by A D Lombardo
“I think we need to circle the town, work our way outward. We should see how many men patrol the streets.” Kai used his sight to track the two men.
Their pursuers kept pace but hid in the early morning shadows. Smoke and Shiva trailed behind, forcing the men to keep their distance. Together they wormed their way around town. Remnants of half-constructed walls jutted up here and there; only completed segments surrounded the Hamrin estate. The next section of the buildings seemed newly built. Guards’ quarters, three levels high, filled with rousing soldiers pouring out into the streets.
Farther around the town, Kai noticed the buildings were smaller and poorly maintained. While the estate had flat stone roads, and cobblestone surrounded the guards’ quarters and homes, the roads in town gave way to dirt.
Near the wharf, the smell of decayed fish filled the air. The stench was nearly unbearable. About to gag, Kai looked to Haygan. “How disgusting.” He picked up the pace, and Haygan matched his speed.
Smoke and Shiva drifted behind, keeping any who followed at a greater distance. Discarded nets, sails, and dead fish littered the water’s edge. Only a few fishermen were loading boats with gear, preparing for a day on the water.
Kai hoped his men were on their way. It would take all day for them to sail to Hamrin. Help would not arrive until tomorrow morning, if they sailed overnight. Haygan urged him faster. “Let’s pick up the pace, run faster, and widen our circle. After we pass the estate, we can run deeper into the forest.”
When they increased their speed, the men following gave up. Haygan turned toward the forest, darting between bushes and leaping over felled trees. Three soldiers awaited them a few meters within the woods, but they were easily lost as Haygan and Kai climbed a steep embankment. Smoke and Shiva growled, and the men retreated.
Haygan scanned the area and took the steepest incline he could find, weaving through the forest. Kai struggled to follow Haygan and keep his footing. After a few stumbles, Haygan slowed, allowing him to catch back up. “We need to get to the top of this ridge. It will level out, and there is an outcropping. You will be safe there.”
They continued to run through the woods, climbing ever higher. Kai was glad that he ran daily, allowing him to keep pace. Over rocks and around thick underbrush they climbed. With two quick leaps they crossed a stream. Haygan made running look effortless. Even climbing over boulders and down trees, he bounded like a wild cat.
When they reached level ground, Haygan slowed and made his way through the trees. The dirt turned to stone, and the rock jutted out over the trees below. If they had not just spent the entire morning running away from an uncertain foe, this might actually be a pleasant day.
Kai scratched his head. “What did you mean, I would be safe there?” He ducked under a tree branch.
Haygan did not answer. Kai could tell Haygan was using his sight to survey the area. Following suit, he found Smoke and Shiva circling. The forest teemed with wildlife, but nobody followed them. His face stern, Haygan turned to Kai. “I saw this place from below. I need you to stay here. I can make better time alone.” He stepped around Kai. “Follow me.”
Back through the trees, there was a small cave. “Stay here. I will return as fast as I can.”
“You’re going to leave me here alone?” Kai’s brows knit together, concern in his tone. “Why can’t I go with you? I have made it this far.”
“Please understand. I can make better time on my own, you’re not fast enough yet. Shiva and Smoke will stay. It would take the average Katori man three or four hours to run north of Chenowith. I cannot afford to run as a man.” He glanced away from Kai, looking to the woods.
Haygan’s words ricocheted in Kai’s ears. What did he just say? Before he could get clarification, Haygan continued. “The people I need to meet are uncomfortable around strangers. Half-Light or not, I need to leave you here. If I can bring back help, I will.”
The stablemaster’s words jumbled together in Kai’s mind. If Haygan knew woodland people—Katori people—it seemed natural they might not welcome strangers. He also knew going too deep into any part of the Zabranen Forest was dangerous. This far west in Diu territory, they were near the Katori border. Given how high they had climbed, they were possibly already within its limits.
Several hours passed, and there was still no sign of Haygan. Smoke and Shiva lay inside the tree line, only occasionally leaving to scout around the cave and outcropping. Bored and unable to sit still any longer, Kai paced around the cave. Outside he walked to the edge of the overlook. He gazed over the trees. Baden Lake was a vast swath of blue in the distance. The afternoon sun was warm on Kai’s face.
