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  The breeze blew through Farwick’s long, straw-colored hair, revealing silver streaks near his temples. A long white scar cut through his beard on his left cheek, proof he’d seen battle. “Master General Cazier, the King’s Kempery-men are ready to demonstrate some swordplay for the class upon your command.”

  “Thank you, Captain Farwick,” Cazier responded. “You may begin.”

  Farwick motioned for them to begin. The men separated into pairs across the yard. Farwick turned to the students. “Class, today we are going to demonstrate for you how to attack your opponent, defend an attack, and even disarm your adversary.”

  The class watched as the opponents circled each other, shields raised and swords at the ready. Kai noticed how they sized up their opponent before attacking. Initially, they threw a few half-hearted thrusts and cuts that were quickly blocked by the defender.

  The men circled each other again, landing several hard thrusts and cuts from the shoulder toward the defender. The clang of the two metal swords striking was exhilarating. Kai watched the overall group and then the individual pairs, and realized they were each making an identical set of moves in a choreographed drill. Impressed, he stepped forward to get a better view.

  The defensive person seemed to be cautiously retreating from their attacker, before suddenly stepping in, lunging, and throwing a few thrusts of their own. Skillfully the attacker blocked, held his ground as their two swords glided against each other. The defender closed the gap between them and slammed his opponent hard with his shield. The pair pushed away from each other and reset.

  Again, the attacker took several steps toward the defender, circling, closing the space between them. The attacker, swiftly pushed his sword hand forward, leaning with his body, completed the motion by stepping into his opponent and landing a chest blow.

  The entire class gasped. In response, the Kempery-men stepped back to reveal the blunt training blades and the mesh training armor. Relieved the children relaxed.

  “I bet we could do that Landon, what do you think?” Tolan asked, jabbing his friend in the ribs.

  Landon jabbed Tolan back. “Actually, I have already started solo training with a wooden training blade. You should come down and join me.”

  “Wait, you got a wooden waster training sword without me. When? Why didn’t you tell me?” Tolan responded.

  “Didn’t know I needed your permission,” Landon sniped. “I am on my own, and I do what I want. I need to be ready to fight for myself. Do whatever you want, I don’t care.”

  Distracted by their argument, Kai watched Tolan stare at Landon, his mouth agape in shock.

  Landon relented. “When your father arrived, I had to do something with my time. Garrick mentioned I should acquire a waster to begin weapon drills. Our hand to hand combat will only take us so far. Besides, all I did was beat on a training yard post.”

  Tolan kicked at the fence post. “I will join you tomorrow after class.”

  “Great. Sounds great, I will talk to Farwick about a second sword!”

  As the class burst into applause, Kai realized he’d missed the disarming demonstration. “Thank you, Farwick and the King’s Kempery-men,” Cazier said, then he asked: “Class, one last question, who knows why we call them the King’s Kempery-men?”

  Several children raise their hands. Landon jabbed Kai in the ribs, getting him to drop his hand and grab his side. “Nobody cares to hear from you, little prince.”

  Tolan laughed and shoved Kai’s shoulder. “Landon’s right, we hear enough of you in class.”

  Kai never understood Tolan and Landon; they never made an issue with any of the other children. Why did they dislike him? Seth came to his brother’s rescue and kicked Tolan in the shin. “Leave my brother alone, Tolan,” Seth shouted.

  Aaron kicked Landon. “You’re both big babies.” Aaron looked to Seth and Kai for approval.

  Anger boiled in Landon’s eyes at the Galloway twins. Before things could escalate, Amelia stepped between them, pushing them apart. “Tolan, please.”

  The sun highlighted her golden hair, and the breeze played with the soft waves. Tolan was caught in her gaze. “My apologies, Miss Amelia.”

  Gideon glanced at the commotion over his shoulder and hushed the boys with his hand still raised.

  “Young Gideon tell us what you know,” the Master General instructed.

  Gideon dropped his hand. “Sir, to be a Kempery-man means you are a champion, a superior warrior for the king, one who fights with honor for others. You must be an honorable man, deserving of respect, and high regard. Your military record must be perfect.”

