Valo

by Jonathan Kuiper

  “You can’t just leave the island. There’s only one way off.”

  “Amateur. Junkai who is this kid?”

  The dog postured towards the boy. He growled.

  “Believe me boy I can. But before Junkai and I leave, this is your only chance to prove your worth. Make it good.”

  Riley searched for an idea that would make the hunter believe his loyalty. His parents warned him of this possibility and even then he didn’t like their suggestions.

  “Five seconds, then Junkai is going to rip out your throat.”

  “That’s not the deal.”

  “One. Two,” Bilal looked down at his dog.

  Unsure what to say to a trained killer, Riley put his hands up to ward off the approaching dog.

  “Three. Four.”

  Junkai didn’t wait. The Croatian sheepdog leapt in the air and knocked Riley to the ground.

  “The nests.”

  “Halt,” he said to Junkai. “And what about the nests?”

  His tears falling freely, Riley sniffled his way through his response. “The loons and the other birds . . . I know where they nest, where the babies are.”

  Bilal clapped his hands once and the dog immediately went to his side.

  “Now you have my attention. Have you used a knife before, boy?”

  * * *

  Luza covered her mouth. She didn’t have a response of any kind as the details of that night came clear. Keira took it all in stride. Whether it was from the last few days or their interactions, she couldn’t feel sorry for the Prince of Perucica.

  “Did you use the knife?” Keira wanted to know.

  “Does it matter?” Luza glared at the teen.

  “Maybe it does to me. How far did he go, could he go to prove his allegiances to Bilal?”

  “He didn’t have a choice. Bilal would have killed him. Then what would have happened to me, to you? Don’t berate him.”

  “I’m not berating him. I’m asking a question; one that I expect an answer to, no less.”

  Riley eyes were red. Between the occasional sniffle he had tried his best to maintain his composure throughout his story.

  “It’s okay Luza. I’ll answer it.”

  “And,” Keira waited impatiently. She tapped her foot.

  “When we arrived at the nesting grounds, he saw that my hand was shaking. I didn’t get a chance to do anything. He took the knife from me and wrapped a blindfold around my eyes. I don’t know what’s worse taking him there thinking I was going to have to partake in this infanticide, or the fact he made me listen to it all, like the scared little boy I was.”

  “You don’t have to say another word,” Luza reached out and rested her hand on the small of his back.

  “I didn’t physically kill any of those birds, but my actions resulted in their unnecessary deaths. I don’t think I could have gone through with it again if I was given the choice.”

  Luza wanted to hold the prince close to her after his admission. He also felt like he needed to fall into her arms and sob.

  Keira had mixed feelings over the story. Even as she processed what he shared, none of it seemed to fit.

  Looking at Riley though and his distraught state, she decided for the time being to stop pressing him for more details.

  How did Bilal know of another way off the island? That’s what ate at her.

  Who was waiting for them?

  If he had help, where was that help now?

  It might have felt cold to the others, but Keira turned away from the couple and continued walking.

  Luza remained behind. She held Riley close. Her long wispy hair practically covered both of their faces, as she leaned in and whispered, “You did what you had to do. There’s nothing wrong with making a decision.”

  “Still, it doesn’t make it right,” Riley said softly.

  “I understand how much it hurts, but if you hadn’t I might not be here today.”

  “I know and for that reason alone I have some hope for redemption.”

  * * *

  The fire plants created a unique walking environment for Keira. With each step it appeared that unruly shadows were moving closer to the princess. Yet as she turned and looked in the general direction of the plants the shadows were evidently created by the multitude of goldenrods and lilies a few feet away.

  Still, she felt like she was being watched. Tightening the straps to her bag, Keira looked to the left and right wondering if there was a set of eyes, or sets watching her every move.

  Her hearing was more in tune in her current state. Granted she didn’t have Luza’s hearing where she could pick out the heartbeat of a creature fifty feet away. She could hear footsteps and the flapping of wings far better now than before.

  It would take a very special creature to come up on her without Keira knowing.

  She walked, alone along the path for several minutes. While she didn’t see it earlier, perhaps due to her preoccupation with the shadows, a series of familiar large stone fountains came into view.

  There were several fountains each that flowed into individual pools. The remaining canopy of tree cover was all but gone and the fire plants ceased as she approached the glowing blue stoned fountains.

  Each fountain was placed in a different direction. Mums bordered the fountains as they stood watch on this crucifix-inspired trail with four distinct paths to follow, with Keira coming in from the southern direction.

  Looking around, all the fountains were of animals. There was one of a wolf, another of a badger, a turkey, and even a pig. All four were lifelike, giving the impression that if Keira stood too close they would come alive.

  Away from the four that marked the cardinal points of a compass, a larger statue stood in the middle. Unlike the others, this was of no beast or bird.

  Keira was immediately drawn to the statue. She half expected it to be of a faerie with the understanding this used to be their domain. To her surprise, it was nothing of the sort. This statue was unique. It was still stone, a stone she had never seen, one that glowed and shined in the darkness.

