The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy
Page 77
“Arilian,” he shouted, entering the room.
The old man jerked, turning as he startled him. “Your sister grows weaker, Zaxson, I fear the worst.”
“Yes, yes, do all you can for her, Arilian. Now, I have an urgent need,” Daracus said, handing him the pouch.
“My lord, it’s empty.”
“Do you think me daft? Why else would I give it to you? I need more, now.”
“But Sir, it’s only been seven suns. There was enough here to last three times that long. It’s dangerous to consume so much so quickly.”
“I didn’t ask for your assessment. All I need from you are the pellets, now!”
“I—I have very few left. I need more mandrake, tears of the poppy, imphepho, and kava. Until I receive more, I can’t produce the pellets.”
“I’ll take what you have, and don’t let the time come again when you don’t have what’s needed to produce more. Always keep a supply for whenever I should need them.”
“Yes, Zaxson. Firstly, I need to speak with you about Lady Denotra.”
“That can wait,” Daracus said, growing more agitated. “Go now and see to my needs. I’ll stay here until you return. Make haste.”
“Yes—yes, my lord.”
After Arilian left, Daracus sat on the bed, staring at his sister, while sifting through the muddled thoughts in his mind. “Could his words be true? Did your lust for Pentanimir cause you to allow that hedgeborn filth to pleasure you?”
Daracus stroked her sweat-soaked hair, hearing Beilzen’s words repeat in his mind. Gradually, the gentle stroking ceased, and his movements became rougher, tugging pieces of hair from her head.
“Surely, you wouldn’t shame our family, Sister. You wouldn’t willingly lay with such a low-born piece of scum. Always you dangled Beilzen on a string, using him at your whim. You knew that he longed for you.” His lips curled into a snarl, leaning to whisper in her ear. His hands slid down her hair, caressing her neck.
“Now your little songbird lies in the dark chamber, crying like a woman. That cock you made use of so well has been removed. Mayhaps you’d like to feel it again before I feed it to him? Would you like that, Sister?” Daracus said through clenched teeth, moving both hands to her throat, squeezing and twisting as he spoke.
“Because of you, I’ve injured Jahno again. It’s always you, isn’t it? Father thought it was me, but it was you. I couldn’t have who I wanted, but you had every one of your servants licking you each night until you squealed. Yes, I’ll bring you your cock. You’ll feel the same pain you’ve inflicted upon me. You’re nothing but a whore.”
Arilian paused at the door, staring over at the bed. His brow knitted, observing Daracus bent over his sister.
“Arilian.” He shot up from the bed, rushing toward him. “Do you have them?”
“Yes, my lord. There’re thirteen left, but Pailen has gone to fetch more ingredients.”
“Excellent,” Daracus said, immediately placing a pellet beneath his tongue. Everything faded away as he closed his eyes, allowing the feeling to overtake him.
“My lord,” Arilian shouted, wrenching him from his euphoria. “By the gods, what happened?”
Daracus blinked his eyes open, staggering around. As his vision cleared, he noticed Arilian grasping his sister.
“Wha—what do you mean?” he slurred. “What’s the matter?”
“Your sister, my lord. Lady Denotra, she—she’s dead.”
Strategy
Osmara snuggled closer to Hosdaq, resting her head on his smooth chest. She fought to keep her tears at bay, though desolation permeated her very being. The passing suns seemed more liked moments until he’d leave her for Nazil. Now, the time was here, and she couldn’t bear to think of it.
“Did you sleep at all, my wife?”
“Only thoughts of this war filled my mind, forcing all else from it. Why must you leave the safety of the wood?”
“I can’t send Wosen to Nazil alone. Only Pentanimir and I have trained with the Chosen Guard, and my sword is needed, my love.”
He sat up, resting a hand on her stomach. “I’m not doing this only for the lands. I’m doing this for my children, for you, and for our child you’re carrying now. I love you more than anyone that I’ve known, Osmara, and I refuse to hide that love, or allow our children to be forced from these lands. Too long have the rulers of Nazil corrupted the truth and misled our people. Your blood is the same as mine…there’s nothing that separates us. If I wasn’t needed, I’d never leave your side.”
