The Chronicles of Kale: Dawn of Retribution (Book 2) (33 page)

Kale lowered himself, agitated by the situation, yet not wanting to seem ungrateful for their hospitality. He frequently glanced into the crowd, struggling to keep track of Neelan and Lox.

“Forgive my son.” Pahlain spoke as she screened Kale’s expression. “We do not get visitors here often, outside of our own kind. His behavior reflects his juvenile excitement of the situation.”

Kale shifted uncomfortably.

“It is good you arrived on this day,” she changed the subject, “the storm would pose threat to even our kind.” She motioned toward the sky. “You are safe here.”

Kale glanced up, mesmerized by the sight. Snow fell heavily from the darkness above, yet disappeared before reaching the rooftops.

“Our village is protected by a barrier tonight. No one may come or go until dawn’s light. Your group arrived just before it was set in place.” Pahlain explained.

“We appreciate all you have done. I know it must be uncomfortable to have strangers here. I assure you, there will be no trouble,” Kale replied, more grateful than ever to be shielded from the dreadful snow.

Pahlain nodded, and suddenly, her warm eyes filled with sadness. “You are such a sweet young man. I would like to share a story with you.” She placed a hand maternally upon Kale’s. “Long ago, this village was built by four of us. It was a quaint camp. We had been exiled from the citadel; thrown out to our deaths.”

Kale raised an eyebrow.

“I am sure my son must have informed you of details by now, but it is true that we are outcasts from the main society of our race. Because we have emotions—because we can feel—the others shunned us. Most are aware from birth if they have this
gift
. Others discover it when least expected—they are most frightened and uncertain of themselves. In the citadel, we are raised without remorse; to care not for one another.

“For me, my full awakening came while I was with child—my second. Lox at this time was very young, yet I knew from the moment he arrived that there was something different about him. I did not have it in me at that time to toss him out—alone, and sure to perish. So, I hid him from the others, after making them assume I had
disposed
of him. I could not understand how or why I had concern for this tiny being, and at first, it angered me.” She hung her head as a tear rolled down her cheek. “I was so cruel to Lox, for many years. He remained locked within my chambers where I would release my frustrations upon him for what I did not understand.

“Then, I discovered I was to have her—my daughter. My belly grew, and I could sense my unborn daughter’s heart beating—filled with love and compassion. It was at this time that I came to realize that I was one of
them
. One of the weak I had been taught were better off dead. Out of fear, I learned to pretend I was still void of emotion. Then, Arliness was born. Her love shined so brightly I knew there would be no concealing the truth.

“I gathered a few of our belongings and left at twilight, manipulating a guard to assume I was to be on watch in his place. Having been a member of the council, I was aware of how to slip past the barrier, set in place to keep no entry—or exit, without a higher authority’s approval. We fled into the frigid darkness without shelter or food—but we were free. At one point, I began to have doubts and wonder if I should have remained back in the citadel. I feared the worst for myself and my children. But then, one of our brethren appeared, beckoning us to follow. He led us here, to this very location where no more than cloth-strung tents hung. For the first time, I realized we were not alone—we were where we belonged. My children could laugh and grow amongst friends. It took great effort, but eventually we were able to build this village you see now. Our guards frequent the snowy plains at night in search for any others who may have been tossed into the cold.” She straightened her posture. “Though we have built a wonderful life here, Lox has never forgotten the terrible things he had to endure.” She wiped another tear from beneath her eye. “Since we arrived here, he has always been by my daughter’s side. He’s cared for, and protected her, as though she were his own. She is the one individual he loves unconditionally.” Pahlain’s eyes drifted to the side. “Arliness, my daughter, was born without the ability to manipulate energy as we can. She is not very strong, and would never attempt to harm another. I must ask, why have you come here?”

The sudden question caught Kale off-guard as he stared a moment in silence.

“I—I am looking for someone. A man who has caused great wrong where I come from. I will not leave Sundra until I bring justice with my blade,” Kale finally replied.

Pahlain lifted Kale’s hand. “I can tell you have a good heart.” She leaned toward him, her eyes glassy with a sense of longing. “My daughter has gone missing . . . I fear she has been taken by another. If it had been our heartless brethren, they would have merely disposed of her life and left her carcass upon the ground. We have looked above and below the snow, and she is nowhere to be found. I can feel in my heart that she is alive.” Her expression grew serious and stern. “If you find the man you seek, I beg of you to ensure he does not have my child. When your group arrived today—I felt a renewed hope. When life seems dark and uncertain, sometimes we must let our hope guide us . . . for right now, hope is all I have . . .”

