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

With no effort at all, he spun the stone slab. Using the palm of his hand, Liam pushed downward creating a rock bowl with a lip.

Pleased with his handiwork, he stepped to the center of the bowl and tapped his fingers over the middle. Over and over, he struck the same area. To Kai’s surprise, the hard surface turned to dust beneath his touch. If Kai had not seen it with his own eyes, he would not have believed it possible. “That was spectacular, Liam.”

Liam smiled but did not boast. “Good to see you up and about, Kai. Ryker told me you were chasing Lucca and Basil. And that you needed my help through the Mystic Islands.”

“That is the long and short of it.” Kai bobbed his head. “I mean to save my mother when the manta rays come near the islands. I can only hope we are not too late.”

“Well then, it sounds like there’s no time to waste. We will leave first thing in the morning.”

While a man named Chance built a fire at the center of the stone firepit Liam created, Ryker, Liam and Kai caught fish from the river to provide a bountiful dinner. They were all content despite what was to come once they reached the shore.

◆◆◆

Later that evening, Kai found a place to lie on the ground near two trees. Liam took a spot a few feet away.

Kai gazed up at the starlit sky. “Liam, you said Benmar asked you to come to my aid. Why did you?”

Liam stared at the blazing fire. “Benmar, your grandfather, is a good man. Many seek him out as a teacher, but he only accepts a few. Make no mistake, the chiefs and the unie watch him. They are not fond of him or his living with dragons. You must remember, he is Keegan’s father in their minds, first and foremost.”

“If he is such an outcast, why in the world did you ask him to be your mentor?”

Befuddled, Liam tossed up his hands. “I didn’t! He approached me in the Agora on the day of my blessing. He told me we had a friend in common. Benmar follows you very closely. He mentioned your name, and I was hooked. You made such an impression that day near Chenowith—the day in the clearing with your wolf pack. Benmar told me when it was your time to claim your own birthright, the elders might not send a Stoneking to open the way. I was happy to come. I don’t believe anyone has the right to decide what should be up to Alenga.”

“Thank you again for being a dedicated friend.” Kai acknowledged the support. “I know Lucca thinks very little of Benmar. What do you think of him?”

“Strong-willed, wise yet kind. He took me flying once. He climbed so high into the pitch-black sky. I had a strap around his dragon’s neck, and I held on tight. Your grandfather rolled into a dive.” Liam’s expression filled with delight.

Listening to his friend speak of his grandfather reminded him of his own experiences with the man. He had a good soul, and no matter what Lucca thought, Benmar did not make Keegan into the man he’d become. Keegan chose his own path.

“I thought we were going to crash into Baden Lake,” Liam continued. “At the last moment, he pulled up and skimmed the surface. The water sprayed up behind us. I have never felt anything like it. He treats me like family.”

“Sounds amazing. The flying part.” Kai reflected on his own flight as a dragon. Kai brought his eyes down from the night sky. Liam’s peaceful nature was still there. He had the same calm demeanor from two years ago. “Can I ask you a question, Liam?”

“You mean, besides that one?” Liam chuckled. “Sure, go ahead.”

“Were you angry that I lied to you about who I was when we met?”

“Why would I be angry? If I remember, you didn’t really lie. You may have omitted your last name and the fact that at the time, you thought you were a Half-Light, but you never lied. You were curious. Who wouldn’t be? Your mother told you stories. That’s what mothers do. Kendra told you stories to earn your trust. Clearly, you have gifts. A talent like yours would not have stayed hidden. You are no Half-Light. You are a true Katori child, and I believe you had every right to know your heritage.”

“Maybe. But not everyone believes I should have been allowed to come here. That I should have been denied my gifts.”

“That was for Alenga to decide. And she does choose.” Liam scoffed. “Did you know, not everyone has a gift? That not everyone is blessed by Alenga?”

“I’d heard that. Why?”

“You would have to ask Alenga. It is her decision. Often those that don’t have a gift admit they never really wanted the responsibility. I think Alenga knows our hearts. Mind you, they still have the speed, the ability to glean, and long life. The few that are disappointed go a little crazy at first. But they accept their fates.”

“Sounds like maybe Alenga was right to pass them over. If they go crazy without power, what would they do if they had it?”

Liam laughed. “My thoughts exactly.”

“Are you two going to talk all night?” Ryker chided. “Or would one of you like to swap the midnight shift with me?”

“Sorry, Ryker.” Kai turned over and closed his eyes.

Chapter 24

Within Reach

Once on the road, they ventured due east into the rising sun. High above a flock of birds dotted the sky. This time they rode horses. Kai and Rayna together, Yulia with Ryker and Liam on his own. Grateful Chance was willing to ride double with someone else, Kai and his group rode hard toward their destination. They were only an hour from the coast, and it was hard not to push their mounts.

Over the next hill, the ground spread out into a wide valley. On the horizon,