The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  Ayrmeis nodded, wiping down his weapons before replacing them on the wall. As they exited their practice chamber, Symeon draped an arm over his shoulder.

  “You are quite formidable, and nearly more so than I was at your age. You’ve learned much.”

  “I still can’t stand against you. Even though my speed has increased, you’re always ahead of my advances.”

  “Not always. I do anticipate your strikes well, but your delivery is flawless. Don’t berate yourself. Think of your weapons as a natural extension of your arms, Ayrmeis. Remember this. They aren’t separate from the rest of your body. Use them as you would your hand or your foot. The bond should be natural to you.”

  “Is this how you’re able to move so freely with your weapons?”

  “Partially. It’s also why we train with different types of weapons. We all have a preference: you prefer your curved blade and assegai. These, you’ll master, but diversity is key. Learn to make your body respond automatically to your mind. By becoming familiar with many weapons, you can anticipate what your opponent wielding the same might do. Your experience with that weapon can guide your movements, keeping you ahead of your opponent’s strikes. You shouldn’t have to wonder what next to do: the memory of your muscles and your mind should instinctively guide you. A split second is the difference between life and death. Trust yourself and your judgment. Never second-guess in battle. Loss is death.”

  “I won’t disappoint you, Sir Yego. I’ll remember everything that you’ve taught me. I promise to make you proud.”

  Symeon paused, feeling a heaviness in his heart. As Ayrmeis aged, his resemblance to Daracus was overwhelming, but Symeon still remembered the face of the young babe he’d been not long ago. Those features had been more akin to his wife’s.

  “Ayrmeis, you’ve already made me proud.”

  Ayrmeis smiled, embracing him.

  When Pentanimir and Temian rounded the corner, they stopped, staring at the two. Temian glanced at his brother, noticing his astonished expression. Nudging him with his elbow, Temian started forward again.

  “Symeon, Ayrmeis,” Pentanimir said, feigning his best smile. “We came to witness this young warrior’s prowess. Your reports of Ayrmeis’ training has intrigued us both.”

  “Father,” Ayrmeis said, bowing. “Uncle.”

  Temian tugged the long braid dangling over Ayrmeis’ shoulder. “You’re a true warrior, Nephew.”

  Ayrmeis bowed again, and then returned to Symeon’s side. Pentanimir looked from one to the other, noting their distinct differences and similarities.

  Both Temian and Uzon Osei were correct. Ayrmeis was a Jasiri Warrior just like Symeon. Whether he’d chosen the path, or it had been destined, Pentanimir didn’t know, but he couldn’t ignore the obvious. All but one of Ayrmeis’ features were Nazilian, but that stark difference didn’t matter. He was Sarai’s natural son, and Symeon would’ve been his father. Pentanimir had to question: is that what was always intended.

  “We’ve just finished, Zaxson,” Symeon said, bringing him from his contemplations. “Had I known of your interest, we would’ve awaited your arrival.”

  “I should’ve informed you earlier. Tardison requested my presence as he trained, and I wanted to experience the prowess of both my sons. Mayhaps on the morrow I’ll have the opportunity.”

  “As you wish, Zaxson. I was taking Ayrmeis to Micah and Ceron. He needs an herb massage and a hot bath.”

  “Please don’t allow us to hinder you,” Pentanimir said, motioning down the corridor. “I’ll see you after, Ayrmeis.”

  Both bowed before moving down the hall.

  “He treats me more like his Zaxson than his father,” Pentanimir said. “I can’t recall the last time that I was able to just hold him. He was but a child then.”

  “He still is,” Temian said. “Ayrmeis loves you, Brother. Symeon is his mentor. Need we discuss what’s already been said?”

  “No. I know that he loves me, and there’s no one else that I’d trust to train my son.”

  “Mine as well, if I ever have one,” Temian said only half-joking.

  “You’ll have one in time, Brother. Just be patient. Brahanu would like another one as well. Mayhaps we’ll both be blessed soon.”

  “Is Brahanu still troubled by the changes in Tardison and Ayrmeis?”

  “I don’t ever see this changing. She loves our sons, of course. She just doesn’t know how to approach them as men grown. Her heart aches from the loss she feels when she looks at them. It’s even more so with Ayrmeis.” He sighed. “Brahanu would rather release him to Sarai and Symeon.”

