The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  “You appeared the best match for Spero. You hadn’t been in Nazil long, our fathers were friends, and you seemed detached from the Order.”

  “Yes, but you have no love for me, Caretaker, quite the opposite, I’d surmise. There was a reason for your decision.”

  “My uncle kept his distance from you. Even though you took issue with my father and me, I thought you were the best choice for Spero. I wanted someone untouched by the schemes forever present in the Nazil temple.”

  “Indeed. Yet, you’ve erred in your perception. I kept my distance from Sir Oxilon, not the contrary. I found no fault with your father or you. In fact, I wanted to learn more about you, judge your character, if you will. Sir Manifir and I had no quarrels. Ofttimes, we’d sup together and speak of times long past.”

  “You and my father?”

  “Yes, Pentanimir,” he said, locking eyes with him. “Me and our father.”

  Pentanimir leapt up, knocking the berele of tej off the table. “What the hell did you say?”

  “Only the truth. I’m a son of Manifir, and the only child of my mother who appears fully Nazilian. Our father took me to Yarah shortly after my birth, and Lord Urdan Swayne raised me as his own. It was by Father’s maneuvering that I was able to come to Nazil and be near him…near my mother.”

  “You lie! You’re Nazilian! Anyone with eyes can see that!”

  “I don’t mean to offend, Pentanimir, but I’m as much Nazilian as the babe Zeta holds to her breasts.”

  Pentanimir froze, with images of Raithym surging through his mind. He pictured Malkia then, who also appeared fully Nazilian. Whipping around, he stared at Temian, noticing his features for the first time. Pentanimir’s eyes darted back and forth, recognizing parts of himself. Temian looked more like his brother than Danimore did. They even had the same waist-length hair. How so many had missed the obviousness of the brothers was unbelievable. All their features were nearly the same. Pentanimir shook his head, defeated, and slunk down in his seat, burying his face in his hands.

  “If what you say is true, who are the others?” Pentanimir asked, his voice cracking, struggling with the multitude of images, emotions, and truths.

  “Only two of us remain, but I don’t know where our sister is. She and Crissu escaped Hyorin when my mother was taken captive.”

  “Captive? Your mother was in Nazil?”

  “My mother is in Nazil. I tried to have her removed and brought to Spero with us, but Oxilon spoke against it.”

  “Wait, I need a moment. There—there’s too much, Temian,” Pentanimir said with a visage displaying disbelief, horror, and confusion, all at once. “How could all of this happen without anyone knowing about it?”

  “How could you and your brother fall in love with humans and plan to leave the city? How many people know about that?” Temian picked up the berele, retrieving another one from the shelf. He stared at his brother, refilling their cups with the strong honey wine.

  “If not for my mother and many like her, I wouldn’t know all that I do,” Temian said. “The servants in Nazil are treated more like objects than people. Many things are spoken in their presence that should be kept secret.”

  Pentanimir grabbed his cup, draining it. “Your mother, who is she? I’ll have her name.”

  “You know her. It’s at her behest that I’ve made myself known to you. She finds you of good character: you and Danimore.”

  “Her name!”

  “Her name is Hushar. Hushar Saussai is my mother.”

  “What? Impossible! You—you used her for the purge! There’s—”

  “I’ve never partaken in that lecherous, sadistic ritual. I always selected Hushar because she’s my mother. It was the only time that we had to be alone, and I could show her some affection. If not for those times, I wouldn’t have been able to subsist.”

  “No, Temian, no, it can’t be,” Pentanimir shouted, standing abruptly to his feet. “It can’t be Hushar. She’s been serving the citadel for—for more years than I know. She was always kind to me, and…and…no. Why would Father allow it? It can’t!”

  “There was little that Father could do. Oxilon was determined to find her. If Father would’ve purchased her from the Zaxson, Uncle would’ve surely known. Father’s attendants were always Nazilian: never slaves and never human. He did what he could for my mother when he was alive. Arranging for me to serve the Nazil temple was no easy thing. There were many with greater standing and experience who desired the placement. Father knew that having me near would give my mother some small comfort.”

