The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  “You’re right, Pentanimir,” Julaybeim agreed. “It’s hard to admit your failings and change your heart after hatred has filled it for so long. Even as you begin to experience things contrary to what you’ve known, it’s difficult.”

  “It’ll take time,” Gali said. “I’ve had to learn such lessons and I’m thankful that I didn’t assign the evils of a few Nazilians to the whole. If that were so, I wouldn’t be here now.” She smiled, taking Brahanu’s empty bowl. “I’ll get your herbs from the carriage. You yet heal, Brahanu, and I’d see you well before we reach the western wood.”

  “Thank you, Gali.”

  “I’ll walk with you,” Julaybeim said, taking her hand.

  “Is Brother going to marry Gali?” Ameya asked when they’d gone.

  “That’s his wish, little dove.”

  She smiled, sliding closer to her sister. “Good. I like Gali.”

  “Pentanimir!” Nzuri said.

  Pentanimir rose up, meeting his strong embrace.

  “The One god is good,” Nzuri said.

  “Indeed,” Yonas added. “We’ve been praying for you and the lands. Will you be staying with us?”

  “I’ll see you safely to the western wood, but there are many traveling with me.”

  “Many? Who are they?” Kuhani asked.

  “My brother Danimore, his promised, and their son, Raithym, are among them. Also, Brahanu has returned with her brother, Julaybeim, his promised, their younger sister, and our sons.”

  “Your sons?” Nzuri asked.

  “There’s much to tell, my friend.”

  “We must bless the babes in the falls before we take leave,” Kuhani said.

  “I have another request, Kuhani. My brother and Brahanu’s would like to wed before we leave.”

  “They want to wed now?” Nzuri asked. “We don’t have what’s needed for a proper ceremony.”

  “If it’s possible, they would. My brother couldn’t wed before since his promised is human.”

  “And the other?” Yonas asked.

  “Julaybeim is most eager. He’s the Caretaker’s son and needs to return to Cazaal. When you’re safe in the western wood, we’ll travel east together.”

  “He would leave his wife behind?” Yonas asked.

  “Only until he’s certain that it’s safe. He loves her well, and only traveled west to keep her and his sister from danger.”

  “I see,” Kuhani said. “If the Elders agree, it can be done. Only the oils and the flame from the eternal fire are truly needed.”

  “Thank you, they’ll be grateful for such favor,” Pentanimir said, noticing Julaybeim’s return. “May I introduce you to them before you take noon meal?”

  When Kuhani nodded, Pentanimir gestured them forward. “If it pleases you, allow me to introduce my brother, Danimore and Brahanu’s brother, Julaybeim.” After they exchanged greetings, Pentanimir motioned to their side. “This is Zeta; she’s promised to my brother. And this is—”

  “Gali?” Yonas gasped.

  Gali leaned away, peering at the bearded man. “Yes, I’m Gali.”

  As Yonas stepped forward, his smile took in his entire face. “It is you, Gali!” he said, drawing her into a tight hug. “My Gali! The One god is good! Gali!”

  “Release her,” Julaybeim demanded, gripping his arm.

  Gali met Yonas’ eyes, as hers filled with tears. “Brother? Yonas! Brother! How? I thought you lost! How?”

  “Brother?” Pentanimir muttered, bemused.

  “Yes, I told you about him, Pentanimir. When you asked me about my arrival in Nazil, I told you of my brother. I thought he drowned in the Great Sword, but he survived!”

  Yonas cupped her face, staring intently into her eyes. “Nazil? You were taken captive, Gali?”

  “I was, but no more,” she said, wiping her tears away. “Pentanimir and Danimore saved me from them. Now, I’m promised, and I’ve found you.”

  “I—I didn’t know, Gali. I wouldn’t have ever left you in Nazil. I thought they’d killed you…you and Father.”

  “I don’t want to think about any of it now. I refuse to allow the horrors of the past to steal away my joy,” she said, pulling Julaybeim closer. “This is my promised, Julaybeim, and his father is the Caretaker of Cazaal. I’m going to be married, Brother. Isn’t this news worth celebrating?”

  “It is. I’ve never been as happy as I am in this moment.”

  When Yonas regarded Kuhani, he nodded approvingly.

