Rayna's Sacrifice (The Katori Chronicles Book 3) by A. Lombardo (intellectual books to read .TXT) 📗

motioned him over. “Kai, your uncle was just saying he and Simone are traveling higher into the mountains for some alone time.”

Simone placed her hands over Rayna’s shoulders. “I know you two have only been here a short while, and we hate to leave you, but we could use some time to ourselves.”

“When do you leave?” Kai asked.

Rayna blushed. “First light, after meditation and breakfast. They are all packed.”

Their sudden plans shook Kai. He looked to Haygan. “How long will you be gone?”

His aunt and uncle glanced at each other as if they had not even thought about how long. “Till the end of summer?” Simone answered, but sounded unsure.

“I am sorry,” Haygan tilted his head, “time is less important here. But both of you should focus on finding teachers. Kai, as I mentioned the other day again, you should seek out Benmar. I told you he lives near the top of the Katori Mountains. Ryker will be happy to lead you.”

It was difficult to argue with his uncle. Kai had dreamed of a snowy climb several times in the past week. He knew it was where he would find Benmar. He folded his arms around his chest. “I know…”

“It’s settled then,” Haygan said with a chuckle. “Simone and I will leave after morning meditation. You both will be fine. Get to bed, you two.” Haygan escorted Simone up the stairwell.

Swiftly, Rayna tugged Kai by the hand. Outside her pod, she stopped to watch Simone and Haygan continue up the spiral staircase. Kai craned his neck to see them disappear out of sight. Patiently he waited for the motion-sensitive flowers to dim in the wake of their departure.

Alone in the ambient flower light, they waited for the house to grow silent. Rayna stifled a giggle welling in her stomach. Kai grinned and brushed the side of her arm. With each move, the flowers around them bloomed with renewed light. How he wished they would stay out.

Excited to finally be alone, Kai stepped toward Rayna. His hand cupped the side of her face. She stretched upwards and tilted her head. He leaned to kiss her. As their lips neared, Shiva and Smoke burst between them, separating their closeness. “Smoke. Shiva. Really?” Kai scolded.

Rayna laughed. She shoved him in the stomach and turned to go to bed. Kai grabbed her by the arm and pulled her back. “Not so fast.” He gave her a tender kiss and spun her back on her way.

Content, Kai went to his pod and fell into bed, staring at the fading flowers. His insides brimmed with excitement.

Chapter 12

Deception

It had been weeks since Kai’s aunt and uncle left, and still, he had not made a decision about Benmar. He honestly could not fathom what was holding him back. Moonlight splashed over the meadow. Smoke ran through the wildflowers; his black fur showed a hint of blue in the glimmer. Leaves fluttered on the wind. Kai gazed at the star-filled sky, enjoying his quiet stroll. The early hours before dawn were peaceful and quiet, a time he relished exploring the community with his wolf companion.

Along the rolling valley, homes tucked up in the canopies of the Bodhima trees began to glow. People were waking to gather in the Agora for meditation. Dawn would be upon them soon. It was the start of a new day.

From his viewpoint, another cluster of lights in the eastern foothills began to glow. Dim, barely noticeable lights. It was the Matoku city highland tribe; a group he wanted to meet once he learned they were Ryker’s people. Knowing what he knew of Ryker, they could not be the simple backwoods people the Hiowind tribe depicted.

Not wanting to be late, Kai whistled for Smoke. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught the silhouette of a woman—Senina. She was alone. He was surprised to see her without her sisters.

She approached and looped her hand around the crux of his arm. Nervous about the closeness, Kai tried to step away and put some distance between them. He looked around the gardens. Senina’s grip tightened, and she stepped closer. “Are you enjoying the fresh air?” she asked coyly.

“Where are your sisters?” Kai asked, avoiding her question. “Linnea and Ciera will be missing you in the Agora.” He started to walk back through the meadow, eager to find Rayna.

“They will save me a spot. I wanted to be alone with you. This seems to be the only time to find you by yourself.”

“Please, Senina.” He found himself at a loss for words that would not offend her. “We have to stop meeting like this.”

“I simply want to know you. I mean no harm.” Her tone was seductive. “I want to know more about your life in Diu. We never left Katori, my sisters and I, before the Conhaspriga. I have studied geography like you, but I have never left Katori.”

“You were never curious about the outside world?” he asked as they continued.

“I was curious, but there is so much to love about our world, our simple way of life. We are about community, not about personal possessions and advancements. Here we have no clocks—I believe you call them. Timekeepers. We have no need. The sun tells us when to rise and when to sleep.”

Kai shook his head in agreement. “I have to admit your way of life is inviting. There is harmony here, that is true. Although, given the guardian training I have attended, it makes me wonder what they are preparing for.”

She gently patted his arm. “There is wisdom in being vigilant. We are not alone in the world. Not everyone believes in living off the land, living in harmony. Greed can consume even the most faithful.”

Kai wondered how his uncle managed to live in two worlds. “It is difficult to reconcile the two different ways of living. They both have value, and given the time, you would get used to both.”

“Tell me of Diu,” Senina crooned. “Or Port