The Half-Light

by A D Lombardo

  They rode on in silence, his thoughts haunting him. Ultimately, he knew he had to be honest. “Rayna, I need to tell you something about Snowflake.” He bit his lip, dreading how she would take the news.

  Before he lost his nerve, he continued. “As I understand it, Snowflake has problems seeing anything far away. It makes her afraid to leave the stables. Today is the first time she has let anyone besides Haygan ride her. She has something called moon blindness, trouble seeing in low light, which could … or will … result in complete blindness.” He had blurted it all out so fast that he felt sick. There had been no kindness, just facts. “I am sorry, Rayna. I could have said that better. I thought you should know, and I thought I should be the one to tell you.”

  Rayna closed her eyes, took in a deep breath, and folded down over Snowflake. She laid there for only a moment and then sat up. “Everything that happened before we left told me this horse was special. When I touched her, my hands felt warm, and she nuzzled me. With her neck wrapped around me, I felt connected. I could see her and me walking through a meadow. The one you showed me with all the wildflowers. She walked freely by my side without a lead.”

  “It is a precious gift to bond with an animal. I hope you understand why I had to say something.” He glanced in her direction.

  She nodded in understanding. “Given the terrified look on Finlee’s face when I rode Snowflake, I do understand. But honestly, I don’t think she has that problem anymore. Her milky eyes are clear now. I have not been directing her—she is walking all on her own.” She held up her hands, the reigns resting on the saddle.

  Kai pressed Ember forward to get a better view of Snowflake. He squinted at her, and to his amazement, Rayna was right. The haze was gone. “How…” He let his voice trail off.

  The gift of healing freighted Kai. Haygan or Kendra had not mentioned this Katori ability. It was one thing to share your sight through the bond connection, but healing. He didn’t know how Rayna had healed her horse. How do I hide this secret? “Don’t tell anyone. Keep this between us.”

  Kai waved to Garrick as his group entered the outer gatehouse. Rayna lowered her head; he could tell by her expression she was confused and a little afraid. “What does it matter? If she is better now it is a good thing.”

  Conflicted, he rubbed the side of his head. “I was told to let your father surprise you.” His tone hushed as they road through the city. “Dante was going to get rid of the horse, since blind and temperamental she is of no use. If she is healed, they may want to keep her, not to mention they will want to know how you did it. This is dangerous. If anyone knew you could heal, they might take you away from your parents.”

  Her mouth agape she whipped her head toward Kai. “I didn’t do anything.”

  He reached over and touched her arm. “Relax,” he begged. His eyes widened at her elevated tone. “For now, don’t say anything to anyone, not even your parents. Haygan will take care of this before we leave,” he assured her.

  Entering the inner ward gatehouse, he needed to keep their conversation private. He raised his finger to his lips. “Shhh. When your dad tells you, act surprised and let it go. You trust me, right?”

  “Of course,” she responded, eyeing the others surrounding them.

  With the stables in view, he relaxed into his saddle and fell silent. Bram and Finlee helped the ladies dismount and tied off their horses. “Bram, I need to speak with Haygan. Is he in his office?” Kai asked, dismounting and passing Ember’s reins to Weston.

  “I am sorry, Prince Kai, but he is not,” Bram responded. “Should I tell him to find you upon his return?”

  “I will stay and wait, Bram, thank you. Weston, hold up. I can brush Ember.”

  Hours later, Haygan entered the stables with a large black leather bag slung over his shoulder. Kai quickly explained the situation to Haygan about the wolves. “Send word to Lord Henley. I will move the wolves away. I will need Smoke and a few Mryken to push them back. Might take me a few nights. Dante should let me take the Mryken.”

  Kai felt suddenly uneasy. “What about our trip to Hamrin?”

  Haygan tamped the air with his hand. “I will be back before it is time to leave. But it will take time to discover why they’ve ventured close to Henley. Provided they’ve not killed any livestock, it should be easy to push them out. If there is another pack pushing on their territory, it may take longer to move them to a new location.”

