A Dragon's Awakening

by Aya Knight

  Illadar rubbed his temples. “Between many of the battles, we would return to the kingdom for recuperation and to train more knights to replace those who had fallen. On the day of our departure to hunt the Ice Matriarch, Sylicia, Kleana received news from the midwife that we were expectin’ the child we dreamt about. Although the news had come sooner than we anticipated, both she and I were overjoyed. I was going to become a father—no words could explain how I felt inside.” Illadar brushed his arm against his cheeks, wiping away the tears he could no longer contain. “I left with the army that afternoon, confident I’d return to my family—my beautiful family. But, everything changed. Upon arrivin’ at Sylicia’s cave, I met a boy; he made me think about my own unborn child and my heart filled with sympathy for what his parents must be goin’ through—what he must’ve been goin’ through. The boy was so scared and I knew he wasn’t properly trained to fight such a mighty beast. And old Sylicia—she was sleepin’ so peacefully—she just wanted to be left alone. I couldn’t take it anymore!” The veins on his neck throbbed as he clenched his jaw. “After the battle began, the young boy was wounded by one of Sylicia’s strikes. I had to rescue the boy. When I saw him lyin’ in his own blood, I could no longer bow down to Jedah’s cruel desires.” Illadar stared deep into Kale’s eyes. “I stopped fightin’ and ran to lift the unconscious child into my arms—he was barely hangin’ onto life. Despite Jedah’s commands for me to stay, I left and brought the boy to the nearest town for immediate medical attention. I traded all my weaponry and armor to ensure he would receive proper care. After I knew he was safe, I expended my strength to quickly journey back to my wife. I hoped to beat Jedah’s army so I could find her and escape to safety far away from Mirion. When I returned,” he swallowed hard as his suppressed emotions flooded his mind, “they had already made it back—the general’s army beat me to Mirion. I was stunned. It was nightfall, and I managed to make it to my home without the notice of any royal guards patrolling. I will never forget what I saw.”

  Illadar’s thick fingers cupped his face as he spoke. “They killed her—that murderous devil, Jedah, killed my wife! She was carrying our baby! Before my very eyes, my dear innocent wife who had never harmed a soul in her life lay face down in her own blood. The weapon used went straight through her heart and struck so forcefully that I could see the exit wound on her back. Jedah must have had her held in place when he thrust his sword into her body. He did it all because of me—to spite me for my betrayal to his meaningless battle.” His anger returned as he repeatedly slammed his knuckles to the floor.

  “What happened next?” Kale’s face softened as he felt the sting of Illadar’s painful past.

  “I heard his voice—Jedah.” Illadar’s tear-filled eyes burned with hatred as he spoke. “He knew I was inside; they had been awaitin’ my arrival all along. The general asked if I liked my homecoming surprise. At that moment, my life shattered—I wanted to die too, I wanted to see my loving wife again. I knew she would be disappointed with such thoughts. Even though she was gone, I felt as though she was still watchin’ over me—tellin’ me I had to keep on livin’. My purpose in life had not been fulfilled, and I was then certain I needed to somehow escape. The time would come when I could seek revenge upon Jedah and rid the world of his cruelty. That would be the ultimate vengeance for my family.” His swelled eyes locked onto Kale’s. “Sayin’ goodbye to my wife on that night was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I poured oil across the floor and onto the walls; I knew I had to be ready for their entrance. As they infiltrated my home, I smashed a lantern and lit the place up. The intense fire seemed to distract them enough for me to escape from the rear. I ran all night and into the next day, until my body could no longer carry on and needed to rest. So you see, kid, those are the events which have led me here. I suggest you learn to control your temper and listen to others before actin’ out so irrationally.”

  Kale looked down, feeling slightly guilty for his previous actions. “You could have made things easier, you know, by being honest with me from the beginning.”

