“This wasn’t all you said, Ahvixx. I understand about Dalia and Beilzen now, but you mentioned lost lands and recovering items, too. What about this part of your riddle?” Temian asked.
“There are many parts. What was lost has been found. It wasn’t lost to the Guardians, but lost to time, just like the isle.”
“Sanctium?”
“No, Nakshij. K’ohshul.”
“K’ohshul?” Pentanimir repeated.
“Indeed. As the Guardians imparted to me, we must ‘recover what has been lost, in a land that time has forsaken’ . This is K’ohshul. When the First Chosen returns, he’ll bring a relic with him. Both this and a portion of the shard were taken to K’ohshul long ago.”
“Why K’ohshul, Ahvixx? There must be some significance,” Danimore said.
“The K’ohshulians have always served the Guardians, but not as we do. We know them to be separate beings, like the humans have served the Seven. However, the K’ohshulians teach of the One: each Guardian being a part of the whole. Together, they merge as one, and their energies are combined, intertwined with one another. As such, the K’ohshulians worship the One god, but always recognizing their seven elements.”
“It’s never been described like that,” Pentanimir said. “I knew the Bandarians for years, but never learned much about their god. It was enough that they served and believed in one who was both loving and accepting. To understand now that Kuhani knew about the Guardians is astonishing to me.”
“Drah’kuu Kuhani knows much and more,” Ahvixx said. “The relationship the K’ohshulians share with Afferea is symbiotic. Didn’t the AsZar speak about his importance?”
“She did, but I’m not certain why,” Pentanimir said.
“Once the relic is here, you’ll begin to understand. However, there is more. The key isn’t intact. The left fragment, the heart, was taken to the Dessalonian Mountains long ago by one of Syahndru. No longer does it rest beneath the seventh peak.”
Pentanimir’s brow knitted. “Syahndru? What’s Syahndru?”
Ahvixx’s eyes glimmered. “A place out of time, just like K’ohshul. You’ll learn more about this as well. The time has come to remember much that has been forgotten. Now that the ships will search the seas, we’ll discover the enigmas of many lands. Those of Syahndru have always been among you and will remain. They’re amassing now in aid to the warriors. Firstly, we must recover the fragment.”
As Ahvixx’s eyes bedimmed, the others blinked their heavy lids. With a shake of his head, Pentanimir regarded him again, forgetting the words spoken but moments ago.
“Where—where can it be found, Ahvixx?”
“There’s one here in the citadel who has possession of the shard.”
“Allister!” Pentanimir stood. “When I spoke to him, Dani, do you remember? He said that the mage had him retrieve it. When he presented it to her, it was but half. He still has the shard?”
“He does,” Ahvixx said. “And he’ll relinquish it. He didn’t want to aid the mage, Zaxson. He was forced to do so. His life, he would’ve given to protect the shard, but not that of his daughter and grandchild.”
Pentanimir nodded, retaking his seat. “How is he?”
“My mother says that he’s much improved…physically , anyway,” Temian said. “He should be able to return home soon.”
“When he does, I want you and Thalassa to accompany him and retrieve the shard. Take with you as many guards as you deem necessary.”
“Are you forgetting his request, Brother?” Danimore asked.
“Request?”
“Yes. Allister still hasn’t seen Nikolina. Once he does, do you think he’ll still be willing to help us?”
“Of that, I couldn’t say, but there’s nothing we can do to change what’s happened. We’ll take him to see his daughter and after that, we’ll escort him to his home.”
“What if he refuses?” Temian asked. “Nikolina is everything to him. I don’t think he’s even spoken with his other daughters in years.”
“I understand and share your concern, but we’re left with few options,” Pentanimir said. “Soon our children will advance another four years of their life, and we must continue to prepare. We need the shard. Allister said that this mage knows it’s in his possession. We can wait no longer.”
Temian sighed, offering a conceding nod.
“You’ll need to speak with Beilzen and Dalia as well, Zaxson,” Ahvixx said, standing. “Mayhaps they’ll bring some better news.”
