Mariana's Secret

by A D Lombardo

  Chapter 12

  Conhaspriga

  Kai awoke to a dark room. Through the open balcony doors, he felt a light cool breeze brush against his face. The sun’s rays clawed at the jagged peaks of the Katori Mountains. He watched the sky became a mix of warm orange and yellow, pushing against the dark sky.

  Smoke lay on the balcony between two chairs, looking out into the forest behind the Chenowith estate gardens. Joining him, Kai took a seat outside to watch the sunrise. Restless and unable to go back to sleep, Kai ventured out for a stroll through the gardens. He loved this place. Last summer was a blessing. No battles. No bad men. The town of Chenowith was on a good path. They welcomed him, and he savored their loyalty.

  With the freedom to enjoy the countryside and time alone, Kai went exploring the hillside. Shiva and Smoke joined him in the woods, and together they ran around the estate. Enormous pine trees and tall aspens grew densely along the perimeter, and their alignment made it impossible to run. He zigzagged through the trees, moving deeper into the thick forest. The smell of pine mixed with moss and dirt hung in the air.

  Connected to his sight, he ventured deeper into the wood. The wolves sniffed the terrain. Deeper into the forest the sounds of birds and a small brook came to his senses. Above him in the hills, Kai’s sight revealed a small clearing.

  The dense pine gave way to large pin oaks and bits of blue sky. Through the trees, Kai sensed a presence. He closed his eyes and reached out. Her nature was calm yet alert. Kind yet protective. A doe and her fawn. The pair stood near the brook.

  His breathing calm, he pushed Smoke and Shiva away. Gently he reached out with his spirit to the deer. Her head perked up, and she stared through the trees in his direction. He held still, waiting for her approval. Motionless, she stared fixed on his location.

  Unable to move, Kai waited. The smallest twitch might spook the doe. He needed to get the doe to approach him. In his mind, he called to the deer; she took a step across the brook, then another. Her baby fawn ran and jumped through the water to keep up. The fawn’s tiny white spots were speckled across its back—a sharp contrast to its brown hair.

  Confident that the doe was comfortable, Kai took a few steps in their direction. She continued her approach. Five feet away, he stopped and let her close the gap. He held out his hand, and the doe sniffed it. The pair was content in his presence, and he ran his hands down the mother’s neck, while the young fawn pranced around the tall grasses and wildflowers.

  Peace and tranquility filled Kai’s heart. He did not understand how people could hunt these beautiful creatures.

  A large brook bubbled out of the base of several large rocks. The gurgle echoed around the clearing and trickled away into the surrounding trees. The warm morning sun shone overhead, and Kai knelt and took a sip of the fresh, clear water. The taste was refreshing and cold. Pleased to be in their company, he sat on a large rock and watched the pair snack on leaves and vines.

  Their delicate, graceful nature was a joy to behold. The doe nuzzled her baby fawn and then looked into the trees. Kai pivoted and glared in the same direction. He saw nothing with his eyes. He felt for Smoke and Shiva. It was not their presence that startled her—they were behind him on the hillside. He gleaned deep into the trees.

  His sight set the trees alive with light. Deep within the woods, a wolf glared down into the clearing. Seven more joined the leader. Quickly Kai connected to the wolves, one after the other. The eldest wolves acknowledged him. The two youngest in the pack felt anxious. Their wild nature bounced with the urge to run. Concerned for the deer, his pulse quickened. He needed to warn them. They must run now.

  Kai stood and pushed his senses to the deer. “Run,” he told her.

  She bolted for the trees in the opposite direction, her baby fawn shadowing quickly behind.

  The secret to balancing a wild pack this size was to remain calm. Kai placed his hand over his heart and calmed his breathing. His senses told him they were not hungry or savage. Their spirits were open to him, and he smiled. He knew them. He called the lead wolf.

  As they approached, Kai again searched for Shiva and Smoke. They were returning to him. They too had picked up on the wild pack and were flanking their approach. The pack had been following him since the old lodge. The same location they’d found him his first and second summer.

