Releasing a troubled sigh, he looked up again, sorting out the details reported about the assault.
“Didn’t Lady Brahanu speak the same?” Wosen asked, taking a seat beside him.
“She couldn’t remember much past the flames, and I won’t force the memory upon her. She’s still weak, and doesn’t want to leave our chambers. I can’t imagine what she and Eytan suffered.”
Wosen looked on with empathy, unable to remove the image of the flaming carriage from his mind.
“Are you certain about what you reported?” Pentanimir asked. “I don’t doubt either Nakaris or you, but you’ve never seen the man you said appeared in the carriage.”
“That’s true, Zaxson, but who else could it have been? He mentioned his wife and son. Not many know about Lady Benoist’s late husband or that Eytan is his son.”
Pentanimir nodded. “Describe him to me, Wosen.”
“His hair was dark gold like Eytan’s, only not nearly as curly,” he began. “He was draped protectively over both of them, touching, yet not so. It’s as if he was there and wasn’t at the same time.” Wosen shook his head, closing his eyes. “I’ve never seen a man that large and muscled, save Sir Yego or the Protectors. I recall his eyes, too. He looked up but a moment, but they were a greyish color, much like those of Master Tioch.
“It could’ve been the smoke, perhaps, I don’t know, but the…the mist or glow was apparent. It surrounded him, extending out to encompass the Zaontras and Eytan. It’s hard to explain, Zaxson, but I’ll never forget it. It was a pulsing luminescence with purple and silver hues.” His eyes opened, widening with a recollection. “The Protectors.”
“The Protectors?”
“Yes. That glow, it’s reminiscent of the helms the Protectors wear. When they connect extrasensorily with the Desu Beasts, their helms emit this…this glow. That’s what surrounded the man in the carriage.
“I didn’t imagine it, Zaxson. He was there, and then he just wasn’t. He saved your family’s life when we were helpless to do so. It must’ve been the Guardians. What else could it be?”
“Itai,” Pentanimir breathed, his eyes darting around the room, looking everywhere and nowhere all at once. The Guardians had mentioned Brahanu and Eytan’s connection, but that didn’t explain how Itai could’ve been in the carriage?
“Did I speak out of turn, Zaxson?”
“No…no, Sir Neufmarche, and I appreciate you speaking privately about this matter. You’re correct that only a select few are aware of Brahanu’s first marriage. We’d like to keep that information from becoming publicly known.”
“Won’t they question now after what Nakaris reported?” Wosen asked, with concern.
“Some might question where others will dismiss. Either way, I won’t corroborate their theories. Brahanu and Eytan are safe, and for this, I offer gratitude to you and the Guardians. Mayhaps Angelaris will help me understand how all of this was possible. They sent the Protectors to us, and Itai couldn’t have appeared in the carriage without the Guardians orchestrating it.”
“Angelaris? Are you traveling to the Animus Wood?”
“It may be necessary, but not soon. Molag hasn’t been apprehended yet, and my wife needs time to heal.”
Wosen stood, straightening his pearl cloak. “Yes, Sir. You mentioned something about the new sentries when I was summoned?”
“Yes. Symeon and Thalassa are meeting with them in the practice yard. Once they’ve finished their orientation, you’ll need to escort them to their barracks. Nakaris and Temian have the assignments, and Micah is preparing their uniforms. Ensure that there’re no Nazilian guards posted on their floors.
“Once they’re situated, you’ll be assisting Symeon with their training until Thalassa is able to reclaim the position. Do you understand the enormity of this task?”
“I understand, Zaxson, and I’m honored.” He bowed.
“The honor is mine.”
Shintao
Hosdaq acknowledged the guards in the corridor as he hurried to his meeting. A myriad of questions swirled through his mind as he considered the recent reports. This transition would take far more time than he’d believed. He wasn’t ignorant of some Nazilians persistence and animosity, but he would’ve never thought Faélondul’s climate would sour so quickly.
He stopped at the end of the corridor, looking out the balcony windows. The builders of Spero continued their work on the new city. More former slaves were migrating to Spero with each full moon, and that was a comfort. With his new human guards and First Chosen, Hosdaq hoped that this city would be more akin to Bandari.
