The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  Pentanimir moved toward his chamber as Danimore regarded him, still wondering why he left Nazil. He wanted to pose the question, but wasn’t certain how to proceed. Pentanimir’s mood had already soured, and he didn’t want to exacerbate that. Danimore wiped his mouth, and then followed behind him, taking a seat on his bed. As he turned up the jug, he observed Pentanimir washing in the basin.

  He admired Pentanimir’s nakedness, wondering why the gods bestowed all the blessings upon him. Pentanimir was tall, lean, and muscular. His thick, silvery-white hair hung past his broad shoulders, cascading down to his tapered waist. His face was chiseled and handsome, and he had a perfect smile; unlike Danimore’s crooked lower teeth. Not only was his appearance nearly perfect, Pentanimir’s prowess couldn’t be matched.

  His gaze lowered and he sighed. Even Pentanimir’s manhood rivaled his. Danimore turned up the jug again.

  “Dani, where’s your mind?” Pentanimir asked, turning to face him.

  “My—my mind?”

  “You look deep in thought. I’m asking about those thoughts. Mayhaps a little too much wine, eh?” He said, pulling on his sleeping tunic.

  “Dani, what’s wrong? Is there more you need to tell me?”

  “No, it—what…I—I mean to say that my thoughts are of a different concern.”

  “Tell me of this concern. Mayhaps together, we can see it to an end.”

  “Pentanimir, you are the concern. I’ve tried not to question, but—”

  “What? What’s this new-found concern of yours?”

  “You’re the elder brother and First Chosen. It’s not you that I’m questioning, it’s your recent actions. You asked me to trust you, and I do. It’s just that you’ve never kept secrets from me. What caused you to leave Nazil in such haste?”

  “It’s not a question of trust, Dani. I didn’t tell you because I wouldn’t involve you in such matters. In time, mayhaps, this may change. For now, it’s best to keep my travels to myself. There’s no cause to worry,” he said, resting a hand on his shoulder. “There’s no danger to Nazil or to us. I meet many people, and some are more meaningful than others.” He sighed. “I’ll tell you this: my heart is no longer mine to command.”

  “Not yours to command? You’re pledged to Denotra. You don’t mean to refuse the honor? Please, that would be folly.”

  “I haven’t forgotten the pledge. ‘Honor Above All’ is the life of the Chosen, is it not? I’ll honor my obligations to Nazil and this house. The pledge and honor will be satisfied.”

  “I didn’t mean to insinuate that you wouldn’t honor your obligations. I mean, I know that you and Yannick visit the pleasure houses often, but I didn’t know about a relationship. In times past, your intimacies were more for a needed release rather than any true gratification. Your duty has always been the most important.”

  “My duty is still important, Dani, and I mean to see it done. My heart needn’t be in a pledge to see it through. I’ll service Denotra as I would any other. Her desires will be met and my release achieved. This joining is for Nazil’s strength, nothing more.”

  “I disagree. No matter how vile Denotra is, she’s always desired you for her pledged. She truly wants this marriage, even if you don’t.”

  With a frustrated growl, Pentanimir picked up the basin, hurling it at the wall. Danimore ducked as the shards came flying across the room.

  “Forgive me,” Danimore apologized. “It’s not my place to question. You’ve only just returned and I’ve angered you. Rest now, and I won’t grieve you further.”

  Pentanimir didn’t turn as his brother left his chamber. He couldn’t decide whether he was angry at Danimore or himself. Interlocking his fingers behind his head, he stared up toward the ceiling. The myriad thoughts and emotions assailed every part of him. His skin felt aflame as his faced contorted with confusion, despondency, and trepidation. He wasn’t angry at Danimore, he was angry with himself, what he permitted, and what he couldn’t control.

  With a plaintive sigh, he went to Danimore’s chamber.

  “Dani—I—it—” He took a deep breath, sitting next to him. “Please, forgive me. I’m grateful for your words and your concern. You didn’t anger me. It’s my own lack of control that caused the outburst. Before I left Nazil, I was aware of what duties lie ahead of me. I’m not turning from that now, regardless of what lies in my heart. Never feel that speaking truth is a transgression. Without you, Dani, I would be nothing. Together, we’ll continue to honor our father, and with each elevation I achieve, you’ll rise at my side.”

