Dawn of Retribution

by Aya Knight

  Neelan forced a smile, cracking the dried blood from the corner of her lips. “Do not tear your heart over this. There are some things even you cannot control—I’ve never stopped trusting you.”

  Kale smiled in relief before hugging her tightly. The war cries from the fast-approaching warriors amplified. “Close your eyes,” he whispered.

  A wild, animalistic roar escaped Kale’s lips, sending fear across the oncoming group. Many men in the front line stiffened in fear as Kale flapped his wings and took flight. He held Neelan firmly within one arm, while allowing his sword to materialize in the other. Like a hawk, hungry for prey, Kale swooped down, head first toward the warriors. With immense speed, he advanced into the mass of steel-clad bodies with his weapon outstretched at his side. With little effort, the blade sliced through their armor and bone as he clapped his wings to propel forward. He swooped up into the air, hovering above the warriors.

  Nearly all the men stood frozen in place, their faces devoid of life, and yet their eyes still held wide. Blood oozed from their chests as each warrior’s torso slid from the remainder of their body and onto the snow. Intestines spilled onto the ground before their legs crumpled over.

  The remaining few warriors gave a quick glance at their lifeless comrades before throwing their weaponry aside and fleeing into the bare forest of trees.

  “We’ve got to find Illadar,” Kale spoke as they once again soared through the sky.

  Below, he could see Jedah, watching—waiting. The former general spoke to a man who Kale instantly recognized to be Saldin.

  Saldin nodded before hastily running off.

  Kale shook his head, returning focus below where they flew. Despite the time that had passed, Illadar still remained in combat with the thick, bearded man. As Kale landed off to the side, he could see the sweat which coated each man’s face. Kale watched in confusion as Reem frantically rushed to Illadar’s side.

  “Stay here—yell if anyone nears,” Kale instructed Neelan.

  He inhaled deeply, holding the breath within his lungs as he focused his energy on retracting the sizable, black wings back inside of his body. After dealing with his clawed hand, he became adept at maneuvering the innate abilities which seemed to unexpectedly reveal. He knew that in order to fight alongside his comrades in ground combat, his wings would only pose a weak disadvantage for himself. They were large, and made it difficult to move quickly.

  As he approached the area where Illadar fought, Reem shot a glance of warning his way.

  “Stay back, boy!” Reem demanded before springing up with his staff and landing in front of Illadar. He instantly deflected the bearded man’s oncoming attack. “Leave here, Illadar. My men can use assistance—this battle is mine. My Queen,” Reem spoke while meeting each of his opponents attacks, “although we have reunited, your life force runs low. I vow to you that I will not allow you to perish on this day.” Reem stared at the thick warrior before him. “Beshin—true leader of the Imbola Clan—today you die by my hand for the wrongs of your ancestors, and your own heartless actions. I am Reem Kel-Lassir, and you will pay for your evils.” He leapt up, landing the blunt end of his staff into Beshin’s back.

  Beshin stumbled forward before spinning angrily around. “Ye believe ye can defeat me? Ye must have gone through great lengths to discover who I am.” He laughed as though amused by the situation.

  “We finish this—now!” Reem yelled as he swung his staff. “Illadar—Kale—go at once and leave me to this battle. You have your own justice to bring.”

  The two men nodded, knowing the importance this situation brought for the sand-people, and Neelan.

  Kale hated the idea of bringing Neelan deeper into battle unarmed, but he knew there was no time to fly her to an area free from harm. “Stay behind me at all times.” He held his guard defensively in front.

  To their surprise, many of the warriors had disappeared from the battlefield. It was a sudden change that left an uneasy feeling in the air.

  A loud howl caught their attention. They froze in place, inspecting their surroundings. Heavy panting and the sound of many pattering feet against the snow caused them to look ahead. Cascading over a large hill were hundreds of red beasts, snarling and snapping their hungry jaws.

