Mariana's Secret

by A D Lombardo

  “Thank you, but no, Tolan,” Decklar refused. “By the look of you, you can hardly stand. You’ve fought a battle today, you need rest. We’ll stand watch. I am guessing your father’s ships won’t arrive until the day after next. Word has been sent to Nebea to watch their shores. Men march to bring King Iver back from his hunting trip. Other men have been sent to every outpost around the countryside. They will keep a watchful eye out for these Caroco invaders.”

  Hesitation swelled in Tolan’s eyes. Kai knew all too well his friend wanted to avoid being alone. Silence and solitude offered no comfort, only flashes of horror. Kai put his hand on Tolan’s shoulder. “It’s been a long day. Let’s get some food.” He attempted to distract his friend’s mind.

  They reached the stairwell, and Tolan stopped. “I can tell you from experience; it will not be a good sleep for either of us this night. Professor Greydon made us read a book once. Do you remember? The author said that in war, there are no victors, only survivors. I can’t remember the exact quote, but he went on to say something about guilt, slowly killing those who remain. All the battles I have fought are permanent marks on my soul.”

  “You did what you had to do,” Kai said. “None of us asked for this fight. We fought to protect our own.” Although his words were meant for Tolan, Kai needed to remind himself. “A friend once told me if you stand for another, in the end, it will be forgiven. Alenga knows your truth.”

  They stood in silence until Dresnor approached. “You both look horrible. Get some food or get some rest. There will be much to do come in the morning.” He motioned to the second floor.

  Voices echoed down the hall. In silent agreement, Tolan and Kai both opted to skip the crowd and went straight to their rooms.

  It was all Kai could do to remove his clothes and cleaned his skin with a scrub brush. Emotions ran deep and swelled in his chest. When he looked down, he’d scrubbed his skin near raw, trying to remove the stench of battle from his body. Finished, he collapsed into his bed and drifted off to sleep.

  ◆◆◆

  Two mornings later, Kai stood in the warehouse district with Dresnor and Tolan surveying the harbor. Delicate fog lingered around the bay and warm sunlight worked to burn it away. Uncle Kaeco delegated tasks in the background. Kai could tell it helped his uncle to keep busy. It also helped to have Gideon close by. The pair worked in tandem, reassuring the other they were still alright.

  Kaeco instructed his workers to organize supplies, and stonemasons and carpenters were sent to shore up the lighthouse. He sent various groups to remove burned debris from the water’s edge, while others cleared rubble near the port’s defensive cannons. A throng of blue and silver guards worked to clear the remaining dead and retrieve any remaining weapons of war.

  Kai, Tolan, Dresnor, and Decklar ventured down the beach and were all pleased to see the Intrepid resting in the shallow waves. Men worked to salvage cannons, sails, and supplies, while others were taking measurements to make repairs. They may have been hit hard, but they were resilient. Not one man appeared broken. Each stood firm to help repair the damage.

  Near the outskirts of town, tents sprang up like weeds. The additional guards created a second city around the port. “Do they mean to stay here, to establish a permanent base?” Kai asked Kempery-man Decklar, noticing they were clearing land.

  “Dante has instructed barracks and housing to be established outside of town.” Decklar nodded. “The first wave of men will stay. Port Anahita needs a stronger army presence. Not sure who will be put in charge, but I believe Kempery-man Henley is interested in the post. He has the seniority. I see no reason Grand Duke Dante would choose another.”

  Kai agreed. He knew Henley was a good man. Considering his nephew, Drew, nearly lost his life in the battle, he understood the man’s desire to secure their borders. “Henley is a good leader.”

  They continued their survey of the town. While the damage was immense, many repairs were already underway. “If you have no need of us,” Dresnor interrupted, “I mean to escort the prince back to Diu.”

  “Agreed.” Decklar bowed to the prince. “As I understand it, Duke Raebun intends to go with you. Tolan’s father arrived this morning with a fleet of ships. They made excellent time up the coast. In addition to more soldiers, he brought carpenters and stonemasons to aid in recovery and restoration. This fair city has been shaken to its knees. Blinded by peace, we have let our guard down.”

