by A D Lombardo
The dragon took flight. The wind pressed into Kai’s face. The sky opened wide before them. Exhilaration swelled in his stomach. He was flying. The dragon dove, skimming above the treetops, then it climbed high into the sky. They flew higher, and Kai saw the horizon curve. The air became thin.
Kai gripped his crystal tighter. White light beamed brightly within his fist. Power surged up his arm. The expanse of the universe burst into Kai’s mind, stardust coiled together into a golden strand. He reached for the rotating coil. A spark bloomed within the thread. The imprint of the dragon’s essence mingled with his own.
Within his body, he felt the cord snap inside his chest. He lay against the massive beast as the dragon rolled upside down. Kai plummeted freely through the air. He felt a pulse ripple through his body, and Kai relaxed and accepted the change. His shoulders curled inward, and he felt his bone structure expand. His torso enlarged, skin stretched and thickened, and his complexion turned a dark silver.
Kai’s hands curled into talons. He felt every muscle change. The wind blew around him as he hurled toward the ground. He flexed outward; his wings unfurled. His eyelids blinked over amber orbs. Spikes and horns covered his face, back, and tail. Transformation complete, Kai was a silver dragon.
Wings spread wide, he glided over the advancing landscape. The urge to screech overwhelmed him, and he belched out several odd sounds before he got it right. His stomach swelled with heat. He coughed, if one could call it a cough, and fire billowed out his mouth. His enhanced vision had a sharpness beyond anything he had ever experienced.
He soared back towards the Katori mountain range and flew over the summits. The setting sun turned the sky a deep orange to dark purple. When it finally sank from view, the stars twinkled above him. From his left, a silver dragon joined him: Benmar. Kai followed his grandfather down the mountain, and they soared above the treetops.
Baden Lake came into view. They hovered over the water’s surface, and his dragon reflection rippled across the lazy waves. With his newfound freedom, he rolled and twisted, spun and flipped through the air. He felt his new body flex, and his mind turned wild.
Lost in the chase, he stayed close behind the other dragon. The lead dragon swooped skyward. Kai followed. Higher and higher they flew. The moon shone above. Kai felt his core temperature rise, and he belched fire. He warbled and screeched with delight at the other dragon. The other dragon answered back.
Kai relished the freedom and flew in front of the lead dragon. They played in the sky. Each roll of their flight thrilled him to his core. They banked hard left and curved around the lake. Their erratic pattern became a game, one trying to outmaneuver the other.
When the lead dragon landed on a flat mountain ridge, Kai followed. The peaceful night washed over him, and he wanted to fly more. A tiny light caught his attention. The lead dragon changed into a man. Kai lowered his beastly head. He knew this man. He felt the warmth of the man’s hand press into his scale-covered cheek. “Remember who you are, Kai. Let the golden thread go. Reach for the white light.”
Kai felt the urges of the wild beast within his heart. The joy of flight and freedom. He wanted to fly. “Remember those you love. Rayna, Haygan, and Simone. Let’s go home, Kai,” the man called.
Rayna’s laughter echoed in his ears. Kai released the golden thread and clung to the white light. He felt edges of his crystal warm his hand. He felt his body slough off the massive beast. His natural body returned. The unused energy floated back into nature. His knees felt weak. He stepped forward and everything went black.
◆◆◆
Hours later, he awoke. His grandfather had carried him back to their hidden cave on the mountain. “You will be alright,” he said softly. “Changing takes practice, but you must not lose yourself to the nature of the beast. Always cling to a memory or a person here in this life. If you embrace the creature—you could be lost forever. Do you understand?”
The thought of his mother panged in his heart. Had she lost her way in her own dragon? Trapped for ten years, she kept their secret, but would her memories be enough to save her mind? He had to keep faith in Alenga.
His personal experience filled his senses. “While we were flying, I felt free. Wild. In those moments, I was a dragon, through and through. If you had not landed, I would still be circling the skies. Every sensation felt new and powerful.” Kai sighed heavily at the idea.
