by A D Lombardo
“Hand me your staff,” she insisted, placing hers on the table. “Change of plans.” Riome moved back into position and shifted through an ancient Bangloo tradition; a graceful form of exercise. A series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing. She taught him the various moves and how they worked.
Without questions, he found his place at her side and mirrored her choreographed movements, meant to align the body, mind, and soul energy. His breathing relaxed, his mind calmed. Their shadows bounced about the walls in the wavering light.
They moved in silence; each posture flowed into the next. Their constant motion lulled Kai’s spirit and released tension. This was just what he needed. Her silence spoke volumes. She was a good teacher. He appreciated the change.
After they completed the movement, Riome turned and bowed to him. He bowed in return. Then she began her closing posture; he followed suit. Eyes closed once more; palms cupped facing up. He inhaled and drew his hands up to his chest, pulling his energy with his movement. On exhale, he rotated his hands and pressed downward, pushing his energy to the floor.
After several repetitions, Riome stopped. She bowed again and took a seat on a wooden bench. Her voice broke the evening’s silence. “I have a new lesson to teach. It requires you to listen and consider,” Riome announced. “I must teach you how to survive should you get discovered. We are spies, and the chances are high that at some point you will be captured.”
Kai put up his hand to stop her. “I know you and Cazier think I am ready for this, but some days I feel like I will never be a good spy. I’m a prince, too recognizable. Now you want me to know what it’s like to get captured?”
“It falls to me to teach you all I know. Some of these techniques you may never have cause to use. But you should be ready. I am planting a seed in your mind. One I pray you will never need to retrieve.” She squinted at him as she often did when he would argue. “Yes, you are a prince, but not all know your face well. You can still be of value.”
Unwilling to argue he relented. “Please continue.”
Riome composed herself. “As a prince, your royal status will grant you access to any palace. I will teach you the art of disguise. With it, you can go anywhere. But if you’re caught searching a room, reading correspondence, or eavesdropping on conversations, you need to know how to talk your way out. If you find it does not work, you need to know what to do next.
“When captured, most spies take poison to avoid interrogation and pain, while others will kick, claw, bite, even cut off a limb to escape. We are not animals. Your body is strong, yet easily broken. Your mind is stronger, yet easily confused. Your spirit is limitless. Remember who you are.” Half her face was hidden in darkness, and her words felt eerie. “Fear kills the mind. Your suffering is temporary. Ignore the pain. You may feel trapped. Still, you must wait. Know your enemy. Establish a routine and let them see a broken man. Routine makes people complacent. Use that. Be submissive.”
“Do you think this will matter? None of my missions have ever put me in any real danger. Right?”
“It matters,” she insisted. “Stripped of my disguises, I was nobody. They had no leverage, and I eventually escaped.” She gestured in his direction. “You are a prince. That will either hurt you or help you. Be prepared either way. When you see your chance, take it.” She picked up her lamp and made for the door.
“Riome, why are you telling me this? Where are you going? You have a mission, and you are not telling me something.”
“We do not know our future, Kai.” She spun to face him. “I must prepare you for everything. Plant seeds in your mind. Ideas to keep you alive and strong even in your darkest hours. They are also words to remind me of the lessons I’ve learned. Mark my words—something is coming. I fear neither of us will be ready.” She turned and charged to the door.
“But wait,” he called at her back.
“That is enough for tonight. Remember my words. I will be away for the next few nights. Maybe longer. Get some rest, you look exhausted. Goodnight, Kai.” She slipped into the dark hallway and did not look back.
There would be no use chasing her—spies never reveal anything. All too often she threw information at him like one of her throwing stars. They were meant to strike deep and leave a mark on his mind. Although her vulnerability was something new. She had never shown any fear before. Though faint, Kai sensed her concern. He let out a sigh and grabbed his lamp.
When he realized the time, he took the steps two at a time as he climbed the stairwell. His pace quickened. He turned out the lamp and left it on the hallway table. Without delay, he made for the breezeway near the orchard. Smoke was not there.
