by A D Lombardo
The mention of Shane made Kai’s heart leap into his throat. It was not his wish to pull Shane into a battle. Guilt clawed at his insides. Kai dipped to avoid banging his head against a low branch. Shane had only just started his new life with Julia. This is not Shane’s fight.
Ahead of them, Kai could see the light from the campfire. It would be nice to rest, eat, and visit with old friends.
Davi crossed a small stream and offered a hand to Rayna. “Your friend, Shane, is a good man. He hunts with us, and we have met his young wife. The storm was already pounding the sky when Shane reached our homestead. Together we found a long line of Weathervanes along a ridge, south of Albey. We were lucky they had no Beastmasters with them, besides the two eagles. They outflew Sabastian to warn of your arrival. Sabastian is quite the Beastmaster. He took on both birds. You know, I can honestly say I have never seen anyone fight the way he did. Changing into a man and back again midflight. The other Weathervanes were no match for us. With their focus on the storm, we took advantage of their distraction. Shane is mighty quick with his arrows. Almost as fast as me. We wounded them, and they fled into the Zabranen Forest, lost in a white fog.”
Davi stepped into the campsite, and Naia rushed to hug Kai. Everyone was there, Kalia and Jada and her new baby. After introductions were made, Naia offered them shelter, clothes, and food. It felt good to be dry. They were safe for the moment, but Kai knew they could not stay here long. Time was running out, and his pounding head ticked like a clock announcing his approaching time limit. He feared his and Rayna’s magic would burn out with the fever before they could complete the Conhaspriga. Not that he fully understood how it worked—he only knew they needed to hurry.
Gabe poked at the fire. Davi dropped two more logs into the blaze. “Kai, what do you know about the Conhaspriga?”
“I know it is a rite of passage performed by all Katori when they come of age. It is a Calling. I know some choose to spend the year or two prior exploring the world before making their choice. They must either choose to return to live in Katori, or live out here, giving up their gifts.”
Hale interrupted, “A rare few choose to venture out into the unprotected world. Not worth the risk, I guess. Very few are curious about what lies beyond the Katori Mountains. Those that choose to skip all this adventure have a simple ceremony after a year of silent meditation. They still select a crystal from Alenga’s mountain, and dip into the sacred spirit pool within the Agora.”
“I know about the crystal stones, the Weathervanes, Beastmasters, Kodama, Stonekings, and Lumens,” Kai continued. “I even know my journey starts at the Three Sisters—three oak trees at the base of the first waterfall. They mark the entrance into the Zabranen Forest and the passage back to the Katori Lands.”
Gabe laughed. “Boy, your test started the moment you left Diu. The elders know you have the fever. Lucca may have never visited you, but he knows your age and that you are being called. The chiefs have no intention of letting you complete the Conhaspriga. Is nobody else thinking about it?” He paused to survey the group. “Kai is the legend.” Gabe rolled his eyes. “He will be a Beastmaster, and no ordinary Katori man who walks among beast. He will talk with them. He will become them. He was born to lead us to a new age.”
Kai pulled his feet back from the fire, feeling the heat. “I have heard this legend. Kendra spoke of two warriors who stand against one man whose soul is black as night. Davi and I already discussed this. But I don’t care to lead a revolution. Kendra said this story is carved in stone, but I will not let it define me or my future.”
Naia nodded in agreement. “Nobody has seen the lost Agora in centuries.”
This was new. Kai knit his brow together. “A lost agora. As anyone seen this place?”
“As far as I know, nobody alive today has laid eyes on the stone carvings. They are twisted stories passed down by each generation. Alenga holds your future, do not worry about what has yet to happen. When you get to Katori, you must seek out the invisible man. He will teach you if you are meant to become his equal.”
Bewildered, Kai looked at the others. “How exactly do I find an invisible man?”
Naia laughed. “He is a legend. I have no idea, but I have a feeling he will find you.”
