by Aya Knight
“I might have a pretty face, but I can care for myself,” Marg protested.
Illadar laughed as he prodded the fire with a thick branch.
“Don’t believe me? I suppose I’ll have to show you then!” Marg dove at Illadar, catching him off guard and sending him onto his back.
They playfully rolled around on a bed of pine needles. Kale and Neelan watched in amusement with their hands locked together and a smile upon their faces.
“This reminds me of when we first met,” Kale whispered into Neelan’s ear.
“This is true … except that I thought you were an annoyance. It was you who sought after me,” Neelan giggled and winked before gently laying her head upon Kale’s shoulder.
“Sure; because I was the one stalking you into The Forest of Forgotten Whispers,” Kale spoke sarcastically and wrapped his arms tightly around her small body.
“I do believe you were both smitten about one another; yet equally hard-headed and unable to admit this from the start. It drove me quite mad, actually.” Thomas laughed as he bit down on a plump, raw tomato. The juices squirted down his chin and into his beard.
Neelan and Kale burst into a fit of laughter as the old sorcerer fumbled quickly to wipe himself clean.
Shortly after enjoying her time with Illadar, Marg excused herself and went to lie upon the bed of her wagon. She once again thanked Illadar before silently yawning and drifting to sleep.
Once certain that Marg was no longer conscience to her surroundings, Illadar cleared his throat and patted his hands anxiously upon his thighs.
“Well, I’m certain it’s obvious that I haven’t been myself since findin’ Marg.” He looked away; avoiding direct eye contact as he spoke. “I honestly can’t tell you what’s goin’ on. But—I like her. I don’t understand it myself, considerin’ we’ve just been acquainted. I haven’t had feelins like this since my time with Kleana. To be quite honest, I feel ashamed; as though I’m betrayin’ my fallen wife.” He hung his head.
“I’m sure Kleana would never want you to live a life of loneliness. You are doing no wrong by opening your heart. You never know … you just may find love again,” Neelan spoke in an attempt to comfort him.
“Impossible!” Illadar snapped in a hushed tone. “There is no way I will love another woman.” He glanced over at Marg whose angelic face looked to be in a state of complete peace. “I—I merely said that I liked her; that’s all.” He stood. “I’m headin’ to sleep now. I’ll see you at dawn.” Illadar approached the wagon and lay protectively by its side. He slid his claymore within arm’s reach. With a loud sigh, he rolled onto his side and closed his eyes.
Chapter 15: Parting Ways
Kale woke to the first hint of light, which speckled through the small openings between the leaves. He softly kissed Neelan’s forehead before gently moving her to the side. At first glance, Kale saw he was the only one awake, aside from the sand-people off somewhere around the perimeter keeping watch. The morning air was crisp and cool beneath the shady canopy above. He stood and reached his arms high above his head, enjoying the temporary solitude as he stretched his sore muscles. Kale heard a rustling noise above and immediately directed his attention up into the branches to investigate. A blue bird hopped down from the foliage, equally inspecting Kale as it made way to the ground. The bird ruffled its feathers and tilted its head to the side.
“It’s a fine morning, isn’t it?” Kale whispered with a laugh. “You sure are inquisitive. You’re lucky I’ve changed my ways. A few years back, had you approached me as such, I’d have eaten you in one bite.” He chuckled. “It’s a shame you cannot understand me. What simple creatures; you don’t know how lucky you have it.”
As if in response to his words, the bird lifted a wing and flapped it in the opposite direction.
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were trying to get me to follow you.” Kale raised a dark brow. “Wait a moment … are you?” He took a step slowly forward.
The little bird bobbed its head and hopped in the opposite direction of Kale.
I cannot believe I’m doing this—I suppose I’ve seen more bizarre occurrences than this though. Kale lifted the bag of eggs over a shoulder and followed the bird to a small, square clearing. Sunlight poured down through an opening in the leaves above. Tiny particles fluttered through the golden rays, taking the shape of a perfect cone as it shone down onto the floor in a wide circle.
“Kale …” A soft female voice whispered in the passing breeze.
Kale spun around; immediately alert to his surroundings and on guard for any danger. Someone knew who and where he was—the bird, the perfect shining funnel of light, it was all to lure him to this one location.
“Who are you?” Kale swallowed hard and, for a moment, the grim image of his encounter with the monsloths crossed his mind. Neelan! He turned in preparation to rush back to camp, when many leaves began to fall around where he stood. The green foliage floated down like winter snow; gentle and serene.
“Kale, I hast gone to great lengths to warn thee.”
Kale wrinkled his forehead and spoke, “Elanya?” He immediately recognized the voice. “But how—why?”
“Thou must take heed, for d—” Elanya’s voice stopped short and the leaves fell to the ground in a sudden, scattered mess.
“Hello?” Marg approached from around the thicket of surrounding bushes. Her feet crunched loudly upon the dried pine needles. “Kale, is that you?” She softly spoke.
“Y—yes it’s me.” Kale sighed in disappointment. He looked around for any hint of Elanya’s presence, but the forest had returned to its former state of silence, aside from the far sounds of wildlife. The little blue bird had gone too, leaving him alone with Marg.
