B006T5JMRC EBOK (12 page)

Once they approached the inn, the mouth-watering scent of food drifted to their nostrils. Kale had never smelled such a variety of spices and soon, the corners of his mouth were wet with saliva. The big grey building was quite plain in appearance. The dimly lit interior and stone walls Kale saw through a pair of tall, rectangular windows reminded him of the comforts of his cozy lair. As they entered through a wooden door, Kale viewed a room full of square tables, each accompanied by two chairs.

“I hope you’re hungry, Kale. Prepare yourself for a delectable and most satisfying dish. The innkeeper, Mortimer, makes the best seasoned hen and roasted potatoes I’ve ever tasted.”

Within moments they were greeted by a short thin man whose white hair formed a horseshoe shape around his balding head. He wore thick glasses which caused his brown eyes to look amazingly large. Kale felt more at ease by the fact that the man’s clothes were not fancy, but quite the opposite—a plain, light brown shirt, simple black pants, and worn brown boots laced up to his shin.

“Well, if it isn’t my old friend, Thomas! It’s been ages, how have you been?” Before Thomas could reply, the little old man pressed his palms against their backs, shoving them in the direction of a nearby table. “Come—sit. You look exhausted. Who is your friend?” He eyed Kale, adjusting his round glasses upon his wide nose.

Thomas parted his lips to speak, “Th—”

“Oh my, you must be starving, let me make you both some supper.”

Kale caught on rather quickly that the old man’s attention span was rather—lacking.

“You two just wait right here. I’ll be back in a moment, then we can catch up on things.”

As the innkeeper hurried off to the kitchen, Kale glanced around the room. This was his first time inside a human building, which surprisingly was much more pleasant than he could have imagined. He slid his hand slowly across the table, grazing his fingertips against the smoothed grains of wood.

Thomas smiled, “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re enjoying yourself.”

“Excuse me? No. I’m just exploring is all. Don’t look into things so much.”

Mortimer soon returned, carrying two plates piled high with meat, potatoes, and sliced radishes. “I do hope you’ve come hungry. I’ve made far too much and there is only one other occupant. It’s roasted hen and potatoes.”

Thomas chuckled.
Some things never change
. It was
always
hen and potatoes—with the occasional exception of vegetable stew or pulled pork.

“It sure is a nice night outside.” Mortimer leaned back against an adjacent table, shifting the direction of the conversation yet again. “Eat—eat!” He nudged the plate closer to Kale, who unaware of human customs had no idea how he was supposed to begin consuming the food.

“Thank you.” Kale’s hand mashed down into the pile of meat, curling his fingers much like a hawks talons gripping its prey. He then shoveled his mouth so full he could barely close it to chew. Kale finally managed to clamp down upon the succulent hen as he packed another handful filled with potatoes between his lips. The excessive amount dribbled down his chin and shirt.

“My, your friend here sure is hungry.” Mortimer sat wide-eyed as he watched Kale’s unusual behavior.

Thomas inhaled loudly, embarrassed by his friend’s actions. He now regretted not teaching mannerisms along their short journey. The old sorcerer quietly ate, hopeful Kale would soon finish, and thankful there were no others present to view them.

Once they finished their delicious meal, Kale leaned back in his chair. His belly had never felt so satisfied. He sipped down a small goblet of water, burping loudly.

Thomas closed his eyes and sighed.

“I presume you both will be staying the night?” By this time Mortimer seemed un-phased by Kale’s crude behavior.

“Yes, my friend, I was hoping we could stay here—for awhile. Weeks...possibly months, if this is all right with you.”

Mortimer leaned forward. “Over my many years running this place, I’ve learned not to ask too many questions, so I don’t need to know why you’re here. I do however ask that you don’t bring any trouble my way. If you can promise me this, then you’re welcome to stay as long as you desire.”

“Thank you Morty.” Thomas cleared his throat, as he reached into a pocket of his robe. “There is a minor complication...” His green eyes met with Mortimer’s. “I was hoping my young companion and I could work for you in order to pay for our food and board. We would be glad to take on any tasks needed. I humbly apologize for not realizing much sooner we did not carry coins with us—I believe I let my hunger get the best of me.”

