The Half-Light

by A D Lombardo

  Ahead the trees begin to thin; he could see a clearing through the snow. They were near the edge of the forest. Safety was within reach. Clearing the woods, he could barely see the white and gray city walls in the distance. From his side, Albey advanced, pushing his horse faster and faster.

  Kempery-man Dresnor stayed at Kai’s side. Diu city was in view. Why aren’t they coming? Kai squinted through the blinding snow. The watchtower bells rang in the distance. The city gatehouse spewed a mounted horde of blue and silver, advancing on their location. Kai sighed with relief.

  His hands and body felt frozen. Snowflakes soaked him through to the bone. At his speed, it was a matter of minutes before they were within the range of the riders. Albey met the approaching group and motioned for them to follow. He joined their ranks and raced back toward the forest.

  They slowed and rode to safety within the twin towers of the gatehouse. Dresnor’s horse stopped and circled around Kai. Dresnor dismounted and informed the others what had happened, and more riders rode out into the storm. Kai thought of the others–Shane and Marduk.

  Outside the gatehouse, Kai saw Smoke, watching and waiting for the same news they all held their breath for. Dresnor remounted and took Kai’s reigns. “I will take Prince Kai to the palace and inform the King what’s happened. Bring me news when you have it,” he instructed the guard standing watch.

  Quickly they rode through the city streets. The relentless snow fell, collecting on the homes and roads throughout the city. Once through the second gatehouse, they rode straight to the long stone bridge that led to the palace. Soaked through, Kai shivered.

  He could barely see across the bridge to the palace. In the distance, two figures waited in front of the palace doors. Midway across the bridge, Kai was able to make out his father and the Master General Cazier.

  Kempery-man Dresnor escorted him inside and stepped away with the Master General. Iver knelt to look at Kai, his expression a mix of emotions. His eyes were filled with concern, but his mouth revealed pride. “You look alright. What happened?” Not waiting for an answer, Iver took hold of Kai’s shoulders. “My goodness, son, you’re half frozen.”

  Kendra lowered her face to Iver’s ear. “Your Majesty, let me take the prince. I will bring him to you once he’s warmed up.” Still, in shock, Kai followed with one hand on Smoke’s back.

  Warm, guilt pressed on Kai as he waited in his room. His friends fought for their lives while he was swept away, unable to help. Unwilling to wait any longer, he darted into the hall. Beck stood guard, two Mryken at his side. More guards littered the corridor.

  He ran to his father’s study. Shane and Marduk stood next to Iver’s desk. Marduk had a white bandage wrapped around his left hand and wrist. Relieved everyone was safe, Kai took a breath.

  Iver looked to Kai. “Son, I am very proud of how you handled yourself. Dresnor said you did well.” He nodded and looked at the Grand Duke. “Dante, when the storm passes, I want the woods cleared out around the road. Once you’ve interrogated the survivors, I want to know their intent.”

  Dresnor interjected. “Sire, I have never seen men like this. Their fighting was different, reminiscent of an old style, it does not appear that they were after Kai, but they were not merely looting a passing cart either.”

  “A bold move given the number of soldiers in our group,” said Redmon.

  Kai turned to Dresnor, taken aback by his Kempery-man, seeing him for the first time. His stern green eyes, sharp cheekbones, and commanding presence. Dresnor’s wet uniform emphasized his muscular build. The sides of his thick onyx hair trimmed to stubble, yet the top was left long and slicked back. His scruffy beard gave him a confident yet aggressive appearance.

  Marduk stepped forward. “They were impressive fighters. Only one man ran once help arrived, and they were outnumbered. The rest fought to the bitter end.”

  “Sire, I will question the two prisoners with Kempery-man Farwick. We must find the one who escaped,” said Cazier.

  Iver raised his hand to quiet the room. “And we will find him, but my orders stand. Dante, clear out the woods. We cannot have the palace or the road south compromised. Cazier, give me a report when you have it. Marduk, let’s get the boys something to eat.” Iver motioned them out.

  In the hall, Kai spotted Kendra. “Shane, you go on ahead, I need to speak with Kendra.” Alone he whispered, “I need to talk to you about what happened with Smoke and Ember today. It was amazing. I was able to reach out to Smoke. I felt and sensed what he was feeling. I saw into the woods. In my mind, I saw people clustered together in the underbrush.”

