Pentanimir could barely contain his composure as he rode back to his house. Visions of his uncle abusing Zeta assaulted both his mind and heart. Oxilon’s methods of torture were sadistic when dealing with Nazilian prisoners. He couldn’t fathom what he’d done to Zeta. His father had spoken of the sadism derived from such treatment, and that made his heart ache all the more. Oxilon was cruel, yet Pentanimir never thought he’d violate their home with his obscenities.
Taking no time to properly care for his mount, he closed the door on the stall, moving quickly into the house.
“Oh! Pentanimir,” Zeta giggled. “I wasn’t expecting you. Did you have evening meal at the citadel or would you like me to make you a plate?”
“I…just raise your dress, Zeta.”
“What? Pentan—”
“Just raise your dress.” His tone was firm, but his visage was forlorn.
Zeta trembled, taking a step back. She rung her hands, fighting the eruption of emotions assailing every part of her. Apprehensively, she grasped the fringes of her dress, raising it up.
He gasped, a feeling of rage, sorrow, and guilt rushing through his mind. Reaching out, he lowered her dress, sitting heavily on a chair.
“Why, Zeta? Why didn’t you tell us?”
“I—it—please, Pentanimir—”
“No. You’re going to tell me all of it now, and before Dani returns from duty.”
“I—I didn’t want Dani to know. That’s what Oxilon wanted. He wanted me to tell him, to hurt him beyond measure. How did you find out?”
Pentanimir sighed. “Oxilon told Draizeyn that he abused you while we were away. What did he do to you?”
“You hadn’t been gone a glass before he came. I—I didn’t want to let him in, but he threatened me. I tried to do what he asked, but he didn’t want food or drink or anything. He wanted me.”
Pentanimir caressed her hand, offering a gentle squeeze. “Tell me, Zeta. I know it’s difficult, but I must know.”
Zeta was more fearful now than when she’d first arrived. Her eyes stayed fixed on the floor as she recounted the brutalities that Oxilon had committed.
Pentanimir’s jaw clenched, the anger building with each word. “Have you told me all of it?”
“Yes, Sir. I wouldn’t do what he wanted. Learning what he did would hurt Danimore far more than what he did to me. My wounds will heal in time, but the truth of this would linger in Danimore’s heart forever. I couldn’t hurt him, Pentanimir, but I didn’t mean to lie, either. If you order it, I’ll tell him, but we shouldn’t. We should never let him know.”
“Your omission wasn’t dishonesty. You’re willing to suffer this alone due to your love for my brother, and I admire that, Zeta. I admire you. My uncle did this to punish Danimore, but you’re the one who’s suffered. Nothing I can say can change what’s been done or erase the pain you’ve endured, but I’m sorry, Zeta. I’m so sorry.”
“I know. You and your brother are the reason that I’m able to heal. If Dani knew about this, he might confront your uncle. I don’t want him to ever know. The pain is nearly gone, my son is healthy, and I love your brother. Isn’t that truth enough?”
He smiled wistfully. “It’s a most important truth, and what happened will stay between us. My apology isn’t enough, but I offer it to you anyway. I’ll do everything that I can to free you from Nazil, Zeta. I promise.”
As she returned his smile, the door creaked open. Zeta brushed away her tears, rushing to the door.
“How was your duty, Dani?” she asked.
“It was too long away from you and Raithym,” he said.
“Raithym’s still sleeping. Are you hungry?”
“For more than your meal,” he said, scooping her up in his arms and kissing her. “How’re you feeling?”
“Much better now.” She glanced at Pentanimir. “Gali brought some herbs for me and said I’m healing well.”
“I’m pleased to hear it. I hope Yannick allows her to continue to come.”
“Me, too,” she said, moving to prepare his meal.
“Brother, I expected you to be at the citadel,” Danimore said. “Didn’t you sup with them?”
“I did much and more. The Zaxson wants me to journey to Spero on the morrow.”
“But we’ve only just returned. Surely, the business in Spero can wait.”
“No. Daracus must inspect the new city, and Draizeyn wants me there to assist. He means for me to take charge at its completion.”
