“Greetings,” Symeon said. “I’ll escort you to the Zaxson and Nakshij.”
“Th—thank you, good sir,” he stammered, still regarding the daunting figure.
Allister attempted to compose himself, running his fingers through his neatly trimmed hair. When Symeon halted, Allister took a deep breath and stood tall beside him, although any man standing next to Symeon appeared no more than a child.
The door swung open as the Zaxson responded to the knock. Allister took a step back, struggling to conceal his sudden dubiety and trepidation. He failed.
“Thank you, First Chosen,” Pentanimir said, motioning for Allister to enter. Once the door closed behind him, Allister reconsidered his methods. He bowed low, awaiting their instructions. He’d planned to speak firmly and accuse even, but while facing the brothers, he realized his anger was misplaced.
Danimore hadn’t defiled his daughter. This was Nikolina’s doing. Still, she was his daughter, and he would make her condition known.
“Be seated,” Pentanimir said.
Allister offered another nervous bow, observing the scowl on Danimore’s face.
“Why have you dared to come here, Sir d’Garrion?” Pentanimir asked.
Allister cleared his throat, and meant to speak clear and resolute. He meant to. His voice cracked as he addressed them.
“Zaxson, Nakshij, tha—thank you for allowing me audience without an appointment. Had the need not been urgent, never would I have disturbed you.”
“Urgent?” Danimore nearly spat. “What urgent business could you possibly have with me? After our last encounter, you should be thanking whatever gods you serve that you and your daughter aren’t permanent guests of the citadel.”
“Yes sir, Nakshij,” he conceded. “You must know that I wasn’t aware of my daughter’s actions. Nikolina is a sweet young maid, and never would I think such a thing possible. Since the dissolution of the pledge, she hasn’t been herself. I ask for your forgiveness for both her sake and mine. She erred terribly and had I known, I certainly wouldn’t have allowed such a violation.”
Danimore’s eyes narrowed. “If you know the violation that Nikolina committed, then why would you refer to her as a maid ? Apparently, you don’t know the crime that your daughter viciously planned and executed.”
Allister’s head lowered. “You speak true, but thinking of my daughter as anything less is difficult. We both know the truth of it, although, only recently have I learned of her actions. I’m both appalled and aggrieved that she could commit such an offense, and offer whatever apology that I can for her behavior. I understand that you could’ve taken us both, and you had every right to do so.”
“We still could,” Pentanimir said, coldly.
“Indeed, Zaxson, but I’m thankful that you haven’t.”
“Is this what you’ve come to speak? An apology for crimes unforgivable?”
“No, Nakshij. Well, yes. I mean, I do offer the sincerest of apologies. Not only for myself, but for Nikolina as well. She’s a young woman, seven and ten. Her heart is broken, and it’s you that she desires.” Allister raised his hand, offering a conceding nod.
“She understands as do I, that you don’t love her; not anymore. That truth doesn’t change what lies within her heart. Since she was one and ten, she’s spoken of only you. In the beginning, it was innocent as only a child of that age can be. However, when she reached womanhood, that admiration turned into love. When she thought her prayers had been answered, my daughter was the happiest that I’ve ever seen her. Now, it isn’t so. Nikolina is devastated, and I fear for her.”
“Why have you come, Allister?” Pentanimir asked in a tone that wasn’t at all sympathetic.
“Yes—yes sir, I’ve come because I’m a father. I love my daughter more than anyone in all the lands, but I must admit when she’s wrong. My love for her doesn’t lessen, but I can’t support the decisions that she’s made.” Allister took a drink from his cup and then cleared his throat again.
“Nakshij, Nik—Nikolina has not been well for some time. I know you give little care for such news, but it isn’t the same for me.”
“Your point, Allister,” Pentanimir demanded.
“Yes, sir. Nikolina, Nakshij. She—she carries your child.”
“You lie!” Danimore pounded a fist on the table. “How dare you come to me with such lies on your tongue. My wife alone carries my child and none other!” Danimore pushed up from the table, glaring down at him.