“Mother, stop filling him with foolish words and requests. I have already told you that
I
will bring Arliness back.” Lox approached and squeezed himself between Kale and Pahlain.

Kale felt his blood begin to boil at the sight of Lox, and quickly stood. “I will do as you ask.” He looked directly at Pahlain. “We leave at dawn’s light.” With a slight bow, he left for his cabin.

The fire crackled, and Kale couldn’t help but to lay himself near its warmth. The heat soothed his body, calming his frustration.

A gentle breeze pushed its way in as the wooden door creaked open. Neelan entered and made way for Kale. She sat next to him and extended her open palms to the fire.

“Wasn’t tonight wonderful? They’re so kind here—nothing like I imagined.” She smiled with excitement as she spoke.

Kale rolled his back to her in disgust. “I’ll bet you
did
have a good time. It looked like you were really enjoying his company—you could’ve made your attraction toward him a
little
less obvious.”

“Kale Firehart, how dare you! You should know better than anyone that I would never want anyone else but you. I was merely having fun—it
is
a festival after all!
You
could have asked me to dance too, you know?” She crossed her arms.

“How could I? You were too infatuated with that horrid elf—you didn’t even notice me!” Kale huffed. “He could pose for your sister, you know . . .” He turned to look at Neelan. “And to think, you had the nerve to get upset with Princess Judith! At least
she
had class.”

Neelan’s eyes widened as tears began to swell. “You’re unbelievable! Maybe you
should
have taken the potion from King Valamar. Then you could go back to the rocky
hole
from which you came—and leave me alone!” She stood and quickly strode back to the door. “I cannot believe you!”

The door slammed shut, leaving Kale alone in silence.

“Me? Unbelievable?” Kale laughed sarcastically. “I’ll be glad when we never have to see Lox again.” His eyes grew heavy as the comforting warmth claimed the last of his energy, sending him into a deep slumber.

Chapter 32: A Trade

N
eelan’s breath shot out into the chilling air as she tucked her knees against her chest. She gazed up at the invisible barrier, watching as the snow dissolved in the sky.

A hand grazed her back, wrapping around and gently squeezing her bicep as it pulled her in.

“Ka—” She jumped in surprise at the sight of Lox.

“I can keep you warm,” he softly whispered into her ear.

His lips grazed her cheek, sending chills through her body.

“Please let me,” he spoke pleadingly.

“I—I can’t.” She moved her face slightly from his. “My heart belongs to Kale and no other.”

“That is truly a shame . . .” He lifted her hand to his lips and softly pressed. His pale eyes peered through silvery strands of hair toward her.

Her heart hammered in her chest as she tucked an arm into her cloak. Without words to respond, she sat in silence, looking once more toward the sky.

“I didn’t only come to share affection, you know.” Lox leaned his back against a wooden fence. “I overheard
him
tonight—Kale—your
lover
,” his voice held slight loathing as he spoke. “He claims your group seeks a male—human, I assume?”

Neelan shifted her focus to Lox and nodded.

“I believe I know who he is . . . and where.”

Neelan shot upright. “You do?” She stood. “We’ve got to tell Kale at once!”

“I refuse.” He looked at Neelan with a sudden change to his demeanor. “I will not tell that
man
anything. If you wish to obtain this information from me, you’ll need to come alone.” Lox extended a hand to her.

“Fine. But I will tell Kale myself, once I have answers.” She lifted her hood over her head and allowed Lox to guide her.

He clamped down upon her palm and pulled her swiftly in the direction of the hole which she had first arrived through.

A tall frost elf blocked the path; his arms crossed and face stern.

“Sironus, please grant us passage at once. I have just received word from our visitors on a possible clue to my sister’s location,” Lox spoke firmly.

The guard looked past them, as though searching for someone else. “I must speak with your mother first. You know well enough that the barrier is up until dawn. The storm is still upon us.”

“There is no time! You must trust me—please! This may be our only chance to find her,” Lox pleaded.