Benmar nodded with understanding. “I am fortunate to be your guide. Alenga has blessed us both with this time together. Now I will make us a pot of tea.”
They sat by the fire, resting and reminiscing about the evening. Their late-night talks had become a highlight at the end of each day, an opportunity for Kai to learn more about his family history and connect with his grandfather.
“You know, the first time I saw a dragon up close, I was fourteen. I was traveling to Town Hope—well, at the time, it was called Hamrin. In fact, I saw a silver dragon that night. Was that you?”
“It was me,” Benmar admitted. “The look on your face as we swept over the trees overwhelmed me. I belched fire, laughing at your expression.”
“So, it is your fault I fell that night?” Kai snapped.
“Hardly, your fear made you step back. Carelessness let you fall.”
“I could have died from that fall.”
Benmar shook his head. “No, I knew you would not die.”
Kai eyed his grandfather. “How did you know some other creature would not devour me as I searched for a way back—or while I slept?”
“Grandson, I was never more than a breath away from your side. Your focus was on the cliff wall and your wolf. And in case you've forgotten, I can turn invisible. You weren't looking for me. But I was there with you.”
Benmar paused and Kai let the concept settle.
“Kai, you needed that moment. That night changed you fundamentally. At your core, you began to grow. Iver sent you out, the little prince out to prove himself. You went because you wanted an adventure. The palace, the city, they were confines.” He shook his head. “No. You needed to be more. Stronger. Alone in the forest, were you afraid?”
“No, not really. Smoke was with me, and I did what was needed.”
“When you stepped into the cave and found a pack of wolves, were you afraid?”
For the first time in years, he really thought about that night and the three wolves that kept him warm when he intruded on their den. After walking for hours trying to find his way back to his campsite, he had collapsed and the alpha and his pack protected him while he slept. They sacrificed their own lives to come to his aid during the fight with the Guardians.
“I should have been very afraid, but no. I knew what to do. Instinct told me to stay calm. Not to mention, I was exhausted by the time I came across the alpha. I pushed my thoughts to him.”
“Control is an illusion.” Benmar handed Kai a cup of hot tea. “Everyone wants it. Keegan wanted it. Lucca wanted it. But you cannot control much in this life. It is better to bend rather than break. Flow with the current, grandson, but remember you are not alone.”
“The dragon told me the same thing today. I wish I would have grown up here, with you.”
“Never wish your life away. Our trials shape us. Life’s mysteries define our character and surround you with the people you need most. You were meant to live this life. Enjoy the adventure.”
“So, speaking of adventure, your book, The Invisible Thief… Did you really do all those things? Travel to all those places? Sail the Caprizian Sea? Steal the crown jewels of Bangloo, then return them as a wedding gift to his daughter? I have studied many history books, but that story is not among them.”
“It wouldn’t be. Theft of those jewels would have been an embarrassment to a very proud nation.” Benmar smirked, “But it happened. Now off to bed with you. It’s been a long day. No more talking tonight.”
Exhausted from becoming a dragon, Kai collapsed on the bed in his alcove. He stared at the starry crystals embedded
in the ceiling. His life had changed drastically over these many months. He’d gone from living in a palace to living in trees and caves. And if he was honest with himself, he was happier.
If only he could blend his old life with his new one. But they were two separate worlds unwilling to live together. Duty commanded he become king—like it or not, he was next in line, now that he was no longer betrothed to Amelia of Milnos.
All his life he thought he wanted adventure. Now, all he wanted was peace and quiet. The opportunity to live a tranquil life with Rayna. He thought of her face, her sweeping brown hair, and her soft eyes. Around him he felt the pulse of energy that typically preceded a vision. Quietly, he let go of the day and slipped off into a dream.
◆◆◆
Darkness expanded into a sunshine-filled glade. Wildflowers swayed in the breeze. Rayna stepped through the flowers. Her delicate fingers tickled the flower petals. New blooms popped at her touch. She smiled, pleased with her work.
