The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy

by Aaron-Michael Hall

Allister shook his head, looking at her with sadness. He couldn’t make her understand. To her, he’d stolen her only chance for happiness. When the gods finally answered her prayers, it was her father who’d denied them.

  “The offer of pledge is always negotiated,” he said, weakly. “Had I accepted the offer when presented, you could’ve seemed desperate, and the offer might’ve been rescinded. This is the way of seeking pledge. No one accepts the first offer, no one. I wanted to ensure your happiness, my daughter. I couldn’t have known that the lands would erupt in war, and Oxilon would be killed. If I had any inclination of the perils we’d face, I would’ve accepted immediately, regardless of the repercussions.”

  “But you didn’t, and now my husband is gone. He wed a human whore! Everyone in Nazil knows what she was and is. Now that diseased doxy stands as the Shijahn of Nazil. My place of honor.”

  “Forgive me, Nikolina, please. It should’ve been you, and I’m sorry. No one can understand why Danimore and his brother have chosen to favor these humans. This has placed a great blight over our home, but there’s nothing anyone can do to change it. We must accept this and continue as we have.”

  “You can accept this betrayal if you wish, but I won’t. I’ll kill that whore if I have a chance!”

  Allister’s eyes widened, his face paling with consternation. “Nikolina, don’t ever speak as such, not even in jest. Consequences for such talk are dire.”

  “I mean every word. She’ll pay for what she’s done to me, what she’s stolen.”

  He peered nervously around the chamber, leaning in closer. “Forget about Danimore and his wife. He’s not the only one who sought your hand. Velnic Meagher’s position isn’t as prominent, but he’d make a fine husband. He’s always treated you kindly and made his feelings known long ago. Mayhaps with someone who loves you near, you can forget about the Nakshij and the bastard that he’s claiming as his son.”

  “A—a bastard?” she said, drying her tears.

  “Yes. When Danimore took this Zeta into his service, she was already pregnant. I’m told that she was badly used in the citadel, even by the Zaxson himself. I’ve never condoned such treatment, but it was the way.”

  She sat up then, nursing her injured hand. “How do you know that Danimore didn’t bed the whore, too? The boy could be his son.”

  “No. Oxilon said as much when we spoke. He mentioned the woman often and his displeasure with her serving his nephew’s home. Danimore took her from the citadel after she was pregnant, and he’d never met her until that time. Oxilon hoped that you’d get rid of her after you and Danimore married. The child isn’t his. He was bastard born, and only by the proclamation of the new Zaxson has he been awarded a blessed birth.”

  A conniving smile alit her lovely face as she met her father’s eyes.

  “What are you thinking, Nikolina? They’re wed, and the child holds the Benoist name. No one can change what the Zaxson has decreed.”

  “I don’t intend to change that which has been publicly noted.”

  “Then what?”

  “Velnic. Tell me: what position does he hold?”

  Allister was stunned by the seemingly unrelated question. “Second guard. Yes, he’s a second guard. That’s a rank Danimore held not long ago. However, when last we spoke, the Zaxson was considering elevating him to a citadel guard.”

  “Second guards are allowed in the citadel, and their families are invited to the feasts, are they not?”

  “Not all. There are several events each year that include the Chosen, second and third guards. If his position is elevated, it’ll certainly be so. Why do you ask?”

  “I’m considering accepting Velnic’s pledge, Father. Firstly, please send word to the citadel that I’d like an audience with the Nakshij.”

  He gasped.

  “Don’t worry, Father,” Nikolina purred, caressing his cheek. “Danimore will see me. He’ll want to offer a proper apology for what he’s done. That’s his heart. He’d daren’t refuse me after such treachery. And when we meet, I’ll have a request that he’ll likely not refuse.”

  Allister stared at her in disbelief for a moment. The more he looked into her eyes, the weaker he became. This was his fault, and he’d do whatever he could to allow her heart to heal and have his beloved daughter be herself again.

  “As you wish.”

  To his surprise, Danimore was receptive to the request and asked for Nikolina to join him that evening.