  The guilt over the wild timber wolf Hunter Marduk put down—while saving his life, no less— weighed on his soul. He felt driven to make amends. “How can you move another pack?” he asked, watching Shane and Marduk ride away.

  “Same as you connect with the Mryken, although it is not polite to play with them.” Haygan gave Kai a knowing look. “I understand you’re developing your gift. I know you feel the timber wolf incident was your fault. But not all wild animals are created equal. Angry animals already in attack mode are difficult to confront for even the strongest Beastmasters.”

  “Beastmasters?” Kai had not heard Haygan use the term before.

  From the look on the stablemaster’s face, Kai knew the man cursed himself for using the term. “Knowledge is dangerous.” Haygan stiffened.” But to answer your question, a Katori person who can communicate with animals is called a Beastmaster.”

  This was interesting. Kai had so many questions. Before he could pick one, Haygan continued. “I can use Shiva and Smoke to push them away. I can connect with the wild pack. Encourage them to move. With, say, seven Mryken and two Nebean black wolves I can get them to move on.” He dropped the heavy bag and sat on the edge of his desk.

  Kai looked at the bag. “Where did you go? Were you making plans for our trip?”

  Haygan ran his hands through his hair and smiled. “I went to see a friend.”

  Surprised, Kai tilted his head. “Who?”

  “Her name is Simone. She is someone dear to me. I hope you will meet her someday. Now let me see about the Henley wolf problem.” Haygan picked up his bag and headed to the stairs and the stable boarding rooms.

  “Wait. There is one more thing. You need to look at Snowflake. I think Rayna healed her. Her eyes are no longer milky, and she let Weston brush her down this evening.” Kai tossed his hands out to his sides. “I cannot explain it, but it’s true. I have inspected her myself. Not sure what we should do, but I don’t think you can go back to Dante and tell him a blind horse can suddenly see after spending the day with Rayna.”

  “Show me,” Haygan insisted.

  It didn’t take long for Haygan to come to the same conclusion. “It would seem Rayna is Kodama.” For the second time Haygan chastised himself, scrunching his face.

  “Why do I get the feeling you wish you’d not said the word Kodama?”

  “A Katori-born child is taught from birth the secrets of our society, and the dangers, but you’re a Half-Light. Our Katori elders don’t want me teaching you anything. Even after I told them what you can do. Rayna, on the other hand, this is more than gleaning or bonding. She healed Snowflake. The Kodama are healers. Please don’t ask me more. But back to the horse, Dante inspected her himself after I gave him the news. He had already told me to turn her out. I will tell Levi she is a gift for Rayna. He cannot refuse. I will move the horse myself tonight. Tell nobody about this. Do you understand?” His voice was firm and fearful.

  Kai sighed with relief. “I do understand, which is why I have been sitting in the stables for two hours waiting for you to come back.”

  “This protects all of us, not just Rayna. Down at the lower servants’ stables, they will have no idea.” Haygan pulled Snowflake from her stall and climbed onto her bareback. “Goodnight Kai,” was all he said as he trotted out of the stables.

  ◆◆◆

  In the family dining hall, Kai spoke with his father and Grand Duke Dante Carmelo. “Father, I wanted to let you know I spent the day in Henley.” Patiently he waited for a response.

  Iver stared at his plate. “How is
Robert? It has been a long time.” The words affectionately rolled off his father’s tongue.

  Kai could see the joy behind his father’s eyes. “Lord Robert is well. Although he has a few security concerns. Seems two trees have damaged an old section of their wall, halting their expansion project. They now have three open wall sections. He needs help, either repairing the wall or additional men to secure the area. I trust it was acceptable to offer assistance.” Kai waited again for a response, hoping his decision was right.

  “Yes, son, fine idea.” The king turned to the grand duke. “Dante, see which men you can spare for security around Henley. They are only a few miles away. Until their walls are repaired, circulate your men back and forth. They can set up a camp outside Henley. Speak with Dean Biorne. See if he has any stone masons or carpenters he can spare to assist with the walls.”