  “Bloody hell, kid … this isn’t good.” Illadar tightly gripped his sword. “Please let Marg be all right,” he spoke to himself.

  Kale gently pushed Neelan farther behind him as he watched the red beasts tear through the few warriors who remained scattered in their path.

  “Jedah is a disgusting being. He used those men, and knowingly disposed of them once they were of no further use. It will be a privilege for him to fall swiftly on this day. If it was he and I alone, I would ensure his demise to be long and painful,” Kale spoke, trying to keep composure at the discouraging sight ahead.

  “Ready yourself. We can celebrate Jedah’s demise later. For now, we must stay alive. Remember all I’ve taught you.” Although Illadar’s demeanor seemed strong, Kale could see in his friend’s eyes that he was frightened.

  The red beasts drew closer, and Kale swallowed hard. He straightened his posture and readied his footing. Though he behaved bravely, his insides fluttered nervously at the thought of Neelan being so exposed.

  The first line of red beasts charged in, diving at Kale and Illadar’s bodies in an attempt to knock them onto their backs.

  With sword in one hand, and claws extended on the other, Kale slashed at the oncoming attackers. Sharp teeth viciously tugged at Kale’s armor. Keeping the beasts off Neelan was proving to be a difficult task as more continued to flood over the hill.

  “Keep your guard up for Rees’Lok—he must be somewhere near!” Illadar shouted while swinging his blade in an upward motion, tearing through the bodies of two hounds. Their slimy secretion oozed from his weapon.

  Kale curled his clawed fingers and swiped outward, he tore into their red flesh with ease. With his other hand, he used his sword to jab into their bellies as they sprang to attack.

  With every red beast that fell, another took its place as they continued in pursuit of carnage.

  “We can’t keep this up forever!” Illadar yelled out over the snarling.

  “I know!” Kale replied. The thought of flying Neelan off to safety crossed his mind, but he knew that doing so would surely result in Illadar’s death. There was no way a single person could fend off such attacks—it was proving to be the hardest battle either man had endured.

  A yelp from behind caught Kale’s attention and he quickly glanced over a shoulder to see Neelan slamming her foot into the throat of a red beast. She continued kicking down until the beast lay motionless.

  Kale returned his focus ahead, just as three more hounds dove at his face. Channeling his inner abilities, Kale summoned forth scorching temperature into his blade.

  He lunged forward and slashed out in a half-circle. The sword tore open their bodies effortlessly, cauterizing their flesh as each piece fell to the ground. The rancid scent of burnt skin engulfed Kale’s nostrils. Heads and limbs began to pile at his feet, yet the beasts continued to approach without fear.

  Kale’s heart hammered in his chest as the severity of the situation weighed upon him. A feeling of hopelessness swarmed within his mind, yet he refused to give up.

  A sudden jolt of pain caused Kale to yell in fury as one of the red beasts clamped down upon his clawed hand. He flung his arm forcefully as the creature held tightly.

  Two small hands reached around the beasts head, gouging into its eye sockets. The creature cried out before dropping to the ground in spasms.

  “Neelan! I told you to stay behind me!” Kale called out while tucking his wounded hand against his gut.

  “I will not stand back while you are wounded!” She snapped back while kicking her foot out into another oncomi
ng attack.

  A loud howl rang out, and suddenly, the beasts ceased their movements. They slowly circled the group; saliva dripping from their gaping mouths. From where they stood, the snowy ground was blanketed by red bodies.

  Winded, the two men looked on in discouragement. They lifted their weapons and stared forward toward one red beast, much larger than the others, whom they knew, was the alpha male. The alpha glared down, snapping its jaws with animalistic hunger. With another wailing howl, the circling hounds hunched back, preparing their next attack.

  Neelan tucked behind Kale, gripping tightly onto his cloak. “This is bad …” she whispered. “There are so many of them.” She knew at that moment the odds of survival were slim.

  Kale looked to Illadar, and at that moment they knew this was one battle they might not win.

