He closed his eyes again, feeling the weight of his obligations hang heavy about his shoulders. He wouldn’t continue to fight against the truth or torment himself with thoughts of love and happiness. Hosdaq was right when he talked to him in Bandari. It was Pentanimir’s duty to return to Nazil, his onus alone, and he’d honor that which he agreed.
Honor above all.
“Pentanimir?”
When he turned, a smile found his face, although a wistful one. Seeing Hibret solidified his contemplation. She reminded him of the importance of his return to Nazil and the cruelties of his people. It took but one to begin a change. He endeavored to be that one.
“I’ve found you,” Hibret said.
“It wasn’t my intention to hide,” Pentanimir said, motioning for her to sit. “Do you need me?”
“Well…uhm…I’ve heard that you’re returning to Nazil. Is that true?”
“It is. Is something wrong?”
Her eyes lowered before she met his again. “No, not wrong. I—I’m just asking because of Wosen. I know what he’s done, I do, but—but that’s not him. I should’ve seen how troubled he was. He didn’t mean to hurt anyone or—or cause this war.” She sighed. “That’s not the man that either of us know, not the one I love. My heart is still his, Pentanimir, and I don’t care what’s happened, I still want us to marry.”
He draped an arm around her, lifting her face to his. He could feel her desperation and love as if it was his own.
“If Wosen is in Nazil, I promise to find a way to bring him back to you, Hibret, but it won’t be as you remember him. He’s suffered in the hands of the Nazilians, and their methods are…brutal , especially with those of a blended heritage. The scars you’ll see without will be infinitesimal to those he’ll carry within.”
“My father warned me of the same. Beneath it all, whatever they’ve done, he’s still my love. I’ll remember him as he was, and accept him as he is.”
“I promise. A love like yours isn’t often found in these lands,” he said, mourning the loss of his own. “Come now, evening meal will be ready soon, and your mother will look for you. We mustn’t worry her.”
Hibret accepted his offered arm, returning to the encampment. As they arrived, Pentanimir paused, observing the villagers’ preparations: marking the ground for their new homes, digging a pit for the eternal fire, cutting wood, and preparing meals. Was this how it was in the beginning? When they first built Bandari, he thought, walking toward Julaybeim. Hibret kissed his cheek, and then moved off to find her mother.
“What are you working on, Julaybeim?”
He gazed up at him, wiping the sweat from his face and chest. “The Elder Vot needs wood for fencing to contain the animals.”
“Indeed,” Pentanimir said, grabbing planks and stacking them.
Julaybeim slowed his pace, peering at him from the corner of his eye. “Pentanimir, will you be visiting Brahanu soon?”
Pentanimir paused, tossing the plank. “Not this day. Your sister is healing and needs to rest. The babes tire her, and I’ll allow her this time. There’s much on her mind and heart, and I won’t complicate it with my presence.”
“Complicate? What’s that to mean? Even I know that her heart is yours. When I learned about her betrayal, it angered me…it does still, but Itai isn’t here, you are. I mourn for him, but I mourn for Brahanu, too. How can you ignore her pain and reason your way out of her life?”
“What I know, young lord, is that your sister needs time. She’s told me the same, and I’ve finally agreed. Here, she’ll have that time. As she returns to Cazaal and meets her obligations, I’ll do the same in Nazil.”
Julaybeim dropped his saw, standing to face him. “I’ve heard what awaits you in Nazil. How are you supposed to care for my sister and your son when you’re married to the Zaxson’s daughter?”
“Don’t allow your tongue to overrule your mind.”
Julaybeim’s jaw tightened as he took a steadying breath.
“Julaybeim, Denotra isn’t the only reason why I need to return to Nazil. If Faélondul’s edicts are to change, we need people in place to implement those changes. I know many men of influence that could aid me in this. The Animus Wood is a haven for the people here, but what about the multitude in the lands? Doesn’t their fate matter to you?”
“It does,” he conceded. “If this is something that you can truly bring to fruition, tell me your plans and receive my aid.”
“I couldn’t think of anyone better to assist me. Firstly, you must return to Cazaal and aid the people there.”
“What about my parents? Surely, they’ve already begun repairing what’s been destroyed. My aid might come sooner than you’d think.”
