The Traitor

by A D Lombardo

  A spark danced from his fingertips as he touched a few of the pack members. In his mind, he saw their design, the golden thread that created their form. The power rushed up Kai’s arms into his spine, instilling knowledge he had not recognized before. The power of creation set his crystal aglow, his stone blessed by Alenga during his Conhaspriga that enhanced his magic, showing him the possibilities to use the golden thread to become any beast he chose. He studied the subtle differences between each creature and variations within their structures. The beauty and peace within nature coursed through his heart—he had never known such harmony or balance.

  Bright sunlight trickled through the thinning forest. Smoke cornered sharply, taking them to a large clearing; Kai joined Smoke in the center. The mismatched pack entered, circling until they found a spot and sat facing Kai. A kinship formed between him and the other animals. They spoke to him in a way he could not put into words, but there was understanding. A trust brought them together, and he knew they would come if he called. The moment lingered, and he nodded to them in acceptance.

  As the pack dispersed, Smoke leaped onto a stone perch and glanced back. Kai felt more than heard his companion's call, and he followed. Smoke hopped from the overlook and darted ahead, leading Kai through the dense pine tree forest. Far down the mountain, the trees began to thin. When they reached a clearing, Smoke stopped. The cold, crisp air whipped through the open meadow, but that did not bother Kai’s exposed hands and face.

  Kai's mouth curved upward at the recognition of their surroundings. Before he saw the wolf, he felt her presence. Her wild nature floated on the wind. Hidden in the snow- and ice-covered trees, she waited. Her pure white fur blended with the snowy surroundings, and her golden eyes focused on Kai. The snow wolf was nearly as tall as Smoke; her thick coat fluttered in the wind. The intensity of her stare struck Kai—then, he heard her mind speak to him.

  Beastmaster, we would walk with you.

  Kai nodded in acceptance. She darted into the clearing and rubbed her white fur against Smoke. The pair coiled around each other in a display of affection. Smoke turned and licked the side of her face. Kai nodded to her. Anjo, he spoke to her with his mind and offered his outstretched hand to Smoke’s mate.

  Although she was a wild creature, Kai felt naming her gave her a special place in his heart. Anjo allowed Kai to run his hand down her back as she circled him. Out of the trees came three white and two black wolf pups. Two of them: one white, the other black, shared Smoke’s ice-blue eyes, while the rest favored Anjo’s golden irises. Kai knelt in the snow to greet the pups; they licked at his hands and face.

  “My, how you’ve all grown!” Kai searched the forest west of their position and saw their den, a dark cave protected by pine trees and brush. “This is the first time I have seen your pups this far from the den.” He glanced and Anjo and Smoke; he saw a sense of pride in their puffed-up posture, which made him smile more.

  An impulse tugged at Kai’s soul. The energy from his interaction with the pack still coursed through his veins. The bubble of power still begged for purpose. Although each Beastmaster understood they could only take one animal form, like his mother, Kai had a stronger connection to beasts—and also like his mother, he had discovered the ability to balance multiple strands within his core.

  Holding his crystal, he felt the stone’s power amplify his magic. The excess of raw energy added to the magic he pulled from nature, and it made his skin feel hot. Heat radiated off his body, melting the snow beneath him. The power was almost more than he could handle, so he released the white crystal; the dangling stone burned bright. Hands outstretched, he touched Smoke and Anjo.

  Loyalty and trust reverberated through his connection. In his mind, he called upon all creation. A spark illuminated his soul, and the sequence coalesced into two unique golden chains. He understood the structure of each wolf—he felt their strength. The spiraled-looking ladders showed him the similarity and variation between the two wolves.

  Embracing the knowledge of creation within both chains, he blended them into one unique strand before connecting it with his own. As the change took over, he felt the snap of his form latch onto the new thread. He relaxed and accepted the change, assuring an easy transformation. The shockwave put him on all fours, and chills rushed down his spine and out his limbs. Fur erupted over his skin. He felt his face change and fangs grow. His hands curled into large white paws.

