Seed of Scorn

by Aaron-Michael Hall

“I agree. There are a number of sentries in Kaleo that would welcome the opportunity you offer.”

  “And what of you? Will you lay down the title of sentry to embrace the honor of First Chosen?”

  Amare tightened his square jaw, and met the Caretaker’s eyes. With perfect posture, he rose from his seat, unsheathing his sword as he knelt. Placing the blade across his knee, he bowed respectfully.

  “My sword is yours, Sir Neufmarche. I give my life and my skill in service to Spero.”

  Hosdaq stood, drawing his Xtabyren. He tapped the sword across Amare’s knee and then rested the blade on his right shoulder.

  “Rise then, Amare Yeondi of Kaleo, and take your place as First Chosen of Spero, until the Guardians bid you to their side.”

  With a nod, Amare stood, replacing his sword. “Thank you, Caretaker. I’ll honor that which you’ve entrusted me.”

  “Of that, I have no doubt, First Chosen,” Hosdaq said. “You’ll meet with Nurul after your rounds, and he’ll assign you chambers more befitting your position. Take time to consider those you’d have as your brothers. I leave the decisions to you, and trust that which you shall present.”

  “Again, I’m honored.”

  “As am I,” Hosdaq said, clasping his hand. As they moved toward the door, a soft knock sounded from the other side.

  “Come.”

  Slowly, the door pushed open, and a small head with long, silvery-white hair peered along the side. “Father?” she called out, sweetly.

  Both Amare and Hosdaq smiled at the appearance of the young girl.

  “Yes, my little one. Don’t be frightened. Come in and meet Sir Yeondi.”

  Hosdaq lifted Malkia from the floor. “First Chosen, this is Malkia, and for now, my youngest. I don’t think that you’ve been formally introduced.”

  “No, Caretaker. However, I’ve seen her about quite often. This one seems very interested in the movements of the guards,” Amare said, pinching her cheek. “So young and already she commands the attention of many.”

  “Not so young anymore, I fear. Malkia is one and ten now. Soon, she’ll leave me behind for another,” he taunted, setting her back on the floor.

  “Never will I leave you,” Malkia said, hugging his waist while clutching her doll.

  “I’ll finish my rounds, Caretaker, and then meet with Nurul.”

  “Rounds? Are you going to walk the grounds?” Malkia asked.

  “I am, young miss. We must keep everyone within the citadel safe,” Amare said, kneeling.

  “May I go with you? I promise that I won’t get in the way. May I, please?”

  Amare looked up at Hosdaq. The Caretaker shrugged, leaving the decision to him.

  “If your father is in agreement, I’ll allow you to assist. Though, you must have the proper attire for such a duty. Have you armor, young miss?”

  Malkia giggled, shaking her head. Her long, white hair landed in her face with the exaggerated movement.

  “Well, that shall be our first stop, then. We must at least find you a proper shield. How else to defend our great city?”

  Amare stood, taking her offered hand. Hosdaq’s smile was broad as he regarded the two. It pleased him to have found such a man to lead his guard. It took more than might and skill to lead the Chosen. Amare had just proved beyond doubt the goodness of his heart as well.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Revelations

  Allister continued to fidget, peering at the pile of parchments on his desk. He ran his hands through his hair, trying to concentrate on deciphering the passages. As hard as he tried, he couldn’t focus. His mind stayed fixed on his daughter and the healer attending to her.

  It had been more than three full moons since the Nakshij had visited their home. After that encounter, he’d feared that the guard would surely come and collect them. But there had been no word of such retribution. Nikolina had been correct in her assessment of the man. He’d thought much the same of their father, Manifir.

  Now with her persistent illness, he couldn’t concentrate. Since her encounter with Danimore, she hadn’t been herself. Allister worried about her and the troubling ailments hindering her movements.

  With a resigned sigh, he pushed up from his desk, making his way down the corridor. The more he thought of his precious daughter, the quicker his steps. As he approached Nikolina’s bedchamber, the healer opened the door.

  “Is—is she all right? How is my daughter?” Allister asked before the man could speak.