  Pentanimir fell back in his chair, shaking his head. His heart raced, and a roiling heat radiated inside of him. His father wouldn’t have half-human, bastard children, he couldn’t, not the father he knew. He wasn’t capable of any of this, and yet, Temian sat across from him. He was his brother, and his mother was a slave. His heart felt as if it would implode in his chest.

  With a heavy sigh, Temian reached into his cassock, pulling out a wooden figure. When Pentanimir glanced up at him, he set it on the table.

  Pentanimir gasped, apprehensively reaching for the figure with a trembling hand. After examining it, he peered up with moisture rimming his eyes.

  “It’s the god of courage,” Temian said. “Father had one crafted for each of his four remaining sons. The wood used isn’t from Nazil or any of the villages.”

  Pentanimir’s mouth gaped, sliding his fingers over the dark smooth and polished wood. “It’s—it’s from the Animus Wood. Father took me there, many times.”

  “Me as well. The Animus Wood was the only safe place for them. The Nazilians wouldn’t travel there, and the humans gave no care. Only the trees there have such rich and dark wood.”

  “I remember when Father gave these to Dani and me. We were so excited that we wouldn’t part with them. Mine was the god of power, and Dani’s was judgment,” Pentanimir said, looking up sorrowfully. “When we asked about the remaining two figures, he said that they’d all come together in time. We didn’t understand, and he told us to have patience, and the figures would be brought to us when the gods allowed it.”

  “Yes. He wanted us to know each other, and knew that the time wouldn’t come soon. These figures were a way of ensuring that you’d know us as your siblings. Crissu had the god of war. I hope that our sister has it now.”

  “Our—our sister?” Pentanimir said, wiping his eyes.

  “Thalassa. She’s also why I’ve come.”

  “Why now, Temian? You’ve been in Nazil for years. Why would you tell me this now?”

  “Because this is the time, Brother, it wasn’t meant before now. I’ve been conflicted since going to Nazil. I never wanted to be a Cha. I serve the Guardians, as does my mother. Father thought that it was the only path for me. I couldn’t take a wife as I am: half-human. Even though there was one that I desired, the dangers were too great. Being with my parents in the city was both a blessing and a curse. I could see them, speak with them, but never show affection toward either. It pained my mother most of all, and I detested the way she and the others were treated. I won’t rest until she’s free. But firstly, I must find our sister.”

  “How do you expect to find her if Uncle couldn’t?”

  “The Guardians will guide me,” Temian said, pensively.

  “Temian—Brother—what would you have of me? I don’t know what to do.”

  “You’ll do your duty for Nazil and not endanger yourself or Danimore. Knowing about Thalassa and me doesn’t change what we must soon face. Just know: Uncle wasn’t innocent in our father’s death. In your heart, you’ve known that truth and more. Follow your heart, Brother, as I must follow mine.”

  “What will you do?”

  “When you lead your men to Cazaal, I’m leaving, too. I refuse to continue feigning allegiance to those false gods and the men enslaving my mother. Once I find our sister, I’m coming for my mother.” Temian stood, tucking the figure back in his cassock. “If you order me to stay, I’ll remain. You
are the Caretaker, and I’m in service to you.”

  Pentanimir rose, noticing the similarities in their features. None of Hushar showed in the man, only the features of Nazil…those of their father.

  “Brother, you’re in service to no one. Pack what you need and use two horses from the stable. Take the coin from the temple and do what you must. Find our sister and bring her to us. Together, we’ll find a way to free your mother.”

  “I’ll see you again, Pentanimir,” he said, embracing him.

  “And I, you, Brother.”

  Preparing for War

  Hacom glanced around the room, clearing his throat. “I’ve been considering what the Chosen said. Although I was opposed to it in the beginning, I’ve had a change of mind. There’s no need for anyone who can’t fight to remain in Cazaal.”

  “Where would they go?” Ulrike asked.

  “The lands will soon be at war, and we can’t all follow Brahanu’s path,” Glennon said. “Surely, the towers of Leahcim and Spero would notice such movement. Don’t forget the outposts littering the lands.”

