The Half-Light

by A D Lombardo

  Three scouts galloped across the bridge into the distant woods. They would check the woods along the road, ensuring all was clear. Each scout took turns riding ahead. When he came into view a new scout charged up the road. His men would become markers, proof that the route was safe. Kai was pleased to discover Drew had been selected as a scout on this trip.

  The first of his group reached the bridge, four soldiers followed by Kempery-man Redmon. Pressure welled in Kai’s chest. The closer he came, the harder it pressed. Next Shane and his father Marduk, and their packhorse reached the bridge. The clip-clop of horse hooves reverberated in the heat.

  When Ember’s hooves echoed on the stone bridge, Kai held his breath. Behind him, his city and his home. Before he knew it, the sound of Ember’s hooves faded, they had reached the hard dirt on the other side. The click of tongues encouraged the horses to hasten their pace.

  An extended sigh released the pent-up air. Kai rode between Haygan and Kempery-man Dresnor. Behind him was Finlee, their groomsman, and two pack horses, followed by Kempery-man Redmon and Albey, in addition to four other soldiers and three more pack horses. The gear was evenly distributed to avoid taxing the horses.

  They were a large procession destined for the town of Hamrin, a wharf town on the other side of Baden Lake. Kai wished they were sailing a ship across Baden Lake, a journey that would put them in Hamrin before dinner. Instead, they traveled by horse. It would be a long twelve-hour day and half of the next day. They would ride nearly eighty miles around the great lake.

  Kai knew their first night would be out under the stars if the lodge was of no use. While his father had offered to send tents, Cazier had suggested he would earn the respect of the men faster if he camped with them without elaborate luxury. Kai knew his cousin was right. Not that it made it any easier. He wanted to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with his men. He wanted their respect.

  With the pressure easing in his chest, he watched the inviting ripples glisten across the deep blue water of Baden Lake. Perspiration ran down his back, and he imagined the others were feeling the heat. This made him feel bad for his men who were wearing heavy metal armor. The cover of trees ahead was a welcome sight.

  Near the forest’s edge, he saw Drew signal the all-clear before riding into the woodlands along the lake. Inside the cover of the trees, the temperature cooled. Even though the trees were sparse, they provided ample coverage and relief from the sun. It was a beautiful countryside. Ahead on the trail another scout waited alongside two riders and a cart. They were pulled over to the side of the road. They waited for the prince and his group to pass.

  When they reached the third scout, he noticed the other scouts circling through the trees around them. They rode on like this for hours in the heat before Kempery-man Redmon halted the group and everyone dismounted and led their horse to the water’s edge.

  Haygan approached Kai and handed him a dripping wet cloth and a brush. “We will not remove the saddles at this stop, but we need to cool the horses down. We have been riding at a fast pace these past few miles. The cold lake water will help cool them in addition to the light breeze. Brush off the excess water and continue around the horse until he’s cooled.”

  Kai took the cloth, and Haygan grabbed another and cared for his own horse.

  “You can splash your face and neck after you finish.” Haygan added. “We will rest here for a time before setting out again. This next portion will be a fair bit easier under the cover of trees, so we will continue to push the horses. The less time we spend on the road, the better.”

  Kai dipped the cloth into the lake and wiped down Ember’s long legs, followed by a quick brushing. He could feel the gratitude through their connection. It would seem this trip would also be a test for his young horse. Finished, Haygan handed him a few pieces of meat, cheese, and bread. “Eat and cool off before we ride again.”

  Happy to stretch his legs, Kai ate the few scraps of food while he sat with Shane near the lake. “This is definitely different than traveling in early winter. Ember is much hotter than he was on the entire trip to Port Anahita. Even the short trip to Henley a few weeks back was not this hot.”

  Still sweating himself, he bent down and rinsed his hands in the cold water of Baden Lake. The clear water felt inviting. Its glistening surface was nearly binding in the rising sun. After splashing his face with the fresh water, he ran his hands through his sandy blond hair. The cool water trickled down his neck.

