“I understand, Asmaa. According to Hacom, there is such a village. A boy of human and Nazilian heritage told Draizeyn about it.”
“Then, his ignorance will end all peace in the village. The Zaxson won’t rest until they’re destroyed.”
Riok nodded. “There’s more. Julaybeim reports that they’ll attack Noraa. Draizeyn feels there’re some here in the city with knowledge of the village.”
“He could speak true,” the Nohek said, glancing at Nesdin. He wouldn’t admit his personal knowledge within his hearing.
“It would seem a likely thing. If the inhabitants of this village were from Hyorin, they might have family in the city and other villages,” Riok said. “The Zaxson won’t stop with them or Noraa. His anger will consume Kaleo and Cazaal, too.”
“But no one in Kaleo knows anything about it,” Nesdin said. “Why would the Zaxson punish the people there? This scheme seems hatched from Noraa, not Kaleo.”
“Nesdin, you speak as though you’re not human or didn’t witness the massacre from years past. What was the Zaxson’s reasoning for destroying our great city?” Riok asked, not expecting an answer. “He needed no reason, old friend. It was enough that the city was inhabited by humans. Humans that were too prosperous and became too powerful for the Nazilians.”
“My mind is as sound as yours, Riok,” he said, rising and draining his goblet. “But I won’t intentionally make an enemy of Nazil. Your Nohek Karab has admitted to aiding those Draizeyn seeks to destroy. Kaleo won’t be part of such deception. Nazilians roam our streets freely, and are welcome in our village. We’ll make no move against them.”
“Nesdin, no one plans a move against Nazil,” Riok said. “We serve the Zaxson and always have. Nazilian traders come often from Kumasi, frequenting our inns and establishments. Hacom asks only that we ready ourselves in the likelihood that Nazil moves against us. How’s it treasonous to protect your people? As Caretakers, we’re charged to do so.”
Nesdin scoffed. “Call it what you will. An omission of facts is the same as speaking false. I won’t allow my family or my village to be subjugated to protect people I don’t know.”
“Pardon me, Caretaker,” Asmaa said. “But you sound like a fool. Do you believe that Draizeyn will spare your village if you inform him of what you’ve learned this day? It’s apparent that you don’t know the man. He loathes those who would turn against their own to gain favor.”
“How would you know about the Zaxson, old man?”
“I’ve lived long, Nesdin. I know not only the Zaxson, but also his brother and his father before him. I’ve borne witness to what’s done with informers and spies. As you say, I’m an old man. I haven’t lived this many years by being foolish. It’s your prerogative not to take heed of these warnings and protect your village. But it’s perfidious to reveal what you vowed to keep in confidence. You’ve claimed friendship with the caretakers of Noraa and Cazaal. Don’t turn your back on those who gave you their trust.”
“The Nohek is right, my friend. If you think this threat is false, so be it. However, there’re others who find the assertions valid. Allow us to protect our people the way we choose as you, in turn, decide for your own.”
“I’ll take everything under careful consideration. I’m not abrogating the confidence that we’ve always shared,” Nesdin said.
“Nor the confidences of the Cazaalians, Caretaker. Nor those,” Asmaa asserted.
Nesdin glared at him. “I honor what I’ve said, Riok. Now, I must take leave.”
Change in Plan
Hushar smiled, hearing the rustling behind her. She gave the herbed tea a quick stir before turning around. “It’s good to see you awake, young one. How’s your pain?”
Wosen stretched, yawning. “Much less than it was. My strength is slowly returning.”
“Your color, too. Many of the scars are barely noticeable now.”
“It’s due to your care, Hushar. Soon, I’ll be able to stand and walk on my own.”
“Yes, and when you can, they’ll take you from me, just like the others. I’ll miss having you with me, Wosen. We’ve been together for nearly two full moons. Regardless of why, I’ve enjoyed this time with you.”
“I don’t want to leave you. You and Jahno are the only people in Nazil who’ve been kind. It’s a strange thing. When I was in my village, all I wanted was to get away from the humans there. I thought they were weak. But what they’ve accomplished, the lives that they built, they were brave, Hushar, just like you’re brave. It took courage to oppose a force as strong as Nazil, and they were truly free and happy. I was even to be promised. Why couldn’t I see what was in front of me? My father warned me what awaited here, and I betrayed him and everyone who loves me.”
