“Thank you, Ahvixx,” Beilzen said, sliding an arm around Dalia. “Are you tired?”
“No, I’m just overwhelmed,” she said. “Not only by the Guardians and Afferea, but also for what is to come. Could we have truly helped to save Faélondul?”
“I doubt that they would’ve spoken it if it weren’t so. I’m pleased that you willingly relinquished what I’d gifted to you. I know how you loved the stone’s brilliance.”
“How could I refuse a request from the Guardians?” She smiled. “Without them, we wouldn’t have each other or our son.”
“Being amongst them, no matter how briefly was a blessing. Never could I have imagined such splendor. The falls alone had me in awe.”
“Me as well,” Dalia said, halting in front of their door. “You seem much different from when we left. Even your stance has improved. You no longer allow your discomfort to hinder your movements. The blessed wood has brought you to me fully.”
Beilzen kissed her, pushing through the door. Without waiting for the attendants, he started a fire and then helped Dalia off with her slippers.
As he put a small caldron of water on the hook, Ceron knocked, entering the room.
“Lord and Lady de Braose, I gots some clean linen and refreshments.”
“Thank you, Ceron. I’ll take the tray. Do you need help preparing the bed?”
“No, milady. It won’t take me but a bit.”
“Would you like to freshen?” Beilzen asked, pouring some warm water in the basin.
“I think I should. The ride upon the beast was both magnificent and dusty.” She laughed, and he joined in her mirth.
“You needin’ anythin’ else?” Ceron asked.
“No, thank you. Good night.”
“Good night.”
When they were alone, Beilzen removed his boots and tunic, admiring his wife’s full figure as she bent over, washing in the basin. He came up behind her, sliding his hands around her waist.
“I thought you wanted me to wash,” she said, turning to embrace him. He responded with a kiss, reaching for the laces on her tunic. Her eyes didn’t leave his as he slid the tunic away, and began massaging her breasts. Leaning in closer, he kissed her again, untying the laces to her trousers.
“Husband—”
He silenced her with another kiss, sliding her trousers to the floor, kneeling, and kissing with the movement.
She stepped from the clothes, following behind the pull of her husband. Wordlessly, he led her to their bed, laying her down in its center. His hands glided over her abdomen as he slowly kissed down to them. When Dalia started to speak, a moan escaped her lips instead. Beilzen wouldn’t rush, enjoying her body’s response as he pleased her numerous times.
After savoring her essence, he kissed up her torso, tickling her soft skin with the tip of his tongue as he slid free from his trousers.
“I love you,” he whispered, moving over her.
“I love—” She sucked in a sharp breath, feeling him becoming part of her for the first time.
“Gods,” Beilzen breathed. He remained still for a moment, overcome by the sensation. When his motion began, her moans joined his, quickly increasing in intensity. It took but moments for her to call out, clutching him tighter. The warmth of her release overwhelmed him, causing his own completion.
He remained a part of her, never wanting to be free of their joining. Beilzen stared into her eyes, feeling her soft caresses on his back. He couldn’t speak, relishing this moment, and knowing it was real.
As he felt his body relax, he softly kissed her lips, moving to her side. “How?” she asked.
“The Guardians. It was the Guardians.”
“When? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Ahvixx told us as much before we left. He told us about your healing.”
She gasped, lowering a hand to her abdomen. “My—my healing? Is it possible? Could we—”
“Was I not just a part of you, my love?” He lifted her hand to his lips, and then rested it on his growing manhood. “Do you not feel the blessing with your own hand?”
With that, she rose over him, kissing down his torso. It was Beilzen’s turn to be overcome by the pleasure of his wife’s intimate kiss.
“Gods, Dalia, gods!” he called out, as his body shuddered from the intensity of the release.
She moved back to his side, nestling into his arms.
“I love you,” he said. “More than any other that I’ve known or will know. Always, I’ll love you.”
“I love you, too. Ahvixx was right. He mentioned my former husband and how we were not meant to be together. It was you; only you could offer what the Guardians would have me receive. We’ll be blessed with children, I’m certain. Your seed has been restored, and my womb will receive it.”