“I know of the need, but I’m afraid. You’ve only just come to me, Hosdaq, and we’ve had little time together. If I were to lose you now, I wouldn’t want to live.” Osmara wept as Hosdaq enfolded her into his arms.
“Allay your fears. The Guardians will protect us, and you won’t lose me. They’ve already spoken of our victory.”
“They’ve spoken of your victory, not of your survival. You haven’t been in the white city for years, and I don’t want you from my side.”
“Nothing will keep me from returning to you. Together we’ll see our children birthed and grow strong. I’m coming back to you,” he said, embracing her tighter. “Will you come with me to the hall? I have to meet the others, but I don’t want to leave you alone.”
“I’ll come after readying Malkia. I know that you’re meeting with the Elders, too.”
“I won’t be taking my meals at the Elder’s table anymore. Our family is the most important thing in my life, and I’ll be at your side,” he said, kissing her lovingly. “What you said in Bandari was true. You didn’t express your love for me, but I’m guilty of the same. I was afraid then, but no longer. I would’ve loved you endlessly, my wife, as I cherish you now. Don’t think that my heart doesn’t ache at the thought of leaving. Learning of your love and our coming child have been among the happiest moments in my life. I love you, Osmara, I’ve always loved you. The Guardians will bring me through safely. I promise.”
She smiled wistfully, sliding the cover away. “If you’re going to Nazil, I need you to be a part of me before you do.”
He kissed her waiting lips. “There’s no other place that I’d wish to be,” he said, moving over her.
Temian and Thalassa stretched, approaching the hall. Neither of them had rested well with thoughts of the coming battle occupying their thoughts. As they opened the door, Pentanimir and Danimore were sipping steaming cups of tea, sitting at a table nearest the door. The brothers sat close, viewing a large piece of vellum.
“Is this a map of Nazil?” Thalassa asked, joining them at the table.
“It’s mainly the citadel and temple. I’ve marked the barracks and doors here.” Pentanimir pointed out their locations, motioning the two closer. “The citadel is surrounded by not one, but two walls. There’s a drawbridge between them, and two portcullises, which are raised and lowered by the guards here,” he continued, pointing to different locations on the map. “The battlements and ramparts are here. There’re arrow loops and murder holes as well. We must concentrate our arrows in these locations. The guards inside will have access to arbalests, but they don’t routinely have them in place. When they go to retrieve the weapons, we must be ready.
“This location is a small entrance to the cells, and there’re several postern doors here. All of these are barbicans, and usually only two to four guards are stationed there. And this, of course, is the curtain wall. I’m not certain about the temple’s detailed layout, and know of only three entrances. We’ll need you to mark those, Temian.”
He moved closer, picking up several stones from the table. “Here and here. These aren’t known to most. This one is of the most importance. It’s meant as an escape door of sorts, and doesn’t lead directly outside. There’s an underground tunnel that lets out behind the citadel.”
Pentanimir nodded, continuing to study the map. “Like the tunnel of Hyorin,” he said, quietly.
“The children of Manifir are joined at last,” Temian said,
taking a seat beside them.
“Not all, Brother. Crissu was supposed to be with us,” Thalassa lamented.
“He is with us, Sister,” Temian said. “In all that we do, he’s with us.”
Thalassa nodded, regarding the others. “Were you able to rest?”
“Only thoughts of the coming battle were in my mind.” Danimore stretched, shaking his head. “The more I did to rid myself of them; the more powerful they became.”
“Me, too,” Pentanimir said. “Brahanu did much to soothe me, but I couldn’t rest.”
“Thalassa and I were much the same. I don’t think anyone rests well on the eve of battle. But we need to stay focused and remember everything we’ve planned. Nazil won’t be prepared for our attack, and we’ll use this to our advantage. Our strike must be fierce and unrelenting.”
“The citadel will be the most difficult target,” Pentanimir said, pointing at the map. “With Wosen’s arrows, our chances are greatly improved.”
“Yes, but if we’re to take it, our descent must be flawless,” Danimore said. “I know that the Protectors can place us where we need to be, but once inside, are we on our own against all of the guard?”
