Both Danimore and Zeta jumped as the door banged open. Ayrmeis ran to Raithym’s bedside, nearly collapsing over him.
“Raithym,” Ayrmeis said, gripping him in a loving hug. “I prayed that you were all right. By the gods, I prayed for it.”
“The Guardians heard your prayers, Cousin, and I understand your pain. We’re both well now, Ayrmeis. The both of us.”
“Why is he here?” Zeta stood, scowling over at him. “Who allowed you in here?”
Ayrmeis raised his eye to hers, with pain contorting his features.
“Zeta?” Pentanimir said, entering with Symeon.
“How dare you come near my son when it’s by your hands that he lay dead. You killed my son! You killed him!” Zeta shouted, slapping at Ayrmeis.
“No, Zeta,” Danimore said. Before he could intervene, Symeon was at Ayrmeis’ side, blocking him from Zeta’s blows. Danimore cradled his wife in his arms while Symeon helped Ayrmeis to stand, nearly carrying him from the room.
“Ayrmeis shouldn’t have come here,” Danimore said when they’d gone. “You shouldn’t have either, Pentanimir.”
“Dani?”
“No. I don’t want to hear anything from you. Not now. Nothing you can say will change what’s happened. You’ve never come false to me before. With this, all of this, you never told me the truth.”
“Dani, please, I didn’t know. Ayrmeis didn’t want to harm Raithym. It was the wraith, Mah’saahc. You know this. Please. Raithym is here with us, Brother. Ayrmeis never wanted to harm him.”
“Then why did he kill my son?” Zeta said.
“He destroyed the wraith. The scepter caused Raithym’s death—”
“That’s a distinction without a difference,” Zeta said, pulling away from Danimore. “Had it been Tardison, mayhaps then you’d understand. It was our son, Pentanimir, ours . Your sons were protected, but not ours.”
“Mother, Father, please,” Raithym said, straining to push up. “Uncle, come. Please.”
Pentanimir peered at Zeta from the corner of his eye before sitting on the bed next to his nephew.
“Tell Ayrmeis that I don’t blame him,” Raithym said, grasping Pentanimir’s hand. “I know what was in his mind and his heart. I understand his pain and yet feel his love.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know, truly. I didn’t know.”
“I don’t blame you, either, Uncle. I’m merely one that the wraith used as fodder in her fiendish schemes. The Guardians helped me realize not only Ayrmeis’ struggle and pain, but yours, too. When I was within their light, everything was perspicuous.”
“Raithym, you need to rest,” Zeta said, stroking his face.
“I have more to say. Ayrmeis—”
“No,” Zeta said, louder than she’d meant. “I’ll hear nothing more about Ayrmeis. He killed you, Raithym. He took you from me.”
“Still you don’t understand. Ayrmeis didn’t kill me. He saved me.”
“Saved you?” She scoffed. “By plunging a spear into your heart?”
“Do you not see, Mother? If Ayrmeis hadn’t used the scepter, I would’ve died.” He looked from Danimore to Zeta. “Mah’saahc needed both my blood and my essence, all of it, to release the Zon’Tuls. She wouldn’t have relented until she’d syphoned all the life from me.
“If not for the Guardians moving through Ayrmeis, I would’ve died. They shielded what Mah’saahc coveted: the source and true instrument needed to break the seal. Me. My death was necessary to not only save Faélondul, but also my life.”
“But,” Zeta began, and then stopped, noticing Raithym’s anguished expression.
“The Guardians merged my essence, my life force with theirs, protecting it from the wraith. This is why I’m alive. I need to see Ayrmeis. He suffers.”
“What about your suffering? Does it mean nothing?”
“My suffering is infinitesimal compared to that of my cousin. Please don’t blame him, Mother. Had you felt his grief and trepidation, you’d understand. It was Mah’saahc,” he said, looking at his father.
“Nikolina released the wraith when she made a pact with Lilinth. She was the catalyst. Ayrmeis did what was necessary to protect Faélondul. If you must hold anger toward anyone, hold it toward yourself. I know why Nikolina despised me, and both of you know the same. My cousin should be celebrated, not accused and shunned. He loves me, just as I love him.”
Danimore was shocked, but couldn’t refute his assertions. The AsZar had told Pentanimir that the seed of scorn had caused all of this to be: Godfrey’s and Nikolina’s death, Mah’saahc’s release, and Raithym’s death. That painful truth caused tears to well in Danimore’s eyes.
