B006T5JMRC EBOK (24 page)

Judith glanced toward Kale in surprise. “You—”

“Jedah wanted to eliminate all dragons from this world because of his own hurt pride. He initiated a war over something which never happened. Here you stand before me, living and well.” Kale unintentionally interrupted the Princess. His blood boiled at the thought of Jedah and the strife he had caused.

“Trust me, I know this. I could not believe my father would agree to such a war. Regardless of my wellbeing, it was a terrible thing to do. I do not feel that all dragons had to be slain over such an occurrence—fictitious or not. I just wish I could have lifted this curse in time to stop it all.” She looked forward sadly.

Kale’s insides felt fluttery. She was both beautiful and sensitive toward dragon-kind. “It’s not your fault,” Kale attempted to reassure her. Kale’s mind was set, he was going to try and help Judith.

“I see thou hast awoken.” The tall, pale woman appeared behind Judith. Her long, white hair gently brushed against the back of her knees as she took a step forward.

Kale could now see how tall the woman was in comparison to Judith. Her height was too grand to be human, and her appearance was unlike Neelan’s, which left Kale baffled. The woman’s ears, though pointed, were not nearly as slender or long as Neelan’s.

“Come, boy.” The woman held out a long, pale arm.

“Where are we going?” Kale felt nervous and confused as to why she called solely upon him.

“I request thee to speak outside.”

Kale’s chest tightened. “Is that really such a good idea? What about the red beasts? We encountered them earlier, along with a savage orc, and they may still be on the hunt for our scent.”

“Ye orc, Rees’Lok, nor his beasts may enter thy ground. Tis a treaty in place for centuries. Should he disobey what hath been written—we shalt kill him.” Her tone was so casual it sent shivers down Kale’s spine. She seemed to have no fear of the monstrosities within the forest.

“Have you no manners? This is Elanya’s home, do as she requests. I assure you, it’s safe to trust her.” Judith scolded Kale, who was still seated.

“Fine, I’ll come with you.” The last thing Kale wanted in the already tense situation was to upset Judith—or Elanya, who seemed mysteriously powerful.

Although the sky was painted by darkness, Kale could easily see his surroundings as they emerged outside. The luminescent golden specks floated around the tree as though they were drawn to its life force.

“So,” Kale wanted to end the awkward silence, “you live inside this tree?”

“Tis true in a sense. Ye tree is thy home, but also thy source of life itself. I call thy tree, Orea.”

Kale stared toward her blankly, unsure as to what she meant. Nothing seemed to make sense in his current whirlwind of a life.

Elanya took notice of Kale’s expression. “I shalt explain.” She extended her arm, which resembled the pallid tone of the moon. “Thy body thee sees is but a solid illusion of thy true self.”

Kale watched in astonishment as the flesh on her arm cracked, quickly exploding into thousands of tiny specks that fluttered in a circular motion around the area where her limb once was.

Elanya closed her diamond-like eyes, concentrating as the small pieces bonded back together to recreate her arm. “Tis dryads we are—not human, nor elf as thou assumed.” She watched as Kale glanced away in embarrassment. Elanya had read his thoughts. “We hast been brought into ye world as energy and hast chosen this form to live as guardians of ye forest. Every dryad arrives to ye world within a single seed. As ye seed sprouts life, we are born. We are one with ye tree which giveth us life. Should destruction befall ye tree, ye dryad bound to it shalt perish.”

Another young woman approached them, silently handing Kale a mug filled with red liquid. Kale glanced up toward the auburn-haired woman who also had the same distinct pointed ears as Elanya.

“Is she also—what you are?”

Elanya smiled for the first time, revealing a perfect set of white teeth. “Thou art correct. She too is a dryad.”

The young woman appeared bashful, hiding her face beneath her spiraling curls before hurrying back to the tree.

Once she was gone, Elanya returned focus toward Kale as she swept her long white hair behind an ear.

Kale could clearly see her rather interesting features. Her thin, white eyebrows gave a frosty appearance to her nearly transparent, light grey eyes.

“Now ye time hath come to discuss thee. I can sense thou hast a life aura unlike other humans.” Her eyes locked with his “Thou art not human.”

Kale’s eyes grew wide. He hadn’t even been with them an entire day and yet his secret was already revealed. Elanya’s power was amazing.

“I desire to know what thou true self is.”

