At that thought, he looked over at Janiya again. Yes, she was a handsome woman and had always loved him. As he approached, taking her hand, all others in the room appeared to fade. He heard them, yet focused on the woman standing at his side. The lands were in peril and Yonas complained about bedding a beautiful young woman.
He glanced down at her then. Janiya was overcome with emotion, trying desperately to hold back her tears. Resting a hand over hers, he smiled, mustering the courage he needed to be the husband that she deserved. He could do this for his father, for himself, and Janiya most of all. For this night…one night…he had to try.
Once they were alone in their chambers, she sat on the divan, staring at her new husband. Neither of them had any experience with such a bond, but Yonas knew what pleased his lover. There was no question that it would be much the same with a woman. At least, that was his hope.
“Would you like to freshen?” he asked, loosening his restraining attire.
“If—if it would please you.”
“Janiya, I’m your husband, not your possessor.” He smiled. “Come, I’ll help you get comfortable.”
After removing his formal coat and tunic, he stepped over to her, reaching for her laces. When his hand grazed her neck, she flinched, taking a sobering breath.
“Would you rather I allow you privacy?”
“No,” she said quickly, craning around to face him. “Please, continue.”
He nodded, untying her laces while she unclasped her sleeves. Once he untied the bonding knot, he slid the gown to the floor and then watched as she did the same for the layers beneath. Maneuvering to her front, he admired her nakedness, astounded by how intrigued he was.
“May I touch you?” he asked.
After she nodded, he reached out to her. Her constricting clothing had hidden much of what lie beneath. Never had he seen a woman so well endowed.
Janiya’s eyes closed, enjoying the feel of his gentle touch. His perfumed breath warmed her face as he leaned forward, kissing her brow, then her cheek, and finally her lips. As he pulled away, he looked at her again.
“Have you ever kissed a man before?”
“No. You’re the first.”
Yonas lifted her face to his, moving but a kiss away. “Open your mouth,” he whispered against her lips, drawing her in closer. The softness and warmth of her breasts against his bare chest sent pleasured tingles down his spine, and that sensation surprised him.
When she parted her lips, he eased his tongue into her mouth. He could feel her flinch and only brought her in tighter, savoring her sweet taste. Yonas closed his eyes, imagining his lover. His kiss grew more passionate, gliding his hands over her softness as he encircled her tongue with his. When she moaned, he pulled away.
Reaching into the basin, he squeezed the cloth, and then glided it down her chest. Yonas studied her every inflection, growing more aroused as he looked at her. When he slid down passed her abdomen, he halted. He opened his hand, allowing the cloth to fall to the floor. Using only his fingers, he began to explore. When she tensed, he stopped, caressing her gently.
“Did I hurt you?”
“No. No. It didn’t hurt,” she said, trying to control her breathing.
He was amazed how his body responded to her. The warmth and feel of his wife were titillating, erasing any of his previous doubts.
“You seem anxious for my touch,” he said, leaning forward, tracing the tip of his tongue down her neck. His fingers continued their motion as he kissed and nibbled down her shoulders. Janiya’s body taunted, a pleasured moan escaping her lips.
Yonas’ lips lingered on her chest as his fingers brought her to her completion. “Would you like to lie down?” he asked, bringing a finger to his lips.
Janiya’s breath was heavy, accepting his offered hand.
“Come,” he said, leading her to their bed.
After laying her in the center, he disrobed, allowing her to view all of him. When her eyes widened, he moved over her, covering her lips with his. As she grasped at his back, he slid into her warmth.
He wouldn’t look away, enjoying her pleasured expression and the way her body moved in response to his efforts. When she reached her peak, his eyes rolled back as the stimulation added to his pleasure. His moans joined hers, increasing his efforts until his body erupted with satisfaction.
Yonas gazed down at her in disbelief, kissing her again before falling to her side. His heart raced, as did his mind. He could love and please his wife, and that realization lessened the anxiety he’d felt so recently.
Janiya nestled into him then, and he enjoyed feeling her skin against his, drawing her in closer. Now, he understood what Reinhold meant. He’d honor his wife as she deserved. It no longer felt like a duty. It was a privilege.