“I’m sorry, Raithym. I only wanted to protect you and your mother. I loved you even before you were born.”
“I know.” Raithym winced. “The Guardians helped me understand far more than I can convey. I was always supposed to die, Father. Do you not see? Mah’saahc suffused me, and she couldn’t be defeated until my life was at an end. Once the host dies, she must flee. This is why, Mother,” he said, holding her hand.
“Ayrmeis didn’t realize what he’d have to do until our battle was joined. He believed that once Mah’saahc’s essence was drawn within the key, that I would be whole. Had he known the truth, he could never have pierced the darkness.”
“Did the Guardians reveal everything to you?” Pentanimir asked.
Raithym’s pained smile returned as his eyes blinked wearily. “I know who my true father is, as well as Ayrmeis’. I’m Draizeyn Vereux son, and Ayrmeis is the son of Daracus Vereux.
“Ayrmeis and I aren’t cousins. He’s my nephew.”
Zeta gasped, turning away.
“I’m not angered or saddened by any of this, Mother. I’ll always love both of you.”
“We didn’t want you to know, Raithym, nor Ayrmeis. Regardless of what happened, we love you. Danimore is your father and Pentanimir is Ayrmeis’.”
“There isn’t any reason to tell Ayrmeis otherwise. He’s suffered enough, and I’ll grieve him no further,” he said, looking at his parents. “Nor will either of you.”
“Raithym—”
“No, Mother. Please. Don’t allow the darkness to find your heart. It will only lead to ruin as it did for Nikolina. I’m still here with you, and soon you’ll be blessed with another child. Can’t this be blessing enough?”
“Forgive me. I—I thought I’d lost you, Raithym. My heart couldn’t withstand such a separation. I’ve already lost your brother; I couldn’t lose you, too.”
Raithym caressed her hand. “I’m yet with you.”
“I’ll tell Ayrmeis your sentiments,” Pentanimir said. “We’ll be going to the Animus Woods soon, and both of you will heal.”
“The Guardians requested our presence?” Danimore asked.
“Yes, Dani, I was going to tell you when I came. Yet—” Pentanimir left his words there as Danimore lowered his head.
“When will we leave?” Danimore asked.
“Two suns hence. All seven Protectors will escort us.”
“I don’t want to go,” Zeta said.
“Mother, you must.”
“No. They allowed you to die, Raithym. They took you from me.”
“No, they protected my essence and returned me to you. Mah’saahc took me, not the Guardians. How can you turn your back on those who’ve blessed us so?”
“Raithym?”
“No. When my sire abused you, the Guardians sent not only Father, but also Uncle to protect you. The Guardians healed your womb and blessed you with the babe you now carry. Those from whom you turn saved my life. You must come with us,” he said, straining to rise, but fell back as the pain seized him. “You—you’re needed, Mother. We all are.”
“You knew about the summons?” Pentanimir asked, dabbing the sweat from Raithym’s face.
“Yes. I knew that we’d need to return. My wound will never fully heal without the Guardians’ merge. Ayrmeis, Tardison, and I will travel beyond the falls together.”
>
“Tardison?” Pentanimir asked.
“Tardison’s and Ayrmeis’ energies are still intertwined, and the Guardians must sever the connection.”
“What about Ahvixx? He was connected with Ayrmeis, too.”
“He’ll travel to the wood, but no healing is needed.”
Danimore caressed Raithym’s face, knowing that he needed to rest. “We’ll return to the wood together, Raithym. All of us,” he said, bringing Zeta closer. “We all need to heal.”
Pentanimir nodded. “After we leave the Animus Wood, I won’t be returning to Nazil. I’ll have a score of Jasiri meet Brahanu and me in Cazaal. I think we could all use a respite, and I’m certain that Temian and Thalassa can oversee the affairs here until our return.”
“Cazaal?” Danimore said. “For how long?”
Pentanimir smiled, wistfully. “Until you can forgive me and love me as you once did.”
“Brother, there isn’t anything to forgive. Always I’ll love you. You know this. It’s just…always…it’s…I can’t, and then Oxilon. I—I can’t, it’s too much,” Danimore stammered, trying to convey all of his muddled thoughts at once.
