The Chronicles of Kale: Dawn of Retribution (Book 2) (12 page)

“All right, dear, you win.” Thomas chuckled at her persistence, though grateful for her aid.

He crunched down on the nut, grinding it with his teeth into many small pieces before forcing it down his extremely dry and burning throat. In just moments, the remaining black lines within his veins began to fade, and he felt an incredible amount of energy surge through his body.

They returned to the others who were baffled by Thomas’ complete recovery. Thomas explained the situation to them and informed the group of his young savior’s name.

“Aye, I knew she was a thief. Bet she’d come to claim me treasures. Shame I couldn’t add that pretty lil’ head to my collection.” Beshin snickered. “No child would just happen ta’ have a shroo nut, as though it were nothin’ more than a pebble in her pocket. Ye’ fools will get yers when she runs off with yer belongins’ tonight.” He laughed in amusement.

“Close your mouth.” Illadar jabbed an elbow into Beshin’s rib cage.

“Humph.” Otha looked away as she sat herself next to Thomas. She pulled up her pack and unraveled the tie. “You still need to eat more, Thomas.” Her hand slid inside the bag and pulled out a thick wheel of cheese. “For you,” she glanced at Thomas, “and . . . them as well.”

“My, you truly are quite strong!” Thomas exclaimed as he felt the weight of the yellow cheese. “This means a great deal to us and we will not forget your generosity. Thank you, Otha.” He carefully broke four large chunks and one very small piece for Beshin. Despite his strong desire to let the bandit starve, he knew it would only hinder their mission to risk the man’s life before returning to the sand village.

The cheese was incredibly sharp and flavorful. After each enjoyed their meal in silence, Kale licked a final crumb from his fingertip and glanced up at Otha.

“Why is it you were in a bandit camp? There were guards present—we saw them. There is no way you could have strolled in to find rest for the night as you say. You purposefully snuck inside of the walls, and I would assume it was for a greater purpose.” Kale’s eyes intensely locked with hers in an attempt to read her expression.

Otha sighed, “I suppose I’ve nothing to hide now. Beshin was right.” She dodged the expected glares of surprise on their faces. “I was trying to take some of his rare artifacts I heard were rumored to be in his possession. But I truly meant no harm!” She looked down shamefully. “My parents died from a terrible fever and I have to take care of myself.”

“Have you no one else to look after you, dear?” Thomas questioned sympathetically.

“I rely on no one—it only makes you weak.”

Thomas’s eyes widened at her words. “Impossible . . .” He muttered and shook his head.

“So where do you plan to go from here?” Kale interrupted Thomas’s thoughts as he pressed Otha for more answers.

“Not sure,” she casually replied. “I prefer to keep moving. There’s a whole world to see.”

Otha’s words reminded Kale of Neelan. Her free spirit and drive for adventure were two of the things that drew Kale to her. His chest tightened as he realized just how badly he was missing Neelan. Though, they had only been apart for a short while, life without her felt hollow.

“You’re welcome to stay with us as long as you’d like, dear,” Thomas added.

Otha didn’t reply, but instead leaned against Thomas and wrapped her tiny arms around his body. She nuzzled her head into the pit of his arm like a frightened child.

The group spent the remainder of the day sharing stories and making small talk. Eventually the sun began to set and they settled into their sleeping arrangements. Before laying to rest, Thomas used his dagger to slice down many of the palm leaves. He knew that they would embark upon their trip early and would no longer need the shade. He explained to the others that the leaves were edible.

Kale curled his lip at the thought of eating leaves, but figured they might prove to be of aid if they should grow weak from hunger. Knowing the night would be long and tiresome, he opted for the first shift in hopes of sleeping without worry once done. Beshin had been securely tied to one of the palm trunks and Kale assured the group that this time he would not fall asleep while on watch.

Thomas took the second shift, taking gentle care not to wake Otha who had fallen asleep with her arms slung around him. Illadar had the final shift, and woke feeling rejuvenated after earlier filling his belly with cheese and resting. He stared up at the sky, thinking back upon his past and the wife he so longed to hold in his arms once again. Though years had passed, there wasn’t a single day that he didn’t think of Kleana. The sun began to rise, filling the sky with a majestic array of hues. He rubbed his glassy eyes and sat upright. He immediately noticed the empty indentation in the sand where Otha once lay.

Illadar looked in all directions. “Get up, the girl is gone!”

Chapter 11: The Chamber

“W
hat happened? I’m surprised you would allow a young girl to venture off before daylight.” Kale spoke as though there was a lump in his throat. He coughed, clearing the phlegm as he sat upright.

