The Half-Light

by A D Lombardo

Marduk and Shane came around the side of the barn. “Kai, are you alright?” Shane ran to his friend and looked around him at the man he’d slain.

  Kai extended his hand. “I am, thanks to you.” The two boys clasped arms. “I am glad you came.”

  “You didn’t actually think we would abandon you?” Shane’s expression changed to excitement. “Did you see the dragon? It was enormous and fierce. We were lucky it came when it did,” Shane exclaimed.

  Drew, Albey, and Haygan approached the small group, bloodied but alive. Hamrin sustained devastating losses. Only a few wounded soldiers remained. Dresnor led the group toward the estate. “Prince Kai, come dawn we need to send for help. If there are any remaining Hamrin men, they need to be found. I believe we can fortify the estate for the night.”

  Kai nodded. “I agree. We also need to find Finlee and our missing scout. I fear for their safety.”

  “I have sent two men to search the Hamrin barracks. For now, I want everyone within the estate. Marduk and Shane, please collect your belongings and move into the estate. Haygan, you too.”

  “Understood,” said Marduk. He placed an arm on Shane’s shoulder, and the pair veered into town.

  Kai desperately wanted to follow his friend. His mind raced with the evening’s events. He had never seen a dead man before, let alone watch one die at his feet. He paused on the path, hesitant to continue.

  Dresnor stopped while the others passed. “Kai, what’s wrong? We need to get inside the estate.”

  Marduk glanced over his shoulder. “Prince Kai, you should come with us. Haygan and I need to speak with you and Shane.”

  Smoke and Shiva closed in around Kai. Dresnor huffed. Kai’s pleading eyes won out. “Go. I will see to the estate. Drew, Albey, please accompany them. Do not take too long.”

  Thankful, Kai darted down the path to catch up with Shane. Drew and Albey were quick to join them. Marduk walked between Shane and Kai. “Boys, no words can possibly help you make sense out of tonight. It is wrong to kill another, and yet tonight we defended our friends, and we did what was necessary. Shane, how are you feeling?” His voice calm and reassuring.

  Shane walked head down, his bow in his hand. “I … I saw the man’s face. After. He lay in a pool of blood. The others, I did not see. I aimed—they fell. I did not see their faces. That man would have killed Kai. I knew it. I did not hesitate. I killed him clean. But … it’s not like killing an animal for food.” Shane’s voice was shaky, his eyes wavered. “I wish I hadn’t looked. His face is etched in my mind forever.”

  Marduk put an arm around his son. “It is not easy to take a life. The men on the field, darkness hid their end. That man—no, that monster—he meant to hurt others, and I am sorry the fates placed the burden on you. I knew if we came to Kai’s aid, some would fall. I prayed it would not be you, not be Kai. But without us, I believe the outcome would have been different.” He cleared his throat as they continued in silence.

  Heavy-hearted, Marduk turned to Kai. “How are you feeling?” Extending his other arm, he touched Kai’s shoulder. “We are all here for you. Know you’re not alone, and time will ease your soul.”

  Haygan held his chin high, his eyes lifted to the stars. “Heed your father’s words, Shane. We were lucky to have both of you. It is a sad day when a life comes to an end—good or bad, all life is sacred. It is unfortunate that to save Kai and the children, you had to end another’s life. I will pray for you. May Alenga bless your soul and give you peace.”

  Kai’s heart ached for his friend’s sadness, though he did not shed a tear for the man Bevon. “Sincerely, thank you, Shane. I feared for my life, I am not sure I could have beat Bevon.” He let his hand fall to his side.

  Smoke strode up and ran his head under Kai’s hand. He welcomed his friend and ran his fingers through Smoke’s fur. “I am sorry, Shane. We are children no more. Yet I’m thankful that you had the courage.”

  Shane dried his eyes. “I would do it again.” His voice was resolute.

  They were friends bonded for life.

  Chapter 29

  Town Hope

  Kai had grown up fast in the past few days. He stood on the wharf, lost in the waves rolling over Baden Lake, the Grand Duke of Diu, Dante Carmelo, at his side. While the arrival of Dante and his men put him at ease, the burden of responsibility weighed heavy on his heart. “What am I to do now?” he asked, his hip pressed against a tremendous post.