“I know, Dani. I’m sorry, and I don’t fault you for anything. I love you. No matter what we must face, I’ll always love you, Brother.”
“Ayrmeis is resting now, Zaxson,” Nzuri said, entering with Ceron. “Symeon and Sarai are sitting with him, while I came to tend Raithym.”
Danimore nodded, kissing Raithym’s brow. “Come now, Zeta. Let’s allow Raithym to rest. We’ll return soon. I promise.”
When they left the room, Nzuri inspected Raithym’s wounds. “How do you feel?” he asked, rubbing ointment on his chest, and changing the dressings.
“Like someone who’s passed from the land of the living and then returned,” Raithym said, blinking languidly.
Nzuri’s movements stopped, looking down at the remarkable young man. “Indeed, Lord Benoist. We thought we’d lost you. No one grieved more than Ayrmeis.”
“I know, High Priest. I can feel his despondency from here. After we’ve visited the wood, we’ll both be healed.”
“Would you like some dream wine?”
“No. Thank you. I’ll rest well without it.”
“What about your pain?”
“It’s tolerable. I’m doing well, due to your ministrations.”
“There’s much yet to do. Your body needs time to heal, Raithym. Kuhani will visit you on the morrow. Rest now, and Ceron will return with a meal after you’ve slept.”
“If’n you ain’t mindin’, High Priest, I’m wantin’ to stay for a bit.”
Nzuri looked at Ceron curiously, and then back to Raithym. When he nodded, Nzuri relented. “All right, but don’t remain long. Raithym must rest.”
“Yes’m, High Priest. I promise.”
As soon as the door closed, Ceron leaned down, kissing Raithym.
“I was fearin’ when they’s told ‘bout what happened. You sure you’re all right?”
“I am. Once we’ve returned from the wood, I’ll be whole.”
“Thank the Guardians, Raithym. I’m not knowin’ what I’d do if you was gone. Our babe is needin’ a father.”
“I’ll be here for the both of you.”
“What ‘bout your parents?”
“There’s little they can do, Ceron. We’re going to have a child, and you’ll remain here in the citadel. I’ll speak with them soon and arrange for another attendant to replace you. I won’t allow the mother of my child to be a laborer in the citadel.”
“Your mum told me to leave you be. She ain’t ‘gon be too happy learnin’ ‘bout the babe.”
Raithym drew her down to him, softly kissing her cheek. “It’ll take some time, but mother will love and accept our coming child just as Danimore loved and accepted me as his own.”
Ceron pushed up, looking into his eyes. “I weren’t knowin’ you knew ‘bout that.”
“I only learned about it recently. Regardless, Danimore Benoist will always be my father. Draizeyn Vereux was merely my sire. I’m a Benoist, and our child will be one, too.”
“Draizeyn?” She gasped.
“It’s of no matter,” he said, closing his eyes. “I’d like for you to stay here a while with me.”
“I ain’t goin’ nowheres. I’ll always be at your side,” she promised, laying her head on his chest.
Animus Wood
Pentanimir closed his eyes, listening to the falls’ music, and recalling the first time he’d come to Afferea, and experienced those dulcet refrains. The turbidity and heartache he’d suffered then, was infinitesimal compared to what he now faced. Or perhaps, it was merely different, yet equally debilitating. Pentanimir wasn’t certain. As he stood here now, holding on to his wife’s hand, he wasn’t certain of anything, especially his family’s future.
They had defeated Mah’saahc, but he didn’t feel victorious. He hadn’t been the one sacrificing his life to save Faélondul. Not this time. His sons and nephews had borne this burden, and the complexities of that battle had impacted his family in incalculable ways.
Both Zeta and Danimore’s resentment was understandable, but Pentanimir didn’t possess the ability or a means to soothe their heart and mend the wound this battle had inflicted on them. Time was the only means to heal such an ache, albeit, time mightn’t be enough for Danimore.
Pentanimir felt that Danimore’s wounds would never fully heal. It was more than learning about Oxilon. Knowing that he’d raped their mother was a torment to them both. However, Danimore’s pain was expounded being the product of that assault.
Pentanimir clenched his eyes tighter, struggling to hear the falls’ music over the debilitating thoughts in his mind. Regardless of the past, he needed to look toward their futures. His sons and nephews had survived the battle on Sanctium. Now, Pentanimir needed to help them survive the battles raging within each of them.