  “You’ll be married this day,” Yonas said, kissing her again. “We’ll call for you soon,” he said, hugging her before moving off with the priests.

  “Gali, I’ve known and respected your brother for years. When he first arrived in Bandari, he was broken and grief-stricken. Kuhani and Nzuri helped him heal, and he offered prayers for his family often. I never realized that you were one for which he prayed. Forgive me for not reuniting you sooner.”

  Gali hugged him, kissing both of his cheeks. “You don’t owe me an apology, Pentanimir. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be here.” She kissed him again, hugging him tightly.

  He smiled. “You need to gather some cloth and tunics and await them at the falls. You’ll be attended to shortly.”

  After accepting a hug from Zeta, Pentanimir sat down next to Brahanu. “Our brothers’ elation with their coming bonds is apparent.”

  “Everything is happening so fast. I only wish our parents could witness Julaybeim’s ceremony. I’ve never seen him like this before. They are truly a good match.”

  As are we . “Gali is good for him as Zeta is for Dani,” he said, taking her hand. “What about us, Brahanu? Will we honor our love?”

  “Last I knew, you were promised to another.”

  “I’d remain here with you if you’d have me. It might be too soon for our bond, but know that I’m prepared to do so at your word. This pledge is an onus that I’d gladly forgo if you’d have me as your own. These lands would be a memory as I build a life with you and our son. That’s all I’ll ever need, Brahanu.”

  Her gaze lowered, wanting to speak the same. Regardless of what lay in her heart, she couldn’t abandon her family. Tioch had already lost his son, she wouldn’t keep his grandson from him.

  “It is too soon, Pentanimir. My heart aches for Itai. I won’t betray my husband in death as I did in life. I’ll mourn for him and present Eytan to Tioch as Brahanu Gael, not Brahanu Benoist. Our time will come. If we’re truly meant to be together, the gods will make it so.”

  He offered an accepting nod, leaning in to kiss her.

  “You’re needed at the falls,” Huname said, approaching with Osmara and Hibret. “Ahni, Aizen, and Antenah are preparing shelters for the bonding night. Will you and Brahanu need one, too?”

  “No, Elder, Brahanu will stay in the carriage, and I’ll sleep near the fire. Only our brothers will wed this day.”

  “As you say,” Huname said, moving off with the children.

  Pentanimir sighed, helping Brahanu to stand. After sliding an arm around her waist, he led her to the falls. He did his best to think of Danimore’s happiness and not of the anguish threatening to consume him.

  As they came upon the falls, the couples were standing before the priests and remaining Elders. Pentanimir lowered Brahanu to the bench before taking his place with Danimore. Kuhani’s words were muffled, sounding more a distant echo through the thoughts and regrets besetting Pentanimir’s mind. Hearing cheers from behind him, Pentanimir forced a smile, celebrating their bonds. He trailed behind the couples, as the priests led them to their bonding shelters.

  “You’re now released to continue your bond. Let no one disturb this blessed day,” Nzuri said, handing them their cloths.

  “You’re now my wife, Lady Ravenot,” Julaybeim said, tenderly kissing her lips. “There’s no greater honor in these lands than the one you’ve bestowed upon me.”

  “The honor is mine, my love,” Gali said, and then grinned mischievously. “But our bond isn’t com
plete.” After hugging everyone, she raised the drape, disappearing behind it. Julaybeim’s smile was broad, offering a nod to the others and following quickly behind.

  “I hold no high position, Zeta, but this day we are made one.”

  “I’ve never cared about position. All I’ve longed for was you.”

  Danimore lifted the drape, allowing her to enter. “Thank you, Brother. You spoke true, all the lands aren’t Nazil, and I’ve married the one I love.”

  “It pleases me to see you happy. Go now and complete your bond, you’ve both awaited this time together.”

  Before they’d even turned, Julaybeim’s pleasured shouts erupted from the shelter. Pentanimir chuckled, as Julaybeim continuously called out Gali’s name.

  “Your brother wastes no time completing his bond. I hope that Gali is easy with him.”

  “He’s as his sister.” She smiled. “Had it been our ceremony, it would’ve been much the same.”

