Rayna's Sacrifice (The Katori Chronicles Book 3)

by A D Lombardo

  “Father. Please. Haygan has dedicated his life to providing the Katori people with knowledge of the outside world. Not to mention he has discovered news that Mariana lives. Her very son stands here with me today. Kai is her son.” Simone motioned to Kai behind her on the stone path.

  Haygan patted the air in defense. “You need not defend me, Simone. I will be back later tonight. Don’t wait up. Kai, you’re with me.” Haygan stormed off back down the path.

  Great, two nights with these people, Kai thought. Leaving was looking better and better.

  “Haygan, wait. That went…strangely. What happened back there?”

  “You know me well enough. I am not one to explain. I love Simone and would give my life for her. Her parents know that, but it is not enough. I will not defend my choices. Neither should you, by the way. When the time comes.”

  “You mean when I want to return to Diu?”

  Haygan nodded. “Lucca believes you will be torn between Katori and Diu.”

  Not wanting to talk about Lucca, Kai dropped the subject.

  ◆◆◆

  Later that evening Kai walked around the Agora and came upon two men standing in the garden. He knew it was wrong to eavesdrop, but when he discovered his uncle and Lucca speaking privately, he found himself listening.

  “Did you know he has Mariana’s necklace?” Lucca spoke to Haygan in hushed tones.

  “I did, but it is his business to share with you or not. Ask him about it. If you want to go with him in two days—ask. Have you done anything to earn his trust?”

  Lucca crossed his arms and clamped his jaw shut. Kai could hardly believe his ears. They were arguing about him. He stuck his hand in his pocket to retrieve his mother’s necklace. I am coming, Mother. Soon, we will be together again.

  Lucca poked at Haygan. “I suppose you also know the boy has been up to train with Benmar? You did know! That man raised Keegan. I doubt he will do much better with Kai than he did his own son. Benmar is a rebel. Why do you think is he an outcast living on the mountain?”

  Haygan stepped away from his father. “I thought he loved dragons. He is a bit wild, certainly, and I know he felt bad after what his son did to our family. He could not face us after Mariana’s abduction, but Benmar is still a wise man.”

  It was impossible to see Haygan’s expression, but Kai knew all too well that his uncle, like several others, urged him to seek out his other grandfather. Unwilling to listen any further, Kai turned to leave, but he heard Lucca’s tone bellow.

  “I speak of tradition, Haygan. We must protect our way of life. When you’ve lived as long as I have, maybe you will understand. As Chief of the Hiowind, it is my duty to protect and lead our people. Wisdom comes from experience. And I have spent decades studying people.”

  “Father, we cannot live in fear. Keegan is a menace, but you and the elders defeated him before. Why are you afraid now?”

  Lucca waved off Haygan. “Don’t you see? Kai—he is the piece Keegan was waiting for. Mariana was to be his source of power. She possesses multiple abilities. Kai and his white crystal will draw Keegan like a moth to a flame. The boy is destined to change our world. Need I remind you?”

  Kai could hardly believe what he was hearing. Were they still worried about his destiny? He had been here for months; they should know his spirit by now. Had he not proven his ability to keep their secrets even before he came to Katori?

  “You don’t know the boy,” Haygan argued back. “He has grown into a good man.”

  “Kai will be just like his father. Arrogant and willful. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. The boy will be our downfall. His father will come for him and bend his ear. Together they will force us into the open. Keegan wanted nothing more than to use his Alenga-given powers to subjugate the entire world. It was Keegan’s wish then, and I doubt he has changed. We need to stand united in this, Haygan. Mark my words. Keegan is coming. Kai will either bend willingly or become a weapon. Either way, I will not let Keegan have what he desires.”

  It was difficult to stomach the conversation between Haygan and Lucca. No matter what, Lucca had made up his mind. He was never being kind to Kai in the hopes of mending the past. His grandfather only wanted to keep a closer eye on him. Unwilling to listen anymore, Kai stormed back to Haygan’s home and collapsed onto the bed in his pod.