  Aizen and Ahni

  Brahanu adjusted her cowl as they passed beneath the towering trees. They’d been riding for several turns of the glass, and nothing appeared familiar. The brothers did their best to calm her thoughts, and she appreciated their willingness to escort her home. She’d miss the Bandarians, well, except for the Neufmarches.

  “Don’t worry, Brahanu,” Ahni said. “We’re nearly there. Once we reach the clearing, the Raphar is shallow enough to ford.”

  Brahanu turned, looking in his direction. It had taken a while, but she was finally able to tell the twins apart. She’d never seen two people who were nearly identical. Both brother’s hair was shorn to their scalp, they had round, dark brown eyes, and a swarthy complexion. Even their height and brawny build was comparable. If not for Ahni’s thin mustache, she wouldn’t be able to tell them apart. She wondered if he’d grown it for that purpose.

  “What path will we take from there?” Brahanu asked.

  “We’ll travel along the river’s edge until we clear Mahlum. Aizen will continue with you to the port while I send your message from Noraa.”

  “You’re not coming with us, Ahni?”

  “No, Aizen has traveled the Great Sword many times. I’ll await his return in Noraa. We have other business to attend to.”

  Brahanu nodded, glancing at the brothers from the corner of her eye. “Can I ask you something?”

  “Ask what you will,” Ahni said. “We’ve had little time to learn about each other.”

  “Do you think that we’ll cross paths with Pentanimir?”

  “I doubt it,” Aizen said. “Pentanimir is trekking through Mahlum as we avoid it. Unlike Noraa, its inhabitants are all Nazilian.”

  “But doesn’t Nazil have a presence in all the villages and cities?”

  “They do,” Aizen said. “However, Noraa is the only city the humans inhabit. Cazaal and Kaleo are merely villages, and pale in comparison to Noraa’s size and influence. The Caretakers send birds to Nazil and collect taxes and supplies for them as well. Though human, many serve Nazil. Mostly, they attempt to gain the Zaxson’s favor.”

  “Do you think about all the Caretakers that way?” Brahanu asked. “My father is a Caretaker, yet despises Nazil and its Zaxson.”

  “I meant no disrespect,” Aizen apologized. “I was truly speaking of Noraa and Kaleo. We haven’t traveled to Cazaal. Rarely do we cross the Great Sword. I shouldn’t have spoken so broadly on the subject. Some Caretakers do turn their backs on the humans: serving their purse over their people.”

  “You speak true,” Ahni agreed. “But it’s folly. The Nazilians use them until the need is no more. After which, it’s as if they never existed, disappearing from both sight and mind.”

  Brahanu was bemused. “Disappear? What becomes of them?”

  Aizen shrugged. “No one knows with certainty. Some say they’re taken to serve in Nazil. Others think they’re killed. Unless you’re Nazilian, it can’t truly be known.”

  “Put to death? That makes little sense. If one is serving them, why not reward that service?”

  “The ways of the Nazilians aren’t known to you?” Aizen asked. “It’s fortunate that their hand has yet to reach your village. Some aren’t as fortunate as those in Cazaal.”

  “We send a quarterly mulct, crops, and wares to Nazil. If we didn’t, they would’ve come long ago.”

  “Brahanu,” Ahni sighed. “You only know Pentanimir. You mu
stn’t think of him as their Zaxson and ruling council. Even though they use Caretakers and informants, they despise what they do.”

  “I don’t understand. If they’re using them, how then can they also despise them?”

  “It’s a simple thing,” Aizen said. “The information the Caretakers and informants provide is useful. However, the Nazilians see these humans as betrayers of their people. Therefore, they are honorless and deserve death.”

  “If this is so, what about Pentanimir? If he’s discovered, what will happen to him?”

  “It’s best not to speak of it,” Aizen said. “His fate would be worse than that of the humans. Pentanimir is First Chosen. Only the Zaxson, Nakshij, and High Advisor rank higher. The betrayal of such a prominent denizen would have dire consequences. He isn’t only important to Nazil’s hierarchy, but he’s also pledged to the Zaxson’s daughter.”

  “Aizen has the right of it. It would be best to leave Pentanimir to his life, Brahanu. Love obscures dangers easily seen by unfettered eyes.”

