The Half-Light

by A D Lombardo

  Bouncing along the cobblestone streets, Kai peered through the slats trying to see the walls of the city gatehouse. He held his breath when Garrick the gatehouse guard spoke.

  “Jordon, where are you going and what’s in the back?” Garrick asked.

  Through the slats, Kai watched Garrick approach. His long blond hair was pulled back taut, revealing a jagged scar along his jawline. Kai cringed. If discovered, Kai would lose all his freedoms. He closed his eyes, exhaled, and waited.

  The cart shifted, and the bench creaked where Jordon sat. “Good day, Garrick. I’m northbound, through the Thade Forest. I have supplies for the Eagle’s Nest outpost, the usual items, cheese, barley, salt, and figs.”

  With a wave from Garrick, the cart lurched forward. The bumping from the cobblestones soon turned into a smoother rock from side to side, indicating they had rolled onto the hard dirt of the north road.

  Kai lifted the corner of the tarp and watched the gatehouse fade from view as they crested a small hill entering the Thade Forest. Pleased with himself, he snickered. The cart slowed at the top of the next hill, he and Smoke hopped out and darted into the cover of the forest. His heart pounded as he ducked into the underbrush, and the cart pulled away from view.

  There was something exhilarating about breaking the rules. His escape had been so easy. Why had he not tried this sooner? Inside the tree line, he and Smoke ran toward Baden Lake. They weaved through the trees. The hilly terrain and the dense forest started to disorient him. Out of the corner of his eye, Kai caught a glimpse of someone watching him. He turned to get a better look. Nobody was there. He was sure he’d seen the silhouette of a man between the trees. The more he stared, the more nervous he felt.

  The sound of water lapping pulled his attention back. Kai raced with Smoke to the water’s edge. His four-legged companion ran through the small waves that licked the shoreline. Smoke’s pitch-black fur glistened in the sun, and his white front paws a stark contrast against the dark mud.

  “What a perfect day,” Kai said as he stripped down to his undergarments.

  Baden Lake was the largest lake in Diu, fed by the snowy peaks of the Katori Mountains. From the cove, he could see an island across the water; one of many speckled across the vast blue-green lake. Kai squinted at the gleaming water. In the distance, two fishing boats bobbed like toys on the water. South through the trees, two white sails unfurled in the wind; Diu fishing boats leaving the docks.

  Hot from the autumn sun, Kai allowed the cool water to tickle his toes. He waded in and sank in the fresh water. Curious, Smoke swam up to him, pawing through the windswept waves before going back to shore. When Kai resurfaced, he ran his hands over his sandy blond hair and wiped the water from his eyes.

  He needed this adventure. Time to free his mind from the reoccurring nightmare about the death of his mother. Here he felt at home. Free. The palace and the city felt restricting and loud. The responsibility and rules were gone.

  Kai tossed a twig, it flipped end over end as it sailed over Smoke. His wolf bounded down the shoreline to retrieve it. Their afternoon alone was bittersweet. While it was good to get out of the palace, he wished he had a friend to share the day. He should have pressed Drew to come with him.

  Baden Lake was vast, and the distant shore was impossible to see. While Smoke rested, he waded into the water. He wanted to see how far he could go on one breath. Neck deep, he dove under, and in his mind, he pictured the distant shoreline.

  Stroke after stroke he swam, kicking until his lungs burned with the need for air. Once he broke the surface of the water, he gasped for air and looked out across the rest of the lake. He wanted to keep swimming. Onshore, Smoke barked, and Kai realized he was out much farther than he’d ever been.

  Pleased, Kai rolled over to float on his back. Wispy clouds streaked across the sky. Two eagles circled overhead. To be able to fly would be true freedom. Kai watched them glide effortlessly above him.

  Another eagle joined them. Its massive size dwarfed the others. The smaller pair flew back toward Eagles Peak, the eastern summit of Thade Mountain. The bigger eagle remained, its golden tips sparkled in the sunshine. Its shadow blocked the sunlight from reaching Kai. He had the strangest feeling he’d seen this golden tipped eagle before.

