by A D Lombardo
“Don’t worry,” Rayna responded. “We’ve talked about my future, and they understand where my interests lie. We moved to Diu to expand my opportunities. They have hired another girl to help cover my duties. Although I should tell you, my father finds our relationship unwise.”
“I hear the same advice.” Kai knew everyone was right. There was little future for them given his betrothal to Amelia. Still, his heart was becoming attached, and he could not deny she was becoming more than a friend.
Kai’s group stopped along the shore, south near their private dock. “Dresnor, I wish you had taken the afternoon off. I brought extra detail, and we are in Diu. I know you have someone else you’d rather spend the day with besides me.”
“I thank you for the offer, but my duty is to protect you,” countered Dresnor. “My place is at your side. I am your lead Kempery-man.”
“I thought you might say that.” Kai pointed up the hill. “Which is why I am having her brought to you.”
Honey, a golden mare, strolled down the hill. Her rider was a young woman with long dark auburn hair. The wind fluttered Marabella’s white dress. Dresnor could not take his eyes off her. The guard escorting her handed Dresnor a small wicker basket and rode away.
“Marabella, you look … lovely.” Dresnor held up his hand. “Can you wait here for one moment? Prince Kai, we need to talk.” He stomped off, and Kai followed.
“Don’t get mad,” Kai insisted. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. I appreciate your loyalty, but we are home. There are three guards here and three more by the docks dedicated to hovering over me. Way more than necessary. Stay here with us and enjoy a picnic together or go around the lake to the cove. But you’re taking some time for yourself.”
Dresnor glanced back at Marabella. “Thank you, Prince Kai,” Dresnor nodded. “It is an honor being your Kempery-man. We will take the cove. By the way, call me Philip.” Dresnor offered Marabella the basket and hopped up behind her. “I will be back for my horse.”
With Dresnor gone, Kai spread out a blanket under the shady oak tree. The afternoon sun glistened across Baden Lake. The delicate breeze swept through the tall wildflowers around them. Rayna opened their picnic basket. They sat sharing tales of their summer and plans for the winter festival. Although the festival was four months away, Kai stressed about getting Rayna the perfect gift. He wanted to impress her with something she’d never be able to get for herself.
Daydreaming, Kai lay on the blanket with his hands behind his head. White puffy clouds drifted across the blue sky. “Kai,” Rayna started, interrupting his thoughts. “Do you think I will ever find out where I come from?”
A lump formed in his throat. He knew where she came from, who her people were. If he told her the truth, would he lose her? Deep down, he knew the right choice was to tell her everything he knew. His faith in their future meant he needed to trust their connection. Honesty was essential to their relationship.
Over the next hour, he told her everything he knew about the Katori people. All the secrets he had, he shared. The power and light that emanated within everything—the ability to glean. And he promised to teach her how. He mentioned the Beastmasters and their abilities with animals. She was fascinated to learn she might be a Kodama—a healer and plant whisperer.
When he explained their gift for bonding with an animal, Rayna cried. She knew there was a special connection between her and Snowflake—now she had proof. It gave her comfort to know that the depth of her feelings were not just in her imagination.
Most importantly he warned her of the risks. The danger behind their gifts and need for secrecy. Before Kai knew it, they were sitting cross-legged with their hands on their knees. “I want to teach you how to glean,” he told her. “Gleaning is a form of meditation. Only special because done properly, it will open your mind.”
“Is that something I really want, to open my mind?” she asked. “What will that let in?”
Kai had never thought of it that way. What had he let in opening his mind? His visions of the future started when he learned how to glean. “Part of finding your potential requires a catalyst to open your mind to the world around you.”
“I thought meditation was the art of doing nothing.” She swept her long hair over one shoulder.
“Well, there is a little more to it. Close your eyes.”
Together they sat facing each other. “Gleaning is about focusing your mind. First, focus internally on your breathing. Let it be your anchor. Let it draw you in while you let go of everything else in your mind. Be in the moment. Body, mind, and soul.”
He paused to let her sit with his words, then he continued. “Free your mind. Search your soul and the energy that sustains you. Connect to the power and follow it outward. See the world anew.”
