The Chronicles of Kale: Dawn of Retribution (Book 2) Read Free

us,” Kale said as he pulled Thomas’ limp arm over a shoulder.
    “Are you certain we can trust them? This may be a strategy to lure you into danger.” Her voice was filled with concern and uncertainty.
    “What other options are there, Neelan?”
    She huffed and slung her bow onto her back before gripping the reigns of Thomas’ horse.
    Illadar approached, and together they lifted the old sorcerer onto the saddle.
    “We ride now. Follow my lead.” Alden pulled back and his sizable, white horse lifted its front legs into the air before galloping quickly in the opposite direction.
    “I’ll ride with Thomas.” Kale mounted behind his friend who lay face down across the saddle. “It’ll be all right, old man. . .” Kale whispered.
    They waited for Neelan to fasten rope from her own horse to Kale’s, so the steed would not run free. She knew the importance of keeping each of the animals with them. Not having to travel on foot was a valuable luxury on their journey.
    “Let’s go.” Kale clapped his heels against the horse’s side as they made way toward Alden.
    “You must move with haste,” Alden scolded once they caught up to where he waited. “Poison from the Mechona snake runs through his body as we speak. Give him this immediately.” He tossed Kale a small round nugget.
    Nearly missing it between his hands, Kale clamped onto the item, shaking his head to avoid the nauseating feeling that overwhelmed his dizzy mind.
    “Wait a moment—what exactly is this?” Kale mumbled as he inspected the wrinkled green lump.
    “It is a minor antidote. Not nearly enough to cure him, but it should stall the venom from spreading throughout his body. Without it, your friend will surely die before sundown.”
    Kale glanced upward at the descending circle of light in the sky. He knew dusk was not far off.
    “All right. I’ll trust you—but should this harm him in any way, so help me, I will slit your neck in two,” Kale replied as his pale eyes met Alden’s.
    Kale pulled Thomas onto his side and gripped his sunken face. The antidote smelled surprisingly sweet and reminded him of a strawberry, despite its appearance. Kale pinched Thomas’ cheeks within his fingers, forcing the old sorcerer’s mouth to open as he shoved the green ball inside.
    “How in Pan’s name am I supposed to get this down his throat?” Kale questioned in confusion.
    “See for yourself.” Alden replied, gesturing in the direction of Thomas.
    The green ball began to fizzle and foam as it slowly disintegrated on Thomas’ tongue.
    Kale seized the moment and clamped the sorcerer’s lips shut before any could seep out from his mouth.
    “We must continue forth to our camp. There will be help for your friend—a wise man with amazing powers of healing has joined forces with us.” Alden jerked on the reigns and trotted toward a slender path, lined with tall grass.
    Kale’s jaw tightened. “I believe it’s due time for an explanation, Alden.” Though the path was narrow, Kale managed to maneuver his horse across the tall yellow grass so he rode to Alden’s right. “Secondly, we are just beyond Mirion’s farmland—why do you insist we venture farther away when the logical option would be to alert the king of this occurrence. Is that not how you humans do things?”
    Neelan shot Kale a glance of warning and he immediately knew to watch his words more carefully—something Thomas surely would have scolded him for had he been conscious.
    “Going back will draw unnecessary attention to the matter. Let King Valamar focus on rebuilding a loyal army. I assure you, our camp is safe and you can find refuge there for as long as you’d like.” Alden remained calm, despite the situation.
    “Your offer is appreciated, but you still haven’t explained anything. Yet, here you are expecting us to follow you to safety . I want answers,” Kale spoke out of frustration, and his desire to protect those he cared for.
    “Certainly; though you are quite