Urdan nodded, not certain what to believe. He didn’t doubt the Chosen’s accounting, but he wasn’t wholly convinced, either. “You reported that this specter spoke. What did it say?”
“It did speak.” Nakaris’ brow knitted. “But the words held no meaning.”
“The Zaxson is soon to arrive, Sir Middleton. Is this what you plan to report to him?” Aronin was clearly growing annoyed at the seemingly cryptic responses.
“Lord Thaon, I report only what I saw. It was there, and it looked at me. It—he —told me to protect his wife and son. His wife and son. Only Lady Brahanu and her son were in the carriage. After he spoke to me, he leaned down to kiss the babe.” He glanced around the room. “This is why the words held no meaning. Surely, he couldn’t have meant the Zaxson’s wife and son?”
Aronin’s brow raised, leaning back in his chair.
“Did you hear this as well, Sir Neufmarche?” Jarin asked.
“No, however, I believe what Sir Middleton reported. The Zaxson has told you all about the remarkable happenings in both Nazil and the Animus Wood. After not only witnessing, but also benefitting from such miracles, I know many things that seem impossible are, in fact, the opposite.
“I mightn’t heard the words, but I did see the man in the carriage. That was no trick of light or some hallucination manifested from fear. He was there, and because of him, Lady and Lord Benoist are alive.”
Wosen had never met Brahanu’s late husband, Itai. However, by the descriptions he’d heard and the appearance of the man, he suspected it was Itai in the carriage. He didn’t understand how, but he didn’t need to. Wosen wouldn’t mention that to these men, but he planned to speak with Pentanimir once he’d arrived.
“What about the prisoners?” Urdan asked, moving the meeting forward. “Have they spoken anything of interest?”
“Nothing of note, Father. All but one claims allegiance to Molag and the Nazilian resistance.”
“Resistance? Have they enlisted enough in their ranks to be labeled as such?”
“There need only be a few to claim such a label,” Jarin said. “With this assault, I fear that their numbers might grow.”
“They admit this freely?” Aronin asked.
“Proudly,” Jarin corrected.
“We’ll see if that pride holds when they face the headsman’s ax.” Urdan stood, pacing the stuffy room. “Sir Benoist will certainly want to put these men to question. Albeit, I doubt much will be learned. They must know that for their offense, nothing but death could be the penance.”
“Father, they don’t know that Lady Benoist is still alive. Anyone bearing witness to the flaming carriage would think those inside had perished.”
“Allow them to believe themselves successful, then. Mayhaps their tongues will loosen to brag about their success. Increase the guard around the Zaontras’ chamber and ensure they’re loyal members of the guard. I want other guards in plain garb in the cells around our prisoners. If they utter one syllable about this attack, I want it reported immediately. Sir Benoist will arrive within two suns and we—”
Urdan gasped, turning quickly as a loud screech echoed from outside. Wosen rushed toward one of the shuttered windows, flinging it open wide. He leaned, searching the skies as the resonating screeches repeated.
“The Protectors,” he said, running from the room.
Screams rang through the streets when the Desu Beasts came into view. Their majestic wings extended, stirring the wind and bending the trees’ branches. The Protectors circled above, observing those scurrying below. One by one, they began descending into the citadel’s courtyard.
“Tennish!” [70] Arinak commanded, spurring the beasts on. Xandi glided toward the ground with a grace seemingly unnatural for a beast her size. The ground shook as she landed, releasing a reverberant screech as if announcing their arrival.
Arinak hoisted a leg over her muscled back, gently patting her on the neck. “Beaz Gon’Neesa,” [71] he said, standing to his full imposing height. After surveying the emptying courtyard, he lifted his passenger from Xandi’s back.
“K’lendi Sa !” [72] Arinak called out to the circling beasts.
“Baatheer Xandi, Baatheer!” [73]
Xandi screeched again, charging forward, and taking to the skies. Arinak’s half-helm glimmered as he communicated an extrasensory command.
“Arinak, please remain here,” Pentanimir said. “Some of Molag’s men could be lurking in the shadows.”