“I wouldn’t do that you dimwit. I’m certain I didn’t hear anything. She was there when I first took watch; then seemed to just . . . disappear. Look around kid, there aren’t any footprints.”

“The wind could easily conceal them,” Kale replied to Illadar.

“There is barely a breeze—it’s impossible,” Illadar defended his theory.

“I believe she has gone purposefully—though I cannot say how, or why,” Thomas added, “See here.” He motioned toward a neatly stacked pile of food.

As Kale and Illadar inspected the fruit, dried meats, and cheese, Thomas lifted a folded piece of cloth near his face. He delicately brushed a finger over the peach colored square of linen. The old sorcerer narrowed his eyes and examined the ornate designs embroidered into the fabric. Thomas quickly shoved the cloth into his pouch, unnoticed, and resumed an inconspicuous demeanor.

“If we moderate rations, this food should easily last until our return to the sand village.” Illadar’s mood appeared dramatically lifted at the thought of no longer aching in hunger.

“I guess the girl left to go wherever she planned to venture next. I wish her well,” Kale added in appreciation for the food.

“I hope she’ll be all right out there on her own. It’s a rough world—especially for a child.” Illadar gazed off into the distance, still baffled as to how she managed to slip away without notice.

They hurriedly ate a strip of dried beef before packing their belongings. The group wasted no time in putting ground between them and the Imbola Clan village. Still cool, the gentle breeze felt refreshing. Yet, they knew it wouldn’t take long before the rising sun would reflect from the sands and transform the barren land into a torturous terrain.

“Gather all belongings—we will be teleporting momentarily. Though, with the ever-changing landscape, I cannot focus on a nearby landmark to bring us near the sinking sand, I can get us roughly a day’s walk away. It should reduce our travel time by an additional day we cannot risk. I am feeling rejuvenated now—teleportation should not be an issue. Just keep a firm hold on our
friend
here,” Thomas spoke while gesturing toward Beshin.

They gathered close, and Illadar tugged firmly upon Beshin’s bindings.

“Ready yourselves.” Thomas closed his eyes and whispered.

With a
zap
, they were gone.

The group was thrown upon a sandy area near a cluster of shrubs. Illadar hastily tightened his grip upon Beshin, which had loosened during the gravitational pull of teleportation.

The bandit spat orange vomit from his mouth as he stood upright. He fought to show no weakness from the occurrence.

Illadar smirked and tugged Beshin firmly along. “No rest for the foul.”

“Thomas,” Kale spoke, “
this
was your landmark? Desert shrubs?”

“Indeed. It was the only thing I could recall which didn’t shift or reshape beyond recognition. Otherwise, we would be walking from the desert border in which we arrived.”

For a full day, they continued their journey across the sweltering desert before Kale began to grow frustrated and impatient.

“This ridiculous thing doesn’t work!” Kale shouted as he shoved the star-shaped stone into a pocket.

“It is because you are not close enough to the sand-village, young Firehart.” A deep voice spoke.

Kale turned to see the nearly transparent green dragon standing behind Thomas.

“Thank goodness you’ve come. Which direction do we go from here?” Kale spoke in the direction of Zandol.

“Pardon?” Thomas questioned.

“Not you—him—I mean, Zandol, that is.” Kale pointed over Thomas’s shoulder.

“Well, this isn’t awkward at all,” Thomas replied sarcastically.

“What are we gonna’ do now? I’m certain the pit must be close. I’ve managed to stop most of Beshin’s bleeding, but he’s still lost a lot and is gettin’ weaker by the day. So help me; if this bandit scum dies before we’re able to free Neelan, or get back the other
things
, someone is going to pay. I didn’t cross this desert nightmare to leave empty handed.” Illadar said while looking in all directions for any hint of a clue.

“Could ye’ at least not talk as though I can’t hear ye’? Bloody fools,” Beshin added before filling his mouth with saliva and spitting on Illadar’s boot in spite.

Illadar growled angrily and dug the tip of his boot into the sand to remove all the milky white mucus. “Disgustin’.
Soon
, is not soon enough for us to hand you over to the sand-people.”

Kale ignored Beshin’s vulgar behavior and approached Zandol. As a human, Kale was in awe at how massive the green dragon appeared in comparison.

“Will you please help us find the way? I fear for Neelan’s life and need your guidance.” Kale placed his own pride aside and pleaded with Zandol.