  Of all the transformations he had performed, this one by far felt the most challenging. Even with the pack's extra power, there was pain in the shift, forcing him to pull from nature to ease his burden. The completed transformation left him disoriented. He shook his mane. Prancing in place, he tested the movements of his new body.

  The call of the wild compelled him to howl into the wind. Smoke and Anjo echoed his call, as did their pups. Their reply filled him with excitement. Kai stepped up to Smoke; his companion’s head was lower than his own. Kai realized that his wolf-form was taller than the average man.

  The face of his teacher, Basil, came to mind. His teacher had cautioned him against creating a new creature, even discouraged him from anything besides his dragon. Kai imagined that only the most reckless, rebellious Beastmasters who dared to make a new beast would understand the intensity he experienced. Kai embraced his creation, reveled in the euphoria. The overwhelming desire to run coursed through his wild heart, but the words of Ryker echoed in his mind. Hold fast to your real life. Find the balance between your two worlds. He knew how important it was to remain focused on controlling his mind.

  Rayna, the love of his life, remained his touchstone to his real life, and thoughts of their years together calmed his excitement. Her laughter echoed in his ears, her smile anchored him, and thoughts of their future warmed his soul.

  Anjo barked playfully, drawing his attention. Her pups hopped in the snow and darted off through the woods. Kai followed. As a pack, they ran through the snow-covered forest. Icy snow crunched beneath his massive paws. Smoke darted around an immense boulder and his speed increased. Kai kept pace. A scent caught in Kai’s throat. The more he sniffed, the stronger the sensation rippled into his core, forcing instinct to take over. The smell of something wild piqued his interest. Cold air whipped through the trees, and he lost the scent. Smoke did not.

  The black wolf darted through the forest. Kai spotted a rabbit hopping on the snow; their arrival caused it to run. The smell filled Kai’s mind and spurred him to chase the creature. The little thing was fast; he was faster. He closed the distance with little effort. A white wolf joined him in the pursuit. Thick underbrush and dense forest made it difficult to get close. Around trees and between rocks, it zipped. The smell of it stirred beastly desires.

  The more he tried to catch it, the more it consumed his mind. He snapped his jaws into the thicket, trying to get a taste. The white creature slipped through the vines with its fur intact. The black wolf advanced around the clump of vines, forcing the rabbit back into hiding. They had it surrounded. Kai dug at the snow and pushed into the brambles; he wanted the tiny beast so bad he could nearly taste it.

  Razor-sharp thorns caught in his thick fur. One barb pricked the edge of his nose. The pain startled him, and blood trickled down his muzzle into his mouth. A whisper on the wind called to him, and a woman’s voice called to him. It was Alenga, their goddess of all creation.

  Kai, remember who you are. Run home.

  Smoke and Anju barked; the wolf pups dug at the snow, searching for a way inside the thicket. The rabbit tremored in fear, trapped within the brambly vines.

  That name—Kai. It sparked a memory. The face of a girl, the warmth of her hand, and the smell of her hair. He could not recall her name, but he knew her—cared for her. His mind raced, but he could not think clearly. The smell of fear oozed off the rabbit in front of him. Yet he stepped back.

  Tufts of white and black fur clung to the brambles. His fur. While the other wolves barked, one stopped and ran to his side; even within his conf
usion, he recognized a connection between them. Thoughts of a man echoed from the great black wolf:

  Kai, find Ryker.

  Again, the name shook him. Kai. The memory of the black wolf resounded with a name—Smoke. Their bond eased his confusion. A sense of urgency forced Kai into action. Before his wild desires clouded his mind, Kai ran down the mountain. One thought was on his mind—find Ryker. Wild urges tugged at his nature. Through the trees, he smelled other animals.

  Holding firm, he focused on the hillside of Matoku unfolding in the distance—a bustling city built amongst the snowy trees. How he knew the name or where to go, he was not sure. By leaps and bounds, he made short work of the vast distance.

  Entering the city, he noticed the black wolf as it ran by his side. Again, Kai struggled to remember the wolf.

  Smoke . . . is that you?