  Kai laid across a flat rock to dry in the sun. Again, the shadow loomed over him. The mighty eagle watched him. There was a visceral connection he could not explain. Was it trying to speak to him? Kai rubbed his temples.

  It circled and turned toward the palace, disappearing beyond the trees. The bird’s departure made Kai scramble to collect his clothes. Wet, he struggled to dress. Water from his hair ran down his back, soaking his once-dry shirt. Smoke shook, drenching Kai in tiny water droplets. Shielding his face with his hands, he laughed. “Smoke, stop!”

  Along the North road, he realized he had no idea how to get back inside undetected. Voices echoed down the road behind him. He kept out of sight, crouched hidden in the brush. The oncoming group crested the hill. Men on horseback, covered supply carts, and walking stragglers. The walkers made it impossible to conceal himself as he’d done earlier, which would probably be unwise, as Garrick would most certainly search the cargo.

  Head down, he worked himself closer and closer to the group, listening to their conversations. He envied their ability to come and go freely.

  Near the north gate, everyone gathered around the carts for questioning. Kai moved Smoke into the shadow of the horses to hide his exceptional size. Garrick checked each cart against the lead driver’s supply list. Kai kept his eyes down as he made his way between the second and third cart. Hidden beside the horse, he leaned into its neck and stroked her mane.

  Smoke held his ground as one of the men on horseback sidled up beside them.

  Garrick riffled through the various supplies while another guard mingled through the group; satisfied both men stepped aside, and Garrick motioned the all clear. Only a few more feet and Kai would be back inside the city without anyone the wiser.

  Slowly the carts pulled onto the cobblestone road, and he heard the familiar clip-clop of the horses and the clicking of the cart’s wheels on the stone. They moved through the gate one at a time. Kai waited for his opportunity to run. Each step was agonizingly slow. His stomach churned with anticipation. Almost there.

  “Hold up. Stop. STOP!” Garrick yelled.

  So close. Kai stomped his foot and dropped his head. He closed his eyes and waited for Garrick to apprehend him. He raised his head when the warrior passed him. Garrick ran up to the lead cart, tossed the cover back, and shifted through the merchandise. “One of your bags has a hole. You are leaking flour.” Garrick placed the torn bag on top of the tarp. “Hope you didn’t lose too much.”

  “Thank you, Garrick,” the driver said as the horses jerked the cart back into motion.

  The chance to run was upon him, and Kai edged away from the group. Clear of the horses, he ran. The fear of getting caught drove him faster. He embraced his speed. Buildings and people became a blur as Smoke raced at his side. Into the park, he sprinted. Between people and plants, he dodged. But then next corner came faster than he’d anticipated. His feet skidded out from under, and he tumbled into a bush.

  What just happened? Kai wiped the dirt from his hands. With no time to waste, he hopped to his feet and kept going. Heart pounding, the east-end oaks came into view. He skidded to a stop. “No, no, no. Drew is gone.” He stopped and fell to his knees. “We are in trouble, Smoke.”

  “Prince Kai, where in the world did you go?” Drew thundered from behind him. “I woke up and couldn’t find you anywhere. I have been searching the park.”

  Kai spun around. Anger flickered in Drew’s steel blue eyes. “I have been worried sick,” the guard said.

  Guilt welled in his throat. “What do you mean? We were playing in the fountains. We’ve jumped into them all. It was great fun. Sorry, Drew. Am I in trouble? Are you mad at me?”

  “I am mad,” Drew growled.
/>   He deserved Drew’s frustration. “Sorry, Drew, I didn’t mean…”

  “Prince Kai, I am not mad at you. I am disappointed in myself. This mistake could cost me my career. I should have never sat down, being so tired. You're soaked.” Drew motioned for Kai to follow. “Let’s get you back to the palace. I have things to do before starting the night shift.”

  They neared the palace before Drew said another word. “Your Highness, I will not be able to continue as one of your guards,” he admitted.

  “Drew. I would never tell anyone,” Kai pleaded.

  “I’ve let the King down, and myself, falling asleep. I know others have done it, but I wanted to be better. If anything had happened to you, I’d never have forgiven myself. I will speak with the Grand Duke Carmelo; as head of Diu security, my career is in his hands now.”