Pentanimir rested a calming hand on his brother’s arm, lowering him to his seat.
“Mayhaps your daughter has spoken false,” Pentanimir said. “By your own admission, she’s committed acts that you hadn’t previously thought conceivable. What makes you believe that she speaks true now? My brother would never take anyone abed except his wife. As fair as Nikolina might be, my brother has no interest. Mayhaps she seeks vengeance against Danimore for imagined slights. A woman’s heart is unpredictable when she thinks one has intentionally wounded it.”
“Zaxson,” Allister said, shaking his head. “Never would I think anything less of you or your brother. Both of you are men of integrity as was your father before you. Whatever else you may do or say, honor is above all. I’m ashamed to be unable to admit the same for my beloved Nikolina. Nonetheless, you’re both aware that the Nakshij didn’t willingly lay with my daughter. This was the desire of her heart, and Nikolina made it so. I come not to accuse you, my lords. I come only to inform and beg forgiveness.
“My child committed unspeakable acts with a singular purpose. You didn’t want it, nor do you deserve what she’s done. I know about the poison and now understand why you were ill when you visited. There are no words to offer for such a violation. But I do ask that you spare my daughter.”
Pentanimir’s expression exuded disgust. “I believe it’s time for you to leave the citadel and not return.”
Allister could only nod, pushing up from the table. “My lords,” he bowed.
“Allister,” Pentanimir called out to the departing scribe. “It would be beneficial to everyone if no one else learned about what your daughter is asserting. In the event of such an occurrence, I’m not certain that we could allow Nikolina to remain free. If what she alleges is true, then an egregious crime has been committed against the Nakshij of Nazil. Such an offense would carry a grave sentence.”
The clear threat in those words didn’t fall on deaf ears. “I understand, Zaxson, and appreciate your patience and restraint. I’ll instruct my daughter to remain silent regarding her babe. No further insult shall be added to this already festering wound. Thank you for allowing me audience.”
When the door closed, Danimore collapsed in his seat, looking as if the very life had drained from him.
“We knew that this day could come, Dani. What have you decided your best course to be?”
“Best course? I’m lost. Nikolina has taken everything from me. How could this have happened?”
Pentanimir felt helpless, watching the anguish that he suffered. Danimore decided to wait and be certain Nikolina was pregnant before they made any move. Now, with that confirmation, they could wait no longer. Before either of them could begin to sort out their feelings, Zeta burst into the room.
“Dani. I saw Allister d’Garrion leaving, and was told that he met with you. Why did he come?” Zeta halted, seeing Pentanimir’s solemn expression.
“What’s happened?” she asked, advancing to where Danimore slumped pitifully in the chair.
“Zeta, there’s much you’ll need to learn, but now may not be the best time to speak about it. Dani isn’t himself just now.”
If she heard his words, she didn’t make it known. She continued toward Danimore. When he didn’t acknowledge her, she cupped his chin in her hands, lifting his face to hers. His skin had paled and his eyes were lined with tears.
“No. What has happened, Dani? What’s wrong?”
As Pentanimir attempted to respond, Zeta silenced him with an upraised hand.
“No, Pentanimir, please. I’ll know what has happened.”
He sighed. “I’ll leave you to your words.”
When the door closed, Danimore turned, unable to contain his emotion.
“Please, Dani. Tell me what happened.” She leaned down, embracing him. He turned then, kissing her womb before resting his head upon it.
It was his fault that their happiness would be shattered. It was his decision to believe more in Nikolina’s promise than the words of his wife. This, his heart could not endure.
“Dani, please,” she pleaded, kneeling beside him. “Whatever has happened, we’ll make it right. Don’t worry. I’m here with you.”
He felt what was left of his heart crumble, looking into her eyes. He could always see the intensity of her love within them. The golden flecks made them sparkle against the light of the hearth. She was beautiful, and he loved her. He took a sobering breath and began to respond, his lips and voice trembling with every word.
