The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  “Is everything all right, Zeta? I bought these for you. Don’t you like them?”

  A hand raised over her mouth as she moved forward, admiring the beautiful purple, emerald, gold, and blue dresses. Her fingers trembled, caressing the embroidered silk on one collar.

  “They are for me?” she said with warm tears streaking her cheeks.

  “Yes, and I intend to purchase more as time allows. You’ll need a few other things, but this will do for now. There’s some ribbon and slippers, too. I don’t know anything about colors and such, but the seamstress said these were nice.”

  “They—they are beautiful. They’re for me?”

  “Zeta, you deserve much and more. We’ll take good care of you here, as you will do for us. Do you understand?”

  She nodded more from confusion than understanding. She didn’t fear Danimore, but she didn’t trust him either. No one had given her anything without expecting much more in return. Now, she considered what price she’d be forced to pay for such gifts.

  “Thank you, milord. They are beautiful.”

  “You’re welcome. Your babe will continue to grow, and you’ll be in need of many things. For now, I’m going to clear your room,” he said, moving toward the corridor. When he heard the rustling paper, he turned, seeing Zeta holding the emerald dress against her body. That was the first time that her smile seemed genuine, and the warmth that brought to him could not be measured.

  Decisions

  Pentanimir leapt to his feet, the stool crashing to the floor behind him. His eyes darted around the room, resting on Olam.

  “Elder,” he said, his voice a pitch too high. “What did you say?”

  Olam rested a hand on his shoulder, righting the stool. “It’s as I’ve said. Brahanu is pregnant with your son, Pentanimir. Her illness now is due to her pregnancy.”

  “But—but Elder, how can this be? I didn’t mean—”

  “How can this be?” Hosdaq interrupted. “Is this what you ask, son of Nazil? Didn’t you think about consequences when you took her abed? Consequences that will plague us all, if no remedy is found. You let your lust control your mind. Now we all must pay for errs committed by you alone.”

  “Hosdaq! You speak out of turn,” Vot said.

  “Your thoughts on this matter are well known,” Emet said. “It’s not for you to condemn or accuse. We’ve all made our choices and no one has condemned us for them. They were ours alone to make, just as you made your choice many years ago. Did anyone speak to you in such a manner?”

  Hosdaq whipped around, his jaw working back and forth in frustration. You’re all fools! He wanted to shout.

  “No, I wasn’t condemned for my choices, nor am I condemning anyone else for theirs. But Pentanimir needs to know the harm that could come from this. He’s a Chosen of Nazil, nay, First Chosen. His uncle has arranged a pledge with the Zaxson’s daughter. This isn’t something that can be dismissed. Pentanimir must return to Nazil; the pledge mustn’t be broken or we could all suffer. This village is the one place we are free. Do you think it’ll remain that way if we’re discovered? That is folly! Your thoughts aren’t known to me, but I don’t want my children tortured and enslaved in Nazil. We’re all at risk if honor isn’t satisfied.”

  The Elders appeared to converge on Hosdaq, their voices blending as one. Pentanimir watched in horror. I’m the cause of this , he thought, edging closer.

  Brahanu tossed the covers aside, struggling to rise. The voices of the Elders reverberated around her: thick with heat and rage. She saw them, heard them, but could not respond. She continued to walk, staring at the wooden door that led to her escape. Nothing was as it seemed, or so she prayed. Once she stepped on the other side, all things would be as they were.

  “Brahanu, where are you going?” Olam asked.

  She didn’t answer. Brahanu turned the small nob, allowing the sun’s rays to bathe the room.

  “My lady, please don’t leave,” Emet said. “We’re usually not disagreeable, and I apologize for such a display.”

  Brahanu’s face was bereft of emotion when she turned around to face them. “Elders, Pentanimir, there’s much to consider. Whatever decisions are made, I’ll make them in Cazaal. I won’t bring dishonor to myself or disrupt the peace that you’ve always known.” She paused, lowering a hand to her abdomen. “If I’m pregnant, this child will be mine alone. Pentanimir’s pledge was known to me before our son was conceived. Learning about this alters nothing. He’ll return to Nazil, and honor will be satisfied.” Her shaky voice cracked with each syllable.