  He looked into her eyes, and she shuttered. “Kai, your eyes are green. Control your emotions before someone sees you.”

  It was hard to control the barrage of emotions, but he reined in his mind. The temperature in his head cooled, and she nodded in approval.

  “You did well today. Gleaning is difficult to maintain under pressure. Meditation will help you control your emotions.” Kendra tilted her head toward the nursery. “I need to check on baby Cordelia. I have prepared an extra bed in your room for Shane. Marduk will be staying across the hall. I will see you later if I can.”

  “Thank you, Kendra,” he replied.

  It had been a long day, but they’d survived. Shane eagerly hopped in bed, covers pulled up to his chin. Warm in his own bed, Kai let his head sink into his pillow. Thoughts of his mother crept into his mind. Her Katori gifts—his gifts—had saved him today. He closed his eyes, and sleep took him. Dreams flowed freely. His mind drifted into memories of his mother, moments from the past.

  Clear blue skies and sunshine. In the palace gardens, he laid in the grass with his mother. His baby blanket was tucked under his chin; it was soft against his skin. Sunshine spilled over his young shoulders. His little hand turned the pages of a picture book. He read the large print below each image. “Elephant. Cat.” He turned the page. “Horse. Wolf.” He touched the picture of the wolf. “I like this one.” He flipped the page. “Whale. Dog.” Again, he flipped the page. “Lion. Eagle. Eagles are so lucky to be able to fly.” He looked at his mother, and she smiled.

  “Keep going, you are doing so well!” Mariana encouraged.

  He turned to the next page. “Bear. Dragon.”

  A warm summer’s breeze blew against his face. The smell of roses filled the air. Mariana’s hand smoothed the rustling pages. “Which animal would you like to be?” she whispered in his ear. “If you had to pick just one.”

  Her soft brown hair tickled his face. He stared at the animal forms of his children’s book, flipping back through. The scenes were simple, yet beautifully drawn in pale watercolors, splashed against the pages. “I would pick a dragon. They are the strongest,” he answered quickly.

  He flipped to the next page and paused. “But maybe an eagle. People aren’t scared of eagles.” Proud of his answer, he looked at his mother.

  “Wise choice Kai. Choosing an animal based on how others might feel.”

  He gazed at her smiling face, and she slowly faded away. He woke clutching his pillow; tears welled in his eyes. He was struck by her memory, a happy moment. He remembered that day. Pleasant and simple. Kai wished he could go back and linger with her in that instant.

  Chapter 19

  Wicker Basket

  Uncomfortable, Kai sat upright in a chair placed beside his father’s throne. King Iver Galloway stood below on the bottom step of the dais. The rest of the royal family sat enduring the winter festival announcements and the gift offerings. Dukes of Diu, lords and ladies, high society merchants, and the king’s Kempery-men were all in attendance.

  They came together to welcome the new year and exchange goodwill blessings. Each offered a gift and promised fealty to King Iver. Reaffirming their commitment, they ensured the prosperity and growth of Diu.

  But the only thing Kai noticed was the long, endless procession. They brought everything from wine, jewels, gold, livestock, lumber, marble sculptures, and honey. They brought
whatever they could offer, their regional treasure. Large and small the gifts came, each blessed in the giving. King Iver personally cherished and accepted each one.

  Kai was proud, knowing the gifts were redistributed throughout the city and surrounding farms, used to repair or improve the lives of the people. Last year’s collection provided new wells in Rimtown, and rebuilt homes and restored a library lost in a fire.

  As kings went, Kai knew his father was a good man. He protected and provided for his people. Iver ensured that rich and poor alike had the basics; shelter, food, and clean water. No one in Diu was homeless or went without food if they were willing to work.

  The end of the line delighted Kai. The last gift was surprisingly unique, and it was Kai’s favorite. A glass harmonica. A series of glass bowls, one set inside another, large to small on a single shaft. Upon closer inspection, he noticed the rim of each had been painted a different color. This fragile treasure came from Lord and Lady Chenowith.

