“It’s there; I’m sure of it. I just can’t bring it forth. I see only fragments of thought or memory of which I cannot recall. I’ll need to meditate and pray for clarity.” Ahvixx said, standing from the table. “May I take this?”
“Take whatever you need. Please make haste and return to us soon.”
Ahvixx bowed, collecting his belongings, and slinging his satchel over his shoulder.
“It can’t be rushed, Zaxson, but I’ll do everything within my power to find the answers.” He turned and then paused. “I beg, when Drah’kuu Kuhani arrives, send word to me. I’ll need his assistance to decipher the meaning behind the riddle.”
“Ahvixx?” Sahma called out as he closed the rear door to their home.
Sahma smoothed his tousled hair, as Odahg nudged at his leg.
“You’ve been pulling at your hair again,” she said, removing his satchel, and taking his hand. “What has your mind?”
He halted, turning her around to face him. “There’s much that I need to do. The Guardians spoke to the Zaxson through me. I must meditate to better understand the meaning behind their words.”
“I’ve never seen you so troubled, Ahvixx. What did they say?”
“I’m not completely certain. They spoke of coming trials, my importance here, and…and me providing aid to Ayrmeis.”
“What? Ayrmeis? What do you mean?”
“I don’t understand it, not yet. I need to meditate and clear my mind. Once I’ve cleansed and prayed, I must commune in solitude.
“I didn’t know that the Guardians would call upon me. I’m their conduit, but that’s different than what might soon come. I fear that I’m not worthy or prepared for something of this magnitude.”
“No, Ahvixx. If the Guardians have called upon you, they’ll prepare you for what lies ahead. Go now and cleanse, and I’ll bring your tapers and tea. Evening meal can wait, this is of greater importance.”
Ahvixx stripped away his clothes, hurrying down the corridor. By the time he’d reached his prayer room, he was completely bare. He dipped his hands in the basin, offering a prayer. As he dried his hands, Sahma appeared in the entryway, handing him seven tapers and a large mug of tea. After offering his thanks, Ahvixx began preparing his chamber.
Removing the spent tapers, he replaced them with the new ones. As he recited a prayer, he lit each of the six tapers with the flame from the seventh. After nestling the seventh in the center, he lowered to his knees.
“Blessed Seven, fill my heart with your love and my mind with your knowledge and wisdom. Provide me with understanding and clarity. Tell me your will and guide me along your path. I’m your vessel to impart with that you so choose. Bless me with understanding so that I might serve you with all of my being.”
He rose, respectfully placing the tip of his middle finger on his forehead. Then, taking the seventh candle, he ignited the incense. Ahvixx lifted the smoking thurible from its stand, walking the length of the room, chanting his cleansing prayer. Once seven circles were complete, he placed the thurible on an acacia altar, taking a seat on the cushion in the center of the room.
Ahvixx crossed his long legs, resting one foot on each thigh. Breathing steadily and deeply, he turned the clepsydra at his side. Within moments, the water began to drip rhythmically into the chamber below. He used that cadence to focus not only his breathing, but also his mind.
He positioned his elbows on his thighs, nestling both hands between them. His fingers pointed downward with the middle fingers and thumbs resting within the enclosed palms. After another deep inhalation, his breathing slowed, and his heart rate declined.
He focused inward, using only his mind, limiting his bodily functions to facilitate the deep meditation. If anyone came upon him in this state, they’d believe him either lifeless or near expiry. The rise and fall of his chest could barely be seen by the naked eye, and came so infrequently, one would hardly notice.
For several turns of the glass, he sat, unmoving.
Flashes of indistinct images beset his mind. Each image was more disturbing than the last: an unrelenting barrage, inundating his subconscious whilst enervating his soul.
Cold sweat poured over his face as his breathing became staggered.
There was an interruption: an unfamiliar presence attempting to overwhelm not only his mind, but also his body. Ahvixx’s head spasmed, jerking as his eyes clenched tight. A pained groan escaped his lips, the besieging, malevolent visions, nearly causing him to topple.
