by A D Lombardo
Inch by inch, they navigated the narrow lip of their route. Sounds of roaring rapids echoed through the forest. The ground evened out into a rounded knoll. Through the trees and the fading sunlight, Kai caught hints of whitewater rapids.
With head pounding, Kai stopped. Rayna offered him some water. “You alright?”
He didn’t want to think about how much he needed to rest. “Let’s keep going.”
Again, he reached out to Smoke. His energy pinged off the wolves. They had already found another way up and were actually above them. Confident he and Rayna could discover the same route, they ventured away from the river along the rolling knoll. It was a risk, but one he was willing to make given the wolves’ location.
As they went, the sounds of the river faded and were replaced with new noises echoing from the treetops—the hoots and squeaks from the unseen creatures of the night. The wind brushed past Kai’s face and he wished it were colder. His body was being consumed by terrible fever. His shirt drenched in sweat, he marched along the narrowing path. Rayna was two steps ahead of him. Her pace was quick.
“Do you hear that?” Kai called to her. “It’s water. There must be a small stream ahead of us. We should stop there. Get something to drink. Maybe rest.”
Rayna nodded in agreement and continued. Crowded with trees and rocks, the narrowing path twisted and turned. Hopeful, they followed the curve around the rock face. The route narrowed again. They were forced to walk single file, Rayna ahead of Kai. He ducked under a low tree branch and turned to edge around another limb. The ground narrowed again, forcing them to sidestep along a small ledge.
“Our light is fading. Scaling these uneven ledges and knolls at night is probably a mistake. When we reach the stream, we should make camp.”
“I could use a break,” Rayna called back.
Kai studied the slope below. The ground below was starting to angle up, and the grade was leveling. He could only hope when it did level off, there would be a shift back toward the waterfall. “Tell me you can see the end? We have to be close.” He asked.
“I wish I could, it is too dark to see far,” she replied. “Just keep moving.”
As the ground widened, an uneasy feeling swept over Kai. His muscles tensed. Behind them, he heard a noise…the deep grunt of a man, followed by a clank of metal scraping against stone. The sound startled Kai and he spun to face their pursuer.
Distracted, he lost his footing and tumbled down the rocky vine-covered embankment. A plum of dust puffed in his face. Barbs scratched his arms. He landed with a thud. Darkness clouded Kai’s mind and threatened his vision. He grabbed his swirling head. Dizzy, Kai tried to open his eyes. His skin burned hotter than before. Blood dripped from various gashes on his body. He coughed hoarsely as his consciousness began to fade.
◆◆◆
Rayna saw Dresnor step around the tree limb. “What are you doing here?” she scolded him. Her exhaustion sparked a tone she always kept in check.
“I came to help you!” Dresnor shouted. “Kai, are you alright?”
Dresnor stepped towards the embankment, intent on climbing down to help the prince.
“Stop,” Rayna yelled, spotting the foliage. “You cannot go that way.” She pointed to the bramble vines intertwined with red fluted flowers. “Those are called dragon’s breath. The flowers are poisonous. We must continue this way, find another way down.”
She remembered Kai’s strange request after a fitful night’s rest. He had asked her to research a plant called dragon’s breath, and now she knew why. He knew this moment would happen and she would be left to decide what to do.
She hurried along to a spot where the ground leveled off and merged with the gully below. When she reached Kai’s side, his exposed skin was covered in large red welts. Dresnor fell in beside them and reached out to touch Kai. Rayna smacked his hand away.
“Kai. Listen to me. You are covered in poisonous sap. You have to remove your clothes before we can help you.”
Rayna watched Kai’s hands tremble as he removed his pack, coat, boots, shirt, and pants. When he gasped for air, she knew it was becoming difficult to breathe, and she noticed his eyes rolled back in his head, and he collapsed just as he pulled the shirt from over his shoulders.
Rayna pulled a cloth from her pack and tore it into four large strips. “Wrap these around your hands,” she instructed Dresnor. “Drag him into the stream.”