  Pleased, Iver looked to Kai. “Well done, son. This is exactly what I expect from your summer trips. Find out what our people need. Dresnor can offer guidance—send word to Dante Carmelo if you need additional support. I will be leaving shortly after you for Bangloo.” Pride filled Iver’s eyes. “I would be pleased if you would compose the letter to Lord Henley, informing him of the support we offer.”

  Kai felt relieved that he had made the right decision, and a bit of pride that his father was pleased. “Certainly, father. I will write a letter tonight. Thank you.”

  That evening, Kai sat nervously at his desk, staring out the window. He had never written an official letter to a lord before. Where should he start? Robert Henley was a smart man, a friend of his parents—a Duke. Lord of his land and a keeper of people. This was not the same as writing a book report for Professor Greydon. This mattered. He thought about what the professor would tell him. Keep it simple. Take the emotions out of the task. Write the facts, be concise, and tell what you know.

  Pen in hand, he stared at the blank paper.

  Dear Duke Robert Henley,

  It was my pleasure to spend the afternoon with you and Lady Elizabeth. Thank you for hosting my friends and me at your festival. Everyone enjoyed your kind hospitality and charming town.

  Arrangements have been made with Grand Duke Dante Carmelo. He will be sending men to camp outside Henley. They will provide security on a rotating schedule until the wall repairs are complete. This should allow you to focus your men on repairs and internal security.

  Dean Biorne will be sending stonemasons and carpenters to provide aid in the repair effort. Use them as you see fit.

  Our stablemaster, Haygan, has a solution to address your wolf concerns. He should already be on the outskirts of town searching for the rogue wolf pack. He is traveling with two Nebean black wolves and a large pack of Mryken dogs. He believes he can peacefully move the wild wolves away from Henley.

  Again, thank you, for the beautiful day. My father sends his good wishes. I hope to visit again soon. I look forward to seeing you at the winter festival.

  Yours Truly,

  Prince Kai Galloway

  He put down his pen and gently sprinkled the pounce powder over the letter. While he had used fine strokes, he didn’t want to chance it would not be sufficiently dry before folding the paper. Gently shaking the sheet, he removed the excess, folded his letter, sealed it with wax and his royal stamp.

  Chapter 25

  Hamrin Bound

  The rocky courtyard wall made for an uncomfortable seat. Kai contemplated his pending trip and his new responsibilities. Today, he would leave Diu palace and spend his summer in Hamrin, away from everyone he knew.

  How am I ready for this? His nerves were making him sweat in the early morning heat. The sun was already beating on his back. It was going to be a long day. Smoke paced next to him eagerly. The wolf knew something was happening today.

  The stables were a hive of activity. Everyone was saddling horses, loading supplies, and packing gear. Ember was all ready to go. Kai was not. He kept one eye on the assembling group and one eye on the bakehouse. Rayna had been up before dawn. He could see her working. She seemed rushed.

  His heart raced. While his group waited for Iver, he waited for Rayna. If she didn’t come out before his father came to see them off, he would not be able to say goodbye. They would go all summer apart. Hands in his lap, he stared at the bakery door. Twice she stopped near the entrance but did not exit.

  The pressure was more than he could bear. Before he missed his opportunity, he would see her. Her face, not the wispy energy version within his mind. He marched straight toward the bakehouse door. Determined to see her, he reached for the handle. It swung open and there she was. The smell of fresh baked bread filled the air. “Rayna. I…”

  Her navy-blue dress and white apron blew in the breeze. Her long brown hair had been pulled back into a tight braid. Flour smudged across her chin. “I am so sorry, Kai. There was so much work to be done today. I know you’re leaving. We made your supplies yesterday. I have a moment, then I must get back to work. We are working on your father’s supplies.”

  Dusting off her hands, she stood on her tiptoes to look over his shoulder. Her eyes went wide. “Oh, no.” In a rush, she leaned in and hugged him. “The king just walked into the courtyard. You have to go,” she whispered into his ear. When she stepped back, she held onto his hand. Her warm hand in his.

