Dawn of Retribution

by Aya Knight

  “What exactly is going on?” Kale demanded answers. “It would’ve been nice to have been warned before risking myself up there in that shabby bucket.” He motioned toward the crow’s nest.

  It was times like these he missed the ability to soar the skies as a dragon. A gust of wind would have never jeopardized his life, nor would he have been designated to sit in that death trap of a lookout. He huffed.

  “There was no time, my friend.” Thomas pointed toward the large shadow, looming high above the seas. “It is an iceberg. The mass of ice has many smaller, yet still incredibly dangerous pieces in the surrounding area. Our ship would surely have been damaged. I believe we are in the clear no—”

  The ship came to an abrupt halt, sending the group stumbling into one another. The wood moaned and they could instantly feel the bow of the ship descending.

  “How foolish of me!” Thomas scolded himself. “How could I have forgotten—it’s been so many years …” He spoke aloud to himself. “The surrounding waters of Sundra are said to have many rigid ice formations, just beneath the surface. I learned this in school, long ago.” He clapped a palm to his forehead in frustration.

  “Ice growths, under water? But how?” Neelan questioned as she braced her footing.

  “It is a strange phenomenon—but for now, it is not the time for explanations. This ship has been badly damaged—we’re going to sink. It is imperative that we gather food rations quickly and get off this vessel at once.”

  “Can you not utilize your magic to salvage the ship?” Reem asked, even as his men ransacked the cabin for food.

  “Without investigating the damage, I am unable to conjure a remedy—and I am certainly not diving to my demise,” the sorcerer replied while uncoiling a thick rope. “We need to move.”

  Below the deck, frigid water began to rush in, causing the boat to bob upward at the stern.

  Struggling to hold their footing, the group grabbed what they could carry and climbed overboard into the dinghy. With the wave of his hand, Thomas commanded the pulley to lower them into the sea. The small boat teetered, and water threatened to spill inside.

  “The weight is too much; we must relinquish a portion of our belongings. Choose wisely as we do not know what lies ahead on Sundra.” Thomas shifted his tightly squeezed body from between two of the sand-people.

  They each unloaded supplies until the boat rose above the water’s surface.

  “Row quickly. Should we be near the ship when she goes under, we shall be pulled beneath as well.” The old sorcerer pointed to the oars.

  Just as before, there was little maneuverability in the dinghy as each body pressed against their neighbor. The sand-people slapped the oars against the chilling water and began to rotate them in a circular motion, propelling the dinghy away from the sinking ship.

  Kale glanced over his shoulder, regrettably watching the ship bob vertically as it slowly descended. Water hungrily pounced upon the helm of the ship as it submerged, forcing it deep into the dark depths. They could feel a slight pull on the dinghy as water rushed down in the ship’s wake.

  Thomas released a sigh of relief as they continued forward.

  The continent came into view, and the group looked ahead eagerly at the sight. A fluffy bed of snow stretched as far as the eye could see. The minimal plant life Kale could see was bare, with branches that extended out like vicious claws, waiting to capture its prey. A chill ran down Kale’s spine, and despite the frigid weather—he knew it meant more.

  He couldn’t explain the feeling, and yet, he knew something terrible was to come.

  Chapter 29: Sundra

  Illadar and Kale walked upon shore, pulling a lengthy rope in hand as they sloshed through the shallow water. An ocean breeze steadily whisked against their clothing, making it difficult to stay warm.

  Kale paused a moment to focus his inner warmth. He rubbed his hands together, regulating the heat throughout his body.

  “Lucky lil’ bastard.” Illadar teased with envy as he squished his feet within the wet boots.

  The two men tugged firmly upon the rope as they continued to pull the dinghy ashore. Once the front drug against the blended mixture of slush and sand, Reem and his men leapt off and assisted.

  Illadar stared down at the bags of supplies with dread. “Not gonna’ be fun luggin’ these things to camp.” He squished his feet loudly within the wetness of his boots as he looked to Thomas with hope.

  “Do you know what lies ahead on Sundra?” Thomas paused before answering his own question. “Of course you do not. Therefore, I will not expend any unnecessary energy on tasks which you can easily handle. Let us not forget that we now dwell on the homeland of the frost elves. It would be unfortunate for us to cross paths with one. I’m certain that they are not keen on humans—or those with magical abilities. There has never before been a documented occurrence of anyone escaping from their imprisonment.”

  “Do you think they too will be in search of Jedah?” Neelan questioned with an obvious look of worry at the mention of the highly powerful elves. “What if they have already killed him?”

  “They may have,” Thomas replied.

  “But we cannot take the chance,” Kale added. “We must find him—I was told he is ali—” he paused a moment to eye Marg. “I mean …” he fumbled with his words. “I have a friend—she urged me to keep looking for Jedah. She thinks he may still be here—alive. I trust her word.”

  Neelan nodded and spoke no more of the situation.

  Thomas looked to the sky. “I think it is in our best interest if we make camp soon for the night. Once the sun has set, the temperature will be nearly intolerable—even with our provided clothing. The risk is far too great. We must travel inland to reduce the sea wind. Gather what can be easily carried,” he cast a glance to Illadar, “and we will return in the morning to retrieve the rest. This will allow us to conserve the little amount of energy we have left after our incident.” He gestured out to sea where the ship had sunk.