  “Well said, Gideon,” Cazier stated, pushing into the middle of the group. He eyed Tolan and Kai as he stepped between them. “Let’s go, everyone. We have a little time left. I would like to show you the common areas in the tower.”

  Outside the massive tower, Cazier held the door. “Young, Seth, can you hold the door for the group?”

  Seth ran forward and took the Master General’s place. “Yes, sir, happy to, Master General.” Pleased with the honor, Seth stood tall, his back pressed against the door, holding it wide.

  The entire group entered the tower banquet hall. Cazier directed them to find a position around the large wooden table. Kai marveled at the hand-carved Galloway crest in the center of the table.

  Surrounding the table were tall, redwood chairs. Kai ran his hand over the chair back; it depicted the tree of life and carved within its roots was the surname of a Kempery-man. His chair read Henley. He knew the man: Kempery-man Marcus Henley. An honorable man.

  Cazier motioned for the children to move around the room. “Children, you will notice all the family crests hung on the walls around the room. They represent each Kempery-man, the kings’ champions, who have ever pledged fealty and service to Diu. It is a great honor to join this group of elite men.”

  Grand Duke Dante Carmelo burst into the room and approached Cazier. Cazier held up his hand to the students and then stepped away to converse privately. After Dante left, Cazier returned to address the group. “Sorry, class, matters of the kingdom. I will have to cut our tour short. You are excused. Captain Farwick, please escort the class outside.” Cazier turned and left.

  Chapter 7

  Gianfranca’s Secret

  The first week in his new room was unexpectedly easy. He thought he would feel sad by the room change; however, he felt happy. The weight of his youth was gone. The memory of his absent mother no longer lingered like a ghost in the corner.

  His first change was teaching Smoke to sleep on the floor. It took a few nights and a firmer voice to get Smoke to stay down, but Smoke obeyed. Kai felt proud. New room, new rules.

  The door to his room slowly opened and Kendra entered. “Are you asleep yet? Sorry, it took me so long. Let me tend to the fire, and maybe we can talk about Katori before you go to sleep. Would you like that?”

  “Yes, please,” he responded, twisting around to adjust his pillow.

  A rapid, loud knock interrupted his thoughts, and the door swung open, maid Mary entered. Kai observed her small frame. “Kendra, come quick, Nola needs you. She is in some pain. I have already sent for Sigry, and he should be on his way up now.” Maid Mary pleaded.

  Kendra tossed a log on the fire and dashed out the door.

  Alone, Kai stared at the ceiling. He thought about what it would be like to have a new baby around. Everyone fussing over him or her, as if they’d never seen a baby before. Secretly he hoped it would be a girl. He enjoyed being a big brother to Seth and Aaron, but every palace needed a princess.

  No longer tired Kai hopped out of bed to have a look around his room. At the end of his bed, he wrapped his hand around the bedpost. His fingers slid down the spiral wood design. He stepped around the foot of his bed and a small bench with a blue and white seat cushion.

  On his desk, he found sheets of blank paper, a brown leather journal, a few black drawing pencils, and a new book. The simple red leather cover read The I
nvisible Thief. That could be interesting. I wonder where it came from.

  Startled by the sound of wood shifting in the fireplace, he turned to see sparks float up into the chimney. Mesmerized, Kai watched the flames dance and lick at the wood. Taking a more extensive view of the wall, he noticed the picture frame was not exactly flush against the wall on one side. The painting was a portrait of a woman with pitch black hair and dark brown eyes, his great-great-grandmother Gianfranca. He studied her features, fascinated to learn she was Katori.

  First, he tried pressing the frame against the wall, attempting to straighten the picture. For some reason, it would not stay in place. It was then that he discovered the entire left side of the painting was not actually attached to the wall. Perplexed, he pulled on the frame and discovered a dark passageway hidden behind. The light from the fireplace was not enough to illuminate the corridor. He needed to light a lamp.

