by A D Lombardo
Chapter 10
Pineapple Sage
Lost in a dream, Kai watched dawn’s rays dance across the white snow. The bitter cold wind burned his face. Squinting into a blinding snowstorm, he held his white crystal. It offered no warmth, but it reminded him why he was there. He searched for a man named Benmar, his grandfather. The snow-covered peaks of the Katori Mountains scraped at the sky. The shadow of a man preceded him in the storm.
Kai tripped over a rock and fell into the snow. When he stood up, he was alone. Through a cluster of ice-covered trees, he found a large cave opening. Inside the nothingness, something waited. Heat pulsed within the walls. Hot breath blew into his face. The walls came alive with ambient blue light, and he came face to face with two enormous amber eyes.
Startled awake, he sat up in his pod. His motion woke the flowers above his head and they bloomed with a faint glow. He looked near the doorway, searching for Smoke, but his wolf was not with him. Awake and restless he took a walk.
Up before dawn, Kai walked through the sprawling gardens deeper into the city. Crickets sang in the night. The occasional owl hoot echoed in the trees. While he meandered, he gleaned Haygan’s tree. Everyone was fast asleep. Across the way, he saw a figure.
She waved.
“Senina. You’re up early.” Kai clutched his hands behind his back.
He caught the scent of pineapple. The full moon shone down from above, its ambient blue light caressing her face. Her bent frame hovered over a bush. Again, the breeze carried the smell of pineapple. He sniffed the air. The aroma was undeniable. Senina’s long delicate fingers stroked the plant.
“Glean,” she instructed. “See its growth.”
Kai watched streams of energy pour into a small but growing bush. Dust particles of power fell from her hand. Light from the soil infused the plants roots. Only the tiniest bits of energy trickled from stones around the plant. Her green heart-shaped crystal glowed as it dangled from her neck.
Amazed, Kai watched. Stems lengthened. New leaves unfurled. Around the tips of the tallest stalks, tubular scarlet-red flowers bloomed. Captivated by the smell and the mystical growth, he found himself crouched beside Senina. He blinked away the magic of gleaning. His eyes beheld the new plant.
Senina curved her graceful neck around to address Kai. “Smells wonderful, don’t you think?” She stood and leaned into his shoulder.
“Smells like pineapple. Doesn’t look like a pineapple, but the scent...” He paused to stroke the leaves as she had done. The aroma bloomed anew.
“It is a very versatile herb, but its fragrance is the most surprising. The vibrant red flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. They grow all summer long and bloom come fall. We cannot always wait for the plant to be ready. I need to collect some for my mother. Can you help me?” she asked.
“I suppose I can help for a moment,” Kai said, feeling uncomfortable with her closeness.
Senina opened a green velvet pouch. “Pinch off the flowers and a few of the top leaves like this.” She demonstrated.
He plucked the flowers and dropped them into her bag. The pineapple smell drifted around them. After picking a few leaves, he took one and waved it under his nose. “I can’t get over the scent. Pineapple, from this little plant.”
“Here, take some with you.” She plucked a cluster of leaves near the end of a stem.
He gladly accepted the offered leaves and tucked them into his pocket. Over his shoulder, he caught beams of sunlight crawling across the land. The sun’s earliest rays pushed against the black night sky. Reds and oranges burned away the purple. Yellow light announced the impending arch of the sun.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Senina wrapped her arm around Kai’s elbow. Standing, she turned them toward the sunrise.
“It is indeed.” Kai agreed. “This open landscape allows you to see so much more. At home in Diu, there are buildings, walls, and trees. I never see a wide view of the horizon.”
Captivated by the view, he leaned into Senina. She smiled up at him. “From this hill, you can almost see the entire Hiowind city.”
“I studied geography, and I know Katori is extensive. But there is no information about your cities or villages. I find it difficult to believe there are only four tribal cities.”
Senina curved around to face Kai. “Oh no, there are many cities. The Hiowind city stretches along the mountain foothills. There are even a few Hiowind villages near the white cliffs. Like Diu, there are many settlements. Port Anahita is part of Diu as is Chenowith and Albey. They are individual towns, but they are still citizens of Diu.”
