The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy

by Aaron-Michael Hall

Fáelán said nothing. He only looked up at Beilzen with his vibrant, green eyes.

  “You look like your mother,” Beilzen breathed, searching his face. “Your eyes are the same. Your mother had such beautiful eyes.”

  “You knew my mum?”

  “I knew her very well. She was special to me. The more we learn about each other, the more I’ll tell you about Shiloh. That was her name. Would you like that, Fáelán?”

  Nodding, he inched closer, swaying as he stood.

  “May I hug him?” Beilzen asked, looking at Wosen for permission.

  “You need to ask that of him.”

  Fáelán, hearing the question, crawled up on Beilzen’s lap. He winced at the pain of his movement, but gave no care. When Fáelán draped his arms over his shoulders, Beilzen enfolded him in his arms.

  “Thank you. Thank you both. I know that I don’t deserve this. It’s true, I see her in his face. I see Shiloh.”

  Pentanimir and Wosen exchanged a look.

  “Offer your gratitude to the Guardians,” Pentanimir said, retaking his seat. “Sir Neufmarche, please see Beilzen to his assigned chambers and remain with them. I’ll send for you later.”

  Wosen inclined his head, reaching out a hand to Fáelán. As they left the chamber, Beilzen stood, wincing as he faced Pentanimir.

  “Thank you, Zaxson. I won’t forget what you’ve done for my family and me.”

  “Be good to the boy, Beilzen. Teach him to be proud not only to be Nazilian, but human, too.”

  “I promise you that I will. He’ll always be loved.”

  When the door closed, Pentanimir shook his head, recalling how underhanded and untrustworthy that Beilzen had become. He hoped that the person that Beilzen portrayed was contrariwise to the man he’d known him to be.

  “Brother,” Danimore said, entering with Temian. “We passed Beilzen in the corridor with Fáelán. How was your meeting?”

  “Time will tell. Fáelán looks human, and Beilzen’s shown great disdain for them of late.”

  “That’s true,” Temian said. “But our faith lies in the Guardians, not Beilzen. Keep a close watch on their interactions. Fáelán will surely tell Wosen about any concerns. We must allow him time to bond with his father.”

  Pentanimir merely nodded, knowing much the same.

  “Did you speak with Symeon and Sarai?” Danimore asked.

  “I did, and it went well. Symeon accepted the position as First Chosen and will train the guard.”

  “What about her pregnancy?” Temian asked.

  “Sarai has agreed, but she doesn’t want the child.”

  “Is she certain? It could be merely the shock of learning about the pregnancy. Mayhaps after she holds him, she’ll be of a different mind.”

  “We won’t truly know until the time is upon us. For now, I’ve agreed to take him myself. He must be kept close.”

  “Indeed,” Danimore said. “Angelaris didn’t provide much information regarding the babe. Does Sarai know the father?”

  Pentanimir sighed. “It’s Daracus.”

  “Daracus?” Temian’s brow knitted. “He bedded a woman?”

  “Apparently he was curious due to his father’s interest in her. After Draizeyn’s death, Daracus bedded her numerous times.”

  “It’s hard to fathom having any of the Vereuxs remaining,” Danimore said. “In a way, I’m pleased that their line didn’t end.”

  “Me as well, Dani. I never intended to harm Daracus. But I was foolish to believe that he’d relinquish his position willingly.”

  “Even so,” Danimore said. “It was his own failings that caused this tragedy.”

  Pentanimir rubbed his temples, closing his eyes. His brothers were right, but that didn’t alleviate the guilt he felt. Constantly, he saw the faces of those who’d fallen in the recent battles. The cost was high. Too high.

  “Brahanu. Eytan. Protect.” The last words that Itai spoke repeated in his mind as they often did. Pentanimir could do nothing to save Brahanu’s late husband. He could only hold true to the promise that he’d made to Itai as he lay dying.

  “Pentanimir, mayhaps you should rest,” Danimore said. “There’re only minor details left to attend now. You’ve been working constantly, and your fatigue is evident.”

  “This is true. I’ve barely had any time to spend with Tardison. I need to hold my son and clear my mind. Will you and Temian see to the rest of the schedule?”

