B006T5JMRC EBOK (41 page)

“Kale,” Judith narrowed her eyes as she scolded him, “though he is my father, do not forget that you are in the presence of a King—mind your manners!”

Kale looked down, chagrined at his rude behavior. He could hear Neelan laughing under her breath from the seat to his side.

“It is quite all right, Judith. After all this young man has gone through, I think it is quite fine for him to enjoy himself tonight.” King Valamar winked at Kale. “I also believe he deserves to be provided with further information.” The King adjusted himself in his heavily cushioned chair.

“First, I would like to personally welcome you to our kingdom. I am honored to have each of you here tonight. You have returned the most precious person in this world to me. Judith’s mother died while in labor, so she truly is all I have.” He cleared his throat. “I am also pleased to see that despite your differences,” the King glanced toward Neelan, who sank down into her seat, “you have all come together as one unified group. Please, dear, do not feel as though you must hide yourself within the walls of our kingdom.”

“Thank you for your kindness toward me...” Neelan softly spoke, then slowly adjusted herself upright in the chair.

“Now, let us move on to the more serious matters at hand. I request the presence of each of you immediately following dinner. I want no time wasted in sentencing my former general. The longer he remains within this kingdom, the more risk of his escape. I want this matter handled now, so tomorrow we may execute his punishment. We have yet to find Saldin or the group who disappeared with him, though, I am very confident they are no longer within our walls.”

“What is going to happen to Jedah?” Kale quickly caught his overly forward behavior as he cleared his dry throat. “Your Highness,” he added.

“I am sorry to inform you I cannot discuss the subject at this moment as Thomas and I are still establishing the full details. However, I can assure you he will not harm another soul after tomorrow.”

Why him
? Kale wondered as he stared blankly toward Thomas.

Within minutes, a grand feast was placed upon the table and they each enjoyed a wide variety of satisfying dishes.

Once finished, the King dabbed his chin with a cloth napkin before standing from his seat. “I must excuse myself now, and tend to further preparations. Please continue to enjoy your feast. Once you have finished, Judith will escort you to your sleeping quarters where you will find appropriate clothing for tonight’s event. I would like you to meet me within the grand hall. Sentencing will begin shortly after.”

The King cast a glance of warning toward Kale and Illadar. “Though, I am grateful for the return of my daughter, we cannot risk anything going wrong tonight. I will inform you now that Jedah will be present and I expect you both to suppress whatever aggressive actions you may desire to execute. Should you attempt to disrupt my ruling in any way, you shall find yourself sleeping within a prison cell tonight. I will warn you—they are not accommodating. This is my kingdom and the issue will be dealt with diplomatically—despite my urge to slit his throat for placing my own daughter and the people of Ravondore through such strife and agony.” The King flipped his red velvet robe over a shoulder and left them to finish their meal as he exited the room.

Kale could barely ingest another spoonful of potatoes as his stomach turned in knots at the thought of being in the same room as Jedah. The night would soon bring a cascading series of changes none of them could have imagined.

Chapter 27: The King’s Plan

T
he group was escorted into two separate bedrooms joined by an unhinged doorframe. One room was assigned to Neelan, and the other for the men. Within each area they found a rolling wardrobe filled with both men and women’s formal attire. After sorting through, they each found something of interest that fit well enough to wear.

Neelan tapped upon the frame of the open doorway. “Are you decent?” she called.

“Yes, my dear, they are both dressed. You may come in,” Thomas replied.

As she entered, Kale couldn’t help but stare.

Neelan’s hair was pinned elegantly back with a sparkling clasp, crafted in the shape of a rose. Her pastel yellow gown hung in a slightly crumpled heap at the floor, but fit perfectly in all other areas. The form-fitting upper half led into a very full skirt which had draped fabric and a small bow in the back. Neelan looked as though she belonged with royalty.

“Do I look silly?” Neelan placed her hands upon her flushed cheeks.

“N-no—sorry.” Kale quickly dodged her eyes and glanced away bashfully. “You look really beautiful.”

“You think so?” Neelan gripped the gown, lifting it from the floor as she spun around. She then approached Kale, whispering softly into his ear, “You’re not so bad yourself.” She winked at him, smiling seductively as she ran her fingers along his neck.

Kale’s heart pounded as his breathing tightened within his chest. Neelan’s soft caresses sent chills down his spine.