Dissemination of Fate
“Is there anything more you can do for him?” Pentanimir asked the priests.
“No, he must choose to return to us,” Kuhani said. “The strength is within, but he needs to grasp hold of the consciousness which appears before him.”
Pentanimir was more concern now than when he’d visited the wood. He’d hoped that Ahvixx would be conscious and communicative upon his return. The opposite was true.
Ahvixx still lay unmoving. If not for his intermittent mutterings, he appeared moribund. Nothing the priests had attempted thus far could awaken him from the unnatural sleep.
“What do you mean?” Pentanimir asked.
“This assault wasn’t physical,” Kuhani said. “It manifested as such due to Ahvixx’s lack of discipline during meditation. There was a weakness within the wall he’d constructed around his subconscious. Such an opening permitted the intrusion. In doing so, his thoughts were also known to whomever or whatever invaded his mind.”
“Are you to say there’s a—a force assailing his mind?”
“In a manner. It cannot be truly known until it is. Once he wakes, Ahvixx can help us to understand.”
“How can we know that he’ll be aware of any of this? He doesn’t recall when the Guardians use him. Only those around him know when these episodes occur. He was alone in his prayer chamber.”
“Yes. He needed the seclusion to commune. This occurrence isn’t the same as when the Guardians communicate through him. He’s their conduit, their corporeal connection to the mortal, but he sought their guidance for a deeper understanding and clarity. Ahvixx facilitated the connection, not the Guardians.”
Pentanimir nodded. “What caused the attack?”
“We don’t know what could’ve drawn this…entity to him. Mayhaps his recent merging with the Guardians triggered this assault. Ahvixx was focusing on their message and its meaning; this could’ve been the catalyst.”
“But how? If the Guardians imparted the words, aren’t they shielded from whatever force incapacitated him?” Pentanimir asked.
“Zaxson, your mind remains absolute. You don’t contemplate in the abstract or unfamiliar. For you, the answers must be unequivocal: either black or white with no variance in between. However, when dealing with the spiritual, this is hardly ever so.
“The Guardians offer us knowledge and guidance. They don’t ever force their will upon us. Either you accept their truths, or you do not. The opposite is true for malefic beings. They dominate, manipulate, and devour indiscriminately. I believe Ahvixx underwent something similar during his meditation. He prepared himself and the chamber adequately, but his faith is deficient.” Kuhani upraised a hand, noting Pentanimir’s expression.
“Not his faith in the Guardians, Zaxson, his faith in himself to accomplish the task the Guardians have requested of him. His concentration mustn’t waver when attempting such a profound meditative state. During meditation, the mind is vulnerable to intrusion. Both mental and spiritual barriers must be in place.”
Pentanimir glanced around the room. “What do we need for him? Are there spiritual implements we could provide?”
“You misunderstand, the fortification comes from within. A
hvixx doesn’t require anything to achieve a meditative state, except discipline. Nzuri has assisted him well, and Ahvixx undoubtedly understands the fundamentals of communing. But the most important of these is self. This assault was otherworldly.” Kuhani slid the covers from Ahvixx’s bare chest, exposing the seared flesh beneath.
“It was mentally delivered, only physically manifesting due to Ahvixx’s diminished mental state, creating an opening in his subconscious. He must learn to alleviate this deficiency, or he could suffer another intrusion. Whatever or whoever perpetrated this assault, might attempt another. Even more troubling is: they may have learned of and discerned the contents of the Guardian’s message imparted through Ahvixx.”
“How can we be certain, Drah’kuu?” Nzuri said. “Even if they accessed his thoughts, we can’t know which were affected?”
“I agree,” Kuhani said. “However, the Guardian’s message was in his mind and unprotected. We must continue as if this enemy was privy to the entirety of Ahvixx’s knowledge. Such precautions are essential to protect us all.”
Pentanimir tucked a hand beneath his chin, recalling Angelaris’ words. The Guardians won’t abandon him , he thought, feeling some relief from that promise.
“You speak true,” Pentanimir said. “Will you be able to remain in Nazil while Ahvixx heals?”
“I’ve made arrangements to do so. Nzuri and I will continue monitoring his condition and keep you informed. You have other pressing matters to attend to, Zaxson.” He looked down at Ahvixx. “The AsZar assured you of his well-being. He’s yet with us, it’s only a matter of time.”
