The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  “Brother?” Aizen said, breathlessly.

  “Mother asked me to come for you. Evening meal began some time ago.”

  “Yes, par—pardons, Brother. We were on our way to join you when, well, we were on our way.”

  “Indeed.” Ahni’s brow raised as he gestured down the corridor.

  For many moments, an uncomfortable silence hung heavy in the air.

  “Is—is Ahvixx dining with us?” Aizen asked, finally.

  “Yes. He was concerned about his sister.”

  “I’m glad that he’s begun to take meals with us. He always has the most interesting stories to share,” Aizen said, trying desperately to remove the awkwardness from the air.

  “You speak true,” Ahni said, pushing open the doors to the dining hall. “Mayhaps you and Droxahn have one to tell as well.”

  Aizen smiled nervously, greeting everyone in the room. “Forgive our tardiness.”

  “The fault was mine,” Droxahn said, looking at Vot and Huname. “Aizen was kind enough to escort me.”

  “Was it the sunset again?” Ahvixx asked.

  “Sunset?”

  “Yes, Caretaker Huname. Droxahn makes it a point to view nearly every sunset and sunrise.”

  “It’s the most beautiful part of the day and night,” Droxahn said. “Looking out at the lands awakening and then again as it sleeps. There isn’t anything more breathtaking than standing beneath a canopy of stars.”

  I can think of something , Aizen thought.

  “Yes, my dear. I enjoyed the same in my youth.”

  When Huname turned her attention back to Emet, Aizen felt relieved as their conversation resumed.

  “What else did Nzuri discover?” he heard his mother ask.

  “This isle amid the Nazil River. Pentanimir wants to travel there and see why it so interested the Cha.”

  “Pentanimir?” Vot said. “He’d make the journey, Emet?”

  “No. He was advised against it. Always he needs reminding that he’s no longer First Chosen and now the Zaxson. I fear that he misses leading the patrols and making new discoveries. Temian will go in his stead.”

  “Surely he wouldn’t send his brother alone,” Huname said.

  “No. Wosen, Nakaris, Nzuri, and a new guard named Ephron will accompany him. There was limited information regarding the isle, but the map will aid them.”

  Yeshe nodded. “How fares the Nakshij and Shijahn?”

  “When I took leave, Zeta hadn’t awakened,” Emet said. “Dani grieves for not only his wife, but his son as well.”

  “I pray that she’ll awaken soon, and they both heal quickly,” Huname said. “The loss of a child isn’t an easy thing to bear.”

  “Due to the severity of Zeta’s injuries, Hushar doesn’t believe she’ll be able to bear any more children. She’s treated many women with less threatening ailments that became barren,” Emet said. “The damage was severe, but I pray that Hushar is wrong.”

  “Zeta is barren now, but it won’t remain so,” Ahvixx said.

  Everyone in the room turned to regard him as he sat rigid, staring down at the table.

  Olam squinted, examining his every expression. “What makes you speak so?”

  “The Guardians will restore that which has been taken. Zeta will stand beneath the falls and pass through the realm of our existence into theirs. Only there can she be healed. The deceiver won’t take from her that which is promised. She’ll again bring forth life and take another’s babe to her breast.”

  Ahvixx shuddered, releasing a heavy breath. When he looked up, he met the eyes of everyone in the room.

  “Wha—what’s wrong?”

  “Do you know what you just spoke?” Olam asked.

  “What I spoke?” Ahvixx shrugged. “About my sister enjoying the sunset?”

  “No, Ahvixx, after that,” Olam said. “You mentioned Zeta and her condition. Do you recall what you said?”

  “Zeta? The Nakshij’s wife?”

  “You don’t remember telling us about the Guardians and Zeta’s healing?” Vot asked.

  “I—I spoke about the Guardians?” Ahvixx was near panic, standing abruptly, and bowing before attempting to flee. As he turned, Olam clasped his wrist, holding him in place.

  “Ahvixx, please. We are all your friends here. We’re only trying to understand what you’re telling us. You did mention the Guardians, Zeta, and what was to come. Have visions ever come to you in this manner? Could you be sharing a vision and informing us of what we should do?”

