“This is much welcomed news.” Pentanimir smiled. “I’ll look forward to celebrating their bonding.”
“As will I.”
“How are Allister’s and Perrin’s transitions?” Pentanimir asked.
“They’ve done well,” Temian said. “But for reasons I’ve yet to discern, both men spend far too much time in my mother’s company.”
“I think you know full well why.” Thalassa chuckled. “It would seem Mother has admirers here in Nazil.”
Temian nearly scowled, causing more than one in the room to snicker.
“With that, I think we should adjourn for the day,” Pentanimir said, still chuckling. “I’ve promised my First Chosen some much-needed time with his wife.”
“Thank you, Zaxson,” Symeon said.
♦
Symeon was the last to exit the hall. Although he wanted to be with Sarai, he was apprehensive about what to say to her.
Recently, they hadn’t had much time together, and with his extended duties, they’d have even less. He continuously weighed what he needed to say against what he wanted to.
The more the thoughts cascaded through his mind, the slower his pace became. Soon, he stopped, looking down the long corridor. After a few moments, Symeon turned, heading in the opposite direction.
When he entered the nursery, his suspicions were confirmed. Sarai sat holding the now four-year-old Ayrmeis. When he giggled, kissing Sarai’s cheek, Symeon stepped forward, staring down at them.
Although most of Ayrmeis’ features were Nazilian, it didn’t seem to matter. When he was first born, he’d looked much like his mother. Now, with the age progression, his features began to change. But Symeon didn’t register those changes, not internally. When he looked at Ayrmeis, he saw only the son that he should’ve had.
“First Chosen,” Hushar said, shaken. “Uhm…I didn’t know that you were coming.” She looked at Sarai, reaching for Ayrmeis’ hand. “Please excuse us,” she continued, ushering Tardison and Raithym along to the adjoining room.
“Symeon, I—”
“You don’t need to explain anything to me, Sarai. Ayrmeis is your son, and you love him. Your heart cannot withstand such a separation, and I felt this from the beginning. He’ll always be a part of you.”
“Not any longer,” she lamented, accepting his embrace. “Can’t anyone else prepare Ayrmeis? Is this a burden that you alone must bear?”
“This is no burden to me. I was honored when the AsZar asked me to prepare Ayrmeis. We do share a connection, Sarai, just as he shares with you.”
“But what about this babe?” she asked, resting his hand on her rounded womb.
“I’ll love it just as I love its mother. When will you believe? My obligations to Ayrmeis won’t hinder or change the love of our coming child. How could you think so?”
“I—I’ve seen you with him, with Ayrmeis. It’s not merely his preparation. There’s something more between you.”
“I won’t deny that, but neither can you.”
“You’re not angry that I spend so much time with him?”
Symeon couldn’t help but laugh, scooping her up in his arms. “Ayrmeis is your son. Had circumstances been different, he’d be mine as well. Whatever bond you share with him should be nurtured and cherished. There’s too much hate surrounding us to not allow true love to flourish.”
Hushar smiled, overhearing their conversation. As she knelt in front of Ayrmeis, she gently stroked his cheek.
“Sarai loves you very much.”
“Momma.”
“Yes, little one. Momma.”
Past Associations
Allister removed his spectacles, setting the parchment aside. He appreciated his new position in the temple, although the work was tedious. He needed something to keep his mind off Nikolina and how she’d looked when last he’d seen her.
The images disturbed his sleep, and Allister’s appearance spoke much of that. His only joy was visiting his grandson and spending time with Hushar. He was beginning to heal, but much lay ahead.
“Are you certain, Dalinda?”
“I am, milord.”
“But you said that she was from Yarah?”
“That’s what she said.”
Allister shook his head, moving toward his wardrobe. “A human? From Yarah?” He sighed. “All right, show her to the solar, and bring a tray. I’ll be there shortly.”
Once she’d left, Allister changed his tunic, and brushed his thinning hair. After glimpsing himself in the mirror, he went to meet his guest.
