by A D Lombardo
After his long morning, he was happy to have this moment, however fleeting. He dreamed about their future. “I am supposed to control the shift, but around you—I like the freedom.”
She blushed and touched his cheek. “I like having our little secrets. I am glad we found each other. That you are teaching me what it means to be Katori.”
His stomach fluttered at their closeness. “I came to tell you I won’t be able to run with you for the next several nights. Riome has plans for me.” He sighed at the thought of losing their time together.
“Can I still run with Smoke?” she asked. “It might be my only night, with your brothers’ birthday in two days. There will be much to do in the bakehouse.”
Rayna’s presence hypnotized him. From the first day he met her, he was awestruck. “You may. I will search for you after dinner. If you’re ready, I will send Smoke to you.”
She looked towards her home. “I should go, I have chores, and you have class,” she reminded him. Her hand slipped from his as she left.
Chapter 4
Keep the Faith
Head pounding, Kai leaned against the wall of the great hall. The marble was cool and smooth against his back. Even at the late hour, the Winter Festival was still in full swing. The room swarmed with Lords and Ladies, high-society people, and his extended family. Everyone danced, ate, and exchanged gifts. Blessed by Alenga for another year.
His cousin Alana buzzed in his ear, prattling on and on. Kai half-listened, his attention distracted by his departing brothers. Aaron and Seth headed to bed, too young to stay up through to the new year’s hour. He envied their youth and lack of responsibility. It wasn’t long ago that he went to bed at this hour.
Iver and his stepmother Nola bounced from guest to guest and then glided onto the dancefloor; a king and queen in the height of life. Kai had done his duty by dancing with Amelia, and he shuddered at the memory of everyone fawning over them. Kai didn’t mind dancing; it was their future together that terrified him. The entire dance Amelia talked about Tolan as he daydreamed of Rayna.
Now Tolan and Amelia danced, and Alana chastised their choices. She was practical about letting duty dictate their lives. He shook his head in agreement, wishing she would stop talking. There was no use arguing with Alana. He didn’t begrudge Amelia and Tolan their affections. He knew they would either find a way to change their fate or at least enjoy the last of their time with the ones they really loved.
“Alana, please forgive me, I need some air.” Kai bowed and left the great hall. The evening was unusually warm for this time of year. He made his way to the small baker’s home with two gifts; one wrapped in blue velvet and tied with a pink ribbon, the other a wooden box.
According to Kendra, he’d found the perfect gift. A must for any young Kodama. Kendra had explained that in Katori, people dedicated to plants and healing were called Kodama. Before he reached her home, Rayna stepped outside. Her dark hair framed her oval face, and her festive blue dress accentuated her maturing figure.
“Good evening, Kai. May Alenga bless you in the coming year.” She took a seat on the small bench outside of their cottage and patted the spot next to her. She had a small, modestly wrapped gift in her hand.
He took the seat. “Good evening, Rayna. May Alenga bless you in the coming year.” A playful smile curled his mouth. “I saw you at the Parade of Candles.”
“I noticed,” she blushed. “The Parade of Candles was, as always, amazing. We managed a much better spot this year. We went earlier to the Central City Gardens to see the winter-blooming plants and took a blanket to sit on the lawn. Mother didn’t want to miss it. We left early to avoid the crowds swarming the streets. You would be surprised how early people go to get a good spot.” She chuckled. “I guess the royal gazebo is reserved, so your view is guaranteed.”
He nodded. “The parade was lovely, but I wish we could’ve sat together. I believe they are still playing music and dancing in the streets to this hour. If you listen, you can still hear the flutes and violins.”
They sat in silence, listening to the faint music floating over the wall. Kai watched two guards patrolling near the cottages. The men glanced in their direction but did not stop. He knew how they looked; the prince sitting with the baker’s daughter in the middle of the night.
They spoke at the same time, excited to exchange gifts. “I brought you…” started Kai. “I hope it’s alright…” started Rayna. Together they blushed. “You go first,” she offered.
He hesitated, nervous about his gift. “Please, you go first,” he insisted, setting her package on the bench at his side.
