by A D Lombardo
Kai walked home in the darkness. The occasional blue and white crystals provided ambient lighting along the path. The white marble was still warm under his feet. The sounds of crickets and frogs hypnotized him with their charm. Ahead he saw Smoke cut through the grass towards Haygan’s treehouse.
Behind him, he heard the pitter-patter of bare feet rushing to catch up with him. “Beautiful night,” Senina whispered on the wind.
“You are out late,” Ciera added.
“Can we walk with you?” Linnea asked.
“Certainly, ladies, though I don’t have far to go. I believe you live back near the Agora. What brings you down this way?” he asked, already knowing the answer.
Linnea bowed respectfully. “We came to extend an offer.”
Ciera leaned into his arm. “Ask you, if you have selected…”
“…a teacher,” Senina concluded, grabbing his other arm.
He shook his head at the round-robin way they spoke. It was as if they shared one mind with three voices. “I have received many offers these past few days. Thank you for yours, but I am not sure who I will choose. Basil is a possibility.”
Linnea stepped ahead of them. “Well, there is no rush.”
“We are patient and understanding.” Senina circled in front of him, pushing her sister out of the way.
Kai stopped to keep from bumping into Senina. Ciera poked her finger into his chest. “You could do worse in selecting your first mentor.”
Senina stepped forward inches from his face. “We’ve had three teachers.”
Annoyed, Kai stepped around Senina. “I hate to rush off, but it is late. Thank you again. I will certainly consider your offer.” He wanted distance. Room to breathe.
Senina reached for his shoulder. “We leave tomorrow for the coast.”
“Come with us,” Ciera begged.
“There is much more to see in Katori,” Linnea assured him.
Kai hesitated. He wanted to see the shore, maybe even travel to the Mystic Islands, but he had to stay focused. He needed to find a teacher so he could hone his powers and save his mother. “Sounds lovely, but I have much to do here before I begin to explore Katori. Thank you, ladies. Goodnight.” He dashed off before they could say more.
When Kai reached Haygan’s home, the stairwell was just starting to dim after his uncle’s ascent. Quickly he climbed the spiral vine-covered tunnel. Flowers and vines bloomed around him. At the top, he found everyone perched on cushions around a central illuminated blue crystal. The main pod was aglow with white and blue flowers.
Rayna motioned him over. “Kai, your uncle was just saying he and Simone are traveling higher into the mountains for some alone time.”
Simone placed her hands over Rayna’s shoulders. “I know you two have only been here a short while, and we hate to leave you, but we could use some time to ourselves.”
“When do you leave?” Kai asked.
Rayna blushed. “First light, after meditation and breakfast. They are all packed.”
Their sudden plans shook Kai. He looked to Haygan. “How long will you be gone?”
His aunt and uncle glanced at each other as if they had not even thought about how long. “Till the end of summer?” Simone answered, but sounded unsure.
“I am sorry,” Haygan tilted his head, “time is less important here. But both of you should focus on finding teachers. Kai, as I mentioned the other day again, you should seek out Benmar. I told you he lives near the top of the Katori Mountains. Ryker will be happy to lead you.”
It was difficult to argue with his uncle. Kai had dreamed of a snowy climb several times in the past week. He knew it was where he would find Benmar. He folded his arms around his chest. “I know…”
“It’s settled then,” Haygan said with a chuckle. “Simone and I will leave after morning meditation. You both will be fine. Get to bed, you two.” Haygan escorted Simone up the stairwell.
Swiftly, Rayna tugged Kai by the hand. Outside her pod, she stopped to watch Simone and Haygan continue up the spiral staircase. Kai craned his neck to see them disappear out of sight. Patiently he waited for the motion-sensitive flowers to dim in the wake of their departure.
Alone in the ambient flower light, they waited for the house to grow silent. Rayna stifled a giggle welling in her stomach. Kai grinned and brushed the side of her arm. With each move, the flowers around them bloomed with renewed light. How he wished they would stay out.