  “And risk being caught by Jedah? I think not. You can’t be too easy to trust others, Kale. One false move and your life could turn upside down. As you’ve seen tonight—word travels fast across Ravondore.” He paused. “Though, I’m sure you are well aware of this since you also have been hiding information from me—I can feel the proof on my neck.” Illadar wiped his cheeks, feeling as though a heavy weight had lifted from his heart.

  “I’m very sorry for your loss.” Kale truly meant his words, even though Illadar had participated in slaying his kind. “But I have to go; I can’t do this right now. Though, you have valid reasons for what you’ve done, I am not able to accept your actions at this time.” Without another word Kale left, making his way slowly toward the inn, still recovering from the alcohol.

  He could not understand why he hadn’t stayed with Illadar in his current state; they had both shared losses. Yet, he couldn’t force himself to offer forgiveness. Kale needed to clear his mind before confronting Illadar again. In his heart, he knew Illadar’s intentions were good. Kale knew that, in all honesty, he would have done the same if presented with the situation. Because of those who fought alongside Jedah—Kale was now alone as the last of his kind.

  As he made his way past a row of smaller houses, he couldn’t help but notice the vibrant full moon peeking through the abundance of grey clouds. He was captivated by the pale glow that washed over the town. Suddenly, his instincts began to send signals to his mind—someone or something was watching him—eyeing his every step. The hair on the back of his neck stood stiff as he glanced around in all directions. I wonder if this is the remnants of ale running through my body. Kale remained alert as he continued his walk toward the inn when suddenly he saw it—the silhouette of someone perched upon the wooden barrier wall. The obscure individual gracefully balanced upon the spiked tips. They remained deathly still as if stalking him from afar.

  Kale needed to know who was watching him; he wanted to get a closer look in an attempt to confront the mysterious intruder. To Kale’s disappointment, the stalker leapt off the wall, disappearing out of sight as if they could sense his motives. Kale scrunched his forehead, baffled by the occurrence. The wall was easily ten feet tall and had no surrounding trees to climb. He couldn’t understand how the individual managed to, not only reach the top, but also leap off so effortlessly. Tension quickly set in as he pondered the thought of the man in black returning to finish his mission. As much as Kale desired to release his anger upon the man, for once again ruining his life, he knew doing so would jeopardize the townsfolk—and his identity. His revenge would, yet again, require patience, something of which he had little. Kale struggled to calm himself, quickly returning to the temporary sanctuary of the inn. He needed to think. Over the next hours, action would be taken—he had to leave Braxle behind. A new and uncertain destiny awaited.

  Chapter 12: Uncertainties

  As Kale entered the inn, he was immediately bombarded by Alden who lightly gripped his shoulders. A few of his men gathered behind, all glaring intently toward Kale. Despite the late hour, Alden’s eyes were wide and alert.

  “Is he still here, boy? The man you met tonight, is he still within these walls?”

  Kale was exhausted and desired nothing more than to return to his room. “No.” He wearily replied. “He’s gone.” Although Kale was mentally and physically exerted, he couldn’t help but wonder why the new travelers were inquiring about the dark figure. “Are you an acquaintance of his?” Kale’s eyes narrowed as he read Alden’s expression.

  “No, boy, I am quite offended you would assume so. I suppose it is best that you ask though—one can’t be too sure. He is a foul being and could have easily infiltrated scouts into the town without notice, for all we are aware. I cannot provide you great detail; however, we are fighting against the man you’ve encountered tonight, along with the
general of a fierce group of knights. I’m sure you are already aware of Mirion’s army, if you hold enough importance to be confronted by the dark man.”

  Then, as if Alden could read Kale’s confused expression, he continued, “Word travels quickly within this small town. One of my men returned shortly after the incident with information on the encounter.” His eyes pierced Kale’s as he spoke, “I will warn you—at all costs, do not allow the man in black to touch you with his hands.”

  “What happens if he does?” Kale was surprised at the amount of information Alden knew about their mutual adversaries. He wanted to know more.

