B006T5JMRC EBOK (19 page)

“Shh...” Illadar urgently whispered, quietly moving toward where Kale stood. “They must know we’re here.”

“
They
?” Kale whispered back.

“The red beasts. They’re from the
other side
. They can’t harm us here, but they can send an alert of our presence.”

“Red beasts? Other side?” Though Kale was relieved his confession had been interrupted, he was now struck with bewilderment.

“Come quietly, I’ll show you.” He led Kale to a nearby thicket of bushes. “Look through, but don’t let ’em see you.” Illadar whispered.

Kale brought his fingertips to the leaves, gently parting them to have a better look.
What in Pan’s name are those
?! He watched as a pack of gruesome creatures paced alongside the tiny stream.

They appeared to be of the dog family and walked upon four thin legs. Their oversized paws had long, thick, black claws that dug into the dirt as they walked. The creatures’ thin lips curled back as they snarled viciously, revealing crooked teeth sharply pointed at the tips. Their bodies were hairless and coated in a thin layer of mucus-like liquid which secreted from their pores, causing them to have a slick appearance. Every so often a small glob of the fluid would slide down one of the creature’s legs and onto the ground. This seemed to be a self-cleaning method to clear debris which stuck to their bodies. The creatures had no tails, but instead a sharp white spike protruded from the base of their spines. Their slender heads had not one set of ears, but two, positioned just above their devilish red eyes.

Kale couldn’t resist his curiosity and pushed the leaves farther apart. As he did, the soft rustling barely detectable by human hearing, seemed to stir the creatures. Their double set of ears perked into a stiff upward position as they began to huff. Kale and Illadar remained stationary, taking in slow and silent breaths.

The red beasts paced quickly on the opposite side of the small stream as if bound by an invisible force. The stream was very narrow and could easily be crossed with a single step—it certainly was not an obstacle for the red beasts. Kale could not understand why they did not attack.

As Kale wondered if they would ever be able to leave their location, a prolonged piercing howl rang out in the distance. All the beasts turned their heads to listen before quickly sprinting off into the forest.

Kale and Illadar simultaneously released a sigh of relief.

“Why didn’t they cross the stream to attack us?” Kale immediately asked, his heart still racing. “I don’t understand... I’m sure they knew we were here.”

“The red beasts are remarkable hunters who live within the Forest of Forgotten Whispers. Centuries ago, an old sorcerer cast an enchantment upon the area as a method to protect nearby towns. He placed a barrier of runnin’ water around the forest so that any creature born on the tainted land will turn to dust should they attempt to cross. They are prisoners to the land.” Illadar cautiously peered through the bush to ensure they were still alone before continuing on. “As time passed it became common knowledge among natives surroundin’ the area to remain safely on their own side of the stream.”

“Is it really that bad over there?” Kale was intrigued to hear more.

“I’d bet so. I’ve heard stories you couldn’t even muster in your worst nightmares. Though, I will say—rumor has it that not all creatures born on the other side of the forest are foul. They’ve just been struck with misfortune and are now bound.” Illadar stood as he cracked his neck to the side in discomfort.

“Why did the sorcerer place a barrier in the first place if it’s not
all
bad?”

“Because it wasn’t worth the risk of allowin’ the beasts to roam across Ravondore freely. They aren’t even the worst threats that lurk in there.”

A thought then crossed Kale’s mind, prompting him to ask, “Why did we have to hide?” He tried to make sense of it all. “Couldn’t we have picked them off one by one from where we stood?”

“I wish it were that easy, kid. Red beasts don’t fend well on their own in life. They’re mindless creatures who only live to kill. The beasts will often fight amongst themselves and kill their own kind. Because of this, most of them are led by a higher power—someone or somethin’ more intelligent than they. A being that is stronger and has either conquered the creatures into submission, or raised ‘em from birth. Red beasts are very loyal beings and will only obey a single master throughout their entire lives—unless of course, their master has been slain.”

“So, you’re saying there may be someone within the forest commanding them? Someone that
can
cross the stream?”

