by A D Lombardo
There was no denying it. He knew what they were. They need not fear him; he meant them no harm. Eyes closed, he slid down the tree trunk and delved deep inside his soul. He connected to the spiritual energy within and became aware of the threads of life surrounding him. Eyes open, the world around him became illuminated in a soft glow. The pulse of life emanated from everything, even the dirt below him. The plants and trees felt more alive and welcomed his connection.
In front of him, the cave opening revealed three large adult gray wolves. Inside the cave, Kai sensed two young wolves and three little pups. The adults protected their pack. Their heads were cast down, leery of his presence. They waited. He could sense they were not afraid, only startled by his intrusion.
Exhausted, he tried to remain calm. Smoke was too far away to help, and Kai was in no condition to run. One dagger at his waist was not enough against three seasoned adult wolves. Not that he would want to hurt them.
The lead wolf stepped forward. Alpha. I know you. The final part of his vision had come to life. He opened his soul, his energy to the massive wolf. Eyes locked together, Kai lowered his head respectfully, peering into the wolf’s soul. Kai felt the intensity. With a deep breath, he pushed his intention. I mean you no harm. I need to rest. He let his fear fade and leave his mind. He knew the wolves could smell the blood on his face and hands.
Now that he had a chance to sit, he noticed the cuts through his shirt and pants. All stained with blood. His body ached with pain. It had to be around three in the morning. He had hours to go before dawn, and he wasn’t even sure he was going the right direction.
Once more he pushed his spirit to the wolf. I mean you no harm. May I rest here till dawn? he asked through the connection. High above he sensed Smoke waiting. A loud howl echoed through the trees; it was Smoke. Again, he howled. Kai touched his dizzy head.
The alpha wolf looked to the sky and howled back. Then all the wolves joined him. Kai could do no more. Exhausted, he slumped over, resting his head in the soft pine needles. His breathing slowed, and his eyes fluttered at the sight of the alpha wolf approaching. Unable to keep his eyes open, he fell asleep.
Low growls startled Kai from his slumber. The alpha stood near his head. It took a moment to orient himself. Realizing where he was and what had happened, he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. The other wolves leaned into him, growling. Stiff from how he slept, Kai sat up. In the distance, he heard men calling through the trees. They were calling for him. The low light streaming through the trees told him it was just past dawn.
Still bleary, he reached out with his mind. He sensed Shiva nearby. Shiva, I’m here. The connection true, he felt her stop and turn in his direction. From another direction he sensed Smoke. Here, Smoke, I’m here. Relieved, he looked to the wolves guarding him. They are coming to help me. Thank you for protecting me. Gently, Kai touched the side of the alpha wolf. You should hide in the cave. They’re coming, he encouraged with his mind.
The alpha turned, eyes on Kai. His intensity pushed against Kai’s heart. Then he looked to his pack, and they retreated to their cave. Hidden in the dark, blocked by the tree, he felt them watching him still.
The sounds of leaves crunching and men calling were getting closer. Kai struggled to his feet, and half walked, half stumbled in their direction. Shiva found him first, followed by Smoke. Haygan hiked up the hill in his direction.
Stepping through the trees Kai called out, “You found me. How?”
Haygan handed him a pouch of water. “Here, drink.” Relief filled the stablemaster’s eyes, and he called for the others. “He’s up here!” Haygan yelled through the trees.
Facing back toward Kai, Haygan continued. “When you didn’t come back, I was worried. I woke Redmon and Marduk. We searched the forest surrounding the camp. Hours later, Smoke returned to camp. We have been following him ever since. I tried using my sight to find you, but you were too far away. Smoke brought us around the cliffs. You look dreadful. What happened to you?”
Kai knelt and stroked the top of Smoke’s head. “Thanks, Smoke.” Through the trees, he could just make out the sounds of leaves crunching. He looked at Shiva. “Thanks, Shiva.” He still felt exhausted, but the rest had done him good.
“I followed Smoke up the hill behind the camp. From the overlook, I watched the dragons over the lake. Then I fell from the cliff. Luckily the trees broke my fall. I walked for hours until I could walk no further. Smoke stayed with me, until … until I found some new friends to watch over me while I slept.” Kai lowered his voice as the others approached.