She laid a small package in his now empty lap. Wrapped in simple brown paper and tied with a blue ribbon, he felt the shape. He knew the form and feel of a book beneath the wrapper. Carefully he untied the ribbon and unwrapped the gift. Inside was a saddle-brown leather-bound journal, on the surface a two-tone embossed design of the tree of life. He ran his fingers over the design and the silver button secured with a leather tie. Along the bottom, he noticed his initials ‘K.G.’ embossed in black near the corner of the journal.
He recognized Abram Denholm’s handiwork, and the publisher’s stamp set inside the cover. The man was the best bookmaker in town. “Rayna, this is beautiful.” He turned the journal over in his hands and marveled at the detail. His fingers traced the lines of the tree’s roots. He didn’t dare tell her she had spent too much. She must have saved all year to buy such a gift. “Thank you, I will cherish it always.” Carefully he rewrapped the journal, set it aside, and passed her his two packages.
Her eyes widened at the weight he laid in her lap. She pulled the tie. The blue velvet fell to her lap. The top item was another beautiful journal created by Denholm publishing. A unique design made just for her.
Abram had helped him select a fanciful enchanted theme in vibrant hues of pink gold, moss, and sienna. The center held a heart-shaped emerald gemstone surrounded by intricate brass filigree, flowers, and eight matching oval cut emeralds. The bottom was embossed with her first name, Rayna, and the page edges dusted in stunning gold shimmer.
She released the gold clasp and flipped through the empty pages. “Kai, this is beautiful.” She gently set the journal aside and briefly thumbed through the next three books.
“I bought those on my last trip to Port Anahita,” he said. “I found a local apothecary who was willing to part with them. The books are filled with different plants from Nebea, Milnos, and Bangloo.”
Rayna set the books aside. Kai started to fidget. “I hope you like this next one. The man at the shop swore it was a must for any serious apothecary or herbalist. It is not a fancy or delicate item.” He worried its rough texture was less than beautiful. More practical than girly.
“Kendra told me to be a proper Kodama you must study herbs. The Kodama are highly revered for their ability to heal, at least that is what I understand.” Kai nodded for her to open the package.
She opened the large wooden box. Inside was a white and gray granite mortar and pestle for grinding herbs. Excitedly she set the package on the ground at her feet. Before he knew what happened, she leaned over, hugged him, and kissed him square on the lips. A small peck, over before it happened.
Shocked by what she’d done, Rayna pressed her hand to her mouth and blushed shyly. She sat straight and looked towards the orchard. “Thank you, Kai. I love it,” she said from behind her fingers.
Worried her parents might have seen them from the window, Kai sat frozen, afraid to move. “I, umm, I am happy you like it.”
His stomach flipped with delight. Unsure what to do next, he rubbed his palms together. “Well, I love my journal. Thank you. I hate to dash off, but it is rather late,” he said in a nervous tone.
She reassembled her wrappings. “It is late,” she stood and collected her gifts. “I should check on my mother. Thank you again, Kai. Goodnight.” She opened the door, glanced back, and smiled.
He waited for her to go inside; his new journal clutched tightl
y to his chest. Preoccupied, he meandered through the apple orchard. The night breeze blew through the trees. Ahead of him, he heard soft footfalls. Instinctively he reached out with his sight. At the same time, he heard a voice. “Kai, we need to talk.”
Recognizing the voice, Kai saw Tolan walking in his direction. “Tolan. What is it? Is there something wrong?”
A mature young soldier, almost twenty years of age, Tolan’s muscular build filled out his Fort Pohaku uniform. Tolan was taller and broader than Kai, even with his two years of training with Dresnor.
“Sorry for loitering in the orchard. I did not want to interrupt your moment. Not that your relationship with Rayna helps the four of us. I could not help but notice there is something between you two. I know you are aware of my affections for Amelia, which brings me to why I am standing in the middle of the orchard near midnight, on the eve of a new year.”
