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

eyes met Illadar’s. “I thought because of you I was forced to live in agony at the loss of my only family. But then, I came to realize my mother would be disappointed with such thoughts—she always told me to make the best of even the darkest situations. That’s when I understood my mother was slain for my own actions that day, and had it not been for you, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to right what has been wronged. So again, I plead with you, please let me join you on your cause—whatever it may be. I am honored to fight by your side. My instinct tells me that I’ve been given a second chance at life, and I must find my purpose by aiding you.”
    “Look, kid, we will meet again one day, I’m sure. But right now you need to stay here. If you really want to repay your debts, then wait for a time when I truly need it. Until then, just live your life—that’s the best form of payment I need.” Illadar gave a crooked smile and patted James on his broad shoulder.
    James released the air from his lungs in a long-winded exhale. He glanced toward the ground and forced a nod. “Well then, I shall fight alongside these noble men in the name of justice until the day we meet again. Know that I am at your command, Illadar Ranclef, should you need me.”
           
    The time had come to leave—there would be no turning back. They began to walk, with the intention to press forward until it was no longer daylight. It was a scorching hot day, with no hint of a breeze to cool their burning skin. Buzzards circled off in the distance above a large rabbit—waiting out the final moments of life before tearing into its flesh.
    Small shrubs began to clutter what once was a firm dirt path and soon, they were forced to set a course of their own. The group followed their instincts in the direction of plant-life they knew to be drought tolerant, passing many forms of cacti and small clusters of tall, thin grass. Trees and shrubs grew scarce until all that could be seen in any direction was endless amounts of sand. The hours passed and Kale took advantage of this time to explain everything to Thomas—including the oddity that had occurred within his fingers.
    Thomas, Neelan, and Illadar all agreed it must have to do with his former traits as a dragon. While Illadar rambled about how a newfound ability could prove beneficial, should they encounter another obstacle, all Kale could think about was how tired he was of being a monster . Though he did not regret his decision to remain by Neelan’s side, Kale knew he no longer truly had a place to fit in. He was not dragon, nor a human. This thought fueled his desire more than ever to find Zasha, the woman who could be the missing link to his life—his family.
    Kale examined his fingers once again. They appeared normal. He rubbed the tips slowly across his thumbs while in deep thought.
    “Kale . . .” Neelan softly spoke while wrapping her arm tenderly around his. “It’s nearly dusk. I think we should begin to scout for a place to make camp for the night.”
    “The desert isn’t a safe place to roam once the sun falls beyond the horizon. We need to take shifts. Without shelter we’re too vulnerable to some of the savage animals that hunt at night.” Illadar slung his pack over a shoulder. “Find flat ground and let’s eat; I’m starvin’.”
    They shuffled around a wide area before feeling confident that there were no snakes or scorpions hiding beneath the sand. Despite Thomas’ warnings, Kale kicked off his boots and wiggled his toes in the tiny grains. It felt good without anything weighing down his feet.
    The temperature was dropping dramatically and Neelan withdrew a blanket from her pack. Kale immediately noticed the crest knitted into all four corners—it was from Mirion. She dropped down next to Kale, reaching an arm around his body to enclose them both into the warmth of the blanket.
    “You’re always so warm,” Neelan spoke, as she snuggled closer against