The Guardians’ words repeated louder in his mind, discordant tones, raising and lowering in pitch. Crying out in agony, Ahvixx grasped his temples, struggling to regain consciousness. Flashes of dizzying dots streamed in toward his closed eyes.
He tensed and shuddered all at once, his mouth gaping in a pained, silent scream. Ahvixx defensively jerked his hands up, before being knocked from his cushion. An otherworldly energy surrounded him, syphoning the breath from his lungs.
Clutching his chest, he attempted to rise, only to be forced back with and encompassing energy. He careened against the stone wall, slumping to the floor from the debilitating impact.
“Ahvixx!” He heard faintly as if someone was speaking through a distant tunnel.
He tried to open his eyes or move, anything to be free of the malevolence pervading his mind. But he remained tethered to the floor, lifting a trembling hand forward before the blackness closed in from the corners of his eyes .
Endeavors
The door swung open as Kuhani approached the solar. He halted, taking measure of the man who was exiting. To his surprise, the Nazilian offered a low bow.
“Afternoon, High Priest Kuhani,” he said, continuing on his way.
Responding with a nod, Kuhani stepped through the doors, greeting the caretaker.
“Welcome, Kuhani,” Hosdaq said, pouring him a drink. “I’m pleased that you could come on such short notice.”
“Whenever you have need of me, Caretaker, I’ll be at your side.”
“Hasn’t that always been the way of things, old friend?”
“For the both of us. Our times in Hyorin are long past, but your honor has endured despite all you’ve experienced. You’ll always have my respect, son of Wesleyon, and my friendship.”
“Daihmud tak pahn’taal daihmud.” [80]
Kuhani placed his palm on Hosdaq’s chest. “Our hearts are aligned, warriors of a like mind. Blood of my blood.”
“I was honored when first you shared the affirmation with me. It was a greater honor than when I earned the right to wield my Xtabyren.”
“Integrity isn’t a symbol that can be earned, Hosdaq, you evince that integrity through your actions and words. This, you have always done.”
Hosdaq paused, reflecting on his words. “I’ve never shared my knowledge of your origins or abilities with anyone, Kuhani. Not even my family was aware of the Jasiri or K’ohshul.”
“It was prudent to keep such confidences in times past. Now, much has changed, and even the Zaxson has Symeon as his First.”
“I’m certain that Symeon will be an asset to him, as much as you’ve been to me,” Hosdaq said. “Were you able to greet him when you visited?”
“It wasn’t the time to do so. Soon, I’ll offer him a proper greeting. There are other matters that take precedence over our shared heritage.”
“You’ll find Symeon of good character and quite formidable.”
“Wosen speaks fondly of the First Chosen. Your son respects Sir Yego and has become formidable in his own right. Within a few years, his skill will match one from the isle.”
“From you, Kuhani, that’s indeed a compliment. I thought myself a skilled swordsman before foolishly challenging you. But with that contest came humility and respect. If you hadn’t remained in Bandari, my skills would’ve surely waned. You kept my prowess sharp.” He smiled. “And my ego intact.”
“Speaking of, Caretaker, Wosen requested another lesson. He’s with the healer now.”
“The healer?”
<
br /> “Yes. Wosen felt that our last contest was inequitable. He asked to spar using practice swords. With these, he felt the advantage would be his.”
“You allowed this?” Hosdaq breathed, knowing of his prowess.
“It was a well-delivered lesson, yet with much restraint. I didn’t want to impede his progress, but he learned that his training is far from complete. He shows much promise. Albeit, that promise is for a Faélondulian. One of his age in K’ohshul would be far more advanced.”
“The fault is mine. I didn’t allow Wosen to train with weapons. His training was primarily with the bow and martial techniques.”
“At the time, you felt it was the best decision. You’d planned to begin enhanced training, but Wosen’s impatience caused the rift, one now that has long mended. It pleases me to see you truly content.”
“I am. You always spoke to me about Osmara, but I didn’t understand why until after she came to me as I healed. Many things of importance passed my notice in Bandari.”
“No longer. Your son is with you now and wears the liveries of the Chosen. You have a beautiful wife who’s given you another son. Even Malkia is proving her prowess as she protects the citadel with Amare. You’ve been blessed, my old friend.”
