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

Haygan stepped back. “Basil, my apologies. Can you tell me, is my father around?”

Basil stood before them straight and tall. His chiseled features were that of a statue carved into perfection. Towering over Haygan and Kai, he was dressed in flowing blue linen with a matching blue crystal—Beastmaster. His size made Kai wonder what massive creature he could become.

Basil nodded to Haygan. “I have not seen him this morning. I came to tell him about the storm damage,” he motioned to the trees, “but your father was not home.” The man’s voice had a deep soulful tone. His dark green eyes focused on Kai. “Hello, Kai, how goes your Beastmaster practice?”

“Fine, thank you, Basil.”

Haygan’s demeanor softened. “Thank you, Basil, I appreciate your kindness.” His uncle pivoted back the way they’d come.

Kai noticed that Basil was following them at a distance. “Do you think Lucca took my mother’s necklace?” he whispered.

“There is no doubt in my mind where the necklace is or who took it from you. Autumn is fast upon us and my father has different ideas about Mariana.”

“I thought we had a few days until we needed to leave.”

“No, you leave now. You must chase after Lucca. It is on you to make haste. My group is leaving for the coast soon, but you cannot afford to travel with me by cart. I have one more trip to make to Diu.”

Disappointed, Kai asked, “You will not go with me? Can your trip not wait? I don’t know where to go or anything about the Mystic Islands.” Kai darted ahead and stopped his uncle. Would Haygan not abandon his plans to travel to Diu given the circumstances?

“You know I cannot. I took this time off, but now I must finish this last trip. We need to find Ryker so he can escort you. Liam and Yulia are already on their way. If you move fast enough, you can catch them. They will be useful in navigating the Mystic Islands to the migration waters of the manta rays.”

“But uncle, this is for my mother, your sister.”

“I have obligations, Kai.” Haygan stepped around him. “My word is my bond. I owe Diu horses, and when they arrive from Bangloo, I need to be there to collect them. A trade to make up for the time I was away this summer. With the baby coming, I want to be here. There will be no more trips to foreign shores. Simone and the baby are my priority now. Ryker will guide you.”

Kai could not understand how Haygan could choose Diu over family. “But…”

Haygan raised his hand. “Finish the journey to find your mother. Ryker will see you reach Lucca and save Mariana. I love my sister very much, but I do not need to be in the way of your reunion. She will be disoriented enough without another face to remember.”

Chapter 22

The Rafter

Basil edged up behind Kai. “I couldn’t help but overhear you want to travel to the coast. The fastest route is the Makani River. Believe it or not, the river flows faster than traveling by horse. I have a raft if you are interested. You will need an experienced rafter to navigate the rapids and the bidirectional water changes.”

Kai raised an eyebrow. “Bidirectional? You mean to suggest the water flows in both directions?”

“In a sense, yes.” Basil kept pace as Haygan led them through the city. “Most of the river is divided by rocks, but there are points that open to allow you to cross and change your direction if needed. The churning vortex in the median is very dangerous.”

“Thank you, Basil. We would appreciate your help.” Kai shook the man’s large hand.

When they reached the outskirts of town, Haygan spotted Ryker running in their direction. “Does he ever stay in one place?” Kai asked, watching him approach.

Haygan waved. “He is an unsettled soul.”

Ryker came to a stop. “Haygan. Kai. Basil.”

“Where are you going?” Kai questioned.

“With you. I believe we are going on a trip.”

“But how could you know? We only just decided.” Kai knit his brow in confusion.

Ryker curled the corner of his mouth. “Alenga sends me where I need to be, and right now, you need me with you. Do you not?”

Kai remembered the power within Alenga’s cavern and how it offered visions to Ryker when he stayed there. “I do. We must chase after Lucca—he stole my mother’s necklace. He is bound for the coast and then the Mystic Islands. I am not sure where the manta rays migrate, but first, we need her necklace back.”

“One thing at a time.” Ryker moved through the group back into the city.

◆◆◆

Smoke stood proudly on the hillside, Shiva sat behind him. The bright sunlight glinted across his ears and back. Kai wished he could take his wolf. As much as he wanted to, it was better to leave him behind. Their raft was already too crowded. “Sorry, boy, I can’t take you with me.” Smoke tilted his head, and through their connection, he spoke—Be strong, Kai.

Ready to leave, Kai kissed his aunt on the cheek. “Aunt Simone, take care of yourself and my little cousin.” He looked to her round baby bump. “I will be back with my mother before the baby arrives, I promise.”

Simone handed him the last of his supplies. “I wish I could go with you. You could use dragon on your side. Whatever you do, don’t transform over the ocean. If you cannot hold your form, you will crash into the sea and be unable to survive in your weakened state.”

Kai nodded, then with a heavy sigh, he shook his uncle’s hand. “I still wish you were coming with me.”

Haygan patted Kai’s shoulder. “Catch up to Lucca, get the necklace back. Find Yulia and Liam—they will help you reach the Mystics in time.”

Rayna stepped up to Kai. He couldn’t help but notice her heavy pack. Before he could object, she spoke. “Don’t even