“I love you, Zeta, more than even myself,” he started. “Forgive my ignorance. It’s because of my guilt and selfishness that I’ve brought this upon us.”
“Dani, I don’t understand. What have you brought upon us?”
He raised her from her knees, enfolding her in his arms. After lowering her to his seat, he knelt.
“My—my wife, do you remember when I returned from visiting the d’Garrions?”
“I do.”
“Do you remember my state when I returned to the citadel?”
“Yes, Dani. Nzuri had to tend you. You were ill and didn’t recover for some time. It was the drink, you said.”
“It was, but there was more that I didn’t say. Nik—Nikolina put something in my wine. It’s used in Nazil during battle. There’s but one purpose for such a poison.”
“She tried to kill you, Dani? Why is she not in the cells?”
“No, no, my love. It wasn’t her intent to kill me.”
“Then why would she poison you? I told you not to trust this woman. She’d see us both dead if she could will it. Please, have nothing more to do with her. Please, Dani. She means nothing but ill for us both. The warning in my heart hasn’t faded. I know that she works against our happiness.”
Her words stung every part of him. He looked up at her then, shaking his head. The words wouldn’t come.
“There’s more? Why did she use this poison, Dani? What did she do?”
“I—I couldn’t move. That’s the nature of the venom. It incapacitates the victim, yet leaves them aware. I didn’t know, Zeta. Please forgive me. Forgive your husband’s folly. I didn’t heed your warning and now…now…she’s taken too much. Never did I desire it. I only offered an apology and didn’t know that she demanded more. She took that which she wanted and left me helpless and unable to defend against her. I didn’t want it. I did not.”
Zeta stroked his hair as her eyes danced wildly, trying to decipher the meaning in his words. She lifted his head, searching his face.
“What did she take from you that you didn’t offer? What did she do when you were helpless before her? Tell me now.” Her voice was cold and even, dreading what he might say.
“My—my seed,” was all Danimore could manage before he sank to the floor.
“No, no, Dani. She didn’t. No. She couldn’t. What did Allister say to you? Tell me!”
He buried his face in his hands. “Nikolina is—is with child,” he muttered. “My child.”
“No,” Zeta shouted, forcefully pushing up from her seat. As she did so, she bumped hard against the table, crying out, and cradling her womb.
“Zeta, are you all right? Is it the babe?” he asked, panic quivering on his face. She pulled away, wincing as the tears spilled down her cheeks.
“Please forgive me, Zeta. I didn’t know. I love you. We’re going to have a child, you and me, no one else. Please, my wife; don’t leave me, not now, please,” he pleaded.
Zeta was shaking her head, backing to the door. Opening it forcefully, she fled down the corridor, burying her face in her hands.
“Zeta!” Danimore said, running after her.
When she neared the end of the corridor, she lurched forward, clutching her womb, and stumbling as a piercing pain cascaded through her entire body. Danimore watched in horrified disbelief as her foot met the uneven ground, and she screamed, tumbling down the stone steps.
Aizen and Droxahn
“Where are you leading me?” Aizen protested.
Droxahn only smiled, squeezing his hand tighter.
“Droxahn?”
“We’re almost there,” she said, opening a large door at the end of the corridor. Once they were inside, she closed the door behind them, raising a finger to her pursed lips. As she led him across the chamber toward the balcony, Aizen looked confused, watching her gather the feather pillows and motioning for him to follow.
As they walked onto the high balcony, she tossed the pillows on the ground and sat, reaching out for his hand.
“Why are we here?” he asked, taking a seat beside her.
“We’re here because it’s the best place to watch the sunset.”
“And you want me to watch it with you?”
“It’s the most beautiful sight and one to be shared in special company.” She leaned back, nestling into his arms.
“You consider me as such?” Aizen asked, enjoying the soft scent of honeysuckle in her hair.
“Don’t you feel the same for me?”
He froze for a moment, not knowing how to respond. Of course, he felt the same, yet he didn’t know he’d made it so obvious.
