Mariana's Secret

by A D Lombardo

  “I most certainly did. I left for two years—to my father, your grandfather’s, dismay. I left at fifteen. Mariana left on her journey one year after me. She actually found me in Nebea. The city, with its dense forests and animal life, fascinated me. I am not fond of ships and the ocean like her. We traveled together a while.”

  Not wanting to get off-topic, Kai interrupted. “So, you obviously returned. What is it like, the rite of passage?”

  Haygan stopped. They had walked for hours. They stood near the first of a three-tiered waterfall. The massive wall of water towered over twenty feet above them. Its majestic nature roared overhead and crashed into an enormous mist-covered pool.

  “Someday, you will return here without me. Remember to follow the river. The three waterfalls are your guide into Katori.” Haygan turned to him. “You are family. My leaders may not like me saying it, but I believe you should be able to come home. I believe you will be called. We shall see soon enough.”

  “How do you know what gift you will have?” Kai looked to Smoke drinking from the splash pool. “What are the gifts?” He added.

  “Mariana would tell you—I know she would.” Haygan searched the trees before continuing. “If you choose to develop your magic, you need to do so before the gift burns out. At seventeen, you must go through the rite of passage. Since you are not in Katori, you must travel up the Katori Mountains.” Haygan pointed to the waterfall “you will need to be granted access. A Stoneking will need to open the mountain for you.”

  “To answer your other question. There are many gifts. A Beastmaster can communicate with animals, and a few can turn into animals. There are Kodama, who are healers and tree spirits. They have a natural way with plants. Rayna is most likely Kodama. A rare few women can turn into trees and manipulate plant movement. No male has ever managed the change, nor are they able to influence the plants to move. Men become great healers.

  “There are Weathervanes,” Haygan continued. “They have limited influence over the weather. Like the four strangers you drew down on us a few days ago. They can only create huge storms if there are enough of them gathered together. Normally they create misty rain, fog, isolated winds, or localized temperature shifts,” Haygan continued, revealing more Katori secrets.

  “There are Lumens. Not sure how to explain what they do. There are so few. They bring the energy we see through gleaning to the surface for all to see. They enhance the power found in nature and illuminate the area. I have heard some can pull power from anything and manipulate it for their own purpose. They can light up a stone, and it will stay lit until they release the light and let it fade. Know this—they can also hide the light we see.” Haygan locked eyes with Kai. “Heed my warning on this point, Kai. When you return, you will be tested by the Guardians of the mountain.

  Kai’s eyes widened. “Liam mentioned the Guardians.”

  “Part of your test involves traveling without your ability to glean. A gift all Katori youth seem to rely on too much. The Lumens will block your gift. You will be unable to track others or see beyond your immediate surroundings. Even your connection to Smoke will be tested.”

  All the details felt like information overload. Years’ worth of knowledge was being dumped onto his shoulders. Overwhelmed, Kai felt his head swim with excitement and his stomach flutter with anxiety.

  “I take it, Liam told you about Stonekings?” Haygan asked.

  “Yes. Liam will become a Stoneking. He showed me how he was able to manipulate stone to build a small structure, then he smashed it into nothing with the ease of crushing a sandcastle.”

  “Stonekings are masters of the earth. A large enough group can raise mountains. They can take a precious stone and turn it over in their hands to reveal its desired shape. They form our crystals. Like the one I wear.” Haygan pulled a blue and white hexagonal stone from deep within his shirt. It dangled on a long silver chain. “Your mother had a stone. I am guessing whoever has it was controlling her all these years.”

  “Wait, what?” Kai blurted out. “The stones control you? Kendra never told me!” he barked.

  “Well, they are linked to your soul. Part of your light will go into the crystal. It is rumored a crystal can call the owner. If the person who has it is stressed, in danger, or even angry, they pass those feelings through the stone and affect the owner. If the holder concentrates, they can summon you—call you to their aid. One Katori to another, or so I’ve been told.” Haygan’s eyebrows knit together.