The guard once again glanced around before nodding his head. “All right—but you’d better return with Arliness, or get your hide back here before dawn. If your mother or the elders discover I’ve let you out, I’ll lose my position. Then it may be
you
who will go missing.” He furrowed his brows and turned.

With an open palm, he spoke softly in foreign tongue. White, glowing energy spiraled down his arm and into an invisible force.

Neelan watched as ripples formed in the air until what appeared to be a dimly glowing opening appeared.

“Go through now—I cannot hold it open for long,” the guard demanded.

The chilling wind was nearly blinding as it howled through the trees with forceful strength. Neelan bundled the front of her cloak tightly shut as Lox led with an arm around her shoulder.

“It is not very far,” he called out, raising an arm to shield his eyes from the angled snowfall. One of his palms cast an illuminate glow, lighting the path before them.

Neelan followed willingly, yet grew unsure of the situation with every step that placed her farther from the village. The heavy snow made it nearly impossible for her to have any sense of direction. She knew she was at the mercy of Lox and had to put all hope that he would lead them safely.

As they passed masses of towering tree trunks, Neelan began to realize that amongst her excitement of finding information for Kale, she had failed to ask two very important questions. Her mind began to race as to how Lox obtained such knowledge on Jedah—and where it was they were heading in the mid of night.

“Lox,” she held her head low to avoid the chilling sting, “why is it that I have to follow you here, just to listen to what you know of Jedah? Why could you not have told me back at the village?”

“Because, Milady, you must
see
it with your own eyes to understand. How could I possibly provide direction in a land covered with snow?”

Neelan grew silent once again. His words made sense of things, yet, she couldn’t help but to feel something was not quite right.

They approached what looked to be a tunnel, created by thick, intertwining branches.

“This way,” Lox quietly nudged her forward.

Immediately, she could feel the tension in his hands, and hear the slowing of his breath. His pace slowed and his expression filled with sadness.

“Is everything all right?” Neelan questioned as she stepped in front and turned to face him.

She took a step back, reading that something was definitely wrong.

“Neelan . . .” his voice choked back the regret, “please, please forgive me . . .”

She felt the fabric slide over her head as everything went black.

Chapter 33: Betrayal

N
eelan’s arms flailed as someone tightly gripped around her torso. She cried out for help as her legs thrashed against the ground, kicking snow against Lox’s leg.

Lox stood with fists curled as emotions washed over him. “Where is she?!” He called out.

There was no response.

“
Where
is she?!” He repeated, his voice shaken. “Fulfill your word or I shall tear your limbs apart!”

“Calm yourself,
elf
,” a man’s voice spoke in distaste.

Neelan gasped, nearly sucking in the fabric which bound her head. There was no denying that the man who spoke—was Saldin. Her heart raced and one word came to mind—
betrayal
.

“A deal
is
a deal.” Saldin continued.

The sound of whimpering could be heard, undeniably a child, followed by the crunching of snow.

“A pawn, for a pawn,” Saldin laughed as he spoke.

Tiny grunts could be heard before the sound of something hitting the snow with force. It was clear that the child had been thrown.

“Get up, Arliness! Come to me at once!” Lox commanded.

“Lower your bow, foolish elf. We have what we came for. This weakling child is of no worth to us anymore. Attempt to attack and you shall spend every moment of your life watching over her—for the moment we find her alone, her blood will spill for your actions.”

Saldin’s voice made Neelan sick. She swung an arm with all the strength she could muster, hitting the man who restrained her body. For a moment, she felt his grip loosen. Kicking off with her feet, she sprinted in the direction she assumed to be where they entered the area. As her hands rose to remove the thick sack upon her head, two firm arms tackled her to the ground.

“Bind her wrists!” Saldin ordered her silent captor. “
He
will have your head if she escapes.”

Neelan’s wrists burned as the rope was bound tightly against her skin. The knot was so snug her fingers quickly grew numb.

“Lox . . . why?” Neelan’s words pierced through his heart as she was dragged off into the darkness.

Kale woke to the loud snoring of Illadar. He shivered, looking up at the ashy, cool remains in the fireplace. A frown formed upon his lips as he thought of his actions toward Neelan with regret. He rolled over, prepared to seek forgiveness for his foolish behavior. His hand smacked against the rough, wood flooring.