“Mayhaps Ahvixx could escort me,” she said, holding his hand. “My father would surely permit it if he were there to look after me.” When she leaned against his arm, Ahvixx drew her closer, staring into the intruder’s eyes.
“I’d do anything for you, Sahma, but my work with the scrolls prevents me from taking leave just now.”
“Well, mayhaps I’ll extend my visit,” Jarin said.
Ahvixx’s eyes narrowed, yet he noticed that her face brightened.
“Could you, Jarin?”
“Would you like me to stay?”
“I’d enjoy that very much. It’s quite lonely in the citadel and Ahvixx doesn’t have the time just now. Otherwise, we’d be together each moment.” She smiled, squeezing his arm. “Ahvixx’s work is very important.”
Ahvixx nearly shook with anger. Before he realized, he’d stood, pulling her to his side. To his relief, the garden’s doors opened, and one of Jarin’s guards stood in the entryway.
“Pardons, Lord Swayne, a word.”
“Forgive me. This will take but a moment.”
Ahvixx stared as the handsome intruder left. A relieved sighed passed his lips, knowing that he probably would’ve said something foolish had the interruption not prevented it. For many long moments, he said nothing, observing Sahma’s euphoric expression.
“Jarin said I’m beautiful,” she whispered, leading Ahvixx down the path.
“This pleases you?”
“Well, of course. I think any woman appreciates such comments. He’s handsome, too, but not more than you.”
Ahvixx halted, turning her to face him. “I’ve told you that you’re beautiful numerous times.”
“You have, but it’s not the same.”
The words stung. “What? Not the same?”
“I don’t mean that in a negative way, Ahvixx. It’s just that you’re my closest friend and we’ve always loved and cared for each other that way. Jarin sees me only as a woman, and that’s the difference. I love when you tell me that I’m beautiful, though I understand it’s meant in the context of friendship. When someone admires you as a woman alone, it’s quite different.” She met his eyes then, giving him the opportunity to correct her assumption.
“You are a beautiful woman.”
“And you’re a very handsome man. I’ll never hold anyone else so dear in my heart as you.” She smiled, drawing him down and whispering, “I especially treasured making love to you. It was wonderful beyond my most fantastic dreams.”
“Did you merely want to experience making love and not what comes with it?” His voice cracked.
“It wasn’t the mere act. I wanted to make love to you alone—to share your body and emotions. We’re so alike, you and I. Feeling you become a part of me was the most natural and pleasurable experience in all my life. Don’t you feel the same?”
“Of course, I do? How could you think otherwise?” Ahvixx said, considering the importance of his next words.
“Sahma, I desire to wake with you at my side each day, and hold you as we sleep each night. I love you, and not just as your friend and lover. I love you as a woman and a wife, if you’d have me. Jarin could never know or please you the way that I can, the way that I will.” That’s what he wanted to say, but the words caught in his throat.
Ahvixx took a steadying breath, attempting to steel his resolve. His courage was waning. When Sahma began walking, he followed along, frantically waging a losing battle within.
“He’s returning,” she said.
He hadn’t noticed their direction change. He hadn’t noticed much of anything except his own ineptness. The intruder advanced again, his regal cloak flowing behind his swaggering walk. Jarin smiled, and Ahvixx knew that look too well. He tried to speak, tried to slow their approach, but one foot continued to plant in front of the other with her pulling him all the while.
The intruder flipped his thick mane of white hair over his shoulder, holding out his hand to Sahma. Without the slightest hesitation, she accepted the offered hand.
“Where were we?” Jarin asked, moving back to the benches.
It was too late. He’d missed his opportunity. Ahvixx lowered his head, as his shoulders slumped in defeat. He followed the couple to the benches, looking from one to the other.
He has won , Ahvixx thought, feeling defeated in all manners of the word. He couldn’t continue, not this night. Jarin was everything that he wasn’t. There was nothing he could offer Sahma that could match what Jarin could provide. He has won.