Pentanimir motioned for the others to stand. “That would be a welcomed change, Ahvixx.”
When he reached for the door, Wosen was already opening it. “Pardons, Zaxson, council, Nzuri says that Nigel is awake and is eager to speak with you.”
Pentanimir glanced back at his siblings. “I’m eager as well.”
Consequence
Allister ran the brush through his thinning hair, looking at his reflection. He searched his face, tracing the deep lines creasing it. As his gaze lowered, he winced. His wounds had healed, but the scars left behind would most likely remain. They were another painful reminder of the evils he’d helped inflict upon the lands.
Allister sighed, pulling on his trousers. He hadn’t needed to change, but wanted to look his best when he saw his daughter. With that, he released his laces, peering down at his manhood. He prayed that Nikolina wouldn’t remember the violation Lilinth committed while inhabiting her. He alone would suffer that memory.
Lilinth was correct when she taunted him. Nothing tormented him more than recollections of that night and how his body responded to such foulness. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes tight, forcing the painful memories from his mind. He was going to see his daughter, and he needed to focus on her well-being and having her home again.
“Pardons, Sir d’Garrion,” Hushar said, averting her eyes. “I should’ve knocked before I entered.”
“It’s all right, Hushar, please come in, and call me Allister. There’s no need to address me formally.” He pulled on his tunic, waving her inside. “I’m waiting for the Zaxson and Nakshij. They’re going to take me to visit Nikolina.”
“I know, but the Zaxson was called into a meeting, so I asked if I could take you instead.”
“You?”
“If you would allow.”
“But why? Just tell me where she is, and I’ll find her room myself. I just want to see my daughter.”
Hushar grabbed his cloak, draping it over his shoulders.
“I know, Allister, but I think that you’ll need me. Besides, I was the one treating both you and Nikolina when you arrived. Danimore and Pentanimir know little about her care.”
“What’s there to know?”
Hushar took his hand, motioning to the door. “I feel that everything is already known, it just needs to be accepted.”
“Wait, Hushar.” He released her hand. “What’s that to mean? You’ve never been one to equivocate. What are you trying to say?”
“Nor do I do so now. I’ve been attempting to tell you for some time, but you never allow me to finish. I understand, Allister, but it’s time for you to accept what’s happened. It’s difficult, but necessary.”
His eyes narrowed, peering past her into the corridor. After a few moments, he clasped his cloak, taking a steadying breath. “I need to see my daughter. Please.”
Allister offered her an elbow, stepping into the corridor. Neither spoke as they walked, descending several floors. When they approached another flight, Allister stopped. “Where are you leading me? I thought that we were going to visit Nikolina. If we descend much further, we’ll be near the cells.”
“Nikolina isn’t in the cells, and I think you’re aware of that.”
Allister’s heart thumped in his chest, dreading what she might say. “If—if you have something to say, speak it now,” he said, taking a step back.
“Please, Allister, don’t force me to speak what you already know. Not now, please.”
Reluctant
ly, he accepted her offered hand, descending the final flight of stairs. He clutched onto the balustrade, feeling his legs weaken beneath him.
With each step down, the air became chilled, filled with the lingering stench of the cells. Hushar grasped his hand tighter, casting her gaze down and away from the memories her former quarters evoked.
Hearing a slight whimper escape Allister’s lips, she paused, sliding an arm around his waist. The pain she felt from the memories assailing her were compounded by what they’d soon face. She could feel Allister’s stance falter, and she attempted to support his weight. She’d always exuded a placid demeanor, forcing her enslavement from her mind. Now, it all came rushing in like a flood, and she could do nothing to stop it. Hushar wasn’t strong enough to carry both that weight and his.
Allister looked down at her, his mouth opening to speak, but no words could come forth. His lips trembled as he willed his legs to still, to stop their progression, but he continued moving forward down the slope leading to the catacombs.