  “I hate to say I agree with you, Decklar,” Kai interjected, “but you are right. We need to change. Two strategic attacks. This cannot go unanswered.”

  “Well, time will tell what they want and if they are done testing our mettle. After the battle, I hope they know we mean business and will not go down easy. We hurt them—six ships are no laughing matter. I am sure they have more, but we lost one, and the Intrepid is repairable.” Decklar puffed up his chest. “Anyway, there are two relays set between here and Diu. You are meant to switch horses and make haste. No lingering on the road. Your personal horses can follow later with one of the many groups patrolling the route.” Decklar bowed. “Your Highness, Prince Kai. Safe travels to you.”

  “Thank you, Kempery-man Decklar.” Kai shook the man’s hand.

  Decklar shook hands with Dresnor. “Safe travels, my friend.”

  They parted ways, and Kai and his men made for the estate to plan for their departure. Kai hated leaving, but he was anxious to return home. He was hopeful Riome would have learned something in her time with Nola, and he hoped to spend some time with his father.

  Chapter 25

  Heroes

  Two days later, Kai and his party made for Diu and the safety of the city. His city. Tolan and Drew were bandaged but stable, and they rode by his side. He quietly gave thanks to Alenga that they were both still alive.

  While they rode, Kai kept a keen eye on Smoke, happy to see he was not feeling the strain of their pace as much as Ember, his horse.

  All along the road, they passed men marching between the two cities. Halfway into their ride, they met a large contingent of men from Diu—a security checkpoint. Never in Kai’s lifetime had he seen so many soldiers amassed in one place. Led by his scouts, the Diu troops parted to let him pass.

  Tasked with securing the road, their camp was equipped with a temporary horse corral prepped and ready for their exchange. Within mere moments they were off and running with fresh horses. Kai hated leaving Ember behind, but he understood the risks. The distance between the two cities was too far, and he would not risk Ember’s wellbeing. Nor were his men about to take chances considering the threat that could be lurking.

  Among their group, Admiral Roark Raebun, a proud and powerful man, rode with them to petition the king. Over the last two days, Kai listened to the Admiral discuss the need for additional ships, men, and battlements. The speech the admiral gave was sound. The expense for a larger fleet would be another matter. Like Fort Pohaku, he would ensure Port Anahita would be a secure city. All their coasts needed to be protected. If there was a new threat on the horizon, they needed to be prepared. And according to him, these Caroco people would need to be put in their place if he had anything to say in the matter.

  ◆◆◆

  They arrived in Diu a few hours behind the king. Kai learned Dante had sent word to the Master General and the king the moment he heard about the attack. Iver was swept back to Diu with haste, his four-day ride reduced to two arduous nonstop days in the saddle. They were not taking any chances with the king. While their hunting party had been closer to the Nebea’s fortress, Iver belonged in Diu.

  Kai noticed right away that security was on high alert. Every checkpoint had double the guards. The closer he came to the palace, the more guards and Mryken dogs he saw on patrol. Inside the palace, his father was swarmed by his council, neighboring lords, and Kempery-men. Kai couldn’t even get near his father’s council chamber. Resigned to the idea of not speaking to him, he went to his room.

  Over the coming days, he attempted
to see his father. Soldiers and Mryken guarded every corner and patrolled every hallway. The palace felt stifling. Again, he did not speak with his father. There was no chance of talking to Iver, especially not alone. The few times Kai found his father in his study, he was surrounded by Cazier, Dante, and Kempery-man Farwick. Frustrated, Kai went to the stables, hoping Haygan had returned. Guards stalked him everywhere he went, always keeping within a pace or two.

  He couldn’t even brush Ember without feeling crowded. Anytime anyone approached him, a guard stepped to his side.

  Outside the palace, each step he took was monitored. Weeks passed and he desperately wanted to speak with Rayna, but they would have no privacy. Even at night, he was forbidden to run. He was losing his mind. The only room where he had any privacy was his own.

