by A D Lombardo
“What a great view. You know, when I am old enough, I plan to hunt dragons.”
Kai felt obsessed when it came to dragons. His only disappointment was he was never able to find a library book with details. Books always fantasied them as wise, benevolent creatures or mythical demons guarding treasure—all works of fiction.
“Well, is that so?” Adrian leaned toward Kai as they both continued watching the horizon. “Cousin, I am truly sorry about your mother. Only don’t let your past dictate your future. You could be so much more, and I can help you.”
“Kind of you to say, but my obsession is all I have.” He looked from the summit of Eagle’s Peak to Baden Lake.
“You have choices.” Adrian touched Kai’s shoulder. “You cannot blame the entire species for one bad dragon. They helped us in the past, and we may need them again someday. Would you have me put down every Nebean black wolf just because one attacked a citizen?”
“Never,” Kai insisted.
Silence fell between them. He thought about his cousin’s comparison. It was true he could not blame them all. But, could he forgive them? Adrian interrupted his thoughts. “Well, it seems no sightings tonight.”
“Just five more minutes,” Kai begged. His eyes strained and pleaded with the sky. Still, the minutes passed with nothing. Kai huffed in disappointment. “I guess tonight is not my night.”
A hint of light flared in the distance, followed by a longer spray of fire streaking across the blackness. They were getting closer. Then another streaked the sky above the lake. Kai could see the reflection of the light. His eyes lit up, and he looked at his cousin. “That is amazing. I wish I knew their purpose,” he whispered.
“They have no purpose. They live life in their way. Wild. Free. We need but to give them space. The Katori Mountains and the Mystic Islands are theirs, and that seems to be enough.”
The Master General turned to the guard. “Keep a watchful eye. In the future, please admit Prince Kai to the watchtower any time he wishes.”
One guard responded. “Understood, Master General. Your Highness.” He bowed.
Silently, Kai walked with his cousin back to his office door. The thought of dragons only wanting to be free wrestled against everything he had decided about the beasts. The idea that he’d judged them unfairly poked at his heart.
“Well, cousin, this is where I leave you. Make your way back to your room. I am sure you know the way.” He winked.
Unsure what to call him, Kai fidgeted. “Goodnight, umm Adrian… cousin… Master General Cazier,” he stumbled through his response.
Adrian placed a hand on his door, his eyes softened. “Master General in front of your father. In front of others, Cazier will do fine. Cousin or Adrian if we’re alone.”
“Thanks, Adrian. I had a great time. Good night.” Kai waved, darting down the stairs.
Tired, Kai made his way to the landing with the secret access. Positive nobody was coming, he released the pin and slipped behind the painting into the dark space. He secured the latch and retrieved his hidden lamp. He scurried back through the corridors to the entrance into his room. Still latched. Inside, he reset the panel securing the painting.
Smoke eagerly sniffed Kai’s legs, and he knelt to pet his wolf. Smoke licked his face. “Thanks, boy, sorry I couldn’t take you with me. I had no idea where that would go.”
Chapter 8
Landon’s Anger
Family meals were becoming a burden. All too often, Kai felt uncomfortable being on point to meet and greet visiting lords and ladies. Not that he did it on purpose, but once again he arrived late, and the doors were shut. Everyone was already in the great hall.
When Kai slipped inside the great dining hall, he was careful not to let the door thud behind him. He scanned the table for an empty chair, finding one between Tolan and Gideon. Eyes down, Kai took a seat. “Gideon, Tolan, good evening,” he said shyly.
“You're late,” Tolan whispered.
“Morning cousin,” Gideon responded. “You haven’t missed much. All they’ve talked about is the celebration, and what everyone is going to wear.” He rolled his eyes.
Kai scanned the group; everyone was eating and deep in conversation. He dared a look at his father. His father gave him a serious yet reserved glare. Kai was thankful they were too far apart for his father to bother interrupting Nola’s celebration planning to reprimand him.
The best thing he could do was keep his head down, eat, and get excused. He filled his plate and tried not to make it visible that he was rushing his meal.
