by A D Lombardo
Crack, pop. Kai sobbed, clutching clumps of dirt. He screamed, “Rayna.”
Shake. Shake. Something tussled him.
“Kai, wake up,” Ryker prodded.
“Dang it, man! Why did you wake me?” Kai’s voice thundered louder than he’d intended.
“It is time to go.” Ryker’s tone was firm, but then he softened. “Did you have a vision?”
Frustrated, Kai sat up. Visions can be a good thing when they show you happiness or offer the solution to a problem, but more often than not, they never reveal what you really want to know. He hated how they came in jumbles or snips, more riddle than truth.
“I had the worst possible vision.” He knew it came from this place; this cavern rich with Alenga’s power. But the scenes were sharp. They came quick like a punch to the face. He packed quietly while he gathered the threads of his vision. He needed to remember every fragment, no matter how small.
There was no way to know in what order they would happen. Or how long he had. The only thing he knew —he would find his mother. Months from now, the manta rays would migrate around the Mystic Islands. After all, he was meant to bring her here.
He grabbed his blade, the one he had plunged into Iver’s chest in the vision. An ache welled in his heart. He felt the weight of it in his hand. He pulled the knife from its jeweled sheath, studying the ornate design. Devastated, he turned away, unwilling to face the idea. “No, I’d never…” He shook his head.
Ryker grabbed Kai’s shoulder. “We need to move.”
Kai gathered the rest of his things, and they departed out the back of Alenga’s cavern. They ran through the trees fast and hard, Smoke at their side. It felt good to run, to pound through his frustration. His vision had to be wrong. He would never kill his own father.
Still, the vision was clear: his blade, covered in his father’s blood. How could he possibly stop it from happening? Distracted, he stumbled and crashed in a heap of ferns. Ryker plucked him from the vegetation and continued. “No time to waste. Keep up.”
All the landscape looked the same. Greenery, rocks, and rivers. Kai did his best to take note of where the cavern was in relation to where they were going now. The power of that place was important. The magic behind his vision swirled in his head. There had to be a reason Alenga would show him these things. The vivid nature of this vision enhanced by the location caught in his chest. Focus. I must remember.
Chapter 15
The Maze
“Here, this is the entrance to the maze.” Ryker motioned to a set of thick pine trees blocking a pile of boulders.
The staggering rock face towered overhead. In the distance, Kai felt a rumble in the mountain. “Stay close and glean the path. They are making changes now. During the day, they make changes every few hours. At night, there are fewer changes. Search the path. Find your way. If we hurry, we will be through before they change it again.”
“Why so elaborate?”
Ryker pushed through the pines, and his chuckle echoed off the rocks. “Because they can. They train to shape the mountains. Where do you think the Katori mountain range came from? Alenga did not make it. Her original mountain hides inside—the place where you claimed your crystal. The Katori of old made the expanse. They covered her original place with their own.”
He knew that. Davi and his group had told him as much. “I’ve heard the story.”
“Well, the next generation of Stonekings is always stronger than the last. They practice in these hills. They practice along our coast. The Mystic Islands exist because we made them. Land plucked from the sea. Towers of land pushed up into the sky shrouded in mist.”
“But why change the path? Why have one to begin with?”
“We need to maintain a route to Diu without taking a ship around, and not all of us can fly. But even though we need easy access to Diu, we do not want to allow strangers to find their way here. The quakes help keep people away, but make no mistake, they are keen to find a way to Katori. Imagine a trade route with Katori that did not involve the sea? Thankfully, a foolish few search for a way through the Zabranen Forest.”
Water trickled through pebbled soil. Kai hopped across, keeping pace with Ryker. “I’ve met your Guardians. There is no doubt they could stop anyone.”
“They are not as heartless as they once were, killing all who enter. Beastmasters must be careful. If we are killed in beast form, we return to our physical body. That is a secret we don’t want out.”
“What do you mean they change back?”
