by A D Lombardo
Cazier nodded in agreement. “I need to speak with Dresnor. We must double our efforts. His Kempery-man can teach him sword fighting, balance with a shield, footwork, and postures. Dresnor’s hand-to-hand combat skills are the best I’ve seen. His style harkens to the old ways. He will make a valuable asset in Kai’s training.”
Riome gave him a glare.
“Second to you, my dear,” he laughed. “This will cover your training, should he end up with any unexplained bruises.” He looked at Kai. “Besides the standard means of defense, his Kempery-man’s unique fighting techniques will give him an edge. Iver should have arranged training when Kai turned ten—he’s now fourteen. His only training is a few months this spring with you.” Cazier’s voice raised in annoyance.
Kai listened until he could take no more. “I am right here, you know. Don’t talk about me as if I am a project. I didn’t freeze,” he protested. “The man was bigger than me, he had experience.”
“You froze,” Riome barked. “Size doesn’t matter. Skill matters. I taught you killing strikes, but you hesitated. I didn’t need to be there to see the truth. Fear could have cost you your life. If you won’t fight to save yourself, think of the others who may lose their life because you falter. See the moment and react. You must move and think faster. I will teach you. Learn to disable if you can, but you may have to put an enemy down.”
It was difficult to take her seriously when she looked like sweet Mary. He sighed and refused to accept her words. How could he keep his innocence yet learn how to defend himself? It felt impossible to find the balance. The truth was he didn’t freeze in fear—he was unwilling to take Bevon’s life, even though he was an evil man.
She nodded at his reaction. “I know you are asking yourself. How can I be the hero and do what needs to be done? Sorry. You’re not living in a storybook, Kai. This is real life. People are not characters in one of your novels. The hero does not always win, and sometimes, he has to make tough choices.”
Her words were harsh but true. Books spared the hero, saving him from difficult choices. The events of Town Hope were living proof. He had been saved by Shane. Kai changed the subject. “Cazier, what about my father? Nola has him hidden away. I saw him when he arrived; he scooped me up like I was a feather. Steady and strong, he lifted both my brothers. His eyes clear and happy. Now all he does is sleep. Tell me, am I wrong?”
Riome looked at Cazier and waited. Cazier glanced from her to Kai. “Riome has not been able to get in to see him, even posing as Mary. Eavesdropping has also proven unsuccessful. She is the only one I trust with the secret tunnels other than you. According to Sigry, Nola requested something for a headache and a sleeping tonic for the king. We all know Sigry is loyal to your father. He would tell me if he thought something was amiss.”
Kai wanted to believe this news. The nature of Nola concerned him, but he had no real proof. There was nothing tangible that revealed any wrongdoing. Only a feeling and strange behavior.
Cazier folded his hands together. “I will find a way to see Iver. I am sure he is as Nola says, merely resting after a long journey.”
His cousin did not sound convinced. Kai stood and crossed the room. “Thank you both.”
“Good evening, Kai,” Adrian called after him.
Riome held the door. “I will look for you tomorrow evening.”
◆◆◆
Every other evening Kai walked Smoke and Shiva to the gates of the city. Tonight, Drew was his escort. From the torch-lit gatehouse, they watched the wolves dart away into the darkness before returning to the palace grounds. “Thank you again for everything in Town Hope. I am glad you were with us. We never really talked after…” Kai’s voice dropped.
“We do what we must, Prince Kai. I’ve spent years watching you grow. You may be a prince to the others, but to me, you’re a brother. Protecting you is more than my duty,” Drew said sincerely.
Drew’s words rang true for Kai. “Drew, I hope you know I feel the same. You are more than a guard.” They stopped in the courtyard. “Again, thank you for the company.”
“Anytime, Prince Kai. It was like old times,” Drew replied.
Alone, Kai walked through the courtyard, thinking over the day. Out of the darkness, a sharp voice assaulted him. “All alone, little prince? Where’s your mutt?” Landon mocked, stepping out from the shadows, shoving Kai in the back.
The force sent Kai stumbling forward, but he recovered and twisted around. “What was that for?”
Out of the darkness, another familiar voice challenged. “Well, well, well … if it isn’t the little prince? Having trouble walking?” Tolan laughed, pushing Kai in the shoulder.