Landon sneered around Tolan. “So little prince, why were you late? Busy playing with your mutt?”
Tolan chuckled. “Right…your stupid little…”
“Herrrhem.” Roark Raebun, his father, interrupted, clearing his throat before Tolan could finish his comment. Roark gave his son a sharp look and then went back to listening to his wife Shannon and Queen Nola discussing the music for the celebration.
“Sorry, Kai.” Tolan fell silent and poked at the food on his plate.
“Thank you, Tolan,” Kai offered in return.
Gideon nudged Kai’s arm. “Can you believe my father has me traveling back and forth between here and Port Anahita? I am only a year older than you. I am not sure I’m ready,” Gideon confessed.
Kai nodded in understanding. “As I understand, it takes about four hours on horseback. Much faster than by carriage. It’s not that far, really,” he stated. “What I find exciting are the trips Tolan is about to take. He will go all the way to Fort Pohaku. I’ve never been there.”
“Well, Tolan is nearly seventeen, and he rides better than me. You’ve seen him and Landon race around the track.” Gideon argued.
Tolan piped in, “What are you two whining about?”
“Gideon is worried about riding all the way to Port Anahita. I told him it is an easy trip, and that your trips to Fort Pohaku are going to be way more adventurous.”
“Tolan, ignore those two,” Landon interrupted. “We’ve more important things to discuss, like swords and battle strategy.”
Landon’s raised tone caught the attention of the king. “Time for class children, you are excused. Time for the adults to talk.” Iver waved them away.
Kai didn’t have to be told twice. He ducked out of the great hall behind his brothers. Through his connection, he asked Smoke to follow. Partway above the second-floor landing, he heard footsteps behind him. He ducked behind the columned stone archway of the stairwell and hid. Landon emerged.
From his hiding place, Kai watched the boy. What is he doing in the family hall? Landon walked to the nursery, pausing in the doorway. After a few moments, he returned to the stairs and descended. Kai felt strange. What was he doing? Was he following me?
Maid Mary exited his stepbrother’s bedroom, easing the door shut behind herself. Kai smiled. “Your Highness.” Mary greeted him while smoothing the front of her dress and apron to curtsy.
He motioned for her to stop. “Please, Mary, Prince Kai is formal enough. You don’t need to curtsy to me every time we meet.” “New maids,” he huffed in embarrassment.
She tipped her head and walked away. Kai studied her. Something was different. Her red hair pinned inside of her white cap was the same. Her freckled face was the same. Yet, her usual petite frame tonight, she seemed sturdier. Taller, broader even. He had to been mistaken.
Curious to know the truth, he followed her, keeping his distance. Through the hallway, down the spiral staircase. He slowed his pace to make sure she would not hear his footsteps on the stone steps. All the way to the kitchen, he stalked her. By the time he entered, she was gone. Escaped.
In the library, Professor Greydon looked up from his work. “Good morning, boys, you’re here early. Everyone needs to complete their world map project. All of you have a math and history assessment, and a select few have a Bangloonese language exam. Kai, let me get the twins started, and then I’ll hang up the reference map.”
The professor
motioned to the twins. “Over here, boys. Seth, I will start you with your math assessment. Aaron, you can work on history first. Work quietly and let me know when you are ready for your next assignment.”
Kai retrieved his map and unrolled it on a large table near the back. The professor pinned the large reference map to the wall. “Remember this map is for outline reference only. Your completed project should include drawing the continents, major bodies of water, forests, and mountain terrains. Add in any palaces, forts, outposts, and towns. Neatness and spelling count, please take your time.”
A squeak from the library doors announced the rest of the class had arrived. Quietly everyone took their places and waited for the professor to bring their individual assignments. Gideon, Kai’s table partner, strolled around the table, visually critiquing Kai’s map while he waited. Gideon scrunched up his face and took his seat.
Kai looked at his map and then the reference map. Carefully he reviewed every line. What am I missing? He counted the Mystic Islands, he had missed a small one. Grateful, Kai grinned at Gideon who sat happily waiting for Professor Greydon—that is until the professor placed a foreign language test on the table. Gideon’s face fell in distress.