Excited to finally be alone, Kai stepped toward Rayna. His hand cupped the side of her face. She stretched upwards and tilted her head. He leaned to kiss her. As their lips neared, Shiva and Smoke burst between them, separating their closeness. “Smoke. Shiva. Really?” Kai scolded.
Rayna laughed. She shoved him in the stomach and turned to go to bed. Kai grabbed her by the arm and pulled her back. “Not so fast.” He gave her a tender kiss and spun her back on her way.
Content, Kai went to his pod and fell into bed, staring at the fading flowers. His insides brimmed with excitement.
Chapter 12
Deception
It had been weeks since Kai’s aunt and uncle left, and still, he had not made a decision about Benmar. He honestly could not fathom what was holding him back. Moonlight splashed over the meadow. Smoke ran through the wildflowers; his black fur showed a hint of blue in the glimmer. Leaves fluttered on the wind. Kai gazed at the star-filled sky, enjoying his quiet stroll. The early hours before dawn were peaceful and quiet, a time he relished exploring the community with his wolf companion.
Along the rolling valley, homes tucked up in the canopies of the Bodhima trees began to glow. People were waking to gather in the Agora for meditation. Dawn would be upon them soon. It was the start of a new day.
From his viewpoint, another cluster of lights in the eastern foothills began to glow. Dim, barely noticeable lights. It was the Matoku city highland tribe; a group he wanted to meet once he learned they were Ryker’s people. Knowing what he knew of Ryker, they could not be the simple backwoods people the Hiowind tribe depicted.
Not wanting to be late, Kai whistled for Smoke. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught the silhouette of a woman—Senina. She was alone. He was surprised to see her without her sisters.
She approached and looped her hand around the crux of his arm. Nervous about the closeness, Kai tried to step away and put some distance between them. He looked around the gardens. Senina’s grip tightened, and she stepped closer. “Are you enjoying the fresh air?” she asked coyly.
“Where are your sisters?” Kai asked, avoiding her question. “Linnea and Ciera will be missing you in the Agora.” He started to walk back through the meadow, eager to find Rayna.
“They will save me a spot. I wanted to be alone with you. This seems to be the only time to find you by yourself.”
“Please, Senina.” He found himself at a loss for words that would not offend her. “We have to stop meeting like this.”
“I simply want to know you. I mean no harm.” Her tone was seductive. “I want to know more about your life in Diu. We never left Katori, my sisters and I, before the Conhaspriga. I have studied geography like you, but I have never left Katori.”
“You were never curious about the outside world?” he asked as they continued.
“I was curious, but there is so much to love about our world, our simple way of life. We are about community, not about personal possessions and advancements. Here we have no clocks—I believe you call them. Timekeepers. We have no need. The sun tells us when to rise and when to sleep.”
Kai shook his head in agreement. “I have to admit your way of life is inviting. There is harmony here, that is true. Although, given the guardian training I have attended, it makes me wonder what they are preparing for.”
She gently patted his arm. “There is wisdom in being vigilant. We are not alone in the world. Not everyone believes in living off the land, living in harmony. Greed can consume even the most faithful.”
Kai wondered how his
uncle managed to live in two worlds. “It is difficult to reconcile the two different ways of living. They both have value, and given the time, you would get used to both.”
“Tell me of Diu,” Senina crooned. “Or Port Anahita. I have heard of those places. What are they like? Which is your favorite?”
“While I love my home in Diu, Port Anahita’s beaches are stunning. There is a town near Diu, Henley, which I enjoy visiting. Although if I had to pick a favorite, Chenowith is a very picturesque city nestled in the foothills.”
Senina curled in close as they walked, ever-attentive to his every word. Her hand gently rubbed his arm. “What do you think of the Hiowind Tribe?”
Kai thought of the welcome he’d received so far. “People are people. They are the same everywhere.”
“What do you think of me?” she interrupted him.
Caught off guard by the question, Kai hesitated in his response. “Senina, you are very sweet, but I am…” He stumbled through his answer.