Arinak nodded, causing the trio of chains to rattle. Drawing his double-edged ax from his back, he assumed a defensive posture, coordinating the remaining beasts’ descent.
“Shomalakh desse mohs! ” [74] he said, in a deep, booming tone.
Pentanimir hurried toward Wosen and Nakaris as Aronin and Jarin exited the citadel.
“Take me to my wife and son, I beg.”
“Come, Zaxson,” Jarin said, ushering him through the doors.
“Wosen, Nakaris, escort the others once they’ve landed,” Pentanimir said.
Pentanimir’s heart raced, as he turned the sharp corners and leapt up the steps two at a time. He heard the men speaking around him, but their voices rang hollow in his ears.
“Stand aside! The Zaxson approaches!” Aronin announced stridently to the guards, as they reached the chamber. Pentanimir paused, taking a deep and steadying breath before pushing through the doors, and hastening to Brahanu’s bedside.
If he hadn’t known about the attack, he’d think she was merely sleeping. Brahanu was elevated by cushions with an arm cradling Eytan. Her coiled, raven hair framed her face, accentuating her flawless mahogany skin. It was untouched by the flames, appearing to nearly shimmer against the hearth’s light.
He was heartbroken, relieved, and enraged all at once. Swirls of emotion surged through every part of him, manifesting as moisture that rimmed his eyes.
Leaning down, he softly kissed her lips while lowering to his knees. After taking her hand in his, he offered a silent prayer and rested his other hand on Eytan.
“Make way, she’s a healer,” he heard in the distance. Moments later, he felt a touch on his shoulder, but didn’t turn from his wife.
“Zaxson, allow me to tend them,” Gali said. “The Guardians have protected Brahanu and Eytan, and brought us to their side.”
He felt a tug beneath his arms, feeling himself being hoisted to his feet. Symeon steadied Pentanimir’s stance as his knees nearly buckled, momentarily unable to support his weight.
“Come, Zaxson. Allow Gali and Nzuri to check the Zaontras’ and Eytan’s condition while we speak to the council. Come.”
Pentanimir reluctantly nodded, kissing Brahanu again. He never wanted to leave her side, and cursed himself for his carelessness.
“Please tend them well and come to me immediately when they wake.”
“Yes, Zaxson,” Nzuri said, joining Gali at their bedside.
“My guard and I will remain,” Julaybeim said.
Pentanimir offered a strong hand to him, understanding his position. Julaybeim wouldn’t trust anyone with his sister’s care but his wife, and he trusted only himself to protect them all.
The Desu Beasts’ screeches seemed to fade and then crescendo as they continued circling above the citadel. The Protectors stayed in the courtyard, each wielding their ax and protecting the citadel grounds.
“Was it Molag? Did he dare attack my wife and son?” Pentanimir demanded, pounding a fist on the table. His fear had dissipated, leaving only feelings of rage and retribution in its place.
“Cousin, be calm,” Aronin said. “Molag didn’t act alone. These men are loyal to his cause, but none will directly implicate him. Some of the prisoners are guards from Nazil, and they aren’t alone in their allegiance. We need to continue their interrogation if we are to learn the truth. Mayhaps with your presence they’ll be more forthcoming.”
“He speaks true, Zaxson,” Urdan said. “Three of the prisoners were assigned to the Zaontras’ retinue. Sir Neuf
marche and Sir Middleton can provide the details of the attack prior to the Chosen of Yarah’s arrival.” Urdan cocked his head in confusion. “Sir Benoist, we sent the message to Nazil not long ago. How then did you arrive so swiftly to Yarah?”
“We didn’t receive your message, Caretaker. The Protectors arrived in Nazil and Cazaal, informing us of the circumstances here.”
“The Guardians intervened?” Jarin said, looking at Nakaris. “You spoke true.”
“Jarin, speak plainly. My wife and son were nearly killed in this attack. If you have something to say, do so now.”
