Dawn of Retribution

by Aya Knight

  “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.

  Thomas waited in silence before he eased the door quietly shut.

  “She should not be coming with us.” Thomas pierced Illadar’s eyes with his own. “I’ve had an unsettling feeling since she arrived—a familiar, yet clouded notion. I fear allowing her to continue with us will result in dire consequence.”

  Illadar laughed. “So you want me to leave her behind, in this old, miserable town because of a feelin’ you have?” He approached Thomas until his lips were nearly touching the sorcerer’s ear. “Listen, old man, I’m not leavin’ her behind. The only thing unsettling here, is your mind—there is nothin’ wrong with Marg.”

  “Why would you leave Neelan alone with her?” Kale interrupted the two men. “I mean if you truly believe that there is something dangerous about her, why would you send them off together?”

  “I do not believe that anyone wanting to harm you, Kale, would ruin the opportunity by attacking Neelan now. Neelan can handle herself tonight—I am quite confident. Besides,” Thomas winked, “we can hear everything discussed in their room. Let us see what innocent Marg has to say when you are not with her, Illadar.”

  Thomas quietly spoke before opening a palm, containing a flat, orange energy disc. He held a finger to his lips. “Listen.”

  “I killed her,” Marg spoke.

  Thomas gave a serious glance toward Illadar as they leaned in closer to eavesdrop on the conversation.

  “She died while giving birth to me … I never got to see her face; I remember nothing, yet my heart still misses her every day,” Marg continued.

  Illadar released a heavy sigh of relief.

  “My sincerest sympathies.” Neelan was heard speaking. “So, without a mother, and a father who has never cared, you’ve chosen to join us?”

  “Yes, if you all will have me. You see, the truth is, I was never planning to travel back to my farm—I was running away.”

  Neelan hung on Marg’s every word with sympathetic interest. She too could relate to leaving a life behind to find happiness.

  “I thought I’d be alone for a long while, until I met your group after my wheel broke. I’d never imagined I would have company who makes me feel appreciated—I never imagined I’d meet him.”

  “You mean Illadar?” Neelan questioned.

  “Yes. He is different. Brave, noble, and yet gentle …” Marg paused a moment. “May I share something with you? You must swear not to tell a soul.”


  There was a moment of silence.

  “Yes … yes, of course.” Neelan replied with a tone of hesitation in her voice.

  “You have no idea what this means to me, it’s nice finally having someone to talk to. I’ve been feeling as though I’d burst if I didn’t let this out.” Marg heavily inhaled. “I’ve fallen in love with Illadar.”

  Illadar staggered backwards as the words escaped Thomas’ palm.

  “That’s enough.” Illadar spoke while stroking a hand against his stubbled chin. “I’ve heard enough. We shouldn’t be listenin’ to this—I shouldn’t be listenin’ to this.” He swung a finger at the old sorcerer. “I don’t want to hear any more about Marg bein’ left behind—ever again.” He turned and briskly left the room.

  Thomas curled his fingers over the disc which instantly dissolved within his grasp. He sighed and approached the bedroom door.

  “Wait.” Kale gripped Thomas’ shoulder. “Are you certain about Marg?”

  “No.” Thomas shook his head. “Though I do know something isn’t right.”

  As Thomas left the room, Kale and Reem turned to face one another.

  “I am not sure what is going on with your friend, but if there is any bit of truth to his words, I shall be accompanying the Queen in her quarters tonight. I cannot allow any risk to her safety.” Reem spoke quietly.

  “Then I shall as well. I have sworn my protection to Neelan.”

  “No, Kale, you must remain with Thomas. He seems … different as of late. I assure you that our Queen will be safe under my watch.”

  Kale looked to the side in thought. “All right. For one night—what is left of it, you can watch over her. But so help me, if you should allow one hair on her head to be harmed—”

  Reem laughed. “I assure you, all will be fine. Though we came from different walks of life, we have similar goals—to lay justice upon those who have wronged us. We are truly not so different.” His dark, hollow eyes stared into Kale’s. “We are good people. I know you are too.”

  Kale’s gaze hit the floor as he silently nodded. Leaving Neelan with someone potentially dangerous was not an idea he was fond of, but he felt as though he could trust Reem. They had proven their loyalty to her—their Queen. Kale knew he was the only one Thomas fully trusted; he needed to know that his old friend would be all right.

  The group met for a brief supper of chicken broth stew, which was cold and unfilling. The innkeeper’s standoffish behavior made Kale miss the warmth and kindness he had experienced in Braxle.

  After providing their stomachs with cold broth to get them through the night, they returned to their rooms.

  Under the dimming flicker of an oil lamp, Kale turned to Thomas.

  “I’ve known you nearly my entire life—of all people, you should be able to confide in me.” Kale looked forth with concern for his dear friend. “What exactly do you think is going on?”

  Silence filled the room as Thomas gathered his thoughts.

  “There is—” The old sorcerer’s words stifled in his throat as the door opened.

  A sluggish Illadar sauntered in and threw his body back upon his bed. “I don’t recommend the ale here. Tastes like bitter hogwash.” He blinked his weary eyes. “Did I interrupt somethin’? It’d better not be more rubbish about Marg.” Illadar turned to face Thomas. “I respect you, old man, but you’ve gotta’ let this one go—you’re wrong about her and I’m not gonna’ stick around if all you plan on doin’ is groupin’ everyone against her. She’s an amazin’ woman, Thomas.” Illadar rolled onto his side, away from his friends. “Let’s leave it at that.”