  “I welcome that time, Brahanu. It’s been too long since I could offer myself to you without haste. You deserve more than I’ve been able to give.”

  “As do I. Firstly, I must heal, not only from the birthing, but my heart as well.”

  Confrontation

  The men roared, thundering across the landscape, following Draizeyn’s charge. Trackers led the pursuit, pausing only briefly to verify the Bandarians trail. It appeared as quickly as the dawn had come: the sun surrendered to the moon. The darkening sky did little to halt the fervor burning in Draizeyn’s heart. He urged his men faster, thirsting to capture the savages that had eluded him for so long.

  Lashing feverishly at his horse, Draizeyn shouted, his eyes aflame with both anticipation and rage. The foot soldiers struggled to keep pace, but neither of them dared to give an indication of the anguish assaulting them. Their bodies ached from the abuse by the terrain, their throats burning for water as the ictus of their heartbeats thrummed loudly in their ears. Some of the soldiers’ boots were blood-sodden, yet they steeled their resolve, forcing the pain from their minds, knowing that if they faltered, Draizeyn’s punishment would be far worse than anything they now suffered.

  With a resounding call, the trackers paused, discovering a clearing in the wood. Raising one hand in the air, Draizeyn pulled hard at the reins, ceasing their charge, and examining the new area. His massive warhorse snorted, stomping as the trackers leapt down from their mounts.

  Nothing but a statue stood amongst short bushes, encircled by the dense foliage they’d just passed. The soldiers slowed, instinctively readying their weapons as if preparing for an attack. A dreadful heaviness came over every man, although each thought he alone felt it. The Animus Wood was no place for a Nazilian, and the warnings from the Cha cascaded through their minds as the feeling of foreboding encompassed their being.

  Draizeyn’s eyes narrowed, urging his mount on toward the effigy, glittering in the fading light. The horse paced forward slowly and deliberately until drawing within ten cubits of the statue. No matter how furiously Draizeyn lashed at his destrier, the horse stayed tethered to the ground.

  Draizeyn slipped from its side, striding arrogantly toward the statue. Although infuriated, his visage displayed curiosity. He stared at the statue admiringly, transfixed by the majestic image carved into the black marble.

  Slowly, he raised up a hand, but stopped, removing his glove. His fingertips grazed the surface, tracing the exquisite outline of the figure. It was the likeness of a beautiful woman: every feature and curve etched meticulously in the rich dark marble. Even in the fading light, he couldn’t help but appreciate the majestic beauty and countenance of the silent lady.

  Draizeyn’s visage became almost tranquil, unable to turn from the woman’s likeness. The exquisite statue was so rich and unblemished that it seemed to be newly made, but the thick flowering vines and creepers surrounding it testified to untold years of exposure. The garment and mantle she wore were as regal and filled with authority as one of the Zaxson’s family might wear, yet not so. Her face appeared to be at once intimately caring, and serene in some remote and untouchable way. Draizeyn had never seen such an image depicted so majestically. He stood both awed and enamored.

  “Where have you led us?” he demanded, taking a step back and regaining his composure.

  “Sir, this is where their trail led,” the tracker, Cusab said.

  Draizeyn straightened his posture, returning to his horse. He couldn’t discern the eruption of emotions flooding his soul, or the disquiet trickling down his spine. “We must proceed with caution. The Cha has warned us about the pythonesses inhabiting these woods. There are powers here, dark powers that are unknown to us,” he said, facing his men. “But our power is greater than anything that might dwell in these woods.” Draizeyn mounted his horse, gesturing forward. “Quickly, find their tracks and bring this to an end. The savages will fall this night.”

  Cusab surveyed the area as trackers moved off in opposite directions.

  “They went west,” Zarath pointed, peering down at the ground as he walked. When he approached where the statue stood, he stopped, staring down in bemusement.

  “Wait, something isn’t right.”

  “What do you mean?” Draizeyn asked, dismounting again.

  “I’m not certain, Sir, their—their tracks lead in that direction, but do you see here,” he said, motioning to the ground. “These tracks just end.” Zarath shook his head, lowering to his knees. His fingers flittered through a patch of loose dirt, scooping a handful up and bringing it to his face. Before he could inhale, his body tautened, and he collapsed backward to the ground.