  “Elder Hosdaq, you love your people here and in Nazil. To you, I’m a danger to their welfare, and I understand that. Regardless of my love for Pentanimir, I’ll not raise it above the security of your home. You see my coming child as a complication, and me as a threat,” she sighed, forcing back her emotion. “No longer. I’m returning home as will Pentanimir.”

  Hosdaq’s visage softened, remembering his own choices and his love for Esme. Though she had long passed, that love remained. Had he the choice to make again, it wouldn’t change. The love he held for his wife and children was greater than his love for Nazil.

  Without another word, she left the shelter, closing the door behind her. Managing only a few steps, Brahanu’s knees weakened as she collapsed against the outer wall. Is it true? Have I committed such sin to condemn an innocent for my transgressions? God of mercy, help me.

  Brahanu continued to weep, feeling Pentanimir’s strong hands on her arms. She drew him in a desperate embrace, burying her face in his chest. He said nothing, kissing the crown of her head, and rocking her in his arms. After many comforting moments, she merely loosened her hold, walking to the eternal fire. Pentanimir didn’t follow, he leaned against the outer wall, overcome by grief, love, and uncertainty. He accepted the gentle squeeze that Huname offered, before she moved off to join Brahanu.

  “Brahanu, we’re here to help you,” Huname said. “Don’t think yourself alone.”

  Vot nodded. “We can’t provide the answers for you, but we can assist in whatever decision you and Pentanimir make. Together, you’ll decide the future for yourselves and your child.”

  “No,” Brahanu said, more forcefully than she intended. “This is a burden that I must bear. No one needs to know that Pentanimir is the father. His future was decided long before I was lost in Depero Wood. I won’t disrupt his life or endanger this village.”

  “Once you’ve had time, mayhaps your thoughts will be different,” Huname said. “Speak with Pentanimir and learn of his heart and mind. This isn’t a decision for one, Brahanu.” She stood, taking Vot’s offered elbow. “If you have need of us, we’ll be in the temple.”

  Brahanu merely nodded, seeing Pentanimir approaching. She wasn’t ready to face him, but she couldn’t ignore him, either. Regardless of anything else, this was his child. He had a right to voice his opinion, but she wouldn’t be moved, not on this. Allowing her heart to overrule her mind is what caused this to be. No longer. She loved Pentanimir, but their love was infinitesimal compared to the lives that would be lost or devastated by it.

  “Brahanu,” he spoke softly, taking a seat beside her. “I don’t know your feelings; I can only tell you mine. Please, just listen before you respond. You’ve blamed yourself for our love and our child. But it isn’t blame, Brahanu, both are gifts from the gods. I’ve never wanted to marry Denotra, and our relationship has proved beyond doubt where my path should lead. I belong with you and our son. We belong together.”

  “Pentanimir, I share in your feelings, but there’s more to consider. We were selfish in our passion and our love, allowing it to blind us from many truths. We can’t ignore what we both know is truth or abandon the paths and people in our lives.” She sighed, caressing his hands. “The last we were here, you reminded me of your obligations in not only Nazil, but also Bandari. I didn’t want to face those realities, but you were right. We both have to return to our homes and families. Our child will come, and he’ll kn
ow his father. But no one beyond this village needs to know that you’re his sire.

  “Your pledge to Denotra can’t be cast aside. Know that I love you, and that will never change. It’s due to that love that I must return to Cazaal,” she said, standing and leaning down for a kiss.

  “Protect the people here and keep honor in Nazil. Your uncle awaits your return, as my family waits for me.”

  The Search

  Amani continued to pace, listening for any sign of the men’s return. She’d barely slept since they took leave, and the fatigue and consternation were taking their toll.

  Ameya sat across the room, pretending to stitch. The needle repeatedly moved, but no thread was attached to its end.

  “Mother, when will they return?”

  Amani’s eyes closed, not wanting to answer the question. Ameya wouldn’t cease, and it only caused her trepidation to swell. After taking a deep breath, Amani turned, forcing the best smile that she could manage.

