The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  “Nor I. I’ve never offered my heart to anyone before. I can’t explain how or what I feel, but it consumes me. I wanted to please you, but I should’ve shown honor. Your heart belongs to another, and I’ve dishonored him as well. My oath—”

  “You haven’t dishonored me. I came to you in the falls after you resisted. Even then, you were honorable. If you must place blame, it’s mine to own. I’m promised to Itai, and love him even now. But I can’t deny the love I feel for you.”

  “That’s a feeling that we share.”

  “Mayhaps you’ll have time enough to show me.”

  “There’s nothing that would please me more, but our time is short. We need to reach the settlement before the moon’s rise on the morrow. However, we’ll have another opportunity soon, I promise.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.”

  “As am I. Are you hungry? We can stop for a while if you need to rest.”

  “I’ll be fine for a while longer. What’s that?” she asked, gesturing to some flickering lights beyond the tree line.

  “Haven’t you ever seen the fires of Faélondul?”

  “Fires?”

  “The dusking fires aglow in the steadings and streets. The flickers furthest away are those of Lempol, Kumasi, and Kaleo. The larger ones are from Noraa. You see how they spread far beyond the others? The dimmer dots are from the outposts and towers near the Nazil bridge. The closest lights to us are from Mahlum. It’s not a large village, but it’s a well-traveled one.”

  “They’re beautiful from a distance,” she said. “They appear as the lights of fireflies dancing in the night.”

  “They are. But just as we can see their flickers, they’d see ours as well. We’re too close to the settlement now and need to find better cover before we can make camp. They take great care to conceal themselves,” Pentanimir said, flipping his hair to his back.

  Brahanu gazed at him longingly, listening to his words, yet envisioning his nakedness. Though slim, Pentanimir was well developed and toned. She recalled how his body felt against hers, and her arousal swelled at the thought.

  When she noticed that he was no longer speaking, she cleared her throat, nodding.

  “I—I understand. I don’t want to put them in danger. We’re far beyond any place that I’ve traveled. My family visited Kaleo and Noraa, but never this far north. We’re moving farther from Cazaal instead of closer.”

  “It’s necessary. Besides Cazaal, there aren’t any human cities or villages east of the Great Sword. Traveling through Depero Wood would’ve been too dangerous. Guards from Yarah, Dovak, and Nazil keep close watch on its borders. Even traveling further east nearer to the Fire Lands is too dangerous. Not only is the desert perilous, there are banditti scattered throughout. Our patrols haven’t ventured far into the Fire Lands, due to the instability of the sands and occasional eruptions. Travel west of the Great Sword would be equally hazardous for us. This is the only way.”

  “I never thought about it like that. My father mentioned another possible human village. Noraa is large, and many have considered establishing a farming community to the east.”

  “I’ve heard nothing about it from the Council, but that means little. With the human outposts already present, it’s doubtful that Draizeyn would allow it. Well, not until he’s satisfied that Nazil’s forces are formidable. That’s one reason why this settlement and it’s people are important to me.”

  “I can tell that they mean much to you. Is there more that you can tell me about them?”

  “It’s better seen. The explanation is difficult, but they’ll be very welcoming. It’s getting more dangerous, and the Elders and I have discussed finding a new home, a safer place, and that isn’t an easy task. If Draizeyn approves the new city, they’ll clear the wood to build it.”

  “Who are these Elders?”

  “They were the first. In the beginning, their number was merely eight, but now, there are dozens. The Elders paved the way for the others. They cleared the land, built the first structures and boats, and created a thriving community.”

  “The Dessalonian Wood is vast. Are they so at risk from Nazil?”

  “They are. Building a new Nazilian city here isn’t far from Draizeyn’s mind. All this land around you will be cleared. The Zaxson has stated numerous times his intent to have a city at each corner of these lands with dozens of villages and outposts connecting them.”

  “Why must his territory be so vast? Nazil has rule of these lands. We don’t oppose you.”

  “You don’t, although some may come who will. Draizeyn will ensure we have well-trained Chosen guards in each city and village with well-manned outposts in between. First, we must clear the land, and that task is a tedious one. Spero has taken years and still isn’t completed.”

