The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  “Mind his words,” Hushar said. “Jahno spends more time with the Zaxson and Nakshij than anyone else, save Surma.”

  Wosen nodded. “How should I respond to his questions?”

  “Answer only what’s been asked and do so concisely. Don’t offer more. When the answer is complete, end with Sir or Zaxson.”

  “I’ll heed your advice, Jahno, thank you.”

  “Good. If you’re ready, the Zaxson awaits you.”

  “I fear that I won’t see you again,” Hushar said, holding him close.

  “If the One god and the Guardians are good, you’ll see me, Hushar, and we’ll be free.”

  Gali

  Julaybeim shifted nervously, glancing around at the thick brush and trees. Although he was keeping a close watch on the woods, his mind couldn’t turn from the new information they’d received or the potential affect it would have on him. He was concerned for the well-being of the lands, but also for the woman that he was escorting. With the uncertainties in Faélondul, he needed to clear some of the turbidity from his heart and mind. If he could only muster the courage to begin.

  Resting a hand on his sword’s hilt, he took a step forward, but then stopped again, taking a deep breath. After calming his thoughts, he looked at her, steeling his resolve.

  “Gali, are you certain about returning to Spero?” he was finally able to ask.

  “Yes. I’ve enjoyed being in Cazaal and everyone has been kind, but I must return. It’s taken some time, but I’m beginning to feel myself again,” Gali said, smiling up at him and continuing to dig up the roots. “You’re the cause for much of that, you know?”

  The warm flutters in his stomach made his cheeks flush. Since their first walk together, Julaybeim managed to spend time with her every day. In all that time, she hadn’t given any indication of her feelings for him. He wasn’t certain, but he felt that she thought of him as more than a friend, and that was pleasing. Time alone with Gali had changed much of what he thought when first they met. The servant was gone, and only an intelligent, beautiful woman remained.

  “Me? How am I the cause?” he asked, helping her to stand.

  “I noticed the way you looked at me when I first visited your home. It was your eyes, Julaybeim…the pity and disapproval of me at your father’s table. You thought me beneath you. Did you not?”

  “I did not and do not think of you that way. Yes, I’ve said that I felt pity for you and Zeta. I was offended that the Nazilians brought you to us in that state. It was anger, not disregard. I don’t think that you’re beneath me. I found you beautiful and broken, and it angered me.”

  “You found me beautiful?”

  “Then and now,” he said, helping her in the cart and then taking a seat beside her. “Why must you return to Spero? Why now?”

  “When Pentanimir asked if I wanted to return home, I thought that I should. But after Tioch’s kindness in offering me a room, I knew that I couldn’t go back to Kaleo, not to stay. There’s no place for me there, Julaybeim. Soon, the lands will be at war. If Brahanu travels to the wood with Zeta and Dani, I’ll need to be with them. They’re leaving from Spero, so that’s where I need to be.”

  “But why? Why must you go?” he asked, slowing the cart.

  “Zeta has a young babe, and Brahanu is nearly due. They could both need me. The journey will be slow, and Black Boulder Pass can be treacherous if not traversed with great care. I’ve traveled the pass many times with my father. I can’t abandon them after all they’ve done for me.”

  “What about me?”

  “You? What do you mean?”

  He sighed, turning away from her. He’d spoken aloud what should’ve remained only in his mind. Now, he had to confront what he feared. The feelings that he felt for Gali surprised him. As he sat in contemplation, the reality of his circumstances threatened to overwhelm him. He didn’t know what to say, but he couldn’t turn from it now.

  “Are you to say that you feel nothing for me, Gali?”

  She reached up, turning him back around to face her.

  “I didn’t’ say that.” She smiled. “You’ve been my truest friend since my arrival here.”

  With a look between longing, desperation, and bemusement, he searched every part of her. Although he knew it was wrong, he released the reins, drawing her in for a kiss. Gali pushed away, raising a hand as if to strike him. Her chest heaved, as visions of Yannick flooded her mind. But the more she stared into his grey eyes, the more those images faded. She wasn’t in Nazil, and Julaybeim wasn’t her captor. She cared about him, as he appeared to care for her. Slowly, she leaned forward, softly kissing his lips. It was the first time that she’d returned a kiss freely.

