When the final purchases were complete, he moved forward, offering a low bow. Jabrail’s face immediately brightened, pulling him into a crushing hug.
“Master de Braose,” he exclaimed with a thick K’ohshulian accent.
“No, you are the true master, Jabrail. Even after these long years, your skills amaze.”
Jabrail wriggled his fingers, offering a large gum-filled smile. “I only speak that which is already in their hearts and minds. The mystical energies of the isle assist me to find the right item that they truly wish to purchase. It isn’t difficult once the interest is there,” he said, winking slyly. “How fares your father?”
“He’s quite well, and it’ll be even more so when I tell him you’re in Nazil.”
“It’s been too long, my young friend. Far too long,” he said, motioning to the small wooden seat, and pouring a drink for the both of them. “I hope to remain near and come often now that Draizeyn is no more. My stock is full from across the seas with the most exotic jewels, oils, and silks.”
Beilzen nodded, knowing as much would be true. “When I tell my father of your arrival, he’ll insist that you join us for evening meal.”
“It’s always a pleasure to dine with the men of House de Braose.” He clanged his cup against his. “Tell me: what desires lie in your heart, young master?” Jabrail asked, gesturing toward the chests in his kiosk.
“My desire doesn’t lie in those chests. They lie in the deep pockets of your robes.”
He offered an exaggerated nod, grinning. “Indeed, Master de Braose! Tell me of your desire and see Jabrail Qureshi make it come to pass.”
“Your fingers don’t tell you of my heart and mind, Master Qureshi?” He chuckled.
It was Jabrail’s time to bow low, removing his tight-fitting cap. “My fingers are skilled, but not even I could penetrate into the depths of your well-disciplined mind.”
Beilzen laughed aloud with the adroitness of his tongue and the ease of his compliments.
“Jabrail, I’m in need of a gift for my promised: a band of gold for our bond and an adornment for her neck.”
“Ah, you are to wed,” he said, tucking the long hair back beneath his cap. “Congratulations to you, my friend. Indeed, I have many fine bands of gold and beautiful necklaces as well. Come, come, and see what I have for you.”
Beilzen rose, gazing down at the fine gems and rings he produced from his robe. The old merchant motioned to his two guards and they released the flap of his kiosk, shielding too interested eyes from their transaction. He continued setting items on the counter until Beilzen fixed on a peculiar ring and bracelet.
“What type of stone is this?” Beilzen raised the ring up, examining it closely.
“This is a special item that has come to me only recently. The stones are from the desert isle.” He grinned, watching the multifaceted gems sparkle with the bright rays of the noonday sun.
“I would have them for Dalia. Have you any more?”
Jabrail raised a boney finger, reaching within the large sleeves of his robes. When he produced a velvet pouch, Beilzen anxiously moved closer.
“This, too, I have, Master de Braose. I was to present it to my wife, yet for you, I’ll part with it.”
Beilzen’s eyes widened as the stunning briolette-shaped stone glittered in the light. The colors seemed to shift from purplish to pink to golden. Both men regarded the sparkling jewel with awe. The gold chain Jabrail had attached to it allowed the gem to spin, enhancing its radiance.
“How much gold would such a magnificent stone cost?”
“For you, Master de Braose, I offer it as a gift for your bond.”
“A gift? Never could I accept such from you. This is worth too much, Jabrail. Surely your loss would be significant to offer it as a gift.”
“I owe your father more than ten thousand of these stones are worth. He alone spoke for me when Draizeyn unjustly threw me in the cells. There has never been a time that I’ve entered the city and not been allowed to take rest at your home and partake of a meal. Years, Beilzen, years have passed since I’ve been permitted to come. Perrin de Braose is a true friend, and you are like a son. If this is the gem that you’ll have, it’ll come to you at no cost,” he said, resting a hand on his shoulder. “A gift for your beloved.”
“Your generosity overwhelms, and it will never be forgotten, Master Qureshi. There are none like this in all of Faélondul. Dalia will love such a gift, and it’ll only enhance her beauty.”