For the past two decades, Bandari had been his home. It was where he’d married his love and raised his children. That had been much on his mind of late, and brought a smile to his face that almost immediately faded. Bandari was also where Esme had died, and where his son had made an attempt on his life.
He rested a hand on his abdomen. The deep scars remained where Wosen had slashed him with the Xtabyren. “Wosen,” he whispered. At that time, Hosdaq had prayed for death, but was blessed with Osmara instead. His smile returned as he shook the painful memories away, embracing his blessings.
Regardless of the past, Hosdaq missed his son. Wosen had always aspired to become a Chosen of Nazil, and now that he was, Hosdaq needed to accept their separation. Wosen was no longer a child. He was a man, and Pentanimir needed men like him protecting his family.
His thoughts shifted to Osmara, Malkia, and Amryn then. Osmara had become fearful since the attack on Brahanu’s caravan. Hosdaq had to travel soon, and that only heightened her fear.
Waving away his guards, Hosdaq opened his solar door, and then paused beneath the lintel.
“Greetings, Caretaker,” Kuhani said. “Thank you for meeting us.”
Hosdaq smiled, yet his brow knitted, eyeing the man with Kuhani. “Whenever you would have it so, Drah’kuu Kuhani,” he said, closing the door behind him. Before Hosdaq could ask, Kuhani motioned to their guest.
“Please allow me to introduce Shintao.”
Shintao lowered his cowl, offering a bow.
“‘Tis an ‘onur to meet you, Cahtakah Neufmarche,” he said with an unfamiliar, musical accent.
Hosdaq squinted, looking at the man. He’d met many people throughout his years, but no one similar to this. He couldn’t understand what it was about Shintao that seemed so completely foreign, yet also familiar. In truth, his appearance was extraordinary.
His straight hair was dark as pitch with the right side shorn to his scalp. Shintao had large emerald, almond-shaped eyes, piercing even from this distance. There was a golden ring in his nose, and on his chest lay an odd gem, almost the same shade of green as his eyes.
Shintao’s frame appeared slight, even with the heavy cloak he wore. When he moved forward, Hosdaq noticed a hand crossbow attached to his right thigh, and some type of blade attached to his left. His skin had the kiss of the sun, and his features were soft, yet strong. There was a strangeness about him, and a familiarity.
“Yes…yes, I’m pleased to meet you,” Hosdaq stammered, reaching out a hand to the man. When Shintao extended his arm, Hosdaq saw markings on his wrist. They appeared similar to the Jasiri’s warrior marks, but these marks surrounded Shintao’s wrist like a bracelet, with one line proceeding down his hand and middle finger. In the center of his hand, Hosdaq was surprised to see the Guardian’s emblem.
“Have…have we met?” Hosdaq asked, noticing something peculiar about his eyes.
“No, Caretaker,” Kuhani said, motioning to the chairs. As the men took their seats, the priest poured tea for each of them. “Shintao is new to Spero.”
“But not new to you?” Hosdaq sipped his tea.
“No, we’ve known each other for many years. Shintao has spent much time in Faélondul and K’ohshul alike. With the Vereuxs removed from power, he and many of his family plan to make Spero their home. He’s asked for one of his brothers to join the temple, and I’ve agreed. Yasu studied with
Malachi on the isle some years ago, and would be a benefit to Spero’s temple.”
“Yasu?”
“That ‘tis the name ove one ove my brahtahs. We ahre many.”
Hosdaq cocked his head. There was something—something—he couldn’t discern. “Of course, Kuhani. The priests are of your choosing.”
“Thank you, Caretaker. Shintao wanted to meet you before the rest of his family joins him in Spero. For now, I’ve prepared room for them in the temple. Until their homes are completed, they’ll remain there with me.”
“As you wish, and thank you for informing me. I must meet with some of the guards regarding the packs of jaenitu near the pass. Some of the denizens are concerned about the proximity of the beasts so near to the city. I’ll send the trappers soon if the threat remains.”