“Thank goodness; I thought I heard something in this direction.” Marg smiled. “I was worried for a moment that someone else might be out here. I was going for a morning walk and got slightly lost. The others were still sleeping and I wanted to clear my mind. I have a lot going on right now …” She closed her eyes and inhaled. “The air is so refreshing at dawn. It’s my favorite time of the day; I suppose because to me, it signifies a brand new beginning—a new start. Anything can happen, regardless of your past. We each set our own destiny.”
Kale looked at Marg, and for the first time since they’d met, he felt at ease.
“Wise words.” Kale smiled. “Shall we head back to camp? I’m sure the others will be waking, if not already. Trust me—it’s best we arrive before Neelan notices us both missing. You haven’t seen angry until you’ve experienced her in a jealous fit. She has quite the temper.” He laughed aloud.
As they turned to walk, Marg looked up. “Kale,” she softly spoke while tapping her index fingers together repeatedly, “your friend—Illadar, he is a very noble man. He makes me smile … and I haven’t smiled for so long …”
Kale felt a sense of déjà vu as she confessed her feelings. His hands grew clammy and he shuffled his feet in discomfort.
“I’m really not very good with this sort of thing. Though I can say that Illadar is a good person; any woman to win his heart had better never hurt him—he’s been through enough.” Kale turned. “Let’s get going before they worry.”
Marg nodded and followed.
They loaded the wagon with their belongings and prepared for another day of travel. Reem and his men appeared from the brush, nearly causing Kale to leap in surprise.
“What in Pan’s name were you doing for so long? We’ve been awake for some time now.” Kale rubbed his jaw as he spoke, trying to analyze the situation.
“We have been standing guard on the northern side of camp at a slight distance. We will not allow the threat of the monsloths to jeopardize our Queen’s life. We wanted to ensure safety before moving forward along the trail.” Reem bowed his head.
“It is but a comical gesture.” Thomas replied. “They refer to her as such because of her demanding behavior. You must take it lightly. I can assure you no royalty runs through her blood. She is but a small woman with a big head filled with desires.” Thomas chuckled at his own words.
Neelan gave Thomas a firm stare with her eyes narrowed to slits. She crossed her arms and turned a cheek with a loud grunt. “Let’s move; we wouldn’t want to waste an ancient, old man’s precious time. He might turn to dust.” Neelan shot back with a snicker.
Without further words, Marg snapped the reins and the wagon began to roll forward. Her steeds were surprisingly strong and seemed to pull the weight with ease. As the wagon wound through the woods at a steady pace, Marg continuously snuck a glance in Illadar’s direction.
“Do you fancy flowers?” She suddenly questioned.
“Excuse me?” Illadar replied.
“Flowers—you’ve been holding onto one since we left camp.” Marg’s eyes met the small, yellow blossom which poked from between Illadar’s fingers.
Illadar grunted and shied away. “It … well, um, you see …” he hung his head. “It’s for you.”
Marg’s eyes lit up with awe. “I absolutely love it!” She nearly dropped the reins while reaching over to embrace Illadar.
“It’s nothin’ really.” Illadar’s hand reached out to hand her the flower. “And not a word from the likes of you three.” He glared over a shoulder to see Kale tucking his lips in an attempt not to laugh.
Neelan gave Kale a quick jab to his bicep as he silently began to chuckle. Kale had never seen this side to Illadar, and though it was refreshing, he couldn’t help but see a comical side to the scenario as well.
Illadar and Marg continued to acquaint themselves with one another while Kale lay in the bed of the wagon. The sky was picturesque; a soothing blue with few fluffy white clouds scattered about.
What was she trying to warn me about? Kale thought as his mind drifted back to the moment in the forest. For Elanya to have gone through such lengths to find me, it must be of dire importance.
Until that moment, there had been no opportunity to discuss the occurrence with his friends in private. He had to rely on the hope that she would make contact again. His curiosity clouded his mind. So many had urged him to take caution of a terrible threat; yet he was no closer now than before to discovering who, or what it was. Knowing he was a target of danger, and yet continuing blindly forward was not something Kale easily accepted. His eyes fought against rolling back and his lids fluttered helplessly until he could no longer counter the soothing patter of hooves while the wagon gently bounced upon the trail. The cheerful blue sky was soon eclipsed by darkness.
A blatant hissing could be heard and Kale leapt up; blind to his surroundings. A rhythmic rattle, similar to the desert snakes, could be heard and he took a wide step in the opposite direction. Kale felt it on his leg first—the smooth, yet leathery skin which slid against his arm. It twisted around his torso faster than he could devise an escape.
“What in Pan’s name is happening?! Where is everyone?! Neelan?” Kale squirmed his body while unsuccessfully attempting to free his arms.
“Sssuch easssy prey …” A feminine voice which was distinguishably inhuman hissed. “What a ssshame. I truly thought more of you, Kale Firehart. How dreadfully dull …”
“What game is this you play? Set my arms free and I shall tear you apart! Such a cowardly serpent hiding within the darkness; if it is a fight you desire, than release me at once.” Kale spat while jerking his body forcefully from the coiled grip.
