Mariana's Secret

by A D Lombardo

  Bang! The first weapon fired. Still, he ran toward Drew. The scene blurred in his mind. His movements felt thick, slowed by time’s resistance. By his magic.

  Sparks ignited and smoke plumed in slow motion. Debris sliced through the air. He pushed through the massive rose bushes.

  Bang! The second weapon fired. Spark, smoke, and debris. Both shots cut across the sky, aimed for Drew. Kai took a breath and time gave way. The first star struck the round ball bound for Drew’s chest. Metal bits ricocheted into the trees. The second star struck the metal weapon one Caroco man held.

  Kai struck Drew with such force that they both flew into a bush, one massive heap tangled in the shrubbery. The second shot struck the Alenga statue where Drew once stood, punching a hole in the stone.

  Dresnor spotted the two men attempting to reload their one remaining weapon. With extreme accuracy, he shot two arrows with one pull of his bow, dropping both men. Several yards behind Kai, he called, “You two alright?”

  Kai climbed out of the destroyed rose bush and pulled Drew to his feet. Thorns stuck in his shirt as he pulled free. From the trees, he pulled both stars out of the craggy bark and returned them to his belt. “I am fine. Drew, are you alright?” he asked, relieved that his friend still breathed.

  “I am not sure what hurt worse, the metal ball in my shoulder, or you crushing me into that bush.” Drew pressed at the bloody hole in his shoulder.

  Kai pulled a thorn from Drew’s arm.

  Drew rolled his eyes. “Where in the world did you come from?” He took a deep breath and glanced at the Alenga sculpture. The iron ball protruded out of the cracked cavity in her chest. “Thanks, by the way.” Drew nodded.

  Kai motioned for them to follow. “Come. The rest are on the other side of the gardens. I am sure they could use the help.”

  Worried about Smoke, Kai searched for his animal companion. Sensing Smoke was alright, he relaxed and led the way. “This way,” Kai pointed. “They are here.”

  Around the west wall of the estate, they accessed another part of the gardens.

  Tolan fought with brute force. He punched one man in the face with the pommel of his sword, dropping the man to his knees. Then he crossed blades with another man. Drew charged the man on the ground while Tolan deflected the next attack. Anger surged in his eyes, and he raged at the Caroco man, beating the man’s sword repeatedly until the man’s arm could no longer hold his sword.

  As the man slumped to the ground, Helena ran from her hiding place to where her husband Kaeco knelt wounded in a flowerbed. She helped him to his feet and clasped his tan, sweaty face. Blood trickled down his cheek from a small cut, and a gash in his sword arm dripped with blood. From the estate, two of Tolan’s men, Kempery-man Redmon, two of Kai’s scouts, and three estate guards burst into the gardens. They were all that remained.

  Kai wondered about the other men. Kempery-man Albey battled on the beach. Were they still alive? They were skilled men, but against this new weapon, no one stood a chance. These hand cannons shifted the balance. It gave the enemy the upper hand. Kai looked at their small, battered group.

  Tolan seemed relieved to see everyone, but he remained focused. His shoulder was soaked in blood, his arms had several gashes, and his shirt was cut across his chest. Thick blood ran down the side of his face. “We’ve cleared the estate. We should sweep the town, ensure nobody got away. We also need to start collecting these new weapons. They cut through our ranks like a knife through butter. Kai, Dresnor, how are things on the beach?” His tone carried authority. Everyone focused on Tolan.

  Dresnor leaned in and addressed the group. “The east beach was hit hard. Some made it past our men, and I can only guess they also had men already onshore. There were too many already in town. They all made quick work of killing our men with these new weapons. Kai and I fought our way here. I believe you are right—we need to search the city for any stragglers.” He nocked his bow in preparation.

  Kai chimed in. “There are no Caroco ships left. Between the Intrepid, the Reaper, and the Sun Raider, they’ve sunk all the Caroco ships that came into the harbor, and the Reaper is assisting the survivors of the Intrepid. Last we saw, the Sun Raider was positioned near the point close to the lighthouse. There was one Caroco ship watching on the horizon, but it never advanced. It left when Dresnor and I managed to destroy the other two ships anchored off the west beach. There appeared to be no survivors that made it to shore after both ships caught fire and sank.”