“Pardons,” Ahvixx said. “I believe that I should return to my duties.”
Sahma stood, taking his hand. “You won’t walk with me in the gardens?”
“Lord Swayne will escort you; I’m certain. You appear to be in capable hands.” He kissed her brow. “I need to tend the scrolls. There’s something that I missed, and it has just come to me. Mayhaps on the morrow we’ll have some time.”
“If you must,” she said, solemnly. “I won’t keep you.”
Coward , Ahvixx thought. He inclined his head before quickly exiting the gardens. When he reached the doors, the sound of Sahma’s sweet giggle made him wince. He has won.
Strategy
“Will Nakaris be joining us?” Danimore asked.
“No. Not for this meeting,” Pentanimir said, continuing to examine the parchment.
Danimore peered around the room. Symeon was the only one seated that wasn’t related to him.
“Brother, Nakaris has always been loyal to our family and to his position. I don’t mean to overstep, but you said this was a meeting of importance. Shouldn’t our trusted guards be present?”
Pentanimir considered that a moment. He never questioned Nakaris’ loyalty before the war or since. Nakaris was like a brother to Danimore and proved that during the war. He’d tossed his sword aside, leaving Danimore armed before him. The same wasn’t true for his predecessor, Yannick and that memory pained him to this day. Nakaris had shown his trust and loyalty in the most profound way. However, loyalty wasn’t a consideration for his decision. Not today.
“Dani. Sir Middleton’s loyalty isn’t in question. If I doubted him, I wouldn’t have assigned him over the detail escorting my wife and son to Cazaal. For now, we are the only four needed at this meeting.”
Danimore relented, inclining his head. He needed to remind himself that Pentanimir wasn’t merely his older brother, he was his Zaxson. He needed to show the respect due his earned position.
“Have we received some verifiable information?” Temian asked.
“For now, there are only whispers,” Symeon replied. “Molag’s reach is far, and having an impact across Faélondul.”
“We feared as much,” Pentanimir said. “It could be no other way after Draizeyn and Daracus’ defeat. There’re many of their supporters who’d see us answer for it. What about Ladir?”
Symeon grinned. “He no longer limps.”
“If it’s a position on the Chosen Guard that he covets, it’ll surely be earned.” Temian smirked. “How about his wrist?”
“It will probably never have the strength it once did, but he’s a fighter of some skill. I studied his techniques, allowing him the offensive. He doesn’t stray from his training, and I won’t instruct him otherwise.”
“Good,” Pentanimir said. “I’d have him think his skill is well matched with the other Chosen. Keep him and the others in question in practice together. I don’t want them training with you, Nakaris, Temian, or Wosen. Have them learn nothing of your true skill or that which you’ve trained those in our trust.”
“I agree, Zaxson. At no time did I demonstrate any techniques other than what he’d expect. If he’s victorious during the public challenge, he’ll be closely monitored.”
“What about Wosen?” Temian asked. “If he isn’t in the practice chamber, he’s sparring with you.”
“Wosen is as the Zaxson said. His skill was limited when we began training, but now he’s more practiced than guards twice his age,” Syme
on said. “He trains hard and doesn’t complain when assigned repetitive routines. His muscles needed to be trained to respond to basic moves and retain that memory, but his body is stronger and more balanced. In but a few years, he might test even my skill.”
“That’s a true compliment.”
“One that’s well earned, I assure. Wosen’s prowess is exceptional and will continue to advance. His martial training was adequate, and his prowess improves daily.”
“A testament to your training,” Danimore said. “You’d mentioned something about Lord Swayne?”
“I did. There’s been movement among Molag’s followers,” Temian said. “They’ve been readying for an attack, but Jarin isn’t certain where or when. Father Urdan has doubled his guard around the citadel in preparation. We’ve learned there are numerous guards in Nazil awaiting an opportunity for revenge.”
Pentanimir nodded. “We must take extra care, then. Nakaris said some guards have been gauging his loyalty as well. No doubt they’re attempting to bring him and others to Molag’s side. Having the Second Chosen move against the Zaxson would be of great strategic advantage.”
