“Look here,” Raithym whispered. “Another door.”
He handed the torch to Ayrmeis, feeling around the door until he found a notch. Once he’d removed it, a dank and moldy smell wafted into the passage. Waving a hand in front of his face, Raithym grabbed his torch, holding it out in front of him.
“There’s a ladder, Ayrmeis.”
“Are we going back?”
“Of course not.” He winked, turning himself around, and lowering to the first rung of the rickety ladder.
“Mind your steps. The rungs are widely spaced,” Raithym warned, struggling to keep hold of his torch while descending, and counting aloud.
“What’re you doing?”
“Don’t interrupt, Ayrmeis! I’m counting the rungs. You do the same so that we’ll be certain.”
When Raithym finally reached the bottom, he held out the torch, inspecting the new area they’d discovered.
“One hundred and seventeen,” Ayrmeis said, breathily, joining his cousin.
“I counted the same.”
“Which way now, Raithym?”
For many long moments, he said nothing. Raithym continued scanning the corridor, looking for the best option. Taking a few steps forward, he turned, looking back at Ayrmeis.
“The air seems to come from down there.” Raithym pointed. “There may be an entrance or, at least a grate, down that way.”
“So, we’re going the other way?” Ayrmeis asked, grinning.
“Indeed. Come on.”
They continued into the darkness, unable to see but meters in front of their faces. Ayrmeis lowered a hand to the small dagger he carried, hearing squeaks, scratching, and possible rodent sounds. Raithym nearly screamed when he ran into the largest spider web either of them had ever seen. After kicking at the crawling things littering the floor, they were stopped by a stone wall. Both exchanged disappointed looks, gazing in the opposite direction.
“A dead end.” Raithym slapped the wall, but when his hand contacted the surface, his eyes widened.
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s warm,” Raithym said, running his hand along the surface. He tapped the wall’s center, and then did the same on his left and right. “Do you hear that? There’s something behind this.”
“Behind?” Ayrmeis asked, moving his hand over the surface of the stone.
“There must be a handle or lever somewhere. Help me find it.”
Ayrmeis slid his hands over the stone wall. It had been much the same with the passage they found leading to the roof. Until they’d discovered the concealed lever, it couldn’t be opened.
The two continued their search until Raithym’s torch burned out. After tossing the spent torch to the floor, Raithym knelt, feeling along the bottom and sides of the wall.
“My torch is nearly out,” Ayrmeis said. “Mayhaps we should go back. We’ll need the light to make our way.”
“I found it!” Raithym grinned up at him. He strained, pulling hard against the corroded lever, until falling back as the false wall gave way.
“You see,” Raithym beamed, standing and dusting off his trousers. “Should we go?”
Ayrmeis nodded, helping to force the heavy stone wide enough for them to pass. The moment the false wall opened, the humid and moldy air rushed into the corridor, causing them to cough.
“Give me your torch,” Raithym said, entering the warm, dark room.
Ayrmeis handed him the torch, turning and examining what he could of the strange room. Once the wall was back in place, Raithym stood, lighting the way.
“Are those tubs?”
“They look to be, but old.” Raithym ran his hands over the decaying wood as Ayrmeis went to investigate the steam rising against the wall.
“There’s water over here, and it’s warm.”
Raithym came to his side, testing the temperature with the tips of his fingers. “It is,” he said, moving the torch around the trench. “I don’t know how it’s heated: there’s no fire.”
Both shrugged, resuming their search. For some time, they crept around the chamber, feeling the walls for another door or lever. When Ayrmeis’ torch was nearly spent, they moved to the only other door they’d seen.
“What if guards are out there?” Ayrmeis said.
Raithym rose on his tiptoes, peering out the barred window. “I don’t see any guards,” he said, straining to see down the faintly lit corridor. “Hey, we’re near the cells. This must be the bath chamber the former slaves had to use.”
With that revelation, he spun around, holding the torch higher. Both boys looked around the room, wide-eyed. Although merely eight and one and ten, they knew well the significance of their discovery. Their parents and family had liberated the former slaves and freed Faélondul. However, those cells were once full of humans and Nazilians alike, and this is where they had to wash: this dark and filthy room with the rotten tubs.