  His mind fought to cling to memories. Kai and Smoke slowed to weave through the crowd. People and beasts in the city stopped and stared up at him. Their wide eyes shocked him as they parted to yield the path. Smoke led Kai through Matoku, up the hillside; their pace became swift once they had more freedom to move. A row of bulky trees connected by arching vines came into view, and an instant familiar feeling washed over Kai. A massive black wolf sprang from its resting spot. While she was tall, like Smoke, Kai still looked down at her.

  Her name eluded him; he felt a connection, and after a sniff, she let him get close. Smoke disappeared into an arched, vine-covered entrance among the trees, and then returned with a man in black. Kai’s mind offered him the name—Ryker.

  Keen brown eyes gleamed with recognition, and Ryker approached Kai.

  “Beautiful beast, I’ve not seen the like.” Ryker looked up at him, offering his open palm. “Come to me, Kai, I know it is you. Are you trapped, lost in your new creation? Risky to attempt alone. Where is your teacher?”

  Those words rang true; Kai felt lost. Memories danced around the borders of his mind, hidden in shadow. Faces, just out of focus, tugged at his heart. Conflicted by the desire to run wild and drawn to remain. He stepped closer and lowered his head to Ryker, allowing the man to touch his fur. Kai felt a strong desire to collapse.

  “I am here with you, Kai,” Ryker said in a soothing voice. “Feel the sun on your face. Let its power fill your soul. Remember, Mariana, your mother, and how you saved her. She needs you now, more than ever. Think of Rayna, the love of your life. Search your heart for the devotion you feel for her.”

  Each name resonated within him, restoring his humanity, especially the repeated use of his own. Faces, voices, and moments raced from the recesses of his mind. He watched Ryker’s movements. His cupped hand floated out to his side, folded over, ending in a push against Kai’s furry chest. Soon both hands joined in the exercise. Ryker began to move his feet, stepping with the movement. Kai knew these moves from a time he could not quite remember.

  “Find the balance between your two worlds.” Ryker continued to move, and Kai felt his chest start to warm. “Separate your spirit from the golden thread you created. Embrace the light of your crystal—your touchstone.”

  Beastmaster magic coursed through Kai’s veins. The memories of his life stepped to the forefront of his mind and freed his heart. Light blossomed in the shadows of his mind, and he released the golden thread and clung to the white light—the touchstone which infused his magic. Thankful there was no pain as his body sloughed off the beast. He felt the edges of his crystal warm his hand when he returned to his proper form.

  Depleted by the shift, Kai slumped to one side.

  The strong arm of Ryker held him upright. They sat in silence while Kai collected his bearings. Slowly the surroundings became more and more familiar. Smoke sat in the grass next to Shiva, Ryker’s wolf. Her piercing blue eyes were half-closed. Everything was as it should be.

  Kai finally spoke, sitting up straight on his own. “Thank you, Ryker.” He then told his old friend everything, sharing the morning's events on the mountain and his encounter with the wild pack. Even in the retelling, he felt the magic raise the hair on his arms. This new magic was now somehow a part of him. Kai leaned back on his elbows and crossed his legs at the ankles. His strength continued to return, and he asked Ryker, “Who did I look like, Smoke or Anjo?”

  “Anjo the snow wolf, yes, this explains your coloring,” Ryker responded. “She was your other inspiration. I should have known. Your fur was mostly pure white, like Anjo’s, with a fine edging of black around the eyes and muzzle. Part of your mane, up around your shoulders, had black streaks, as did your tail. The ears were pitch black and came to a point, but what stood out were your eyes.”

  “Were they blue like Smoke or golden yellow like Anjo?”

  “One of each,” Ryker responded. “Impressive. Again, I must ask, where was Basil during your little adventure this morning? I am guessing since you came to me, your teacher was not with you. If you plan to take risks, your teacher, Basil, should guide you. What is wrong with you? This is not the first time you went off alone. If you need someone to talk with, find your uncle Haygan. It feels like you are pushing people away.”

  The shame of his choices forced Kai to look away. He knew the truth—they both did. Ryker sighed, and Kai felt his friend’s frustration. “These skills should not be practiced alone.” Ryker paused, and Kai turned back to see the seriousness in the man’s dark eyes. “We each have teachers for a reason. They do more than teach you the ancient movements of moving magic or show you how to manipulate it. They teach you how to build trust.”