Beilzen nodded, feeling much the same. “It was the falls, Dalia, the healing of the falls.”
He could feel her body tremble and the warmth of her tears on his chest.
“I’m also overwhelmed,” he whispered, caressing her back. “I couldn’t tell you. I wouldn’t until I knew that it was no mere dream. Feeling your warmth surround me—being a part of you—I knew. I’m not worthy, not of you or Fáelán or being whole. So much wrong have I done.”
“No, no, it wasn’t you. That person is forever gone, and only my husband remains,” she said, moving over him. She kissed him, her soft, caring hands doing short work of his body. When he responded to her touch, she joined with him again, relishing being part of each other.
Preparations
“When will the High Priest return, Caretaker?” Nurul asked.
“I’m not certain. The Zaxson needs Kuhani in Nazil,” Hosdaq said, acknowledging the guards as they passed.
“These men, these Jasiri, are they truly from K’ohshul?”
“They are. I’ve always known Kuhani’s heritage, but what he conveyed to me about the warriors pales in comparison to the actuality of their presence.”
“Indeed. I watched some sparring in the yard, and their prowess and stamina is remarkable. The Zaxson will certainly be pleased once they arrive in Nazil.”
Hosdaq nodded, peering out into the courtyard. When he saw Amare and Malkia, he paused, stepping onto the balcony.
“Are you well, Hosdaq?”
“Yes, yes. Please don’t allow me to hinder you. I know that Antenah is waiting for you.”
Nurul bowed, proceeding down the corridor. All the while, Hosdaq continued observing his daughter, recalling what Kuhani had said.
Malkia wasn’t focused on her training, her attention appeared focused on Amare. Her playful nature and flirtations were obvious, as well as her clumsy footing. Amare didn’t seem to notice, but her father noticed little else.
When Amare called for a respite, Hosdaq’s mouth gaped as Malkia came up behind him, massaging his broad shoulders.
“Sir Wesfain, please have my daughter meet me in my solar,” Hosdaq said, turning and moving down the corridor. He waved his remaining guard away, rubbing his hands over his face. Malkia was barely three and ten, and he wondered how he’d missed this passage into womanhood.
“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.”
Hosdaq shook his head, pouring a cup of strong liquor. He quickly swallowed it down, immediately pouring another. As he slumped in his seat, his door creaked slowly open.
Malkia entered, holding her half-helm beneath her arm. He stared at his daughter then, seeing her for who she truly was. No longer was her build that of a child. Malkia’s hips were rounded, and he
r bust developing. Howbeit, her face was yet like that little girl that he longed for her to remain.
Beautiful, just like your mother , he thought. “I remember when you clutched your doll. Now, you’re clutching a helm and carrying a sword.”
“I still have my doll, Father,” she said, kissing his cheek. “But the sword has proven more useful.”
“So it would seem.” He smiled. “I saw some of your practice. Amare is training you well.”
“Yes.” She blushed. “He’s an excellent teacher.”
“Mayhaps you should concentrate more on your studies and assisting Osmara. Amryn is proving to be quite a handful.”
Malkia sat next to him, fumbling with her helm. “I’m doing well with my lessons, and help with Amryn when time allows. The priest, Yasu, has increased my studies about Faélondul’s histories and the Guardians. He’s pleased with my progress.
“I want to continue my training, Father, please. Amare says that I’m better than many others that he’s trained.”
“I wouldn’t think any less. If you’d like to improve your prowess, we can begin training together.”
Her head snapped up. “No! I—I mean, I’m used to Amare’s training. I know that you’re busy with helping Pentanimir and overseeing the influx of people in the city. With tending Amryn as well, your time is limited, Father.”
Hosdaq nodded as a slight grin creased his lips. “It’s true, isn’t it?”
“True?”
“Yes. Are you attracted to our First Chosen?”
When she turned away, he knelt in front of her, cupping her chin in his hand.
