The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  “Arianna. She told us that Wosen wasn’t at his post and that you were going to find him. Since the attack near Yarah, he’s been talking to me about our time here…in the cells,” Hushar said, gently rubbing Wosen’s back. “The memories lingering here are enough to—” She took a steadying breath. “I should’ve known that he’d be overcome. Allow me to see to him, Temian. Please, I’ll help make him well.”

  Temian nodded, knowing that Wosen would need more than her nurturing to heal. His outer injuries had long mended, but the inner ones were the most debilitating.

  “Thalassa, could you please have Hibret meet Mother and Wosen in their chamber? I think he’ll have need of her, too.”

  Thalassa kissed his cheek, handing him some dry cloth. She was aware of the abuse Wosen had suffered in Nazil. It was fleeing that torture that had brought him to her and the Protectors. Had Wosen not fled from Draizeyn, the Protectors might never have returned to the Animus Wood.

  Wosen’s actions had set many events into motion. The wrongs he’d done were the catalyst to Faélondul’s liberation. Being reunited with her family was proof of that. Faélondul was free, and Wosen played no small part in that liberation. She wondered then if he knew of his importance.

  Wosen reminded her of the ghosts that haunted them all. And by some means, he must be freed.

  Pentanimir stood, pointing to the map on the table. When he was about to speak, the door creaked opened, and he gasped instead.

  “Brother!” Pentanimir said, rushing over to him. “What happened? Who did this?”

  Temian upraised a hand, accepting Pentanimir’s help to his seat. “It was Wosen.”

  “What? Wosen did this?” Danimore asked, disbelieving.

  “He wasn’t at his post, so I went looking for him near the cells. When I tried talking to him, he didn’t know who I was. In his mind, he was there…back in the dark chamber.”

  “By the gods,” Nzuri said. “Is he still there now? What happened?”

  “No. I was able to constrain him, but it wasn’t easy. His mind was gone, and had I not been the better fighter, I’m certain he would’ve killed me.”

  “Killed? He drew weapons?” Pentanimir asked.

  Temian grimaced as Nzuri manipulated his sore and swollen nose. “After attacking me, yes. I could’ve ended it sooner, but I didn’t want to hurt him. It wasn’t him, wasn’t Wosen.

  “I stayed on the defensive, but his aim was true, and I was pressed to stay ahead of him.”

  “Zaxson, can we allow him to continue training?” Nzuri asked. “What if Hibret or one of the children had found him? Would he have killed them? That isn’t a risk worth taking.”

  “I share your concern,” Pentanimir said. “Wosen must be relieved of his duty and his weapons until we can figure out what to do. Had it been anyone else, I’d put them in the cells, but this is Wosen Neufmarche. Hosdaq’s son.” He shook his head, sighing.

  “Wosen suffered horribly at our uncle’s hands, and helped return the Protectors to their home.” He looked over at Temian’s bruised and bloodied face. “We must do something. This offense cannot go unanswered, but what can we do? What’s the appropriate punishment? If it wasn’t truly him, then we must find some way to help him through this without denying him his life.”

  “I agree,” Danimore said. “But the safety of our families takes precedence over anything else. Nzuri, is there anything that you can do for him?”

  “I’m not certain. There are methods, techniques that allow one mind to interfuse with another. It’s a sort of connection, a window to the subconscious accessible through meditation or advanced sensory development. It’s possible to reach beyond the physical into the recesses of the mind, but we’d need Kuhani for something this complex. I was merely beginning my studies of these methodologies in Bandari.

  “It’s a technique called Akilu that the Drah’kuus developed on K’ohshul. As far as I know, it’s practiced only there. If we’re going to truly help Wosen, we must contact Drah’kuu Kuhani.”

  “We’ll do whatever we can to help him,” Danimore said. “If that help lies in Spero, mayhaps it’s time for Wosen to return.”

  Pentanimir nodded, gazing over at Temian. The blood flow had ceased, but his face was swollen and bruised.

  “Is it broken?”

  “Yes, Zaxson. In several places,” Nzuri said, gingerly touching Temian’s nose. “I can set the bones, but I’ll need to mix some herbs before making the attempt. After a few stitches, a poultice will reduce the swelling.”

