by A D Lombardo
Taking his time, he removed the ribbon and opened the box. Out of the box flew dozens of red and yellow butterflies. They flew straight up at first, then slowly descended around the garden. It was magical. He gasped at the sight. He had never seen so many in one place. To his delight, two butterflies landed on his shoulder, and one on Seth. They both stood together in awe. Not wanting to move lest they fly away.
“Thank you, Linlou. You have made a wonderful garden for my son. I look forward to your summer design on King’s Day.” Iver gave her a small nod, then walked into the newly designed garden behind Nola.
Linlou bowed and slowly backed away. The horticultural society awaited her. Although Kai could not hear what they said to her, he could see that they were smiling. Clearly, they were pleased with her design. Linlou bowed and left the gardens.
Chapter 21
Testing Limits
Every few days, Riome came for him unless she was away on a mission. They had been training for months. Today they took the long spiraling staircase to the old abandoned armory into the depths of the east spire. The stone, dirt, and wood smelled old and dank. Spiderwebs hung around every corner. Riome carried an oil lamp to light their way.
Riome reached the landing and led them through two iron doors to their training room. Within the dark room, she lit only a few sconces around the room. Fanciful flames danced their way into the high arched ceiling overhead. Along the walls were racks of weapons and various bits of beaten armor and padded targets.
It was difficult to fathom what she might teach him from one day to the next. She had mostly taught him a bit of street fighting. She wanted him to get used to unpredictability rather than teaching him choreographed maneuvers like the others. She insisted the unknown would challenge his wits.
Occasionally she added in knives or clubs to increase the intensity of their lessons. A few nights ago Riome gave him the thrashing of his life, but today she started teaching him a series of graceful movements. He was relieved by the break.
She told him the movements, once sped up, could be used for defensive fighting and a few minor attacks. While he had wanted to learn, he’d had no idea what he’d been asking. This was nothing like what he thought. Not that he had any idea what it meant to be a spy or fight for one’s life. He wondered if his father had done any such training in his youth.
One thing he was thankful for was Riome’s patience. Kai’s movements did not flow like hers. Often, he missed steps or motions as he tried to study her and keep up. Her movements were slow. The technique focused on precision and included deep breathing.
When he relaxed, her choreographed movements became a little easier, and he was a little less rigid. They moved silently, and each posture flowed into the next. She was not much of a talker some days. If she did speak, her words were direct. To Kai, she sounded like one of the captains drilling his team in the yard.
When they were done, Riome bowed, and they left.
Outside sunshine bathed the courtyard as Kai set out on a run, Smoke by his side. This was his time—time to think. Time to practice. In his mind, he connected to Smoke. Using his gift of sight, he gleaned his surroundings. Through practice, he had learned to maintain his focus regardless of the distractions.
Eyes wide, he ran. The life-emanating glow looked beautiful and soft. He was still amazed by the gift and the distance he could see in his mind. With each passing day, he could see farther and farther.
Connected with Smoke, Kai felt Smoke’s wild exhilaration, his anticipation of running. They started at a nice leisurely pace as they passed the stables, training grounds, barracks, and kennels. The other side of the palace was more open until he reached the older cottages built near the wall. A few restricted his path; it was barely wide enough for Kai to run alongside Smoke.
Several places along the wall, there were other obstacles. Crates, barrels, and the occasional guard patrolling with a Mryken. Spaces narrow and wide, each providing a challenge. Ever mindful of the unpredictable nature of others, he kept watch for the guard changes and people roaming near the wall. “On your left,” he called as he passed a guard.
In his mind, he could see guards patrolling with their Mryken. The dogs were often excited by his running. He could tell they wanted to chase after him, but their training kept them focused. He had learned to connect with them as he did Smoke. Through the connection, Kai shared his nature and calmed their excitement.
Like with people, routine made the Mryken complacent. For the most part, they now ignored him. His daily run was now part of their typical day. As Kai approached the kennels, he reached out his mind to one Mryken. The dog approached the fence and sat. The others pranced after Kai down the length of the kennel yard.
