The Chronicles of Kale: Dawn of Retribution (Book 2) (4 page)

Both Thomas and Kale made way past another row of tents before coming to the familiar fire pit. Sitting in a circle, a distance away from the hot embers, were many men Kale had never seen before, along with Neelan, Illadar, and Alden.

“You’ve woken!” Neelan leapt up and threw her arms around Kale’s torso. “I had anticipated that you’d sleep all day. It didn’t sound like you rested much last night. Illadar and I could barely sleep with all your mumbling and tossing about.”

“Yeah, sorry about that. I need to talk to you.” Kale gently gripped her shoulders.

“Come on, kid!” Illadar’s voice interrupted. “Eat first, then you two love-birds can spend time together.”

Kale saw many ceramic bowls filled with an array of food—the aroma smelt delicious. There was tender pork patties, marinated in a sweet syrup base, shredded potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and fresh, soft bread. Kale could only assume Alden had a connection with one of the nearby villages.

Though he was aware that time was of the essence—food was just as important. It would be nearly impossible to travel far on an empty stomach. Without knowing what lay ahead, Kale was confident this may be his last full meal for quite awhile. The succulent scent was too enticing to pass and he quickly found himself indulging on each dish.

“Alden, I don’t know who prepared this food, but I owe them my gratitude—it’s amazing.” It was the first time Kale had spoken to the commander since his appearance.

“You may give him thanks yourself. Here he comes.” Alden gestured a hand forward.

You have got to be joking
. Kale rolled his eyes to the side, huffing in frustration.

The thick man approached in his brown leather suit, a butcher knife gripped within his oversized hands. Kale had no doubts this was the same man he nearly strangled upon their arrival.

“Ah, Jonas, we were just discussing your delightful cooking skills. Kale here would like to express his appreciation.”

Jonas took a step back at the sight of Kale. His hand rose to graze against the loosely wrapped bandages around his neck.

I suppose I’ll need to rectify this situation if I ever intend to keep Alden an ally
, Kale thought to himself while forcing a smile.

“I don’t bite, you know,” Kale joked to lighten the mood. “Come sit, you are welcome to join us.”

Jonas did as told—his persona completely different from the night before. He was reserved, gentle, and polite.

“I want you to know how sorry I am for last night.” Jonas hung his shaved head as he spoke. “It was out of character for me. You see, we’ve been fighting for our cause for so long now, that on rare occasions we enjoy drinking a bit of ale to help stay sane through these long days. I had no idea that visitors would be arriving.” He turned to Neelan. “Please accept my most sincere apology.”

She hesitantly nodded.

Jonas returned his attention to Kale. “I don’t know who you are, or where you come from—nor do I desire such information—but after what happened last night, I am confident that I want you on our side. You possess something incredible. What—I cannot say, though I know you are a valuable ally.” He lifted his head and stared intensely at Kale. “I truly hope we can put what is in the past behind us and move forward.”

I really messed things up last night
. Kale thought.
Thomas is going to have a lot to say about this one. It seems they are aware I have capabilities that most humans do not.

“Here, here,” Alden spoke, raising a mug to the sky. “I am thrilled you two are able to make peace.” He stood, walking over to Kale and placing a firm hand upon his shoulder. “I don’t want you to assume however that my words last night are forgotten today. Let us go speak in private, boy.”

Kale hung his head. He was prepared for many prying questions about what had happened to Jonas’s neck. Alden was onto him and there would be no avoidance. They walked to a deserted area between two vacant tents, when Alden spun around to face Kale.

“My intuition tells me you are not human—or at least, not fully human. While I understand that we all must keep our own secrets, I do not take kindly to being deceived. I will allow you to remain here at our camp and join forces as an ally; however, I will be keeping a very close watch on you, Kale Firehart.” Alden ran a hand over his neatly pulled-back hair. “This information remains between us. Though Jonas has his suspicions, I prefer to not cause need for alarm amongst us.”

Kale nodded. “I understand and I must let you know we will not be staying. We’re leaving shortly to retrieve something of great importance to me. I’m sorry, but I cannot tell you any more than this.”