Davi calmed his wife’s enthusiasm. “Enough talk of legends. Nothing matters if Kai can’t make it past his journey through the forest and through the mountains and back into Katori. Most youths have weeks to complete the test. You have only a matter of days before your fever consumes you.” Davi leaned towards Kai. “Listen to me, Kai. The tests are intended to confuse you, draw you away from your goal. The Guardians are meant to test your resolve. We Katori are warriors through and through. Everyone believes the Katori retreated to study spirituality as the world negotiated peace. We spread the rumor that Katori had had enough of war. Partly true. We did want peace. That does not mean we became soft.” Davi’s face became serious. “They will fight you. This is no game of hide-and-seek.”
Kai nodded gravely. “Up until now, I would have thought they would welcome us. Now I see I was wrong.” He placed his hand on Rayna’s knee. “I fear we have no idea just how hard this climb will be.”
Kaia leaned into the fire. She kicked a shifted log back into the yellow and white flames. “You must climb the Katori mountain’s three central waterfalls. Ice melts from its snowy peaks, which feed the Conha River. Each level is steeper than the previous one. They are surrounded by an unclimbable sheer rock face.”
Concerned, Rayna asked. “Sounds impossible. If I understand you correctly, we must leave the river. Travel south, deep into the Zabranen Forest. All to climb up to the next level.”
“My father told me—stay near the river. It takes longer to hop from stone to stone, but you have no chance of getting lost,” Kaia reassured her.
Gabe continued. “Walk the river to the falls. Venture south into the woods. Find the first available route back northeast. After each climb, it is imperative you return to the river. Stay close to the water. Keep the sound close. Always listen. The Guardians will pray on your fear. They want you to give up. That is the purpose of the test. Control your fears.”
Davi chimed in with his own words of wisdom. “In a typical test, only two or three, from each discipline, would challenge you. The Lumens will take your sight. Don’t bother trying to glean. Weathervanes can raise fog, rain, and wind against you.”
Kai huffed. “I’ve seen their power. I am tired of being wet.”
Hale scoffed. “I don’t believe they mean to make this a fair fight. I doubt they aim to kill you, just keep you from finding the cave, before your fever breaks.”
Davi tamped the air with his hand to quiet the group. “The Beastmasters, they will come for you. I believe you will need to fight like no other before you. The Guardians know who you are, who you could become, and they fear you. Do what you must, but try not to kill anyone. That would be unnecessary. Their true job will be to delay you or make you flee. You will need to stand your ground. Never give up.”
Don’t kill. Kai could live with not killing, but could the Guardians who were waiting for him?
It was clear that Kai and Rayna were headed into a trap, but he had made up his mind. They both had. Rayna deserved to find her parents, and he wanted—no, needed—to search for his mother. Her time was running out, if it was not already too late to change her back. She was out there, lost in the world. And, he was going to make it his mission to find her. His powers were a necessary gift he dare not lose. Yes, he had made up his mind. He wanted this.
◆◆◆
Dawn came too early. Kai’s heart ached with worry. With Rayna’s hand clasped in his, they headed to the Kempery-man’s camp. As much as Kai wanted to leave without an argument, he owed his men an explanation. Over the years, they had spent months traveling the countryside and fought battles. Drew was his oldest friend, and he was the first to tell Kai he could be more than a prince. Drew deserved the opportunity to say goodbye.
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And then there was Philip Dresnor, his lead Kempery-man. For three years, Kai had spent nearly every day with Dresnor; they were like brothers. It would be no easy task to tell this man he must return to Diu without him. There would be an argument.
Through the trees, Kai sensed another person. Smoke barreled through the woods. A man in shadow leaned against a tall tree. “Shane waits for us there,” Kai pointed.
They changed their course. Kai was excited to see his friend. Shane stepped out from a large copse of trees, bow in hand and a battle-ax strapped to his back. “Morning, you two. Good to see you made it through the storm.”
“Shane.” Kai pulled his friend into a welcoming hug. “How did you know to come yesterday?”
