“I thought that all the Cha were killed during the battle, Pentanimir.”
“As did I, Dani. Apparently, we were in error.”
Thalassa shook her head. “I don’t understand this. Nigel prayed at the temple, why wouldn’t he know the Cha with whom he conspires?”
“The Cha is disfigured,” Pentanimir said. “During the battle, one of Wosen’s arrows grazed his cheek. Enough of the beast’s nectar found its way into his blood that he won’t recover. Not only is he one of the Cha, he’s a servant of Mah’saahc.”
With that, Ahvixx gasped, his eyes emitting a soft glow.
“Ahvixx, what is it? What’s happened?” Thalassa asked.
“I need parchment,” was all he said.
After Nzuri handed him the vellum, Ahvixx wrote feverishly. Once he’d finished, his mouth went slack, staring up, wide-eyed.
“That’s it, Zaxson. That’s what I saw yet didn’t comprehend.”
“What, Ahvixx? Tell us what you’ve discovered.”
“When I first came to assist with the scrolls, do you recall me finding something and then losing it again?”
“Yes, Ahvixx, I remember,” Nzuri said. “You couldn’t fully focus after meeting Sahma in the gardens.”
“Yes,” he said. “But it’s here, right here and all of us missed the obviousness of the name.”
“Speak plainly, Ahvixx,” Pentanimir said, rising and approaching him.
“Here.” Ahvixx pointed. “Do you not see? The Cha Asham of Nazil. When the humans were released from the abyss, the darkness was contained within Oisin, was it not?”
“Yes, but—”
“The eidolon or zon’tul had attached herself to Oisin Vereux: her essence suffused within him. Angelaris said that it was through Oisin that the false Nazilian gods were created.”
“The Zaxson relayed the same after speaking with the AsZar,” Nzuri said. “Is there something that we don’t know?”
“Much and more. The connection between the eidolon and Oisin is right here and might be of importance.”
Temian shook his head. “I don’t see it.”
“Watch,” Ahvixx said, writing Cha Asham in large characters. “Now, observe as I write the same in reverse.”
“By the gods,” Pentanimir breathed. “Mah’saahc.”
“Yes. The Cha Asham in reverse is the name of the eidolon: Mah’saahc. Oisin created the false gods after coalescing with Mah’saahc. The two were as one until the Guardians cast Mah’saahc back into the abyss and erected the seal.
“By that time, the Nazil we knew was created, and the false gods were worshiped throughout the white city.”
“I don’t know what it means, Ahvixx, but it must hold some significance. What are we now to do?” Pentanimir asked.
“I must commune. This information was imparted to me for a reason. It’s through the Cha that the sycophant of Sanctium has been able to maintain some influence in Faélondul. They’ve nourished the creature through the ages: supplying her with both their blood and seed.”
“Not only them,” Temian said. “Allister was used numerous times, and he still hasn’t completely healed.”
“Allister wasn’t merely used, that bonding was a means for Lilinth to merge herself with him,” Ahvixx said. “Nikolina was not as fortunate. Her bond was with Mah’saahc herself through the blood that she consumed. When the eidolon fled Nikolina’s body, she syphoned her essence, too. But there is more.”
“More?” Pentanimir said.
“Yes, Allister joined with the mage through bond. As such, she attached some of herself, her essence within him. The control wasn’t absolute, but she inflicted pain or threatened Nikolina when he fought against her. Now, that connection once shared with both Allister and Nikolina has been severed.”
“What does that mean?” Danimore asked.
“It means that she mightn’t be able to inhabit more than one being at any time. Molag visited Sanctium, and that very night, Nikolina and Allister both lay dying. Allister’s manhood was malformed: bloodied and swollen, though he hadn’t lain with a woman for years before being used by Lilinth. And he hadn’t been with the mage in some time.”
Pentanimir upraised a hand, shaking his head. “Are you to say that this…this eidolon, Mah’saahc is now inhabiting Molag?”
“That’s my belief, but I won’t be certain until I commune. Didn’t Nigel mention Molag’s increased strength, shifting eyes, and his face seeming to change?”
