“Beilzen, it wasn’t long ago that you cared for the people just as I do, not only the Nazilians.”
“I was young and knew little. When I started working for Sir Benoist, I finally understood the way of things.”
“You mean, after you fell in love with Shiloh, and she was taken from you.”
This time, it was Beilzen who felt the sting of his father’s words. All the memories and emotions he felt for Shiloh erupted to the surface, creating a greater pain than he felt when first losing her. She was the only woman who’d loved him, and the only one he’d loved. It was that same love that caused her abuse and their separation.
“Forgive me. I didn’t mean to hurt you, Beilzen. I know that you love her still. What happened wasn’t your fault. But the very people who committed these barbaric acts are the ones that you’re idolizing and attempting to emulate. Beilzen, your only love has been a human. Can’t you see the disparity there? What has so changed in you, my son? Please tell me how to help you regain the man that you once were.”
“That man is forever gone,” he said, turning away. “He knew nothing of the world, nothing of love. Slaves do as they’re commanded, say what they’re commanded. Shiloh said that she loved me because she had to. If she hadn’t been a slave, she would’ve rejected me just like the others have.
“You haven’t failed with me, Father. It’s time for me to be more than I am, and make my own way. If assisting Sir Benoist can help me rise to a proper position, I’ll do what he orders. No one else will offer me an opportunity,” he said, removing his cloak and holding his arms out wide. His slight frame was emphasized by the tight fit of his jerkin and trews.
“Does my stature fit that of a Chosen?” Beilzen asked. “I hear the other guards mocking me when I pass. Has anyone approached you begging for a pledge for their daughter? No one will have me as I am. Can’t you see that?”
“That isn’t true, it isn’t.” Perrin’s voice cracked with the words. “You’re my son, and worthy of any maid in all of Faélondul. You’re not less, Beilzen, you’re much more. Why can’t you see that? From the very beginning, we knew. It was your heart, always you cared, my son. Not for the material things, but for the people. You brought so much joy to your mother and me. If there’s a young maid that you desire, tell me about her. I’ll seek a pledge this very day if you wish it.”
Beilzen shook his head, replacing his cloak. “I love you more than anyone in the lands, but I must make a way for myself. I’m a guard now, and many respect this position. If I continue to serve, Oxilon will promote me to the second guard’s position. I need this, Father. Don’t you understand? It’s the only way.”
“No, it isn’t. I’ve heard about your cruelties in the citadel. How can you abuse those people? Isn’t it enough that their freedom has been stolen from them? This isn’t the way.”
“They’re only human!”
“Only human?” Perrin staggered back. “What are you saying? Does being human remove some right that’s intrinsic to all of us? Was Shiloh only human?” Perrin asked, fighting the tears threatening to fall. “What about Jabrail Qureshi? He loved you as a son. Do you think of him the same?”
“I do what I must. Sir Benoist admires strength. I can’t wield a sword or a bow, not as well as the others, and my stature is more like a boy’s than a man. He’d find no strength in that. But when I deal with the slaves, this is where he sees my strength.”
“What strength does it take to abuse someone who’s already subjugated and broken? Only a coward would beat a man once he’s already found the ground. This isn’t strength; it’s cruelty beyond what you’re capable of.”
“I’m no coward. Soon, you’ll see. I’m going to rise in the city and the name de Braose will be spoken with respect. Our house will be elevated beyond what either of us could imagine. Then—then I’ll select a wife of my choosing and sire sons to continue our name.”
Perrin searched his son’s face, but couldn’t recognize the man standing before him. “This isn’t your heart, Beilzen. I fear this path and the man that you’re becoming. Already you feel a stranger to me. Please, another solution can be found. You can have what you want, it’ll just take more time.”
“When? When will such marvelous blessings come to pass? I’m not some young man anymore, I’m one and twenty. How long must I wait for what others have had for years?”
“Oxilon is corrupt and has allegiance to no one, not even those of his own blood. You don’t know him like I do. These men aren’t like us, they’ll take what they want and crush you beneath their heels.”
“No. Oxilon trusts only me with such duties. Once I prove my worth, then, you’ll be proud.”