  He glanced over his shoulder. Sure enough, his father was crossing the courtyard with Master General Cazier. She was right, time to go. “It will be a long summer. I will miss you. When I get back, I promise we will spend a day together. Kendra will look in on you.” He squeezed her hand. It was difficult to let go, but he needed to beat his father to the stables.

  In a flurry he dashed through the trees, making his way to the stables. He entered through the side door and made his way through the group. Next to Ember, he breathed a sigh of relief. He could hear his father talking with Dresnor. “Before you reach your first campsite, send a scout ahead. We have not laid eyes on this area in near a decade. They do not pay much in taxes, so they may have the most need of our support.”

  “Yes, Your Majesty,” Dresnor answered in a level tone, his hands clasped behind his back.

  Master General Cazier cleared his throat. “According to the maps, your first campsite should be an old hunter’s lodge near Baden Lake. Make camp there. We don’t know the conditions of the lodge. Your scouts should be wary. There used to be a few farms there, too. They may provide refuge.”

  Iver’s face twisted with concern. “Dante, should you be going with him?”

  Knowing everyone wanted to leave, Kai stepped around Ember and approached Dresnor. Next to his Kempery-man, he matched his stance, hands clasped behind his back. His eyes drifted from his father to his cousin Cazier.

  Cazier’s mouth curled into a smirk, and his eyes drifted down to Kai’s midsection. He raised one eyebrow and nodded. “My king, they will be fine. You took the same trips at his age. He has three Kempery-men, Hunter Marduk and Haygan. They are all seasoned men. The prince will be fine.”

  Unsure why his cousin was smiling, Kai looked down at his stomach. It all became clear. There was a white dusty patch of flour on his dark blue shirt. Before his father noticed, he brushed his hand across his stomach.

  Haygan stepped to Kai’s right. His strong hand brushed across Kai’s shoulders. Embarrassed, he looked up at Haygan. Kai was covered in flour. Rayna’s hug left evidence he had seen her before coming to the stables.

  Iver turned to address Kai. “Son, I know this is your first important trip without me. You will do well. Master General Cazier will be traveling home to Nebea. While I travel sail to Bangloo and Ahana, the Grand Duke Dante will remain in Diu. If you need anything, send a bird. A ship can cross Baden Lake in less than a day. Support can be to you quickly. This will be your first glimpse of the Katori mountain range. They are magnificent. Find high ground, and you should just be able to see their razor-sharp peaks stabbing the sky.

  “Kempery-man Dresnor will guide you during your trip. Trust him. I h
ave every confidence you will conduct Diu business with sensibility, understanding, and reason. May your judgment be decisive and fair.” With a nod he offered his hand to Kai, pulling him into an embrace. “Take care, my son,” he whispered in his ear. “I will see you at summer’s end.”

  His father’s strong arms held him tight. “Thank you, father.” Kai stepped back out of the hug. “I hope your trip is a success, and I look forward to the new treasures you will bring back. Will Nola travel with you?”

  “To her dismay, she will remain here with baby Cordelia. Between us, I relish my time at sea alone. It is time to think. Adventures aboard allow me to assert the might of Diu and make alliances. That is no place for a queen.”

  Iver clapped a hand on Kai’s shoulder, turning him around to face the men. “Men, you ride out today to extend the hand of Diu to the people. Protect and serve, be true to all my people. Treat them as they were your own. And above all, protect my son.”

  Dresnor spoke for the group. “Your Majesty, we will protect your son with our lives.”

  Iver and Cazier stepped back. Everyone mounted up. As the group departed, Kai looked over his shoulder to his father. He was both excited and nervous about what lay ahead. He only hoped he could live up to his father’s expectations.

  When they traveled beyond the city walls, Kai stiffened in the saddle. Looking back, the sun glistened across the white stone of Diu city. He would miss his evenings with Cazier and Riome. And his time with Rayna. Three months felt like forever.

  Focused on the road ahead, he could see the long bridge that spanned Stone River below the rock dam around Baden Lake’s south rim. The bridge was a symbol in his mind. Crossing meant he was no longer a child. Responsibility lay in wait on the other side, ready to consume him. He knew embracing his duty would make his father proud. It would also bring him one step closer to Milnos.