Shintao and Kuhani exchanged a glance. “Trappers? My old friend, the woods near Bandari was filled with jaenitu. They aren’t predators and won’t harm anyone.”
“Indeed,” Hosdaq said, standing. “Still, with the uncertainty present in the lands, this is but another concern. You and I know the nature of the beasts, but others here don’t. I mean to run them off before people take matters into their own hands.”
Kuhani stood, inclining his head. “You speak true. Mayhaps Shintao and the priests could see to it. We’ll trek toward the wood on the morrow. There’re herbs we can scatter to prevent the jaenitu from drawing too near the city.”
“Thank you,” Hosdaq said, clasping the men’s hands. “If you’d excuse me, I promised to meet Osmara before holding audience in the hall.”
“Ove course, ‘twas an ‘onur to meet you,” Shintao said.
“And you as well, Sir...”
“‘Tis only, Shintao, Cahtakah. I ‘ave no othah name.”
Family
“Will you remain with me?” Beilzen asked, drawing Dalia closer. It was the first time that he’d allowed her to see and feel all of him, and again, he was amazed. She wasn’t repelled by the small stump where his manhood once stood. She accepted all of him with the most honest affection.
“Would that please you?”
“It would. I’m looking forward to when I won’t need to ask. The thought of waking beside you brings a warmth to me like none I’ve ever known.”
“I look forward to the same, but what about Fáelán? He might come during the night as he often does.”
“This is true,” he chuckled. “I think Fáelán would enjoy waking and seeing his mother here as well.”
“His—his mother?”
“He already feels that you are, Dalia. I know it’s difficult, and he knows that Shiloh is his birth mother, but he’s never known her. She died when he was just a babe. It’s you that he looks to as his mother. Fáelán has asked me about it numerous times. Do you not wish it?”
“No, I do. I love Fáelán. This is still so new to me. I never thought I’d have a child to accept me as their own, as—as a mother.”
“We’ll be a family, Dalia, and everyone will see our happiness.”
“This, they already see.”
“Have you given thought to our move?”
“Are you certain your father would welcome us?”
“Did you not see how you were received? I think my father loves you already,” he said. “He asked me about it so that he can have our rooms ready. Father has waited a long time to see me married and happy. Our home isn’t grand, and we have only one attendant, but I know we’ll be happy there. It won’t be like it is in the citadel, but you’ll be welcomed and comfortable.”
“I’m not worried about comfort, Beilzen. My only need is you and Fáelán. Our son.”
“Then, we’ll both have what we need.”
Noises from the adjoining chamber caused Dalia to sit up. When the blanket slid from her chest, Beilzen caressed her softness before rising and retrieving their tunics. She watched him return to their bed, enjoying his nakedness. Beilzen wasn’t a large man, but his body was pleasingly lean and toned. She loved the way he felt against her, and felt her arousal growing as she thought about it.
“Mayhaps we should cover ourselves before he makes his way,” he said, handing her the tunic.
She glanced behind him at the adjoining door. “It’s possible that he hasn’t awakened.” She smiled mischievously, tossing the tunic aside. “Why don’t you look in on him and then come back to bed.”
Beilzen smiled, rushing from the bed and then returned, moving over her, kissing as he went. “He yet sleeps,” he breathed, continuing his pleasure.
♦
Beilzen groaned, disentangling his son’s leg from around his waist. When he looked at Dalia, he noticed Fáelán snuggled into her chest. He smiled, gently nudging her awake.
“It would be prudent to purchase a larger bed,” he whispered.
Dalia kissed Fáelán, sliding from beneath him.
“Good morning,” Beilzen said, enjoying a kiss of his own.
“The first of many,” she said. “I’ll tend to Fáelán while you ready yourself.”
“Are you certain? It’s no trouble for me. I’ve grown used to tending him.”
“I know, but if I’m going to be your wife and his mother, it’s my place to do so.” She smiled. “Go now and cleanse. I’ll see to him.”
She gathered Fáelán’s clothes, watching Beilzen as he washed and dressed.
