Dawn of Retribution

by Aya Knight

  “Wasn’t tonight wonderful? They’re so kind here—nothing like I imagined.” She smiled with excitement as she spoke.

  Kale rolled his back to her in disgust. “I’ll bet you did have a good time. It looked like you were really enjoying his company—you could’ve made your attraction toward him a little less obvious.”

  “Kale Firehart, how dare you! You should know better than anyone that I would never want anyone else but you. I was merely having fun—it is a festival after all! You could have asked me to dance too, you know?” She crossed her arms.

  “How could I? You were too infatuated with that horrid elf—you didn’t even notice me!” Kale huffed. “He could pose for your sister, you know …” He turned to look at Neelan. “And to think, you had the nerve to get upset with Princess Judith! At least she had class.”

  Neelan’s eyes widened as tears began to swell. “You’re unbelievable! Maybe you should have taken the potion from King Valamar. Then you could go back to the rocky hole from which you came—and leave me alone!” She stood and quickly strode back to the door. “I cannot believe you!”

  The door slammed shut, leaving Kale alone in silence.

  “Me? Unbelievable?” Kale laughed sarcastically. “I’ll be glad when we never have to see Lox again.” His eyes grew heavy as the comforting warmth claimed the last of his energy, sending him into a deep slumber.

  Chapter 32: A Trade

  Neelan’s breath shot out into the chilling air as she tucked her knees against her chest. She gazed up at the invisible barrier, watching as the snow dissolved in the sky.

  A hand grazed her back, wrapping around and gently squeezing her bicep as it pulled her in.

  “Ka—” She jumped in surprise at the sight of Lox.

  “I can keep you warm,” he softly whispered into her ear.

  His lips grazed her cheek, sending chills through her body.

  “Please let me,” he spoke pleadingly.

  “I—I can’t.” She moved her face slightly from his. “My heart belongs to Kale and no other.”

  “That is truly a shame …” He lifted her hand to his lips and softly pressed. His pale eyes peered through silvery strands of hair toward her.

  Her heart hammered in her chest as she tucked an arm into her cloak. Without words to respond, she sat in silence, looking once more toward the sky.

  “I didn’t only come to share affection, you know.” Lox leaned his back against a wooden fence. “I overheard him tonight—Kale—your lover,” his voice held slight loathing as he spoke. “He claims your group seeks a male—human, I assume?”

  Neelan shifted her focus to Lox and nodded.

  “I believe I know who he is … and where.”

  Neelan shot upright. “You do?” She stood. “We’ve got to tell Kale at once!”

  “I refuse.” He looked at Neelan with a sudden change to his demeanor. “I will not tell that man anything. If you wish to obtain this information from me, you’ll need to come alone.” Lox extended a hand to her.

  “Fine. But I will tell Kale myself, once I have answers.” She lifted her hood over her head and allowed Lox to guide her.

  He clamped down upon her palm and pulled her swiftly in the direction of the hole which she had first arrived through.

  A tall frost elf blocked the path; his arms crossed and face stern.

  “Sironus, please grant us passage at once. I have just received word from our visitors on a possible clue to my sister’s location,” Lox spoke firmly.

  The guard looked past them, as though searching for someone else. “I must speak with your mother first. You know well enough that the barrier is up until dawn. The storm is still upon us.”

  “There is no time! You must trust me—please! This may be our only chance to find her,” Lox pleaded.

  The guard once again glanced around before nodding his head. “All right—but you’d better return with Arliness, or get your hide back here before dawn. If your mother or the elders discover I’ve let you out, I’ll lose my position. Then it may be you who will go missing.” He furrowed his brows and turned.

  With an open palm, he spoke softly in foreign tongue. White, glowing energy spiraled down his arm and into an invisible force.

  Neelan watched as ripples formed in the air until what appeared to be a dimly glowing opening appeared.

  “Go through now—I cannot hold it open for long,” the guard demanded.

