The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy

by Aaron-Michael Hall

“Who was he? Was he from Nazil also?”

  “Your grandfather’s name was Clinton. Know that he did everything he could for your father, but he was married and couldn’t commit fully.”

  “Clinton?”

  “Yes.” Allister glanced at the men in the room. When he felt Hushar caress his hand, he took a deep breath, meeting Ahvixx’s eyes.

  “Clinton d’Garrion was both Haden’s father and mine.”

  Scouts

  Molag’s spies watched the warriors’ approach. They kept a careful distance, observing the Jasiri marching past their position. The wagons traversed the path, with warriors flanking on either side. Their approach was slow and deliberate, observing the faint scorch marks, denoting where Brahanu’s caravan had been ambushed.

  While the spies observed the warriors, so did the Jasiri scouts watch them. They moved silently from tree to tree, using hand gestures for covert communication.

  “We must warn Molag,” Adaryn whispered.

  “No. He’d be wantin’ their numbers,” Dorran said. “We’re needin’ to learn more ‘afore we tell him.”

  Adaryn nodded, turning back to the road. “I ain’t never seen no men like these. Do ya think them witches in the wood sent them demons here?”

  “Molag might know. He ain’t been the same since he come back. He’s knowin’ lots of things.”

  “There’s more’n I can count,” Adaryn said, raising his head to make the attempt.

  “I counted ‘bout four score,” Cedric said, coming alongside.

  “What ‘bout them carts?” Adaryn asked. “Did ya see anythin’ inside?”

  “If’n there is, that’s ‘bout double. Ya see any weapons?” Cedric asked.

  “It looks like they gots some swords and spears of some kind. Could be more wit’ in them carts though.”

  Adaryn regarded the two men and then looked back at the road. “There ain’t but two at the end. They’s far ‘nough off that we could get ‘em and take ‘em to Molag.”

  “We ain’t s’pose to do nothin’, Adaryn. Molag said to watch.”

  “He’s wantin’ a report too, Cedric. I ain’t never seen the likes of ‘em, and it’s too many comin’ for nothin’. We’re needin’ to find out why. Hells, we ain’t gots ‘nough men to fight ‘em.”

  Cedric led the scouting party, but Adaryn was right. Molag would want to know everything about the men moving toward Nazil. Since leaving Spero, they’d trekked straight toward the white city. If they were more reinforcements for Nazil, he wondered from whence they came. Nazil was littered with savages, taking positions previously reserved for loyal Nazilians.

  With that thought, Cedric considered Adaryn’s suggestion. But if they failed in the attempt, they’d give away their position.

  He shook his head, staring at the redoubtable men. Cedric wasn’t willing to risk his life in such a dangerous pursuit.

  He nearly fell from his perch as the crowned eagle screeched, circling their position. The men sank lower beneath the branches in an effort to become invisible. They’d never seen such a massive bird, and as it glided closer to their hiding place, they noticed the obsidian head and talon coverings.

  “That ain’t no natural bird,” Cedric said, cowering lower.

  The eagle squawked again, descending toward where they hid. Their hearts raced, waving their hands in a futile attempt to send the bird fleeing. Instead, it landed gracefully atop the tree, releasing a deafening screech.

  The men held their breath, noticing the caravan halt. For many long moments, they watched the warriors move and point, praying that they weren’t discovered. Adaryn gripped the hilt of his sword, wiping the beading sweat from his brow. He nearly toppled when the eagle squawked again, taking to the skies.

  “We ain’t doin’ nothin’,” Cedric whispered as loud as he dared. “Did ya see the armor on the bird? Them witches sent it fer sure. We gots to get back to Yarah.”

  The other two didn’t argue. They waited until the caravan passed before daring to leave their hidden position. Each man dropped from their perch, crouching in the grass.

  When Cedric signaled to flee, he gasped, stumbling back a step.

  A slender pole stood in their path, the red feathers attached to its end blowing in the breeze.

  “They was here,” Cedric breathed, pulling the pole from the ground. “They could’a kilt us right here and we never knew they was there.”

  With that realization, he dropped the pole, sprinting back to his mount.