  The group did as instructed and soon they had plenty to make it through the night.

  “Are you sure it is all right for us to leave our supplies in such a manner?” Marg stopped and glanced at the boat. “What if someone takes what is ours? How will we survive?” She bit at her lip as if debating whether she should voice further thoughts. Her hands balled tightly as she spoke. “I think that this is a bad idea. I believe we should reconsider your guidance in this situation, Thomas.”

  Thomas quivered as though a shock had just run through his body. He grumbled deep within his throat before stiffly spinning to face Marg. “Pardon?” The old sorcerer approached where she stood. “I do not recall anyone requesting you to board our ship. This,” he motioned his arms above his head in all directions, “goes back far beyond from when we met the likes of you, my dear.” He straightened his posture. “Now, before we waste any further moments on this ridiculous conversation, I shall ensure the well-being of my companions. You however, may remain here if you please and guard the supplies. It is of no concern to me if you freeze.”

  “Thomas—enough!” Illadar growled. “While I trust, and respect most of your decisions, you have no right speakin’ to a woman in such a manner! End this now, or both she and I will be gone by tomorrow.” A burning look of severity held within his stare.

  Thomas shook his head. “For you, Illadar, I shall—for you. But mark my words that I will find a way to expose this woman—I tell you, my friend, there is something not right here. My bones may be old, but they know when things are amiss.” He turned and tromped away through the thick, fluffy bed of snow.

  “Forgive him.” Illadar hooked an arm around Marg’s shivering body. “I believe he is just upset. Like Kale, I too have found someone I care for. I worry that he fears being alone.” He kissed her forehead. “Well … and the fact that witho
ut realizin’ it, he can be just as stubborn as Kale.” He laughed and gently squeezed her hand. “I’m certain he’ll get over it.”

  They found a location off the shore, surrounded by mounds of snow which helped block a significant amount of the wind. Though usually conservative with the use of magic, without nearby dry wood, and the increasing decline in temperature, Thomas conjured a soothing fire.

  Warmth radiated against their flesh as the flames floated in a perfect circular formation above the snow.

  “It’s perfect, Thomas, thank you.” Neelan smiled as she nestled against Kale’s heated body.

  “My pleasure, dear.” He bowed his head.

  “Yes—it is quite nice. My thanks for providing us warmth for the night.” Marg looked up cheerfully, as though nothing had occurred earlier.

  Thomas coldly turned a cheek, pretending to rummage through his bag for food.

  Kale looked to the sky and rolled his eyes. He had learned that intervening between his two best friends would only lead to further headache.

  They ate in silence, each spread out around the fire. Thomas kept a constant watch on Marg as night fell upon them.

  “Thomas,” Kale finally broke the awkward atmosphere as he moved closer to the old sorcerer, “I wanted to talk to you about Otha—that is who was in Perun, wasn’t it?”

  “Indeed—indeed it was.” Thomas nodded.

  “But … why?” Kale leaned forward in thought. “I mean, we rescued her, and quite possibly saved her life. Why would she attack Neelan? There was no motive. And how did she know our location? We would have seen her following us in the desert.”

  Thomas took a moment to inspect the look of confusion upon Kale’s face as he attempted to muster a response. “Those questions … I cannot answer.” He knew there was no known explanation for the occurrence.

  “Then why did we not pursue her? We didn’t even attempt to hunt her down after. We simply let her go—I listened to you Thomas, and stayed. So again, I ask you—why?”

  “Kale, it is not so simple to explain. I do not have all of the answers you seek—but I can say that I am fully confident she would not have been anywhere near if we had followed her. She was gone long before you had left the window. Just as in the desert—her presence simply disappeared. I could sense it immediately.”

  Kale folded his hands and looked to the ground. “I don’t know, Thomas; I think we probably should have at least tried.”

  “So, you begin to doubt me too, my friend …” Thomas laughed dryly to himself.

  The old sorcerer stood, dusting the remnants of ice from his robe before walking away to a quilt which lay upon the ground.

  Kale stared into the fire before returning to Neelan. “I’m going to get some rest. Who knows what tomorrow holds for us. This will be the last time I cross paths with Jedah—one of us will not live to see another day once our swords meet.”

  Neelan’s eyes shot up as Kale walked away toward their thick, cloth bedding. “Kale …” She whispered into the wind.

  The night was unbearably cold and Kale found it difficult to sleep. He carried Neelan closer to the fire and placed her gently upon their bedding.

  The sand-people sat in a circle upon a nearby hill, gazing out into the distance. Kale could only assume they were keeping close watch of their surroundings to ensure Neelan’s safety. Though he wasn’t keen on the sand-people after their underground incident, he was glad to have them watching out for the one he loved. He smiled at the thought before leaving her side to clear his mind. He strode past where the sand-people remained. One of Reem’s men stood abruptly, looking down toward Kale.

  Kale waved his hand and forced a smile. The sand warrior nodded before resuming his watch on their surroundings.