“You’re to head the new city?”
“Until his mind changes on the matter, I’ll hold the position.”
Danimore smiled. “Spero is very near Cazaal.”
“Very near, Brother, very near.”
“I’m so happy for you, Pentanimir. Not only will you have a better position, but you’ll be near the village.”
“What’s in Cazaal?” Zeta said. “I know of a few people from there.”
“Truly?” Pentanimir asked.
“My father and uncle had business there.” An honest smile found her face. “He even had the opportunity to craft a sword for the Caretaker, Lord Ravenot.”
“You know the Caretaker? What about his family?”
“I only met the Caretaker and his son. Lord Estenbrook made the introduction. Lord Ravenot had admired his sword and he introduced him to my father. It was a great honor,” Zeta started, until Raithym’s cries interrupted them. She finished Danimore’s plate, and then rushed off down the hall.
“Brother, why’re you asking about the Caretaker? Do you know him?”
“No, Dani, but he’s Brahanu’s father.”
“Couldn’t you visit the village on business? If you’re heading the new city, wouldn’t you introduce yourself to the Caretakers?”
“An introduction is customary, whether I host a feast or travel. I’d need to send a message and alert Brahanu of my arrival.”
“What about Daracus?”
“No doubt he’d remain in Spero. He detests socializing with the humans. If all goes well, I could secure a place for you and Zeta.”
“How?”
“Draizeyn wants me to select a new Cha Asham from Nazil and others to populate the temple. Once I’m settled, I’ll need to appoint a First Guard.” He smiled. “That’ll be you, Dani. After he signs the proclamation, you’ll join me in Spero. There’ll be plenty of privacy for you and Zeta.”
“What about our home here?”
“Kieran and her family will maintain it as they always have.”
“Are you certain Zeta and the babe would be allowed to travel with us?”
“Dani, I’m not asking for permission. Besides, we’ll be taking our possessions, and they see her as one of them.”
“This is true. She’ll be glad to hear it.”
“There’s more, Dani. We need to make Zeta aware of what we discussed.”
“What do I need to know?” Zeta asked, entering the kitchen.
“Zeta, Dani and I discussed a strategy to keep you and Raithym safe. It’ll be difficult, but it’s the only way.”
“What’re you talking about, Brother?”
“When I visited the citadel, Draizeyn mentioned Uncle’s concerns about Zeta.”
“Still he persists? Why would the Zaxson care about what happens in our home?”
“He doesn’t. It’s merely the appearance of disorder in the home of his daughter’s pledged.”
“I didn’t mean to make any trouble,” Zeta said.
“It isn’t you, Zeta, and I told the Zaxson the same,” Pentanimir said. “I mentioned your interest in a pledge, too, Dani.”
Zeta gasped, and Danimore immediately clasped her hand.
“It’s not what you think, Zeta, truly. We believe that if I can convince Uncle that I’m interested in seeking a pledge, that he’ll cease his efforts against you. We could enjoy our happiness without his intrusion and berating. Uncle can be very cruel, and if he made a move against you, I’d do my best to make him pay for it.”
“He’s right,” Pentanimir said. “If Uncle’s attention is on Dani’s pledge to Nikolina, it won’t be on you.”
“What about Nikolina?”
“I don’t want to hurt her or her father, but we can’t think of another solution. There’re other men who desire a pledge with her as well. Once we leave the city, they could offer it. We won’t have the time to secure ours before we take leave, so it shouldn’t be seen as a slight.”
“Are you certain that your uncle will do it?”
“He’ll be relieved when I tell him,” Danimore said, and then regarded Pentanimir. “Will Draizeyn tell Uncle about the pledge?”
“He might, though I think he’s heard as much from Beilzen. Even so, you should go to him after your duty on the morrow. Make a sincere plea and beg for his assistance if you must. Don’t allow him to provoke you.”
“Don’t worry, Pentanimir, I’ll make him believe.”
Noraa
“What is it?” Riok barked.
“Pardons, Caretaker. The Nohek Karab has arrived with word from Nazil.”
Riok sighed, rising from his bathing pool and waving the servants away. After pulling on his robe, he sat at the table, draining his cup.