“You saw for yourself when you cut the wing of the eagle—the man’s arm fell to the ground. We believe our last thoughts are of our true form, which results in transforming out of our beastly bodies.”
Kai had forgotten that part.
“Better to use Weathervanes, Kodama, and Stonekings to make the route impossible to navigate.” Ryker continued. “With a Weathervane creating fog or harsh weather, most turn back.”
“Yes, I’ve witnessed their handiwork.” Kai wondered if they genuinely wanted to stop him, would they have crossed a line to kill him?
“Over the years, a few outsiders have found the corridors. There is another pass far to the north, but the Stonekings sealed it. Once two travelers from Diu were caught up there for days, but they finally found their way back out. Both men nearly died of starvation.”
Kai contemplated the choices the Katori had to make to keep their home safe from the outside world. In his mind, he could see the passage Ryker took toward the exit. They were close. They had made great time. When they switch-backed through the last turn, Kai heard the stone shift and the ground shake. The wall behind them closed.
They were a few miles above Albey. “We should stay away from the city. It would not be good if anyone saw you. Let’s move north before we continue west.”
It was a sound plan, and Kai grunted in agreement. Their pace slowed to a brisk walk. For hours they moved in silence. Thankful for the peace and quiet, Kai thought about his vision. What could possibly be changed? Now he would carry the burden of his father’s life. He also thought about Ryker’s secret love for his mother. How different things might have been if Lucca had not interfered.
Disrupting his thoughts, Ryker stopped. “We should make camp here. No fire. Eat the dried meat and cheese from your pack. We will sleep a few hours. It is best if we travel at night. While we eat, you can tell me about your vision.”
Hesitant, Kai lowered his pack. “Maybe you can help me understand what I should do?” Digging for his food, he began to tell Ryker the flashes in his dream, each one vague enough to frustrate even the keenest mind. He noticed Ryker seemed pleased to hear that Mariana would return—it was Iver’s fate that Ryker stewed over.
Ryker rubbed his jaw. “All any of us can do is live our lives and see where it takes us. Trust that Alenga has shown you these images for a reason. You will experience each one. I doubt you will have to choose the order. That is already predetermined.”
“Should I go back for Rayna? Should I stay away from my father? I don’t know what to do. You say I should get on with my life, but how? How can I proceed knowing that I am destined to kill the man who raised me?”
“One day at a time. Tomorrow, we see your men. See where that takes us. Focus on what you know. Then I will take you to Benmar. Your previous vision leads you into the mountain snow following a man. I’d say that is me. You said yourself the dreams will not let up—well, there you go. Easy. Rayna—you can address that when you have real information. Next clue: your mother. I believe Alenga helped me find her cave. She also sent me to help you. Alenga wants us together to find your mother. We are meant to take Mariana to the cave.”
Ryker paused, and Kai let his words settle. The weight of it all lifted. “What of Iver?”
“Well, that is delicate. Did you see yourself stab him? With your own hand?”
Kai was about to nod, but then he remembered the vision. It was his blade in Iver’s chest, but he didn’t see the stabbi
ng itself.
Ryker listened as Kai explained. “See? All you know is that your father gets stabbed by your blade. You only know that you will be there, but not who wields the blade. But either way, the bell may toll for you. When you return to Diu, and you will, you must be ready.”
Ryker’s words were not reassuring. Kai wanted—no, needed—more answers. Hoping he got it right was not enough. Laying on the ground, Kai prayed for a sign, another vision to tell him more. Visions are fickle. When you want one, they won’t come. If they do, they never show you enough. He learned nothing new that night.
◆◆◆
Kai and Ryker strode right into Dresnor’s camp, snuck right by the guards, and plopped down by the campfire. Drew came outside to stir the fire. Their eyes met, and he smiled. “Prince Kai.” Drew hopped over a stump to take Kai’s hand. “Good to see you.”
The enthusiasm in Drew’s tone made him wonder if his friends thought he was never coming back. “Good to see you too.” Kai let go of his friend and looked around. “I see you didn’t return to Diu as I instructed.”
