The Chronicles of Kale: Dawn of Retribution (Book 2) (17 page)

A blatant hissing could be heard and Kale leapt up; blind to his surroundings. A rhythmic rattle, similar to the desert snakes, could be heard and he took a wide step in the opposite direction. Kale felt it on his leg first—the smooth, yet leathery skin which slid against his arm. It twisted around his torso faster than he could devise an escape.

“What in Pan’s name is happening?! Where is everyone?! Neelan?” Kale squirmed his body while unsuccessfully attempting to free his arms.

“Sssuch easssy prey . . .” A feminine voice which was distinguishably inhuman hissed. “What a ssshame. I truly thought more of you, Kale Firehart. How dreadfully dull . . .”

“What game is this you play? Set my arms free and I shall tear you apart! Such a cowardly serpent hiding within the darkness; if it is a fight you desire, than release me at once.” Kale spat while jerking his body forcefully from the coiled grip.

“Do you not underssstand? Thessse are
my
rulesss, foolisssh dragon—
my
game. You are but a plaything to amussse me. I know every move you make . . . you cannot hide.” The snake tightened her grip against Kale’s chest, forcing the air from his lungs. “Return to your friendsss now for you are no match for me at this moment. Improve your ssskill and sssenssesss—then I ssshall reveal to you my true form.”

A dim red light shone down from an unknown source and, for the first time, Kale could see the massive snake. Yellow eyes stared piercingly into his, as it reared its head back.

The serpent forced Kale tightly in place as its mouth parted wide, revealing two massive fangs which dripped with saliva. The snake hissed loudly before lunging at Kale—prepared to kill.

Kale’s heart throbbed against his chest and he pinched his eyes tightly shut.

Sweat drenched Kale’s flesh as he shot upright; his hair was damp and matted against his forehead. Kale cupped his hands together as he gently rocked his body. His palms were burning and his mind racing.

“Kale, what is happening?” Neelan brought her face to his as she gently took his shoulders into her hands. “We’ve been trying to wake you from sleep for some time now. You were thrashing across the wagon bed.”

Neelan’s sweet scent took hold of Kale’s senses and he realized he was no longer in danger of the snake’s trap.

“I couldn’t possibly have been sleeping . . . this was real—I’m certain of it.” Kale pulled Neelan close, resting his head gently upon her collar. “I’m glad I’m back; from wherever it was; glad you’re safe.”

“Are you all right?” Marg turned to inspect Kale’s condition. “We’ve pulled off the trail to ensure you were well. We can stop briefly if you feel it would be best to recompose yourself. Sometimes I find stretching my legs for a short walk works brilliantly.”

“I’m fine. Let’s keep going.” Kale gently pulled from Neelan and gazed at their surroundings. “Something is going on here in Ravondore—Jedah was not our last concern. . .” He whispered to the wind.

“Kale,” Thomas lowered his face to meet Kale’s and dropped his voice. “I can tell something is gravely bothering you—we will talk when the first opportunity of privacy graces us.”

Kale nodded. The wagon resumed its steady pace along the trail, followed by the group of sand-people shortly behind.

Another three days passed with no further word from Elanya. They would soon be arriving at their destination and Kale’s anticipation rose at the thought of what was to come. If the tower proved to be the correct location, Kale would finally have the opportunity to confront his mother—he would no longer be living alone as the last of his kind. A new life flashed before his eyes—a life with family, and his brethren. His lips curled into a satisfied smile.

They emerged into an open field with budding dandelions as far as the eye could see. The path forked in two directions and the group shifted forward as Marg pulled firmly upon the reins.

“I’m heading east.” Her eyes widened as she looked toward Illadar. “And you?”

Illadar turned to face Thomas, knowing it was he who would know the proper course.

The old sorcerer climbed from the wagon. “We are taking the north trail. We’re grateful however for your assistance.”

“It’s nothing really.” Marg’s teeth tugged gently at her bottom lip. “I would still be wounded in the woods had it not been for all of you.”

Kale and Neelan followed Thomas, while Illadar remained stationed by Marg’s side.

“I suppose this is where I bid you farewell. . .” Illadar’s jaw tightened as he spoke. “It was my pleasure to have met someone like you.” He gently raised her hand to his lips, delicately kissing above the knuckles. “I hope by fate’s hand, we meet again. . .” He grabbed his bag and leapt from the wagon. Illadar glanced over a shoulder, only to find Marg’s moist eyes staring deep into his.

