The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  Ahvixx raised a hand to his throat. “Mah’saahc was there, but only as a shadow or—or a form of herself. Her withered hands clawed at my flesh, every place she touched left seared and blistering. I—I tried to fight against her, to break free from her grasp, but she wasn’t tangible, not a corporeal being.”

  “Did the specter speak?” Kuhani asked.

  “No, she spoke no words that I could discern, only malefic resonances and mirth, mirth at my suffering. It wasn’t until the Guardians’ merge did I understand.”

  “Understand what?” Nzuri asked.

  Ahvixx regarded him with a wistful smile, caressing Sahma’s hand. He could feel her dolor and trepidation as if it was his own.

  Partially closing his eyes, he focused on those memories, hearing a rhythmic cadence in the distance. As the Guardian’s image manifested in his mind, Ahvixx’s perception amplified. His eyes shifted to the table, his heartbeat synchronous with the clepsydra’s cadence, each drop adding to his calm.

  “I no longer fear what lies ahead. The Guardians are always with me, guiding my steps and providing me strength.

  “That was my error. I didn’t doubt their presence, but I relied solely on my own strength. I now understand what the Zaxson saw: the anguish and regret, the desolation and hopelessness of our people…all people,” Ahvixx said as if even as he spoke the revelations continued to emerge. He tossed aside the covers, struggling to stand.

  “The Zaxson. I must speak with Sir Benoist.” When he nearly toppled, Kuhani steadied his stance, helping him back to the bed.

  “We’ll send for him,” Kuhani said, motioning to Nzuri. “Pentanimir wanted to know when you awakened. For now, you must rest. The nectar and herbs have helped strengthen you, but you haven’t fully recovered. Allow the healing mist to relax you.

  “I need you to still your thoughts, Ahvixx. Don’t push them from your mind, but organize that which you remember. When you first awakened, you didn’t speak in the common tongue. I wasn’t aware that you spoke the Guardian’s language.”

  “I spoke Mehlonii ?”

  “You did, and fluently. You don’t remember?”

  “No, I can decipher the written language, but I’ve only recently began speaking it with Thalassa.”

  “It was fluent and complete. Did you speak this when you were with the Guardians?”

  “I don’t know. They spoke to me, yet they did not. Their words were in my mind, my subconscious as if they were my own. Verbal communication wasn’t necessary. When they encompassed me within their light, everything was tacit: their thoughts, perceptions, and instructions were perspicuous.”

  “Their light?”

  “Yes, Drah’kuu. Each of the Seven emitted the warmest of luminosities. Their radiance was welcoming, beckoning me forward. When Mah’saahc attempted to confine me, to trawl me through the fracture—through the fissure within the gate. It was the Doh’Mahn Vwazi Tr’Eon . The dark gate, Drah’kuu.

  “Mah’saahc knows of my importance. No, not my importance, but the importance of my assistance to Ayrmeis. It’s him they seek, but the Guardians have prevented them from using him. Their light and essence flow through Ayrmeis, strengthening him even now.”

  “Is this light within you as well?”

  Ahvixx nodded, realizing that truth. “It is, and I’m also being prepared. The Guardian’s essence caused Mah’saahc to abscond. The wraith can’t withstand the light, Drah’kuu.

  “Mah’saahc attempted to syphon my essence, and deposit a portion of herself within me, gaining control of my corporeal form whilst holding hostage my soul.”

  “Had the Guardians not intervened, Mah’saahc would have you at the Zaxson’s side, manipulating aspects of the impending conflict.”

  “It’s more than that, Drah’kuu. Although it wasn’t her intent, Mah’saahc imparted much to me as well, but her mind or thought processes aren’t akin to ours. From what I could discern, it’s through the conduit on Sanctium that Mah’saahc is able to affect the mortal world. Sanctium must be secured. The si’val tak isfan, Drah’kuu Kuhani, the key of souls. I know where it is.”

  “You’ve mentioned that before. What is the key of souls?”

  “It’s the implement of her destruction. Even now, Mah’saahc is attempting to retrieve the relic,” he said, motioning to the parchment on the desk. “This is the image the Guardians placed in my thoughts. This is what Mah’saahc seeks. There’s one merged with her conduit on Sanctium, and he’s delivered one of the two si’val tak isfan fragments. He seeks the second now, yet he will not find it.”

