The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  Pentanimir swallowed down the bile in this throat, forcing a smile.

  “Well, mayhaps I missed my opportunity,” Oxilon sniggered. “It’s been long since I’ve forced a slave on their knees.”

  “The girl yet lives, Oxilon, you can still use her, but if you plan to enter, do so from behind. That swollen belly would certainly interrupt your thrusts. But the arse, now that’s a hole like no other.”

  “Indeed, Zaxson. I’m sure my nephews wouldn’t object to me using her. Usually, I would find such a thing repulsive, but I’m intrigued by what you mentioned about her mouth.”

  “Just between us, I’ve also partaken,” Draizeyn smirked. “It’s better when they’re fresh and unspoiled. The pleasure of filling their throats with my cock is quite satisfying. One slave choked from such an encounter,” he said, motioning for more wine. “It just saved us the task of gutting her later. Your slave might be small, Pentanimir, but her orifices are large.”

  Pentanimir’s jaw clenched, thinking of Zeta and her child. He wanted to leave, but he needed to ensure her safety.

  “As you say, Zaxson. Would it be possible to visit with your daughter before I take leave?”

  “Ah, Denotra would enjoy such a visit,” Draizeyn said, snapping his fingers. When Surma came to his side, his expression soured. “Why isn’t Jahno attending his duties?”

  “Zaxson, Lord Daracus called for him some time ago and he hasn’t returned.”

  “Go and fetch Lady Denotra. After you’ve done so, go and retrieve Jahno. Make haste.”

  “Yes, Zaxson,” Surma said, turning to leave.

  “Surma,” Draizeyn said. “Have Sarai, Symeon, and Ceron bathed, oiled, and sent to our usual chamber. When my business is complete, I desire my pleasure. Such talk raises a heat in me,” he said, pulling his tunic down over the rise in his trousers.

  “Yes, milord.”

  “Zaxson, may I ask something of importance before I take leave?” Pentanimir said.

  “Of course.”

  “It’s more an inquiry of my brother’s than mine. He’s been told that Zeta might be reassigned. We’d like her to remain in our service.”

  “Why would you bother the Zaxson with such trivialities?” Oxilon snapped. “Your slave is of no importance.”

  “Uncle, I was speaking to the Zaxson. It’s been some time since we’ve had an attendant, and if Zeta’s going to be reassigned, we’d like to know. At this point, she’s learned our habits and serves us well. Attendants are difficult to come by of late. Wouldn’t it be prudent to know if we’d need to find another?”

  “He’s right, Oxilon. We have but a few able to serve in the city. Until another shipment arrives, we must make do. I don’t see any reason why the slave would be reassigned. I have no further interest in her. The pleasures and entertainment she provided were short-lived.”

  “Thank you, Zaxson. In your wisdom, I’m confident that you’d allow the babe to remain as well. This would ensure a future generation of attendants for not only our household, but also our great city.”

  “You ask too much, Nephew. These abominations are an insult to Nazil! Their death is payment for crimes against our great city.”

  Draizeyn nodded. “This is our way. There’s no greater insult than a child born of such a mix. Some are allowed to remain if they have no Nazilian features. My cupbearer’s sire was Nazilian, but no one can tell that by his appearance. We can’t tolerate such obscenities.”

  “I agree,” Pentanimir lied. “If a Nazilian chose to breed with a human, it would be a blight upon our fair city. Both parents should be punished for such insolence.”

  “Now you speak like a Chosen of Nazil, Nephew. This is the only way to dissuade such disgusting behavior.”

  Pentanimir inclined his head, facing Draizeyn again. “How then are we to punish the father when so many of our guards used the girl? I was told that even the Cha used her for their purge. Who along with her shall we punish for such an offense against our great peoples and city?”

  Draizeyn and Oxilon looked bemused by the question.

  “Zaxson, I mean no disrespect,” Pentanimir continued. “I only hope to shine a light on the flaw in our reasoning. When we receive shipments of slaves, some are maiden as Zeta was. They become pregnant after being used by the guards. The mothers can’t choose whether to carry the babe. Unless they’re provided the maiden’s tears , the abomination is forced upon us. In Zeta’s case, you mentioned her pleasuring the slaves as well. Her child could be human.” He paused, allowing that point to penetrate. “Why not allow these young mothers to bring their babes forth? This would ensure the next generation of slaves. We wouldn’t need to capture them if they’re bred here in Nazil. They won’t know any other way to live, and they’d be grateful for their service. It’d be easier to manage a slave from birth than ones who’ve been captured as an adult.”