A few yards from the main walkway, Senina stopped. Kai watched the stragglers slip into the dimly illuminated Agora. A tightness clutched at Kai’s stomach. Senina stepped in front of him, her face close to his.
“Kai, I am interested in you. Let me be honest, I wish you to be mine.”
Senina leaned in close, her head tilted to kiss him. Kai placed his hand over her lips. “You cannot own a person. You cannot make me yours because you wish it so. I am with Rayna, she is my future. I knew you were pursuing me. I had hoped you would see I was with her and let it go.”
Calm and collected, Senina pulled Kai’s hand away from her mouth. She held his hand against her chest. “I appreciate you being honest. Kind, even. But I am still interested, should you change your mind.” She graced the side of Kai’s face with her other hand. “I will be waiting.”
Confident and proud, she took his arm and they continued to the Agora. Everyone was inside, quietly meditating. Through the din, Senina found her sisters and took her place. Kai looked for Rayna in their usual spot. Third row from the back.
She sat straight and tall, eyes closed. He quietly approached. Legs crossed, he lowered himself onto a cushion beside her. He exhaled slowly, centering himself into his meditation. Before he closed his eyes, he heard Rayna sniff. He glanced over as she wiped the corner of her eye. Kai saw the moist streak on her cheek.
A lump formed in his throat. They had been so happy these many months. What could possibly bring a tear to Rayna’s eye? No, no, no! he clenched his jaw in frustration. Rayna had seen him with Senina, he was sure of it. He could only imagine how they must have looked. Alone in the dark, her face near his, her hand on his face.
There was no way he could explain. Now they had to sit there for over an hour before he could possibly speak with her. All the while, Rayna would imagine the worst. He wiggled on his cushion. His mind raced with how to calm her worries. He thought to touch her arm, but that would bring unwanted attention.
If they left, they would be noticed. Being respectful of Katori practices was essential to their way of life. Although he wanted to go, he held his place. It was the most challenging sit of his life. The minutes crawled and his bottom ached. He shifted again on his cushion, anxious for the time to end, but there was no way to make it go faster.
Restless, he opened his eyes. Sunlight streamed into the Agora. Kai glanced towards the chiefs and the unie. They remained steady and silent. Everyone would wait on their cue to depart. Every second pounded on Kai’s heart. He looked to Rayna. She still sat straight and tall, her legs crossed in front of her, palms resting on her knees.
The eldest chief stood, then the unie. One by one they rose, oldest to youngest. Hands pressed together in prayer, they bowed to each other, then they nodded to the group. From a seated position, the people bowed back. After the chiefs and unie walked to the entrance, they turned and bowed to the room, to the spirit of Alenga.
The crowd rose, collected their cushions, and secured them over one shoulder with a long strap. Like their leaders, they bowed to the Agora before they departed. Kai followed suit, attempting to keep up with Rayna. Her smaller frame allowed her to slip through the crowd. She instantly put distance between them.
Dawn splashed over the gardens, and he caught sight of her scurrying between the windmills. She was not headed home. Not wanting to draw attention to himself, Kai quickened his pace. He darted down the first path to step out of the crowd. He made his way through the gardens. Hidden in the cherry blossom trees, he found her.
“Rayna, please let me explain.” He reached for her arm, but she backed away.
Tears streamed down her face. “How could you? Especially with her. I didn’t believe you were courting her. Ciera and Linnea, they showed me. I saw her in your arms. Her hand on your face. I couldn’t bear to watch anything more.” She slapped his hand away.
Kai took a breath. “I love you, Rayna, no one else. Period. Those are the only words that matter to me in this world. Senina tried to kiss me. That is true. I stopped her. She wants to come between us.”
“You let her come between us. You’re too nice to her. Her sisters said you take morning strolls in the garden. Now I see you together myself.” She turned away.
“I was clear with her today. I told her I am with you. Please believe me, nothing happened.” Kai brushed the back of her shoulder.