  “Sigry and my father. They have a necklace. I have held it many times. Ocean blue crystal, silver chain. Sigry keeps asking me if I feel anything when I hold it. Kendra said it was my mother’s necklace. It even felt warm in my hand. I didn’t want to share that with Sigry, so I lied.”

  “Oh Kai, blessed be Alenga! You need to get her necklace. It may find your mother. This is why keeping secrets is a waste of time. They’ve been so afraid to share anything with you and Kendra, and I have been reluctant to tell them everything we know about you. We could have found her three years ago if I had been able to speak freely.”

  Angry, Haygan clenched his fists.

  “Does everyone get a stone?” questioned Kai.

  “Yes, everyone gets a stone. The stone does not determine your gift, your spirit does. Alenga does. Although, we all show signs between the ages of thirteen and seventeen. There is rarely any mystery about which gift you will have.”

  Kai shook his head. He had held in his hand the very tool that could have brought his mother home. Then Haygan’s previous comment smacked him on the head. His mother’s stone. “Do you mean to tell me,” Kai begged, “all this time, my father might be to blame for taking my mother away from me? Or at the very least, he had the stone to call her home and didn’t know it.” Frustrated, Kai tossed his hands in the air. “His Galloway soldiers were guarding her. My father’s men. My own father has kept her a prisoner.”

  It was impossible to wrap his mind around the idea. All these years, Kai blamed the red dragon for her death and his father for being away at sea. He remembered his father wept in heartache for months after he returned to find her dead and gone. Kai reeled. “What can I do?”

  “Nothing,” Haygan said. “Well, except steal her necklace. I don’t understand how this happened, but I do know we need the necklace. My father, Lucca, will want it.”

  “I have a pretty good idea where they keep it. Sigry has me hold her necklace every autumn. Like clockwork.” His heart quickened at the thought. A clue to finding his mother would be in his hands soon.

  There was an easiness to Haygan Kai had never known before. His uncle seemed to breathe easier. As if telling Kai all their secrets were a burden lifted off his soul. “Uncle, what can you tell me about the actual Conhaspriga? It is not the adventure abroad or the year of meditation, right?” Kai asked.

  “Correct. The rite of passage involves you carving out a hunk of white crystal from the mountain. A Stoneking will mold it into a shape befitting your soul. Inside the Agora, our spiritual temple, you will enter the sacred spirit pool. The rest is up to Alenga.”

  “But I am on this side,” Kai noted.

  “This side comes with challenges. Meant to test your mettle. Men and women who wish to be warriors travel to this side. I can’t tell you what you will face. It depends on who is in charge. Each challenge is meant to test you, even prevent you from returning.”

  “How many will challenge me?”

  “I don’t know. Ten—fifteen? Remember, Lumens will hide the light. You will not be able to glean. Stonekings and Kodama will change the very landscape around you. Weathervanes can bring mist to disorient your sense of direction. Blocking out the sun with clouds. Finally, the Beastmasters will test your fears. They will stalk you and fight you. They are the guardians of the mountain.”

  The fear on Kai’s face must have told Haygan he’d said enough. “You can do this, Kai. I have faith in you. What I can tell you is to follow the river. Keep the sound of the water to your left.
I warn you not to leave the river. Behind the third waterfall, there will be a symbol. One that is carved into the Agora. Every Katori grows up seeing it.”

  Haygan bent down and ran his finger through the sandy riverbank. “See here. It will not be easy to find, but it is three interlocking loops with no end. If you pass their tests, survive and find this marker, they must let you in.”

  Thunderous water roared behind them. Confused, Kai looked deep into the woods. “Are you going in there?” Kai jutted his chin forward. “I thought the Zabranen Forest was dangerous and the Katori Mountain range impassable. Not to mention the Shuk live in there. Along with many other vicious creatures.”

  Haygan laughed and clapped a hand on Kai’s shoulder. “Boy, haven’t you figured it out? I am a Shuk. I do not fear the wild ones, and they do not fear me. And I am going home. I can only hope Simone and Ryker make it home soon.”

  The realization stunned Kai. “That was you that night, outside the palace gates. I knew it was my chance to run. I don’t know why I didn’t consider it was you. I was too afraid to consider anything.”