Kai sent an energy ripple outward, bathing the world in light. In his mind, he saw Rayna sitting in front of him, a bright wispy light until he focused on seeing her physical form. Her face was clear but set aglow. Around them he could see the trees, the flowers, the lake. In the distance, he saw Shiva and Smoke lying in the shade.
Down the long dock, one guard paced. Behind him, more guards kept watch while the horses nibbled grass. With another push, he went further to the private cove. Dresnor and Marabella were beside Honey holding hands. Dresnor pulled Marabella into a kiss. Startled, Kai let go. He shook his head and opened his eyes.
Rayna sat meditating. Not wanting to disturb her, he walked to the dock. “Dresnor and Marabella will be back shortly. Time to go,” Kai instructed the guard.
Back at her side, Kai touched Rayna on the shoulder. “We need to go.”
Rayna’s peaceful eyes greeted him. “I like this gleaning. I often sit staring out my loft window, now I can have a purpose. You know, I almost thought I saw a small light, but I couldn’t make it grow.”
Kneeling beside her, he whispered. “You must not force it, let it flow naturally. Keep practicing,” he said, pulling her to her feet.
The beat of horse hooves announced Dresnor and Marabella. “You two ready to go?” Dresnor called, riding through the trees.
“Yes, Dresnor, we are,” Kai called back.
Dresnor transferred to his own horse while the rest of the group mounted up. “Thank you again, Prince Kai. It was the best afternoon I’ve had in a long while—no offense. And again, it’s Philip, just between us.”
“Fair enough, Philip. Then you best call me Kai … just between us.”
Their ride was short around the walls and through the city to the palace stables.
Kai stood with Philip as they watched Rayna ride toward the lower stables on Snowflake. “Are you making a mistake getting close to her?” Philip whispered.
Kai watched Rayna disappear down the hill. He wanted to disagree, he knew his duty would demand he marry Amelia someday. “I know,” he said, leading Ember inside the stables.
Chapter 31
Future Predictions
The following days rolled one into another. When the bells rang out across the city, Kai bolted up from his chair. Professor Greydon’s eyes halted his departure. The curve of his lips twitched the corner of his curly mustache. “Go—greet your father. If you hurry, you can meet him in the yard before he even dismounts. Take your brothers,” the professor insisted with a nod in their direction.
Kai made an about-face. “Let’s go, you two. We need to hustle.”
All three boys rushed to the yard. They watched from the hilltop that led to the palace. High in the saddle, Iver bounced as his horse trotted up the steep incline, Kempery-man Ian Farwick at his side.
“Welcome home, father,” Kai said as Iver slid from his mount.
“Ah, son. How you’ve grown this summer, look at your muscles. I have missed you.” Iver swept Kai into a big bear hug and lifted him off the ground.
The sea had done his father good. He was stronger and clear-minded. “You should sail more often, father. The sea suits you. How was your trip? Did you go somewhere besi
des Bangloo?” Kai wheezed with the air being squished from his lungs.
Iver snickered as he lowered his son. “We also went to Ahana. Our trip was fruitful. Challenging but successful. I have many new wonders to share. The sea was refreshing. It’s like a cloud has lifted from my eyes.”
“Father, what about us?” Seth shouted, tugging at the back of Iver’s shirt.
“We’ve grown too, father,” Aaron insisted.
Iver knelt and scooped up both his boys in a display of strength Kai hadn’t seen in years. His father’s exceptional strength reminded Kai that Iver had distant Katori ancestry. “Come see the treasures I have brought home, boys. Jewels, fabrics, tools, and fruit.”
Iver set the twins in the back of the cart and opened a crate. Iver hefted out a large yellow-and-green oblong fruit with large stiff green leaves protruding from the top. “They call this a pineapple. Inside this hard outer skin is the sweetest yellow fruit you’ve ever tasted.”
From another crate, he held up a large round fruit, like a fuzzy brown ball. “That is called a coconut. It has sweet water inside and white flesh that is a pleasure to eat. Near impossible to open but worth the effort,” Iver continued opening more crates.