“Malkia—”
“Don’t tell him, Father. Please. He won’t continue training me if you do.”
“What? I’m speaking only to you, Malkia. However, Amare is my First Chosen, and you’re far too young to be considering such things. He’s a man of twenty.”
“But what about you and Osmara?”
He couldn’t argue. Osmara was nearly twenty years his junior. Even with the differences in their ages, they’d wed and were very happy. Yet Osmara was seven and twenty when they wed, and Malkia was merely three and ten.
“If you were at the age of promise, this wouldn’t be an issue. Amare is of good character, from a fine family, and I respect him. But you’re too young, Malkia.”
“But…Father—”
“This won’t always be. I’m aware that you and Amare spend a lot of time together. It’s only natural for you to become closer. You admire him, and I understand that. What you’re feeling isn’t necessarily love.”
“When we were in Bandari, you didn’t speak the same to Wosen. He and Hibret were always together, even when they were younger than me.”
“Malkia—”
“Father, please, I know what lies in my heart, and I’m certain that Amare feels the same. He just won’t say so because he thinks that I’m too young. But I see how he looks at me now. It’s different than before.”
“Mayhaps, but Amare is right, and we’re no longer in Bandari.”
When she began to protest, he gently squeezed her hands. “I’ll allow you to continue your training and assist with the rounds. But you must respect his position as First Chosen, as he respects you as my daughter. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” she said, sighing.
Hosdaq lifted her face to his, kissing the tip of her nose. “In time. Three years isn’t long to wait. If your feelings are true, they will not wither,” he said, standing and holding out a hand to her.
“Now, where is our First Chosen?”
“When Sir Wesfain delivered your message, Amare went to help Nurul and Antenah assemble carts for the Jasiri.”
“Good, then you can accompany me to check their progress. They’ll need several dozen carts and horses before leaving for Nazil. Tell me: have the cloaks been prepared? This was a duty I assigned to you.”
“Yes, Caretaker. All the available seamstresses are preparing what you asked. The warriors will be well protected against Nazil’s chill.”
He smiled, glancing over at her. Our daughter will soon be a woman grown , Esme , he thought. His smile grew, thinking about Kuhani’s perceptive observations regarding the two. Again, Hosdaq didn’t see, just as it was in Bandari.
Path to Cazaal
“Are you certain, Father Tioch?”
“I am, Brahanu,” he said, rolling the ball to Eytan. “Nazil ain’t where I belong. I’m of Cazaal, just like you and Eytan.”
“You know why I must remain. Cazaal will always be my home, but Nazil is as well.”
“Why, Brahanu? Why‘d ya turn yer back on yer family and my son?”
“Never did I do this. I’ll always love Itai. He was the first man that I ever loved.”
“But not the last.” His face scrunched. “A ghost, Brahanu. Why?”
“I can’t make you understand. Had you known Pentanimir as I did, then, you’d know. After Itai had fallen, I was lost. Eytan was just birthed, and all I knew was at an end. Julaybeim had Gali to soothe the pain he felt, but I was alone. When Pentanimir arrived with Ameya, my heart had hope. He saved my sister, my home, and your grandchild. If not for him, never would I have even returned to Cazaal to be with my love. Pentanimir protected me. I didn’t know the degree of his love then, but he showed me that and more as I mourned for Itai.”
“What ‘bout Itai? What ‘bout his love?”
Brahanu could see his anguish. She didn’t wish to speak falsely, but he wouldn’t understand. He thought only of his son, of Itai.
“Itai will always be a part of me. We have Eytan, and he looks like his father. That warms my heart when I look at him. But I’m also saddened that Itai will never know his son. Eytan has you and Naji, and you’ll always be a part of his life, a part of his father.”
“I promised Itai the same. I promised him ta be there for his son and guide him like he would. But it ain’t gonna be here. When I look at ya, I think of Itai. I can’t be here and see ya treat’s a Nazilian like ya should be my son. That’s too much ta ask.”
