Mariana's Secret

by A D Lombardo

  The discovery Iver was not his real father whirled around in Kai’s mind. So many secrets. He was his mother’s deepest secret. Was every part of his life a lie? His mother was alive, his father was not his father, and he was full Katori. Did this man Keegan, his real father, mean to hunt him down? He shuddered at the thought. Anger welled in his heart for a man he had never met.

  If I am full Katori, he thought, then I can find this man Keegan.

  No more holding back.

  Dwelling on the man who hurt his mother, Kai turned anger into rage. Methodically, he gleaned the city, searching for any Katori he could find. Building after building—warehouse, shop, and home. Each stoked the anger in his heart. How dare this man treat my mother like a dog. How dare he come in my home and attack my family.

  By the time he’d searched the entire city, he could barely see straight. If Keegan was no longer in the city, Kai figured he’d retreated to Port Anahita. The Katori feared this man. Maybe he was part of the Caroco fleet seen around the Mystic Islands. Kai had to find him.

  Determined to track Keegan himself, Kai collected his men and they met in private near the snow-dusted Mryken kennels. Everyone pressed their hands under their arms to keep warm. “Kempery-man Dresnor,” Kai addressed him formally. “I want you to put a group together. We are traveling to Port Anahita.”

  Dresnor shook his head in disagreement. “That is unwise, Your Highness. With Keegan at large, we should remain here. You don’t mean to hunt this man yourself, do you?”

  “Certainly not,” Kai lied. “If this man means to hurt my family, would his next move not be to hurt Iver’s sister, Helena? I simply mean to see she is safe. Everyone is focused on finding him here, hidden within the city. Keegan is long gone from Diu, but we should focus on securing Helena. With a small group, we could sweep into Port Anahita and back out again before anyone was the wiser.”

  “I don’t like it,” Dresnor grumbled. “We should bring in Cazier, Dante and my captain, Kempery-man Farwick. At least inform them of our plan.”

  “We cannot afford to wait.” Kai insisted. “Moving en masse will draw attention to our arrival. I fear we will spook Keegan if he sees an army.”

  “The prince is right,” Drew countered. “If we wait, Helena could be killed. Everyone is distracted with the search for Keegan, but we need to focus on Keegan’s next move—and King Iver’s sister would be a worthy prize.”

  Dresnor pondered over their argument. “Fine. Redmon, gather five men from your unit. Albey, you do the same, but be discreet. Tell them it is a training mission. We will only be gone for a few days. We travel light to Port Anahita and back. Drew, pick a few scouts. I want them riding point to ensure the route is clear.”

  Satisfied his men would be suitability busy securing Helena and her family, Kai would be able to search the port city for Katori stragglers. If Keegan still lingered in the area, he would find him and stop him. This man must be found before he learned Mariana was still alive. The idea Keegan might hurt his mother forced him into action. The only thing Kai knew—Keegan would never touch his mother again.

  His men readied for departure in secret. This would be his first trip without Haygan, Shane, and Marduk. Haygan was still in Katori, and Shane and his father were hunting in the hills. Dresnor alone made the arrangements.

  The thought of leaving his father without word felt like a rock in Kai’s stomach, but they still needed to follow his plan.

  Not my father. Kai pondered the thought.

  Did that matter? Why should it matter? No, he chastised himself. Iver loves me, and I him, he assured himself.

  One thing he had noticed, however—without Nola’s hovering, Iver’s mind and appetite had returned. Iver basked in the strategy sessions and took to the training yard a few hours each day. His strength continued to recover.

  Ready to leave, Kai mounted Ember, and his group departed for his Aunt Helena’s home in Port Anahita. Their departure was set to coincide with the changing of the guard. In addition, Kai wore a scout’s uniform, all in the hope of putting distance between them and Diu before anyone knew the prince was gone.

  His plan to find Keegan hinged on his team believing they were to rescue Helena.