“If you are pleased, young Beilzen, so is Jabrail Qureshi.” He smiled. “Are there any others you find as pleasing?”
“The ring and bracelet with like stones. I’ll take those as well.”
“Excellent choice, my friend. I’ll polish them and make them ready for your lovely young lady.”
Beilzen nodded, staring at the unusual briolette necklace. He ran his fingers over the smooth surface and along the wavy, uneven edge. Indeed, this will look beautiful upon your breasts, he thought, noticing the intricate etching within the gem. He placed the item back in the velvet pouch, securing it within his cloak.
After his business was concluded, he thanked Jabrail, and then continued through the marketplace, searching for a gift for Fáelán. As he passed a small group of children, a hand on his arm halted him.
“Good morrow, Beilzen,” a honeyed voice said.
“Nikolina, it’s been some time since I’ve seen you. Are you doing well?”
She accentuated the roundness of her womb, forcing the fabric tight around it. “Quite well.” She smiled beautifully. “I’m surprised to see you free of the citadel.”
“Surprised? Haven’t you seen me often within the city?”
“Not of late, no. There was word of the Zaxson’s and Nakshij’s retribution against you. Most thought you were imprisoned for your previous treachery.”
He looked at her curiously. Beilzen wasn’t ignorant of her affections for, or actions against the Nakshij. He wouldn’t give her whatever information she sought about the citadel or those who ruled it.
“They speak somewhat true. I was indeed in the cells, however, Sir Benoist freed me from my confinement. I must remain in the citadel in service to the Benoists, but it isn’t as it was. I have my own chambers and move freely, as you can see. We’ve agreed to my recompense and duties for my past transgressions. Given the enormity of them, I’d say the Zaxson has been extremely lenient. I’ll serve the Benoists until I’m granted their leave.”
She gripped his unoffered elbow, proceeding through the market. “I see. So you are the servant now? Does this new position please you as much as the last?”
“My last position was assisting the Cha. Sir Vereux stripped me of my guard’s title. Hadn’t you heard?”
“My father told me as much. Though the particulars of your demotion weren’t disclosed.”
“Particulars?” He halted, removing her arm.
“Yes, particulars. Father didn’t know why you were no longer an honorable guard of Nazil. He only knew that you were serving as an attendant to the Cha. That position is beneath even the last you held at the temple.” Her expression was of utter innocence. “Is there more that hasn’t been told?”
“Nothing of interest to you, my lady. Suffice it to say, Draizeyn wasn’t pleased with my handling of the savage. It was his plan to keep him well; mine was quite the opposite.”
He noted the sinister grin that crossed her lovely face as she took his elbow again. “Sounds intriguing. Do tell.”
“I’d rather speak about you. I didn’t know that you and Velnic had wed so soon. Were you married in Yarah?”
“Velnic and I haven’t wed, and he’s not my child’s father. Another of my choosing planted the seed.”
“You seem pleased by the outcome.”
“Quite. Some would see such a predicament as shameful, but it’s what I wanted, so the blessings of the Four cover me.”
“Blessings?”
“Wouldn’t you consider a child as
such? Mayhaps when you’ve wed and see your child growing in your wife’s womb, you’ll understand. My child isn’t anything short of a blessing, and my father and I await his birth with great anticipation.”
There’s much she doesn’t know, Beilzen realized.
“He?”
“He,” she answered matter-of-factly.
“You seem confident. I pray you have the desires of your heart, Nikolina. Your attraction for the Nakshij was well known. It’s good that you’ve found someone else to share your heart.”
“As was your attraction for Lady Denotra?” Her brows rose. “Besides, how do you know that it isn’t the Nakshij who pleases me?”
“Danimore? Impossible. Honor would prevent him from shaming you or his wife.”
Nikolina only smiled. “Mayhaps. Truly, my son will be a d’Garrion despite the name of his father.”
He studied her closely, attempting to understand the words she chose not to speak, as well as the obvious mystery that lie in the ones she did.