  “Kale, where have you been?! I’ve waited hours in hopes you were all right. I was about to go in search of your whereabouts.” Thomas made his way down the wooden stairs with dark circles beneath his drooping lower eyelids. “When Alden alerted me to your situation, I’m sure you could imagine my distraught reaction when you did not return to the inn right away.” He approached Kale, conflicted with both relief and anger.

  Although Kale was happy to see his friend, he still wanted to learn more from Alden who was slinging a green sack over his shoulder.

  “I apologize, but we must leave this town tonight. The man in black will be on the move and we must attempt to find the location of their camp. He will not be traveling alone and I’m sure there is a vast amount of knights accompanying him on the journey. It baffles me why he chose to enter this town, appearing to come alone—unless he was searching for someone of importance.” Alden then tossed a small velvet sack filled with coins onto a wooden table to his side. “I do hope that will repay Mortimer for his generosity while we were here.” He once again reached into his cloak, withdrawing a gold coin which he held out toward Kale, “This is for you—for your trouble preparing our weaponry order. It should suffice so that you may purchase any provisions for your journey ahead.”

  Kale’s eyes grew wide. He had never owned nor touched a gold coin before and knew they were of great value. He gratefully thanked Alden for his generosity.

  Alden then continued, “We will now make way for the blacksmith’s; I do hope that Galin does not mind our abrupt arrival in the middle of night. We must retrieve any weaponry he has available to fill our caravan.”

  Kale knew that in Illadar’s current emotional state, he would not want to be bothered by Alden and his men. However, he didn’t dare confide Illadar’s personal business to the men. Kale knew well enough that the blacksmith could handle himself—regardless of the circumstances.

  Suddenly, a brilliant idea dawned on Kale, “Why don’t we join you? We desire nothing more than to see the general’s demise. Working together will only strengthen the cause.”

  Alden cleared his throat. “My deepest apologies; we prefer to travel alone, taking on no additions to our party. As I’ve mentioned before, you can’t be too sure when it comes to the general’s methods and anyone we meet could pose a threat. Maybe the hands of fate shall bring us together again someday.” He smiled. “Until then,” he bowed, “it has been a pleasure, and I wish you well.”

  Kale dropped onto the bed as his head spun with thoughts. The inn was silent without Alden and his men stirring about.

  “I regret to say there is no time to rest. Kale, we must pack and prepare to depart as soon as possible. Now that things have stirred, I am certain it’s only a matter of time before they return with full force. We don’t know their location… Warriors could arrive at any moment.”

  “Do you think I haven’t already planned to leave? I’m not an idiot—I know we can no longer remain here. The man in black—he knows who I am.”

  Thomas rested his chin atop his knuckles, “Jumping balt toads, this is worse than I thought.” He sighed. “We will need to go into hiding once again. They will certainly be scouting the area for you. I had assumed that the man in black was not human. It is simply incredible that he had such skill as to identify you so easily.”

  “It’s not only me they’re after…” Kale rolled onto his side to face Thomas. “They’re after the blacksmith too. His real name is Illadar and he has been in hiding as well since he abandoned General Jedah’s army—it’s quite a long story.” Kale fumbled with his hands in silence as he looked to his heart for answers. Kale gritted his teeth with determination as he came to a conclusion. “I want Illadar to join us. I wasn’t sure if I was going to meet with him, but now I’m certain; we’re all in this together from here on out.”

  Kale rolled onto his back, still clouded with uncertainties involving their future. Despite their growing party, they were still far from confronting Jedah and his army. “I feel lost, Thomas.” He closed his eyes, “What have I done with my life? Although, I will likely regret saying this, Braxle has become my home. By leaving here, I will feel as though I am losing everything all over again. I don’t even know what we’re going to do now—we have nowhere to go. Why did this all have to happen?” He exhaled as he sat upright, already missing the soft comfort of his bed. “I’m ready, Thomas.”