  Lesson in Loyalty

  “Don’t be a fool, Velnic. The Benoists have no love for you or Nazil. Your loyalties are misplaced.”

  “Pentanimir and Danimore have always been honorable men and friends to me. I thought to you as well. Why now would I think them otherwise?”

  “Why?” Ladir asked, checking the corridor. “Were you not here when those demons and their beasts destroyed our city and murdered our Zaxson?”

  “No. Draizeyn began this war, not Pentanimir. He’s done nothing to our detriment. Nazil thrives now, and my own purse has increased.”

  Ladir scoffed. “You think the Benoists are your friends? What about Nikolina? She died by their hands, and the babe that savage holds to her breast is the child of your former pledged. What honor was there in that?”

  Velnic’s eyes narrowed. Allister had spoken to him not long ago regarding their pledge. Even with her pregnancy, Velnic had still planned to marry her, despite the protests from his family. Some of Ladir’s words rang true, and that truth stung.

  “You know little and less, Ladir.”

  “I know that Danimore offered a pledge to Nikolina, and then dishonored her first by marrying that savage whore, and again by taking her maidenhead when he learned of your interest. He raped Nikolina and forced her to carry his bastard.”

  “Lies.” The word came out as a hiss. “Danimore didn’t rape Nikolina. Those vile acts were reserved for the Vereuxs,” Velnic paused, meeting Ladir’s eyes. “And those who did their bidding. Or have you forgotten Beilzen’s fate?”

  “Watch your tongue, guard of Nazil,” Ladir said, threateningly.

  “It’s you who should watch your own. By order or no, you were the rapist, not Danimore. Beilzen’s wounds plague him still, and all the guard has heard about the pleasure you took in such depravity. Tell me: is it true that Daracus desired the same from you?”

  With that, Ladir grabbed him by the collar, slamming him against the wall. When he attempted to lift Velnic off the ground, Ladir winced at the pressure on his weakened wrist. “I’m not one to trifle with. Speak more your words and find my sword at your throat.”

  Velnic looked him up and down, shaking his head. After pushing off from his grasp, he straightened his collar, backing away.

  “Unlike you, I’ve spoken with Allister d’Garrion. Taking in the babe was a kindness, and Allister has told me the same. He was unable to care for him, and the Nakshij offered to assist. That further shows the Benoists integrity.

  “It’s pitiful that you’d attempt to despoil Danimore’s name in this manner. I thought you were of better character, Ladir. Is it not enough that I’ve lost Nikolina? Would you have me thrown in the cells, too?”

  Ladir sneered, glancing around. “If my words ring false, mayhaps there’s another you’d believe. He knows the truths of the Benoists and the pythonesses they serve.”

  “What’s that to mean?”

  “Do you not see the changes around you? Pentanimir might’ve promoted you, but he allows only the savages near his family. Most Nazilians aren’t even permitted on the levels of their chambers. Ask Elodie and find the truth in my words. They elevate the humans while assigning Nazilians the role of servants.”

  “Nakaris Middleton is Second Chosen and trains the guard. He also led the retinue charged with protecting the Zaontras’ caravan. If Pentanimir didn’t trust Nazilians, why would he charge them with the care of his wife and children? Besides, you were granted a public challenge and an opportunity to join the
Chosen.”

  “Only after they unleashed the savage upon me! Had I not feared for my family’s safety, I would’ve killed the slave.”

  “Symeon Yego?” Velnic chuckled. “You think your prowess is a match for the First Chosen?”

  “It’s more than a match for you.”

  “And you question why most Nazilian guards aren’t charged with the Benoists’ protection. Was it not these same guards that made an attempt on the Zaontras and her son? Tell me, Ladir, had the same been true with your wife and child, would you so readily trust those who committed such an egregious offense?”

  “You’d turn your back on Nazil?” he retorted, ignoring the question.

  “No. Never would I do so, but perpetrating acts of treason won’t benefit our city or the welfare of Nazilians as a whole. I care little whether the Zaxson has a human wife or no. What I do care about are these lands and my place in them,” he said, stepping forward. “If you’d allow your eyes to see, Nazil stands better now than it has in years. Too much has already been lost. Why can’t you release this hatred and enjoy the blessings of the Four?”

