“What about the oath you swore as you donned the cloak of the Chosen?”
“It’s of no consequence,” Nigel said. “I swore fealty to Sir Vereux and Nazil. He is no more, yet Nazil remains. Pentanimir attempts to confuse the minds of the weak and apostatize the young and vulnerable. In Nazil, we serve only the Four, the true gods of these lands. Not those of this heretic. If one goes against the teachings of the Cha, they go against Nazil.”
The old man nodded, lying back in his bed. “You speak true. Join with the others and secure their loyalty. When the time comes, we must move swiftly. There’ll be no room for errors or hesitation. Pentanimir has made powerful allies; don’t underestimate the Benoists. With the aid of the demon beasts and pythonesses, they’ve become formidable. Nonetheless, we have the Four on our side, and they shall vanquish this evil and free us from this oppression. Together, we’ll make Nazil great again,” he said with labored breath. “What about Lady Merrimont?”
“I’ll be visiting her when I leave.”
“Be certain that you do, Nigel. For years, her husband stood as Second Chosen beneath the traitor. Though he was ten years Pentanimir’s senior, they elevated him over Sir Merrimont. This slight was perpetrated against the wishes of many and sat well with few. Yannick Merrimont’s honor was without question, and many are angered at his death. We need Sidra on our side as we continue. She’s well respected both within the city and without. Many will follow her lead.”
“Agreed. Her son Bastian is of concern, too. Everyone knows he’s fond of the Zaxson as was his father. We must bring him to our side.”
“Make it so. Give them no chance to corrupt Sir Merrimont’s son. Go now. I await word from Yarah as well. Soon, more will join our cause.”
“Yes, Sir,” Nigel said. “Should I send the healer to tend your wound?”
“He’s done all that he can. There’s no herb to combat the poison; the wound will continue to fester. The Four have allowed me to remain to aid in this. After Nazil has been cleansed, I’ll join them in the halls of honor.”
Sidra was seated in her lavish solar when Nigel was escorted to her. She peered over at the perfidious man, taking a long drink of strong liquor.
“I’m surprised to see you again so soon, Sir Branston. I thought you’d be in Yarah by now.”
“I had plans to do so.” He bowed. “But I was reminded of my duty to the white city.”
“Indeed,” Sidra said, motioning for him to sit.
“Yes, my lady.”
“And what brings you to my home again? Bastian remains in Yarah until his uncle’s return. Is it he that you’ve come to see?”
“Bastian’s visiting Xonath Karrhig?” Nigel asked.
“He did insist upon it. With his father taken from us, Bastian much desired the visit. The Zaxson was kind enough to provide an escort.”
His brow furrowed. “I see. Bastian is but one reason for my visit. There are many matters of importance we need to discuss.”
Sidra shifted her large frame in the oversized seat, rolling her eyes. “Is this more of the same?”
“I’ve been reminded of the importance of my words this day, Lady Merrimont.”
“By whom?” Her brow raised, tucking one hand beneath her double chin, knowing the question would go unanswered.
“Sir Branston, I haven’t any interest in such matters. Isn’t it enough that my dear Yannick was taken from us? My family yet grieves the loss of both husband and father. The words you speak are for ears other than mine. Must you inflict more grief upon us?”
“I beg pardon, my lady, this isn’t my intent, of course. I mourn for Sir Merrimont as well, and realize that your house has always been close with the Benoists. However, much has changed in Nazil and beyond.”
“Agreed, even more so for me. Tell me: if I’m able to endure under such circumstances, are you saying that the whole of Nazil doesn’t possess comparable strength to my own?”
“No, my lady. This isn’t at all what I believe. Nazil will always stand strong. It’s the direction of our great city that others and I question. No longer are the Four worshiped in the temple, savages sit in places of honor, and former slaves and abominations command our Chosen guard.”
“If it’s my support that you want, truth must be spoken.”
“My lady—”
“Truth, Nigel!”
He sat straighter in his seat, regarding the widow.
“The Zaxson hasn’t forbidden anyone to worship the Four,” she said. “Have you even visited our temple since Draizeyn was entombed beneath it?”