“Do you not underssstand? Thessse are my rulesss, foolisssh dragon—my game. You are but a plaything to amussse me. I know every move you make … you cannot hide.” The snake tightened her grip against Kale’s chest, forcing the air from his lungs. “Return to your friendsss now for you are no match for me at this moment. Improve your ssskill and sssenssesss—then I ssshall reveal to you my true form.”
A dim red light shone down from an unknown source and, for the first time, Kale could see the massive snake. Yellow eyes stared piercingly into his, as it reared its head back.
The serpent forced Kale tightly in place as its mouth parted wide, revealing two massive fangs which dripped with saliva. The snake hissed loudly before lunging at Kale—prepared to kill.
Kale’s heart throbbed against his chest and he pinched his eyes tightly shut.
Sweat drenched Kale’s flesh as he shot upright; his hair was damp and matted against his forehead. Kale cupped his hands together as he gently rocked his body. His palms were burning and his mind racing.
“Kale, what is happening?” Neelan brought her face to his as she gently took his shoulders into her hands. “We’ve been trying to wake you from sleep for some time now. You were thrashing across the wagon bed.”
Neelan’s sweet scent took hold of Kale’s senses and he realized he was no longer in danger of the snake’s trap.
“I couldn’t possibly have been sleeping … this was real—I’m certain of it.” Kale pulled Neelan close, resting his head gently upon her collar. “I’m glad I’m back; from wherever it was; glad you’re safe.”
“Are you all right?” Marg turned to inspect Kale’s condition. “We’ve pulled off the trail to ensure you were well. We can stop briefly if you feel it would be best to recompose yourself. Sometimes I find stretching my legs for a short walk works brilliantly.”
“I’m fine. Let’s keep going.” Kale gently pulled from Neelan and gazed at their surroundings. “Something is going on here in Ravondore—Jedah was not our last concern…” He whispered to the wind.
“Kale,” Thomas lowered his face to meet Kale’s and dropped his voice. “I can tell something is gravely bothering you—we will talk when the first opportunity of privacy graces us.”
Kale nodded. The wagon resumed its steady pace along the trail, followed by the group of sand-people shortly behind.
Another three days passed with no further word from Elanya. They would soon be arriving at their destination and Kale’s anticipation rose at the thought of what was to come. If the tower proved to be the correct location, Kale would finally have the opportunity to confront his mother—he would no longer be living alone as the last of his kind. A new life flashed before his eyes—a life with family, and his brethren. His lips curled into a satisfied smile.
They emerged into an open field with budding dandelions as far as the eye could see. The path forked in two directions and the group shifted forward as Marg pulled firmly upon the reins.
“I’m heading east.” Her eyes widened as she looked toward Illadar. “And you?”
Illadar turned to face Thomas, knowing it was he who would know the proper course.
The old sorcerer climbed from the wagon. “We are taking the north trail. We’re grateful however for your assistance.”
“It’s nothing really.” Marg’s teeth tugged gently at her bottom lip. “I would still be wounded in the woods had it not been for all of you.”
Kale and Neelan followed Thomas, while Illadar remained stationed by Marg’s side.
“I suppose this is where I bid you farewell…” Illadar’s jaw tightened as he spoke. “It was my pleasure to have met someone like you.” He gently raised her hand to his lips, delicately kissing above the knuckles. “I hope by fate’s hand, we meet again…” He grabbed his bag and leapt from the wagon. Illadar glanced over a shoulder, only to find Marg’s moist eyes staring deep into his.
“I wish for this to be true.” Marg sighed with sadness. “I have never met another like you.” She quickly glanced away as the first tear fell. Her hands snapped the reins and the wagon accelerated down the eastern trail.
Illadar hung his shoulders, feeling hollow inside as he walked be
hind his friends. Over the course of their time travelling together, he had learnt a lot about her. The two had grown very close.
Thomas, Kale, and Neelan continuously glanced behind to ensure Illadar was still there. It was obvious to them he was hurting inside, and yet they knew no words could heal his inner turmoil.
Kale sighed, knowing what it felt like to care deeply for another. It pained him to see Illadar going through loss for a second time after allowing his heart to open. “I’m sure you’ll see her again …” Kale finally could no longer hold back the urge to comfort his friend.
“Sure, kid…” Illadar caught up to Kale, who had stopped to wait. “Don’t bother tryin’ to coat the situation with ignorance. I’m no fool and I know we’ll never see each other again.” He shook his head and tightened his lips. “I wouldn’t be able to find her if I tried—and I highly doubt we will just happen to cross paths. So let’s just forget about it, stop bringin’ her up, and move on. I’m over it …” Illadar waved his hand and sped his pace.
“Why didn’t you go with her?” Kale called to Illadar’s back.
Illadar stopped in his tracks and spun around. “Because, kid, I’ll tell you. I’m a man of my word and have told you I’d assist with this bloody mess you’ve pulled us all into! None of us asked the Gods for such a life—to be followers for a dragon who can’t even call himself that anymore—” Illadar clapped a hand over his mouth as he looked upon Kale’s face—a face void of all joy and filled with pain. “Kale … please forgive my words. That was uncalled for. I didn’t mean—”