  “I don’t know. I remember speaking not at all. I don’t doubt what you’re saying, but I can offer no answer. Mayhaps I should return to my chamber where I may be alone. The answers might be forthcoming if I’m allowed my solitude.”

  “If you wish to be alone, we won’t hinder you,” Olam said. “Know that I’ll come to you later and we’ll examine this more closely. The Guardians could certainly be using you in a manner that they’ve never done through me. I find it fascinating.”

  With that, a sense of relief washed over him. “I welcome your visit,” Ahvixx said, leaving the dining hall.

  “It isn’t the first time that this has happened,” Droxahn said. “When he first learned about these…these paroxysms, Ahvixx began to withdraw. We were very young, and neither of us understood. It’s been difficult.”

  “Well, if he speaks true, we must send Pentanimir a message,” Emet said. “The Guardians wouldn’t tell us this for naught.”

  “Agreed,” Vot said. “Didn’t he mention another child as well?”

  Huname nodded. “He did, but what does it mean?”

  “It’s unknown to me,” Olam said. “Pentanimir and Danimore might better understand. I’ll send a message on the morrow and Ahvixx and I will arrange a trek to Nazil.”

  Droxahn’s mouth gaped. “Ahvixx doesn’t want to return to Nazil.”

  “We must, and we’ve spoken about it numerous times. After we travel to Nazil, we’ll visit the Animus Wood. Only there will the answers truly be discovered.”

  Vacillation

  Nikolina crept down the corridor toward her father’s study. Her bare feet moved silently across the stone floor. For nearly nine suns, her father remained in his study, examining and treating old parchments. Her curiosity had finally gotten the better of her as she peered through the small crack in the door.

  She was surprised to see her usually well-groomed father disheveled, and the heavy bags beneath his eyes gave hint to late nights and little rest. As she surveyed the part of the room her limited vantage offered, she noticed trays of untouched food.

  Nikolina pushed open the door, awaiting his notice. To her dismay, he didn’t regard her. His thin fingers constantly moved through his hair as he softly muttered words that she couldn’t discern. She moved closer into the humid room, observing the caldron of water releasing steam in the corner. She glanced at the hanging sheets of parchment. After inspecting what she could of them, she shook her head, and then looked over her father’s shoulder.

  “What has you so enthralled?”

  Allister flinched, surprised by her silent advance. Closing the old leather-bound book that he was perusing, he turned to regard her. “Nikolina. I didn’t hear you enter.”

  “That much is certain. You’ve noticed little of late,” she said, still examining the parchments.

  “Are you all right? Is there something that you need of me?” he asked, gathering up the sheets.

  “What are you reading? Are these the scrolls you removed from the temple?”

  He rubbed his eyes, sighing. “Yes, some. When I returned to collect the rest, I was turned away.”

  “By whose order? You’re a scribe for the Cha, Father. Your place is in the temple.”

  “There aren’t any Cha left in Nazil, and I’m certain the Zaxson wouldn’t allow them to reclaim the temple if there were.”

  “Then why re-build it? It seems a futile effort if it isn’t going to be used.”

  “I didn’t say th
at it would no longer be of use.”

  “Well, what language is this?” she asked.

  “From what I can discern, it’s the Mehlonii language.”

  “Mehlonii ?”

  “Yes. It’s an arcane language used long ago in Faélondul. The Cha has references to the characters and how to decipher them, but it’ll take time. What I’ve discovered thus far is intriguing. Once I understand the characters more and the design of the words, it should go more quickly.”

  Nikolina’s interest was piqued, taking a seat near his. “What have you discovered?”

  “It isn’t complete and there are a few references that are unsettling. It mentions creatures of the Shadow Frost, Fire Lands, and Shadokyn. The most interesting to me are the inscriptions regarding a powerful mage. The Cha apparently communed with this mage and sought her guidance.”

  “A mage? Of Nazil? Where?”

  “This, I’ve yet to discover. By what’s written, she’s powerful, and centuries old. Albeit, it could be myth and nothing more. The Brotherhood of the Cha was filled with mysteries.”