“Indeed,” Danimore said. “You should double your guard, too, Pentanimir. Did Nakaris give you the names of these men?”
“There are but two, but they aren’t stationed in the citadel. It’s likely that they’re being used to shield the ones who are. We’ve taken precautions, for all of us.”
“Zaxson, is Lady Benoist traveling to Cazaal as planned?” Symeon asked.
“Yes, Tioch is expecting them. Why do you ask?”
“With respect, do you think it’s wise to continue to do so? The road through Depero Wood hasn’t been completed, and Lord Ravenot is still discovering bands of rogues spread throughout. The Zaontras’ caravan must travel around the wood, stopping in Yarah and the outpost. With the recent information regarding Molag’s supporters, mayhaps we should learn more before allowing the Zaontras to travel.”
“Brahanu and Eytan are well protected by a vetted retinue. I trust Nakaris and Wosen to ensure her safety.”
“I trust Nakaris and Wosen, too, Zaxson, but we don’t truly know where the other guard’s loyalties lie. Lady Benoist’s visits to Cazaal are too consistent for my liking. Anyone could’ve monitored the trips and learned her schedule. Mayhaps we should delay or at least change her current routine.”
“Your concerns are duly noted, and it would be prudent to do so,” Pentanimir said. “With the new threat in Yarah and the uncertainty in Nazil, it may be best. Nonetheless, she’s expected and leaves on the morrow. Upon her return, you and Nakaris will take charge of her arrangements.”
“If it pleases you, Zaxson,” he pressed. “I could join Sir Middleton and enlist a few men that I trust. Permit me to send a message to Kaleo and contact the brothers Xaahn. They’re usually available for such work. I’ve known them for years, and would trust them with my life.”
“I appreciate your commitment, Symeon, but I need you in Nazil. We have important business to attend to, and I’d trust no one else. However, I’ll acquiesce to your insight. Send your message to these brothers of yours. If they’re as trustworthy as you say, I’d like to meet with them. Brahanu and Eytan must be kept safe.”
Peregrination
Allister shivered, clutching his cloak tighter, as he attempted to control his trembling hands. His fingers were nearly numb, growing more rigid after the gelid downpour had saturated his clothing. The same prayer repeated in his mind, as he blew warm breath into a partially closed fist, trying to bring life back into limbs that the sudden storm had stolen away.
“Please,” he murmured through chattering teeth.
Allister brushed snowflakes from his eyes, huddling closer into the scree-covered lee, providing some shelter from the wind’s bitter bite. He gathered some stones in a circle, keeping the last of his dry grass and scrapings from blowing away. Most of his supplies were damp, and the fire was his only defense against freezing during the night.
Angling the flint toward the bed, he scraped again, continuing until a spark lit the grass. “The gods are good,” he said, carefully adding twigs to the small flame. After several minutes, the fire grew, and he checked the pile of wood, slowly inserting the driest pieces.
As the flames grew in intensity, he peered out at the jagged peaks scarfed and beribboned with snow. Stoking the fire, he leaned forward, gazing down at the carved, grey crevices, with waterfalls drifting like skeins of silvery silk into the frigid, ice-rimmed pools below. At any other time, he could’ve appreciated the mountain’s beauty and the melodious trickling of the falls. However, this wasn’t the time, and his battered body wouldn’t allow thoughts of beauty to find his heart.
He’d lost track of the days as he trudged up the steep peaks, searching for the key to save his daughter and unborn grandchild. He pulled out the map again, grasping its flapping edges.
“The seventh peak,” he said, squinting into the wind. The mountain’s icy headdress glittered like jewels, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the landscape as the last remnants of the sun faded, surrendering to the night.