  “She could give her son to another so easily? What about you?”

  “Ayrmeis is my son, and I love him. Brahanu cares, too, it’s just…it’s different. Hushar told her about the bond Sarai has with him. Since that time, Brahanu hasn’t nurtured him as I have.” He shook his head. “I know that Ayrmeis loves Sarai, too. She’s been with him since his birth. We wouldn’t have taken him had we known that she could love and raise him as a mother. Now, how could we tell him that we aren’t his parents, and Sarai and Symeon are?”

  “It would be difficult, but not impossible. Ayrmeis knows he’s half-Nazilian, and Sarai and Symeon are both human. It would be obvious that Symeon wasn’t his natural father.

  “You could speak with the Yegos and learn their heart. If you feel that you can let go of your son, then allow them that happiness. You have two others, who you love without end, and Ayrmeis will still be here with you. Sometimes expressing our love toward another is releasing them to live.”

  “Before such considerations, we have much to attend to,” Pentanimir said, forcing the thought from his mind. “With Molag’s whereabouts known, we’re one step closer to capturing him. We must focus all our energies on this, Brother. I need no other distractions. With Molag’s acquisition, we’ll also have Mah’saahc.”

  Blessed Birth

  “Has everything been prepared?” Ahvixx asked, rushing into the room.

  “They have,” Nzuri said, lighting the candles. “I’ve prepared everything that you asked. Did you bring the oils?”

  “Yes. Yes, I have them.” He hurried forward, arranging the bed. “It’s nearly time, and we must move her. Where’s the clepsydra?”

  “Be calm, Brother,” Droxahn said. Ahvixx’s eyes glimmered as he turned to face her.

  “Everything is ready, and the mist is filling the room. Do you have the nectar for Sahma?”

  Ahvixx reached in his cassock pocket, handing her the phial. “She must drink all of it. Please tend to her while I finish the preparations.”

  When Droxahn moved to leave, Ahvixx drew her into a hug. “I’m happy that you came, Sister. Thank you for everything.”

  “I wouldn’t miss this for all the gold in Faélondul. Not only do I get to share in your joy, but I’m going to be an aunt.” She smiled, kissing his cheek. As she turned to leave, Odahg’s harmonic howl halted her. She peered warily at the two large jaenitu lying at the foot of the bed.

  “Ahvixx, should I put the dogs in the stable?”

  “No, thank you. Odahg and Tika will remain here.”

  Once she’d left, Ahvixx began disrobing. “You can ignite the incense now, Nzuri?”

  “I’ll tend to it right away, but are you certain that you don’t need anyone else to assist? I’ve witnessed few births, and don’t really have any experience other than what I’ve seen.”

  “I’m certain. The Guardians have instructed me on the proper procedure. I’ll deliver the babe myself, and need only a Drah’kuu to assist during the ceremony,” he said, binding his hair. “You’ll need to recite the passages on the scroll throughout the entire ceremony. Have you studied them?”

  Nzuri looked up, bemused. “I have, but Ahvixx, I’m not a Drah’kuu. I was a helding under Kuhani’s tutelage, but I haven’t earned such a rite.”

  He nodded, submerging a towel in the basin to wash. “Both the Guardians and Drah’kuu Kuhani feel other
wise. By title or no, you are a Drah’kuu, and I’m honored to have you present as my child comes forth.”

  “Th—the honor is mine, Ahvixx. More so than I can express.”

  Ahvixx inclined his head. “When you’re ready, will you help Aizen to bring Sahma? I must remain here and pray. Once we three are alone, you’ll need to disrobe and cleanse as well. I’ll apply your oils then.”

  “I understand, Ahvixx. I’ve never heard of such a ceremony, not even on K’ohshul.”

  “There has never been a ceremony as this in our lifetime, or that of our fathers’ fathers.”

  When Nzuri left, Ahvixx assumed his meditation posture. With a deep inhalation, he began the birthing ritual. He was aware when Nzuri and Aizen entered, but he didn’t move nor acknowledge their presence.

  They gently carried Sahma to the bed, laying her upon a laminae of embresh leaves from the Animus Wood.

  Once the door closed, Nzuri disrobed as Ahvixx went to Sahma’s side.

  “How do you feel?” he asked, leaning down to kiss her.

  “She’s ready, Ahvixx. I can feel it. There isn’t any pain, but I feel the pressure of her coming.”