  Dresnor nodded. “They sent six longboats filled with men before we could reach them. There is a long string of fires leading all the way to the estate. I’m guessing they were the ones you killed here within the grounds.” He added, “I’m just glad to find you all in one piece. This new weapon shoots a small ball and takes a man down in an instant. I’ve never seen the like. Like Kai said, the last we saw, the one remaining ship turned tail out to open sea.”

  Tolan breathed a small sigh of relief. “We need to get those fires out and search the town. Have the townsmen help. Dresnor, I want more men here at the estate. Find a physician in town to see to the wounded. Drew, take two of my men and secure the grounds. Make sure there are no enemies left in hiding.” He turned to the duke. “Kaeco, we need to send word to Diu and Fort Pohaku. Kai, go with your uncle and get birds in the air right away. We need help to arrive before nightfall in case the Caroco ships return in force. The rest of us will check the wounded and sort the dead. Secure any prisoners.”

  Kai nodded. “Certainly, Tolan.” Escorting his aunt and uncle, Kai headed for the house. For his own peace of mind, he gleaned the grounds. All clear. Good, he thought. No ambushes lay in wait. He let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. It was over. He was relieved his vision had come to pass, and that Tolan’s experience had saved them. Saved his family. And thankfully, Kai’s own training and determination had saved Drew.

  Chapter 24

  Aftermath

  It took hours to clear the lost souls. Bodies were sorted by allegiance. Loyal Diu and Port Anahita men and women were buried with honors—returned to the soil from whence they came, back to Alenga’s loving spirit. They hauled away the Caroco soldiers to the poor man’s burial field. People were honored in death, even if they were not honorable in life.

  Kai walked the estate. Everything smelled of earth and blood. There was no place outside to get away from the death lingering in the air. Too many had been lost this day. The surviving servants worked to wash away blood-drenched walkways. Guards collected the discarded weapons.

  A city physician helped the wounded. His children worked at his side. One son managed triage, sending those with critical wounds to his father and those with minor injuries to his two older brothers. Surprisingly, even the man’s young daughter helped. She poured water, cleaned tools, and stitched small cuts.

  Helena insisted on bringing fresh water and linens to help in any way she could—although Kai was sure she was simply trying to stay busy, avoiding the reality of the day.

  Exhausted, Kai entered the estate house in search of his uncle. Fortunately, the majority of the interior was free from signs of battle. Only the foyer and back breezeway had seen action. Regretfully, he realized everyone, himself included, tracked the chilling events of the day in on their boots.

  He continued to his uncle’s study.

  Left with nothing more to do, his Aunt Helena rubbed her arms with her hands as if she could not get warm. Uncle Kaeco stared helplessly at his pen, frozen in his hand.

  “Uncle,” Kai said. “Your letters are on their way. Your birds are in the air, and we’ve dispatched a rider as a backup to Diu. Riders were dispatched to Nebea and Port Pohaku. Uncle, can you hear me?” No response. They were in shock. Both lost in what had occurred.

  Concerned, he escorted his aunt to the sofa. No sooner did she sit than Gideon and Victoria burst into the room. Victoria went to Helena, and sobs passed between them. His aunt grasped the girl as if she might be lost if she let go. Gideo
n held himself under control.

  “We hid in the pantry with a few of the servants,” Gideon announced. “Cowardly, I know, but I know little of swordplay. A decision I now deeply regret. Father! You’re bleeding.” He rushed to his father’s side, and the pair hugged.

  Tears welled in their eyes. Quiet sadness and relief passed between them. Kaeco searched his son for unseen wounds and hugged him again. “Bless Alenga for keeping you both safe. You were right to hide. You kept Victoria safe.” Kaeco glanced at Helena with affection.

  “Sorry to interrupt, cousin,” Kai offered a hand, “but we need to get your father to the physician. Someone should see to his wounds. Stay with your mother. She needs you more. I will see to it that Kaeco is cleaned up and returned to you shortly.” Kai took his uncle by the arm and escorted him outside to the makeshift medical area.

