The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  “Who is this Angelaris?” Draizeyn said. “Another barbaric female who believes she can order the Nazilians? Have her show herself if the fear of Nazil doesn’t have her cowering like a mewling child,” Draizeyn mocked, sheathing his sword.

  “We will summon her,” Yemala said, diminishing from their perception.

  “These barbaric females have wasted time enough. I only allowed them to remain to ascertain their intent. The Cha’s warnings weren’t absent of truth, and these pythonesses have proven that,” Draizeyn said, walking the ordered line of his Chosen. “We mustn’t permit them to speak. Once their voices join, it strengthens whatever spell they attempt to cast. We must act quickly before they can use their dark powers against us.” He stopped, pointing at one of his Chosen.

  “Loehring, what form of attack would prove most efficient?” Draizeyn asked, gauging the man’s tactical aptitude.

  “Sir, if we must attack, the crossbow would be most effective. If the men ready their quarrels, when the Guardians, I—I mean women return, we can take them unawares.”

  Draizeyn nodded, approvingly. “I had thoughts on the same.”

  “But Sir, it might be wise to hear what their leader would say. We’ve never dealt with such beings and don’t know of their full capabilities or influence over us. Not even the Cha could speak of that. Without knowing more, I can’t suggest a sure attack against them.”

  Draizeyn’s smile faded, glaring at Loehring with narrowed eyes. “And you, Krishon,” he said. “What of your thoughts?”

  “I—I believe as Loehring, Sir. These women have caused a stir within me. I’ve never been apprehensive regarding my duty to you or Nazil. Yet I’m finding it difficult to hold the moment, Sir.” His head lowered. “I’ve lost control over my emotions.”

  Draizeyn’s face burned with rage. “You’re supposed to be the most seasoned of my guard!” he spat. “You stand here trembling in fear of these barbaric females, these savages! You are two of my finest Chosen,” he shouted, pointing to Krishon and Loehring. “Only Pentanimir and Yannick stand higher. There should be NO fear within you! You speak of emotions: the only emotion you should have is hate.

  “Hate for those who defile our people and bring these abominations to our lands. Hate for those who obstruct our path and oppose our laws. The images you should have are those of victory over our enemies, ALL our enemies, not just those of your choosing. You should see these betrayer’s bodies laid out before us!” Draizeyn pounded a fist into his open palm. “These lands now bleed for the greatness of Nazil. This wood will bleed, too.”

  Shouts of agreement and chants of “Nazil” sounded throughout the wood. When the Guardians reappeared, Draizeyn motioned to his men.

  “Now! Loose them now!”

  As the crossbowmen took aim, the guard dropped to one knee. In perfect synchronicity, they unleashed a rain of quarrels, darkening the sky.

  “R’ryn sha’low,” [23] the Guardians said in unison, upraising their hands. Their combined voices hung heavy in the air, slowing everything within their vicinity. The Nazilians held in place, witnessing the quarrels hover in mid-air before drifting uselessly to the ground.

  Leaning down, one of the women picked up a fallen quarrel. She held it in her palm, turning it over gingerly with her thumb. As she looked up, her gaze rested on Draizeyn, and she stepped forward, never turning from him.

  “Is this the one you call a leader?” Draizeyn said.

  “Neither your weapons nor words can do us harm, Zaxson of Nazil,” she said, tossing the quarrel at his feet, unaffected. “I’m Angelaris, the AsZar of Afferea. I needn’t hear your words, for I know your heart,” she said, gliding closer. “Those you pursue are beyond your grasp, and have been granted asylum within our wood. We’ve vowed to keep them safe, and it’s a vow that we’ll keep.”

  “Those that you claim to protect are traitors to Nazil. The rule of these lands is mine, and I alone decide the fate of those who dwell here. If you stand in our way, your fate will be as theirs. This is a vow that I make.”

  Angelaris drew nearer to his position, until they stood but cubits apart. “You speak of traitors. What offense did they commit against you, against Nazil?”

  “They’ve broken our laws, corrupted our people, and infect our lands that were once pure. They bring abominations to steal our heritage and taint our future. These are crimes punishable by death!”

  Draizeyn’s knuckles whitened, gripping the hilt of his Xtabyren. He thirsted to slit their throats, but the powers they’d already shown momentarily stayed his hand.

