The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  “A shield? Do you ever find anything of beauty in the skies?” he asked, forcing a chuckle, still fighting the emotions welling inside him.

  “I found your heart, Ahvixx. Is that not beautiful?” she said, rolling sideward and resting her head on his chest.

  Ahvixx gazed down, unable to respond. After a few moments, he draped an arm around her. They stayed that way quietly for some time, both enjoying the comfort that they brought to each other.

  “It’s your heart, reaching out to mine,” he finally said. “You’re more a blessing than you know.”

  The time he’d spent with her was the most pleasurable that he’d experienced in many years. She constantly forced him to give more of himself as she did the same. He’d never had such a nurturing and honest friendship. He loved her, he realized, and he loved the person that he was becoming due to her influence.

  “You’re my friend, are you not?” she said. “Shouldn’t I know your heart and love what I find there?”

  He chuckled again, but it was more to cover the truth of her statements and his nervousness at their realization.

  “You’re one of few that do, Sahma. But you couldn’t begin to understand the reasons for my past and sometimes present distance. One day, I’ll share everything with you. Then, you’ll truly understand Ahvixx Ahllendale.”

  She snuggled in closer. “My father would say that our past experiences cultivate us into the people we are today. Some learn from those experiences, whether good or bad, and move forward, while others wish to linger there, and cause themselves misery. I’m glad that you’re no longer there, Ahvixx, in your past. I’m glad that you’re here with me now, right here in the gardens. Does it make you happy, too?” She yawned.

  Ahvixx pondered that. How profoundly she spoke, yet still skipped about as if she was a child at play. She gave him much to consider. Had he been allowing the past to impede or dictate his future? The murder of his parents, the Nazilians’ horrible abuse when he was a child—so many memories, and so much pain.

  Had he allowed these experiences to impede his future? Certainly, when it came to his interactions with others. He always kept to himself: sheltered and isolated. If Sahma hadn’t forced their friendship, he’d still be alone. But did she force it, or merely offer it in a non-threatening manner? That thought brought a smile to his face and warmth to his heart.

  “Yes, I’m happy, too.” When he looked down, her eyes were closed and her breathing steady. He kissed the crown of her head, drawing her closer.

  “I love you as well, my friend,” he said, closing his eyes.

  “Brother,” Droxahn said, nudging his shoulder.

  Ahvixx opened his eyes, allowing them to adjust to the light.

  “Brother.”

  “How long?” Ahvixx said, feeling Sahma still snuggled against him.

  “Long enough to miss noon meal and for Sahma to miss her studies,” Aizen said, leaning down to rouse her as Droxahn reached a hand out to her brother.

  His face reddened. “We didn’t intend on falling asleep.”

  Sahma stretched as she stood and yawned. Running her fingers through her long ringlets, she looked up at Aizen, wiping the weariness from her eyes. “Is it time for noon meal?”

  “It’s time to meet with your father,” Aizen said. “He’s been looking for you.”

  She nodded. “Wait,” she said, moving away from Aizen. She stepped back to Ahvixx, pulling him down and kissing his cheek.

  “Thank you,” she said before turning to leave. When they were a few steps away, she regarded Ahvixx again.

  “There can be beauty in swords and shields, you know,” she said, and then left at Aizen’s side.

  Ahvixx laughed aloud, shaking his head.

  “What?” he asked, noticing the peculiar expression on Droxahn’s face.

  “You’re happy. I mean, truly happy. Could it be?”

  He gave her a curious glance and proceeded down the garden path.

  “It’s true, Brother. It’s been far too long.” She paused, embracing him. “Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve heard you laugh or seen such light in your eyes?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You know full well what I mean. Is it the girl? Is it Sahma?”

  “I don’t know what you mean at all. Sahma is very sweet and very young. She brushes my hair and spends time with me. Nothing more.”

  “It appeared a bit more when we awakened you. I’m certain that her father would think the same, had it been him, and not us who discovered you lying so with his young daughter.”

  “We were merely enjoying the gardens and observing the clouds as we always do. Sahma laid her head on my chest as we spoke. We’re friends and nothing more. Is my wont not that of a priest?”

