The Chronicles of Kale: Dawn of Retribution (Book 2) (32 page)

It was deathly silent, aside from the crunching beneath their boots, when Neelan froze in place.

“Kale!” She whispered anxiously. “Stop moving!” Her wide, violet eyes shot to each side. “I heard something—moving. It’s close.”

Kale paused all movement and silently listened. He could hear nothing aside from his own breath escaping through his slightly parted lips.

“I can sense it . . . I think it’s—” Neelan’s words cut short as a small branch snapped from above.

The debris fell to the side of Kale, causing the group to focus all attention above.

There knelt a male elf, no older than Kale in appearance. His silvery white hair rested upon his jawline as he stared down with vibrant, blue eyes which contrasted against his dark lashes. The clothing he wore was tan, aside from a thick, fur collar as white as his pallid flesh. His ears were what gave his identity away—their slender characteristic with pointed tips.

“He’s a frost elf!” Neelan swiftly withdrew her bow.

The elven male continued to stare in silence, tilting his head to the side as though examining them all. His eyes quickly returned to Neelan, and he grinned.

“Prepare yourselves; they are heartless beings who show no mercy. I did not expect us to cross paths with one. They are said to never leave their citadel, unless summoned in a time of judgment.” Neelan curled her lip at the frost elf as she carefully watched his movements.

The male elf shifted his body—dropping his shoulders as though ready to pounce.

Neelan drew back the string on her bow, aiming an arrow toward his skull. “I’m going to do it, Kale,” she whispered. “I’m going to kill him before he kills us. Their power is incredible and we will surely fall if he attacks first.” Her voice was barely audible as she spoke at Kale’s side.

Her hand steadied as she further tugged upon the string, preparing her shot. She knew there would be a single chance to land her arrow or retaliation would surely be upon them. Neelan’s fingers parted, releasing their grip upon the steady arrow.

Before her brain could register what had happened, the frost elf appeared before her. With a swift swipe, he took hold of the arrow as it zipped past the bow. Smiling, he casually held it out to Neelan, who stood with her mouth gaping open in shock.

“This belongs to you, Milady.”

His features were flawless, striking, and the closest to perfection Kale had ever seen—he despised it immediately.

“Move away from her at once.” Kale positioned himself between them.

Encircling the three, were defensive sand-people, and Illadar—all equally prepared to attack.

“There is no need for this hostility. Especially considering that you are in
my
territory,” the frost elf spoke before instantly teleporting himself behind Neelan, breathing softly into her ear. “Did you truly think I could not hear your words—they were most unkind.” He brushed his cheek against the side of her face.

Angrily, Kale lunged forward toward the stranger. His hands swiped forward, finding no more than air.

Laughter could be heard to Kale’s side and he furiously glared at the male elf.

“Coward, fight me!” Kale opened his palm, allowing the Sword of Vindication to appear.

The sand-people tightened their formation around Neelan. “Do not approach our Queen in such a manner. Should you attempt to lay harm upon her, you will fall by our hands,” Reem spoke to the elf.

The male elf snickered and turned to Kale. “Fancy tricks you bring.” He mocked Kale with more laughter. “But, it really is mere child’s play.” His arms stiffened as each palm opened wide. Instantly, two blades materialized; each emitting a faint glow. He spun the blades within each hand.

Kale held his glare, not amused by the elf’s ability.

“Not impressed?” The frost elf vanished. “How about now?”

From his peripheral vision, Kale could see an arrow aimed at his skull. The male elf stood to his side, a white, glowing bow held aloft.

“Enough!” Neelan shouted.

Instantly, the frost elf lowered the bow, allowing it to absorb back into his palm. “Anything for you.” He bowed.

Kale mustered all his will not to knee the male elf in his flawless face.

“What is a frost elf doing here, meddling in our affairs? Is this territory part of your frozen citadel?” Neelan questioned the unusual behavior for his kind.

“It is
your
arrival, Milady, which is meddlesome—though I cannot say it is a bad thing. You are a striking creature.” His pale eyes peered into hers through long strands of white hair. “Do not confuse me with my misguided brethren. You see, me and my people are not like them. We can feel—admiration, jealousy,” he shot a look at Kale before returning his attention to Neelan, “and love.” He smiled. “Because of this, we are seen as weak, inferior, and with great faults. We are shunned from birth and tossed out into the cold to perish—disposable, as we are seen. Many of us do not live to see daybreak, while others are fortunate enough to be retrieved by those in our camp.” He paused, “But enough of me—why are
you
here? I have not seen an outsider since he arri—well, it has been awhile.”

