The Half-Light

by A D Lombardo

  The pair burst into laughter. Iver sipped his wine. “You never were much for banquets, Adrian. I wish we could go back before all this responsibility. I wish our fathers were still with us; I wish our brothers were not lost to us. Thank you for remaining by my side and assuming the role of Master General. I know it was not an easy choice.”

  “Well, your only other choice would have been Ashwin, and we both know he is not up to the task. I just hope to live up to my father’s reputation.” Adrian took his glass and raised it to the King, and they clinked glasses and drank.

  With a smirk, Iver responded, “I have every faith in you, cousin. Together we will set things right again. We will discover who sank your brother Andrew’s ship. I only wish your father had been alive when they found him.”

  Cazier nodded. “I have my resources. My brother’s body may have been lost at sea, but we will make someone pay for his death. Admiral Raebun is still searching the seas for clues. Someone will talk. Someday when they think nobody is listening, they will talk.”

  Kai shrank at the turn in conversation and the silence that followed.

  After dinner, many took to the floor to mingle and dance. Near the piano, Kai saw Amelia and Tolan deep in conversation. In the archway to the great hall, Landon stood alone, glaring over the spectacle of the evening. Across the room, Kendra escorted Seth and Aaron toward the door. This seemed like a good time to follow suit and slip out with them.

  A loud knock announced Kendra entering his room. “I see someone is all ready for bed. I take it you would like to continue with your meditation lessons?”

  From his balcony, he stepped back into his room. “Yes, Kendra, I would like that.” He closed the large doors. “I know I didn’t sit long last time, but I want to try, I want to get better. I need to get better. I need to move to the next step. I want to glean like you.”

  She sat in a chair near the fireplace, motioning for him to join her. “Come have a seat then. Please understand the outcome may not be what you want if you continue to pull at it.”

  “I can do this,” he said with a wave. His heart bloomed with confidence, and he felt his body warm.

  Reluctantly Kendra nodded at him and gasped. “Again, with your eyes. Are you learning to control their change?”

  “I am,” he acknowledged. “I feel the heat build, and I either let it happen or focus on something meaningless like you taught me.”

  Again, she gestured to the chair next to where she sat. “Let us start again by closing our eyes and breathing normally. Relax, let the day fade away and just be in this moment. Allow your mind to focus on your breath, how it feels going in and out of your body.”

  Kai sat there with his eyes closed as the silence enveloped him. Desperate to do better, he focused on his breath. He felt anxious after the previous attempt and squirmed in his seat.

  In a quieter voice, he heard Kendra, “It is normal to have feelings about how you want this moment to unfold. Recognize them as the distractions they are and go back to your breathing. That is your anchor.”

  In his mind, he pictured an anchor, unmoving. His breath was his anchor, holding him steady, providing a focal point. The visual helped, and he relaxed. In the far reaches of his mind, he sensed a knowing. A light began to bloom. Excited, he reached and pulled on the moment. In his grasp, the light died.

  Again he tried. Each time he relaxed a tiny light built inside, but it was quickly extinguished with his desires to control and force the energy. Frustrated, he sat waiting. The light never built again.

  At some point, he relented and opened his eyes. “I believe I did much better tonight. I did not feel so jumpy, and it was easier to sit. The anchor visual helped, although I can’t seem to hold onto the light.”

  Kendra placed her hand on top of his. “You are just getting started. Meditation cannot be forced; it needs to happen naturally. If you want to glean, you must give up your need to control the moment and just…BE in the moment. If you cannot fully relax, you will not be able to move forward.”

  “Thank you for your patience. You’re right, though. I did try to force it. I will continue to practice.”

  “I should look in on Nola, see how she is this evening after all the excitement. Do you plan to go exploring again tonight?” she asked as she walked to the door.

  “Maybe. I just need to find a way into the family sitting room to see if it does indeed access my father’s study. The only thing—with all the extra guard detail, I’m not sure I will able to do it without being noticed.”

  “Whatever you decide, please be careful. Sleep well, goodnight Kai.”