  “I’ve known many men who died erecting Spero. It’s but a day’s ride from Cazaal. I helped the lakaar tend the men and young boys forced to work there. Some of them were beaten so severely, they were beyond our skill to heal.”

  “We shouldn’t speak of such things,” Pentanimir said. “I didn’t mean to upset you. Please, believe me, this isn’t what I want for anyone in these lands. I am Nazilian, but I don’t think like Draizeyn. I’d never commit such offenses.”

  “I don’t blame you for what Nazil has done. It’s just the memory of those men’s suffering will never leave my mind. When they were no longer of use, the Nazilian guards just toss them ashore as if they were nothing. We had to erect a watchtower near the shore. There were so many. So many. And still they build.”

  “If I could change any of it, I would, Brahanu. I’m but one person, and I’m powerless against the Zaxson.” Pentanimir sighed. Brahanu didn’t blame him for the iniquities of his people, but he felt the weight of it nonetheless.

  As they continued deeper into the wood, her thoughts wouldn’t calm. Although their conversation had been solemn, she smiled. Pentanimir was contrary to what she believed a Nazilian to be. In fact, his integrity surpassed most human men that she knew. It wasn’t merely his features that drew her, though he was extremely handsome. It was the man.

  Brahanu’s smile broadened, but almost immediately faded when an image of Itai entered her mind. The warmth that filled her soon dissipated as well, replaced with a pang of guilt and heartache. She loved Itai, and yet, she betrayed him. When she looked at Pentanimir again, she was confused. How ? Itai was her promised, and he loved her more than anyone ever had. She knew that. She knew, and still, she betrayed him. Itai was her love. He was the only man that she ever wanted to love, until Pentanimir had rescued her from Nazil.

  “Brahanu, are you all right? Is there pain?”

  “It’s nothing. I’m just tired. How long before we reach the settlement?”

  “We could make it this night, but the darkness would prove dangerous. Though our patrols haven’t ventured beyond the ridge, we’ve discovered bands of rogues throughout the wood. Some come to hunt, while others are mere vagabonds, calling no city or village their home. We won’t rush, and should arrive by sunset on the morrow.”

  Brahanu accepted his response, not truly caring for the answer. “Where will we rest tonight?”

  “There’s a clearing just ahead. A pit remains encircled with stones for a small fire. I’ve used it often. Come, we’re nearly there.”

  When they arrived at the clearing, Pentanimir was pleased that nothing had been disturbed.

  “Are you well enough to collect some brushwood while I prepare your shelter?” Pentanimir asked.

  She took a step back, his words ringing distinctly in her mind. My shelter?

  “I’m well enough.”

  Pentanimir removed the furs and covers from the bags while keeping Brahanu in his sights. He fought against the inundating emotions attempting to overwhelm him. He’d already taken more from her than he felt he had any right. Regardless of his desires, he wouldn’t allow them to rule over him again. At least, he hoped that they wouldn’t.

  “That’s more t
han enough,” he said as she returned.

  Without uttering a word, she dropped the brushwood, turning back toward their horses. Pentanimir grabbed her wrist, turning her around to face him.

  “Brahanu?”

  Before she could respond, he kissed her softly and then moved away. “I do love you, Brahanu. Regardless of anything else, I love you. I can’t explain any of it, but I know what lies within my heart. Please, don’t doubt that, ever.”

  “I love you, too. I never thought that a feeling could overwhelm me so.”

  “No one knows the workings of the gods. We’re together for a reason. Surely, this isn’t the end for us. You’ll always be a part of me.”

  He kissed her once more before returning to his work. The longing remained, but the mood was pleasant. As they ate, Pentanimir shared stories of his family and Danimore most of all. Brahanu did the same, mentioning Itai often and fondly. She did so not to injure Pentanimir, but as a reminder of the man that loved and awaited her in Cazaal.

  “Mayhaps we should rest,” Pentanimir said, after nearly a glass. “You’re still healing, and we’ll have a rougher road on the morrow.”

  Brahanu didn’t argue. She followed him to the shelter and offered nothing but a soft kiss before disappearing behind the drape. His footfalls were light and swift as he sighed, rolling out his bedroll. The vivid images of her were more warming than the fire, as he relived every moment with Brahanu. Even with the fondness those memories evoked, the dubiety and trepidation remained.

