The Half-Light

by A D Lombardo

  Kai inhaled and lifted his blue eyes upward. The storm clouds had passed. He turned his gaze to the white and gray stones of the palace where moisture still clung to the surface and highlighted flecks of silver in the granite, giving it a magical appearance in the light. Sunshine and promise overwhelmed him. He released a slow breath. The anticipation of his plan bubbled to the surface, and he chuckled.

  To leave the palace, he needed his guard. Kai set off toward the southeast watchtower across the wall. The warm autumn wind blew across his face. The smell of wet stone and earth lingered. He held his chin high as he passed several guards in search of his escort Drew who should be completing his shift. Kai hastened his pace.

  At nearly fourteen, Kai no longer spent his day with a governess. He had more freedoms to venture out. So why did he need a guard? The citizens of Diu paid him no mind, bowing, or stepping aside if they even noticed him. He longed for an adventure, the kind he would create today with the unsuspecting Drew.

  When he reached the watchtower, a different guard stood at attention. He offered a slight bow to Kai. The prince furrowed his brow and nodded. Had Drew forgotten? No. He was not one to neglect his duty.

  Kai rested a hand on his wolf’s back. “Where could Drew be, Smoke? He should have been waiting for us in the palace courtyard, and he is not at his usual post.”

  Smoke’s head cocked to one side. At ten months, his Nebean black wolf was already the same size as the Mryken guard dogs; the largest breed in the land. Big paws were an excellent indicator Smoke would be huge, even bigger than Shiva, his mother.

  One guard swore he saw Drew go to the stables, while another said he went to the dining hall, and still another who saw him heading toward the courtyard. If Kai followed their advice, he would waste half his day searching. He needed to think, not wander.

  Where would Drew go? He headed to the training yard. Keeping to the perimeter to avoid the bustle of activity, the prince scanned the area while voices and weapons rang through the air. A loud whistle broke through the noise. Soldiers formed lines and stood at attention. Their captain barked orders, directing men to pair off and practice maneuvers. The yard once again filled with the sounds of grunts and metal clanging against metal.

  With the men spread apart, Kai caught a glimpse of three captains speaking with a small group of guards. One man stood out. His broad shoulders and muscular arms stretched the limits of his dark blue guard’s uniform. A smile lifted Kai’s mouth. He’d found Drew.

  Thrilled, he ran the length of the fence and waved until he caught Drew's attention. Drew offered a quick smile and a sharp nod before he refocused his attention on his captain. Kai stopped a short distance away and waited.

  Finished, Drew approached and bowed. “Good morning, Your Highness. My apologies for not meeting you in the palace courtyard. My captain’s training duties took longer than expected.”

  Noticing Drew’s tired eyes, Kai wondered if his personal guard had overextended himself. “Good morning, Drew. Please call me Kai or Prince Kai if you must.”

  “It is of the utmost importance to show respect, especially in front of my superiors. I would not presume to show anything less around the other men.”

  “Around others, I guess I understand. But in private, please consider my request. We are friends, right?” Kai huffed. “I mean, over the past six months, you are the only guard left who was originally assigned to me. The others never last more than a few weeks before they get bored.”

  “I am your guard, first and foremost. I cannot speak for the others. I signed up because I have Kempery-man ambitions. I stay because I enjoy your company. Although you are ten years my junior, I think you need the influence of someone who won’t treat you, forgive any disrespect, like the spoiled little prince the others think you are.”

  Drew’s words felt harsh. “I know the others call me little prince. You’re the only one that takes me seriously. The only one who even talks to me, really.”

  “I treat you the way my father would, like the young man I expect you to become. Like a future King. Besides, I don’t have any brothers, you’re all I’ve got.” Drew smiled and bumped Kai’s arm.

  They passed under the inner gatehouse into Hightown Proper. The colored warehouses, shops, and homes were all four and five windows wide and four levels high. The streets bustled with carriages and high society ladies and gentlemen in their overdone hats and frilly clothing.

  Standing in front of a clothing shop, Kai laughed at the absurd styles. “They call this the latest fashion trends. Too ridiculous.” With his reflection striking the glass, he lined up his neck with the young man’s high collared shirt. “Too stuffy,” he mocked.

