Seed of Scorn

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  “I’ll go in your stead,” Hosdaq said. “It isn’t the Zaxson’s duty to attend captives. Besides, I’ll assign them quarters in Spero if they wish to remain. They may not have a home to return to. If they do, I’ll arrange their transportation after ascertaining their disposition.”

  “I’m not certain that’s the best course, Hosdaq. As you’ve said, we don’t know who these men are or their character. It could be dangerous.”

  “All the more reason that I should go in your stead. I’m merely the Caretaker of Spero, but you’re our Zaxson. Your worth is greater than mine.”

  Pentanimir’s mouth quirked up in a grin. “I doubt that your wife and children would agree with that assessment, my friend.” He upraised a hand, shaking his head. “However, I’ll acquiesce to your reasoning. If Julaybeim agrees, I’ll remain here until Symeon and Wosen return. You must take care and stay on your guard. Not everyone in Kaleo will be pleased at your arrival.”

  Hosdaq nodded, glancing at Wosen. “I’m traveling with the Chosen guard of Nazil,” he offered, proudly. “No one will harm us.”

  “I’ll send word of your coming on the morrow,” Julaybeim said. “Yonas will be pleased to see you.”

  “And I, him,” Hosdaq said, lifting his cup.

  Casualties of War

  Vot closed the solar door, looking back at his wife. The meeting with Ona Estenbrook was more cordial than either of them had expected, but their position as caretakers was a source of contention. Although Ona and her daughters were indifferent, her eldest, Janshai wasn’t of the same mind. They’d lost their father during the war and Janshai had expected to succeed him. Riok Estenbrook was well regarded in Noraa, and they hoped this appointment wouldn’t be seen as a slight.

  “Janshai seemed receptive to his new position,” Vot said. “Once he returns from Cazaal, we’ll make everything official. We don’t need any conflicts on the council or with our sentries.”

  Huname nodded, accepting his offered hand as he sat beside her. She understood Ona’s willingness to return to her home. The memories lingering in the citadel would haunt her family, just as the memories of losing her children in Hyorin haunted Huname now.

  “We don’t have to remain in Noraa,” Vot said, as if reading her thoughts. “We’re here to assist Pentanimir during this transition. After which, Aizen and Ahni can take their place over the city.”

  Huname managed a smile, leaning her head on his shoulder. “I know. It’s difficult, but necessary. We’ll do what we can to protect this new peace and bring the people together. According to the recent messages, there’s dissention amongst the Nazilians. I fear for Pentanimir and what’s yet to come.”

  “We mustn’t worry about what could be, my wife. We need to focus on what is,” he said, kissing the crown of her head. “Speaking of, I noticed Emet’s interest in Maisha Estenbrook.”

  “Indeed, and her mother’s as well. The Karidians are highly regarded throughout Faélondul, even with the Nazilians.”

  As he began to respond, the door creaked open before Aizen and Ahni entered the room.

  “We’re not interrupting, are we?” Aizen asked, pausing at the door.

  “Not at all. We were waiting for you before leaving for the hall. Was the message urgent?”

  “No,” Ahni said. “Elder…I mean Caretaker Hosdaq’s visit will be delayed. We also received word of more bands of rogues in the Dessalonian Wood. The scouts didn’t interfere with them, they only made note of their numbers and location.”

  Vot sighed. “We’d hoped they’d disperse and trek to Kumasi or Yarah. Pentanimir hasn’t appointed a caretaker over Kumasi yet, and they appear agreeable to the new edicts and direction he’s leading Faélondul.”

  “From what I’ve heard, it was the same when Draizeyn ruled. The people in Kumasi are mostly fishermen and farmers or considered lowborn. They traded often with Kaleo and Noraa for extra coin or wares. Draizeyn treated them like nothing more than cogs. I doubt they’ll mourn his deposing.”

  “They might not, but many others do. With the destruction of the Nazilian villages, some regard the Guardians and any who serve them as enemies,” Vot said. “The Cha always touted the belief that the Animus Wood was a cursed place. After the casualties of this war, more Nazilians believe their erroneous allegations.”

  “Then, we have much work to do,” Olam said, entering the room.

  “It’s good to see you, Olam,” Huname said. “We didn’t know you were back in the city.”