Three girls approached. Senina, Ciera, and Linnea. They encircled Rayna. Kai watched, but he could not hear their words. They each spoke in turn. Rayna’s expression changed. Hands on her hips, her posture showed determination. The girls stepped back and laughed. Still, Kai could not hear their words. He couldn’t hear anything.
Rayna shook her head at the girls. Her fingers stretched outward. She pulled at the ground, coaxing the earth up around her feet. Roots burst across the glade. Startled, the sisters stepped away. Shock contorted their faces and Senina covered her mouth. Fear washed over her expression. Senina waved at Rayna to stop; her mouth was wide with screams.
Bark crept up Rayna’s legs. Craggy gray bark swelled around her and pushed her skyward. The trunk thickened. Rayna lifted her hands, and branches sprouted from her arms and fingers. As the tree engulfed her body, the look in Rayna’s eyes turned to fear. Her hair turned woody. Her mouth curled into a scream.
The advancing bark did not stop. What remained of Rayna struggled. Tears ran down her face. She was afraid. The final bit of her face swelled into woody bark and disappeared. Kai gasped for air and burst from his dream. Anger pierced his heart. The love of his life was in trouble.
Kai didn’t bother to wake Benmar, he stomped around the cavern, collecting his belongings. His lack of subtlety woke his grandfather. “Kai. Where are you off to in such a rage?”
“Rayna is in trouble. I need to help her. Those stupid girls. They tricked her into turning herself into a tree.”
“Hold on. How do you know this? Did you have a vision of her as a tree?”
“Visions, I’ve learned, come in one of two ways. Sometimes they come in flashes that lack detail, but they show glimpses into the future. Or they come in slow, detail-filled scenes, which usually means I have little time, if any. The vision I just had seemed to be of the past.” Kai shook his head, trying to pinpoint how the vision made him feel. “I need to find Rayna.” Kai seethed. “Those sisters need to pay for tricking her.”
“Grandson, please...” Benmar tried to calm Kai.
Kai ignored his grandfather. “When did Rayna learn how to become a tree?” He stumbled out of the cave. “She looked terrified.”
“Be careful, Kai. Half-knowledge is dangerous. You may not yet know the full truth.”
“Dangerous? They have no idea. I will show the sisters dangerous.”
Benmar placed his hand on Kai’s shoulder. “Breathe. You are angry. Anger is our enemy. To find Rayna, you must be your best self. Anger will not help her; it may even prevent you from finding her.”
Kai wrestled with his thoughts. “What would you have me do?”
“Revenge only leads to disaster. It will not mend your heart or Rayna’s. Before you speak, let your emotions settle. Keep a watch over your words—words can mold others. Rayna must forgive. If she is a tree, it can be reversed. Use your relationship with Rayna to call her back. Just as I called to you, ask her to remember who she was. You will need to find a strong Kodama. Someone Rayna knows. You said Imani claims to be her sister in blood. Find her.”
“I don’t know if that will work. When I left, I suggested that Rayna meet with Imani, but she was not ready to confront her family.”
Benmar rushed to follow Kai. “Trust me, Kai. Her sister will be the best person to help. She is from the Matoku tribe, if memory serves me.” Benmar took Kai’s bag. “You won’t need any of this where you’re going.”
Chapter 19
The Oak Sisters
The morning dew covered the grasses. Tiny beads of water glistened in the sunshine. Rayna followed her friend Jayla to a small flowerbed, one they had planted a few days earlier as seeds. Being a Kodama for Rayna felt very natural. Her powerful connection to plants called to her soul. She loved pushing her hands into the soil. To her, it seemed like being able to touch the sun.
The memory of pushing tiny seeds into the ground and coaxing them to grow brimmed with delight inside Rayna. The morning sunshine felt warm on her face. “Jayla,” she said as she stopped to kneel next to a young sapling. “The more I work with the plants, the more I see the magic they hold. Helping them grow seems second nature. I feel and see the sun’s power inside the plants.”
Jayla knelt at her side. Her short blonde hair fluttered around her head. “Working with the plants teaches you how to harness power from your surroundings. Magic exists in every living thing. We only move it about, never taking too much. The soil has much to give with its depth and variety of minerals. It is best to take from the dirt, but you must be sure you don’t harm the other plants.”
