Ceron visibly slumped, overcome with remorse. She respected Zeta and Danimore, but she couldn’t undo what was already done.
“Yes’m, Shijahn,” Ceron conceded.
“Thank you. I appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter. You’ve always been such a good friend, and I cherish that friendship dearly.”
“I—I do, too, milady. Ya needin’ anythin’ else?”
“No, you’re excused.”
Ceron stood, offering another curtsy before leaving the solar. She couldn’t keep Raithym from her thoughts, nor the pleasure they’d just shared—the pleasure she still desired. Lowering a hand to her abdomen, Ceron continued down the hall. She needed the maiden’s tears. It was the only way.
As she quickened her pace, her thoughts shifted from the possible babe in her womb, to all the babes she was forced to flush from her body. All, but one.
“Braydon,” she murmured, halting. After a sobering breath, Ceron turned, heading down the stairs instead.
She continuously paced in the hall, considering her few options. Her hand found her womb again, thinking about Raithym, but he wasn’t the only man on her mind at that moment.
When Symeon and Wosen exited the practice chamber, Symeon smiled, noticing her in the corridor. He released Wosen to his duties, and then approached where she stood.
“Ceron? Do you have need of me?”
“I didn’t mean to disturb yer trainin’, Symeon. I—I was just wantin’ to talk wit’ you for a bit.”
“You can come to me at any time. Come, sit,” he said, gesturing to one of the wooden benches lining the wall. She stared as he wiped the glistening sweat from his face, admiring every part of him. She’d always found him handsome, and couldn’t deny that she still loved him as well. She would probably always love him, regardless of their situations. Symeon was the one man that Ceron had desired in the past…and looking at him now, that desire hadn’t faded.
“We ain’t been able to talk in a bit,” she said, meeting his eyes. “With everythin’ happenin’, I mean.”
“My time has been limited of late, but I’m always here for you, Ceron. This, you should know.”
“I was hopin’.”
“Has something happened?”
“It has, but that ain’t what I come to talk ‘bout. I been thinkin’ ‘bout when Draizeyn would call for us.”
He nodded, taking a deep breath. “It was far too often, and I again ask your forgiveness.”
“Forgiveness? Weren’t no choice, for any of us. Even when they’d beat you, you still tried to protect me. But that weren’t what he wanted. Draizeyn was wantin’ you to hurt me, to hurt both of us.”
“I tried to be gentle, Ceron. Always I tried. If we were going to be forced to entertain him, I wanted to ensure that it was pleasurable for you. But that only angered Draizeyn more. He envied the size of my manhood and wanted it used as an instrument of pain, not pleasure. I tried to ensure your readiness to make our joining easier.”
Ceron’s smile was wistful, offering a weak nod. “You did, and I ain’t never blamed you, Symeon. Draizeyn forced you on me ‘cause I was the smallest slave in the citadel.” Her head lowered, reliving the painful memories. “He—he was wantin’ to see me sufferin’. That’s why he bringed in them guards to force me down atop you, makin’ sure I—”
He caressed her hand, shaking his head. “Please, Ceron, don’t speak of it. Draizeyn did the same to Zeta for a time, but you were his favorite. You’d barely have time to heal before he sent for us again. I’m sorry, Ceron, and I forever will be.”
“I weren’t tryin’ to sadden you. You’ve always been kind, ‘specially when I sneaked in the stables. If’n we would’a been caught, he’d a beat us for sure. They would’a beaten both of us had we been caught. But you didn’t send me away.”
“We needed each other, and I was pleased that you came. Other than Draizeyn’s cruelties, I’d rarely see you.”
Ceron met his eyes, holding back her tears. “I loved you, Symeon. I—I still do. No matter what he did to us, that never changed.”
When he gazed down, she cupped his chin, looking into his eyes again. “I’m knowin’ that you cared ‘bout me, and you’re carin’ still, but weren’t the same.
“We’s knew that you and Sarai were in love even then, and that’s why Draizeyn used her in front of you. I’m not askin’ for anythin’ more than what we share. It’s special on its own. Just like you are.”
“As are you, Ceron. Always.”