  Knowing the distance between Town Hope and Chenowith was nearly eighty miles made Kai wonder how vast their territory was, and how far they were willing to follow him. In Diu, he had researched wolves. Most of the books agreed they usually hunt within a region, which can range from fifty to over a thousand square miles. Given the size of their growing pack, their territory was probably vast.

  Shiva and Smoke reached the clearing first—one on either side of the lead wolf. There he stood—the alpha and his pack. His gray and white fur ruffled in the breeze. The pack was now eight wolves strong.

  Both Nebean black wolves ran to Kai. Positioned in front of him, they faced the alpha. Smoke growled, and Shiva remained quiet. Kai pushed his thoughts to Smoke, urging him to stay calm. The younger wolves in the pack growled back. If Kai didn’t intervene, there would be a fight. Any sudden movement would set things in motion.

  The two young wolves twitched with the urge to charge. They were the larger group, but Smoke and Shiva were over twice their size. Clear-minded, Kai sat in the tall grass. Sunlight reflected off the babbling brook between him and the pack. He shifted his focus to the younger wolves; they needed to yield first. To his surprise, the alpha matched his posture and sat. The others stopped growling but stood their ground.

  Shiva, Smoke, heel, he instructed while pushing his calm nature. Accepting his instruction, all the wolves relaxed and sat in the grass. For the longest time, they watched each other, none of them willing to move.

  When Kai rose to his feet and crossed the water, he did so with confidence exuding from his aura. He moved from stone to stone until his foot landed on the other side. Smoke and Shiva followed. The pack stood, but the alpha did not. The clearing was quiet except for the brook and the occasional chirping bird.

  Kai knelt on his knees and faced the alpha. His heart pounded heavily in his chest. The alpha stood and approached. He mentally balanced the pack and his two black wolves. They all remained calm.

  The alpha stared into Kai’s eyes. Locked in the moment, Kai felt a strong bond deep within his soul. He passed the feeling to Shiva and Smoke. Relieved, he saw them sit at his side.

  The alpha stepped forward and licked him across the face. A smile spread across Kai's face, and the wolf continued his display of affection. Reassured, he fell on his side in the grass, and the wolf relaxed with him.

  He laid in the grass next to the gray wolf. His hand on the alpha, he looked into its golden-yellow eyes. I have missed you, my friend, Kai thought with his heart more than his mind.

  In return, he heard—Protect. And he felt a sense of loyalty.

  “Old friend,” Kai said aloud. “I think of you often.”

  His mind went back to the night he had laid outside their den—exhausted, his eyes drifting from one cloud to the next. What an excellent spot and a beautiful day. He secretly wished all days could be like this, living one with nature. Together they all lay in the grass. The fresh breeze brushed against them, and the sun warmed his skin.

  Shiva perked up and sniffed the air. Her senses told him something or someone was near. Smoke raised his head. Through the trees, Kai sensed a young man approaching. His spirit was bright and intense. The alpha and his pack remained calm, unperturbed by his approach. Shiva and Smoke, however, both stood and stepped toward the trees.

  Kai stood. The alpha and his pack surrounded him. They did not growl but took a defensive posture.

  The young man stopped at the edge of the clearing. His rugged features, ink-black hair, and dark-blue eyes told Kai he was not native to Chenowith. His dark clothing again suggested he was not a local. Kai put his hands in his pockets. This young man had approa
ched him and a pack of wolves without fear. No average person would do that. A quick glean solidified his theory. “You are Katori.”

  The young man smiled. “Yes. My name is Liam.”

  “My name is Kai. What brings you to Chenowith?”

  “Same as you, I suppose. Spending my time in the outside world, before the Conhaspriga. Before I must make my choice: stay out here or return home.” Liam tilted his head and nit his brow together, analyzing Kai.

  Hesitant to reveal himself, Kai held his tongue. He knew the Katori protected their secrets. How could he learn something without giving away his lack of knowledge? “Where are you staying?” he asked, trying to sound confident.