  “Don’t worry, my little dove. They’ll return soon. Your father didn’t want to keep the men long, but he’ll complete a thorough search.”

  “I’m afraid, Mother. What if they don’t come back, just like Brahanu. She was only supposed to be gone a short while. But she never returned.” Ameya raised up, wrapping her arms around her mother. “They should be back. What if something happened to them, too?”

  Amani froze, hearing the door open. She held her daughter tighter, staring out into the corridor. When Hacom and Julaybeim entered the room, she felt both relieved and concerned. For a moment, she only stared at the disappointment on their faces, and then moved forward to embrace them.

  “Hacom, did you find her? Is she with the lakaar ? Where is she?”

  Hacom sighed, leading her to the divan. After dropping his haversack on the floor, he took a seat beside her.

  “The men made good time, and we covered a great distance. We ventured close to Dovak and Yarah, in hopes of finding some indication of her path. But with the storms, there was nothing left.”

  “I don’t understand, Hacom. Surely, you’ll continue to search. We must find our daughter.”

  “Once the men have rested, we’ll leave out again. For now, the sentries will continue to patrol, and the Neema Outpost is on alert. Julaybeim will organize some additional groups in the village to trek toward the Fire Lands. With the banditti in Depero, I’ll not risk the men.”

  “What? There must be more. This is our daughter!”

  “Before we left, Nohek Glennon sent birds to the human villages and city. Someone must’ve seen Brahanu. I’ve sent two riders to the outposts as well. She could be there seeking aid. Please, be patient and continue to pray. For now, I need a hot bath.”

  Amani’s mouth gaped, watching Hacom leave the room.

  “Mother, Father has the right of it,” Julaybeim said. “We must believe that Brahanu is well and returning to us soon. She is intelligent and resourceful, and I know in my heart that she’s coming home.”

  “But the Nazilians! Besides the outposts, Cazaal is the only human village east of the Great Sword. You know what they’ll do to your sister if they find her. She’ll be their slave, tortured and rap—”

  Julaybeim silenced her with an upraised hand. “Ameya, it’s time that you were off to bed.”

  “But I don’t want to sleep alone. Can’t I stay up a while longer?”

  He smiled, kissing the crown of her head. “You be a good little dove and go off to bed now. I’ll come to your room as soon as I finish speaking with mother, all right?”

  “All right, Julaybeim.”

  Julaybeim closed the door behind her, taking a seat next to Amani.

  “I’m sorry, Mother, but you shouldn’t talk about such things in front of her. She’s afraid enough without learning what the true dangers are.”

  “You’re right, and I’m sorry. I—I can’t keep the visions from my mind. You know what they do to humans, Julaybeim. Your father must find Brahanu. Until she’s safely in Cazaal, I won’t be able to rest.”

  “Don’t press him too hard. Father blames himself for allowing Brahanu to go into Depero alone. He constantly berates himself for something he couldn’t control. Of all of us, he’s seen what the Nazilians are capable of. Do you think those images don’t plague him every moment?”

  Her expression saddened even more, wiping her tears away. “It’s easy to forget when you have spent so many years around his strength.”

  “Father is strong, but this isn’t in his control. He tries to appear unflappable, but all the while, his heart aches, Mother. It aches for Brahanu.”

  Amani nodded, embracing him. “You’re right, and I’ll go to him now. I know you’re concerned, too, but she’ll be home soon. I know that she will.”

  “Husband, forgive me,” Amani said. “I didn’t mean to imply that you’re not doing everything to find Brahanu. Word might arrive on the morrow, and it’ll be cause for a celebration. We’ll have a great feast to welcome our daughter home. Would you like that?”

  “I would.”

  “It’ll be a grand celebration,” she said, moving to the platter on the table. “You should have something to eat, and I’ll have Nived prepare your bath.”

  “I have no appetite for food. It would just sour in my stomach.”

  “You need to keep up your strength, Hacom. Come, at least have some bread and honey wine. It’ll be easy on your stomach. Come, I’ll see to your bath.”

  Once he began to eat, Amani kissed his cheek, and then left the room. She smiled, despite the swirl of thoughts and emotions engulfing her. She prayed for her daughter, but thanked the gods for her family.