Mortimer scratched his scruffy cheek, “Business has been slow as of late, so at this time I haven’t any available work. I did, however, overhear Phyllis saying she was in need of an apprentice to work with her at the tailors’. I’m fairly certain Galin needs help, as well, over at the blacksmiths’.” Mortimer’s eyes suddenly seemed to lose focus on Thomas as if to cue his mind it was time again to randomly change topics. “Need more to drink? I’ve brewed a lovely concoction of juices that I must say is quite delicious!”

“I appreciate the offer.” He glanced up toward Kale, who shook his head, “but I think we’re both fine. Thank you kindly for the delicious meal.” Thomas paused, pondering their situation. He was unsure about their sleeping arrangements considering they had no funds to pay for a night at the inn.

As if Mortimer could read Thomas’ expression, he offered them a room. He assured the two it was all right and to not worry about reimbursement. He knew when Thomas and Kale woke they would seek work and begin paying for their stay.

“I do not wish to further burden you, but would it be possible to borrow some clothing as well? I believe in our current attire, we will draw much unnecessary attention to ourselves.” Thomas was aware of the storage area where Mortimer kept an abundance of clothing mistakenly left behind by travelers who never returned to claim their belongings. He was certain there would be something for them both.

“But, of course. I have no need for them. I’m glad they’ve finally found a use.”

Kale could see that while Mortimer was slightly disoriented at times, inside he was a good and honest man.

“I am in your debt, my friend.” Thomas stood, reaching out to pick up his empty plate.

Mortimer’s hand shot out at a surprisingly quick speed for his age. “I’ll have none of that. No guest at my inn is going to clean up after themselves. Now, shoo—go relax in a warm bath, then get some rest. Your room is the one with the red door. It looks as though you both could use it! I’ll have the clothing delivered shortly, after I fetch more hot water for the tub.”

Thomas insisted they help, but Mortimer would not hear of it. After Mortimer’s wife passed away four winters ago, he made it a point to remain occupied. It was his way of coping with a broken heart.

Once they finished bathing and had chosen appropriate clothing from a large basket Mortimer left in their room, Thomas ensured that Kale learn basic manners before heading to bed. He couldn’t bear to send him out in search of work while behaving as he did at dinner. He informed Kale that each night they would take the time to educate him on proper human customs and etiquette.

Kale rolled his eyes as Thomas spoke. “This is all so ridiculous—every last bit of it.
You
are the one who brought this fate upon me, and now you act as though you’re upset my personality didn’t transform along with it. I don’t want to behave as a human does. I’m happy being myself.”

“My dear boy, I’ve known you long enough to understand the way your mind works. You won’t ever truly be happy until you seek vengeance upon General Jedah. To do this, however, does mean you will need to mislead those you meet into believing you truly are one of them.”

Kale thought for a moment. He knew Thomas spoke the truth. “Fine.”

Thomas smiled, satisfied with the progress he had made.

As the two men lay in bed, Kale rolled to face Thomas. “I hope that was all part of our cover—when you said we would be finding jobs tomorrow.”

“Quite the contrary, we are indeed going to find work tomorrow—and yes, Kale, by
we
, I do mean you and I. We will be staying here until we’re able to figure out our next course of action. There is much that needs to be done in order to prevail over Jedah. In fact, at the current time, I wouldn’t even know where to begin. I assure you though, Kale—we will figure it all out, just give it time.” He smiled, closing his eyes.

That night, Kale’s comfortable rest was interrupted by a steady humming sound within their room. He squinted through the darkness to see Thomas had also awoken. The old sorcerer leapt out of bed in surprise as he swung his arm out defensively. Thomas mumbled softly and Kale watched as a radiant swirl weaved around the sorcerer’s fingers.

“Kale, get off of the bed—now! It’s coming from beneath you!”

Kale immediately scurried near where Thomas stood, knowing that without a weapon or knowledge of magic, he was relatively helpless.