  “You’re a fool. Your love of the Benoists has blinded you from the truth.”

  “No, Ladir, but your hatred of them has caused you to create your own.” He shook his head. “I won’t tell anyone about our conversation, and pray you again find your mind. But I’ll hear no more from you or those with a like heart. The lands are changing, Ladir, and I welcome that change,” he finished, walking away.

  Ladir’s eyes narrowed, lunging forward and grabbing him from behind.

  “Have you lost your mind? Release me!”

  “No. Never will you tell,” Ladir whispered, unsheathing his dagger. When Velnic felt the cold steel against his throat, his eyes widened as his hand shot up.

  The tip of the blade dug into his neck, slicing the hand wedged between it. Ladir tightened his grasp, forcing the dagger in deeper.

  Velnic called out, feeling the bite of the blade and the blood pouring from the fresh wound. He thrust his head back into Ladir’s face, hoping he’d loosen his hold. It had little effect as they continued to struggle for the dagger.

  Velnic shouted out again, stumbling against the wall. He grabbed Ladir’s weak wrist, twisting while wrenching it back. When Ladir loosened his grasp, Velnic gripped his wrist with both hands, slamming it into the wall. As the dagger fell away, he pushed off, putting some distance between them.

  Velnic’s vision blurred, careening into the wall, and thudding to the floor. When he heard the boots and shouts of the approaching guards, Velnic called out weakly, clutching his throat as the world faded into darkness.

  Naomi

  Ahvixx released a slow and even breath, allowing his eyes to open. He immediately inhaled again, taking the rising steam and fragrance into his lungs. Uncrossing his long legs, he stood, lifting the thurible from its stand. After emptying the incense, he extinguished the seven candles, and then moved to the basin.

  Ahvixx rubbed his dry eyes, taking a long drink from his cup. He was always parched after communing, but this day, it was even more so. He splashed water on his face, organizing the myriad thoughts and images in his mind.

  “Naomi,” he whispered.

  He smiled, reaching for the door’s handle, and exiting his prayer chamber. As soon as he stepped into the corridor, the aromas from the kitchen quickened his pace.

  “What is it that you prepare?” he asked, cinching the ties of his cassock.

  Sahma flinched, giggling as she turned. “I didn’t know you’d finished your meditation. I would’ve brought your tea.”

  “I’ve only just finished. The smell of noon meal and the sound of your sweet voice brought me to the kitchen. My appetite is large, and not just for your meal,” he said, leaning to kiss her. When Sahma leaned away, his smile faded.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Ahvixx, I’m preparing the evening meal now. I didn’t want to disturb you.”

  “Evening meal?”

  “Yes. You didn’t know? The sun has left the skies.”

  “No. I—I didn’t know. It seemed but a short while to me.”

  She led him to a chair, taking a place on his lap. Her fingertips traced the crest on his brow, causing his eyes to glimmer.

  “They’re beautiful,” she said, kissing each of his lids. “All the Guardians’ blessings are.”

  “I didn’t mean to be away from you so long. We seem to have time for everyone except ourselves. This isn’t how I want it to be, Sahma.”

  “You’re here with me, always. There isn’t one night that we don’t sleep in each other’s arms. I treasure that, Ahvixx, just as I treasure you.”

  “It isn’t enough. I need more time with you, with us together. I—I’ll hire some attendants. The Zaxson is generous with my earnings, and you deserve much more than I’ve provided. Two attendants should lessen your chores considerably. You won’t need to be here tending our home. We can be together, wherever I might go.”

  “I can’t always be with you. Your importance is greater than mine, Ahvixx. I’m very proud of you and understand how much you’re needed.”

  “You are needed, Sahma. Not only do I need you, I desire you. Always. Of late, it feels as if I only have you in passing.”

  She smiled, flittering her fingers through his hair. “Well, it’s certain that you haven’t had time for me to tend your hair. I do miss it, Ahvixx. Now that it’s grown again, only my fingers can tame it.”

