The Chronicles of Kale: Dawn of Retribution (Book 2) (34 page)

“Neelan?” He whispered.

Kale squinted toward the empty bed as the first rays of dawn came through the tiny cracks in the wood. Upon realizing that Neelan was nowhere within the cabin, Kale scurried to his feet.

“Illadar—Marg!” Kale hurried toward the door and cracked it open to peer outside.

Grunting could be heard from behind as Illadar stirred. “What is it, kid?”

“Get up—she’s gone!” Kale ran a hand through his hair, tugging firmly until his roots burned. “She’s gone . . .”

“What in the bloody hell are you talkin’ about?” Illadar staggered to his feet.

Marg rubbed her eyes tiredly. “What is happening?”

“Neelan isn’t here! Did she come in last night after I fell asleep?” Kale spoke in panic.

“Calm down, kid.” Illadar rubbed his face. “She probably woke before you and went out to explore the village. You know how she gets with new places.”

“Did you see her last night after the festival?” Kale ignored Illadar’s words and reinforced his concern.

“No.” Illadar replied. “But I don’t th—”

Before he could finish, Kale left the cabin, slamming the door behind.

Kale’s feet moved swiftly, making way toward where the festival had taken place. He stopped in his tracks as a horde of frost elves stood, circled around something he could not make out through the many bodies. He pushed his way through the crowd, fearing the worst for what wait in the middle.

“Neelan?” Kale called out before stumbling in front of a young, elven child. He looked down at her small frame and wide, fuchsia eyes. Her face resembled Pahlain’s.

“Hello, Kale,” Pahlain spoke at his side. “A miracle has come to us—my daughter, Arliness, has returned.”

Frost elves in all directions cheered.

Arliness stepped forward, and the crowd hushed. Her silvery hair hung in a perfect part, falling over each cheek. Animal hide covered her tiny arms which reached out to Kale. “She’s in danger—but it is not her they want—it is you.” Her small voice was firm and serious.

Kale withdrew from her reach as his mouth hung agape.

“Kid, what’s goin’ on?” Illadar wedged his way to the center with Marg.

The young girl looked up at the two, inspecting their faces before falling to a knee. She gasped for air, coughing wildly. Her tiny hands clapped against her ears as she cried out.

“Are you all right?” Illadar questioned in a state of confusion. He reached out to comfort the child.

Arliness slapped his hand to the side and stood. Her body turned and she raced out of the circle in tears, screaming for her brother.

They stood, speechless at the situation.

Pahlain approached Kale, “She has been through a lot and is still very scared at what has happened. It will take time for her full recovery.” She placed a hand upon Kale’s cheek. “I am so sorry for what has happened.”

Kale stepped back. “What
has
happened? And where is Neelan?”

“Your group of friends who cover themselves in cloth have been searching for her since night. They seemed frantic; so we opened our barrier and allowed passage to the outside.” She tilted her head, looking tenderly at Kale. “My son said she was lost from him during the storm. She informed him of a location where she had spotted a young child in the forest, he took her to investigate. The winds increased, and she wandered too far—I truly am sorry, as is Lox.”

“Lies!” Kale growled in anger. “You speak lies!” His head turned as he panned the crowd. “Where is he?!” He narrowed his eyes. “And your daughter? Where has she gone? She must know what has happened!”

“She will not speak a word.” Pahlain’s eyes fell to the ground. “She is refusing to share any of the details during her time gone—including word on the high elf.”

“Her name is Neelan.” Kale spoke in fury. “And your son is responsible for whatever has happened.”

“My son would never do anything to harm her.”

A sudden wave of whispers spread across the crowd, and Kale turned to face Lox.

“You!” Kale’s voice deeply rumbled. “I’ll kill you!” He lunged at the frost elf with a raging inferno in his eyes. Before his fingertips could reach Lox’s throat, Kale was forcefully pulled back.

“No kid!” Illadar shouted as he held firmly to Kale’s cloak. He gestured to the many surrounding arrows, aimed toward Kale’s skull. “It is not worth your death.”

Kale looked at the defensive frost elves, each with bow in hand, prepared to protect their own.

“I can handle myself.” Kale pulled himself from Illadar’s grip.