  “Please take care of him. I’m going to send a message to Hosdaq. He’ll be pleased to see his son, but not the reason as to why .”

  Greater Truth

  Julaybeim smiled, hearing Gali sing. He crept down to their chamber, peering in at his wife and new daughter. For many long moments, he regarded the two, relishing the joy and completeness they’d brought to him.

  “Again, you watch us.”

  “How could I not? There’s not a lovelier sight in all of Faélondul than that of my wife and daughter,” he said, sitting beside them. “Did she feed well?”

  “She always does,” Gali said, gently patting her back. “Your daughter has inherited your appetite, I fear.”

  He chuckled, caressing Dawntaylesha’s hair-covered head.

  “She looks like your mother,” Gali said. “It’s her eyes. Your mother had the most beautiful brown eyes.”

  “Not as beautiful as yours.”

  Gali regarded him closer, noticing his distant expression. “What has your mind?”

  “Dawntaylesha.”

  “Thinking about your daughter saddens you?”

  “No. You know that.” He sighed. “Dawntaylesha causes me to think about Eytan and Brahanu.”

  “I understand, but they’re both safe now. My brother and the Osmonts sent additional sentries to Nazil to assist. The Nazilians are no longer charged with their safety.”

  “It isn’t enough, Gali. Brahanu never should’ve been traveling alone with Eytan. Pentanimir was remiss, and we almost lost them both.”

  “Pentanimir loves your sister. Didn’t you see his anguish when we were in Yarah? He didn’t want to send her alone, but Brahanu insisted.”

  “I don’t doubt that he loves her, I’m questioning his decisions regarding her.”

  “Julaybeim, use your mind. Pentanimir relented so that Eytan and Tioch could have time together. Had he his way, they’d remain in Nazil with him and travel only when he does.”

  “Why wasn’t he with her? She’s the Zaontras of Nazil, yet receives merely a handful of Nazilian guards to see her safely across the lands.”

  “Don’t let your anger claim your senses. Brahanu insisted on a smaller contingent as not to draw attention. There wasn’t any trouble until Molag Bomgaard formed this resistance.”

  “Perhaps, but Pentanimir knew about this man and did nothing to protect them. He should’ve escorted Brahanu himself. Hells, half the guard should’ve been protecting that caravan.”

  “Julaybeim, the Benoists are pressed from all sides. Pentanimir couldn’t assign half his guard to accompany Brahanu to Cazaal any more than you could to accompany me when I travel to Kaleo. Is this truly what’s bothering you?”

  Julaybeim sighed again. “No. It does concern me, greatly, but there’s more.”

  “Tell me, and lessen your burden.”

  “Tioch is growing restless. Brahanu hasn’t returned to Cazaal, and she’s sent no message explaining why. When last she was here, she promised to return by the next full moon. That time has long past, and Tioch is getting concerned.”

  “Have you sent a message to Nazil regarding this?”

  “I did, but I’ve received no response. It isn’t like Brahanu to ignore my messages. She insisted that Eytan and Tioch spend this time together, now she’s abandoned him, abandoned Cazaal.”

  “Brahanu hasn’t abandoned anyone. She’s afraid, Julaybeim, and with great cause. You heard what she said in Yarah.”

/>   “Do you believe it? Could the Guardians have allowed Itai to protect his family?”

  “With the Guardians, all things are possible. Brahanu wasn’t the only one who saw him. Nakaris and Wosen witnessed the same. Itai’s connection with his son has not withered, just as the Guardians promised. They permitted the intervention—allowed it for not only Eytan’s sake, but also Itai. He waits.”

  “For what does he wait? Brahanu’s married to Pentanimir now.”

  “No one knows what awaits us beyond the realm of the living. The Guardians have blessed Itai to retain a connection with Eytan.”

  “Because of Brahanu’s betrayal at their behest?”

  “Because of the love she held for Pentanimir to bring Tardison forth,” Gali corrected. “It was necessary, and the Guardians recognize the sacrifice forced upon Itai. It’s a blessing, and you should be grateful.”

  “I’d rather have him here. This is Brahanu’s home…both Brahanu and Itai’s. She should be married to Itai, not Pentanimir.”

