The Chronicles of Kale: Dawn of Retribution (Book 2) (26 page)

Instantly, the ripples expanded.

“I presume you wish for us to enter this body of water?” Thomas lowered himself to a knee next to Dibble.

“Indeed, it is the only way.” The gord locked eyes with Thomas. “Your magic is no good here. Making it out safely is a matter of physical endurance—are you certain you wish to attempt this?”

Thomas laughed aloud. “Is this a fool’s question? What other options are there? I’m certainly not letting
this
one out of my sight.” He gestured toward Kale.

Without hesitation, Thomas slid into the water. He turned to face his companions; the water up to his throat.

Dibble gave a firm nod. “Farewell, Master. May we meet again.” He bowed. “And you, Milady,” he maneuvered his long nose so that he was able to kiss Neelan’s hand, “be safe.”

Illadar grunted loud enough to distract Dibble’s attention. He glanced down upon the gord and tapped the toe of his boot.

Dibble threw his hands into the air. “All right, all right. I suppose I’ll miss your company too. It’s not every day that we get a hard-headed numbskull in our realm—your presence was quite entertaining.”

Illadar smirked. “You’re not so bad yourself, little grey man.” He approached the water’s edge and paused.

“Your weapon will be fine. This is no ordinary water . . . barbarian.” Dibble replied instantly with a wink.

“What do we need to do?” Kale questioned as he slipped his body down beneath the surface, until only his head remained above water level.

“Quite simply, Master, you must dive. I advise you each to fill your lungs with oxygen—it’s a long way down. You will see a light beaming through a hole. Do not miss it, Master.” He glanced with narrowed eyes at the group and spoke in a tone of warning. “For if you do, you will not have enough air to resurface—you will die.”

“You sure we can’t just go the way we came? I think I’d rather take my chances with the shar’ka.” Illadar cautiously stared at the pool.

“Not unless you can fly.” Dibble urged Illadar in. “Come now, I must return to Zasha.”

Illadar sighed and sank to his chest.

“Well, this is it then.” Dibble bowed. “May the Gods be with you, my friends.”

Kale extended an arm to help Neelan in. Her expression told him she was unsure of their success.

“Give me your bow.” Kale urged.

“I’m fine. Besides,” her gaze momentarily shifted toward Thomas, “someone may need you and you can’t risk being overburdened.”

Kale sighed, knowing an argument with her would prove pointless.

“All right. I need everyone to follow Neelan down. I shall remain in the back. Illadar, you will go directly behind her, then Thomas.” He looked to Neelan, a slight worry in his heart, yet he knew her eyes were the best to spot their destination.

“This is an important responsibility. If we should miss the lighted tunnel, we’re all going to die. You heard Dibble, I’m unable to cast magic here,” Thomas spoke while continuously slapping his beard down, which remained buoyant despite his efforts.

“I can do this,” Neelan replied confidently.

Kale nodded in assurance. “All right, everyone . . .” Kale pulled Neelan close, pressing his lips firmly against her forehead. “This is it—let’s move.” He waited for each of his friends to deeply inhale before diving below the surface.

With a final nod to Dibble, he followed.

Chapter 25: To our world

H
e glided through the dark water, struggling to maintain sight of Neelan. At first, his body moved with ease through the liquid; as he descended, the density changed. The water pressed at his ribcage and seemed to thicken with each stroke of his arms. Anxiety set in as he thought of Thomas and Illadar struggling ahead. He kicked his legs in swift, sharp motions, knowing that by now their lungs wouldn’t hold out much longer.

We’ve got to do this
, Kale thought.
Come on
. His eyes shot around for any indication of light.

The burning had set in—it wouldn’t be much longer. He paused for a moment, waving his arms against the abnormally thick water. He saw it. Directly down, below his feet, was the light. It was so faint in the surrounding cloudiness of the pond he nearly missed it. Frantic for air, he shot his glance in all directions, but couldn’t find a trace of his friends. Suddenly, a small silhouette passed before the light.

Neelan
! Kale thought as he struggled to follow. He pinched his eyes shut and kicked with every remaining ounce of his strength. Knowing that there would be no saving Thomas and Illadar, he placed all hope in the thought that they had already discovered the light. 

His heart ached at the thought of not first ensuring his friend’s safety, but the pain of his burning lungs overwhelmed his ability to further search. His hands scooped at the water in panic as he swiftly guided himself closer to the light.