He touched everything with the enthusiasm of a small child, enjoying every item with his sons. Captivated by treasure, they rummaged with their father. Impressed by the variety of fabrics, Kai stroked the soft material. “Father, why is this fabric so incredibly soft?”
“Ah yes son, they call it silk. They say it can be incredibly warm and cozy in winter and comfortably cool in summer. They would not share the secrets of how it is made, but I was able to acquire a great deal of it. There is more still on the docks of Port Anahita.”
Sigry approached with his usual scowling face. “Sire, welcome back. I trust your trip was a success. Did you find a new suitable location … for your asset?”
“Yes, Sigry, the matter is handled. Though I am not sure why we keep it anymore. We’ve had no trouble these last few years,” Iver assured him. “Here, stow this for me.”
Iver handed Sigry a small item. Before Sigry could slip it into his flowy coat, Kai caught a glimpse of the golden box. The box with the crystal pendant. “Certainly, Your Majesty.” Sigry nodded.
Kai desperately wished he knew their secret. Unable to ask, he watched Sigry cross the courtyard back to the palace.
Unstoppable, the twins dug through every crate, carelessly pulling out everything and then dropping it into the cart. “Children, we must be careful with some of these things,” Iver cautioned. “They are rare collector’s items and fragile.”
“Father, what is this thing called?” Aaron asked. He held up a cylindrical metal device with a solid wooden handle.
“Son. No, don’t touch that. Give it to me.” Iver barked, snatching the strange device from Aaron’s hand.” Son, it is a dangerous weapon. Here, look in this container, I brought toys back for you and Seth.”
Seth held his hand out. “There are toy boats and spinning tops. You place it on a flat surface like this and twist.” Iver placed it on top of a large crate and twisted the wooden toy.
The top popped and spun on the crate across the uneven surface. Seth watched as it turned. The dark inlaid carving swirled, and Aaron took notice. Both boys beamed.
“I have four of these, each a different color.” Iver handed one to Seth and one to Aaron. “This entire crate is for the three of you. I will have it delivered upstairs.”
Kai desperately wanted to talk to his father about his summer. He had so much to share. “Father, I know you just returned, but I want to speak with you about my trip. About what happened in Hamrin.”
Before his father could answer, their time was cut short. Queen Nola strolled through the courtyard. Her face pursed, her eyes crimped in a glare. “My dear, welcome home. Come inside, tell me about your trip. Let us catch up in private.” She stepped between Iver and the boys.
“Yes, yes, my dear. Just spending time with my boys. You should see the wonders I have brought back. Where is my little princess? Did Cordelia not come out with you?” Iver asked, holding a small blue-and-gold vase he’d pulled from a crate filled with straw to protect, its fragile nature.
Impatient, Nola grabbed the vase and handed it to Warrick. She took Iver’s hand in hers and caressed his bare arm. Her long fingers began to tap the back of his hand over and over. “Iver, my dear. You traveled far, imagine how it will feel to rest. The more you relax, the more comfortable you feel.” She stared into his eyes.
The lilt in her voice was mesmerizing. “You are home now. You are happiest at home. Because you traveled far, you must rest. You want to rest. You talk about your trip tomorrow. Come, my dear.” Her voice was rhythmic, soothing, and hypnotic in its tone.
Iver relented. Nola continuously tapped Iver’s hand, speaking to him as they walked inside. Desperate to talk with his father, Kai watched his father walk away.
Left to sift through everything, Kempery-man Farwick barked orders. “Sorry boys, I’ve work to do. Come here, let’s get you two down.” Farwick removed both boys from the cart and sent them on their way.
Kai stayed to listen to the list of items—fabrics, food, weapons, and machines. Jewels, literature, and collectibles. His father had even acquired artwork and furniture.
As they set to distribute the loot upon Farwick’s command, Kai returned to the palace. He spent the next three days trying to get a moment with this father, but Nola insisted he was unwell and needed his rest after his long journey.
Even Dante was turned away at the king’s chamber. If Kai didn’t know better, he would have thought her dismissive and cruel. Her eyes were ferocious, and her words were sharp. Unlike her usual self, her tone lacked sincerity and grace. She barked orders as if everyone should know better than to disturb the king.
