The Half-Light

by A D Lombardo

  A bright smile crossed Alana’s face. “He did it! And she said yes. Here they come.” She nodded excitedly over Kai’s shoulder.

  Kai spun Alana around in time to catch Gideon and Victoria glide past them, followed by Tolan and Amelia. He was surprised to see them together. He wasn’t sure how to feel about their blooming relationship. They seemed to be together more and more.

  “Alana, what do you know about Amelia and Tolan? They seem to have gotten rather close in recent weeks. Always together, whispering and laughing.”

  Alana tilted her head to see around Kai. “Didn’t you hear? They have gone riding in the countryside or walked to the central City Park nearly every day since he returned.”

  Kai hesitated. Had he been so busy that he missed this? He and Amelia had always been close. It wasn’t until the last year that either of them understood what their betrothal meant. Now they were moving in different directions. He wasn’t sure how that made him feel.

  Amelia was his best friend, but he had not made any time for her lately. Twirling Alana out one-handed, he brought her back and guided her around the outside corner. Slowly they followed Lord and Lady Chenowith, swaying with the slow, delicate music.

  “Well, rumor has it you have been spending a fair amount of time with the baker’s daughter. Is that wise? Seems to me, both of you need to remember who you are and your future obligations.” Alana held her chin high, poised perfectly.

  “Her name is Rayna,” Kai insisted. “And I wasn’t aware we were the talk of the palace,” he added, a little sharper than he intended. Then he sighed and twirled her out and back again. “But you are probably right.”

  He couldn’t help but wonder how different things would be if he could be who he wanted and with whom he chose. If only there were a spark between Amelia and himself—but she was more like a sister. The music slowly ended, and Kai stepped back from Alana with a bow. “You know, Alana, I believe this is the most we’ve talked since you arrived.”

  Alana curtsied in return. “Mother thinks I should be demure, quiet, and attentive.” She took his arm, and they walked back to Aden. “Honestly, I am shy, speaking in front of groups. I prefer one on one. Thank you for the dance, cousin.”

  “My pleasure. Besides, it was worth it. Gideon and Victoria are finally talking.” Kai motioned across the room.

  How he envied their freedom. The right to choose. Their destiny was unknown, but duty commanded the structure of his life and fixed his future. Each lesson molded him into a king. How could he possibly live up to their expectations?

  Back in his bedroom, Kai felt the cold air hit his face. He had forgotten to close the balcony doors. Newly fallen snow covered his balcony and a fair bit of the carpet inside the doors. With the large glass doors closed, he knelt to rekindle the fading fire. Warmth slowly pushed back the cold as he sat watching the blaze, Smoke at his side.

  Nightly meditation had become his ritual to center his mind and connect to the energy that strengthened his awareness. He had learned that stone was the most difficult to see through in any significant thickness. People varied the most. The old and sick had the faintest light, while the young were very bright.

  The few Katori he’d met all defied the rule. They were extremely bright at any age, although he had yet to meet anyone who looked old. Besides Kendra and Haygan, only a few lived in the Diu city. They were transient people who came through to sell goods before departing.

  A knock at his door brought him out of his meditation, but he held onto the connection. Through the door, he gleaned Kendra, shining brightly. Her wispy light was intense. “Come in, Kendra,” he called through the door.

  Kendra entered, carrying baby Cordelia. “I noticed you were still awake. How did Rayna like her gift?” She stood, rocking his little sister.

  “Fine, I guess. She was uncomfortable that she had no gift for me, but I still think it was the right thing to do,” he said, trying to convince himself more than her.

  “Understandable.” Kendra rocked his baby sister. “What kind of future do you see with Rayna?”

  Kendra did not sidestep the issue. She was always direct.

  And unfortunately, he knew the answer. They had no future. She was the baker’s daughter, and he was a prince, betrothed to another. Although Diu allowed royals to marry below their rank, the old tradition of betrothal defined his choice.