  “This is true, but I’m not speaking about traveling the lands,” Hacom said.

  Glennon’s brow creased. “Are you speaking of the Fire Lands to the east? Those lands are treacherous, and the eruptions and sinking sands could consume us all.”

  “No, I’m planning on taking the Dark Water to the sea.”

  The room erupted with voices as the men spoke all at once. Sitting back in his chair, Hacom took a long drink from his cup, expecting such a reaction.

  “Sailing the Great Sword toward Noraa? What good would that be? The guards would cut them down before they could reach the port.”

  “No, Nurad. I said the Black Water. I’d have them sail south, as far south as the winds will take them. They need to be out of sight of the towers.”

  “But Hacom, no one knows what lies beyond,” Nohek Berinon said. “Could be that you’d send them to a fate worse than the Nazilians.”

  “That’s speculation and little else. When we look out over the sea, there’s nothing, it’s endless. They would only need to stay gone until the smoke has ceased to rise. There are ships in the port large enough to carry many. If we sent two, everyone wanting to leave the village could do so. The harvest was plentiful this season, and we have enough provisions to sustain them until their return,” Hacom said, looking around the room. “We shouldn’t fear the Dark Water. We’ve known several people who’ve traveled it, and speak of the desert isle of K’ohshul. If the sea held such danger, no one would be able to survive surrounded by it as those of the isle do. The denizens of Cazaal will find refuge and safety. This, I prefer to the evils of Nazil.”

  Itai shook his head. “What if some refuse to leave? K’ohshul seems but a tale to many, and the true dangers of the sea are unknown. We’ve only just begun traveling the vast waters and never that far.”

  “Yet, the dangers of this war are certain,” Hacom said. “Even if we rout the Nazilians from our village, many will die. They’ll set fire to our homes, stores, and stables. Women and children will be raped and captured. The old among us will be put to the sword.” Hacom paused, allowing his words to penetrate. “Our priests and Tumishi will suffer most of all. They have less love for our gods than they do for us.”

  “I might be old, but I can still wield a sword,” Tioch said.

  “We’ve both fought battles, old friend, but this one doesn’t belong to you. I need you to help organize our people. There must be one I can trust to lead them to safety. You have experience with the ships,” Hacom said, resting a hand on his shoulder. “We need strong men like you for the oars, too.”

  “Papa, I’d rather you and Naji leave with the others,” Itai said. “The dangers from Nazil are too great. If there’s a way to keep you and others from it, I’d have it so.”

  “Itai, I’m as able now as I was when ya was born. The Nazilians won’t find no easy win.”

  “Hacom has the right of it, Papa. We know about the Nazilians’ cruelty. Even in victory, our people would suffer horribly. They’ll take captives, and I don’t want you or Naji to be among them.”

  “But—”

  “Papa,” Itai interrupted. “If you don’t want to listen to Hacom, please listen to me. Brahanu is heavy with child…our first. When he’s born, he’ll have your papa’s name, an honorable name. We’re facing a great threat from the Nazilians, but they’ve been removed from it. When my wife and son return, I want to ensure there’ll be one Gael here to meet them. She mustn’t be alone. Eytan will need you if I fall at the Nazilians hands.”

  All color drained from Tioch’s face. He hadn’t considered the possibility of losing his only son. “No, Itai, ya ain’t fallin’; it’s for me to protect ya. I won’t lose my son at the hands of such evil.”

  “I pray your words are true. Hacom has prepared us well, but many fall in battle regardless of their skill. If it’s protection that you want to provide, do so for your grandson and my wife. You have raised me well, and I love you more than any son could love his Papa. In the past, you thought of yourself as less, and it pained me each time you spoke as such. Never did you realize how highly I placed you in my life. It’s by your example that I’ve become who I am. You often speak of your pride in me, but mine is much and more for you. Don’t you know that nothing I’ve done would’ve been possible without you? This is what I ask you to instill in my son if I’m unable. We can’t risk our entire family. Eytan will be lost without you, just as I would’ve been.”

  Their heartfelt sentiments and interaction caused Hacom’s suggestion to gain support.

