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

Thomas a look of irritation before realizing what the motion had insinuated.
    “Oh, yes, thank you, Konnar, for all of your assistance.”
    Kale truly was grateful, but at that moment his mind swarmed with thoughts of Zasha and the dragon eggs. The day was young, but their journey was far from over—Kale knew it was time they set off.
    As they lifted the tent flap to leave, Konnar insisted they take a small box filled with herbal remedies. He warned of the dangerous creatures that lived within the dry, hot sands of the desert and briefly explained what each herb or vial would cure.
    With one final exchange of farewells, they set off toward the far side of camp where Alden waited. His slender, black velvet cap was tipped forward to block the sunlight from his eyes.
    “I make a final attempt to ensure you are certain about this quest of yours, Kale Firehart.” Alden stood tall, crossing his strong arms. “Our camp offers sanctuary from those who seek ill will upon you and your comrades. Should you leave, we cannot offer our protection.”
    “I am certain, Alden. Though, I am thankful for all you’ve done. Had you and your men not come when the riders attacked, Thomas surely would have died. There is no amount of gold that could repay what you have done—I am in debt to you. Should the day come when we meet again, I will find a way to repay your kindness.”
    As the four turned to embark on their journey, the patter of running feet trailed closer.
    “Wait! Please, wait!”
    They turned to see a young man gripping his knees and panting heavily.
    “It is you—Illadar!” The young man fell to a knee before Illadar and bowed his head. “I owe you my life, Sir. Please, allow me to come with you; I will aid however possible along your quest.”
    “What are you doin’? Stand up, kid. I think you may be mistakin’ me for someone el—” Illadar’s words caught in his throat as the young man rose. There was no mistaking his large, hazel eyes, and Illadar immediately recalled the day he had seen so much fear within them. “It’s you—James!” With all that happened, he’d forgotten what Alden had told him.
    Illadar was in disbelief at how much the adolescent he once knew had grown over the years. He was no longer a thin-framed boy with ill-fitting armor, but a tall, masculine young man.
    “I have waited so long to cross paths with you again. I nearly gave up hope that such a fate would occur until word arrived we were to track Kale’s whereabouts near The Forest of Forgotten Whispers. When I first saw you—I knew right away who you were! Now, please, allow me to join you on whatever quest you embark upon. My blade is yours to command.”
    “Then I command you stay here, where the odds of survivin’ are in your favor.” Illadar replied. “I did not save your life only to have you die before me, under my watch. We are leavin’ for unknown dangers, and I cannot place any more lives in peril if not necessary.”
    James looked devastated, as though his life’s goal had been crushed before him. “I have nothing left but to fight by your side—the one who saved me from certain death. You see . . . my mother is gone now. Jedah killed her long before I was able to return to Mirion. When I made it back to our home, on the outer perimeter, someone I didn’t recognize answered the door. They replaced our existence as though we never lived there. A new family had already moved in. After speaking to an old friend, I came to find what had happened. Jedah framed her so she would be executed publicly—he had her killed to spite my cowardice—to mock me for my supposed crime of not obeying his command. I fled; hopeless, lost, and without the will to live. That’s when Alden found me and took me in. He gave me hope of fighting to build a better world and told me it would be the highest form of vengeance I could offer for my mother’s death.”
    James looked toward the clouds. “You know, at first I hated you.” His