  “I arrived some time ago, but Nohek Asmaa needed to speak with me.”

  “The Nohek?” Vot said. “Is everything all right?”

  “It is. Asmaa wanted me to meet his wards,” Olam said. “Apparently, he’s been caring for them for some time and would like to introduce them to you. I hope that I didn’t overstep by inviting them to the citadel.”

  “Of course not,” Vot said, helping Huname to stand. “Asmaa has been a trusted friend for many years. Had it not been for his assistance, Bandari wouldn’t have flourished as it did. He’s welcome here at any time.”

  Olam inclined his head, turning back toward the door. “They’re waiting in the corridor.”

  When he returned with his guests, Huname and Vot exchanged a look.

  “Gre—greetings, Nohek Asmaa,” Huname said. “It’s good to see you again so soon.”

  Asmaa smiled, motioning to his companions. “It’s always my pleasure, Caretakers. I’d like to introduce you to Ahvixx and Droxahn Ahllendale.”

  The pair fidgeted nervously, bowing their greetings. Ahvixx’s eyes never left the floor as Droxahn stepped in front of him. “Thank you for having us,” she said, softly.

  “Please, please sit,” Vot said, looking from one to the other, attempting to keep the shock from his visage. “Are you to tell us about our guests?” Vot asked, as Aizen pulled a chair out for Droxahn.

  “Yes, Caretaker,” Asmaa said. “Ahvixx and Droxahn are siblings, and originally from Nazil. They’ve been my wards for years since leaving the city.”

  “Your wards?” Huname asked, glancing at the Nazilian siblings. “How’s that possible?”

  “Like many unfortunates of lower birth, their parents were servants. I was acquainted with her mother when Hyorin yet stood. That’s why the children came to me at the temple. Upon their arrival, much healing needed to take place,” Asmaa said, glancing at Ahvixx. “Both of their parents were killed by Draizeyn’s order: falsely accused and quickly executed.” He sighed. “I’ve kept them with me and away from the populace since then. With the lands now free, I thought it safe for them to venture into the city, but I was mistaken. They were attacked two suns past.”

  “What?” Vot said. “Why, Asmaa?”

  “Because they’re Nazilian. At this time of unrest, that’s enough.”

  “Has it come to this? After the sacrifices to liberate Faélondul, is this what it’s come to?”

  “It was but one group seeking trouble, but I’d rather them not be unattended in the city. Ahvixx and Droxahn need to experience life beyond the confines of the temple. Most of those in the city wouldn’t commit such acts. Still, I worry for them. Mayhaps you could allow them to travel with Emet when next he visits Nazil. With the sentries’ escort, I’m certain they’ll have no trouble.”

  “No,” Droxahn said, louder than she’d intended. “Pardon me. I—I mean that we don’t want to return to Nazil. Please.”

  When Aizen rested a hand atop hers, she jerked away.

  “I’m sorry,” Aizen said, confused. “I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

  “Forgive her, young Aizen. They’ve had little contact with anyone other than the Nohek and Tumishi,” Asmaa said, and then regarded Droxahn. “Why don’t you want to return to Nazil?”

  Ahvixx shook his head. “I don’t ever want to return to the white city.”

  “Ahvixx, Pentanimir Benoist is the Zaxson now,” Olam said. “It’s not as it was when last you where there. Sir Benoist would allow no harm to befall y
ou.”

  “Our family and home is gone,” Droxahn said.

  Aizen turned to face her. “Would you like to stay here with us?”

  “We do have the room,” Huname said. “If you’d like them to stay, Asmaa, we can assign them some chambers and make the appropriate arrangements.”

  When Asmaa looked at the two, they nodded. “Of course,” Asmaa said. “If it’s possible, Caretakers, can your sons get them settled while we discuss particulars?”

  Vot gestured to his sons. “Please find them appropriate chambers, and have Rhindel heat water for their baths.”

  “Yes, Father,” the twins offered in tandem.

  “It appears Aizen is somewhat taken by the lovely Droxahn,” Olam said once they’d left.

  “Not so young anymore,” Huname said. “Aizen and Ahni are nearly seven and ten now; men grown.”