  Still, he could not help but want a different life. “I see a soul mate. I felt a connection the moment I saw her. There is something tangible between us. I know I shouldn’t, but I sneak out to see her any chance I get. Each moment we spend together deepens that bond. I wish you could understand.”

  “I understand perfectly, but we don’t always get what we want.” Kendra paused. “I know how you feel. I also know your duty commands you marry another. Connecting with Rayna is a mistake. It will only make it more difficult.”

  “You keep saying that, and I agree with it in principle. But my soul believes there is a future. Should I ignore that?” Kai couldn’t help what he believed. Something told him his life would depend on her. Frustrated, he crossed his arms.

  She pursed her lips. “You should rest. Goodnight, Kai.” Kendra left quietly, closing the door behind her.

  Settled in bed, Kai closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep. His mind flashed as slow, detailed images unfolded before him. The apple orchard; the smell of trees full of ripe fruit. Rayna sat beside him. She flipped through a book, the edge of the pages crisp and clear. Kai reached for her hand, but the wind blew through the vision, and she disappeared.

  He grabbed for her, but she was gone, replaced with a new image. Cannon fire exploded in his ears. Two ships battled in Port Anahita. Men screamed. Kai ran through the streets behind Dresnor. The image faded into a man with fiery red hair wearing a Diu uniform; his shoulder displayed the rank of captain.

  The man turned. It was Tolan, his face and chest slashed, dripping with blood. The smell of smoke and iron lingered in the air. Overwhelming sadness struck his chest. Kai resisted the image and pushed it away.

  Relentless he moaned in his sleep. The vision changed, and Kai smelled pine trees. He had the sense of falling, tree branches pricked at his arms. He landed with a thud. He gasped for air. Darkness passed over his eyes. Kai blinked, his vision cleared, a gray wolf stood over him. Fear coursed through his body and he covered his face.

  Tossing in his sleep, Kai fought the visions. He awoke, frantically ripping back the covers. Soaked in sweat, he left his bed. Grateful he no longer woke to screams, he opened his balcony doors. Cold air washed over him. His view was clouded by falling snow.

  Eyes closed, Kai gleaned his surroundings. The power lit up his mind, and the snowflakes became tiny falling stars. He stepped out on to the balcony. Snow melted on his head and shoulders. Through his visions, he searched the night, looking for one small cottage. There, he found one light as bright as his own—Rayna.

  The thought of her calmed his racing heart. Kai moderated his breathing to steady his mind. That was no regular dream, the images felt real. It was not a moment from his past. They were visions of things to come. Random moments twisted together. He didn’t understand what everything meant, only that Rayna was his touchstone.

  What did his future hold? Uncertain, he released the connection and let her fade from his mind. Were they right? Was bringing her into his life a mistake? Or was she indeed his future?

  Chapter 20

  The Gift of Time

  Spring was always Kai’s favorite time of year. The mornings were brisk, the afternoons warm. A time when life began anew. Four long months of winter weather had broken. The Central City Gardens were all newly planted on his birthday–the first day of spring. On the eve of summer two months later they would be changed again for Kings Day—Iver’s birthday.

  Today was Kai’s fourteenth birthday, at two fourteen in the afternoon, the bells around the city would ring for him. The great hall was decorated in his honor, and a small gathering had ass
embled. From the head of the table, Iver raised his glass. “Fourteen years ago today, I became a father. Prince Kai Galloway, my son. I am proud to be your father. Blessed be Alenga, may she bless you in the coming year.”

  The group echoed. “Blessed, be Alenga. Happy birthday Prince Kai.”

  Kai raised his glass in return.

  “Son, my gift to you this year is time.” Iver handed Kai an intricately carved black walnut box. The lid’s filigree carving was the tree of life, inlaid with five rubies set as apples within the tree. Inside the box, Kai found a golden pocket watch on a long thick chain.

  “Time is a precious gift, my son. Use yours wisely and cherish the time others give.”

  Kai looked at the casing around the watch. The symbol of the morning star above the tree of life. He opened the timepiece and read the engraving. ‘You will always be our son. Forever, Mariana & Iver.’ The words made his eyes water. He wiped away the tears.