  Kuhani studied the image again, focusing on the intricate etchings. “Do you know where the second fragment can be found?”

  “I do, Drah’kuu, and those who have possession of it. The answers lie in the riddle that the Guardians spoke through me. The key of souls is but an element of the she’naad t’reyUhm . This is the scepter of the divine. When they’re joined, the Guardian’s energy flows through them. This is the only weapon we have against Mah’saahc. Her essence will be drawn within the key.

  “Drah’kuu, the same was imparted to you, but you didn’t fully comprehend. Ahgelon is awakened, and once the brothers return, Natelegé will be at their side.”

  “The Brothers Xaahn and the Tresahnege? They’re emerging?”

  “Soon, Drah’kuu. The K’ohshulians will also be integral in protecting Faélondul. That is where the Guardians have placed the rod. The sky leopard will herald its coming.”

  Sahma buried her face in his shoulder.

  “Don’t worry, my love, I’ve been granted the clarity that I sought. Neither of us should fear. The Guardians are with us.”

  Kuhani stared at the image. He was aware of the Brothers connection with Faélondul, but he hadn’t known that Natelegé would leave the Animus Wood. As with the AsZar, Natelegé’s life energies were sustained through her connection with Afferea.

  He turned back to Ahvixx, needing to learn more. No one had mentioned the leopard of the sky since before Kuhani had left K’ohshul. More of the enigmas began to unravel, whilst others emerged in their place.

  “Ahvixx, the key will draw the wraith?” Kuhani asked.

  He nodded, still consoling his wife. “In a manner. Yasu and Shintao have arrived in Nazil, and the others will join them soon,” Ahvixx said.

  “Indeed,” Kuhani said, allowing his eyes to convey his deeper understanding. “Tell me more about your preparation.”

  “It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced or imagined. I don’t have the words to adequately convey the exquisiteness of their merge. All the questions in my heart and mind were made perspicuous.

  “They allowed me a glimpse, a—a portion of the realms as they see them. The sight is beyond comprehension. It’s ubiquitous: every thing, every time, every place, all at once. Past, present, and future merge as one, and in a coalescence of sorts. The disorder has symmetry to the Seven. This is how they see, Drah’kuu.

  “I espied myself; not as I now exist, but as a boy, and then as an older man with my sons, and that of another.”

  Sahma’s head snapped up.

  “Our sons,” Ahvixx said.

  “As it was with Tardison, my birth was foretold. This is why I am, it’s why I exist. Eight years, Drah’kuu. The eighty-fifth year of Kehldaron.”

  “Eight years? What do you mean?”

  “We have but eight years to prepare. Mah’saahc has befouled a host, and seeks another. Two Nazilians are infected with her essence: one by blood and the other by bond.”

  “You’ve seen this? Who are they?” Kuhani said as the door banged open.

  “You’ve been among the Guardians?” Thalassa asked, catching her breath.

  Ahvixx nodded. “And there’s much to reveal.”

  Father’s Son

  Pentanimir halted his personal guards, pushing through the doors. He’d only managed a step before seeing Allister draped across the bed, weeping. He stood motionless, unable to coerce his feet to move. Pentanimir
stared at Allister and Nikolina, encompassed by their pain.

  “There isn’t anything more that I can do,” Arilian said, stepping over to him. “I can’t ascertain any reason for her illness. It’s as if the life is being drained from her.”

  Pentanimir looked at her again, hardly recognizing the beautiful woman that she had been. “Are you certain? Is there anything we can acquire to help you treat her?”

  Arilian shook his head. “It’s a miracle that her son survived. Whatever this is, it could’ve eventually affected him, too.”

  “I appreciate you coming to assist. I know that you’ve been seeing to her needs during the pregnancy. As soon as Nikolina can be moved, we’ll arrange a transport for her. I’m certain Allister would rather her be in their home.”

  “What about her son? Will you release him as well?” Arilian asked.

  “Ihnat will remain in the citadel.”

  “Here? Why? Sir d’Garrion may lose his daughter, and you’d keep his grandson from him, too?”

  “Arilian, I know that you and Allister are friends, but you’re speaking of matters that don’t concern you. Nikolina isn’t in any condition to care for herself, and certainly not an infant. If Allister wishes to share the reasoning for this decision with you, so be it, but there’s no wrongdoing. Ihnat is where he belongs.”

