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

as he fought to maintain composure. “What we came back to was something only a walking devil is capable of. Our village had been ravaged, and what meager goods we had, were taken. Bodies were everywhere and blood coated the ground. It was the most gruesome sight my eyes had ever fallen upon. Each of us raced to find our families, frantic for their well-being. Alas, we did find them . . .” He began to breathe heavily through his nose in a forceful attempt to stifle his moist eyes from pouring over.
    The commander shook his head and stood tall, unwilling to show a sign of weakness to Kale. “My children had been slaughtered, right in the beds where they slept. Their innocent and unknowing lives had been taken away from them so soon. My wife lay near the doorway, cut from head to toe with the edge of a blade. A struggle was obvious by the markings across her arms and face—she had been trying to protect our children. Despite the overwhelming damage done to her body, she still had breath. I gripped her in my arms, rocking her limp body against mine. I tried to reassure her and tell her everything would be all right—even though I fought to hold onto my own sanity at that moment. But she knew—she knew her time on this world was coming to an end. My wife pulled me close to her lips with what little strength she had and whispered into my ear the words I shall never forget. They came from Mirion. General Jedah and his men. They took our babies away from us! At first, this did not make sense to me. I could not fathom why a general from the kingdom of Mirion would seek harm upon a small, insignificant village. Only later, through my journeys, did I come to find he had ventured across many villages and towns which he assumed to be of little to no threat. He would attempt bribes for loyalty to him. Should the villagers swear allegiance, they would be rewarded with coin and food. Should they deny his attempts—they would meet a terrible fate.” Alden’s eyes burned with hatred. “My village stood proud on that day, unbeknownst to the fate which Jedah had planned. Because they refused to bow before him, he and his men took their lives without remorse. Even the children, who could not understand the situation at hand—all massacred by sunrise.” His hand reached out and firmly gripped Kale’s arm. “And so you see, Kale, this is why I fight to rid the world of every last follower of that vile man. I will not rest until justice prevails. I fought against insanity to achieve this cause—the other men and myself. We have made it our life mission and purpose on this earth. Our army has grown in numbers and, to ensure a steady supply of food rations and weaponry, we take bounties on the unjust for coin. We cleanse the world of lesser evils you might say, while hunting Jedah’s remaining followers. We shall find them all, and I can promise you, they will perish.”
           
    After returning to the large fire pit, Kale announced their departure, giving as few details as possible in front of the many men who sat with dumbfounded faces. They gathered what few belongings each had brought, and were provided as much food as their bags could hold.
    Illadar, who already held the weight of his sizable claymore upon his back, carried a large pack stuffed so full of food, the seams were struggling not to split open. He was no stranger to the desert, having had to traverse the dry land on multiple occasions while being used as a pawn in Jedah’s army. Without consumables, the desert was nothing more than a barren graveyard to those who attempted to cross.
    They made their way to the herbalist’s tent where Konnar sat, intently reading through one of his alchemy books. He raised a white, bushy brow as the four entered.
    “We came to give thanks,” Thomas spoke with a bow. “Without you, I surely would not be standing before you now.”
    Silence followed and Thomas seized the moment, sending his elbow into Kale’s side.
    Kale shot