“Beyond measure, Kuhani,” he said, raising his cup. “How is Wosen?”
“His body is bruised, but his mind is open. Wosen’s suffering in Nazil was more profound than any of us believed. The ghosts that haunt him most are associated with you, Hibret, and Malkia. He blames the Vereuxs and the former Nazilian guards for not only his physical and emotional pains, but for causing yours as well. I’ll continue his communing and counseling. It depletes him, but he’s more receptive now. He should be able to return to Nazil within a fortnight.”
“A fortnight? Are you certain?”
“Depending on how much of his mind he’ll open to me, it could be sooner.”
“Does he still resist the Akilu ?”
“Not consciously. In the beginning, he perceived my presence as an intrusion. He attempted to keep his deeper thoughts and pains shielded from me. Wosen was ashamed of the mistreatment he received, and didn’t want me to learn what they’d done to him. Now, he calms when my mind reaches his. Through our merge, he’s not only facing his past, he’s relinquishing the pain associated with it.”
Hosdaq sighed in relief. “It’s difficult to face what truly haunts us. Of this, I know all too well. What about his outer wounds?”
“They’ll heal quickly. I allowed his attacks and merely parried the well-aimed strikes. He’s well skilled, Caretaker. You should be proud of what he’s accomplished in so little time. The ripostes I delivered were stinging slaps to focus his attention and help him internalize and focus his anger. When next we spar, I feel he’ll be a more challenging opponent.”
Hosdaq smiled, as Malkia entered the room with a low and sweeping bow.
“Pardons, Caretaker, High Priest Kuhani. I was ordered to report to you as soon as my duties allowed.”
“Report?” Hosdaq said. “I merely asked to have my daughter visit me at the end of Amare’s rounds. At what point did I stop being your father and became only the Caretaker?”
Malkia kept her eyes forward, standing rigidly, and holding her half-helm beneath her arm. “Do you not require such respect from your entire guard?”
“Your First Chosen trains her well,” Kuhani said. “I believe that you have another warrior on your hands.”
“Were the decision up to my daughter, that would certainly be so. Where’s our First Chosen, Malkia?”
“He’s training with Sir Wesfain. After they’ve finished, we’ll complete the rounds together.”
“Very well then, Sir Neufmarche .” Hosdaq chuckled. “As you were.”
Malkia bowed, replacing her helm, and then exited the room.
“I wasn’t speaking facetiously, Hosdaq. Malkia’s growing closer to your First Chosen. I’ve watched them in practice and when they make rounds. She emulates his movements and admires his form, too.”
“Admires?”
“You haven’t taken notice?”
“Malkia is much too young for such things. She admires Amare’s position and prowess alone. She wants to learn such skills.”
“As you say. However, don’t allow your desire to retain a young daughter to cloud your mind to her becoming a young woman.”
“There’s time,” Hosdaq said, refilling their cups. “We have more important business to discuss.”
“Indeed. I noticed a gentleman leaving as I arrived.”
“That was Javyn Shengis. He’s originally from Leahcim, but was relocating to Spero before the village was destroyed. His family is loyal to the Zaxson, and he delivered some news about Molag Bomgaard.”
“Molag? Still he roams free?”
“He’s had some unexpected assistance. Javyn’s learned that Molag fled to Nazil and is taking refuge in the city.”
“Does Javyn know who’s hiding him or where he can be found?”
“Not yet, however, this proves that Molag’s resistance is gaining momentum. If he can hide in Nazil, he has more support than Pentanimir believed.”
Mah’saahc
Pentanimir’s mood was solemn as he awaited the AsZar. He hadn’t fully recovered from his previous visit and was anxious regarding this summoning. He needed clarification, but the constant inundation of remembrances was impeding his thoughts.
Taking a deep breath, he forced images of the Doh’Mahn Vwazi Tr’Eon from his mind, bringing forth the recent occurrences of which he had no answers. After Itai’s appearance in the carriage and Ahvixx’s recent ailment, he had to focus on the present enigmas, and discover what they meant for the future of Faélondul.