Skepticism washed over Shane’s face. “I want to say you wouldn’t believe me if I told you. But then I’ve learned there is much I do not know about the world around me. We all keep secrets. For one reason or another. You have yours. The Katori seem to be nothing but secrets.” He gave Kai a severe look before he continued. “My mother…talks to me.” Shane paused for acceptance. “At least I believe it is her voice I hear on the wind. When all is quiet, I often feel her presence. She died giving birth to my sibling, and it was a boyhood fantasy to talk with her in my mind. Now I believe it was real. Yesterday morning, I heard your name, and Davi’s, echo through the trees. When I walked into Davi’s camp, the storm was raging, and they were all set to leave with Sabastian. I had to believe I was meant to help.”
Concerned for his friend, Kai apologized. “Shane, I am sorry you were brought into this. It is not your fight. I know how you feel about fighting. Killing.”
“True, I moved here for a quiet, easy life. But what happened all those years ago in Hamrin no longer haunts me. I have made peace with my choice. Besides, I am an excellent shot with a bow. I can maim a person without killing them. The four I dropped yesterday will all live. I can’t speak for them doing much running, but they will live.”
The three friends continued through the woods towards the Kempery-man’s camp. “Thank you, Shane. Today Rayna and I must enter the Zabranen Forest. I will not lie to you, but I cannot tell you everything. We are both sick with a fever. There are Katori in the mountains that wish to help us, and those who wish to stop us. Neither group will take kindly to you or my men entering the forest. You’re correct. We all keep secrets.”
Shane nodded. “I understand.”
They continued in silence. Although Kai knew the heart of his men, he had to try to send them home. When they entered the camp, Drew stood off to one side, brooding silently. Kai had known Drew the longest. It would not be easy for Drew to leave Kai to the dangers for the Zabranen Forest. Dresnor’s posture was resolute, Redmon’s looked defensive. Albey was the only one who seemed relaxed. This would be difficult for all of them. They were all too close to recklessly leave one another’s life to fate.
Hands tucked into his pockets, Kai faced his friends. “I have spoken with Davi, and he assures me there are healers high on the mountain willing to help us, but only if we come alone. If we build trust with them, they may help us find Rayna’s parents. She is the reason they are even considering helping us. To them, she is Katori. She is one of them. They believe they know who her parents are.”
Their stern faces said enough. They were not interested in staying behind. Frustrated, Kai stepped back to take a moment. Maybe he should have left without saying goodbye. No, the guilt would have been too much, not to mention they would have hunted him down.
The smell of pine surrounded their little clearing. Smoke and wet ash filled his nostrils. Guilt welled in Kai’s stomach. What he needed to do was like kicking a loyal dog. Where he needed to go, they could not follow, and he needed to be sure they left.
“Dresnor, it would be best if you all returned to Diu. The captain of the Dragaron will wait until mid-morning. I have paid him well for his silence. He assures me that he can convince Dante that Rayna and I were his only passengers.”
Dresnor scoffed. “We came as your friends. Not as guards. I will not return without you.”
“I am not here to argue, Philip. I am ordering you home.” Kai took a breath. “We must go alone. When I do not return at the end of summer, my father will want an explanation. Once he learns you left me alone in the Zabranen Forest, he will be angry.”
“I for one will not go back without you,” Drew insisted.
“Davi believes we will be gone six months, maybe longer. The treatment must be administered daily over several months. As payment, once we are well enough, they request we work the land. I hope we can return to Diu by the Winter Festival. Please, I beg you to return on the ship. John, you have a family. Think of them. They need you. Surely you will see sense.”
His men were unwavering. Their steadfast loyalty did not surprise him. Still, Kai held his ground. Rayna stood back from the group, her head low; she did not make eye contact. Perspiration gathered on her forehead, and she sank to the ground. Shane offered her water to drink.
Kai rushed to her side. Heat coursed through his veins. Sweat dripped from his brow. Dresnor knelt next to them both. “Rayna, are you sure you can make it?”
Drew joined them. “Let us help you both. Please,” he begged.
“I wish you could, my friend.” Kai placed a hand on Drew’s arm, then he glanced around the group. His eyes pleaded silently with his men.