  “Thank you, father. I will.” He slid the watch into his vest pocket, letting the stylish chain dangle from its clip on his vest.

  ◆◆◆

  Together Kai and his family exited the front of the palace. Crossing the bridge, they climbed inside the royal carriage. Kai tilted his head when he heard the city bells chime. It was the hour of his birth, and today, thoughts of his mother were everywhere. He hoped she was looking down on him. I wish you were here, mother.

  Kendra, Aaron, and Seth sat on one side of the carriage with Kai, and his father sat with Nola as she held baby Cordelia. Their carriage was surrounded by royal guards. Led by Kempery-men on horseback, they rode through the streets of Hightown Proper and Midtown. Well-wishers waved as they passed, hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal family.

  Although Kai had once spent a great deal of time in the city, he had stopped openly traveling the streets as Prince Kai. Dresnor had begun teaching him how to safely move through the city, and they often walked in plain clothes to avoid attention. Though most of the streets were safe, there were still a few areas that could get loud and ruthless if enough ale was involved.

  Riome, on the other hand, taught him how to navigate the rougher parts. She padded his shirt, dirtied his face and clothes, and took him to Rimtown taverns. She said, “Fear is not an option. Walk with purpose and awareness.” Though little poverty existed in Diu, it still had its share of drifters and ruffians. Riome insisted in sneaking him out at night to experience their life firsthand.

  They exited the carriage near the entrance to the City Gardens, next to the marble statue of King Nicholas Galloway, his great-great-grandfather. Tall and proud, King Nicholas sat on his trusty stead, Bashon.

  Together they climbed the stone stairways winding through the terraced gardens; each tier bloomed with new spring flowers. The upper gardens were divided into three long rows, separated by decorative paths and evergreen hedges.

  In the final bed at the very apex of the stacked gardens stood a large obelisk to honor his grandfather King Everette Galloway. It was also newly planted with pansies, hyacinths, tulips, and daffodils.

  The garden’s central showpiece was freshly toiled but empty. There a woman waited for Kai. It would be his choice of flowers that would fill this bed. Her design would be determined by his selections.

  The rest of his family took the stone stairs leading up to the terrace. There they could relax and enjoy the view from a raised gazebo enjoying afternoon tea and food. Kai looked up to the other raised gazebo, where the terrace was lined with Kempery-men.

  “Hello, Your Highness, Prince Kai,” said Linlou. “I have been selected to create the spring centerpiece. Along the path, I have set a selection.” She gestured to several groups of plants. “Some plants bloom with color, while others have colored foliage. Please tell me which you like from each grouping.”

  Linlou wore a broad-brimmed green hat, black pants, and a royal blue shirt. She carried a thick leather-bound journal embossed with her shooting star marker. Directing Kai through each group of plants, she noted his selections. Once finished, he turned and climbed the stairs, joining his family.

  Perched on the stone railing, Kai watched Linlou wildly sketch in her journal. He was surprised to see her scrap her first two designs. Three pages later, Linlou stood and approached her patiently waiting team.

  After showing them her design and providing directions, there was a flurry of activity. Men dashed off, carrying away the unwanted plants and returned from the greenhouse pulling carts filled with plants, flat stones, bird baths, and a small circular wooden bench.

  Briefly, Kai watched the flood of people join in the action. One group set out staking and stringing the area, laying out the plan. Their first lines were clean and straight, angled out from the center. The second lines didn’t exactly make sense, each curving outward, more significant than the previous.

  Finally, a few men began planting dense bushes covered with clustered white flowers in a tight circle. Kai watched, wondering why they skipped several spaces. Another group placed curved flat stones in the center, while others set a few seemingly random stones throughout the bed. Next came another circle of pale-yellow flowers, which blended into dark yellow.

  “How goes the design, son?” Iver asked, handing Kai a cup of warm tea.