“True, I see your point. What makes one tribe different from the next?”
She paused to consider his question. “You know, I’ve never thought about it. At one point, it was where you lived. And there is a bit of inflection in how we speak from one region to the next. Centuries ago, each tribe claimed a region, but as we grew, the different groups overlapped, and we comingled.
“We all live in trees or caves. I would say the Gemidi are a little different; they are more carefree and tend to wander. I guess that is why they have no Agora. There are three Agoras…well, two. Centuries ago, an earthquake destroyed the Matoku’s Agora. It was built on a rocky cliff near a small waterfall, and the Agora collapsed into the ground. Not sure why they never repaired the old one. They built a replacement, but it is half the size of ours. And since their sacred pool was never blessed by Alenga’s creation, their young people come here or go to the coast. Most young people do not put off completing their Conhaspriga to the last moment, as you did.” She grinned.
This surprised Kai. “So, there is more than one Agora. But only one crystal mountain, right?”
Senina nodded. “Correct. There is only one crystal mountain. Every young person comes here for their stone but can choose to return to their home Agora for Alenga’s blessing. The other working Agora is near the center of the Kahoma tribal cities, near the shore.”
All their history fascinated Kai—the richness of their culture, and the freedom to comingle regardless of their origins.
Out of the corner of his eye, Kai caught Simone’s silhouette in a gazebo. Haygan faced her. They were too far away for Kai to know what they were saying, but he could tell by their posture it was serious. As Simone talked, his uncle cupped his face and fell to his knees in front of her. Kai wanted to go to them but he held back, watching. To his delight, Haygan leaned forward and kissed her stomach.
A sense of joy washed over Kai. He could only assume it meant Simone was pregnant. Feeling embarrassed he had intruded on their special moment, he backed away. “Senina, I really need to go. Thank you for the history lesson.”
He darted back toward Haygan and Simone’s home. Shiva prowled around their vegetable patch. Rayna collected blackberries and apples in her basket. Kai stopped to help her carry her baskets. “Have you seen Simone and Haygan this morning?” Kai asked.
“I have not,” Rayna responded. “They left on a walk around dawn. Oh, there they are. I see them coming down the path.”
Kai turned to see Simone in her flowy blue dress holding hands with Haygan. The expression on their faces was pure joy. When they got close, Haygan put his arms around Simone. “We have an announcement to make. Tell them, Simone.”
Simone rubbed her belly. “We are pregnant,” she beamed from ear to ear. “I am due in late autumn or early winter.”
Rayna ran to Simone and wrapped her in a hug. “Congratulations!”
While the two women whispered and giggled, Kai shook Haygan’s hand. “Congratulations, uncle. Does this mean you are finished in Diu? Home in Katori for good?”
The expression on Haygan’s face was not what Kai expected. Even Simone stopped her chatter to wait for his response. “I wish I was finished. But I made promises I must keep. I have sent for new horses, three young foals and three stallions from Bangloo. They will arrive early autumn, and I must see them to Diu.”
Kai bit the side of his lip. “You
will be cutting it kind of close—don’t you think?”
Simone pursed her lips, but then rubbed Haygan’s arm. “I would not ask him to break his word. But he promised to put in word he would not be returning.” She raised an eyebrow as if to confirm this was still true.
“Yes, dear. I will put in notice. I am done splitting my life between Katori and Diu. You are my life.”
Chapter 11
The Hiowind Tribe
The following afternoon, Kai hoisted a newly repaired windmill blade up a ladder. Rayna covered her eyes to shield them from the bright sunshine. A chord within Kai hummed. The sensation curled the corner of his mouth. He knew Smoke was near. He arched his back to watch Smoke exit the tree line on the distant hillside. The awareness between them was something Kai had learned to cherish.
The wind blade secure, Kai slid down the outer ladder rails and took Rayna’s hand. “Smoke is here!”
They crossed the vegetable patch and went into the tall grasses. The wind playfully swirled the stalks. Wildflowers lifted their heads to the sunshine. Kai pointed as Smoke circled the lake, his black fur gleaming in the midday sun. For a moment, Smoke stopped. He turned and looked back.
