The Kodama woman at his side swept her long brown hair over one shoulder and nodded in agreement. “It is time the world felt our might.”
Contempt tightened the corner of Keegan’s lips. “I underestimated Iver’s people. Killing his sister would have been a mighty blow to the Diu king, but this substance they used to destroy our ships thwarted my plans—to say nothing of what Kai has done. Make no mistake, my son is worth our pursuit.”
“So, do we venture home for reinforcements?” the Kodama woman asked.
“No!” Keegan barked. “Do you not see it? The boy—his age. He is ripe. I can feel it. The Conhaspriga is upon him, Alenga will call him soon. If he has the power to light up the world before his blessing, imagine how powerful he will become.” A flush of electricity rolled down Keegan’s spine at the memory. His son had sent his mind around the world in a wave of Katori magic. Kai was more powerful than he knew, and the possibility of controlling this boy elated Keegan. Was it possible Kai had even more power than Mariana?
The more Keegan thought about what Kai had done, the more he believed that his son was the key to his reign. “It won’t even matter what discipline he develops—Beastmaster, Kodama, Stoneking, it makes no difference. The depth of his magic, once he acquires his full power, will make us unstoppable. With him by my side, I will easily convert other young Katori to our cause. Our numbers will grow. Mariana was meant to stand at my side, but our son will serve the same purpose. Once we have him, I will take control of Katori, and Alenga’s crystal mountain will be ours. The sacred pools will empower our soldiers and bless our noble cause. I will rule this world.”
Bowing slightly, another Beastmaster stepped into the conversation. “No disrespect, sir, but what about Lucca and his elders? You challenged them once, but the Lumens are unbeatable.”
The very mention of Kai’s grandfather’s name twisted Keegan’s face. “Mariana was capable of stopping them. She saved my life in the Agora when the Lumens tried to kill me. Her love of all life saved me and our cause. The very idea that this boy could have her power means we must acquire him quickly before they fill his head with their peaceful ideals. We need access to Alenga’s mountain, and we must control who has access to the Agora. Obtaining my son is our priority. I cannot rule this world without his powers.”
The group nodded in agreement. Meanwhile, Keegan searched the skies for his next move, all but his Weathervanes left the upper deck. If he was to capture his son, he would need to be swift. He could not risk letting Kai understand how to use his magic against him before he could turn his son to his side.
With a decision made, he turned to his men. “Sail to Margone. It is out of our way, but we need men and supplies. Caroco ships are working on the far side. Then when we sail around the Mystic Islands to our forgotten Katori brethren on the mainland.”
The Weathervanes nodded with understanding and set to change the ship's direction.
Alone with his thoughts, Keegan once again watched the wake of his ship churn the dark waves of the Caprizian Sea. Years of anger boiled in his veins. His white-knuckle grip held fast to the railing. He hated the elders and their rules.
“My dear boy, your mother should not have run from me. She would be alive today if she’d stayed by my side. How cruel the Katori elders were to have killed her and abandoned you. They must think you a Half-Light, but I know the truth. And if I cannot have Mariana—you will be my weapon. I will use her death to turn you against them. They must see reason—we do not belong in hiding. Magic makes us superior.”
Chapter 1
Stormy Weather
Dawn's golden light burned across the clear sky. Baden Lake gleamed with promise. Prince Kai held Rayna’s hand; her feverish skin matched his own. While everyone on board believed they sailed to find a cure for their prince and his mysterious fever, he knew this trip was so much more. Their Katori blood beckoned them home. This birthright would seal their gifts and expand their magic.
The Dragaron sailed swiftly, its white canvas sails angled to catch the morning breeze. Grand Duke Dante’s cutter was known for its incredible speed. Her bow cut decisively across the water, leaving shattered waves in its wake.
Behind them, Diu city was a soft white blur on the fading landscape. Ahead, as far as the eye could see, dark blue ripples playfully bounced up at the sky. Squinting, Kai noticed a few gray-green specs forming on the horizon. Islands. Three of them.
The captain and his crew eagerly scurried about—each offered Kai a silent nod, mutual respect passing between them. Kai had earned their admiration. Dante’s precious vessel was not for joyriding. Given they were practically stealing the ship without permission, he was thankful they were willing to come to his aid without question. He could only hope Dante would forgive him, and the captain, once the ship returned safe and sound. After all, the captain was helping the prince of Diu—how could Dante be angry?
His heart panged at the thought of home. Diu was becoming a distant memory, lost behind in the waves. He stopped looking back. Focused on his future, he resolved himself to face his destiny in Katori. The sadness left Kai as he watched Rayna lean her head towards Yulia. He was fortunate that Yulia traveled with them. Even the captain looked pleased that she was on board. He heard the captain say it was good luck to have a Katori sail with you.
Yulia gently rubbed Rayna’s arm and whispered in her ear. Once again, Yulia’s youthful appearance