“I also committed a great offense in my youth, Wosen, and that’s why I’m here. Nazil is my penance alone. Not yours,” she said, caressing his cheek. “No one knows what causes us to act contrary to our nature. My mother would say we act in such ways only during the Guardians’ merge. For it’s at that time that their eyes aren’t fixed on the lands. Pray to your god, young one. Pray well and open your heart to him. Only he can deliver you from Nazil.”
“How are you feeling?” a disembodied voice asked.
Neither of them answered, staring down at the distorted shadow being cast in the corridor. When the guard unlocked the cell, Wosen gripped Hushar’s hand as the door slammed shrilly against the wall.
“Didn’t you hear me?” the voice rang out again as Beilzen stepped into view, twirling a large cudgel.
“Pardons, Sir de Braose. I thought that you were talking to the guards,” Hushar stammered. “Wosen is doing better, but he’ll need more time to heal. Sir.”
“Still on the mend are you, savage?” Beilzen asked, tapping the cudgel on the floor. “I have just the thing to urge you to action,” he said, rushing forward and swiping out at him with his weapon, barely missing. He raised the cudgel again, his second attempt landing hard across Wosen’s midsection.
“Please, Sir,” Hushar pleaded, moving between them. “Sir Benoist and the Zaxson want him well. Please stop, please.”
“You dare speak to me?” Beilzen said, drawing back again.
Forgetting his pain, Wosen sprang up, grasping and pulling Hushar down on top of him. When they landed on the mattress, he screamed.
“Stay your hand, Beilzen,” Oxilon commanded, stepping into the cell.
“Sir Benoist!”
“Have you lost your mind?” Oxilon snatched the weapon from his hand. “You were to check his status, not injure him further! The Zaxson needs him able to lead in seven suns. Why does he now bleed, son of Perrin?”
“For—forgive me, Sir Benoist. The slave questioned me and was disrespectful.”
“You dare speak false to me? The slave told you exactly what she was commanded to. It’s her duty to keep him well. That order came from the Zaxson and me.”
“I didn’t know, Sir Benoist. I thought she was challenging my authority.”
“Authority? What authority does a milquetoast guard hold in the citadel?”
“Sir?”
“These slaves belong to the Zaxson, and Hushar tends all of their wounded. Do you truly believe the Zaxson wants her harmed?”
“I’m sorry. I—I didn’t think—”
“No, you didn’t! Go now and bring herbs, fresh cloth, and heated water. Hushar will need to tend these fresh wounds.”
“Yes, Sir,” he said, scrambling for the door.
“Beilzen,” Oxilon barked. “You’d better pray to all four gods that he’ll be healed and ready to lead the guard. If it isn’t so, the Zaxson might have another body for my chamber.”
Beilzen’s eyes bulged, as he turned, running from the cell.
“Fool,” Oxilon said, extending a hand out to Hushar.
Reluctantly accepting his hand, she rose up, checking Wosen’s condition.
“From where does this blood come, Hushar?” Oxilon asked in a surprisingly mild ton
e.
“I’ll have to remove his tunic to know for sure, milord. It looks to be from the anus. Mayhaps the wound inside hasn’t had time to fully heal. When I get water and herbs, I’ll flush inside again.”
“Make it so. I’ll send Jahno to assist.”
“Thank you, milord,” she said as Oxilon turned, exiting the cell.
“Wosen? Look at me. Wosen?”
“I’m sorry, Hushar. I couldn’t let him hit you.” Wosen strained, grimacing with every word.
“I’m safe because of you, but you’ve been injured again. The blow and the strain have caused more bleeding. I’ve got to mix some herbs and flush inside. Do you understand?”
He nodded. “Will you put me to sleep?”
“I’ll give you the tincture after you eat. I’m going to make you well, young one, I promise,” she said, raising the covers. “If the guards allow, I’ll move the brazier into the cell. You’re sweating, but you’ve got the chills. After I take care of you, I’ll lay with you.”
Wosen clutched her hand, his face contorted in a rictus of pain.
“Wosen, tell me about your promised.”
