The Chronicles of Kale: Dawn of Retribution (Book 2) (36 page)

He muttered curses to himself as he analyzed the area. A reflection of light caught his attention below, drawing focus to a warrior, standing upon a raised platform. Banners, bearing the same cobra, draped to each side. Though at a distance, Kale could still make out the many spikes which protruded from the warrior’s gauntlets. Tall horns curved toward the sky from his great helm, which the warrior gripped with two hands.

Kale watched with anticipation as the man lifted the armor from his head. Kale’s jaw tightened and teeth clenched as his fingers dug so deeply into a nearby tree’s bark that the skin beneath his nails began to bleed.

“Jedah . . .” He whispered with narrowed eyes.

He furiously ripped a chunk from the tree before racing down to Illadar.

“He’s there!” Kale growled. “Jedah! I didn’t see Neelan, but I am certain the man I saw was him—horridly ugly as ever. There is an entire army of men with him.”

Illadar’s eyes rose with a burning hatred. “He falls tonight; mark my words—this I swear.”

“Illadar, no—what if you are wounded in battle? Did you not hear Kale’s words? An army waits by this man’s side.” Marg tightened her grip upon his arm.

“This isn’t my first battle, and will not be my last. Once we defeat Jedah, I’m sure I speak on behalf of myself and Kale when I say; we will seek and destroy whoever freed that accursed waste of a life. Anyone willin’ to aid someone so heartless—someone who could kill a woman . . . or child . . .” his voice trailed off, “They deserve to meet a terrible fate.”

“I see.” Marg looked to the distance. “Then the game of chess has begun. Please be careful when encountering his pawns—you mustn’t die.” She gently kissed his cheek.

“Nothin’ will stop me from seein’ Jedah as he takes his final breath.” Illadar pressed his lips to her hand before approaching Kale. “We must devise a plan. We can’t approach recklessly.”

“Agreed.” Kale turned. “Reem—where exactly is Neelan’s location? I could not see her within the sea of men below. My first priority is to ensure she is safe.”

“Yes. Come with me.” He led Kale back atop the hill. “There—she was taken inside. I do not know more than this, though I can tell you that her time runs short. The distance between us is too great. We must find a way to bring her near—soon—or there will be no reversing the consequences.”

Kale looked to the ruined castle where Reem pointed.

“It’s strange you know—the men. They’re out there in this miserable cold, suited for battle, and drumming war chants. I would go as far as to say that they knew we were coming from the very beginning.” Kale drew his focus upon Reem. “Those men,” his hand waved in the direction of the mutilated corpses, “they must have been here, waiting for us to pass through. Jedah knew they would die . . . had he not; there would be no grand army below. I do not know what game he is playing, but we must plan our next move carefully.”

“Ahh, now you understand, boy,” Reem replied with a nod.

The group gathered to discuss their strategy. The importance of Neelan’s rescue was determined a priority, and they pondered the best route to make it inside of the old castle.

“We will initiate battle,” Reem finally came to a conclusion. “Our presence should distract the warriors long enough for you to slip by and find concealment near the castle rubble. Expect guards to be present, though they should be minimal. I anticipate that he has placed the bulk of his warriors out here, in preparation of the battle to come. You and Illadar should be able to handle the few who stand in your way.”

“And what if you all die? You have seen his numbers; you cannot possibly expect to take on all of them.” Kale questioned with uncertainties.

“My boy, we are already dead.” Reem rose, stepping carelessly over the deceased warrior carcasses.

“All right, kid, are you ready for this?” Illadar questioned with a firm grip upon Kale’s shoulder.

“I have always been ready.” Kale lifted his chin, allowing the black armor to consume his body. He tightened his muscles and closed his eyes as a black helmet formed upon his head.

“Reem, you and your men will attack just to the south of the ruined castle.” Illadar dug a small branch into the snow to signify position. “Marg, you will stay behind the large pile of rocky rubble below. There are no warriors near that area, so you should be safe if you remain silent and do not emerge. I will not allow you to follow me this time.”

She opened her mouth to protest, but Illadar immediately hushed her.

“It is not open for discussion. I won’t allow you to head into danger.” His face softened. “Please.”

A frown fell upon her lips as she nodded.

