B006T5JMRC EBOK by Aya Knight Read Free Book Online

chances could be taken. His blue eyes panned the area, ensuring they were alone. He knew he needed to keep a clear head and get both he and Thomas to a safe location for the night.

Thomas’ eyelashes fluttered against one another as his eyes slowly opened. The bright orange and yellow light caused him to wrinkle his forehead, squinting as his pupils dilated. He licked his tongue against dry lips, adjusting his crimson pointed hat as he sat upright.
    Where am I? Thomas thought to himself, peering around the area as he investigated his surroundings. He noticed a wooden caravan, immobile and missing a wheel. It looked as though it had been ransacked. There was a large red splatter on the side he was able to view from where he sat. The rear door had been ripped from its hinges and remnants of what was left behind lay scattered within the bed of the caravan, trailing onto the ground outside. He could not see any horses in front to pull the vehicle, nor could he make out any other people around.
    The fire snapped and popped as a log settled deeper into the hot coals which caused Thomas to focus his attention in that direction. He immediately noticed the silhouette of a figure moving on the opposite side, causing Thomas to hunch down instinctively.
    “Who’s there?” Thomas called out to the mysterious figure.
    Whatever it was, mumbled and spoke in an indistinguishable voice. As the figure stood, Thomas raised his arm, facing a palm toward the person. We must have gotten caught by the General’s men, Thomas thought in panic. He knew that in his current state, if he didn’t act now, there might not be a second chance to escape. As Thomas opened his mouth to begin chanting a magical attack, a voice shouted out.
    “Stop!” It was Kale.
    Thomas had nearly turned his friend into a pile of ash. “Jumping balt toads, Kale, I could’ve killed you! Why didn’t you say something when I asked who you were?”
    “Well, for one, I was eating when you asked. Secondly, in your current state, I would be impressed if I saw even a spark flicker from your fingertips. You’ve only been asleep for a couple of hours—hardly enough to rejuvenate your energy for spell casting. I assume that in your condition it will be a few more days before you’re able to conjure anything. You’ve expended everything on turning me into this ugly heap of human flesh.” Kale flicked a twig into the fire. “Just be thankful I don’t know any magic or I’d change you into a cockroach—the only thing filthier than a human.” He laughed at his own sinister joke.
    Thomas disregarded Kale’s threat. He knew how childish Kale could be when upset and had grown accustomed to it over the years.
    Kale reached his arms above his head to stretch and Thomas could now clearly see that he had somehow acquired clothing.
    “How did you get those?” He pointed toward the shirt and pants Kale now wore. “While you’re at it, you can also explain where we are and how we arrived.” Thomas scanned the area; his mind filled with questions to be answered.
    Kale explained that after Thomas collapsed, Kale carried him through the woods, still staggering as he slowly mastered how to properly walk on human legs. They detoured from the main trail, venturing through the thick forest vegetation to avoid any possible encounters. Kale assumed there would be lingering knights stationed nearby in case Firehart returned to his den. Kale continued, informing Thomas how he journeyed through the darkness until discovering a dirt trail deep within the woods, bordered by thick pine trees.
    In all his time living nearby, he had never known of the trail. Because of the small trail being placed in such seclusion, he could only assume it was used by thieves and tradesmen to transport goods between villages. After a brief debate, he decided it would be less risky to follow the trail versus carrying Thomas aimlessly through the forest. He hoped luck was in his favor and there were no humans