“Wait a moment; you have seen someone else? Was he human?” Kale pressed the subject.

“It was nothing. Now tell me about
you
.” He deterred the topic.

“We’ve come to see the
lovely
sights of Sundra,” Kale spoke with heavy sarcasm.

“I see we are going nowhere with this. Come with me then, I will take you to my small village,” the elf replied.

“Are you not worrisome of leading strangers into your home?” Neelan questioned.

“Milady, I can assure you, your group poses no threat to us,” he spoke with confidence.

Kale rolled his eyes and shook his head at the elf’s egotistical behavior. Yet, he knew finding food and shelter was imperative. They had crossed no game since arriving, and their bags were empty of food.

Neelan once more raised her bow. “How can we be sure you’re trustworthy? We don’t even know your name.”

“Yes,” the male elf spun around, “pardon my poor manners.” He instantly appeared before her, gently moving her bow to the side. “My name, Milady, is Lox.” He tucked a strand of her hair behind an ear before quickly teleporting outside of their circle.

Kale gritted his teeth and took Neelan’s hand into his own. “We stay only a single day to recover from the cold,” he muttered.

“You know, I never did invite you to stay.” Lox spoke as he held his back to the group. “But, I could never leave someone so beautiful out here with a storm coming.”

“
Aw
, and here I was thinking he wouldn’t notice my big brown eyes,” Illadar spoke, leaving he and Kale in a fit of laughter.

“Ah, humans—as unamusing as ever.” Lox strode past the trees with perfect posture. “Do not fall behind. We must make it to the enclosure before the next snow begins to fall.” He looked up at the branches, which had begun to grow scarce, no longer protecting them from the sky above.

They walked for a brief period before coming to a wall of trees. The trunks grew so tightly together they were nearly impossible to see through.

Lox approached the trees. He raised a palm to his forehead. “How foolish of me. You are unable to manipulate energy to pass—my forgetful memory serves me no good at times. Follow me.” He led them around a bend to a large mound of snow, piled up against the border of trees. “
We
pass through with teleportation; however, you may enter through here.”

Kale and Illadar stared forward with confusion.

Lox looked up to the sky and muttered foul words beneath his breath. He walked over to the mound and sighed. “Milady, I cannot imagine how these two could possibly provide you with the company you deserve. Allow me.” He flicked his wrist and an orb of energy exploded into the snow. “This entry path has not been used for some time, though it will lead you to our village. I shall escort you so that you find no trouble upon your arrival.” Lox entered through the narrow hole that caused him to hunch over.

“You’ve gotta be foolin’ me.” Illadar ran a hand over his head. “After all this is over, I’m never goin’ through any place that is less than twice the size of my body. I think that the Gods must find amusement in my misfortune with tight places.” He squeezed his shoulder’s forward and followed behind Lox.

The passage didn’t take long to pass through and Kale and his companions soon found themselves standing before three angered frost elves.

“You dare bring outsiders to our home?!” The oldest male elf bellowed. He thrust his arm to the side, summoning a mighty sword that made even Illadar’s blade seem inferior. “Leave this place at once!”

“Wait!” Lox threw his hands up. “They bring no harm. They merely need shelter from the storm—I could not leave them out to die. You know as well as anyone here how it feels to be left without care. I assure you, they will be no trouble.” He stood near Neelan.

The older elf cleared his throat before wrinkling the skin between his brows. “Out!” He demanded once again.

“At ease!” A voice called out.

The three guards spun around as an elven woman approached. Her long, flowing raven hair fell upon her back; a single silver strand traced the outline of her face. Pale, blue eyes stared forward tenderly as her arms extended wide.

“If my son says they are safe, then we welcome them with respect.” The woman embraced Lox, who awkwardly looked to the side. “Come, come.” She gestured for the group to follow.

They walked behind her in silence, unsure of what to expect in the foreign village. Kale wondered if the frost elves would show them the same hostility as the high-elves had.

Elves, young and old, began to emerge from their wooden cabins. Much to the group’s surprise, the villagers appeared excited for their arrival. The children bounced happily, while adults smiled and gossiped amongst one another.

Kale lowered his stare to avoid eye contact. He felt as though he were a rare specimen, being inspected. Despite the welcoming demeanor from the frost-elves, it was an uncomfortable feeling to have so much attention targeting them.