  He was finally able to smile.

  “What has your mind?” she asked, continuing the caress.

  “I’m thinking about when you first came to me. You were barefoot, you know?” He chuckled. “I remember being afraid when you entered my room, afraid of making a connection, of…of feeling anything. But you wouldn’t allow me to hide: not from you, or from myself. Soon after, I yearned to have you with me. When we were apart, Sahma, I didn’t feel whole. I was afraid of that, too. Not only of how I felt about you, but fearing that you could never feel the same.

  “Now, I understand. Because without you, I could not be. We are a part of each other, and my meditation has reiterated that truth, providing a clarity that I’ve never experienced before. The day that you befriended me was truly the beginning of my life. Do you know how special you are, how important you are not only to me, but to all of Faélondul?”

  “It is you who are important, Ahvixx. I remember our days together in Noraa. I loved the gardens, the lake, all of it. But the time I came to your room, the first night that we made love…that was when you truly became a part of me.”

  “That memory will forever remain in the forefront of my mind.” His gaze lowered. “I felt ashamed for dishonoring—”

  “The only dishonor would’ve been your rejection. I was in love with you even then. If I couldn’t have been with you, I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else.”

  When Ahvixx attempted to respond, she silenced him with a kiss. “No, not even Jarin Swayne.”

  “The—there’s more, Sahma. Something was imparted to me during my meditation.”

  “What was it?”

  “I told you about seeing our children when I merged with the Guardians. Do you remember?”

  “I do, Ahvixx, never could I forget.”

  “Again, I have been shown much. It was the transference.”

  “What?”

  “With the AsZar. When we connected with Angelaris and her energies were shared with you.”

  “I remember. It took several suns to recover.”

  “I know,” he said, caressing her cheek. “But it was necessary. Nothing that’s done by the Guardians or the AsZar is ever void of purpose.”

  “What do you mean? What’s to happen?”

  “Only what’s natural.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “The clarification will come. Our first born will be of great significance.”

  “Our son?”

  “No,” Ahvixx said, standing and sco
oping her up in his arms. “Our daughter.”

  Warriors of Nazil

  As the Jasiri continued through the open field, the sky leopard soared high above. Only the enormous shadow and occasional screech of the fearsome flesh-eater gave hint to its location.

  The warriors marched in perfect formation led by the Uzon, Kuhani, and Symeon. Those atop their imposing black steeds were even more daunting. Behind them, the warriors of K’ohshul kept pace, five across and nearly twenty deep. The massive horses pulled the loaded carts as warriors flanked each side, astride their destriers.

  “The white gates of Nazil,” Symeon said as they advanced over the hill.

  The eagle screeched, taking position over them. Once it landed on the protected shoulder of its drahgodeage , Uzon Osei signaled with an upraised hand.

  “Jasiriaah!” he said, raising his assegai into the air.

  The warriors behind them repeated the same, tightening their ranks. With three long blasts from the Ze’Nahd , the men began to trot. Their footfalls were silent, though it seemed that it couldn’t be with the size of the commanding force. Their cloaks moved smoothly behind, casting great shadows in their wake.

  Pentanimir was sitting in his solar with his siblings when he heard the alerting sound from the city walls. He rose up, motioning for everyone to remain silent. His brow creased as he moved to the shuttered window, allowing the outside chill to enter the room. His breath hung heavy in the air while he leaned, listening, and waiting.

  The city’s horns didn’t sound often, but Pentanimir had left strict orders for the guards manning the wall. In succession, the horns from each guard tower sounded one short burst, creating a cascading rhythm that echoed around the city.

  “They’ve come,” he said.

  Temian nodded as they filed out of the chamber, giving instructions to the guards. Pentanimir retrieved his gold and pearl cloak, fastening the tight clasp. As he pulled on his leather gloves, Ephron brought their mounts around the front of the citadel.

  After helping Thalassa upon her horse, he swiftly mounted his own, taking a place beside his siblings.

  “Brother, are you certain that you should greet them? Riding out without the protection of the guard isn’t wise, not even within the city,” Danimore said.