  Arilian paused, glancing at Nikolina and then back to him. “She’s fine. Nikolina will tell you about her…predicament.”

  Allister fixed him with a quizzical stare.

  “Come, Father. I’ll explain everything.”

  He gave a nod of appreciation to Arilian. “Allow me to see you to the door,” Allister offered, placing some coin in his hand.

  “Thank you, but there’s no need. I know the way. Good day.”

  With the healer gone, Allister sat by his daughter’s bedside, caressing her face.

  “Are you well now?”

  “I’m more than well, and soon you’ll understand why.”

  “Are you to tell me, or am I to guess?”

  She kissed his hands and then rested them on her abdomen. “Father, I haven’t been ill. I thought that it could be, but I didn’t want to tell you without certainty. It isn’t illness; I’m with child.”

  His eyes widened, as he sprang from his seat. He pointed a shaky finger at her, trying to find his voice.

  “No. No, Nikolina,” he insisted, shaking his head. “It cannot be. You—you are maiden. How? It cannot be!”

  “Please, this is what I wanted. I feel no shame in my choice. I prayed it would be so, and the Four have blessed me, blessed us.”

  “No! There’s no blessing in carrying a bastard. Who’s done this? Who has brought shame unto our home? I would have his name, Nikolina. Now!”

  In all her years, her father had never raised his voice to her. She rose up from the bed, collapsing in his arms. Allister sighed, hugging her tight against him. Her tears continued as he rocked her in his arms.

  “Please, my dearest,” he said, moving her back to the bed. “Please tell me how this happened. You spoke about accepting Velnic’s pledge. We can’t move forward with such plans now. Who’s done this to you?”

  “Father, please understand that this was the desire of my heart. No one took advantage of me. This, I did on my own. Can you not see my joy at this news? Whether a pledge or no, I wouldn’t change it. I’ll stay here with you. Together we’ll care for the babe, and I’ll always be with you. If I’m to have a son, he’ll be a d’Garrion. A son, Father. Would that not please you?”

  He did welcome the thought of an heir. With both of his wives, he’d only sired daughters, and none to carry on his name. Still, to have his Nikolina with a bastard in her womb was unthinkable.

  “You know not what you do. I welcome a grandson to carry the d’Garrion name, but I wouldn’t have you bear this shame. Who’s done this? He’ll give this child a blessed birth. Shame won’t cover you. I won’t allow it.”

  “It cannot be.” Her eyes lowered. “My babe’s father has already taken a wife.”

  “What?”

  After taking a shaky breath, she met his eyes. “Danimore is the father.”

  “Impossible! The Nakshij wouldn’t do such a thing. The Benoists do have honor above all else. Whether I agree with their path for Nazil or no, I understand this truth about the men.” Allister paced the room, seething, until he noticed Nikolina’s expression.

  “What haven’t you said?”

  She stood then, nervously wringing her hands. How could she tell her father what she’d done?

  “It’s true. Danimore wouldn’t take me abed even if he weren’t wed to that human whore. His honor would prevent it.”

  “Then how Nikolina? Are you certain that the babe is his?”

  “He’s been the only one that I’ve known. My child will be a Benoist by b
lood if not by name.”

  He threw up his hands in frustration, groaning in protest. “How, Nikolina? When could you have possibly—,” his voice trailed off, considering the timing of her supposed illness. He turned back to her with wide eyes.

  “Never would you do such a thing. Is this why you wanted the serpents venom? Tell me you didn’t do this, please.”

  She could only nod, turning from his stare.

  “This is why Sir Benoist was ill and could barely stand when he left. I understand now the look of hatred splayed across his face. You violated the Nakshij of Nazil? Surely, this is a bad jape. Please tell me you haven’t done this.”

  “I’m sorry, Father. It was the only way. No longer could I be his wife, but I can have his child. I don’t care about a pledge and bond. It’s this child I desire above all else. Can you not forgive me this, and see the blessing behind my actions?”

  When her tears returned, he embraced her, fighting against the myriad of conflicting emotions surging inside of him. After she’d calmed, he walked her to the bed, tucking the covers around her.