When they finally stopped, Hushar soothingly caressed his back, pushing open a stone door. “Just there,” she said, lighting a torch from the sconce, and entering the cold room.
When he didn’t follow, she gently took his hand, drawing him in beside her. “It’s time.”
Allister’s feet felt weighted, each step becoming more difficult than the last as he followed behind her pull. As she slid the draping from the stone berth, Allister crumpled to his knees, screaming.
“Gods, no!”
Nikolina lay upon the cold stone, lifeless and disfigured.
Hushar enfolded him in her arms, offering what comfort that she could. “This is why Arilian came to us, Allister. I’m sorry; I’m truly sorry. When she arrived here, it was already too late.
“We thought we’d lose you as well, but it was not so. The mage on Sanctium…the connection. When the entity severed your bond, so were your life energies syphoned. If not for the Guardians and the nectar of their beasts, we wouldn’t have been able to pull you from that darkness.”
“No!” he wailed again, beating his fists against the unyielding ground. “No!”
Allister crawled to the berth, struggling to pull up the side to where his daughter lay still. No pains he’d ever experienced were more agonizing than the ones assailing every part of him.
He caressed Nikolina’s face, his tears glistening on her cheeks. He knew…he knew…but he didn’t want to see, he didn’t want to know that it was real.
Now, looking down at his daughter, he could no longer deny the truth. He’d caused her death, as surely as if he’d been the one who’d stolen the life from her.
“No, my beautiful Nikolina, no. That witch promised to free you…to free us,” he sobbed, collapsing over her. “I tried to save you. I did what she commanded and…and…why? Forgive me, my daughter. Gods! Forgive me!” he shouted, clutching her rigid body.
Allister’s cries resonated throughout the room, shattering Hushar’s remaining resolve. She turned, forcing her hands over her ears, trying to muffle his pain-filled laments.
The intensity increased, coalescing with her own cries as past tragedies and abuses inundated her heart and mind. Images of Manifir flickered through her thoughts, intermixed with mournful cries. Each time she forced them away, they reemerged with greater intensity.
“Crissu,” she murmured, swaying to the ground. “My baby…you killed my baby.” Hushar’s cries joined Allister’s as she laid tethered to the floor, never wanting to rise again.
Too many years enslaved in Nazil. Too many young boys and girls tortured and mutilated. Too many memories of the life she had, that was shattered by the man she’d loved.
Allister slowly rose, kissing his daughter’s cheek. As he lifted the shroud, he couldn’t bear to cover her face. “My beautiful Nikolina,” he whimpered, turning away from the berth.
As he went to wipe his tears, he saw Hushar huddled on the floor. “No,” he said, kneeling at her side just as he’d done years before. He draped his cloak around her shoulders, pulling her into him. “I promise to free you from this pain.” He whispered in her ear.
“I’m sorry, Allister. No one should know the death of a child. I’m so sorry.”
He shook his head, helping her to stand. “We—we—we must leave. Please. I can’t bear to be here.”
As they staggered from the room, Hushar raised her eyes to his. “You won’t suffer this alone. I’ll stay with you until your need of me is no more.”
The Cha
Pentanimir was the last to enter the meeting hall, looking disheveled and fatigued. After motioning for the council to sit, he massaged his temples, taking his seat at the table. The past few weeks had been trying, and that showed plainly on his face. Even his usually well-groomed hair was hastily bound, hanging loosely about his waist.
“Brother, are you feeling well enough for the meeting?” Temian’s voice rang with concern.
“I am,” Pentanimir said, peering up with darkened, puffy eyes as he reached for a cup of nectar. “We have no time to delay.”
Nzuri nodded, observing Pentanimir continuously rubbing his temples. “Mayhaps an herbal broth would help soothe you. I have some Kuzbarah oil here if you have a need.”
“Indeed, Nzuri, my head’s reeling. Kuzbarah would suit me well.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Nzuri asked, pulling a phial from his pocket. “We’re all here to assist you. There’s no need for you to be in pain. I think I’ll have Gerhma fetch some dream wine at our meeting’s end. You look as if you need to rest.”
