The Chronicles of Kale: Dawn of Retribution (Book 2) (25 page)

“How dare you . . . how dare either of you!” He looked to Thomas and Illadar with disgust. “To hide something of such importance, and decide what is for my own safety—it’s unacceptable! You sit back and do nothing while that monster roams free? We mustn’t remain here any longer. Whether time truly passes slower here or not, each second we waste is one more Jedah can use to regain power.”

“What we did was necessary. Had we left any sooner, we might as well be walking off the edge of a cliff. In other words—it would have been pure suicide.”

“Are you a fool, Thomas? There are four of us, along with the sand-people. It would be near impossible for Jedah to lay us all to rest.”

“Jedah isn’t alone, kid.” Illadar grazed his hand along his stubbly beard. “There is someone else—someone with much greater power. And . . . it’s
you
they want.”

Kale looked to Neelan who shook her head. At that moment, he knew she was just as ignorant to the situation.

“The frost elves are not to be trifled with. No one imprisoned by their kind lives to tell the tale. Even the elder high-elves avoid contact for fear of their power. Much like your armor, their power comes from within—they are their own weapons. If Jedah has indeed escaped, then I have no doubt what they say is true; a higher power must be in alliance with him.” Neelan stood. “We should find Zasha.”

Her head hung down between her collar-bones; red curls tracing over the contour of her neck. The crumbled altar bore no further sign of purpose, and yet she prayed. Her voice soft, yet amplified by the stone surroundings.

“They are here,” Dibble’s voice broke her repeated pleas to the dragon god.

“As expected,” Zasha replied. “Thank you Dibble, you may go now.”

The gord shuffled his tiny feet. “If you do not mind, I would like to see them off with you.”

“Very well.” Her eyes were reddened and damp around the lashes. “Bring them to me.”

Dibble nodded before hurrying outside.

Kale stood, waiting with his arms crossed over his chest. “Is she inside?”

“Yes—and waiting for you. Please come, Master.”

They entered the altar room to find Zasha facing them, her hands clasped within one another. Kale could see her struggling to control her shaking fingers.

“Why didn’t you tell me? Did you truly feel I was not strong enough to take on that worthless excuse for a human?!” Kale stood inches from his mother.

“It is apparent you have not been listening to your friends, my son. Jedah does not work alone—and what Neelan says holds great truth. Jedah alone could not escape the frost elves. They could have easily crushed him from the inside out had he attempted to leave by force. Someone put great thought into releasing him from the frost elf imprisonment.” Zasha panned across the group. “The four individuals who first came to this place were not ready to encounter this new threat. I do not think you realize just how much Illadar and Thomas have been doing to help you prepare.”

Neelan glanced down, shuffling her feet uncomfortably. “I-I didn’t know about any of this, Kale. I’m sorry I haven’t done more to assist.”

“Do not apologize, Neelan.” Kale gazed sternly in Thomas’ direction as he spoke. “It is not your fault that
others
left us oblivious to the situation.”

“He is right dear, do not blame yourself.” Zasha turned from Neelan, to Kale. “If there is anger in your heart my son, direct it at me. I knew it would be impossible to inform Neelan of the plan. You see, when in love we often think with our hearts—I am certain she would have told you.”

“With due respect, I will always do whatever is in my power to protect Kale. You should have come to me with such news. I could have used my time to improve my marksmanship,” Neelan hastily replied.

“Your aim is hard to match. I am certain you will do fine should the need arrive to utilize your skill,” Zasha’s tone dropped.

Neelan furrowed her long brows, certain that there was more to Zasha’s sudden change in inflection.

“You must leave this place—now.” Zasha’s words took the group by surprise and Neelan flashed a worried glance at Kale.

“Why the sudden severity?” Illadar questioned.

“I have allowed you to stay this long because it was necessary for Thomas to learn from Oran’s writings.”

Kale eyed Thomas as Zasha spoke.

“And quite possibly for my own selfish desire to have more time with you, my Firehart.” Zasha continued. “But Jedah continues to prepare for his attack upon Ravondore and must be stopped before it is too late. A tunnel awaits you on this side of the realm—it is the only way to return to the world you know. When you find the pool of water, you must not fear.

“Once upon familiar soil, you will make way to a small harbor town known as Perun. You will seek the town’s captain, known for sailing fearlessly across the treacherous seas.” She grabbed Kale and pulled him tightly against her. “We will meet again—be safe, little one, and never lose sight of what is important.” A single tear escaped her eye. Her expression revealed a tormenting sorrow. She released Kale.