  “Shane, have you ever been on this side of the lake before?” he asked, wiping his neck with more water.

  “This is my first trip.” Shane responded.

  “That’s right, you told me that before. I had forgotten. I’m glad you are here.”

  A wave from Marduk told them it was time to leave. They had several hours more till they would reach their first campsite. Kai kept an open mind and tried to enjoy the experience. His father had done this, and now it was his turn.

  Hours in the saddle made Kai’s backside begin to ache. He wanted nothing more than to stretch his legs. The thick canopy of trees and cool breeze kept them cool. The longer they rode, the more everything began to look the same. Tree after tree, the rocky dirt road, and the glistening lake. He felt like he was in a foreign land. His only touchstone was Baden Lake.

  The wind blew through the trees, carrying the scent of sweet flowering plants. The tree coverage began to thin, letting the warm sun beat down on their heads again. How he wanted stop, but time was precious, and they had a long way to go. He knew Dresnor was not keen to make a mistake on his first real trip. Protecting royalty was a serious responsibility for a Kempery-man.

  Chapter 26

  Three Wolf Night

  Through the trees, they came upon a rundown hunting lodge. The lodge was a sore sight, long since abandoned. With no roof to speak of and a collapsed front porch, it was in desperate need of repairs. It would provide no shelter. The lack of care worried Kai. His father had mentioned the lodge, and all day he had hoped it would provide a respite for him and his men.

  Compelled to earn the respect of his men, Kai found Dresnor leaning against a tree, picking his teeth after dinner. “I want to take guard duty,” Kai insisted. “It is only fair I take a shift. In fact, I would like to take the late shift,” he crossed his arms over his chest.

  Dresnor pursed his lips but nodded in acceptance. “Your Highness, I recommend against the idea. I understand you may hope to gain the respect of your men. Admirable, but…”

  “I must insist,” Kai interrupted.

  “As you wish. To ensure your safety, I must insist that Haygan and I take the same shift.”

  “Agreed.” Pleased there was little argument, Kai shook Dresnor’s hand.

  “I will wake you when it’s time. Get some rest. You’ll need it.” Dresnor smiled and walked away.

  Excited, Kai laid down on his bedroll already waiting near the dwindling fire. Smoke slowly approached and lay at his side. Smoke’s warmth beside him reminded him how lucky he was to have his wolf. It had been a long time since they’d slept this close.

  High above, the starry black sky, the full moon beamed down. The crackle and pop of the fire brought his eyes down to the ground. Across the way, he looked at Ember, head down, nibbling at the grass. He felt a sense of deja vu. The memory struck him; this was the night he’d seen so long ago. His loyal companions. Happy, he let his eyes close and slowly fell asleep.

  A nudge came all too soon. “Wake up, Kai. It’s time.” The voice sounded foggy as Kai opened his eyes. “Come on boy, time to wake.” Haygan shook him again.

  “Alright, alright, I’m up.” He pushed Haygan away and scrubbed his face with his hands.

  “Two men are circling around the outskirts. Dresnor is patrolling south near the lake. I will patrol north by the old hunting lodge. I want you near the camp and the horses. Do not wander too far,” he cautioned.

  “I will be fine,” Kai assured him, stroking his hand down Smoke’s back.

  As t
hey parted, Smoke ran out into the woods, happy to run wild. Kai knew just how he felt. To be free was his ultimate desire. Dictated by his father’s decisions, Kai was here in the middle of the night—preparing for his future, to marry and be a king in a land he did not know. Far from everyone and everything he loved most.

  Sticks and leaves crunched under his feet. He could almost hear Marduk now. You make too much noise. He chuckled to himself. With a change in his step he padded with purpose. The sound of his footfalls faded, and he moved silently between the trees. Only the night bugs and wind whipping through trees made a noise.

  Ember and Winter rested inside the corral Finlee had made. Through the trees, he could just see Dresnor pacing near the lake. Focused on his task, Kai continued circling the camp and the sleeping men, only pausing a few times to listen to the crickets and the frogs. The moonlight kissed the small camp. His men resting. He felt proud he was maturing and gaining respect. The fact they had stopped calling him the little prince said volumes.