  “You can’t be afraid. Out here, it is survival of the fittest. Choose to survive or choose to surrender. Your life will be determined by your strength of spirit, and you have a strong spirit—trust it. As far as getting over the mountain, the pass I will take is protected, hidden. A maze manipulated by the Stonekings. Mine is different than the one you will take.

  Eyes skyward, Kai took in the enormous waterfall above him. “What about Rayna? Can I tell her all this?”

  “Tell her everything I’ve told you. I think she deserves to know. One more thing: remember to look for the three sisters. Three oak trees near the base of this waterfall.” Haygan pointed. “At that point, you enter the Zabranen Forest. Your test begins there. The steep incline around the base will force you to venture away from the river’s edge. You must find a way up to the second level. Follow the riverbed to the next waterfall. Again, the cliffs will force you back into the woods to climb higher and reach the third level. Stay as near the river as you can.”

  Kai’s mouth fell open. “Why are you telling me all this now? Are you not coming back?” His heart sank.

  “I plan to return,” Haygan looked around, “but given that your search for your mother lit up the world, all Katori will be focused on Diu. They know about you now. Then there is your stunt on the Chenowith hillside, calling those Katori. I need to find out who they are. In case I do not return, I felt I must warn you about your gifts and turning seventeen. Head my warning Kai, do not wait too long.” Haygan pulled Kai into a hug. “I am proud of you. If I have not told you enough, I am.”

  With his back turned to the woods, Haygan looked west toward Albey. As he took a deep breath, he held it and watched. “Now, I must leave. Follow the river back to Baden Lake and travel north of Albey, across the river rocks. There you will find a small community of Katori people. Talk to them. They are Katori people who did not return. Learn what you can. It may help you make your choice. Take Shiva with you and Smoke.”

  Haygan stepped into the shadows cast by the tree canopy. His uncle grabbed the stone hanging around his neck. A blue light beamed through Haygan’s hand. Slowly he rolled his neck and shoulders. Then he dropped to all fours. In an instant, his uncle’s body morphed into a black Shuk. He was a beast near seven feet tall, as wide as a bear with silver eyes and wiry black fur.

  It was the most fantastic sight Kai had ever seen. As he’d done with Sabastian, Kai reached out to Haygan with one thought—thank you, uncle.

  Through their connection, Kai heard his uncle—be careful. Without another word, Haygan disappeared into the woods and was consumed by a strange mountain mist.

  Chapter 15

  Hidden Community

  The walk back was riddled with random thoughts—everything Haygan had shared: the dangers of the Zabranen Forest, wild beasts roaming the woods. People claimed the land shook, animals disappeared, and trees moved. Now he knew the truth. The guardians used their gifts to feed the fears of the people. To keep them away from Katori lands.

  As his uncle recommended, Kai followed the river back to the lake. There he crossed the large river rocks to the northern side, even though it led him away from Albey. Curious about whom he was to meet, Kai gleaned the area. He pushed hard against the limits of his sight. A small cluster of shelters came into the edges of his mind. Excited, Kai walked in their direction. Smoke and Shiva stayed close, sniffing the ground and air.

  Hidden by the trees, he watched. People worked the land, sat by fires making food, and cleaned animal skins. The first three homes were built in a semicircle around a central fire. Each house perched on numerous posts over a foot off the ground. The roofline was unlike anything he had ever seen. Steeply angled sides began near the foundation line and met at the top, making the house look like a triangle.

  The people had no idea he was there, but four dogs barked. The people stood and faced his direction. His only choices were to back away or meet them. Unafraid, he stepped through the trees, Shiva and Smoke at his side. When he reached the edge of the clearing, he stopped and let the sight of him, and his wolves, sink into the Katori settlers.

  “Hello,” Kai called out.

  One man whistled, and all four dogs stopped barking and ran back to the group. The man motioned for Kai to approach. Clearly, the sight of him did not frighten them. Cautious, Kai kept a little distance between him and the others. Unsure what to say, he waited for them to start, but the silence lingered.