“He did,” Pentanimir said. “I thought he might be delusional from his wounds.”
Ahvixx stood, bowing. “Nigel Branston is many things, Zaxson, but delusional, he is not. Your Chosen guard is terrified and with good cause. He saw the evils of the cursed isle and nearly paid for this with his life. I don’t believe his fealty is wholly yours, but I doubt he’d move against you. Fear consumes him, and Nigel would prefer a lifetime in the cells rather than face Molag or what lies on Sanctium again.”
Fears and Faith
Angelaris caressed the crystal resting on her breasts, remembering when the Guardians had bestowed it upon her. Though it had been centuries, it felt as if it were yesterday.
The Faélondulians knew peace, and their culture thrived because of it. Howbeit, the subsequent years were quite disparate. In many ways, the forthcoming trials were reminiscent of the cataclysmic events that manifested after Oisin Vereux proclaimed himself Zaxson, expanding both his influence, and his power.
The peace the Nazilians avowed after their imprisonment was rescinded in the most abysmal manner. The truth of their transgressions and atonement was destroyed, and new histories and ideologies were inserted in their place.
Just as now, the Guardians couldn’t sense Mah’saahc’s essence until Oisin’s corruption had permeated the new Nazilian society, shifting both the peace and balance in Faélondul.
The Guardians’ energies were waning, and their return to the spirit realm was imminent. The encasements they inhabited in Faélondul limited their abilities, but with the aid of the Affereans, the Guardians were able to endure.
As Angelaris caressed the crystal again, she thought of her own waning energies. She hadn’t fully recovered from her leave of Afferea. In truth, her energies wouldn’t replenish, not wholly. Her life was tethered to the Animus Woods, and her journey to Nazil had weakened her more than she realized. Angelaris was the conduit and connection to this realm. But she, too, was weary, and her time was near its end.
“We have much to accomplish before such matters should be considered. There is time, AsZar.”
Angelaris stood, hearing Yemala’s euphonious voice.
“Guardian,” she said, bowing.
“Be seated, dear one. I sense what’s troubling your spirit, but don’t allow such thoughts to add turbidity to your mind or heart.” Yemala laid a comforting hand on hers, sitting beside her.
“Forgive me,” Angelaris said. “My concerns extend past Afferea. I’m troubled about the developments in Faélondul, and apprehensive about the abilities of those in which we’ve placed our trust.”
“Allay your fears. The children of Manifir will not falter. Their hearts are pure, just as their father’s was. Now that the thresholds are unfettered, they have the ability to reach those beyond the confines of Faélondul. If the assistance is sought, it will be provided.
“Yes, but it isn’t their heart that I question. It is their resolve. Difficult choices lie ahead for each of them, just as it was with their father. They mustn’t only contend with Mah’saahc, but also with the malignancy prevalent in the lands.
“Manifir was faithful until Oxilon compromised his future. When faced with that choice, Manifir betrayed those who he’d sworn to protect.”
“We forgave him those transgressions, and for Crissu’s death,” Yemala said. “Had he not taken his son’s life, the Nazilians would’ve tortured and executed them both. Although we mourned Crissu’s death, we understood why Manifir thought it was necessary.”
“I’m speaking more of Hyorin. That betrayal is what led to Crissu’s death, and Hushar’s capture. Thousands of lives were lost because of Manifir’s betrayal, and thousands more were inexorably changed. The same darkness that manifested through Manifir’s choices still encompass his children. Manifir made a vow to us, and was granted what no other Nazilian had been entrusted with.” Angelaris took a deep breath, shaking her head. “Like their father, the children of Manifir are human. Their hearts are true, but they could succumb to this darkness. We can’t ask more of them than they can bear.”
“Are you not also human?” When Angelaris moved to speak, Yemala gently cupped her chin. “They will endure. It is for them to do so.”
“But there are more dangers now than ever before. With Mah’saahc’s manipulations, there’s been an awakening. There are others, Guardian, and they’ll attempt to breach the thresholds into the mortal world. I can sense the shift, and feel a growing imbalance.”