When Allister entered the solar, he was surprised. Not only was the woman human, but also familiar to him.
“Sir d’Garrion.” She curtsied.
“Yes. Nena? Is that correct?”
“It is, milord.”
“Please, please sit, Nena. Or should I address you as ‘my lady’.”
“No, milord, I’m no lady. I used to serve in Yarah.”
“For whom did you serve?” he asked, motioning to the divan.
“I served the home of Lady Rosemary Blalock.”
His eyes widened, scrutinizing her closely. “Rosemary?”
“Yes, milord. For the past fifteen years.”
“This is why you seem familiar. You served my daughter’s home?”
“I did, but no longer. Twice I’ve served you in milady’s home.”
“Is she doing well, did she send you?”
“Lady Blalock is quite well, but she didn’t send me.”
Allister took a deep breath, trying to hide his apprehension. After Nikolina’s death, he’d sent a message to both his daughters, but neither had come to visit. His eldest, Catherine, had sent a message, but he’d heard nothing since.
“Why then have you come?”
“After the laws were in place, I decided to end my service,” she said, shifting uncomfortably. “Lord Blalock’s attentions have been aimed toward me of late. I felt it would be better to find another home to serve.”
“What’s that to mean?”
“I just thought it best to leave. Your daughter spoke about you often during my time in her service. Both times you visited her home, you were courteous to the servants. That isn’t something easily forgotten.”
“I see, but I fail to understand what this has to do with me. I’d think you’d want to rejoin your family. I’m at a loss as to why you chose to come here.”
“I lost my mother many years ago, and have no other family that I know of. I’ve only known Yarah, milord.”
Allister considered that, finally understanding. “Nena, I already have an attendant for my home. It’s only me here, and Dalinda has served my family for years.”
“I—I don’t need any coin, milord, only a place to sleep. I’m able to do more than just tend the house, and even know how to read. Your daughter ensured that we learned how to communicate proper.
“I could even help in the stable or go to the market. I know that I can help here if you’d allow. Please, I don’t have any place, and used all my coin to buy passage to Nazil.”
He sighed. “Have you thought about the temple? They’re in need of attendants to cook and clean for the priests. When I take leave on the morrow, you can accompany me. The High Priest, Nzuri, might be able to find a place for you. For now, I’ll take you to the kitchen. Dalinda will show you to a room and a place where you can bathe.”
“Thank you, milord.”
♦
Nena folded and stacked the linens, gathering them up in her arms. As she continued down the corridor, she thought about her conversation with Allister. He’d ensured her that she was his guest, but she didn’t feel comfortable sitting idle.
As she passed Allister’s study, she paused, hearing a soft groan as he massaged his temples. She started away, but then stopped, tapping on his open door.
“Beg pardon, milord. I don’t mean to interrupt, but it looks like you’re having some pain,” she said, stepping into the room.
“It’ll pass. Dalinda
has gone to fetch what I need.”
Nena set the linens down, taking a position behind him. “Allow me,” she said, gently massaging his scalp. Before he could protest, he moaned, his head lolling as she deftly continued her work.
Nena’s fingers glided over his temples, and then down his neck before sliding up to his scalp again.
“Oh, that’s divine, Nena. Your fingers work miracles,” he murmured, feeling the pain ease.
“When I was young, my mother suffered from horrible headaches. At times, I’d have to massage her half the day. When I was older, I started using oils and extracts that aided in her relaxation. I have some in my bag. If you’d like, I could get them for you.”
Allister’s eyes blinked open. “Oh…well…no. I appreciate it, Nena, but you’ve done quite enough. The pain is all but gone, and Dalinda will return soon. You don’t serve here, and I—”
“I know,” she interrupted. “But you’ve given me a place for the evening. The least I could do is to help relieve your pain. Please, I’d like to help.”
Allister sighed, nodding reluctantly.
“Thank you, milord. I’ll put the linens away and then get my bag. Which bedchamber is yours?”
“Bedchamber?” His head snapped up.
