The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  “Go to your husband. There’re parchments that need tending. I’ll meet you after the morning meal.”

  “Thank you,” she said, offering a quick embrace before leaving the room. Taking a deep and steadying breath, she moved down the corridor. She nodded to the guards as she approached the chamber where Jahno sat with Beilzen.

  “Thalassa,” Jahno said, rising to greet her.

  “Pardons. I needed to speak with you, but I didn’t want to disturb your work.”

  “We were nearly finished,” Jahno said.

  Beilzen noted her demeanor, and rolled the parchment they were viewing, and then replaced it on the shelf.

  “Yes. It isn’t anything that can’t be completed on the morrow,” Beilzen said. “I promised my father that Fáelán and I would visit. Mayhaps now would be a good time. Have you seen Wosen?”

  “Last I knew, he was in the practice chamber with Symeon and Pentanimir.”

  “Thank you, Thalassa. I’ll see you on the morrow, Jahno.”

  “He seems much different than when first we met,” Thalassa said when they were alone. “Is this his typical behavior?”

  “As far as I can tell. I think that his son has brought about the true change. He addresses me respectfully and even accepts my position above him.”

  When she didn’t respond, Jahno’s head cocked, noting her distant expression. “Are you all right?”

  “I—I have a lot on my mind. We have much to discuss.”

  “Well, it must be important if you left your work with the scrolls. What is it?”

  She gazed into his eyes and smiled. They seemed to reach into the depths of her soul and she rose from her chair, finding a place on his lap.

  “Thalassa, are you certain that everything is all right?”

  She responded with a kiss, losing herself in the taste and feel of her husband. When he moaned, drawing her closer, his arousal was evident.

  “I—I must lock the door,” she breathed, standing and tugging at her clothing. Jahno unlaced his trousers, beckoning her back to his lap. She relished the feel of him, thinking of the first time that they’d made love. Her motion and excitement grew, as did the moans of her husband.

  Jahno clutched her waist, tensing with his quick release. “What put you in such a mood?” he said, breathlessly.

  “Weren’t you pleased?” she teased.

  “You’ve always pleased me, Thalassa. Even more so when it’s unexpected. Is this why you came?” he asked, rising to lace his trousers. “If so, I relish such surprises daily.”

  “Not initially, no, but when I looked at you, I couldn’t resist.”

  “Never do you need to. Shall we continue in our chambers or would you like to visit another room in the citadel?”

  “Mayhaps tomorrow.” She smiled, caressing his face. “I do have something important to share with you.”

  “Tell me of it that I may know.”

  “I wanted to tell you before, Jahno, but with everything that’s happened, I thought it best to wait. However, I can’t keep this from you any longer.” She met his eyes, sitting on his lap again. “Jahno…I’m…we’re…I’m pregnant.”

  For several moments, he didn’t move or blink.

  “What?” he exclaimed, looking down at her abdomen. “We’re to have our first? You—you’re pregnant?”

  “Yes, we’re going to have our first.”

  “Thank the Guardians! When, Thalassa, when?”

  “Mother says within six to seven full moons.”

  Jahno scooped her into his arms, standing and spinning around the room. “We’re going to have a child. Our first!” he said, setting her on the floor and caressing her womb. “It’s there now, growing and waiting to meet us, Thalassa.”

  “Yes, it’s there now, and you’ll be a wonderful father, just like you have been a husband.”

  Jahno embraced her again, before his expression turned serious.

  “Is there anything that you need? I’ve heard there’re foods you must have, and—and special treatments. Oh, can I rub your back or your feet?” he asked, sliding his hands gently down her spine. Thalassa laughed, positioning his arms around her waist.

  “For now, I need nothing but you. Once I’m big and fat, you’ll have to carry me all around the citadel and feed me ten times a day.” They laughed, embracing again.

  “I would do that and more, Thalassa. You’ll be even more beautiful once our babe grows.”

  “Thank you, but there’s more.”

  “What else could there be?”

  “The babe, Jahno. I don’t think we should tell anyone else about the pregnancy…just for a little while.”