“Kale, you and I will enter the field once Reem and his men have distracted the enemy. We proceed through what appears to be an open window.” He squinted toward the castle, “Then, we will make way through the halls until finding Neelan. Once she is escorted to safety—Jedah is mine.” He scowled.

“Or
mine
.” Kale snickered. “We shall see who can reach him first.”

They crept down the steep descent, careful not to heavily step upon the snow. Having already encountered a group of Jedah’s men, they knew that anything could happen.

The chant of warriors rang out. Their energy seemed to have increased from before—they were readying themselves. They saw Jedah from afar, still upon his platform with a sword drawn. His lips moved, but over the roar of the army, they could hear nothing.

“This is it.” Reem whispered, “I wish you well, my friend.”

His eyes went from black, to vibrant orange as he raised his staff high above his head.

Before Kale could prepare for what was to come, Reem leapt out from the thicket of bare trees with his men loyally following. In an instant ambush, they flanked many of the enemy men. Chaos erupted as the warriors scurried toward the commotion.

Kale watched in astonishment as Reem’s men pulled tiny grains of sand from the earth. It burst through the snow and collected upon their hands. Six of the sand-people thrust their arms forward. Massive hammer-like formations were now seen in place of hands.

As the warriors pushed forward, they collided with the impact and were flung in all directions.

“What in the bloody hell are you doin’, kid?! We’ve got to go!” Illadar gripped Kale’s arm forcefully and pulled him forward.

Kale’s eyes fluttered as he returned his attention to their quest. They swiftly wove through the perimeter of trees until reaching the slightly crumbled window.

“Get in!” Illadar urged in whisper.

Kale leapt up, glancing to both sides before allowing his body to drop inside of the narrow corridor.

Illadar quickly followed, and they began making way deeper inside the ruined structure.

They swiftly moved through the stone hall, careful not to tread loudly for fear of alerting any nearby guards. With weapons drawn, they eased open each half rotted door they passed. No more than old, broken furniture and rusted steel could be seen. Growing discouraged, they rounded a final corner. The corridor was fully intact, and the arched ceiling blocked all moonlight from entering.

As they followed it back into the darkness, a sense of familiarity struck Kale. The sound of chiming metals distracted his thoughts.

“Somethin’ is behind the door—ready yourself,” Illadar whispered.

Kale scrunched his forehead, focusing his energy to remove the helmet for a better look. The large keyhole, the old wooden door—these were definitely things he had seen before.

With one swift motion, Illadar thrust his boot into the wood, kicking the door inward.

Kale’s body tightened at the sight before him.

“It can’t be . . .” Kale took a step forward and fell to his knees. “No . . .” He softly spoke and it became clear to him—the room they were in was identical to the vision he shared with Pan. “It was a premonition of what was to come.” His fist slammed against the cold stone floor.

Breath shot from Kale’s mouth as he sat upright in a sickened realization of what had grazed his knuckles. He reached out and took the brunette strands into his fingers, inspecting it closely under the light of a torch which had begun to feed upon the last remnants of oil. “What have they done to her . . .?” His hand clamped tightly. Looking up, he could see the splattered droplets of blood.

“Please, no . . . This cannot be happening.” He cupped his hands against his face and slowly rocked in place.

“We need to go.” Illadar placed a comforting hand upon Kale’s back. “I’m sure she’s still alive. They must have moved her. Let’s join our comrades in battle and destroy Jedah’s army. I have a feeling we will only find her once we get to
him
.”

Kale stood, allowing Neelan’s hair to flutter to the floor. “Then what are we waiting for?” His tone was as frigid as the surrounding cold.

Chapter 36: At His Mercy

M
oonlight flooded over Kale and Illadar as they left the far side of the ruined castle.

“Why the hurry? Ye must have urgent matters ta tend to.” A thick man spoke while spinning the hilt of his sword in a full, circular motion. “I’m afraid I can’t allow ye to pass. Those of us loyal to Lord Jedah don’t wish ta live in a world with the likes of ye—mutated abomination. We know all about ye.” He looked to Kale. “And you,” he pointed the tip of his sword at Illadar. “I assume yer the inadequate excuse of a knight? The one who fled from battle.” He boomed with laughter. “Missing that wife of yers?” The man sneered. “I’ll bet ye can still picture her revolting body, lifeless, and covered in blood.” Beneath his thick, black beard, a smile formed.