  ◆◆◆

  Dawn's early morning rays tiptoed into Kai’s pod. The oval-shaped window cast a warm glow over Kai and bathed him in sunshine. Feeling rested, Kai wiped the remainders of sleep from his eyes. He shifted in his bed to gaze out over the Hiowind village below.

  The smell of wet earth lingered in the air. Down below, people busily worked the area. Weathervanes whipped up funnel-shaped rotating wind. Their small air collectors scooped up the debris along the path. As it gathered more and more sticks and leaves, the swirling mass grew. Once the mass was a few feet wide, the funnel spiked upward and shot over the massive garden to a composting pile.

  In another area, one large limb had struck a small statue, knocking it into another. Both now lay broken in a heap. Kai watched a man transform into a black gorilla and pick up the massive tree limb and carry it away. The next two men, Stonekings with dark red crystals, reset the main section of the two statues upright. To Kai’s amazement, both began reassembling the broken pieces. Their hands held the rock in place, and their fingers pressed around the seams. Within minutes they had remolded the pieces like sculpting clay.

  Even with scattered tree limbs and vines, the place was magnificent. Kai was amazed at the open display of magic. Through the trees, he could see the top of the Agora, and he felt the thrum of magic pull at him. He closed his eyes and focused on the Agora. Connected to his sight, he drew his mind near the pool. With one hand, he touched his crystal.

  Alenga’s spirit spoke to him. There is no time to waste. You must hurry. A flash of his mother’s face broke his connection. Anxious about his experience, he grabbed for his pants, laying across the chair, and shoved his hand into the pocket. His mother’s necklace was not there. He tossed the room upside down and found nothing.

  When he reached Rayna’s pod, he found it empty. Voices echoed up from the main family room, and Kai bounded down the stairs to join everyone. Simone handed Kai a cup of tea and sat down next to Haygan. “Good morning, sleepyhead. We had a terrible storm last night. Would you mind helping Haygan repair our windmill? The storm damaged several of them, and ours helps move water around the community.”

  “Happy to help, Simone.”

  Rayna smiled and pulled her hair to one side of her face. Kai bent to whisper in her ear. “Rayna, have you seen my mother’s necklace?”

  She arched her back to look at him. “I am sorry, Kai, I have not. You usually keep it in your pocket.”

  “Haygan, by chance, do you know where my mother’s necklace is?”

  “Hmmm, no.” Haygan crinkled his brow. “You always keep it in your pocket, do you not?” Haygan swung around and tugged on his boots.

  Fear welled in the pit of Kai’s stomach. He darted back upstairs to his pod to look again. No necklace. He had it just a few hours ago. Held it in his hand listening to uncle Haygan and Lucca argue. Kai held his breath, and anger clamped around his heart. Frantic, Kai stuffed his hands inside both his pockets one last time to be sure—the crystal was gone. His one hope of tracking his mother was lost to him. His father Iver had entrusted the valuable possession to Kai, and he’d lost it.

  “NO! Not lost—stolen.”

  Hearing the commotion, Haygan stepped into Kai’s pod. “What’s wrong?” He surveyed the disarray. “Kai?”

  “It’s gone. My mother’s necklace is gone. I had it with me last night, and now it is gone.”

  The look on Haygan’s face was eye-opening. Before Kai could respond, Haygan motioned for him to hurry. “Get your boots, Kai. We need to see my father.”

  There was little Kai could do but trust his uncle. This was Haygan’s country; these were not Kai’s peo
ple. Along the way, he glared at each person, wondering who he could trust. Was their day-to-day sincerity real? Kai no longer knew what to believe.

  Hot on the heels of his uncle’s fast pace, it dawned on Kai. Chief Lucca—only he would care to take the necklace. He knew its value; they had argued over the fact only hours ago. Haygan would never steal from Kai, not even to help Lucca.

  “Haygan, do you think Lucca took the necklace?” Kai asked, choosing to keep quiet about the argument he’d witnessed.

  His uncle would not look at him. Focused on the way ahead, Haygan marched down the pristine walkway. Kai noticed the clenched jaw, the white-knuckled fists. Haygan was angry. When they turned down the path toward a cluster of four Bodhima trees, they bumped into Basil.