Kai finished the outline of his map and began to add the details. Nearly finished he heard Amelia approach Professor Greydon’s desk. “All finished? Let me have a look.” After reviewing her project, the professor handed her a math assessment.
Satisfied with his, Kai quietly approached the professor’s desk.
“All finished Kai?” The professor took Kai’s map and reviewed each location. “Well done, as usual.”
Kai’s math assessment took time, but he was confident. The history exam took much longer. Finished, Kai left the library. One mindful thought brought Smoke to his feet. Outside several other children were already in the courtyard.
Passing through the group, Landon stuck out his shoulder, clipping Kai as he tried to pass, send him to the ground. Smoke positioned himself between the two boys and gave a low growl toward Landon. Kai commanded Smoke with a glance, and his wolf backed off.
Not wanting to let it go, he stepped up to the taller boy. “Sorry, Landon, I didn’t realize you were so wide.” He smirked, walking away with Smoke.
With a hint of anger, Landon chased after him. “Little Prince, did you just call me fat?”
“No, I didn’t say fat—I said WIDE.” Kai spun to face him.
With both hands, Landon pushed Kai hard in the chest and sent him to the ground with a thud. Again, Smoke positioned himself between Kai and Landon. Smoke’s hackles raised along his back, a harsh snarl rolled through his bared teeth. Landon stepped back with a look of fear on his face. “Call him off! If he attacks me, I will see he is shot dead.”
Smoke snapped at the air. Kai’s heart pounded; fear rippled through his mind. He held his breath, and everything slowed. His mind quickly played out the scene; Smoke’s teeth snapping around Landon’s arm. With the shake of his beastly head, the wolf tore the boy’s arm apart.
Snapped out of the vision, Kai lunged his hand forward. Time remained slow around him. In the next heartbeat, Kai reached for Smoke’s muzzle. He focused his mind on their connection and asked his wolf to heel. With the release of his breath, time resumed.
In an instant, Kai’s hand wrapped around Smoke’s snout. The open jaws clamped shut, and the wolf bowed his head to the ground. Fear and shock wavered in Landon’s voice. “How did you move so fast?” he demanded.
Still angry, Kai released Smoke and stood to face the taller boy. He balled his fists in anger. He felt himself get hot, but he held his ground. The two boys stood staring at each other, and everyone held their breath. Kendra’s warning echoed in his mind. He could not risk losing control. Kai relaxed his hands and looked away.
Tolan laughed. “You’re afraid,” he addressed Kai.
Kai let his eyes wander up at the two boys. Tolan’s smirk made his eyes dance. Landon’s expression was curious. Kai sensed he made a mistake using his gift in front of others. He put his hands in his pockets and backed away.
Landon followed Kai. “We’re not done, little…”
Amelia stepped in between them. “Kai, come with me. Tolan, deal with Landon.” She grabbed Kai by the arm and led him away.
“You won’t always be here to break us up, you know,” Kai said, looking down at his muddy pant leg. “Well, thank goodness I have you, always coming to my rescue.” He smirked. “You know, books show the hero being the man, not the lady.”
Amelia feigned a blush and took Kai by the hand. “You want to be my hero?”
His eyes went wide. Wait no, that’s not what he’d meant. “I umm, well I’m just saying that I, umm…” Red-faced, he stepped ahead of Amelia to open the chapel door.
Amelia entered laughing and pushed Kai on his shoulder. “You should see your face. That’s hilarious. Of course, I am the hero in this story. Can’t a girl be the hero?” By this time, she was laughing so hard she had tears running down her face.
An enormous smile crept across his face, then he too burst out into laughter. “Certainly, a girl can be the hero. Even if I must write the book myself. You are the best Amelia, where would I be without you?” His laughter echoed through the rafters.
Kai sat down next to her and asked. “Amelia, why are you so open with me, but around others, you act shy, even nervous?”