“Interesting. We travel as necessary and do not generally stay for prolonged periods at any given location. I must warn you that if you decide to embark on your own quest we may not meet again.” For the first time, Alden’s voice revealed a hint of weakness. It was as though he was reaching out, asking Kale to remain with them. Yet, he couldn’t allow his dignity to give into the desire.

“Forgive me, but I must go. I thank you for aiding us against the riders, however, just as you fight to ensure the safety of Ravondore—I too want great things to rise from this destruction.”

“Very well, then.” Alden’s face bore an obvious expression of disappointment. “Unless the hands of fate cross our paths once again—I bid thee farewell. I shall have your horses prepared for travel.”

“That won’t be necessary. We’re going by foot.” Kale took notice of Alden’s immediate confusion. “I can’t explain the details. I do ask that you please take our steeds. I’m sure you’ll find a good use for them with the amount of men you have.”

“I’m grateful.” Alden’s eyes glanced to both sides, and his voice dropped to a whisper. “I will warn you—do not take the main roads. I believe you will agree when I say someone is seeking to bring harm upon you. There are more things amiss that have been happening as well. Reports have come in that the enchanted barrier surrounding The Forest of Forgotten Whispers has dissipated. Rees’Lok, as well as many other inhabitants are unaccounted for. To the north, there have also been reports of mass monsloths seen moving in a large herd at the mid of night. It’s as though someone is rallying forces—but who, or what, we cannot say.”

Kale took a moment to digest all  this new information. He knew he had to tell Thomas as soon as possible. Trouble was stirring, and it meant time was more valuable now than ever before. Though he wanted to hurry back to the others, there was something tugging at his thoughts.

“Alden . . .” Kale cleared his throat, “why is it that you so intently sought Jedah—and now pursue his loyal men who roam free? I understand you desire to make our world a better place to live, but your intentions seem to go deeper than this. From the night you left Braxle, I could see it in your eyes—the passion and fury burning to lay the final blow upon them. I know, because I too share this same emotion.” He clenched his fists.

Alden looked to the floor, and then chuckled to himself. “I did not think I was so obvious with my feelings. I shall have to better my attempts to conceal them next time.” He glanced up. “I’ll tell you. Though I cannot understand why, when I do not trust your words—I feel you are fighting a cause much like our own. A small group of us—myself, and a few of the men here at camp, once lived in a small village to the west. It was a peaceful place, filled with good-hearted people. There were many families and children; laughter could be heard from dawn until dusk as they would play together.” Alden frequently swallowed as he spoke. “We were hunters—me and the other men—and would seek game in the nearby forest to supply the village with meat. It was our way of life.”

Kale nodded; he understood what it was like to leave the shelter of what one would call home in order to hunt for food.

“We left one day—a day like any other—to hunt in the forest. What we came back to . . .” Alden’s voice trailed off as he fought to maintain composure. “What we came back to was something only a walking devil is capable of. Our village had been ravaged, and what meager goods we had, were taken. Bodies were everywhere and blood coated the ground. It was the most gruesome sight my eyes had ever fallen upon. Each of us raced to find our families, frantic for their well-being. Alas, we did find them . . .” He began to breathe heavily through his nose in a forceful attempt to stifle his moist eyes from pouring over.