  “Forgive me, Gali. I talk about the Nazilian’s behavior, and then, I force myself on you. It wasn’t how I meant it to be, truly. I wanted you to care about me as I do you…I wanted you to desire me…but…I was wrong, and I’m sorry.”

  “Julaybeim, I’ve always found you attractive. It wasn’t the same in the beginning as it is now, but you’ve always been desirable. Even so, I’ve accepted the truth: I was a slave in Nazil. Every human knows exactly what that means. Zeta was blessed with Danimore, but I don’t expect such an outcome. Continuing my work as a lakaar is blessing enough, and I honor my father by doing so. Not everyone is meant to wed,” she said, wistfully.

  Julaybeim’s brow creased, guiding the cart back to the wood. He didn’t speak as he locked the wheels, helping her down again. Gali looked at him curiously, following him to a weathered bench.

  “Why have we returned here?” she asked.

  “Because I want to speak with you alone. The lakaar doesn’t need the herbs right away, and I’m finished training for the day. We need time, Gali. You and me.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Nor do I, but I know that we need to talk.”

  “If this is about the kiss, there’s no need to worry. I’m not going to tell anyone, and I know it didn’t mean anything. Everyone wants a first kiss.”

  “Why would you say that? Do you think that I walk around the village kissing every maid that I pass?”

  “No, and that’s not what you did with me either. I haven’t been a maid since my first night in Nazil. Yannick Merrimont paid much coin to have an unspoiled slave at his bidding. So, I’m no maid, young lord, and not at all fit for a Caretaker’s son.”

  “No one can tell me who is fit to share my heart.”

  “Please, Julaybeim, you’re young, and don’t fully understand what you’re saying. The time that we’ve spent together has been wonderful, and I’ll miss you when I leave. However, some things just can’t be. I won’t come false and say that I feel nothing for you, but those feelings matter little. I’m not fit for you, and your parents would never approve such a relationship.”

  “I’m a man grown, as you are a woman, a beautiful woman. It’s more than mere warmth I feel when I think about you; it’s much more. That’s all that I need to understand. No one in this village, save Tioch and Briac know about your past, and it doesn’t matter to me.”

  “It should matter to you. It’s changed the person that I was. Don’t you see that? I was a captive in Nazil for four years, just as I reached the age of bond. I’m just now regaining some of my former life. How could I give you all of me if I’ve lost so much of myself?”

  “Then allow me to help you reclaim it,” he said, kissing her again.

  She didn’t move away, drawing him in closer. She relished the feel of his hands caressing her back, as she tasted all of him, enjoying what a kiss was meant to be. Sliding a hand down his abdomen, she moaned, feeling his arousal. When Julaybeim tautened, she leaned back, staring into his eyes.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked.

  Julaybeim shook his head. “I–I–it—”

  “Haven’t you ever lain with a woman?”

  He turned away, fighting against his release. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—I mean—”

  Gali didn’t speak
as she stood, leading him deeper within the trees. When they entered a small coppice, she turned, covering his lips again. Julaybeim didn’t protest when she lowered him to the ground.

  Kissing down his chin to his neck, Gali unclasped his belt, loosening the laces of his trousers. Her eyes never left his as she moved over him, joining his body to hers. Julaybeim’s mouth gaped, a pleasurable heat igniting every part of him at once. Within moments, he clutched her hips, calling out repeatedly. Gali continued her skillful movements, reaching a peak of satisfaction that she’d never known.

  After her breathing calmed, she smiled down at him, offering a gentle kiss before standing, and straightening her dress.

  “If I were you, I’d get up and lace my trousers, young lord. You were quite loud, and might’ve attracted the sentries.”

  He sat up then, fastening his trousers and belt. “How did you know?”

  Her smile widened, reaching a hand out to him. “What’s to know? There’s always to be a first, Julaybeim. This was first for the both of us.”