“I suppose this is goodbye for now.” Illadar bowed before her.

“Yes . . . for now. “Her stare refused to fall where Illadar stood.

From the corner of his eye, Kale could see Dibble drop his solemn gaze to the floor.

“Is everything all right?” Kale interrupted, bewildered by the odd behavior.

“Yes.” Zasha nodded her head before pulling Illadar into a tight embrace. “Thank you.” She whispered into his ear, loud enough for only him to hear.

Confused, Illadar raised a brow before stepping toward Kale.

“Farewell, Zasha—until we meet again.” Thomas smiled.

“Indeed, wise one. I wish you all a safe journey. Do not forget what you have learned today.”

Dibble scurried to the group, instructing them to follow. “Come, come, we mustn’t delay.”

Neelan remained motionless as the others moved toward the exit. Her eyes narrowed as she held her stare upon Zasha. “Let us not play games—what is going on? There is something you are withholding from us; that much I am sure of.” Neelan gasped as Zasha’s body began to tremor in convulsions. She looked around frantically, but her friends had already left the room.

“I see it.” Zasha’s eyes shot open wide. Her pupils were no longer visible and a white haze had overtaken all color. “Death.” Her voice was deep and nearly unrecognizable. “The darkness brings death.” Her body shook violently. “Death. Death. Death.” She inhaled suddenly, gasping for air. When she calmed, her eyes returned to their normal state.

“What just happened, Zasha?” Neelan stood in a confused state of fear. “Is something bad going to happen that you have seen?! If you know something, please confide in me—I assure you, I will do all in my power to help.”

Zasha slowly shook her head. “Well, that’s just it, my dear—you can’t . . .”

Chapter 24: The Tunnels

N
eelan knew that her hope for answers had dissolved the moment Dibble escorted her away from Zasha. There would be no returning to this place before events unfolded on their own. She secured her bow upon her back and closed her eyes, allowing the sun’s rays to wash over her face.

“So Zasha says I cannot help . . . am I to die?” Neelan sighed. “As long as I breathe I know I can help—I
must
help. But, if it is my destiny to fall in battle, let it be for the one I love,” Neelan whispered.

“Who are you speaking to?” Kale questioned as he approached. “And where have you been?” He took a lock of her hair and loosely twisted it around a finger.

“Just thinking aloud.” She smiled. “Nothing important.”

“Good. I was beginning to wonder if this place had made you go mad.” He let her hair unwind and fall upon her chest. “You know, if there is anything on your mind, you
can
talk to me about it.”

“I know.” She took his hand into hers. “Now let’s get going; we’ve got a former general to stop.” She winked and tugged him forward.

“Goodbye, Mother . . .” Kale whispered as he cast a final glance over his shoulder.

They approached the group and immediately heard Dibble and Illadar arguing on how to forge the perfect blade.

“Is this our destination?” Thomas questioned in an audible voice as they approached a dark tunnel.

“What? Oh, yes, indeed it is.” Dibble turned to Illadar. “Now see, you’ve gone and distracted me, human.” He stopped short and cleared his throat. “We must proceed with caution. One false move will send us on the wrong path.”

“Path to where?” Kale questioned.

“To a place of darkness. Trust me when I say, you’ll want to stay close to me.”

“I thought Zasha said nothin’ on this side of the lake would harm us?” Illadar wiped his brow in frustration.

“That is correct. We will not encounter more of the shar’ka. Within the cave, however, is a maze of tunnels. It has been constructed to ensure only those meant to leave will find safe passage.” Dibble began to move forward. “Follow.” He crept into the darkness with a hand lightly grazing the ridged rock wall. “Ah, yes, here we are.” His small hands tugged upon something long. “
Grexa!
”

In an instant, the rod lit up at the end with a vibrant green flame.

“You know, Thomas could have just cast a light spell for us,” Kale spoke while following close behind.

“Your friend is in no shape to use his abilities. He is already fatigued, Master.” Dibble waved the flame toward Thomas’ face, revealing dark, drooping bags beneath the old sorcerer’s eyes.

“Do you mind?” Thomas pushed the rod aside. “I’d rather you not cause my friends to worry. Unless you like the idea of being made into a coin pouch.”

“Touchy, touchy,” Dibble replied.

