The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  Pentanimir met her eyes, nodding.

  “There’s a reason that the shift is felt among you and your family. Your line and a few others are sensitive to the balance. When the realms are no longer aligned, neither is the Guardian’s essence, which also dwells within you.

  “As we prepared Tardison and Ayrmeis, so have others in your line been prepared. Your paths are disparate, yet your purpose is consonant. The Guardian’s merge does more than strengthen and protect your mortal form: part of them, their essence, was transferred to you.

  “Before the battle in Nazil, they bestowed this gift upon all the warriors of Afferea. After such a transference, another merge is required. The Guardians merge with one chosen of Afferea, and replenish that which they’ve lost.”

  “Do you mean that in strengthening us, they relinquish some of their power?”

  “In a manner. The loss is transitory. Once merged with an Afferean, the Guardians are again whole. However, during their merge, minute shifts can occur.”

  “Is this what happened during Ahvixx’s attack?”

  “Don’t fear for Ahvixx’s state. It was necessary to protect him from the malefic essence attempting to pervade his being. The Guardians haven’t abandoned him, Zaxson. Drah’kuu Kuhani Nwosu will aid Ahvixx, ascertaining more knowledge than either of them will comprehend. In time, both will be whole.”

  “Kuhani? How’s he going to help Ahvixx?”

  “The Drah’kuus will help you all, as it has been from the beginning. The symbiosis between the Drah’kuus of K’ohshul and the Guardians is eternal. They, too, have felt the shift and will provide you with vital assistance.”

  “The Drah’kuus? Will they be able to correct this…this shift?”

  “You’ll soon learn more about the Drah’kuus and many others.

  “The shift is neither coincidence nor ambiguous. You’ve studied the scrolls and learned more than you’ve been able to comprehend. The cause of the shift is a watcher, a sycophant who awaits the opportunity to sully that which is pure. We’ve felt its presence, but the sycophant had never endangered Faélondul.”

  “What?” he asked, confused. “What do you mean, AsZar. Who is this sycophant and what have they done?”

  “A choice was made that shifted the balance. The Sycophant inhabiting Sanctium has the means to obtain the blood of Oisin. With this blood, an eidolon can be released into Faélondul, and free those banished from the light.”

  “Sycophant? Eidolon? I don’t understand. Surely, the Guardians can prevent this…this sycophant from releasing the eidolon. If—” A flicker of recognition caused him to pause. “You’ve mentioned the blood of Oisin before. What is it?”

  “Only with the blood of Oisin can the eidolon’s essence suffuse the lands. Once it regains corporeal form, a darkness will cover Faélondul.”

  “I still don’t understand. If this blood is the key, where can it be found, and why can’t the Guardians prevent this before it can come into fruition?” He sighed, shaking his head. “How is this possible when all in Afferea are attuned to the lands?”

  “As we are Guardians of the light, so have they become guardians of the realm absent of it. Eternally they encompass the Doh’Mahn Vwazi Tr’Eon, awaiting a fissure of light. Only the Guardian’s seal countervails their malevolence, keeping them imprisoned.”

  “If they hold dominion over the netherworld, how could they be here?”

  “Not the netherworld, only the Doh’Mahn Vwazi Tr’Eon . There are many realms, Zaxson, and many more who claim dominion over them. We’re speaking of but one, and the seal that binds the gate is no longer intact.”

  “It’s been destroyed? How? There are none more powerful than the Guardians.”

  “The seal remains, but it is fractured. A breach so infinitesimal that it went without regard. The merge prevented us from seeing until it was too late. Through this interruption, the essence of an eidolon escaped, seeking the enmity that empowers it.”

  “A—a eidolon? A ghost of the abyss. How? How did it escape?”

  “Choice, Zaxson, a willing sacrifice that bestowed upon the sycophant the means to release the entity.”

  “But who? Is this Oisin planning an attack with the sycophant, and this—this eidolon?”

  “Not in the manner in which you presume. The eidolon is inchoate in form, incapable of assuming a corporeal existence. Only the essence has been freed, but this is enough to cast a lasting darkness over Faélondul.

