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

“True, I moved here for a quiet, easy life. But what happened all those years ago in Hamrin no longer haunts me. I have made peace with my choice. Besides, I am an excellent shot with a bow. I can maim a person without killing them. The four I dropped yesterday will all live. I can’t speak for them doing much running, but they will live.”

The three friends continued through the woods towards the Kempery-man’s camp. “Thank you, Shane. Today Rayna and I must enter the Zabranen Forest. I will not lie to you, but I cannot tell you everything. We are both sick with a fever. There are Katori in the mountains that wish to help us, and those who wish to stop us. Neither group will take kindly to you or my men entering the forest. You’re correct. We all keep secrets.”

Shane nodded. “I understand.”

They continued in silence. Although Kai knew the heart of his men, he had to try to send them home. When they entered the camp, Drew stood off to one side, brooding silently. Kai had known Drew the longest. It would not be easy for Drew to leave Kai to the dangers for the Zabranen Forest. Dresnor’s posture was resolute, Redmon’s looked defensive. Albey was the only one who seemed relaxed. This would be difficult for all of them. They were all too close to recklessly leave one another’s life to fate.

Hands tucked into his pockets, Kai faced his friends. “I have spoken with Davi, and he assures me there are healers high on the mountain willing to help us, but only if we come alone. If we build trust with them, they may help us find Rayna’s parents. She is the reason they are even considering helping us. To them, she is Katori. She is one of them. They believe they know who her parents are.”

Their stern faces said enough. They were not interested in staying behind. Frustrated, Kai stepped back to take a moment. Maybe he should have left without saying goodbye. No, the guilt would have been too much, not to mention they would have hunted him down.

The smell of pine surrounded their little clearing. Smoke and wet ash filled his nostrils. Guilt welled in Kai’s stomach. What he needed to do was like kicking a loyal dog. Where he needed to go, they could not follow, and he needed to be sure they left.

“Dresnor, it would be best if you all returned to Diu. The captain of the Dragaron will wait until mid-morning. I have paid him well for his silence. He assures me that he can convince Dante that Rayna and I were his only passengers.”

Dresnor scoffed. “We came as your friends. Not as guards. I will not return without you.”

“I am not here to argue, Philip. I am ordering you home.” Kai took a breath. “We must go alone. When I do not return at the end of summer, my father will want an explanation. Once he learns you left me alone in the Zabranen Forest, he will be angry.”

“I for one will not go back without you,” Drew insisted.

“Davi believes we will be gone six months, maybe longer. The treatment must be administered daily over several months. As payment, once we are well enough, they request we work the land. I hope we can return to Diu by the Winter Festival. Please, I beg you to return on the ship. John, you have a family. Think of them. They need you. Surely you will see sense.”

His men were unwavering. Their steadfast loyalty did not surprise him. Still, Kai held his ground. Rayna stood back from the group, her head low; she did not make eye contact. Perspiration gathered on her forehead, and she sank to the ground. Shane offered her water to drink.

Kai rushed to her side. Heat coursed through his veins. Sweat dripped from his brow. Dresnor knelt next to them both. “Rayna, are you sure you can make it?”

Drew joined them. “Let us help you both. Please,” he begged.

“I wish you could, my friend.” Kai placed a hand on Drew’s arm, then he glanced around the group. His eyes pleaded silently with his men.

Kempery-man Redmon broke first. He offered a hand to Kai. “You are my friend, always. I want to stay, but I must obey my Prince. I will wait for your instructions in Diu. Get well, both of you.” He nodded to Rayna, and she smiled back.

Kempery-man Albey and Drew stepped forward next. Heads bowed, they offered a hand and said their goodbyes. With each man, Kai felt the prick of loyalty stab his heart. It was hard to lie to his friends, but it was for the best.

Kai reached for his pack and collected a stack of prewritten letters. “I wrote these letters. Shane, take one to Albey every month. Ask Kinnon to see them delivered to Diu. Shane, if any letters come for me, hold onto them until I can return. If I can send word through Davi, I will.”

Drew finally spoke up. “You give us little choice. I owe you my life. Are you sure I cannot stay, take my chances here? If I can be of service, I want to be close.”

Knowing the heart of each man, made being dishonest difficult. “Thank you, Drew. I appreciate your sacrifice. But this really is the only way. If you follow, they will not help us cure our fevers.”

“How far can we go?” Dresnor challenged.

Dresnor would not bend. He would push to go farther and farther each step of the way. Still, Kai and Rayna were out of time, they needed to get moving. “I was told you must turn back at the first waterfall.”

“Fair enough.” Dresnor motioned to the river. “I will travel with you to the first waterfall. We go due east. I will catch up with the rest of you in Diu. I can take a