by A D Lombardo
Haygan ran to his aid, pushing at the back of the cart. Muddy water pushed against Kai’s legs. Each step was harder than the last. Working together, they plodded through the rising water, threatening to wash them away. Everyone else watched from the opposite side. Kai gleaned the hills for the four Katori strangers—their movements increased with intensity.
He wasn’t sure how, but they were causing this storm. And if he didn’t know better, he’d swear they were forcing the surge of water in his direction. There was no time to figure out why. For now, they needed to survive. His heart quickened, and the horse jerked backward and stopped. “This is no time to panic, Kai!” Haygan shouted, holding on to the cart so it did not wash them all away.
Fears calmed, Kai stepped forward. The horse advanced. A small tree branch rushed by, but still, they continued onward. Bits of debris rushed around Kai’s legs, and he stumbled. Another limb caught in the cart’s wheel, and Haygan pulled it free, throwing the brush aside. “Keep going!” Haygan yelled through the rain.
Kai knew why Haygan yelled. Dead trees rolled down the hill toward their location; the spear-like projectiles would rip them apart. All he could do was hold on to the horse, keep calm, and pick up the pace. Haygan pushed on the cart to keep it from pulling the horse away with the current.
Quickening his steps, the horse moved faster. His footing was precarious, but Kai kept moving, barely touching the ground. He hopped through the muddy, waist-deep water.
Just a few feet more, he thought. Mid-hop, a small branch knocked Kai’s leg, and he lost his footing. Feet first, he slid under the horse. Gasping and flailing through the water, he reached for a dangling leather strap. His fingers gripped it tight. Water pushed against his side, threatening to tear him away.
Unable to regain his footing, Kai held on with all his might. He dangled by one arm. Tossed about by the water, he held his breath and pulled. His head rose above the muddy water. Focused, he asked the horses to advance, dragging him along. Through the splashes, he saw Haygan point and yell. His words were obscured by the noise of the river.
Again, he gleaned the hillside, and the downed trees headed in their direction. No longer able to see, he continued to hold on. We have to be close, he thought. A few steps further, he felt a hand reach out and grab him. Then another hand. He let go of the strap, and Drew and Dresnor pulled him to safety.
Back on his feet, he watched fallen trees wash behind his uncle.
Relieved they were across the river, they traveled north to higher ground. Kai gripped Ember’s reins with wrinkled hands. Exhausted, they trudged through the downpour to the next ridge. Drew directed them to a dilapidated barn that struggled against encroaching vines.
Inside, they made a small fire. The warmth felt good against the chilled mountain water in which Kai had nearly drowned. Kai was thankful that with everyone huddled together in the small space, Haygan was unable to lecture him about his mistake. Unfortunately, he was also unable to ask any questions about what had happened. Or how the Katori strangers were able to manipulate the weather.
Chapter 11
Chenowith
Two days later, they arrived in Chenowith soaking wet. Albert Chenowith, son of Lord Oliver, greeted them at the gates. His blond hair was considerably longer than last summer. Pleased to see his friend, Kai dismounted Ember and locked arms with Albert. “Albert, it is good to see you. I was disappointed you missed the Winter Festival, bringing in the new year without you was not the same. Your father mentioned you were unwell. How are you feeling?”
“Prince Kai, good to see you.” Albert rubbed his chest. “It was a harsh winter for me. Our physician had concerns I would not recover. Mother feared I might die—she never left my side. I was bedridden for weeks with severe fever and difficulty breathing. My cough still lingers.”
Kai knew it was serious enough to keep Albert from the Winter Festival, but he’d had no idea his friend was at risk of dying. “Your father did not elaborate. I should have come to visit.”
“I feel fine,” Albert wheezed, “but mother still won’t let me do anything. Mothers. You know how they can be.”
The words pierced Kai’s heart. He wished he knew how mothers were. He didn’t dare remind Albert. “Lady Clair is a good mother,” Kai nodded. “Good of you to meet us. I hope you’ve not been waiting long. Maybe we should stay in town.”