Dresnor wrapped his hands and grabbed Kai from behind, just under his armpits, and pulled him through the ferns. The prince’s eyes fluttered open when the freezing water enveloped his legs and back. His body tensed in the rushing water. He began to wheeze. His breathing became ragged.
“Wash the oils from his skin. Keep him in the river while I make a fire.” Her terse tone spoke volumes. She was angry.
In the fading light, she searched the area for branches and twigs. From her pack, she gathered burlap, oil, and flint. She cleared the ground and made a fire. With a pot of water set in the flames, she ran to Kai’s side.
Kai was covered in scratches and welts. His one eye was swollen shut and he was gasping for air. Rayna lowered her ear in front of his face to listen to his breathing. She heard Kai try to speak. With her hand wrapped in cloth, she wiped cold water across his inflamed skin. She lowered her ear to his face to listen again to his labored wheezing.
“The tea will take too long,” she whispered. Tears streaked down her face. What could she do? She had to help. Could she heal him?
“What tea could cure this?” Dresnor begged.
“We cannot have come this far to fail here,” she pleaded, looking up into the dark trees. “Alenga, please help me. Help him.”
She closed her eyes and delved deep within her soul. She thought of how much she loved Kai. She searched for the strength inside herself. Barehanded, she pressed on his chest and channeled her internal power into Kai. She pushed him down under the water and held him in place. White light emanated from her palms.
“What in the name of Alenga?” Dresnor gasped.
Rayna felt her magic pulse through her hands and into Kai’s chest. The welts shrank and he sprang upright gasping for air—then he passed out.
“Drag him from the water,” Rayna ordered. “When he wakes, I will have the tea ready.”
Dresnor did as she instructed. “What are you?” he asked. “How did you heal him? That was not natural.”
“You know very little about the things around you,” Rayna scoffed in frustration. “The storm on the ship, did you think that was natural? You were there, you saw what we did. Can you explain that?”
“I did. Not that I believe it, but yes, I saw. And no, I cannot explain it. But it’s not like I even know what to ask either of you,” he shot back with a tone of frustration all his own.
“Why are you here?” Rayna demanded. “We told you to go back. This is all your fault. We were doing fine until you came along.”
“I came to help!” Dresnor barked. “I didn’t mean for Kai to fall. How is this my fault? Don’t turn this around on me. Besides, if you can heal those welts and help his breathing, why not heal your fevers?”
Rayna gulped. She knew their fever was nothing she could cure with an herb or her touch. “Don’t you think I would if I could?” she snapped bitterly.
Dresnor dropped a log on their growing fire. “Why are you yelling at me? I came to protect you both.”
“How did you even find us? We have been all over this mountain.”
“It wasn’t easy, but I am an excellent tracker. At one point, your trail completely disappeared.”
She knew all too well where they had been. Deep under the ground, their real path was now covered by stone and earth. Sealed as if the deep canyon had never been there. “Kai told you to go home.”
The Kempery-man slumped near the fire. “You know I didn’t mean any harm.”
“And yet here we are,” she continued to poke at him.
“This is not like you, Rayna. You have n
ever addressed me with such disregard. Are you sure you’re alright?”
Rayna could barely contain her emotions. She was exhausted and scared, so she took it out on Dresnor. “You should not have followed us!” Part of her wanted to go back home and forget about their magic, let the gift burn out, but then she thought of Kai’s mother. She would give anything to know her birth mother—helping him save his was the least she could do.
Dresnor reared back. “I know it has been a long day, and we are all exhausted. You should get some rest. I will watch over you and Kai...”
◆◆◆
When Kai awoke, he was wrapped in a blanket. To his surprise, he was able to open both eyes. The welts on his hands were smaller and only a little burned. Along the periphery of their small camp lay Smoke with the alpha and his pack.
Kai cleared his throat. “Can I get something to drink?” he rasped.