She gave him a little nudge. “I am supposed to be this weak little girl, right? Everyone tells me what to do. They don’t expect…well, anything, really. I am playing the part they want. But you don’t treat me like a precious little princess. Tolan can be nice when he is not trying to impress Landon. He is the only other person that treats me like I have an opinion.”
She smoothed out her dress and crossed her feet. “I have ideas and desires. I don’t want to be like my mother sitting in a palace, hiding. You know she didn’t want to come. Please don’t tell anyone I told you. She hates Diu. You’d think she’d miss me enough to make the trip more than once a year.”
Her somber mood shift left an uncomfortable silence between them. They both glanced around at the chapel. He leaned into her. “Well, you always have me!” he said with a wink. “Come on, I have to change before mealtime. I’ll never hear the end of it if I showed up covered in mud.”
Amelia looked down at his pants and giggled. Her silver-blue eyes danced with delight. “You’re probably right. Although it would be even funnier if we both walked into the dining hall covered in mud.”
He snorted and laughed. “You’re outrageous. I am glad we’re friends. Let’s go.” From the aisle, he offered her his hand, and she accepted, sliding out of the pew.
Chapter 9
Half-Light
The smell of Lizzie’s sweet almond cakes drew Kai to the kitchen. Lizzie was a short round woman with an infectious laugh and curly strawberry blond hair with hints of white streaks. From the door, Kai listened to what Lizzie called well-orchestrated orders.
Lizzie winked at Kai. “Hello, Your Highness. How are you today?” She dusted off her flour-covered hands.
“I am doing fine.” He paused and rethought his answer. “To tell the truth, it was a late night—studying. Any chance I can have a hot almond cake?”
Lizzie stepped around the table and locked him into a hug. “My-my, how tall you are.” She looked up to him.
Throughout his childhood, he’d spent countless hours around the kitchen. He trusted Lizzie. She was a good listener, and she made him smile when he needed it most. “I’ve been thinking about my mother. Nothing specific, just wishing she was here with me.”
“I miss her too. Mariana was a great woman. I will never forget her kindness to me. I remember this one time she came to the kitchen and told me she wanted to learn how to bake a pie. Although I explained to her that the kitchen was no place for a queen, she wouldn’t listen. She grabbed one of my aprons and a bowl full of apples.”
“Did you help her?” Kai asked inquisitively
.
“Of course, when your mother set her mind to something, it was best to give in. I can’t say she was the best baker, but I enjoyed her company and yours.” Lizzie leaned over the table, and her eyes glazed in reflection.
Kai’s eyes wandered across the table, and his mouth began to water again. “So, the almond cakes, are they still warm?” He reached toward the platter of mini cakes and looked at her with a sly smile, waiting for her approval before snatching one.
“No. They’re for tomorrow.”
They stood there in a pleading standoff, her hands on her hips, and him perpetually reaching. “Well, just one, then go eat.” She tossed up her hands.
Delighted, he reached for the sweets. “How about two?” he asked, wrapping his fingers around two.
Lizzie smiled and shooed him away. He grabbed the almond cakes, kissed her on the cheek, and darted out of the kitchen. Kai popped the first cake in his mouth, closed his eyes and the warm treat melted in his mouth. These were his favorite. His mother’s too.
Later that evening a knock sounded and his door opened. “Good, you’re ready for bed.” Kendra closed his bedroom curtains. “Mary is with the twins; I hope we will have little time before she fetches me for Nola. I would like to teach you how to meditate, which is the first step in learning how to glean.” She sat and motioned for him to sit beside her.
“First, you need to understand there are different reasons or outcomes. Meditation can help you find focus. Through discipline, you can invoke your mind; that is gleaning. Done correctly, we Katori see the world anew. The awakening of the mind for some brings other insights—visions. In rare cases, gleaning can help you find someone you’ve lost or remember a past event.
“The ability to glean allows you to see the energy within all things. It gives everything a glow. With it, I can see the world around us. I can see the orchard outside. I see the guards walking on the walls around the palace, they look like tiny wisps of light until you focus on their form. I can see your brothers in their room down the hall.”