A dark figure stepped through the trees into the sun. Ryker. Kai shook his head. Did the man own anything besides black? He reminded Kai of Riome with their wardrobe choices. Two loners, hiding in the shadows, trying to go unnoticed.
Rayna brought him back with the squeeze of her hand. Kai felt the powerful connection between him and Smoke. His wolf cleared the far corner of the lake and hopped into the meadow. The grass and flowers tickled his belly. Smoke bounced kangaroo-like around Kai and Rayna. He could not restrain his excitement.
Kai patted the air with his hand, and Smoke calmed. Kai knelt on one knee and rubbed Smoke’s neck and head. Smoke greeted him with several licks across the face. For a wolf, Smoke was quite affectionate. Their bond was strong. It felt good to be reunited with his companion.
Ryker made the long walk around the lake. Kai offered his hand. “Thank you for bringing Smoke here to Katori. I can’t tell you how much it means to me.”
Ryker nodded. “He’s is a good companion. Smart. Now that Smoke knows the way, he can show you the entrances on both sides. Mind you, the maze changes, so you will need your wits and sight to glean the path. A person could easily get lost in the ever-changing twists and turns between here and Diu. Best to travel at night, when the Stoneking Guardians make fewer changes.”
“What do you mean, changes?” Kai asked. “Like what we saw before?”
“The path is a series of corridors through the mountain. Farther south than the path you take to the waterfalls and through Alenga’s Mountain. This route was created for Guardians and other Katori people to come and go as needed. Take the wrong one, and you’re lost for days. Small quakes tell you the Stonekings are making changes. I find it best to run. That way I never have to double back should their changes close my selected route.”
“When is the best time of year to make the crossing?” Kai asked.
“Each winter, the pass fills with snow,” Ryker explained. “Come early spring, it is a raging river, which feeds many of the lakes around Katori. After the big melt, the water subsides to a trickle. Then it is safe to travel.”
“It means a lot to know there is another way to come and go. I appreciate the information.” Kai shook Ryker’s hand.
Haygan approached them from the lake, fishing gear in hand. “Ryker, you’re back.” The two men clasped arms. “Thank you, by the way, for defending my nephew. Means more than you know.”
Ryker nodded, and Haygan took the hint. They walked a good distance away. Kai wondered what they spoke about, but quickly let it go in exchange for Smoke’s pestering. Although it had only been two days, Smoke acted like it had been a lifetime.
Shiva bounded from the tree line, running in their direction. Rayna joined in the fun, laughing at Smoke’s antics. She rubbed his shiny coat. “Someone is happy that we are all back together.”
Tall grass swayed in the breeze. Kai nodded and lay down in the meadow, and Rayna rested her head on his stomach. Together they watched the white-willowy clouds drift across the sky. Smoke tramped around the area with Shiva. For the first time since they’d arrived, Kai felt a sense of home.
◆◆◆
They quickly eased into Katori life. Rayna often attended the botany lectures, while Kai tended towards the mind and body movement classes. Their centuries-old techniques were very similar to the ones Riome had taught him, although occasionally, he learned something new. While the movements appeared to be slow, gentle postures, he knew that with study and practice, they could quickly become a form of combat. It was these lessons Kai found most useful.
This evening, Kai joined Ryker and Haygan in one corner of the Agora. They practiced moving meditation with a group of young boys and a few other men. Their instructor was an older man named Basil. Streaks of gray littered his black hair. Yet his skin remained youthful. His mannerisms and tone demonstrated wisdom. He was muscular and broad in the shoulders. Kai studied the man’s eyes. Windows to the soul.
To the young ones, Basil offered instruction. “We begin tonight with soft movement.” Basil began moving his arms, his fluid movements controlled and precise. The group stood in five rows and repeated the same actions. Older men who knew the routine moved in unison with Basil. The younger boys were a step or two behind.
“Focus. Your movements should be controlled. Each motion should flow into the next. They are not rigid, quick moves.”