Drew rolled his eyes. “Did you honestly think we would?”
“I guess not,” Kai sighed. “Where is Dresnor?”
“Where is Rayna?” Drew ignored Kai’s question. “She is well, I hope.”
“Rayna is doing better. I came to see Dresnor. I sent you all home to Diu. Did any of you go home?” Kai motioned to the tiny huts.
Before Drew could respond, Dresnor approached. He nodded to Kai. “Prince Kai.” His Kempery-man tapped him on the back and grabbed his arm. “So good to see you well. Redmon went home to send back real news. The rest of us stayed. Tell me, how do you feel? You look great.”
“I feel great. The Katori people are taking good care of us. They are rather quiet but pleasant.” Kai shook his head.
Dresnor leered at Ryker. “I know you. I’ve seen you before. Years ago. You were in Diu with Haygan. I never forget a face. You were also at the battle for Town Hope years ago. Are you taking care of my Prince with these mountain people?”
Ryker nodded. “Yes, he stays with my people. Rayna and Kai are both safe with us. They are responding very well to the treatment. Rayna searches for her parents, who we hope to find living among the Gemidi tribe living on the Mystic Islands. It will take time for the letters we’ve sent to circulate around all the islands. I advised Rayna to let the news settle on them. If they are willing, we will get word back. I will accompany them on their trip to ensure these people will speak with her. You understand.”
The tale slid off Ryker’s tongue as if they’d rehearsed the story. Kai was amazed at how he wove in the details that aligned with their need to travel. His explanation of Rayna’s absence was believable. Although Kai was not sure, he liked to idea of returning home to Diu. But with his father’s life in the balance, maybe he should stay away.
Dresnor looked between the two men. “Well, I have news from home. I have a letter for you, Kai, from Cazier—unopened. The letter from Dante I read. Not all good news. Your father made it back from his trip last week, but it was not as successful as in years past. To make matters worse, Landon Penier has escaped a few days after King Iver’s return. I do not know how. Guard change or something.”
Keeping his emotions calm, Kai listened, but he had his own ideas. Landon’s escape had to be Nola’s doing, but he wondered how she could have managed it. Keegan’s ability to change his face to match anyone he touched gave him pause. Could Keegan have rescued Landon after all this time?
“Your father has been unwell since his return. Bedridden.”
“Sick? Again?” Perplexed Kai crossed his arms over his chest. He needed to read his cousin’s letter. “May I see Cazier’s letter?”
Dresnor retrieved the letter. “It came a few weeks ago. It was marked private on the back, so I did not open it.”
Worried, Kai flipped to the letter in his hands. He noticed the symbol on the back, the three letters of his name overlapping to make one sign. His symbol. He broke the seal and began to read. Mostly miscellanea. News of his father’s trip and health concerns. A mishap at sea near Bangloo. Two men lost overboard. Kai scanned the letter to decipher the hidden message. Riome lost. Stay away. Her letters, R—T, for Riome Tamika in the corner. Then there were other symbols meant to convey a quick message mixed with letters slanted and plucked out of the message to supply information. His heart sank. He held his expression close. He had learned years ago never to reveal what you don’t want others to know.
“Same news you shared.” Kai chucked his note in the fire, as was their practice to destroy messages. “My father’s health and a scuffle at sea. It seems two men went overboard south of Bangloo. A cabin boy and a stowaway. He wants to know when I plan to come home. I will compose a letter to address his concerns, but I cannot come home today. We must continue our treatment, and I will not leave Rayna behind. She would want to see her adoptive parents at the palace. It is only fair that I go back for her first.”
Uneasy Dresnor nodded. “Seems I am to trust you with my prince a little longer.” He glared at Ryker, clearly uncomfortable with the news.
Ryker interjected. “The boy is like family. I knew his mother years ago, when she was young. It is on this outing I hope to introduce him to his grandfather. He lives on the mountain.” Ryker pointed northeast. “I believe it will be a real treat for them to meet. Mariana was well-loved among our people.”