Illadar growled in fury as he charged at the warrior with full force.

The clang of steel rang out as the two men pushed against one another.

Kale was readied and prepared to aid his friend in battle when a piercing scream filled the air.

“Neelan!” Kale called out. He looked to the direction of the sound, then back at Illadar.

“Get outta’ here kid!” Illadar held his eyes upon his opponent as he yelled. “If you think this imbecile can defeat me, you’re sadly mistaken. Now go!”

Kale paused a moment. “I will return.” Without further hesitation, he dashed to the far side of the castle.

As he rounded the corner, the sight before him forced the breath from his lungs. Through the sea of warriors, he spotted Jedah and Neelan.

The former general stood at the highest point of a ledge which descended into a deathly steep canyon. His slick, bald head gleamed in the moonlight, causing Kale’s lip to quiver in disgust.

“So you’ve come to play, dragon? Your armor cannot conceal who you are.” Jedah immediately targeted Kale as he yelled above the crowd of warriors. It was as though he had anticipated Kale’s arrival all along. “I have expended far too much energy on exterminating your foul kind—I hadn’t anticipated you’d be as cowardly as to flee. Then, I realized that all I needed to lure you in was this pathetic woman. And here you are, crawling right into my grasp. Dragons . . .” he laughed aloud, “All foolishly ignorant!”

Neelan squirmed and kicked within Jedah’s grasp as he tightly squeezed down upon her neck. Even from afar, Kale could see the pain in her eyes. Bruises and small cuts marred her fair skin.

As if on cue, the warriors separating Kale and Jedah parted, forming a clear path.

“Dragon,” Jedah called out, “do you truly believe that this scenario will have a happy ending for you?” He once more laughed. “Now that I have you, there is no use for this foul creature.” His arm forcefully shook Neelan, causing her body to tremor like a rag doll.

Her hands frantically reached for his fingers, pulling at them with all her strength.

“You die!” Kale cried out as loud as his lungs would allow.

Without concern for the bordering warriors, Kale raced forward. None of the warriors moved—none flinched—everything was going as Jedah had planned.

“Foolish dragon—do you not see?” He outstretched his arm, dangling Neelan over the edge of the cliff. “Today—she dies.” With a vile snicker, he released his grip upon her.

Chapter 37: Flight

K
ale’s body trembled with fury as he listened to her blood-curdling scream.

Jedah’s dark, hateful eyes lit up with anticipation as Kale swiftly approached. He held his sword ready and positioned his stance.

Just before reaching his greatest foe, Kale shifted to the side, running past Jedah as a sword grazed his cheek. Kale inhaled and pinched his eyes shut as he dove out and off of the cliff. His lust for revenge was strong—but his love for Neelan, even stronger.

The wind pushed against his body as he pressed his arms tightly to each side.

I can do this—I must
. A single tear streamed back into his hair as he squinted down at Neelan who was rapidly descending down into the dark depths of the canyon.
Now
! He tightened his jaw and clenched his muscles.

An intense burning swept through his body. Kale growled within his throat as the pain seared. He felt his muscles tearing as something sizable pushed its way out. Two black spikes emerged from his skin, piercing directly through the armor.

“Neelan!” Kale yelled out as large, webbed wings folded against his body.

Kale shot down into the dark depths of the canyon with his arms extended. Reaching with his fingers, he pulled Neelan’s unconscious body into his. His wings expanded, and with a loud
clap
, they swooped upward. The control came naturally to him as they began to ascend toward the sky.

Neelan’s eyes fluttered open, suddenly alert, focusing over his shoulder and upon his wings. “Kale! What is ha—”

Kale hushed her, pulling her body closer as he cradled her within his arms. With another heavy
flap
, he lowered them to a snowy plain.

“You should be safe here, for now,” Kale spoke while tenderly tucking a lock of hair behind Neelan’s ear.

She quickly shook her head and pointed behind where Kale stood.

He spun around to see a dozen men charging in their direction.

“Damn them! They saw us!” He quickly turned to Neelan. “I’ve done a terrible job of keeping you from harm—but please, trust me now. I
will
protect you.”

Neelan forced a smile, cracking the dried blood from the corner of her lips. “Do not tear your heart over this. There are some things even you cannot control—I’ve never stopped trusting you.”