by Aya Knight
Theresa stared angrily at Kale. “I’m going to let that one slide since it’s your first time drinking. Be thankful—I’ve never allowed a man to speak to me in such a manner. I have a piece of mind to slap that silly smile from your face.”
Kale’s head dipped as he struggled to keep focus. Through his goggled vision, he could make out a faint glow coming from a pocket on Theresa’s skirt. It took him a few minutes of hard concentration to fully comprehend what he was seeing. Suddenly, in a moment of panic, he reached into his own pocket—it was empty.
“Give it back, right now!” Kale demanded. “You’ve been playing me for a fool thisch entire time!”
“My, my, handsome, I believe you’ve had far too much to drink. It seems as though you’ve grown delusional.”
“Therescha, do not play gamesch wif me; I want my braschelet back thisch moment. Pleasche do not make me take it from you. I do not wisch to harm a human female.” Kale stood in anger, swaying as he tried to maintain his balance and frustrated that he allowed such a common woman to trick him in such a manner. “You’re schuch a foul woman—it’sch no wonder why you haf to trick men! It’sch becausch no one would ever want to truly be wif you for more than one night and the thought burnsch you. It makesch you reschort to petty theft tacticsh so you schtill feel asch though you have won in the end—you’re pathetic.”
Theresa’s eyes swelled. No one had ever stood up to her before, and although it hurt to hear, she knew it was the truth. “Here — take your stupid, little bracelet. It looks worthless anyway.” She flung it at Kale’s face, causing it to hit his cheek before falling to the floor where he swiftly scooped it up.
Before any further words could be exchanged, she stood—dodging Kale’s glance as she ran out the tavern door.
Luckily for Kale, few people noticed their scene and those who did were far too drunk to care. The night was growing late and Kale knew he had consumed too much ale and barely had the ability to stand upon his own two feet. He hoped that with a night’s rest, the effects would disappear in time for work.
Kale slowly made his way to the door, gripping onto whatever he could find along the way to support himself. He could already tell it was going to be a long walk to the inn. As he approached the exit, a tall slender figure clad in black robes stood. Kale took little note of the stranger’s movements until the hooded figure made way directly for him. Although intoxicated, Kale was certain he had seen the mysterious person somewhere before. Suddenly, his glassy eyes grew wide as he noticed the long, pallid, white fingers hanging at the stranger’s side—the man from General Jedah’s army—Kale had been found.
Chapter 11: A Dark Reunion
The man in black paused, inhaling heavily in the direction of Kale before taking a step back.
“It can’t be—impossible!” The man sniffed again. “My senses do not deceive me, I’m certain of it. But how—how can this be?! Never could I have imagined that coming to this pathetic little town on a mere scouting mission for him,” he gestured toward Galin, “I would also find you, the one creature Jedah wants to slaughter above any other—Firehart.” Raspy laughter could be heard from within the heavy dark hood. “I cannot fathom how it is possible you stand before me as a human—unless you are in league with a powerful spell-caster… Simply fascinating.” The hood shifted as the man in black glanced around the room.
Kale felt sick as he fought the dizzy sensation in his head. How could this have happened? He couldn’t allow the townsfolk to know the truth—he had to do something, and fast. He cursed himself for drinking; he could barely hold himself upright, let alone fight.
The figure in black lifted his arm, causing the cloth of his robes to hang loosely and drape down heavily as he extended his long, bony fingers toward Kale. “You are the key to my freedom, Firehart.”
Kale could barely think straight, he felt helplessly frozen in place. Suddenly, two hands pressed forcefully against his side, forcing him to stumble over his own two feet before collapsing onto the floor. Kale turned his head in time to see Galin standing where he had just been. Galin’s char-covered fingers and cheeks told Kale that he had come to the tavern directly from the blacksmithing forge. Kale could immediately see by Galin’s staggering movement, he was sloppily drunk as well.
“I suggest ya’ leave my good friend here alone, stranger.” Galin cracked his thick, dark knuckles.