Kempery-man Dresnor brushed past Haygan to inspect Kai’s face. “Blessed be Alenga, Prince Kai, you look awful. Thank goodness you are alive. Your wolf has been leading us for hours. I was beginning to think we’d never find you.”
Dresnor eyed Kai up and down. “You’re covered in scratches. This gash in your chin will probably leave a scar.” A look of pride gleamed in his eye.
The others exhaled in relief and led the way back down the hill. Dresnor pulled at Kai’s shoulder. “Come with me, Your Highness. We have horses waiting at the bottom.”
Thirsty, Kai drank. Marduk stood with the horses and offered another relieved look. Haygan shook his head, a small smirk lifted the corner of his mouth. “Friends, you say?” Haygan pulled something from Kai’s shirt. “Anyone I know.” He handed Kai a small tuft of gray-white fur.
“Maybe,” Kai smiled back.
He closed his fingers around the small tuft and glanced over his shoulder peering through the trees. There, watching at the top of the hill, was the alpha wolf.
Haygan turned with him and smiled. “You’ve made a good friend. Don’t be surprised if you meet him again someday.”
Kai sensed the connection to the wolf, and he again pushed his soul to the alpha—a shared sense of gratitude.
“Let’s get him back to camp,” Haygan said. “We’ve lost half the morning. We will break camp just after lunch and hopefully make it to Hamrin before midnight. It will be another long day in the saddle.”
Kai was so happy to see Ember waiting. Ember let out a loud whinny and shook his head. With his torn hands, he stroked Ember’s neck and mane. “Good to see you too, Ember.”
Back at camp, Shane and the rest of the group were thankful to see Kai returned to them. Dresnor wasted no time, however. “Finlee, see to preparing a meal. We have little time to waste. Drew and Redmon, see to the horses. Two hours at a heady clip has them in need of attention. Once they are ready to travel again, we depart. Albey, advise the remaining men to break down camp.”
Drew took Ember and two other horses by the reigns and walked away. While the others busied about camp, Kai began to walk behind Ember until Dresnor pulled him back. “Not you, you need to rest.” Releasing Kai’s arm, Dresnor bowed slightly. “Sorry, Prince Kai. I need you fit for the saddle.”
Kai let his arm fall to his side. “I understand, but Ember is my horse. All due respect, sir, I’ve rested. Each one of you spent a good portion of the night searching for me. I’ll have all day in the saddle to rest. Let me tend my horse.”
Dresnor nodded and walked with him to tend his own horse. No words passed between anyone while they removed saddles and cooled down the horses. It felt good to be with everyone. Kai let his mind relax into his task.
Chapter 27
Men or Monsters
Late that evening the group rode into Hamrin. The group split—two scouts and a guard rode ahead to announce Kai’s arrival. The others rode for the stables. The hour was late, and everyone was dog-tired. Barely able to lift his arms, Kai insisted he could care for Ember. Dresnor took the brush from Kai. “We are all exhausted, Prince Kai. Let me escort you up to the estate. They are awake and mean to greet you. We should not keep them waiting. Their groomsmen will tend to our horses.”
Kai looked at everyone. He didn’t want them to think him weak. That he couldn’t keep up. Six groomsmen swarmed around them, each pulling away horses. Happy to see his men walking
down the hill, he relented.
Haygan laid his hand on Kai’s shoulder. “You did very well today. Now get some rest. Finlee and I are staying here in the stables. They have made room for us.”
“Goodnight, Haygan.” He turned back toward Dresnor. “Where are we staying?” he asked, not really caring if he had to sleep on the ground again.
“We are staying in the Hamrin Estate. Kempery-man Redmond, Kempery-man Albey, Drew and I will sleep on the same hall as you. That was the request made by the Grand Duke’s letter. Now let’s get you through the gauntlet as quick as possible.” Dresnor pulled him in close and whispered. “Listen to my advice, Kai. You have no questions. You have no needs. Say as little as possible, and I will see you to your room. Ask one question, say more than thank you, and Lord Hamrin will talk your ear off for hours. I’ve seen him at the winter festival. He is a talker. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Dresnor, thank you.” He had no desire to be rude, but he could hardly stand. Each step they took was one more than he felt he could take. “What about Smoke? Do they know he is coming?”