  Kai knew that he was tempting fate if he did not stop this reckless behavior. “I promise to be more careful.” He wanted to believe the lie, that he’d actually be more careful—but he had already become a shuk, a black panther, and a horse, all on his own. There was no reason to think he needed Basil to teach him anything. His teacher only held him back.

  “Well,” Ryker said, patting Kai’s shoulder, “either way, it was good you ran to someone you knew to help bring you back. Instead of creating new creatures, your time would be better spent practicing the shift into your dragon form, like the Guardians recommended. The mastery of one beast will serve you far better than a collection of beasts. Can you yet shift multiple times mid-flight, or bring out only your wings and fly as a man?”

  The truth was, he had not practiced these skills because none of them would help him understand his mother. An odd silence floated between them. Kai did his best to hide his intentions, but he found it difficult to look Ryker in the eye. After their travels to save his mother, Ryker was like a second father to him, and the man’s Beastmaster nature gave him insights into Kai’s spirit he could not truly hide. Guilt hung on Kai like a wet shirt, and he sat staring a nothing; his mouth would not form the lie neither of them would believe.

  “Fine. If you will not heed my warning, you should at least know that your next transition into your new snow wolf should take less energy. I can only imagine that the moment with your pack provided the extra magic you needed. But you must remain mindful of the balance between beast and man. Consider having Rayna with you; she is undoubtedly your strongest connection in this life. If any memory can hold you in this life, it is your love for her.”

  “Thank you,” Kai muttered. “The moment simply swept me away.” Again, he lied, this time more to himself to ease his guilt for not taking Rayna with him to practice his magic.

  The huff from Ryker made Kai sit up straight. “Heed Basil’s lessons, or you will find yourself permanently trapped. I know you have heard the story, but it is necessary to understand the risks. Even with Basil nearby, you could be lost. The Katori Beastmasters, who created the first two dragons, had no beast to emulate—only their imagination to guide them. Their designs took immense power. Every drop of magic went into the formation, leaving nothing behind to reach the light. The wild nature of the beasts took over, and they reveled in their new form. Those with them could not coax them back, and they flew away.”

  If there was any gu
ilt or fear, Kai ignored it. Everyone assured him there was no rush to learn or expand his magic, but he believed the real reason was because nobody trusted him with that much power. If there were even a chance he would be like Keegan—his biological father who had corrupted his gifts in a belligerent quest for power—then he was sure the Elders would banish him, just as they had done with Keegan. Kai knew that the Elders wanted to control him, to protect him from that fate—but Kai needed no protection. He could handle his powers all on his own.

  A hush fell between them until Ryker stood and offered Kai a hand up. “Your mother, Mariana, she would be proud of you. While she was one of a rare few capable of changing into multiple animals, it has been centuries since any Beastmaster did what you accomplished today. None since the dragon and the shuk have we Katori created an original creature not already found in nature.”

  The thought of Mariana being proud of him touched his heart. He visited her each day as she lay comatose, but he still wondered if bringing her back was the right choice. “Are you coming to visit my mother today?” He knew the answer but asked anyway.

  “I am not one for an audience.” Ryker turned away. “Kendra’s mother, Yana, and your grandfather, Lucca, never leave me alone with her. As if I, of all people, would do her harm.” He tossed his hand back in a mock wave and started to leave.

  “You know,” Kai called after him, “tomorrow the Elders intend to announce where Davi and his people will live. Both Yana and Lucca will be here in Matoku. Could be the perfect time to visit my mother in Hiowind.”

  Ryker glanced back, his one eyebrow raised, then he disappeared into the forest with Shiva trotting after.

  Chapter 2

  Destructive Lies

  The warm weather was a surprising change from the snow-covered countryside only two days prior. Smoke sat next to Kai, and they watched the Kodama manipulate the landscape, sprouting new evergreen holly bushes and winter flowers. It pleased him to see Rayna flourish in her new home with new friends. He only wished he could settle the argument raging inside his mind—stay or go.