Good friend? Kale wondered And I assumed it was only me who had too much to drink.
“To think that you both would fall into my lap so easily is amusing. I assumed it would be a challenge to find you both—yet, here you stand, drunken and foolishly ignorant.”
“Close your mouth and leave here at once. You’re not welcome in Braxle ya’ babbling idiot.”
“You shall pay for those words, you mindless barbarian.” The man in black shot his hand toward Galin who miraculously ducked, despite his excessive consumption of ale.
Galin then hopped on top of a nearby wooden table, lifting two mugs and slinging them at the dark figure. One missed, shattering against the wall; the other struck the man in black directly on his chest, causing him to stagger backwards.
Kale knelt in awe at how swiftly Galin moved, considering the circumstances. By this time many others within the tavern were aware of the commotion going on around them. Two men rose and approached the table where Galin stood. One was a heavy-set fellow wearing a shirt far too small which caused his massive gut to stick out. The other man was clad in a sleeveless tunic, showcasing massive, mountain-like muscles.
“Is this man causin’ you trouble?” The overweight man spoke to Galin, pointing toward the figure in black.
“Stranger, we don’t need any troublemakers coming in here and stirring things up. If you’ve got a problem with anyone who lives here in Braxle—then you’ve got a problem with us all.” The other, muscular man chimed in, crossing his bulging arms across his chest.
Many others gathered behind them in support of the situation, glaring angrily toward the man in black. A tall, slender man extended an arm to Kale, helping him onto his wobbly feet. Kale was astonished to see humans working together to assist one another—to help him and Galin, without question.
“You all right?” The man who helped him up questioned in genuine concern.
Kale nodded as he gripped onto a nearby chair to maintain balance. He was thankful beyond words for what Galin and the others were doing to help—no one aside from Thomas had ever been there for him. Kale watched as the group of men closed in on the dark figure, causing him to step backwards until his back hit the tavern door. The man in black shifted his direction, taking careful note of the steel weaponry some of the travelers pulled from their sheaths.
“You will regret this day, you disgusting vermin. And you,” the gaping black hood directed toward Kale, “we have unfinished business. Be grateful your comrades have come to your aid. However, I can assure you our next encounter will not end the same. I have found you and will not allow you to slip through my fingers as before. We shall meet again once my strength has increased—you cannot win this war.”
“Get outta’ here!” Galin shouted.
“Do not worry—I have not forgotten you either—Illadar.” The man in black opened the door just enough to slip out, disappearing into the night.
Galin stood, frozen in place with widened eyes as if something horrible had just happened. Then, after minutes passed, one of the men smacked him on the calf, telling him to get off the table where he still stood in silence.
Galin shook his head, “Thanks everyone, what you all did for us tonight means a lot.” He tried to behave as normally as possible. “Kale, let’s get you home; you’re in no state to be out, let alone walk home by yourself.”
Galin placed his arm around Kale to support his staggering walk. He paused a moment to glance back toward the townsfolk
who bid them goodnight. As Galin left the tavern, his heart swelled with both anger and sorrow as he began to recall his horrid past. “You’re comin’ back to my place tonight.” His words were firm and short.
Kale didn’t argue; he knew he was in no shape to confront Thomas about what had just happened. He also needed to overcome the drunken sensation in order to focus upon his next course of action. There was no more hiding within the sanctuary of Braxle—his identity was known.
As they approached the blacksmith shop, Kale couldn’t help but wonder what exactly Galin had in store for them. Before he could question Galin’s motives, he was led through the workshop to the farthest wall. Galin lifted a long ivory sheet of cloth to reveal a hidden black door behind.
“Home sweet home.” Galin pushed the door open. He led Kale to a small room, completely bare except for the narrow wood-framed bed, small wood stool, and cooking pit in the center.
The room gave Kale insight on how simple a life Galin lived. Kale sat upon the stool, burying his face within his palms as he heavily sighed.
“Here kid, eat this, it’ll help you sober yourself.” Galin handed Kale a chunk of bread. “Eat.” He paced the room, rubbing his fingers across his black sweaty brows. Many minutes passed in silence as both men pondered the night’s events.
