Mariana's Secret

by A D Lombardo

  As the sun rose, he climbed onto Ember’s saddle. From the stables, he watched the sun’s rays glisten across the stone of the Master General’s tower, and he gave one last look toward the bakery. Rayna pressed her hands to her lips and blew him a kiss. He gave her a nod and urged Ember into motion following his group.

  Kai craned his neck to see his massive group head down the dirt road. Leading his group were four scouts—men he knew well, selected last summer by Dresnor. Kempery-man Redmon rode ahead of Shane and his father, Hunter Micha Marduk. Riding on either side of Kai were Haygan and Kempery-man Dresnor, both focused on scanning their surroundings. Kai glanced over his shoulder to see Finlee’s delighted smiling face. Three pack horses, two with carts, followed.

  Kempery-man Albey and the newly promoted Captain Drew brought up the rear with four other soldiers. This was the largest group he’d traveled with so far. Kai was both surprised and disappointed to see so many carts traveling with his group this year. The additional burden on the horses meant additional stops and a slower pace.

  The first scout crossed the bridge over Stone River, and they were officially underway on Kai’s third and final mission around Baden Lake. Provided everything went as planned, it would be at least seven long days in the saddle, two days longer than usual. All in preparation for his journey to become the King of Milnos.

  Behind them, in the Diu harbor, a Diu ship was preparing to set sail across Baden Lake with Captain Wallis and thirty guards, also bound for Albey. After Kai’s trip two summers back to Hamrin turned into a battle for their lives, Cazier and the Grand Duke now sent men to secure the city before the prince’s arrival. Kai thought about how easy taking the ship would be. He knew Wallis and his men would be in Albey around dinner tonight. Meanwhile, Kai would travel by land around the water’s edge for almost a week. Along the way, he would collect taxes and make a royal show of his father’s support for his people.

  The billowing white sails expanded as the ship cut across the lake. The idea of sailing intrigued Kai. He’d heard tell of thirteen-foot waves on the lake, and he’d always wanted to see them for himself. At this time of the morning, however, the lake was calm—smooth as glass. The sun tossed its bright reflection across the water and pulled Kai into a memory.

  He recalled walking hand-in-hand with Rayna beside Baden Lake last autumn. The sun had been shining on the lake that day, too, and he remembered the feel of her hand in his. Her long hair, full of flowers she’d collected along their walk, blew gently in the breeze. Her small wicker basket was filled with wild herbs.

  “Must be a pleasant memory,” Haygan muttered, interrupting Kai’s daydream.

  “I was thinking of Rayna,” Kai admitted. “I must find a special gift for her for the new year’s Winter Festival. Any ideas?”

  “I know she is rather special to you,” Haygan cocked his head to the side. “Given your betrothal to Amelia, is it wise? I know you talk to Kendra about these things, and I try not to tell you what to do. What do you know about her or about her real parents?”

  Sadness over the awkwardness between him and Kendra made him wonder if he’d been too hard on her. “Rayna said her parents found her as a baby tucked in a crate mixed within their supplies on the docks. While they took her in, they had always expected someday someone would come to reclaim her, but they never have. They wanted her to know they were blessed by her, being unable to have children of their own.”

  “Admirable of them to be honest with her,” Haygan said.

  “They didn’t want her to find out from someone else. If her long-lost parents did return, Rayna might feel Levi and Dori had lied to her.”

  “Never in my life have I ever known of a Katori to give up a child. I cannot imagine being so desperate I would willingly give away my child.” Haygan focused on the road ahead. “Does she have a spice box yet? I am sure she could always use bottles. If you want to surprise her, consider colored glass bottles. We will be in Chenowith for a night. If you’ll remember, there is a glassmaker in the village who specializes in colored glass. He created the stained-glass windows in the Diu chapel.”

  Kai’s eyes lit up. “That’s perfect. I could have several pieces reserved when we reach Chenowith and pick them up on our way back through. I can have a spice box commissioned in Diu, custom-designed to hold the various bottles. Thanks, Haygan.” Pleased with his plan, they rode on in silence toward their first campsite, south of Town Hope.