  “As it should be, my love. The nectar will continue to soothe you while we await her arrival. It won’t be long.”

  “I’m ready,” Nzuri said. “Shall we begin?”

  Ahvixx nodded, lifting the tocsin from the table. When Nzuri began reciting the passages, Ahvixx struck the tocsin seven times. As the last note faded, Sahma winced, cradling her abdomen.

  After reciting a prayer, Ahvixx drizzled warm oil over her body. Pushing her legs up and apart, he gently massaged, continuing the prayer.

  With each rotation of his hands, Sahma’s moans increased. He glided up her abdomen, caressing her ripe womb. When she winced again, Ahvixx slid his hands to her breasts, in perfect precision with the clepsydra’s cadence.

  “Ahvixx,” she breathed, feeling the pressure increase.

  “The time is near,” he said, continuing the massage. Each motion stimulated their child as Ahvixx communicated extrasensorily, sharing in its thoughts and emotions.

  Nzuri’s steady voice aided his concentration, as Ahvixx reached down, feeling the crown of the babe’s head. He drizzled out more oil, massaging her womanhood, and sharing his energies with both his wife and coming child.

  Sahma moaned, rising a little from the bed. As Ahvixx’s eyes glimmered, Sahma immediately relaxed, pushing the head free.

  Ahvixx moved one hand to her abdomen, keeping the other beneath their daughter’s head. His prayers joined Nzuri’s, as the glimmer in his eyes brightened.

  “Ahvixx,” Sahma said, tensing as the shoulders slid free.

  He gently cupped the babe, with Odahg and Tika’s howls coinciding with her release from the womb. Sahma’s breathing calmed, hearing her daughter’s weak cries harmonizing with the jaenitu.

  He drizzled oil over his babe, before wrapping her in a cloth and nestling her into Sahma’s arms.

  “You’ve done well,” he said, kissing her lips. “Naomi is here.”

  Nzuri finished his prayers, pulling on his cassock as Ahvixx covered his wife, and then lit the sconces on the wall.

  “Thank you for assisting with the ceremony,” Ahvixx said. “It couldn’t have been completed without you.”

  “It was an honor,” Nzuri said, stepping to Sahma’s bedside as Naomi suckled at her breast. “Such a tremendous blessing.”

  “Yes,” she said, wiping away her tears. “For all of us, Nzuri. Thank you.”

  Ahvixx placed the caldron of water over the fire, gathering his supplies. “Could you please inform Droxahn, Aizen, and Allister of Naomi’s arrival, Nzuri? Once I’ve tended to Sahma and Naomi, they may join us.”

  Nzuri offered him a strong handshake. “Congratulations, Ahvixx. A blessed birth for a blessed child.”

  “Naomi is a blessing for us all.”

  Jasiri and the Wraith

  “Is it true, Brother? Do they have him?” Danimore asked, rushing into the solar.

  “It is. The Jasiri have Molag surrounded outside of Yarah. There’s no escape for him now.”

  “What about Mah’saahc, Pentanimir? Isn’t she capable of using Molag to attack the guards?”

  “The eidolon will have no effect upon the Jasiri,” Uzon Osei said. “They understand the importance and danger of this duty. Each of them has been prepared by Drah’kuu Malachi to accomplish this acquisition. None other than the warriors should attempt to approach. This onus belongs to the K’ohshulians alone.”

  “But how?” Temian asked. “How are the Jasiri shielded from Mah’saahc’s influence but we’re not?”

  “The Guardians relationship with K’ohshul is symbiotic. Through them, Drah’kuu Malachi acquired the means and knowledge necessary to protect our warriors.

  “Even before Symeon summoned us, we were aware that our presence would be needed in Faélondul. The same is true for Shintao’s people and the brothers Xaahn.”

  The siblings exchanged a look. “The brothers Xaahn?” Thalassa asked. “We haven’t learned much about them. I know they’ve been assisting Symeon, and even protected my brother during the ambush, but who are they? I’ve only met one of them, and it was for mere moments.”

  “They are allies and serve the Guardians just as you do. There are many peoples from numerous lands. Some are more extraordinary than you could ever fathom. In time, you’ll meet them all, just as you’ve now met the K’ohshulians.”