“As you say, young lord,” he relented, unable to meet his eyes in that moment. “You’re right, and I’ll visit with Brahanu and Tardison for a while. Regardless of anything else, they’re the most important in my life.”
Julaybeim nodded as Pentanimir proceeded toward the carriages. He wasn’t certain what to say to Brahanu, but he couldn’t be moved. At that moment, he realized that he’d kept his distance more for that reason than any other. But the absence of her and his son only compounded his sorrow and feeling of loss. Being apart from them hadn’t made him stronger, it weakened him.
“Your son has a good appetite, Pentanimir,” Yeshe said as he approached the carriages. “He’s going to be strong like his father.”
Pentanimir returned her smile, reaching for Tardison. “Thank you for helping to care for him. You’re more a blessing than you know.”
“As are you,” Yeshe said, stepping from the carriage. “I appreciate you speaking with Hibret. She’s been inconsolable since learning about Wosen. You’ve given her heart hope, and that means much to her father and me.”
He nodded, gripping her hand. “I meant what I said, Yeshe. If Wosen is in Nazil, I’ll ensure that he’s reunited with Hibret. After what he’s suffered, it’ll take the whole of Bandari to assist in his healing. He’ll never be the same, but the love that permeates this village will aid in his recovery, and help him reclaim what he once was.”
“We’ve already forgiven him and pray for his safety.” She smiled, motioning for him to sit. “Sahma is looking for you, too. She spent nearly three turns of the glass braiding Brahanu’s hair. Now, she wants to braid yours.”
Pentanimir was finally able to laugh, considering the young girl and the purity of her heart. “I’ll find her once I’m finished. There’s no other that I’d want to groom my hair. She’ll give it a good washing and brushing, too. It’s grown longer than I like, and she’ll need to tend it.”
She smiled, nodding. “I’ll leave you to your privacy.”
“Thank you, Yeshe,” he said, moving to sit next to Brahanu.
Her entire face brightened as she reached for his hand. It had been too long since they could be alone. Seeing her smile made him long for her touch…for all of her.
“I’d hoped to see you, Pentanimir. Gali says that I’m getting stronger and should be able to walk without help soon.”
“Your color returns as well,” he said, admiring her smooth, mahogany complexion. When his eyes rested on her lips, he moistened his own, fondly recalling the taste and feel of them.
“Your hair looks beautiful,” he said, admiring the small braids. “You look like your mother.”
Brahanu blushed. “She wore hers like this often,” she said, stroking a stone dangling from one of the ends. “I miss them.”
“I know,” he said, turning away. “How—how is Eytan? He looks to be feeding better now.”
“He is, and growing stronger with each sun. He’s looking more like his father, too. I hope that’ll bring some joy to Tioch’s heart.”
“Me as well. Once Julaybeim returns to Cazaal and ensures it’s safe, he’ll come for the both of you with a contingent of sentries. They’ll see you home safely.”
“Julaybeim? What about you, Pentanimir?”
“It’s not my place…not thi
s time. I doubt that the Cazaalians would welcome me so soon after this war. I’ll visit Spero and then return to Nazil. I’ve told you about my plans and what lies ahead.”
“Yes, you told me, but you never asked my opinion on the matter. How can you leave me and your son so easily?”
For a moment, he didn’t answer. Pentanimir kissed his son, caressing his patch of silvery-white hair before lowering him into his basket. He dreaded his next words, but needed to speak them.
“On this, Brahanu, neither of our opinions truly matter. I’m the Caretaker of Spero and pledged to the Zaxson’s daughter. I offered to forego all of this for you, to remain here with you and our son, and you didn’t want that. It took time, but I realized the wisdom in your words. I’ve done all that I can here, and need to return to Nazil. Nothing in these lands will ever change without those willing to initiate that change. I love you more now than ever before, but my heart can’t bear being near you and not with you,” he said, standing to leave.
“Doesn’t our love have meaning?”