  ◆◆◆

  Later that evening, they rode into a camp hoping to find the area already established by the Master General Cazier and his men. The grounds were pitch-black. No campfires burned. No men told stories to pass the time. Everything was quiet. His cousin and his men were nowhere in sight.

  Just as well, Kai thought, all the better to settle into road life without distraction. His men set to establishing the camp. Kai left Ember in the horse corral and climbed the steps of the newly renovated hunting lodge. Inside the rustic lodge, his men gathered around the large table, eating beef stew and telling stories. It was a pleasant sight.

  “Your Highness,” Drew extended his hand, “may I take your pack upstairs?”

  “Thank you, Drew. Meet us in the study when you are finished.”

  Drew accepted several packs from the other Kempery-men and darted upstairs.

  Across the large common room, the lodge boasted a large study. The structure had come a long way since his first summer. His Kempery-men followed him into the study. Over the mantle on the large stone fireplace was an eight-point buck’s head. “The old place has certainly come a long way since our first summer. Why didn’t we stop here last summer?” Kai asked.

  “Hunters.” Dresnor raised one eyebrow. “They were already here, and you refused to kick them out. Admirable to a point, but you are a prince, soon to be a king. Your subjects should accommodate you, not the other way around.”

  Not wanting to argue, Kai waved his hand. “I will not debate with you, Dresnor. We must agree to disagree, or better yet skip the discussion.”

  Changing the subject, Kai made a proposal. “Any thoughts on skipping our time in Town Hope?”

  Dresnor watched Drew enter and take a spot near the window. “We have all summer. Why push the men?”

  Kai knew his man was right, but he felt anxious and sitting idle in Town Hope for two days playing the prince was the last thing he wanted to do. “Each trip was meant to prepare me for the long ride to Milnos—a ten days ride in open and possibly unfriendly territory. My men also need to be ready. This is easy living here at the lodge, and within the estates along our route. It will only take us—what, six, maybe seven straight days to reach Albey? With one or two overnights at each stop, it will be ten days to Albey.”

  “Your Highness, I will not argue against your command.” Dresnor glanced around the room. “But you have obligations along our route. Expectations of the prince to greet the people. Your visits each summer remind them Diu still cares. Lest I remind you what happened in Hamrin only two years ago. There must be constant connections with these western communities.”

  Kai did not need reminding of the evil they faced and the battle they fought. “How about a compromise? A few hours in Town Hope and one overnight in Chenowith.”

  Dresnor’s pursed lips told Kai he wanted to argue but held his tongue.

  “Your Highness,” Kempery-man Albey interrupted their staring contest. “If we arrive several days early to Albey, Captain Wallis and his men could remain, giving the men several days in a row to recover.”

  Silence fell over the group. “Excellent, it’s settled,” Kai clasped his hands together. “We leave at first light, spend a few hours in Town Hope and one overnight in Chenowith. Any other news we need to discuss?”

  Before anyone could respond, the Master General strolled into the room. “Your Highness, you are looking well.” Cazier bowed and extended a hand to Dresnor. “Dresnor, good to see you. I hope I am not interrupting.”

  “Master General,” Dres
nor nodded. “We are all finished, please excuse us.” Dresnor bowed to Kai. “Your Highness, I will inform the men of our change in plans.”

  Kai’s men departed.

  Cazier collapsed into the sofa. “Everything alright?”

  “Yes, yes.” Kai settled into a large chair. “I was surprised we beat you here. Any trouble on the road?”

  “We had a little skirmish south of here, but nothing my men couldn’t handle. Raiders attacking a small settlement.”

  Chatter from an influx of men echoed into the study. Kai eyed the men in the next room. Finlee approached with a tray of food and a bottle of wine. “Thank you, Finlee.”

  “Your Highness.” Finlee exited with a bow.

  “I am glad we have this time to talk.” Kai took a handful of grapes. “There is something we need to discuss. I left a letter for you in your Diu office, in case we didn’t get this chance. While you’ve been away, my father’s health has declined. One day we spoke about his plans for his summer trip abroad. The next day, he was taken ill and laid up in bed. This year he has no interest in sailing. He plans to send Dante and Farwick in his stead.”