“Ahem... I do not mean to interrupt such a...moment, however we really must be leaving now.” Judith cleared her throat from the doorframe.

As they entered the royal hall, Judith, who had escorted them, immediately moved toward her throne. Kale and the others followed Thomas to join a group of lesser royalty, consisting of nobles and lords. Judith lowered herself upon the golden throne and many shouts of awe erupted within the large hall. She humbly smiled toward the crowd as she adjusted her elaborate teal gown.

“She has truly returned!”

“The Princess lives!”

Voices could be heard in all directions as the anxious citizens stared toward Judith.

“Silence, please.” King Valamar stood and raised his hands above his head which bore a magnificent golden crown. Even from a distance, the variety of jewels set into the gold itself could be seen. Then, before the audience, he briefly informed them on the situation leading up to Judith’s return.

Kale glanced around as the whispers of many enraged individuals filled the room.

“Bring in the culprit!” the King bellowed.

A dozen heavily armored warriors surrounded Jedah. The former general was shackled at his wrists and ankles. He wore filthy tights and an oversized tunic hung on his body like a large sack. The room grew silent as they all watched Jedah shuffle his way along a long beige carpet to the thrones. The guards forcefully pulled on Jedah’s arms, restraining him in place as they neared the King.

“You go no farther, betrayer,” one of the guards warned.

Kale’s heart once again burned with pure fury at the sight of Jedah who wore an expression that bore no guilt for his actions.

“Do as you will—
your highness,
” Jedah sneered as though this was nothing but a game.

King Valamar’s face shook in anger and Kale could see he was struggling to maintain composure.

“Ah...Princess.” Jedah released a sinister laugh. “So good to see you again. Did the dragon decide to release you?” More laughter followed. “Those filthy beasts; it is a shame one of the disgusting creatures still roams this world.” His eyes shot directly toward Kale with a burning, untamed fury.

Kale’s pale blue eyes narrowed.
He must know...
Kale returned the bitter glare, baring his teeth as he fought to remain still out of respect for the King.

“Do not speak!” The King’s voice was loud and demanding as he pointed a finger toward Jedah.

“What shall you do? You are a foolish King who allowed yo—” Jedah groaned in pain as one of the guards slammed the pommel of his sword into Jedah’s back.

“The King said to silence yourself,” the guard ordered.

“I’ve given this situation deep thought and have come to the conclusion that death is simply too good for you.” As King Valamar spoke, Kale and Illadar appeared as though they had just been struck in the face.

The surrounding audience appeared just as dumbstruck by the King’s words.

He does not deserve to live,
Kale thought with a grimace.
I hope the King has a plan and is not truly as foolish as I have come to believe
. He silently awaited an explanation.

“You have betrayed our kingdom—betrayed me. You’ve kidnapped and endangered my daughter. In addition, you have tormented, slain, and destroyed the lives of many across Ravondore. Without remorse, you have taken the lives of women and children. You’ve committed all of these heinous acts without my acknowledgment and have blemished the good name of Mirion. I cannot imagine how many wish for the fall of our kingdom after what has been done. Our kingdom stands for peace and justice. We only resort to aggressive tactics when absolutely necessary, and I was a fool to have trusted your word. For this treachery, you shall be sentenced to a life in torment until your body perishes–think of this as a prolonged execution. By tomorrow’s light, you will be sent to a cavern hidden away within the snow-covered continent of Sundra. The frost elves—mighty and powerful, will ensure you remain locked away, enduring countless days of agony until your time on this world has ended. When they arrive here tomorrow, no soul in Ravondore shall ever lay eyes upon the likes of you again.” The King’s eyes pierced Jedah’s with a malevolent stare of hatred which only a father who had thought he lost his only child could feel.

Neelan knew the frost elves were cold and emotionless beings within her race. They were not vicious or aggressive, unless provoked, and usually maintained a thriving desire for balance within the world. However, unlike the high elves, they had no remorse. The frost elves could torture and take life without a second thought.

Kale struggled to accept the situation as he shifted anxiously from one foot to the other. His heart raced with doubt and an uneasy feeling of uncertainty swarmed within his mind. Having no prior knowledge of the frost elves, he assumed the worst. With the many devoted followers Jedah had accumulated, the thought of the former general finding a way to escape seemed to be a sure reality.