  Casually he walked downstairs, passing Yates making his rounds on the second floor. His appearance late at night was not unusual, the floor guard paid him no mind. Once again, Kai noticed routine made people feel safe, relaxed, and complacent. Earlier in the day, he’d left a book on the sofa in case he needed to explain his presence in the family sitting room.

  Fortunately, the room was empty, and he quickly made his way to the back corner and stood in front of his great-great-grandfather, Nicholas. With one of the oil lamps from the table, he released latch, the frame popped open, and he stepped over the small threshold.

  Inside the passage, he pulled the panel closed behind himself and secured the latch. As the lamplight illuminated the space, he was not surprised to find narrow set stairs leading up; however, to the left, he’d expected a stone wall, but much to his surprise it was the back of a large panel. Quickly turning down the lamp to barely a glow, he placed it on the stairs behind him. He pressed his ear against the back of the frame, and he could hear servants talking and cleaning in the great hall.

  How could this be? There were no built-in bookshelves, only large oil paintings. Kai knelt on one knee and inspected the wall along the edge. He found a sizable latch, different than the others. It was fastened much more securely. He would have to investigate this later when the room was not filled with people.

  With the lamp in hand, he quietly climbed the stairs. Near the top, Kai stopped to listen for voices. Hearing none, he climbed the remaining steps and stood on the landing behind the hidden access panel to his father’s study. He stood there frozen, wondering what he was doing. This was his father’s study. What if he got caught? Unsure, he leaned his back against the wall and slid down to sit on the hard stone floor.

  He contemplated his next move. If caught, he needed to have an excuse ready. This time he decided to take the lamp; he could not risk leaving it behind. Besides, if discovered, he could say that he was there to look at the trophy cases in his father’s study. As a small child, he used to spend hours looking at everything. After pressing his ear against the panel, he listened intently for any sounds of movement or people.

  How he desperately wished he could see inside to know if it were clear. He slowed his breathing and focused on the painting. In his mind, he saw his father’s study, a bit aglow but empty. He opened his eyes and chuckled. If only he could really see through walls.

  His hand on the latch, he released the pin, and as before he held onto the panel to keep it from opening too far. Slowly he let it open just enough to peer around the room. It was totally dark—no light from the fireplace or the door, only the small sliver of light from his lamp that spilled into the room.

  Slowly he eased the panel open, but it quickly banged into something substantial. What had it hit? A small panic welled up inside him. The opening was just large enough for him to squeeze through. His hip bumped into the table in the corner of his father’s study.

  With the lamp through, he quietly pushed the panel closed and latched it in place. Blocked by the table, he stepped around to take a better look. Most of the maps and papers that usually covered the table during the day had been stowed on shelves.

  He would have to make it a point to come back during the day while his father was there and move the table if he wanted to come and go through the painting. It was almost too tight of a squeeze for him.

  I
have apparently lost my mind. Sneaking into my father’s office to search for my mother’s necklace is insane. Kai took in a deep breath; he smelled whiskey and old paper. The memories of years past made him smile. The wall behind his father’s desk brought him to a standstill. He froze in the dragon’s skull glare. Kai had not noticed it earlier. It had been a while since he’d been in here; he had no idea his father had put it back up on the wall.

  As a child, Kai could not stand to be near it. Although now, he could see that it was an impressive piece, considering very few dragon skulls were ever retrieved after the war. His father had told him that the dragon’s head had been recovered by Iver’s great-great-grandfather, Kronas Galloway.

  Suddenly overwhelmed with emotion, he sat down in the middle of the floor, staring up at the giant skull. It had two protruding horns on the top of its head, a ridge of several smaller boney horns ran down the front of its head, and large sharp teeth. The head was nearly six feet tall. A chill ran through him, and he wrapped his arms around his knees and pulled them tight to his chest.

  Light unexpectedly spilled into the room as the door swung open. Surprised Kai turned to and saw his father standing in the doorway. Lost in thought, he just stared at his father, and tears welled in his eyes. His father looked at the skull and then down at him. “I put it back up a few months ago. It fills me with rage, how we lost your mother, but it is proof they can be taken down. Cousin Adrian insists we cannot harbor ill will for every dragon.” Iver sat on the floor and placed his arm around Kai’s shoulder.