“Nonsense—we’ve been ready for days. When your scout arrived, announcing you were coming early, I clamored to meet you. I am lucky the rain stopped, or I would not be out here.” Albert’s bright blue eyes sparkled with joy. “Come, let’s make haste, they are holding lunch for you.”
A small lump formed in Kai’s throat. “Albert. Are you sure we are not imposing? We plan to leave come dawn. I don’t want to inconvenience your parents for a few hours’ sleep.”
Albert mounted his black stallion. “You know my mother.” A sly grin bubbled into a small chuckle. “You can tell her you’re staying in town, but I’m not about to show up without you.” He raised an eyebrow and sidestepped his horse to the gatehouse.
After a moment, Kai raised his hands and relented. Lady Clair was a persistent woman. He was not about to challenge her wishes. “Lead the way. Show off.” Kai hopped back into the saddle and followed Albert. He had always been impressed with all three Chenowith brothers. Their equestrian training skills were outstanding. He had never seen horses prance until he came to Chenowith last summer.
Chenowith was a beautiful city nestled amongst the small foothills above Baden Lake. Together they passed through the gatehouse. Kai eyed the large interlocked gray blocks of the city walls. While the walls were not as tall as those in Diu, they were well maintained and had multiple lookout points with soldiers patrolling between the watchtowers.
“Albert,” he said, motioning to his friend to slow down. “I need to make a stop in town. I hate to ask since they are expecting us, but it is important.”
Haygan rode forward and pointed in the direction of the glassmaker’s shop. “Albert, he needs to visit Pinellas Glass Wonders.”
“Certainly.” Albert led the way, dismounting outside the charming shop.
The glass shop was sweltering. Kai entered with Albert, Haygan, and Kempery-man Dresnor. Sweat dripped down the face of an old leathery bald man. He pulled a glowing ball of molten glass from a furnace and rolled it back and forth. A young apprentice blew into the long tube guided by the old man.
Kai wished he had more time to watch the men work, but he had to find a gift.
All around the shop were shelves filled with glass vases, bottles, and small beads. Around the ceiling hung various decorative glass panels. Their beautiful array of colors catching the light that bounced around the shop. “There is so much,” Kai whispered to Haygan. “This man should live in Diu; he’d make a fortune.”
Fingering several glass beads in a bowl, he wondered if Rayna would like something decorative. “Haygan, do you think Rayna would like some glass beads strung on a bracelet?”
Haygan cut his eyes at Kai and raised one eyebrow. “Jewelry is a very personal gift. Only give it to the girl who holds your heart.”
“When did you give Simone jewelry?” Kai said with a grin.
Haygan’s expression softened, and a sense of pride puffed up his chest. “Simone is the love of my life.” He slapped Kai on the back of his shoulder. “I would stick to the bottles. Your relationship might not be ready for jewelry. Let’s hurry up, we all need rest. Dresnor and I will wait outside.”
Albert watched them leave and approached Kai. “What are you searching for?”
Embarrassed, Kai pursed his lips. “I need glass bottles made by the end of summer. We will stop back through at summer’s end to collect them on our return trip.”
Albert took him to a large shelf. “Here, pick the style you like from this shelf. Tell them the colors you want. I will see that they are ready when you return.” A sly grin crossed his mouth. “Are they for a girl?” He nudged Kai’s arm
.
“Umm, they’re…I…yes they are,” he stammered, selecting a few bottles and approaching the counter. Not wanting to keep everyone waiting, Kai placed his order with the old man’s assistant.
Back outside, he glanced around at the unique buildings of Chenowith, remounting his horse. The large gabled eaves were supported by scrolling decorative braces and massive wooden beams, and the weatherboarding was painted in an assortment of colors. Like last summer, their front windows were pushed open to catch the breeze blustering through the hillside.
At the center of town, they rode through a large open plaza. The cobblestone was a variety of white, gray, and black stone. The design swooped and swirled around a large marble fountain. Kai’s favorite part about the town was the fountain centerpiece. One large chunk of marble, an architectural marvel.