  Liam’s words rang in his ears. Albey is a good place to settle. Should you choose to stay in this world. If this is what it means to live off the land, this was not too bad. Kai wondered what his uncle hoped to tell him through these Katori people.

  He noticed the older man glanced at his two wolves. Although he was not afraid, he did not approach. Kai instructed Shiva and Smoke to stay, and he took two steps forward. “Hello, my name is Kai.” He offered his hand.

  The older man approached. His long, free-flowing gray hair showed his years, but his skin looked youthful and smooth. Kai noticed the hesitant glances amongst the group, but the man offered his hand. “My name is Davi, and this is my wife, Naia.” Davi’s grip was firm, and he stood a few inches taller than Kai.

  Naia offered a wide smile, and she embraced Kai with the enthusiasm one would greet an old friend. “Welcome to our community, Kai. Are you out on your adventure before completing your Conhaspriga?” she whispered.

  Surprised by her question, he stepped out of her arms and noticed the rest of the group walk in his direction. “I am,” he answered.

  Davi continued the introductions. “This is Gabe and his wife, Kaila.” Davi paused for them to shake hands. Gabe and Kaila were an odd couple. Gabe’s bear-like appearance dwarfed Kaila’s delicate features. He shook their hands and nodded hello.

  Davi motioned to the last man, who seemed wary. “This is Hale. His mate Jada is resting. She is due to give birth any day.” Hale waved, keeping his distance.

  Naia studied Kai and continued to eye his wolves. “Do you wish to join our group?” she asked, then corrected herself. “No, you are at the start of your adventure. Your eyes are fresh, and you have no fever. Do you wish to learn about our choice? You are most welcome here, as are all Katori. We do not judge or harbor ill will.” Kindness sparkled through her eyes.

  The others stared at him, waiting for a response. Kai needed to play this right if he hoped to learn more Katori secrets. He was indeed sixteen, the age in which most Katori left for their year abroad. They were Katori who chose not to return. Their power was diminished by their choice. He wondered what had they given up by not completing the Conhaspriga.

  He decided honest omission would be better than outright lying. “Thank you for welcoming me into your community. If I may ask, what made you choose this life?” He gestured to the landscape.

  Naia visibly waited for Davi’s approval. With his nod, she responded. “Everyone leaves f
or their own reasons. The journey before Conhaspriga is for the curious. Surely you chose to see what was hidden on the other side of the great Katori Mountains. You left your sheltered view of the world to explore. You have a strong spirit.” She pointed up to the massive looming peaks. “You will see when you leave this mountain. The town of Albey is small and peaceful. It was once a mix of Katori, Half-Lights, and ordinary people. More ordinary, nowadays. But then, their ancestors made their choice.” She motioned for everyone to sit around the fire.

  “They were cut off is more like it,” Davi interjected under his breath.

  Kai sat on a stump, but he stayed on guard. He called Smoke to sit at his back. Shiva kept her distance and remained closer to the trees.

  Naia continued her story. “The world beyond is vast and not always kind. Their advancements—timekeepers, printing press, and other machines—replace people. They squabble over land and money. There is more to see than you have time, but you needn’t travel too far to discover their nature. Greed drives this world to be selfish. Before you make your choice, be sure what you give up. Either way. I am guessing that is why you visit us.”

  Curious about Davi’s statement, Kai studied the man’s change in posture. His peaceful nature turned hard. Cut off. What had Davi meant? Kai waited for more details. “My uncle sent me to learn. I guess he wanted me to understand your choice.”

  “Choice! They call this a choice!” Davi said bitterly. “The chiefs ordered the Stonekings, every last one, to raise the Katori Mountain range. They left the Katori on this side behind. Sure, they were given a choice. But Albey was their home. Diu was their home. All these small towns were cut off. We once mingled freely, keeping our secrets, of course, but our ancestors were free.” He waved his hands in dismissal. “The year abroad was only offered to appease the curious minds of the young centuries after. The fight to return was established to test the determination and fortitude of their future warriors—their so-called Guardians. Mark my words, there is only one choice—return.”