Read B006T5JMRC EBOK for Free Online Page B

circumstances that could not be altered at the current time. “All right, Kale, all right. But, for now, let’s make the best of this situation; it’s not going to get any easier if we stand here all night.” He glanced toward Kale’s lean torso. “We can start by finding you some clothing. It won’t make for a very good first impression if you are nude when encountering other humans. And,” he extended his arm, spreading all five of his fingers apart, “we will need to rectify your features at once–we can’t have a silver-eyed young man roaming around without drawing too much suspicion.” With a wave of his hand, Kale’s eyes transfigured to a crystal-like blue.
    After Kale grew weary of arguing, he finally agreed to leave his home—the one place he had grown to love—his sanctuary for most of his life. He staggered and stumbled his way toward the cave entrance, struggling to walk upon his new legs. As they emerged into the open fresh air, relief swelled within their chests. They were safe for the time being; no one from the general’s army was waiting to ambush them from the surrounding darkness—a worry that had weighed on their minds since the knights left the cave.
    A cool, ocean breeze sifted through the nearby leaves, making its way to Kale as it grazed against his human flesh, causing the hairs on his arm to prickle outward. He made a discomforted expression then created a warm friction by rubbing his hand quickly in both directions on his forearm, repeating the process on the other arm until the tiny bumps faded.
    What is wrong with human bodies? he thought to himself, This is ridiculous . The wind never bothered his hardened dragon skin which had been protected by flaky scales. This new exterior was too soft and delicate.
    “Can’t you chant some fancy words and teleport us to your village? I just want to go somewhere safe where I can close my eyes and pretend today never happened.” Kale glanced down. “Not to mention getting something to put over this hideous body.” He sighed.
    Thomas turned to face Kale, who was slightly taken back by the sight of his friend’s countenance. The old sorcerer had dark bags beneath his reddened eyes. His eyelids weighed heavily over his pupils as they struggled to remain open. Within the short walk to the forest, Thomas had grown horribly fatigued after exhausting all of his energy on the transformation spell.
    “We won’t be going back to my home.” He breathed heavily. “It’s too close to the kingdom of Mirion and will no longer be safe for us to take refuge. The general’s men will surely search for information in all surrounding locations to the castle. I’m sure it will not be long before they realize I am missing; soon after invading my home to find books and scrolls pertaining to dragons. I anticipated having more time with preparing for this moment and was planning to destroy all the evidence. It surely won’t take much for General Jedah to realize I warned you of their arrival.” He paused. “I do know of another location that will be safe. It’s a place where we would both be welcomed without question,just to the north and out of the rule of King Valamar.” He held out a bent elbow. “Hold onto my arm, Kale. I’ll take us just outside the town walls. I can gather clothing for you from within the inn; the innkeeper and I are acquaintances and I’m sure he would be glad to oblige. This way we do not draw attention from you strolling in—like this.”
    Kale did as instructed, grasping his fingers tightly around Thomas’ arm, unsure of what to expect from the spell. Just as Thomas began to mutter a few foreign words, his legs gave out, causing his body to crumple wearily to the ground.
    “Thomas!” Kale quickly knelt by his side, gently shaking his friend. As he helplessly tried to aid Thomas, he heard a faint popping sound off in the distance. Although Kale knew this likely had come from an animal on the prowl for his supper, no