“Exactly,” Illadar smirked. “Maybe you’re not as dimwitted as I’ve thought.” He then disappeared without a word, returning shortly after with the dead animal slung over his shoulder. “Go fetch some water in our canteens. We don’t need to get dehydrated.”

Kale quickly obeyed in hopes the tense encounter had caused Illadar to temporarily forget his previous concerns. Kale longed to learn combat techniques while trapped within his squishy human body and he knew having Illadar around would be the only means for it to happen.

“Hurry up, kid.” Illadar demanded of Kale, who had drifted in thought about learning swordsmanship. “We need to move quickly toward camp before anyone catches sight of us. Leave no tracks or evidence of our presence along the way. We cannot afford our location to be revealed.”

Kale hesitantly approached the stream, glancing in all directions to ensure he was alone. It seemed surreal that a stream, less than arm’s length at its greatest width, could keep the red beasts away. He swiftly dunked the canteens beneath the water’s surface as he shook them until all air bubbles had escaped, allowing the cool water to rush inside. He spun the cap onto each canteen when a
thud
on the opposite side of the stream caught his attention. Something had just fallen from the tree branches.

Maybe it was only a squirrel,
Kale thought as he secured the canteens to his belt.
No, it couldn’t be—it was far too loud to be a squirrel
. As Kale turned to leave, he caught sight of a shadowy silhouette from the corner of his eye which immediately caused him to refocus his attention. He could vaguely make out the figure standing there in what appeared to be a hooded cloak. Before he could investigate further, whomever swiftly dashed behind the trees. Kale was certain this had been no animal.

A sense of
déjà vu
overwhelmed Kale—the encounter reminded him of the person who he’d seen perched upon the wooden wall of Braxle. Kale shot a glance toward Illadar who was looking in the opposite direction, picking at his teeth while he held the animal carcass in place.

Maybe there is no need to draw alarm. Maybe whoever it was didn’t notice us
. After a brief debate, he decided to keep what he had seen to himself unless another incident should arise.

“Let’s get back quickly,” Kale stated, anxious to get as far away from the stream as possible.

“Took ya’ long enough. The last thing we need is to be around this area when darkness falls upon us.” Illadar led the way as they moved through the cluster of leaves.

They maintained a steady pace throughout their hike and kept an awkward silence that made Kale uneasy.

The two men arrived at the camp and began to settle around the fire when Thomas’ eyes grew wide with dismay. He ran a finger along the gaping hole of the grey animal’s torso. His green eyes peeked from under grey brows as he saw Illadar lying with his back against the ground. With hope that whatever caused the damage to the animal had a logical explanation, he continued to prepare and cook their meal. The last thing Thomas wanted was to stir unnecessary alarm. He decided to wait until later into the night, once Illadar fell asleep, to press Kale for answers.

Finally, after their stomachs were full, Illadar leaned his back against a tree as he crossed his arms. He stared toward Kale with a look of exasperation upon his face. “I hope you don’t think you’re off the hook. You’ve got some serious explaining to do, kid—or I leave at dawn’s first light.”

Kale glanced toward Thomas who shook his head with disappointment. The old sorcerer was well aware that something had definitely gone astray during their hunt.

“What is our friend referring to Kale?” Thomas questioned with purposeful ignorance while secretly hoping it was not the secret they struggled so hard to keep.

The look Kale returned revealed Thomas’ worst assumptions were correct.

“How can it be?” Thomas glanced from Illadar to Kale.

“Well,” Kale sighed, “remember when we spoke about my inhuman strength? You said it might be a trait I’ve inherited from my,” he glanced toward Illadar, “former self—an innate ability.” Kale cleared his throat. “There is still that
thing
I wanted to tell you the other night. My hands,” he brought his palms up to his face, “they get extremely hot. I’m able to heat or burn the things I touch—though, I don’t know why it happens, and I’m unsure how to control its timing.” Kale closed his hands. “Today, Illadar saw when it happened again.”

“I see.” Thomas folded his hands together, “So it couldn’t be helped then.” He glanced toward the fire as he pondered the situation.