  Kai’s head hung low. He had deceived Drew. “I’m not sure what to say. I will miss our talks. You will make a great captain and an even better Kempery-man one day.”

  His secret was safe, but it cost him a friend.

  Chapter 4

  Bad Dreams

  Kai dropped his wet garments in a heap on the bathroom floor. Kendra, the children’s governess placed a tray of food on the table near the bay window.

  “Kendra, I spent the day swimming. My wet clothes are on the floor of my bathroom.” He waved his arm to draw her eyes to the pile on the floor.

  Her emerald green eyes squinted at the young prince. She readjusted one of the two silver combs and put a stray black curl back into place. “Prince Kai, you went swimming? Where?” She adjusted her apron as she crossed the room to collect his garments.

  Did Kai dare tell her what he’d done? He fiddled with the cuff of his shirt. “Central City Gardens,” he lied. “I jumped in the fountains and…”

  “The garden fountains. Are you sure?” Kendra sniffed the clothing in her hands. “Smells very fresh. The herbs they use to keep the fountain water clean must be low after all the rain we’ve had,” she added with a sly look.

  Kai wondered if she knew, but how could she. A little apprehensive, he agreed. “Yes, we have had a lot of rain these past few days.”

  “I brought you a tray of food from the kitchen. Everyone is eating privately tonight. Tomorrow will be a big day. Guests will arrive for the upcoming Master General’s ceremony. I’ll come back for your tray before bedtime.”

  It wasn’t often he had an evening to himself. Kai sat down to eat his dinner. “Thank you, Kendra,” he said, realizing he was famished.

  Bowing slightly, Kendra gave him a quick wink. “My pleasure, little man,” she added as she slipped out of his room.

  The bowed window seat offered a view of the palace gardens below. The setting sun turned the sky a golden orange, while the valley below became enveloped in dark blue and purple. Lost in thought, Kai leaned against the wall and stretched to peer at the twinkling lights of Diu city.

  The sunset brought thoughts of his mother. Little man, that’s what she used to call him. Her absence still pained him. The last few moments of the day had been their time. The changing sky turned from shades of orange and red to deep blues and finally to black.

  Millions of tiny pinpricks of light littered the night. The stars held all the secrets of the world. From his viewpoint, he could see a sliver of Baden Lake above the tree line. The full moon glimmered across the surface. He scanned the clear night sky hoping to catch a glimpse of a streak of fire; the sign of dragons flying from the Katori Mountains, across the lake toward Thade Mountain and back again. He saw nothing—it was too early.

  Historical books claimed dragons were fierce creatures that attacked anyone or anything that got too close to their nesting grounds. For the most part, they avoided humans, keeping to the sheer cliffs and impassable glaciers of the Katori Mountains, above the Katori homeland and the only people known to interact with them.

  Personal experience, however, reminded him they were vicious creatures that did not always keep to themselves. If dragons trusted the Katori people, why would a dragon kill his mother? Someday he would get his answer.

  Thinking of his mother, he let his eyes drift down to the royal gardens below his window. An enormous banyark tree stood prominently at the center of the garden maze. Its dark red branches curved upwards like giant fingers reaching to the sky. Its autumn yellow leaves blazed in the bright moonlight.

  Sadness welled in his heart. His mother’s memory overwhelmed him. Near his feet, Smoke pawed Kai’s leg. In his heart, he felt warmth, and he heard the word—Live. Overwhelmed by his wolf compassion, he joined him on the floor and buried his face into Smoke’s fur. He no longer cried over her passing, now nine years past, but it still pained him.

  “You’re right Smoke, I need to live. I shouldn’t be sad. I should be thankful. Thankful for Haygan, because he brought you to me. These past six months have been the best of my life.” He hugged Smoke’s neck.

  Voices at the door propelled Kai back onto the window seat. Kendra entered his room. She tousled Kai’s hair, and he turned to look at her. Startled, Kendra gasped. “Your eyes, they are green.” She covered her mouth and stared.

  Kai lowered his head. “I don’t know why or how, but my eyes change when my emotions run high. It doesn’t happen often. Mother found it frightening, but I don’t remember why. It starts as pressure and heat in my head.”