  “Your words aren’t void of reason,” Draizeyn said. “Daracus and I spoke about the same not long ago. In the time of my father’s father, we bred many slaves. However, never with those of Nazil. They served well until their passing. Until we perfected the maiden’s tears , too many became sterile or died. That would no longer be an issue. Mayhaps this plan has merit. I’ll think on it further before I make a final decision. Until then, you may consider the fate of your slave’s babe favorable. Ceron was permitted to keep her son until a buyer was found for him. But if others counsel me against this, I might alter my decision accordingly.”

  “Of course, Zaxson. It should be no other way,” Pentanimir said as the doors opened. When Denotra entered, he stood, taking her hand.

  “My Lady, your beauty, and presence brightens this room and my heart.”

  “Thank you, Pentanimir,” she blushed, sitting beside her father.

  Pentanimir winced, seeing them side by side. She had the look and build of Draizeyn, and that unpleasant truth caused his stomach to sour.

  “Denotra, Pentanimir leaves on the morrow to do duty for Nazil. He asked to see you before he takes leave.”

  “I’m pleased.” She smiled. “Pentanimir, would you walk with me?”

  “It would be an honor,” Pentanimir said, extending out his elbow. “If it pleases you, Zaxson, I’ll take my leave.”

  “Yes, Pentanimir. I’ll see you on the morrow.”

  “Zaxson, Uncle.”

  Denotra dismissed her guard, drawing Pentanimir closer.

  “How do you fare, my lady?”

  “That depends on you. A little bird sang a sweet song in my ear during your absence. If the bird’s song is false, everything is fine.”

  “My lady, I don’t know of any little birds who know a song about me. Perhaps if you’d sing a measure or two, I could ease your mind.”

  “Oh, the little bird sang of the Chosen of Nazil fleeing our great city. Surely, his song was confused with another.”

  “Does it look like I’ve fled the city? Your little bird desires much, I think. He’d do better to learn a different song. My place is in Nazil.” Pentanimir smiled. “And soon, my place will be at your side.”

  “Well, at hearing that, I’m quite well indeed.” She squeezed his arm, turning toward her chambers.

  “My lady, I’m supposed to—”

  “Call me Denotra. It would warm my heart to hear my name from your lips.”

  “As you wish. Denotra, I need to prepare the men for the morrow. I shouldn’t linger or keep you from your studies.”

  “Oh, I sent Cha Reaglen away as soon as I heard that you were here. My father puts great faith in him, but as a magister, he’s quite a bore. All the begats and begots, this name and that, it holds little interest for me. Besides, soon you’ll be my husband. That’s what holds my interest. We’ve had so little time of late. Not like when we were children, and you’d visit the citadel with your honorable father.”

  “Many things change as we grow and accept responsibility, Denotra. Childhood is only for a season.”

  She smiled, opening her doors a
nd shooing Leanta out.

  “You speak true. And we’re no longer children, are we?” Denotra said, pushing him against the door and kissing him. Her hands explored his body, ending between his thighs.

  “My—my lady, please,” he said on the verge of panic. “It’s not proper for me to be alone in your chamber. I fear that your father would have my head if he learned about this.”

  “Well, at least I’d know where to find it,” she said, glancing down.

  “It’s not your touch, it’s my guilt. I’m the First Chosen of Nazil, and I’ll not dishonor the Zaxson’s daughter.”

  “Honor? I seek only pleasure. I’ve heard the servants whisper about your size and your skill as a lover. Did you think the whores in the pleasure houses wouldn’t brag about being bedded by the First Chosen of Nazil?”

  “My lady, I meant no dishonor to you. It’s been four seasons since I’ve frequented such places. When my uncle spoke of this pledge, I no longer sought the pleasure of such women. It’s only you that I’ve dreamt of pleasuring.”

  “If that’s so, secure the door and come to me.”

  “My lady, I can’t—”

  “You will. Well, unless you’d have me scream for my guard.”

