Rayna's Sacrifice (The Katori Chronicles Book 3) by A. Lombardo (good non fiction books to read txt) 📕

feathery vapors, his outstretched wings sailed on a cushion of air. The wind rolled over his thick dragon scales. His heart pounded inside his massive chest. Gigantic lungs sucked in the fresh air. Even though his flight had an urgent purpose, it still thrilled Kai to his core. Deep down he held onto the memory of Rayna’s face.

Fields of grass unfolded below. His amber eyes scanned the ground. Quickly the details came into view. Treetops. Streams. Rock formations. Each elegantly decorated the land. His shadow floated over the landscape. Alenga’s cave was a good indicator he was getting close.

Over the next hill, the main part of the Matoku village came into view. Around and around he circled. His shadow fluttered over the village. People stopped their work and pointed at his looming presence. The people seemed to be afraid. They scurried under trees and near stone structures.

He felt drawn to this place as he circled. Imani had to be here. But how would he find her? He had only met her once, months ago. Imani had been drawn to Rayna, although her companion had acted reclusive and disinterested. Imani claimed to be Rayna’s sister, and according to Benmar, she was the person he needed. Would she really help? Could she help? Kai shook the worry from his mind.

Kai’s dragon eyes enabled him to see great distances. Just beyond Alenga’s hidden cave, he spotted Ryker and Smoke running across the hillside in the direction of the Matoku tribal city. Still, Kai did not land. He collected his thoughts. Benmar’s words rang in his ears. Kai knew his grandfather was right. To help Rayna, he needed to be peaceful at heart. He would need to encourage her to be forgiving.

On the ground, one woman stepped away from the group. She strolled into the clearing. Her eyes fixed on the sky. She sat in the tall wildflowers and her hands swept over the ground in tiny circles. Wildflowers and tall grasses bent to her will. A large circle of flowers and grasses fell flat in front of her.

Kai circled low and dropped to the ground into the spot Imani made for him. He shuddered and shook off his dragon form, his true body restored. Once again, blackness took him, and he collapsed into the grass.

Warm hands rubbed small circles on his chest. The woman’s face was blurry but familiar. When his eyes focused, he beheld Rayna’s older sister. “Imani?” He steadied his racing heart. “I am humbled to ask for your help.”

“Kai. You are most welcome here.” She patted his arm. “You should be good to sit up now,” she urged him upright.

“Are you sure I am welcome?” Kai scanned the villagers. “How long was I out?”

Imani looked around, her smile reassuring. “Only a few minutes. I healed your weary body. Transforming takes time to learn. You must balance the energy you burn in the change. Let the air and sunlight ease your burden. And remember not to force it.”

Everyone else remained a good distance away, their expressions a mix of surprise and disbelief. “It has been a while since a dragon has flown into Matoku that was not Simone. Her black dragon form is well known in these parts, but your silver body surprised everyone. Dragons keep to the snowy peaks or to the Mystic Islands. They avoid us, and we give them space. You surprised us, is all.”

“Imani, I wish I had time to be cordial, but I need your help. Or rather, Rayna needs you.”

Imani nodded heavily. “I heard the cries of my sister last night. One Kodama to another, I felt Rayna’s fear. She was afraid when she made her transformation. We need to go to her quickly. Her mind is fragile. Confused. If she has nothing to cling to on this side, she will get lost in being a tree. The life of a tree is most enjoyable.”

“I do not know where to look” Kai panned around at the onlookers, “but I do know whom to ask. The oak sisters were with her. They tricked her into changing, at least that is what my vision implied.” Kai’s tone soured. “I blame Senina.”

“Let us find Rayna first. Worry about how she came to be a tree after.” Imani stood. “There is a meadow where many Kodama go to practice their techniques. We should start there. While we go, you should cleanse your heart and mind. It will be the bridge Rayna will cross to return.”

With an open mind, Kai followed Imani.

Ryker and Smoke darted through the tall grass to catch up with them. “I did not expect you back so quickly. What brings you to Matoku? Has something happened?”

“I had a vision of Rayna transforming into a tree. The look on her face told me she was terrified. Benmar suggested finding another Kodama to help her.” Kai glanced at Imani. “My grandfather said that you were best suited to help.”

“I can help her,” Imani reassured him. “I had hoped my sister would have come to see me sooner.”

The curve of her mouth, the small nose, and the shape of her eyes were so like Rayna, it was almost shocking. “She wanted to come, but I leave the reasons why she didn’t for her to explain,” Kai responded.

Ryker interrupted the moment. “I hate to push, but maybe we could pick up the pace.”

Their quick marched turned into a run. Down the hillside they went, Imani in the lead, Kai and Ryker behind. With each step, his anger subsided. Benmar was right; he did not have the entire story. Why would Rayna try something so advanced without proper guidance? Why was she with the oak sisters in the first place? They were hardly friends.

Imani led them through the forest. Her pace was quick despite her small frame. They went over rocks and through a narrow rock tunnel, and then they popped out into a large meadow. Sunlight beamed through the treetops. Squirrels chirped at them from on high. Birds sang and