“Yes. You’ll need to remove your top and lie down on the bed. The massage works best if I can move down your shoulders and lower back. You’ll see. After I’ve begun, you’ll never want it to end.” She smiled, moving out the room.
Allister stared out the door, shaking his head. As her footfalls became distant, he pushed up from the chair, and headed to his room.
After opening the door as wide as it would go, he removed his tunic, and sat on the edge of his bed. He wasn’t certain what her motives were, and grew more anxious with each passing moment. He hoped that this wasn’t some attempt at seduction in order to gain his favor. He’d been manipulated and used enough, and his relationship with Hushar was too important to jeopardize. Although neither of them was ready for a permanent situation, he valued their friendship and the time they spent together.
“Milord,” Nena said, approaching the bed. “Do these hurt?”
Allister flinched, feeling her hands gliding over his chest. He’d forgotten about the scarring still present from his past abuse.
“No. Not anymore.”
“I could mix a salve for you. It would take some time, but the scars will begin to fade.”
“Mayhaps,” he said, forcing the best smile that he could. Talking about his scars, brought forth memories that he didn’t want to think about. He was finally starting to mend, and wanted to focus on the future. Not the past.
“Where do you need me to be?”
Nena pointed to the middle of the bed, removing supplies from her bag. Once Allister had lain down, she raised up her dress, straddling his waist. He tensed, staring up at her until she rubbed oil into her palms, beginning his massage.
“That smell,” he said, inhaling. “I know that smell.”
“Yes. I boil many herbs and roots for the oil. Mainly, there’s lavender, citrus, and geranium. That’s probably what you smell.”
“Yes…yes.” He smiled. “The lavender is my favorite. My late wife scented her water and hair. Our bed always smelled of lavender.”
“I can prepare some lavender essence to use in your wash and bath. Your linens would smell of it, and relax you into sleep.”
“I’d like that very much. Thank you.”
“It’s my pleasure,” she said, moving to his side. “I need you on your stomach.”
Allister said nothing, turning over in the bed. He closed his eyes, enjoying the scented oils and her relaxing massage.
When his eyes opened again, he was alone.
“Nena?” he said, wiping the weariness from his eyes. Allister rose up, looking around the empty room. Noticing the position of the sun, he quickly dressed, rushing to his solar.
“Pardons, Hushar,” he said, bending to kiss her cheek. “Forgive my tardiness.”
“It’s all right. Nena has been keeping me company. She mentioned that you were resting after your massage. Are you feeling better?”
He chuckled, nervously. “I am. I certainly didn’t intend upon falling asleep. I must’ve been more tired than I thought.”
“You needed the rest, Allister. I’m glad that she was able to assist you. Even your coloring looks better.”
“I feel better, too. Much stronger than I have in several full moons.”
“Will Nena be staying here with you?”
“No, I’m taking her to the temple on the morrow to meet with the High Priest. He might have a position for her there.”
“What about you?”
“Me? I have Dalinda. I don’t need another attendant.”
“I’m not talking about Nena staying as an attendant. She could remain here as a companion. From what she says, she doesn’t have anywhere else to go, and she speaks very fondly of you.”
“She knows little and less about me, I assure.”
“Not true. You’re the reason she came to Nazil, Allister. She recalls how you treated the attendants when you visited Yarah. The way you dealt with them displeased your daughter, and she hasn’t forgotten that. Nena knows your character, and she admires that in you.”
“Rosemary’s mother didn’t approve of my acceptance and familiarity with humans, this is true.”
“Listen to me,” she said, taking his hand. “Allow Nena to stay for a while and learn more about her. She seems like a lovely young woman, and may be able to fill a void that you’re not even aware of.”
“I don’t know. I have no need—”
“The need is there. At least wait a few suns before escorting her to the temple. Having someone here to talk with could be beneficial. No, you don’t need another attendant, you need another friend.”
Jarin Swayne
“Who did you say accompanied him?” Jarin asked the attendant.
“The Associate Chancellor’s wife and son, and Lord and Lady Ahllendale,” he repeated.