“I want to go,” Ayrmeis said, solemnly. “Father told me about this place, and I don’t ever want to come back here.”
Raithym nodded, feeling much the same. He didn’t know the truth of his parentage or what his mother suffered, but he knew the truth Ayrmeis spoke. A truth he shared.
“Come, Ayrmeis,” he said, draping an arm on his shoulder. Raithym peered through the window before opening the old door and leading his cousin away from the cells, and the sorrow the truth of them caused.
Proclamations and Insight
“Where are you traveling next?” Yonas asked, refilling Jahno’s cup.
“I’ll need to visit Spero and the outpost before returning to Nazil.” He sighed, sipping his wine. “This trip has been exhausting, and I miss my wife and daughter.”
“That’s understandable, Chancellor. It’s not easy to be parted from those you love. However, it’s always comforting to know that you have someone awaiting you upon your return.” Yonas glanced over at Reinhold. “You won’t be visiting Cazaal?”
“I considered it, but the Zaxson might be visiting there himself.”
“You certainly should the next time you’re traveling. My sister is always pleased to receive guests. Reinhold and I visited not long ago, and it was a most pleasurable stay,” he said, looking at his lover out of the corner of his eye.
Reinhold smiled, winking slyly. “Does the Zaxson truly believe that Molag’s reach could be this far?”
“Anything is possible, and we must be sagacious. With what we learned about Sanctium from Nigel, Molag’s more dangerous now than ever he has been. Posting this proclamation will hopefully assist in apprehending Molag.”
“Is what we’ve heard true?” Yonas asked. “I mean, did this—this entity truly inhabit the d’Garrions and cause Nikolina’s death?”
“If I hadn’t bore witness for myself, I might be doubtful as well. However, what you’ve heard is true.”
“I don’t doubt, Chancellor. I’ve witnessed the Guardians power. They led me to Bandari and my sister to Pentanimir. Their grace will never be forgotten.”
“They returned you to Kaleo as well,” Reinhold added.
“Yes. Their blessings are endless.”
“Indeed,” Jahno said, missing the depth of that private conversation. “If you have no further need of me, Caretaker, I should visit the temple. Thalassa will want to know that I arrived safely, and when I plan to take leave.”
“After you’ve sent your message, mayhaps you could join us for a meal. Reinhold has acquired some fine liquor that you might enjoy.” The men stood, walking to the door.
“I look forward to it,” Jahno said. “Oh, and allow me to offer my congratulations on your marriage.” He smiled. “If you’d excuse me.”
“Thank you, Chancellor.”
When Jahno exited, Yonas took his seat, reaching for Reinhold’s hand.
“The Chancellor is quite handsome, is he not?” Reinhold said.
“Very much so, but not more handsome than you.”
“You flatter, my love. I saw the way you looked at him,” Rei
nhold said, upraising a hand. “I’m not speaking out of jealousy, I was admiring him, too. Did you notice his eyes?”
“How could I not? There isn’t any feature I noticed that’s unattractive; quite the opposite. I wonder if he still desires the company of men,” Yonas said.
“From what I’ve heard, Jahno has always preferred women. Pity.”
“So true. But once you’ve enjoyed such pleasures, it’s difficult to be completely satisfied with any other. Such intimacies aren’t nearly as intense or gratifying with a woman. Do you not agree?”
Without speaking a word, Reinhold stood, latching the door. Watching the expectant look on Yonas’ face, he removed his belt, beginning to disrobe. Yonas’s eyes lowered, enjoying the excitement that their conversation elicited. When he tried to stand, Reinhold gently pushed him back to his seat.
“Tell me: what pleasures could you provide that my wife cannot?”
Yonas gazed up. “Allow me to show you,” he said, drawing him in closer.
Julaybeim handed Dawntaylesha to Gali, and then sat next to Brahanu. He smiled, looking down at Eytan sleeping peacefully in her arms. So much he favored Itai, and that made Julaybeim’s smile broaden.