He smiled up at her, still shivering. “Her—her name is Hibret. Since the beginning, we were always together. She’ll be six and ten soon, and able to wed.
“Her eyes are the most beautiful brown, with flecks of glimmering amber. The way she’d look at me, Hushar, I loved her eyes. There was always such love in them,” he said, taking a staggered breath. “Hibret’s skin is like silk: so soft and smooth. The caramel color glistened in the sun’s light. We’d walk the shores of the Libero and Raphar together. Once, I stole a kiss.” He raised a hand up, feeling the raggedness of his mouth. “I remember how her lips felt against mine. The moment didn’t last long, but the memory is eternal.”
His eyes closed, recalling every detail. “I loved her hair,” he said, stroking his own. “It was long and dark with tight rings of curls. She always used oils of flowers and herbs to make it smell so sweet. How could I ever hurt her? When I fled the village, I knocked her to the ground and never turned back. I didn’t care about anyone then: not my father, sister, or Hibret. It was madness, and now I’ve endangered everyone who loved me.”
Hushar stroked his face as Beilzen and Jahno entered the cell.
“Thank you, Jahno,” she said, taking the basket from him.
Beilzen scowled, setting the pails on the floor before stomping back down the corridor.
“Jahno, could you help me undress him? He’s bleeding again and I’ll need your help.”
“Gods, will his suffering ever end?”
“It will, Jahno, and yours will, too.”
Wosen moaned as Jahno lifted him, allowing Hushar to raise his tunic.
“There now, young one. Only a little further and it’s done.”
“Thank you, Jahno. Can you help him eat while I mix some herbs for sleep?”
“Yes, I’m supposed to stay with you until the morrow.”
She smiled. “Both of my boys will be with me.”
“Why would you send that fool down to the cells?” Draizeyn demanded.
“Pardons, Zaxson,” Oxilon said. “Beilzen was only supposed to ascertain the abomination’s condition and report back to me. I thought—”
“Thought? There wasn’t any thought here, Oxilon. When I assign you a task, I expect you to carry it out! You might put your faith in that inept bobolyne, but I don’t!”
Oxilon’s jaw tightened. “Apologies, Zaxson, the error won’t be repeated. Hushar assures me that his injuries are minor. I’ve ordered Jahno to remain with her in case she needs anything.”
Draizeyn glared at him, and then addressed the council. “Now, if Oxilon’s idiocy hasn’t impeded our directive, where do we stand?”
Idiocy! Had it not been for me, you wouldn’t be on your seat of power. Mayhaps your brother, Nikolaj, was the better choice. If you were anyone else, my sword would be embedded in your chest, Oxilon thought, gesturing for wine.
“We have one hundred ready to move on the village,” Yannick said. “That’s more than we need. The men continue to train and are eager to make the savages bleed.”
“I’m looking forward to the same.”
“If we believe what the abomination said, less than thirty of them can adequately wield a sword.”
“This is true,” Draizeyn said. “But he mentioned their extensive training with the long bow. We must be ready to thwart such action before it can begin. Daracus, what about the villages and outposts? Do they stand ready?”
“They merely await your order. Yarah will join Brandt and Mahlum to take Noraa. Dovak and Spero will converge on Cazaal. Lempol and Leahcim will move on Kaleo. The commanders of the outpost will join the guards they’ve been assigned.”
“What about Kumasi?”
Daracus nearly scoffed. “I ordered fifty guards there. Kumasi is more a liability than a help. Those hedge-born fishermen and herders know little and less.”
“That might be true, but Mahlum and Kumasi produce most of our food. I don’t need Kumasi to assist in this, I need our supplies protected.”
“I instructed the guards accordingly, Father.”
“Good. Have the builders returned from the wood?”
“Yes, Zaxson,” Reaglen answered. “Halston is managing the stores of wood outside the city. He’ll make a report when it’s complete.”
Draizeyn rose, pacing the room. “That abomination had better be healed within seven suns. I don’t care if he has to be thrown over the back of a horse, he’s leading us through the wood. The longer we delay, the more time they have to prepare.”
“Father, what if they’ve created some traps? They knew that he was coming to Nazil, I doubt that they’d sit idle and wait to be destroyed.”