  “Of course. Rest now, and I’ll ensure that Tardison is brought to you later.”

  Pentanimir nodded, standing from his seat. “Dani, are you certain that Zeta has no issue with Symeon serving as my First Chosen?”

  “I am. It’s been difficult for both of us, but we understand that Symeon didn’t harm her willingly. I’ll admit: I’m still angered when I see him, but more for the pain he inflicted, and not at him directly. Zeta’s deeper issue is with Surma.”

  “I understand,” Temian said. “Surma was foul not only toward Zeta, but also my mother and all the human servants. If his position here causes any problems, he’ll be removed. I’ve spoken with Surma at length, and he’s agreed to the terms of this new position. If there’s an issue, Father Urdan is willing to take him into service in Yarah.”

  “That’s good to know,” Pentanimir said. “Now, let us begin anew and bring peace to not only Nazil, but to all of Faélondul. The children of Manifir are together, and together we shall truly free these lands.”

  Kaleo

  “What would you have me do, Nissim, send them all to the headsman? What you propose isn’t anything short of insanity. I’ll give no such order, nor will you send anyone to further torment these men.”

  “Torment!” Nissim spat. “They haven’t known torment as I could certainly provide.”

  “Do be calm, Nissim,” Nohek Orii said, motioning to the excitable man. “Allow the Caretaker to at least complete his thought. Mayhaps he has a solution that would be satisfactory to everyone involved.”

  “The only solution befitting that scum would be to kill them as they did the humans who sat in their cells. My brother’s life is forfeit! What they’ve done won’t go unanswered.”

  “Your brother lives, Nissim,” Yonas said. “That’s more than I can say for thousands of others. Would you rather he’d died in those cells and not returned to Kaleo at all?”

  “I’d rather my brother to be the Caretaker as he was before the Nazilians attacked.”

  With that, Yonas eyed the older man belligerently. Though everyone in the chamber sat quiet, the heaviness in the air filled the room.

  “From what I’m told, had your brother his way, no one in Kaleo would’ve survived his treasonous actions, including the Caretaker himself,” Yonas said. “Was it not his plan to inform Draizeyn of the humans readying themselves for an attack?

  “Was it not your brother Nesdin who would’ve turned his back on the people of Kaleo and welcomed the Nazilians in to conquer them?”

  “It wasn’t—”

  “It was,” Yonas declared in a tone that offered no debate. “Your brother erred in his reasoning. It’s fortuitous that this council helped him to regain his mind. Had it not been so, Kaleo would’ve been overrun. I’ve always respected your brother, and this is why you sit this council, Nissim. I want the Vaughans’ voice sounding clearly through every decision made for Kaleo. But you won’t attempt vengeance on these men to satisfy your bloodlust and family honor. The men we hold were already captives when Nazil’s forces breached our walls. Tell me: what great offense have they perpetrated against your family and Kaleo? Name one reasonable offense and you may have them all, and do with them as you please.”

  Yonas’ words hung over the blustering Nissim like a swinging pendulum. He searched the faces of the council members for support in his cause. That search was in vain. Even his nephew, Aubry, turned his face away. Yonas had spoken truly about Nesdin’s intent. It pained him to admit it, if only to himself. It was his brother, former Caretaker of Kaleo, who would’ve t
urned his back on his people. With a derisive snort, Nissim retook his seat.

  “Caretaker,” Amare said after several silent moments. “These men are no threat to us. Their main concern is when they can be released to their homes.”

  “How would you know their concerns?” Nissim asked.

  “I know, Lord Vaughan, because I asked,” Amare said.

  Reinhold Westernan raised both hands, drawing the council’s attention. “My good men of Kaleo. It’s understood that we won’t all agree on this most significant issue. However, the Caretaker’s words are both true and fair. These men weren’t involved in the attack on Kaleo, not in the planning nor the execution. It would seem prudent to remove them from the village unharmed and without malicious intent. If it’s truly our desire to maintain the peace our new Zaxson has blessed us with, then this decision should be easy, should it not?”

  “Well said, Reinhold,” Nohek Orii agreed.

  “Indeed. Amare, you’re charged with overseeing our guests,” Yonas said. “Ensure that they’re well treated, and no one other than yourself and those of your choosing are to engage them.”