  “Husband, Itai is forever gone from us. This isn’t Pentanimir’s fault. After Tardison was born, Brahanu planned to return to Cazaal with Eytan. She loved Itai, and wanted their marriage to last. She didn’t know that he’d fallen when she told us about her plan. It wasn’t meant to be. If Itai was here, she’d love him endlessly, but he’s gone, Julaybeim. Allow your sister what happiness she can have with Pentanimir. He loves her.”

  “If only Tioch could understand such sentiments.”

  “He will, in time.”

  “That time is coming sooner than anticipated. Tioch is coming.”

  “Coming? Here?”

  “Yes. He’s not willing to wait any longer. Eytan is all he has left of Itai, and he won’t be denied his grandson. He loves him, and he loves Brahanu, too.”

  “What are you going to say to him? You’re not going to reveal everything, are you?”

  “It’s time for him to know what’s happened. Tioch is a good man, and my father respected him. Brahanu should’ve told him everything long ago. In the beginning, I understood, but as the seasons passed, she should’ve let him know.”

  “Are you going to tell him about Tardison as well?”

  “No, however, I feel he should know that Brahanu’s married to Pentanimir, and about the attack. At least, then, he’d understand why she’s living in Nazil. It’s the only way.”

  “If you tell him about the attack, won’t he want to travel to Nazil himself?”

  “Possibly. Tioch has no love for the Nazilians, but I’m certain that he’ll want to ensure that Eytan and Brahanu are well.”

  “You’re sure that this is the best course? Shouldn’t Brahanu be the one to deliver such news?”

  Julaybeim nodded. “I’ve given her every opportunity to do just that. I’m the one Tioch confronts at every turn. He deserves to know, and I’m going to be the one who tells him.”

  “If it’s truly your desire, I support that which you’ve decided.”

  Dawntaylesha cried out, squirming in her arms. “It appears that your daughter agrees.”

  “She’s also a reason for my decision. I understand Tioch’s trepidation. I’d feel the same if I didn’t know how you or Dawntaylesha fared.”

  “Then follow your heart, but send a message to Brahanu and Pentanimir to alert them of the same.”

  “Agreed. I’ll do so on the morrow. For now, I’ll enjoy my wife and daughter.”

  Matter of Trust

  Pentanimir rubbed his eyes, and then poured another glass of tej. Too much was happening all at once, and he’d left much undone. After perusing the parchment again, he looked over at Jahno.

  “You’re certain that there’s enough to extend for another season?”

  “We are, Zaxson,” Jahno said. “Even with the expense to rebuild the temple and repair the city, there’s more than enough. Unlike your predecessors, you spend little on personal luxuries. Though we’ve added the expense of the attendants and new guards, Nazil’s coffers remain full.”

  “What about Rhoyden and Kumasi?” Pentanimir asked. “Have you received any word from Joseph or Janshai?”

  Jahno glanced down at a parchment. “Yes, not long ago, in fact. Preparations are underway on Rhoyden’s temple, and the citadel is complete. A gentleman named Imryl has run of the inn, and the harvest in both villages was plentiful. The supplies have been delivered for preservation to both Nazil and Yarah.” He paused, perusing another document. “Joseph also requests additional guards for the citadel. His sons, Petr and Mathieu have aided thus far in organizing the guards currently present.”

  Pentanimir nodded. “Once Temian is better, I’ll have him assess their need. With the increasing bands of sell-swords and rogues, we’ll need to keep them from converging on the fledgling village. What about Kumasi? Has Janshai Estenbrook offered any response?”

  “I’ll make a note,” Jahno said. “Janshai sent a lengthy report regarding Kumasi and what’s needed. He’ll accept the position to oversee the village once everything is in place. For now, Elidyr remains the village’s representative. He’s also agreed to head the new council once Janshai assumes his position. Unlike Yarah, Kumasi isn’t in opposition regarding a human being assigned as caretaker.”

  “We’ll take our victories where we can,” Pentanimir said, leaning back in his chair. “How’s the progress on the new road through Depero wood?”

  “Lord Ravenot requested materials and more men. The work is progressing slower than he’d first anticipated.”