Finally, Galin broke the silence, “I’m leavin’ Braxle before dawn’s light. I don’t know what type of business you have with the man we encountered tonight, but he’s incredibly dangerous. Now that he knows I’m here, I’m confident he’ll return should I remain within the town. I’d advise the same to you, unless you care to place the townsfolk in harm’s way.”
“I understand, but we can’t aimlessly journey around Ravondore without a plan. I need to tell Thomas about what happened, he’ll want to come with us.”
Galin nodded in agreement. Then suddenly, he lost focus in their conversation as his mind began to drift. He pondered who Kale really was, knowing the man in black would not seek an average traveler. Galin knew there had to be much more to Kale than he could fathom. Finally, Galin could no longer contain his curiosity. “Tell me who you really are, kid.”
Kale was taken aback by the unexpected question. Though, he felt better after eating the bread, his head still pounded. Mustering up the perfect answer was the last thing he wanted to worry about. Kale sighed, knowing that Galin’s persistent personality was not about to let the subject drop until answered.
“I’ve told you before, I have been travelling with my friend Thomas in order to start a working life and settle into a nice town. We came from a very poor village to the far south.” Kale decided to stick with his original story.
“Stop all of these constant lies!” Galin threw a loaf of bread hard against the wall, causing flakes to scatter upon the floor. “Where do you really come from? Were you once a knight in General Jedah’s army?” It was the only logical explanation that made sense to Galin.
Kale looked to the floor. Thank goodness, Pan; it seems he has no idea who I truly am. “I’ve told you the truth. There isn’t any more to say.” He felt guilty about lying, but knew the options were limited. Kale still wasn’t ready to openly trust Galin.
“Tell me then, why is your last name Firehart? That was the same name of the black dragon Jedah meant to slay. You can’t fool me, kid, that’s not your real family name.” Galin sighed, “Forget it. You’re as stubborn as me—I’m sure the truth will reveal itself eventually.” He sat upon the floor, leaning his back against the wall and sulking as the minutes passed. “You know, kid, I don’t know why I’m tellin’ you this, but Jedah—that abomination—is the reason I’m bein’ sought. I was in his army durin’ the majority of the war against dragons; a pawn in his malicious scheme. He had no idea who I was until the day when I abandoned his command durin’ a battle against the Ice Matriarch, Sylicia. Disobeying the general is a swift death sentence, but luckily for me, he was preoccupied amidst the attack and unable to take action—until now. Apparently, someone leaked the information that I’ve been stayin’ here in Braxle. I knew I’d never be able to remain here forever; but I didn’t think they’d find me so quickly. So, now you know the truth. Jedah doesn’t dispatch his most valuable men for just any reason, so I’m certain that because they seek you as well, you’re hidin’ a great amount of information from me.”
Kale’s jaw hung low—he felt stunned, shocked, and enraged all at once. The man he worked alongside for so many months was a knight; a pawn who played a role in slaughtering his brethren. I cannot believe I’ve shared so much of my time with this piece of filth. Kale thought as he clenched his fists tightly.
“You do not deserve to breathe this air!” Kale cried out as he stood. He uncontrollably lifted the wooden stool, thrusting it violently toward Galin. The aftereffects of ale still caused him to move slightly disoriented and clumsy. He had recovered enough, however, to focus intently until the seat of the stool slammed into the side of Galin’s face.
Galin fell back, instantly placing a hand to his cheek as the pain seared through his face. “What in Hades are you doin’, kid?!” He yelled out as blood trickled down his rough, dark chin.
Before Kale could answer, Galin dove toward him, driving his massive knuckles into Kale’s jaw.
“How dare you attack me! After all you’ve already done!” Kale jumped back, too enraged to succumb to the throbbing pain. “You fought with him—with Jedah. I’ll kill that monstrous scum; and I’ll kill you too! You’ve lied to me all this time; you killed the dragons. Scum like you does not deserve to walk this earth!”
