“My beautiful Nikolina,” he murmured, stroking her face. Nikolina’s usually smooth complexion appeared aged, and had taken on a sickly pallor. “Forgive me,” he said, pulling the covers up around her.
As he turned to leave, he paused, looking down at his youngest child. He didn’t want to leave her side, but Lilinth had left him no choice. There was only one way to save his daughter, and that was in the Dessalonian Mountains.
Allister hurried down the corridor, yelling for Dalinda as he went. After grabbing a large haversack, he began filling it with supplies as she appeared in his entryway.
“Dalinda, you must send for Arilian. Nikolina is resting now, but the pain is growing worse.”
“Yes, milord. Are you leavin’?”
He nodded. “If the gods are good, I’ll be gone no more than a fortnight,” he said, peering down at the tattered map before replacing it in his cloak pocket. “Ensure that Nikolina receives her herbs and plenty of broth.”
“Yes, milord.”
“Good…good. Have my cart made ready. And I’ll need provisions as well.”
“Provisions?”
“Didn’t you hear me? I need provisions for my trip. The road will be long and there aren’t any inns or way-stops along my path. I’ll need some warm blankets, and a pack with kindling and camping supplies, too. The cold season is upon us.”
“As you say, milord. You need’n anythin’ else?”
He stopped, turning to regard her. Never had he spoken harshly to his servants, especially Dalinda.
“Beg pardon. I have little time to prepare, and I’m worried about Nikolina. I didn’t intend to be terse, Dalinda. Please ensure that the cart and provisions are ready. I must leave with haste.”
“Yes, milord, right away.” She curtsied.
When the door closed, he withdrew the map again.
“Through the east gate for at least four suns,” he said, tracing a finger along the path. “Then straight north for two suns, it seems, mayhaps more. Then the path turns eastward again. The seventh peak.”
He walked to his window, peering at the towering Dessalonian Mountains in the distance. “The key,” he said, pulling on a pair of warm boots. After removing a heavier cloak and gloves from his chest, he reached for the map. It had been many seasons since he’d traveled from the city. Mahlum had been the last place he’d visited.
“Mahlum,” he said, lamenting the loss of the village and the Nazilians who lived there. His eyes closed, thinking of the lives lost during the war…the lives that the Benoists ended so brutally. With that thought, Allister’s eyes blinked open.
“No. The Benoists didn’t cause this. Draizeyn Vereux waged war on Faélondul. The Benoists defended our lands and restored our way of life. All our lives. They haven’t dishonored the white city or betrayed the Nazilians,” he said, thinking clearly for perhaps the first time since the war’s end.
“What have I begun?”
Scrolls
Ahvixx’s brow furrowed, shifting through the piles of parchments. A slight gasp escaped his lips as he examined the text. He cleared the area in front of him, laying three parchments out in a row. His eyes darted back and forth before grabbing a blank piece of vellum.
“What have you found?” Thalassa asked.
“As yet, it’s unknown,” he said, scrutinizing the scrolls.
Thalassa rubbed the weariness from her eyes, turning to Nzuri. “What do you think of Pentanimir’s report?”
“It’s remarkable. I’m anxious to learn what else the Zaxson will reveal. The experience seems to have affected him in a profound manner. Never have I seen him so withdrawn.”
“Is it not understandable?” Ahvixx asked. “To learn that everyone in these lands are one and the same. Such a magnificent and parlous revelation. The Cha have always taught of the preeminence of Nazilians, the direct descendants of the gods. To learn now, all of us have the same ancestries and that only our appearance differs is phenomenal.”
“No one shares the same features. Only in Nazil has this been so,” Thalassa said.
“True, but in the case of the Cha, they used these differences to place the Nazilians above all others. When I studied their ancient text, the Sulos , it was apparent that this belief, this deceit be propagated through religion. It wasn’t enough to make the assertion and act in a manner that supported the same. No. The Cha were brilliant in their deception. They knew only through their gods and the people’s affinity and trust of the divine could this come to pass.”
“They couldn’t have been certain of the success they’d achieve,” Nzuri said.