  Haygan stepped back. “Basil, my apologies. Can you tell me, is my father around?”

  Basil stood before them straight and tall. His chiseled features were that of a statue carved into perfection. Towering over Haygan and Kai, he was dressed in flowing blue linen with a matching blue crystal—Beastmaster. His size made Kai wonder what massive creature he could become.

  Basil nodded to Haygan. “I have not seen him this morning. I came to tell him about the storm damage,” he motioned to the trees, “but your father was not home.” The man’s voice had a deep soulful tone. His dark green eyes focused on Kai. “Hello, Kai, how goes your Beastmaster practice?”

  “Fine, thank you, Basil.”

  Haygan’s demeanor softened. “Thank you, Basil, I appreciate your kindness.” His uncle pivoted back the way they’d come.

  Kai noticed that Basil was following them at a distance. “Do you think Lucca took my mother’s necklace?” he whispered.

  “There is no doubt in my mind where the necklace is or who took it from you. Autumn is fast upon us and my father has different ideas about Mariana.”

  “I thought we had a few days until we needed to leave.”

  “No, you leave now. You must chase after Lucca. It is on you to make haste. My group is leaving for the coast soon, but you cannot afford to travel with me by cart. I have one more trip to make to Diu.”

  Disappointed, Kai asked, “You will not go with me? Can your trip not wait? I don’t know where to go or anything about the Mystic Islands.” Kai darted ahead and stopped his uncle. Would Haygan not abandon his plans to travel to Diu given the circumstances?

  “You know I cannot. I took this time off, but now I must finish this last trip. We need to find Ryker so he can escort you. Liam and Yulia are already on their way. If you move fast enough, you can catch them. They will be useful in navigating the Mystic Islands to the migration waters of the manta rays.”

  “But uncle, this is for my mother, your sister.”

  “I have obligations, Kai.” Haygan stepped around him. “My word is my bond. I owe Diu horses, and when they arrive from Bangloo, I need to be there to collect them. A trade to make up for the time I was away this summer. With the baby coming, I want to be here. There will be no more trips to foreign shores. Simone and the baby are my priority now. Ryker will guide you.”

  Kai could not understand how Haygan could choose Diu over family. “But…”

  Haygan raised his hand. “Finish the journey to find your mother. Ryker will see you reach Lucca and save Mariana. I love my sister very much, but I do not need to be in the way of your reunion. She will be disoriented enough without another face to remember.”

  Chapter 22

  The Rafter

  Basil edged up behind Kai. “I couldn’t help but overhear you want to travel to the coast. The fastest route is the Makani River. Believe it or not, the river flows faster than traveling by horse. I have a raft if you are interested. You will need an experienced rafter to navigate the rapids and the bidirectional water changes.”

  Kai raised an eyebrow. “Bidirectional? You mean to suggest the water flows in both directions?”

  “In a sense, yes.” Basil kept pace as Haygan led them through the city. “Most of the river is divided by rocks, but there are points that open to allow you to cross and change your direction if needed. The churning vortex in the median is very dangerous.”

  “Thank you, Basil. We would appreciate your help.” Kai shook the man’s large hand.

  When they reached the outskirts of town, Haygan spotted Ryker running in their direction. “Does he ever stay in one place?” Kai asked, watching him approach.

  Haygan waved. “He is an unsettled soul.”

  Ryker came to a stop. “Haygan. Kai. Basil.”

  “Where are you going?” Kai questioned.

  “With you. I believe we are going on a trip.”

  “But how could you know? We only just decided.” Kai knit his brow in confusion.

  Ryker curled the corner of his mouth. “Alenga sends me where I need to be, and right now, you need me with you. Do you not?”

  Kai remembered the power within Alenga’s cavern and how it offered visions to Ryker when he stayed there. “I do. We must chase after Lucca—he stole my mother’s necklace. He is bound for the coast and then the Mystic Islands. I am not sure where the manta rays migrate, but first, we need her necklace back.”

  “One thing at a time.” Ryker moved through the group back into the city.