  ◆◆◆

  For the first time in weeks, he entered his father’s council chamber to find a smaller group. He listened to the ministry of treasury. While Diu was a wealthy city, the man argued, they could not afford everything everyone wanted. When he delivered the list of approved city repairs everyone nodded.

  It was good news to hear the lighthouse damage was being repaired. Although the lighthouse had been a beacon of light for ships, it needed to be a symbol of hope. Upon Grand Duke Carmello’s suggestion, the king had requisitioned multiple blacksmiths to fashion a series of bells. They would be installed in the lighthouse and throughout Port Anahita.

  When the man listed the approved expenses for military port cannons, new ships, men, and forts on his list, several men balked. Especially Admiral Roark Raebun. He was the loudest. Kai knew the man had passion but to see him debate in person impressed Kai. Much like his father, Roark commanded the room. By the time he was finished, Iver had approved two more ships and the support needed to recruit two thousand more men.

  Grand Duke Dante reviewed previous orders and provided progress updates. Kai was pleased to learn crews worked around the clock to make repairs in Port Anahita. They were rebuilding quickly. Every builder in the land had been summoned to work on the project. Cazier confirmed men from Nebea also volunteered to help.

  Kai thumbed the parchment papers on the table: multiple maps, a supply requisition, and several sketches for the new fort in Port Anahita. This was his first look at the architectural plans. The fort would be massive. From the drawings, it seemed to Kai the fort would nearly be its own city. The name at the top was Fort Kahu.

  While he had managed to get close, his father hadn’t even noticed his presence. Kai realized there would be no speaking with him today. It was good to see his father in his element. Still, disappointed, he caught his cousin’s attention.

  With a few subtle hand gestures, Cazier sent him a message. Soon. We will speak soon.

  He left wondering what “soon” meant. It had been weeks. He was tired of waiting. Short of a hug, a handshake, and a hero’s medal, he’d had no time with his father. Still, he had no choice. He went back to his room and sat on the balcony. This was the only outdoor experience he could have without a guard present.

  ◆◆◆

  Days later, he stood outside of Cazier’s office. After nearly an hour of waiting, Jarrod and Brannon, Diu spies, filed out. They gave him a nod but said nothing. Riome and Cazier waited inside.

  “We need to talk,” Kai huffed. “Or more importantly, I wish to speak with my father. He’s barely said two words to me. That and I need to get out of the palace. Security is ridiculous. If I set foot outside, they stalk me like prey. Dante needs to ease off. There is little room to breathe as it is inside the palace, with guards in every hallway. I wouldn’t be too surprised to find them in my bathroom next.”

  “I am in agreement,” Cazier said. “Give them a few more days. Given that this man Keegan came into these very walls, Dante is being overly cautious. I promise Dante will come to see reason. Now, what did you really come to ask? I know there is something bothering you. You come to see your father multiple times a day. What’s on your mind? Maybe I can help.”

  “Cousin, I wish you could help. To put it bluntly, I mean to ask my father to release me from my betrothal with Amelia.” Kai crossed his arms. “Matter of fact, I mean to ask him tomorrow.”

  “I don’t mean to give you false hope, Kai,” Cazier stood, motioning to the door, “but I would wait to ask him. Fresh after a battle, emotions run high. He is of no mind to hear you right now. Riome, can you give us the room?”

  Riome rolled her eyes and left. The door closed behind her, and Cazier sat on the edge of his desk. “If you think you can get out of this because you are not his son, that will not be enough. He needs you in Milnos. We all do. Iver means to send you this fall. If not sooner. Spring is but a few weeks off. Arrangements have yet to be made, but you must prepare. After your birthday, you may end up sailing back with the Maxwells. I don’t know yet.”

  Kai thought about what he’d just heard. Not yet. He wasn’t ready. This couldn’t be right. Everything he believed told him he belonged with Rayna. He was meant to travel to Katori, not Milnos. His dreams promised it to be so. “No, you are wrong. I can’t let that happen. I won’t go.”