  “You sit in false rule of these lands, son of Naughton. The corruption of which you speak is found only in your heart and that of your line. Long has the malfeasance entrenched within you covered these lands, sullying all that we’ve cultivated with a pall of darkness. The people of these lands have called out to us again, and you’ll no longer be allowed the power that you’ve usurped.”

  Draizeyn ground his teeth, glaring at Angelaris and the seven standing behind her. “False? How dare you speak so to me! I’m the Zaxson of Nazil and the only ruler of these lands. There is none greater than me, and you’ll learn your place just as the savages you’ve attempted to shield.”

  “I’ve been the AsZar of Afferea since the 71st year of Xahntas. In that time, never have I borne witness to such detestation. There’s nothing that separates you from those that you hunt. No, these are not your people, Draizeyn Deaglan Vereux. However, through them, a new line of rulers will emerge. The time of your rule and the evils inculcated through it is at an end.”

  Draizeyn hollered, raising his Xtabyren high, intending to bring it down across Angelaris’ neck. With merely a wave of her right hand, an emblem upon her palm pulsed, sending the Xtabyren soaring from his grasp. He lunged forward then, his hands aiming for her throat. A radiant burst sent him sailing backward, crashing into his guard. The men charged forward in a rage, only to be driven back by the energies Angelaris projected. With waning courage, many guards fled the clearing, fearing what they couldn’t comprehend.

  “Forget the path that led you here, Zaxson of Nazil, and usurper of power,” Angelaris said. “Be gone from these woods lest your people be returned to the depths from which they came. These lands are no longer yours to rule, and another shall take your place as Zaxson, and serve the lands with honor.”

  As Angelaris and the Guardians moved further from them, Draizeyn grabbed his Xtabyren from the ground, leaping back to his feet.

  “My rule is forever,” he yelled, lunging toward them. “Attack!”

  Everything slowed as his guard charged, causing Angelaris and the Guardians to turn.

  “Za’Boné,” [24] the Guardians said. As the last syllable resonated through the air, a swift, eddying wind lifted the guard from their feet, sending them hurtling backward.

  Resting one hand atop the other, the Guardians rotated them outward, exuding tendrils of deflecting energy. Their eyes closed as their heads raised to the heavens, and with each revolution, the men lost ground.

  When the crossbowmen raised their weapons, loud screeches erupted from seemingly every corner of the wood. The Guardians’ motion stilled, recognizing the conversant sound. The Nazilians and slaves alike screamed, running, and ducking from the massive, hovering shadows.

  “Are you mad?” Draizeyn roared. “Release them now!”

  As the men took aim, a huge beast swooped down, knocking them hard to the ground. Bolts flew through the air without aim, killing the guards nearest to them. Cries of pain and confusion rang out as Arinak and Baldon protectively landed their beasts between the Nazilians and the Guardians.

  Draizeyn couldn’t mask his escalating terror, witnessing the enormous creatures’ descent. He struggled to his feet, only to see his men fleeing the wood with the remaining Dessalonians in pursuit.

  “K’dulak wyansoon! ” [25] Gavriel shouted, his Desu Beast, Ailis, diving, and clutching the guards with her massive claws. His booming voice echoed through t
he wood as she flew above the tall trees, releasing the struggling guards to plummet to their deaths. With a resonant screech, Ailis’ maw opened, discharging a luminous miasma. Once it enveloped the fleeing Nazilians, their pace slowed, as if something tangible held them in place. All those ensnared within her mist, moved with stuttered steps, seemingly tethered to the ground.

  Angelaris smiled as Arinak and Baldon removed their helms, kneeling before her.

  “Children of the Guardians,” Yemala said. “You’ve returned to us.” Resting her palm over the emblem on Arinak’s brow, Yemala combined their marks, merging with him completely. Extending out their arms, the remaining six Guardians drew from their connection, merging their minds with his.

  “Zofon ein r’aymed na’tah tak Bandari?” [26] Yemala said as the numinous energy surrounding them diminished.

  “He is there,” Arinak said, rising and lifting Wosen from Náelon. He immediately lowered to his knees, not meeting the eyes of the deific beings.

  The commotion of battle continued in the distance as Yemala rested a hand on Wosen’s shoulder, sharing her energy with him.

  “You may rise, my children, all of you,” Yemala said. “You needn’t fear me, son of Hosdaq. I am Yemala, pillar of the Guardians.”