Safe Passage
The first orange and yellow rays of sun crested over the glistening Dessalonian peaks as the twins approached the village, waving to the fishermen as they passed. The village was coming alive as the inhabitants began their morning duties. It was good to see Bandari again.
Aizen led his horse to the water’s edge. For just a moment, he looked out across the waters and the thick line of trees. This was the only home they’d known, and the thought of leaving it was disheartening.
“Brother,” Ahni said. “We’d better get home. Mother and Father will be waiting.”
Aizen nodded, tethering his horse. When they approached the eternal fire, Wosen stepped from beside his house, smiling. He glanced at the bags draped over their shoulders, moving closer.
“You’ve been gone a while, brothers Osmont. How was your trip?”
“Aye,” Aizen said. “We did what we set out to do.”
“Ah, so the girl is safely at home?”
“That was our purpose, was it not? Now, if you’ll excuse us, our parents await.”
“A moment more couldn’t hurt. I mean, we’ve barely seen each other of late. Surely, the trip to, where was it now, Cazaal? Yes, Cazaal, couldn’t have kept you so long. You did travel the Great Sword, didn’t you?”
Aizen peered over at his brother, sliding his satchel from his shoulder. After gesturing him home, he moved closer to Wosen. “Since when have you cared about our travels? You haven’t wanted to even hunt with us for several full moons. If you were so concerned about our guest, mayhaps you should’ve offered to escort her.”
Wosen scoffed. “That wasn’t a task suited for me. I didn’t care if she returned to Cazaal or not. In fact, Pentanimir should’ve taken her to Nazil, not brought her here.”
“Is that so?” Aizen’s brow raised. “I think that the First Chosen would disagree with you.”
“Even a First Chosen of Nazil can err. Why do you even care? She’s not from here. Why should any of us endanger ourselves to keep her safe. Hells, why would he?”
“Wosen, you speak like a stranger to this village. Pentanimir was right for bringing her to us, and we were honored to escort her home. If there’s one lesson that we’ve learned by living here, it’s that we all must care for each other. Have you forgotten this, son of Hosdaq?”
“I haven’t forgotten the lessons taught.” Nor the lies told. “But we don’t arbitrarily believe a thing just because it’s told to us. That would make us fools.”
“As you say, Wosen, I need to see my parents.”
“I hear the female is pregnant. Did she name the father?” Wosen called after him.
Aizen paused, turning to face him again. “The lady’s state is no concern of ours. Mayhaps that’s why Pentanimir assisted her. Either way, it’s of little matter to us. Now, excuse me.”
“What if the child is Pentanimir’s? What would that mean for this little village when the Zaxson learns about it? His First Chosen and a human,” he said, clucking his tongue. “That would be cause for concern, would it not?”
Wosen snickered, walking away with his wineskin. Aizen watched him for a moment and then shook his head, moving to his home.
“Greetings Mother, Father,” Aizen said. “Is there some tea for me, too?”
Vot smiled, pouring him
a large mug. “Your brother said that Wosen stopped you.”
“He did. Wosen gets stranger with each sun’s rise. I hardly recognize him anymore.”
“Ahni said much the same,” Huname said. “What did he want?”
“He wanted to know about our trip, but he questioned Pentanimir’s decision in bringing Brahanu here. He thought that he should’ve taken her to the Zaxson.”
“Even knowing what would happen to her? Are you certain?”
“Yes, Mother. He didn’t care about her and wouldn’t even say her name. He referred to her as, ‘female.’ It’s peculiar, even for Wosen.”
“Did he say anything else of note?” Vot asked.
“He did, well he asked it really. He mentioned that Brahanu might be pregnant. Is that true?”
Vot and Huname exchanged glances. The brothers had put themselves at risk to return Brahanu to Cazaal, and they deserved the truth.
“It’s true,” Vot said.
“Well, is Pentanimir the father?” Aizen asked.
“Did Wosen tell you that?”
“Not only, he also made a threat of sorts. Mayhaps a desire more than a threat. He mentioned Draizeyn finding out and what would happen to us. He laughed after, as if he jested, but his tone was cold.”