“Dante informed them you travel with a Nebean black wolf and that you would not stay within the estate unless he could join you in your room. Though we are here within days of his letter, I am sure they are eager to make accommodations.”
When they reached the final steps leading up to the estate, Dresnor paused and cautioned one last time. “Say nothing beyond thank you, Lord Hamrin. Speak only if spoken to and accept nothing.”
Wanting merely to rest, he repeated the phrase in his head. Thank you, Lord Hamrin. Thank you, Lord Hamrin. At the top of the stairs, a long line of stiff servants waited. Their eyes focused downward; they made no attempt to look at him. Strange. They all looked tired, and he caught one man near the end yawn uncontrollably.
Near the doors stood Duke Hamrin with his three children, all dressed in exquisite clothing. Behind the duke’s family, two broad-shouldered men towered. Dresnor placed his hand firmly on Kai’s back and pushed him past the servants. “Lord Hamrin and Lady Hamrin, I am pleased to formally introduce his Highness, Prince Kai Galloway of Diu, son of King Iver and Mariana Galloway.”
Lord Hamrin bowed. “Your Highness. Prince Kai, it is our honor to host your visit. My house is your house, my servants are your servants. You should want for nothing while you are here. If you would like some food prepared, anything, name it, and my cook will make it for you.”.
Anxiously Lord Hamrin fidgeted with the long chain attached to a watch tucked inside his vest. He was a short, fat man with beady eyes, thinning gray hair that barely covered his scalp, and red blotchy skin that made Kai cringe. Kai stood eye-to-eye with the old man. “Thank you, Lord Hamrin.”
Beside Lord Hamrin stood a demure young girl, with a kind smile, dark eyes, and flowing auburn hair. She looked just like her mother, the late Lady Hamrin. Kai had met her mother in Diu at the winter festival and was saddened to hear she had passed away. She had been a pleasant lady, but he always had the impression she was a simple woman putting on airs for her husband.
Kai knew he should not say it, but he felt moved. “Sorry to hear of your loss, Lord Hamrin.” The glint in Lord Hamrin’s eye unnerved him, and he instantly regretted opening the conversation. Before the old man could speak, he continued. “It has been a very long two days’ travel. I must excuse myself until morning.” Kai called for Smoke, who stepped up beside him.
“Prince Kai, you honor us with your visit. Allow me to introduce my eldest. Her name is Opal, the new Lady of Hamrin. These are my two boys, Ian and Darren. You may call me Lord Victor.” Lord Victor pulled the young woman forward. She did her best curtsy, followed by the young boys offering bows.
Based on their height, he figured they were a few years his senior. Observing Opal, he noticed her nervous nature. Since they approached, she could not make eye contact and continuously fidgeted with the lace on the front of her pink dress.
In his head, Kai held to Dresnor’s advice. Don’t speak unless asked a direct question. He pursed his lips and looked back down the long line of waiting servants. He only hoped he’d not said too much.
Ignoring Kai’s request to retire, Victor stepped toward him. “Prince Kai, can my servants get anything for you? They are most eager to please.” With a wave of his hand, he motioned toward his people. They all looked exhausted and nervous.
Kai shook his head no. Lord Victor pressed again. “Are you sure, you look as though you could use a physician. I can send my man to you straight away,” he offered. “Or a hot meal?”
“Thank you, Lord Hamrin, but there’s no need.” He turned to his Kempery-man. “Dresnor.”
Dresnor’s hand still firmly pressed into Kai’s back, pushed him forward another step. “Please allow me to see Prince Kai to his room. Show us to our quarters.” Again, he pushed Kai a step closer to the estate doors.
Dead set on ending the night, Dresnor ignored Lord Hamrin. It felt like a standoff between the two men with Kai caught in the middle. His authoritative voice and towering height gave Dresnor the advantage over Lord Hamrin.
Kai was surprised to see Dresnor handle the man so aptly. Lord Hamrin came every year to the winter festival, but Kai was unaware of how Dresnor had such keen insights into the man. “It has been a most arduous journey, and the prince needs to rest. I will tend to his wounds. Are we staying in the east wing?” With one more push forward, Kai was in front of the door.