  “But why? I want to shout it from the ramparts.”

  “In different times, I wouldn’t hinder such a display. In fact, I’d be at your side speaking the same, but with Zeta and Danimore’s loss so near, I don’t wish to grieve them any further.”

  He nodded, a look of both disappointment and understanding crossing his face. “I wouldn’t want such a thing, either.”

  “Still, I’d have you happy, my love, and would take none of your joy in knowing of my pregnancy,” she was quick to add, resting his hands on her abdomen.

  “No more sparring with Symeon,” he offered, seriously. “And no more training the new guards. Well, not for a while, anyway.”

  “I won’t; I promise. Besides, I’ve had enough bruises from Symeon to last a lifetime.”

  “I thought with our marriage that you had caused the greatest happiness that I’ve ever known. Now, I know a joy even greater than before,” he said, leaning down to kiss her.

  Sycophant of Sanctium

  As they entered the clearing, their pace slowed, eyeing the unassuming cottage in its center through a billowing, greyish haze. Allister glanced over at Nikolina, feeling an encompassing unease, and reconsidering his decision to venture to such a desolate and enigmatic place.

  The surrounding trees had long lost the luster of the greener foliage that had greeted them upon their arrival to the isle. This dirt-covered patch appeared to completely absorb, or even, repel the brightness of the sun.

  Allister shifted his eyes upward, and then behind them again, noticing the rays flowing uninterrupted over the vegetation they’d just passed. Only this barren patch of land remained shaded, as if all life and light had been syphoned away and replaced with darkness.

  “Are you certain this is the best course, Nikolina?” he asked, feeling the hackles on the back of his neck rise. As he turned to face her, dirt swirled beneath his feet, adding to his apprehension.

  Everything around them seemed void of life and sound. None of the expected woodland creatures ventured near this lifeless patch, or the one said to occupy it. Allister pulled his cloak tighter, warding off the sudden chill.

  “Is this not where the scrolls have led us?” Nikolina asked.

  “Yes. Of course. Here’s where this mage is said to reside. The—the conduit. She’s said to have been blessed with immortality from something called the Zon’Tul .” He scrutinized their surroundings with obvious uncertainty. “But we know not the implications of such an intrusion, or what a Zon’Tul is. The Cha alone dealt with this mage and there might be a reason for her seclusion. Mayhaps we should return home and allow me more time to decipher the scrolls. There’s no need to move with such haste.”

  “No. We can’t sit idle and do nothing. The scrolls you have are incomplete, Father, and you were denied the others. All Faélondul could be in jeopardy from these pythonesses manipulating the Benoists. We serve the Four: the only true gods. The savages advising our Zaxson want to destroy all that we are. We can’t allow them, or the evil they serve to entomb us so,” she said in a tone that brooked no debate.

  “Nikolina, some of what you say is true, but this raises a fear in me. The Zaxson hasn’t condemned our beliefs or commanded us to follow his. We do serve the Four, and nothing the Benoists do will ever change that. Allow me more time to decipher the scrolls. Once we le
arn more about this mage, mayhaps we can return. Albeit, there are some mysteries that should be left unsolved.”

  “We don’t swear fealty to these usurpers, and we don’t stand alone,” she said. “It’s these pythonesses corrupting the hearts and minds of once great men. We could be the only hope to sever the enchantments they’ve cast over the Benoists. The Cha wouldn’t have penned the scrolls for naught. In their wisdom, they provided us the means to reclaim our heritage.

  “The pythonesses orchestrated the murder of our true rulers. Now, they attempt the same fate for our gods.” Nikolina gripped his hand, resting it on her abdomen. “They seek to destroy the future of your grandchild and the carrier of your name, our name. Would you stand by and do nothing, Father?”

  He sighed. “I’ll always protect you, Nikolina, you know that. If this mage has answers, we shall hear them.”

  “Then let’s continue,” Nikolina said, smiling.

  As they started forward, a billowing haze slithered over the ground, covering their feet. For a moment, Allister gripped her shoulders, observing the dust beginning to encircle their ankles. When he attempted to move aside, the swirl grew in intensity, following his movement.

