resolve his overwhelming confusion.

A sound rustled in the distance and Kale twisted in surprise. Ahead, he could see a pale glow that appeared as though it was coming from the ground near one of the willows.

“Neelan?” Kale slowly lifted his heels as he crept toward the light. “Illadar? Thomas?” he whispered.

The light intensified as he approached and, through the heavy fog, he could see a small item. The green tooth-like pendant reacted to Kale’s presence and began to pulsate with warm, rhythmic, glowing patterns. He reached a hand out and grasped the trinket loosely.

“Zasha?” Kale moved in a slow, circular motion. “Am I . . . dreaming?”

“Yes, little one.” The red-haired woman appeared, placing a palm upon Kale’s shoulder.

Kale’s heart raced as he took a step back.

“Worry not, my Firehart, I did not intend to frighten you.” Zasha glanced up at Kale; her eyes twinkling from the illumination of his pendant. Wrinkles folded around her eyes as she smiled. “I am so happy to see you—my son.” She gently grazed his cheek and tilted her head thoughtfully. “It pains me that our time runs short and I must now discuss the grim matters at hand.”

“Please tell me how to find you Zasha. If you are my mother, then I think it’s important for us to find the dragon eggs together.” Kale took her hand into his as he spoke. “You have no idea how it has felt to think I was the last of our kind.”

“Little one, I have told you that I cannot leave my location. It is for the sake of our species—and the future of not only the continent of Ravondore, but all of Revaxis. Know that I am safe from harm and will await your arrival.” Her expression grew stern as she heavily exhaled. “Now . . . I must warn you of a great danger. Though I am far, my senses have been throbbing with the notion that a powerful threat seeks to bring harm upon you. I feel that neither Jedah, nor Saldin have taken part in this most recent attack. While I cannot confirm this from where I am, these feelings have not left since I sensed you were in trouble.” Her honey-toned eyes widened. “Firehart, there is a darkness stirring, far stronger than anything you’ve ever encountered. Things are amiss and I feel it won’t be much longer before this evil steps forth to achieve its goal—whatever this may be. My son, you must leave to seek our retribution. You are not the only one who desires the eggs. It would be a grave day should the wrong hands obtain them. You must go by foot toward the desert. Your horses will not survive this journey. There, you will search for where the eggs were lost. Zandol, the Emerald Prince will show you the way. My faith lies with you, little one.”

But, the Emerald Prince is dead, Kale thought. What in Pan’s name is she talking about?

Questions raced through Kale’s mind. Yet, he knew seeking answers would prove futile. If what Zasha said proved true, Kale knew he must focus on the task at hand. There would be time to press for more information once the eggs were secure.

“I understand.” Kale released Zasha’s hand as he spoke.

“Do not worry, Firehart, for I am certain we will be together soon.” She smiled maternally before taking a step back into the forest of willows. Her silhouette quickly faded into the foggy surroundings until she could no longer be seen.

Kale ran a hand through his dampened black hair. Morning had come quickly and the night’s sleep felt entirely inadequate. He groaned and slid his feet onto the sandy ground. His neck pinched in pain as he stretched. The flat wooden table caused every fiber of his body to ache.

“Good morning, Kale.”

Kale’s eyes lit up as he saw the old man sitting upon a stool.

“Thomas! You’re all right!” Kale quickly stood, ignoring the jabbing sensation in his muscles.

“Indeed I am.” Thomas smiled. “Indeed I am.”

“How do you feel?” Kale questioned as he eyed the bandage on the side of the old sorcerer’s neck.

“Surprisingly well. Their healer, Konnar, seems to be incredibly knowledgable with herbs.” He closed the cover of an old book he had been reading before standing to grab his small beige pouch. “Alden has been kind enough to provide us with more comfortable accommodations during our stay here at his camp. It will allow us time to strategize our next course of action.”

“No,” Kale replied.

“Pardon?”

“I mean, no, we cannot stay here any longer, Thomas. Zasha came to me last night—we have to leave today. I’ll tell you more along the way, but trust that we must go—on foot.”

“These old feet won’t make it far, you know, and it is not possible for me to teleport us after yesterday’s ambush. Are we heading toward the desert as planned?” Thomas questioned.

Kale nodded silently.

“Well, I suppose it
is
possible. Our destination is a day’s trip by foot—possibly two. We will need a copious supply of water and food rations. The desert is not a pleasant place, Kale. Many have perished trying to cross the barren land,” Thomas cautioned.

“We must try, Thomas. I can’t pass on a chance to save my brethren. And,” Kale paused and his jaw tightened, “Saldin still roams free. Who knows what he is planning. It was all too easy for him to escape—almost as though it had been planned.”

“A wise perception, Kale.” Thomas’ smile accentuated the leathery wrinkles on his face. “It amazes me how much you have grown in such little time. You’ve turned into quite a perceptive young man.”

“Humph.” Kale looked away from Thomas. “Don’t try to flatter me, old man. We both know what I truly am—and always will be.” He glanced down at his hands as he spoke and his mind revisited the previous night’s event.

“Is something wrong, Kale?” Thomas looked forward with concern.

“No . . . nothing.” Kale sighed, knowing he hadn’t convinced Thomas by his poor attempt to lie. “We can talk about it later. What’s most important now is to prepare for our trek through the desert. Where are Neelan and Illadar?”

“They left with Alden to eat and discuss what has been happening here since they made camp.”

Kale wasted no time in preparing for their trip. He quickly washed his hands and face in a bucket. The cool water felt refreshing after a night of lying in his sweat. As he exited the tall white tent, sunlight pounded down upon his dark hair. He groaned, taking note of the perfectly clear day. On a journey to the desert, a few clouds would have proven to be incredibly pleasant.