Rayna swept her long brown hair to one shoulder. “What are we learning today?”
“Today, you will coax the sapling to grow. Restore the apple orchard with a new tree. Make it grow and produce blossoms. We talked about using sunlight and soil last night. Let’s see what you remember.”
The tiny tree was only three feet high. It had taken a great deal of energy to create the tiny thing, now she would turn it into a full-grown tree with fruit. “It was all I could do to make this little spindly thing. How can I make a tree large enough to bloom?”
“You know what a full-grown tree looks like,” Jayla said, “and how the fruit tastes. Start there. Close your eyes and picture the finished tree.”
The idea of getting a seed to grow into a plant within seconds would have seemed impossible until a few days ago. But planting an entire garden in a day gave Rayna confidence. Now she was going to encourage her first tree. Digging her hands into the soil, she could feel the bits of old bark from the tree struck by lightning a month earlier.
Deeper into the soil, she sensed worms and bugs. Deeper still, a layer of rocks and moisture. Around them, Rayna felt the other plants and became aware of their needs on the land. She narrowed her connection to the earth to ensure she did not pull from the other flora. “I am ready,” she said, accessing the magic within her and her green crystal.
“Close your eyes, Rayna. Think about every detail of your tree. The curve of its trunk, its bark, and the color of the leaves. Let the sweetness of an apple refresh your tongue.”
The apple orchard in Diu sprang to life in Rayna’s mind. She had spent many hours walking with Kai and eating apples over the years. The smell of their blossoms and the taste of their fruit lit up her senses. Now she pulled the energy from the soil, and it started to pour into her. Sunshine warmed her cheeks, and its power flowed through her veins. With the power instilled within her crystal, she blended the two forms of energy.
Feeding the sapling, she sensed the roots spreading underground. The trunk expanded, and new branches and leaves unfurled. Not wanting to take too much from the soil, she pushed back against the flow to restore the land beneath the developing apple tree.
“Ease back a little, Rayna,” she heard Jayla recommend. “The tree will split if it grows too fast, and you will lose valuable sap for the apples.”
Heeding her teacher, Rayna held back the flow of magic.
“Don’t forget to breath
e, young Kodama,” she whispered.
Rayna eased and let a breath seep from her lungs. Jayla’s warm hand touched her arm, lifted her hand out of the soil, and slid it up the tree. “Now, use the sap and your remaining strength to create the blossoms.”
The golden sap within the tree trickled through the trunk. Infusing sap with her magic, Rayna thought of the sweet apple blossoms. She opened her eyes and the tree was filled with white and pink flowers. Delighted, she hugged herself.
“Well done.” Jayla stood and pulled Rayna to her feet. “How do you feel?”
“I feel good! Not lightheaded at all this time.”
Pleased with her tree, she stepped back to look at the restored apple orchard. Each tree was filled with blossoms of their own. Bees buzzed around her and flitted around her new creation. She was happy.
◆◆◆
On her own, Rayna ventured outside of Hiowind. The hillside rolled outward, and she imagined Kai taking this route to follow Ryker. An afternoon breeze tugged at her green dress and played with her hair. In the distance, she gazed at the foothills and the Matoku city where her sister Imani lived. She wanted to see her, but the fear of rejection held her back.
Tall willow trees swayed around her. The smells of the forest welcomed her, and she continued. Birds sang from branches. This was the farthest she’d ever gone on her own, and her newfound independence grew with each step. Katori was beginning to feel like home.
The farther Rayna walked, the thicker the trees became, until black rock formations changed the landscape, pushing back the fatter specimens in exchange for shorter, spindly varieties. Spotting a large arch cut in the rocks, she ventured inside to find a tunnel.
Curious, she stepped through and found herself in a beautiful clearing. Sunshine kissed her face. Wildflowers swayed in the breeze. Pleased with her surroundings, she let her delicate fingers tickle a few flower buds. New blooms popped at her touch. She smiled, pleased with her work.