  “Brother, it’s not an admonition. No one knows better than I the innocence of that witnessed embrace. Nonetheless, you must know that Sahma isn’t so young a girl. We’re nearly the same age, and you’re only three years her senior. Surely, you’ve noticed the…the changes in her. With the tight fit of her garb today, it was more than evident. Her body has developed, even past my own.”

  “We give no care for such things. She’s a friend and reaches me beyond one of her years. Whether her body blossoms or no, her heart and mind are innocent and full of love—love that I return gladly and just as innocently. There’s no desire beyond that which I’ve stated.”

  “Perhaps for now, but it mightn’t remain that way. Sahma is a beautiful young girl inside and out, but sooner than any of us will know, she’ll be a young woman. A beautiful young woman who’ll notice that the friend she loves is a handsome and appealing man.”

  “No, Droxahn. Our relationship is that of the purest kind. She sees me now as I am, and wouldn’t move past the boundaries of dearest friend. I admit: I don’t wish to be without her. She’s helped me realize and accept so much, not only about myself, but about life. It may seem a strange admission, but I need her just as she needs me. There’s no malignancy or improper thought. It’s the truest friendship that I’ve known, and not easily placed aside. Sahma is honest and holds nothing back, not from me, and not from herself. I need this, Sister, more than I knew. I need her.”

  She studied his every inflection. He did need this, and she was pleased that he’d found someone that he could love. He was becoming more the person she knew and had missed.

  “I didn’t intend to suggest that you ever be without her. I didn’t know how much you truly cared, but I should have. You’ve always isolated yourself, and now, you have someone other than me to share your heart. And it’s a heart worth sharing.

  “I only mentioned it to have you consider the possibility. You chose to become a priest because you thought your options were limited. Your wounds were long to heal, and serving the Seven greatly aided in that healing. But much has changed, and with it, the possibilities for your life. Mayhaps Sahma would want you for a husband, and now there’d be nothing impeding the path for such happiness. That would please me, Brother, but is it a possibility that you’d consider with Sahma or anyone?”

  Ahvixx shook his head. “There’s much which lies ahead. As for Sahma and me, we are dear friends, and this I cherish. I won’t worry for what the future may hold. Doing so would distract from my present joy. Too long have I allowed the past to do just that, and it took a girl of five and ten to show me the truth of it, and the error that I’ve committed. I’ll enjoy the present, Droxahn, as you do with Aizen.”

  “Aizen is a wonderful friend,” she said, taking his hand. “Albeit, unlike you and Sahma, my feelings have grown beyond that of friendship.”

  “Do you love him?”

  “I think that I do. It’s hard to know without ever having such feelings before.”

  “Does he love you?”

  “He hasn’t said the words, but I feel that he does. If his kiss is any indication, they’ve grown quite passionate of late.”

  “His kiss?” Ahvixx halted.

  “Yes,
his kiss. Certainly, you realized that I’d desire such affections. Do you not feel the same?”

  He thought about Sahma’s kiss. Until that time, he hadn’t given much thought to such displays of love. However, what was in his mind was much different from what Droxahn was speaking of. Would he desire more at some point? That was a question he couldn’t answer, not truly. In the past, he hadn’t thought about carnal pleasures. The abuses he’d suffered and the path he’d chosen wouldn’t allow. Now, could it be? Droxahn spoke true; he didn’t have to become a priest. He could take a wife and have a family, if his heart led him in that direction. Did he want more of and from his life now?

  “Ahvixx?” Droxahn said, bringing him back to the moment. “Do you feel the same?”

  “About what?”

  She chuckled. “Don’t you want to share a kiss with someone that you care about?”

  “Mayhaps one day, but for now, I’m satisfied sharing interesting conversation and pleasant company.”

  “I’d have to agree. Never have you looked so content or smiled so freely. Whatever Sahma has done, I’m pleased, and want to see more of it.”

  “And I’m pleased to see you growing closer with Aizen. He’s a fine man, Sister, and he’ll love you well.”

  She paused, considering his words. “You’ve seen this?”

