by A D Lombardo
Alenga touched his forehead. “Remember what I asked you to do, Kai. I bid you, bring my children home—Davi and his family, and any Katori outcast who wish to return. Lead them through my crystal mountain and bring them here. You will need them for what is to come. I will grant Liam the power to restore the tunnels of my crystal mountain.”
With the wave of her hand, Kai’s spirit rose back into his body. He was once again standing in the sunbathed sacred water of Alenga’s lost Agora, holding his mother. He lifted his healed mother from the waters and placed her on the stone floor. Everyone anxiously looked at him as his aura bloomed with power. As on the day of his blessing, he could see his friends' aura glow.
Kai took Liam’s hand. “Alenga bids you to repair the tunnels in her crystal mountain.” Light flowed down Kai’s arm into his friend, Liam nodded with understanding.
Then Kai told them Alenga bid him bring home the lost children of Katori. He touched his grandfather’s arm, and the power flowed between them. “You must help me bring them home, grandfather. Alenga also told me it would take time for my mother to return, and she may not return the way we hope.”
Lucca nodded with understanding. “I will help you in any way I can, grandson.”
Ryker ran his hand over Mariana’s head. “I will protect your mother, Kai.”
Outside, Kai sensed the arrival of others. “The elders are here, Lucca. I am sure many will wish to see this place, Alenga’s Agora, and proof that my mother lives.”
“Let them wait.” Lucca knelt next to his daughter and Ryker. “Come sit with your mother.”
The words of Alenga weighed on Kai’s heart. He did not want to leave his mother, not after he just brought her home. He let his hand rest on her hand, and he watched her steady breath raise and lower her chest. Thoughts of his father Iver crossed his mind. “I wish I could bring Iver here to see my mother.”
Ryker glanced at Kai. “You know that can never happen. Mariana is lost to her old life. But you have another parent who needs you. Iver needs you.”
Lucca leaned into Kai’s ear. “Keegan will return, and you must be ready. Gather your Katori friends before your return to Diu. They, too, will need time to prepare for the future.”
Somehow, Kai knew Lucca and Ryker were right. He had to return to Diu; he had promised to be there for the winter festival. Iver was unwell, and Kai needed to know if Riome had returned after being lost at sea. He knelt, and he held his mother’s hand. Rayna leaned into his side. For one brief moment, they could all be together, before their world turned upside down again.
The End