The base remained jagged and natural with three small waterfalls and three giant wolves carved around it. The top was cut into a man and wolf. The pair stood together in harmony, gazing into the distance.
Townspeople gathered around the bubbling fountain, talking and enjoying a pleasant rain-free day. Kai let his eyes wander around the meandering crowd. Studying the people, he quickly remembered that nearly everyone had various shades of blonde hair, from pale-sunshine to golden-straw. Their clothing was also different from Diu. Everyone wore festive colors with embroidered flowers and vines.
Beyond the square, Dresnor stopped at a sizeable cream-colored inn. The Linwood House took up the entire block. Four guards stood with the innkeeper; their silver armor gleamed in the sunshine. Dismounting, Kai watched his soldiers reposition as he followed Dresnor inside.
Up two flights of stairs, Dresnor escorted Kai to a large corner room overlooking the square. “Kai, I thought you might want to freshen from the long ride. Three days in the mud and rain did little for your regal appearance.”
“Well, if we are being honest, Philip, you’ve looked and… phew… smelled better,” he bantered in return. “It couldn’t hurt for you to splash the mud off your beard and change your uniform.”
Dresnor looked down at his shirt and tugged at his mud-splattered beard. “Agreed. It would be better if I didn’t look or smell like a barn animal.” He laughed.
“I wanted to ask your opinion of the Chenowith family,” Kai said. “In all of Diu’s towns, there could not be a more loyal household. Would you agree?”
“If you’re asking should you someday consider one of the Chenowith boys for your council in Milnos, I would agree. Albert especially has bigger ambitions than horse breeding and winemaking. He would be a true asset. You will need someone on your side to advise you and keep you informed of what is happening here in Diu.”
Milnos was on Kai’s mind. Dresnor was right; he would need people he could trust. “I was thinking about someone who could look in on my father when I move away. I would want someone I trusted to send word.”
“Consider Albert. I am sure he will welcome the opportunity when the times comes.”
Refreshed, they remounted and continued through the streets of the town with Albert. Their journey led them high into the hills with fewer and fewer buildings. When they reached the Chenowith Estate, he was still astonished to find that no wall separated the estate from its people. The sprawling grounds out front were open and lush. Its only barrier was a rolling evergreen hedge, interspersed with clusters of towering pine trees and mounds of red rose bushes.
High in the distance, jagged white peaks scraped against the sky. The snowy summits were barely visible against the pale-blue sky. Kai was back in the lower part of the Katori Mountains and happy to see them once more. The sketches in books never did them justice.
Once again, the Chenowith home took his breath away. The massive wooden mansion was unlike anything he had ever seen before. Like in town, gabled roofs gave way to wide eaves and exposed beams, supported by decoratively carved brackets over large, open balconies. Decorative carvings and moldings accented oversized windows and a thick stone foundation.
Four of his guards, who had ridden ahead to announce his arrival, stood out front. A row of groomsmen waited nearby, poised to assist with the horses. On the front steps stood two rows of servants, beaming with pride.
Lord Oliver, Lady Clair, and their two other sons, William and Noah, stood in front of the large double doors. All three sons were the spitting image of their father. Tall, broad shoulders, narrow waists, and shoulder-length straw-blond hair with hazel green eyes. Lady Clair’s statuesque frame was equal to her husband’s. Her golden locks, braided into long coils, swooped about her head. Their elegant clothes made Kai thankful he had stopped in town to freshen from the long ride.
Dresnor approached the Duke. “Duke Chenowith, I am pleased to formally announce His Royal Highness Prince Kai Galloway of Diu, son of King Iver and Mariana Galloway.”
The Chenowith men gave a deep bow while Clair curtsied. “Your Highness, Prince Galloway, it is an honor to have you here with us again. Please come in.” Oliver glanced lovingly at his wife and turned to swing both doors wide. He gestured into the grand foyer.
Kai stepped forward into the grand entrance. He’d spent last summer in Chenowith. Something about the place made him feel like he was home. Being this close to the mountains moved him. He had no idea how much he’d missed the estate until now.