Kai closed his eyes and relaxed his breathing. Somewhere in the dark, Rayna ran. He needed her. Connected to Smoke, he found them passing the southern gatehouse. Eyes open, he hopped the breezeway railing and made his way down the stone stairs towards the garden.
The cold, crisp wind chilled his skin. His thin shirt was a poor choice, but he wasn’t about to waste time changing. He had not seen Rayna face-to-face in over two months, since the Winter Festival. He ran towards the gardens to intercept her path. A guard leaning against a wall shuffled to attention when he saw Kai run in his direction.
Hoping for privacy, he ran away from the guard. He dashed beyond the garden sheds and waited. Rayna came from the right, fast and steady, Smoke at her side. Kai leaned around the shed to catch her attention.
Her eyes beamed as she slowed. Thrilled to see him, she wrapped her arms around his neck. Her cold cheek pressed against his and she squeezed him tight. He wrapped her in his arms and scooped her off the ground.
“This is the best birthday gift ever,” she responded gleefully. “I’ve missed you.”
His shoulders slumped, and he lowered her feet to the ground. “Oh, Rayna, I forgot. I’m so sorry. I missed your birthday. I meant to…” He stopped midsentence. “I have been so busy,” he said, but his apology felt hollow. He hadn’t planned anything. Between classes and training, he had merely forgotten. Embarrassed, he let her slip from his grasp.
“I understand.” She stepped back.
Kai took a good look at her. Long pants and boots changed her figure. A look he was not sure he liked. Pants stole her delicate girl grace he was so fond of. Kai turned and walked along the wall, her hand in his. “Tell me. How does it feel to be sixteen?” he asked, desperate to make idle conversation.
“It should mean independence. My mother says I am a grown woman now.” She laughed, squeezing his hand. “I think she expects me to find a man to marry. Both my parents expect me to be practical.” She twisted her hair with her free hand.
“In less than a week, you will be sixteen, too. Someone forgot to shave again this morning.” She teased, brushing her fingers across his stubble.
“Don’t remind me, I hate shaving.”
They walked along the wall hand-in-hand and Smoke followed. Months of pent up frustration melted away. “How are your herbalist studies coming?” he asked.
“I have read all the books you gave me. I am also researching some of the plants you suggested.” She swung their clasped hands back and forth. “Professor Grayden was kind enough to lend me a few botany journals, and thanks to your recommendation, I’ve had a few classes with a local apothecary.”
“Sounds great. I will have to get you new books this summer,” he said without thinking.
He hated to contemplate leaving already. In a little over two months, he would travel to Albey, a new town far to the east around Baden Lake. Three months without her. His last summer trip before moving to Milnos.
“Right.” Her mood mellowed. “Albey.”
A group of guards was gathered near the Mryken kennels, so Kai turned them around. Their mood had already shifted, and he didn’t want to make it any more awkward by weaving through a security guard change. Once they were close enough, he pulled her toward the apple orchard.
The sky darkened with h
eavy gray clouds. Winter wind whipped around them, leaving a few tiny snowflakes in its wake. Surprised, Kai stopped and looked up. “Did you see that?” The smallest snowflakes trickled down. Slowly more fell. With each passing flake, they grew larger. He looked down at Rayna, her outstretched palm catching snowflakes.
“Rayna, glean to see the energy within the snow. They look like tiny stars falling from the sky.” He took a deep breath and felt the energy within his soul. Connected, he followed the power outward. His mind expanded, and he saw the world glow. Eyes open, Kai’s gift of gleaning mixed with his natural view of the world. He saw Rayna’s face in detail, outlined in a white glow.
Her eyes closed. Kai watched her soft, delicate features embellished by the light. Snow melted on her cheeks and eyelashes. When she opened her eyes, she smiled. “Of all the gifts we have, seeing the snow set aglow is my favorite,” she said, looking into his eyes. “Well, that and being able to find you on your balcony when you can’t sleep.” She blushed.
He grinned at her comment. If they could not be side-by-side, it was nice to see her in his mind. The simplest gesture, just a wave from her, helped him get through his day. There was no denying the bond they shared. If only this moment could last forever.