  “Yes sir, Caretaker.”

  “We’ll make arrangements to have them removed as soon as possible. The farther they are from Kaleo, the better. Now, is there other business to discuss or are we adjourned for the day?”

  When no response was forthcoming, Yonas thanked and excused the members of his council.

  He sighed, running his hands over his tight, curly hair, as they began to leave.

  “Sir Westernan, I pray you stay a while longer,” Yonas said, standing and pouring another cup of wine. “Briten, you’re excused. I’ll have no further need this afternoon.”

  Briten gave a half-bow, exiting as Sir Westernan returned, taking a seat directly next to the Caretaker. Yonas regarded him curiously, sipping his wine.

  “Is what I hear true?” Yonas asked.

  “What did you expect of me?” Reinhold said. “Was I to sit idle until the end of my days? Would that have been your preference?”

  “No,” he admitted. “I expected you would take a lover, even two, but you’ve taken a wife and fathered children.”

  Reinhold let out a frustrated sigh, shaking his head. “I’m my father’s only son. It was my duty to sire sons for our family. That truth would’ve been the same even if you’d remained in the village. You have Amare to continue your line. No such luxury was afforded to me.”

  “Do you love her?” Yonas asked, desperately hoping the answer was no.

  Reinhold carefully measured his response. “I admire and respect her. She’s been a good wife and a wonderful mother to our children.”

  “That’s not what I asked. Do you love your wife, or was this union merely a convenience?”

  Reinhold ran his hands through his long auburn hair, shifting in his seat. Licking the dryness from his lips, he met Yonas’ eyes.

  “I love only you. I admire my wife, as she does me. She’s always been aware of my preference and understands our arrangement. I’ve never lied to her, and so she allows me this and accepts me as I am. The love I have for her isn’t the same as that I hold for you. How could you think otherwise?”

  “But Reinhold.” As he stood, Reinhold met that movement, silencing him with a kiss.

  “I thought you were lost. When I learned about the Nazilian pirates, I felt my life was at an end.” Reinhold stepped away, with the pain of that statement prevalent on his visage. “Years, Yonas, years I anguished, believing you were dead. Why? How could you abandon me here when one word would’ve brought me to your side?”

  He had no answer. Reinhold was right. Had he sent a message to Kaleo, he would’ve come to Bandari. Yonas knew that. So, why hadn’t he done so? The means were available to him, but he hadn’t. It certainly wasn’t due to a lack of love. Yonas’ heart had never belonged to another nor would it. Reinhold was his true love, and that had always been, even when they were much younger. Was it the new life he’d built that caused him to force the old from his mind? Yonas could only shake his head, wanting nothing more in that moment than to feel Reinhold’s warmth against him. Instead, he forced himself back to his seat and his drink.

  “You couldn’t understand,” Yonas said, finally. “I believed my sister and father were killed. I punished myself for surviving when they hadn’t. When the Bandarians found me, I was determined to forget the hurts of my past. It was all I could do to survive the memory of what the Nazilians had done to us. I knew that my mother had Amare to take care of her,” he said, staring into Reinhold’s eyes. “I did think of you, always. Those thoughts and memories compelled me to fight and to survive. There were no others, Reinhold. You’ve been my only love. No one could replace you in my heart...ever. My life changed when I lived in Bandari. I became a different person, a better person. But never did I lose my love for you,” he said, standing and embracing him.

  “When you make love to your wife, is the pleasure the same as when we’re a part of each other?” Yonas whispered, his warm breath tickling the hairs on Reinhold’s neck.

  “I—I please my wife as is my duty to do so. We don’t share a bed, nor are my visits to hers frequent. There’s no passion like we share, and my body has never responded in anticipation of her touch. That’s for you alone,” he said, moving Yonas’ hand to feel the truth of his words.

  Yonas’ eyes closed, enjoying the feel of him. As his arousal peaked, he pushed away, rushing toward the door. Reinhold’s visage saddened, until hearing the lock turn.

  Before he’d crossed the room, Reinhold was removing his baldric and jerkin.

  “It’s been far too long,” Yonas breathed, reaching for his laces.