  “Isn’t all religion so, Father? The Cha were the most honorable of men and chosen by the gods themselves.”

  “Nikolina, don’t equate one of high birth with one of great moral character or righteousness. There’s no parity to be found, and ofttimes, the opposite is true. Position doesn’t dictate the character of a man. I worked closely with the Cha for many years and there was much depravity within the temple.”

  “Father, you speak of the messengers of the divine. That’s sacrilege.”

  “No, I speak of men who pledged their lives to teach the word and will of the divine. When they stray from that purpose, it’s everyone’s duty to make it known. Doing less could guide the masses down a path contrary to what the gods demand. I serve the Four, not the men purporting to speak for them.”

  She nodded with that truth. “What else have you found?”

  “There’s mention of these Guardians that the Zaxson follows, but the passages are vague. I’ll learn more soon. I’m more interested in this mage the Cha seemed to covet. It appears that they’d visit in turn nearly each full moon. More recently, those visits all but ceased. Only six have been recorded over the past decade. It’s a mystery that needs unraveling.”

  “If there’s anyone who can solve the mystery, it’s you. Is there any way that I can help you?”

  “No, my daughter. The most difficult part is over. I only wish that I had the remaining scrolls. All the pieces of the puzzle need to come together for a full understanding.”

  When she stood, Allister’s eyes rested on her hands caressing her abdomen.

  “Nikolina,” he said with a tone she knew all too well. “I’ve spoken with the Nakshij.”

  “Danimore? When?”

  “The night that you informed me about your…predicament . I was angry, as any father would be in this situation. I felt that Sir Benoist should know that you were pregnant with his child.”

  “But why? He won’t claim it and certainly would find no joy in the news. The babe is ours, Father. He’ll be a d’Garrion, as I am. An heir.”

  “Even so, I thought that he had a right to know. I expected nothing from him but contempt, and that’s exactly what I received.”

  “Was that slave whore there when you told him?” She smirked.

  “No, and had his wife been present, I wouldn’t have informed him of your pregnancy. It isn’t my desire to cause any further harm to them, Nikolina. They’ve been more than fair concerning our treatment. Both of us have been spared the cells and allowed our lives. For your offense, we both could’ve been justly executed. Don’t you understand the extent of the crime that you committed? You—you…raped the Nakshij of Nazil. Never would I think you capable of such a malicious act.”

  Nikolina scowled. “You make the act seem vile. It was of love and passion. I’m pleased that my efforts weren’t in vain. The gods have blessed me with a child, and I’ll love it endlessly.”

  “Surely, you don’t believe that Danimore’s remembrances of this violation mirror your own? He’s married and his wife is pregnant with his child. You took from him his seed and will birth a…a bastard from it. Had the offense been committed against you, I would demand the offender be castrated and put to death.”

  “His wife is a human whore,” she spat. “How does he even know if the child she’s carrying is his? She’s probably still spreading her legs for every guard in the citadel. My child…his child, is a true Benoist, not like that half-human bastard Raithym. Danimore knows that he was my first when we made love. That isn’t so with that diseased whore with whom he shares a bed.”

  A look of incredulity covered his face. “Do you hear the words you speak? How can such foulness come from your mouth? Danimore loves his wife regardless of her past. He loved you, too, Nikolina. Place your hatred upon me if you must. I’m the one who deserves it. Danimore offered the pledge and wanted to marry you. The fault is mine, Daughter. You can’t continue to allow this hatred to consume you. How do you intend to care for Danimore’s child if the mention of his name causes such scorn? You have what you wanted. Be thankful the Benoists won’t seek retribution for your violation. They’ve merely ordered that you never disclose the father of your child. Doing so could cause harm where it isn’t intended.”

  “Order?”

  “Is that the only thing you’ve heard of this conversation? Nikolina, I’m in agreement with them. Revealing your child’s paternity could only cause more harm. Not only to the leaders of Nazil, but to us as well. No good could come of such a revelation.”

  “Has your allegiance suddenly shifted to the side of the Benoists?”