“Brahanu, our love is what drives me to honor my duty. Just as you were to return to Cazaal and leave Tardison and me, I must return to Nazil. Learning about Itai doesn’t alter what you said. That’s where your heart truly leaned, and I’ve accepted that.” Pentanimir leaned forward, kissing her softly. “My love for you is everlasting, and it’ll never leave my heart. What I do for Faélondul, I do for our family most of all. Denotra awaits our bond, and I need to see it through.”
“No, Pentanimir, marry me. I’m ready now. Please. Don’t leave me here alone.”
“As you said, if the gods wish it to be, it will be,” he said, raising her hand to his lips, and exiting the carriage.
As the sun surrendered to the moon, Pentanimir returned to the encampment. His hands and back ached after harvesting trees throughout the evening. He did whatever he could to keep his mind from Brahanu and her expression when he left her.
“May I join you, First Chosen?” Hosdaq asked, handing him a water skin.
Pentanimir nodded, turning up the skin and sitting near the fire.
“When do you plan to leave, Pentanimir?”
“No longer than two suns. Julaybeim and I will travel together as far as Spero. I’ll ensure he arrives in Cazaal safely before taking the Great Sword toward Nazil.”
“Will it be safe for you to travel alone? The humans will be wary of Nazilians.”
“If my guard has returned to Spero, I’ll have them accompany me. The Cha will send a bird to alert Nazil of my coming. Denotra should be pleased.”
“Will you truly fulfill your pledge? Even after everything that’s happened?”
“Elder, not so long ago, you alone opposed my remaining in Bandari. You reminded me about my duty to Nazil. How can you now question me honoring it?”
“I’ve been a fool regarding many things. Duty and honor plagued my mind and wiped all else from it. I told you of my heart when you arrived in the wood. Now, tell me what lies in yours, son of Manifir?”
“My heart? Again, you speak of hearts, Elder. My heart aches for these lands. It aches for those not within the wood. It aches for my son and his mother. My heart tells me to return to Nazil, and my mind knows the same.”
Hosdaq’s gaze lowered. “You speak true, and I can’t deny what I said, however, I know that you love Brahanu. Both of you share a special connection that shouldn’t be allowed to wither. Tardison is here, and he’ll need both of his parents.”
“My love for one can’t supersede my love for the many. What I do for Nazil, I do for Tardison, Eytan, and all others of Faélondul. My love for Brahanu can no longer keep me from my purpose, nor can I keep her from hers.”
“Pentanimir—” Hosdaq’s words caught in his throat as a chilling zephyr swept over them. Flaming tendrils from the eternal fire lashed out, whipping around them as they attempted to stand, only to be forced back by the powerful gusts.
A cacophony of panicked cries echoed through the darkness when loud screeches resonated throughout encampment.
“Hosdaq!” Osmara shouted, clutching Malkia’s hand as she struggled to his side. He labored to his feet, drawing them defensively against him.
Pentanimir unsheathed his Xtabyren, and then staggered back, witnessing a luminous orb drifting toward the fire.
“Do not fear, people of Bandari,” the Guardians spoke melodiously, the orb encasing them diminishing, and revealing the seven held within. “The Guardians are among you: we here before you, and those from above.”
As they cast their gaze upward, the faint, violet hues of the Protectors shone brightly in the darkened sky. The winds swept over them again, as the beasts began their descent.
Shrieks of horror pierced the darkness when the beasts came into view. Bandarians fled in droves, only to topple as the ground trembled beneath the beast’s weight. As they scurried to their feet, Ilka’s powerful screech skittered them to a stop, before she rested at the feet of her master.
“Be still, people of Bandari, no harm will come from the Protectors,” the Guardians said in unison. “Afferea is their home, and they’ve returned to us.”
As the villagers began to quiet, Arinak dismounted Xandi, lowering Angelaris to face them.
“I am Angelaris, AsZar of Afferea. “Do not fear those who’ve come in aid to you. The Protectors are of the Guardians, and they’ll assist in ending the turmoil present in the lands. Long have you spoken of the great Protectors as myth and legend. See now that they’re real, and stand before you.”
Pentanimir sheathed his sword, moving forward in awe. Slowly, the Bandarians returned, their fear dissipating, being replaced with a palliative, serene warmth.
The Guardians glided forward with Angelaris as she motioned to Pentanimir. “There’s much to be revealed,” Angelaris said. “Son of Manifir, bring forth your son.”