Pentanimir’s eyes closed, enjoying the gentle massage as he rubbed the oil across his forehead. “I know,” he sighed, momentarily soothed. “But there are some matters that only I can attend to. The others, I’ll gladly share with the council. I’ll be more at ease when Symeon returns.”
“He comes,” Ahvixx said. “There are many traveling with the First Chosen and Drah’kuu Kuhani.”
“Have you seen this, Ahvixx?” Thalassa asked.
“I have. The citadel and Nazil will be secured with the arrival of the Jasiri. Do not worry, Zaxson, there are other matters we need to discuss.”
“I agree. Nigel has been more forthcoming than I believed he would be. He’s even given us the location of this benefactor of his.”
“When are we to leave?” Temian asked.
“Soon. I’ll post some of the new guards near his position until we’re ready. If there’s any unusual activity, they’ll alert us at once.”
“Did he mention anything about Molag?” Thalassa asked.
“He did. Nigel helped him escape from Yarah. Apparently, he and Molag left Yarah the night before the attack on Brahanu’s caravan. When this benefactor learned about Molag’s plan, he sent Nigel ahead of its execution.”
“What?” Danimore asked, confused. “How were they able to travel from Yarah to Nazil without being detected? I know that some of the guards are loyal to his cause, but most of them are not. Someone should’ve seen them and notified us.”
“No,” Pentanimir said, finishing his drink. “I’ve learned that they didn’t travel over land.”
The siblings exchanged confused glances.
“There’s only land between Yarah and Nazil,” Temian said. “How do you mean?”
“What the Zaxson means is: they didn’t only travel by land,” Nzuri said. “Once they neared Nazil, there are passageways much like the one leading from the temple to the citadel.” He produced a tattered map, laying it out on the table.
“You see here?” Nzuri pointed. “These markings indicate a vast network of tunnels beneath the city.”
“Where did you find this, Brother?” Danimore asked. “These tunnels span the entire city.”
“Nigel received it from his benefactor. He, in turn, told me where to find it. In the past, there were several of these maps, but the others are believed destroyed. Nzuri is creating some duplicates so we can explore the tunnels once the cold ends.”<
br />
“Surely you’d want to secure the entry points,” Thalassa said. “If Molag was able to travel unnoticed, others might do the same. They must not be allowed to catch us unawares.”
“I plan to station Kaleon guards in those areas.”
“Will they be well protected, Zaxson?” Nzuri asked, scrutinizing the map.
“It’s my plan to have it so. What causes your concern?”
“According to the map, there’re points of entry in these six locations. Three of them are out of sight of the watchtowers, and one is in the wood near where Nigel was discovered. Guards at those posts would have only themselves for protection. No one could come to their aid if the need arose.”
Pentanimir nodded. “I’m having new towers constructed bordering the city. No guard on the ground should be left to themselves, and each tower will have the means of communication with the others. The builders Draizeyn sent to the Dessalonian Wood retrieved a vast supply of trees that are piled outside the gates. We’ll make use of them soon.”
“Do we have men enough to man the towers?” Danimore asked.
“I’m hoping that Symeon will provide those we need. If we can reassign some of the citadel guards throughout the city, the K’ohshulians can fill their positions.”
“Brother,” Temian cocked his head. “Where did Nigel’s benefactor come by such a rare and valuable map? These passageways offer a great strategic advantage and a means of escape during times of war.”
“I inquired about the same. This map is no small find and the fact that Nigel willingly relinquished it speaks much. If I doubted his motives before, I do so no longer. He could’ve received our aid without revealing this to us. However, he provided this map and information about the resistance and his benefactor.”
“What other information did he reveal?” Danimore asked.
“His benefactor.”
“Did he name the man?”
“Nigel says that he doesn’t know, and I don’t doubt his word. He does know that his benefactor is one of the Cha.”
“The Cha of Nazil?” Temian asked.
“From what he said, yes.”
The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy Page 138