  ◆◆◆

  The ride to Port Anahita was chilly but quick. They rode fast and stopped less. As always, his favorite part of the ride was cresting the hill above Port Anahita. The ocean town was beautiful with all the brightly colored stone buildings—a mix of pinks, yellow, and white. When they reached the edge of town, Dresnor sent one scout ahead to announce their arrival and ensure all was well at the Avar Estate. Slowly the rest of the group meandered around the outskirts of town, winding up the hill to his aunt Helena’s home.

  Set high on a hill, their stunning blush-pink stone estate overlooked the southern part of the town and vast harbor. Large stone and wrought-iron walls surrounded the private gardens with two small ponds and several large-canopied trees.

  As Kai’s group approached, he saw Gideon hop to his feet. He anxiously awaited Kai’s arrival near the decorative gate. When Kai hopped off Ember, he embraced his cousin. “Gideon! Good to see you, cousin. See, I told you I would visit.”

  Behind Gideon, something caught Kai’s attention: wrought iron twists in the gate. A sense of déjà vu pressed against his memory. He removed his glove and ran his hand down the twists as he had done many times before on his visits. There was something eerily familiar about those bars.

  Gideon ushered Kai through the gate. “Come. Come. I am anxious to see you after what happened at the Winter Festival. We were all rushed into our rooms, then mother insisted we return home the following morning. We didn’t even tell uncle Iver we were leaving. Mother insisted King Iver’s security restrictions not trap us in Diu. Still, I want to hear any news you bring. How are you here this evening?” his cousin rambled, pulling Kai around the estate.

  “I am a prince. I go where I wish if I apply the right pressure.” He smiled, trying to dissuade his cousin.

  Kai had always enjoyed visiting his aunt and uncle. Helena loved the ocean and his uncle Kaeco would do anything to please her. As Duke of Port Anahita, and harbormaster, Kaeco established new trade routes and nearly tripled the size of the once-small port. His influence had made Iver and himself extremely wealthy over the years.

  Walking the estate with his cousin, Kai wondered how things might change if the world knew he was not truly a prince?

  The Avar estate bustled with people coming and going. Kai watched his aunt Helena in the gardens teaching a painting class to local ladies and young girls. He noted her attire—while she had to be formal in Diu, here she was modest and earthy. The winter wind made her cheeks pink and her nose red. She winked at Kai as she spoke to her students.

  “I wish we’d known you were coming, Kai.” Gideon waved to his mother as they skirted around the group toward the house. “My father is fishing down at the pier with the young boys’ club. He should be home any moment.”

  “You must be kidding,” Kai chuckled. “Uncle Kaeco is fishing?” Although Kai teased, he knew his uncle was content to support youth activities, even if he wasn’t very good at the outing they chose.

  “He is.” Gideon grinned back.

  Before they reached the house, his Aunt Helena caught up with them. “My dear Kai, I am so happy to see you.” She wrapped her arms around him. “Welcome. What brings you here? Is my brother alright?” Her expression turned to worry.

  “Father is fine, Aunt Helena.” Kai glanced at Dresnor as his group followed his aunt inside.

  Kai knew convincing his aunt Helena to leave her home would be no simple task. She was stubborn and not one to cower from a fight. “Aunt Helena, we came to escort you all back to Diu. It might not be safe here. We have not found Keegan, the man who attacked the palace at the Winter Festival. I would feel better if you returned with us to the palace.”

  “Kai, honey,” Helena soothed. “I appreciate your concern for us, but I am not leaving
my home. We have guards here on the estate. Thirty men, strong and loyal. The city also has soldiers. We are safe here. Safe as anywhere—even Diu. Given your recent events at the palace…” She jutted her chin.

  Duke Kaeco crossed the room. “Your Highness, welcome to my home.” His uncle extended a hand and offered a polite bow.

  “Uncle Kaeco.” Kai stood and shook his uncle’s hand. “My apologies for the unannounced arrival. With this madman on the loose, I feared for your safety. If only you could see reason. We have no idea what this man’s next move could be.”

  “We respect your authority,” Kaeco said, “and we appreciate your concern, but I must agree with my wife. We are safe here. You are welcome to stay a few days if that might put your mind at ease. Search the town. However, I cannot see any real reason to leave.”