  “You—you know me?” he breathed.

  “I knew you before the beginning of time, as I yet know your father.”

  “He lives? My father lives?”

  “As do all those of Bandari,” the Guardians offered in unison.

  “Arinak, “Bo’halla r’aymed gon’neesa aut nael? ” [27] Angelaris asked.

  When Arinak approached Xandi, Thalassa stood, understanding the AsZar’s request. As he lowered her to the ground, she drew him near in a tight embrace.

  “K’aun ein’ zan’ner, pahn’taal m’eloahnte,” [28] he said.

  Thalassa kissed his cheek before kneeling to the ground.

  “Arinak, Baldon, join your brothers and quell the Nazilian threat. They’ll destroy all in their path as they flee back to Nazil. Destroy them, as they would’ve destroyed those they hunted.”

  “Debanah kr’Nam sost quel’son,” [29] Arinak said as he and Baldon mounted their beasts.

  “Baatheer!” Xandi “Baatheer!” [30] Náelon,” Arinak commanded, taking to the skies.

  Angelaris smiled, motioning for Thalassa to stand. “I’m pleased that you’ve come, Thalassa. The Protectors have prepared you for what might lie ahead.”

  “I’ll do whatever you command.”

  “Everything will be revealed in time,” Angelaris said. “The Guardians do not command, they merely guide. You must choose your path as the ones who came before you. Come, my children.”

  As Angelaris gestured sideward, a large copse of trees appeared to flitter, before giving way for their passage. Angelaris flicked her wrist, summoning an amethyst disc that rested beneath her feet, lighting their path. Once they entered a small cove with wooden benches encircled by bushes and polished black stones, the disc diminished, but Thalassa and Wosen’s curiosity and veneration piqued.

  “Thalassa,” Angelaris said, bringing them from their observations. “Though your time with the Protectors has been long, never have you been from our hearts and minds. The great Protectors are your family, and your connection with Arinak is profound.”

  “He—he’s my AvHotther .”

  “Yes. And you’re his m’eloahnte ,” she said, motioning for them to sit. “The Protectors were removed from our presence, but weren’t absent of our love and guidance. They’ve nurtured you as the Guardians have done to them. At times, you felt your isolation a penance, but that was never so. We protected you as we did Crissu.”

  “Crissu? Did my brother come here, AsZar? Does he await me in the wood?”

  “Not as you would desire,” Angelaris said as the Guardians appeared from the thicket. “As with each of us, Crissu chose the path he wished to walk. We couldn’t turn him from that desire, and understood that choice. We mourned for him then, as we do so now.”

  “Mourn?”

  “Crissu has come to us and gone as all do who’ve fallen in these lands.”

  “Fallen?” Thalassa shook her head, her eyes filling with tears. “No, he can’t be dead. Please.”

  “You’ve mourned for what you knew, but your heart wouldn’t accept. Crissu has found the peace in death that eluded him in life. He awaits you now, at your father’s side.”

  “But why?” Thalassa wept. Wosen enfolded her within his arms as she cried into his chest. “Why were we taken from our mother?”

  “It was necessary. When the Nazilians destroyed Hyorin, Tesu guided you to the Protectors. Your importance to these lands is immeasurable, Thalassa. We didn’t take your mother from you. The Nazilians captured her and she serves them still.”

  “My importance? What about my mother? Where is she?”

  Before Angelaris could answer, Wosen spoke up, equally confused. “Nazil? Her mother is a captive, AsZar?”

  “She is, and many others that you know. We’ll speak of her liberation and the part you’ll have in it if you elect to do so.”

  “I’ll do whatever you command. Please, tell me what to do, and I’ll see it done.”

  “In time, young one,” the Guardians harmonized.

  “Young one?” he gasped. “Only one person calls me that. Is she Thalassa’s mother?”

  When Angelaris nodded, he weakened, overcome by desolation. “No. No. My old mum? No,” he repeated, shaking his head in disbelief.

  “Have you seen my mother?” Thalassa asked, clutching his arms. “Do you know Hushar Saussai?”

  “Thalassa, I didn’t know. Hushar took care of me after the Nazilians’ abuse. She told me about the Guardians and Dessalonians. When—when she said I reminded her of her son, I didn’t understand, I—I didn’t know.”