  They were accompanied by a group of men carrying the large box with legs. They placed it near the far corner of the dais. The last man poured water into the large basin, and two women took their places. One stood by a wooden wheel and slowly cranked, spinning the shaft with the individual bowls. The other sat on a bench and dipped her fingers into the water basin below the bowls. As her fingers danced across the spinning rims, the individual bowls produced various musical tones.

  The harmonica’s musical splendor filled the air. Over the delicate tune, Iver announced: “Thank you all for sharing this winter festival and presenting these wonderful gifts for the betterment of Diu. I cherish them all and will ensure they are used to improve our great city.” Cheers and clapping spread through the gathering.

  Servers moved through the crowd, dressed in Diu blue and white, offering wine and fruit juice. Hands raised, Iver calmed the crowd. “Let us each give a moment of thanks for all that we have and remember those we’ve lost this year.”

  In a moment of silence, people bowed their heads.

  After the moment passed, Iver took his glass and raised it to the crowd. “Family and friends. Blessings to you all in the coming year. Let’s eat, drink, and bring in the new year. May Alenga bless you, one and all.”

  “Blessings to you in the coming year,” rang out across the room.

  Kai watched as the crowd mingled. Music, gifts, food, and wine continued to flow freely between guests as the night progressed. In the background, the enchanting music of the harmonica was accompanied by two flute players and a piano.

  Realizing the late hour, Kai slipped out of the great hall and out of the palace. With a gift in hand he anxiously stood in front of the baker’s cottage, unable to knock. Twice he tried and stopped himself. Come on, you can do this. Not wanting to lose his nerve again, he knocked on the door.

  The door swung open, and there stood Levi Kendrick. Kai swallowed hard. “Blessings to you in the coming year, Mister Kendrick. May I see Rayna, please?” His heart pounded in his chest.

  Levi was a heavy-set man with curly brown hair and a gentle face. “Your Highness, please come in. You are most welcome in our home. Rayna, you have a guest.”

  Her father slowly backed away from the door, revealing their humble home. It looked warm and welcoming with all the personal touches of a loving family. Along one shelf he saw a row of large seashells from Port Anahita. They had been living as the palace bakers going on two months now.

  “You have a lovely home, Miss Dorothy. Thank you for allowing me to visit.” Kai bowed respectfully to Rayna’s mother.

  “Please, Prince Kai, call me Dori,” she said shyly. Miss Dori’s long auburn hair flowed freely down her back, and Rayna was skillfully weaving it into a braid with three white ribbons.

  Kai could not help but stare at Rayna. From the moment he first saw her in Port Anahita, his heart felt connected to her. Tonight, her long dark brown hair was swooped softly over her shoulder, and her honey brown eyes sparkled in response to her laughter. “Blessings to you in the coming year, Prince Kai. So good of you to bless us in our home this night. Are you enjoying the winter festival? The parade of candles through the city streets was quite beautiful. Did you get to see it?” Rayna smiled but focused on her task.

  Kai felt that he could sit and listen to her all night. Transfixed on Rayna, he stood holding the gift, waiting for her to take a breath. Still, she continued. “We had a great view from the Central City Gardens. The winter blooming plants are wonderful. Did I mention the music? Flutes and violins were playing the loveliest tunes while people danced in the streets. I have never seen anything like it before!”

  Dori interrupted her. “Rayna, honey. Prince Kai has a gift. Give him a chance to speak.”

  Ever polite, Kai responded to her questions. “I have seen the parade of candles. Every year it seems to be more enchanting.” He had heard Shannon say that, and he wanted to impress Rayna. “I wanted to give you something. It’s not big…I mean, it is big, but it is a…here.” Kai stumbled over his words. Unsure what else to say, he slid the gift across the table.

  Finished with her mother’s hair, Rayna tied the ribbons into a bow. “All finished. You look lovely, mother.” Rayna kissed her mother’s cheek and looked at the package on the table. Her hands delicately traced the soft dark blue cloth and untied the bright pink bow. The blue fabric fell in a puddle around a large wicker basket.

  Inside, Kai had placed three white winter roses on a bed of pink and purple heather. He desperately hoped she liked it. It had not been easy to convince Kendra to help him purchase a gift for Rayna. Everyone advised him it was unwise to spend time with the baker’s daughter. Still, he wanted to get Rayna something. What harm could a wicker basket possibly cause?