  A few extra days. Kai liked the sound of that, but he had work to do. Searching the city, even gleaning, would take time. “It would ease my mind if my men could search the town. Twenty-five extra men could go a long way in securing the estate. I will send word back to Diu tomorrow that we are staying the week.”

  Dresnor’s displeasure in this delay was evident behind the glare he gave the prince, yet he clamped his jaw shut and said nothing—although Kai was certain he’d have a few choice words at some point.

  ◆◆◆

  The pace of life on the Avar Estate was slower and, in most ways, more enjoyable. Helena and Kaeco were a happy couple. Kai watched them wander the estate gardens hand-in-hand. It made it easy to see where Gideon got his gentle nature.

  On the far side of the gardens, Gideon sat with Victoria enjoying a quiet moment by a small outdoor fireplace. It was sweet to see these two quiet souls chatter away. To think all it took was one dance to seal their relationship. Knowing one day they would marry and be together forever, made Kai a little jealous.

  ◆◆◆

  Being a port city, Anahita had a large city guard and the occasional influx of Diu servicemen boarding ships bound for Fort Pohaku. This should have made it easier on his guards, but Dresnor was ever vigilant about hovering over Kai. Either Dresnor, Drew, Redmon or Albey were always at his side whenever he ventured into town, always lingering on the periphery.

  The next day Kai spent hours listening to his cousin Gideon ramble about working with his father on bookkeeping and shipping manifests.

  How a person could find warehouse inventory fun, Kai would never understand. But he enjoyed his cousin’s company, and he was able to divide his attention and search the docks for the wanted man Keegan. However, much to his frustration, his real father was not there.

  What Kai needed was quiet reflection. No disruptions. Gleaning had produced no results, and he needed to search beyond the city.

  Retiring to his room for the afternoon, Kai meditated. To search beyond the city, he needed to push his power outward. It was a gift he could not yet control, but it was the only way to search the sea. It was risky to use his energy to bounce off others, because that power would resonate like a beacon, revealing his location. But it was his best bet to draw the man out of hiding.

  The question was, could he control the wave, focus on one person? Recently his success was rather broad. Kai wanted Keegan. If he was to rescue his mother, he must first deal with this man. He felt it was worth the risk exposing his power to bring this man to face him.

  Without Kendra adding to his energy, however, he feared he wouldn’t be able to search far enough. And, unless he learned to focus on one person, his wave would light up the world.

  No, this time needed to be different. Kai could not alert the world—he needed to find just one man—Keegan.

  As Kai had done over the summer, he held onto the light and pressed it inward. He felt the power build and build until it pushed back. With his mind, he pulled at his surroundings. He collected more and more energy. From the stone and wood of the estate, he drew strength. From the very fire that warmed his room, he found more. He even took magic from the trees outside his window.

  His head began to pound.

  Kai focused on the memory of Keegan’s face. His eyes. His essence. He thought only of him. A knowing welled in his soul.

  His body shook.

  Unable to hold the magic back any longer, he pushed the pulse out, with one man in mind and one thought attached—come to me.

  A spear of light bolted from Kai’s mind, over the city, and across the ocean. Ripples of waves flowed beneath him. His mind traveled in one direction. Wanting to extend his range, he pushed every ounce of power he had.

  A singular focused beam crashed into the mind of Keegan. Kai saw the man’s face smirk, and one thought returned—already on my way, my boy!

  Drained of all his power, Kai collapsed on the floor. He lay helpless beside Smoke.

  When he awoke, he was lying on top of his bed, and Dresnor sat near the window. “How long have I been asleep?” Kai asked, rubbing his face.

  “Since last yesterday,” Dresnor acknowledged. “Any idea what happened?”

  While Kai knew precisely what happened, he could not tell Dresnor he’d overextended his energy searching for Keegan. “Not exactly. I felt dizzy, and my head began to swim. I sat down next to Smoke…and that’s the last thing I remember.”

  “Well, when you did not come down for dinner last night, we searched for you. Drew found you here on the floor and placed you on the bed. Helena sent for a physician. He believes you were dehydrated.”

