“You mean Raithym.”
She smiled, watching Raithym chasing Ayrmeis around the garden. “He ain’t the only one, but my Rai-Rai’s special fer sure.”
“We been knowin’ that from the beginnin’. You and Zeta was always close. It’s fit’n that the same would be with her son.”
“I guess so. I’m just hopin’ he’ll be all right. They ain’t told me much ‘bout anythin’ concernin’ these changes, but this ain’t natural. I’m just glad I get to spend some extra time with him since he’s growin’ up so fast.”
“I’m not knowin’, either, but he’s seems fine to me. Well, other than his age, that is. If’n he was ail’n, Zeta never would’a ask ya to watch him while she went to Noraa. All this gots somethin’ to do with them Guardians, I hear.”
“I heard the same. Still, folks been plenty worried ‘round here lately.” She turned on her side, propping up on an elbow. “You seen them new guards? Jasidri, I think they’s called.”
“You can’t miss ‘em. They just glare at ya when ya pass like they’re just waitin’ fer ya to do somethin’.”
She chuckled. “I like ‘em bein’ here. They remind me of Symeon, just not as handsome. They’s from the same place, you know? Symeon said it’s called K’ohshul.”
“Symeon? Ya—ya still, I mean, is he…” Micah sighed, trying to mask his disappointment. “I didn’t think ya talked to him much anymore.”
“I don’t get a chance to much. He’s been busy or gone somewheres, but I see him from time to time.”
Micah slid closer, clearing his throat. “Well, there’s some things I’d like to do if’n ya want. I—I been thinkin’ ‘bout what ya said a bit ago, and—and I’d like to take ya to that market. If’n they’s got that cloth yer wantin’ we can get some while we’s there.”
“Cloth?”
“Ya mentioned it afore and—and I didn’t have no coin then. But I’ve been savin’ up, and I’d like to get it if’n you’d like.”
“Really, Micah?” she said, sitting up. “That’s sweet, but I can’t—”
“Ceron!” Raithym said, running and ducking behind her. He dodged left and right, clutching onto her shoulders. “He’s trying to hit me with the ball!”
Ayrmeis laughed, running toward them. “You hit me first, Raithym. Come back over here!”
“All right, you two, that’s ‘bout ‘nough,” Ceron said, giggling as they circled around her, causing Micah to fall over.
She grabbed Raithym around his waist, tickling him into submission. Ayrmeis attacked then, pouncing on top of him.
“It’s not fair!” Raithym laughed. “It’s two against one. Micah, help me!”
Micah laughed, beginning to tickle Ayrmeis until he ceased his attack. As they rolled across the grass, Micah hit something hard.
“Sir—Sir Yego,” Micah said, struggling to stand. “We’s didn’t know ya was there.”
Ceron smiled, straightening her hair. “Symeon, did—did you need me for somethin’?”
Symeon returned her smile, inclining his head. “Ceron, Micah, I didn’t mean to interrupt your time. I came to retrieve Ayrmeis for his training.”
When Ceron’s smile faded, Symeon offered out his hand, helping her up. “However, if you’d like, I could meet you for a while after.”
“I—I would.”
“Come, Ayrmeis. We have much to do.”
“Yes, sir Yego,” Ayrmeis said, taking a place beside him. “I’ll get you later, Raithym.”
“Not if I get you first!”
“Excuse us,” Symeon said, leading Ayrmeis from the garden.
Micah stared at Ceron, watching the two leave.
“Ceron,” Raithym said, bringing her back to the moment. “Do you have any sweets for me?”
“Oh, Rai-Rai.” She smiled. “I’ll always have sweets for ya.”
Walk in the Gardens
“It was lovely, Perrin, thank you,” Hushar said.
“I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed walking in the garden, and I appreciate you accepting the invitation.”
“The pleasure is mine, truly. The citadel gardens are lavish, but I think I prefer it here. I love the peace and privacy.” She smiled. “And the company, of course.”
“As do I. In times past, I used to come here often, but with so much darkness surrounding us, it seemed to lose all beauty.”