Kale sighed. He knew that he must confess the truth to Elanya; yet he hoped she would not tell Judith or the others. He still had extreme difficulties trusting others and didn’t want to be judged by what he was—or was not. Kale hesitantly explained everything to her while she sat in silence as if absorbing his words into her mind.

“I hast a request for thee,” She spoke, surprisingly calm after many uncomfortable moments had passed. “Kale Firehart, thou must help restore Judith to her former state. Ye foul Jedah mustn’t succeed with his treachery. No human hath come to thine land since her arrival and I am certain none shalt again for many moons. Hope lies with thee.”

Kale nodded. “What do you want me to do? I want to stop General Jedah at all costs.”

“Thou must travel to ye elven kingdom, Tyrione, which lie to ye north. Thou will require assistance from ye little elven one, Neelan. Only thou—Kale, can persuade her to return. Thee, not of elven blood, cannot enter ye city without an escort. Once there, thou must seek an old elf by ye name of Brig. Tis a dark elf who devotes his life to good. He is wise beyond most and can assist with removing ye curse.” She paused, placing a firm hand onto Kale’s shoulder. “Thou mustn’t let Judith know, for I cannot say whether the outcome shalt be a success. I dare not break her sorrow-filled heart with false hope. Since ye day we rescued her from ye dangers of this forest, she hath dreamt of returning home.”

“I understand.” Kale glanced up at Elanya. “I have a request for you, as well.”

“Speak.”

“I would prefer if you keep what you have learned about me between us. Only my comrades are aware—and now, you, as well. The consequences could be great for me if word ever traveled back to Jedah of my whereabouts.”

Elanya held her hand up toward Kale’s mouth to hush him. “Unfortunate.” She walked toward the entrance hole of the tree. “It appears I was distracted by thy words to you and did not sense ye presence which hath joined us tonight.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Thou should look to ye stars.” She smiled mischievously before leaving him.

What
? Kale wrinkled his forehead as he glanced up at the towering branches. “Neelan!” His jaw dropped, watching as the hooded, cloaked figure huddled against a cluster of leaves. He knew something needed to be said. “Neelan, I
can
see you. Why are you still stalking me? Come down here.”

Neelan leapt down as her layered skirt fluttered outward. She silently landed on the ground beside Kale with ease. Her agility was amazing. Kale could immediately see the glare in her glassy, violet eyes. She had been crying.

“I’m sorry.” Kale finally had the opportunity to apologize for his earlier behavior. “I didn’t intend to hurt your feelings.” He felt uncomfortable as she continued to silently stare intently into his eyes. “I said I was sorry.” Suddenly, it hit him—she must have heard everything he said to Elanya.

Without warning, Neelan threw her weight against him, wrapping her arms tightly around his body. “It doesn’t bother me. I don’t care that you aren’t human; I just wish you had told me before. I told you everything—as hard as it was.” She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter now. I just want you to know I’ll always be here for you, should you need me.” She withdrew her body from his, once again looking deep into his bright blue eyes. “I never thought I’d return to my homeland. I’ve fought for so long to escape; but I’ll go—for you.”

Kale’s eyes grew wide. Neelan’s words meant so much to him and all his previous concerns with her melted away. He now knew she truly did care for him; she accepted him for all he was. Relief swept over him and he did something he never tried before this moment. His arms reached out, forcing Neelan’s body against his—returning her embrace. “Thank you,” he whispered.

“Am I interrupting?” Judith stood in the entrance of the tree, keeping her feet on the interior floor.

Kale felt his chest tighten as he nudged Neelan from him. “N-no.” He stammered in embarrassment. “I was just saying thank you to my friend.” He forced an awkward smile.

“Friend...” Neelan softly mumbled under her breath as she glanced down.

“Would you care to join me, Kale? I would like to show you something.”

“I’d love to.” Kale boyishly smiled. He couldn’t understand what it was about Judith that made him behave so differently while in her presence.

“Your friend Neelan may join us also. Please, follow me.”

Neelan reluctantly followed as they walked behind Judith, who led them to a spiraling staircase within the tree. Though the tree was massive in outward appearance, it felt even larger from the inside. As they circled toward the top, Kale could hear the wheezing sounds of wind. The three walked through a small hole that caused both Kale and Judith to duck. Kale found it amusing that due to Neelan’s petite build, she was able to walk beneath with ease. He couldn’t help but wonder how Elanya could possibly fit through such a tight opening.