  Cazaal

  Although Brahanu had been in Cazaal since Pentanimir’s inauguration, she hadn’t been able to return to her home. It was difficult enough reclaiming her room in the citadel, she couldn’t muster enough courage to confront the emptiness of her and Itai’s house. Too many memories and regrets plagued her heart and mind. Regardless of her love for Pentanimir, she’d never forswear the love she still held for Itai. Nor could she ever wholly forgive herself for betraying him.

  Taking a steadying breath, Brahanu pushed opened their front door, immediately smelling the familiar aroma of cedar and oak. She closed her eyes, relishing that scent and the beautiful bouquet created as its blended memories of Itai’s handsome smell.

  She smiled, despite the dolor seeping into her heart. The warm crackle from the fire was reminiscent of when first she entered after her wedding day. Her smile increased, envisioning Itai standing within the circle of unity, looking more a frightened young boy than a man. He’d loved her more than she deserved. At least, she felt that way.

  Cradling Eytan in her arms, she caressed the carved furnishings, envisioning her late husband’s hands moving over hers. Brahanu could see him so clearly when first he’d presented their home to her. The love and joy he expressed filled her as completely now as it did then. This was the one place that they were truly happy before Pentanimir visited Cazaal and altered their lives forever.

  “Not the Zaontras of Nazil. Not here,” she said. “Here, I’m the wife of Itai Gael, first of his name.”

  She wiped away her tears, approaching the nursery. Itai didn’t want her to see it until their son was born. For the first time, she placed a hand on the handle, gripping the shaped knob with the tips of her fingers.

  When she opened the door, her tears increased. Everything came rushing in all at once, and she couldn’t withstand the onslaught of images, voices, and truths. Bracing a hand on the polished cradle, she steadied her stance, feeling the grooves beneath her fingers. Her breaths were staggered, gazing down at Eytan’s name carved into the cradle’s side. A pained smile crossed her face, picturing his father creating this special place for his son. His first son. His only son.

  She finally collapsed on the chair and wept. She wept not only for Itai and the interminable sense of loss she felt; she wept for Eytan
most of all. He’d never experience his father’s love.

  Brahanu stroked Eytan’s dark golden curls then, noticing his father’s features. His death had left an emptiness in her heart—an emptiness that could never be filled.

  “Don’t cry, my wife .” She heard as a whisper in the wind.

  Brahanu gasped, her eyes frantically searching the room. “Itai? Are you here? Please, Itai, are you here with us?” she called out in desperation. Angelaris’ words cascaded through her mind. She clung to those words, that promise that the Guardian’s made to her.

  The connection , she thought. The promised link between Itai and her. A link that would only fade if Brahanu allowed the love between them to wither.

  “I’ll always love you,” she said aloud, praying that he could hear. “I’ll never allow our connection to fade, Itai, I promise,” she said, looking down at Eytan.

  “You look like your father, and he loves you. He’s with you even now, Eytan, he’s with us both.”

  Her eyes closed, recalling the last time she’d seen Itai, the last she’d felt his arms around her, and heard his voice.

  “In this state, this existence, my understanding is beyond that which it was. Being within the T’reyUhm R’aFek has provided me with knowledge of things past, Brahanu. Many things unknown to me before.” Itai cradled his son, kissing his cheeks and hands.

  “I know about Tardison, too. Through the Guardians, I’ve gained not only clarity, but also peace. If I were with you in Cazaal, I wouldn’t be of the same mind. Being as I am here this day, only the love that I have for you and our son remains.”

  Lifting her face to his, he kissed her again, and more fervently than before. He wanted her to feel his love in that kiss just as veritably as he felt hers.

  “I love you,” he whispered against her lips. “I know that your love for me is greater than any other, and I understand that it wasn’t your love for Pentanimir, but the need of the Guardians.”

  “I’ve forgiven you, as the Guardians forgave me. I pray that you offer that same forgiveness to yourself. My love for you is everlasting, but that’s all I have left to give. If you can have the happiness you brought to my life with another, I’d have it so. I can no longer provide such happiness for you, though I wish it otherwise. Know that my heart never belonged to any other. Now, the love of you and my son will fill me as I await you beyond the falls,” he said, cradling Eytan closer, and kissing him again. “Eytan Itai Gael, second of your name.”