  “Mayhaps if they could clear the wood of the encampments, it would be a less tedious process,” Pentanimir said. “I’d hoped that these bands of Nazilians would migrate to Spero, Yarah, or even Kumasi. They seem determined to remain hidden in the wood.”

  “The First Chosen reported the same about the Dessalonian Wood,” Beilzen said. “Their numbers are ever mounting.”

  Pentanimir nodded. Beilzen was correct in his assessment. The bands of stray Nazilians appeared to increase with each passing day. He was aware of the men and women who survived the destruction of the villages. He was pleased when he learned of that. However, more than half of them had become nothing more than vagrants now, refusing to claim any remaining village or city as their home. All except Rhoyden. For reasons unknown, bands of rogues made their way to that fledgling village in droves.

  “Have we received any word from Noraa regarding Ahvixx’s hire?”

  “Not as yet, Zaxson, but he’s currently en route to Nazil,” Beilzen said, sifting through the parchments on the table. “Nohek Asmaa notified us of his interest, but Ahvixx hasn’t decided whether to accept the position. Perhaps he plans to assess the possibilities upon his visit.”

  “Well, have Nzuri inform me as soon as possible. I understand why Ahvixx wouldn’t find living in Nazil desirable, but we have a great need of him here. There are many unknowns, and he might be able to assist Thalassa and Nzuri.

  “I thank you both for your time.”

  “It’s an honor, Zaxson,” Beilzen said.

  As the men rose to leave, Pentanimir considered the recent events in Yarah and Nazil. They’d found few answers about the attack on Brahanu’s caravan and no new information regarding the assailants that alluded capture.

  “Beilzen, I’d like for you to remain a moment more.”

  “Certainly,” he said, retaking his seat.

  “How’s Fáelán?” Pentanimir asked.

  “He’s doing quite well. Both Symeon and Nzuri have said that he’s exceeding their expectations. Even his vocabulary and pronunciations are much improved.”

  “I’ve been hearing positive feedback about your interactions, and I’m glad that you’ve provided Fáelán with a true home and family.” Pentanimir paused. “He loves you, Beilzen.”

  “He does, just as my father and I love him. In fact, I don’t think anyone truly knows or experiences unconditional love until a child is brought into their life.”

  That response caused Pentanimir to rega
rd him closer, noting Beilzen’s peaceful demeanor. “What about you? How’s your healing?”

  “Better. Nzuri still prepares ointments to keep the flesh supple, but the pain is all but gone.”

  “I’m glad to hear it, Beilzen. I’ve also heard that you’ll be marrying soon. Is that true?”

  “It is. I understand why it’s difficult for some to believe that I’d be interested in a wife, and more so, why any woman would want me for a husband as I am. But yes, Dalia has accepted me despite my deficiencies. She’s a very special woman and deserves far more than I could ever hope to provide.”

  “Dalia is a remarkable woman, and assists in caring for my children. Truly, you’ll be blessed with a wonderful wife. Both Brahanu and I look forward to attending your ceremony.”

  “It would be an honor, Zaxson.”

  “For all of us. Now, I need to ask more of you,” Pentanimir said. “Do you still have relatives in Yarah?”

  “Yes: two uncles, an aunt, and many cousins. Why do you ask?”

  “Molag’s supporters have begun a rebellion of sorts. They’d usurp the Caretaker’s position and march to Nazil if they’re able to gain the support.”

  “What folly is this?”

  “They feed the common people lies. We fear many here in the city have fallen victim to such propaganda already. The men who head this resistance use those same people as fodder as they sit comfortably in their chambers, plotting their treachery. Lord Swayne and members of my family are keeping us well informed, but I want to send someone from Nazil as a liaison. If you accept, Sir Middleton will escort you.”

  “What about Dalia and Fáelán, will they be allowed to accompany me?”

  Pentanimir shook his head. “Not this time. Molag Bomgaard speaks against the humans and what he terms abominations. He’s using my wife and Danimore’s as cudgels against us as well as our children. Your son and promised would have to remain in Nazil for now.”

  “I’m honored to be considered for such an important assignment, but I’d rather have Dalia and Fáelán with me.”

  “I understand, and I’m not ordering you. If you’re not comfortable with the assignment, I’ll find someone else that I can trust.”