The world around Kai became a blur as he ran faster. The wind pressed against his face. He leaped over a crate in his path and dodged a tall stack of boxes. A man converged on the next stack of crates. Smoke shot between the man and the crate on the ground and Kai leaped over, clipping the side of the man’s container as he flew past.
“What was that? Prince Kai, watch where you’re going, boy!” the man shouted, setting the crate down.
Kai laughed and kept running. He loved to run. It felt free to run. “On your left,” he called to yet another guard. Still energized, he ran faster and faster. Again, he neared the kennel. With his mind, he called two more Mryken to the fence. Now three sat at attention while the others dashed along the fence until they could pursue him no farther.
He was quite surprised that he did not feel winded anymore. Months of daily running had made a big difference in his stamina. It made him wonder how fast he could run. What are my limits? He had to know. So, he ran faster, continuing around the wall. The sun broke through the clouds, warming his face. As he ran, he noticed more people set about their day.
Still, he continued to run, continued to push himself to go faster. Again, the kennels came into view. He used his mind to speak to the rest of the pack. Now every dog in the yard sat to watch him pass. None chased him.
The next lap, he ran faster still, Smoke still with him. He knew they could go faster. His thoughts connected to Smoke; he felt they both had more to give. With a smile across his face, he ran harder and harder. “On your left,” he called passing another guard.
The obstacles came around faster, the guards more frequent. “On your left,” he called, passing the next guard, leaping over crates and around barrels. The Mryken still sat waiting for him. Still, he felt he could go faster. When he passed the stables, he heard Haygan call out, but he did not stop. He was not ready to quit.
The gardens were ahead, and he ran faster. A few workers trimmed hedges and tended plants. “On your right,” he called as he passed two gardeners. The orchard and the cottages came next. In his mind, he looked ahead. People were making their way about the grounds.
When he noticed a bright light ahead, he wanted to stop. It was a girl, leaving the palace and walking toward the cottages. He knew that light. He had to slow down. He would miss her if he didn’t. He turned in her direction, and she came into view. He tried to slow down. He needed to stop. But he was going too fast. “Rayna, look out!” he shouted. With all he had he planted his feet and rolled head over heels, tumbling to the ground.
Exhausted, he panted at her feet. Hand on his chest, he looked up at the blue sky. The sun filled his eyes until a shadow crossed over him. Her smiling face came into view. “Someone’s in a hurry this morning. Are you alright?” Rayna asked.
All he could do was laugh. What a morning he’d had. “Yes, Rayna, I’m fine.”
She joined in his laughter and knelt beside him in the grass. “I was headed to fetch my father’s apron when I saw you running. I see you most mornings, up early. We are up before dawn to start on the bread.”
Kai raised onto his elbows and looked around. “Can I see you later today? Shane is coming to the palace with his father. We had plans to go fishing, but I heard about a festival.”
She lo
oked over her shoulder to her family’s cottage. “I will have to ask. There is much yet to do this morning. I doubt they would let me go alone.”
“How about after lunch? Bring Julia. She is a lavender girl in the laundry service.” Kai suggested.
Rayna offered her hand, and Kai hopped to his feet. “Julia is very nice,” Rayna nodded. “We have lunch together nearly every day. I’ll ask.” Dusting off her dress, she headed toward her home.
“I’ll see you after lunch!” he called out before heading towards the stables.
A few guards gawked at Kai. Their strange looks confused him, but he kept walking. The stables were a hive of activity.
Kai headed to Haygan’s office, where the stablemaster hovered over stacks of paper. He quickly copied numbers from each sheet of paper into a large ledger and placed them to the side. “Good morning, Kai. Did you have a nice run this morning?”
Kai lowered his head. “Sorry, I didn’t stop. I couldn’t help it, the more I pushed, the faster I ran. The exhilaration was overpowering. I think I could have gone faster. Please don’t be mad.”