“No,” Pentanimir said. “Thalassa, Arinak, and Baldon will be with us. Their beasts will wreak havoc on the guards attempting to enter, and any on the ramparts that Wosen hasn’t removed.”
“Indeed. Hosdaq and I’ll secure the temple,” Temian said. “The false gods of Nazil will be destroyed this day. Once we’ve taken the temple and detained the Cha, the remaining guard will come to us. With the Protectors’ help, we’ll keep the guards from storming the citadel. Wosen will continue circling above, and the beast’s mist can help slow multitudes of guards.”
“Yes,” Thalassa said. “The Protectors don’t always fight on the backs of their beasts. They’ll do as the Protectors command through their extrasensory connection. It’s grown stronger being amongst the Guardians. They’ve all grown stronger.”
“As have we,” Danimore said. “Will the nectar we consumed protect us from their poison?”
“Not fully. There wasn’t enough time, and you could only ingest small amounts. You must take great care with your blades.”
“What about the slaves?” Temian asked. “Who’ll release them?”
“I will,” Danimore said. “There are guards stationed throughout the corridors, but only two guard the cells. If the Nazilians have taken more captives, they can assist us. We’ll enter with six, but there’ll be many more once the slaves are set free.”
“You’ll enter with seven,” a voice called from the door.
The siblings squinted, raising a hand to block the sun’s rays bathing the hall.
“Julaybeim?” Pentanimir said, surprised. “We can’t ask this of you. This battle belongs to us alone.”
“Where’s that written, First Chosen?” Julaybeim said in his usual defiant tone, taking interest in the map.
Gali raised up a hand, shaking her head. “Save your words, Pentanimir, he’s of a singular mind. During the night, he woke with horrible dreams. Not even my closeness could soothe his heart or mind. He won’t be moved, not even by the words of his wife.”
Thalassa looked curiously, realizing more from Gali’s statement than the others. “Dreams? What did you see, Julaybeim?”
“I saw my parents. Only, they weren’t truly there. It was merely a shadow of what they were.” He took a deep breath, trying to keep the tremble from his voice. “I called out to them…tried to reach them, but I couldn’t get near. It—it was the falls, like Brahanu described. They seemed to merge all into each other and…and this light. Beneath them, there was a light that reached the heavens.
“I couldn’t reach them; I couldn’t. They smiled at me, embracing each other, and speaking words of love. When I reached out to them again, they were gone…forever they are gone.”
“Do you think your dream is true?” Thalassa asked, resting a gentle hand on his arm.
“I can’t be certain until we return to Cazaal, but I grieve for my parents. Everything appeared as real to me then as all before me now. Had Brahanu not spoken of the merging falls, I’d try to dismiss it…to reason my way through. But being here amongst the Guardians, I feel there’s truth in my dream. It seemed more a vision placed in my mind to awaken me.”
“Awaken you to what?” Temian asked.
“To what I must do. If my parents have fallen, it was at the Nazilians’ hands. One more sword in Cazaal would’ve made little difference. But one more sword as we ride to Nazil could make all the difference.” Julaybeim’s dark grey eyes stared unblinkingly, meeting the eyes of each of them.
“He won’t be moved, and I won’t speak against it,” Gali said. “This is what he feels the Guardians would have him do; it’s what he feels in his heart that he must do. I don’t wish it, yet I stand by my husband.”
“We welcome your sword, young lord. However, I pray that your dream is false, and both Hacom and Amani await you in Cazaal,” Pentanimir said, knowing the opposite to be true.
“Thank you, First Chosen, but I don’t feel it’s so. I’ll fight beside you and free the lands of this evil. If my father were here, he’d do the same.”
The hall was nearly full as Hosdaq and Wosen entered with their families.
“What have we missed?” Hosdaq asked.
“We’ve discussed more about our strategy and the city’s layout. However, Julaybeim has decided to join us.”
“Are you certain that this is a battle you wish to join?” Hosdaq asked.
“I’m certain. My sword is yours.”
“Then you’ll assist Temian and me. Taking the temple won’t be the most difficult of tasks, but outside, many guards and Chosen will come against us. Your sword and the skill in which you wield it will be of great use, Julaybeim. The Protectors will aid us significantly, but there’ll be numerous guards we’ll have to face. This won’t be an easy battle, even with the Protectors help. We’re tasked with keeping the guards from reaching the citadel.”