“That’s when you should’ve planted more colorful blossoms: creating your own beauty in a land nearly devoid of it.”
“Mayhaps once the cold season is fully behind us, it’s a project that we can share, I mean, if you’d like to join me.”
“I would, Perrin. I love taking care of the children in the citadel, but having time for myself is much needed. Especially when the company is so pleasant.”
His smile grew. Perrin enjoyed her company, as he would’ve years past. In her youth, Hushar had been stunning. Her olive complexion, raven hair, and hazel eyes were beautiful. They were still beautiful. Howbeit, his attraction to her was far beyond physical beauty. Hushar had always been a special woman, and he realized that even more now. At that, he glanced over at her again.
Wasted years , he thought, resting a hand over hers.
“When will Beilzen return?” she asked.
“Not for some time. He and Dalia should arrive before evening meal. Why do you ask?”
“Is Lydia on an errand or here?”
Perrin’s brow creased. “She’s here.”
“Oh. I thought that we were alone.”
He paused, trying not to misinterpret her statements. He didn’t want to assume anything, or allow his desire to taint his perception.
“There—there are some items we need from the market. Lydia could retrieve them now if you’d like some privacy.”
“I do,” she said, softly.
Perrin blushed, his body tingling with the vivid thoughts assailing his mind. Whatever she wanted at that moment, he’d willingly provide.
“I’ll send her right away,” he said, ushering Hushar through the doors and leading her to the divan. Moments later, both Perrin and Lydia entered. Hushar watched as his attendant donned her cloak, leaving them alone.
After latching the door, Perrin ran his suddenly trembling fingers through his hair.
“Is—is there something that you wanted to discuss privately?” he asked, taking a seat beside her. “I’ve given Lydia leave to visit with her family after retrieving what’s needed from the market. We shouldn’t be disturbed.”
Hushar slid closer, taking his hand in hers. She understood his reaction to not only her, but also the boldness of her request. It was obvious that he was attracted to her, and that was intriguing. Perrin was one of the few Nazilians that she’d ever consider pursuing a relationship with. After her recent breakdown over Manifir’s betrayal and her enslavement, Hushar hadn’t been certain that she’d ever be interested in such closeness again.
But Perrin was dissimilar from even Allister. She wanted to truly know him, and begin enjoying her life again.
Leaning in closer, Hushar softly touched her lips to his. Unlike Allister, Perrin appeared more diffident toward her advances. Hushar thought she understood why, and appreciated the restraint. The first intimacies she and Allister shared were more for comfort than satisfaction. However, those intimacies had awakened that part of her again, and she intended on savoring each moment, as she had in her youth.
“Perrin, I think you know that I’m attracted to you,” she began. “Neither of us is young nor naïve. However, I have to be honest with you. Allister d’Garrion and I have grown close, and I don’t intend upon discontinuing our relationship. Not now. He’s still healing, and needs me at his side.
“Know that when I’m with you, there’s only you. Allister is more of a special friend, but my attraction for you is much deeper.”
Perrin nodded, already considering that much to be true. In truth, he had no right to protest. He’d been aware of Allister and Hushar’s relationship when he
’d contemplated his own.
“Do you love Allister?”
“I do, but not as you might think. Allister is special to me, Perrin, just as you are. Can you accept my relationship with Allister while we begin to build our own?”
Perrin forced a smile. “I—I wish your heart could be mine alone, but I understand that it’s too soon for such commitments. I’ve spent years considering…well, hoping…wanting.” He sighed. “Regardless of anything or anyone else, I won’t forswear any relationship that we might share.”
“Nor will I,” Hushar said, drawing him in for a kiss.
Perrin returned her affections, desperately trying to control the placement of his hands. As she slid her hand down his torso, caressing, he leaned away, meeting her eyes.
“My—my chamber?” he asked, hoping her intimate touch gave hint to her desire.
Hushar nodded, standing from the divan. Perrin accepted her outstretched hand, leading her down the corridor. Conflicting thoughts swirled through his mind, and he could barely contain his anxiety once they entered his room.