  “But how, Gali? You didn’t have to share yourself with me. I mean…I wanted to be a part of you, but I’d never force myself on you.”

  “Then, we both received what we desired. For you, it was the first time becoming one with another. For me, it was the first time that I chose freely with whom to become one. Weren’t you pleased, young lord?” she teased.

  He halted, taking her hands. Her words stung, and he felt the guilt of finding their closeness so pleasing. “Gali, please don’t call me that. This wasn’t a duty or command. I don’t just want your physical pleasures; I want you, all of you.”

  “I don’t follow commands anymore. Had I not wanted you, we wouldn’t have shared such closeness. But this is all that I can offer you. In another time, I would’ve relished those words, but I’ve no more to give. I’m leaving Cazaal soon, and I hope that you’ll remember our closeness always. Not only the pleasure, but me as well.”

  “Who’s there?” a voice called in the distance.

  Julaybeim whipped around, pushing Gali protectively behind him, lowering a hand to his sword.

  “Ulrike, Nuran, is that you?”

  “Lord Ravenot? We heard screams. Is everything all right?” Ulrike asked, scanning the tree-lined area.

  Gali snickered, stepping out from behind Julaybeim.

  “We—we’re fine, thank you for your concern,” Julaybeim said, knowing those screams were his. “Gali was helping me...I mean, I…I…was helping her to re—retrieve herbs and roots for the lakaar .”

  Ulrike and Nuran grinned, exchanging a knowing look. “As you say, Lord Ravenot,” Nuran said, elbowing Ulrike and returning to their post.

  “I think they know that you weren’t completely honest, Julaybeim. Had I known of your exuberant expressions of pleasure, I would’ve taken you deeper into the wood.”

  He blushed, helping Gali into the cart. As they passed the guards’ tower, the two men smiled, waving down at them. Gali merely giggled, returning the gesture.

  “This isn’t funny,” Julaybeim said. “We need to talk about this seriously.”

  “Can’t we enjoy what we shared for now? I don’t want to talk about it. I’d rather remember the sensation of your lips, your hands, and the perfect way that your body fills mine,” she said, taking his hand. “And how you tremble beneath me.”

  Noticing his forlorn expression, she sighed, interlacing their fingers. Gali hoped that sharing such closeness would satisfy Julaybeim’s desires, but his demeanor caused her to think otherwise. That was unexpected, and she contemplated not only his true desires, but also hers. She understood the truth even if he didn’t. There wasn’t a place for her in his life, no matter what either of them wanted. She hoped that he’d accept that, just as she had long ago when she realized that she cared for him.

  “Mayhaps on the morrow,” she said. “We could meet at the inn if you like. Naji says that they make a fine mortrew.”

  “I’d rather speak about it now, but I’ll wait. I’d like you to come to my home and we can have a private meal in the gardens.”

  “I doubt that your mother would approve of that.”

  “You’ll be well received, I promise. Tell me your favorite meal and I’ll have it prepared.”

  “Truly?”

  “Tell me of it and see.” Julaybeim smiled, halting the cart.

  “All right. I haven’t had fried fig pastries in a while. They were my favorite. Oh, and sausages with spiced sauce, roasted rice, fresh turnips, stuffed eggs, mushrooms, zabaglone, and a delicious hypocras,” she rambled off, wearing a broad and beautiful smile.

  Julaybeim laughed aloud. “Two sweets? Where could you hold so much food with such a pleasing figure?”

  “You asked what I wanted, young lord,” she said, quickly kissing him before hopping down off the cart.

  “You shall have it, Gali. Come at noon and I’ll escort you to the gardens.”

  Spinning around, she waved and then entered Lakaar Briac’s home.

  He flicked the reins, moving the cart forward. Julaybeim smiled, despite the tumult of conflicting emotions inundating him. He couldn’t sort through his thoughts, but this couldn’t be the end for them when he was just beginning to surrender his heart.

  At that, he turned the cart, heading for his sister’s home instead. He arrived quickly, pacing outside after rapping on the door. He attempted to organize his thoughts and feelings, but the myriad emotions were nearly overwhelming.