  “In the woods. I only have two weeks left before I turn seventeen. I am already feeling the pull to return. It is time for my Conhaspriga. How about you? You look, what, nearly sixteen? You must be at the beginning of your year.”

  “I am sixteen,” he responded. Kai watched the alpha and his pack depart. They kept just inside the tree line for a moment before darting away into the hills.

  “Impressive,” Liam said, watching them go. “I have never seen someone so at ease with wild wolves. The black wolves, I gather they are with you.”

  “Shiva and Smoke are with me.” He carefully considered his next question. “Where do you call home?”

  “I live on the Mystic Islands. Have you ever been there?” Liam took a seat on a large rock near the brook.

  Kai joined him. “I have not.”

  “They are beautiful jewel islands.” Liam plucked a blade of grass. “Protruding high above the blue-green Caprizian Sea. You will have to visit me there someday. There is nothing like my home. We live amongst the trees, like you on the mainland. Behemoth bodhima trees and the cosmos vines create one connected canopy.”

  Listening to Liam, Kai could tell the young man was homesick. Katori and the Mystic Islands sounded beautiful. Given Kai’s recent encounter with four Katori who tried to wipe him off the hillside, he was unsure he would be welcome. His prospects did not look good.

  “Are you nervous?” Kai asked.

  “About the Conhaspriga?” Liam rolled his eyes. “Yes and no. My father is rather disappointed I will not be a Beastmaster. Everyone in my family has the same gift. Instead, it seems I have an affinity for the earth. Want to see?”

  Not wanting to seem overly excited, Kai casually tossed up his shoulder. “Sure. What can you do?”

  Liam wiggled his hand into the earth of the riverbank. The stones and dirt surrounding the young man’s hand began to wobble and shake. Slowly Liam raised his hand, and the rocks and mud converged. He swirled his hand slowly in an outward circle. Below his palm, Kai could see the collection of soil and stone was creating a twisted spiral sculpture.

  “Impressive.” Kai gulped at the realization he had no idea that was possible.

  “Not really.” Liam lifted his hand, and the form held its shape. “I have much to learn. After the Conhaspriga, I will be able to harness my full potential and create great structures, move boulders, and help shift mountains.” Liam smashed his hand to the ground, crushing his creation and scattering the pebbles as if he’d never been there.

  “You should be proud of your gift.” Kai stood to look at Liam. “Alenga blesses us all. We should not take for granted if we are directed to serve differently.”

  “Wise words. I will try to remember that when my brothers harass me for being a Stoneking and not a Beastmaster.”

  Stoneking. Kai had never heard that term. How many gifts were there? Beastmasters and Kodama were the only two Haygan had mentioned before. Not wanting to tip his hand, Kai held his excitement from reaching his face. “So, you’ve made your choice? You are going home.”

  “Life in Katori is simple. We live in paradise. My father says adventure strikes at the heart of only a few Katori. I am sure you can relate. Plus, if you wish to become a guardian on the mountain, you must see the world around us to know why we protect our simple way of life. A few Katori find this world fascinating. They want a faster pace and advancements. Although, between you and me, I believe they later regret the choice and wish to return to Katori. They live in the woods outside of Albey.” The thought of them brought a small smile to Liam’s eyes.

  “Why do they not return? There are plenty who come and go from Katori freely.” He thought of Haygan. “My uncle Haygan…” he stopped short, worried he should not mention Haygan’s name.

  “Pride,” Liam answered. “Haygan. Hmmm, I have heard the name. I might know him. Anyway, admitting they chose wrong is not easy, and sadly most are shunned by family if they try to return. The rare few, like your uncle, that cross between both worlds. They only do so to keep us informed. We must not lose sight of the rest of the world.”

  Liam stood and glanced over his shoulder across the brook. “Well, Kai, it has been a pleasure meeting you. Find me if you decide to return. I look forward to showing you the Mystic Islands. This land is not for me. I am bound for Albey to complete the Conhaspriga, my rite of passage. If you do decide to stay here, consider north of Albey a fine place to live. My father told me they welcome all Katori strays into their hilltop community.”