  Dante clasped a hand on the prince’s shoulder. “Reassure our people. Talk with them, let them see you. I will appoint a new duke to be lord over Hamrin upon my return to Diu. Our men will secure the town. You will work with this new duke to get this town reestablished. This is good training for you as a future king.”

  Dresnor stepped up behind them. “Your Highness, I know this seems overwhelming. These decisions must fall on you. We can advise you, but you must lead. It is up to you to rebuild the people’s faith.”

  Being brave made Kai think of Opal and her loss. First, her mother and now her father. “What of Opal and her two brothers? I don’t believe they had anything to do with their father’s dealings.”

  “They will be sent to Nebea. They have family there. It is most unfortunate that Victor died in the battle.” Dante huffed. “I would have liked to know why he betrayed us. Money and power corrupt the hearts of weak men.”

  “Doesn’t matter. Now we rebuild. Bring the people back. Set everything right.” Kai crossed his arms. “Dante, you leave on the next ship. I will do my father proud. I wish you could stay, but Diu needs you in the absence of the King. I hope it won’t take long to find a suitable replacement for Lord Hamrin.”

  ◆◆◆

  Three arduous weeks after the battle for Hamrin, the town began to show signs of recovery.

  Kai walked the streets daily to survey the restoration. Freed from the mines, people returned to their previous life. Shops and homes were being repaired. The homeless families and orphans were provided temporary housing within the soldiers’ barracks, while a proper orphanage was under construction.

  The wharf was a hive of activity, and the food shortage had been resolved. Men came by ships from Diu city and the northern town of Chenowith. They came to help their neighbors, and they all gave freely to those in need. New guards secured the town, and citizens walked freely, yet a few still cringed as these new men patrolled the streets.

  Today was a big day, and it would mark the future of Hamrin. They all awaited the arrival of the new lord and lady. The boat reached the wharf, and everyone waited. Waited and hoped.

  Kai watched the couple stroll down the long pier arm in arm. Lord Eugene and Lady Heidi Sknash. Eugene was a studious man with wavy chestnut hair, round spectacles, and a trim beard surrounding his jovial smile. Well, the man certainly looks the part, Kai thought.

  Lady Heidi was a willowy figure with porcelain white skin, bedecked with tiny red freckles. The upsweep of her reddish-brown hair looked like a summer berry in the sun, piled high on her head.

  Dresnor pulled at his beard. “The letter from Dante said this man was willing to move from Diu back to Hamrin. He left Hamrin as a young boy with his mother because his only prospects would be fishing or farming. He became an educated watchmaker in Diu, and he is friends with your Professor Greydon. A gracious man from what I understand. Lady Heidi is a teacher, and she is most excited to work with orphaned children. They currently have no children of their own. Dante believes they will be a good fit for Hamrin. Seems they can make anyone a Duke.”

  Lord Sknash reached the end of the pier, and the wary crowd pressed against each other trying to get a look at this new man come to save them. “A well-to-do man. One’s the same as the next,” one lady shouted.

  “Out for themselves,” another man shouted. “Time will tell if this man’s any different.”

  Lord Sknash waited and looked at the crowd. “People of Hamrin. We don’t know each other. I know I will have to prove I am not the tyrant that preceded me. Give me a chance
, and we will make Hamrin great.”

  “NO!” shouted a young woman. “Hamrin NO MORE.”

  “Hamrin NO MORE,” shouted a young boy.

  The crowd joined in with the shouts. Lord Sknash raised his hand patting down the air to soothe the people. “What name do you give your fair town? Lord Hamrin is gone. Name your city,” he called to the crowd.

  Silence fell over the crowd. Kai watched most lowered their heads. Still afraid, they clung together. One man gawked at Kai. No one uttered a word. They looked lost, sad, and broken. Lady Sknash stepped forward. “For now, call it Hope. Until a better name comes to the people.”

  The crowd mumbled amongst itself. The word spread like fire through a dry field. The people looked to Lady Sknash. Whispers filled the crowd, low voices swelled. “Hope,” agreed a young woman in the group.