Ahvixx shook his head. “Not true. In all the histories available to us, religion is an integral factor. The common person needs that connection, the hope, and belief that there’s more than what we see—that no matter the life they’re forced to lead, there’s a better one that awaits them—a divine promise of eternal peace. Believing that there are only these lands and these connections until our limited years have ended, doesn’t mollify the hearts and minds of the people. The gods are needed, and the Cha created their own with not a divine purpose, but an iniquitous one.”
Thalassa nodded. “Then what shall we do? Surely, the Nazilians won’t only reject, but will take great offense at the notion that they’re also human. The fact that what they’ve propagated as a divine right was in truth a penance for transgressions against the true gods won’t be a case easily made.”
“Does it need to be?” Nzuri said. “What would be the gain in forcing this information on the masses? The Nazilians will reject this truth just as they rejected Tesu and the Protectors. No one will think the features they extol as godly are merely unforeseen corollaries of a century of atonement in the abyss.
“Angelaris told Pentanimir to provide the people with the knowledge. We’ll transcribe the scrolls in the common tongue for all the cities and villages. However, with the turmoil already present, I wouldn’t advise publicly making this proclamation.”
“Nor I,” Thalassa agreed.
“Yet, we must make the information available and continue our research,” Ahvixx said. “There’s more here than we know. I find it fascinating. Not only to learn of our true Nazilian heritage, but also the Doh’Mahn Vwazi Tr’Eon .”
“We must learn of it, but it gives me pause,” Nzuri said.
Ahvixx’s expression was bemused. “Pause? It’s logical for there to be such a gate. When I learned about the T’reyUhm R’aFek in my studies, the absence of a gate of opposite design was troubling. From all the available information, there were several constants. One of those is balance. In learning that the Seven I’ve served are the quintessence of the seven Guardians, I understand. Is balance not one of their most salient tenets? As such, there wouldn’t be a T’reyUhm R’aFek without having an equal, yet opposite that is the Doh’mahn Vwazi Tr’Eon . Balance,” he said, looking from one to the other.
“Yes, but those Pentanimir saw in this…this abyss had passed through the divine gate as well. There is a symbiosis of the two, isn’t there?” Nzuri asked.
“Yes and no. We all must be judged, so to speak, but the Doh’mahn Vwazi Tr’Eon is of a different design and purpose. It is antithetical to the T’reyUhm R’aFek , yet existing symbiotically with it.”
“Olam was modest regarding your intellect and intuition,” Nzuri said. “It’s a pleasure to have you with us.”
“I’m honored, High Priest.”
Nzuri and Thalassa smiled, continuing their work.
“I’ve brought some refreshments,” Sahma said, entering the room, and setting a tray on the table. “There’s tea and honey as well,” she said to Ahvixx.
“Thank you, Sahma,” Nzuri said. “Micah would’ve brought the tray. You didn’t need to interrupt your visit with your sister.”
“It was no trouble. Hibret and Wosen are spending some needed time together. It’s my pleasure to help where I can,” she said, and then regarded Ahvixx. “You’ve been anxious again, haven’t you? Yo
u always pull at your hair when you’re deep in thought.” She ran her hands over his hair and down the braid. After straightening the cowlicks, she leaned over his shoulder, inspecting the parchments. Ahvixx inhaled her fragrant, floral-scented hair, closing his eyes.
“Are you all right, Ahvixx?” Thalassa asked.
“Ye—yes,” he stammered. “There’s still a lot to do.”
“You look flushed,” Nzuri said. “Mayhaps a respite will refreshen you. You’ve been working since before sunrise.”
“Just a breath of fresh air and a stretch of my legs. I think I’ve discovered something of interest.”
“Well, we’ll continue our work and look forward to hearing about your discovery.”
“Thank you, Thalassa,” he said, rising from the table. “Will you join me, Sahma?”
She smiled, leading him to the door. “Would you like to walk in the gardens?”
“There’s not enough time,” he lamented. “Come with me.”
He led her down the long corridor and then to the left and right again. Ahvixx entered a small chamber, closing the door behind them, and immediately swept her up into his arms.
“Ahvixx, what are you doing?”
