Mariana's Secret

by A D Lombardo

  Delighted to be of service, Kendra brought him a glass of water. “Here, drink.”

  “Thank you, Kendra.” He gulped down the entire glassful. “I need to get cleaned up. I want to rest a little before my history test.”

  “Very well.” With a bow, Kendra left.

  Chapter 29

  Best Friends

  How do you tell your best friend goodbye? Kai wondered. He struggled with the question. They both had known this day was coming. Moving to Albey was all Shane had talked about these past few months. Shane had been his best friend four years now, and Kai hoped the right words would find him when the time came.

  It was a long walk through the woods to Marduk’s cabin. Smoke’s silent footfalls padded a mere fifteen feet to his left. Rayna cheerfully held his hand while Dresnor walked a step behind, and Drew took the lead with Albey. His Kempery-men. Valiant protectors. Loyal friends. Everyone thought they were saying goodbye because Shane was moving, but they had no idea Kai’s goodbye meant so much more.

  Nearly every inch between the palace and their cabin held memories. Kai sniffed the air. The smell of roasting meat mixed with the smell of spring tree blossoms. A strange combination, he thought. The closer they came to the cabin, the stronger the scent. Smoked pig dominated the air. Laughter echoed in the trees.

  Working with Markduk, Kai was surprised to find Drew’s father, Lord Robert Henley. They were slowly flipping the large slit pig. They placed it back above the low burning firepit and turned to greet Kai and his men.

  “Welcome. Glad you all could make it. Where’s Finlee and Redmon?” Marduk asked.

  “They are coming shortly, with a few extra guards for the night’s ride back to the palace. I hope that’s acceptable?” Kai asked, releasing Marduk’s hand in exchange for Robert’s. “Lord Henley, good to see you again. It seems you’re a long way from home.”

  “Your Highness. Please call me Robert. Not as far as you think. I used to have a little cabin in the hills here when I was young, and I am building a new one for my nephews. Micha—Hunter Marduk has offered to teach my two young nephews the hunter’s trade. Soldiering does not suit them. Besides, Micha will need help with Shane moving to Albey.” He smiled at two young boys poking the fire. “Boys, come meet Prince Kai. This is Brian and Marcus.”

  Both boys stood half-frozen at the word prince. The eldest was not much older than he had been when he had first met Hunter Marduk. A strapping young man with a firm grip. The younger boy was a little round in the middle with a quirky smile. “Nice to meet you both.” Kai nodded to both boys. Wordless, they greeted Kai and stepped away.

  Near the cabin, Kai caught Shane’s eye. His friend leaned against the cabin railing conversing with Julia. Julia gave Shane a nudge in Kai’s direction before she took him by the hand and pulled the two young men together. “Thank you for coming, Your Highness.” She bowed and released Shane’s hand. Taking Rayna’s hand, Julia pulled her away from Kai’s side and left them alone.

  “You are dressed rather nicely for a pig roast,” Kai said poignantly. “Is there something I should know?”

  Shane let his eyes leave Julia’s departing form to face Kai. “Everything has happened kind of fast. Seems in a moment of excitement I have asked Julia to marry me, and she said yes! We plan to marry today. Her parents are over there.” He gestured and released a breath he’d been holding. “I would hope to have you stand up with me.”

  “Wow, what can I say? You are my best friend—no, you are like a brother to me. It would be my honor to stand beside you.”

  “Thank you, Kai. It means a lot to have you here. If it were not for you, I might never have met Julia.”

  Kai looked around the clearing. “A wedding certainly explains all the flowers. Why didn’t you tell me? I would have brought a gift or at least worn something more appropriate.” Kai glanced at his rugged boots and dark clothing.

  Shane laughed. “If you feel out of place, I can loan you a shirt. The wedding only came up this morning. Julia and her mother did all of this in just a few hours. I am leaving tomorrow, and I just couldn’t leave her behind. I am sure you can relate.” Shane nudged his chin in Rayna’s direction.

  Kai did indeed understand. He looked around the clearing. “Who will be performing the ceremony?”