  “The sycophant on Sanctium is the conduit, existing in duality between realms. Through her, the eidolon has gained power. It possesses some whilst influencing others. By blood, the sycophant merged the eidolon with a temporary host. Their connection is transitory, but it can embody the host: controlling their movements and mind.

  “Once the sycophant receives the blood of Oisin, she’ll have the means to release her master. There are but two who possess the blood the sycophant seeks, and her master covets.” Her gaze lowered momentarily before she met his eyes again. “Both bearers of the blood are known to you.”

  Pentanimir groaned with exasperation, wanting to yell out in protest. “I don’t know anyone with this blood or those seeking it. Tell me who they are and what I need to do to prevent this from happening.”

  “Mah’saahc, the devourer, placed her mark upon one in the Doh’Mahn Vwazi Tr’Eon . She consumed the will of this man, replacing it with her own. Her beauty enmeshed him so, that he willingly offered himself to her. Through that joining, Mah’saahc became a part of him, and it was he who conveyed her malefic essence into the lands.”

  “You said that no one can return from the abyss, AsZar. How could anyone…” His words ended in a gasp. When his eyes widened, Angelaris merely nodded, allowing his thoughts to fully form.

  Pentanimir fell back hard in his seat, besieged with images and recollections. It was one of Nazil, one banished to the wasteland who’d foisted this evil upon them.

  “Yes,” Angelaris said, sharing in his thoughts. “One condemned to dwell in darkness and returned to the light first bore the mark. The maleficence imbuing him befouled all in his line, passed through the seed of its host.

  “Oisin Vereux, infused with Mah’saahc’s essence was returned to the world of light. His reign was merely the beginning. Through him, the false Nazilian gods were created. Mah’saahc’s essence, imbuing Oisin, caused these lands to suffer. Only the blood of one in his line can affect the seal. There are but two who bear the mark.”

  “No, no, that can’t be. You told me about Sarai’s pregnancy before she was even aware. I know Ayrmeis is Daracus’ son, but the Guardians cleansed him beyond the falls. It’s impossible. Both he and Tardison bear the Guardians’ mark. If Ayrmeis embodies this evil, why would you spare his life?”

  Her heart ached, sharing in his pain, but there was nothing she could offer to relieve it. “Ayrmeis is the seed of Daracus, but he isn’t the bearer of this evil. As with you, he’s a paladin of light, protected by the Guardians.

  “The future cannot be foretold, Zaxson. Until choices are made, infinite variables exist. Once a path is selected, then aspects of the future are revealed. Each choice one makes, dictates a certain direction. The Guardians envision inestimable outcomes, all contingent upon the choices made. Precognition is protean, in respect to a free mind and will.”

  “Then who?” he asked, more forcefully than he intended.

  “Draizeyn Vereux’ heir possesses the blood to breach the seal. By the heir’s blood, the eidolons can be freed.”

  “Draizeyn? He didn’t have any other children. We thought that Ayrmeis was the last of their line. If there’s another Vereux, tell me where to find them. Help me end this before it has a chance to begin.”

  “Look no further than Nazil. The seed of scorn has caused the imbalance.”

  “Seed of scorn?” Pentanimir repeated, grasping at his temples. “Please, speak plain and tell me who I seek and what instrument needs to be driven through their heart!”

 
“R’ryn sha’low , [81] son of Manifir. We cannot alter what has been, we can only prepare to confront what will be. Mah’saahc’s manipulations won’t fully manifest for many seasons. Although the mode to facilitate her release is identified, we endeavor to forestall such an outcome. The Guardians will provide what’s required, yet the implementation will be difficult. Another is being prepared to aid in this.

  “The Ke’ohnzi is tasked with securing Sanctium. This is where the gateway has been breached. He alone will know what’s required, though there are others who hold the key. If this battle is inevitable, Ayrmeis must choose to wield the She’naad T’reyUhm.” [82]

  Noticing Pentanimir’s perplexed expression, she continued. “The scepter of the divine,” she translated.

  “Ayrmeis? He’s an infant,” Pentanimir protested. “How’s a child supposed to face such evil? I’ll wield the scepter. Place it in my hands and I’ll cleanse Faélondul of this evil.”

  “If you possessed the ability to wield the scepter, we’d offer it to you. Only Ayrmeis can withstand the power needed to pierce the heart of this darkness. He’s integral to your family and to Faélondul.”