  “Droxahn is as brilliant as she is lovely,” Asmaa said. “Ahvixx is my helding, and shows much promise. I offer my gratitude in allowing them to remain. It’s time for them to truly begin to live rather than merely existing.”

  “What would you like for us to do, Asmaa? Do they have any areas of expertise?”

  “Both read and write exceptionally well. We didn’t have much to offer in the temple, but they’ve learned numerous trades and assisted the scribes, sorted scrolls, tended the gardens, and Droxahn works well in the kitchen. They were diligent in their studies, as well, and could match wits with the best scholars in the lands.”

  “I’m certain that they’ll find their place,” Olam said. “Mayhaps Yeshe could pay them a visit soon.”

  “I’ll ask her about it after our meeting,” Huname said. “Have you received any word from Nazil?”

  “Nzuri and Thalassa are deciphering the scrolls,” Asmaa said. “It appears Nzuri’s skill goes far beyond that of a lakaar and priest. He’s discovering great truths, and uncovering even greater mysteries.”

  “Mysteries?”

  “Yes, Olam,” Asmaa said. “It would seem so. Have any of you heard of Sanctium?”

  “Sanctium is a place of myth, Asmaa.”

  “Not long ago, the same was said about the Guardians and Protectors. Before them, it was the Naidisians, the Shadow Frost, and even the depths of the Shadokyn. Isn’t it enigmatic how purported myths transpierce into our reality?”

  They exchanged glances, sitting taller in their seats.

  “What do you know about Sanctium, Asmaa?” Vot asked.

  “Many scrolls were destroyed telling of this isle and other things of importance, when I was a much younger man,” he said, running his hand over his balding head. “The Nohek spoke of the wonders of Sanctium, or curses if you so believe. Either way, there’s one said to inhabit this desolate isle, who is no friend to the Guardians or those who serve them. The Cha dealt with this individual.”

  “The way you speak, this individual appears in opposition to the Guardians. Why hasn’t it been destroyed?” Huname asked.

  “I can’t speak for the will or the designs of the Guardians. That’s a question best answered by the AsZar. The Guardians don’t inflict their will upon anyone. They maintain balance, not control. Nevertheless, if what was relayed to me years past is in fact truth, there’s cause for concern.”

  “What do you mean, Asmaa?” Olam asked.

  “I’ve told you all that I truly know, the rest is conjecture. There’s information that suggests this individual is an eternal, but I doubt the veracity of that. It’s certainly ancient, but not primordial, I think. What’s unequivocal is that the Cha relied on it. In return, it took from them what was needed for sustenance.”

  “What sustains it?” Vot asked.

  “There are more questions than answers. Mayhaps Olam’s visions will lead us to the answers we seek.”

  Olam met his eyes for a moment before casting his downward. During his time in Bandari, his visions had aided his people. The Guardians led the Bandarians through Olam. However, after they traveled to the Animus Wood, Angelaris told him that his visions would diminish, and that another would be host to the same. Olam would guide the Guardians’ new conduit, but he wouldn’t bring forth their message. Not anymore.

  “Asmaa, if the Cha relied on this—this creature, what did it want in exchange?” Vot asked. “There had to be a reason for them to make and keep such a long-lasting agreement.”

  “Undeniably. This is another question without an answer. Most of this knowledge died with the Cha of Nazil.”

  Warnings of the Heart

  Danimore attempted to project unflappability while listening to Zeta’s logical argument. His decision to visit Nikolina’s home was the source of contention. With a heavy sigh, he drew Zeta down on his lap.

  “I don’t wish to anger you,” he whispered.

  “It isn’t anger, Dani. It’s fear. You’ve made an apology on more than one occasion. Your thoughts should be on the business of the city and our coming child. Asking you to visit her home isn’t a simple request. Had she words to speak, she should’ve made them known upon her visit to the citadel.”

  He caressed her back, understanding her concern. Even so, he felt compelled to grant the request. Zeta’s emotions wouldn’t settle, and part of that was due to her pregnancy. He didn’t discount her feelings, but Nikolina and Allister weren’t a threat to him or anyone.

  “I don’t expect for you to understand or accept my choice. It wasn’t done so lightly, but I feel that there’s no other way. Mayhaps in allowing her this, she’ll move forward with her life.”