  “I love the basket and flowers. I am sorry I did not get you anything.” Rayna pulled the flowers from the basket and placed them in a large vase in the center of the table. “I wasn’t sure I could give a prince a gift.” She looked at her parents for reassurance.

  Kai instantly felt he’d made a mistake surprising her. “Please, don’t feel bad. My gift will be knowing you enjoy the basket. Come spring, I will show you where the wildflowers grow outside of the city.” Kai tilted his head, trying to lift her eyes. “In summer the palace gardens produce vegetables, and in the fall the apple orchard fills with fruit. A basket will come in handy.”

  Dori and Levi smiled at Kai. “Thank you for thinking of our daughter. Rayna, you bless him by enjoying his gift. Blessings to you Kai in the coming year.” Dori rubbed her daughter’s back.

  Not wanting to overstay his welcome, Kai bowed slightly. “Thank you again for welcoming me into your home. I need to return to the palace.”

  Excuses made; he exited the small cottage. He was a bundle of emotions. Why does this girl make my insides flip upside down? He took a breath and felt a hand touch his arm. He glanced to his right; Rayna had followed him outside. “Thank you for the gift.” She smiled. “It means more to me than you know.”

  “It was my pleasure,” he nodded.

  All the way back to the palace festivities, he worked to control his bubbling emotions. He could feel the heat in his head ebb. Clear-minded he returned to the party. The air was filled with bouncy music and laughter. Everyone was still having a grand time.

  Roark had one arm clasped around Shannon’s lower back and the other raised to the side, cupping her hand in his as they gracefully floated around the room. They danced into the center and out again, spinning apart and pulling back together.

  Not far from them, Tolan twirled Amelia and pulled her back to him. Her dark blue dress flared slightly about her knees, and her blonde hair bounced on her shoulders. Even Iver and Nola had joined into the rhythmic choreographed pattern. Together they were a grand display of joyful color.

  Kai approached his cousin Gideon, who was leaning against the wall. He was sharply dressed in a chestnut brown dress coat and peach vest, his curly brown hair free about his shoulders.

  “Gideon, I a
m surprised you are not dancing with Victoria,” Kai jested until he noticed his cousin’s face turn red. “Tell me you’ve at least asked her?”

  “I couldn’t possibly ask her to dance.” Gideon tried to back away, but Kai set his hand on Gideon’s shoulder. Kai may have been a year younger, but he was nearly two inches taller than his cousin. “She’s talking with Alana and Aden. I couldn’t possibly interrupt. Besides, she’s way too beau…” Gideon’s clapped his hand over his mouth, muffling his words.

  “You can, Gideon. I’ll go with you. Now she is looking at us—we have to go over!” Kai insisted. “I will ask Alana, and you ask Victoria. She will have to say yes. Trust me.” Kai pulled Gideon along, making their way across the room.

  Kai bowed to the group. “Cousin Alana, you are looking nice this evening. Cousin Aden, I hope you’re enjoying yourself. Have you danced any this evening?”

  Aden smiled briefly. “Cousin, you know I don’t dance. I like to spend the evening talking about politics and law. But I do not dance.” Aden tugged at the lapel of his jacket.

  “Right. You don’t dance.” A smile crept across Kai’s face. “Shame to let the night waste away without at least one dance,” he added, nudging Gideon’s arm.

  Nervously, Gideon cleared his throat. “Victoria. You are looking lovely this evening.” Sheepishly he stared at Victoria’s feet and then looked into her eyes.

  Behind them, the music stopped with a burst of laughter and cheer as couples left the dance floor. The next tune was a slower melody, and it was their cue to find a partner. Kai bowed to Alana. “Cousin, would you dance with me?” he asked, offering her his hand.

  Alana looked to Victoria and smiled. “Why, yes, I would love to dance. Thank you for asking.” She took Kai’s arm, followed him to the dance floor, and glanced over her shoulder at Victoria.

  On the dance floor, Kai put on hand on Alana’s waist and held her hand in the other. “Do you think Gideon will ask her?” he asked.