Although he did not have forever, he could make the moment longer. The wind around them subsided. Snow fell softly, barely reaching the ground. Tiny star-like flakes floated down around them. He held his breath. His soul embraced the moment. Kai looked down. Caught in Rayna’s eyes, his heart swelled with emotion. Time slowed, and snow hung midair. Magic buzzed in the air, tickling the hair on his bare arms.
He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into his arms. Her beautiful face he cupped with his other hand. “May I kiss you,” he asked softly.
She replied by pressing her lips to his. For a moment, the rest of the world stood still. Nothing else mattered but her. He felt his soul join with hers. Deep inside, he sensed a connection that would last a lifetime. Kai wished he could make that moment last longer, but as he held her in his arms, he felt time slowly resume. He could hold the moment no longer. The snow drifted downward, and the winter wind returned. They parted. He wanted to kiss her again. His heart pounded in his chest and heat warmed his face. As much as he hated it, he knew she needed to go.
“Rayna, you should go home before the storm gets worse or your parents come searching.”
She blushed and ran her fingers over her lips and pressed her other hand over his heart. “Our first real kiss. I will cherish it.”
He laid his hand on top of her hand. She was right; he knew no other moment would compare to this. He wanted to tell her he loved her, but he held his tongue and let her go.
Chapter 6
King’s Day
It had been two months since Kai’s sixteenth birthday. The city bells rang for his father just after sunrise. The hour of Iver’s birth. Today was King’s Day, the celebration of Iver’s birthday. Everyone gathered in the great hall for an early breakfast to celebrate. Kai wished it had just been family, but Nola insisted on inviting dukes from around the land.
Any excuse to coordinate an event, Nola insisted on having lords and ladies at the palace. Cazier felt it was important to her to exercise her power as queen and build a reputation with the people, but Kai hated how she paraded Aaron and Seth, her twin boys, and little Cordelia around as the future of Diu. Even though he was destined to be king of Milnos, and Aaron, the first-born twin, would be the heir to the Diu thrown, it still felt forced. Today was no exception.
Throughout the morning, he heard her tell various guests Iver was grooming Aaron to be the future of Diu, his heir to the seat of power. Although being crowned king would only happen in the event of his father’s death, and Aaron was only ten, Nola seemed determined to garner favor with the lords and ladies in Diu, instilling the idea of Aaron as their future king.
Typically, very celebratory, Iver was subdued and distant today. Since Kai’s summer in Chenowith and Iver’s return from his summer at sea, his father had not been the same. For weeks after, his father laid sick and unavailable. Nola hovered constantly. Sigry, the palace physician, would only say he was resting, exhausted from his trip abroad. Even now, Iver’s color was muted. His eyes lacked their usual shine. Somber, Iver sat watching Nola flit around the room.
Today Kai felt set aside. Nola had placed his brothers on either side of Iver, leaving him to sit beside her. Nola sat on Aaron’s left with her back turned slightly, blocking Kai’s view of his father. Glass raised, she clinked the side to gather everyone’s attention. “Thank you, lords and ladies of Diu, for joining my children and me in celebrating King Iver’s blessed birthday. We give thanks to Alenga, the blessed earth mother for all she gave us. Long live the King of Diu.” She lifted her glass and drank.
In unison, the group echoed in return, “Long live Iver, King of Diu. Long live the King.”
Iver raised his hand, tamping down the air to calm the cheers and applause. “Thank you all for being here. Following the parade, please join us in the park later this afternoon for Linlou’s newest performance in flower design as we again give Alenga thanks and welcome summer.”
Then he rose to his feet and made his way to Helena, his twin sister. She rose and hugged him tightly. “Happy birthday, sister,” he whispered. “I am happy you were able to travel from Port Anahita.”
Kai watched them walk together. Their bond made him wonder what it felt like to have a twin. His twin brothers shared a similar bond; they had the unique ability to speak without words.