“The abomination fled the village after stabbing his father,” Grimmish said. “If Hosdaq indeed died, mayhaps the truth of his son’s heading died with him.”
“Your point is well received,” Draizeyn said. “But I won’t assume that Hosdaq is dead. We’ll continue as if the entire village knows of our coming. Every precaution will be taken to ensure an expeditious victory.” He turned, retaking his seat. “Oxilon, what’s the news from Pentanimir? Has Danimore visited Cazaal?”
“He did, Zaxson. They visited under the guise of introducing him to the Caretaker.”
“It’s good to know there are yet Benoists who can do as they’re commanded.”
Oxilon’s eyes flashed, but he quickly forced a smile, inclining his head.
“What did their message read, Reaglen?” Draizeyn asked.
“Pentanimir reported the visit was a success. The daughter, Brahanu, is heavy with child. She shouldn’t be leaving the village anytime soon.”
“Excellent news. Oxilon, when we march toward the mountains, you’ll travel south through the wood with five hundred guards. Assign one hundred each to overtake the human outposts. Pentanimir will bring his guard in from the southwest. You’ll converge on Cazaal, and neutralize all in your path. I want the Caretaker’s daughter brought back to Nazil, unspoiled.”
“Zaxson, it might be more efficacious if Pentanimir held her in Spero,” Temian said. “She could be transported to Nazil after Cazaal’s defeat.”
“Temian, you’re not a man of war, and your time here has been short. If not for the shipment from the temple, you’d still be in Spero. Your presence here is a courtesy and nothing more. Cazaal must bleed, and this Brahanu will become my new pet. They’ll serve as a lesson for anyone who even thinks to oppose us.”
“As you say, Zaxson.”
“Daracus, you’ll take five hundred guards to Mahlum, and Yannick, you’ll take five hundred to Yarah. Choose a third to take five hundred guards to Brandt. Assume command of the guards there and coordinate your attack upon Noraa. Reaglen will send word as to when.
“Gudrun, you’ll choose a second. Each will have two-hundred-fifty guards. You’ll lead in Lempol, and your second in Leahcim. Toget
her, you’ll take Kaleo. We’ll rain down on the villages simultaneously.”
“Zaxson,” Oxilon interjected. “Wouldn’t Noraa be a better assignment for me? My brother and I successfully initiated the strategy and attack that destroyed Hyorin.”
“I’m aware of your past deeds…as well as your present ones,” Draizeyn said, dismissively. “Speaking of, what’s Beilzen’s current position?”
Oxilon was incensed by his rebuff. “Beilzen? He’s earned a position as second guard.”
“Earned? By whose authority was he promoted?” Draizeyn asked, already aware of the answer.
“By my authority, Zaxson.”
“Indeed. What challenges did he complete to earn a place on the second guard?”
“He completed no public challenge. It was by my word alone that he was promoted.”
“Oh, by your word. Mayhaps had he completed the challenges that are required to join our honorable guard, he wouldn’t think himself above his orders. Being on the Nazilian guard is an earned honor. Lymbach, at our meeting’s end, you’ll escort Beilzen to the temple. He’ll serve as your personal scribe and receive an assigned chamber. He’ll do your bidding and not leave your side.”
“Yes, sir, Zaxson.”
“Also, I’ll have Leanta and Ceron bathed and sent over for your purge. Your prayers need to be focused before Nazil heads to war. Use them well and often…all of you,” Draizeyn said, glaring over at Temian. “You’re dismissed.”
Eytan
“Itai, we need to talk about this now,” Brahanu said. “We must make a decision soon.”
“There’s no decision to make. You’re my wife, not his. I swore to protect you before we wed, and I’ll hold to that.”
Brahanu sighed, finding a place on his lap. “I am your wife, Itai. This has nothing to do with Pentanimir. He’ll be in Cazaal as I travel with his brother and Zeta.”
“Travel where? No one even knows if the wood is safe, yet I’m supposed to send my wife and unborn child there with nothing but a Nazilian to guard them? No. No one can offer you greater protection than your family. Why do you put so much trust in this Nazilian?”
“It’s not my trust in him, Itai, truly. I told you about the Elder’s visions. One of them concerned our child.”
The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy Page 51