“In the stable, when—when you let me stay, it was the most wonderful I’ve known. That was the only time someone was makin’ love to me, being tender and lovin’, makin’ sure I was pleased.”
“I was, Ceron. You’re very special to me. When we were in the stables, I wanted my every move to convey my feelings toward you. That night was as it should’ve always been. You are very special to me. Please don’t ever forget that.”
She smiled, wiping her eyes. “I been knowin’ that from the beginnin’. But…I…if…”
“Ceron, please, tell me what’s wrong.”
She took a deep breath. “Aft—after you made love to me so sweetly, I knew. I—I timed it just so, and prayed to all the gods. I couldn’t tell you then, but it’s different now.”
Symeon’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”
“Weren’t long after that Hushar told me I was pregnant. Draizeyn threatened to kill my babe, or both of us, ‘afore he was birthed. They’d sent me for the purge, and didn’t know which Cha gots me that way.
“They weren’t claimin’ nothin’ anyhow, but the Cha stopped Draizeyn from hurtin’ me. Slaves was limited, and Cha Lymbach agreed to take charge of me.”
“I’d always wondered why you were assigned to the temple. It’s as if you just disappeared for seasons.”
“Was Lymbach’s doin’. It weren’t no cookin’ and cleanin’ they’s wanted. There was some other Cha visitin’, too and they…” Ceron shook the painful memories away, regaining her composure. “Weren’t long after my son was born, they’s sent me back to the citadel. It was the happiest I’d ever been. He didn’t belong to me, but I was still his mother and loved him. I yet love him, and they’s couldn’t take that away from me. I’ll always love my son.”
He gently caressed her hands, seeing the pain those memories caused.
“He’s almost six now.”
“Ceron, you’ve never talked about your son. Most thought that Micah was his father, not any of the Cha. But I heard he had some human features. What happened?”
“Micah ain’t Braydon’s father. I keep prayin’ that he’s healthy and ain’t been abused. Been nearly three years since I seen him.”
“We can find him, Ceron,” he said, gripping both her hands. “No matter what it takes, I promise to help find your son and return him to you. Do you know where he was taken?”
“I ain’t knowin’ much. Sir Branston and Sir Wright came wit one of them attendants from Yarah. I remember her cranberry-colored hair and greenish lookin’ eyes. I’ll never forget her face.”
“Sir Branston’s here in the citadel. Mayhaps he can remember something that might help us. We’re going to find your son.”
Ceron smiled, looking into his eyes. “Our son, Symeon. Yours and mine.”
Blessing and a Curse
Wosen halted in the corridor, hearing the Desu Beast’s screeches overhead. His heart thumped in his chest as he peered up, trying to mask the sudden anxiousness consuming him.
Thalassa and Jahno were returning from the Animus Wood, and with them, his children.
“Wosen?” Hibret said, squeezing his hand. “Are we going to the gardens are not? It’ll be cold soon, and we won’t have the opportunity.”
Wosen peered up again. “I—if you’d like to go. But didn’t you hear them?”
“Hear what?”
“The Desu Beasts. They’re here.”
“Just as they are every seven suns. Why does it matter?”
Wosen forced a smile, leading her down the corridor. “It’s not the visit that matters, but who might be with them.”
She paused. “Do you think that Thalassa and Jahno are with them?”
“They didn’t come on their last visit. If I recall, they stayed in the wood for a fortnight when Thalassa delivered Suravi. It wouldn’t hurt to see. Of course, if you’d rather visit the garden…” He left his words there, stroking her cheek.
Hibret didn’t answer. She clasped his hand again, rushing down the corridor. After taking the final flight of stairs, she stopped, fanning her face.
“Do you need to rest?” Wosen asked.
“No, I just needed to catch my breath. We’d better hurry.”
When they neared the Protector’s chamber, Thalassa and Jahno were exiting, rocking the infants in their arms.
“Thalassa, Jahno, we’re so happy to see you,” Hibret said. She hurried forward, offering a hug to each of them while staring at the swaddled bundles in their arms.
“Again, we’ve been blessed,” Jahno said. “We’re heading to our suite now so that Thalassa can rest.”
“How are you feeling?” Hibret asked. “Is there anything that I can get for you?”