  “Daughter?”

  She shrugged, shaking her head. She was also fearful, but didn’t want to turn from their path or alert him to her apprehension.

  “We must cont—.” Her words ended when the cottage door banged open. The dust that surrounded them, gradually began to shift and flow in the same direction, pulling the two along with it. Allister grabbed his daughter, unable to pull himself free from the force of the growing cloud.

  “It appears that we’re expected,” Nikolina said calmly, although she trembled as she spoke.

  Once trawled inside the home, it no longer appeared so small. The heavy door thumped closed behind them, as the dust slithered toward the great hearth, dissipating into the flames.

  She glanced at her father, and then nervously surveyed the room. From the outside, the cottage looked weathered and old, but the inside was contrary to that initial impression. Plush divans and huge chairs lined its walls, which were covered in ornate tapestries and sconces. The thick rug beneath them was soft and warm, draped over polished, marble floors. Not even the halls of the citadel were so lavishly adorned.

  “Welcome, Nikolina d’Garrion of Nazil,” a honeyed voice said. As the woman spoke, the hairs on Nikolina’s arms stood on end.

  “Thank you. We’ve come to—”

  “I know why you’ve come,” the woman interrupted. “I’ve seen all, and know what lies in your heart…and your womb.”

  With that, Nikolina cradled her abdomen, taking a step back.

  “Be at ease, my dear. No harm will come to you here,” the woman assured, moving from the darkness and gliding toward the couple. “I’m Lilinth of Sanctium.”

  Both were astonished when she revealed herself. Although the scrolls described Lilinth as ancient, her appearance was contrariwise. Lilinth’s beauty surpassed anyone’s they’d ever seen. Her long, silvery-white hair hung well past her shapely hips, and she’d positioned it off her face, exposing her overwhelming beauty. Her skin was perfectly smooth and pale, the features fine and soft, with her full lips lightly accentuated with the slightest hint of rose coloring, which matched her sculpted cheeks.

  The young, yet old woman gazed at them with eyes so large and pale that they mesmerized them both. The fitted garment she wore was white and crimson, flowing gracefully behind her, with a long slit down the middle, exposing her shapely legs. Allister couldn’t turn from her, feeling overcome by the presence of the breathtaking beauty.

  Lilinth smiled, motioning to the large chairs near the hearth. Allister bowed low, but kept his eyes fixed on her.

  “Greetings, my lady,” he was finally able to offer, stumbling over each word. “I’m Allister d’Garrion, and this is my daughter, Nikolina.”

  “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance,” she said, her eyes lasciviously examining the handsome older man. A small smile crossed Lilinth’s face as what looked to be a forked tongue moved casually across her lips.

  Allister’s eyes narrowed, trying to discern if he’d seen what he thought. Only her seductive advance brought him from his contemplation. She glided with an outstretched hand toward Nikolina. Lilinth rested a palm on her womb, closing her eyes, speaking words neither one of them could understand.

  “You carry a son of House Benoist, young Nikolina. Yet, I fear that the sire wasn’t a willing participant in your mating.” A loud cackle followed the statement. The sound resonated off the cottage walls, coming from everywhere and nowhere all at once. Nikolina took another step back, protectively cradling her womb.

  “Do not fear,” Lilinth purred. “I find your method delicious. Come and sit with me. We have much to discuss.”

  Nikolina looked at her father, and reluctantly sat beside the ominous woman.

  “You’ve been reading the codices and learned of me, no doubt. After that dreadful war, I was certain someone would come. The Cha and I’ve known each other in numerous ways over these many years. I warned them about the darkness awakening in the Animus Wood, but the pythonesses’ corruption penetrated too deeply for me to aid. If only they’d come to me sooner. Things would’ve been much different.” She crossed her legs, sliding her gown sideward. “When I learned of your coming, I was pleased,” Lilinth said, smiling seductively.

  “I know what you want, but I won’t grant your desires until mine are satisfied.”