  “R’ryn sha’low , Thalassa. “Faind’t wl’eassa de’ tr’rond. Amelyko xayn vis’vo neesa d’well,” [31] the Guardians said.

  “Wosen, you’ve become greater than we once believed. The suffering you endured has formed you into what you should’ve always been.”

  “You caused my suffering?” he asked.

  “No,” Angelaris said. “The choices you made caused your suffering. It wasn’t the Guardians will or desire to have it so. We warned of the danger, but when the pale serpent beckoned, you did answer.”

  “I—I didn’t know, AsZar, I didn’t understand then.”

  “You do now, and because of you, the Protectors have returned. Had Nazil not taken you, your words mightn’t have reached them. The anguish you suffered was due to your sins and disobedience. However, through that suffering, you’ve become the man that you were destined to be. Once you are ready, you’ll join Thalassa’s brother and return to Nazil.”

  Thalassa’s brow creased, raising up on the bench. “My brother, AsZar? You told me that he died.”

  “Crissu wasn’t your only brother. Did he not tell you about the others?”

  “What?”

  “There are two who have come with the Bandarians. Of them, the Chosen will lead.”

  “I don’t understand,” Thalassa said. “Who are they?”

  “The first is Pentanimir, son of Manifir, and First Chosen of Nazil.”

  “Pentanimir?” Wosen’s asked, dumfounded. “Pentanimir is Thalassa’s brother?”

  “And he’s not alone.” As she motioned behind her, a hooded man stepped into the clearing. When he removed his cowl, both Thalassa and Wosen stood.

  “He’s Nazilian,” Wosen said, pushing Thalassa protectively behind him.

  “No, no wait, wait, Wosen.” She stepped forward haltingly, examining his every feature. “I know you,” she breathed. “I—I remember your face. I was very young, but I remember. You came with Father. You came to Hyorin.”

  “Yes. It was long ago, Thalassa, too long, and I’ve searched for you endlessly.”

  Temian reached into a pocket, pulling the dark wooden figure from inside. As her e
yes fell upon it, she rushed forward, drawing him into a hug.

  “You are my brother! You’re the one Crissu spoke of. He said that one of Nazil would come to us. It is you!”

  He covered her face with kisses, returning the tight hug, nearly going weak from it. “I offer myself to you completely,” Temian said. “You’ve reunited me with my family and I’ll be forever grateful.”

  “It was your purity of heart and determination that led her to you, Temian. There’s a great need for all the children of Manifir,” the Guardians said. “Your father beseeched us long ago, and in turn, we’ll do the same of you.”

  Wosen’s head cocked in confusion, approaching where they stood. “Temian? By the gods, you look like Pentanimir. Your face is the same.”

  Temian smiled, nodding. “He’s my brother.”

  As Wosen moved closer, a fierce wind nearly caused him to topple. The surrounding trees gave way, allowing the Desu Beast’s descent.

  “The Nazilians have been destroyed,” Arinak said as they removed their helms, bowing before the Guardians. The Desu Beast’s wings extended as they screeched, offering obeisance to the divine beings.

  “You’ve suffered in your exile, Protectors of Afferea,” Angelaris said. “The sin that weighs heavy upon your heart was forgiven long ago. Rise now and merge again with the ones who gave you life.”

  “Debanah de’ lea’aah k’ohn. Za ce’Shunt mion laze aut amelyko. R’eMahd sost r’aMold,” [32] the Guardians spoke in unison, resting a palm over their emblems and merging with them completely.

  “We’ll serve you with honor and forever be at your side,” they vowed.

  Angelaris reached out to Arinak, being lifted into his arms. “Pahn’taal uhnmé,” she said, kissing his face as he leaned toward her. “We must continue into the wood and join the Bandarians.”

  Arinak cradled her in his arms, mounting Xandi. “Baatheer!” he commanded, taking to the skies.

  Obligations

  Pentanimir drew Brahanu closer, enjoying the feel of her in his arms. They sat near the fire, barely speaking to each other. However, words weren’t needed. Just sharing this closeness and allowing him to hold her was enough, and more than he felt he deserved. Although he longed to be with her, he refused to burden Brahanu with such desires. Their fates were abundantly clear, no matter how much he wished it otherwise. After witnessing his brother’s bond, Pentanimir lamented what awaited him. Brahanu was his love, yet he was pledged to another. His breath nearly stopped at the thought, until Vot’s voice claimed his attention.