“What am I doing? I’m about to kiss you,” he said, gently kissing her lips. “We haven’t had much time alone, and I miss being with you.”
“I know. I miss you, too. I’d hoped that we’d have some time to ourselves, but you’ve been so busy.” She kissed him again as he lowered her to the floor. “You weren’t in your room last night.”
“You came to my room?” He released a frustrated sigh, roughly rubbing his face. Since their arrival in Nazil, he’d barely had any time with Sahma. The three times he’d promised to meet her, his work impeded those plans. “The High Priest asked me to treat the new scrolls, and I was up half the night. I just lost track of the time, and—”
“It’s all right, Ahvixx. I know they need your help. There’s no one better at discovering that which others have missed.”
“But I need you.”
“I’m here for you, and that won’t ever change.” She rested her head on his chest, wanting to say more, but she wouldn’t forswear what they had, hoping for what might never be. He loved her as his friend, and at that moment, she decided that would be enough.
“Tonight,” he said. “Will you meet me?”
“Ahvixx, are you certain? You didn’t—”
“I know, and I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention to the time and missed meeting you for our walk, but that won’t happen again. I promise, I won’t forget. Please.”
“Don’t you need to rest?”
“I’d rather spend time with you. Will you meet me? After evening meal, any place you choose.”
Her smile took in her entire face. “Yes, Ahvixx. Meet me near the large brazier in the gardens.”
“I’ll be there, I promise. Just wait for me, all right?”
“I will.”
As he took her hand, she paused.
“Ahvixx, you know that I only came to Nazil to be with you, don’t you? I know that Thalassa and Nzuri are depending on you, and I don’t want to distract you from your work. I do understand, truly. You need to do what you came to Nazil for, and that didn’t include pacifying dearest friends,” she said, forcing a giggle.
He nodded, holding the door for her. As he took her hand, their eyes met, and he smiled, thinking about the progression of their relationship, and their recent intimacies. It wasn’t merely when they’d made love, although that certainly occupied his thoughts. It was the many times they were in each other’s company. The way she came to him each morning, how she’d express such sincere affection, and usually when he most needed it.
He was in love with her beyond doubt or reason. Never did he want to end such a wonderful friendship, but he did desire to move beyond it.
“Ahvixx?”
“Par—pardon?”
“Where’s your mind?”
“Forgive me, did…did I miss something.”
“It doesn’t matter. You’re focused on your work, and I shouldn’t have interrupted you,” she said, pulling him down for a quick kiss before hurrying down the hall.”
“Tonight!” Ahvixx called out after her.
She twirled around and smiled, waving as she continued.
When he entered the room, more parchments were piled on the table than when he’d left. Without speaking a word, he took his seat, continuing his work.
It wasn’t until Thalassa stretched did he notice the setting sun.
“I believe it’s nearly time for evening meal,” she said, resting her hands in the small of her back. “It’s been a long day.”
“It has. Would you like me to accompany you?” Nzuri asked, helping her to stand.
“No, thank you. Jahno is just down the hall, and he’s promised me the most wonderful back rub.”
That brought a smile to all in the room. Ahvixx couldn’t help but admire how beautiful she looked. He pondered the possibilities for his life and future family. Tonight, he thought. I’ll tell Sahma that I’m in love with her and ask her to be my wife.
Nzuri’s hand on his back brought him from his contemplations.
“Mayhaps if you take some time away from the scrolls, you’ll find that which you seek. It’s there, Ahvixx. You’ll see it again with fresh eyes.”
It wasn’t his eyes that needed rest: his mind wouldn’t calm. He ran his hands over his face, following them from the chamber. Ahvixx didn’t join them for evening meal, instead, he opted for a hot bath. When he met with Sahma, he wanted to be refreshed in not only body and mind, but also appearance.
Taking his time, Ahvixx released his hair from its braid. Start at the bottom , he reminded himself, taking up the brush. For nearly half a glass, he sat grooming the long tresses until the luster returned. When he heard the voices in the corridor, he knew evening meal had ended. Although his heart urged him to the gardens, his mind stilled his movements. Ahvixx didn’t want his anxiousness to betray his purpose. He needed to organize his thoughts and strengthen his resolve. He couldn’t fail. His future with his beloved depended upon this night.