  Cazier chuckled. “Won’t you? You think you have a choice? Don’t act like a petulant child. You will do as your father commands. You will serve your country. Sacrifices must be made.” His cousin's tone changed. “Happiness is an illusion. Believe me. None of us live the life we want; we serve. You will serve.”

  Kai felt his muscles tense. “I disagree. Happiness is a choice. My father must see reason. There must be another way.”

  “Well, you better choose to be happy with marrying Amelia, because you are going. You have until your birthday to get right with the idea.”

  Matching the changing tone of the discussion, Kai fought back. “Cousin, I am sorry they pushed you to marry Ella. Seeing Yulia must be difficult. Working side-by-side with Riome must be a small consolation. Wondering what your life might have been under different circumstances. I cannot imagine.” After the words came out, he regretted saying them so harshly. “Adrian, I…I didn’t mean…”

  “Make no apologies. I made my choices and I stand by them. I was meant to be the man I am. Allow Alenga to lead you but stand by your choice. Live your life but remember there is more to life than your desires.”

  Cazier’s words cut deep. King and country struck Kai’s heart. He loved Diu. But there had to be a way to have it all.

  To save his mother he needed his gifts, which meant going to Katori, while he still had the chance. His mother was still his biggest desire. “Do you think my father would consider Tolan? He already loves her, and he was honored as a hero of Port Anahita.”

  “Like I said when you came in, now is not the time. Tensions are still very high. Dukes from all over the land are pressing your father for additional security. They fear being attacked. You’ve heard enough of their petitions to know Iver is under enormous pressure.”

  “Fine, I will wait a few more days.” Kai stood and approached the door. “I appreciate your advice. It means a lot.”

  ◆◆◆

  Back in his room, Kai felt pensive as he slipped into bed. He wanted to sleep, but something told him he would find no rest this night. He felt the well of energy overflow his soul. The air became thick. A surge of power tapped his spine. Like it or not, a vision was coming. Resigned, he closed his eyes and let the night take him.

  The vision hit him hard. Everything felt enhanced. The golden light of early dawn burned across Baden Lake. Rayna held his hand. Her skin was hot. Yulia stood with them, her keen eyes focused on the horizon. He felt the electricity lift the hair on his neck.

  A huge wave splashed his face. He blinked. Their ship was in the middle of a storm. Gale-force winds created twenty-foot swells. Wave after wave smacked against them. Beaten by rain and hail, a flash of lightning blinded him momentarily.

  Their ship made landfall north of Albey. Light rain danced on their shoulders. Soaked to the bone, he helped Rayna into a small rowbo
at. Dresnor, Drew, and Albey climbed in beside him, and they rowed towards a small cove below the Katori Mountains. They rowed to the northern side of the Conha River, and Kai pointed. “We should get out there. That clearing will make a suitable campsite.”

  His vision continued to reveal a path, unmarked by signs of man. A feeling guided him into the Zabranen Forest. Giant oaks blocked out the sun. They were engulfed in an eerie, fog-shrouded forest. When he stepped through the trees, he found a roaring waterfall. The thundering water crashed down beside him and a cool mist sprayed his face.

  His head ached and he closed his eyes. When he opened them, he found his hands on a white and gray marble wall. The stone’s surface was jagged and rough. Kai’s finger caught on something. Haygan’s crude drawing cut into the stone wall. Three interlocking loops with no end. Pain ached in his trembling hand as he ran his finger over the design. Rayna’s hand touched his.

  ◆◆◆

  Kai awoke drenched in sweat, tangled in his sheets. His head throbbing, he sat on the edge of his bed.

  Awake before dawn, he walked the halls of the palace. He felt like a caged animal. Waiting for Dante to relax the security within the inner walls was taking longer than he could bear. He couldn’t even sit in the library without a guard standing guard in the corner. Even Professor Greydon was getting unhappy with the disruption.

  Still, day after day he walked the palace halls, or sat in the corner of the king’s council chamber, listening. Each day felt like a waste of time. He slogged through his classes. Two or three guards even followed him when he walked Smoke. Any hour of the day or night, they were there. Waiting.