  “Sir Benoist,” Allister sobbed. “Nikolina is leaving me.”

  Pentanimir’s heart ached for him, but there was nothing that he could do. After learning about Nikolina’s interest in Raithym, they’d arranged the meeting in hopes of discovering answers. They couldn’t have predicted the darkness that would manifest.

  “A shadow,” Pentanimir whispered.

  “Pardons, Zaxson.”

  “It’s of no importance. Please make Sir d’Garrion as comfortable as possible, and send for us if needed.”

  “Zaxson, are the guards necessary? Neither Allister nor Nikolina pose any danger.”

  “We must be sagacious, Arilian. Had you been aware of what precipitated Nikolina’s ailment, you wouldn’t speak so. The guards are posted for not only our protection, but for Nikolina’s and Allister’s, too. They’ll be doubled,” Pentanimir said, turning to leave.

  As he stepped into the corridor, Symeon came to his side. “Do you believe the reports, Zaxson?”

  “I don’t doubt them, but what they’ve described seems impossible. The AsZar has cautioned us about such enchantments, if that’s what this is. With the mounting uncertainties, it’s difficult to discern fact from fallacy. We will continue seeking answers, no matter where they might lead. For now, Ihnat is safe, and that’s of the greatest importance.”

  Symeon nodded as they approached the doors to the meeting chamber.

  “How fares Sarai?” Pentanimir said.

  “She’s doing well, why do you ask?”

  “I’m asking because of Ayrmeis.”

  “Ayrmeis?”

  “Yes, watching Nikolina deliver Ihnat caused me to think more about Ayrmeis. I know that the circumstances are different, but I can’t help but wonder how Ayrmeis’ absence is affecting Sarai. Brahanu and I accepted him at Sarai’s behest, but she mightn’t have considered the magnitude of her decision. He’s brought us great joy, of course, but I wouldn’t keep him from her if she wanted it otherwise. Regardless of anything else, she is his mother.”

  “She is, and it’ll take time for her to truly understand her sacrifice. Sarai was devastated after relinquishing Ayrmeis to you. She attempts to hide her grief, but I see it in her eyes, her mannerisms, and I can hear it when she speaks about him.

  “Sarai does love him, and I doubt if that will ever change. Ayrmeis was her first whether she’ll admit that truth or no. I’ve seen her watching him in the nursery. Sarai notices as do I the similarities in their features. He looks much like her.” Symeon smiled. “Regardless of how he came to be, she loves him.”

  “I’d hoped that she’d want to see him, but I was unsure if doing so would make this situation easier or more difficult. We won’t keep him from either of you. Indeed, Ayrmeis has the face of his mother, and both are beautiful. Sarai’s sacrifice was no small thing, my friend.”

  “That sacrifice was more profound than she was aware. I’m hoping once she feels life growing inside her again, her healing will truly begin. She’ll always love Ayrmeis, but she’ll love our coming child, too. Ayrmeis was her first, and he’ll forever be special.”

  “To all of us,” Pentanimir said. “She’s pregnant?”

  “She is.”

  “Congratulations, my friend,” Pentanimir said, pushing through the doors.

  As they entered the room, everyone stood, offering respectful bows. Pentanimir paused, gesturing for them to sit. Such displays unnerved him. He never felt worthy of his title and didn’t want extreme measures reminding him that he held it.

  “What have we learned?”

  “What Beilzen and Nakaris recounted falls in line with what’s written in the text,” Nzuri said. “If what they saw fleeing the citadel was truly a sentient shadow, Nikolina could’ve been the victim of a geas or possession.”

  “A geas ?” Pentanimir asked.

  “Yes,” Ahvixx said. “A geas is an obligation mystically imposed upon another. In the case of Lady d’Garrion, her father revealed their visit to Sanctium. Though we’re fairly certain that he hasn’t disclosed everything, the AsZar informed us about this merge. Through our research, we know that the mage, Lilinth, inhabits the cursed isle. After reviewing the documents Sir d’Garrion relinquished, both the priests and I fear the extent of this possession.