  “Lord Robert brought a chaplain. We want a simple ceremony, nothing like the Albey wedding. Though Julia insists on a few traditions.”

  “Prince Kai. Shane.” Anna stepped up beside of her future son-in-law. “Julia has stepped inside to change her dress. If you two could prepare, we would like to get started.”

  Everyone gathered in the clearing north of the cabin. The foundation of Robert’s cabin had been turned into a wedding platform decorated with pine garlands and white flowers. The warm spring sunshine filled the meadow with a delicate glow. Kai stood with Shane, and Rayna slowly climbed the stairs and took her place. Julia held her father’s hand as they walked into the clearing and ascended the stairs. A simple moment in a simple glade.

  Together everyone watched two friends stand ready to commit their lives to one another. A promise to love and care for one another forever. Tempted by the moment, Kai’s eyes found Rayna’s. He secretly wished this was their day.

  The chaplain raised his hands in the air. “Today we come together to celebrate the marriage between Shane and Julia.” His voice carried wisdom and love. “We start with the giving of roses. Shane. Julia. Please accept this rose. Red is a symbol of your deep love for each other. May your marriage like this rose reflect the beauty in your union. This is the love and passion you promise to share with one another.” Julia blushed as she and Shane held the flowers.

  “The lavender rose I offer symbolizes your love at first sight. May this rose offer a daily reminder of your love and eagerness to grow your relationship.”

  Shane offered her the lavender rose. “Julia, I loved you the first time I saw you. You captured my heart.” She tenderly took his rose and raised it to her nose. Their shared glances filled with enchantment.

  The chaplain gestured. “Rayna offers you, a white rose. White, the purest of colors, represents innocence, purity, and charm. May it forever remind you of this new beginning.” Rayna handed them the rose.

  “Kai offers you a pink rose. The pink rose conveys gentleness, grace, and sweetness. May it inspire kind words and unconditional love.” He paused for the exchange. “Now, to the loving couple, Micha offers an orange rose. Orange evokes energy and excitement. May it symbolize your desire and remind you of the attraction between you.” Micha stepped back, giving his son a proud nod.

  “Finally, the yellow rose offered by Anna. Bright and cheerful come to mind when seeing a yellow rose. Julia, your mother wishes this yellow rose creates warm feelings and provides happiness. May each yellow rose you see remind you of the joy you bring each other and the friendship you share.

  “To the loving couple, I offer you this white ribbon. As you bind together your roses, so you also bind your lives together. May your love be constant and true. Today you become one in mind, heart, and family.” Shane held the roses together, and Julia bound them with the white ribbon. Together they held their bundle.

  Raising his hands to the sky, the chaplain blessed the couple. “May Alenga bless your marriage with peace and happiness. May your marriage deepen and enrich every facet of your lives. Trust in this, marriage understands and forgives life’s unavoidable mistakes. It encourages and nurtures new life, new experiences, and new ways of expressing love through the seasons of life.

  “May the promises you make to one another today be lived out to the end of your lives. You may now exchange your vows. Make your personal promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.”

  Quietly Julia and Shane put their heads together and spoke softly into each other’s ear. They shared their commitment and made their secret promises to each other. Finished, they offered Rayna their bundle of roses.

  “Shane and Julia, as you hold han
ds, may you see the gift that they are to you. Let your hands keep you close, provide comfort, and remind you of this day. Today, you have chosen to seal your vows by exchanging rings. From the earliest times, the circle has been a sign of completeness. Endless symbols of commitment, much like your love for one another. They are a symbol of the words spoken today, and they are your reminders through time.”

  Shane took Rayna’s hand. Placing the ring on her finger, he said, “I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you.”

  Julia took Shane’s hand. Placing the ring on his finger, she said, “I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you.”

  Pleased with the exchange, the chaplain placed his hands around the couple’s joined hands. “Today you have pledged yourselves to a lifetime of caring for one another. May this commitment made in love, kept in faith, and lived in hope be eternally renewed. As you stand before us, it is our hope that you will go through life loving, trusting, and caring for one another, completely, and forever.