  Allister’s expression was bemused. Lilinth was a powerful mage. What would they have to offer such a person?

  “I offer you all that I have,” Nikolina said, fearing the outcome of any other answer.

  Lilinth’s eyes flashed, and a disarming smile was quick to follow. “Of this, I’m certain. However, what I want now, you don’t possess.” The last word came out as more of a hiss, as her gaze fell upon Allister.

  “Me…me, my lady? All I have is yours. Tell me of that you seek and I’ll bring it to you with haste.”

  Lilith’s smile widened, as she moved a hand over his. “My dear Allister, you have no need to retrieve anything for me. What I want, you’ve already brought.”

  Nikolina shifted uncomfortably, witnessing the exchange. Her father’s euphoric visage was troubling. She began to question her judgment in coming to such a strange and ostensibly dangerous place. But her disdain for Zeta and the savages inhabiting the citadel shook the uneasiness from her mind.

  “My children will attend you presently, young Nikolina. They, too, have waited long for such pleasures. Your father and I have more…intimate matters to discuss,” Lilinth said, running her long, sharp nails up his arm. “Upon our return, you’ll learn of all that you seek.”

  Without further explanation, Lilinth rose with Allister following obediently behind.

  “Wait, where’re you taking my father?”

  The mage grinned, her pale, blue eyes flashing. “I’ll take the greatest care of him, as my children will do the same for you,” she said, with a broad, serrated smile .

  Deeper Bond

  “It looks like a sword to me,” Sahma said, peering up into the cloud-covered sky.

  “A sword? How do you see a sword?” Ahvixx chuckled, as he lay beside her on the thick grass. Both stared up at the greyish-blue sky filled with puffs of shape-shifting clouds. The sun’s rays warmed them intermittently, as it peeked out from behind the clouds, and then disappeared again, as if playing a game with the two.

  “You see, just there is the hilt and that, that’s its long, curved blade.” She pointed. “How is it that you can’t see?”

  He glanced over at her and then turned his attention back to the sky.

  “It appears like a flower to me. Yes, I’ve seen such as part of a bush. Their blossoms are long, and some are a rich purple. When the wind blows, it bends their stems much as you describe a curving blade.” Ahvixx moved his finger to accentuate the pattern he described. “Th
ey’re beautiful, indeed.”

  “A flower?” she said, rising to an elbow.

  He rose up, too, pointing at the sky. “Yes, a flower. It’s found on the butterfly bush, if I recall. One of the most graceful that I’ve seen.”

  With that, he laid down on his back with his arms tucked behind his head. She offered a doubtful look, lying back down beside him. “Well, what else do you see, then?”

  “There are infinite possibilities. The only limit is that of your imagination. When you close your eyes and reopen them, what’s the first that you see?”

  She peered at him, lying easily in his long robes with his legs crossed at the ankles, and his braid slung over his shoulder. It was the first time that he appeared truly at peace and ease. She smiled, enjoying his serene expression. When she looked back to the sky, her smile widened. Ahvixx noticed her mien, and then prodded her to give an answer.

  “A heart,” she said, pointing above them. “A beautiful heart, floating on the wind, and seeking another to share the love it holds.”

  He sat up, looking at her curiously. “A heart?”

  “Yes, but it won’t last. It’s already begun to fade.”

  He observed the cloud, and then watched her eyes intently, following its movements.

  “They all fade, Sahma, but only to change or merge into something more.”

  “No, not this one,” she stated, matter of fact. “This one has been drifting alone, until it found me here.”

  “It’s but a cloud. Why does the sight of it sadden you?”

  For a moment, she said nothing. Then she rose up, kissing his cheek. “Don’t worry, Ahvixx. I love you,” she whispered sweetly, before lowering back to the ground and admiring the sky.

  He flinched, resting a hand on his cheek. How does she know that it’s my heart that drifts empty?

  “Now I see a shield,” Sahma said, drawing his attention. He stroked that part of his cheek that she’d kissed…a kiss he didn’t know that he needed. That simple act of friendship and the statement that accompanied it filled his heart more than he knew possible.