Moonlight lit Tolan’s face, leaving Kai’s hidden partly in shadow. “I am aware of your feelings for Amelia. And I understand that my relationship with Rayna is no secret either. I believe we find ourselves in a rather unfortunate situation. Wanting what we cannot have. Or rather whom. Do you have a point?” Kai asked.
Tolan shifted his weight and crossed his arms. “I have no right to ask anything of a prince,” he nodded. “Especially you.”
“Are we not friends? I thought we made our peace years ago.”
“You continue to amaze me. After the years of bullying, you are kind to me. You saved my service rank after Landon and I attacked you. Now I will be honest. I am in love with the girl you are meant to marry, and I am here hoping to have your blessing.”
Kai wished he could give Tolan what he wanted, but it was beyond him.
“Tolan, if I could give you my blessing, I would. Amelia is a sister to me, and as you said, I have a connection with Rayna. Everyone tells me that our wishes are irrational. To even think we have a choice is foolish.” Kai noticed the shift in Tolan’s posture—head hung low, and his hands stuffed into his pockets.
“It is my duty to represent Diu.” Kai stood up taller. “I hate it as much as you, the thought of going to Milnos haunts me. Everything I read tells me the city is nothing like Diu. They do not cherish art, culture, or science. I know from our history lessons Milnos has always hated Diu. Even before the war, Milnos meant to conquer this land. They wanted our entire continent under their rule, but Nebea fought back and held their own. Diu, however, struggled. We were not large enough. Our union with Nebea and the Katori saved Diu. But to this day, even without the support of Bangloo, Milnos is a massive war-hungry city.”
“I don’t need a history lesson, Kai.”
“Maybe I do.” Kai puffed up his chest. “I need to remind myself of the stakes. Without a marriage union between Diu and Milnos, the peace may not last. They could turn on us once more. Regent Maxwell could proclaim himself King and break the contract my father established all those years ago.”
“So, what do we do?” Tolan asked. “I have been petitioning to get assigned near Milnos. I don’t want to lose her, but if you marry her, I will not stand in the way. I will not have her live a lie, married to you and sneaking around with me. That would be wrong.”
Kai nodded in agreement. “I would not wish a life of lies for anyone. None of us will live a lie or cheat in the shadows. I will do my duty if Alenga sets me on that path. But know this, I have no desire to marry Amelia. I don’t know how to change our current path, but our fate is in the hands of Alenga. Trust me when I tell you, my destiny is with Rayna. I have seen it.”
Tolan shook his head. “I pray you are right.”
“Have faith but tell no one. We both need to do better hiding our feelings. Or at least hiding our motives. I believe your advancement could be the secret behind our freedom. Whatever you can do to raise your rank, it will help us. Your father must entrust you to run important missions, lead your own group of men. The rank of captain would set you apart. To be a captain, you must show them your aggressive side. You’ve always been a competitive person; show them you are committed. Lead by example and become the man your father expects.”
Kai thought of Drew. Once just another guard on the wall, Drew took whatever assignment he could—and now he was a captain. “As I said, volunteer for whatever assignment raises your rank. Put in extra hours. Work with other captains. You must become a captain.” He had no idea how long they had, but he knew they must be ready.
Tolan huffed. “Those assignments will keep me from Diu. I will not be able to see Amelia as often, and they will not put me in Milnos either. That would keep me in Fort Pohaku, which is exactly what my father wants. Me in his shadow.”
Kai looked to the ground and shook his head. He could not help what he knew. His vision was clear. Tolan would be in a battle, and his rank was captain. Somehow he knew Tolan’s status was critical. “Trust me, Tolan. I’ve seen your rank. You will be the youngest captain in history if things are to unfold as I have seen them.” Kai gulped. Had he said too much? “I cannot tell you more, but you must become a captain. The cost of time now away from Amelia will seal our future and the rest of our lives.” Convinced his visions were real, he pressed Tolan again. “Please, Tolan. I know this will not be easy, but it is the only way.”
Tolan stroked his chin, trimmed into a short goatee. “I trust you. We seal our fate with your plan. You better be right.” He extended his hand, and they locked arms.
