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

against his knees with each step.
    “Show yourself.” Kale demanded as he made way to a nearby sand dune. His feet tromped heavily to outmatch the granules of sand that constantly cascaded down the side of the sizable mound.
    Once perched atop the dune, Kale carefully scanned the area for any sign of life. He took great caution to continuously check on the safety of his friends from below. Kale was confident that should any trouble approach where they slept, he could confront the attacker swiftly, before any damage could be done. Despite his readiness for an ambush, there was no one to be seen.
    Am I losing my mind? Kale went to slap his own face, but quickly hesitated as the weight of each claw tugged at his wrists, reminding him of the abnormality protruding from his fingers. For a moment, he was worried that he may have fallen into a slumber without realization, and this was yet another of Zasha’s tricks within his subconscious.
    A deep rumble of laughter tore through the silence. “Stand mighty, Firehart, fear is not becoming of our kind.”
    Kale narrowed his right eye. “Fear?” He forced a laugh in return. “I do not fear you! It is you after all who secludes yourself within the darkness—coward. Now show yourself.” He lifted his clawed-hand and swiped it threateningly through the air. The wind swooshed loudly, and for a moment, Kale felt intimidating with his self-proclaimed weaponry.
    The heavy breath hit the back of Kale’s neck, causing him to spin around and thrash his clawed hands in a frenzy. Realizing he was not under attack, Kale once again confronted nothing more than surrounding darkness.
    “I do not understand. Why do you toy with me? If you wield magic, what is your intention toward us?” Kale grew irritated by the game.
    “I stand before you now—yet you do not see. Open your eyes, young Firehart.” The voice replied.
    “If you are standing before me, then you would see that my eyes are , and have been open. I grow weary of these riddles. Leave us be.”
    “That I cannot do, for I have come to aid you tonight. Tell me, Firehart, what is your most significant regret.”
    “It’s no concern of yours.”
    “I shall answer for you. You regret remaining in seclusion while your brethren fell to Jedah’s wrath.”
    Kale immediately froze, tilting his head to the right side as he examined the open space. The air felt surprisingly warm. “How do you know such details about me . . .?”
    “Trust my words, if you wish to see.” The voice paused. “Answer me this—what have you traveled so far to accomplish?”
    Kale was taken aback by the question. There was no way he would confide the truth to this stranger—this voice.
    “You come to bring life to dragon-kind!” The booming voice answered himself.
    “Close your eyes, Kale Firehart. Close them and envision your brethren.”
    Kale hesitated. Never before would he have considered letting his guard completely down—yet somehow, he knew he could trust whoever— whatever spoke. He took another quick glance toward where the others ignorantly slept before letting his lids drop. Kale exhaled and pictured in his mind the once mighty dragons.
    “Now, young one—see the truth!”
    Kale’s eyes shot open. His jaw hung at the sight before him. He took two large steps back, staggering to keep balance upon the dune.
    “It cannot be. . .” Kale’s words were soft-spoken.
    There before him, stood the Emerald Prince.
    Chapter 5: The Hunt

    “I mpossible! How—how can this be? You were the first to be slain in Jedah’s senseless war upon our kind.” Kale stood in place, awestruck by the sight of the slightly transparent dragon.
    “It is true. I was slain by that monstrous creature. Though my mortal body has perished, my soul lives on, as do the rest of our brethren.” The Emerald Prince lowered his head closer to Kale.
    “Then why have you not come to me sooner? I have been wandering on an aimless quest through this hideous sand pit, and