  Kai bit his bottom lip. “I hope it is alright that I came in here. I noticed it was back on the wall.”

  Iver folded his hands together and leaned against the sofa. “I understand. I look at it sometimes, too. Although this one is not very large, compared to the live dragons I’ve seen. Feel free to come in here at any time you wish.”

  Surprised Kai sat up a little taller, folding his legs down in front of him. “You’ve seen one up close?”

  “I have. It was all I could do to not run my sword through the beast’s neck. Sigry convinced me I should not. He said we needed to use it for a greater purpose. Even though the beast was red like the one seen fleeing from the gardens the day your mother died, it could not possibly be the same dragon that killed her. And we can’t blame all of them for one rogue dragon.”

  His father’s words rang true. Astonished, Kai sat there listening, his eyes wide and mouth agape. “Use it? How do you use a dragon? I thought they were dangerous. Only the Katori live near them, don’t they? I heard they actually protect each other.”

  Iver shook his head in agreement. “It is said the dragons live among the Katori. Though I have never been there. More importantly, when we needed help, the Katori brought dragons to defend Diu against Milnos. Dragons are fierce creatures. It’s what made the Katori unbeatable and saved our kingdom.”

  Still curious, Kai persisted. “How can you use a dragon without them attacking you?”

  Iver lifted his head; his eyes shuttered as if he’d awoken from a trance. His hand drifted over his vest pocket. Kai saw the small bulge. He imagined his mothers’ necklace was always kept close. “Son, it’s late. I think we’ve talked enough for one night.” Iver motioned toward the door.

  Chapter 12

  Duplicity Born

  After the Master General’s celebration, guests departed in droves from Diu, with each passing day the palace felt emptier. The few that remained were preoccupied with private conversations and gossip. Kai never understood why people relished in rumors, considering most of the stories were untrue. His only fascination was how the story evolved in the retelling.

  Come evening, he noticed Nola was missing—again her chair remained empty. He wondered how she was doing. Lost in his own thoughts, he sat in a daze pushing the food around on his plate, until Seth poked him in the side and he nearly flicked a piece of meat across the table. “Kai, father has excused us, but you’ve hardly eaten. Are you alright?” he asked kindly.

  He hadn’t realized just how tired he was until now. “I have not been sleeping well, that’s all. Come, I will walk you and Aaron upstairs since Kendra has not returned. I am sure Mary is upstairs getting your baths ready.”

  Ready for bed, Kai thought about sitting for a time to practice his meditation. He had gotten better, but tonight he was just too tired.

  In the wee hours of the morning, Kai woke to the faint sound of screams. Startled, he hopped out of bed and opened his door. There was nothing. Had he imagined it? Then he heard it again; it was coming from the other end of the hall. He approached the nursery, and the occasional screams got louder. For once, the screaming was not from him. Nola was in labor.

  The four Galloway men lingered in the hallway, patiently waiting for news. Kai and the twins sat on the floor, stacking wooden blocks into towers and then knocking them down, while Iver paced up and down the hall. Each time the Mryken dogs passed, they would stop to listen and turn their heads. “What is taking so long?” Iver asked. “The twins came so easily.”

  Kai wished he could comfort his father, but he had no words. Every time that Mary came out to fetch something for Sigry, Iver would try to press her for details. The only words she would offer were, “These things take time, Your Majesty.”

  At one point, his father was tired of waiting, and he risked a look inside the nursery as Mary came out. Kai was not sure what his father saw, but he stopped asking questions and never went in again. Iver went back to pacing. At this rate, Kai was sure his father would wear a hole in the carpet. Eventually, he gave that up too and sat on the floor with the boys.

  There they all sat huddled together on the floor, a father with his arms around his three boys. It warmed Kai’s heart to have this time with his father. He was beginning to see that being a king—settling disputes, keeping the peace, and running a country—was stressful and time-consuming.