“I’m glad that you don’t turn away from me,” he said, pulling on his trews.
“Turn away? You have no idea how much every part of you pleases me, do you?”
He smiled at that, leaning in to kiss her. “Perhaps you can show me tonight.”
“I’ll do that and more.”
“Well, I hope this day passes quickly, then. Would you like to meet me for noon meal in the hall?”
“Both of us will be at your side, now and always.”
She saw him to the door, and then went to rouse Fáelán from the bed. After the usual somnolent complaints, he stood, resting his weight against her.
“I’m tired, Mum,” he said, closing his eyes.
She embraced him tenderly, overcome by the sentiment. “Nzuri’s waiting, little one. I told your father that I’d ready you for the day. Don’t you want to break your fast in the hall?”
“We can eat in the hall?” Fáelán’s missing teeth caused the sweetest lisp as he spoke.
“We can. Hurry now, little one, and I’ll heat some water.”
Fáelán nodded, running to the chamber pot.
♦
Sarai watched as Fáelán hugged and kissed Dalia before beginning his studies with Nzuri. Although she was pleased to have her sister with her, Dalia’s relationship with Beilzen was troubling. Sarai contemplated how to convey her concerns without further harming her sister. She’d suffered enough in Kaleo, but Sarai needed to separate Dalia from Beilzen somehow, before it was too late.
“Good morning,” Sarai said, stepping into the corridor. “Are you going to the nursery?”
“Yes, I’ve been helping Hushar with the children. They’re such a joy, Sarai.”
“I’m glad that you’ve found a place in Nazil, Dalia. I didn’t know how much I truly needed you with me. Many things have happened since…well…it’s been better since the war, and with your help, I’m becoming myself again.”
“I’m sorry for everything that’s happened. When you were lost—” She sighed, taking her sister’s hand. “It’s a blessing to see you happy again. We’re both happy, Sarai.”
“It is a blessing. Now that I’m better, I can’t ask you to remain here. Mother sent a message not long ago asking when you’d return. I think she’s lonely with both of us away.”
“I thought you enjoyed having me here.”
“I do,” Sarai said, motioning to a divan. “I’ve missed you and all of our family, Dalia. I didn’t know how much until we returned for our wedding. So much has changed for us, but some things are the same. Good things.
“I’ve been planning to visit Kaleo befo
re the cold season is full upon us. When I do, I’d like for you to accompany Symeon and me.”
“Return? I didn’t think Symeon could leave Nazil now. I’m not privy to a lot of information, but I’m aware of the attack on the Zaontras’ caravan. Since then, security measures in the citadel have increased.”
“That’s true, but it’s merely a precaution until the Zaxson is certain all of the men involved have been identified and detained. If Symeon is given permission to leave, I’d like you to come with us.”
“Sarai, I understand, but I don’t think I’m ready to return to Kaleo. The time I’ve spent here has renewed something within me that I’d lost long ago. We’re both healing, Sister, and I don’t intend on returning to Kaleo. Well, not to stay, anyway. Nazil’s my home now.”
Sarai leaned away from her. “It’s Beilzen, isn’t it? This has nothing to do with me at all. Is the half-man the reason for your sudden change of heart?” Disgust gave edge to her words.
“You were the reason that I came to Nazil. I didn’t know while helping with your healing, that I’d be helping myself as well.
“Beilzen is but part of the reason that I’ve decided to stay. Besides, he isn’t a half-man, not to me. There’re many men who could learn better how to please a woman from that man of Nazil.”
“What are you saying? Her face scrunched with revulsion. “Surely you haven’t lain with him, Dalia, please.”
“We haven’t kept our relationship secret. I’m no longer some young maid, and I feel no shame regarding our intimacies. Whatever Beilzen was, it doesn’t show now. He doesn’t care that I can’t bear children. He loves me just as I am.”
“Of course he doesn’t care.” She tossed her hands up in frustration. “Beilzen doesn’t have any manhood left to impregnate you. He’s a half-man, unable to offer you anything. How can he please you when only mangled flesh remains where his member once stood?”
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