“Ye—yes, of course, I do.”
She smiled, turning back to admire the view. “Isn’t it beautiful?”
Aizen gazed westward. “It is. Yet, there are other sights even more beautiful.”
Droxahn turned again, stroking his face. He caught her hand before she could withdraw it, and brought it to his lips.
The purple and pink streaks faded as the last remnants of light slowly disappeared. The lights of the city dotted the night sky, and the moon shone above them, casting shadows on their faces.
“And what do you do now? Do the stars captivate you as well?”
“All of it’s beautiful,” she said. “Especially watching the sun surrender to the beauty of the night. I’ve come here nearly every day since I discovered this room. If only I could find such a place to view the sun’s rise.”
“You can’t see it from your bedchamber? It shines far too brightly into mine, disturbing my sleep.” Aizen chuckled.
She lifted her head from his shoulder, craning around to face him. “Mayhaps one morning you’ll allow me to be with you as it rises.”
“I—I’m certain that we’ll have an opportunity. I’ll wake early and come for you if you’d—”
Her kiss silenced him.
He moved slightly back, putting more space between them. When she continued to press forward, he returned that which she offered. Once he felt his excitement grow, he pulled away.
“We—we don’t want to miss evening meal,” he said calmly, though he was on the verge of panic.
“I guess we wouldn’t,” she said, rising and grabbing up the pillows. She kept hold to his hand as they exited, starting down the corridor.
“How old are you?” he asked.
“I’m nearly six and ten.”
“And your brother?”
“Ahvixx will be eight and ten before the next full moon.
“How long were you with Nohek Asmaa?”
“Many years.” Droxahn paused. “Too many years. It was a blessing for him to offer us the safety of the temple. There was much healing that took place behind those walls, for Ahvixx most of all. But it was lonely for us there. Thank you for speaking so kindly and asking for us to remain with you.”
“Has it been better here with me?” His eyes widened. “I—I mean here with us, with us here in the citadel,” he corrected, poorly.
Droxahn giggled, squeezing his hand.
“Yes,” was all she said before resuming their pace.
He glanced down at her, opening his mouth to speak, but sighed instead, shaking his head.
“Do you have more to ask?”
“No…Yes, I mean, no,” he stammered. “I just…I don’t want to offend you, and I lack the needed grace to pose my queries.”
“Grace? If you’re curious, ask. No offense will be taken, I promise.”
After peering down the corridors to ensure they were alone, he said, “I’m unsure of your intent. There’re times that I feel you are a wonderful friend, and then others, where I feel that you want more. I don’t want to assume anything from you.”
“And this you thought would give offense?”
“I’m uncertain of many things. In our village, there were but a few of us. My mind was on my duties and family. Never did I consider anything such as this. Now, being here in such a large city—I—I can’t explain.”
“Aizen, you aren’t wrong. I do think of you as a wonderful friend, one to last a lifetime. Yet, I find you handsome, too. Is it wrong for me to be attracted to all of you?”
“It isn’t wrong. But how do you know that it isn’t fleeting? You haven’t known many others in the shelter of the temple. Could it be that I’m convenient for you?” he asked apprehensively, dreading her forthcoming response.
To his surprise, she pulled him down and kissed him again.
“There are many here, Aizen. Your brother’s appearance mirrors yours, and yet it’s you that I can’t turn from. I don’t profess undying love, not yet,” she was quick to add. “Though, what I feel is genuine. Your friendship warms me, but I won’t ignore my heart. Can I not love you as my friend and allow what might follow an unobstructed path?”
When he struggled to answer, she placed a finger to his lips. “It isn’t fleeting. Is it for you?”
“No. It’s much deeper, I fear.”
“You fear? Me?”
“No. I fear what you’ve awakened in me,” Aizen said before embracing her, and kissing more deeply than they had before. Droxahn whimpered at the strength of his kiss as he drew her nearer to him.
The sound of a clearing throat wrenched them apart.
The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy Page 95