by Aya Knight
The King smiled, chuckling softly. “There is no need for apologies. This vial has been collecting dust for centuries and I could not have chosen a better person to have used it. You have traveled far and learned more than most do in a lifetime. This is a joyous time.”
Thomas took the vial from the King’s hands. “I truly am proud of you, Kale.” He momentarily left to secure the potion within a temporary magical barrier until the King could later return it to the chamber.
Judith approached Kale, flashing her perfect smile toward him. “I am so happy for you. I shall always be here, should you need anything.” She softly laughed as she looked at Neelan’s jealous expression. “As a friend, of course,” she added. “You are all welcome to rest here tonight, if you desire, before taking leave for your next journey. We will be celebrating Jedah’s exile with a grand feast and celebration.”
“Your offer is kind, and we are grateful, however, I do not think my patience will allow me to postpone leaving any longer. Though I have chosen to remain in this form, I am still a dragon at heart, and I must do all I can to restore my kind to this world.” Kale glanced off to the side, “I also need to find out if she—Zasha—is truly my mother.” Though he had his doubts, his heart told him Zasha spoke the truth. The thought alone filled him with an anxious joy.
“I understand. Though I wish you were able to remain here with us awhile longer.” As Judith spoke, Neelan wrapped her arms around Kale’s arm protectively.
“You are all welcome to gather any provisions or weaponry you desire from the marketplace at no charge. I would also like to send you with a gift.” The King withdrew a black velvet pouch which jingled with the sound of many coins. Filled to the point where the pouch bulged, gold coins peeked from the top. “Please, take it; I will not accept no as an answer.” King Valamar chuckled as he saw Kale’s mouth open to argue. “I have more than enough here, so you do not have to worry. You have all worked hard to bring back someone who is priceless to me, so again, I give you my deepest gratitude.”
They each thanked the King for his generosity and kindness as they engaged in a bittersweet farewell. Judith’s eyes welled with tears and Kale tried his best to assure her they would all meet again, though, taking caution to watch his words around Neelan.
After they each exchanged a few final words, the four comrades left for the marketplace.
As they walked through the bustling center of the city, many of the citizens bowed before them while giving words of praise for their deeds. They wasted no time in filling their sacks with food for their journey then making a stop at the kingdom blacksmiths where Kale sorted through their impeccable variety of weaponry. After great thought, he found the perfect sword replacement. Though he knew it would not have the durability to withstand the heat from his powers, he would manage until he could find a proper solution.
Soon after, Neelan insisted they browse through the many shops and stalls. Kale, though impatient to depart on their quest, agreed. He was unable to resist the excitement and joy in Neelan as she happily skipped through the market. For the first time in her life, she felt confident to walk among humans without concealing her elven characteristics.
Once Neelan had her fill of exploring, the four retrieved their horses from the stable. Each horse had a high-quality, new, leather saddle stuffed with soft wool. They thanked the groom and stable hand for the care provided and mounted to leave the kingdom.
As they reached the gate at the curtain-wall, a sad realization hit them. Judith would not be travelling alongside them. After their journey from the forest to Mirion, the four grew accustomed to her companionship. They knew, however, she was returned to where she rightfully belonged.
As the group trotted past open farmland, Thomas steered his horse toward Kale’s.
“Kale, I can sense something is bothering you. Tell me, what is on your mind?” The old sorcerer glanced upon Kale with genuine concern.
“I can’t lose the feeling something is not right.” Kale paused a moment. “I know Saldin and his men have escaped, but the whole situation feels wrong. Though the frost elves may be powerful, there is something within me, screaming inside—telling me Jedah should have been slain at his sentencing. I can almost feel his anger taunting me. I do not think this is the last we will see of him.”
“Kale, I have said it before—the frost elves possess incredible power no normal human can contest. Everything will be fine.” As the final words left Neelan’s lips, they heard it—the sound of something hitting the ground.
“Thomas!” Illadar called out as he leapt from his horse.
“What happened?!” Kale yelled in a panic.
They rolled Thomas’ limp body over just in time to see the needle-like dart that protruded from his neck.
“I hear something approaching quickly,” Neelan spoke softly. “I think it’s–”
Those were the final words Kale heard before they arrived.
The journey continues in book 2:
The Chronicles of Kale:
Dawn of Retribution
The Chronicles of Kale: A Dragon’s Awakening
Aya Knight was born in South Florida, where she spent the majority of her childhood. At a young age she developed a strong passion for fantasy and a love of writing. Through movies, books and video/computer games she would escape into an alternate reality filled with adventure, magic and epic quests.
As Aya entered adulthood, she expressed her enjoyment of writing through becoming a freelance journalist. She wrote about a broad variety of topics that gave her a brighter insight of the world. Eventually a story began to develop within her mind involving characters she immediately grew attached to. Aya knew that she needed to compile her thoughts onto paper. She grew so intrigued with the evolving storyline that she placed all hopes within the hands of her imagination, leaving journalism behind. Aya now works as a full-time novelist, where she continues to pursue her passion.
“Imagination is your gateway into fantastic new worlds.”