Rayna held firm, then turned on her heels to look at him. Kai took her hand. “Nothing happened, I speak the truth. If she had kissed me, unwarranted or not, I would be honest. It seems to me those three planned this. They wanted you to see us together, though I am sure she had hoped for more than my hand covering her mouth. Her goal was to plant doubt in your mind.”
Tearful, Rayna tilted her head. “When they said you two were meeting in secret, that you did not have the heart to tell me it was over, I scoffed at the idea. But when I saw her wrap her arms around you, it looked like she kissed you. I didn’t want to believe it. Senina’s gleeful smile walking into the Agora broke my heart. I knew she had been chasing you.” She wrapped her arms around him.
Relieved, Kai held her close. “It is not you who should apologize. Senina owes you an explanation. If I could marry you here and now I would, but we are not eighteen yet. My heart is yours, it always has been, since the day we met.”
“Oh, Kai.” Rayna pulled her head off his shoulder. His blue eyes blended into a dark green. “I believe you. Your eyes always reveal the truth.” She kissed him, and he held her in a tight embrace.
Chapter 13
Rayna’s Awakening
The house felt empty without Simone and Haygan, gone almost a month now, but the pleasure of daily tasks filled Rayna with joy. A delicate breeze blew through the large window and caressed her cheek. Preparing their morning meal, she cut up red peppers, apple slices, and cheese and placed everything on the table.
Across from her, she watched Kai poke at his plate. It wasn’t difficult to see he was contemplating something. Finished with her bite, she placed her hand on his. “You know, if you talk about what is bothering you, I might be able to help… Or at least it will no longer be a burden you carry alone.”
Kai held his breath and pushed his plate away. “I have been searching for the way to ask you.” He held his breath, then blurted it out. “I need to search for Benmar. I have made up my mind, or rather my dreams continue to show me climbing a mountain. I must go. I would also like to go to Albey. I need to ensure everything is well and get any letters from Shane.”
This was news to Rayna—she was sure he had selected Basil as his teacher. Kai had spent nearly every evening with the man. “Really? I thought you picked Basil.”
“He is a wise man, and he answered many questions about being a Beastmaster. Mostly about how one goes about selecting an animal to emulate. He said I should feel a kinship with my choice. He also told me that I may not have the ability to change, only bond with animals as I do with Smoke. He said that the more I practice, the easier and quicker it h
appens. Kind of how Ryker and Smoke seemed to take to one another instantly. He also has taught me several peaceful fighting techniques.”
Listening to Kai talk made it hard to understand why he wanted to search for Benmar. Basil was knowledgeable, and the man had offered to mentor Kai. Rayna could not imagine a better teacher. And if she were honest, she couldn’t help but wonder what Keegan’s father might be like. “What can Benmar offer that Basil cannot?”
The heavy sigh that came out of Kai startled her.
“You’ve made up your mind. Haven’t you?”
“I am sorry, Rayna, I have.” His expression was determined. “I know this is sudden, and I know I thought Basil would make a great teacher, but my dreams pound on me each night. I must do this. It is Alenga’s will, and I am tired of trying to deny what I know I need to do. I think I am meant to find him now.”
Unsure what this meant for her, Rayna nodded. “Don’t be sorry. When do we leave?”
“Well, you see, that is my dilemma. I need to go alone. My dreams urge me to climb the Katori Mountains, south of the falls, but I think I need to go alone.” He waited for Rayna to respond.
The idea of staying behind caught in Rayna’s throat, and she stepped away from the table. “What am I to do here without you? Haygan and Simone left, now you are leaving me?” Rayna pouted.
Kai came to her side and lifted her face to look at him. She could see the look of guilt on his face. She could not fight what she felt. In a sense, he was abandoning her in a strange land. While she had made friends, she would still be alone. Kai reached for her hand. “I know leaving you here is a lot to ask.”
The pressure in her chest made it difficult to breathe. Two opposing voices rattled her soul. You’ve never been alone. Don’t be afraid, this will give you the chance to grow. Find your own purpose.