“Are you all right?” Brahanu whispered. She squeezed the hand she held, looking into his eyes.
Pentanimir forced a smile, leaning down to kiss her cheek. “In time,” he said, looking over to their sons. “We all will be, in time.”
As Brahanu rested her head on his shoulder, the falls released a luminous burst, synchronous with Angelaris’ harmonic greeting.
After offering a prayer, the AsZar extended out a hand toward Ahvixx.
“The Guardians await you and your family beyond the falls. Ayrmeis, Tardison, and Raithym, please follow the Ke’ohnzi, and have your wounds healed.”
“Will Raithym be all right, AsZar?” Zeta asked. “Can the wound be completely healed?”
“Yes. The blood of Manifir has strengthened him. Once he’s merged with the Guardians, the wound will be no more.”
Danimore’s face darkened, feeling both the anger and pain of that truth.
“Danimore,” Angelaris said. “It grieved us that you learned the truth of your birth in such a manner. Had the circumstances been different, this wouldn’t have been disclosed.
“Learning the truth of your sire doesn’t diminish what you’ve always known. Manifir Benoist loved you, and he will always be your father. Don’t allow the darkness that pervaded Oxilon to alter who you are, or your connection with your siblings. Doing so could cause a dissention, tainting what must remain pure.”
Danimore merely nodded, drawing Zeta nearer.
“Will—will Ayrmeis’ be healed as well?” Sarai asked, edging forward, timidly. “I mean, both physically and mentally.”
“Both Ayrmeis and Tardison’s healing will be complete.”
“Thank you,” Sarai said, wiping away her tears.
“Sarai, your love for Ayrmeis is profound,” Angelaris said. “This surprises you?”
Sarai glanced at Pentanimir and Brahanu, recalling what she’d previously said. “It—it does.”
“And you, Symeon?”
He draped an arm around his wife, meeting Angelaris’ eyes. “Yes. I love Ayrmeis.”
“Wh
at are your feelings, Zaxson?” Angelaris asked. “Do you love your son?”
“I’ve always loved Ayrmeis,” Pentanimir said, moving next to Symeon. “He—he bears a name from both my parents, and I’ve made no difference between Ayrmeis and my other sons.”
“You speak true, but what about your wife? Do her feelings mirror your own?”
Brahanu’s eyes widened as they met Pentanimir’s. This was the first time that she had to honestly consider her feelings. Perhaps she’d used Ayrmeis’ accelerated growth as an excuse, as a way to allow Sarai to be the mother Brahanu didn’t truly want to be. Did she ever have a connection with Ayrmeis, or accept him as her son? At that moment, she feared speaking an answer.
“I do love him.”
Angelaris smiled, gliding over to her. “You do,” she said. “Yet, not as a mother should love a child.” Before Brahanu could answer, Angelaris raised an unjudging hand.
“It isn’t an admonition, Brahanu. It’s merely the truth. I’m not doubting that you love Ayrmeis. In fact, I can feel that love as I speak with you.
“But Ayrmeis isn’t your natural son, and not everyone is capable of providing the true mother’s love that such a child needs. If you desire the best for Ayrmeis, now is the time to consider what that might be.”
Pentanimir’s brow knitted. “What’s that to mean?”
“Is your love for Ayrmeis strong enough to allow him his true parents?”
“What?” Pentanimir gasped. “You—you’d take my son?”
“No,” Angelaris said. “No one will take Ayrmeis from you. I asked but a question. Is your love this strong?”
Myriad divergent emotions erupted in his heart and mind. Had he and Temian not spoken about this very thing? Pentanimir loved Ayrmeis, loved him as his own.
“He’s my son,” he murmured, looking at Symeon and Sarai. Pentanimir couldn’t deny the obvious bond Ayrmeis and Symeon shared, either. It wasn’t merely emulation; it was admiration and true love, a love Ayrmeis didn’t feel as strongly toward him.
At that, Pentanimir looked into Brahanu’s eyes, finding the truth neither of them had spoken aloud. Could he allow Sarai her son? How could he not?
“If—if their love and desire outweigh my own, I could release Ayrmeis to his true mother. But I don’t want to be without him,” Pentanimir said, weakly. “I love him.”
The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy Page 167