As he meditated, he thought about Sahma, about all the things that he needed to convey, and the best way of doing so. When his mind calmed, he studied his face in the mirror.
“No one is above you,” he said with a nod of confidence, rising and leaving his chamber.
His steps were hastened until he reached the final length of the corridor leading to the gardens. His smile couldn’t be contained, seeing Sahma seated on the carved bench. The light from the brazier highlighted the delicate features of her face. He noticed that her hair was pulled back on one side, allowing a complete view. Ahvixx flushed, enjoying the cyan and silver gown she wore. The low bodice accentuated her ample bust and curves, outlined in the brazier’s light. It reminded him of the night she came to him…the night he had to admit that he was in love with her. She was stunning, and even more so without her usual trousers and tunic. He paused again, straightening his clothes before opening the doors.
Sahma looked over at him with her always-intoxicating smile. He returned the same until seeing the person seated opposite her. Sahma rushed over, taking one of his hands while the other flittered through his free-flowing hair.
Ahvixx’s eyes were fixed on the man approaching them.
He scrutinized every inch of the intruder, gauging his demeanor and his intent. The intruder was certainly well dressed and groomed, standing strikingly tall, but Ahvixx stood taller, especially when he forced his broad shoulders back, which he certainly made sure to do. As the man advanced, Ahvixx continued his scan.
He admired the man’s fine golden doublet with intricate black embroidery up the sides. The fine cloak he wore matched his doublet and trews perfectly, accentuated by his black leather boots and gloves. The jeweled buckle of his belt glinted in the firelight, casting an array of twinkling colors as he walked. Even the intruder’s shoulder le
ngth white hair was neatly groomed, partially pulled back in a braid to offer a full view of his handsome face. Too handsome, Ahvixx noted.
A pang erupted in his chest as his eyes rested on Sahma. He admired her for several moments before glancing at the man, and then down to his own meager attire, feeling out of place between the two.
“Ahvixx, I’d like to introduce you to Lord Jarin Swayne. He’s from Yarah.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Jarin said. “Though, I feel as if I’ve known you for some time. Sahma thinks highly of you indeed.”
That comment at least lifted some of the gloom Ahvixx felt.
“Yes. He’s my dearest friend,” she said, hugging his arm.
Ahvixx nearly cringed at the mention of friendship. He eyed the young lord again, finally offering a proper greeting. To his displeasure, the intruder followed them as Sahma returned to the bench. Jarin retook his seat across from her while Ahvixx sat beside. He appreciated that much, at least, although he sighed when Sahma immediately released his arm, resting her hands on her lap. He didn’t miss Jarin’s eyes linger on her bust before looking up again.
“Jarin is the Caretaker’s son, Ahvixx. Arianna is his sister, and Temian was raised as a brother to him. They’ve invited me to visit the village when they take leave. I’ve never been to Yarah, you know.”
“Leave? With him? Never would I allow such a thing!” Ahvixx wanted to shout, but he forced a smile instead.
“It would be my pleasure to have you accompany me, Lady Sahma,” Jarin said. “There are many beautiful sites in Yarah. Our gardens aren’t as grand as these, but I’m certain you’d enjoy them almost as much as I’d enjoy your company.”
“I’d love to come.”
Ahvixx’s heart raced. “Sa—Sahma, I don’t think your parents would agree to such a visit,” he said, trying to keep the obfuscating fog of romantic images between them from his mind.
“Certainly, we’d ask for permission,” Jarin said, flashing a handsome smile. “Never would I attempt to take such a lovely young maid unescorted, no matter how much her company would please me.”
Ahvixx wanted to yell out in protest. How could she permit such obvious flirtations right there in front of him? His heart sank, observing her playful expressions as the intruder spoke sweetly. He didn’t understand what had happened so suddenly. He was supposed to be for Sahma, not some overly adorned Caretaker’s son from Yarah. Ahvixx was in love with her. They were meant to be, and made love so passionately. No, Jarin couldn’t come and destroy their relationship. He wouldn’t allow it. At least, that’s what he told himself.
The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy Page 109