“I wish for this to be true.” Marg sighed with sadness. “I have never met another like you.” She quickly glanced away as the first tear fell. Her hands snapped the reins and the wagon accelerated down the eastern trail.

Illadar hung his shoulders, feeling hollow inside as he walked behind his friends. Over the course of their time travelling together, he had learnt a lot about her. The two had grown very close.

Thomas, Kale, and Neelan continuously glanced behind to ensure Illadar was still there. It was obvious to them he was hurting inside, and yet they knew no words could heal his inner turmoil.

Kale sighed, knowing what it felt like to care deeply for another. It pained him to see Illadar going through loss for a second time after allowing his heart to open. “I’m sure you’ll see her again . . .” Kale finally could no longer hold back the urge to comfort his friend.

“Sure, kid. . .” Illadar caught up to Kale, who had stopped to wait. “Don’t bother tryin’ to coat the situation with ignorance. I’m no fool and I know we’ll never see each other again.” He shook his head and tightened his lips. “I wouldn’t be able to find her if I tried—and I highly doubt we will just
happen
to cross paths. So let’s just forget about it, stop bringin’ her up, and move on. I’m over it . . .” Illadar waved his hand and sped his pace.

“Why didn’t you go with her?” Kale called to Illadar’s back.

Illadar stopped in his tracks and spun around. “Because, kid, I’ll tell you. I’m a man of my word and have told you I’d assist with this bloody mess you’ve pulled us all into! None of us asked the Gods for such a life—to be followers for a
dragon
who can’t even call himself
that
anymore—” Illadar clapped a hand over his mouth as he looked upon Kale’s face—a face void of all joy and filled with pain. “Kale . . . please forgive my words. That was uncalled for. I didn’t mean—”

“Just go.” Kale spoke in a loud whisper.

Illadar inhaled through his nose and turned away from the group. “All right, if that’s how you’ll have it, then I’m leavin’.”

Chapter 16: The Tower

A
loud snap filled their ears and both Kale and Illadar flew back in opposite directions.

“Enough!” Thomas yelled in frustration. “No one is leaving.” He shot a glance to Illadar. “You know better—you’re behaving as Kale once did; selfish and full of pride.”

Kale contracted his brows as he scowled at Thomas.

“And you! Don’t you dare attempt to throw a childish fit.” Thomas waved a finger toward Kale’s face. “You should know exactly how your friend is feeling. Do not pretend to have such ignorance, boy. I was well aware you had fallen for Neelan when you parted ways at Braxle. You should be more compassionate to a man who speaks in grievance. In your heart, I know you understand he doesn’t mean such foul words.”

“Kale, he’s right . . . My mind is just torn; I’m speakin’ irrationally because of this—this feelin’ inside.” Illadar tightened his fists until his dark knuckles lightened. “You see  . . .
this
is why I do not wish to love again. It’s so complex and confusin’. I want to forget I ever met her and continue forward.”

“I don’t believe that will be so easily accomplished,” Neelan spoke with a mischievous smirk.

“Why is that? I prefer bein’ without a woman by my side. Life is easier that way.” Illadar straightened his posture and turned. “Females only make a man’s mind go crazy—right now I need to focus on our quest without distractions.” He tilted his head toward Kale. “And
yes
, I
want
to.”

Neelan placed a palm across her mouth and tried to unsuccessfully suffocate a laugh which slipped through her lips.

“What?” Illadar questioned.

“I suggest you tell all of this, to
her
.” She pointed in the opposite direction.

Two black stallions galloped toward them, pulling a bumping wagon in their wake.

“Marg?! It can’t be . . .” Illadar squinted.

“But you know that it is.” Neelan smiled.

“Illadar!” Marg called out with a wide grin of excitement. The wagon approached and she tugged her horses to a halt. “Illadar, I couldn’t do it—I couldn’t leave you!” She leapt from the wagon and rushed into his arms. “From the moment I left, all I could think of was our time together. I don’t want it to end so soon.”

“Marg, I—I . . . I don’t know what to say,” Illadar stammered while locking her against his chest.

“Say she can join us, you fool,” Kale blurted.

Marg tilted her head to better view Illadar’s expression. Her eyes twinkled with hope.

Illadar knew this moment was a crossroad, and the path ahead would impact his emotions regardless of the decision. Both options had the ability to bring him great joy in the end, or great sorrow. He looked to the sky and momentarily closed his eyes.
Kleana . . . what should I do
? Illadar sighed and opened his eyes to see a beautiful butterfly land upon a lone bush of tiny blue flowers.