  Kaeco stumbled, still half-dazed, Kai righted him, and they continued down the hallway. “Thank you, Kai.” Kaeco patted Kai’s arm. “I am so glad you are here. You’ve helped me keep my focus. Not sure I could have written a single note without your guidance. Alenga surely blessed us, sending Tolan to our aid. We would have perished had he not arrived when he did.”

  Kaeco stumbled to the floor. “Sorry.” He grabbed his dizzy head. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I feel so overwhelmed by everything. How are you doing? How is Tolan?”

  “We are both fine, uncle. Let me help you.” Kai found a chair and pulled it closer. “Here. Sit. I will find someone to look at your head and arm. Both are still bleeding. The cloth I tied around your arm is soaked through. Wait here.”

  Kai returned with one of the doctor’s sons who was capable of stitching his uncle’s wounds. Shortly after, the young girl came with a damp cloth and freshwater. “My name is Kirin. Here, you need to drink. I will find you some bread to eat. It will help you regain your strength.”

  Her gray apron was marked by the work she’d performed. She couldn’t be any older than fourteen. Her kind yet overly mature eyes told him she had seen more than a girl her age should. But he was thankful she was there.

  While her brother tended his uncle, Kirin turned to him. “Your turn.” Her strong hand tugged at his arm. “Sit. I will stitch up your cuts. They are not too large. I can manage.” Kirin cut away his shirt sleeve and washed away the blood and dirt. Tiny tweezers in hand, she removed bits of debris from the gash. While she continued to clean and mend his wounds, he looked around at the other men. He was pleased to see more men survived than he initially thought. Most had been shot and left for dead as the Caroco men raided the estate. Four women also sat cradling injuries of one form or another.

  Behind him, he heard Drew’s voice. “Several fires still rage. Ships smolder in the shallows of the bay. They burn with what I hear is Tolan’s Arkin Oil. Sticky syrupy oil that floats. It seems the fire won’t go out. They caught one pier on fire and several small fishing boats. Albey said the fires in town are being dowsed, and the people are coming out of hiding. Two other doctors in town are helping citizens.”

  “How’s your shoulder?” Kai asked, glancing at Drew. His movements frustrated Kirin.

  “Sit still. Only one more cut to go.” She pressed his shoulder back into position. “I’ll need to cut away more of your shirt to clear the gash over your shoulder.” Scissors in hand, she went to work.

  Drew gave a heavy sigh. “I am fine. The physician took out the ball. He said it would be sore, but I will still be able to wield a blade. I was lucky you showed up when you did. Thank you, my brother.”

  They nodded in silent understanding. There was a bond between them.

  Drew offered Kai water. “Those metal stars, I’ve never seen the like. Where did you get them?”

  “They were a gift.” Kai grinned, unable to tell Drew that Riome, Cazier’s spy-daughter, gave them to him.

  “Well, either way, thank you.” Drew sat in the grass, pawing his newly repaired shoulder. “You best go find Tolan. Your little healer could have a field day on him. He’s rather cut up, and I doubt he will come here unless forced.” Drew chuckled.

  Pleased she was finished with him, Kai stood up. “Thank you, Kirin.”

  “Your Highness,” she nodded and helped the next person.

  “I will look for Tolan. I am sure he is bleeding all over the place, giving orders and helping others.”

  ◆◆◆

  It did not take long before Kai found Tolan pacing around the entrance to the estate. “Tolan. There you are. Why are you out here?”

  “You did well today, Kai,” Tolan responded, ignoring Kai’s question, “as did your wolf. He’s wicked fast and fierce. He ran straight for the gardens, straight to Helena, taking down two Caroco men along the way. We were lucky to have him on our side.”

  Kai wondered how much his magic rushed Keegan’s plan to attack. How different things might have been if Tolan had not been sent to intercept the Arkin Oil, and if Kai himself had not come to Port Anahita with his men. Would Keegan have taken the city? Would Helena, Kaeco, and Gideon still be alive?

  Keegan. The very thought of the man set fire to Kai’s soul. Revenge raged in his heart. He had never felt pain this deep before. This man was striking at the heart of Diu. Something told him Keegan was not finished. He would return. They had not seen the last of these branded Caroco warriors.