  “But we still don’t understand the how of it, Uzon,” Danimore said. “Is there some special connection with the Jasiri and Guardians?”

  “The Drah’kuus have always had a connection with the One god. To us, the Guardians are elements of the One. It’s only when they merge that their strength increases. When they’re as one.”

  “Uzon, we’ve heard that when the Guardians merge some of their strength is lost,” Pentanimir said. “If this connection wanes, are you certain the Jasiri will be protected?”

  “I am. Albeit, what you’ve stated is somewhat true. It’s through the merge that the Guardians grow stronger. When they become one, each element adheres and strengthens the others. In what would be but a moment to one of the lands, there’s a lessened connection with Faélondul. This isn’t during the merge, it’s with the dissolution of their connection, when the Guardians again become separate from each other.”

  “I’m beginning to understand more of what Ahvixx meant,” Temian said.

  “Yes. The Guardians aren’t of this realm. The encasements they inhabit are but a temporary subsistence for them. When they’re amongst us here, they resemble our form.”

  “They have no corporeal form?” Danimore asked.

  “No. The Guardians are ubiquitous: their essence dwells in all things. Their natural state is that of spirit or pure energy. Faélondul is but one realm, but they are infinite. To the Guardians, the past, present, and future merge as one, and in a divine coalescence. When they’re amongst us here, they cannot shift between realms and epochs. Albeit, they’re always aware, and share a connection with K’ohshul. This connection suffuses the warriors and protects them from the eidolon’s manipulations.”

  “Will we also be protected once Molag is brought to the citadel?” Pentanimir asked.

  “No. The eidolon embodies Molag Bomgaard, but he isn’t the true host. Her bond with him is complete, yet her power is limited. No one should be near where he’s kept. Mah’saahc doesn’t have the means to extricate herself from Molag without blood or bond. The only way for her essence to depart is if someone with the blood of Oisin comes within close proximity to her.”

  With that, the Uzon glanced at Pentanimir, Danimore, and then Symeon. “Neither Ayrmeis nor Raithym can go near where he’s kept. This is what Mah’saahc awaits. Until our return from the wood, Molag should remain in isolation.”

  “We understand,” Pentanimir and Danimore said in tandem.

  “When will they arrive in the city?” Temian a
sked.

  “Within a sun’s rise. They won’t rush,” Pentanimir said, regarding the Uzon. “Have the other Jasiri left the city?”

  “They have. They’ll flank the retinue escorting Molag. His apprehension has been announced, and there might be some of his supporters who may attempt a rescue. The new contingent will ensure no one approaches the caravan.”

  “We’ve made arrangements for the Jasiri to bring Molag through the west gate. They’ve been instructed to use the postern door leading to the cells. Ladir will be moved to the temple temporarily until we can coordinate his transport to Rhoyden. Before Molag arrives, we’ll clear the corridors, and post guards only at the top of the stairs.”

  Uzon Osei stood, motioning to his sons. “If you’ll excuse us, Zaxson, Sarroh and Gavriel are waiting in their chambers with the Ke’ohnzi.”

  “Of course, Uzon,” Pentanimir said, offering a respectful bow. “May the Guardians be with you.”

  “Forever they will be.”

  As Pentanimir retook his seat, he leaned forward, looking at his siblings. “This is but the beginning. Once Molag is in the cells, it will be parlous for all of us. Dani, you and Zeta must emphasize the importance of this to Raithym. He doesn’t consider Molag a threat.”

  “Raithym will listen. He’s just grown weary of the citadel’s confining walls.”

  “Dani, it’s more than that,” Temian said. “Of the three, he alone refuses to acknowledge this threat. He’s become obstinate at times, and unruly at others. Raithym and Ayrmeis were once inseparable. Now he’s become distant with him as well. Even after Ahvixx explained the shift and their acceleration, Raithym doesn’t believe.”

  “He believes, Temian. Our son looks at us, and he fears. We’re his parents, yet we appear more his siblings. Even with the explanation, he doesn’t completely understand. Training with Tardison only reminds him of this change, the change in all of them. Raithym doesn’t want to sit idle and do nothing.”

  “Mayhaps not, but it’s necessary,” Pentanimir said. “Raithym needs to listen and continue his training. I’ve asked Ayrmeis and Tardison to include him in their practice again. Mayhaps with the challenge the three offer each other, his interest will increase.”