“Never will I enter the desecration that was once the holiest place. Nor will I give credence to that abomination who calls himself a priest.”
Her mouth quirked up in a grin. “Then you’ll remain ignorant, never learning the truth.”
“My lady?”
“The temple stands grander than before, Sir Branston. You speak of things that you don’t know. The priest that you name an abomination consoled my son when grief was heavy upon him. He comforted my son more than anyone else in Nazil, save Pentanimir himself. The priest’s name is Nzuri.” She paused, ensuring she had Nigel’s full attention.
“He’s Tabitha’s son.”
He mouth went slack, unable to contain his surprise or outrage. “You dare! I was but a boy when I learned of her death. How dare you soil her name? Not even you have the right to befoul my family.”
She ignored the slight, though she made note not to forget that he’d offered it. “Sir Branston, don’t play the fool. What would the High Priest have to gain from such an assertion? He didn’t know who I was, or that I’d known Tabitha years past. As he spoke her name, I recognized the truth in his features. He is Tabitha’s son regardless of your belief or disbelief. He has a brother, Emet, in Noraa and their family heritage is intriguing, and one which you should learn,” she said, cryptically.
“Both Nzuri and Emet are the children of your father’s sister.”
“Lies!” he protested, leaping from his seat.
“Many lies have been told,” she said, calmly. “Yet, these are not they. If you have any doubt, visit the temple. If your desire isn’t truth, continue in ignorance.”
“Lady Tabitha was lost to us long ago. My father told us about the dreadful illness that took her from us.”
“Your father told you what he thought he must. Your aunt lived a long and happy life, Nigel. Tabitha and her husband, Gayu, shared many wonderful years together until Nazil laid waste to Hyorin. If you don’t believe my words, certainly those of Sir Neufmarche will prove more telling.”
Nigel’s eyes narrowed. Everyone knew the former Chosen had betrayed Nazil and taken refuge in Bandari with his savage wife. Even now, the stain of that betrayal was evident in his son, Wosen, serving as a Chosen for the Zaxson. If Sidra spoke true, Bandari would’ve been the only place Tabitha could have escaped detection and the consequences of betraying Nazil.
He straightened his stance, composed himself, and then returned to his seat.
“The lies of Hosdaq Neufmarche are of no interest to me. He, too, is a traitor to Nazil and the Four. No one has forgotten his role in the attack on the city, nay on the temple of our gods themselves. If this is the character of men that you put your trust, mayhaps I’ve been mistaken in my assumptions of your love for Nazil.”
She scoffed, laughing aloud at the poorly executed slight. “Never did I think it was mandatory to agree with every denizen and edict of our great city to be proud to be part of it.
“My husband pledged his life to not only Nazil, but to the Benoists as well. He and the Zaxson were like brothers. Now, you would have me turn my back on Pentanimir because you have a disdain toward the humans? He and his father before him have been nothing but honorable toward our great city and my family. No, Sir Branston, the House of Merrimont won’t join you in this treachery. As a matter of fact, if you don’t leave my home this moment, I may pay a visit to the citadel. Trust when I say that the Zaxson
will grant me an audience whenever I would ask for it.”
Nigel rose abruptly, setting his goblet down hard on the table. With a stiff bow, he turned to leave, but paused when he reached the door.
“Lady Merrimont, since you hold such an affinity for the Zaxson and the savages he’s forced upon us, mayhaps you should turn your gaze toward Cazaal.”
Sidra said nothing, feigning a yawn, and shifting more comfortably in her seat.
“It may interest you to know that your former slave has married the Caretaker of Cazaal. Gali is her name, is it not?”
“Hmm…I do recall a servant by that name. Yes, Sir Benoist purchased her for a healthy sum.” She smiled. “Yes, the Zaxson paid nearly four times her cost to us. Why should I care about her position now?”
It was Nigel’s turn to smile. “I’m certain that the attention paid to this savage by those in your husband’s company didn’t pass your notice.”