Kale had seen enough to agree with the gord. Thomas looked terrible and in no condition to cast magic.

“The torch is already lit. Let’s move on,” Neelan added. “Besides, you never know what’s going to happen once we find Jedah. We should enjoy each other’s company while we can.”

Kale raised a brow. “Are you certain you’re doing all right?”

He was accustomed to her wittiness and forward demeanor—but this was something quite different. There was a distinct seriousness that Kale couldn’t read.

“Enough chatter, we must keep moving.” Dibble led them deeper into the twisting tunnels until no light, aside from the tall flame, could be seen.

They approached a fork in the tunnel where the path split in separate directions. Dibble paused and rubbed a hand against his pointed chin.

“Which way . . . which way?” he whispered.

“I thought you knew the way.” Illadar looked down the dark paths with uncertainty.

“Well, it’s not every day I guide visitors out, you know.” Dibble waved the rod in frustration as he spoke.

“What happens if you should choose the incorrect route?” Thomas questioned.

“Certain death.” Dibble’s wide, beady eyes reflected in the light of the flame.

“How do you not—”

“Silence!” Dibble raised an open palm towards Illadar. ”It’s this way.” He began to approach the right tunnel.

Neelan took Kale’s hand and inhaled heavily.

“Everything will be fine. He maybe an odd-looking grey annoyance, but I trust his judgment,” Kale assured her.

They followed down the path which grew narrower with each step. Before long, the group was on their knees, easing their way behind the faint glow of Dibble’s torch. There was little space to maneuver without scraping against the grainy rock.

Illadar grunted uncomfortably as his wide body struggled to squeeze through. An uneasy feeling of claustrophobia began to settle into his mind.

“My bow is going to get damaged if the space closes any more. Are we almost out?” Neelan grunted as she spoke, trying to avoid focusing on her bleeding knees, which painfully scraped against the ground.

“Almost,” Dibble replied.

After another bend in the dark tunnel, they could see a dim light filtering in through a hole ahead.

“Bloody hell, I never thought it’d end,” Illadar said as the group quickened their pace.

They emerged into a room lit by a single blue tulip. Its delicate petals spiraled to create a perfect cylinder. Behind the radiant blossom was a pool of water which remained glassy and still.

Neelan approached the flower, mesmerized by its beauty. She fell to a knee and gazed intently into the soft glow.

“It’s lovely.” Her voice was soft and melodic.

She slowly opened her tightened fist and reached forward toward the plant. Before her fingers made contact, she was forcefully shoved to the ground. Her eyes widened as she shook her head in confusion.

“What in Pan’s name did you do that for?!” Kale lifted Dibble by the tuft of his white shirt.

“My intentions were well, Master.” Dibble raised his arms across his face, fearful to be struck.

“Explain yourself then,” Kale spoke firmly while keeping Neelan in his vision to ensure she was unharmed. He watched as Illadar extended a hand to help her to her feet.

“Make it quick, before I squash you with my bare hands.” Illadar glared at Dibble.

“Close that oversized mouth of yours, you barbaric numbskull,” Dibble shot back.

“Enough!” Kale called out while returning Dibble to the ground.

“My apologies, Master.” The small gord wrinkled his long, slender nose at Illadar while speaking. “You see,” he returned his focus to Kale, “my reasons were not to harm Neelan, but to protect her.” His lengthy, finger pointed above.

The group raised their eyes to the stone ceiling. Many deathly sharp, pointed rods protruded from a steel plank.

“Those who dare to touch the petals from the tulip shall meet an unavoidable demise. The trap is immune to magic, and will fall faster than any mortal can flee.”

“Jumping balt toads, I cannot believe I did not sense this before. The magical aura is quite strong,” Thomas spoke while gazing up in bewilderment.

Neelan swallowed hard. “Thank you.”

“I will do all in my power to protect those dear to my master.” Dibble bowed.

“This, comin’ from someone no larger than the size of my shins?” Illadar snickered sarcastically. “I truly feel safer now.”

“Barbarian,” Dibble muttered as he approached the glassy pool of water, opposite of the flower. “This is where we part ways.”

The group stood in confusion, staring down at their own reflections in the dark water.

“Well then, off with you. The sooner you end this threat, the safer our world will be. You have no idea of what could happen if Jedah’s accomplice should grow in power. Stop him at all costs, and find the dark one. Should you fail, you and the world as you know it will be destroyed.” Dibble knelt and dipped a finger into the water.