“I—I’m quite well, thank you. This is Sabina,” Thalassa said, noticing Wosen’s stare.
“She’s the elder,” Jahno said. “This is her brother, Kai.”
“Oh, they’re beautiful. Just beautiful,” Hibret said, glancing from one to the other.
Jahno nodded. “Just like their mother, and both have her stunning eyes.”
Thalassa winced, glancing up at Wosen. Their first child, Suravi, had Jahno’s dark brown eyes, and the same raven-colored hair as both her parents. These babes were much different. The twin’s skin was paler than their sister’s with lighter hair and pale eyes. Both looked like their father. Like Wosen.
“May I?” Wosen asked.
Jahno smiled, nestling Kai into his arms. “Careful with his head.”
After Thalassa handed Sabina to Hibret, Jahno slid an arm around her waist, walking to their room.
Thalassa could hear their conversation, but not make out the words. The image of Wosen and Kai was engrained in her mind as she kept her eyes trained on the floor. She only looked up when Jahno removed his arm, helping her to sit on their bed.
Wosen sat on the divan in awe, seeing only himself as he admired his first son. He fought back his emotion when Kai grabbed hold of his finger.
“He likes you,” Jahno said, removing Thalassa’s slippers. “This is good since you’re going to be his godfather.”
Wosen’s head snapped up, looking at Thalassa. Her eyes were full of pain and uncertainty, fearing what Wosen might do or say.
“Godfather?”
“I’d choose no one else,” Jahno said. “You and Hibret are family to us. After Suravi was born, Thalassa and I agreed that you and Hibret would be the godparents for our next child. You’ll always be a part of our children’s lives,” he said, kissing the top of Thalassa’s foot, and then elevating her legs on the bed.
“We’d be honored,” Hibret said. “They’re so beautiful.”
Wosen could only nod, kissing the small hand wrapped around his finger. He couldn’t have known how overwhelming it would be to hold his son in his arms. He never wanted to let him go. Both were his children, and he wanted everyone to know.
He and Hibret both longed for children, and now, he held his first son in his hands. His son and heir.
With that thought, he leered over at Jahno. How he loved and hated him all at once. He would’ve never betrayed him if not for the wraith’s corruption, but that made little difference to him now. Jahno was like his brother, yet he was also the only person keeping him from being a father to his children. My children , he thought again, looking down at Sabina.
“They are beautiful,” he agreed as Sabina yawned, fluttering her eyelids.
Hibret giggled. “Oh, she’s the sweetest, Thalassa. You’re truly fortunate, the both of you.”
“We are,” Jahno said.
Wosen stared at the couple and then back to his son. A smile returned to his face as he caressed the fine brown hair atop Kai’s head with his fingertips. My son , he thought, nestling him closer.
When the knock sounded on the door, Wosen didn’t hear it. Kai had his father completely entranced, and he never wanted to release him.
“Wosen?”
He looked up, noticing Hushar and Temian in the room.
“May I hold him?” Hushar asked, reaching forward. At first, he thought to withdraw Kai from her reach, but he remembered himself, and forced a smile, allowing her the seat.
“Oh, Thalassa, a son. He’s precious, Jahno,” Hushar said, snuggling Kai beneath her chin.
“Thank you, Mother. The Guardians are good.”
Temian glared at Wosen. “I’m glad that you’re doing well, Thalassa,” Temian said, leaning down to kiss her. “Would you like anything?” Temian asked, shaking Jahno’s hand, and then going to see his niece and nephew.
“They both have Thalassa’s eyes,” Hibret said. “Have you ever seen two more beautiful babes?”
“They are, indeed, just like Suravi.” Temian smiled, advancing on Wosen. “I’ll check in with you again soon. The others will allow you to rest before they visit. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must return to my station. Wosen, you need to come as well.”
Without speaking another word, Temian left the chamber, awaiting him in the corridor. Wosen didn’t meet his eyes, walking several strides behind him. Temian continued forward, glancing over his shoulder until they were out of range of the guards. When they reached the end of the corridor, he turned on him.
“What are you about, Wosen? Why were you in my sister’s room?”
“Why? Am I not even allowed to see my children?”