Brahanu sighed, taking his hand. “If you’re determined to leave, I won’t try to stop you. I told Julaybeim that we’d escort you back to Cazaal. I just wish that you’d remain a while longer. It’s such a comfort for Eytan and me.”
“I’m feelin’ the same, but I stayed as long as I can. Even I can see there’s stuff gonin’ on here. Julaybeim didn’t say much, but even these old eyes can see. Yer cries ain’t passed my notice, either. There’s sadness here,” he said, caressing Brahanu’s cheek. “Might do well fer ya to come with me.”
“There’s more happening than I could hope to convey, Father Tioch. My tears stem from many things: losing Itai, losing my parents, the struggle here in Nazil, my brother’s hardships, and the attack on my son. But with that pain, there’s a greater joy. Having you here amongst us is a large part of this joy. I can’t return to Cazaal now, but you could stay here with us.”
“No. I’ll miss ya and Eytan, but my place is Cazaal. Naji been waitn’ and she’s been ailing. I gotta make sure she’s doin’ well, too.”
“Naji? Has Lakaar Briac tended her?”
“Both the Lakaar and Gali come by often, but ain’t much ta be done. Naji’s grown old, too old fer the work she’s attemptin’. I found a girl to help out, but Naji ain’t changed none.” Tioch smiled wistfully. “Ain’t much left fer me now but Eytan and Naji. I gotta get back and tend ta her. She’s still mean as a snake, but I love her.”
Brahanu nodded, picking Eytan up from the floor. When he leaned toward his grandfather, Tioch smiled.
“I’ll make Pentanimir aware of your plans. We can be ready to escort you within two suns.”
“I ain’t lettin’ ya put yerself in no more danger. I don’t need nothin’ but a horse and some provisions. It’s been a while since I made my way across Faélondul. The ride’ll do me good.”
“I can’t send you out alone. The roads are dangerous for you as well. Can’t you at least al
low an escort?”
“Hells, them guards would just attract attention I’m not wantin’. Don’t no one care ‘bout an old man on the road. Besides, I ain’t no easy win. I can still handle a sword if need be.”
“If your mind is set, I’ll send Julaybeim a message. He’ll alert the outpost and send some scouts to watch out for you. There’re still groups of Nazilians in Depero Wood.”
“Don’t worry. Them wastrel waifs ain’t posin’ no threat. I’ll be all right, Brahanu, I promise.”
Brahanu smiled, leaning down to kiss him. “Ared will welcome the journey. It’s been a long time since he’s traveled, too. First, we’ll break our fast, and then we’ll send your message.”
“Angelaris has taken possession of the shard, Zaxson,” Ahvixx said, taking a seat at the table.
“Did the Guardians or the AsZar inform you of what else might be needed?” Temian asked.
“It was all in the message they imparted through me.”
“The riddle?” Danimore asked.
“Yes. Before I didn’t understand, but now everything is clear. The she’naad t’reyUhm [100] will be restored.”
“The scepter of the divine?” Pentanimir said. “Do you know where it is?”
“It’s always been here. Do you recall the words they spoke through me?”
“Not all of them, Ahvixx.”
“I spoke of the man: ‘The man who soweth no seed’.”
“No seed?” Danimore asked.
“Beilzen,” Pentanimir said, wide-eyed. “Beilzen has no seed.”
Ahvixx nodded, taking a drink of his nectar.
“Dalia as well,” Thalassa added. “Didn’t you mention a barren field?”
“Yes, of course. However, not barren,” Danimore corrected. ‘A field that couldn’t take hold.’ Is that what you said, Ahvixx?”
“It was.”
“But what about the fruitless branch?” Temian asked. “I find no correlation.”
“This also refers to Lady de Braose. ‘The fruitless branch adorneth’. Beilzen gifted the shard to his wife, and she wore it around her neck.”
“Yes. Dalia was adorned with the shard.” Thalassa said.
“And this is what the Zaxson, ‘our leader should behold’ . The Guardians informed us about the shard and where to find it.”
The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy Page 137