He could no longer prevent his body’s urge to inhale. The air which had surrounded him each day of his life, now seemed a precious commodity he had taken for granted. The thought of Neelan’s smile filled his thoughts as his lips parted. Water rushed in, infiltrating his airway. As the bubbles containing his last breath escaped toward the surface, Kale watched as the light engulfed him.

“Wake up! Please wake up!” Neelan cradled Kale’s limp body in her arms. “You’re stronger than this Kale—open your eyes!”

The fluid rushed up through his throat and exploded from his mouth in a milky combination of mucus and clouded water. Kale gasped for air, coughing as the remaining water within his lungs forced its way out. He rolled out of Neelan’s grasp and onto the stone floor. His eyelids parted as he glanced around in confusion. The room was oddly familiar.

”We’re in the tower,” Neelan spoke after reading the look upon his face.

“Thomas . . . Illadar,” Kale choked out while positioning himself upon all fours.

“About time you joined us, kid. I’m sure glad we could keep up with your pace. I dunno’ what we woulda’ done without your protection.” Illadar added as they enjoyed a laugh.

Thomas stepped forward and put a firm hand upon Kale’s shoulder. “I am happy to see you safe—though, I knew you would be.”

“You’re dry,” Kale muttered in an attempt to change the subject.

“Indeed I am.” Thomas chuckled to himself. “It’s quite mysterious really. We were all dry from the moment we entered this room. Well, everyone except for you.” Thomas joked while gesturing to the large wet spot where Kale had spit his water.

“Yes, you’re
so
amusing.” Kale sarcastically replied while rolling his eyes. He placed a sturdy hand upon a knee and stood. Through the dull lighting, he could see the door they had once entered through.

“Our new path begins now,” Kale spoke while pushing against the grainy texture of the wooden door.

Sunlight poured into the circular room, blinding their sight with its vibrancy. The four stepped out, grateful to be upon familiar soil.

“Illadar!” A voice chimed.

“Marg? Marg!” Illadar rushed around the side of the tower to find Marg standing with a look of confusion upon her face.

“I couldn’t find the door. I tied my steeds, and when I returned to where you had entered, there was nothing. I was so worried.” Her slender arms tightly embraced his thick body.

Illadar caressed his hand against her cheek. “My sincerest apologies. You needn’t worry about me.

“Shall we go inside then?” Marg questioned.

“Go inside where?” Illadar raised a brow.

“To visit your friend, of course.” She smiled.

Illadar stood speechless.

“How long have you been waiting for us, Marg?” Kale asked.

“Only a few moments.” Her eyes narrowed. “Why do you ask me this?”

Thomas cleared his throat and stepped forward. “Our friend is not home currently. There is no knowing when he will return, so I believe it is in our best interest to move along. We wouldn’t want to be caught on the open trails when night falls.”

Marg stared, unsatisfied with his response. “Interesting.” She muttered while looking intently up at the tower. “I suppose you’re right then.” Her eyes locked to Thomas. “Let us be on our way.”

They gathered their belongings into the caravan and alerted the sand-people of their plans to find shelter within the coastal town of Perun. With a snap of the reins, the group set off down the winding dirt path. They rode into the night, followed behind by the sand-people. The vibrant luminosity of the moon left little concealment on the open path.

After the moon had shifted in the sky, and the horses had slowed to a steady trot, a row of hazy lights could be seen near the horizon. Relief swept over the group, who had not eaten since their departure from the tower. Their mouths pooled with saliva at the thought of a hot meal.

A thick fog came into view and both Illadar and Neelan looked back at Thomas for answers.

“Yes, I have been here before, long ago on my journey toward Sundra. Perun is a dreadful place really, but we had no trouble with the townsfolk, none the less.” Thomas held his gaze upon the quickly approaching walls.

The air dampened as they neared and a heavy mist blanketed their surroundings.

“Are you sure this is the right town?” Illadar questioned as they made way toward the faint glow of lights.

Neelan wiped damp, matted bangs from her forehead as she stared intently. “I see it. There are large walls ahead. She checked behind to see the sand-people moving sluggishly, their bodies weighted down by the heavy moisture.

Reem’s head hung low as he trudged forward.

“Slow the horses,” Neelan called to Marg.

“There is no need—we are here.” Marg looked up at the rusted, arched entrance.

Kale had never before laid eyes upon such a gloomy town. It made even the Catalyst District of Tyrione look cheerful.