  “Neelan …” Kale spoke while keeping his focus fixated on the beasts, “when we attack, I need you to flee from here. Run as far as you can to safety. Illadar and I will cover you. Do not argue and do not look back. This is something I need you to do … for me.”

  The beasts snapped their jaws and lunged forward in a wave of onslaught.

  Kale held his sword out in readiness, clenching his teeth and narrowing his eyes.

  Suddenly, a blinding light appeared, emitting soothing warmth.

  Before anyone could comprehend what was happening, a forceful wind shot out in all directions, knocking everything it touched back.

  As Kale gripped Neelan, staggering to his feet, he saw two very familiar faces. His emotions swelled with both joy and anger.

  There, in the center of the chaos, stood Thomas and Lox—their backs pressed against one another in preparation for battle.

  Without introduction, Lox fired from his white, glowing bow. Multiple arrows shot forth with each release, piercing the red beasts with perfect accuracy.

  “Thomas!” Kale called out in relief for his friends return.

  “Did you truly think I would miss all the fun?” Thomas spoke, witty as always.

  Kale couldn’t help but sense something very different about his friend. He took notice of the many symbols which appeared scarred into his skin. Blackness coated the old sorcerer’s lower eyelids, contrasting against his bright, green eyes.

  “You could have come sooner, you know,” Kale smirked in an attempt to distract his curiosity from his friend’s change.

  “Patience, Kale. A virtue you have never had, I suppose.” Thomas laughed to himself while firing a blazing orb of flame into an oncoming pack of beasts. “There were things which you needed to do on your own, my friend. Though I will admit, finding you was not easy. Your friend here led me to you.”

  Kale muttered curses at the thought of Lox. “The elf you came with is a traitor to us.” He protested while slicing the throat of a red beast which dove forward.

  “Not true, hard-headed dragon. I will explain everything after we win this fight. Let us focus our attention on these foul creatures.”

  With a wave of Thomas’ hand, acid rained from the sky in a small circumference above the beasts. It stripped the flesh from each of the creatures that ran beneath.

  “Before my old mind forgets, I want to return this to you, my dear.” While fending off the beasts, Thomas took his other hand and slung Neelan’s bow off from around his neck.

  “Thank you Thomas!” Neelan exclaimed while grasping her weapon and quiver. “I am in your debt.”

  “Nonsense. Just stay alive for me.” He winked.

  “Tell them Thomas!” Lox interjected as he made an obvious attempt to avoid eye contact with the group.

  “Tell us what, old man?” Illadar entered the conversation, panting heavily as he swung the claymore.

  “It is nothing …”

  “Thomas, I have known you since I was a hatchling—tell us what it is.” Kale thrust his wounded hand up, driving his claws into a beast’s jaw and ripping it in two.

  Thomas exhaled and swallowed hard. “The woman you know as Marg—where is she?” Thomas asked sternly.

  “What are you expectin’ to do?!” Illadar angrily thrust his weapon toward another beast.

  “When I find her—I shall kill her.” The markings on his arms appeared to raise and change in shade.

  “What did you just s—?”

  A loud crash cut off Illadar’s words as the sand-people bashed their way through the creatures.

  “The human army has been defeated—all that remains on this side is the one Reem battles.”

  It was the first time Kale could recall hearing one of the sand-people, aside from Reem, speak. His voice was hoarse, and low.

  “The red beasts are the only thing between you and the one you seek to abolish. He waits on the other side—now is the moment to strike.” The sand-warrior continued.

  “Let’s go!” Kale called out to Illadar.

  Illadar pulled his sword from a beast’s gut; blood splattered across his arms.

  “Only one…” Illadar replied.

  Kale grunted in confusion.