Basil continued to stretch and twist. His muscular hands cupped the air as they rose, then folded together, pressed in prayer, and came to his core. Palm up, he guided one hand out to his side. He followed the same action with the opposite hand.
In a low tone, Basil spoke. “Quiet your mind. Let go of the distractions that pull at you. Listen. Alenga speaks in whispers.”
There were too many worries that pulled on Kai. He knew it. His brother Seth’s sad boyish face weighed heavy on his heart. Kai had left with little explanation, only a promise to return. A commitment he hoped to honor. Still, Seth was broken-hearted by the departure.
He also worried about Riome sailing the open seas with his father. Disguised as a cabin boy, he knew she would do everything she could to protect King Iver. Before leaving Diu, she told him she intended to learn Nola’s true intentions, counter any poisonous potions, and undo Nola’s hypnotic spell.
Yes, his mind was loud. He took a deep breath with the next movement, then released it slow and even. Focused on the moment, he felt his mind let the troubles fade. His body moved in harmony with Basil. Again, this new place felt like home. Peaceful.
Everyone followed Basil’s beginner moves. Most of the group moved in unison, and Basil repeated the base moves. Then Kai spotted a change. The moves increased in complexity. Balance-challenging poses worked Kai’s core. Basil shifted his posture. A grin curled the corner of his mouth as he lowered into a deep squat.
Basil shifted one leg out straight, his toe pointed away, his body perched over the bent knee. Arms outstretched for balance, Basil held his pose. His grin was rewarded with the toppling of three young boys.
“Balance and control. Use your core muscles. Find your center.” Basil held his pose while the boys regained their posture. “Don’t forget to breathe.” He moved into the next position. Again, they fell to the side. “Try a simpler pose, boys.”
Basil altered his stance. The boys found that easier. “Next time, pull up into the more challenging pose. Ease back if you must, but always push forward to strengthen your body and mind.”
Each pose flowed into the next, meant to work the core. High leg lifts, sweeping arm movements, and warrior poses worked the extremities. Pose combinations slowly flowed one into another, first increasing in complexity then melding into simplicity. Riome had worked many of these same movements into their rotation.
Her methods taught him balance. She insiste
d on precise yet fluid movements. Focused on the flow, you freed the mind. Many of those same movements were applied in the art of defensive fighting. Riome’s lessons served him well in following Basil.
The practice reminded him of home. Kai wondered about his friends. They each risked their families and their reputations to help him across Baden Lake, then returned against their better judgment. Their sacrifice made it possible for him to pursue his desires; a choice, he hoped, would lead him to his mother. It plagued him not knowing their fates.
Kai would need to speak with Haygan. He wanted to find a way to get news to Dresnor that he and Rayna were safe and healthy. His father would want to hear something before summer ended. Plus, it would be good to know if there was any fallout from his departure.
Dante might be livid they borrowed his ship, but Kai was sure the Grand Duke would be more concerned he left Diu and his men abandoned their posts. All things considered, Kai was thankful the vessel had not been severely damaged in the crossing. At least Cazier was aware of where they had gone. Hopefully, his cousin could soften the tension Kai’s unapproved absence would create.
Again, his mind took over his focus. Fortunately, Basil took them through a series of cool-down moves, similar to the beginning. A delicate night breeze brought the scent of honeysuckle. Kai’s mind returned to his meditation movements. Basil concluded his body, mind, and spirit workout with a bow to the group. The group returned the sentiment, bowing to their teacher. Finished, the young boys ran to Basil, happy they were old enough to attend his nightly practice.
Watching Basil, Kai sensed a humble man. If Kai were to find a teacher, he could not go wrong with Basil. The blue crystal around his neck said he was a Beastmaster. Surely, he would be a good fit. There was no way to know if Benmar would take him.
Unsure about his own gift, Kai fingered the white crystal that hung around his neck. Although he had a knack with animals, there was no guarantee that would be his gift. Kai needed to select a mentor. He shook his head as he left the Agora. Soon. Soon he would select someone. He felt called to Benmar, but was unsure given he was Keegan’s father. Would he be a good fit?