  “Shane and Julia, from this moment forward, you will never be alone. Having pledged your fidelity to one another, to love, honor, and cherish one another in the presence of this gathering and by the grace of Alenga, it is my honor to now pronounce you husband and wife. You may seal your union with a kiss.”

  Shane gently cupped Julia’s face and placed the most loving kiss on her lips. Leaning back, he looked into her eyes. “For today and always. You are my dearest love.”

  Julia blushed at his words. “I will hold dear your heart, as you hold mine. You are my dearest love.” Then she kissed him again.

  Happily, they turned to address the group, and everyone clapped and cheered for the couple. Shane’s ear-to-ear grin was matched by Julia’s.

  “Let’s eat,” Shane declared, grabbing his wife’s hand as they bounded down the steps, running through the woods to Marduk’s clearing.

  Gathered around the firepit, everyone relished good food and wine. Laughter and conversation surrounded the happy couple. A glint of gold caught Kai’s eye. Julia blushed as she noticed her gold wedding band sparkle, reflecting the blaze of the firepit. The matching ring, a band of golden twists, decorated Shane’s hand. He was deeply happy for his friends.

  “Congratulations. When do you leave again?” Kai asked.

  “First thing in the morning,” Shane answered, clutching Julia’s hand. “I have already moved everything dad offered me. Kinnon, Kempery-man Albey’s brother, has been most gracious in providing anything I needed. I have to move Julia’s few belongings—two trunks are all she owns.” Shane’s other hand gently stroked Smoke's head.

  It was good to see his friend preparing for his future. The town of Albey would be his new life. Kai listened to all the details: the offer of land and a small cabin from Kinnon and a ready-made position for Julia with a local seamstress, they were all set to start their new adventure as man and wife.

  After their evening concluded, everyone offered their good wishes and said their goodbyes. Surrounded by security, Kai walked hand-in-hand with Rayna back to the horses waiting at the forest’s edge. It had been a beautiful day with a bittersweet ending. He hated the envy he felt as Shane and Julia began their new lives together. His life still felt beyond his control. While he was free to be with Rayna, their future was still uncertain and possibly out of reach.

  Riding through the streets of Diu, Kai’s Kempery-men kept a close eye on him and Rayna from a respectable distance. He was grateful the sounds of the city provided ample noise, allowing them to speak privately. “You seem to be having a good day. No headaches?” he asked.

  She smiled pleasantly. “It was an exceptional day. I am thankful for the reprieve.”

  He reached over and gently squeezed her hand. “You know I want to spend my life with you? You are the love of my life. When the time is right, I hope to ask for your hand in marriage. If that is what you wish as well.”

  “Kai, you are my heart and soul. I know when the time is right, we will be together. That is my wish. First, we must decide if our future is here or in Katori. A decision I am nearly ready to make. I am grateful you have not pushed me to choose.”

  Entering the palace gatehouse, he slid from his horse and waited to respond. His men parted ways, giving them the privacy Kai so desperately desired, taking the horses. He led her down the road toward her home. “When you are ready, we will walk the road together, wherever it leads, hand-in-hand we will face our future.”

  “Thank you,” she said, pulling him into a hug. “I think I need another night to speak to my parents. As you said, they have been very understanding. The burden is now on me to know my own heart.” She stepped away, still holding his hand. “Goodnight, Kai.”

  Kai nodded in response. Then he pulled her back into his arms and kissed her. He held the sweetness of their moment with his breath. In his soul, he felt the breeze slow down and the weight of time pressed on his heart. If only he could live in this moment forever. Slowly releasing his breath, he released her. “I love you, Rayna.” Leading her by the hand, he walked her home and then returned to the palace.

  Chapter 30

  The Calling

  Two days after Kai’s seventeenth year, he stood on his bedroom balcony, savoring in the cool spring breeze on his skin. A decision crystallized in Kai’s mind; he knew what he wanted. Now he waited for Rayna.