  Brahanu shifted in her saddle, regarding them closely. “Ahni, you speak of my heart, but is it truly known to you?”

  “I don’t intend to offend,” Ahni said. “I only know what was shared with us. You and Pentanimir care for each other, yet forwent those feelings for a greater good. We’re grateful for such sacrifices and hope that both of you can find happiness. Pentanimir is like a brother to Aizen and me. We don’t want to lose him.”

  “You know about his pledge?”

  “We’ve known for some time. Hosdaq won’t let anyone forget it. Regardless of his behavior, he’s right. Hosdaq is aware of Nazil’s inner workings and politics. The Elder is wise.”

  “Indeed, if only Wosen were as wise as his father,” Aizen said.

  “Hosdaq will deal with Wosen in time, Brother.”

  Brahanu perked up, recalling Wosen’s odd demeanor and questions. “May I ask you about Wosen?”

  “I didn’t know that you’d met him,” Ahni said.

  “I met him briefly before taking leave, and he asked some peculiar questions.”

  “Questions?” Aizen asked, tossing a glance at his brother. “What did he ask you?”

  “He asked about my travels and who was escorting me. He also asked about my feelings for Pentanimir.”

  “Did he ask anything specific?” Aizen said.

  “Not truly. He kept repeating answered questions. Oh, yes, he also wanted to know where Pentanimir was traveling. I told him to ask of it himself, but he appeared annoyed by that response. Is there cause for concern, Aizen?”

  “With such questions, there’s always a concern. Wosen has been acting strange of late. Even his father can’t discern his mood.”

  “Speak plainly,” Ahni interjected. “We barely recognize him anymore. He keeps referring to himself as, ‘one of Nazil’. Ofttimes he disappears for several suns without an explanation. Hosdaq says he’s hunting, but that’s doubtful. He’s become distant to not only us, but to his promised as well.”

  “All he talks about is Pentanimir and the Chosen,” Aizen said. “Mayhaps he feels that he can become one someday.”

  “But that’s impossible. Wouldn’t he be captured or killed if he went to Nazil?”

  “Yes,” Aizen said. “The Elders have urged Hosdaq to tell him the complete truth, although it pains him to do so. Hosdaq is loyal to the village, but he longs for his true home. Mother feels that he laments his decision to leave Nazil and marry Esme.”

  “I don’t think he regrets his marriage, Aizen, I feel his regret stems from losing Esme so soon. Father says Elder Hosdaq has grown bitter over the years.”

  Aizen nodded. “If he’d open his eyes, Osmara would fill that space that sits empty.” He shook his head. “I fear this struggle with Wosen is taking its toll.”

  Mayhaps that’s why he berated me, Brahanu thought. It wasn’t me he despised. It was himself. Or, at least, what he feels he’s become .

  “We’re here,” Aizen said, pointing. “Look over there to the Nazil Bridge. That’s Mahlum. Most of Nazil’s food is grown there and on the surrounding farms. That’s where Pentanimir traveled before crossing the Great Sword. Those twinkling lights are outposts and guard towers. You can’t see it from here, but the port lies just beyond, to the south. After we cross here, we’ll continue along the tree line. When we’ve passed the sight of Mahlum’s towers, we’ll head toward the port.”

  “But won’t we be heading back the way we came, Aizen?” Brahanu asked.

  “It can’t be helped. If you wish, we can rest here and eat. It won’t take long after we cross to reach the port. There’re a few inns there and we’ll have a meal and rest. The Spicy Lass will arrive on the morrow, and she’ll take us to Cazaal.”

  “I’m thirsty, but my stomach is somewhat disagreeable.”

  Ahni slid down from his mount, reaching into his saddlebag. “You’ll need to drink this. It should ease your stomach and might return your appetite, too.”

  “What is it?” She coughed, her face scrunching with revulsion.

  Ahni chuckled. “It’s primarily imphepho, boiled ginger root, and mango. Mayhaps the deep red and herbs he added didn’t mix well. Saifu said to sip the tincture and allow it to work.”

  Brahanu swallowed a few sips while they watered the horses. It didn’t take long for them to start off again.