  Surely, she’s mad! If we’re discovered, I’ll be thrown in irons. Gods help me. Reluctantly, Pentanimir locked the door, joining her near her bed. She ran her fingers over her chest, pulling down her low bodice.

  “Does this please you?”

  It doesn’t, Denotra. Nothing about you pleases me , he thought, seeing only the Zaxson’s face staring up at him.

  “The sight of you is always pleasing,” he said, reaching out to caress her.

  “If you were in a pleasure house, what would you do if I were your whore?”

  “My whore? I have none, and would never think of you that way.”

  “Pentanimir, I’m directing you to touch me as you would them. I want to feel you grow at the thought of me.”

  “As you bid.” Pentanimir pulled the bodice lower, leaning down to taste her. His mind returned to Brahanu then. Lowering a hand, his fingers began to explore as the motion of his tongue increased. Denotra’s back arched, covering her mouth to muffle her moans.

  With Brahanu’s face in his mind, his arousal grew, causing Denotra to whimper. As her pleasure peaked, she grasped his back, trying to pull him closer. Pentanimir offered a final caress when she yelled out, twitching beneath him.

  After wiping his hand on the blanket, he wordlessly walked over to the divan against the wall.

  “Pentanimir, why have you left me?” she asked, breathlessly.

  “You’ve overwhelmed me, my lady. Didn’t I please you?”

  “You did. I can’t wait to feel all of you.”

  “I desire it, but I won’t dishonor your father. He trusts me with you, Denotra.” He pulled up his tunic, revealing his excitement. “If I were able, I’d please you without end.”

  “Gods, the whispers are true. I can’t wait until I can have you.”

  “I feel the same,” he said, standing and unlatching the door. “For now, my duty awaits, my lady. Thank you for allowing me to pleasure you. Thoughts of your beauty will warm me during my travels.” When she attempted to rise, he backed out of the door, avoiding the guard’s eyes. After he turned into the main corridor, Oxilon was approaching.

  “Pentanimir, I thought you’d left some time ago.”

  All hells! “Yes, Uncle. Lady Denotra wa—wanted me to accompany her to the garden. I’m heading home now to prepare for the morrow.”

  “We have much to discuss,” Oxilon said, exiting beside him.

  “What needs to be discussed, Uncle? Did the Zaxson mention something in my absence?”

  “You know of what I speak,” he whispered, grabbing his shoulder. “We need to speak about that whore and her babe.”

  “We don’t need to discuss something that the Zaxson has already decided. Now, if you’d excuse me, I need to prepare for my duty.”

  Oxilon’s eyes narrowed, glancing around at the guards. “As you say, Nephew. Give my regards to Danimore.” I’ll give my own to your slave .

  After the Feast

  Itai sighed, tossing and turning in his bed. He was fatigued, yet sleep was elusive. His father was abed upon his return, and that frustrated him. He’d wanted to tell Tioch about Brahanu and their plans to wed. At least with that, his father’s mind would be at ease. It hadn’t been easy for either of them continuing to wait for their marriage. Now that it was happening, his joy was greater than the pain of her confession.

  He stared up at the ceiling, tucking his hands behind his head and picturing Brahanu.

  “Brahanu,” he said. I must remove the Nazilian from my mind. He took advantage of your fear. Forgive me for not being there to protect you, my love. I refuse to allow the ghost to take from our happiness.

  A wistful smile found his face, experiencing both the joy and pain of his musings. “Soon you’ll be my wife, and our lives will truly begin.”

  A loud clanking from the corridor brought him from his contemplation. He sat up, pulling on a tunic as the noise became louder. Quickly wrenching the door open, the loud clank of pots and pans hitting the floor echoed down the corridor.

  “Ahhh curses!” she spat, resting her hands on her hips.

  “Naji? What’re you doing?” Itai asked, picking up the mess.

  “What does it look like I’m do’n, boy? Takin’ my pots back ta the kitchen.”

  “Yes, I can see that. But why were they out of the kitchen?”

  “Ask yer old pa why,” she said, continuing down the corridor. “He takes my stuff and puts it all over the place. Found these out in that work area holdin’ up some sorta board. Don’t know how he ‘spects me ta do my cookin’ when he keeps takin’ my pots.”