  ◆◆◆

  Smoke stood proudly on the hillside, Shiva sat behind him. The bright sunlight glinted across his ears and back. Kai wished he could take his wolf. As much as he wanted to, it was better to leave him behind. Their raft was already too crowded. “Sorry, boy, I can’t take you with me.” Smoke tilted his head, and through their connection, he spoke—Be strong, Kai.

  Ready to leave, Kai kissed his aunt on the cheek. “Aunt Simone, take care of yourself and my little cousin.” He looked to her round baby bump. “I will be back with my mother before the baby arrives, I promise.”

  Simone handed him the last of his supplies. “I wish I could go with you. You could use dragon on your side. Whatever you do, don’t transform over the ocean. If you cannot hold your form, you will crash into the sea and be unable to survive in your weakened state.”

  Kai nodded, then with a heavy sigh, he shook his uncle’s hand. “I still wish you were coming with me.”

  Haygan patted Kai’s shoulder. “Catch up to Lucca, get the necklace back. Find Yulia and Liam—they will help you reach the Mystics in time.”

  Rayna stepped up to Kai. He couldn’t help but notice her heavy pack. Before he could object, she spoke. “Don’t even think you’re leaving me behind. I am going.”

  “I wouldn’t dream of it.” He grabbed her hand, and they waved goodbye.

  The warm autumn sun ducked behind a puffy white cloud. As the river came into view, Kai couldn’t help but wonder if this was really the fastest route. “Ryker, are you sure we must take the river? Can I not fly us to the coast to catch Lucca?”

  “If you were an experienced Beastmaster, maybe. But even dragons must stop for rest and water. You’re not ready, and I cannot carry you for a day while you recover. If Rayna had more experience and could bring you out of your weakened state alone—maybe. It is best we take the Makani River with Basil.”

  When they reached the river, Basil was already tying down supplies. His raft was basic, a flat platform kept afloat by buoyant wooden beams and cross-tied with braided straps. In the center were three crates to hold supplies and four long wooden paddles.

  The small cove had a dock long enough for two rafts on each side to keep them out of the rushing water. One raft was missing. The thought of Lucca ahead of them twisted Kai’s stomach in knots.

  Kai and Rayna found a place to sit near the center on either side of the raft, and Ryker took the front while Basil took the rear.

  “Before we hit the open water,” Basil instructed, “there are a few rules. If you fall in, try to reach for the raft, but don’t panic. Float down river feet first, and do not let go of your paddle. There are points when the rapids settle, and there you should swim to shore. We will catch up to you.”
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  Basil continued to instruct everyone with his paddle. “Even in the rapids, you will need to help us paddle. In fact, you will spend most of the trip paddling. But at times, you must listen for my instructions. This is right forward, and left backward.” Basil demonstrated. “At times, I may need to correct our course, and you will need to be ready.”

  Suddenly, riding the river seemed more dangerous than Kai anticipated. He could see the rippling water outside of the cove moving quickly. Looking into the water near the raft, it only appeared a few feet deep, but he could see rocks below the surface.

  “Ryker, I need you to keep us clear of any protruding rocks. I will try to keep us in the center of the river as much as possible, except when the dividing rocks disappear. The current near the opening can suck you in and pull you across. If we are not angled for a crossing, it will flip us over.”

  Rayna eyed Basil. “Is there anywhere we can stop along the way?”

  “There are slow spots and other coves to pull out of the current. I will keep watch for opportunities to rest, please do not worry.”

  With no more explanation, Basil shoved them away from the dock. The moment they reached the river, Basil and Ryker used their paddles to turn the raft into the flow.

  The first part of the river was smooth and slow. They had time to paddle and take in their surroundings. Parallel with the river, Kai watched as they passed travelers along a black dirt road that rolled through the countryside. It didn’t take long to see their meandering carts and horses were no match for the pace of the river.

  Even moving at this speed felt slow; Kai wanted to fly. As a dragon, he could make faster progress, but when he landed, he would most likely pass out for a day. Even without his Aunt Simone’s warning, he knew transformation was too great a risk, given he did not know how far he could fly being a new Beastmaster.