  Whoever carved the stone created a ten foot tall tree with branches that reached out in the direction of each animal. The trunk had streaks of white and purple light emulating from within.

  “Valo,” a voice called out from the shadows.

  Keira looked around and saw nothing.

  “Valo.”

  “I have heard that word before.”

  “The light is what it means. Certainly we all need a little of that in our lives don’t we?” the voice got louder and closer.

  Keira turned her head, wanting to catch a glimpse of her visitor.

  “Tell me you’re not a faerie,” Keira closed her eyes and prayed.

  “I’m not a faerie, nor am I what you would expect me to be.”

  “More terrifying, right?”

  “That remains to be seen. I could be the destroyer of dreams and purveyor of hopes, or simply an old bird wanting to greet his guest.”

  Keira watched a rather large bird, covered in black and grey feathers waddle into view. The bird had a grey head and his belly was completely white. She could tell he was more comfortable in water than on land, as his webbed feet meandered over the hardened stones.

  “You look like one of Birchard’s friends, should he have any. I don’t know if he is capable of that much.”

  The old loon nodded with his black spear shaped bill. White hairs were prevalent under his chin, making him look significantly more distinguished.

  His red eyes gave away his parentage.

  “You’re taller than I had pegged you for, girl. You must get those legs from your father’s side.”

  “Or my mother, she wasn’t that little either.”

  He laughed. “Your tongue is certainly from her, no doubt on that one child. Although you are polite that’s for sure. I’ve seen that frame and that pose, and the legacy of your eyes.”

  Keira leaned down and offered her hand to the loon.

&n
bsp; “Is this how it works?” she smiled.

  “Maybe if I was at court,” the loon lifted one of his webbed feet and let her shake it gently. “After all these years you still know how to make an old loon smile. Don’t tell the others should you see them. They think I’m a cranky old man with an attitude to match.”

  He lowered his webbed foot and smiled.

  “Keira the Princess of the Forest – welcome to Valo.”

  “The light,” Keira looked again at the tree. “I like that name. You are the Great Loon I presume.” She bowed formally to the old bird.

  “Charlie is fine too, but let’s keep that between you and me child.”

  The loon put her at ease.

  “I suppose I should take you to my traveling companions.”

  “That’s unnecessary. They will be here shortly. When they arrive pay no heed to what I say for that is for them to hear and you to ignore,” he winked at the teen.

  “Did you see my father?”

  “Later my child,” the Great Loon flapped his wings and landed on the middle branch of the stone tree.

  * * *

  “There you are,” Luza called out.

  Riley had regained his composure after his previous confession. No longer carrying the secrets of his past, the boy walked more upright. His face appeared weathered but his spirit renewed as he stepped forward towards Keira and the tree.

  “The prodigal children have returned,” the Great Loon squawked from his perch. “What a heavy price we paid to have made it so.”

  “He had to do what was necessary,” Luza rested her hands on her hips and called out to the bird. “What else would you have had him do?”

  “Stop Princess. I can speak for myself,” Riley tapped Luza on the shoulder.

  She shrugged him off, “No, look at him up there, all smug in his tree. He’s supposed to be the all knowing gate keeper.”

  “All knowing? That’s a new title.” He looked to Keira. “Did you know that I’m all knowing?”

  Keira was about to answer when the loon turned back to Luza. “Just think you could have avoided joining the likes of two legs — did you know that? That’s his fault too.”

  Riley was hesitant to engage the loon. Reluctantly, he said in a low voice, “How?”

  “Aside from stating the obvious with your great deeds here on the island now known throughout the land, the simple fact she fell into the pool of life saving you.”

  “That wouldn’t have changed me,” Luza said.

  “True, unless Princess Keira called out to the Great Mother for healing,” the Great Loon smirked. “You see child of the north, and Prince of Perucica, anything given must be taken away. There is balance in this life. Neither one of you have come to learn that yet.”

  “So I am the reason Luza can’t change back?” Keira looked curiously at the bird.

  He left his perch and flew to her arm.

  Heavier than Birchard, she shifted her legs to maintain her balance.

  “No her deeds and his actions led to you having to respond the way you did.”

  “You’re blaming us?” Luza frowned. “I hate birds.”

  “Not the best time Luza,” Riley said.

  “Yes and what will you now say to me Prince? Will you tell me that since I knew what was going to happen it was okay for it to occur?”

  Riley was at a loss for words. He stammered over his response. “You could have moved them to safety.”

  “Ahh yes, and then old mean Bilal would have cut your throat out. At least Luza here might still be a fox heh? What do you think? Did you need Riley here to complete the task, to make Keira whole again?”

  “My mother said it had to be done!”

  “Where is she now Riley? Is she safe on her throne? Your family always thinks they are acting on the greater good, but while you preach consequences to the young princess there, it’s your deeds that have spun their two lives in a manner that could have been avoided. Tell Keira who’s at fault for what happened to her mother. Then you can ask me for forgiveness.”

  “You’re an old, mean bird,” Luza cried out.