  Cazier took a sip of wine. “True, Iver is not one to miss going out to sea, but if he is unwell, I suppose it makes sense he sends others to collect tributes and affirm Diu connections to foreign lands.”

  “Wrong,” Kai said, raising his voice. “None of this is right. Father is not right. He is distracted and lost. Some days he is short-tempered. The next, he falls silent and looks to Nola to speak for him. My father has never missed a trip in my lifetime. My mother died the year he extended his trip and stayed abroad. Maybe if he had been home, she would still be with us.” Anger welled in his eyes, and he slammed his fist down on the arm of his chair.

  “Sounds like you blame your father for her death.” Cazier leaned forward. “Maybe you needed to say it. But you know it’s not true. Even if Iver had been there, he would not have saved her. We were lucky you were not killed.”

  Knowing his mother was alive didn’t change his deepest sorrow. His mother was gone, and he had blamed his father’s absence on her death. The more he thought about the lies around his mother, the angrier he felt, but the Master General was not the person to help him cope. “I suppose I have blamed him. But right now, I am concerned about Nola. She is not as she seems—I know it, only I still cannot prove it. And Riome is too busy chasing Andrew’s rumors to help me investigate.”

  Cazier shook his head. “We need to get to the bottom of Nola’s duplicity, but whenever I inquire, everyone reports her as the dutiful queen. Your word is not enough Kai, even as a prince. I need multiple witnesses or tangible proof she is harming Iver. Sigry, the physician, cannot explain what is causing Iver’s condition. I promise to investigate this when I return. Trust me with this matter and enjoy your summer. Albey is a sleepy little mountain town, you should have no worries.”

  No worries. His cousin had no idea. Kai had concerns aplenty, only not the ones he could tell the Master General of Diu. “I am sure you’re right.”

  Cazier leaned forward. “Our friendship goes beyond my duty to protect you. You're more than my prince, you know that, right?”

  “I do.” Kai refilled their cups.

  “How are your pickpocketing and lockpicking skills coming along?” Cazier laughed. “Riome is the best of all my spies. Her natural ability to become another person is almost uncanny.” He said with pride.

  It was difficult to deny Riome’s ability. Kai had watched her fight two men twice her size and hardly break a sweat. “She has taught me more than I thought possible,” Kai added.

  “She said you are really coming along in your fighting skills. I know she pushes you, but it is for the best. Trust me.”

  “A compliment from her is high praise,” Kia smirked. “Wish Riome would tell me how I am doing. You know she is relentless, right? Some nights I can’t tell if she is training me or trying to kill me. Did you know she put me in a dress?” Kai said with a huff.

  Chills ran down his arms as he remembered the night. “Seriously, a dress, shoes, wig. The works.” He crossed his arms in front of himself.

  Nearly choking on his food, Cazier laughed so hard he began to cry. “I would have paid good money to see you in a dress. Although, you do have the legs for it,” Cazier added, wiping a tear running down his cheek.

  “Very funny. Riome said someday it could save my life to change genders in a crowd while trying to avoid being found.” Pondering the idea, Kai softened to it. He hated it when she was right.

  Cazier finished his wine. “She is correct, you know. It could save your life if you ever needed to hide. As a woman, you’d be passed over without a real look. It could be the advantage you need to escape capture. Watch out for your shoes, they often give you away if you can’t manage a change.”

  “Well, enough talk of me dressing as a girl.” Kai stifled a yawn. “We both have early starts, come dawn. Goodnight, cousin.”

  Cazier stood and shook Kai’s hand. “Goodnight, cousin.”

  Chapter 10

  Watery Mistakes

  Transitioning from palace life to the country living always took Kai a night or two. The hustle and bustle of the city and the noises of others were replaced with the rhythmic hoofbeat of his horse, the sound of the cart’s wheels rolling along the dirt road and wild noises of nature. The campsite was quiet. The silence was almost deafening. Most of the men were bedded down in bedrolls for the night. Haygan sat poking the fire and a newly placed log. “Walk with me to the water,” Kai whispered to him, nodding at the lake.