Neelan took notice of Kale’s anxious movements and rose onto her toes to whisper words of ease into his ear. She briefly explained the great power frost elves possessed. The gesture slightly eased Kale’s nerves, though he still could not understand why King Valamar did not simplify the situation by sentencing Jedah to an immediate execution.

“My decision is final,” the King spoke with assured confidence, despite the uncertain whispers amongst the crowd.

“It’ll be all right...” Neelan softly spoke to Kale and Illadar.

King Valamar clapped his hands twice. “Take him away. I cannot bear to see his face any longer.” He then faced the audience. “You are all dismissed. We will meet again at dawn’s first light.”

“What is he thinking?!” Kale tugged at his hair in frustration once they left the hall.

“Calm yourself, Kale. The King has the best intentions of Ravondore in mind,” Thomas replied.

“By allowing Jedah to live?” Kale slammed his fist angrily into his palm.

“Death is swift, where Jedah is heading will be far worse. The frost elves will show him no mercy. He will live each day in agony. Though far in distance, the frost elves have been at peace with Mirion until word of Jedah’s vile actions reached them. Now that they are aware of King Valamar’s ignorance in the matter, the treaty of peace has yet again resumed. They believe in maintaining balance within the world, much like the high elves. However, unlike Neelan’s kind, the frost elves will come when summoned to punish the wicked. They will not, however, engage in war as it is against their beliefs. The frost elves will come only once the enemy has been captured and judgment passed. Think of them as the hand of punishment. They are far more powerful than Jedah could dream, and I do not foresee how he could possibly escape without first meeting a terrible death.” Thomas placed a hand upon Kale’s shoulder. “You should not worry yourself over the situation. We have succeeded and Jedah will be gone tomorrow.”

“How does the King even know they will arrive to aid with Jedah’s purgatory? And how could they possibly make it here by tomorrow mornin’ if they’re commin’ from another continent?” Illadar joined in.

“Between only us,” Thomas lowered his voice, “decades ago when the treaty was first agreed upon, a previous King of Mirion was entrusted with a scepter only to be used in a time of need to restore balance. The enchanted item allows the true King to contact the Frost Emperor. Unlike my own limited abilities, the frost elves are able to teleport themselves to any location without ever having to set foot or view the area beforehand.”

Thomas’ words managed to reassure both Kale and Illadar enough to refrain from pressing the subject any longer.

The group was so fatigued from their arduous journey they each hurried to their freshly prepared beds. Neelan kissed Kale softly on the cheek before her own departure, assuring him a second time everything would be all right.

Kale lay back on the plush maroon comforter as he stared up toward the sheer fabric draped from each of the four wooden bedposts. As he continued to dwell upon the King’s final judgment, his eyes struggled to remain open until he could no longer fight against them. His body went limp as he drifted into slumber.

Kale tossed and turned on the large feather mattress as a series of dreams involving Jedah’s escape tormented his sleep. In one of his more vivid dreams, Jedah managed to smuggle a cell key and silently slip out beneath the guards’ noses as they mingled amongst themselves. Jedah cleverly made his way inside the royal chambers and crept to Kale’s bedside. Kale could clearly hear the words Jedah spoke, “
All dragons shall die by my hand. You cannot escape me
.” Then—the steel blade thrust down toward Kale’s chest.

The dream became so intense Kale woke abruptly, covered in beads of cold sweat.

“Kale?” A soft voice called through the darkness.

“Yes, Neelan, I apologize for disturbing you, I was having a horrible nightmare. Everything is fine, you can go back to sleep now.”

Neelan sat down upon the edge of Kale’s bed, placing an arm gently around his bare torso. “You’re worrying about this too much, Kale. You shall see, he will be gone tomorrow morning and we can all move forward with our lives. Don’t lose sight of your next quest. You can save dragon kind from extinction—you and only you.”

Kale’s chest burned; he had nearly lost focus on the eggs.

“What would you do without me?” Neelan flashed a gentle smile which could be seen through the darkness. “You are a mess.” She quietly laughed as she placed her hands upon Kale’s cheeks. She lightly brushed her nose against his, pressing her body firmly into his torso which felt firm and warm. “Don’t forget I am here for you.” She spoke so closely that he felt her hot breath against his lips. “Please get some rest; I’ll be just in the other room if you need me.”