“We’re pleased by your visit, Brahanu,” Julaybeim said. “But your message read strangely. I understand your need for a respite, but I was surprised that you’d be traveling with this Molag still free.”
“There’ll always be dangers, Brother. I can’t continue to hide in the citadel anytime there’s a threat made against us.”
“Agreed, but Molag made more than an idle threat. At least your husband provided an adequate escort on this trip,” Julaybeim said. “From what Hosdaq told me, the Jasiri warriors are unbeatable.”
“Anyone can be beaten,” Brahanu offered, absently. “But yes, the Jasiri are remarkable.”
“Brahanu, are you all right?” Gali asked. “Both your expression and your tenor betray you. Please, allow us to help.”
Brahanu sighed. “It’s been far too long since everything was all right or made since. That hasn’t been so since before the accident that caused Pentanimir and me to cross paths.”
“Your meeting with Pentanimir wasn’t an accident,” Gali said. “It was unexpected, but you were meant to be, just like Tardison. You chose to be with one another, and anyone around you can see the love you share. What causes you to question?”
“I remember embracing Itai the afternoon I left,” Brahanu began. “I don’t recall him ever holding me as tight as he did that day.” She raised a hand to her cheek, closing her eyes.
“He kissed me, and then asked to escort me again. He always wanted to protect me, to take care of me in every manner. I was so stubborn back then.” She opened her eyes, looking at Julaybeim. “Much like father could be at times. I didn’t’ think any harm could come to me. I’d traveled that path so often, I could navigate it with closed eyes.
“Itai didn’t move until I was far from his sight, mayhaps he moved not at all. He loved me, and I loved him completely. But…but I couldn’t show him how deeply I truly loved him. I was the Caretaker’s daughter, and…and such things couldn’t be done. Mother made certain to remind me of that often.
“I never even permitted him to kiss my lips, no matter how I desired to feel his against mine.”
“Brahanu, please, don’t do this,” Julaybeim said. “Itai knew how much you loved him. He wouldn’t want you to be saddened by his memory. He would want you to live and remember the love that you shared.”
“He would,” she said, wiping her tears away. “The memories overwhelm me when I return home. Itai did everything to make me happy, and I failed him. How could I do that? How?
“Not even when he learned about my betrayal did he leave me. Few men would’ve accepted me like he did. Despite my indiscretions and pregnancy, he loved and married me.
“Sometimes when I look at Pentanimir, I loathe who I am, who he is, and what we allowed.” She wept.
Gali called for their attendants, handing Dawntaylesha and Eytan over for care. She sat next to them as Julaybeim cradled Brahanu in his arms.
“Brahanu, Itai loves you,” Gali said. “He remained here to ensure you knew that, and to forgive any slights you believe that you committed. His love transcends death. Didn’t the Guardians tell you about the T’reyUhm R’aFek and how most are unable to withstand its draw? Itai did it because of his love for you and his son. He protected you when your caravan was attacked.
“You didn’t betray his love. The Guardians’ might have influenced the attraction you held for Pentanimir, but they wouldn’t interfere with your relationship with Itai…not past what’s already known. Even though you were pregnant with Tardison, you were still able to give your husband a son.”
Julaybeim nodded. “Regardless of what you might think, Itai was happier than anyone had ever seen him. Tioch would tell you the same. Itai loved you, Brahanu. He loves you still.”
“Don’t continue to think of your relationship with Itai the way that you have,” Gali said. “Think only of the blessings that succeeded your meeting with Pentanimir.”
“I do, Gali, I’ve been able to think of little else.”
“No, you haven’t. You’re only thinking about your betrayal and the love you hold for Pentanimir.” Gali caressed her hand, sliding closer. “But if you hadn’t allowed that love to come forth, Itai wouldn’t have ever experienced the love you held for him.”
Brahanu’s brow creased, meeting Gali’s eyes. “How do you mean?”
“Wasn’t your pregnancy the reason that you married Itai?”
“We were always going to wed.”
“You were, but not for another four seasons. You told me that Itai had agreed to wait another year for your marriage. Isn’t that true?”