  “Oh, I don’t know, the socialite ladies may find you rather handsome in that one,” Drew joked.

  Their camaraderie felt fluid and natural. While their titles separated them, Kai felt a real kinship with Drew. Everyone else entertained him out of duty or because someday they would want a favor. Not Drew.

  When they reached Giardina's Bakery, Kai peered through the large arched windows. Sweets and delicate pastries, bread loaves, and cakes decorated the display. The smell of fresh baked goods wafted into the street. Kai’s mouth watered at the yummy treats.

  It wasn’t every day he indulged in such desserts. He entered and purchased one bite-size orange blossom cake and one chocolate puff swirl pastry. He smiled at Drew, who was too busy studying the crowd to notice.

  “You never eat sweets, do you?” Kai asked.

  “Too frivolous on my salary,” Drew countered.

  The Hightown Proper’s clocktower struck the hour. Kai’s eyes widened. “Barnum's Clockworks. Let’s go.” Kai darted down the street and hooked the corner; Smoke kept pace.

  Drew called after the prince. His long strides brought him back alongside Kai. They soon found themselves in the doorway of Barnum’s Clockworks. “How many times must I tell you not to run ahead,” Drew said.

  Both doors leading into the shop were propped wide open. The sound of overlapping gongs and chimes flitted into the meandering passersby. Inside the shop, every clock chimed in unison. Some melodies were soft and delicate, while others were deep and soulful. The blended tones by the eleventh strike were nearly too much to take.

  Kai covered his ears. “I wonder how the clockmaker manages all day listening to each mark of the hour?”

  “It would not be enjoyable work. Clocks make too much noise,” Drew replied, stepping back through the doorway. “I still don’t see your fascination with them.”

  “Open a clock and tell me the gears and mechanisms are not mesmerizing. Did you know there are rubies inside?”

  “I am not one for machines, Prince Kai.” Drew merged them back into the growing crowd.

  With one hand resting on Smoke’s back, Kai continued to wildly direct them through the city.

  Drew placed his hand on Kai’s shoulder, bringing them to a stop, his chiseled features sharpened into a stern glare. “Prince Kai, you need to walk with purpose. We’ll never get anywhere crisscrossing to whatever catches your eye.”

  Kai had walked them in a circle, twice. “Fine, I want to go to Midtown Plaza to see Elise.”

  In Midtown Plaza merchants haggled over wares while patrons bartered for value. Many found delectable treats from around the world. He hoped Elise saved something new for him. He and Drew crossed down one level into Midtown.

  It was astonishing to see the change in color. The Midtown homes and shops were almost all yellow; and not the vibrant yellows used in Hightown, but a pale imitation. While the homes were still four levels high, most were only two windows wide. The most notable difference was the addition of wrought-iron scrolled bars over the lower windows.

  Middletown Plaza carried row after row of colorful tents and merchant stands. Worming their way through the crowds, they neared the southeast corner where Kai spotted Elise working her merchant stall.

  “Good day to you, sir. Would you like to try a piece of kiwi? They’
re new,” Elise said to the man in front of Kai.

  “Honestly, Miss. I’m a world traveler, a collector,” the man said. “I’ve had them before, so they are not new. I will take three kiwis, six red apples, and four peaches.”

  Kiwi? Kai glanced up at the plump man with his pointy nose jutted into the air. The fat man blocked his view of the fruit in Elise’s hand. He tried again, but the crowd squeezed together around her. He no longer had a clear line of sight. “Drew, I can’t see. Does it look good?”

  “No, it does not. The fruit is brown and fuzzy, looks awful,” Drew responded. “I say we head down two streets to Maggie’s Tavern for lunch.”

  A few patrons parted, and Kai stepped up. Elise wore her usual puffy blouse, with a red and yellow rose-covered corset and a long black skirt, with her strawberry blond hair tucked under her hat. “Hello, Elise, I want to try a kiwi. Drew said it looks bad, but what does he know?” he chuckled, nudging Drew with his elbow.

  Elise offered a soft smile and an awkward curtsey. “Hello, Prince Kai, it has been some time since you’ve been to see me. You know I’d never offer you anything bad.”