  “I’ve seen many things. Follow your heart and allow him to do the same. Never will you err staying true to that which lies within.”

  Reunions

  “Do you know the name Molag Bomgaard?” Aronin asked.

  “Only the information we received from Yarah,” Pentanimir said.

  “It’s a name that you’d do well not to forget. It’s he who the Caretaker dismissed from our council. I was appointed in his stead. It’s also he who would see you and everyone within the citadel at the end of a headsman’s axe.” With that, Aronin raised his cup to his lips, studying his cousin’s face.

  “Do tell,” Pentanimir said, leaning forward.

  Aronin grinned, noting the Zaxson’s placid expression. “A companion and I happened to be among the patrons of the Wheelhouse Inn in Yarah when Molag gave the most riveting speech. It didn’t take long for many of the patrons to agree with not only his misguided views, but the foulness in which he spoke.”

  “How foul would that be?” Danimore asked.

  “Suffice it to say, although many in that crowd aren’t pleased with you being wed to humans, they wouldn’t be opposed to finding their pleasures with your wives.”

  “Let the bastards try,” Danimore said, slamming a palm on the table. Pentanimir met his cousin’s stare. The charismatic Aronin always had a way with words.

  “And the names of these men?” Pentanimir asked, calmly.

  Aronin turned to Jarin with an open hand. Reaching in his vest, Jarin handed him a rolled parchment, which he immediately passed to the Zaxson.

  “These are the names of the men we’ve seen with Molag. Those at the bottom are the ones that we observed most eagerly agreeing with everything he spoke, and he spoke much, I assure.”

  “Has he proved a greater issue to Urdan or has he remained in the shadows to build his so-called army?” Pentanimir asked.

  “He waits,” Aronin said. “This is one to watch. Support for the rhetoric he spews is building. Intentionally, he misleads to outrage those with lesser intellect and station. He’d have them believe that you apostatize all Nazilians, and have forbidden the worship of the Four on pain of death.”

  “Insanity…no such proclamations have been issued,” Danimore said. “Everyone is free to worship as they choose.”

  “You speak true, Nakshij, and those who can read the dictums you post know that truth. However, not all in Yarah can, particularly in the lowers. It’s gossip and lies that fill their ears from the tongue of a true orator: one with the skill of Draizeyn himself. They believe Molag’s assertions, especially in the manner that he delivers them.”

  “Mayhaps it’s time that you or I visit Yarah,” Danimore suggested, regarding the still silent Zaxson.

  Aronin immediately nodded. “Urdan and I spoke about the same,” he said, and then turned when the door opened.

  “Pardons, Zaxson.” Temian bowed. “I was told that you were in conference with Jarin Swayne and I wanted to join you.”

  Jarin stood, greeting Temian with a crushing hug.

  “Temian, I’d hoped to see you,” Jarin said, still holding on to him. “It’s been far too long, Brother. Come, sit. There’s much to discuss.”

  When Pentanimir nodded, Temian smiled, taking a seat next to Jarin.

  “So, son of Manifir ,” Aronin nearly sneered. “I wondered how long it would take for you to insert yourself into this private meeting as you have into my family.”

  The comment put Temian back a step as he regarded the pompous man.

  “Aronin!” Pentanimir said. “You’re addressing the High Advisor of my council, a Chosen of Nazil, and my elder brother. You’ll show the proper respect, Cousin.”

  Aronin feigned a smile, and then glared at Temian.

  “How long will it be before you forgive what you don’t understand?” Temian asked. “My father showed no disrespect to Lady Thaon or any of your family. As you know, my siblings and I came before my father was wed to your aunt. Pentanimir and Danimore have a better claim of loathing, yet they’ve embraced me as their brother, as I have to them. We’re of no blood relation, Lord Thaon. Why then does your hatred cover me?”

  It was Aronin’s turn to be taken aback. Temian had never spoken so boldly to him. His eyes narrowed as he peered at the former Cha. He was offended that the lowborn bastard was even allowed at the Zaxson’s side. Albeit, when he looked at Pentanimir, he noted the obvious similarities in the two. Both men shared the look of their father, Manifir. It was true, Temian was older than even him. Even so, the fact that his uncle had half-human bastard children before marrying his aunt was unthinkable.