“How long are we supposed to wait?” Kai addressed his two companions. “What if Haygan never comes back?” he said out loud with a huff.
The wolves kept watch but did not respond. Kai thought about everything he’d witnessed; his blood began to boil again. He could wait no longer. “Let’s go, we are going back. I can’t hide up here any longer.” Determined, he took one last look over the trees and started to climb back down.
He took the same way he’d come with Haygan earlier. Flanked by Smoke and Shiva, he scanned the hillside. Through the trees he noticed two white wisps moving in his direction. A voice called out. “Kai, hold up. Over here.”
He recognized the voice. “Shane? What are you doing up here? How did you find me?” Kai called back.
When they came through the trees, Shane and Marduk were a welcome sight. Marduk, a seasoned hunter, surveyed the area. “We left an hour behind you, but we were not running. I doubled back a few times to hide our trail. Haygan only told me to pack for an overnight in the woods and which direction he planned to go. I’ve been tracking you ever since. The guards paid us no attention. Since we are staying at the inn, they were unaware that we were part of your entourage.”
The concern on Marduk’s face told him they did not have a clue as to why they had spent the better part of the day hiking. “Follow me,” Kai said, “I believe Haygan meant for us to wait at this cave above.” Leading them back, he gave them the condensed version of everything he’d learned.
Marduk shook his head in disbelief. Anger fumed in his eyes. “Why are we up here?” Marduk asked.
“I needed to get away, clear my head before I did something reckless. We are stalling. Dresnor sent a bird with a coded message and two men on the morning ship. One of our messages will make it. Dante will know we face one hundred men, maybe more. Help will come.”
Kai could tell Marduk was unhappy about the situation. “It could all end peacefully if Victor tells the truth and surrenders. His men are the bigger problem. Bevon will not go down quietly.”
Shane stepped around his father. “How long are we supposed to wait?”
There was no way to answer his friend’s question honestly. He knew Haygan would need to run over seventy miles just to reach Chenowith. Plus, he had no idea where these Katori woodlanders might be. “I have no idea. Haygan left hours ago. Told me to wait. It would have been easier had I known you were coming.”
With nothing else to do, Kai sat in the sun. Marduk opened his pack, and they shared a hunk of bread, dried meat, and some apples. Shiva and Smoke continued to patrol the woods, returning ever so often to the overlook.
When Haygan finally entered the clearing, Kai was relieved. “Marduk, you made it,” Haygan called. “Good. I presume Kai has made you aware of the situation. We need every man we can spare, but I will not ask you to put your son at risk. The choice is yours. Shane can stay within the hills. He will be safe this far outside of town. Kai and I must go back. I hope you will join us.”
Marduk looked at Kai, concerned. Kai knew Marduk saw Shane when he looked at him. “You mean to go back? There could be a fight. You plan to put the prince in harm’s way?”
“The prince cannot hide. His presence may keep things calm long enough to get reinforcements. Once they are outnumbered, they will back down. I sent word we need help, but I am not sure
they will come.”
Marduk’s eyes drifted from Shane to Kai. Haygan lifted his hand, tamping the air. “Look, we had no idea what we were coming into, but help is coming from Diu. We need to bide our time, and Dresnor needs the prince. I will not let anything happen to him.”
Haygan pressed a hand on Kai’s shoulder. “We must go. Stay here, Marduk, decide what is best for your son. If you choose to come back, go to the orphanage on the far side of town.”
All the way back down the mountain, Kai pondered what he might say to this rogue duke. He hopped over a downed tree and weaved between several saplings. Unable to keep quiet, he tapped Haygan on the arm. “Can we walk?”
Haygan slowed. “What’s on your mind?”
“You were gone for hours, and you came back with no help. Did they say no?”
“I don’t know yet. I went to meet one person. She is going for help. If they say no, she will come alone.”
