“Our lady and I spoke at length about it before your return,” he smirked. “She much desires the company of her pledged.”
Daracus peered at him warily. “And she shall have it.”
Denotra glared at Beilzen until her cough returned. Covering her mouth, she turned away again, continuing to cough. When she moved the cloth away, her eyes widened, staring down at the blood staining it.
“My lady!” Bisdan said, pushing up from the table.
“Surma, fetch the healer immediately,” Daracus ordered, rushing to her side.
Beilzen’s breath caught in his throat as he backed away from the table, staring at her thrashing in Daracus’ arms.
“Denotra…gods…Sister, look at me.”
Grasping her throat, Denotra struggled for air as her face darkened from the lack of it. With widening eyes, her hands grappled at Daracus, grasping and pulling him down to her. She tried to speak, but a raw, guttural scream echoed throughout the chamber before she gagged again, panting for air. Denotra sucked in a hard breath, shooting up from her chair, only to plummet backward to the floor.
“Sister,” he shouted, cradling her in his arms. Denotra continued to thrash, with blackening veins protruding beneath her pallid flesh.
“What’s happened,” Arilian said, entering the room. “Lady Denotra!”
“You must help her, Arilian. Help my sister.”
“We must get her to her chamber,” Arilian said. “She’s burning with fever…I must tend her immediately.”
Daracus motioned to the guards, and they lifted her up, hurrying down the corridor. His frantic eyes darted around, unable to calm his thoughts. Pulling the pouch from his pocket, he grabbed some pellets, swallowing them whole.
“Jah—Jahno, fetch Ceron and Leanta,” Daracus said, continuing his run. “Make haste,” he said, rounding the corner to Denotra’s room.
“Get out! All of you get out of here!” Daracus ordered the guards, as he stared at Denotra screaming and writhing on the bed.
They hurried from the chamber, nearly knocking Ceron and Leanta over. When Daracus gripped Ceron’s arm, she yelped, being dragged across the room.
“What happened to my sister?” he commanded, pointing over at the bed. Ceron’s face blanched, fearing not only the look in Daracus’ eyes, but the condition of his sister.
Daracus snarled, landing a hard punch that sent Ceron crashing to the floor.
“You’re her damn slave! Tell me what happened or you’ll face more than Symeon’s cock! Every horse in the stable will have a go!”
Ceron struggled to rise, holding her swelling face. “Her—her blood,” she nearly cried. “When—when she got back from the temple, she said her blood came early and felt sick from it. We fetched Hushar as—as she commanded and left them be.”
“Hushar?” Daracus said. “She was here when I returned. Why didn’t Denotra send for Arilian?”
“I didn’t question, milord. I only did as milady said. We filled the tub and left her be.”
Daracus glared over at Leanta and she nodded.
“Get out of here, the both of you.”
“What’s wrong with her, Arilian? You must help her,” Daracus said when they were alone.
“I’ll do all I can, my lord, but I need to examine her to be certain. I’ve never seen an illness take hold so quickly. The tonic has calmed the coughing, and will help her rest. With your permission, I need to check her womanhood. If her blood has come, I’ll learn of it.”
“Do what you must, just make her well.”
Daracus turned as Arilian began his examination. After removing her garments, he dipped his hands in the basin. As he brought the lantern near, he gasped, nearly dropping it on the bed.
“What is it, Arilian? What in hells is wrong with you?”
Clasping a hand over his mouth, he shook his head, gazing back down at Denotra. As he set the lantern back on the table, he noticed the small ewer sitting there.
“Answer me, Arilian!”
“My lord. I—I—don’t believe that it was merely your sister’s time. Mayhaps you should look for yourself.”
“She’s my sister,” Daracus said, disgusted.
“Yes, but this is something you must see, my lord. Please, I pray you come quickly.”
Daracus’ jaw tightened, apprehensively peering between her legs. “What in seven hells is this? What happened to her?”
“Lord Daracus, your sister, Lady Denotra, she wasn’t, I mean, she’s no longer maiden. She—”
“Liar! How dare you befoul my family’s name!”
“Forgive me,” he said, pulling up the blankets and pointing to the ewer.