  Pentanimir’s mouth slacked, shaking his head in abject disbelief. “No…no…I won’t. I can’t. Is this the only reason you wanted Sarai to birth him? To…to fight some ancient demon? He’s my son, AsZar. You said that Ayrmeis is supposed to aid Tardison, not this. I can’t, I won’t force this upon him.”

  “Nor will we. This isn’t the only reason for Ayrmeis’ birth. Albeit, we were aware of the possibility of such an outcome. As with all mortals, Ayrmeis must choose to accept this path. He alone possesses the strength to wield the scepter. In accepting this task, he’ll aid Tardison in innumerable ways. They’ll share a connection that binds them as one, both in body and spirit. Their energies will merge with that of the Ke’ohnzi, enhancing all that they are. If we cannot seal the breach, eidolons will ascend to the mortal world.”

  Pentanimir continued shaking his head, not willing to accept her words. “If you knew, why didn’t you stop it?”

  “That is known to you, son of Manifir. Choice. The Guardians’ prescience encompasses incalculable outcomes of choices yet to be made. Until a path is selected, the variables remain in flux. Each choice manifests new circumstances and challenges. We prepare and guide, ensuring those capable of providing defenses are forewarned of the most pernicious of probable outcomes. This is one of those times.”

  “What? No. Who is it, then? Who might my son be forced to battle? You haven’t named the host of the—the eidolon, the one who bears the mark. Who in Nazil has betrayed us?”

  Angelaris stood, moving back toward the stone wall. “Arinak will see you safely, Zaxson. The scroll on the table will provide more insight and probable defenses to assist you. Know that I mourn with thee.”

  “Please, tell me the name. Ayrmeis is my son. I can’t do this without knowing. Please, I beg of you!” Pentanimir said, rushing up behind her and falling to his knees.

  The AsZar’s visage was forlorn as she rested a hand on his shoulder. “Ayrmeis will face another of his blood. If the eidolon merges with the host, it must be destroyed. Unless you succeed, everything that you’ve done to free Faélondul will be for naught. The seal will be broken and with it, Mah’saahc will unfetter the remaining Zon’Tuls. If they ascend to the mortal world, everything that you’ve known will be destroyed.

  “They’ll merge with those of power and the humans won’t resist. The Zon’Tul’s allure is of the foulest creation: hypnotic is their gaze through eyes bereft of color. Their skin appears so pallid that it’s nearly translucent, possessing a shimmer testifying to the otherworldly aspects of the creatures.

  “However, those caught in their enchantment will have eyes that do not see. Anyone the Zon’Tuls beguile will submit to their will obsequiously, begging to fulfill whatever their vile whispers command. After their energies are syphoned, another will fall victim to the Zon’Tul’s manipulations. These eidolons leave vestiges of their maleficence in their victims, yet lose none of their own potency or their command, leaving cogs where men once stood. They’ll entrench themselves into societies like a plague, contaminating the whole.”

  Pentanimir’s eyes darted wildly back and forth, unable to fully comprehend. He couldn’t calm his thoughts or quell his mounting fear. It wasn’t merely the danger they might soon face, it was the revelation about his son. He loved him as his own, and now to discover the reason for his birth was tied to a suicidal battle to slay an ancient demon was too much. Pentanimir would willingly forfeit his life to protect his family, but the life of Ayrmeis was not so easily surrendered. He couldn’t…he wouldn’t allow this fate for his son. There had to be another way to defeat Mah’saahc and mend the seal of the Doh’Mahn Vwazi Tr’Eon .

  “Who?” Pentanimir entreated, his voice pitched high and trembling. He needed the name of the bringer of this evil, the one who unleashed Mah’saahc into the lands.

  “Nikolina d’Garrion sowed the seed of scorn into Sanctium’s arable soil. Due to her wroth, Mah’saahc’s essence dwells within her as Lilinth’s dwells in her father. Nikolina is bound by blood, but Allister’s joining with Lilinth was through seduction. Through that bond, impish fiends have come forth in aid to her. Nikolina sought the sycophant and is obligated to deliver the blood of Oisin.”

  “Nikolina? Why? Why would she do this? Why?”