  At the announcement of the prince, a few bystanders turned to gawk at Kai. He instantly felt the pressure as people crowded around him, all trying to get closer. Strangers whispered.

  “For a prince, he dresses rather common,” an old woman blabbered.

  “King Iver never comes into town anymore, outside of Kings Day or the Prince’s birthday,” her companion mocked. “This Queen keeps a tight rein on our King.”

  “Shhh, the poor dear, lost his mother.” Sympathetic nods followed the woman’s statement.

  Kai’s face felt warm. How dare they mention my mother? he fumed to himself. The crowd fell silent under Drew’s stern glare. Kai focused on the kiwi. He’d never seen one before.

  Elise split the fruit in half, and the faintest drip of clear juice dropped and splatted onto the ground. She placed half in Kai’s open hand. “Don’t eat the fuzzy brown skin, only the green flesh.”

  He took a bite, and sweetness exploded in his mouth. “It’s wonderful. I will take three more, plus the other half of the one I’m eating.” He held up the remaining piece. “Drew, you have to try this.”

  Drew clenched his jaw. The gathering crowd shoved toward Kai, and he stumbled. Smoke growled. Drew took in a deep breath; with outstretched arms, he used his long reach and pushed back the crowd. “Kai, we should get moving. Get to main streets where there are other guards on patrol.” Drew placed his hand on the young prince.

  Maybe coming into the city was not a good idea. “Thank you, Elise. We need to go.” Kai made his purchase and quickly followed Drew through the crowd.

  “Thank you, Prince Kai, come again,” Elise called after him.

  Kai followed his usual route to Castile Books. One street over and three intersections up. At the corner bookshop, Kai pressed his face against the window to peer inside. The owner, Jonah Castile, stood talking with Abram Denholm, the owner of Denholm Publishing. From his angle, Kai could see all the way through the two adjoining shops.

  Jonah waved. Abram craned his neck. They had seen him. Today was not the day to live vicariously through a book, but he was tempted by his own routine, so he entered. “Gooday Mister Castile, Mister Denholm. It is a pleasure to see you both.” Kai nodded, glancing over a new stack of books on the table. “Do you have anything I might be interested in, Mister Castile?”

  “Your Highness, so good of you to visit us today.” Jonah rounded the table. Both men bowed. “I do. A book called Treasure in Bog Willows.” He offered Kai the book.

  The cover was deep emerald green with the title embossed in gold lettering. Skimming a few random pages, Kai considered the book. “Looks very good. Trolls, knights, and treasure.”

  He eyed Abram’s printing press stamping out pages in the next shop. He yearned to watch the contraption. Still clutching the book, Kai took a step closer. Abram’s apprentice wielded the machine and hung new pages to dry. “Mister Denholm, what are you printing?”

  Denholm’s bearded face turned toothy. “Your Highness. It’s called Bone Reader, by a new Port Anahita author. You might like it. I should have his order completed within the week. I will hold a copy for you if you wish.”

  “Wonderful. Thank you, Mister Abrams. Mister Castile, I will take the Treasure in Bog Willows. I noticed the last page mentions a second story, A King’s Ransom. Do you have that too?” Kai inquired.

  “My apologies, Your Highness, I have not yet attained a copy. There is a new shipment due next month. The second part should be in that order. It will be my pleasure to secure volume two for you.”

  “Greatly appreciate your effort.” Kai made his purchase and stuffed the book into his bag, careful not to squish the kiwi. “Good afternoon, gentlemen.” With a bow and wave, he departed.

  “Where to next, Prince Kai? Perhaps lunch?” Drew said.

  “Yes. Let’s go to Maggie’s Tavern. I know my father would not approve of me exploring Rimtown, but I want to know every part of the city.”

  Drew nodded. “Rimtown is not a risky place during the day.”

  Along the way, Kai asked, “Any chance we could leave the city to explore the woods? I would like to hike through Thade Forest to Baden Lake.”

  “Prince Kai, it was a long night, I beg of you, can we go to Diu Central City Gardens instead?”