The interior was beautiful. The flooring design was a mix of diamond-and-square-shaped interlocking pieces of wood. Each piece was stained red, black, or neutral to create a flower pattern across the floor. There was an expansive wrap-around staircase decorated with tapestries, stained glass windows, and large paintings.
“You have a magnificent home,” Kai said, nodding to Lord Oliver. “Thank you for hosting my group. It is gracious of you to open your home, given our early arrival and quick departure. I hope we are not intruding.”
“It is our pleasure, Prince Kai.” Lord Oliver bowed deeply. “We are honored by your visit, even for one night.”
Taking the lead, Oliver motioned. “If you will follow me. We have prepared a small meal for you and your men in the banquet hall. I would imagine you are all tired from the journey. Since you plan to leave come dawn, I have taken the liberty to request supplies for the next part of your journey.”
Kai ushered his men forward. “I am humbled by your generosity, Lord Oliver. Bless you.”
“After refreshments,” Oliver motioned, “you can retire to your rooms. Like last summer, there is room in the house for you, four of your men, your hunter and his son. A few can stay in the servants’ house; my steward tells me he can accommodate only three tonight. The rest can stay in the stable loft rooms. My groomsman will see to their needs.”
“Thank you, Lord Oliver.” Inside the banquet hall, there were three long tables, covered in food and flowers. How he loved this room, with its multicolored inlaid wood that decorated the floors, walls, and ceiling.
Oliver held Clair’s hand until he reached the head of the table. “There is room for all of your companions. Please, everyone, take a seat.” Oliver insisted, pulling out Clair’s chair.
Dresnor held back, instructing two Chenowith guards, while everyone else took a seat around one of the tables. Kai looked around, thankful for his friends. Over the past two years, he and his men had become very close.
Everyone smiled and chattered with the Chenowiths as if no time had passed since last year. It was good to feel at home. Kai couldn’t help but watch Albert. His illness had thinned his face, and his mother could not help fawning over her youngest.
The warm meal filled Kai. He wiped his mouth with the floral napkin. “Lord Oliver, while we are staying the summer in Albey, is there a chance you all could come to visit?”
Oliver took a drink to clear his throat. “I doubt I could make the trip, but I could send the boys for a week. William and Noah have traveled to Albey many times. Albert’s illness has taken a lot out of him, however, so I am not sure he is strong enough. Let’s see how summer goes.”
“If your cough is completely gone, I will consider sending you.” Oliver’s tone was stern. The Duke turned back to Kai. “Thank you for thinking of my boys. End of summer just before early harvest, I will send a bird and let you know whom to expect. Your Kempery-man shared news about your troubles on the road. Men are already looking into repairing the washed away section. When the rains let up, we need to build a bridge over the creek. That road washes out too often.”
“The weather took us by surprise,” Kai nodded. “I had no idea that much rain could fall at once. Good to hear you are putting in a bridge.” He pushed back his plate. Rubbing his chin, he felt embarrassed that he’d not shaved in days.
After the polite conversation, everyone adjourned to their private quarters. Everything looked the same. The small writing desk was bathed in sunlight near the tall wall of windows. Its surface was inlaid with different shades of stained wood, and the thick ornately carved edges coiled down into each leg.
His fingers floated over the intricately carved desk chair as he looked at the wooden armoire. Like everything else, it was hand-cut and stained to bring out the design—flowers, vines, and trees. The carved headboard and four-post bed frame was a welcome sight to his weary body.
Outside on the large balcony, Kai enjoyed his view of the gardens and the clear view of the Katori Mountains. Even though it was good to be back, he wished he was elsewhere. Ryker’s failed attempt to save his mother weighed on him, and there was nothing he could do to help.
Leaving the doors open, he changed and lay down across his bed. He could hardly believe how good it felt to lay in a bed after two miserable days in the mud and rain. The fresh air blew through the open balcony doors, bringing with it the smell of pine and wet earth. Between the soft bed and fresh air, he was asleep in no time.