  “Pentanimir?” Brahanu’s voice sounded as a melodic whisper on the wind.

  When Pentanimir turned, his mouth gaped, a blazing heat erupting from his toes, coursing throughout his body. All else faded from his perception as he stood, transfixed by the beautiful, naked woman. Her thick, ebony coils drifted down her shoulders and chest, teasing him with the delightful offerings hidden beneath them.

  He didn’t remember lifting his feet or anything else, yet, he drew nearer, relishing the taste and feel of his love. Reaching a hand to his clasps, he continued forward, leaving a trail of clothing behind him. Neither of them spoke, enjoying the euphoria of their connection.

  Pentanimir kissed her lips and continued downward, savoring every inch of her body as he knelt in front of her. She grasped his shoulders, moaning when his tongue tickled down her abdomen. As she jerked away, he drew her in closer, not ceasing his efforts until her satisfaction was evident.

  Kissing back up to her lips, he lifted the drape, following behind her as she slipped inside.

  “I love you,” he breathed, joining them as one.

  Propping up on an elbow, Pentanimir leaned down, kissing her bare shoulder. He couldn’t count the numerous times they’d made love, it was continuous, and he desired to be part of her again and always. His fondest recollection was drifting into sleep with her lying atop him, still joined together.

  When her eyes slowly opened, he smiled, kissing her again. “How did you rest?”

  “Too long, I fear. I have a lifetime to rest, but only these few moments with you.”

  “I feel the same, Brahanu, and wish it otherwise. I’ve never felt as complete as I do in this moment. There’s nothing or no one in all the lands that can fill me as you do,” he said, moving over her.

  Brahanu gasped, the rapture of their merging stimulating every part of her at once. The continuous eruptions of pleasure increased in intensity, causing her to tremble as she clutched at his back and shoulders. As Pentanimir’s completion peaked, he called out, his moans joining hers. The release sent cascading surges of heat and pleasure that he’d never previously experienced. His vision blurred, the ecstasies of his release overwhelming every part of him. He’d never felt a rush of gratification so consuming, going weak from his powerful, lingering completion.

  Brahanu’s moan ended in a shriek when someone grasped Pentanimir’s long hair, wrenching him away from her.

  “Ya Nazilian piece of shite,” a man spat, kicking him in his side while brandishing a dagger.

  Pentanimir winced, desperately attempting to regain his senses. As he rolled on his back, he noticed two men encircling him: both looking dangerous and able. Casting a worried glance back to the shelter, his eyes narrowed, focusing on the men stalking towards him.

  Glancing from one to the other, Pentanimir pushed up into a crouch, sweeping his legs around, sending the closest of them plummeting to the ground. Adrenaline surging, he leapt to his feet, his years of elite training assuming control. Quickly scanning their surroundings, he noticed his sword belt near the fire, and cursed himself for his carelessness.

  “Ya ain’t in Nazil now, ghost! Ya think ya can rape and steal our women? She’ll be the last ya ever enter,” the second man sneered, swiping at Pentanimir’s exposed manhood with his dagger.

  Deftly dodging the attack, Pentanimir spun around, kicking the attacker’s arm up high, and then landed another kick to his torso, before a backward roll put distance between him and the men.

  His heartbeat quickened, looking at his weapon again, but movement in his periphery brought his attention back to the man beginning his charge.

  Pentanimir side-stepped, rolling sideward as the man lunged forward, thrusting with his left. Coming up at his side, Pentanimir punched out, landing a series of well-aimed hooks and jabs. When the man staggered, Pentanimir clutched his wrist, but the second man’s side-swipe caused him to release his hold, and fall away. The first man grinned wickedly, elbowing Pentanimir in the face before spinning around, reversing his grip on his dagger.

  Pentanimir’s vision blurred, and he yelped, feeling a hard tug on his hair, that wrenched his head back. As he struggled against the strong head-lock, the glint of the man’s dagger brought his senses back to him. Pentanimir’s hand shot up in a blur, stopping the blade but digits from his neck. Gritting his teeth, he pushed against the man’s arm, slamming his head backward into his nose. Pentanimir spun around, punching twice, and then grabbing the man’s wrist again. As he forced the dagger from his hand, he heard Brahanu screaming, fighting off the second man.