  The palace was quiet. Peace seemed to have settled over Diu and security, and life was back to normal. Strangely enough, his father was on his way to Port Anahita to inspect the progress of the repairs. The lighthouse bell was being installed, and the new military base was well underway. After Iver inspected the new defenses, he and Nola would board a ship. Provided the weather was good and the trip proved bountiful, they would be home in about four to six months. This would be their first trip together since the twins were born. Along with Cordelia, Aaron and Seth would remain in Kendra’s care.

  Kai thought about leaving Diu. He thought about what he might have said to his father. Guilt over not telling his father his plans twisted Kai’s stomach. Leaving Diu without telling Iver felt like a betrayal. Then there were his siblings; they were another sore spot on his soul. How could he explain his departure to them? How could he leave without saying goodbye?

  Iver’s safety out on the open sea concerned Kai. Even though he knew Riome would sail with them in secret, he still worried. Cazier had told Kai he personally saw to her assignment to Iver’s ship, the Dominion. The memory of watching her cut off her long hair in order to pose as one of three cabin boys saddened him. Once again, her dedication was endless. The lengths she was willing to go to ensure their success was beyond measure.

  Before he went to class, he took a quick moment with Kendra and she confirmed his concerns behind Haygan’s failed return from his winter’s stay in Katori. Sabastian told her he saw a large group of Katori in the Zabranen Forest. They were waiting for Kai. They knew he was coming. Never had Sabastian seen them move en masse. Usually, only a handful challenged a young one venturing home for Conhaspriga.

  Kendra also confirmed this journey was never meant to be a challenge to keep a returnee out, only a test of their spirit to determine if they were guardian worthy. Fighting their way home tested their cunning. Their discernment in each phase proved their readiness to be more. Those wanting to become warriors trained to protect their homeland from outsiders.

  This gathering confirmed Kai’s assumptions. They aimed to keep him from completing his rite of passage. Although he did not really understand why he wondered if Rayna would be able to pass. Was she lumped in with him no matter what? Millions of possibilities ran through his mind. Kendra feared for him. It would all depend on who challenged him. More importantly, it would depend on how badly they were willing to keep him out.

  Professor Greydon interrupted his thoughts. “Prince Kai, you are not looking well. Come here, young man.” Greydon placed the back of his hand against Kai’s forehead. “Dear me. You are
burning with fever. Did you see Sigry before he left with your father?”

  “Yes, sir, I did. I have been taking something he made with no success. He believes I could have what Nola had,” Kai lied. He knew what was wrong with him had nothing to do with her affliction. Although Sigry had insisted on giving him something for his fever, Kai knew what he had could not be cured with medication.

  “Go. Take more of your medicine. Sleep. Take a few days to rest before returning to class, and do not worry about tomorrow’s test. It can wait until you are better.”

  Back in his room, Kai laid across his bed. Like Rayna, he’d been having headaches. Now his low-grade fever was getting worse each day. Also, he had the same dream nearly every night. He wanted to talk to Haygan about the stone wall in his vision and the symbol carved into the stone. How was he to open the wall? He could not remember.

  Kendra had been giving him water and insisted he had to make a choice: follow the calling or let his Katori heritage burn away. For now, he awaited Rayna’s decision. She wanted to speak to her parents. She wanted to say goodbye, which he truly understood. Leaving without telling them would be wrong; it was why he felt so conflicted about going without telling his family.

  He lay feverish in his bed. His thoughts drifted to Rayna. She too was having dreams and experiencing a wavering fever. He was only glad she had not been suffering since her birthday, whereas his birthday seemed to be a catalyst for his increased pain.

  Exhausted, Kai closed his eyes and fell into a dream.

  ◆◆◆

  Kai’s vision blossomed with dawn’s rays dancing across white snow, and he felt bitter cold snow touch his face. His eyes squinted against the blinding whiteness, he found himself holding a white crystal climbing the snow-covered peaks of the Katori Mountains. The shadow of a man preceded him in the storm.

  Through a cluster of ice-covered trees, he found a large cave opening. Inside the nothingness, something waited. Heat pulsed within the walls. Hot breath blew into his face. The walls came alive with ambient blue light, and he came face to face with two enormous amber eyes.