“Sir Branston, it saddens me that you’d attempt to sway me in this manner.” She smirked. “You’re not very good at this, are you? If it’s your intent to inform me about my husband’s interest in Gali, save your words for those who have a desire to hear them. Yannick’s appetite was large, and I cared not for his pleasures outside of my chambers. In fact, it was at my suggestion that he purchased a maiden slave to satisfy his more…feral desires and proclivities. He was quite taken with Gali,” she said, leaning forward.
“Between you and I, Yannick found her quite beautiful and loved her, too. Gali was pregnant with his child when I sold her to Pentanimir.” She chuckled. “My honorable husband wasn’t pleased to lose his paramour or the bastard she carried.”
Nigel’s smile faded. “Lady Merrimont, never would I speak ill against your husband. Sir Merrimont was most honorable—”
“You tell me nothing, guard of Nazil, that I don’t already know,” Sidra snapped.
“Pentanimir informed me about Gali and the Caretaker when we met. He also mentioned his wife’s relation to my former servant. It means little and less,” she continued, advancing on Nigel.
“The Benoists have rule of Nazil and their hands cover these lands. Draizeyn futilely attempted the same, and now he lies beneath the temple cold and stiff!” she said, poking her plump finger in his chest. “The Vereuxs are dead, and Nazil stands grander than ever before. You’ll find no accomplice here. I care not for the misgivings of a few angered by the loss of their slaves.” She waved dismissively. “Go now and don’t return to my home again.”
He was seething as he bowed, turning to leave.
“Oh,” Sidra called after him. “Stay away from my son. Bastian has no need of you or those of your ilk.”
Compromises and Obligations
“The meeting was long,” Yonas said, running his hands through Reinhold’s hair.
“The people are anxious, but your words and assurances helped to calm them, my love. They know you have a personal relationship with not only the Zaxson, but also the other Caretakers. They trust you.” Reinhold smiled, leaning against him. “Just as I trust you.”
“And I, you.” As he lowered to kiss him, a knock halted his movements.
“Another meeting?” Reinhold chuckled, moving Yonas’ hand over the bulge in his trousers. “Shame.”
Yonas released a frustrated sigh, rising to answer the door.
“Mother, what a lovely surprise.”
“I didn’t want to disturb you,” Dawn said, leering over at Reinhold.
“Never could you do so,” Yonas said. “Come in and sit. Would you like refreshment?”
Reinhold inclined his head, pulling out a chair for her. “It’s always a pleasure to see you, my lady.”
“I wish the same was true of me, Sir Westernan. It seems that I can’t turn for you of late.”
“There’s much to attend to in Kaleo.”
“I agree. However, your interest and activities appear to be centered around my son and not our beloved village.”
“Mother, I depend on Reinhold. He’s always been a trusted advisor and friend.”
“Indeed, perhaps for too long.”
“Mother, please. If you’ve come with a purpose, please make it known. Reinhold and I were discussing our upcoming trip to Cazaal. We need to continue our preparations.”
“There is a purpose.” She smiled. “We need to talk about Janiya.”
“Janiya?”
“Yes, Janiya. The daughter of Balor and Felicia.”
“I know who she is, Mother, why are you mentioning her?”
“Because of the promises of old. Do you not recall discussing her with your father and me?”
Yonas glanced at Reinhold. “It was just talk and nothing was ever decided. She was but three and ten.”
“She was, but much has changed,” Dawn said. “Balor visited not long ago and we’ve rekindled that discussion. Janiya is a woman grown now, and he’s seeking a promise for her.”
“A promise?” He shook his head emphatically. “I don’t have the time for such commitments. We have much to accomplish, and I regret that I must refuse. Mayhaps at a later time I—”
“Now is the time. This was a desire of your father’s, Yonas. He and Balor were like family. They spoke of this promise often, and your father agreed. As such, you agreed. I care little for your proclivities,” she said, shooting Reinhold a baleful look. “I’ve accepted the promise and honored your father’s wishes. Are you not willing to do the same?”
Yonas sighed, falling back in his seat. “Mother, I’d never dishonor Father. It—it’s just not the proper time for such a commitment.”