  “Almaz, have Nived ready the bath for Hacom. He’s eating now, but will be ready soon.”

  “Yes, milady.”

  “Is something the matter, Mother?” Julaybeim asked, as she sat at the table, watching him eat.

  “I’m just thinking about you and Brahanu when you were babes. It seems but a moment ago that you were at my breast. Now, you’re both of age and will soon wed and have your own children.”

  “Mother, Brahanu is the only one who’s promised. I won’t be marrying for some time.”

  “That’s not what I’ve heard. You’ve been spending a lot of time with Nesrine of late. She’s a sweet girl, Julaybeim, and a good match. Brahanu won’t be the only one with a promise.”

  Julaybeim blushed, trying to suppress a smile. He and Nesrine had grown closer, but he wasn’t ready to let his parents know that. He glanced up at her then, his cheeks darkening all the more.

  “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s past time that you started thinking about a wife. You’re a man grown, Julaybeim, six and ten now. How old is Nesrine?”

  “She’s five and ten, but her name day will come before the next full moon.”

  “I’m happy that you’ve found someone to share your heart. Don’t ever feel ashamed about sharing such love with another. It’s a great gift and one cherished for a lifetime.”

  He only nodded as she rose to kiss him.

  After tousling his thick curls, she smiled, returning to her husband.

  “Hacom, your bath is nearly ready. Would you like me to assist?”

  “No, thank you, I can manage.”

  “Then, I’ll leave you to it, and see to Ameya.”

  “As you say, Amani. Give her my love as well,” he said, lowering his head. “And keep Brahanu safe.”

  Words Unspoken

  Brahanu’s eyes widened as she pushed the temple’s door open. The beauty of the temple interior didn’t show from the outside. Carved and polished mahogany benches lined the walls with decorative sconces hanging above each. Scenes of great delicacy were skillfully etched about the magnificent edifice.

  In the rear of the temple stood a raised platform and an exquisite polished wooden block. The words carved deep in the wood were unfamiliar, in a language she had never seen. There were two long narrow braziers, which went nearly the length of the ro
om. Flames danced through the air as the warmth comforted her. She was so enthralled by the elegance of the temple that she didn’t notice the small group of people in the far corner of the room.

  “Brahanu?” Elder Vot said. “We’re pleased that you’ve come. Join us.”

  She smiled, walking the length of the room.

  “You’ve met too few of us, Brahanu. Some introductions are in order,” Vot said, pointing. “I’m certain that you remember Nzuri. He’s a helding priest, and Elder Emet’s brother.”

  “Yes. Thank you for all you’ve done,” Brahanu said. “I’m feeling much better.”

  “It was my pleasure to serve, but I wasn’t the only one to aid you, my lady.”

  Brahanu inclined her head, noticing his long, silvery-white hair. Other than that feature, she would’ve thought him human.

  “To my left is Kuhani, Saifu, and Yonas,” Vot continued.

  As she returned their greeting, her gaze rested on Kuhani. She’d never seen anyone like him in all the lands. Kuhani’s statuesque frame gave the appearance of a warrior, yet he donned the cassock of a priest. He was handsome, but it was more than that. His skin was as dark and smooth as onyx, but there were markings down his face and neck: symbols or etchings of some type. Her curiosity and admiration piqued, seeing the long braid that dangled over his shoulder. Besides that braid, he had no other hair on his face or head.

  “Kuhani, Yonas, and Nzuri are temple servants,” Vot said, breaking her trance. “Here in Bandari, we have peoples from throughout the lands and beyond. Kuhani is the head of our temple, and the wisest most would say. Nzuri and Yonas are heldings, yet under his tutelage. In your village, the priests are referred to as Nohek. In Nazil, they’re known as Cha, and some name them Drah’kuu . Here, they prefer no specific title for their service. They are priests serving the One god.”

  Brahanu nodded, looking back at Kuhani.

  “To your right is Saifu. He’s our lakaar and magister. He’d like to tend to you when you return to your steading,” Vot said, motioning for her to sit. “Now, what would you have of us?”