“Bring more wine and cheeses,” he ordered. “You may show him in, Llywelyn.”
As the Nohek Karab entered, Riok inclined his head.
“Apologies, Nohek Asmaa. I would’ve met you in the hall, but Llywelyn made your message sound urgent.”
“There’s no need, Lord Estenbrook. The message wouldn’t read any differently in the hall; the words would remain the same.”
Riok chuckled, causing his round belly to shake.
“Well, what news has Nazil sent?”
“The Cha sent a notification regarding Lady Denotra’s coming nuptial.”
“Ah, she’s finally marrying,” Riok said, plucking a cherry from the bowl. “Does it mention to whom she’s pledged?”
“She’s pledged to the city’s First Chosen, Sir Pentanimir Benoist.”
“Benoist...I think I know his father. Do you recall his name?”
“If my memory serves, it was Sir Manifir Benoist. He was also First Chosen, and wed to Lady Kitrin Thaon of Yarah.”
“Yes, I thought the name familiar.” Riok nodded. “He’s the one who led the ambush against Hyorin, wasn’t he?”
“One and the same, my lord.”
“I recall him receiving high honors from the Zaxson after such a victory . And his son will wed the Zaxson’s daughter? It appears that those honors succeed his death.”
Estenbrook shifted, the thoughts of Hyorin’s destruction plaguing his mind. He’d lost his father during those attacks and numerous good friends as well.
“Are you all right?” Asmaa asked, leaning forward on his boney elbow.
“Of course. Tell me: wasn’t there news of Manifir siring children with his human captives?”
Asmaa gazed at the Caretaker, shaking his head. “I wouldn’t know, my lord. And if I may be so bold, to speak so could have you put in irons. The Benoist family is highly regarded in Nazil and beyond. It would be wise to guard your tongue.” Asmaa glanced at the servants in the room. “One never knows who might whisper your words in the Zaxson’s ear.”
Riok cleared his throat, signaling for more wine. “You speak true, Asmaa. Beg pardon. Is there anything else the Zaxson would have of me?”
“Yes. The Zaxson requests gifts from every city and village. He requires the best of your wares, five heads of cattle, ten bags of grain, and two-hundred gold pieces.”
“Two-hundred! In addition to the gold collected each season?”
“It would seem so.”
“Hells, is there anything else that he requires? I have two daughters that are maiden. Should I send Maisha and Natasha, too?”
“That information wasn’t contained on the scroll, Lord Estenbrook. Only the requested items need to be delivered.”
Riok had forgotten the Nohek’s lack of humor, and continued as if he’d made no jest.
“We’ll meet our obligations. When is the ceremony scheduled?”
“There’s no specific date listed. It’s to be in the warm season. Even so, he wants everything delivered before the next full moon.”
“The people won’t appreciate a double payment of tax. The harvest didn’t produce as much as we expected, and with the early cold, a new planting isn’t possible. Still, I’ll have everything prepared and delivered with haste.”
“That would be best, my lord. The Zaxson doesn’t make requests.”
“Surely not,” Riok said, sitting up in his seat. “I’d like for you to send birds to Lords Vaughan and Ravenot. Extend an invitation for a meeting and meal.”
“As you say. When would you have them come?”
“Eleven suns hence. Convey the urgency and importance of the meeting.”
“Yes, my lord. Should I respond to Nazil as well?”
“Yes, yes, of course,” he said with a wave of his hand. “Offer the proper greetings and congratulations when you do.”
“If that’s all, my lord, I’ll return to the temple.”
“You may leave, Nohek Asmaa, and thank you for your wise counsel.”
“It’s my pleasure.”
“Canid, I need you to ready my clothing and have Lady Oana meet me in my solar,” Riok said once Asmaa left. “Light the hearth and leave some refreshments. I want to speak with my wife alone.”
Riok pushed up to his feet, looking out of the window at the vast city. “Pentanimir, son of Manifir,” he said aloud. “Son of the assassin.”
New City
Danimore moaned, moving in response to the sensations of his vivid dream. His hips raised, as his breathing became heavy.