“From what I’ve heard, your sister and many others married in the midst of a war. Now the lands are at peace, and you feel that the time isn’t right? You’ll do what your father has arranged. Nearly everyone in Kaleo knew about this promise, and no one has approached Janiya out of respect for both your father and Balor. Your father was well respected and you won’t dishonor him, me, Janiya or Balor.”
“Mother?”
“No. Janiya is waiting in the corridor. I’ve arranged a chamber for her in the citadel so that you can get reacquainted.”
“Do I have no say in the matters of my own life?”
“Say what you will. In the end, you’ll wed Janiya and sire sons for our family. This is a promise that you made to your father. He’s no longer with us, but that doesn’t mean the promises made stand void.”
“I don’t intend to dishonor Father, but there’s much to consider.”
“The only matter needed considering is whether to marry in the planting or harvest season,” she declared, with a look that brooked no debate.
“Mother, you overstep.”
“And you step not at all!” Dawn said, standing. “Your father didn’t know about your tendencies, and I won’t suffer them. You’re the Caretaker of Kaleo and no longer one who goes without notice. As such, you’ll do what’s necessary for our family and one of your position.”
“So, choice has been taken from me? I’m to do what’s commanded and not what’s desired.”
“Does your most trusted advisor and friend not do the same?” she said, stepping toward the door. The sting of that rebuke set both men back on their heels.
“Sir Westernan,” she said. “Can you escort me to the garden? My son needs privacy to meet with his promised.”
Reinhold stood, clearing his throat. He forced a smile, extending out his elbow.
“If it pleases you, my lady.”
Reinhold glanced back at Yonas before he disappeared into the corridor, and Janiya appeared in the entryway.
“May I enter, milord?”
Yonas feigned a smile as he approached. It had been years since he’d seen Janiya, but her face remained much the same. Janiya was a handsome maid, and many men took notice. Her body was plump, yet not overly so. When he looked down at her enormous bust, he wondered how she balanced without falling forward. Never had he seen a woman so well endowed. She had a pleasing shape for someo
ne who thought such things mattered.
As he moved forward, extending out his hand, he took in more of her. Janiya’s tight, curly hair was pulled off her round face. The shape of her eyes and lips reminded him much of his mother’s. Her eyes were more an amber color with nearly flawless nutmeg-colored skin. He noticed that when she smiled, deep dimples found her cheeks. That, he remembered well from their youth. She was by all accounts a lovely young woman. A woman he desired not at all.
“Please, I’m always Yonas to you,” he said, kissing her cheek and leading her to a seat at the table. “It would seem that our parents have been speaking much of late.”
“Yes, I was pleased when you returned to Kaleo. The wait was long, and I thought you lost to me,” she said, fumbling nervously with her gown.
“It pleases me to have returned as well.”
“Your mother would like a bonding ceremony by the next full moon. I—I would be agreeable to the same.”
“The next full moon? I thought we were finalizing our promise and making possible arrangements for the future.”
“I fear that our mothers have already begun the preparations. I have a meeting with the seamstress on the morrow for my gown. My father is overjoyed, as yours would be.”
With the mention of his father, Yonas regarded her differently. Both she and his mother had spoken true. Had it not been for the Nazilian raid, they’d already be wed. Reinhold had taken a wife and still held true to their love and relationship. He wondered then if he would be able to do the same. Never had he lain with a woman or had the desire to do so. And Janiya was all woman, he thought, looking down at her massive breasts again.
“Well, I’ll speak with my mother this very evening,” he said, helping her to rise. “For now, I must attend the business of Kaleo. We’ll discuss more of this later.”
“As you say,” she said, offering a curtsy as she exited. When she left with the guard, Yonas slumped in his seat, downing his drink.
Torment of Truth
Pentanimir was in awe as Arinak led him to the AsZar’s chamber. No matter how often he’d seen them, it was the same. Never had he witnessed anything or anyone as remarkable as the Protectors and their Desu Beasts. It wasn’t just the size or features of the giant men: his respect, and admiration were all encompassing.
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