“
Raynok tondelda
.”

A green sphere of light blasted from Thomas’ palm, projecting forward with astounding speed toward the bed. Upon impact, they heard a loud
zap.
Both men watched in disbelief as the sphere disappeared as though sucked into an invisible black hole.

“Jumping balt toads, it’s as if someone knew I was going to do that and countered it before the event even occurred. Stay behind me Kale—things might get turbulent very quickly.”

Before Thomas could launch another attack, the humming ceased and all was quiet. Nothing moved. The only sound was their rapid breathing as they panted in the darkness.

“Do not move, Kale.” Thomas slowly made his way toward the bed. “
Viscolan illumin
.” A small, vibrant orb appeared by his side, floating along with his every step. He cautiously knelt down, prepared to attack should any intruders be hiding below. He peered under the bed, motioning his fingers forward. On command, the small orb zipped below, illuminating the entire floor.

“Interesting... Very interesting.” Thomas grew silent, thoughtfully reaching his hand beneath the bed, withdrawing a thick sheet of ivory parchment. “As I thought,” he placed his spectacles upon the bump of his nose, “nothing—no words, which means...this was intended for your eyes only, Kale.” He hovered his hand above the parchment, as if to ensure there were no harmful spells placed upon it, before handing it over to Kale.

Just as Thomas had assumed, the moment Kale’s fingers gripped
the item, many words began to appear. Someone intended this delivery to be just for Kale—someone knew who and where they were.

Chapter 9: A Mysterious Message

A
s the final sentence emerged into view, Kale began to read the message aloud. Unlike most dragons, Kale had learned to read thanks to exceptional lessons from Thomas. Kale could clearly remember that it was through such teachings he and Thomas had become good friends.

Dearest Firehart,

As you continue to grow within your new environment, you must never lose sight of your ultimate goal
—
revenge upon the one called General Jedah. Ridding him from Ravondore will open a new door which I cannot explain at this time. One year from this day, you must seek the tree which rains gold. Do not forget this, for a victorious fate depends upon it.

Within the Forest of Forgotten Whispers, you will find someone who will forever change your life. Your path to glory will become a reality. Do not give up, young one.

As he finished reading the mysterious letter it began to crumble away between his fingers, turning to ash as pieces fluttered to the wooden floor. Before Kale or Thomas could respond to the situation, Kale felt a warm sensation against his right thigh. He glanced down to view the dim glow shining through his pants pocket.

“It’s the bracelet!” Kale reached a hand in to retrieve it. The two men looked directly at one another as the small golden chain dangled upon Kale’s fingertip.

“Zasha!” Both men exclaimed simultaneously.

“Kale, it may be in your best interest to ignore the directions of this letter. You don’t know this woman—quite honestly she seems a bit deranged. We don’t know what sort of plans she has upon your arrival to this
tree
. It could very well be a trap. The Forest of Forgotten Whispers is rumored to be incredibly dangerous and filled with unimaginable beings.”

“She already knows who I truly am, Thomas. If it were a trap, I think that by now I’d be dead, or captured at the least.”

Though Kale’s response proved to be a solid defense, Thomas was still apprehensive about the situation. “Well then, when the time comes, take heed and think before you take action.”

Kale nodded in agreement, though he knew his mind was set. It was Thomas after all who taught him there are times in life when one must think with their heart. He needed to know what waited for him within the forest.

“It is time to sleep now, Kale. I can sense there is no longer a magical presence within the room. It’s safe for us to get some much needed rest.” Thomas caught the glowing orb within his index finger and thumb, pinching down firmly as it exploded into hundreds of tiny sparkling pieces that faded into darkness.

The next morning came quickly and both men awoke to the sun beaming upon their faces through the tall rectangular window. They were unsatisfied with the amount of sleep they had gotten due to the mysterious occurrence in the middle of the night.

Kale stood, thankful to be in clothes that fit him snuggly, although he truly did not realize what a difference it would make. The only thing he could not find in his size was a pair of shoes which he hoped would not hinder his chances of obtaining work.