  She bathed in the sweetest oils and donned the ribbon that Danimore had gifted her. Nikolina ensured her womanly curves showed prominently as a tease to what he could’ve had beside him always. The fitted gossamer gown accentuated her ample bust with a low bejeweled bodice, outlining her breasts perfectly.

  “The carriage is nearly here,” Allister said, rushing into her chamber. “What are you going to say to Danimore?”

  “Don’t worry, Father,” she chided. “I’ll be respectful and on my best behavior. I’ll give him the opportunity to explain the dissolution of our pledge, and tell him about Velnic.” She blotted some color from her lips and turned. “I won’t even mention that human whore.”

  “Such words, Nikolina. You’ve never spoken so foul.”

  “Thank your new leader for such changes in your daughter. They’ve perverted everything that the Nazilians are. No human should be within the citadel unless they’re in service. The Benoists have elevated them above the Nazilians and given them rule over us. Both Pentanimir and Danimore were honorable. Now, these pythonesses have control over them and damned us all.”

  “Nikolina, regardless of who rules Nazil, I’ve never believed the humans were beneath us. There are many that I’ve known for years that have earned my respect. I’m not certain what’s to come, but the Benoists have always been honorable men. We must remain faithful and know the Four will continue to guide us. The lands are changing, and we must change with them.”

  “No, Father. I’m no apostate. I serve the Four, and won’t bow to these humans or the pythonesses in the Animus Wood.”

  Noticing his troubled expression, Nikolina smiled, kissing his cheek. “I’ll speak none of this beyond these walls. I promise. Soon, you can speak with Velnic regarding our pledge. But first, I’d like to talk to Danimore.”

  “Pardons, the carriage has arrived for milady,” Dalinda said, tapping on the door.

  Nikolina kissed him again. “Don’t worry, Father. Everything will be as it should.”

  “I owe her this, Zeta,” Danimore said. “Can’t you understand that?”

  She sighed, weighing his words. Zeta knew her husband’s heart and loved what she found there, but this seemed wrong to her.

  “Dani, I understand that you feel compelled to apologize to Nikolina, and I’d expect nothing less from you, but your offer of pledge wasn’t accepted. Her father refused, you didn’t renege on it. She wants something, Dani, and I’m afraid of what that might be. Please, don’t dismiss this.”

  “I’m not dismissing it. I’ve always respected your opinions and taken heed to your advice. Even though Nikolina doesn’t know about the deception, we do. I don’t think allowing her one visit should be cause for concern. She deserves an explanation, and I’ll offer the only one that I have: Love.”

  “Don’t, Dani, please. Don’t tell her that your love for me was greater than that you held for her. I was a slave in the citadel, and I’m human. Such a pronouncement can have unknown consequences. Tell her that you felt rejected and I helped you overcome the pain of losing her. Tell her that you married me because your heart was broken after she refused your proposal…anything but the truth. The scorn of a woman is longer lasting and more powerful than the greatest love.”

  When he met her eyes, they were lined with tears. Not until that moment did he realize how deeply this meeting affected her. “I’ll do as you say,” he said. “The meeting will be brief, and I’ll be back at your side. If this scares you so, I won’t ignore it.”

  She managed a wistful smile,
leaning in to kiss him.

  “Pardons, milord, milady,” Micah said from the doorway.

  They quickly parted, noticing Nikolina standing beside him. Zeta turned, drying her face, and then moved to the door.

  “My lady,” Nikolina said, almost graciously. Zeta returned the spurious greeting, leaving them to their words.

  “Micah, would you please bring some refreshments for our guest?” Danimore asked, advancing toward Nikolina. His smile was genuine as he took her arm, leading her to the divan near the hearth. “You look beautiful.”

  Her heart fluttered. “Thank you, Nakshij.”

  “No. I’m always Danimore to you. Now, tell me: why have you come?”

  She wanted nothing more than to wrap her arms around him. She licked her lips, watching the movement of his. He was hers, regardless of his wife. Nikolina had planned to deceive him, now, she was of a different mind.

  “I wanted to offer my congratulations to you. I thought that I’d be your wife, but the pledge wasn’t completed. The fault doesn’t lie with you,” she was quick to add. “My father refused the offer and took you from me always.”