  Kai didn’t want Liam to go. It was too soon. He had more questions. “Any tips? Tips your father might have shared with you.” He asked in a rushed tone at Liam’s back.

  “Kai, the way will be difficult, but my father said as a full Katori we need to learn to navigate and trust our gut. Their challenges will distract you, the terrain will change. Your ability to glean will be stripped from you. At least that is what he told me. Follow your soul. They will not make it easy. Guardians must be strong. If you wanted it to be easy, you should have chosen a year of meditation at home.”

  “Right, that’s what I was told, so nothing new.” He let his voice trail off, feeling bad that he’d just lied.

  Liam turned and extended his hand. “Well, remember you only have until you turn seventeen. Do not delay, or you will pay the price. I hear the sickness and fever are unbearable. Farewell, Kai. I must run if I am to make it to Albey by nightfall. I want to be close when my time comes.”

  A fever? What fever? Kai didn’t know anything about a sickness. With the warning about turning seventeen, Kai wished he could ask for details, but that would prove he did not know what he should. He took Liam’s offered hand. “It was good to meet you too. Good luck, Liam. I hope to see you again.” He watched the young man dart off into the trees, gone in an instant.

  Dreading the time, Kai himself darted through the trees and returned to the Chenowith estate. His time with Liam would be his secret—the Conhaspriga, the Katori rite of passage. Kai wondered if he would be called when he turned seventeen. Would Rayna? She was full Katori. He was only a Half-Light. Given their birthdays were less than two weeks apart, it would stand to reason they would be called around the same time.

  Kai wanted to know what it would feel like to be drawn to a place. There were still so many questions. Why had Kendra and Haygan kept this from him? Unless Half-Lights did not feel the calling…his stomach twisted in knots over the desire to belong.

  Collecting his things, Kai made for the stables to join the others gearing up for their departure. Albert and Oliver approached the stables through the morning fog. It was going to be two long days in the saddle before they reached Albey.

  Chapter 13

  Albey Honey

  By the time they neared Albey, Kai was saddle sore and anxious for news from home. From the moment Kai left Diu, his father’s wellbeing was not far from his mind. He hoped Captain Wallis had a report or a letter from the Master General. Anything would be better than no update. Not to mention, he knew a lecture of some kind was coming from Haygan about his stunt on the hillside between Town Hope and Chenowith. Sending his magic into the world was bringing unwanted attention to him, and so far, the Katori people were not receptive.

  He glanced backward and surveyed his men. Although they were accomplished and trained to e
ndure long rides on little sleep, he could tell they were near the end of their respective ropes. Hopefully arriving a full three days early meant Captain Wallis’s men would take the lion’s share of guard duty.

  Their path was a narrow road pressed into the earth between the rocky hillside and Baden Lake. Through the trees, Kai caught a glimpse of a stone guardhouse built into the side of the mountain. There were no walls, no guard towers, only the guardhouse. The only way into town was this narrow road. Although given the rocky terrain, maybe they didn’t need conventional protection.

  Four guards occupied the gatehouse—if you could even call them guards. One sat whittling wood while the others threw axes at a nearby tree. Kai’s group passed with little more than a wave. Strange. Maybe they dismissed his group because Wallis had informed them of their imminent arrival. Yes, that had to be the reason nobody stopped them. Diu uniforms commanded respect and instilled confidence in the people.

  Dresnor slowed their pace along the narrow road at the sight of Wallis’s men approaching. After a word, Dresnor allowed them to continue toward the gatehouse, and he sent two scouts ahead to announce their approach to Captain Wallis.

  Around the bend, the town came into view. Kempery-man Albey rode to Kai’s left. “Beautiful. Wouldn’t you agree? Although from here, you can only see a small portion. As we ride around the next bend, the mountains divide. The small valley is filled with shops and homes. My father’s home, the Albey Estate, sits in that valley. I, however, have a small house built on the side of this mountain. It was my great aunts’ home. While we are here, I will stay at the estate with you. If you wish, I can show you around the cliffside homes.”