“I—I didn’t intend to offend or imply things that aren’t. Mayhaps your sister fell and—and hurt herself. This could explain the bruising, swelling, and early blood. Yes, she fell, my lord. But the ewer, who brought this?”
Daracus walked over to the table, inspecting the small bottle. As he gave it a shake, the liquid inside sloshed. “Tell me of the contents,” he demanded, thrusting it to Arilian.
Pulling the cork, he sniffed the mixture. With a curious look, Arilian dipped his finger inside, bringing it to his lips. “Hmmm…” he muttered, taking another taste. “There’s some helba, sumac, and kuzbarah mayhaps. There might be some lavender, too, judging by the smell.”
“Am I supposed to know what that means, Arilian?”
“No, my lord, pardons. This tincture is for pain and infection. Whoever left it did so in hopes of aiding your sister’s healing.”
“Hushar ,” Daracus thought, tucking the covers around his sister.
“I want you to drink the mixture and prove that it’s safe, Arilian. After we’ve determined the contents, remain here with Denotra. Use whatever you need to make her well.”
“Yes, Nakshij. She’s resting now, but her breathing is still labored. I’ll mix a tincture for her, but without knowing the cause, I can only treat the symptoms.”
“Know this, old man: whatever happens to my sister will also happen to you. Drink the mixture and treat her as if your life depends upon it. In fact, it does,” he said, moving toward the door. When he paused, leering back at him, Arilian turned up the ewer.
Reunions, Bonds, and Duty
The melodious sound from the falls was soothing after the arduous trek through the wood. The memories of the battle still plagued Pentanimir, but Brahanu’s reaction to his retelling was even more painful.
He leaned against the stone bench, enjoying the peace that surrounded him. The burdens clouding his mind appeared to ease as he closed his eyes, allowing the music of the falls to wash over him.
His heart ached for Brahanu and the love that they shared. But his old wounds emerged as well with remembrances of his father and Crissu. Too many images, voices, and memories beset his mind. Now, with learning about his siblings, there was much for him to contemplate. Lost moments, seasons, years spent apart and unaware of his brothers and sister. A brother so close, and yet a world away. In retrospect, it appeared so clear. Pentanimir and Temian were nearly identical when standing alongside each other. It was obvious why Temian kept his distance from not only Oxilon, but him as well.
He sighed, offering a silent prayer. How he wished that the remembrances, dubiety, truths, pain, all of it would fade from memory. Here, in the Animus Wood, it could be so. At least, that was his prayer. Not truly to forget, but to be able to subsist, to find a peace, a happiness again that he once felt long ago. The weight he now carried was too much for one even as him, and he felt it consuming the vestiges of his soul.
“Pentanimir?”
He turned, smiling as the Elder approached.
“Pentanimir,” Olam said again, looking down at the babe he cradled in his arms.
He glanced at his sleeping son and then stood, facing Olam. “Tardison,” he said, holding the babe out to him. “He’s my son…mine and Brahanu’s.”
Olam’s brow furrowed, lifting Tardison from Pentanimir’s arms. “
I know him,” Olam breathed. “Both you and he were in my vision.”
Pentanimir nodded, caressing Tardison’s thick curls. Apart from Kuhani, Olam was the only one who truly knew his heart. He helped Pentanimir to see beyond logic, and learn more of faith, and what that truly meant.
“It’s good to see you again, Olam. When I learned about Wosen’s capture, I feared the worst for Bandari.”
“As did we. After getting your message, I received another vision. Have you had any other word of Wosen?”
Pentanimir sighed. “His fate is uncertain, Elder. If the gods are good, we’ll see him again.”
“That’s our prayer. With the lands at war, we can’t risk anyone leaving the safety of the wood.”
“You can’t, Elder, but I can.”
Olam looked at him curiously, handing Tardison back. “You? What about your son and Brahanu? Aren’t you remaining here with them?”
“No. Brahanu is mourning her husband and places his death on my shoulders.”
“I don’t believe that. From what we’ve heard about the battle, the contrary is true.”
He nodded. “I fought against my people in defense of hers, but that doesn’t matter. Itai’s fate remains the same, regardless of my actions.”