With that, he stood, holding onto the table’s side. Not even the dulcet refrains from the falls could calm his restless spirit. He glided his fingers over the grooves in the table, entranced by the intricate etchings engraved on its surface. His grasp of the Guardians’ Mehlonii language wasn’t as percipient as it should be, and he struggled to make out the ancient symbols.
A flicker of light in his periphery startled him, and he peered up, noting the emanations’ location had changed. A subtle glint reappeared momentarily and then immediately dissipated. Pentanimir stepped forward, shielding his eyes when a refulgent archway materialized amidst the corrugated stone. When he removed his hand, the AsZar stood before the dimming archway, caressing the crystal dangling from her neck.
“Thank you for coming, Zaxson,” Angelaris said, motioning to the table. Her mien was benevolent, but the tenor of her voice gave him pause.
“Had the matter not been urgent, I wouldn’t have sent Arinak to retrieve you. We’re aware of the difficulties you’re facing in Nazil.”
“We are, but it’s always an honor to be with you, AsZar.”
Although she smiled, it didn’t find her eyes. He’d never felt such desolation from the AsZar, a near imperceptible sadness he’d witnessed only once before. It was present when he’d learned about the origin of his people, and was held suspended in the Doh’Mahn Vwazi Tr’Eon .
“I can feel the uncertainty and know you’re seeking answers, but there are other matters of greater importance. The answers you seek are already within you. You must accept what is known in your heart, Pentanimir. The mind reasons through truths, creating turbidity and doubt.
“Faélondul was liberated and remains free due to your leadership. However, such a goal wasn’t achieved singularly. The men and women at your side chose as you did to accept this enormous burden to heal the lands, but you bind them together.
“I cautioned you afore about the conflicts that could arise that would test your belief in yourself and each other. Seeds of discord have been sown into arable hearts and minds pervaded with dubiety and trepidation. Choices made by a few, stand to endanger the many.”
A shiver coursed down his spine, recalling the last she’d spoken those words. He could feel a shift: an iniquitous presenc
e pervading Faélondul. He’d tried to dismiss it, to assign his feelings of despondency to the attack on his wife and Molag. But now, with the summoning, he knew it to be real.
“What will I have to face?” he asked. “My siblings and I haven’t been at ease for some time. It feels as if there’s been a disruption, an impalpable presence wafting across the lands.” He shook his head. “We’ve only had our uncertainty and the warning in our hearts, but there must be something that you haven’t revealed.
“After Itai protected my wife and son, it verified my feelings. Was it truly Itai in the carriage, AsZar? Was he released to protect Brahanu and Eytan?”
“Itai remains a part of Eytan, as he always will. The Guardians grant this for Itai’s sacrifice and purity of heart. Itai lingers within the light, intersecting the present with remnants of the past. He’s created a purgatory, a space between both realms, clinging to a life he lost long ago.
“When Eytan was endangered, Itai experienced his anguish and heard the resonance of the T’reyUhm R’aFek beckoning his son home. Had he allowed what was to be, his family would be reunited beyond the falls. Instead, he beseeched the Guardians to intervene.
“What was seen in the carriage was the essence of the man that you knew. In saving their lives, he extended his own isolation, remaining in the Guardian’s light, apart from the mortal, yet drifting as a shadow among them.”
“A—a shadow? Does he have a connection with Brahanu?”
“She feels his presence, but it isn’t as prevalent as with his son. Brahanu will always love Itai, Pentanimir, and he’ll forever be a part of her. Howbeit, Itai was released to protect his son, not Brahanu.”
Those words stung profoundly. At that moment, he realized had Brahanu been alone in the carriage, she would’ve died.
“The gift of life is granted for but a season,” she said, soothingly. “Enjoy the extended gift you’ve been granted. Itai awaits Brahanu, and she’ll be with him again.”
Pentanimir’s lips parted, but the words caught in his throat. Brahanu will be with Itai again, he thought, choking on that revelation.
“Don’t trouble yourself with what cannot be changed,” Angelaris said. “Be grateful that your wife is yet with you. Now, we must focus on the purpose of your summoning.”
The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy Page 123