  Once again, Kale turned his back to the camp and made way out into the darkness. He glanced in all directions for any hint of life, though everything remained still. His eyes momentarily closed as he extended his arms and allowed the gentle breeze to fill his cloak.

  How am I going to find him? He pondered to himself. There are no indications of life in our surrounding area … no path to follow. If we don’t find something—or someone soon, our supplies will deplete. I wish to lead my friends, who have followed me through many trials, to end this once and for all so that we may live in peace. Tell me what to do mighty Pan—guide me, and I shall follow. I no longer wish to move forward aimlessly at the cost of their well-being. They have done so much for me. It is time I lower my pride and seek aid.

  “Why do you doubt yourssself ssso?” A deep, weary voice spoke from his side.

  Kale twisted his neck in surprise. At sight of the creature, he stumbled back, tripping over his own feet and falling back into the snow.

  “Could it be?” He squinted in bewilderment. “Are you the Ice Matriarch? Are you Sylicia?”

  The stout dragon bowed her head.

  “Are you … like Zandol?” Kale questioned while rising to his feet.

  “Yesss, gone from thisss world in mortal form—though not in ssspirit.” Her thick claws curled down upon the snow, yet did not leave an imprint.

  “Have you come to assist me in my journey to find Jedah? I will avenge you, great elder.”

  “Foolisssh youngling. I have come to give you the ssstrength to accomplisssh thisss feat yourssself. I will provide you direction—but the journey isss yoursss to make—I cannot help. It isss the will of Pan.” She spoke slowly and with heavy, tired breaths.

  “We have not time for this, Ice Matriarch. With each passing day, he may grow stronger. His hatred knows no bounds—he will surely bring havoc to Ravondore, given the chance.”

  “Then you mussst go at dawn’sss light. You will follow the milky sssky—it will lead you.” As she huffed, thick, icy frost blew from her nostrils.

  Though spirit, Kale could still feel the chill of her breath as it fell against his skin.

  “Great elder,” Kale paused as he looked up at her massive, scaly head. “Why are the dragon’s unable to rest in peace? First Zandol—and now you? Though I am grateful for our meeting, I do not understand. I assumed our kind to move forth into a realm of bliss … where none feel pain or sorrow. Yet, here you are.”

  Sylicia laughed, releasing another cloud of frosty haze in Kale’s direction. “Youngling, you have much to learn. My death bringsss no peace asss long asss the evilsss who claimed usss ssstill rissse. Jedah worksss not alone.”

  “That’s what Zasha—my mother said to me.” He hung on Sylicia’s every word.

  “Dragonsss ssshare a bond unlike any other being. We will alwaysss defy the oddsss to defend our brethren in a time of great need. My time to ressst will come—but for now, I wisssh to sssee you sssucceed.” Sylicia began to walk in the opposite direction. “Follow youngling.” Her stumpy legs moved slowly.

  As they rounded a small mound of snow, a milky haze within the sky could be seen. It looked like a creamy substance had been poured into the twinkling stars above.

  Kale stopped in his tracks. “Thank you.” He fell to a knee. “I am forever in your debt, great elder. I am so very sorry …” His head hung low, causing black chunks of hair to veil his eyes. “I cannot ever undo our past, but know that I give my sincerest apologies for not being there when our brethren needed one another.”

  “Enough youngling. It hasss been done; we musssn’t dwell upon what once could have been. I wasss old and tired, and sssoon enough, I ssshall ressst.” She huffed and straightened her thick neck. “I am proud youngling—proud to call you one of usss—you are a noble dragon.”

  The air caught within Kale’s throat. Zandol and Sylicia—they were prepared to help, even in the afterlife. They looked not to what once was, but to the present—guiding him along an unknown path. They were brave, selfless, and inspiring. Kale knew he must look to the futur
e—for his friends and the people of Revaxis.

  “I leave you now, youngling. We ssshall meet again. You are every bit asss extraordinary asss Zasssha usssed to sssay.” Her eyes twinkled for the first time as her large, transparent body faded away.

  Kale closed his eyes as the remnants of Sylicia’s frosty breath fell upon him. He inhaled with a smile, feeling a rejuvenated sense of determination.

  “Gone—but not forgotten, elder dragon,” he whispered into the wind.

  As Kale turned toward camp, his face smacked against the hard, rock-like torso of Reem. The sand-leader’s eyes peered down through the narrow gap in his hood. Kale shook his head, not realizing just how tall Reem was when not hunched over.

  “Troubles with sleep?” Reem questioned as he took a step back.

  Kale silently nodded while quickly glancing over a shoulder where Sylicia had stood only moments ago.

  “Ah, you have discovered the sky light too?” Reem shifted his attention to the hazy white area in the sky. “Quite peculiar.”

  “We’re going to follow it.” Kale said with a tone of certainty. “I believe it will lead us where we need to be.”

  “I know,” Reem replied.

  Kale slightly turned a cheek in confusion. “You do?”

  “You know, you really shouldn’t wander off like this. If the snow should fall, you will lose your tracks—it would be tragic to get lost from the group out here.”