  He shook away the darkness growing within. “It was a long day,” Kai sighed, desperate to ignore his true feelings. “How’s your arm? I am guessing you are fortunate the shot only grazed you. Although I don’t think Amelia is going to like that you were cut across the face,” he joked.

  Tolan smiled at the sound of her name. “I am thankful she was not here. I had planned to invite her to join me. I so desperately wanted to see her on my visit, but my father pressed me to make haste. I was to collect the supplies and return to him immediately. Father will be disappointed I wasted the lot. If I had lost Amelia…” His words faded, and he concealed his face.

  “Well, everything worked out for the best.” Kai looked at his feet. “What are the chances I can get you to see a friend of mine? Kirin is a healer. A bit pushy if you don’t sit still, but she does good work.”

  “If you insist.” Tolan approached the other men standing guard. “Let me know immediately when reinforcements arrive.”

  Tolan turned to follow Kai.

  ◆◆◆

  Hours later, a clear starry sky promised a peaceful evening. Both Kai and Tolan laughed and swapped stories about their summers abroad. Anything to move beyond the devastation around them. Grateful the battle was over, Kai thought of Dresnor and Riome’s training. How his three years of hard work had saved the lives of many today.

  The events left him with a heavy heart. All the lessons in the world could not have prepared him for the choices of war. He felt the invisible scars collected on his soul, burdened by the faces of the men he had fought hanging in the periphery of his mind. Each a decision he would have to live with.

  Like Dresnor once said—If only we could take the burdens of war off like a tunic. Wash away the invisible scars. Not that he would change any choice he had made, but he hated taking a life. And he blamed Keegan for forcing his hand. He could only hope Dresnor was right; Alenga would forgive him.

  Tired, they let the conversation lull, and they sat on the steps in silence, waiting for support. Although according to Dresnor, all the fires were extinguished, Port Anahita lights blazed against the darkness. Nearly every light in town pushed against the night.

  Voice echoed around the estate. Tolan tapped the ground with his foot as they sat in protest of going inside. They both refused to leave their posts. “It seems like they will never arrive.” Tolan sighed.

  With heavy eyes, they gazed down the hill. “They will make it,” Kai insisted. “Not long now, I am sure of it.”

  Smoke lay on the ground between them. Tolan’s hand rested casually on the wolf’s back, and thick black fur sprouted around his fingers. “I think Smoke and I have bo
nded, or at least put our past behind us. He seems at ease with me for the first time since the day he growled at me, protecting you.”

  “Battle has a way of binding spirits.” Kai closed his tired eyes. “We’ve all matured over the years. Smoke knows your true nature. I trust you, so Smoke trusts you. He can sense my ease around you.”

  Wind swept through the trees.

  Echoing up the stone steps, Kai heard a methodical thump—thump—thump. He sat up. “Do you hear marching?”

  Tolan tilted his head to the side and held his breath. It wasn’t long before he too heard the telltale thunder of men marching up the street towards the estate. At the lead was Kempery-man Decklar and Kempery-man Henley, Drew’s uncle, followed by a long line of men, lined up four abreast.

  “Thank Alenga. They are finally here.” Tolan hopped to his feet to greet them. “Blessed be, how many are you?” He asked, extending a hand to Decklar.

  “We are lucky you made it.” Kai shook Decklar’s hand next. “Did you get our bird, or did the scout reach you first?”

  “Your Highness. The bird came first,” Decklar responded. “He was in Diu city within two hours after you sent him. The scout arrived an hour later. In your father’s absence, Grand Duke Dante commanded five hundred march your way. My group is one hundred strong, fifty to secure the estate. Another fifty are securing the surrounding houses. I have instructed each captain to divide the other four hundred men as they come in and secure the city and the outlying farms. Men are marching around the outskirts of the city and down to the harbor as we speak.”

  “Thank you for getting here.” Tolan eased back on his heels. “I am sure you’ve had a long afternoon organizing and a hard ride to get here.” Tolan nodded to Decklar. “We will keep watch on the coast for ships from my father. We sent a bird to him as well, though it will take considerably longer to reach Fort Pohaku.”