He clutched Wosen’s arm, pulling him into an adjacent corridor. “Have you lost your wits?”
Wosen snatched away, running his fingers through his thick hair. “Wouldn’t you have done the same? The babes are mine, Temian, my first.”
“No. The babes are Thalassa’s and Jahno’s. You can’t do this, Wosen, you can’t. You’re thinking only of yourself. What about Jahno and Hibret?”
“What about my son and daughter? Kai has my features, mine, not Jahno’s.”
“They have the features of their mother and grandfather. Use your mind. Do you really want to hurt Jahno and Hibret this way?”
“The babes are mine,” Wosen said louder than he meant. “They’re mine, Temian. They might be the only ones that I’ll ever have. Don’t you understand that?” His voice cracked. “We’ve tried…Hibret can’t, she hasn’t been able, we…we…she—” His words petered to nothing as he tried to maintain his composure.
Temian gripped his arms, understanding his feelings. “Wosen, you don’t know that Hibret can’t conceive. Give it more time. I understand exactly how you feel. Arianna and I haven’t been able to have children, either. Not yet. But we haven’t given up hope, and you should not.
“You can be with your children, but not tell about their parentage. Now isn’t the time, and you promised Thalassa. We’re facing threats from all sides, and your mind must remain clear. The babes are here, and you’ve seen them. No one is going to take them from you.”
“Nor will they allow me to be a father to them. It isn’t fair, Temian, they’re my children.”
“No. It isn’t fair, but that’s the way of things.” Temian upraised a hand, silencing any coming retort. “For now. Allow Thalassa her time. She didn’t have to tell you about the twins at all, but Thalassa wouldn’t keep something this important from you.”
“But—”
“There can be no but, Wosen, not now. I didn’t only come to see Thalassa, I needed to see you, too.”
“Me?”
“Yes. The Jasiri have arrived Molag. He’s been secured in a cell.”
“We have him?”
“We do, Chose
n of Nazil,” Temian said, clapping him on the back. “Your Zaxson needs you at your post. Do you have a mind to do your duty for Nazil?”
Wosen nodded, straightening his cloak. “I’m always ready to serve.”
“Then let us go. The Zaxson and First Chosen await.”
Possession
Raithym moved silently through the corridors, periodically glancing over his shoulders. Both his parents and the Zaxson had forbade him from going to the cells. Despite their warnings, Raithym couldn’t just meekly comply with those instructions.
From what he’d been told, their prisoner had wreaked havoc across Faélondul, and made several attempts to murder members of his family. Now, he’d begun making threats toward Raithym, too.
With that, he lowered a hand to the hilt of his sword, but immediately released it. Molag was imprisoned in the citadel, no longer capable of threatening or harming anyone.
Raithym checked the corridors again, quickening his pace. He’d already devised a response if anyone discovered him in the lower levels, but no one had stopped him thus far. The Jasiri weren’t positioned near his selected route, and that eased some of his trepidation. The K’ohshulian warriors didn’t stray from their orders, and even the Nakshij’s son heeded their instructions.
Raithym inclined his head, acknowledging the guards he passed as he continued to the buttery. When he turned the old knob, he was apprehensive, hoping none of the attendants were inside. To his relief, the room sat empty.
Walking to the north-east corner of the buttery, he ducked behind the large casks stacked nearly to the ceiling. The cabinet behind the casks is where Ayrmeis and he had discovered the hidden passageway. Standing before it now brought those memories back to him, and he smiled. Raithym was much older than when his cousin and he had last investigated the passage. After removing the false backing, it appeared more a narrow crawlspace.
Pulling a torch from his pack, Raithym checked the room again, and then squeezed through the small opening. Once he’d replaced the backing, he adjusted his pack, beginning the long crawl.
Raithym was no longer that adventurous little boy exploring with his cousin. He was a man grown, and had decided to act the same, regardless of his instructions to the contrary. He refused to allow some disgruntled rogue to incite such fear in his mother while threatening his life. Zeta was barely able to leave her suite of late, and her babe was overdue. She could only think about Molag’s presence in the citadel and what schemes he’d set in motion before his capture. Raithym planned to end her suffering, and help her become herself again.
The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy Page 162