  Thomas shook his head as he cast a final look toward Kale. With a soft-spoken incantation, the small lantern flame was cast out.

  Chapter 26: The Attack

  A piercing scream rang out, startling Kale from rest. He sprang to his feet and called to his friends who were equally alert.

  Without further exchange of words, the three men hurried to the room where the women had been sleeping. Upon first attempt, the door would not budge.

  “Move back!” Illadar demanded.

  The remaining sand-people arrived just as Illadar’s foot collided with the wood. The door burst inward causing splints of wood to fly in all directions from his force. They rushed though the frame to find Reem standing in a tall, open window; his staff raised in preparation for an attack.

  They heard heavy breathing to their side and found Marg on all fours hovering over Neelan. The glimmer of a small a dagger could be seen in her grip.

  “What in Pan’s name are you doing?!” Kale called out as he dashed toward Neelan. His fingers burned with a tingling sensation as the five claws split through his flesh. “Get off of her—now!” He curled his fingers so that the sharp tips faced Marg.

  “Kale, no!” Neelan cried out just as Illadar slammed his body into Kale’s.

  The two men tumbled onto the floor.

  “Are you mad?” Kale eye’s burned with fury as he forcefully shoved Illadar off him.

  “Think before you react, kid! Have I taught you nothin’?” Illadar wiped a bead of blood from his bottom lip.

  Neelan ran to Kale, extending a hand to help him to his feet. “She was trying to help me.” She grunted as Kale’s weight was supported by her arm.

  “Help you?” Kale wrinkled the skin between his eyes.

  “Yes, she—”

  “I see her!” Reem called out. “Below, through the fog. She’ll be gone before we can reach her without waking the entire town. The soil is too moist for my people to pursue her.”

  Kale, Thomas, and Illadar hurried to the open window where they could see a dark figure quickly moving. A brief break in the thick fog allowed the luminance of the moon to cast down upon the town.

  Thomas gasped aloud as he stared down at the child. Her dark curls and fair skin were undoubtedly recognizable. He knew the girl below was none other than the one they had rescued from the bandit camp.

  She paused her pace to turn—as if she had felt Thomas’ eyes upon her. Her ruby lips curled into a menacing grin as she stared at the old sorcerer. Then, as if she could read that Thomas planned to hang out from the window to teleport, she fled. Her speed was remarkable, and as if on cue, the fog rolled in, thicker than before. There would be no hope of finding her again.

  Thomas knew, however, that the real concern was how she found them.

  “Please explain what happened,” Thomas pressed Neelan for answers as he turned to face the group.

  “I’m not truly certain.” Neelan lightly caressed her neck. “I was sleeping when I felt something wrap tightly around my throat. My eyes opened to see a little girl on top of me. She was trying to attack. That much is clear, though I cannot understand why. I have never seen her until this day.” She looked to Marg. “I might have taken my last breath, if it had not been for Marg. The girl was strong—abnormally strong, yet Marg managed to pull her from my body. Reem then tried to apprehend the girl, but she was swift. She lunged at me a final time, which is when Marg drew her weapon. It was so strange … I wanted to reach for my bow and defend myself, but my body remained still; it was if I had no control. Marg laid her own life on the line to shield me from harm. Then, before Reem could catch the girl, she leapt through the window, shattering the glass as if she had no fear for her own life.”

  “Thomas, was she …”

  “Yes Kale, she was indeed the same girl we crossed paths with before. I am quite certain.”

  “Well, I’m not leaving Neelan again.” Kale turned to Marg, “I thank you for protecting her.”

  Marg smiled and nodded. “It was nothing really,” she replied modestly while trying to hide her reddened cheeks.

  Illadar approached her side and proudly slid his arm around her.

  Reem left
his watch and strode across the room; the loose fabric from his head wrap blew gently in the sea breeze which funneled in through the window.

  “My Queen,” he bowed on a knee, “please accept my most sincere apologies. It was as though magic was at play tonight. I did not see the girl upon you until it was too late. Though I am grateful for Marg’s effort, it should have been I who protected you. It will not happen again, I give my word to this.”

  “There will not be a next time, Reem,” Kale quickly replied as he took Neelan’s hand into his. “I’ve trusted you with someone most precious to me and she could have been killed. It will not happen again.”

  Reem stood tall, straightening his hunched posture. “I will find a way to rectify this—I swear it. There will be a time, before I leave this world, that I will help you both in some way.”

  Chapter 27: The Captain

  The first hint of morning cast orange hues through the fog. Though the light was minimal, it brightened the streets enough to see some of the townsfolk beginning their day.

  They heard a heavy rapping and turned to see the innkeeper standing within the broken doorframe. He scowled at the damaged wood before approaching the window.

  “I think it’s best ye’ be on yer’ way—after ye’ pay for this mess. It isn’t easy to find someone to repair the window this time ‘a year. It’ll be double the coin.” The innkeeper shook his head at the sight of the shattered glass.

  Thomas explained the situation and apologized for the trouble caused by their stay. He handed the innkeeper a small stack of gold coins to overcompensate for the damages.

  With a hasty wave, the innkeeper motioned for the group to leave.

  Illadar slung his bag over a shoulder and glanced around in bewilderment. Never before had he seen such a glum atmosphere.

  “Much has changed since we walked the earth’s soil,” Reem spoke as he inspected their surroundings.