After securing the door, he turned, seeing Hushar approaching his bed. He swallowed hard, realizing what was to come and with whom.
“You—you’re certain?”
Hushar motioned him toward her, unclasping her top. He wouldn’t take the initiative, allowing Hushar to decide what was next to come. When she reached for his laces, that was confirmation of her desire…and his.
♦
Perrin kissed her again before moving to her side. “I’ve desired you for so long,” he said, breathlessly. “Not just to make love to you, Hushar, but all of you. Every part that you’re willing to share with me.”
“Not since Manifir have I felt like this.” Hushar took a steadying breath, rising to an elbow. “How—”
“Because not since Manifir has anyone wanted to please you like I do.” Perrin gently pushed her to the bed, moving over her. “Or like I’m going to do again.”
Many Moving Parts
Guards pressed themselves against the walls as Pentanimir and Symeon ran past. They continued their rapid pace, with Symeon glancing at Pentanimir from the corner of his eye.
Ever since they’d received the missive from Yarah, the Zaxson hadn’t been himself. Symeon had seen a range of emotions from him since his time as First Chosen, but never anything like this.
Anger or despondency, he could understand, but this was something more. Symeon feared that Eithrig’s attack had penetrated too deeply. Not due to any affinity Pentanimir held toward the man, though Eithrig was certainly respected. It was more the escalation of events that Pentanimir felt helpless to prevent.
Nazil needed a great leader, but Pentanimir’s empathy was beginning to supersede his perspicacity. In this, both were needed, and Symeon had to discover a way to remind Pentanimir of the same.
“I’m sorry to have disturbed your time,” Pentanimir said, taking the steps three at a time.
“This takes precedence, Zaxson. We’ll need to plan a strategic response to this latest attack. However, we must be sagacious. Molag is certainly expecting some response. If not, he wouldn’t have abducted someone who openly supports you, and is a friend to your family. Moving with haste could be detrimental.”
Pentanimir paused, catching his breath. “You may be right, but we must act. Molag isn’t merely a danger to my family, he’s a threat to all Faélondul. This attack was deliberate, and I’m going to ensure that he answers for it.”
“On this, we both agree. Urdan Swayne has assigned most of his guard to locate and apprehend Molag.”
“He has, but they haven’t been successful. People are protecting this murderer because of their disdain for me. They don’t understand what Molag is or the evil that’s inside of him. Mayhaps if I traveled to Yarah myself. I could—”
“I can’t allow that, Zaxson,” Symeon said, respectfully. “As head of your personal guard, I’d have to advise against it. That might be exactly the response that Molag hopes to provoke in you.
“Your greatest strength doesn’t lie in your prowess as a Chosen, your integrity, or your leadership. None of that would matter if your mind and heart weren’t aligned. Listen to your heart, but use your mind to consider all your options. What could be gained by your presence in Yarah?”
Pentanimir took a deep breath, meeting Symeon’s eyes.
“Now consider what could be lost.” Symeon rested a hand on his shoulder. “Everything.”
“All right,” Pentanimir relented. “But we must respond. First, they attacked my family, then the d’Garrions, Nigel and the Cha. It’s too much, Symeon. Nikolina was no less than murdered by this—this creature. Molag must be found, and soon.”
“I agree, but there are other ways to proceed. We know that he has some powerful allies, correct?”
“Yes, but that means little. Without knowing who they are, we’re no closer to apprehending him.”
“I’m not suggesting that we search for his allies, I’m suggesting that we appeal to his common followers. These are the men he uses as fodder for his attacks. And these are the men that could be persuaded to betray him.”
Pentanimir’s eyes narrowed, darting back and forth. “How so?”
“A reward. We could post some proclamations asking for information. I’m certain that at least a few of these men would gladly trade their allegiance for gold.”
Pentanimir nodded. “I agree. From what’s been reported, these men are probably from the lowers. We need but one to provide us with useful information.”
“Indeed, but I feel we’ll have more than one wanting to claim the reward.”