  After what seemed like ages, Nola’s cries finally stopped, and they were replaced with the short cry of a baby. All the men stood, waiting in anticipation. After what seemed too long, Kendra finally emerged. “Congratulations, Your Majesty, you have a baby girl. Mother and child are both doing fine.”

  Relieved, Iver knelt and wrapped his arms around all three boys. “Blessed be Alenga, the sacred mother, it’s a girl. We have our princess, boys.” He squeezed them so hard, and they all squealed to be free. “Kendra, may I go inside?” he asked wearily.

  “Yes, sire, you may,” she replied.

  “Father wait,” Kai called after him. “Does she have a name?”

  Iver looked over his shoulder. “Her name will be Cordelia. Good night, son.” Then he disappeared into the nursery.

  The twins were now lying on the floor in the hall. Clearly, they were overtired. He too felt exhausted, but he stood there in a daze, unsure of his place. Before the door to the nursery closed completely, the other maid, Molly, stepped out carrying a pile of linens. “Kendra, Sigry is nearly finished. Mary and I remade the bed with fresh linens. I can come back once I take these to the laundry.”

  “Thank you, Molly, but you should get some rest. You can switch with me in the morning. I will see to getting the boys back to bed before returning to the nursery to relieve Mary.” Kendra turned her attention to the boys. “Boys, why are you all still up? Let’s get you back to bed. You need your rest. Kai, I trust you can find your own way.”

  “Yes, Kendra. Good night.” Kai quickly scooted to his room and hopped into bed. Although he felt too excited to sleep, it didn’t take long.

  Kai woke exhausted. He could tell by the height of the sun he’d overslept. Several nights in a row staying up late to explore the secret passageways, and now the birth of his sister, was taking its toll. He needed a day with some fresh air, peace, and quiet, and he wanted to be alone.

  When he finally made it to the kitchen, he could tell Lizzie was just finishing up from breakfast. He’d missed it. “Good morning, Lizzie. I suppose you’ve heard the news?”
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br />   “Oh, yes, dear. The entire palace is all aflutter with talk of Princess Cordelia. She sounds precious.” She smiled.

  “I am sure she is. Only now, well I hate to say, but when will they find time to spend with me? I remember when Seth and Aaron were born. I hope it is not that way for the twins.” He felt a little sad, knowing everyone would fuss over the baby. “Lizzie, what do you think of Queen Nola?” he asked cautiously.

  “Don’t worry, honey. Your father loves you. Trust in him.” She paused a moment. “Queen Nola, on the other hand… Well, you didn’t hear it from me, but I don’t trust the woman, not the way I did your mother. Something about her tells me she bewitched your father.”

  “I know I shouldn’t say this,” Kai whispered, “but she never leaves his side for long. When they are apart, he is more attentive to me and the twins, if you know what I mean.”

  Hands covered in flour, she dusted them off on her apron. “Here, honey, never mind me.” She stepped around the table to grab a plate. “Sit, let me make you some food. I’m sure I have something that will make you feel better.”

  In a huff, he sat down. “Thanks, Lizzie. I’m sorry, I just woke up, and I feel miserable.” Kai rested his elbows on the table and rubbed the sides of his head. “I didn’t sleep well, and my head is pounding.”

  “Poor dear. I will be right back.” Lizzie darted out the back door. She brought back a few small daisy-like white and yellow flowers. “Hold out your hand. This is feverfew; it will cure your headache.” Kai slid his open hand across the table to her as she pulled off the little white petals and dropped them into his hand. “Now eat them,” she insisted.

  He pursed his lips as he brought his hand up to his mouth. He smelled a strong bitter, citrusy smell, and it made him turn his nose away. “Are you sure about this? They look like daisies.”

  “Yes, honey, I am sure. Working in a busy kitchen gives me plenty of cause for headaches. After enough visits to Sigry, he offered a plant for my herb box and instructions. You are about the same size as Tory, so I will give you what Sigry recommended for her. Don’t linger on it. Just toss them in, chew, and swallow quickly.”