  “Forgive me, Nikolina. You would’ve made a wonderful wife. Of this, I’m certain. When my uncle told me about your refusal, I thought you didn’t desire me for a pledge. This, my heart couldn’t bear. I had eyes for no other, and the pain of your refusal overwhelmed me. In time, Zeta helped me regain myself.

  “There were no feelings beyond that of admiration in the beginning. I swear to you. Over time, many things changed. Zeta was there to soothe the ache I felt at losing you. There was none other I desired and thought you gone from me forever. It was a difficult time, and it took long for my heart to mend. She didn’t replace you, Nikolina, she couldn’t,” he said, never turning from her eyes. “Even with all that’s happened, please don’t misunderstand me. I do love my wife, but I loved you first.”

  Nikolina flushed. Hearing him say the words confirmed what was in her heart. Zeta stood between them. She used his weakness at losing his true love to claim him as her own. The more the thoughts came to her, the angrier she became. She took a deep breath and stood.

  “Nikolina,” Danimore said, rising and taking her arm. “I didn’t mean to wound you further. Know that I’ve always found you beautiful and forever will. Please forgive me.”

  Before she realized her actions, her lips covered his. When Danimore tried to move away, she drew him closer, deepening the kiss.

  He gripped her arms tighter, gently pushing away. “We can’t, Nikolina, I’m sorry.”

  “It isn’t your fault. I—I—I thought—I…” Her voice trembled, petering to nothing. After a deep and steadying breath, she managed to meet his eyes. “Please, can you come to my home for noon meal?”

  “What? I don’t know if that would be proper. Zeta would surely question the wisdom in accepting such an invitation, and I’d have to agree with my wife.”

  “Danimore, I apologize for my weakness. There’s much I want to say, but I can’t continue, not now. Please, being here, I…I…it’s difficult. Please, join us for our midday meal, at your convenience, of course. My father will be there, and no one will disturb us.”

  He knew he shouldn’t accept the offer, and the voice screaming in his mind spoke the same. His guilt drowned out such warnings, negating any logical reason to refuse. He attempted to speak, but his voice failed him, preventing a response. Instead, he felt himself nodding, and then immediately panicked, understanding the complications such an invitation could cause.

  “Thank you, Danimore,” she said, sweetly. “My father will attend to the arrangements when your schedule permits.”

  He stood frozen in place as she leaned in, gently touching his lips with hers. Danimore collapsed in the chair, watching her leave the room. Burying his head in his hands, he dreaded not only his acceptance, but mostly, telling his wife.

  Unexpected Visit

  Brahanu smiled, positioning Eytan in the bed beside her. He lay in his father’s place, and that memory was both heartening and sorrowful. She missed being with Itai, but she lamented his absence for Eytan most of all.

  Closing her eyes, she pictured the last she’d seen Itai. Not as he was in the Animus Wood, but when last they were together in their home. Brahanu recalled every moment of their bond day, and his reaction when learning about her pregnancy. Warm tears filled the narrow space between her lids, thinking of when he’d asked her father about their promise. Itai’s eyes never left the floor as his hands continued to fidget. Though standing taller and more muscled than any man in the village, at that moment, he appeared more a pubescent boy being chastised by his father.

  “Your father loves you, Eytan,” she whispered to her sleeping son. “He’ll always be with you.”

  She thought about their times together. Those memories and the feelings they elicited warm more than her heart, they touched her very soul. She couldn’t lose that connection or allow any of her love to fade. Without that love, she’d lose Itai completely, and Brahanu wouldn’t allow that for herself, or for her son.

  Eytan’s soft gurgles brought her from her contemplation. Her smile was immediate when she opened her eyes, noticing his demeanor.

  “Are you laughing?”

  Deep dimples adorned Eytan’s chubby cheeks as he smiled again, while playfully cooing. As she stared down at him, the coos sounded more like giggles as his arm raised up, swaying in the air as if someone had hold of it. Brahanu rose up, feeling a gush of warmth suffuse the room.

  “Itai?” she murmured, glancing around. “Please. Itai?”

  I’m here with you , she heard, as soft as the flutter of butterfly wings.