They assisted with securing the steeds and made way toward the path ahead. Neelan insisted that the sand-people join her, for fear of what might happen if they remained out in the wet fog.

After a brief debate on the matter, Thomas assured the others that he had devised a believable story for such a large group travelling just shy of dawn. He and Neelan stressed the importance of the group remaining together.

With the silent nods of approval from everyone, they entered the town. A thick fog crept eerily along the rough, stone path, covering every direction they could see. The buildings were all shaped similarly—rectangular, tall, and with a high peaked roof. The walls, blackened with slick mildew, smelt like heavy musk mixed with sea salt. It was impossible to see into any of the windows and Kale could hardly imagine why they would have wasted time in building them.

Thomas had been right—though dreadful was an understatement.

“There it is, my Queen.” Reem pointed forward at a building ahead.

A tarnished sign swung gently on rusted chains, bearing the title
Reef Tavern
.

They approached quietly, unsure of what to make of this somber town. Aside from the wheezing of wind and soft squeal from rusted metal shifting, the town was deathly void of life. Even so late into the night, the area was unnaturally still.

“Are you sure Perun hasn’t been abandoned?” Illadar questioned Thomas while keeping his eyes cautiously focused ahead.

“Fairly. It was relatively the same when I arrived many years ago. I recall the atmosphere quite vividly . . . unsettling would be an appropriate word.”

The group approached the wide, dark building. Illadar was the first to push the heavy door and step inside. Old, wooden tables filled the large room; off to the side a sizable tub could be seen, filled with cloudy water.

“It appears they have had recent visitors.  The innkeeper must be resting,” Thomas spoke while gliding a finger across a bar. He rubbed his index finger against his thumb in thought. “Freshly cleaned—recently too.” He gazed over to a single oil lamp. “Jumping balt toads!” Thomas leapt back defensively.

Staring back at him from the shadows was an old, wide-eyed man. His raven hair fell in thick, messy clumps across his forehead. He ran a fat tongue along the inside of his plump bottom lip. His thick unibrow furrowed as he snickered.

“Come for a room, have ya’? Awfully dark out to be travelin’ ’round these parts.” The innkeeper spoke slowly with a deep, rough voice.

He stepped forward, allowing the lantern’s flame to accentuate his distinct facial features. Several flesh-toned moles covered his checks and large, dark circles bordered his piercing eyes.

“Yes, do you have accommodations for such a group?” Thomas politely questioned.

“Aye, ‘tis the slow season for business—not many sailin’. Got six rooms available; but it will cost ya’.” The man tilted his face so that he was peering out from below his brow.

“We will be fine with three rooms.” Thomas set a stack of coins on the table.

As the man inspected the group, the sand-people casually turned so that their eyes could not be seen.

“Certainly . . .” The innkeeper’s dingy fingers curled over the coins.

He led the group up a wooden flight of stairs to their musty smelling rooms.

“All right then,” the innkeeper paused, “good luck.”

“Good luck with what exactly?” Kale turned.

“With where ever it is yer’ sailin’ to. The seas can be quite tryin’ this time of year. Come for food after you situate yerselves.”

The innkeeper threw his head back in laughter before exiting down the staircase.

“Bloody hell . . . there’s somethin’ wrong with this town.” Illadar shook his head.

“
Shh.
He might hear you,” Neelan warned.

Illadar shrugged and entered the room, tossing his heavy pack onto one of the small beds.

Thomas cleared his throat. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to have a word with you, Kale and Reem. The women and Reem’s men can go relax within their own rooms.”

Simultaneously, Marg and Neelan shot a stern glance toward Thomas.

“It would be best if you two shared a room and got acquainted.” He returned Neelan’s stare with a look of seriousness.

“Fine.” She threw her arms to the side in a state of frustration and stomped down the hall.

Illadar went to speak, but Thomas extended a hand of silence.

“A single night apart will do no harm.” The sorcerer added. He knew well enough that Illadar had just reunited with Marg after many days apart but could not afford further delays in their discussion.

“It is quite all right, Illadar,” Marg assured. “I’ll just be a room away.” She caressed his cheek. “I shall see you soon.”

Illadar silently sighed while bashfully looking down and Kale couldn’t help but to laugh. With a tightened fist, Illadar jabbed Kale in the shoulder.

“Watch it, kid,” Illadar grunted with embarrassment. He watched as Marg strolled out of the room to accompany Neelan.