  Pentanimir drove his right knee into his attacker’s stomach, followed by a relentless succession of punishing blows. When the man stumbled back, Pentanimir clutched his jerkin, snatching him forward to meet his fist. The attacker’s face was a bloodied mass of swollen flesh when Pentanimir pushed back and delivered a devastating hook kick that sent him careening into a tree.

  “Pentanimir!” Brahanu shrieked.

  The second man was in full charge. Pentanimir gauged the distance to his Xtabyren, and then turned, meeting the man’s attack. When the man made a wild stab, Pentanimir dodged right, but lost his footing. The man’s sword sliced down his back, leaving a stinging bite in its wake.

  Pentanimir used his momentum to propel him toward his weapon. With a diving roll, he grabbed his Xtabyren, unsheathing it as he landed in a defensive crouch.

  “Don’t make me kill you,” Pentanimir said. “Leave now and I’ll stay my hand.”

  “Ya think ta order me, ghost?” the attacker sneered, coming on in a fury, hacking and slashing with eyes insane with rage. Pentanimir parried the well-aimed attempts, twirling sideward and feigning a swipe. He quickly retracted his blade, coming around with a kick instead. Before the man could regain his footing, Pentanimir spun around, smashing him in the head with the hilt of his Xtabyren. As the attacker thudded to the ground, Pentanimir hit him again, ensuring he’d stay down.

  Once the surge of adrenaline eased, the sting of his injuries caused him to weaken. Pentanimir clenched his eyes shut, reaching up to the cut on his neck while staggering toward the shelter. When he raised the drape, Brahanu reared back, kicking him in the face.

  “By the gods! Pentanimir!” she said, crawling forward. “I’m sorry, are you all right?”

  “I’ll—I’ll be fine,” he said woozily. “Did they hurt you?”

  “No, no, I’m all right. Thank the gods, I’m all right,” she said, enfolding him into her arms.
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  Pentanimir winced, pushing back from her reach. “I’ll have to bind them before they wake,” he said, struggling to stand.

  “Pentanimir, you’re bleeding,” she said, reaching up to his face.

  “I’ll be fine. We need to dress and tie them up. There could be more men in the wood. Hurry.”

  When Pentanimir stood, pulling on his trews, she saw the long gash down his back. “You can’t continue like this. Let me tend your wounds, please.”

  “It’s fine for now,” he said, pulling some rope from his satchel. She watched as he fettered the men to a tree, binding their ankles and wrists.

  “That should hold them for a while, but not for long. Once we’re further in the wood, I’ll allow you to tend my wounds. There’s no time now.”

  He wrapped some cloth around his arm, continuing to dress. After hastily packing up the camp, they headed deeper into the wood. Brahanu noticed his pained expression, and glanced back at the two unconscious attackers.

  “Where did those men come from, and why did they attack you?” she asked.

  “Mayhaps from Noraa. Many fish the Raphar and hunt near the edge of the wood, but I’ve never encountered anyone this far in. As for their attack, you already know. I’m a ghost of Nazil…a taker of women. This is all that they see, and this is enough.”

  “Enough? You’re not like them, Pentanimir, and I’ll not excuse it. We talk about the Nazilians’ cruelties, but the humans are not free from it either. It’s not enough. You were protecting me, and if I hadn’t been with you, this wouldn’t have happened.”

  “The fault doesn’t lie with you: it lies within the hearts of humans and Nazilians alike. But this is the way, and serves to remind us of what we truly face. Even if your heart was free to give, these lands wouldn’t allow our love to flourish.”

  Denotra

  “Where is she? My water will have grown cold,” Denotra said, flouncing on the overstuffed divan. “You may brush my hair while I wait. If she doesn’t arrive soon, I’ll have Father deal with her.”

  “Yes, milady,” Ceron said. Before she could scarcely begin, Zeta entered the room, struggling to carry the steaming pail of water. She moved as swiftly as she could, being careful not to spill the scalding liquid. Resting the pail on the edge of the tub, Zeta leaned away, as the billowing mist coiled in the air.