  “She was afraid because changing your eye color is not natural. Even for full-blooded Katori. Half-Lights should not be able to do this. Kai, you must be careful. Control your emotions.”

  “You know so much about my mother, about being Katori. I miss her,” he sighed.

  “Do you want to talk about it?” She sat with him. “Talking may help.”

  Kai turned back to the tree. “What happened in the royal garden that day still haunts me. You are the only person who cares. Nobody dares speak of the day my mother was killed by a dragon. They think because I was only four, I can’t handle talking about her death.”

  Kendra placed her hand on his knee. “Face her loss. Take your mother’s memory into your arms as if you’re protecting a small child. Allow the suffering inside, because with it comes all the love she gave. If you ignore your pain, you push her memory away.”

  “I will try.” Kai tilted his head. “Kendra, why did my mother not have a governess when I was born?”

  “Your mother Mariana was a strong-willed woman. Knowing her as I did, I cannot see her hiring a servant to do a mother’s work. Sharing you with a stranger, no, that would not be her way.”

  “Then why did father’s new wife demand a governess?” Kai questioned.

  “Aaron and Seth are sweet boys, but twin boys are a challenge. Being an instant mother to you, well, not everyone is meant to be a mother. I suspect Queen Nola wants to give Iver children, but she’s not the nurturing type. Governess Agatha did her best climbing the palace stairs in her old age, but I am thankful she chose to retire. So here I am. And I’m glad for it.”

  “Me too. You are much sweeter than Agatha.” He smiled happily.

  “I need to check in on your step-brothers. I will back before lights out.” Kendra nodded.

  “Thank you, Kendra.”

  When Kendra turned the dial to extinguish the lamp next to his bed, he watched the flame shrink into a thin red line before going out completely. It ended with a small stream of smoke rising above the flat wick.

  Into the fading fireplace embers, she tossed two chunks of wood, and then she slipped into the small bed in the corner. The new wood caught fire, and Kai quietly asked, “Can you tell me another story about my mother? I want to hear about your country—Katori.”

  “Just one, and then off to sleep,” Kendra replied. “Would you like to learn about our leaders?”

  Delighted to stay up, Kai adjusted his pillows. “Yes, please.”

  “Alright, but remember, you must not repeat what I tell you. It is our little secret that I knew your mother before she became queen. The Katori way
of life is a closely guarded secret. You would be in danger, all Katori would be in danger if anyone knew our secrets or about your gifts.”

  “Yes, I remember. Can you take me to your Katori homeland someday?”

  The silence was a response within itself. It wasn’t the first time he’d asked. He knew the answer. Kendra let out a breath. “It is very far away; the only way to get to Katori is by sea. I don’t know. We do not allow outsiders. I would have to ask your grandfather Lucca.”

  “My mother was Katori, which makes me half-Katori,” he added enthusiastically.

  “Being proud of your parentage is wonderful. While the world knew your mother was from Katori, they do not know what that means. The truth of her, of us, would jeopardize us all. Please don’t speak of it with anyone but Haygan or me.”

  It seemed nothing would change her mind. “I understand. Tell me about Lucca.”

  “There are four tribes. Your grandfather is one of four chiefs in the Katori nation. The mountain tribe is called the Hiowind, the highland tribe is known as the Matoku, the coastal people are the Kahoma, and the Mystic Islands are home to the Gemidi.” Kendra paused to shift onto her side. Her thick hair flowed loosely around her face. “The chief serves the people of his tribe by representing their voice at the Agora—”

  “What’s the Agora?” he interrupted.

  “The Agora is a spiritual place, located at the center of each tribe’s territory, surrounded by gardens and fountains. It is a temple of white and gray marble, with stone columns that twist like vines, growing towards an open domed roof.” Sadness echoed in her voice.

  It was clear, Kendra missed her home. Kai continued to listen. “Eight arched entrances surround the perimeter. In the center, there is a sacred pool fed by a natural spring. Above, the roof swoops upward where there is a matching circle open to the sky, allowing the sunshine or moonlight to bathe the water.”

  Kai shifted to his side. “Is a chief like a king? If there are four, who is in charge?”