Huname shrugged, attempting to appear unmoved. “We really don’t know. With Wosen’s recent behavior, it could mean nothing or everything. Hosdaq was supposed to speak with him, but it’s obvious more is needed. For now, tell us what you’ve found.”
“We entered the Animus Wood near the Raphar as you asked,” Ahni began. “After nearly half a glass, we discovered a path. It was narrow with creepers and bushes surrounding it, and looked untraveled for some time.” He reached into his pack, removing several black, shiny stones. “The trail was littered with these of all sizes. But as we continued, there was this…this coolness and like, well, a shadow, I guess.”
“A shadow?” Vot asked.
“Of sorts. Aizen thought it was a trick of the light, but it appeared more to me. We kept following behind it, but never grew nearer. It was as if it was guiding us where we needed to go.”
“What? Did it make any sound?” Huname asked.
“No, there wasn’t any sound,” he said, his face contorting in confusion. “In fact, there was nothing. We didn’t even hear birds. It was silent.”
“Could the tales of the wood be true, Vot?” Huname asked. “Could the Animus Wood be filled with eidolons?”
“I’d need to learn more, my wife. Aizen’s assessment could be accurate. Go on, Ahni.”
“We continued farther south and west until we reached a clearing with large stones and a statue.”
“A statue?”
“Yes, Father. We didn’t examine it closely, but it was beautiful and old. It was made of a material darker than those stones, and shined as if it was polished.”
Aizen nodded. “The woman was beautiful, Mother. The stone was black as pitch, and smooth. I’ve never seen anything like it, not even in Noraa.”
“I’ve heard of such statues in tales and myths,” Vot said. “But now that one has been discovered, could some of the myths surrounding them also be true?”
“That’s a question that we must ask Kuhani and Nzuri. They’ve studied the scrolls and Kuhani has trekked to the wood before. Mayhaps they can help us understand more of this,” Huname said, turning her attention back to Ahni. “What else did you find?”
“After we found the statue, we turned back around. We brought back some objects we found. Some appear to be weapons or tools of some sort. There are a lot of hills, but the road is easy enough. It was almost as if we were led where we needed to go.”
“By what?” his mother asked.
Aizen shrugged. “I’m not certain, but we didn’t search in vain. The path was hidden, and yet, it wasn’t. We could easily find it again.”
“You did well, my sons,” Vot said. “The information you’ve gathered will be of great use to us. We’ll need you to travel the path once more. This time, you’ll take a horse and cart to the wood. You have no need to venture to the clearing, but we must know how long it’d take a cart to make it safely there.”
“Yes, Father. We’ll leave on the morrow,” Aizen said.
“Oh, there’s no need for such haste. You go now and wash up. We’ll meet you in the hall for the morning meal.”
“Vot, didn’t you hear what they said?” Huname asked when they were alone.
He stood, walking to the narrow window. “I heard them.”
“Could the myths be true? Could they truly exist?”
“Those were just stories the old ones told children. How could such tales be true? If such beings existed, why haven’t they come to aid us. If they truly rule the lands, why have us suffer so under the Nazilians’ tyranny?”
“Could it be that they haven’t come because we haven’t called to them?”
“Called them? Huname, if one is divine, they don’t need a messenger. They’re aware of everything and know of our suffering. If they exist, they’ve done nothing to protect the people they’ve professed to love.”
Huname wrapped her arms around him, laying her head on his shoulder. “Husband, be still. We don’t know the truth of any of this. Ofttimes, if we ask not, we have not. How can we treat them as mythical creatures yet expect them to aid those who don’t believe? Mayhaps the fault lies in our lack of faith, not the truth of these beings. We’ll speak to Kuhani and learn if the scrolls can provide any clarification. No one can decipher these enigmas better than the warrior priest. If anyone has seen these beings or this—this sentient shadow, the scrolls will tell of it.”
“But so many were destroyed. Most accountings from the old ones are long gone.”
“Yes, but many remain. If Aizen and Ahni found this clearing and statue, there must be more. The Nazilians will come, and when they do, our path leads us to the wood. We need to prepare for this journey in every way that we can.”