Brahanu gasped as her tears returned.
“Don’t you understand? If you hadn’t met Pentanimir and became pregnant, you would’ve never married Itai. Due to that pregnancy, you decided to forgo your plans and wed Itai upon your return to Cazaal. In doing so, you were able to give Itai his son…his heir.
“Your love never wavered, and Itai knew that. He still knows that, Brahanu. He loves you, just as you love him.
“Had you waited, the battle would’ve come before your year of study was at an end. You wouldn’t have married Itai nor been blessed with Eytan if not for your present husband who loves you.”
Both Brahanu and Julaybeim’s eyes widened, never considering that truth. Gali was right, and those statements lifted some of the dolor plaguing Brahanu’s heart.
“You speak true,” Brahanu cried, embracing Gali. “I’ve blamed Pentanimir for losing Itai, but it’s due to him that I had Itai with me at all.”
“Sister, we know that you love Pentanimir. It’s merely the guilt you’ve been feeling that causes you to doubt.”
“Not anymore. I’m glad that I came to Cazaal. With so many changes in Nazil, I needed the comfort of my home and the clarity you’ve both brought to me. I’m worried about my sons.”
“Your sons?” Julaybeim asked. “Is something wrong with Tardison and Ayrmeis?”
Brahanu took a steadying breath, and then relayed everything that had happened. When she’d finished, Gali hugged her, before pouring her a strong drink.
“I’m so sorry, Brahanu. I don’t know what I’d do if this happened to Dawntaylesha. What I do know is that she’d still be my daughter, and I would love her endlessly.”
“I do love them. It’s just too much right now. So many things have happened so quickly, and I’ve grown weary.”
“Tardison is Eytan’s twin. How am I supposed to explain this to them? I cannot be there, not now.”
“Your sons need you,” Julaybeim said. “All of them.”
“I—I know. Tardison has his father and the rest of his family. I don’t worry for him.”
“What about Ayrmeis?” Gali asked.
“He has the same, but he’s staying with Sarai until my return. She spends a lot
of time with him even when she’s not assisting in the nursery.”
“Isn’t she his birth mother? The First Chosen’s wife?”
“Yes. She loves Ayrmeis, and I won’t keep her from him. The AsZar mentioned the connection that Symeon and Ayrmeis will share. It’s not my place to interfere with the bond that’s developing between them. Ayrmeis is their son, and he needs the love of his parents.”
“Have you told Pentanimir how you feel?” Gali asked.
“We haven’t discussed it, but I think he’s aware of my feelings. We welcomed Ayrmeis because Sarai didn’t feel that she could care for him. Pentanimir loves him as a son, but he’s aware of the Yego’s feelings, too.”
Julaybeim and Gali exchanged a look. “Do you plan to give up your son?” Gali asked.
“I don’t know what’s to come. I told Pentanimir I’d return in a full moon, and we’ll discuss it then. I can’t be there now and witness their growth acceleration again. I refuse to put a child to bed and awaken to men grown.”
They offered conceding nods.
“Would you like to stay here? I’ll have a hot bath drawn, and make you some honeycakes.” Gali smiled.
“Thank you, no. I’d like Eytan to visit his grandfather and then remain in his father’s home. He needs to feel Itai’s’ connection. And so do I.”
Primal Thirst
Thalassa looked down at the new bruises on her chest and thighs, fastening her leather vest. The ache of those fresh wounds was infinitesimal compared to the ache in her heart and mind. She remembered every aspect of her indiscretion, but it wasn’t like a memory, it appeared more a vision, as if she were watching someone else and not herself. Thalassa loathed what she’d allowed, and that loathing amplified when she realized that she wanted more. She didn’t understand Wosen’s sudden allure or her insatiable need of him.
Jahno loved her, as she did him. He was so tender in his lovemaking, and she loved that about him, too. With Wosen, there was something else, something lingering deep inside of her that she brought forth with only him. That yearning remained, and she wondered if she’d ever be free of it. Now that her feral side had been brought forth with such intensity, how could she ever be completely satisfied without it?
The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy Page 151