  Dresnor offered Kai water, and it felt good on his throat. “Maybe you’re right.” Kai swung his legs off the bed and stood. “I feel much better, but still very thirsty.” Kai finished the entire pitcher of water.

  For the next two days, everyone coddled him. His Aunt Helena continuously poured water into him. Dresnor watched him like a hawk. Whenever possible, he sat with his cousin in a shaded part of the garden playing chess. Gideon was an exceptional player. Finally, a worthy opponent. Kai smiled at his first loss.

  Each time Kai managed to escape the estate; it wasn’t long before Dresnor caught up with him. “Where do you think you’re going?” Dresnor demanded.

  “Come on, already.” Kai slumped his shoulders. “Am I a prisoner now? I need some space. Some peace and quiet. I am fine, really. These past few days loafing around the estate has me stir-crazy. Come with me if you want, but please, no more banter. I can’t possibly take any more racket.”

  They walked in silence. It felt good to stretch his legs. Even Smoke seemed happy to escape the confines of their luxurious prison. Down at the docks, the salty air assaulted their faces. People chattered, and seagulls squawked. “So much for peace and quiet,” Kai joked.

  “What are we doing here, Kai?” Dresnor asked, staring out at the setting sun.

  “Taking in the view,” Kai responded.

  “No, why are we still here at your aunt’s home? Clearly, she will not leave with us, and this is no longer a rescue mission. So why are we still here? Or maybe I should ask, why are we really here?”

  Not wanting the onlookers to overhear, Kai walked away from the crowds. Down near the beach, he leaned against an upturned boat. Over his shoulder, Kai caught sight of more of his men following them. “Never far behind, are they? Redmon, Drew, and Albey.”

  Dresnor eyed them. “It’s our job, and we take it very seriously, even if you don’t. You never make it easy on us, I must say. But we are lucky the Avar Estate is perched on a hill. There’s no getting into town without one of us spotting you.”

  “We came for my aunt, honestly.” Kai held his expression.

  “You’re a good liar, Kai. No disrespect. I almost believe you. Only I know better. Redmon is a good man, loyal to a fault, he did not rat you out. But you used his men to question citizens about this man Keegan. Really? Did you think I wouldn’t find out? I am good at my job Kai.”

  “Someone had to have seen him. Where could he possibly be? If he came in by ship, this is the most logical place. You cannot convince me that he just left. Yes, I
came here to find him.” Kai raised his tone.

  “Are you insane? This man attacked us in our own city. ONE MAN!” Dresnor thundered. “He walked in under our noses and back out without a trace. The man’s a ghost. One who openly threatened your little sister Cordelia, your father, and you.”

  Anger welled in Kai’s chest. “And I am telling you—Keegan is not done with us. And I meant it when I said I thought he would strike at Helena next. I will stop him. He is coming. I know it.”

  Half out of his mind, Kai blurted out more than he intended.

  Dresnor shook his head in frustration. “I will be lucky if I don’t get dishonorably discharged from my station after this.”

  Too angry to listen to reason, Kai balled up his fists. “I will put him down. He must pay for what he has done.”

  Dresnor stepped in close. “Who is the man to you, Kai?” he whispered.

  There was no taking his words back. And he didn’t even care who knew. “This man hurt my mother, and now he’s come for me. It must be me who stops him.”

  With a firm hand, Dresnor pulled Kai away from the crowds. “Come, let’s get back to the estate.”

  Chapter 22

  Twist of Fate

  If ever there was a morning to sneak out, this was it. Kai hoped he had risen early enough to get out and back before anyone was the wiser. Time by himself had been nonexistent these past few days. He needed this.

  Smoke ran by his side as they cut through the estate and slipped out the back. Dense fog engulfed the port city as Kai set out towards Anahita Park. There he dropped off his black cloak and lapped the park several times before running through the empty streets of the town.

  This was his favorite time—predawn. He had the town all to himself. Everything was silent. In the distance, he could hear the faint sound of the ocean. Each pounding wave a drumbeat. He felt pulled by its rhythmic movements. The salt air washed over the town. An unforgettable scent. Drawn by the waves, he turned down the next street.