“That would solve one issue in Yarah, but what about Nazil? Ladir is the only guard that we know who’s in league with Molag. He insists that he’s not aware of any other, but the word from Yarah speaks to the contrary. There are guards here in the citadel plotting their treachery.”
“Mayhaps Nigel will be more forthcoming,” Symeon said. “He was the Cha’s main liaison, and recruited Ladir to his cause. He could be persuaded to supply a list of the guards who were receptive to his rhetoric.”
Pentanimir grinned, continuing down the hall. “He could, at that. Do you know his current status?”
“Temian reported that Nigel has begun eating solid foods. He’ll be well enough to be released soon, but it wouldn’t be in our best interest to do so.”
“No, I have no plans to release him now. Not only could it jeopardize our efforts, but his safety is in question. If anyone learned of his assistance to us, he could find a sword in his back. Nigel was a swordsman of some skill, but with his injuries, he couldn’t defend against a child.”
“You speak true,” Symeon said, pushing open the doors of the meeting hall.
“Forgive our tardiness,” Pentanimir said. “We have some pertinent business to discuss.”
“That’s all we’ve had of late, Brother,” Thalassa said, filling their cups.
“It is, and I’ve grown weary of it. However, we knew that this transition wouldn’t be immediate or simple.” Pentanimir sipped his wine, and then brought the meeting to order. “Temian, how’s the construction of the new towers proceeding?”
“Slowly. The ground is beginning to thaw, but the cold season isn’t at an end. We’ve followed Nzuri’s map and found the openings, but the snow was deep in most of the locations. The men managed to uncover and locate the entrances, but I wouldn’t recommend surveying them until the cold has passed.”
“I tend to agree. Once the towers are in place, I’d like the Jasiri to man them. Is that acceptable, Uzon Osei?”
“We’ve come to assist, Zaxson. If you feel the Jasiri a better choice for the towers, it will be so.”
“I do. Your men are invaluable to Nazil. If they man the towers, they won’t miss any coming threat. In fact, they’d quell the threat before it could even manifest.”
“You honor us, Zaxson.”
“I speak only the truth. This, I must remind my First C
hosen of often,” Pentanimir said, glancing at Symeon.
“Uzon, Ahvixx mentioned an elixir of sorts that you administered to Ayrmeis.”
“I did. It’s the essence of the isle. All warriors partake of it in their youth. Ayrmeis might appear mostly Nazilian, but his heart is that of the Jasiri. If he’s to be trained as a warrior, so must he partake in the rituals associated with it.”
Pentanimir looked bemused, turning to regard Symeon.
“It’s from the natural spring of the Xatari Mountains,” Symeon said. “The waters there are blessed by the eldest priest, Drah’kuu Malachi, and combined with various herbs and roots. Each year, barrels are buried in the sacred temple grounds and remain for four seasons. Only then may one partake of the essence. We do so during our rituals until reaching the age of amzi . All warriors ingest the essence, just as we now receive the nectar of the beasts.”
“Will there be enough for Ayrmeis to continue?”
“Yes,” Uzon Osei said. “I’ve brought enough for the next three seasons.”
“I’m grateful, Uzon.”
“Nzuri,” Pentanimir continued. “I’d like you to send a message to Yarah on the morrow. We are offering five-hundred gold pieces for information leading to Molag’s capture.”
“Five-hundred?” Danimore asked. “A third should be more than enough.”
“Perhaps, but we need to convey the seriousness of his apprehension.”
“I’ll make it so,” Nzuri said. “There have also been several men asking to join the temple. They’re Nazilian.”
“Nazilians would join the temple of the Guardians? What are their names?”
“That, they didn’t share with my helding. They should return at midday in two suns.”
“Keep me informed, Nzuri. There are many moving parts, and we can’t afford to overlook even the smallest detail.”
“Yes, Zaxson. We also received a bird from Noraa,” Nzuri said. “Aizen and Droxahn plan to visit Nazil.”
“When, Nzuri?”
“At the first full warming. They’ll be traveling with Emet and his promised, Maisha.”
“Your brother’s getting married?” Temian asked.
“Indeed. They plan to do so during the planting season.”
The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy Page 145