  Excited about his discovery, he redressed and lit an oil lamp. Gianfranca’s portrait hid a secret. Spy tunnels. They must be used by the Master General’s spies, he fantasied. I wonder where they lead?

  Smoke hopped up to follow, but Kai instructed him to stay with his mind. He smiled when his wolf sat without complaint. Their connection flowed naturally when he didn’t force his thoughts or will on his companion.

  Kai stepped over the threshold, leading into the narrow corridor and pulled the panel closed. When it did not remain shut, he inspected the wall and discovered a small latch to secure the picture in place. With the lamp held high, it illuminated the small space. Unlike the carpet in his room, he noticed the stone floor was cold on his bare feet.

  Several steps into the passageway, there was a small opening to the right and stairs leading down. He debated but chose to go right. Within two steps, the space switched back to the right as if he was going back in the same direction as he’d started. Another twelve feet, it turned to the left.

  Still making his way through the narrow passage, it finally cut again to the left, before it sharply cut to the right and opened behind what appeared to be a sizeable wooden panel. With his hands, he felt around where the built-in frame attached to the stone wall. He discovered a similar small latch to the one in his bedroom and released the pin.

  Everything was the same: the stone threshold, the panel holding a painting, and a small latch. Kai stepped out to look at the artwork and noticed he was standing on a small landing between two flights of stairs. In front of him was a small door. Nervous and confused about his location, he stepped back inside the nook behind the portrait.

  With the panel closed he took a deep breath. He had no idea where he was, but he loved a good mystery. And this mystery had to be solved. Not wanting to take the lamp with him, he placed it deep inside the secret corridor on the floor, dimming the light.

  Kai stepped out onto the landing to look at the painting. It was of a large galleon ship on the high seas, riding the rolling waves. Quietly he pushed the picture back against the wall and secured the frame. He looked up and down the stairs. After a little deliberation, he went up. These stairs were smooth-cut stone, unlike the rough stone in the passage.

  It didn’t take him long to realize the stairwell had a bit of a curve to it. With the dimly lit wall sconces, it was difficult to see much detail in the stones. How had he never been in this part of the palace? As the wall curved around, he reached another small light next to a tall, thin window. He pressed his face into the glass to see what the view might reveal. That is when it hit him—he was in the Master General’s tower.

  Curiosity stirred his feet, and he sprinted two steps upward at a time. He had never been up to the top at night—at least not that he could remember. At the next landing, voices echoed down the stairwell. Kai froze. The sounds got louder. The men were getting closer. Would he be in trouble if caught here at night? He needed to retreat down.

  He tried to be quiet, moving as fast as possible, again he took the steps two at a time. He was desperate to get back to the hidden passage before being discovered. At the next landing, voices billowed from below. Men were coming up the stairs. He still had another flight to go before his level.

  How close are they? Can I make it? He stepped down and paused to listen. No, they were too close. He had to find a place to hide. One side offered two small chairs against the wall—on the other, a little dark alcove.

  He stepped back into the arched doorway and held his breath as the two sets of voices closed in on him. His heart pounded in his chest. He closed his eyes and leaned back against the door, desperate to hide deeper in the shadows.

  The door gave way, and he fell straight to the floor. Light from the room spilled over him, and a familiar voice behind him spoke. “You’d better shut the door before whoever you’re hiding from reaches the landing.”

  As instructed, Kai stood, pushed the door shut, and leaned his forehead against the door. Of all the rooms he had to fall into, why did it have to be the Master Generals’ office? Now what? He stood there facing the door as voices outside converged on the landing. They stopped, talked a moment, then faded away as they parted.

  “Couldn’t sleep I take it,” Cazier asked casually.

  Kai turned to see his cousin Adrian Cazier sitting at a large desk, going through stacks of papers. “No, sir. Sorry, Master General, I…” Again, frozen and unsure what to say, he stood there, staring at his cousin. The man was the second most powerful person in the realm.

  Adrian placed his pen on the desk and shifted his chair to face Kai. “Sounds like you timed that well. It is the changing of the guard. I guess that is how you got trapped on my landing. Were you headed to the top?” Adrian scratched at his short beard.