“Enough with this crud!” Illadar sat upright. “It’s pretty obvious you’ve both been hiding information from me.” He paused a moment. “For awhile, I know I did as well—but now we’re travelin’ together and, quite honestly, if I’m gonna’ be sleeping next to someone who could torch me while I sleep—I’d like to know. So stop with all the secretive chatter and tell me what is
really
going on!”

After a brief moment of silence, Kale spoke. “I’ve made up my mind, Thomas; I’m going to tell him. I believe we can trust him.” Kale’s heart raced. This was the first person he had ever opened up to, aside from Thomas, whom he had known for decades.

Thomas nodded his head in approval, though, still keeping a cautious watch toward Illadar’s expression.

“Illadar, I’m a—a,” Kale sighed.
Just tell him
! He urged himself to continue, “I am the Black Dragon, Firehart–the final kill necessary for Jedah’s ultimate victory over dragon-kind.”

An uncomfortable silence followed before Illadar burst into laughter so hard tears swelled in his deep brown eyes. “Kid, you must really think I’m an idiot!” He smacked his knee, “A dragon? You?” More laughter erupted as he stopped only to catch his breath. “An apprentice spell-caster maybe—I’d even believe you were born from the blood of a sorcerer, but a dra— ”

“Actually,” Kale cut him off, “
he
is the sorcerer.” He pointed toward Thomas.

“Oh, com’on! You two are too much. First you expect me to believe that you—a puny kid—was once a dragon. But, then you take it beyond that to tell me the old man here is a sorcerer?” Illadar stood furiously. “I’ve had enough. Good luck on your own from here on out. I’m sure it won’t be that difficult between a
dragon and a sorcerer
to take care of yourselves,” he snickered.

Kale balled his fists angrily. “Just wait a moment! I’m telling you the truth!”

“Indeed, I assure you he is speaking truthfully,” Thomas added calmly.

Illadar ignored their attempts to regain his trust. “I’m not even gonna’ wait until morning. There’s no way I could sleep next to the two of you. Who knows what you might do to me?” He shuddered in disgust as he slung his pack over a shoulder along with his blade.

Within seconds, Kale was at Illadar’s heels. “I said to wait, you stubborn fool!” Kale demanded as he reached out and gripped Illadar’s forearm.

Illadar yelled in pain as he ripped his arm from Kale’s grasp. “Touch me again and I’ll slice you down right where you stand!” He placed a hand over where Kale had touched.

The stench of burnt flesh filled Kale’s nostrils. Kale could see the bright red inflamed skin which was already beginning to peel between Illadar’s fingers. He knew Illadar had been badly burnt. Kale quickly closed his palm into a tightened fist, taking a step back in dismay. “Please believe me—I truly didn’t intend to harm you.” He looked toward the sky in frustration. “I hate this! It’s not fair; I don’t know how to control this pathetic human body. This must be a curse—or a nightmare I can’t wake from. When I had the ability to use power as a dragon, I knew of Jedah and the war he engaged upon dragon-kind.” His chest hurt as he spoke, “I knew—and yet I chose to remain secluded within my own cave and did nothing. I sat back while they all died alone. I assumed each dragon would have the power to handle themselves in battle. That stubborn thought remained within my mind, although I knew better. Even after hearing the news of each dragon’s demise, I still placed my own pride first.” He bit his lip as he glanced toward the ground.

“The truth is—I was scared. If I had only gone to aid the others, maybe we would have won and ended this long ago. There’s something I’ve learned during my time as a human—you can accomplish so much more if you work together. I don’t want you to leave, Illadar. You’re my friend and I know that, as a team, we can win this.” Kale awaited a response as many minutes of silence passed. He gulped, wondering if something inappropriate had been said.

Illadar heavily sighed, rubbing a hand across his scrunched forehead. “Logs,” He finally spoke.

“What?” Kale hadn’t a clue what Illadar meant.

“I said—logs. Go—now!” He turned to face Kale, shaking his head. “I’m not gonna’ stay if you intend to slack off. Get moving!”

Kale smiled, quickly moving toward the spot where he first endured holding the logs. A new pile waited, neatly stacked — compliments of Illadar. Kale was prepared to train harder than ever before. This time, he would stand by those he cared for until the very end.