With that, Pentanimir stepped to Ahvixx’s bedside. Regardless of those assurances, Pentanimir felt responsible for his condition. Ahvixx had returned to Nazil due to his invitation.
Pentanimir rested a hand on his shoulder. “I know that you’re here with us, Ahvixx. The Guardians will keep you safe. Nazil needs you.” He leaned closer. “And Ayrmeis will need you most of all.”
“Mah’saahc!” Ahvixx shouted, springing up in the bed. His eyes widened, emitting a brilliant amethyst luminescence. He clutched Pentanimir’s wrist, ostensibly looking at the three men all at once.
“Mah’saahc dar’rassa resh kibe aand neesa pouant!” [83] he said, his hand digging into Pentanimir’s arm.
“He’s speaking Mehlonii !” Nzuri said, rushing toward the table. “I need parchment.”
“Ayrmeis. Ayrmeis resh la’waa r’aymed jacqai,” [84] Ahvixx continued, vaulting from the bed.
Ahvixx’s steps were labored, as he tottered to the table next to Nzuri. Never looking down, he began outlining an image.
“Ayrmeis, resh la’waa r’aymed jacqai,” he repeated. “Mah’saahc dar’rassa kibe aand neesa pouant,” he said, still sketching a symbol. “R’aymed Zon’Tul Tak Tr’Eon resh r’ryn la’waa ,” [85] he said as Nzuri transcribed every word.
“Amelyko ,” Ahvixx declared in a harmonic, multilayered voice, pointing at the Zaxson. “She’naad T’reyUhm . She’naad T’reyUhm ! She’naad T’reyUhm !” [86] he repeated, his voice intensifying in pitch.
Pivoting toward Kuhani, the illumination in Ahvixx’s eye’s bedimmed. “Drah’kuu, Drah’kuu, Si’val tak isfan ,” [87] he said, as his eyes reverted, and he collapsed in Kuhani’s arms.
“What did he say?” Pentanimir asked, helping carry Ahvixx to the bed.
“He spoke much and little,” Nzuri said. “When you were in the wood, the AsZar identified this Mah’saahc as an eidolon. Ahvixx said, Mah’saahc will destroy all in her path . It’s a forewarning or augury of an impending threat.”
“He said my son’s name, too. He said Ayrmeis.”
“Yes, Ayrmeis.” Nzuri nodded, finding the correct passage. “Ayrmeis will free the lands .”
“What? How, Nzuri? Did he say how?”
“Be calm, Zaxson,” Kuhani said. “Ahvixx spoke of a sycophant of darkness.”
“On Sanctium? The…the…mage…or…or entity who watches?”
“It must be,” Nzuri said. “Ahvixx warns that the sycophant of darkness will be free. After he’d pointed at you, Zaxson, he repeated, the scepter of the divine . Do you know what that is?”
“Only that it exists, and Ayrmeis is supposed to wield it. I don’t know where it can be found. Did Ahvixx mention a location?”
“No. He only spoke once more to Kuhani. He referred to you as, ‘Drah’kuu, ’ which we know is the Mehlonii word for priest. The other words translate as—”
“Key of souls ,” Kuhani finished for him.
“Key of souls,” Pentanimir said, looking from one to the other.
“Other than this image, that’s all we have,” Nzuri said.
Pentanimir squinted, examining the parchment from different angles before returning to the original view. The peculiar image was elongated and oddly shaped, with a concave, grooved opening at one end. Along the base were curved and pointed edges, ornamented with twin birds, outstretching their wings. The sides waved upward, ending in a sharp point.
“Is this the Guardians’ mark?” Pentanimir asked, turning the picture toward them.
“It is,” Kuhani said, lifting the parchment from his hands. “Some of the etchings are familiar, but a few are unknown to me.”
“I pray Ahvixx wakes soon,” Pentanimir said. “The answers lie in him, and our time grows ever shorter.”
“Not only,” Nzuri said. “The Guardians imparted this information to Ahvixx, and it is they who can clarify it.”