  “She could have spoken her mind when she was in the citadel. Here, you were protected. If you attend this meal, they’ll have you at their mercy. Can you not at least take Nakaris with you?”

  “Such precautions aren’t necessary. Thoamus and a guard will escort me there and await my return to the carriage. These aren’t the adorned carriages of the former leaders. No one knows who travels within,” he said, taking her hand. “Don’t worry. Neither Nikolina nor Allister are ignorant of the penalties for harming the Nakshij of Nazil. Besides, they hold no ill will toward me.”

  Zeta shook her head, considering his words. Before she could respond, a knock interrupted their conversation.

  “Come,” Danimore said, offering an apologetic shrug to Zeta. She rose, taking a seat near the hearth.

  “Pardons, Nakshij, Shijahn,” Ceron interrupted. “Your brother has called a meetin’ in the small chamber and sent me to get you.”

  “Thank you. I’ll be along momentarily.”

  When she’d left, Danimore approached his wife, kneeling down beside her.

  “Never would I wish to cause you displeasure, or go against that which you feel so strongly. I love you more than anyone in these lands, Zeta. I do this to free us from Nikolina and the grief that she attempts to inflict upon me, upon us. After I offer a sincere and proper apology to her and her father, I’ll do no more. Do you understand why I must do this?”

  All she could offer was a nod because the words wouldn’t come. He didn’t want to leave her, but he had to tend to the business of the citadel.

  “I’ll return soon,” he promised, kissing her before exiting the room.

  Danimore wasn’t pleased, but he felt obligated to see this to an end. There were enough matters to tend in Nazil and Faélondul without this burden interrupting his every thought. When he arrived at the chamber, he took a deep and steadying breath.

  “Greetings,” he said, joining the council and feigning the best smile that he could manage. “Forgive my tardiness. It seems that I’ve arrived late again.”

  “No, Dani,” Temian said, pouring him a cup of mead. “We’ve only just begun.”

  He offered a smile toward Nakaris, sitting in the place of Symeon. “Well, what is the news then?”

  Nzuri passed a scroll down to him. “How many from Nazil are being held in Kaleo?” Danimore asked.

  “There aren’t many, from what Julaybeim tells,” Nzuri said. “Still, there’s concern that there ar
e any at all.”

  “It’s understandable why the Caretaker thought it prudent to keep them confined,” Thalassa said. “If relations between the humans and Nazilians are as untenably stressed as he noted, their protection is necessary.”

  “I agree,” Temian said. “It wouldn’t be pragmatic to allow them on the streets freely now with tensions so high. But there should be a place for them in the citadel which doesn’t include the cells.”

  “Temian speaks true,” Nakaris interjected. “With all that has happened, treating the Nazilians as prisoners won’t sit well with many. I’m certain that their treatment isn’t at all inhospitable. Well, except for being in a cell. Still, many will see this as a horrible slight. We’ve already lost several villages and the pain and stress of that is hardly behind us. If we’re to again have peace, we must all step cautiously and work together.”

  “Agreed. How are we to return them to Nazil?” Danimore asked. “This is where they belong.”

  “Hosdaq, Symeon, and Wosen were in route to retrieve the men when Julaybeim sent the message. From there, we can arrange proper transport or the guards in Spero can escort them to Nazil. Hosdaq would rather them decide their destination. He only retrieves them to aid the Zaxson.”

  “Pentanimir?” Danimore said. “When will he return?”

  “They haven’t sent word as yet. However, with Symeon and Wosen taking leave of Cazaal, It’ll be at least seven suns,” Temian said. “He won’t return without a proper escort, and Kaleo is two suns ride from Cazaal.”

  “Well, we’ll await word then. Is there anything else of note that we need to discuss?”

  “I’d like to speak about the boy, Fáelán,” Thalassa said. “With Wosen out of the city, we need to assign someone to keep close watch on his interactions with Beilzen. Pentanimir did wish this.”

  “I’ve seen Beilzen with the boy,” Nakaris said. “It’s hard to believe that he’s the same guard that used to grieve us so, Dani. I’ve kept watch when my duties permitted. He seems pleased with his son, and the boy has taken a liking to him as well. Beilzen has even begun teaching him letters and asked Symeon about training.”