“Don’t confuse your feelings with Brahanu’s. I’ve known you long, First Chosen, and know your heart. You’re not capable of such an act,” Olam said, resting a hand on his shoulder. “Brahanu knows the same. Now, what about your son? I saw Brahanu with another babe.”
“That was Eytan, Tardison’s twin.”
“A brother? The Guardians didn’t show me a twin, Pentanimir.”
“Eytan isn’t my son, but he shared Brahanu’s womb with Tardison.”
“What? How is such a thing possible?”
“Is anything impossible for the gods?” he said, wistfully.
“The gods and Guardians are good, Pentanimir. Her husband’s sacrifice didn’t go unnoticed or unrewarded,” Olam said, gesturing them forward. “Now, come, your brother has asked about a bonding ceremony.”
“Already?”
“He and Zeta did seem most eager.” Olam smiled. “We’ll rest here for one more sun. If they’d like the ceremony, we only need to speak with Kuhani. After all that has happened, it would be welcomed.”
“I haven’t seen the priest. Do you know where they’ve gone?”
“When you arrived, they’d gone to the furthest falls for cleansing and prayer. They’ll return for noon meal.”
Pentanimir shifted Tardison to his other shoulder as they entered the encampment.
“I’ll leave you to rest now, and alert you when the priests return.”
“Thank you,” Pentanimir said, noticing Brahanu seated with Gali and Julaybeim. Every part of him longed to be with her, but he sat with Danimore and Zeta instead.
“Don’t worry,” Danimore said. “She desires it as well. I’ve seen her watching your movements the same as you. Give it time.”
Pentanimir offered the best smile that he could manage. “Elder Olam mentioned a bonding ceremony.”
“Yes, we spoke with the Elder Vot about it earlier. Seeing the people of this village gives us hope.”
“I’m pleased that you have each other, Dani, both of you deserve such happiness.”
“As do you, Pentanimir,” Zeta said. “Brahanu loves you, but Itai’s death won’t allow her to show it. Her heart was split between you, and now, half of it has withered. Give her time and she’ll again be yours.”
“Brahanu was never truly mine. Her heart always belonged to him. It was for the briefest of moments that she permitted me to become a part of it.”
As he finished, Gali was approaching, leading Julaybeim behind her. His expression was both aggrieved and trepidatious as she released his hand, and he met Pentanimir’s eyes. Although Julaybeim had apologized for his recent behavior, he still felt uncertain of how to approach him.
“Pentanimir, you should speak with Brahanu. She—she needs you with her.”
“Need? I doubt those are her words.”
“They are,” Gali said. “Her guilt and her love confuse her heart. Brahanu doesn’t want to betray the memory of her husband by showing her love for you. But it’s there, Pentanimir, and she needs you more than you know.”
Pentanimir was hesitant, but pushed to his feet in spite of it. As he moved to where she sat, Hosdaq was arriving.
“Pentanimir, we’re glad that you made it safely,” Hosdaq said, embracing him.
“I’m pleased as well, Elder. All of Faélondul is at war, and too few of us are free from it.”
“I yearn for my son, Pentanimir, yet I’m ashamed as well. His actions caused this to be, and there’s nothing I can do to right it.”
“Don’t be like me, Elder. Don’t carry such weight upon your shoulders. Wosen was merely the catalyst for what Draizeyn had already devised.”
“That’s not the only cause for my shame,” he said, sliding an arm around Osmara’s waist. “I owe you and Brahanu an apology.”
“Me? Why?” Brahanu asked.
“I need to apologize to you most of all. When you arrived in Bandari, I perceived you as a complication to Pentanimir’s obligations in Nazil. But it wasn’t my place to offer such an opinion, nor did I consider that the One god’s will might differ from either of ours.”
“What do you mean?” Pentanimir asked.
“I understand now that seeing you together brought back memories of my past and the decision that I made. I was bitter, and even more so when I learned about your son. It wasn’t malice or disregard for either of you. I’d forgotten how it felt to be in love and share your heart with another. I’m sorry, truly.”