Son of my Son
Tioch’s eyes widened as the Nazilian gates opened. It wasn’t merely the splendor of the city, but also the men patrolling the ingress. With a bemused glance at Julaybeim, Tioch lifted the drape again, staring out the window.
“They’re human.”
Julaybeim nodded. “Humans are commonplace in Nazil now. Pentanimir conscripted sentries from Kaleo and Noraa to join his Chosen Guard. He’s ensuring that only loyal guards are protecting Brahanu and Eytan.”
“They’re allowin’ it? The other Nazilians, I mean.”
“Pentanimir is the Zaxson, and they follow his commands. With the Cha’s removal, only his family and trusted guards form the ruling council. There wasn’t any opposition to this decision. Well, not openly.
“A few Cazaalian sentries are interested in joining the new guard, too.”
“Cazaal?”
“Yes,” Julaybeim said. “There’re several sentries who’ve spoken to me regarding the opportunity.”
“They’d come ta Nazil, willingly?”
“Tioch, I understand why you’d believe otherwise, but yes. Faélondul is in flux, with numerous changes yet to be implemented. Good changes for the betterment of Human and Nazilian alike.
“Pentanimir may be Nazilian, but he’s disparate from the former Zaxsons. He proved that when he warned us about Draizeyn’s attack. My father believed the Benoists to be honorable, and entrusted them with Brahanu’s safety. Father had no love for the Nazilians, but he understood the truth, Master Gael.”
Tioch glanced at Aschelon and back to Julaybeim. “What truth?”
“My father cast aside his abhorrence of the Nazilians. He measured Pentanimir as a man, not a Nazilian. If we can’t do the same, aren’t we becoming who or what we’ve always accused them of being?
“Many Nazilians still consider humans as savages and beneath them. They don’t recognize and assess an individual, they label and condemn the whole. You must try to consider Pentanimir as the Zaxson alone. He is Nazilian, but he’s not representative of the Nazilians who attempted to destroy Faélondul. That infamy was buried with Draizeyn, and I pray it never surfaces again.”
“What do ya mean?”
“I mean simply that Pentanimir and his family are goodly people. Countless other Nazilians are the same. Albeit, the number is probably equal among them who’d want the humans enslaved and the Benoists’ rule at an end.
“If I didn’t trust Pentanimir, do you truly believe that I’d permit my sister and
nephew to be here?”
With that, Tioch regarded Julaybeim differently. He’d always been protective of his sisters, and was the same with Itai in the beginning. Tioch couldn’t refute his sentiments, but he was worried about Brahanu and Eytan. Tioch would ensure their safety, just as he’d promised Itai.
“Course ya wouldn’t,” Tioch finally said.
Julaybeim nodded as the carriage came to an abrupt stop.
“We’ve arrived,” Aschelon said, peering out the window.
Tioch raised the drape again, anxious to see the magnificent structure he’d heard the citadel to be. To his surprise, more human guards patrolled the ramparts surrounding the impressive complex. Wherever he looked, a human was staring back at him.
“These guards are human, too.”
“As I said,” Julaybeim stated. “Pentanimir doesn’t trust many of the Nazilian guards to protect his family. There are but three that he permits on the floors where his family resides. One, you’ve met, though he’s only half-Nazilian. His mother was from Hyorin.”
“Wosen?”
“Indeed. He accompanied the Zaxson and his First Chosen to Cazaal. Nakaris is another. He’s been friends with the Benoists for many years.”
“Ya said there was three.”
“Temian is the last. He, too, is only half-Nazilian, yet you wouldn’t know that upon meeting him. He’s Pentanimir’s elder brother and looks much like him. You’ll meet Temian’s mother, Hushar and the rest of his family soon.
“After learning about his half-siblings, Pentanimir granted them a blessed birth. It takes a man of great character to accept and recognize bastard born siblings and welcome their mother as well.”
“Greetings, Julaybeim,” Temian said, opening the carriage door.
“Ah, Temian. I was just speaking of you to Master Gael. He didn’t know that you were the Zaxson’s brother.”
“It’s an honor to meet you, Master Gael,” Temian said, reaching out a hand to him.
“Temian?” Tioch’s eyes widened. “Ya lookin’ more’n like yer brother than yerself.”
The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy Page 125