Prepared for the shove, Kai held his ground. His attackers surrounded him. He knew he needed to get both boys in his line of sight. “What was that for?” Kai asked again, trying to sidestep Landon.
Kai wanted to run, but he refused to cower. Landon kept Kai where he wanted him, between him and Tolan. “You’re a spoiled little brat. You spend your summer socializing, while we learn to fight to protect your stupid easy life.” Landon mocked as he stepped toward Kai and pushed him hard into Tolan’s chest.
“We’ve got him now. What should we do with him?” Tolan asked as he grabbed Kai by the biceps.
“You think you’re so special, but let me assure you, titles mean nothing,” Landon sneered.
They had no idea what he’d been through this summer. Kai saw Landon clinch his fists. “What have I ever done to either of you?” Kai asked with a squirm.
“You breathe, boy…” Landon seethed, punching Kai in the stomach.
“Landon, stop,” Tolan yelled. “That’s enough, no need to hit him. We’re just having a little fun.” Tolan released Kai.
Kai stomped on Tolan’s foot and jabbed him in the gut with his elbow, forcing the larger boy backward. Kai made sudden quick moves—he did not hesitate. One hand swung around and slammed Tolan in the sternum with his palm, sending the larger boy to the ground. Tolan gasped.
Landon swung, but Kai anticipated the strike. He sidestepped and grabbed Landon by the wrist in a heartbeat. Using Landon’s own momentum, Kai tossed the older boy to the ground. Still angry, Kai climbed on top and punched Landon in the face.
Having witnessed their brawl, the Grand Duke ran to stop the fight. “What’s going on here? Boys! Speak up.”
“The little brat jumped me!” Landon yelled, wiping the blood from his nose and lip.
“I didn’t start it, but I certainly finished it,” Kai snarled.
Tolan hung his head low. “Sir, sorry, sir. Things got out of hand. Kai, I am truly sorry, I never meant…” Tolan stammered, covering his face.
“Tolan, you know better. You leave within a week for Fort Pohaku. This could ruin your reputation, lower your rank. You know fighting is unacceptable. This will destroy your chances of becoming a Kempery-man.” Dante stared Tolan down. “All three of you in my study, now.”
Dante marched them through the palace and sat behind his desk. Dirty and bruised, Kai and Tolan waited for their punishment with their heads down. Landon stood tall and arrogant, hands behind his back. Dante stared at them. “What am I to do with you three? Acting like ruffians. You should all be ashamed.”
“Grand Duke.” Tolan stepped forward. “Sir, if I may speak. None of this was Kai’s fault. We attacked him. I should have tried to stop Landon. I should have protected Kai, and I failed, sir. I understand this will be on my record, but I still wish to continue my service. Please, sir.”
“Admirable son, but don’t apologize to me. Prince Kai is the one who deserves your words.” Dante motioned.
Embarrassed and red-faced, Tolan turned about-face. “Sincerely Kai, I know we … I give you a hard time. I should not be jealous of your position. I truly am sorry for my behavior, I never meant for it to go this far. I let you down—I let myself down. I will do better, that is my promise to you. Please accept my apology.” Tolan extended his hand in a gesture of peace.
&nb
sp; Kai felt the sincerity in Tolan’s words and saw the regret in his eyes. He knew it would be better to make a friend than be at odds. He looked at the boy who’d bullied him, changed and was genuinely regretful. “I accept your apology, Tolan,” he said, shaking the boy’s hand.
Kai felt a twinge of regret in his heart, knowing he was not always gracious to Tolan, either. “Grand Duke Carmelo, sir. I too should know better. I should have walked away. And I have given my share of insults over the years.” He paused to look at his two assailants.
Tolan, humbled, and genuine. Landon, filled with arrogance and loathing with no signs of remorse.
“Sir, regardless of what happened and why, could you give Tolan a pass on this?” Kai asked. “I would greatly appreciate it if you could let him go to Fort Pohaku with a clean record.”
“Landon, do you have anything to say for your actions?” Dante asked.
“Sorry sir, won’t happen again, sir. I will report as ordered.” Landon stood stiff, staring straight ahead, hands behind his back.
No apology came from Landon. Dante glared with disappointment at all three. “I will make my decision tomorrow. You are all dismissed.” Dante motioned for them to leave and refocused his efforts to the papers covering his desk.