“As do we, AsZar. The Ohor has sensed it as well, and will soon cross the threshold into Faélondul.” Yemala upraised a hand, silencing any coming retort.
“The Ohor are infinitesimal in comparison to our present concerns. Sanctium is our focus. We must seal the fracture. Once the Uzon arrives in Nazil, the preparations will truly begin. We cannot stray from that which must be.”
“Yes, Guardian.” Yemala was right, but she discounted their diminishing connection. The Guardians could merely correct the shift; they couldn’t prevent it. It would be for Ayrmeis to pierce the darkness, and for Symeon and the Drah’kuus to prepare him. Her heart ached at that truth, and what might lay ahead for each of them.
“Your daughter awaits you,” Yemala said, wrenching her from her thoughts.
“Is it Natelegé?”
“Of all your children, is she not the one who knows her mother best?” Yemala smiled. “She feels your despondency and trepidation, AsZar. Do not turn from your children now. They have need of you, just as you have need of them.”
“I didn’t wish to burden them with matters of which they have no influence nor control. It is time for Natelegé to accept Déshì’s interest, and begin to live her life. If the Shifter emerges, she, too will be called upon. My fears extend to my children as well. My time is nearly at an end, and I’d like to see them content before my passage beyond the falls.”
“Don’t have fear, Angelaris. Have faith. There’s more for you to do before your journey beyond the falls. The Benoists are unaware of the true evils they’ll be facing, nor the sacrifices stemming from them. All Afferea, including your children, will be needed to add to our strength.”
“I know.” Angelaris lamented. “The warriors should arrive in Nazil soon. With Shintao’s and the Brothers Xaahn’s assistance, the Benoists will be well-protected.”
“This threat extends past Nazil’s borders, AsZar. This darkness could consume Faélondul. Sanctium is but the beginning. You know what the Shifter attempts to awaken. We mustn’t limit our sight to the present, we must envision the future, whilst recalling the past. The mortals are linear, and we mustn’t forget this. The variables are many, but the choices are limited.”
Angelaris nodded. “My husband and I can feel it, but we are too few.”
“No, we are many. Our children have returned to us, and the thresholds are currently unfettered. We are the mortals only defense from those of the darker realms. We cannot fail.”
Meaningful Associations
Hushar held onto Allister’s hand, walking down the corridor. Although he’d finally accepted Nikolina’s death, he hadn’t truly been himself. She understood his dolor, still feeling much of her own. When they were in the catacombs, Hushar had been forced to confront her own ghosts, instead of burying them with the past.
Since that time, Allister and Hushar had grown closer. He’d relinquished the shard to Pentanimir, but refused to remain in the citadel. He’d admitted his feelings of guilt regarding Nikolina, and his responsibility in assisting her to set these cataclysmic events into motion. He loved his daughter, mayhaps too much. Allister had wished he’d listened to his mind, and not to her pleas, so that he wouldn’t ever have lost her.
With that recollection, Hushar held his hand tighter. How he needed her now, just as she had needed him in the past. Their developing relationship was possibly the only heartening aspect of Allister’s life, save being with his grandson.
“Are you certain that you’re well enough?” Hushar asked.
“No. However, that doesn’t really matter. This, I need to do. It’s been far too long, and I need to set things right.”
She nodded, pushing up on her toes and quickly kissing his cheek. When she attempted to move away, he grasped her hand again.
“Aren’t you going to accompany me?”
“Your business with the Zaxson and Nakshij is private, and I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
“Don’t you care about my feelings on the matter?”
“Your feelings?”
“I’d like you with me, Hushar. No one in that room has known me longer than you. With you there, I’ll have the strength to complete that which I’ve promised to myself. I don’t want to be alone. Not anymore.”
“I don’t want to leave if you need me, but I’m supposed to tend the Zaxson’s children, and I haven’t made other arrangements.”