The idea sounded ridiculous. “One person. A woman.” Kai squinted at Haygan.
“I hope help from Diu arrives, but if all else fails, Simone offers the help of a dragon. We will not lose,” Haygan assured him.
“So how did you make it all the way to Chenowith and back? You were gone a long while, but not that long.”
A smirk pushed up Haygan’s cheek. “Dragons fly, remember. She dropped me a little west of the overlook.”
The thought of riding a dragon swirled in Kai’s imagination. Before he could ask more questions, Haygan resumed a faster pace. Kai thought about the idea of a dragon helping him. He recalled Diu’s history and the dragons that saved their city once before. Now one would come to save him. He really didn’t understand these creatures at all.
◆◆◆
Back at the estate, Kai changed into social attire and sat with Dresnor. “How did they take me leaving?” He asked as Drew entered his chambers.
“Victor has been fuming all day.” Dresnor smiled. “He’s near his boiling point because you made him wait so long. I assured him the prince spends his time as he wishes. I told him you’d return when you were suitably relaxed, ready for food and conversation.”
Dresnor motioned to the hall, and they walked together. “When you were not back by lunch, I was a bit concerned myself. Victor has been irate for hours. If you don’t come down for dinner, I think he will begin to question our delay.” Dresnor’s eyes narrowed as they reached the balcony.
Drew chuckled. “His men were none too pleased, chasing you and Haygan around the outskirts of town. Not to mention your wolves scared several men into hiding.”
Opal waited on the bottom step.
“Well, let’s get on with this charade, shall we?” Kai mumbled under his breath, descending the staircase.
By the time they reached the banquet room, Lord Victor was halfway through a glass of wine. A stern glance to a nearby servant, and it was quickly refilled. “Welcome, welcome Prince Kai, so good of you to finally join me. I trust your afternoon has you suitably relaxing.” Victor’s tone was snippy and verged on disrespectful.
Kai sucked at his teeth, nodding. “Lord Victor,” he said distastefully. “I hope I didn’t tax your men as they lay chase after me most of the morning. I spend my time as I wish. I needed the quiet time to reflect. You’ve met Kempery-man Dresnor, yes?” He motioned to his left. “Allow me to introduce other Kempery-man Redmon and Albey.”
“Nice to meet you all.” Lord Victor gestured to the table. “Let’s sit, eat, and relax.”
Kai sat opposite Victor. Dresnor and Albey sat to his left and Redmon on his right. Opal sat beside her father, while Victor’s two boys sat on the other side near Albey.
Beside Redmon, Kai noticed there were two additional place settings. Before he had a chance to ask who would be joining them, the banquet doors reopened. He nearly choked at the site of Bevon and Tarren entering the room.
Bevon was much larger than he realized. Kai’s view inside of the orphanage did not do the man justice. A brawny man with long raven hair, a hint of gray speckled his temples and a short-trimmed goatee. When he stepped up beside Redmon, Bevon dwarfed his Kempery-man by nearly five inches.
Tarren was nearly as tall and also built like an ox. His black hair was cut short, and his youthful, clean-shaven face showed off his chiseled features.
“Sorry we are late, Lord Victor. We had … important matters about town. Prince Kai, it seems that your stable boy and scout have returned. Their ship did not quite make it to Diu. I hope they were not set on important matters.” Bevon raised one eyebrow at Kai before he scanned the others, then offered a smirk to Victor.
Kai kept his composure. His mind raced with concern for his men, sent to get help. Even without it being said, he feared no help was coming. Their only hope was the bird carrying their news. He hoped it would reach Dante soon.
“Nothing that can’t be resolved another way,” Kai responded as casually as he could. “Where are my men now?” he questioned.
Victor cleared his throat, ignoring the question. “Prince Kai, these are my men, Bevon and Tarren Stratton.” He tossed his hand in their direction. “Now let’s eat.”
Like bees to honey, servants swarmed the table, filling each plate as they went. Kai looked closer at the two men and saw the resemblance. Of course, they’re related. Like father like son. Monsters, not men.