On their way out, Tolan slowed to walk next to Kai. “Kai, may I speak to you?” He stopped, putting distance between them and Landon. “I wanted to thank you for the kind words. I’m not sure I deserve them after the way I’ve treated you.” Tolan hung his head low.
“You’re welcome, Tolan. I’m not sure this makes us friends, but I am willing.”
“I’d certainly like to try. Goodnight, Your Highness,” Tolan said as they parted ways.
“Goodnight Tolan,” Kai said, surprised with the turn of events.
◆◆◆
Mind reeling, Kai fell into bed. After everything, who was he now? How could he find a balance between protecting himself and using his strength and speed? He could have seriously hurt Tolan and Landon. He shook away his frustration. He closed his eyes and hoped for answers.
His sleep shallow and fitful; he cringed at the visions that followed.
The smell of something foul caught in his nostrils and made him cough. His mind felt dizzy, and he fell to his knees. Toxic smoke rolled around him in the hallway outside the nursery. He felt helpless. The hall light illuminated the back of a man kneeling over Cordelia. Her small form lay limp on the floor. The glint of a blade flashed. Blackness loomed around the edges of Kai’s eyes. Dizzy, he collapsed, unable to help his sister.
In his mind, he wrestled with his fears. In his bed, he tossed and turned and gripped his covers. His dream continued.
Battle sounds echoed in the wind. Swords clashed, metal against metal. Fires raged in the distance. The smell of burnt wood and flesh filled the air. Wrought iron curls and twists kept him out—the fence too high. Kai ran for the gate. His aunt Helena’s garden was a battlefield. Men in black lay dead on the ground. Nearby, men in blue, Diu men, were covered in blood. Strange holes punched their bodies, which oozed with blood.
Around the hedge, he saw Drew slice down a man in black. The silver blade of Drew’s sword now covered in blood. Bang. A foreign sound rang out. Drew twisted in pain, struck in the shoulder. Through the hedges, Kai saw two men in black, fidgeting with a silver weapon. He watched, frozen. Bang. Smoke, spark, and debris cut across the sky. Struck in the chest, Drew dropped to the ground.
Kai pressed the gushing hole in his friend’s chest. Blood bubbled in Drew’s mouth, his eyes fluttered, and he gasped. Drew’s body went limp, his breath gone. “No, no, please,” Kai screamed. Like grains of sand, Drew faded away.
Twisted in his covers, Kai woke his fists clenched. Sweat soaked his sheets. Alone in the dark, he wept. Was this his future? Could he save Cordelia? Could he change Drew’s fate? Was he destined to watch everyone he loved die? The pressure was unbearable. Yet the facts were undeniable. This would happen. The only question was, would he be ready?
Bathed in fresh air and moonlight, he sat on his balcony. Smoke sat at his side, sniffing the air. Kai’s hand glided over Smoke’s ears. The autumn air offered the slightest breeze, drying the sweat on his back. He searched the night for his friends. Behind him, in the palace, Kendra slept in the nursery. Haygan slept in his room above the stables, Shiva near the door.
He searched for her through the inner ward. The little cottage was quiet and dark, nestled with the other private homes provided to palace workers. Rayna sat awake in her bed, her back to him. He focused on her long brown hair, pooled about her shoulders. He watched and wondered how her gleaning practice was progressing.
She turned her head toward her shoulder. He watched, as the side of her face, wrapped in the light turned to face him. He raised from his chair, crossed the balcony, and placed his hands on the stone rail. Anticipation made his heart pound.
She twisted in her bed. Her face raised up in his direction. He leaned forward, curious. Can she see me?
She tilted her head to the side, her neck strained forward. The moment lingered. He held his breath—Rayna waved. Astonished, he waved back. She covered her mouth. He chuckled and ran his hand down Smoke’s back. “She is good.”
For now, he found peace in the threads of energy emanating around him. Threads which connected him with Rayna and their future. Tired, he gave her one last wave and went to back bed.
The End.
About
A. D. Lombardo
Born in Akron, Ohio, Angela Lombardo was raised on a farm by her grandparents. She is a proud mother, plays Minecraft, goes to Comicon, Charlotte, and has two rescue dogs: Buddy and Penny.
Her fantasy series The Katori Chronicles, which includes The Half-Light, Mariana’s Secret (Coming March 2020), and The Traitor (Coming June 2020), and The Lost Souls (Coming Fall 2020).
www.adlombardo.com