“Have faith in Alenga. She will change our fates.” Kai let Tolan’s arm go, and they returned to the palace.
Overwhelmed and exhausted, Kai inched towards the exit. He felt weariness creep through his bones. He hadn’t slept soundly in weeks. Worrisome nights of contemplation and visions of the future left little time for sleep. Only sheer exhaustion eventually allowed Kai a few hours of slumber.
The next few weeks would be more of the same. Kai wished he could enjoy his night off, dance, and celebrate with his friends and family. Instead, he slunk along the wall and slipped out without saying goodnight.
Chapter 5
Snow Fall
Disinterested in attending dinner, Kai laid down on his bed to get a few hours rest before meeting Riome for his nightly training. He drifted off to sleep where his nightmares found him. The relentless vision around Tolan and Drew; the day in his aunt Helena’s garden. His mind was full of frantic images, each coming faster and faster. His breathing quickened, and his heart pounded.
Ripped from his nightmare, he woke hot and covered in sweat. He slid his feet off the bed and went to lie on the rug beside Smoke. Lack of sleep was beginning to take its toll. He was near his breaking point, and it was just weeks from his sixteenth birthday.
His only solace was that his exhaustive pace made the days pass quickly. But the lack of meditation time had him bubbling with anxiety. “Seems my nightmares don’t care that I’ve had no sleep.” He ran his hand over his wolf’s fur.
After another two hours’ sleep, he awoke stiff on the floor next to his wolf. As much as he wanted to skip his training, Cazier insisted that he never miss a session. His cousin even came to some of Kai’s lessons to see the improvement firsthand. He hoped this was not one of those nights.
He descended the east spire stairwell, his lamp flickering downward. Riome never lit the sconces. She preferred the tower to be left dark and mysterious. He reached out with his sight. Bugs and critters scurried around the corner. He used his gift to venture down to the old chamber they used to train in private.
Illuminated with light, he saw Riome set down her lamp and select her weapons of choice for the evening. He entered and placed his lamp on the table. She offered him no padding, no armor. He had only his wits and his skill.
Like most nights, Riome said very little. Tonight, she started with throwing stars. She fired one after the other at a wooden target. Her aim was accurate, and she hit dead center with all five. Now it was Kai’s turn. Only this time, she stood in front of the target and short sword in each hand. H
e knew better than to question her methods, so he tossed all five.
Her reaction time was wicked fast. Unusually fast, if Kai was honest with himself. With a twist and flick of her wrist, she deflected each star. They bounced off her swords and struck the ground. Kai knew what came next. His turn.
Surprisingly calm, he stood in front of the target, a blade in each hand. Riome would not take it easy on him; he needed his reactions to be instantaneous. When she raised her hand, he held his breath. He knew it was cheating, but he wanted to go unscathed just once.
In rapid succession, she tossed all five. The shiny metal stars flew in Kai’s direction. He grabbed at the moment and time slowed. With ease he deflected the attack and let go of time. Riome was not pleased. “You must breathe, Kai. Do it again.”
She collected the stars. “Center yourself. Focus on the lead star but watch my hand and where I aim.”
Had he not done it already? There was no way she knew he cheated. Right? Still, he stood, swords up, and he focused on her hands. While he watched Riome release each star, her subtle flicks revealed their intended path. This time he did not cheat. Focused on her release, he knocked each star out of the air before they struck his body. This was the first time he got all five without so much as a scratch.
“Good,” was all she said before changing weapons. Next Riome grabbed a set of battle batons, mid-range wooden staffs with a leather grip near the center. She tossed one to Kai and motioned for him to attack. With both hands on the staff, Kai pivoted his body and lunged. They started out slow. Strike, block, counterstrike, block, and retreat. Then Riome went.
They practiced over and over, faster and faster. Until he lost a step and Riome landed a strike on his thigh. Kai winced and fell to one knee. “What’s wrong?” Riome questioned. “You never miss a block anymore.”
Kai took a deep breath and collected himself. “I’m fine. Let’s keep going.”