Listening to Ryker’s half-truths was astonishing. He was a real professional.
Dresnor stood and motioned for Kai to follow. “If I may, I would like to speak with Prince Kai alone. I am sure you don’t mind.”
Alone, Dresnor leaned in and whispered, as if the distance they had was not enough. “This man. Do you trust him? He weaves a good story, but it's not all truth. Partly, yes. He is good with words, but I can spot a half-truth as easy as a lie. Question is, Kai, will you tell me the truth? Like this trip, you did not tell me everything.”
“Philip, I told you what I could about these people,” Kai insisted. “They are indeed my mother’s people. That is true. Rayna has found people with news of her parents. And yes, I would like to meet my grandfather. That would mean the world to me. Spending time with Ryker, a man who knew my mother, I cannot possibly explain what that means.”
Sympathetic, Dresnor relaxed.
Kai patted his friend on the shoulder. “Thank you, Philip, for waiting a little longer. I hope to go north to see my grandfather before I collect Rayna. I will be home in Diu for the Winter Festival. That is the honest truth as I know it right now.”
Again, his friend nodded with understanding. “A little more truth in your version, but still, you are not telling me everything. For now, I will not push. If I sense trouble, that may change. Remember, I pledged to protect you at all costs. You are our future king now that you are not bound to Amelia and Milnos.”
“I understand. Now, I need to write a few letters.”
Dresnor extended the use of his hut for Kai to compose his letters. He wrote one to his father, one to Cazier, and one to Seth. Once finished, he and Ryker departed north.
Chapter 16
Snowy Climb
Smoke ran ahead through the pine trees. They had walked several miles before Kai spoke. “Seems you have decided my direction.”
“It makes the most sense,” Ryker replied. “Find Benmar first. Is that not why we came out here?”
It was true that Kai wanted to meet his grandfather, but now that it was time, he was nervous. He did not know this man. “What if he won’t teach me?”
“You already know he will. Alenga told you to go and showed you flying with him. He is a Beastmaster, a silver dragon.”
“Can I trust Keegan’s father?”
Ryker huffed. “Remember Alenga’s vision. This will happen. You will ride the wind. We just don’t know when. Either way, you must meet Benmar. I know where he lives.”
Along their walk, Kai recalled his vision:
&n
bsp; Snow littered the sky. Bitter cold ripped through his clothes. Alone he climbed. Fatigued and half-frozen he found himself holding a white crystal. The snow-covered peaks of the Katori Mountains rose in the distance.
A flash of white brought him to a cluster of ice-covered trees. Carved into the mountain, a dark cave opening loomed against the white snow. Inside the nothingness, something waited. He braced himself against the howling winds. He squinted, blinded by the snow.
Inside the cave, heat pulsed within the walls. Hot air blew into his face. The walls came alive with ambient blue light, and Kai came face to face with the silver beast. The dragon’s amber eyes glowed.
Kai shook his head at the memory. “How will I know where to go?”
Ryker hopped over a felled tree. “I will take you as far as the snow. You must find your way after that. I have business to attend to for the Kahoma—coastal tribe. Smoke will need to come back with me. You will need to focus on your training.”
No questions asked, Kai continued. The sun’s rays pierced the treetops. Together they made their way through the woods. Thousands of pine trees littered the forest floor with pine needles. Ryker led him through the trees, moving deeper into the thick forest. The smell of pine tickled his senses with each step. Kai felt at home in the forest. With his new connection to Alenga and the power flowing through his veins, he sensed so much more.
After a few hours of walking, the dense pines gave way to tall redwoods. Bits of blue sky poked through the canopy. Out of habit Kai gleaned the area. He searched for wild animals that might cross their path. They traversed the river to venture northeast into new territory.
Ryker glanced over his shoulder. “Do you see the bear up on that ridge? And the lone wolf on the outcropping?”
“I gleaned them both,” Kai responded.
“I figured. You’re using your sight to search the forest. Stop it.” Ryker’s voice was firm but kind.