Although Kale too had his secrets, he felt betrayed. Without hesitation or rational thought, Kale extended his arms, gripped his fingers around Galin’s neck, and squeezed tightly. He could feel a surge of strength pulsing through the muscles in his hands and Galin began to gasp for breath while struggling to remove Kale’s arms. “Why did you become part of such a vile group of men?!” Kale spat in anger as he spoke, “Do you have no heart, you lowly cur?” He could now smell the scent of burning flesh as Galin’s eyes began to flutter.
“L…let me s…speak,” Galin managed to choke out in disbelief at how strong Kale’s thin arms were.
Galin’s knees hit the floor as Kale released his grip. He began coughing frantically as oxygen flowed into his lungs, breathing heavily until the dizzy sensation ceased. Galin gently ran his fingertips across his neck which felt warm and irritated. He narrowed his dark eyes, then whispered, “What are you?”
“I’m done answering any more of your questions. You said you had something to say—so spit it out.” Kale crossed his arms, impatiently awaiting the explanation.
Galin coughed again before clearing his throat. His neck stung badly. “My name is Illadar.”
“More lies,” Kale mumbled loud enough to be heard.
“Just listen, kid!” Illadar demanded as his eyes began to glaze. An overwhelming amount of frustration and sorrow rushed through him. “I would never willingly fight alongside that poor excuse of a man had there not been severe consequences for declining.” He glanced down, pounding his fist to the floor. “It was just me and my wife, Kleana; we had a very simple, yet extremely blissful life just outside the kingdom walls. Once, I was able to earn enough as an apprentice blacksmith workin’ within Mirion’s marketplace. We were gonna’ plan for our first child and move away. Life seemed so wonderful—she was so beautiful.” His jaw tightened, “Then, Jedah weaseled his way up in the King’s ranks through lies and deceit. He became well-known to the others as the general—and that’s when all chaos broke loose. Our once peaceful kingdom became filled with turmoil. King Valamar was a good ruler, but all too easily manipulated by Jedah’s words. Upon hearin’ the news that a dragon had attacked his only daughter, war was declared upon their entire race. Jedah convinced the King that they were all equally vicious and capable of slaughtering a child without second
thought. Since dragons lived on unruled land, General Jedah had free reign to slaughter them as he desired. Many surrounding kingdoms and towns disagreed with Mirion’s course of action, but having no authority over the free territories they could do little without endangering their own well-being. Should they attack Jedah’s army, it would result in a declaration of war.”
“Illadar,” Kale cut him off, “if that is your actual name; why are you telling me all this? You stand before me breathing because I wanted to hear your excuse for fighting against dragon-kind. You are wasting my time, and my patience grows short.”
“Didn’t anyone teach you how to remain quiet when others speak, kid? Just listen. What I tell you is necessary for you to fully understand.” He waited for Kale to settle against the wall before continuing. “It was durin’ this time Jedah began to enlist for battle. He issued a mandatory law that was placed into effect so anyone he deemed able would take an accelerated trainin’ course. Those chosen would advance from a page to an able knight—ready for battle. The trainin’ was rigorous and I barely had any time to visit Kleana. Jedah had pulled males from within the kingdom and all immediate surroundings to fight. There were young boys and elderly men who were stripped from their families.”
“Why didn’t you just stand up to him and say no?” Kale questioned.
“Didn’t I tell you a law was in place? Had I disobeyed, it would have jeopardized my life. My wife couldn’t bear the thought and pleaded with me to join. She told me that when I returned we would try for a family and get away from the madness. Although I despised Jedah, I went along with the trainin’ for the sake of having the chance to hold a beautiful baby in my arms one day. I kissed her forehead and promised I would return. Kleana feared for me, but told me she knew we would be together again.” Illadar shifted uncomfortably. “With each dragon that fell, I acquired a bitter hatred toward the general. It tore me up inside to slay beings that had done us no harm—all because of Jedah’s manipulation. He instilled fear upon the men, ranting about how the dragons could attack without notice, and take their families if not killed.”