  Carried on the wind, he heard a wolf howl. The enchanting sound mingled with the stars and danced with the moonlight. Kai glanced around to determine his wolf’s location. It came from behind him, high on the ridge. Smoke stood howling at the moon in a small clearing. From the campsite, Kai saw the moonshine highlight Smoke’s ears and back. Great spot, Smoke.

  The moonlight trickled through the trees, illuminating his way. The ground sloped down to the west, creating a clear path upwards. In his mind, he sensed this was the route Smoke had taken up. He ran through the woods, making his way along the slope. The smell of earthy moss and cedar lingered. Over large rocks he made his way.

  The damp earth filled his lungs. He was surprised how the shade of the trees and the cool rocks changed the smell and the temperature. After a long, demanding climb, he stood with Smoke. “What a great view.” He glanced at the full moon illuminating the camp below.

  High above the trees, he could see far and wide. Layer upon layer of black rolling hills moved to the east. Above them were jagged white points: the Katori Mountains. Below, the vastness of Baden Lake sat aglow by moonlight, north of their camp. Kai gazed at the wiggly reflection of the moon. He had never expected it to be so soothing. He felt free, for the first time in his life. If only he could stay here forever.

  Out of the corner of his eye, he saw something move across the sky. Focused on the trees to the east, he strained against the night. He saw something shoot out of the trees straight into the air. Whatever it was, it was close, and it was big. Again, he saw another. Their large black forms skimmed across the treetops.

  Three large shapes shot up from the surface of the lake. Kai watched them flap their wings, climbing higher and higher. When they reached their peak, their true forms became clear—they were dragons. The bright white moon behind them revealed their massive wings, large horned heads, and long tails. One considerably larger than the other two. Its body, now illuminated by the moon, was silver gray. The smaller dragons were pitch black with only a few horns across the ridge of their faces.

  For a moment they seemed to hang unmoving in the air. Then the dragons rolled and dove straight down toward the lake. Kai watched and imagined the speed they must be flying. Their dark bodies glimmered with moonlight.

  Three forms converged, spiraling toward Baden Lake. Then they disappeared over the pitch-black water. Lost in the darkness, he heard a faint splash. The sound of something being dragged along the water’s surface. Every now and then he could see a black mass break through the moonlight painted on the lake’s surface.

  He listened carefully. The night was still. Silence consumed the insects of the night; they too watched the dragons. His heart quickened. Never in his life had he been so close. From the Master General’s tower in Diu, they were small winged beasts, floating over the lake. Their brilliance revealed only if they sprayed fire against the night.

  Continuing to watch for signs, he wondered why they did not spray fire. How often did they really come out at night? They made no noise he could hear. Without the moonlight, he would have never seen them above the trees or skimming the lake’s surface. Honestly, if he were not trying to see them, he would have dismissed the shadows as mere tricks of the night.

  How he envied the freedom of their flight. His heart opened to their wild nature. Using his ability to glean, he reached out with his mind. Their brilliance beamed; he took a step back in awe. Focused on the silver dragon, he saw the outline of the creature’s face and body.

  Inside he felt the urge to fly with them. Then he questioned his feelings. How could he sympathize with these creatures? Yet at this distance, they seemed serene and almost beautiful. Could he be wrong about them? Was Cazier right? Had he condemned them all because of one bad dragon? Maybe there was more to them than he’d realized.

  Kai scanned the camp. Their once roaring fire faded in the night. The shapes of his friends and guards resting after a long day’s ride. He knew he should return to the perimeter of their camp before Dresnor and Haygan noticed he was gone. Letting go of his gleaning, he took one last look into the night sky. Their massive bodies passed through the glimmering moonlight and then disappeared.

  Disappointed they were gone, he looked to Smoke. “Time to go back.”

  Smoke barked and Kai turned, glimpsing something above the treetops, getting closer and closer. “What is that, Smoke?”