Opal buckled first. “Prince Kai, you will be staying in the private east wing, please follow me.” She gestured, stepping around her father.
Two butlers opened the doors wide. “You will use the room your father once used when he came to visit,” Opal continued. “Your men will use the other rooms along the hall.”
Without waiting, Dresnor pushed Kai through the door and kept pace with Opal. “Thank you for understanding, Miss Opal.” The other Kempery-men walked swiftly behind Smoke, suitably blocking Lord Hamrin’s ability to approach Kai.
Opal moved briskly through the vast marble foyer toward a winding gold and marble staircase. “We were a bit surprised by your early arrival. We only received word you were coming two days ago and did not expect you for another week.”
Kai wanted to look at the tapestries and lavish decorations, but Opal moved too quickly. Too tired to care, he was glad Dresnor continued to push him along. When they turned down the last hallway, he noticed Drew, Redmon, and Albey stopped short and blocked Lord Hamrin’s path. “Sorry, sir, that will be far enough,” Drew commanded. “While Prince Kai is staying at the estate, we must insist that you refrain from accessing this wing. Is that clear?”
High on his toes, Lord Hamrin tried to look around Drew. “Prince Kai, we shall speak first thing tomorrow.” With no response, Lord Hamrin huffed and left.
Kai hated to admit it, but Dresnor had been right. It was best to avoid conversation. It was best to allow his men to protect and serve. Miss Opal opened four doors before they reached the end of the hallway, each a moderate sized bedroom.
The last door she opened revealed a larger room. Windows filled one wall, and a large bookshelf filled another. Kai was pleased to see a nice desk and several chairs. The bed on the opposite wall called to him, and he desperately wanted to lie down.
“Prince Kai, thank you for gracing our home with your visit. I had the cook prepare a tray with bread and fruit should you feel hungry during the night.” She motioned to a small table near the window. “There is water in this pitcher and linens in the drawer here, so you can clean your face. If you need anything further, please let me know, and I will see it done.” Humbly she backed away to the door to give him space.
Again, looking around the room, the only thing he cared about was the large four-poster bed. “Thank you, Lady Opal. You have provided everything I should need. I will speak with you come morning when I am rested.” Kai smiled half-heartedly.
She stared at Smoke, just short of trembling. “He is so large. Will he hurt me?” sh
e asked, her voice trembling.
“Smoke protects me. Respect me, respect his nature. If I have nothing to fear on my visit, then neither do you.” Kai gave Smoke a nod, and Smoke strode into the room and lay across the rug, his massive form exceeding its size.
Miss Opal quickly looked down and curtsied. “Goodnight, Your Highness.” Then she turned and nearly ran down the hallway past his men.
Dresnor smiled and walked into his own room, leaving his door open. Redmon and Albey all went into their respective chambers. Remaining in the hallway, Drew stood guard, pacing the length of the hall to a back staircase. Kai felt bad that Drew would have to say up for his shift. He knew each of them would take a turn guarding the hallway, no matter how tired they were. “Goodnight Drew.”
Eyes trained on his task, Drew nodded. “Prince Kai.”
Kai closed his door, approached the bed, and lay atop the covers. He knew he should dust off his road-stained clothes and wash his face, but he didn’t care. He plopped onto his bed, desperate for sleep.
Restless, he tossed and turned. He was over-exhausted. When his mind let go, he drifted off to sleep, and visions trampled through his mind. The scenes flashed furiously. A wild shadowy beast in the night tore through foreign soldiers. Their leather armor stamped with a serpent. Terrifying screams echoed around a grassy field as they were struck down. The glint of steel flashed in his eyes and rang through his ears.
The battle scenes were too quick to follow. Kai pushed the sounds away. A small boy tugged at Kai’s shirt. Kai felt fear and looked up. Two blue eyes peered down at him through cracks in the ceiling. His heart pounded with dread. He fought the vision and pushed away the distress. Wake up, he yelled to himself. Show me no more. Yet he did not wake.
Unable to keep the visions at bay, his mind revealed a new image. Short frizzy blonde hair surrounded a woman’s face as she begged for her life. Her frail form writhing against the grip of an angry man. Children cried. He felt their pain. He squeezed his eyes tight, the vision faded and twisted into another image. Dark blood pooled on old oak flooring.