“Yes, and once the captives are freed, chaos could erupt,” Danimore said. “Not everyone will want to fight or be able to, and some may hinder our efforts. We must remain focused and stay on task.”
“Agreed. Let us break our fast and move to the falls,” Pentanimir said. “The AsZar awaits us there.”
Gali’s brow knitted, glancing around the room. “Brahanu and Zeta aren’t joining us?”
Pentanimir and Danimore both shook their heads. “Kuhani met with them not long ago,” Pentanimir said. “They’ll remain in the carriage with the children for now. Our leave has grieved them and they’re comforting each other.”
“I understand their feelings,” Osmara said, taking Hosdaq’s hand. “Even knowing the importance of your duty doesn’t lessen the ache of our hearts.”
Hibret and Gali nodded, kissing their husbands before beginning their meal. Most merely picked at their food, reorganizing it on their plates. Although no one would speak it, the trepidation hung heavily in the air, like a tangible entity, crushing them in malleable tendrils.
A constant click…flick…click , resonated through the silence as Wosen continued to flick a stone on the table. It wasn’t until Hibret rested her hand on his, did the stone again lie still.
“Mayhaps you can take Malkia to see Ameya,” Hosdaq said, kissing Osmara’s hand. “They seem to play well together.”
“Are you leaving now?” Osmara whispered.
“Soon. I’d rather you leave me here than watch me walk away from you. Please, take Malkia to the carriages, and know that I love you,” he said, standing to kiss and embrace her.
“Come now, little one, give your father and brother a hug,” Osmara said. “We’re going to visit Brahanu.”
After they hugged Malkia, Osmara leaned closer for one more kiss, forcing the best smile that she could manage. “May the Guardians be with you,” she said before exiting the hall.
“I’d like you to go, too, Hi
bret,” Wosen said. “The Guardian’s protection covers us, and I’ll return soon. I love you.”
“I love you, too,” she said, interlacing their fingers, and walking to the door.
Julaybeim turned, taking Gali’s hands. “Mayhaps you should join them.”
“But I want to stay. Until the very last moment, I want to be with you.”
“Gali, I don’t want you to see me walking away from you, either. If you join the others, you’ll have the support and love that I’ll be unable to provide.”
“If you don’t want me with you, I’ll go, but I want to stay. Being with you now is what will soothe my heart and mind, Julaybeim.”
“Mine as well,” he said, kissing her tenderly. He’d made the request more for himself than for her. His heart ached at leaving her, and he prayed that he’d have the strength to do so.
“It would be an honor to escort you to the falls,” Kuhani said, bowing.
Hosdaq’s smile was immediate as he stood to embrace him. “The honor will be ours, old friend,” he said, locking stares with him. With a nod of understanding, Kuhani rested a hand over Hosdaq’s heart, prompting him to do the same.
“Daihmud tak pahn’taal daihmud ,” [43] Kuhani said, quietly.
“Dijnay ein faeduhn,” [44] Hosdaq responded, feeling the warmth and weight of the K’ohshulian affirmation completely.
Before anyone could question, Kuhani gestured them forward, leading the procession toward the falls.
“Greetings, warriors of Afferea,” the Guardians spoke in unison.
“We are honored to be in your presence,” Kuhani said, bowing low.
Angelaris walked forward, taking her place in front of the Guardians. The Protectors knelt beside their massive beasts, outfitted for battle. Their armor was regal, yet rugged, with mirrored silver breastplates with onyx accents, which seemed fitting for the fierce fighters. The only embellishment was the mark of the Guardians centered on their chests, a mark surrounded by golden flecks symbolizing light.
The habergeons they wore seemed to shift color with the accentuating rays of the sun, changing from a purplish silver, and back again to black. The shields attached to their beasts stood taller than any man, with thick spikes protruding from either end. The detail was intricate, identical to the gauntlets, cuisses, and greaves that they wore. The shimmering eminence-colored cloaks of the Guardians hung from their shoulders as they knelt by their Desu Beasts, similarly adorned with impenetrable iridescent armor.