He lowered his head, bringing her hand up to his lips. “This isn’t your burden. It belongs only to me, and I should carry it alone. Because of me, many have suffered, and I have to do whatever I can to help as I should’ve long ago. If you have obligations, you should see to them.”
Her heart ached. She’d promised to be there when he needed her, and she would hold true to that promise.
“Give me a moment,” she said, motioning to the divan. As she left to speak with a guard, Allister sat, lowering his face to his hands. He tried to focus on what he needed to say, and push everything else from his mind. This, he had to do.
“Come, Allister,” she said, extending a hand to him. “We’ll meet them together.”
“Are—are you certain?”
“I am. Whenever you have need of me, I’ll be here.”
“Thank you, Hushar. Thank you.”
When they entered the solar, Pentanimir looked bemused. “Hushar?”
“Pardons, Zaxson,” Allister said. “Lady Saussai was gracious enough to accompany me.”
“What about the children?”
“I’ve asked for Hibret to tend to them for me. I’ll relieve her at the meeting’s end.”
He offered a conceding nod, taking his seat. As the attendants delivered the refreshments, Pentanimir’s gaze rested on Allister. He appeared to have aged ten years in a single season. Allister had always been a handsome older man. Now, his hair was thinned and his face sunken and aged.
As Ahvixx entered the room, Allister turned, gasping.
“It’s all right, Sir d’Garrion,” Ahvixx said. “I’m the same as you knew me.”
“Your—your eyes,” Allister said, pointing a shaky hand. “Your eyes.”
“We’ll explain that to you in time,” Pentanimir said, massaging his temples. “For now, let’s speak of other things.”
“Yes, I—I have much to tell,” Allister said.
“You mentioned your acquaintance with my father. How did you know him?” Ahvixx asked.
“I knew not only your father, but your mother, too. Both visited my home often, though it wasn’t widely known. To many in Nazil, they were low born, and unfortunately, were treated as such.”
“I know that my father was bastard-born. My mother was a citadel attendant, and my father tended the horses. Knowing that changes nothing. My parents loved us very much.”
“Yes,” Allister agreed. “Your parents took great pride in you and your sister.”
“Then what have you to tell?” Ahvixx asked.
“Ahvixx,” he started, taking a deep breath. “Neither of your parents committed any wrong. When they were accused and sen
tenced, it was a travesty. I wanted to speak out against it, but my wife feared that I’d be taken, too.”
“So, you allowed them to die?”
“I allowed nothing. Their fates were decided long before the guards took them. The Zaontras herself accused your father. No one speaks against the Zaxson’s wife.”
“My father was no rapist or thief,” Ahvixx asserted.
“No. Your father was an honorable and hardworking man. You don’t remember, but you visited my children and me often. At that time, my wife didn’t agree with you being guests in our home. Her sentiments didn’t move me, but when she began being cruel, I visited you instead.”
“Why?”
“There was cause, Ahvixx. I’ve never judged or disregarded anyone according to how they were born into these lands. Station doesn’t reflect integrity or morality. Many of those in the highest positions are lacking both.”
“How did you know my father?”
“Your father, Haden, helped care for my horses.”
“So, he was a servant to you as well.”
“No. He was much and more. Did you ever meet your grandmother?”
“I knew but one,” Ahvixx said. “She died when I was quite young.”
“She did. Your father’s mother worked as a server in the inn. At that time, Nazil was home to two pleasure houses.”
“Are you saying that my grandmother was a whore?”
“Those are your words, Ahvixx, not mine. Your grandmother served in the common room and did what was necessary to care for her family. I find no fault in that. Always she was kind and loved your father. When I look at you now, I see him so clearly. You look just as he did.”
“Nohek Asmaa has mentioned the same. He and my father were friends.”
“I know,” Allister said, shifting in his seat. “Did Haden ever mention your grandfather?”
“If he knew, he never told Droxahn or me.”
Allister nodded. “Your father did know, and we spoke about it often. It’s because of his father that Haden and I were close. I hope that it can be the same with Droxahn and you.”
“You knew my grandfather, too?”
“We both knew, Ahvixx.”
The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy Page 139