  “Rest now,” he said. “I’ll have Dalinda bring your meal later. For now, just rest.”

  When Nikolina nodded, allowing her eyes to close, Allister stormed down the corridor to his chamber. Though he wouldn’t show anger toward his daughter, he couldn’t let the violation stand.

  He pulled on his cloak, retrieving his horse. Setting out into the approaching night, only thoughts of his daughter inundated his mind. The more he thought of the child that she carried, the harder he put his heels into his mount. Allister didn’t slow until he reached the outer portcullis of the citadel. The guards halted his approach, but not the rage or desire that burned within him.

  “What’s your business?” the first guard called down to him.

  Most of the men he knew, and made certain that they recognized him as well. “I’ve come to speak with the Nakshij.”

  “What would be your business, Sir d’Garrion? Do you have an appointment?”

  “My business is with the Nakshij alone, good sir. I’m certain that if you announce me and tell him it’s of great importance, he’ll allow me entry.”

  The guard said something Allister couldn’t hear to another man beside him. The second guard disappeared and was gone for some time. When he returned, Allister observed the pair closely. Finally, the first guard gave a nod, and both portcullises raised. Allister entered the citadel grounds and was met by the largest man that he’d ever seen.

  “Greetings,” Symeon said. “I’ll escort you to the Zaxson and Nakshij.”

  “Th—thank you, good sir,” he stammered, still regarding the daunting figure.

  Allister attempted to compose himself, running his fingers through his neatly trimmed hair. When Symeon halted, Allister took a deep breath and stood tall beside him, although any man standing next to Symeon appeared no more than a child.

  The door swung open as the Zaxson responded to the knock. Allister took a step back, struggling to conceal his sudden dubiety and trepidation. He failed.

  “Thank you, First Chosen,” Pentanimir said, motioning for Allister to enter. Once the door closed behind him, Allister reconsidered his methods. He bowed low, awaiting their instructions. He’d planned to speak firmly and accuse even, but while facing the brothers, he realized his anger was misplaced.

  Danimore hadn’t defiled his daughter. This was Nikolina’s doing. Still, she was his daughter, and he would make her condition known.

  “Be seated,” Pentanimir said.

  Allister offered another nervous bow, observing the scowl on Danimore’s face.

  “Why have you dared to come here, Sir d’Garrion?” Pentanimir asked.

  Allister cleared his throat, and meant to speak clear and resolute. He meant to. His voice cracked as he addressed them.

  “Zaxson, Nakshij, tha—thank you for allowing me audience without an appointment. Had the need not been urgent, never would I have disturbed you.”

  “Urgent?” Danimore nearly spat. “What urgent business could you possibly have with me? After our last encounter, you should be thanking whatever gods you serve that you and your daughter aren’t permanent guests of the citadel.”

  “Yes sir, Nakshij,” he conceded. “You must know that I wasn’t aware of my daughter’s actions. Nikolina is a sweet young maid, and never would I think such a thing possible. Since the dissolution of the pledge, she hasn’t been herself. I ask for your forgiveness for both her sake and mine. She erred terribly and had I known, I certainly wouldn’t have allowed such a violation.”

  Danimore’s eyes narrowed. “If you know the violation that Nikolina committed, then why would you refer to her as a maid? Apparently, you don’t know the crime that your daughter viciously planned and executed.”

  Allister’s head lowered. “You speak true, but thinking of my daughter as anything less is difficult. We both know the truth of it, although, only recently have I learned of her actions. I’m both appalled and aggrieved that she could commit such an offense, and offer whatever apology that I can for her behavior. I understand that you could’ve taken us both, and you had every right to do so.”

  “We still could,” Pentanimir said, coldly.

  “Indeed, Zaxson, but I’m thankful that you haven’t.”

  “Is this what you’ve come to speak? An apology for crimes unforgivable?”

  “No, Nakshij. Well, yes. I mean, I do offer the most sincere of apologies. Not only for myself, but for Nikolina as well. She’s a young woman, seven and ten. Her heart is broken, and it’s you that she desires.” Allister raised his hand, offering a conceding nod.