The refreshing breeze caressed Kale’s cheeks, inviting him beneath the open sky, heavily sprinkled with vibrant twinkling stars. They now stood at the top of the tree on a wide sturdy branch. The leaves were parted to allow a breathtaking view of the surrounding land. Kale could see the vast canopy of treetops and a faint speckle in the distance that he knew was Braxle. The sight reminded him of what it had been like to fly above the forest as a dragon—carefree and on top of the world.

“This is a magnificent spot, Judith,” Kale stated. “Thank you for sharing it with us.”

Judith chuckled. “You are too kind, but my intention was not to show you the sights of this land, but to speak privately—without interruption.” She boldly sat upon the edge of the large branch, dangling her legs over the side. She inhaled deeply as she closed her eyes. “It feels so good to be up here. This is the only place where I can enjoy the fresh air as my true self.”

Kale carefully walked across the branch to sit beside her while Neelan distantly positioned herself behind them.

“What was it you wanted to tell us?” Kale pressed the subject curiously.

“Yes, I apologize; sometimes when I am up here I get lost in thought. I have a request for you, Kale.”

Not again
.
Why me
? Kale blankly stared at her, waiting to hear what she could possibly want.

“Should things not go as I hope and I’m forced to remain this way, I need you to promise me you will seek Jedah, and stop him at all costs. Should he obtain power above my father, it will be tragic for Ravondore. Since I have been here, Jedah has wreaked havoc across the continent. Children have been used as pawns—brutally murdered if their parents do not obey the general’s every request. Women have been unwillingly bedded by he, and his closest men. Those who dare to disobey—or threaten to tell my father of Jedah’s deeds—have met an agonizing and torturous death. He must be stopped, Kale; the people are suffering.”

“It’s far too dangerous for Kale.” Neelan jumped into the conversation. “And besides, how do you know all this information,
Princess,
if you’ve been stuck here within the Forest of Forgotten Whispers?” She couldn’t help but feel jealous toward Judith.

“Nature is amazing. From birds to trees, we have many ways of acquiring information of the outside world.”

Kale wasn’t sure what Judith meant, but after such a long day he had no intention of asking.

“It’s all right, Neelan.” Kale glanced outward. “I need to accept this request—not only for Ravondore, but for myself as well. It’s the reason I have trained so hard. Jedah took so much from me, and those I care for.”

“Thank you, Kale. I knew from the moment I saw you it was fate that brought you here, to us.”

I don’t know if I’d call it fate—but someone, for some reason led me here
.

Judith smiled at Kale, gazing toward him with her blue eyes locked onto his as she leaned in and pressed her lips gently to his.

Kale’s eyes widened with surprise—it was his first kiss. It was soft and warm, sending a tingling sensation down his body.

Suddenly, a soft whimper interrupted the moment, breaking through the silence. Kale quickly pulled from Judith, glancing over his shoulder. Neelan was gone.

Chapter 17: Rees’Lok

“M
y apologies,” Judith exhaled, “I did not intend for anyone to be hurt by my actions.” She glanced off toward the distant land.

“It’s all right.” Kale’s cheeks were noticeably red. “I do need to find Neelan though—please, excuse me.” He hurried inside to the main room where he originally awoke. Thomas and Illadar were feasting happily, accompanied by four, beautiful, dryad women.

“There you are!” Thomas chimed as he caught sight of Kale.

Kale was pleased to see him looking so cheerful. It had been awhile since he’d seen Thomas so joyous, which made him smile at the sight.

“I’m glad you’re back.” Thomas continued, “Come celebrate with us!” He had a slight slur as he spoke.

“What exactly are you celebrating?” Kale raised an eyebrow.

“The Princess, of course! Finding her alive and uninjured is wonderful news. You have no idea of the hope this brings.” Thomas took another slurping sip from his wooden mug, releasing a loud burp—something Kale never heard him do before. “Jumping balt toads! Excuse me!”

They all laughed as Thomas flushed with embarrassment.

“I’m actually looking for Neelan at the moment, so I’ll have to join you a bit later. Have you seen her?”

“I think she went that way.” Illadar pointed. “She seemed in a hurry and didn’t say much. Is everything all right?”

Kale nodded hesitantly, “Y-yeah, I just need to speak with her.” He quickly left in the direction Illadar gestured before they could further question him. The last thing Kale wanted was to reveal he had just kissed the Princess of Mirion.