“Please,” Pahlain placed a gentle hand upon Kale’s chest, “I tell you again—my son would not do anything to jeopardize Neelan’s well-being.” She looked to Lox. “Tell him, my son.”

Lox stood in silence, his eyes filled with regret.

“No . . .” Pahlain gasped as she stepped back in disbelief, “it cannot be . . . What have you done?” She whispered.

“I had to save Arliness . . . it was the only way,” Lox spoke softly, avoiding eye contact. “He only wanted her—Neelan.”

“
He
?” Illadar questioned.

“Yes. I did not see him myself—though they refer to him as the same man Neelan had spoken of. They call him, Lord Jedah.”

Kale growled furiously. “He dies today!” Fueled by anger, Kale looked to Lox with resentment before dashing toward the small cabin.

“Wait kid, what are you doin’?” Illadar hurried to keep pace while pulling Marg behind.

“I’m going after them—after her. I will find her.” Kale gathered his belongings and left the cabin.

“Shouldn’t you wait and ask the child for more information? She may have further details on their location,” Marg suggested.

“No. There is no time—and I cannot trust her word, even if she should decide to confide in me. She will say anything to protect her brother.” He briskly approached the guards at the tunnel. Briefly pausing, he turned to face Illadar. “Are you coming?”

“Of course I am. I’ve followed you this far—and you know well enough I’d never pass on an opportunity to slice that sorry excuse for a man, Jedah, in two.”

Kale smirked. “Too bad it shall be I who lands the final strike.”

“Well then, we shall surely see.” Illadar winked. “Now let’s get your lady back.” He patted Kale on the arm.

Kale stopped in his tracks. “What about her?” He tilted his chin toward Marg. “I’m not sure she will be safe where we’re going. It might be best if she remains here until we return.”

“I will not,” Marg stated with a confident step forward. “Do you think I was not aware of possible danger when I embarked upon a ship to leave my homeland?” She crossed her arms. “Should you leave me here, I will only attempt to follow behind anyway. I will remain by Illadar, regardless of whom or what we encounter.”

Kale’s mind flashed back to how useless Illadar had been during their battle with the sea creature. He sighed and nodded, knowing Illadar would not have it any other way. Though he knew her presence would be a nuisance, he couldn’t help but admire her dedication to his friend.

“Just keep up and we should be all right. I will not allow anyone to delay me from getting to Neelan. I cannot even bear to think of what that monster could be doing as we speak.” The thought brought a scowl to his face.

The two guards silently stepped aside, allowing free passage out of the village.

Upon a final glance over a shoulder, Kale could see Arliness standing alone, staring fearfully toward them.

Her lips parted, and though muffled by their distance, he faintly made out the word:
death
.

Chapter 34: The Cry of Despair

F
resh snow blanketed every inch of land in sight. Kale knew that attempting to track footprints would be a futile waste of precious daylight.

“What’s your plan?” Illadar questioned, knowing that Kale had finally calmed enough to realize there was no sign of direction in the sea of trees.

“We came from that way,” he pointed to the side, “so we will journey in the opposite. Once we leave this thicket of bark, we should have a better idea of our surroundings.”

“Hope so, kid. Otherwise, we may end up days from where she is,” Illadar replied.

“Thomas is gone—I do not need
your
lectures now. I will find her.” Kale’s heart sank at the mention of his dear friend’s name. Once Neelan was safe, he vowed to search endlessly until finding the old sorcerer.

After weaving through miles of looming trees, they emerged into an open plain. In the distance, Kale could see what appeared to be a frozen body of water, surrounded by massive peaks of solid ice at the far side. He looked to Illadar, who nodded in return.

They cautiously approached the layer of ice that seemed surprisingly untouched by the previous night’s snowfall. Looking ahead, they saw that the only way to reach an opening between the towering ice peaks was by crossing over the frozen lake.

“Careful,” Illadar cautioned. “On our way back from Sylicia’s den, a dozen men fell victim to the thin ice. They dropped below and could not return for air.”

“Good riddance,” Kale emphasized his words with a curl of his lip. The thought of Sylicia brought on a reminder of his encounter with her spirit. “Where is the sky light now . . .?” He muttered under his breath.