“Zaxson,” Nakaris interrupted. “He’s speaking of what happened after the carriage was attacked. Wosen kept the attacker’s at bay while I continued toward Yarah with Lady Benoist. But the archers had strategic positions along the roadside, and the carriage was bombarded with flaming arrows. I had no choice but to cut the horses free so I could extract your wife and son.” He shook his head, vividly picturing the dire scene. “The carriage was engulfed in flames, and…and I was certain that they couldn’t have survived.”
Pentanimir’s face paled, unable to keep that image from his mind. “Both my wife and son are alive, Sir Middleton,” he managed. “Regardless of the circumstances, you performed your duty both to Nazil and me. Please, continue your recounting.”
“When I went to her, went to free them from the carriage, there was someone inside with them. He—he was there, but he wasn’t. It was more an apparition of a man: not solid or real. The guard lay dead at the Zaontras’ feet, burnt to cinders, but this—this man hovered over your wife and son. He commanded the flames as easily as you or I would do a sword. His body emitted a bright light that acted as water to the fire. He shielded them from the flames and vanished into nothing once the danger was no more.”
“He?” Pentanimir’s voice cracked.
“Yes sir, Zaxson,” Wosen said. “I saw the man, too. Upon our return to Nazil, I was going to report the same.”
Before the Zaxson could respond, Nzuri burst into the room.
“She wakes, Zaxson! The Zaontras is awake! ”
The “Y” in the Road
He pushed the uneven mop of hair over his shoulder, only to have it fall back in his face. Ahvixx sighed in frustration, tucking the hair behind his ears, continuing to tend the temple gardens. This was a chore he enjoyed. Not only did he admire the garden’s beauty, but he enjoyed the solitude it offered him, too. With the approaching cold season, the skies appeared mostly grey as the days grew shorter. Not this day. A bright sun alit the sky, chasing most of the chill from the pine-scented air.
Kneeling in front of his favorite bush, he lost himself in the beauty and serenity of his surroundings. Here we can be alone , he thought, remembering how Sahma had spoken those words so sweetly. For a moment, he closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of the sun on his face, and the warmer sensation that the memory elicited.
“You cut your hair,” the sweet voice said, bringing him from his meditation.
He didn’t turn, though his heartbeat quickened, urging him to follow its commands. It took all his will to remain kneeling, and not rush into her arms. Ahvixx prayed silently, pleading for his heart and mind to still.
It was Sahma: the only woman he’d ever loved or wanted to love. He’d known she’d come to him eventually, but he didn’t know whether that was a blessing or a curse. His heart hadn’t changed, and a pain erupted in his chest as he thought about the dissolution of their relationship.
“I loved your hair,” she continued, gliding her hand over his uneven, tangled tresses. “It was beautiful, Ahvixx, just as you are.”
He flinched, not hearing her approach. Ahvixx’s eyes closed, enjoying her tender caress. Even now, he could feel her love, although she offered it as merely a friend.
“It—it was tangled, and I didn’t know how to care for it.”
“Never did you have to. I tried, Ahvixx, many times, but you wouldn’t see me.”
Ahvixx inhaled a steeling breath, standing and turning around to face her. Gods, she’s beautiful, he thought, regarding her fully. She’d donned a fitted crimson gown with jeweled accents lining the low bust line. The cut and fabric of the stunning gown accentuated her sensuous curves, revealing the woman that she’d become. Sahma’s smooth, caramel-colored skin glistened beneath the sunlight, adding a twinkle to her pale eyes. It was the first time that he’d seen her with her long, curly hair fastened atop her head with only tendrils hanging down to frame her soft features. As he cast his gaze downward, he noticed the bound hair in her hand.
“You’re so beautiful,” he said aloud before he realized.
Her smile was wistful, as she took a step forward. “And you look like a helding priest.”
“Is this not how I appeared when first we met?”
“When we met, yes, but not so when we parted.”
Ahvixx nodded, motioning to the stone bench.
“Is this why you’ve come? To tell me about how I’ve displeased you?”
“Displeased me? Never could you do so, Ahvixx. Don’t you know why I’m here?”
“Of that, I wouldn’t know. Would you like to take a walk? I was unable to do so in Nazil.”
“Nazil?” she said, reaching for his hand. When he moved from her reach, her expression sadden, and she slid further from him. “Do I no longer have a place in your heart?”