Jarin’s eyes widened as his heart raced. “Please, show them in,” he said, standing and checking his appearance.
“Mayhaps I should meet with the envoys in private,” Urdan said. “Aren’t you supposed to accompany Gwendolyn to the gardens?”
“Gwendolyn can wait. The Zaxson doesn’t send emissaries to Yarah often. Would you have me offend our distinguished guests in order to placate my wife?”
“Jarin, you know that isn’t what I meant. This meeting with Lord de Braose and Lord Ahllendale is of great importance. However, Lady Ahllendale is where your interest lies. If you don’t want to escort Gwendolyn, so be it. Either way, I’d rather meet with the emissaries myself. Please send word for Aronin to join me.”
“You’d forbid me from attending this meeting?”
“And you’re aware of my reasoning. I’ll be sure to inform you of what we discuss. The Zaxson has a plan to capture Molag. That is our focus, not fawning over a lost love.”
“A lost love? She was stolen from me!” He was livid, wanting to say more, but the light taps on the door interrupted him.
Jarin greeted Beilzen and Ahvixx, though he no longer cared for Sahma’s dear friend . She was the last to enter the room, and he smiled, feeling a warmth consuming him.
“Lady Ahllendale,” he said, kissing her hand. “It’s been too long since we’ve been honored with your company.”
“Thank you, Lord Swayne. I’m pleased to be back in Yarah.”
Jarin nodded, leading her to a seat at the table. When he noticed his father’s stare, he quickly pulled out a chair for Dalia as well. “Lady de Braose, you’re looking beautiful as always.”
“Thank you, Lord Swayne,” she said, taking her seat.
“Chancellor, Lord Ahllendale—” Urdan gasped, wide-eyed.
“Forgive me, Caretaker,” Ahvixx said. “Please do not fear. It’s through the Guardians that I am as you see me now.”
Urdan
nodded, trying to keep the fear from his visage. Swallowing hard, he shifted toward Beilzen. “Ch—Chancellor, the message we received was vague. The Zaxson has a plan to capture Molag?”
“He does,” Beilzen said, handing him the scroll tube. “Everything you need is there. The Zaxson will leave the implementation to you and your guards.” He paused, noticing Fáelán yawn. “If it’s no trouble, can our wives be shown to our chambers? Dalia would like to freshen and Fáelán tires.”
“Yes…yes, forgive me, Chancellor, of course. Allow me to call for our attendant and he—”
“I’d be happy to show you to your chambers,” Jarin interrupted.
“You’re not staying for the meeting?” Beilzen asked.
“No, Father asked me to inform Lord Thaon. After escorting our guests, I’ll have the guard retrieve him.”
Urdan flushed, doing well to mask his anger. He feigned a smile, offering a nod of assent. Though, the smug smirk Jarin wore didn’t escape Urdan’s notice.
“Are you certain that it’s no trouble?” Ahvixx asked.
For a moment, Jarin’s breath caught in his throat, feeling almost naked before the suddenly imposing man.
“It—it’s no trouble,” Jarin stammered.
Ahvixx smiled, taking Sahma’s hand. After leaning down for a kiss, he walked her to the door. “I promise to be with you soon.”
“I know.”
Jarin gave orders to the guards before escorting Dalia to her chamber. Once she was comfortable, he extended an arm to Sahma, leading her down the corridor.
“Would you like to visit the gardens?” he asked, waving his guards away.
“What about the snow?”
“When last you visited, you only saw two of our gardens. My mother has a private one on the upper level, and it’s as warm as it is beautiful.”
Sahma smiled. “I’d love to, Jarin.”
When they neared the citadel’s roof, he opened the door wide, allowing the fragrance of flowers to waft into the hall.
“This is gorgeous, Jarin. Your mother tends the garden alone?”
“The attendants assist at times, but this is my mother’s haven. She enjoys tending the flowers and bushes.”
“And the smells, it’s wonderful. To create such beauty.”
The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy Page 146