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

Liam patiently waited on the ground where his brothers had put him once again. Knee down, he clenched his fists. The wolves circled and charged. Liam’s knuckles turned white under the strain of his grip. His brothers were nearly on top of him. He faced them without hesitation.

At the last second, Liam pounded both fists into the ground. A large rock burst through the dirt. The wolves could not stop in time. They crashed into the stone wall, landing in a heap. Liam pushed his fingers through the soil and curled them upward. Stone claws sprang from the soil. A stone cage surrounded the three helpless wolves.

Surprised by Liam’s trap, they dropped their beast forms and begged for release. Liam laughed, “Now play in my dirt, big brothers. I’ll think about letting you out.”

Astonished, Liam’s father emerged from the house. “I am proud of you son. You held your ground. Seems we all misjudged your ability. I am sorry. Let your brothers stew in their stone cage. Serves them right for taunting you.” Darden offered Liam the lead. “It is good to have you home, son. Now, introduce me to your friends.”

Father and son climbed the spiral staircase around the tree to join the others. Liam motioned to the group. “You know Yulia. This is Rayna and Ryker from the Matoku tribe, and this is Kai, grandson to Chief Lucca of the Hiowind, son of Mariana.” Liam sighed. “Long story short, when a storm kicked up off the Kahoma mainland, we were…separated. We would like to catch Lucca, but if we knew where the manta rays migrate, well, we could meet Lucca in the right place.”

Liam deftly omitted the facts about Basil abandoning Kai and his group on the river, Weathervanes creating a storm delaying their departure, and Lucca burning a hole in the side of his skimmer. He could only imagine his friend did not want to worry his parents or admit they were really chasing a tribal elder.

“I would greatly appreciate any information you could provide.” Kai lowered his head in respect. “It was most unfortunate that we were separated from my grandfather. It is my wish to join him in hopes of saving my mother.”

Darden squinted and tapped his chin. “Sorry, son, I don’t know much about manta rays. There is a woman on the far side of town, let me see if I can find her.” Liam’s dad stepped toward the stairs. “She may know something, or know someone who does. I will be back.”

Chapter 26

Island Hopping

Come morning, Darden had news. “Chief Lucca was seen island hopping this morning. He came through here around dawn. Seems he is bound for the outer rim of our islands. He was inquiring about the migration of manta rays, same as you.”

Kai perked up. This was good news. “Where do they migrate?” he asked.

Rayna placed a calming hand on Kai’s hand. “Darden, do you know where they migrate?”

“I do not. Nor did the woman I spoke with. She suggested there was a man on Muley Island who might know. She directed your grandfather to seek the same person.”

“Muley?” Liam responded with a bit of concern. “An island overrun with dragons. What crazy person lives there?”

A sense of urgency blossomed with Kai. “Time to go. Autumn is upon us and Lucca knows now is the time to find my mother.”

Ryker stood and gathered their newly supplied packs. “Thank you for the supplies, Darden. We owe you for your hospitality.”

The two men shook hands. Liam kissed his mother goodbye and they departed.

◆◆◆

What Kai was learning about the Katori was enlightening. The Gemidi were wilder than any tribe he had met. And they were quickly becoming his favorite. Free spirits that loved to take everything to the extreme. Today would involve one such pastime that Kai had to admit sounded fun, if only it were under better circumstances. They were going to hop islands.

The possibility that you could leap into the air and let an updraft sweep you over to the next island was too tempting not to try. Kai figured it might be the closest thing to flying in human form. It was a four-mile hike to the jump point. His stomach churned with anticipation. If Lucca was only a few hours ahead—maybe he still had a chance to catch him.

The path ahead split in two directions: the thick foliage dropped away to reveal the edge of the island. Their panoramic view of blue sky and the neighboring island was breathtaking. From where they stood, they could see two distinct islands. The enormous gap between was a bit unnerving. Kai and Rayna stood near the edge and peered down into the barely visible water below. Liam spoke with a man lying in a hammock. He offered the man a satchel of food and motioned. “This way. We are going to that island.” Liam pointed straight ahead.

“Why not there? Let’s go to that island.” Kai pointed left and Rayna followed him down the path.

“No!” Liam ran over to stop them from walking any further. “See that marker?” Liam pointed to a stone pedestal.

The angled surface bore the mark of a red flame; a crystal inset into the rock. Kai touched the gem, and it shined red. Clearly the Lumens had empowered the stone to glow as some kind of warning. “What does the flame mean?”

“Dragons live there. They prefer to be left alone and we respect their boundaries. Plus, there is no guarantee anyone lives over there to send us to the next island.”

Through the island foliage, Rayna saw two yellow eyes staring back at her. “Did you see that? Something was watching me. Big amber eyes.”

Everyone looked but did not see anything.

“Well, it’s gone now, but it was there. I saw it,” she insisted.

Kai squinted at the thick vegetation. “How many islands belong to the dragons?”

“Four of the fourteen islands solely belong to the dragons.” Liam responded. “We give them their space and they respect