  “Town Hope,” called another.

  “Town Hope,” Lord Sknash agreed. “Thank you, dear.” He squeezed his wife’s hand.

  The matter settled, Lord Sknash removed his coat and hung it on the railing and rolled up his sleeves. “Good people. For now, food will continue to come from Chenowith and Albey. We are fortunate our neighboring towns are willing to give so much.”

  Lord Sknash motioned to the ships. “We have brought clothes, shoes, and books. There are linens, soaps, and other comforts. We will have everything brought to the center of town. Please come, take what you need. Diu city is sending more supplies tomorrow.”

  The crowd gasped as a line of crates began to spew from the two ships. Box after box made way down the wharf into town. The crowds parted and regrouped to follow the supplies. Bewilderment and joy lit the faces of the townsfolk. Kai nodded as they passed him.

  In town, Lord and Lady Sknash personally saw to the distribution of every item. They laughed with people, played with children, and ate sitting in the dirt. Kai spent time observing this new man. Eugene did very little talking. He asked questions and listened.

  Heidi cradled the young children in her lap. Their dirty feet soiled her dress. She bore each stain with a sense of pride and joy. Alissa and Marabella leaned on each other. Their faces eased into smiles as the children settled in around the new couple.

  ◆◆◆

  The next morning, Lord Sknash glanced over the mounds of paperwork on the dining room table. Flabbergasted, he shook his head and tossed down the sheets he’d reviewed. “I cannot fathom how this man managed to hide his dealings so well. The townsfolk must have been truly terrified.”

  He clasped his hands together and let them fall across his chest. “Well, the first thing we need to do is stop wage garnishments, levies, and undo these property seizures. My word, all these unbearable monthly payments. It’s no wonder the people abandoned their farms and homesteads.”

  From his satchel, Eugene pulled a thick set of papers. “The town will be given a fresh start—we will offer a compromise for the people. I want this decree posted in town.” He waved a sheet in the air. “It offers them three years to get their affairs in order before they pay any city taxes. Profits from the copper mine and quarry will easily pay for the town’s security, building repairs, and new construction. At that time, I will extend flexibility as needed upon analyzing their ability to pay.”

  Kai listened intently. “That all sounds like an improvement, Lord Sknash. Has Grand Duke Dante approved your plan?”

  “Call me, Gene, please. I’ve only been a duke for a day, and I already hate the sound of formality.” He laughed. “Yes, Dante approves. I wanted longer, but he only gave me three years. That’s not much time. Construction alone will take at least two years.” He sighed a heavy breath.

  Dresnor took a sip of tea and set down his cup. “You are fortunate this is early summer. The farms are being turned and will be set for planting within the week. Both Albey and Chenowith were most gracious in offering help. They’ve rebuilt two barns and plowed four fields.”

  “As I understand it there are more men and building supplies arriving over the next few days,” Kai reminded them.

  “True,” Gene nodded. “We might be surprised at how quickly the town can recover. Although I must say, I don’t fancy living in this big estate. I have set Heidi to the task of designing a new home.”

  “Lord Eu…Gene, are you sure?” Kai asked. “The estate is yours now. What do you mean to do with the property?”

  “I mean to build behind the main estate. Near the stables and the gardens. The current house and its three buildings will become a university and student housing.” He reached for his tea and took a gulp, draining the cup.

  Dresnor looked astonished. “Really, you mean to move out? When on earth do you mean to make this happen? How many projects do you intend to manage at one time?”

  Gene waved him off. “I have already made arrangements. I sent word before I left. I have hired men from Port Anahita. They will be here next week. They assure me they will have the main part of our new house built before winter. Next summer, they will finish the remaining sections. Our home in Diu will bring a nice sum, and I will continue to design watches for the wealthy in Diu. That will provide me with a comfortable income.”

  This new duke sounded so sure of everything. Kai liked this new man, his humor in the face of adversity and his humble nature. He nodded his head, remembering his original thought—he certainly looks the part. Plus Gene had a mind for figures and a heart for the people.