  “Get up, fool!” Draizeyn shouted.

  Zarath’s mouth gaped, his lips trembling to form words that he couldn’t speak. With nothing more than a squeak, he pointed toward the heavens.

  Immediately, Draizeyn and his guard backed away, noticing a violet luminescence descending from above them. The men stared in disbelief after the light dimmed, assuming a corporeal form.

  The woman was breathtaking: her onyx eyes appearing to look through them as her ebon skin glistened beneath the moon’s light, outlining her form with a radiance.

  “I welcome you,” Yemala said. “Why have you come to kneel before the Guardian?”

  The sound of her melodic voice was mesmerizing, captivating the guards as they stood motionless.

  “Who are you?” Draizeyn demanded. “Nazilians kneel before no one.”

  “My name is Yemala, and I’m the pillar of the Guardians. One has knelt before my effigy and summoned me to them. Why have you come?”

  Draizeyn scoffed. “Guardians ,” he said with impudence. “By whose authority are you made a Guardian? The Nazilians rule everything around you and all inhabitants thereof.”

  “We are of Afferea, and do not acknowledge any ruler other than our own. We, the Guardians, ensure peace throughout Faélondul. Those who dwell within our borders have no ruler other than that of our line. The authority of which you speak doesn’t pertain to anyone beyond my effigy.”

  “I’m the Zaxson of Nazil and ruler of all. You’re nothing but a barbaric female, and I’ll waste no more words on you.”

  Draizeyn turned, addressing his men. “We came in search of traitors and savages that have fled to the west. We’ll find those defiling our lands and end their treachery. This barbarian will be the first to die if she dares stand in our path. Zarath, lead us to them.”

  His guard roared, raising their weapons, but when they stepped forward, Yemala’s gaze halted them and they moved further away.

  “We won’t permit you to enter our wood,” she said as quietly as her footfalls on the ground. “The malevolence within your heart radiates through both your demeanor and your words. We know of you, Draizeyn Deaglan Vereux, and all those of your line. The same malefic essence imbued in the first, Oisin, exists within you as well. Angelaris has assured safe passage and protection to those you seek. No one may enter our woods with the intent of doing harm. This you should’v
e learned from those who came before you. The Animus Wood isn’t yours to command: we will not allow it.”

  “Allow it?” Draizeyn spat. “Allow? Your idiocy is believing that I need your permission.”

  He spun around, facing his guard, but before he could issue a command, his men staggered further away. Seven women appeared where there’d been merely one.

  Draizeyn whipped around, sneering as he leapt back onto his horse. With a feral shout, he spurred his mount into a gallop that quickly ended.

  Raising their hands, the Guardians projected an intersecting numinous energy, halting the horse in full charge. Draizeyn’s teeth gritted, struggling to remain astride as the horse bucked furiously.

  The Guardians’ eyes glistened, staring out over the guard, sharing in the thoughts of each.

  “Why does your hatred penetrate so deeply?” they asked in unison, the harmonious sound of their ensorcelled voices undulating through the air. “Leave now and no harm will befall you. Remove those you pursue from your memory and return to your homes.”

  Draizeyn blinked languidly, shaking his head. An obfuscating haze threatened to claim his mind, invading his every thought. “I don’t know what enchantments you’re attempting to cast, but we’ve come here with one purpose. Those you profess to protect have broken our laws and shall answer for their crimes against Nazil! This doesn’t concern any of you...Guardians . Heed my warning: if you persist in the disruption of our affairs, your fate will be as theirs. These lands now bleed for the greatness of Nazil, and if you don’t stand aside, you’ll bleed as well. It matters not to me if you’re taken as a captive or a corpse,” Draizeyn sneered, leveling his Xtabyren. “Choose well, for either outcome is within your grasp.”

  Oloran: “You speak of laws and judgments...” Ahdessa: “…yet you stand before us without regard to our edicts.” Yemala: “We’ve communed with those you pursue...” Zoya: “…and they’ve committed no crime.” Behanish: “Your rule doesn’t extend to them, or to us.”

  In unison: “Angelaris has given them safe passage and we, the Guardians, agree with the pronouncements of our AsZar.”