  “The sentient shadow, as it’s called, could’ve been the essence of darkness as Tesu is that of light. We’re certain that Lady d’Garrion was, and probably is obligated to the mage. Albeit, until she wakes or her father comes completely true, we won’t know the depth of that obligation.”

  Beilzen was shaking his head. “I fear it may be both.”

  “Both? Explain.” Danimore said.

  Beilzen shook his head again, reliving each moment for the benefit of clarification. “It’s difficult to explain. She…it…they,” he paused. “When Nikolina went to examine Raithym and returned, her eyes, they weren’t really hers. Even her voice had changed, but the eyes…they were colorless. No. Not colorless, but whited over.” Beilzen shivered as the hairs on his arm stood on end.

  “Nikolina didn’t walk, but appeared to glide across the room. She had a purpose to be with your son—a purpose beyond what she’d said. When Sir Middleton intercepted us as we were leaving the citadel, everything appeared to change. Nikolina was in distress, like she was fighting against some unseen force. She screamed from…from fright or pain, or both. I don’t know. I’ll never forget the agony and confusion on her face when the fluids were forced from her as the shadow emerged.” His eyes reflexively closed. “She was suffering, horribly suffering. That…thing was no longer within her, and it was only Nikolina again, frail and pained.”

  Nakaris was nodding with every word.

  “We have much to learn,” Ahvixx said, interlacing his fingers. “Not only do we need to know why Nikolina wanted to see Raithym, but also exactly what took place when they visited Sanctium. The answers lie with Sir d’Garrion. There’s only so much we can discern from the parchments and codices. The AsZar has provided some assistance, but there were mysteries in her words as well. Once Drah’kuu Kuhani communes and translates the scroll, we’ll learn more. If the mage, this sycophant, used Nikolina to awaken one of darkness, the rise of the fallen might’ve begun.”

  “The rise of the fallen?” Temian asked.

  “Yes. Didn’t the AsZar inform you about the seal, Pentanimir?” Nzuri asked.

  “She did.”

  “Could it be through this fracture that the mage seeks to bring forth a Zon’Tul ?”

  “A Zon’Tul ?” Pentanimir repeated, his mind immediately recalling Angelaris’ warning.

  “A servant or gatekeeper, if you will,” Ahvixx clari
fied. “One who claims dominion over the darkness of the abyss.”

  “But from all we’ve learned, no entity from the Doh’Mahn Vwazi Tr’Eon can enter into the light world,” Pentanimir said. “In some instances, the blood of—”

  His words trailed off as an inundation of recollections surged through his mind. His eyes darted back and forth, as clarity pierced through any lingering vestiges of doubt. All color drained from his face as he looked at Danimore.

  “The blood of Oisin,” Pentanimir said, his voice cracking. “Raithym...No.”

  “What about Raithym, Brother?” Danimore asked. “What has she done to Raithym?”

  “No, not to him. What she might’ve taken from him.”

  “I don’t understand,” Danimore said more forcefully, rising from his seat. “Is my son in danger?”

  Pentanimir didn’t answer. He opened the door, motioning to Wosen. “Go to the nursery and bring Raithym here. Make haste,” he ordered, and then closed the door.

  “Brother, you’ve raised a fear in me. What’s the matter with my son? Tell me what you know.”

  “No, Dani. I won’t speak it unless I’m certain. When Wosen brings your son, then , I’ll know.”

  Silenced filled the room as the occupants fidgeted in their seats. Pentanimir paced nervously until Wosen returned with the child. Rushing forward, Danimore grabbed him from Wosen, cradling him in his arms.

  “Tell me now, Brother,” Danimore said.

  Pentanimir said nothing, lifting Raithym’s tunic over his hip. With his other hand, he pulled down his underclothing, revealing an olive-colored birthmark. The same birthmark Ayrmeis shared.

  He raised the tunic higher, noticing the small red puncture mark. Tears rimmed his eyes as he staggered back, shaking his head. “No. It can’t be. No.”

  “Tell me!” Danimore demanded, clutching his son tighter.

  “Raithym. Dani. Raithym, he’s…he’s Draizeyn Vereux’s son.”

  New Bond

  “Only you will travel through the wood,” the man said. “Nigel will guide you to Sanctium, but you alone will meet with the mage.”

  Molag’s brow furrowed regarding the old, disfigured man. The dim light in the room cast shadows over the faces of the three.