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

want to thank you for taking Rayna into your family. I know it means a great deal to her. I should also thank you for allowing me to stay with you these many weeks.”

Imani edged around her aunt. “You’re not leaving already, are you?”

“Within a day or two.” Rayna nodded. “Kai wants to be near the coast to travel to the Mystic Islands to find his mother.”

Kai pulled his mother’s necklace from his pocket. “I believe her crystal will help me find her, and from what I’ve learned, she will need it to transform and remain a human.”

The expression on Mina’s face was not hopeful. “I don’t know if that will be enough, Kai. She has spent too long intertwined with her animal spirits. I fear she has lost her mind.”

“I will not give up trying,” Kai insisted. “After I save my mother, I need to return to Diu. I promised to attend the winter festival, and I worry about my father’s health.” Looking to Rayna, “I assume you will want to visit your parents in Diu.”

Rayna shook her head in agreement. “I miss them, and I owe them for the love they gave me.”

Chapter 21

Lucca’s Betrayal

Returning to Haygan’s home felt comforting. After weeks on the mountain with Benmar and then weeks with Rayna’s new family, Kai was anxious for autumn. He knew it would soon be time to search for his mother. The anticipation kept him up most nights. But when they arrived, they found more than his aunt and uncle.

Simone’s parents, Freia and Pedmar had come for a visit. They were pleasant, polite people: cheerful, sun-soaked Weathervanes who loved their daughter. Freia doted over Simone and her pregnancy. Her hands rubbed Simone’s tiny bulge. Her skin tone was more of a reddish-brown hue, but her eyes were dark like Simone’s. “We should have come earlier, my dear. I have missed you so much. But we hate to intrude.”

Simone rolled her eyes back at Haygan. “You are always welcome at my house in Hiowind, mother,” she said with the tone a little heavy on the word mother.

“Well, my dear, we are here now. Come. Let’s get you out of the sun.” Freia motioned to the Bodhima tree-home.

“Simone, Kai and I should pack for my trip to the coast. We leave within a few days.”

Pedmar was a rather tall man with strong features. His complexion matched Simone’s caramel hue to perfection, though his eyes were a brilliant blue. He swept his arm around Simone. “Still helping the outsiders. Hmmm. He should be here with you. Will he even be around to raise his own child?” Pedmar scoffed.

“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