Frustrated, Kai pressed the energy into his father’s chamber. He had never pushed before. The air felt different, almost thick. Usually, the power flowed freely, and he need only follow and behold the essences of life. Now it pushed against him, resistant to being forced.
He relaxed and tried again. He let the light build in his mind, and he followed the ripple of energy. Within his father’s room, he saw Iver’s motionless body in a prone position. His chest rose and fell. Slow and steady. What has she done? His father had been excited upon his return. Now he was resting. This did not make sense.
From his balcony, Kai waited. The Master General’s tower stood prominent in his mind, set aglow by the power of gleaning. A flurry of activity swarmed Cazier. Lines of people strolled up and down the tower, in and out of his cousin’s office. Anxious to tell Adrian about Town Hope, Kai tapped his leg.
When the line of people dwindled, Kai made for the tower. Only Riome remained, as she often did. He could see their two forms hovering over Cazier’s desk. He strained to see definition in their faces, but the dense layers of stone inhibited his sight. One thing he did notice was Riome’s spirit was brighter than it should be for a regular person. Not full Katori bright, but Half-Light bright. How had he not noticed this before? Riome was a Half-Light. This certainly explained her strength and speed.
On the landing outside Cazier’s office, Kai gathered his courage. Inside he could hear them arguing. He hated to add to their problems, but they needed to know what had happened. Kai knocked. The door swung open. Maid Mary greeted him. Her presence confused Kai. It had been Riome’s essence he saw and her voice he heard through the door.
“Come in Kai,” Maid Mary said, stepping aside. “Are your eyes playing tricks on you, Prince Kai?” Again, the voice matched the face—Maid Mary. “Look closer, Kai. Ignore the freckles, the fluffy black hair, and the lilt in my voice. Don’t dismiss me because I wear a maid’s uniform or even a familiar face.”
He couldn’t shake it. If he had seen this woman in the hall or heard her speak, he would have sworn this was Mary. Upon studying her, Kai noticed the shape of her eyes were a little off. The curve of her face too
thin. Her frame a fraction taller. “Impressive, Riome. Makes me wonder how many times I have dismissed you for Mary.”
Riome laughed. “More than you know. Too many, really.” She teased, her voice her own again. “Why are you here, Kai? Do you have a story to tell?” she asked in a clipped tone.
He studied Riome. She was the same person he’d spent months with training before summer, yet somehow, he felt different about her, knowing she was a Half-Light. Now he was desperate to know her story. He wondered if she knew any Katori secrets, or if she was an orphan like Rayna.
“Part story, part confession. I have made a realization this summer, and I might as well tell you both together.” He closed the door, and they took a seat. He told them about the horror Marabella had shown him. Bevon and his malicious son Tarren, and their inhumane treatment of the townspeople. And Lord Victor Hamrin—the man behind it all.
He mentioned the Katori men wielding their battle axes and the giant black Shuk’s ferocious teeth ripping and shaking men apart. He told them how his men were barely holding their own until the massive dragon arrived. Favors begged by Haygan to save them all.
He recalled the volley of arrows Hunter Marduk and Shane launched from the trees. Which brought him to his own disappointing moment. Although he was honest about the description, he omitted how he felt in the fight.
The entire time Riome’s expression was a mix of frustration and relief. “I told you I was not pushing him enough.” She waved her hand at Cazier.
Cazier sat forward in his chair. “Kai, I am sorry.” His expression turned hard. “Dante and I made a mistake by assuming our boroughs were safe and secure. I will not make the same mistake again.” He sat back and looked to Riome. “You’re right. I cannot always be there to protect him, no more than you.”
“Of course I’m right,” she spat. “Innocence is for the weak. I’m sorry he was afraid. I can’t make him into me. I would not wish my life choices on anyone. Still, I should have trained him harder. He froze because he was not ready. Kai’s instincts must be razor sharp. One must react instantly to take advantage of any situation. Hesitation gets you or someone else killed. And no, you do not always have to kill to stop your attacker.” She glanced at Kai.