  ◆◆◆

  For the first time in weeks, Kai ran alone. Well, relatively alone, with Shiva and Smoke at his side. Although he sensed Drew, Redmon and Albey kept an eye out for him as he circled the town. Many of the Diu soldiers also kept a watchful eye on the young prince as they patrolled the perimeter.

  In town, it was a challenge to find time alone. The streets brimmed with new construction, soldiers, and townsfolk. There was no peace and quiet. People wanted to thank him and hug him. Although humbled by the experience, Kai was uncomfortable with the attention. Even with Smoke by his side, they approached him, always eager to say hello.

  His hair dripped with sweat in the summer heat, and ever mindful, he scanned the area. The gleaning energy flowed around him. Through the trees he sensed Marduk and Shane, sitting on a large rock by the lake. Two wispy forms, Shane a little brighter.

  Eager to see them, Kai turned and ran in their direction. He popped out through the trees a few yards away and waved. They waved back. “Shane. Marduk. Hot day.” He rolled his eyes at the lake and smiled.

  Shane lit up in agreement. “Can we?” he asked his father.

  “You boys go ahead. I will go into town, find us some lunch. I trust you will be fine with Smoke and Shiva?” Marduk’s tone was questioning yet confident.

  Kai saw Shane’s expression become fearful. Shane and his dad had been inseparable since the night of the battle. “I … I guess we will be fine.” His face twisted in worry.

  Marduk waved and left them alone. Shane began to fidget with his fingers. Kai watched his friend withdraw. He curled inward; his retreat was physically evident.

  “Shane, now that we are alone, I want to share something Haygan told me. He said we don’t have to live in fear. Yes, there are a few bad men in the world, but most are good. The town is now full of good men. Helpful, brave men. Also, bad things happen, and we must move on. We must live.”

  “I know you’re right. But the images. At night they return. When I close my eyes, they are there. They seem harsh and loud, unyielding. I cannot escape them. I feel bad that I killed those men.” Shane pulled his knees to his chest and wrapped his arms around them tightly.

  “I know you feel bad, which makes you a good person.” Kai climbed up on the rock next to his friend. “Close your eyes,” he instructed.

  Shane gasped. “Never! Why?”

  Kai placed his hand on Shane’s. “Sit with me. Relax. Focus on my voice.” He put his hands on his knees.

  Shane nervously relented, but he kept a tight grasp on his legs. His knuckles were white as he closed
his eyes.

  “Listen to the sounds around us.” He paused to let the lapping of the lake and sounds of birds chirping dominate their ears.

  “Focus on the water. Hear it lap against the shore. Hear nothing but the water. Push away the birds.” Again, he let his voice fade away. He loved how peaceful the water made him feel. The cool breeze subsided, and the sun began to beat on them.

  In the silence, his friend began to squirm. He wanted to touch his friend, comfort him, but he did not. Shane needed to console himself. Find the peace within himself once more. “I am here, Shane. Focus on the water, hear the water. Now see the water in your mind. Eyes closed, envision the water breaking on the shore. Let it wash away the memories. Let it cleanse your soul. Right now, it is just you and me listening to the water.”

  Kai saw Shane visibly relax his grip and let his legs lower. Together they sat in silence. Kai closed his eyes again and listened to the water. In his mind, he could see the waves splash on the shore, soaking the earth and receding back to where they came. Kai felt relaxed and content. “Now think about how the water would feel. Cool, wet, and refreshing.”

  Behind them, he heard voices, and he pushed out with his mind, seeing two guards patrolling a few yards away. Pleased his friend was improving, he focused again on the water. This was the first time he’d meditated since they came here. He had no idea how much he needed this; how much Shane need this.

  Lost in the silence, he let the water wash away his own fears. His soul lightened, his mind refreshed, and his heart opened. Peaceful and happy, he sat. The sounds of water splashing opened his eyes. Shiva and Smoke romped in the water.

  Kai looked to Shane. Shane smiled in return. The first real smile he’d seen in weeks. Happily, Shane slipped off his boots, jumped down, and stomped through the water. Kai laughed at his friend. His clothes were soaked through. Shane swung his leg through the water and splashed Kai.

  “Hey, no fair!” Kai called, pulling off his own boots to join in the fun.