The butterfly flexed its orange and red marked wings before taking flight. It landed gently upon Illadar’s shoulder.

“It’s beautiful.” Neelan spoke in awe as she watched the magnificent creature once again take flight.

As it flapped its wings, they could see the specks of silver on its underbelly that reflected the sun’s light, creating the illusion that the butterfly was sparkling. It moved to Marg, circled her body, then returned to Illadar.

“That’s odd. It’s almost as though this insect is trying to tell you something,” Kale spoke while investigating the butterfly’s movements.

Illadar smiled. “Maybe you’re right, kid.” He watched as the butterfly looped another time before fluttering off into the sky. The direct sunlight kept him from tracking the creature any further as it disappeared from sight. “Marg, would you like to accompany me on our journey? I know you are to return back to your farm, so I understand if you cannot—though I would be honored to have you join us.”

Her lips widened as a smile froze upon her face. She bounced happily, taking his hand into hers. “I would love to!”

Thomas deepened the wrinkles on his forehead as he raised his brows. “I thought you mentioned that your family is ill and relying on you to return . . .”

Marg’s lips relaxed to a solemn expression. “It is time my brother came to my family’s aid. I cannot be solely responsible for their well-being. I have a life to live too. Besides, I know my father; he will summon my brother when I don’t return in a timely fashion. We also have a farm-hand who will help care for them while I’m away. I don’t want to live forever as a servant to others.”

“But won’t they worry about you if you do not return?” Neelan questioned.

“To be honest, it’s doubtful. My father and I have never been very close. The only time we speak is when I am fetching him food or beverage.” Marg looked to Illadar. “Which is why I am grateful for this offer. It is the first time I’ve felt alive since I can recall.”

“Then it’s settled,” Neelan spoke. “Marg will join us; so let’s continue onward. We haven’t time to lose, and I don’t think we should linger on the main trail with such a large group. It might cause alarm to any passerby.”

They climbed back into the wagon and quickly made up for time lost as the horses galloped down the straight path. Without any trees nearby, a steady breeze sifted through their hair.

It wasn’t much longer before a narrow, dark structure could be seen; resting atop a small hill.

“Look ahead! That must be the tower!” Kale exclaimed with excitement.

As he glanced forward, the thought pressed upon him that soon, he would be meeting his mother for the first time since he could remember. He swallowed hard, forcing the saliva down as his throat tightened.

The tower was in clear sight and they could see the fine details of the structure as they neared. Grey stone formed a narrow cylinder that climbed toward the sky. A cone-pointed roof, covered in crumbled rock, added character to the old structure.

Kale couldn’t imagine anyone actually living inside. He then remembered the Emerald Prince speaking of entering with the aid of powerful magic. Kale couldn’t help but wonder what lay ahead in such a place. The thought of a massive dragon squeezing into the narrow tower seemed impossible—though, after all he had been through, he knew never to doubt the power of a trained spell-caster.

“Is this what you were seeking?” Marg questioned with uncertainty. “I thought you were wanderers, heading to the next town . . . Is there something I am not being told?” She looked to Illadar with a frown. “I cannot travel alongside those who are not honest to me.”

“It’s not like that,” Illadar began to explain.

“Exactly. It is not like that at
all
.” Thomas interjected. “This is merely a brief stop to see an old friend of ours. You should wait outside, dear. The conversation would hardly be entertaining for you.”

“I think I’ll be perfectly content in the presence of any friend of Illadar’s—but thank you for the concern,” Marg defensively shot back.

Thomas glanced at his friends with a look of uncertainty.

Kale knew that Thomas was doubtful of Marg’s loyalty since they only met mere days ago. Allowing Marg to see Zasha and learn about the dragon eggs could be a costly mistake if word of their location happened to leak.

Before Illadar could muster a response, the wagon came to a sudden halt.

“Here we are . . .” Marg tightened her jaw as though disappointed by Illadar’s lack of support.

Kale leapt from the wagon, cradling the bag of eggs protectively within his arms. The tower appeared much taller once he stood at ground level below. Its gloomy appearance was intimidating and unwelcoming. Kale and Neelan circled the tower, inspecting every crack and crevice.

“There is no door.” Kale tapped the toe of his boot against the rock. “I don’t understand.” He glanced over a shoulder to ensure Marg wasn’t within hearing distance.