“Again, I ask…” Kai focused on Bevon. “Where are my men?”
Bevon glared back. “They are fine. My men will see they are returned to the estate.”
Victor stabbed his meat. His fork screeched across his plate. “So, tell me, Prince Kai, how long will you be staying with us?” He eagerly took a bite.
Kai eyed Victor and considered his response. “We intend to stay the entire summer. I trust that won’t be an inconvenience.” Kai also took a bite.
Victor nearly choked as he glanced at Bevon, whose face twisted with disdain. Kai had apparently caught them off-guard. He watched their exchange. Victor swallowed his mouthful and coughed a few more times, trying to process this new information.
Opal handed her father his glass. “Drink, father. Are you alright?” Her kindness lost on the man.
Victor snatched the glass and took a gulp and exchanged glances with Bevon and Tarren. Kai continued. “I trust you will extend me the same courtesy you did my father in his day. A young prince out in the service of his king.”
Kai leaned back into his chair and watched their discomfort. At least until he looked to Dresnor, who was clearing holding his tongue.
Meanwhile, Victor searched the ceiling, as if the answers to his situation floated above. “Of course, Prince Kai, we are honored to have you here. We would have preferred more time to prepare for your arrival, but we are here to serve.” His response was insincere, and his eyes glared.
Both Bevon and Tarren seemed put out by the news and leaned back from their half-eaten plates. Victor’s two boys were clueless about the mounting tension in the room and murmured amongst themselves. Opal kept her eyes focused on her plate, trying to pretend she was not listening.
Unable to control himself, Kai continued to poke. “Victor, I have seen so little of your charming town. Perhaps when we finish here, you would see fit to provide a tour.”
Victor’s face turned pale. If Kai didn’t know better, he would have sworn he saw actual fear. Of course, the village held secrets, and Victor wasn’t interested in parading through the middle of his mess.
The mines and its slaves. Kai had yet to find their location. Again, Dresnor’s expression told Kai he was playing with fire. His Kempery-man pushed back his plate. Kai remained calm—he hoped he had not gone too far.
Bevon remained calm and pushed back from the table. “Lord Victor, if you plan to take a tour around town, I need to make arrangements. Please excuse us.” Together the two men left, not addressing Kai in their departure.
A chill ran down Kai’s spine. These men had no qualms about disrespecting a royal. They had no regard for human life. How far w
ould they be willing to go? With the realization that no help was coming from Diu any time soon, Kai took a gulp of wine. Their only other hope was Haygan’s plea to the Katori mountain people.
Victor downed the last of his wine. “Well, seems they are making the arrangements.” With a glance to the window, he pushed back from the table. “I would be happy to provide a tour. Given the late hour, we should go now, before the sun sets.” The man rubbed his belly and motioned to the door.
Outside they walked around the estate. Drew and four Diu guards, all wearing armor, joined the procession as they reached the gates, and Kai was relieved to see Smoke and Shiva sitting outside the estate. No Haygan.
By the time they crossed the second street, Kai had noticed Hamrin guards gathering to create a pathway through town. He cautiously looked for his remaining men and was pleased to find them advancing on his position. One man short, one less scout. Where could they be holding Finlee and my scout?
Concerned, Dresnor slowed and whispered to Kai. “I doubt Diu help is coming anytime soon. We are a dozen men, on our own. We must assume they’ve questioned our scout. He is an honorable man, but everyone has their limits. I am sure if given a chance, he disposed of my letter. If not, well, all my letter said is, the prince is bored and cannot be expected to suffer in these conditions for another one hundred days and asked for permission to return by ship.
“My note sent by bird said the same thing. Written in this manner, Dante will know we are in trouble and face one hundred men—we are desperate. We need to head west toward the orphanage. Haygan hopes to join us there.” Dresnor ran his hand over the silver-and-gold wolf on his armor.
“These men are monsters,” Kai responded, “and Victor knows it. He is living off the backs of our people. He needs to face his crimes and answer for what he has done.”
“Just get us to the orphanage,” Dresnor insisted as they reached the town square.