  “I’ve been called worse.”

  “Princess Keira, remember this, a family cannot fix the deeds of the past simply by forcing a prophecy to come to action. That is where Riley and his parents went astray. I fear you will continue to have to deal with those consequences.”

  “Whose side are you on anyway?’ Luza interrupted.

  “My own. I always have and always will be. That’s how you survive these perilous times. My loons won’t engage in this struggle. Birchard my loyal servant has helped you out of kindness, nothing more.”

  “So where is he now?”

  “I don’t keep track of the comings and goings of my subjects, and nor will I. As for you,” He gave one final look to Riley, “you are welcome here for what you need to do, but don’t ever speak to me again unless you are willing to bring my children back from their early grave.”

  Not waiting for a response, further apology, or any discourse, the old loon shot out into the sky. Away from the three teens the bird flew towards the trees on the northern part of the island.

  * * *

  On the other side of the lake, far from the island, a Mustang drove into a small fishing village. Parked against the city dock, the man had paid a handsome sum to commandeer a boat for the following morning. He had no qualms with waiting till then.

  Weary from hours of driving, from cleaning up a mess he had nothing to do with, the man rested in a one room flat. He had been traveling for months, doing what was necessary to survive and to serve his rightful king.

  Like all men, he wished for more time, but yet he knew with all the pieces now in motion, his ability to make a difference was greater now than at any other point in his short life. He prayed for the strength to act when others froze. He had to succeed where others didn’t or his life would be forfeit.

  Chapter 12

  “That went as expected.” Riley held tightly onto his knees. He was hunched over and wanted to hurl.

  “He wasn’t that mean when I came by last time,” Luza said. She wondered if the bird would return anytime soon.

  “Maybe he doesn’t like your new hair,” Keira threw her hands up.

  “Cute Princess. I think he’s just an old crotchety loon.”

  “But his insight is thought provoking. He makes me wonder how all of our choices lead to —”

  “Don’t act all pretentious now. You still didn’t have to attack the boy at McDonalds,” Riley regained his stature. “You being a mountain lion doesn’t give you a right to do whatever you want.”

  “Hold a grudge much? Does your being a deer, or member of some royal family in a place I’ve never been, give you the right to interfere anymore with my life?”

  “Both of you stop.”

  “Yes we’ll listen to you Luza. You are the voice of all reason.” Keira rolled her eyes at the teen. “You both heard him. My mother was killed in Perucica under their watch. That doesn’t give Riley the right to come and go under this banner of making things right.”

  “That’s not what he meant.”

  “Then what did he mean?” Keira looked at both Luza and Riley wanting an answer.

  “You are talking out of your backside. You don’t need to understand nor do you want to. You’re just a stuck up sheltered little girl who’s father didn’t even trust or love her enough to tell the truth until Bilal was banging down his front door.”

  “Screw you Riley!” Keira’s eyes watered. She felt the rage from within building. Unable to contain herself, Keira slapped Riley across the face.

  He stumbled backwards from the impact.

  Luza didn’t move to assist him. Awestruck, she stood silently.

  Keira turned from both of the teens and walked in the direction the loon had flown. It took all of her strength to not shift into an animal form and punish Riley for the words he had just said.

  * * *

  Keira walked br
iskly along the northern trail. She didn’t care anymore about Riley. From her perspective, Luza was getting very close to being cut off as well. The entire situation disgusted her.

  “Why did it have to be like this?”

  “It’s not a matter of whether it had to, it is child,” the Great Loon appeared from the shadows and returned to Keira’s shoulder.

  “Are you the only one here now?”

  “If you knew anything about loons, you would know the answer to that question already.”

  “I meant the little ones.”

  “Let’s deal with one issue at a time.”

  “But Great Loon —”

  “Charlie. Call me Charlie. You make me feel old otherwise.”

  “Fine, Charlie. How does this all work now? I don’t understand anything. It’s like you blasted him.”

  “You did a fair job yourself. His face will sting for sometime after what you gave him.”

  She leaned her head towards the bird, “You saw that?”

  “I didn’t see it, but I know it happened. Does that make the result any different?”

  “Now you sound like Birchard.”

  “Do I though?”

  Keira laughed. “Are you his father?”

  “I can’t deny we have a shared bloodline.”

  “That’s obvious. Are you sure you’re not one in the same? Maybe you have some magic in you. I have yet to see you and him in the same spot. From what you shared ...”

  “Child let’s not ponder the possibilities. Come let me show you what makes this island so beautiful and take your mind off the mysteries of this world.”

  * * *

  “I don’t think I deserved that,” Riley lamented.

  “From Keira or the Great Loon? You know I have yet to comment.” Luza sat on the edge of the turkey fountain.

  He rubbed the side of his face. Taking a deep breath he did his best to smile. “It doesn’t matter, does it?”

  “Not really, I mean we’re here now. You must have felt vindicated for what you’ve done right?”

  “Luza when I look at you and know that you are in one piece, than I know I’m doing what my parents wanted me to do.”