  The chilling wind was nearly blinding as it howled through the trees with forceful strength. Neelan bundled the front of her cloak tightly shut as Lox led with an arm around her shoulder.

  “It is not very far,” he called out, raising an arm to shield his eyes from the angled snowfall. One of his palms cast an illuminate glow, lighting the path before them.

  Neelan followed willingly, yet grew unsure of the situation with every step that placed her farther from the village. The heavy snow made it nearly impossible for her to have any sense of direction. She knew she was at the mercy of Lox and had to put all hope that he would lead them safely.

  As they passed masses of towering tree trunks, Neelan began to realize that amongst her excitement of finding information for Kale, she had failed to ask two very important questions. Her mind began to race as to how Lox obtained such knowledge on Jedah—and where it was they were heading in the mid of night.

  “Lox,” she held her head low to avoid the chilling sting, “why is it that I have to follow you here, just to listen to what you know of Jedah? Why could you not have told me back at the village?”

  “Because, Milady, you must see it with your own eyes to understand. How could I possibly provide direction in a land covered with snow?”

  Neelan grew silent once again. His words made sense of things, yet, she couldn’t help but to feel something was not quite right.

  They approached what looked to be a tunnel, created by thick, intertwining branches.

  “This way,” Lox quietly nudged her forward.

  Immediately, she could feel the tension in his hands, and hear the slowing of his breath. His pace slowed and his expression filled with sadness.

  “Is everything all right?” Neelan questioned as she stepped in front and turned to face him.

  She took a step back, reading that something was definitely wrong.

  “Neelan …” his voice choked back the regret, “please, please forgive me …”

  She felt the fabric slide over her head as everything went black.

  Chapter 33: Betrayal

  Neelan’s arms flailed as someone tightly gripped around her torso. She cried out for help as her legs thrashed against the ground, kicking snow against Lox’s leg.

  Lox stood with fists curled as emotions washed over him. “Where is she?!” He called out.

  There was no response.

  “Where is she?!” He repeated, his voice shaken. “Fulfill your word or I shall tear your limbs apart!”

  “Calm yourself, elf,” a man’s voice spoke in distaste.

  Neelan gasped, nearly sucking in the fabric which bound her head. There was no denying that the man who spoke—was Saldin. Her heart raced and one word came to mind—betrayal.

  “A deal is a deal.” Saldin continued.

  The sound of whimpering could be heard, undeniably a child, followed by the crunching of snow.

  “A pawn, for a pawn,” Saldin laughed as he spoke.

  Tiny grunts could be heard before the sound of something hitting the snow with force. It was clear that the child had been thrown.

  “Get up, Arliness! Come to me at once!” Lox commanded.

  “Lower your bow, foolish elf. We have what we came for. This weakling child is of no worth to us anymore. Attempt to attack and you shall spend every moment of your life w
atching over her—for the moment we find her alone, her blood will spill for your actions.”

  Saldin’s voice made Neelan sick. She swung an arm with all the strength she could muster, hitting the man who restrained her body. For a moment, she felt his grip loosen. Kicking off with her feet, she sprinted in the direction she assumed to be where they entered the area. As her hands rose to remove the thick sack upon her head, two firm arms tackled her to the ground.

  “Bind her wrists!” Saldin ordered her silent captor. “He will have your head if she escapes.”

  Neelan’s wrists burned as the rope was bound tightly against her skin. The knot was so snug her fingers quickly grew numb.

  “Lox … why?” Neelan’s words pierced through his heart as she was dragged off into the darkness.

  Kale woke to the loud snoring of Illadar. He shivered, looking up at the ashy, cool remains in the fireplace. A frown formed upon his lips as he thought of his actions toward Neelan with regret. He rolled over, prepared to seek forgiveness for his foolish behavior. His hand smacked against the rough, wood flooring.

  “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 fo
rward. “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

  Fresh 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.