  Haygan stood, and Kai spotted Shiva in the distance. The wolf rose to follow them. Over his shoulder, he caught Smoke flanking them on the opposite side. Pushing out his senses towards the water, Kai checked for danger and other guards in the area. Finding the area clear, he approached the water’s edge and knelt to wash his hands.

  The lapping lake water was cool on his skin, and he relished the thought of going for a swim. “Any chance we can take an early shift tonight?” Kai asked. “I sense six guards awake patrolling the outskirts. I’d prefer taking the next shift or the morning shift. I hate waking in the middle.”

  Haygan nodded. “I am well aware of your lack of enthusiasm for the midnight shift. However, you drew the short straw tonight—or rather, I drew it for you. Get some rest. I will wake you when it’s our turn.”

  ◆◆◆

  Upstairs, inside the lodge, Kai found his pack sitting on a narrow bed. The small room provided a bed and a single chair; his home away from home. He laid down and gazed at the stars through the small window. Smoke slept near the door.

  Thoughts of his past and future battled in his mind. The foundation of his life was built on a lie. Everything he thought he wanted for his life had changed. His betrothal required him to marry Amelia and move to Milnos. But his heart belonged to Rayna and he wanted to go to Katori. More importantly, he needed to reconcile his future and come to terms with the truth of his fate, he may not have a choice in the matter. Fighting his responsibility would only cause heartache.

  After years of being angry at his father for the loss of his mother, he knew she was alive. For one brief moment, he had felt his mother's spirit. There had to be a way to save her. He didn’t know how or when, but he would save her. Finding her and bringing her home would set his world right. He would never give up on her again.

  Although he knew he should let his anger towards his father go, it seemed impossible. If Iver had been there that day instead of away at sea, Kai was sure the outcome would have been different.

  Heavyhearted, Kai yearned to chase the clue to find his mother. He should be the one to rescue her. Instead, he was traveling to a small town to collect taxes and put on a royal display for the locals.

  A yawn surprised him.

  Hands folded over his chest, Kai tried to relax. A rush of adrenaline raised the hair on his arms. Over the years he’d learned the cues that preceding an impending vision. Some
thing was coming.

  It had taken practice to prepare his mind for receiving and remembering the finer details of a vision. Slowing his breathing and closing his eyes was a good start. What worked the best was an open mind. Not easy when you spend most of your day angry and frustrated. Always reaching for answers with no help.

  When he finally dozed off to sleep, something called to him. A knowing sense pricked at the front of his mind.

  The dream unfolded outward in front of him. Rolling hills bathed in moonlight rose and fell before him. Kai felt the wind on his face—not his face. Adrenaline pounded in his heart—not his heart. He was running—not as a man, but a horse. Kai felt a connection to the rider. The man pleaded for more. The horse surged. Kai sensed exhaustion. Each hoof pounded into the ground. The steed was near its breaking point.

  Whisked skyward, Kai felt a lift in his soul. The gallop of the horse was replaced with the rhythm of wings. Massive black wings folded up and down at his sides. The energy within the dragon was unlike anything he’d ever experienced. The presence of another soul echoed in Kai’s mind—Simone. Desperation pounded in her heart.

  Below, a man in black rode a horse across the countryside. The man dismounted, and without skipping a beat, he disappeared into the trees.

  Aimed towards the thick forest, the dragon followed. A carpet of green treetops covered the ground. Her dragon eyes scanned for glimpses of the man through the thinning canopy. Caught in the moonlight, the man glanced skyward—Ryker.

  Drawn into Ryker, Kai felt the man’s steady heartbeat. The terrain whizzed by in a blur. Ryker moved swiftly, but Kai felt he was conserving his energy. Kai had the feeling Ryker was preparing for some inevitable fight. Moonlight splashed through the treetops. Standing near a rocky ledge, men pointed and shouted, their argument unclear. Ryker motioned Simone forward.