  Although Drew was usually accommodating, Kai was not surprised. Drew led Kai down to the first street inside Rimtown where every window held iron bars. Men loitered on the streets. Small groups of children rushed through the crowds. The majority of the Rimtown buildings were unpainted stone or weathered wood.

  Kai stepped closer to Drew. Here in Rimtown, people kept their heads down and trudged about their business. They did not step to the side or bow when he passed. The idea of being anonymous intrigued Kai. It also made him wonder if being identified as the prince publicly was a good idea or a mistake on his part.

  Maggie’s Tavern—a clean establishment frequented by merchants and city guards—gave them their choice of seating with their early arrival. Kai and Drew took a small table near the window from where Drew waved to Miranda, the barmaid.

  “Afternoon Your Highness. Drew. Same as always?” Miranda asked.

  Kai nodded, and Miranda rushed off to get their food. Kai watched Drew’s expression, noting his fondness for the young woman. He relaxed back in his chair. Every moment of today was meticulously planned to lull Drew into complacency. He hated tricking his friend.

  Miranda approached with two plates of food. Her fiery red hair puddled about her shoulders. “Will there be anything else, Drew?” She batted her green eyes at the guard and smiled.

  “Thank you, but no Miranda.” Drew rocked back in his seat and watched her walk away.

  The smell of beef and vegetable stew made Kai’s mouth water. The steam kissed his face as he dipped bread into the sauce. Their meal was warm and satisfying. Drew spent most of the meal focused on Miranda, while Kai spent most of his anticipating his escape.

  Chapter 3

  Routine

  Drew climbed the stone stairs into the Diu Central City Gardens. Kai noticed their pace was slow, and he wondered if his guard’s numerous responsibilities were taking their toll. The Central City Gardens was a beautiful display of vibrant green lawns, colorful flowerbeds, and towering trees. White marble columns, statues, and fountains spotted the landscape.

  The artist responsible for each unique garden left a small marker to notify the observer. Kai searched for his favorite gardener, a woman whose symbol was a shooting star. The best artist was given the centerpiece each spring to design for his birthday, and then for his father on King’s Day.

  He smiled when he saw that the royal garden marker was a shooting star. Linlou, his favorite, was still considered best gardener in Diu. Linlou’s work came alive from an elevated perspective. Her autumn design was a myriad of swirling color; yellow, orange, and red. The
overall shape was a horizontal banyark tree made of mulch, flowers, and grasses.

  Through the sprawling gardens, they passed one of the many multi-tiered fountains. As Kai dipped his hand into the water, he thought of Baden Lake. What a great day for a swim. A mischievous smile formed across his lips. He grinned at the children playfully splashing each other to cool off from the heat.

  On the east end of the park stood five large oaks growing along an extensive grassy area. Couples strolled into the shade with picnic baskets. Kai and Smoke joined the other children running and kicking balls. Drew nestled under a large tree. His tired eyes closed, and he sat up straight and wiped his face.

  Before long, Drew’s eyes closed again. Kai waited to be sure Drew was asleep. Pleased, he backed away and darted out of the gardens, wasting no time as he ran through the city with Smoke by his side. Grinning from ear to ear, he ran. The risk of his mischief was exhilarating.

  Dressed in black and gray, he could pass as any other Midtown boy. With no royal escort, he would be dismissed. Ignored. He kept a keen eye out for other guards on patrol and stayed to the side streets when possible. Head down, he avoided eye contact. More than once, he had to hide behind bystanders or duck into narrow alleyways to avoid detection.

  Two blocks from the gatehouse, he waited in the shadows. He needed a way through the city gatehouse. The chaotic streets of Rimtown brimmed with horses, carriages, and travelers. Kai waited.

  Breaking through the street noise, Kai heard a familiar sound, the clip-clop of horse hooves. The sounds grew louder as the cart approached. His heartbeat increased in anticipation. He spied a large man perched upon a sturdy carriage, which was loaded with crates, bags, and barrels partially hidden under a canvas tarp. Perfect.

  The supply cart clattered to an abrupt stop. The driver waited in line to exit the gatehouse. Kai leaped onto the back then whistled for Smoke. His wolf jumped up and allowed Kai to cover them with a tarp in time for the cart to lurch into motion once more.