Rayna rushed to his side and offered him some of the tea she’d made. It tasted mellow and green, followed by a sweet clove and lemon flavor. He sipped slowly and finished the cup. “What am I drinking?” he asked, trying to sound positive.
“Stinging nettle tea mixed with honey and wild lemon vine. Lemon vine is a yellow and blue flower with a purple fluted center, it grows here in the forest. The stinging nettle and honey I brought from home. You once asked me to research the dragon’s breath—good thing, too. I knew to keep you cold until I could make the tea.” She winked at him.
It had been a good thing. Without Rayna’s knowledge of the plant and its cure, he might have died tonight.
Refilling Kai’s cup, she turned to Dresnor. “Philip, I believe I owe you an apology. I know you only wanted to help. We are fortunate Alenga heard my prayer. If I hadn’t found those flowers on the way here, Kai would have died.”
Dresnor nodded and stroked his beard. “Seems I owe you an apology, too. I should have trusted you both. I was sure without me you would not make it to the Katori mountain camp. I have spent years protecting the prince, but I forgot how capable he is on his own. Now I may have jeopardized your entire trip. If it is as you say, they may be watching you right now. With me here, they will never help you.”
Rayna let her hands fall into her lap. “There’s no use crying over it now. But you must go back come first light,” she insisted.
Dresnor nodded. “Agreed. And I don’t think you a witch. I will not report what I saw. We’ve all heard tales of healers. Who am I to question how Alenga works?”
“Witch? I have never heard this word before. What does it mean?” Rayna glanced between both men.
“It is an old forgotten term. A label given to people said to perform unexplained acts. In stories, they are usually wicked creatures. A rare few were good. Nothing for you to worry about.” Dresnor closed his eyes to rest.
With the air cleared between them, they settled in for the night.
Chapter 6
Relentless Guardians
Come dawn, Kai awoke, stiff but feeling somewhat better. He scanned the campsite; Rayna slept to his right, Smoke and the wild wolves sat within the tree line, and Dresnor stood in the shadows. “I am surprised you’re still here,” Kai rose, holding his weary head.
“I was about to leave without saying goodbye.” Dresnor turned to face Kai. “I made a real mess of things last night, sneaking up on you. When my blade scraped the stone, and you fell, I knew it was a mistake.” Disappointment and shame warped Dresnor’s face. “I just thought if I could keep my distance, I could follow you the entire way, with no one the wiser. I’d know you were safe, and you’d feel you’d made it on your own.”
Kai approached his friend. “After everything we’ve been through, you know I can take care of myself. You trained me well, Philip.”
“I did, but it is my duty to protect you. I could never forgive myself if something happened.”
“We will be fine. Trust me. Now go home, Dresnor. For real this time.” Kai shook his friend’s hand and he watched him slip out of camp with barely a sound.
Next to the faded fire sat his boots. They looked wet. Amongst the trees, he noticed a taut line with his damp clothes blowing in the morning breeze.
Sweat dripped down Kai’s temple. Still consumed with fever, he knew they had little time left. He raked his knuckles across the short stubble along his chin. They had rested enough, and now they needed to get going. He got dressed and tugged at Rayna. “Time to get up.”
She rolled over, her sweaty hair stuck to her face. Her clothes were drenched in sweat. She opened her weary eyes and sat up. “Good morning. Where is Dresnor?”
“He left. We are on our own now.”
“I washed the oils from your clothes, boots, and the outside of your pack last night. They should be safe now,” she assured him.
“Thank you, by the way, for saving my life.”
She blushed. “If you had not asked me to research the plant, I would not have known what to do.”
“No, not the plant and the cold water. You—you healed me. I felt your magic wash over me. My airway was closing, and you saved me.”
Overwhelmed, Rayna hugged him, and Kai held her close. “We should get going.” He let her step back. “I think we’re getting close.”