“Zeta,” he called out in his sleep, jerking with each wave of pleasure. His body tensed, trembling with the unexpected completion. When his eyes blinked open, he noticed Zeta crouching over him.
Danimore sat up in the bed, dazed, trying to clear the fog from his eyes and mind. Zeta gently pushed against his shoulder, snuggling in next to him.
“It wasn’t a dream,” he said, still groggy. “You pleasured me with your mouth.”
“I wanted to please you, and I knew that you wouldn’t allow it.”
“Why then did you take me in my sleep?”
“Because you needed me to,” she said, caressing his bare chest. “Your body was anxious for my touch.”
As he leaned down for a kiss, Raithym began to cry. Zeta smiled, kissing his chest before moving to soothe her son.
“Did you enjoy it?” Zeta asked.
“How could I not? The pleasure of it woke me from my sleep.”
“Then, I’m happy. I hope that you’ll allow me to please you soon when you’re fully awake to enjoy it.”
“I welcome that, Zeta, but you still need time to heal.”
As she fed Raithym, Danimore stood, poking at the wood in the hearth. “What do you think about Pentanimir’s plan?”
“I’m excited. Do you think it’ll work like he said?”
“As long as Draizeyn appoints him to Spero, there shouldn’t be an issue.” He paused, meeting her eyes. “What are your thoughts about Nikolina and the pledge?”
“I understand the why of it.”
“But what are your thoughts, Zeta?”
“I’d rather that you didn’t do it. I hate deceiving her, especially if she cares for you.” She shook her head. “No good has ever come from a woman’s scorn, Dani. I’m afraid of what might happen, but I understand that your uncle is forcing your hand.”
“If there was another way, I’d do it. I don’t want to mislead Nikolina or her father, but our options are limited.”
“I understand, and agree with whatever you decide.”
She nestled Raithym in his bed, pulling on her dress. “I’d better start the morning meal. Is there anything that you’d like?”
“Your happiness,
Zeta.”
“You’ve already made me happier than I thought that I ever could be. It’s—it’s more than hurting her. I want to be in her place. I want to be able to express our love openly, Dani, you and me.”
“In time,” he said. “Both you and Raithym will be Benoists.”
“I welcome that time.” She smiled, leaving his chamber.
As he began filling the pot, he couldn’t stop thinking of the pleasurable way she’d awakened him. He smiled until his body responded, causing the spray to hit the floor and wall.
“All hells,” he said, trying to manage the stream.
“Dani,” Pentanimir said, tapping on the door.
“Yes, come,” Danimore said, dipping his hands in the basin.
“I was just ensuring that you were awake. I’ll be leaving soon.”
“I’ll join you in a moment, Pentanimir. Allow me to dress.”
“Don’t forget to visit Uncle after your duty,” Pentanimir said. “We don’t need anything impeding our plans for Spero.”
“I will, but it’ll take everything within me to endure his pomposity.”
“Trust me: Uncle will be pleased with your request. The thought of arranging a second pledge will feed the very ego that you fear.”
“How long will it take to arrive in Spero, Pentanimir?” Zeta asked.
“Eight to nine suns at least. The Yarahan Caretaker’s planned a feast in his honor. Most likely, Daracus will do the same in Dovak and Leahcim. He likes to swank around the high lords like he’s the Zaxson.”
Danimore shook his head. “He’s just like his father.”
“Indeed. Howbeit, Daracus is more dangerous than Draizeyn. The more pellets that he consumes, the more he needs them. Everyone at the citadel has suffered from his volatility, even the guards. Daracus enjoys his sadistic proclivities, and desires them often.”
“Daracus and his father are cruel,” Zeta said, recalling their abuses. “But it—it was Denotra that I feared most. One moment she would smile and the next, she’d beat me. You couldn’t judge her mood or satisfy her needs.”
I know which needs she wants satisfied , Pentanimir thought. “I’ve experience this as well. It isn’t a pleasing thought to know my life is pledged to such a person. Neither she nor Daracus care about anyone in their service. Even I’m merely a pawn in the larger game the Vereuxs play.”
The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy Page 38