  “Itai,” she gasped. “Are you here? Can—can you reach Eytan? Are you with us?”

  What remains of me will be with you always. I am a part of you, Brahanu, both you and Eytan.

  Tears spilled from her eyes, as she lifted Eytan from the bed. “We love you, Itai. That will never change. Please—”

  Brahanu nearly jumped when a loud knock sounded on the door.

  “No…Itai? Itai?” Silence. “Please, Itai, are you here?”

  Quiet filled the room as the warmth of their connection faded. Brahanu nestled Eytan closer, clutching the only living part of Itai remaining in her life.

  When the knock repeated, Brahanu grudgingly rose to answer it.

  “Drummond?” she said. “Is everything all right?”

  “It is, my lady. The Caretaker sent me to retrieve you.”

  “What? I’ve only just returned. Are you certain that there’s nothing wrong?”

  “I am. Please, come,” he said, gesturing to the waiting carriage. “You’re expected.”

  Brahanu’s brow furrowed, accepting his outstretched arm. She was frustrated by the interruption, but knew Julaybeim wouldn’t have sent for her if it wasn’t necessary. She scarcely felt the carriage’s movement as they clopped down the narrow road. Brahanu’s thought stayed on Itai. She felt grateful and cheated all at once, missing the first man she’d ever loved. At that, she nearly called out to Drummond. She wanted to return home and feel Itai’s love encompass Eytan and her. She missed her late husband, and didn’t want to deny Eytan the connection that could only be felt in the home his father had built.

  Brahanu did her best to force those thoughts away and focus on her brother. Julaybeim was struggling to maintain order in Cazaal and more people were voicing their displeasure with the Nazilians. She was concerned about how Pentanimir would be received, but also Tardison.

  When Hosdaq and Osmara had arrived, the villagers’ reactions were astonishing. Hosdaq’s reception wasn’t as warm as Julaybeim had hoped, and some glared at Osmara for being with him. Most were respectful, but their demeanor spoke volumes over those feigned pleasantries.

  Brahanu was startled when Drummond opened the carriage door, extending out a hand to her. “May I help you, my lady?”

  Brahanu smiled, taking his hand, allowing him to lead her to the ent
rance. Before they even reached the door, Mena opened it.

  “It’s good to see ya, milady. The Caretaker asked me to tend the babe and have you join him in the solar.”

  Brahanu returned her smile, handing Eytan over for care. “Thank you, Mena,” she said, smoothing the tulle fabric of her skirt before stepping down the hall. Taking several deep breaths, Brahanu did her best to calm her thoughts before entering the room. With everything Julaybeim was facing, she didn’t want to add to his burdens with concerns about her well-being.

  After tapping lightly on the door, Brahanu fixed a smile on her face and then stepped through, only to stagger back again. “Pentanimir!”

  His smile took in his entire face as he turned, rushing to greet her. Brahanu nearly swooned from the strength and passion of his kiss, accompanied by the heat his touch ignited.

  “Gods, I’ve missed you,” he whispered, and then kissed her again.

  “I…I…missed you, too. How? wh—when?”

  “We only arrived a short time ago.”

  “‘We?”

  “Yes,” Gali said, standing and facing her.

  “Tardison!” Brahanu rushed over to them, lifting him from Gali’s arms and smothering Tardison with kisses. “I’ve missed you both so much.”

  “Symeon and Wosen accompanied us,” Pentanimir said. “They’re having a meal in the kitchen.”

  Julaybeim slid an arm around Gali’s waist, bringing her in close. “We’ll leave you to speak privately. If you need us, we’ll be in the main room with Hosdaq and Osmara.”

  When the door closed, Pentanimir immediately drew her closer, giving her a proper kiss.

  “Forgive me,” he said. “I couldn’t wait any longer. My need for you was too great.”

  Brahanu returned his impassioned kiss, and then led him to the divan. “You weren’t alone in your desire, Pentanimir, I’ve missed both you and Tardison terribly. Tioch needed time with Eytan, but I need the same with you. I’m happy that you came.”

  “Is Eytan with Tioch now?”

  “No, he’s with Mena, but you’ll be able to see him soon.”