“Give it no more thought,” she said, waving dismissively. “I wish to speak of matters other than my son, like being your guest at the citadel.”
His eyes widened as a warning sounded in both his mind and heart. She wanted or needed something. There was no way he’d allow her access to the citadel, not through him.
“My guest? You presume much, my lady. I don’t know if I’m allowed visitors. Surely, Danimore would welcome you. He did ask for your pledge.”
“A pledge that wasn’t accepted, yes,” the quick-thinking woman replied. “It could be that he holds animosity toward me for the perceived slight. It wasn’t meant that way, of course. I find Danimore quite pleasing as we both know, and he finds me very pleasing as well,” she said, peering down at her abdomen with an exaggerated grin Beilzen couldn’t miss.
“Ask of it. See if your captors will allow one of their own to visit. With the influence of the pythonesses and the savages, I wonder what true ties to Nazil remain in our leaders.”
Beilzen wanted to end their meeting then and there, but he remained calm, feigning a smile.
“Posing the question shouldn’t cause an issue. Even one such as me should be allowed the company of a beautiful woman of Nazil.” Beilzen kissed her hand for effect. “What business do you have in the citadel?”
“I’ll make my interest known when the time calls for it. For now, I’m doing my duty for all of Nazil. Having a half-human bastard as a possible heir is of concern to all Nazilians.”
Those words stung. His son was also half-human and was only of blessed birth due to the Zaxson’s decree.
“Half-human bastard? Of whom do you speak? Pentanimir’s sons are of his seed.”
“Pentanimir’s sons, yes. Not so with Danimore and the noxious whore who shares his bed. You should know as well as I that the diseased doxy was pregnant before they met.”
“Everyone in the citadel is aware of this. It isn’t news, Nikolina.”
“But not everyone in Nazil is aware of it. Her bastard carries the Benoist name. His features might be Nazilian, but he’s an abomination, just like the one who holds the position of Chosen above you. Wasn’t he the same one tortured in the dark chamber?”
“If you’re speaking of Wosen Neufmarche, he’s one and the same. I don’t care about his position. I only care about completing my duties so that I can take leave at the earliest opportunity,” he lied.
“Good. Allow me access to the citadel and find yourself freed before your indenture is at an end. I need only a moment with the child. I promise that he won’t be harmed.”
“How am I supposed to arrange such a meeting? These are the Benoist’s children. One doesn’t merely walk in the citadel and request some playtime.”
“Don’t worry about that,” Nikolina purred. “Your only duty is to get me within the citadel. The rest will fall to me.”
“And what about me when Danimore learns of my treachery?”
“Treachery?” Nikolina’s smile widened, caressing his arm. “No one will learn about your part in this. I need but a moment to look upon the child and confirm my suspicions. After, I’ll leave the citadel and not return. Surely you know when the Zaxson and Nakshij will be away.”
His patience was nearly at an end dealing with the scheming woman. But he had to persist and learn about her plans for Raithym. He realized Pentanimir must be told. He’d need as much information as possible to counter the imminent threat. Even if he hadn’t found his heart, Beilzen wouldn’t harm a child. Not even Oxilon could’ve forced him to complete such a task.
“It can be done, but it’ll take time. The Zaxson is receiving important visitors from Noraa and Spero soon. Everyone will be in attendance, including his lady wife. I’ll alert you as to when. Just be ready,” he said, feigning a wicked grin.
“I’m always ready,” she said too sweetly, before touching her lips to his. Beilzen jerked away, causing her to cackle.
“I’ll be waiting.”
More Questions than Answers
“What do we know?” Urdan asked, taking a seat at the table.
“There isn’t much information, Father. If there were other conspirators, and I’m certain that there were, they aren’t making themselves known.”
“Not only that, Caretaker,” Aronin said. “Molag seems to have vanished. He was last seen in the company of a guard.”
“Where’s the guard? Why hasn’t he been questioned?” Urdan asked.
“It wasn’t a guard of Yarah. This was a guard of Nazil,” Aronin said, gazing at the men.