Haygan looked up from his desk. “Mad? You know why I am upset. Kai, you must be careful using your gifts. The older you get, the stronger you will become. I know you are testing your limits, and it is good training, but you can’t do it here around the palace. People will notice. They noticed today. You put us all at risk. And release the Mryken. They still sit waiting for you.” Haygan’s tone remained level yet firm.
Kai took a deep breath, releasing it slowly. With a thought, he released the guard dogs from his suggestion to sit. “I didn’t even think…”
He knew Kendra and Haygan insisted their secrets were crucial to their survival. Now he understood the strange looks. The guards were not sure how to process what they saw. His stunt could put them in jeopardy. “I am sorry, Haygan. I will be more careful.”
Haygan leaned back in his chair. “If you want to run at those speeds, run at night or before dawn. I must be honest, at your top speed, you will someday be able to outrun Smoke. Technically, depending on how long you can hold out, you could run all the way to Port Anahita in less than an hour. Easy.”
Kai noticed the tone in Haygan’s voice had changed. For the first time, he sounded proud. Proud of their gifts. “Really? Can you outrun Shiva?” He already knew the answer, but he wanted to hear more.
“Yes, I can outrun Shiva. She is very fast, and it takes a toll. But I will say, the first time you beat an animal like a wolf or a lion, it is remarkable. There is little compared to running with a wild animal.” Haygan smiled and leaned over his desk. “Now I have paperwork to finish.” He sent Kai off with the wave of his hand.
Later that morning, Kai walked Smoke down towards the kennels. He wanted to continue to test his limits with his ability to connect with animals. Silence fell over the yard. The Mryken greeted him along the fence. Their thick white-and-gray fur shone brightly in his mind. Kai gleaned the pack and the surrounding area. The kennel and surrounding area were currently guard-free.
Kai sat cross-legged against a tree, and Smoke sat a few feet away. Within his mind, Kai connected to Smoke. He practiced directing Smoke to patrol the area while he reached out to the Mryken. His wolf complied. The guard dogs also did his bidding. He shuffled them around the kennel yard like chess pieces on a gameboard.
Dividing the pack into sets of four and then in twos, he balanced sensing Smoke, directing the Mryken and scanning the yard. The more he divided his attention, the more difficult it became to maintain the thread to each group and Smoke. Pleased with his progress, he let the Mryken return to their own wanderings. In so doing, Kai’s vision of the palace grounds expanded.
His exercise had increased his range. Within his mind, he saw the first few streets of Hightown Proper. People meandered through the avenues, darting in and out of shops into awaiting carts along the thoroughfare. Amazed at this expansion, he called Smoke to his side and returned to the palace to tell Kendra.
Chapter 22
Moon Blindness
Out of the family dining hall Kai chased Amelia. “Slow down! Where are you going?” When he caught up to her, he took her arm and spun her around. “We should talk. I know I have been busy.”
Her eyes met his, and he could tell she was on the verge of tears. “Are you alright? What’s wrong?” Over his shoulder, he saw Tolan take a step in their direction, then turn and walk away. “Does he have anything to do with this?” Kai’s tone deepened, and he squeezed her arm.
“Ouch, you’re hurting me.” Amelia pulled her arm away. “You have been busy!” She pushed him away.
“Wait, I want to help. What’s wrong?” Kai pleaded.
She glared back at him. “Why do you care?” The pain in her eyes echoed in her voice.
Her distress shocked him. Lost in her misdirected emotions, he withdrew. He knew he’d been busy, but this was not like Amelia. She continued away from him. There had to be something he could do to help. “Amelia, please, hold up.” He dashed after her.
She stopped with her head down, but she waited. “You’re right Amelia, I have been busy, but I am here now. The least I can do is listen.”
Amelia looped her arm around his and carried on down the hallway. “There isn’t really anyone to talk to about this, but you. Everyone else has their opinions and believe me they advise without my asking.”