  “She understands as do I, that you don’t love her; not anymore. That truth doesn’t change what lies within her heart. Since she was one and ten, she’s spoken of only you. In the beginning, it was innocent as only a child of that age can be. However, when she reached womanhood, that admiration turned into love. When she thought her prayers had been answered, my daughter was the happiest that I’ve ever seen her. Now, it isn’t so. Nikolina is devastated, and I fear for her.”

  “Why have you come, Allister?” Pentanimir asked in a tone that wasn’t at all sympathetic.

  “Yes—yes sir, I’ve come because I’m a father. I love my daughter more than anyone in all the lands, but I must admit when she’s wrong. My love for her doesn’t lessen, but I can’t support the decisions that she’s made.” Allister took a drink from his cup and then cleared his throat again.

  “Nakshij, Nik—Nikolina has not been well for some time. I know you give little care for such news, but it isn’t the same for me.”

  “Your point, Allister,” Pentanimir demanded.

  “Yes, sir. Nikolina, Nakshij. She—she carries your child.”

  “You lie!” Danimore pounded a fist on the table. “How dare you come to me with such lies on your tongue. My wife alone carries my child and none other!” Danimore pushed up from the table, glaring down at him.

  Pentanimir rested a calming hand on his brother’s arm, lowering him to his seat.

  “Mayhaps your daughter has spoken false,” Pentanimir said. “By your own admission, she’s committed acts that you hadn’t previously thought conceivable. What makes you believe that she speaks true now? My brother would never take anyone abed except his wife. As fair as Nikolina might be, my brother has no interest. Mayhaps she seeks vengeance against Danimore for imagined slights. A woman’s heart is unpredictable when she thinks one has intentionally wounded it.”

  “Zaxson,” Allister said, shaking his head. “Never would I think anything less of you or your brother. Both of you are men of integrity as was your father before you. Whatever else you may do or say, honor is above all. I’m ashamed to be unable to admit the same for my beloved Nikolina. Nonetheless, you’re both aware that the Nakshij didn’t willingly lay with my daughter. This was the desire of her heart, and Nikolina made it so. I come not to accuse you, my lords. I come only to inform and beg forgiveness.


  “My child committed unspeakable acts with a singular purpose. You didn’t want it, nor do you deserve what she’s done. I know about the poison and now understand why you were ill when you visited. There are no words to offer for such a violation. But I do ask that you spare my daughter.”

  Pentanimir’s expression exuded disgust. “I believe it’s time for you to leave the citadel and not return.”

  Allister could only nod, pushing up from the table. “My lords,” he bowed.

  “Allister,” Pentanimir called out to the departing scribe. “It would be beneficial to everyone if no one else learned about what your daughter is asserting. In the event of such an occurrence, I’m not certain that we could allow Nikolina to remain free. If what she alleges is true, then an egregious crime has been committed against the Nakshij of Nazil. Such an offense would carry a grave sentence.”

  The clear threat in those words didn’t fall on deaf ears. “I understand, Zaxson, and appreciate your patience and restraint. I’ll instruct my daughter to remain silent regarding her babe. No further insult shall be added to this already festering wound. Thank you for allowing me audience.”

  When the door closed, Danimore collapsed in his seat, looking as if the very life had drained from him.

  “We knew that this day could come, Dani. What have you decided your best course to be?”

  “Best course? I’m lost. Nikolina has taken everything from me. How could this have happened?”

  Pentanimir felt helpless, watching the anguish that he suffered. Danimore decided to wait and be certain Nikolina was pregnant before they made any move. Now, with that confirmation, they could wait no longer. Before either of them could begin to sort out their feelings, Zeta burst into the room.

  “Dani. I saw Allister d’Garrion leaving, and was told that he met with you. Why did he come?” Zeta halted, seeing Pentanimir’s solemn expression.

  “What’s happened?” she asked, advancing to where Danimore slumped pitifully in the chair.

  “Zeta, there’s much you’ll need to learn, but now may not be the best time to speak about it. Dani isn’t himself just now.”