Had the storm not ceased his advance, he would’ve reached his destination. From what he could discern, the key’s resting place was less than a kilometer from his position. The recess indicated on the map was visible from his shelter, and he was determined to reach it. At least, he hoped that his body would obey the pleas of his mind and heart. Allister wasn’t a young man, and as he leaned back against the cold stone, his bones ached, reminding him of the same.
He cursed himself for past decisions whilst bringing an image of Nikolina forward in his mind. Regardless of what he had to endure, he’d find the key, and deliver it to the wretched mage. Nothing else mattered in that moment but his survival. Only he could save his daughter, but first, he’d have to save himself .
Alliances
“I prefer Lady Sahma Voney,” Jarin said for the third time, crossing his arms over his chest, as he leaned back, staring at his father.
“This much is certain. In different times, mayhaps it could’ve been possible, but not now. Sahma is a wonderful young woman and your mother and I enjoyed her visit immensely. However, Sir Kampmeyer’s daughter is of equal beauty and is accepting of your pledge. We’ve spoken about this many times, Jarin, and you were aware of the pledge negotiations before your trip to Nazil. Gwendolyn is a good match for you.”
“I don’t care about Gwendolyn or her father. Arianna wed whom she chose. Do I not have the same opportunity?”
“Your sister wed Temian Benoist, and that’s no small thing. His father held a great position and was highly respected throughout Faélondul. Sahma, though beautiful, is half-human with her eyes loudly proclaiming that truth. The people won’t accept a—an abomination for your pledged.”
“Sahma is no abomination!”
“And you are no child, Jarin. The people will brand her as such. Can’t you think beyond your loins and consider your family and Yarah? Molag is gaining support amongst the populace. He labels us traitors for supporting the Zaxson and apostates besides. If you were to wed Sahma, his support would surely swell. Gwendolyn is from a fine house, and her father is a former Third Chosen. It’s a good match, and once you’ve met her, I’m certain that you’ll find her pleasing.”
“So, I have no say with whom I share my life or my bed? You told me that I should follow my heart. This was said not only for the path of my life, but for the one I choose to share in it, too. Has so much changed that such things have lost all meaning? Must I truly immolate my happiness due to Molag Bomgaard?”
“This situation is a fragile one,” Urdan said. “Yarah teeters on the edge of an uprising. We need this alliance, my son. Many will support our cause once you’ve wed. Gwendolyn will leave her father’s house and remain in Yarah with us. How do you think Molag’s supporters will react to such news? Her father is well respected, and knowing that he’s petitioned to join our family will elevate House Swayne
immeasurably, and bring support flocking to our side. Had your sister not wed Temian, I would’ve selected a lord from Nazil for her as well.”
With that, Jarin straightened. If his father wouldn’t have allowed Arianna’s marriage, his fears were greater than Jarin had realized. The threat from Molag Bomgaard was certainly real, but with his recent travels, he wasn’t privy to the daily activities in Yarah.
“Has the situation become so dire?”
“It has.” Urdan’s expression was solemn. “Molag isn’t alone in his thinking. There are many in Nazil who believe the same. Even though the lands are in better condition than in past years, the people grow fearful. It isn’t due to the Zaxson. It’s due to those he chose to have at his side. It isn’t difficult for many Nazilians to be swayed, Jarin. With the addition of these Guardians the Zaxson serves…” he let his words end there, shaking his head.
Urdan regarded his son, seeing the pain in his expression. He felt that pain as surely as if it was his own. He had to place the needs of Yarah over the desires of his son, but that realization did nothing to lessen his guilt. When Sahma visited Yarah, Jarin’s feelings for her were obvious. Seeing that love and admiration was both joyous and sorrowful. Sahma was the first woman that Jarin had loved, and that wouldn’t be easily cast aside. Urdan hoped that once Jarin met Gwendolyn, she could evoke those same feelings and win his heart.
“When are we leaving for Nazil to meet them, Father?”
“They’ll be our guests fourteen suns hence. There’ll be a feast in their honor, of course, and the Cha Asham will offer blessings for your pledge and coming bond.”
“Who else will be attending?”
The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy Page 110