  “Retribution,” Angelaris answered, evenly. “Yet, she was ignorant of what truly lie on Sanctium. Nikolina believed the Cha’s mendacities, and enlisted her father’s aid. The pain of her rejection influenced her actions, and now she’s bound to them. When Mah’saahc no longer needs the cover of shadow, Nikolina will be consumed. Mah’saahc will extricate herself, and in doing so, will syphon Nikolina’s life energies. Mah’saahc will become more powerful and completely embody the true host.”

  “Because of scorn? Because of my brother, she brings ruin upon us? What host, AsZar? Who is it? There’re too many questions and not enough answers.”

  Angelaris caressed the crystal dangling around her neck, gliding back toward the illuminated archway.

  “In time,” she said, fading into the stone.

  Promise Fulfilled

  Yonas kissed him again before peering down the corridor. Both men had waited anxiously throughout the lengthy ceremony for an opportunity to be alone. After his wedding, Yonas doubted that they’d be together again soon, and that both angered and frustrated him.

  “What am I to do?” Yonas said. “I don’t have any experience in completing such a bond.”

  “Nor did I, my love,” Reinhold said. “But I was able to meet my obligations.”

  “You speak as if you enjoyed bedding your wife. Was it so easy for you to turn against your true self?”

  “Easy? None of this has been easy. I do only what I must. My wife deserves no less, and the same is true for Janiya. The pleasure doesn’t compare to what I experience when we’re a part of each other. However, you can be pleased if you allow it. Think about your wife’s needs as I think of my own. Is it unreasonable for them to want their husband’s affections?”

  Yonas sighed, running his thick fingers over his head. “I don’t want this.”

  “No, but it’s necessary.”

  “You don’t care that I’ll share my bed with someone else? With a woman?”

  “With your wife,” Reinhold said, pensively. “Your beautiful young wife who’s adored you since she was a child. No, I don’t like the thought of sharing you with anyone. I want you for myself alone, Yonas, but I understand the way of things. I finally have you back into my life and I certainly don’t plan on losing you again. You’ll always have me, my love,” Reinhold said, guiding his hand to feel his arousal. “Whenever you want me.”

  Yonas wasted no time pushing through the chamber door, kissing him passionately. After the two quickly made love, they straightened their clothes, peering down the corridor again.

  “The musicia
ns have stopped playing,” Reinhold said, tying his laces. “The celebration is at an end. We must hurry.”

  Yonas took a deep breath, following him from the room.

  “You enter first, and I’ll linger a while longer,” Reinhold said.

  Some of the guest had already departed when Yonas entered the hall. He smiled, looking over at the raised table where his wife awaited him. Gali and Julaybeim sat chatting with their new in-laws as Janiya cradled Dawntaylesha. Before he could join his new family, his mother came up beside him.

  “You dishonor all of us,” she said in a loud whisper, smiling to the guests around them.

  “Dishonor? Haven’t I just wed the maid of Father’s choosing?”

  “Indeed. And then you left your bonding celebration to lay with your lover.” She leered at the entryway where Reinhold entered, joining his wife and children.

  When Yonas tried to respond, she gripped his arm. “Don’t attempt to speak false to me. You reek of your dishonor. Could you not allow Janiya the opportunity to have her husband to herself on her wedding night?”

  Yonas’ gaze lowered. It was a dishonor to his wife and he surprised himself at how easily he’d done so.

  “Forgive me, Mother.”

  “Go to your wife, Yonas. The procession will soon begin, and you’re expected to complete your bond. I’ll have water heated and brought to you. Surely you wouldn’t approach a maid with the stink and seed of your lover oozing from your body.”

  His face nearly displayed his shock as she walked away, hugging Janiya before sending attendants from the room.

  He could only stare for a moment, watching their interaction. A sickened feeling roiled in his stomach, considering his selfish and insouciant behavior. Dawn was right. Had Reinhold come to him reeking of his wife, he wouldn’t be pleased. He could only shake his head, contemplating his recent behaviors. All that had taken place in his life seemed of little difference: his sister’s capture, his father’s death, his time as a helding priest. None of it. Now he was Caretaker of Kaleo, acting more like a spoiled child than a man grown.