  “If—if’n ya want me to, son, I will. But Eytan’s gonna know his papa and his g-pa. Them ghosts ain’t takin’ ya from me. The wound would be too great.”

  “I don’t wish it, but we mustn’t allow our hearts to overrule our minds. This is a necessary precaution. None of us plan to die at the Nazilian’s hands. Yet there has never been a war where only one side bled.”

  “Your words are true, Itai,” Nohek Glennon said. “Neither side will be free from death. This battle might be for the lands themselves, and many will be lost. Mayhaps Hacom’s ships are the correct path. I’ll gather the scrolls and send them with the Tumishi. Our history must survive.”

  “Are you to say that you won’t be going with them?” Hacom asked.

  “I’ve lived many years, Caretaker, and had the honor of knowing your father and your son, too. If the gods believe that it’s my time to join them, who am I to run from such an honor?”

  “But Nohek, it isn’t known if the gods desire your presence. Could be that the Nazilians will shorten the works that you’ve yet to complete,” Nohek Berinon said, respectfully.

  “No, my son. Whatever works the gods have planned will fall on you.”

  “Me? I would remain at your side and—”

  “You will not,” Glennon interrupted. “I’m still head of the temple. You and Nohek Xalvador will accompany those on the ship. They’ll be in great need of you. If anyone else wishes to leave, it’ll be so. If need be, I alone will remain. The prayers I offer might help us to overcome this evil.”

  “The prayers of many would have an even greater effect, Nohek,” Xalvador said.

  “Then, you’ll offer such prayers as your ship sails to safety.”

  Hacom surveyed the faces of the men in the room. When the conversation dwindled, he stood, raising his hand.

  “Nohek Glennon, I’ll leave it to you to inform the village of our decision. Send the Nohek to each home if you must. Have them tell Tioch of their intent to sail. He’ll make arrangements for each family.”

  “As you say, Caretaker.”

  “The rest of you, prepare your homes and your families. We didn’t choose this battle, but we’re going to fight it. The Nazilians will be met with a powerful force. Unlike those of Hyorin, we stand ready.”

  As they filed out of the hall, Amani entered, sitting near her husband. He peered over at her, finishin
g his ale.

  “May I have a word, husband?”

  “Ask what you will.”

  “Did you speak true? You would have us sail south until the battle’s end?”

  “Those words were meant for the meeting, Amani, but you would’ve heard them soon enough. Yes, and I want you and Ameya with them.”

  “No, Hacom, we won’t.”

  “Amani, you need to be kept safe. That won’t be so here in the village. Masses have been seen leaving Nazil. They increase their ranks as they approach. I was a fool to believe that we could protect the entire village. With Draizeyn attacking everyone, no one can aid the other. He’s cunning and most cruel. I don’t want you or Ameya here.”

  “I don’t put more faith in the words of that Chosen than I do in your ability to protect us. I’m not leaving our home. We’ve been warned of the attack, and are prepared. I don’t fear the Nazilians.”

  “To not have fear is foolish. You didn’t witness Hyorin’s ashes. Had you seen the devastation left in their wake, you’d be the first on the ship.”

  “Those were different times, Hacom. The Nazilians crept during the night with no warning. You gave everyone a choice; don’t I have the same right to choose as others in this village?”

  He sighed, burying his head in his hands. “I didn’t mean to imply that you have no such choice. I’d hoped that you’d understand my heart in this matter. Brahanu and Julaybeim will be safe, and I’d have the same for you and Ameya. If the Nazilians are amassing as is told, I’ll be unable to protect you fully. Having the thought of you in my mind—I—I—I must focus on the village as a whole. I’m the Caretaker, and my duty must be complete.”

  Amani slid closer, gently kissing his lips. “I have faith in the ability of everyone in this village. We’ll remain at your side, and when the Nazilians are defeated, your wife and daughter will stand beside you as our victory is proclaimed.”

  Black Boulder Pass

  “When are they going to travel?” Pentanimir whispered to his brother.

  “They’ve already left Cazaal, and should pass Spero by sunset.”

  “Did you tell them where they need to travel to avoid the guard towers?”