The commander shook his head and stood tall, unwilling to show a sign of weakness to Kale. “My children had been slaughtered, right in the beds where they slept. Their innocent and unknowing lives had been taken away from them so soon. My wife lay near the doorway, cut from head to toe with the edge of a blade. A struggle was obvious by the markings across her arms and face—she had been trying to protect our children. Despite the overwhelming damage done to her body, she still had breath. I gripped her in my arms, rocking her limp body against mine. I tried to reassure her and tell her everything would be all right—even though I fought to hold onto my own sanity at that moment. But she knew—she knew her time on this world was coming to an end. My wife pulled me close to her lips with what little strength she had and whispered into my ear the words I shall never forget.
They came from Mirion. General Jedah and his men. They took our babies away from us!
At first, this did not make sense to me. I could not fathom why a general from the kingdom of Mirion would seek harm upon a small, insignificant village. Only later, through my journeys, did I come to find he had ventured across many villages and towns which he assumed to be of little to no threat. He would attempt bribes for loyalty to him. Should the villagers swear allegiance, they would be rewarded with coin and food. Should they deny his attempts—they would meet a terrible fate.” Alden’s eyes burned with hatred. “My village stood proud on that day, unbeknownst to the fate which Jedah had planned. Because they refused to bow before him, he and his men took their lives without remorse. Even the children, who could not understand the situation at hand—all massacred by sunrise.” His hand reached out and firmly gripped Kale’s arm. “And so you see, Kale, this is why I fight to rid the world of every last follower of that vile man. I will not rest until justice prevails. I fought against insanity to achieve this cause—the other men and myself. We have made it our life mission and purpose on this earth. Our army has grown in numbers and, to ensure a steady supply of food rations and weaponry, we take bounties on the unjust for coin. We cleanse the world of lesser evils you might say, while hunting Jedah’s remaining followers. We shall find them all, and I can promise you, they will perish.”

After returning to the large fire pit, Kale announced their departure, giving as few details as possible in front of the many men who sat with dumbfounded faces. They gathered what few belongings each had brought, and were provided as much food as their bags could hold.

Illadar, who already held the weight of his sizable claymore upon his back, carried a large pack stuffed so full of food, the seams were struggling not to split open. He was no stranger to the desert, having had to traverse the dry land on multiple occasions while being used as a pawn in Jedah’s army. Without consumables, the desert was nothing more than a barren graveyard to those who attempted to cross.

They made their way to the herbalist’s tent where Konnar sat, intently reading through one of his alchemy books. He raised a white, bushy brow as the four entered.

“We came to give thanks,” Thomas spoke with a bow. “Without you, I surely would not be standing before you now.”

Silence followed and Thomas seized the moment, sending his elbow into Kale’s side.

Kale shot Thomas a look of irritation before realizing what the motion had insinuated.

“Oh, yes, thank you, Konnar, for all of your assistance.”

Kale truly was grateful, but at that moment his mind swarmed with thoughts of Zasha and the dragon eggs. The day was young, but their journey was far from over—Kale knew it was time they set off.

As they lifted the tent flap to leave, Konnar insisted they take a small box filled with herbal remedies. He warned of the dangerous creatures that lived within the dry, hot sands of the desert and briefly explained what each herb or vial would cure.

With one final exchange of farewells, they set off toward the far side of camp where Alden waited. His slender, black velvet cap was tipped forward to block the sunlight from his eyes.

“I make a final attempt to ensure you are certain about this quest of yours, Kale Firehart.” Alden stood tall, crossing his strong arms. “Our camp offers sanctuary from those who seek ill will upon you and your comrades. Should you leave, we cannot offer our protection.”

“I am certain, Alden. Though, I am thankful for all you’ve done. Had you and your men not come when the riders attacked, Thomas surely would have died. There is no amount of gold that could repay what you have done—I am in debt to you. Should the day come when we meet again, I will find a way to repay your kindness.”

As the four turned to embark on their journey, the patter of running feet trailed closer.

“Wait! Please, wait!”

They turned to see a young man gripping his knees and panting heavily.

“It
is
you—Illadar!” The young man fell to a knee before Illadar and bowed his head. “I owe you my life, Sir. Please, allow me to come with you; I will aid however possible along your quest.”

“What are you doin’? Stand up, kid. I think you may be mistakin’ me for someone el—” Illadar’s words caught in his throat as the young man rose. There was no mistaking his large, hazel eyes, and Illadar immediately recalled the day he had seen so much fear within them. “It’s you—James!” With all that happened, he’d forgotten what Alden had told him.

Illadar was in disbelief at how much the adolescent he once knew had grown over the years. He was no longer a thin-framed boy with ill-fitting armor, but a tall, masculine young man.