  “My allegiance is to my family, to our heritage, and to our gods. Nevertheless, I’m not without wit, or sympathy for the Nakshij and Shijahn. Know that I’ll support you until the end of my days. This path that you’ve set us upon, I’ll walk beside you. But I won’t allow you to commit further offenses against the Zaxson’s family.

  “I won’t lose you to a woman’s scorn and foolishness, Nikolina. Put the Nakshij and his wife out of your mind. You’ve won, my daughter. You have what you wanted and placed a wound on the heart and marriage of Danimore. Leave it there and walk from it. I won’t lose you or my grandchild.”

  “Forgive me, Father,” she said, hugging him. “I lose myself when I think of Danimore’s foul wife. We have been blessed, and I’ll force thoughts of that whore from my mind. Bearing Danimore’s child fills me with more joy than I ever thought possible. The Four has blessed us.”

  “They have, and it pleases me to see you happy. Now, let us put this far behind us and move forward. To start, I need a good meal and a hot bath.”

  Nikolina accepted his offered arm and smiled, glancing back at the parchments on his desk.

  Conspiracies

  “Well, what’re ya sayin’ then?” the old innkeeper asked, setting another drink in front of Molag.

  The upstart took the glass from the bar, downing its brown contents in one gulp. After wiping the wetness from his lips, he stared hard at the man.

  The inn was more crowded than it had been when the three entered. As the evening progressed, they knew more than a few would make their way to the inn for drink and food alike. Molag glanced around at the raucous crowd, motioning for another drink.

  “I’m saying what too many are afraid to speak.”

  The older man next to him shook his head of dirty white hair, looking at Molag unconvinced. “Urdan has always been an upstandin’ fella here in Yarah. I’ve known ‘im nearly more years than ya been livin’. Why would I think he’d have nothin’ but the best in mind for our village?”

  The innkeeper leaned in closer on his one good arm to hear the conversation over the growing noise of the crowd. “Kraster makes a good point. Urdan is one of the best I know. What makes ya think he’s turned his back on his own kind?”

  “Look around you,” the upstart said, sweeping his arms out.


  The men looked around confused, and then back at Molag.

  “Good innkeeper, what’s missing from your goodly establishment?” Molag asked, raising his brow. “What element has been forever removed that once put coin into your pockets? Surely you miss the sound of the coins dropped at your feet nightly for the slaves you offered to comfort the men not only from Yarah, but also the surrounding villages and outposts.”

  The innkeeper had to nod at that. Not only did he no longer have slaves to purchase for pleasure, but also those who worked in the inn. Molag had made his point, pulling the scab from a wound only beginning to mend.

  “That’s true ‘nough.” Kraster was quick to say. “But that weren’t Urdan’s doin’. That order came from the Zaxson.”

  “So, the honorable Benoists can keep slaves from providing our pleasure, yet he can have one of his own?”

  Brax laughed, spitting liquor from his mouth and nose.

  “I believe that one’s his wife.” He laughed again. “She is a pretty one, though. I’d pay good coin for a ride atop that one!”

  Molag shook his head, pointing at the man. “He can keep his filthy human. This is yet another insult. He’d marry a human and weaken our blood. Those sons of his are half-savage. How long do you think it’ll take until one of those abominations is sitting in the seat of the Zaxson?”

  He stared at each of the men, awaiting their response. Molag did well to hide his wicked smirk when he noticed their expressions change.

  “No savage has rule over me,” Kraster insisted. “But Urdan makes no such claim. His blood’s pure as is that of his line. He only enforces the new laws. It weren’t no different with Draizeyn and Naughton afore ‘im.”

  “No difference?” Molag exclaimed, knowingly drawing the attention of many in the crowd. “Never did the Vereuxs turn their back on the Four. Our gods! Never did they raise a human up above a Nazilian!”

  Words of encouragement began to erupt from the seated patrons. Molag stood, speaking in an orotund voice.

  “These men of Nazil have joined with the pythonesses of the wood. We’ve all seen the demon beasts that were sent to destroy not only our home, but also our very lives! No, never would the honorable Draizeyn or Daracus have done this.