  After talking with Ahni and Aizen, she was reminded of the importance of her choice. She did love Pentanimir, but she still loved Itai. In fact, the more she thought about him, the more she realized that her love for Itai was even greater. The further they traveled from Bandari, the easier it seemed to let go.

  “Brahanu? Didn’t you hear?” Aizen asked.

  “Pardon…what?”

  “We’ve cleared Mahlum and will head for Noraa.”

  “Oh, thank...thank you. A bed will be welcome after such a long ride.”

  “Indeed.” Aizen smiled. “But I sense something more on your mind. You can share your thoughts.”

  “It’s just, I was curious why your parents went to Bandari. What I mean to say is, Vot and Huname are both human. Why would they need shelter from Nazil?”

  “There was a need,” Ahni said. “There was a great need. Have you heard of Hyorin?”

  “My father has spoken of it many times. It was destroyed by the Nazilians.”

  “It was that and more. It’s not spoken about much anymore, but those who were there will never forget. Our parents were among them.”

  “Hyorin was once a great human city,” Aizen continued. “Many prosperous families resided there. Noraa was built upon its ashes.”

  “Why doesn’t anyone talk about it?” Brahanu asked.

  “Many out of fear…some out of regret. What happened in Hyorin was a massacre. Thousands were slain and others were taken captive.”

  “A massacre? My father led some sentries to assist, but they didn’t arrive in time. He’s never truly spoken about what he found there.”

  “What he would’ve found was devastation,” Ahni said. “They attacked under the cover of darkness. Our parents speak of ghosts appearing from the darkness. Hundreds lay dead before the bell of warning sounded. Father sent Mother to the shelter and escape tunnel, but it wasn’t enough.”

  “The Nazilians speak of ‘honor above all,’” Aizen sneered. “What honor is there in attacking people who lay abed? What honor is there in killing innocent children and women? They have no honor!”

  “There are many Nazilians with honor,” Ahni said. “Not like the beasts who orchestrated this cowardly attack.”

  “Why did they attack Hyorin, Ahni? Surely they posed no threat to Nazil.”

  “Nazil saw a threat. Their Zaxson was concerned about Hyorin’s growth and independence. The people there enjoyed a rich life, and flourished no matter the mulct that Nazil demanded. They even had their own fighting forces, not only sentries. But none of that mattered when the snakes crept up from the grass,” Ahni spat. “The city became to
o strong for Nazil. Draizeyn feared they would lead a rebellion against them. They had the resources, the numbers, and the training. If they had a mind, it could’ve been so.”

  Aizen nodded. “This is also why Draizeyn keeps spreading Nazil’s reach. They use the Caretakers to learn about villages and their denizens.”

  “What about Cazaal? We have no such persons among us.”

  “Don’t answer so surely, Brahanu,” Aizen said.

  Her brow creased, considering that statement. “What happened when your mother made for the shelter?”

  “She—she didn’t make it.”

  “But how? How did she escape?”

  “Did you know that we had an older sister and brother?” Ahni asked.

  “No, your parents didn’t mention them.”

  “Mother reached the shelter that led to an underground tunnel. It was filled with people, panicking, and pushing their way through. Mother didn’t want to leave without Father, so she sent Annissah and Eylul through the tunnel with our attendants.”

  “Are they your brother and sister?”

  “Yes,” Aizen said. “The Nazilians set the steadings and stables on fire. Mother could hear the horses’ whinnies as they burned and choked on the smoke. She did what she could to free them, but most didn’t survive.”

  “Gods, I didn’t know. Father never mentioned any of this.”

  Ahni sighed. “He couldn’t have known. By the time that he arrived, Hyorin must’ve been in ruins.

  “Mother tethered horses near the shelter, riding one through the city. Most of our sentries had been cut down in the streets. Others were barred in their homes and billets before they were set ablaze. The screams, the way mother described the screams.” His eyes closed with the memory. “Most of the Nohek and Tumishi were murdered. The birds they sent didn’t reach the villages in time.”

  “Mother couldn’t find Father, and it wasn’t safe to travel farther into the burning city,” Aizen said. “It wasn’t until she turned back to the shelter did she see him. He was near the horses, helping those who had been injured. She thanked the gods, but her happiness was short-lived. As she neared the shelter, a great explosion rumbled with such force that it knocked her from her mount. It was as if the ground was swallowing everything around it.”