The Emerald Prince nodded. “I shall; follow me.” As he turned, his voice dropped. “But know, I have also come to warn you. Your mother fears that danger lurks near. She has instructed me to tell you the importance of keeping your eyes sharp, and your instincts alert.”

Kale paused a moment and furrowed his brows in thought. “Did she say what kind of danger is near?”

Beshin interrupted with mad laughter. “Ye’ say danger be near? Aye, I knew me men would come lookin’ for me. Ye’ best be watchin’ yer tracks—I’m sure an ambush is comin’. No one trifles with the Imbola Clan and lives to tell.”

Zandol inspected the bandit leader. “I see it is without question that you’ve successfully invaded the Clan’s village.” He huffed, “What an ugly human.”

“My thoughts exactly.” Kale looked toward Beshin with disgust.

In that moment, Kale found himself slightly regretful for wasting away so many years in solitude. He realized how much enjoyment he might have had if only he’d left his den and united with his brethren. Kale enjoyed Zandol’s company and found their similar personalities comforting.

The group followed Kale’s lead as he walked steadily behind the large dragon apparition.

Eventually Zandol stopped in his tracks. “This is as far as I can take you. We are in the same vicinity as before, though with the ever-changing winds, it is impossible to know where the entrance is. From this moment, you must trust in yourself, Firehart. Until next time,” Zandol bowed his massive head, “farewell . . . and may the dragon’s rise again. I have faith you will rescue the unborn and return to Zasha safely.” He faded away as quickly as he had appeared.

Kale sighed. “Well, let’s begin. I have the stone, so I think it would be best if we all remained together—especially with
him
.” He motioned toward Beshin.

“Do ye’ maggots intend ta’ tell me what ye’ plan ta’ do with me?” Beshin questioned.

“You don’t deserve the pleasure,” Kale shot back. “Keep moving.”

“We’re going to need to quicken our pace, my friends. See there,” Thomas pointed to a cloudy haze in the distance, “a sand storm is approaching. It could be deadly should we not find shelter in time. Our very surroundings will attack our flesh like many tiny daggers.”

“We absolutely cannot fail. Let’s keep going.” Kale trudged through the sand, holding a firm grip upon the star-shaped stone in hopes of an indication that the sinking hole was near.

The wind began to increase and the tiny bits of rock stirred against their ankles. They knew that soon, the storm would be upon them. The sky darkened and Kale shielded his eyes from the constant gusts which blew violently against his face.

“Kale! We’ve gotta’ get outta’ here! The storm’s comin’ in too strong!” Illadar called out over the heavy wheezing of wind.

“I’m not leaving yet! We must be close—please, wait a moment longer!” Kale frantically began to kick at the sand, yelling out vulgarities in anger.

As the wind lashed at their bodies in a steady rhythm, Thomas pulled Kale by the arm. He yelled out, but Kale could hear nothing over the raging gusts.

Despite Thomas’s efforts, Kale forced his body forward against the invisible pressing force. The storm had increased to where even the simple task of walking was a challenge. In a final attempt of desperation, Kale thrust his arm out, gripping the stone within tightened knuckles.

To his astonishment, it began to react. He nearly dropped his jaw in surprise, but quickly caught himself before any sand entered through his lips. His heart raced with excitement.

The group struggled with each step, and their faces now felt incredibly raw from the constant grains of sand that grazed their skin. They moved forth, watching through squinted eyes as the stone emitted a vibrantly powerful light that increased as they moved.

Kale heard a faint noise and looked to his side to find Illadar and Beshin missing. Taking a leap of faith, he tightly gripped onto Thomas and jumped, pulling the old sorcerer with him. Their bodies immediately slid down into the earth, and Kale couldn’t have been more thrilled to feel the suffocating sands squeezing at his ribcage.

As Kale and Thomas fell against the firm ground, they were immediately swarmed by the sand-people. Before any words were exchanged, they were lifted and carried through the dark tunnels.

“What in Pan’s name is going on?! I’m beginning to wonder if Beshin isn’t the only one being taken captive. Where is Neelan? Put us down at once, we had an agreement!” Kale demanded.

The sand-people took no regard to Kale’s words as they continued on, until reaching the large, open village. They were seated next to Illadar, and surrounded defensively. Many men with staves in hand stood at attention, keeping careful watch upon their actions.

After many moments, they could see the hunched figure, wrapped from head to toe in dark cloth approach.

“Welcome back. This is a joyous occasion indeed. We have taken the Imbola Clan leader prisoner until the celebration is over, then the sacrifice shall commence.”

“And after, you allow us to walk free,
with
Neelan?” Kale questioned.