Pleasures of the Citadel
“What do you wish to accomplish, Zaxson?” Pentanimir asked.
“I expect you to find a home for our new city. Long have I desired the formation of a city to the west. Besides, you’ll need a place to rule once you’ve wed Denotra,” he said, raising his goblet.
Pentanimir shifted uncomfortably, grasping for an appropriate response.
“You honor me, Zaxson. Lady Denotra is the fairest in all the lands. To be blessed with such a wife and a city to oversee is more than most could likely dream. I don’t feel worthy of such blessings.”
“You honor us both, Zaxson,” Oxilon said. “Nazil’s hands will cover the lands with this expansion. But who will rule in Spero?”
“Yes, Spero. I’ve been considering that very thing. It’s been suggested that Daracus manage the city. He’s definitely capable, but I need him here. As my Nakshij, Daracus is invaluable. Mayhaps Pentanimir could ready Spero while we build the new city. Of course, everything depends on the state of the lands at the foot of the mountains.”
Pentanimir hoped that his face didn’t betray his thoughts. If I’m in Spero, I’d be nearer to Cazaal. I could see Brahanu and my son.
“Do—don’t you need me in Nazil, Zaxson?” Pentanimir asked.
“Pentanimir, the Zaxson is considering options,” Oxilon said. “As First Chosen, it’s your duty to follow our Zaxson’s commands. If he selects you to head Spero, that’s where you’ll go.”
“Your uncle speaks true, but you do as well. This journey is the first of many tasks that’ll be assigned to you. While you survey the lands, Daracus will prepare for an inspection in Spero. We need to move swiftly before the cold season is nigh.”
“It’ll be an honor, Zaxson. How far would you have us venture into the wood?”
“Venture to its end. The new city must be vast. There are reports of creatures not only in the mountains, but Dessalonia as well. If such tales are true, we’ll need many men.” He shrugged. “Albeit great men don’t fear t
hings of tales.”
“This is true,” Pentanimir said. “But I’ve seen many things in my travels. At times, there’s truth in myths and tales.”
“As you say,” Draizeyn said, popping an olive into his mouth. “I would have you leave with the sun’s rise. Six of our strongest horses and two carts will be prepared. You’ll mark your path as you travel. If you find the lands suitable, the builders and slaves will follow and begin harvesting trees.”
“We’ll mark our path and the wood’s borders. This will give the builders proper measure for planning the great city.”
“See that it’s done,” Draizeyn said. “The stable slaves are preparing stakes now. They’ll load them and your necessary tools before you take leave. Is there anyone else that you want to accompany you?”
“I’ll give it some thought, Zaxson. If you asked Danimore, he’d request that our new attendant come. I fear that he’s grown quite fond of her meals,” Pentanimir laughed, gauging their response.
“Well, it’s fortuitous that you’re the head and not your brother,” Oxilon sneered. “Bringing a pregnant whore is unthinkable.”
“I understand young Danimore’s desire for fine food,” Draizeyn said. “I, too, travel with the cooks of my choice, however, such a slave is an insult to Nazil. Your uncle has the right of it. She’s a whore, carrying an abomination. If not for your brother’s insistence, she and her babe would’ve been put to death long ago. Denotra is still disappointed it wasn’t so. It’s good that he’s found a use for her. The incompetence she showed here was enough to have her flayed and hanged.”
Dani was right, but he didn’t mention Denotra , Pentanimir thought. I must try to vie for their safety.
“Indeed. It seems she’s finally begun to show her worth. Our chamber pots have never shined so,” Pentanimir chuckled.
Draizeyn joined in his mirth. “Now we can add chamber pots to the small list of duties that she does well. However, her mouth, now, that can work wonders,” he said, leaning forward. “At first, she seemed a little shy, but after adequate persuasion from ten or fifteen guards, she learned well. But I’ve never seen anything like the dark slave’s cock disappearing down her throat. We all thought she would surely choke from the reach of his massive cock.” He laughed. “Daracus misses that the most.”
The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy Page 24