  “Sister?” Julaybeim said, surprised. “I didn’t want you to get up. Where’s Mena?”

  “She’s helping her mother at the inn. It’s been busy with the sentries increased training.”

  “How do you feel? You’ve grown larger since last I saw you.”

  “Yes, Eytan takes after his father, and makes himself known often. His kicks have become most powerful of late,” Brahanu said, as he released her arm, lowering her down on the divan.

  “Do you need anything: food or drink? Your face has become too thin, Brahanu. I’m worried about you.”

  “No, thank you. I just need to rest, and haven’t been able to hold my food. Lakaar Briac mixed a tincture of herbs that should help.” Brahanu shifted on the couch, leaning awkwardly. “Aren’t you training today?”

  “I was helping Gali gather some herbs and roots for Briac. Even with the increased sentries, I didn’t want her alone in the wood.”

  “I’m glad that she’s found a place here, Julaybeim. She appears a sweet young woman, and Briac speaks highly of her. He’s known her family for many years.” She chuckled. “Naji has even taken a liking to her, and you know how she can be.”

  “Indeed. I find Gali much the same. In fact, that’s part of the reason for my visit.”

  “Part? What has your mind, Brother?”

  “I wanted to ask you about the Animus Wood. Have you been given leave to go?”

  “Father has finally agreed, but Itai is still unsure, and I understand his trepidation. Eytan could come at any time, and traveling could be dangerous with only Dani to protect us.”

  “It is, and I’ve been thinking about the same.” He shifted, clearing his throat. “Can I ask you something?”

  “Of course?”

  “What do you think about Gali, truly?”

  “Gali? She’s very intelligent and quite knowledgeable regarding healing. I’m glad to see her becoming more herself after all that happened in Nazil. Once she returns to Kaleo, she’ll be able to reclaim much of what was stolen from her. Why do you ask?”

  “I was thinking about escorting you to the Animus Wood. If Father and Itai don’t trust Danimore, surely they’d trust me.”

  “You? I thought that you’d remain and help protect the village?”

  “There’re many to protect the village, but only one to protect you.”

  “I fear that there’s more to it than that, Julaybeim.”

  He sighed, slumping back in his chair.

  “Sister, I can’t expla
in everything to you; I’m still sorting it out myself.” He paused. “Do you think Father and Mother would find Gali suitable for a promise?”

  “Do you understand what you’re asking?”

  “Of course, I do. I’m certain many people asked the same question when Itai petitioned for your promise.”

  “That’s not the same. The Gael’s are well known and respected in Cazaal. I like Gali, but she was a slave in Nazil. Do you know what that means?”

  He stood, throwing his hands up in frustration. “Of course, I know what it means, and I loathe the thought of it. I look at her and I–I–I can’t explain what I feel, Brahanu. It’s just right. Every part of me knows that it’s right. Her father was a lakaar in Kaleo, and held in high regard. Had the ghosts not taken her, she would’ve been adequate for promise. What Gali suffered can’t be changed. She’s a wonderful person, and I find myself drawn to her like no other. How they used her isn’t her fault. Don’t you understand that?”

  Brahanu thought about Pentanimir then. She couldn’t find reasoning for her love for him either, yet she yearned for him daily.

  “You have the right of it, but that’s not the only concern. Gali is four years your senior. You’re merely six and ten, barely a man grown. And what about Nesrine?”

  “I am a man grown, and Gali is yet young. Besides, Nesrine isn’t interested in a promise. She and Aschelon have grown close of late. When the sight of them together caused no stir in me, I knew that she wasn’t the one. But Gali, when she touches me—”

  “Touches you? What happened?”

  At that moment, he wished that he’d spoken differently. “The fault was mine,” he said, flopping down in his chair. “I had to kiss her. She didn’t ask for it, and I was ashamed after I’d done so. She forgave me, yet, I repeated the same moments later.” He sighed. “Never have I felt a desire so strong, never. She—she allowed our closeness soon after. I know we shouldn’t have, but the feeling overwhelmed me.”