Happy to listen, he let her guide him. They had spent so little time together these past few weeks; he had no idea what was troubling her. Rumors crept through his mind. “What has Tolan done? If he hurt you, I will…” His voice trailed off as he watched a tear slide down her cheek. “Amelia, please tell me how I can help.” He pulled her to a stop.
“He didn’t do anything. Not really. He leaves today. And he will be gone for six months.” Her voice wobbled. “I couldn’t bear to say goodbye publicly.” Her eyes filled with tears and gushed down her face.
He pulled her into a hug. He could not find the words to comfort her. Nola passed by, giving him a look. Not wanting any more attention, he pulled her into the music room and closed the door. “Here, sit. Tell me everything.” Kai sat down on the sofa with Amelia, her hand in his.
“I am not sure where to start. Kai, you are my best friend. You’re like my brother. I’m sorry, I know what our future holds.” Tears began to fall again, and she pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve, wiping her face. “We didn’t mean to…it just kind of happened.” She stumbled through her words between sobs.
“Didn’t mean to what?” He felt suddenly nervous.
Drying her eyes, she looked at him. “I know I am only fifteen, but I love Tolan, and he loves me. He told me yesterday after we…” Her hand touched her lips, and she blushed. “He kissed me for the first time—then he told me he loved me. I know it’s a mistake.” Tears welled in her eyes again.
Kai knew what she meant. It was wrong to feel for another when their duty would bind them together. They both had to grow up too fast. They were expected to marry and rule as king and queen of Milnos when they turned eighteen. She was like a sister to him. He could not change their future, and he could not change how she felt.
“Amelia, do you have any classes this afternoon? I want you to meet someone.” He smiled at her and took her by the hand. Back on his feet, he pulled her up from the sofa.
“You want to introduce me to Rayna.” Amelia smiled. “We’ve met.”
Kai turned red. “When?” he asked, trying not to look concerned.
“People talk. They make up stupid rumors. The tales I heard I knew could not be true. I had to admit I was curious. If I was not your type, who was. I wanted to see if she was worthy of your attention. She is a lucky girl.”
Amelia was right. Kai had heard things about her and Tolan. Things he knew could not be accurate. It made him crazy, the lies. He had tried to keep his moments with Rayna with her parents or in public areas. “I have heard stories too. Whispers around corners. None of them true, I know. Amelia,
I respect both of you, and I would never want to tarnish your or Rayna’s reputation, but I will not give up on what I want.”
“Exactly. Which is why I wanted to meet her. Lizzy helped me arrange lunch. Since you spend little time in the gardens, it was the obvious choice.” She chuckled at her own cleverness.
It was good to hear Amelia laugh. He had hoped to get her mind off Tolan. “So, what do you think of Rayna?”
Amelia tilted her head as if contemplating the right words. “I found her to be a most pleasant young lady. She is smart and charming. Did you know she is interested in plants? On our stroll through the gardens, she named every plant. She hopes to study herbs and their medicinal uses.”
He swallowed hard. It was strange hearing someone else talk about Rayna. He had known desires to learn about plants. “We have walked around in the herb gardens near the palace. She knows a fair amount about them. I have brought her a few books, and I gave her a wicker basket at the winter festival,” he exclaimed proudly.
She smiled and patted his hand. “Wherever we are going, count me in.”
“Great, change into your riding clothes. I will make the arrangements to have your black mare saddled and ready. Meet us at the royal stables in twenty minutes.”
Dresnor waited for Kai in the breezeway. “Dresnor,” Kai called. “Can you make the necessary arrangements for more guards? I want to take miss Amelia, Rayna, and her friend Julia out with Shane and me. We will all be riding to Henley. I heard they have a festival today, and everyone could use an afternoon of entertainment.”
“Certainly, Prince Kai. I will see to the additional detail.” Dresnor gave a small bow and backed away.
By the time Kai reached the stables, Ember was already being saddled by Weston. Finlee was happy to saddle Misty for Julia, leaving the selection of one more horse for Rayna. Meanwhile, Shane’s white horse Winter trotted up the street. “What are you waiting for? Let’s go.” Shane questioned.