It was moments like this that made him miss his mother. In his heart, he remembered how close they were. As much as he loved his father, the bond with his mother was different. And now, Kai noticed a growing distance between him and his father. Only a few fleeting moments reminded him of their once-close relationship. He knew if his mother were here today, she would bring them together. They would be one happy family, instead of divided.
◆◆◆
After the parade, everyone climbed the stone stairs leading up into the Diu Central City Gardens. The first thing Kai noticed was the addition of raised potted white flowers with large blue ribbons. Diu guards dotted the pathways throughout the park, each armor-clad man gleaming in the afternoon sunlight.
In the garden center, his immediate family took the white stone stairs leading to the left terrace, all except Iver and Nola. The lords and ladies of Diu went right to another raised garden; both lined with armored Kempery-men and additional guards. At the top of the garden, long white linen tables decorated with blue ribbons and fresh white flowers awaited them. Each table was littered with mixed fresh fruit, sweet and savory tarts, and teas.
While everyone relaxed and enjoyed the view from the raised gazebo, Iver and Nola selected flowers with Linlou. Kai watched their exchange. Linlou, with her sketchbook, took careful notes, as she continued trying to interact with Iver. At each section, Nola fervently interjected and pointed to different plants than Iver suggested. Still, Linlou took notes, looking at Iver as if she hoped he would countermand Nola.
Kai wondered how Linlou could create anything to please two people who couldn’t be more opposite if they tried. When they finished, Linlou began to scratch her head. She looked at the plants and then referred to her notes. Iver had always made his suggestions alone. Nola’s contradictive instructions would make this her most challenging design by far.
Kai watched Nola chaperone Iver around the group. It was the strangest sight to see her lead his father. There was indeed a new dynamic happening between them, a noticeable change in his father’s demeanor. If only Kai could get a moment alone with him, but Nola never left his side.
The situation called for finesse. Kai waited for his opportunity. When Nola reached for a cup of tea, she let Iver’s arm drop. His father stood frozen as if unable to leave her side. Kai took the opening. Silently he slipped between them, took his father’s arm and ushered him away. Kai weaved Iver through the crowd of fa
mily and servants. He rushed his father down the steps, out of sight.
“Father, you should see the fabulous creation Linlou is creating.” Kai gestured to the plants.
Iver acted lost. “Where is Nola? She should see this too.” He tried to pull away, but Kai kept a firm grasp and marched his father around the gardeners, who were busily working to plant Linlou’s design.
Kai hated being in their way, but this was the first time he and his father had been alone since last summer’s end. “Father, I leave for Albey soon. Can we spend time alone before I go?”
Iver tugged again at Kai’s arm. He acted like a small child wanting to sit after a long walk. Kai thought of Nola and how she treated his father. She hovered insistently. Without her, Iver’s mind was lost in a fog. Kai needed to get through.
Rubbing the back of his father’s hand, he felt Iver relax. Kai tapped Iver’s hand lightly as he’d seen Nola do hundreds of times. “Don’t worry father, I am here with you. Nola wanted me to show you the gardens,” he said in a soothing tone.
Distance. We need to put distance between Nola and us. The farther he pulled his father away from the others, the more confident Kai felt. It was good to be alone with his father, even if it was but for a moment. Kai directed them to the opposite side of Linlou’s workers, and he dared a look back.
A lump formed in Kai’s throat when he spotted Nola. She stood at the top of the stone stairs. Kai was sure she was furious. She glared in their direction. He could tell she was eager to snatch his father away, but people continued to take her hand and chatter at her. While she played the dutiful queen, she kept a keen eye on them, never wandering away from the stairs.
“Father, are you still planning your trip abroad this year?” Kai asked. “I have not heard anything about where you are going. There are no signs of preparations for your departure.”
“Son, are you leaving?” Iver asked, confused. “Is it summertime again already? My, how you’ve grown. You are as tall as me now. Nola believes I should stay home this summer. I did not fare well after my last trip. I might send Kempery-man Farwick without me. Or maybe Dante could go in my stead. He would do fine.” Iver’s voice lacked its usual confidence; his eyes were glassy and red.