◆◆◆
It was a pleasant morning. Birds were chirping, and golden sunlit rays trickled through the trees. Rayna collected their belongings while Kai dowsed the fire and collected water from the stream to refill their canteens. They broke camp and went up the rolling slope to the east. It wasn’t long before they heard the roaring waterfall. The sound was loud and clear. Smoke and the other wolves spread out around the path.
Kai and Rayna entered the clearing of the third waterfall. A veil of water poured over the cliffs from above. From where they stood, they could not even see the top. Billowing mist floated on the air above the plunge pool. Astonished by the staggering height, Kai pointed. “Look at how tall it is. What, maybe two hundred feet? I can’t even see the top through all this vapor.”
Thrilled they had finally made it, Rayna giggled with delight. “We did it! Now what?”
Above them swooped three oversized eagles. Four black shuks bounded from stone to stone to cross the plunge pool, their black fur shimmering in the sunlight. Their silver eyes reflected the light. Kai and Rayna stepped away from the horse-sized creatures back towards the tree line. Smoke growled in response. The alpha and his pack surged to the front, ears angled slightly back. They bared their teeth and snarled. The shuk growled and barked in return.
“Beastmaster Guardians,” Kai pulled Rayna behind him.
“How do you know?” Rayna asked, staying close to him.
“A feeling. I have communicated with Haygan and Sabastian in beast form. There is wisdom in their eyes and a strong feeling of power. It tickles my spine and pricks at my senses. Must be a Beastmaster thing, I am not sure.”
Downstream came two leopards, and a black bear came bounding in their direction.
Rayna dropped her pack, then turned and ran. Kai chased after her. Her speed was intense as she dodged swaying trees, leaped rocks, and climbed a low embankment. As the ground evened out, she increased her speed. Rayna was fast for a Katori, but Kai was faster. He was right behind her and closing in fast.
“Rayna, stop, please!” He grabbed her arm and jerked.
They rolled into a heap and crashed into a cluster of ferns.
“We cannot run away,” Kai heaved.
“I’m done fighting.” Rayna’s tears ran down her face. “Let’s go home. This means more to the elders than it does to me. My parents abandoned me—why should I care who they are or why they left? I don’t need the Katori powers.” She sobbed louder.
Before Kai could console her, the Guardians were on top of them. They’d stalked them from the falls. Kai and Rayna were surrounded. Kai dumped his backpack and pulled his sword from his hip. Smoke and the other wolves formed a circle around the couple.
One shuk edged ahead, bumping into the others. Kai
looked up into the shuk’s large eyes; he had never noticed the various shades of silver around their black pupils. Some were bright and reflective, while others were muted gray. Standing this close, he could feel the heat of the animal’s breath on his face. It was a massive creature, bigger than the others. Face to face with the beast, he was surprised to feel a sense of pride as the creature lowered its head.
Kai had seen these creatures before. His uncle Haygan had the ability to transform into a shuk, but this was not his uncle. Kai was unsure what to do. Remembering his uncle’s words to be brave, he stood his ground and waited.
Angrily, the shuk leader growled and barked. Thunder reverberated in its voice. It snarled once more, mere inches from Kai’s face.
Kai stood firm and showed no fear. The creature tilted its head and seemed to study Kai’s posture, then it began to circle Kai and Rayna. Kai stood firm. The entire group fell silent, waiting to see what it would do. It made a slow circle and then came to stand next to Kai. “So, I have a friend among the Guardians?”
You do—Kai heard a familiar voice in his head. Ryker. To Kai’s great relief, the shuk that was Ryker stepped forward, crouched, and snarled at the other Guardians.
“Thank you for standing with me,” Kai whispered as he carefully watched the remaining Beastmasters consider the shift.
Then the eagles screeched from their perches on the nearby rocks as another eagle swooped in behind Kai. Its gold wingtips caught the sun’s rays trickling through the treetops—Sabastian.
Kai dared not breathe. Ryker and Sabastian joining his ranks evened the odds a bit, but they were still outnumbered, and he did not know what to expect. He pulled Rayna to her feet, and she drew the short sword from her hip.