  Jarin finally broke the uncomfortable silence. “Lord Thaon, we understand the distress and even the possible offense taken when you first learned about Temian and Thalassa. Much time has passed since this revelation. My father accepted Temian in our home and raised him as his own. This he did for your uncle and his friend. When you thought Temian was a son of Urdan, you loved him as you did Arianna and me. What cause do you have now to reject that which you so readily accepted for most of your life? I thought you were of greater character than to hold such a grudge.”

  Aronin’s eyes widened. “You’d dare speak to me in such a manner?”

  “He merely speaks that which we all question,” Pentanimir interposed. “Temian is a son of my father; his eldest living child. Has he not suffered enough with the ways of these lands, Aronin?

  “My father loved both his mother and mine. Manifir was your uncle, but he was our father. The abhorrence you hold toward Temian is misplaced. He is no relation to you, but he was once a friend. Do you truly think it’s wise to insult the Zaxson and his brother?”

  Aronin’s mouth gaped at the veiled threat. “You’d side with the bastard of Manifir against me?”

  “I side with my family as a whole. You’d do well to remember who are all included in that family. In doing so, it would be wise to weigh the words you speak regarding my father. Would you speak so against my wife as well? I was pledged to the Zaxson’s daughter, but fell in love with Brahanu. Does this make me less in your eyes? To love a human over a Nazilian.”

  “Pentanimir, I’d never speak so. Your father was a man of honor and he always will be,” he said, respectfully. “The fact that Brahanu is human is of no matter. I—I just feel as if we were all deceived.”

  “Do you not understand the reason for that deception? Had anyone learned that Temian was half-human, he and my father would’ve been tortured and executed, mayhaps Urdan as well. These truths are known to you. Your aunt wasn’t dishonored. Father loved her very much and made her happy. The fact that he loved another before her isn’t a failing in him
or the children that he sired. I understand my father’s heart and hold no ill feelings toward him. If you’ve truly ever loved another, you’d feel the same.”

  Aronin’s gaze lowered. His anger was misplaced. It was the betrayal he felt: not being trusted with this most important secret. He had to admit his feelings, if only to himself. He wanted to turn to Temian then and embrace him as a friend once more. However, his pride wouldn’t allow it. He only offered a slight nod, and left his apology at that.

  “So, is there more information about this Molag?” Danimore asked, bringing the meeting back to its purpose.

  “Molag Bomgaard is dangerous. Urdan doesn’t agree with my recommendation for an increased guard around the citadel. I hope that you might convince him otherwise. It won’t take long for Molag to build momentum to his cause. More Nazilians than you know are displeased with the shift in the lands. Most feel you’ve usurped your position through the workings of pythonesses and demons. It would do well for you to increase the guard in the citadel here, too. There might be another war coming and soon, Zaxson. If Molag and those of his ilk have their way, these lands will again bleed.”

  Ayrmeis

  Symeon caressed Sarai’s hand as he leaned down to kiss her. He dabbed the perspiration from her face, holding her attention toward him. The pain, the physical pain was at an end, yet he felt that her emotional turmoil was only beginning. He glanced over at Zeta, swaddling the crying babe, and then rushing him into the adjoining room.

  “Are you certain?” he asked. In his mind, he didn’t want to be the father of a half-Nazilian child. In his heart, he knew that he could love him as his own, and understood that Sarai might regret the decision to send him away.

  “It would be no dishonor to me,” he said. “I love you, and would love your son as well. Our son. Whenever I looked at him, I would see only you.”

  Sarai wiped her tears, recovering from the difficult birth. “I—I’m certain. The babe isn’t ours, he belongs to the Guardians. No child has entered my womb until I’m blessed with one of your seed.”

  Hushar peered up at them, continuing her work. Her heart ached when she overheard the conversation. She’d been told little about the babe or why she was supposed to take him to Pentanimir. Now, she understood, and that truth saddened her.