  “Only one of us should go. Victory is best tasted when it is won by skill and heart. For us both to fight against him will only embitter the final blow.” Illadar quickly looked to the sky. Regardless of the oncoming beasts, he turned to face Kale and whispered, “Please …”

  At that very moment, Kale realized the fight with Jedah, was Illadar’s. The pain Illadar had endured for years was incredible—but the pleasure of ensuring that the former general did not pose the same threat to others, was all Illadar desired. Kale knew, for the first time, that Illadar needed to be the one to take Jedah’s life.

  “Go,” Kale muttered. “Before I regret this—go!”

  Illadar nodded. “I will defeat him Kale—for your brethren as well.”

  Without further delay, Illadar sliced his way through the beasts, deflecting and blocking each vicious attempt to dine upon his body.

  “Do you not find it odd?” Neelan questioned while firing a shot from her bow. “Jedah is up to something. He mocks us—manipulates our moves. Do you not realize this has all been his plan? He is standing, willingly alone. I do not trust this.”

  “Illadar can handle himself—this is something he must do.”

  Upon hearing Kale’s words, Thomas spun around. “Illadar has gone alone?! Where is he? Where is Illadar?”

  Lox held off the beasts as the old sorcerer spoke.

  “We must find the woman who goes by Marg—Illadar is in grave danger!” Thomas continued.

  Kale could sense the change in his friend’s behavior—something much more powerful than when he had left. The severity in Thomas’ eyes let Kale know there were no uncertainties—Marg had a secret, and the old sorcerer knew what it was.

  Chapter 38: Dawn of Retribution

  “It’s imperative that we split up.” Thomas looked to his side. “I shall search for her—you must remain near Illadar and ensure his safety. I fear a game is in play—one intended to claim our lives if we do not win. Reem’s men and Lox can handle these foul beings. You must go now.”

  With a soft-spoken incantation, Thomas vanished.

  Kale looked to Neelan, in agreement.

  “More come!” One of the sand-people called out in warning.

  Larger, more vicious red beasts lunged over the hill. Their bodies clad in perfectly formed steel.

  Neelan left Kale’s side to stand near the sand-people. She waited for the beasts to near, her breath still and arms stiff. Her eyes locked upon their weak point near the head as she released a series of arrows. As the beasts fell, their bodies skid across the snow.

  The sand-people continued to slam their mallet-like hands down upon the creatures. A loud snapping could be heard as the beast’s bones crushed beneath the force.

&n
bsp; Lox launched an endless rain of arrows upon the hounds. As one beast fell, others in its wake stumbled and rolled.

  “Go to him, Kale,” Lox spoke—still holding his back to the group. “I know you may never forgive my actions, but I vow my life to Neelan on this day for what I have done. I will remain here and hold off these monstrous beings while you ensure your friend’s safety. My word means little, but I assure you, I will protect Neelan from harm.” He flexed his fingers and three more glowing arrows took flight.

  “I will handle myself,” Neelan indignantly replied. “But I do agree Kale—you must go now. I have my protection right here.” She tightly gripped her bow.

  Kale stood motionless for a moment, struggling inside with his decision.

  “I don’t need you to remain here, Kale—Illadar needs you!” Neelan snapped as though reading his mind.

  Kale firmly bit down on his lip before turning his back to his friends. With his muscles clenched in preparation for the pain which was to come, he summoned forth the black wings. They cupped a large pocket of air before throwing it at the ground as he took flight.

  The cool air grazed his skin as he targeted Illadar. Tucking his wings back, he swiftly descended. He immediately noticed the group of warriors who stood off to the side of where the battle took place. Different from the steel-clad warriors they had encountered earlier, this group resembled the bandits he had come across in the desert. Though dressed for warmth, their leather attire was dingy and well-worn.

  Kale clamped his hand upon the hilt of his sword, allowing it to illuminate with fiery orange hues. With a snap of his wings, he dove in with an aerial attack—his arm outstretched, and blade to the side.

  Before the men saw Kale coming, their necks were severed at the base.

  Headless bodies trembled and walked into one another before falling to the bed of snow, lifeless.