Brahanu gazed at Pentanimir then, interlacing their fingers. Even suffering the loss of her love, she still loved Pentanimir, and couldn’t bear the thought of losing him, too.
“Your counsel was sound, Elder, even if your heart wasn’t,” Pentanimir said. “I did need to return to Nazil, however, I didn’t have to remain.”
“No, you didn’t, and you still don’t.” Hosdaq smiled, drawing Osmara in for a kiss. “Don’t allow yourself to become bitter and miss the love that’s right before you. I did that with Osmara, and in a way, Wosen made our happiness possible. I was prepared to leave this world, but the One god sent her to pull me back from the misery of which I’d grown so accustomed.”
“I don’t want to be without you, Pentanimir,” Brahanu said. “My heart aches for Itai, but my love for you is unchanged.”
“We’ll leave you now,” Hosdaq said. “Seeing the two of you together is heartening.”
Pentanimir watched them leave, lowering to the ground next to Brahanu. He recalled his time in Bandari and Hosdaq’s counsel. He smiled despite that, gladdened that Hosdaq had reclaimed his life and started to truly live.
“I don’t blame you for anything that’s happened, Pentanimir,” Brahanu said, laying her head on his shoulder.
“I promised Itai that I’d protect you and Eytan. Will you permit me to remain true to my word?”
“I will. Never do I wish you from us.”
“Can I ask something of you, Danimore?” Julaybeim stammered.
“Ask what you will.”
Julaybeim glanced over at Gali, clearing his throat. “I heard that you asked the Elders here about your marriage.”
“Yes, as we said in Cazaal, Zeta and I are promised. We’d like to wed as soon as possible.”
“When is your ceremony?”
“We won’t know until the priests return,” Danimore said.
“Julaybeim, why are you asking about their bond?” Gali asked.
He turned, taking her hands. After a steadying breath, he met her eyes. “Gali, if Danimore and Zeta would allow, I—I’d like to marry you, too.”
Zeta gasped. “We’d be honored to share our bond day with you.”
Gali’s eyes widened, unable to even move.
“Gali! Did you not hear?” Zeta squeaked. “Ju
laybeim asked to take you to wife!”
“I—I thought I heard the words, but I believe my ears have deceived me.”
“Believe my words,” Julaybeim said. “I told you of my heart when we were in Cazaal, and you thought yourself unworthy to be my wife. I intend to not only prove my words, but my love as well. If you feel only part of what lies in my heart, honor me by becoming my wife.”
“But—but your parents, they wouldn’t accept me as your wife, and I don’t want to offend them.”
“When they see the joy you’ve brought to their son, they’ll embrace you as their daughter.”
“Are—are you certain?”
“Do you love me, Gali?” he asked, moving closer.
She nodded.
“That’s all that matters to me. I don’t care about the past, only our future. Now, I ask you again: will you honor me by becoming my wife?”
“Yes, yes, Julaybeim, I’ll become your wife.”
Zeta screeched as Danimore chuckled, patting him on the back.
“Dani,” Pentanimir said. “Everyone is gathering for noon meal. Come, the priests will return soon.”
After receiving a bowl of stew, everyone assembled around the eternal fire as the Elders blessed the meal. Once they were seated, Danimore leaned, speaking quietly to Pentanimir.
“Are those the Elders?”
“They are, and the first builders of Bandari.”
“Which one of them is Nazilian?” Julaybeim asked.
“The one to Vot’s right,” Pentanimir said. “Elder Emet looks fully human, but his mother was Nazilian. His father, Gayu Karidian, helped to build the village. When he passed, Emet took his place as Elder. He has a brother, Nzuri, that you’ll meet soon.”
“The Karidians of Noraa?” Julaybeim asked.
Pentanimir smiled, nodding. “One and the same.”
“Brother, I didn’t doubt you, but I couldn’t truly appreciate the Bandarians until I met them. To see humans and Nazilians coexist in such peace is phenomenal. Why can’t this be the way throughout the lands?”
“It may yet be, Dani. If both sides can release their prejudices and accept one another as they are, anything is possible. But there will always be those who want to place themselves above others. They are the true dangers to these lands.”
The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy Page 65