  Itai clumsily fumbled with the pots, trailing behind her. “I’m sure that he would’ve returned them. Could be you should’ve left them where they were.”

  “Humph! How can I start the stew if’n I don’t have my biggest cookin’ pot? As tough as this meat is, I need ta simmer it all morn ta make it soft ‘nough for evenin’ meal. Or would ya ruther I lose the few remainin’ teeth I got tryin’ ta eat?”

  “No, Naji. I just meant—”

  “I know what ‘cha meant, boy. Now put them pots over on that table. I needs be getting’ mornin’ meal made, and fetch water for the stew.” Naji turned, looking at him with sad, wrinkled eyes. “When ya get here anyways? Thought ya was out gettin’ that girl of yers.”

  “I did, but I returned late. I wanted to talk to Papa, but he was already abed.”

  “He was abed alright. Got in ta that wineskin early and nearly missed his meal. I made sure he woke up long ‘nough ta eat it. Elsewise, I’d have ta hear it from him for the next ten suns. Why I put up with that pa of yers I just don’t know. Might find me some nice house in need of some good cookin’ and leave this place.”

  Itai laughed, leaning down to kiss her cheek. “You won’t leave us, Naji. What would you do without Papa to argue with? I think you two live to aggravate each other.”

  “Well, maybe so. At least I got ya here ta keep me off ‘em. You’ve always been a good boy, Itai. Now, hand me that sac a oats.”

  Naji had been more of a mother to Itai than a helper in their home. When first she came, it was only to be his wet nurse and aid his mother. But as the years passed, she remained to help care for him after his mother died. When Itai thought back over his childhood, it was old Naji’s face that he remembered most.

  “I should wash and dress, Naji. Do you need anything else?”

  “Yer all thumbs, boy. Well, in the kitchen, anyways. Go on and get yerself dressed. Wake up that old grouch while yer at it. If ya can’t rouse him, a cold pail of water’ll do the trick,” she cackled, stirring her pot.

  Itai chuckled, moving down the corridor. When he reached his chamber, he pulled on a pair of trousers and his leather boots. As he washed in his basin, noises from
outside drew his attention. He dried his face before allowing in the morning air. Movement in the village had begun early. He watched his neighbors pushing their carts and hustling along the streets. Soon, I’ll no longer wake alone, he thought, walking to his father’s chamber.

  He could still hear Naji clanking pots and spoons in the kitchen, knowing she only did it to disturb his father. He was glad that they’d have each other after he’d wed Brahanu.

  He knocked lightly on his father’s door, but when no answer came, he knocked louder and longer.

  “Get away from my door, old woman.” Tioch yelled before something crashed against the door.

  Itai knocked again, entering cautiously. As soon as his shadow shone on the wall, a boot whizzed past his head.

  “Papa! It’s me.”

  “Oh, well, announce yerself ‘afore comin’ into a man’s room.”

  “Who did you think would come to your room at this hour?”

  “All hells, who knows. Thought it was that old woman come to bother me again. I swear: she does things just to get at me.” Tioch went to his chamber pot, emptying his bladder. “Well, what ya come here so early for? Did Naji put ya up to it? Always robbin’ a man of his rest, she is.”

  “Papa,” Itai said, handing him a tunic. “Naji didn’t send me, well, she does want you to come for morning meal, but she’s not the reason.”

  “Ha! I knew she was after me.”

  “Papa, please, listen.”

  “All right, Itai. Have ya news of the girl?”

  “Yes, Brahanu is home and more beautiful than when last I saw her.”

  “Of course, she is, son. More beautiful, more precious, more, more, more. Yet, no closer to fulfillin’ her promise. If I was ya, I would—”

  “You’re not me. A lot has happened, and I’m glad to have her home.”

  “Well, that’s true ‘nough. But ya can’t blame a pa for carin’ for the treatment of his son. Sometimes I feel they think we just ain’t good ‘nough to join with ‘em.” Tioch waved a hand to silence any coming retort. “Now, I know Hacom’s a pretty good fella. He don’t act all high falutin like some. Still, to let a young girl decide her promised time just ain’t right. Hells, yer papa ain’t getting’ no younger, Itai. I’m six and forty. It’d be good to see ya wed and have a lil one or two while I yet breathe,” Tioch said, draining the cup at his bedside.