The Traitor

by A D Lombardo

  The thought of change worried Kai. “The Guardians, as we call them, may well need a different understanding to keep the peace in our cities. I have ventured deep into Katori territory, flown over many cities. There are no walls, no armed guards walking the streets.”

  “Well, whatever you decide, put the request in front of Dante, and I will approve the transfer.” Roark’s expression turned serious, with a furrowed brow and narrowed gaze. “And finally, while we must repair Diu and restore her security, I have not heard from my son in months. I mean to travel to Milnos in early summer. I trust I can count on you to travel with me to Milnos to inquire about Tolan and Amelia? The rumors of war between Diu and Milnos spread like fire through our streets. The Master General’s spies report unrest and men on the march. The horde of Milnosian men seek to return to their city. We must prepare for war if that is what comes next.”

  Curious himself about his friends, Kai could not refuse the request. “I will come when you call. But we must be ready considering war is on everyone’s lips. Milnos will retaliate; dragons or no, they are thirsty for battle.” Kai could only wonder where Keegan would fall in the battle. Would he stand with Katori or Milnos in his quest to rule the world?

  “Return to Diu on King’s Day, we will be ready.” Roark nodded and left.

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  Rayna played with Cordelia, picking the remaining white and purple blossoms from the palace gardens. Kai walked with his father, both in a somber mood, knowing this was his last day. Caught by his stare, Rayna blushed and waved at him behind a bouquet of fresh flowers. It pleased him to see her happy.

  Knowing the remaining Elders were about to leave, Kai felt anxious about their departure. He planned to go with them to see the ramifications on Katori, considering the world knew of their gifts. Katori was vast, and the Elders could not be in every city to reassure the people. Rumors and fear would spread like fire across this great nation. He imagined each city set ablaze with light, like the spokes of a wagon wheel—the typical design of each city across Katori—would burn through the night, people toiling over their new freedoms and new risks.

  Unaware of Kai’s serious contemplation, Iver spoke with a joyful tone. “How long do you plan to wait?” he asked, and Kai knew that he spoke of Rayna.

  The thought of his desire to marry, talk of war, and his need to travel with Roark tore him apart. “We spoke of marriage a few times, but this is not the right time.” He tossed around the idea, unsure he had the right to such happiness in this upended world. “Diu is in recovery, the Regent runs free, there is talk of war with Milnos, and we have no word from Tolan and Amelia. Katori, I am sure, is struggling to adjust to new liberties and new fears. There will be a better time, but not now.”

  Iver left a moment of silence between them as they circled the garden, away from the girls. “Time moves on, my son—cherish every moment. Life will not wait for the timing to be right. Seek to enjoy every tiny moment with Rayna, as many fall in between life’s adventures and its trails. I would give anything to have my time back with your mother or to be with her now, but I understand she may never wake.”

  “Do you still plan to visit?” Kai inquired, hoping the answer was yes.

  “After you spoke with them, one of your Elders—Wilda, I believe—assured me I would be able to visit Mariana, but she can never return to Diu. Like you, the Elders believe it will be too confusing for a deceased woman, magical circumstances or not, to return from the dead.”

  The acceptance Iver demonstrated on the matter did not surprise Kai. He knew his father understood the burdens of leadership and the tenuous nature of civility. “We spoke of marriage,” he took the conversation back to Rayna as she came back into view. “But if I am honest, neither of us desire a large spectacle. Many traditions on both sides of Diu and Katori are appealing, but I think a simple woodland ceremony is more befitting. The difficult part will be keeping it small and intimate without offending anyone.”

  “Were you thinking here in Diu or Katori?”

  Kai could tell his father’s question came with an assumption and a hope. “There is a special garden in Katori, and I hope to take Rayna there to ask her to marry me. I can only guess she would choose the same location for the wedding, but I will let you know and bring you there myself if you would do me the honor of attending.”

  “It would be my honor, son.”

  The End.

  Epilogue

  Sunshine sparkled throughout the Kodama garden. Birds sang and the trees swayed in a delicate breeze, each adding to what Kai hoped would be a perfect day. Although he and Rayna wanted a simple ceremony for just the two of them, they soon realized that those closest to them needed this happy moment as much as they did.

  Dressed in all white, Kai stood proudly with his arms behind his back, waiting for a glimpse of Rayna through the foliage. Next to him stood his father, Iver, and his friend, Dresnor.

  In his nervousness, Kai let his eyes wander around the small crowd gathered to celebrate this day. Kendra and Sabastian held each other close. Haygan and Simone stood cooing over baby Neveah, while Lucca and Ryker stared quietly ahead. As his eyes fell on Drew and Riome, Kai noticed a kindred connection between them. Rayna’s parents, Dori and Levi Kendrick, stood with her Aunt Mina and Uncle Taner alongside Marduk, Shane, and Julia.

  His family and friends partially blocked his view of Rayna meandering through the trees. He first noticed her crown of white and pink flowers which decorated her long dark hair. As she came through the crowd, he noticed the silhouette of her sparkling white dress slowly flaring out across the ground, which was strewn with hundreds of tiny pink and white flowers that matched her headpiece.

  Kai’s heart raced at the sight of her. She had never looked more beautiful. As she walked down the aisle behind her sister Imani, several guests offered her different colored roses to create her bouquet. As she came to stand at his side, it was all he could do not to kiss her in the moment.

  Benmar stood ready to perform the ceremony. He raised his hands out to his side and said, “We are gathered here at the dawn of a new day to unite this couple in marriage. We, your family and friends, are the foundation upon which your union will grow. Our promise to you both is to love and support you through good times and bad.”

  Gesturing to Rayna’s bouquet, he continued, “Each flower given to you represents an essence that you will use to build your relationship. Red signifies passion, courage, and security; may it strengthen your union. Orange represents optimism, playfulness, and symmetry; may it provide balance without control. Yellow, the color of the sunshine itself, represents clarity of thought, wisdom, and joy. Green denotes fertility, growth, and trust; through it, you will find wealth in each other. Blue is the color of the sky and the vast oceans; hence, it is your spirituality and faith; may it be limitless. Indigo is calming and peaceful, may it help you to be self-aware and enhance your sensitivity towards others. Lastly, violet combines the depth of blue and the intensity of red; may it strengthen your devotion and ignite your imagination in every aspect of your lives together.”

  Hands raised above the couple. “Will you offer all of this without measure and without limit? If so, let us all say, ‘I will.’”

  In unison, Kai and Rayna said, “I will.”

  Benmar then reached into his white robe and pulled out two rings, giving one to each of them. “You hold in your hand your rings, the symbol of your enduring promise. Kai and Rayna, please recite your vows to one another.”

  Kai turned to face Rayna, and as he placed the ring on her finger, he said. “My vow to you this new day is to be your companion forever. You are the love of my life. I will dance with you in the rain, warm you when you are cold, and share in your pain or joy. My beloved, may Alenga bless us each day, as we will walk together hand in hand from this day forward, united in love.”

  As Rayna repeated the same vows, Kai looked at her, desperate to hang on to this one happy moment as long as he could. Still, a cloud
lingered over his soul. Keegan was still out there, intent on bringing Diu to ruin and transforming Katori in his twisted image. A dark storm was coming, and he feared they would not be ready.

  “Now, by the power entrusted to me by the blessed Alenga, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may seal this promise with a kiss.”

  Kai gently touched the side of Rayna’s face and pulled her in close. Smiling, he paused. “I will love you, forever.” Then he gently kissed her.