  “Do not worry yourself; there is always somewhere to go, dear friend. It will all work out.” Thomas smiled, knowing that although Kale didn’t realize it, he had already grown so much inside. As Thomas continued to ensure their belongings were packed, he could sense big things were about to happen.

  The moonlight leaked through the front windows of the inn and Kale blinked, regaining full focus on his surroundings as he scrunched the skin between his brows. The loud squawking of a black crow which sat perched upon one of the windowsills caused him to groan loudly. Kale rubbed his temples as the pain permeated his throbbing head.

  “Drinking will do that to you.” Thomas spoke as he slung his red pack over a shoulder. “Maybe next time you’ll caution yourself to watch your pace.”

  “Though I’m sure the drinking is at fault, this wretched bird is not helping the matter.” He growled in the direction of the crow.

  “Is everything all right you two?” Mortimer spoke from the darkness, causing Kale to jump in surprise. “I apologize for startling you. However, I heard a lot of movement and wanted to ensure no mid-night guests had arrived.

  “We are fine, Morty. It is we who should apologize for waking you,” Thomas replied.

  Kale glanced over to the velvet pouch Alden had earlier left behind for Mortimer. “The travelers left earlier. They wanted you to take that as pay.” He looked down, feeling guilty that they too would soon leave Mortimer.

  “My goodness.” Mortimer held the sack in his palm as if to weigh it. “This is far more than the cost of their stay. What kind gentlemen they were.” He glanced toward the window, “I need to purchase more tomatoes today.” The old man’s mind had begun to wander again.

  Neither Kale nor Thomas wanted to deliver the news to Mortimer. They both knew he had truly enjoyed their company and would be incredibly lonely once they left. Though Mortimer portrayed a cheerful and content man, it was clear he anxiously awaited the arrival of travelers to keep him company.

  Finally, Thomas spoke, “I’m sorry, Morty, but we too shall be leaving Braxle tonight. Our time has come to move on, as we do not wish to bring our burden upon this town. It would seem our luck has run thin.”

  “Oh—this is sudden.” Behind Mortimer’s thick glasses, his enlarged eyes filled with sadness.

  “There have been some unexpected occurrences and we both feel it is in the best interest of the people here for us to leave. We thank you for all you’ve done; your hospitality has been far too gracious.”

  “Yes, thank you. The meals I’ve had while staying here are the best I have ever eaten in my life,” Kale added, grateful for Mortimer’s kindness.

  “I understand, and do appreciate you are good to your word and will not bring your troubles upon us. However, I cannot say this doesn’t come as an unfortunate surprise.” He sighed. “I—I need to go clean out the stor
age area now then rest…” Mortimer’s voice trailed off as he turned, leaving the room.

  Kale and Thomas stood in silence, knowing Mortimer was upset about their departure. Though unpleasant, they knew there was no other way to handle the situation. Kale rubbed his stomach as he realized just how much he was going to miss the comforts of the inn. Although Kale still wasn’t keen on the thought of humans, he had grown to care for and appreciate Mortimer.

  Before leaving for Illadar’s home, Kale reached into his pocket, withdrawing the gold coin Alden had given to him. He smiled, hoping one day he would see Mortimer again as he set the coin onto the wooden table. “Goodbye, Morty,” he whispered. “I won’t forget you.”

  As they exited the inn, Kale could see a mass of dark grey clouds rolling in from the west. They would need to move quickly in order to make camp before the storm.

  “Please, wait a moment!” Mortimer hurriedly approached them, carrying a wrapped bundle within his arms. “Put this into your bag, Thomas. You’re going to need something to eat when you arrive at your next destination.” He glanced from Thomas to Kale. “Please take care, you two.” He forced a smile before quickly returning to the inn.

  Kale sighed as they watched Mortimer disappear. “Let’s go, old man.” He rested a hand on Thomas’ shoulder as they walked toward the town square.