Kale had grown frustrated from the moment they left the forest and could no longer see the illuminate white glow within the sky. He had hoped that by now, Sylicia would have given him some form of a sign. He knew that using his energy to attempt summoning her presence would put him at a disadvantage if he should cross paths with Jedah, or one of his men.

Shrugging the thought aside, he placed his foot carefully upon the layer of ice. “No matter—I can do this,” he softly spoke, well aware the person he should most rely upon was himself—otherwise, there would be no hope for Neelan.

Her name lingered within his mind as he took another wide step forward. His footing felt sturdy, and soon, he built the confidence to walk forward at a normal pace.

Marg was the next to make her way out, followed by Illadar who hesitantly lowered each heavy foot.

With a final leap, Kale’s boots crunched into the snowy bank.

Not so bad
. He thought while turning toward his companions.

“If I wasn’t on my way to bloodshed, I’d almost say that this is kinda’ enjoyable.” Illadar called out as he slid his feet from one side to another in a round, sweeping motion.

“I do agree.” Marg replied with a smile, “This is quite—” Her eyes bulged as she lost her footing and fell back.

Her bottom hit the ice and she released a loud groan before raising her arm. “I am all right; just sore.”

She placed the weight of her body onto a foot and dusted off her dress. A sudden drop in the area where she stood caused her to leap back in panic.

“Remain still,” Illadar called out as he hurried in her direction.

The loud crackling of ice could be heard, as it lost integrity. They watched as deep splits began to form, clawing their way toward the snowy bank.

“
Run!
” Illadar commanded.

“But I thought you said to remain still?!” Marg argued.

“Just run!” He began to sprint in her direction, pulling her by the arm as they raced against the sinking ice.

The frozen layer began to wobble unsteadily beneath their feet as they pushed off. With a desperate leap, they landed on hands and knees in the powdery snow.

Heavily breathing, Illadar looked behind to see the last of the ice closest to them descend into the frigid water. He shook his head in dismay while patting Marg’s hand.

“It looks like there is only one way to go from here,” Marg spoke while gazing down the narrow path.

Kale knelt down, inspecting the snow in silence. He stood and waved to the others.

“Look at this—footprints! Someone has been down this trail recently. I’d bet it is Reem and his men, in search of Neelan. We must be heading in the correct direction!” Kale’s gut fluttered with excitement as he hurried down the narrow opening.

“Take it easy, kid. We don’t know for certain if it
is
them—and, we don’t know what lies ahead,” Illadar cautioned.

“We’ve no time to delay. Whoever made these tracks was here within the day. The sand-people have a connection with Neelan; I’m sure they know where she is heading. If it is they who left this trail, I must make haste.” Kale quickened his pace.

The looming ice formations curled at the top like massive meat hooks, making it nearly impossible to detour from the single direction in which the path led. Kale could see the end ahead and he moved forward in a paced jog.

As Kale emerged into the open, a blade crossed his throat before his eyes had time to register any movement. He dug the ball of his feet into the snow to stop all motion as the weapon slightly penetrated his neck. A small amount of blood pooled on the glowing blade as Kale looked up, into the eyes of a frost elf.

The elf’s pauldrons rose tall, with the appearance of ice-like horns, curled away from his sunken face which was devoid of color. The frost elf was covered in a suit of white armor, contrasting dramatically against his straight, black hair.

“Halt.” Another frost elf appeared from the air. “It is them. The one who will face
him
is here.” He inspected Kale and Illadar. “The oracle does not lie.”

Neither elf’s expressions, nor inflection, bore any hint of emotion. Kale immediately knew they were not from the refugee camp. He swallowed hard and attempted to take a step back, but the elf held his blade firmly in place, against the skin.

“We must be certain. We have ventured from the citadel to lay end to the one who has escaped—I will not return without ensuring his existence is removed.” The first elf never lost contact with Kale’s eyes as he spoke to his comrade.

The second bearded frost elf approached Kale closely. His white eyes were nearly indistinguishable against his pallid skin. His lips parted, and he spoke in foreign tongue to an invisible force. He broke his stare to focus upon the first elf. “I am certain.”