  “Fast. It is amazing to watch. It is like watching an army of ants. It is hard to believe they will get it all done in two hours.” Kai took a sip of tea, holding his focus on Linlou’s green hat. She crisscrossed the design, refining the progress of each group. Always adjusting, stepping back for a broader view, and making modifications.

  “It is good to be together today.” Iver took a seat next to Kai to watch the activity. “Are you getting excited for your trip to Hamrin? You leave in three months.”

  Surprised, Kai turned to look at his father. “That soon?” He took a breath and looked up at the pale blue sky. “I believe I am ready, although I am unsure why I am making the trip.” Kai looked away from his father, watching Linlou plant flowers. Still more flowers arrived.

  “You will represent me to our people. I want to know how my people live. How their towns and cities progress. You’ve met most of the dukes and lords of the land. Make friends with them and their children, and they will be your allies in the future. The townspeople need to know we care. I want to know our borders are secure. Find out if our people are happy. You will deliver my letters and hear their complaints. Establish a dialogue. You are my emissary, and you will be their advocate when you return. You will also collect taxes while you are there. This is important work.”

  Kai thought about what his father said. It sounded like a tremendous responsibility. He wasn’t sure he was ready. All he did know was he had no choice. This trip was part of his duty as a prince and part of his training. Someday he would be king of Milnos. “I will make you proud, father.” He tried to put on a strong, confident face, even though inside, he was terrified.

  “Son, come eat. They have much to do.” Iver walked away, joining the others in the gazebo.

  His father was right. There was still so much exposed soil, and they had less than an hour to go. They were currently planting flowers around the border, while Linlou pulled away stakes and string. Planting continued, and the design became tighter and tighter; each plant blended into the next.

  Before joining the others, he saw a procession of men pushing carts with barrels. Curious, Kai thought as he joined the others. Inside the gazebo, he took a seat beside Seth and grabbed an almond cake to go with his tea. The bite sized cake melted in his mouth.

  “Are they almost done?” Seth asked, yawning. He looked bored and ready to leave.

  Kai shook his head. “I wish they were.” He took another bite and savored the taste. He hadn’t realized how hungry he was until now. He sip of tea and watched Nola pass baby Cordelia to Kendra.

  Restless, Aaron kicked his legs back and forth. “What if they don’t finish? What happens? Do we have to sit here until they do?”

  Kai looked to his fath
er, who bobbed his head. “See there, the horticultural society watches her progress. Though to be honest, we’ve never had anyone fail to finish.” Iver looked to the lingering men and women doodling in their journals.

  “Well, I don’t see how they will finish,” Kai added. “Moments ago, half the bed was still empty, and they had very few plants left.”

  “No worries, son.” Iver clinked his glass and addressed the group. “Thank you, family and friends. We honor my son on the day of his birth. Given to us on this most sacred of days, the beginning of spring. The goddess Alenga gave us this world. In it, she encouraged life to grow. She raised the mountains, filled the seas, and gave us the sun and moon to light our way. We hold sacred the beauty of nature in all her grandeur.”

  “Here, here,” Cazier cheered, and everyone clapped.

  Loud sounds echoed up the stairs, and Kai dashed back to the steps, gazing down at the dwindling activity. His view from above had changed dramatically. The last group had poured white stones inside the remaining space. Barrel upon barrel had been emptied into the plant-less void.

  Several men tamped the pebbles with flat boards connected to a post. They packed the ground into a white stone path. The rest watered the plants, filled birdbaths, and cleaned the space.

  Instantly Kai saw a spiral design. The pebble paths flared larger and larger as they went around and out. The flowers formed a colorful starburst outward, and the seemingly random flat stones now held birdbaths. He was overwhelmed by the change. They were nearly finished with plenty of time to spare. Fewer and fewer men remained; each finished their task, removed debris, and left until all that remained was Linlou.

  Together with his family, Kai marveled at the two different designs in one space. Linlou bowed to the royal family as they descended the stairs, stepping away so they could enjoy the area. Quickly, Kai followed the spiral path into the center, and Seth ran close behind. At the center was a round wooden bench with a large wooden box covered with tiny holes, tied with a royal blue bow.