They reached the end of a snow-covered path and stood before an old, wood shack.

“You may find shelter here for the night. Please warm yourselves inside. I know it is not much for luxury, but it should suffice until morning. Lox will guide you to the food, when ready. Please excuse the behavior from the others. You are our first visitors in quite some time and they are intrigued. Many have never seen a human—or high elf.” She smiled at Neelan. “If you need me, I shall be in the tallest cabin to the western village wall.” She bowed. “You may call me, Pahlain.”

Lox led them inside the wood shack and pointed to the narrow bed. “She sleeps here.” He nodded to Neelan. “The rest of you sleep on the floor. There is wood and a mantle over there. Warm yourselves and then meet me outside.” He exited the cabin without further discussion.

The group used a nearby lantern to light a crackling fire to dry their cold, dampened pants. Once the flames dwindled down to embers, they made way outside.

Lox sat upon a thick log, a flute cradled within his hands. He raised his lips and began to blow. The sweetest melody they ever heard filled the air.

Neelan closed her eyes and listened until the tranquil song came to an end. “That was beautiful.”

Lox leapt from the log. “Not nearly as marvelous as you, Milady.” He took her hand and brought it near his lips. He paused, with his mouth just above her skin, his warm breath sending a shiver down her spine. With a quick glance toward the hell-bent fury in Kale’s eyes, he released his grip. “Come, let us eat.” Lox spoke casually, as though the situation had never occurred.

Kale had to contain every ounce of his desire to rip the elf’s face to shreds. Though he would never willingly admit the fact—he knew he wouldn’t win a battle within the frost elf village. Starting a quarrel would only place his friends in mortal danger. He grunted angrily, exhaling loudly from his nose as he followed Lox.

After rounding a small bend, the sound of music filled the air.

“Just in time.” Lox smiled. “You’ve arrived on the night of our solstice festival.”

A blazing bonfire lit the center of an open area, where many frost elves danced and mingled. Upon sight of Kale and his group, the elves turned. The music stopped and the level of cheerful commotion lowered to a hushed whisper.

“They are friend, and most welcome within our village,” Pahlain spoke. She stood proud with arms held wide.

Just then, a young elf that appeared no older than a human child, approached Illadar. She looked up at his towering frame with wide, twinkling eyes. “For you,” her tiny voice squeaked as she held up a necklace of white flowers. “Grown by my family.” She smiled proudly.

Illadar lowered himself to a knee, level with the young elf. He gently took the gift and patted her upon the head. “My greatest appreciation for your most beautiful necklace.” He bowed his head, allowing the wreath of petals to drape down upon his collar-bones. “I will cherish it.” He smiled, touched by the girl’s generosity.

Without warning, she gripped his thick hand. “A dance, please?”

He looked to Marg, who nodded in approval while smiling brightly.

“It would be an honor.” Illadar rose to his feet and walked to the center, near the fire.

Pahlain laughed cheerfully. With a clap of her hands, the music began to play.

“It is nice to see joy once more. I recall a time when my own village was at peace.” Reem patted his hands together in the beat of the sound.

Kale momentarily allowed his guard to fall; he had never heard Reem express happiness. The sight made him smile. Inside the small village, he felt hope. The elves had all lost something—and yet, they still found a place for happiness. It was inspiring.

“May I?” An elderly male’s voice broke Kale’s thoughts. His leathery hand reached out to Neelan. “A dance, if you please?” The old elf’s smile was nearly hidden within his waist-length beard.

“Certainly.” Neelan curtseyed and placed her palm into his.

Kale chuckled, finding himself enjoying the festival more than he had anticipated. He tapped his foot and swayed his body, allowing the music to consume him as he admired Neelan across the circle. He watched as she twirled and moved rhythmically. Her hair fell wildly across her face, giving Kale further appreciation of her natural beauty.

The elderly male elf paused as a familiar figure came into sight. Kale growled as Lox approached Neelan, pulling her into a dance.

As Neelan dipped back, Lox’s eyes fell directly upon Kale. His perfect smile sickened Kale, who immediately began to walk toward them.

“Ah, there you are.” Pahlain wrapped an arm around Kale’s shoulder, leading him in the opposite direction. “My apologies for not finding you sooner; as you can see, the festival can be quite distracting.” She chuckled. “Please sit.” Her hand patted a wooden stump.