For a moment, he said nothing, only staring at the enchantingly beautiful woman. “Tar—Tardison?” he finally asked.
“There is no other.”
When he turned, rushing to the carriage, Angelaris regarded Hosdaq.
“Son of Wesleyon, come forth with your wife.”
Hosdaq’s eyes didn’t leave hers as he squeezed Osmara’s hand, stepping forward.
“We’ve watched over you and known your hearts. Release the guilt of your past and embrace the blessings of the future,” Angelaris said. “That future began as you felt your life at its end. The choices you’ll soon make will shape not only your life, but also many in the lands. With you, son of Wesleyon, a new line can begin.”
“A new line?”
Angelaris smiled, gesturing to Osmara. “The life that grows within you.”
“I—I’m going to have a child?” Osmara breathed.
“You’re going to have many. It’s not merely what will be, it’s also what has been.”
“Bo’Halla r’aymed na’tah tak Bandari aut nael,” [33] Angelaris said to the Protectors.
Baldon nodded, lifting someone from Náelon’s back. The villagers shielded their eyes from the fire’s light, attempting to make out the figure in the darkness.
Hosdaq released Osmara’s hand, squinting toward the fire. His steps felt weighted, the ictus of his heart thumping in his chest as he walked forward, matching the figure’s pace.
“It—it can’t be.” Hosdaq gasped. “By the gods, it can’t be. Wosen? Is it truly my son? Wosen!” he shouted, running forward and gripping him in a crushing hug.
A cacophony of voices erupted all at once, as the Bandarians converged on the two.
Hosdaq covered Wosen’s face with kisses. “Gods…my son…my son,” Hosdaq muttered. “Forgive me, Wosen, please, forgive me. I was wrong. I should’ve done more and told you everything from the beginning. It’s my fault, and I don’t blame you for what’s happened. I love you.”
Wosen shook his head, hugging him tighter. “No. You didn’t fail with me, I failed the both of us. I’m sorry, Father. I don’t deserve your forgiveness, bu
t I beg for it anyway. I’m sorry for what I’ve done, and everything I’ve caused. I love you and Malkia. Please forgive me.”
“We forgave you long ago,” Hosdaq said, and then looked up to Angelaris. “Thank you for bringing him back to me. Thank you.”
“Wosen?” Hibret called out over the clamor of the crowd. Forcing her way through, she continued her call, trying to be heard over the others. “Wosen!”
As Wosen bent to hug his sister, Hibret’s voice froze him in place.
“Go to her,” Hosdaq said. “She still loves you, Wosen, as we all do.”
Wosen blanched, rising to see Hibret pushing forward. She was more beautiful than he’d remembered, and that beauty caused him to think of his own appearance. Raising a hand to his face, he felt the deep scars upon it. He took a step back, but Hosdaq nudged him forward and into her arms.
“I’m sorry, Hibret,” he whimpered in her ear. “I never meant to hurt you. Thoughts of you kept me whole when…when I was in Nazil. I’ll never stop loving you,” he said, pushing back from her grasp. “I’m not the man that I was, and know that I’ve lost you. I didn’t know then what I know now, and I’m sorry. I wish I could change it, and be the man that you love, and not the monster the Nazilians created.”
As he lowered his head, she lifted it back up to hers, leaning in to kiss him. “I don’t care about anything but you, Wosen,” she said, kissing the scars on his face. “You’re going to be my husband, and I’m grateful that the Guardians returned you to me.”
“AsZar,” Pentanimir said, kneeling with Tardison.
“Sons of Manifir,” Angelaris said, looking over at Danimore and moving forward with the Guardians. We’ve been awaiting this time. Extending out their right arms, the Guardians rested a hand on Tardison. The subsequent illumination was nearly blinding, flooding the encampment with ambient light. Pentanimir’s knees weakened, struggling to remain upright. He kept hold of his son, his eye’s clenched tight until the light began to dissipate.
When he regarded Tardison again, his mouth gaped, staring down at the mark embossed on his palm.
“You were told about your son’s importance,” Angelaris said. “Tardison is of the Guardians, and needed at their side.”
The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy Page 69