  Kai was afraid to answer. How could he possibly explain?

  “It is a great view at any time—day or night. I’d say I like it at night the best. You know, if you are lucky you can see the hint of dragons flying and spraying fire above Baden Lake. It is amazing. Come in, boy, don’t just stand by the door, sit down.” He motioned to the two chairs on the other side of his desk.

  Kai wanted to relax, but he wasn’t sure he should, not yet. He stepped up to the chair and grasped the back rail. Adrian eased back into his chair, crossing his arms in front of his chest. “You mind telling me how you managed to get to the fourth floor of my tower without getting stopped?”

  Stunned, Kai’s held his breath. Should I tell the truth? In his hesitation, his cousin answered for him with a chuckle. “So, you found the secret spy tunnels?”

  Kai looked to the floor. He wasn’t ready to lose his new secret. “That’s alright, Kai. Keep your secrets, keep them close to your chest. Remember, information is power. Just try to keep your expression calm. Don’t let your emotions reveal something you’re not ready for the other person to know. Although, in all fairness, your new room used to be mine. I used those tunnels to visit my father when I was young. Use them wisely, they are secret for a reason. Not even your father knows of their existence.”

  “Thank you, sir. I will remember that in the future,” Kai responded.

  “Sit, Kai,” Adrian insisted again. “I noticed the tension today. I believe you could use some advice about Tolan and Landon.” His tone was serious.

  “I would appreciate it. There isn’t anyone I can ask. Father is, well, a king…and how do I ask him?”

  “Tolan will be loyal to the crown like his father. Most of this foolish behavior will pass once he learns responsibility. And it couldn’t hurt for him to be humbled by someone larger than himself. Right now, he’s the biggest, and he’s stretching his muscle.” Adrian shrugged. “Landon, on the other hand, he’s a loner. He seems to lash out at everyone and confide in none. Watch out for him. It is difficult to know where his loyalty lands since he is from Milnos.”

  Adrian’s posture was apprehensive as he spoke of Landon. Kai had known Landon since they were children. His cousin was right—Landon was often mean and aggressive. Kai scratched the side of his face. “All I know is Landon moved f
rom Milnos to the palace when he turned five. Landon is cousins with Amelia. Father felt we should take him in and provide a new life away from Milnos. I agree, he seems angrier recently. Tolan is the only one who can tolerate him.”

  Adrian cleared his throat. “Well, I do not believe it will get easier. You will have to stand up to them both at some point. I am not an advocate of fighting for fighting’s sake. My advice to you, never start a fight, walk away if you can, and don’t hold back if you have to defend yourself.”

  The Master General stood and gestured toward the door. “It’s late, and I have work to do before I sleep. Let’s take a quick walk to the top of the tower to see what we can, then off to bed with you, back the way you came.”

  Out on the landing, he motioned for Kai to follow. Kai stepped in line with his cousin. “Are you going to tell my father about my visit to the tower?”

  “Tell him what, that you couldn’t sleep, and you took a walk? No, I see no need to bother a king with something so trivial. Although, next time you decide to visit me, I prefer you knock before entering.” Cazier said, reaching the next landing.

  “Next time?” Kai asked. “You mean, I can come back?”

  “Certainly. I may not always be free or able to talk long, but please feel free to come back. I believe we can help each other,” Cazier added.

  When they reached the top Cazier nodded to the door guard, who stepped aside, allowing them access to a small ladder that took them up to the top of the tower. Astounded, Kai climbed out and looked in all directions. It was very dark, but he could see a lot from this vantage point. The full moon beamed overhead.

  Cazier pointed east. “The Katori Mountains and Baden Lake are that way.”

  Kai wished he could see even the faintest hint of their white peaks glowing in the moonlight. He had heard stories about them, yet their grandeur eluded him. Focused on the sky above Baden Lake, Kai waited. He had caught a glimpse once before, over the trees from the palace wall. From the tower, at this late hour, his chances were excellent.