Kempery-man Redmon broke first. He offered a hand to Kai. “You are my friend, always. I want to stay, but I must obey my Prince. I will wait for your instructions in Diu. Get well, both of you.” He nodded to Rayna, and she smiled back.
Kempery-man Albey and Drew stepped forward next. Heads bowed, they offered a hand and said their goodbyes. With each man, Kai felt the prick of loyalty stab his heart. It was hard to lie to his friends, but it was for the best.
Kai reached for his pack and collected a stack of prewritten letters. “I wrote these letters. Shane, take one to Albey every month. Ask Kinnon to see them delivered to Diu. Shane, if any letters come for me, hold onto them until I can return. If I can send word through Davi, I will.”
Drew finally spoke up. “You give us little choice. I owe you my life. Are you sure I cannot stay, take my chances here? If I can be of service, I want to be close.”
Knowing the heart of each man, made being dishonest difficult. “Thank you, Drew. I appreciate your sacrifice. But this really is the only way. If you follow, they will not help us cure our fevers.”
“How far can we go?” Dresnor challenged.
Dresnor would not bend. He would push to go farther and farther each step of the way. Still, Kai and Rayna were out of time, they needed to get moving. “I was told you must turn back at the first waterfall.”
“Fair enough.” Dresnor motioned to the river. “I will travel with you to the first waterfall. We go due east. I will catch up with the rest of you in Diu. I can take a ship tomorrow from Albey.”
Drew angled around the group. “I see no reason why I cannot join you as well.”
Everything settled, they collected their gear and parted ways. Redmon and Albey headed to the ship, and Kai, Rayna, Drew, Dresnor, and Shane went into the forest.
Chapter 3
Waterfall Hunting
The sun crested the Katori Mountains, spilling warmth and light through the trees. Birds chirped, and animals scurried. It should have been a pleasant walk in the woods, but instead, Kai could feel the tension in his Kempery-man. Stress pulled at Dresnor’s shoulders and neck. There was little Kai could say to ease his mind, so he let the man ponder.
Drew, however, reminisced about old times, going on about Kai’s younger years. It took Kai back to simpler days. How he longed for the times when he ran through the palace courtyard or first learned to ride a horse. Back before responsibility and choices overwhelmed his everyday life, he laughed and played without a care.
The light conversation brought laughter to Rayna’s eyes. It was good to see her happy, given the s
tress and pain they were both under. Along the way, she plucked flowers and herbs, often waving them at Kai before tucking them into her leather pack.
As the area around them started to look familiar, some of the landmarks brought back memories. Kai had traveled this area last summer. A small glade of dogwoods and a trickling brook reminded him of the afternoon with Smoke and the alpha's pack. Later they passed a fallen hollow oak. Vines wormed up and over the massive trunk. The tree must have been hundreds of years old; now it lay decaying on the forest floor.
One lone redwood towered over all the other trees. Its massive trunk had to be twelve feet wide. This was one of the last remaining markers Kai could remember; from here he listed for the sounds of the first waterfall. The thunderous rush of water began to drown out the burbling river.
They were close. With each step, the pounding waterfalls grew louder. Kai anxiously though about how to convince Drew and Dresnor to return to Diu. He knew his friend would not turn back without a challenge.
Out of nowhere, he heard a rumble. Constant and steady, the mountain seemed to grumble at their approach. Kai looked to the others; they seemed unaware of the noise. The crashing waterfall thundered up ahead. He continued, not wanting to draw attention to something he could not explain.
The trees began to thin. Hot sunshine hit Kai’s scalp as the group stepped into the clearing. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and marveled at the tower of water rolling over the rocks. Before them was a curtain of water cascading down into a crystal-clear plunge pool. Mist splashed off the rocks, creating a delicate rainbow.
Observing their surroundings, Kai realized the moss-covered rock walls on either side were unclimbable. Kai craned his neck to look up. “That has to be at least thirty feet high.”
“Maybe higher,” Rayna added.