  Smoke growled into the pitch black. Still, the shapes got larger. “Is that the dragons?” he asked, squinting into the night, then his view burst with gleaning light. Kai stepped backward, it was obvious they were flying right toward him and his overlook. He took several more steps backward.

  Panic filled his mind, and he held his breath, stepping back several more times. The lead dragon’s nostrils began to glow with an orange-yellow light, and white gray smoked billowed out trailing behind. As its mouth opened, an orange-yellow ball of light grew and shot forth in a stream of fire spray aimed straight in Kai’s direction.

  Fear overwhelmed Kai, and he stumbled backward. Mindless, he raised his hands to protect his face while continuing to retreat. A blast of fire exploded over his head. His final step back met no ground. Falling, he saw the night sky light up above him. The curvy nature of the beasts was the last thing he saw before his shoulder caught on a tree limb, and he spun around.

  Face first, he fell through the trees. Arms outstretched he reached for treetops. Thump! He struck the crown of a large pine tree. Thump, whack, thump! He hit branch after branch. Fear-streaked tears ran from his eyes. Prickly pine trees smacked him again and again. Moments later, he caught a branch in the chin. The blow spun Kai around before he crashed to the ground, landing on his side.

  Winded, he gasped for air. This fall was all too familiar. His vision was coming true. Falling through pines was no longer just a dream. As his breath returned, he studied his surroundings. The smell of earth and pine with a hint of blood lingered in the air. Luckily, the dense pine trees had slowed his fall. Nothing broken, he tried to stand.

  What just happened? One minute the dragons were flying over the lake, the next they were skimming the treetops soaring in his direction. They weren’t aiming for me, right? Everything had happened so fast he couldn’t be sure.

  The surrounding cluster of trees blocked out the moonlight above. Kai ran his hands together and felt the sap, scrapes, and dirt across his hands. On his chin, warm wet blood oozed from a large cut. He pulled a kerchief from his pocket and pressed it against the gash. Lost and disoriented, he dusted himself off.

  Through the dense trees he walked to the rocky cliff wall. Kai looked straight up. There is no way I am climbing back up there. Separated from the camp by a large sheer cliff, he recalled the steep hill he had climbed near camp to follow Smoke. He was now alone on the opposite side.

  Sore from the fall, he leaned against the cool moss-covered stone. He had no idea which way would take him back to camp. Long deep howls echoed above—Smoke. There was no way up or down for either o
f them.

  Heavyhearted, he decided to walk west. In his mind, he remembered the hill had slopped down to the west. West had to be his best chance. Maybe the cliffs would drop down, and he could climb back up.

  Again, he thought about his dream. He knew what was coming. If his vision held true, the wolf was coming next. He tried to think of Haygan and what he might tell him. Show no fear.

  Deep in his soul, he reached out to Smoke. I am alright. Stay near the cliffs, walk with me. He felt a sense of understanding and strength as Smoke followed above. Together they walked, following along the stone cliffs that separated them.

  Hours later, exhausted, Kai desperately wanted to sit down, but he continued weaving through the trees. He knew his shift was long-since over, and others would be looking for him. Even if the others had seen the fireball above the camp, they would not have any idea where he was or where to start searching. Hidden by the dense stone cliffs Kai was well outside Haygan’s ability to glean and search for him.

  High above he felt Smoke keeping pace. He was glad he was not alone. Although the cliffs did seem lower, Smoke was still high overhead. Kai stopped to lean against a tree. If only he could sit for just a minute. Rest his eyes, rest his body. But he knew it was best to keep moving.

  Ahead, the rocks jutted out in front of his path. Kai ducked under a pine limb and went through the trees, walking away from the cliff wall. He expected the mounded earth and rocks to fold back into the towering cliff. Instead, it opened into a small cave. A downed pine tree partially blocked the opening.

  Curious, he stepped toward the cave, one hand on the stone and the other on the felled tree. Out of the darkness came deep growls. Startled, Kai backed away one step at a time. Five short steps later, his back pressed up against a large tree. Broken branches stabbed at his back.