“Nazil? Does anyone know him?”
“No, Caretaker. I was going to send word to my cousin of the same. Howbeit, without having a name, it would be pointless. Pentanimir already knows there are guards in Nazil and the citadel alike who are under Molag’s influence. I’d rather send information that’s beneficial.”
“This may be true, Lord Thaon, but the Zaxson must know that a Nazil guard met with Molag. Even if we can’t identify the traitor, he must be made aware of it.”
“As you say,” Aronin said, standing. “For now, I must meet with an acquaintance from Spero. He may have more information that could aid us.”
“Spero?” Jarin asked.
“Yes, although his family is from Leahcim. They’re some of the few who are loyal to the Benoists.”
“There are few, indeed. Please inform us of anything you may learn.”
“Yes, Caretaker,” Aronin said, leaving the solar.
Urdan shook his head. “I was hoping for better news. It seems there’re more questions than answers. The attack on the Zaontras was an audacious move. The wives and children of the Zaxson’s families have always moved throughout Faélondul without incident.”
“They did, Father, but never before has the Zaontras been human.”
Urdan nodded with that truth. “Much is different.”
“Yes, even with the Associate Chancellor of Treasury. I’ve heard the name Beilzen de Braose before.”
“As have I. However, it’s his father, Perrin, that I’ve known from years past. Perrin formerly served the Nazil temple.”
“I recall the man, but I was thinking more about the son. Cha Freydon didn’t seem pleased with the information he delivered.”
“Pleased or no, the scrolls must remain a part of the temple archives,” Urdan said. “Lord de Braose’s visit was enlightening, to say the least. There’s much and more to learn before the end of this.”
“I agree. He mentioned Lady Voney coming to Nazil. I was thinking about paying a visit.”
“I need you here, Jarin. In fact, I’m appointing you to the council.”
“The council? Will they not protest such an appointment?”
“I care not,” he said with a wave of his hand. “The lands are in peril, and there aren’t many I can trust. I’d have you at my side and involved with all the business of Yarah.”
“I’m honored, and will serve you and Yarah well.”
“Of t
his, I’m certain.” Urdan smiled. “However, of other matters, I am not.”
“What matters?”
“Jarin, you’ve been wed over a full moon. Why haven’t you been with your wife?”
“What?”
“Gwendolyn awaits.”
“Waits for what?”
“You know of what I speak. It hasn’t passed our notice that the time spent with your wife seems limited to the dining hall.”
“As you said, there’s much transpiring now. Molag is dangerous and still roams free. All the lands are on the verge of an uprising. Did the Zaontras’ caravan not just get attacked?”
“Yes,” Urdan agreed. “And you were just married. Attention has been paid to all other matters except that of your wife.”
“Our bond was completed. Gwendolyn is a maid no more.”
“You think this ends your obligation as her husband?”
“Father, please. I’ve done what you asked, everything you’ve asked. Can’t you leave me in peace and allow me my life?”
“Jarin, you have a beautiful wife. No, she isn’t Lady Voney, but she’s no less beautiful. At least, take the time to know her. We’ll continue our efforts to apprehend Molag. The longer he roams free, the more might join his cause. With the issues we’re facing, don’t create one where there shouldn’t be. Gwendolyn told your mother that she wants to give you an heir. Even if you refuse to share her bed, you can at least place the babe.”
He shook his head, emptying his cup. “There’s much to oversee. I don’t trust the Cha or many in their service. I need to ride to Nazil and speak with the Zaxson directly. This can be the only way to assure those with eager eyes and ears don’t know our plans ahead of their implementation.”
“On this, I agree,” Urdan said. “However, I believe Lord Thaon is a better choice to send. He’ll conduct his business with the Zaxson and return home to Yarah. He won’t spend endless days escorting young maids through the gardens when he has a beautiful wife awaiting him here.”
“Even so, I’m going to visit Nazil. If you’d rather Aronin deliver your message, so be it. Either way, I ride for Nazil on the morrow.”
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