“I’ll always love you, Sahma. Can’t I express that love here just as I did in the citadel?”
“It isn’t the same,” she said, reaching for his hand again.
“Why—why isn’t it?” he asked, relishing the feel of her soft skin against his. “I’ll always be here for you, Sahma, just as I promised. When you wed Lord Swayne, I’ll come and celebrate your bond with you, but my place is here.”
“Wedding? Lord Swayne and I are only friends.”
He studied her face, gauging her every inflection. “I thought—I—I—in Nazil, you seemed enamored by his compliments and flirtations. Then, you accepted his invitation to Yarah.” He shook his head. “I thought you were pursuing a relationship with him.”
“Jarin is a wonderful friend and nothing more. I accepted Ariana’s invitation to Yarah, not Jarin’s. Had you remained in the garden that night or allowed my visits, you would’ve known about his betrothal. I do love him, but merely as a friend. The love I feel for you surpasses anything or anyone else. How couldn’t you know that?”
“Me?” he asked, standing abruptly. He ran his hands over his hair, sorting through all what she’d said, while replaying past conversations in his mind. He paced back and forth, pausing only long enough to look into her eyes before moving forward.
“Me?” he asked again, staring down at her. He’d told her numerous times, and she was the one who didn’t understand the depth of his feelings. Now, she was questioning him.
“Yes, Ahvixx. You,” she said, standing to face him. When he attempted to step back, she grasped his waist, holding him in place.
“Ahvixx, you became so distant in Nazil. I wanted to be with you, but felt that you were pushing me away. It wasn’t your work with the scrolls, I’m speaking of the times you weren’t working, yet didn’t have time to see me. What was I supposed to do? I told you that I’ll never love anyone as much as I love you. Why would I make love to you if I wasn’t in love with you?” She met his eyes. “Had you told me plainly—”
He kissed her then, her last statement replaying melodiously in his mind.
“I’m in love with you, Sahma,” he said, cupping her face in his hands. He stared intensely into her eyes, allowing no room for misunderstanding.
“I’ve been in love with you since before you came to my bedchamber, before we made love. In Nazil, I was going to tell you and ask for you to become my wife. I wasn’t being distant, I was working, yes, but I was thinking of how to convey my deepest feelings to you.
“When I met you in the gardens, you…he was there, and I was devastated. The way you looked at him is how I wa
nted you to look at me. My heart shattered that night and has remained so ever since.”
“Ahvixx—”
He kissed her again, more passionately than before. “No, you’re going to listen to me,” he asserted more forcefully than he’d ever spoken to her before. “If it’s my heart that I must explain, hear all of my words now. There’s no one else in these lands that I’d want to share my life or my heart.
“I’m no lord, caretaker, or of high birth. I’m merely Ahvixx Ahllendale, your dearest friend who desires you as my own. Only you, Sahma. Not just as your friend, but as a man, and a husband. I can’t promise you riches or servants or stables full of horses, but I can promise you that I’ll love you more than any man could love a woman.
“I promise to cherish you more than any rich man’s greatest treasures. I promise to always place you at the head of my life, to never keep my thoughts from you, and always tell you my deepest desires and fears. Without you, I’m incomplete. I not only want you in my life, I need you to be a part of it.
“Do you hear me? I’m in love with you. Will you be my wife and make me the happiest and most blessed man in all these lands?” Ahvixx said, more resolute and confident than she’d ever seen him.
“It’s always been you, Ahvixx,” she said. “From the beginning, I knew that we were special with and to each other. We were so alike, you and I; in our hearts, though, you kept yours shielded from me, and at times even from yourself. Still, I knew. I didn’t want to lose you as my friend by pursuing you as a husband.
“When we were in Nazil, I asked you, I needed to know. You began to give yourself so freely after I came to your chamber. I asked you, and you didn’t answer plainly. But now there’s no doubt, Ahvixx. I didn’t want to risk our friendship, do you understand? If I could only have you in my life as a dearest friend, I accepted that rather than lose you.”
The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy Page 115