The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  “We won’t leave the citadel,” Sarai said. “If you’d allow Ayrmeis to be with us, we’ll remain at your side, always. I owe you more than I could ever pay for caring for my son when I thought it was impossible for me to do so.

  “I believed that when I looked at Ayrmeis, I’d see only Daracus, and relive the cruelties he inflicted upon me.” Sarai shook her head, stepping closer to him. “I didn’t know, Zaxson, truly.

  “Even though Ayrmeis’ features do mirror Daracus’, that isn’t what I see. When I look at Ayrmeis, I see only him. I see only my son. I know it isn’t fair to ask for him now. But I’ve taken care of him since he was an infant, and I couldn’t believe my heart could love so tenderly and so completely. It does and always has with Ayrmeis. Please, my—my husband feels the same as I do. We both love Ayrmeis.”

  Symeon nodded his agreement when Pentanimir regarded him.

  He’d recognized that long ago, but once Symeon acknowledged that love, it forced Pentanimir to confront what he’d tried to deny, but always felt in his heart.

  “What about Ayrmeis?” Pentanimir asked. “He knows Brahanu and me as his parents. We can’t just remove him from our family as if he was never a part of it.”

  “We’re not asking you to foreswear your relationship with Ayrmeis,” Angelaris said. “If you decide to release him to Sarai and Symeon, Ayrmeis will be receptive. There would be no residual pain or resentment to bear. This, I promise. Ayrmeis will still love you, as you will love him.”

  Pentanimir nodded, hesitantly, and then looked up at Symeon. “You’ve always loved him as a son, haven’t you?”

  “I have, Zaxson. The bond is undeniable, but I wouldn’t act on those feelings. I understand that he is your son, and know how much you love him, too.”

  “I do, Symeon. I love Ayrmeis very much, both as my son, and as yours.” Pentanimir said, forcing back the tears lining his eyes.

  “Do not grieve, Pentanimir. Ayrmeis will still be with you,” Angelaris said. “Being a father isn’t the only way to love a child, or share in his life. You’ll find that being a trusted friend and mentor has benefits that you’ve yet to discover,” Angelaris said, turning toward Brahanu. “You’ll still share in Ayrmeis’ life as well, as will your daughter.”

  “My—my daughter?” Brahanu breathed. “Am I with child, AsZar?”

  “You are.”

  “We’re going to have a daughter?” Pentanimir said, embracing his wife as a smile returned to his face.

  “Uzon Osei,” Angelaris said. “We extend our gratitude to you. By answering the summons, you’ve helped not only the Guardians, but all Faélondul.”

  “The Jasiri will forever heed your call, AsZar. Am I to return?”

  Angelaris smiled, reaching out to him. “Soon, Uzon. K’ohshul is your place, and Drah’kuu Malachi will have need of you. The scepter will remain beyond the falls, guarded by the Watchmen.”

  “I understand.”

  “Before you traverse the threshold, you must commune with the Guardians.”

  “The Ceremony of Six?” Turahn asked.

  Angelaris nodded, gesturing to the falls. “K’aun ein zan’ner .” [114]

  Wordlessly, Turahn bowed, and then walked into the falls as Angelaris approached the couples.

  “Soon the Protectors will return with your children. Some have spoken of paths which turn from Nazil,” she said, looking at Danimore. “Such choices could have unforeseen corollaries, and shouldn’t be made in haste. There’s a bond between each of you, that can’t be allowed to wither. The love in your hearts transcends the pains of your past. Let no thought, person, or circumstance weaken the bond between you. Your strength lies within your connection. A connection that’s infinitely stronger than your origins,” Angelaris paused, meeting all of their eyes. “Or your sires.”

  Danimore drew Zeta closer, understanding those truths. Even after the trials they’d suffered, and learning about Oxilon, he still loved his brother. He loved all his siblings, and knew he was stronger with them. He’d need their support and love, to overcome what he had yet to face.

  Now, he understood Oxilon’s rebuke. As Oxilon was to Manifir, so was Danimore to Pentanimir. Oxilon hated seeing himself in Danimore: his only living son. It was a torment to Oxilon, just as knowing that he was his sire, tormented Danimore.

  “Dani?” Pentanimir said, moving to face him. “Will you return to Nazil with me? I need you at my side, Brother.”

  “I’ll always be at your side, Pentanimir. Always.”

  “Your sons’ approach,” Angelaris said.

  Sarai fumbled nervously as Arinak, Baldon, and Michau emerged from the falls. She was anxious to see Ayrmeis, but trepidatious as well. He was the Zaxson’s son, and now, they’d ask him to become less. For the first time, she feared that he might not accept such a demotion.

  “By the gods,” Danimore shouted, drawing everyone’s attention. He rushed to Michau, crying out again.

  “It can’t be,” Brahanu gasped, stumbling backward. Pentanimir steadied her stance, trying to speak, but no words would issue forth. When they approached Arinak, he inclined his head, handing the child to Brahanu. Tears streamed from her eyes as she looked at Pentanimir, and then back to their sleeping son.

  “How?” she cried, cradling the toddler in her arms.

  “Ayrmeis,” Sarai breathed, swaying to her knees, weeping irrepressibly. Symeon lifted her from the ground, placing Ayrmeis in her arms.

  “AsZar? How is this possible?” Pentanimir asked. “Our children are as they were. They—they are young again, we have them with us once more.”

  “The Guardians’ blessings cover them, Zaxson. Once Mah’saahc’s essence was drawn within the key, her influence could no longer affect the children.”

  “But they were men grown,” Danimore said, caressing Raithym’s cheek.

  “The Guardians’ energies eradicated the eidolon’s manipulations, cleansing your sons. Your children’s ages are now as they should be. Merely a year’s progression has taken place as would be natural for the children.”

  “Thank you,” Sarai said, cradling Ayrmeis close to her breasts. “Thank you. We have our son. It’s a blessing beyond any other.”

  “Ayrmeis was meant to be with you,” Angelaris said. “Howbeit, it couldn’t be so until you realized the love you held for him, a love you once thought impossible.

  “Ayrmeis and Idris are Jasiri warriors, just as their father. You’re the Uzon of Nazil, Symeon. When the time comes, you’ll traverse the threshold to K’ohshul. Only there can the trials be completed, and the promise fulfilled. Another will journey at your side as you stand before Drah’kuu Malachi.

  “At the trial’s end, you’ll return to Nazil with the wives who have been selected. Your sons will be three, yet the wives will be four. The Benoist and Yegos will always have a special bond.”

  “Wives?” Sarai stared down at her young son. “What wives, AsZar?”

  “Once the choice is made, then we will know,” Angelaris said. “Uzon Osei will prepare what’s needed if you choose the path of the Jasiri, Symeon. Look for Tekalign, and know your purpose.”

  “Zeta and Danimore. Words were spoken that cannot be unspoken. But you now have the opportunity to mend what has been broken. The paths ahead of you have many turns. Choose the correct direction for your lives, and that of your children.”

  Zeta’s gaze lowered, feeling shamed by both her previous words and actions. As she held onto her son, she pushed everything else from her mind. Raithym was a child again, and that’s what truly mattered. Her family was whole, and she thanked the Guardians for those blessings.

  “There is more,” Angelaris said. “Raithym is a boy of four, but within two seasons, he, too, will have a son.”

  “A—a son! How?” Danimore asked, wide-eyed.

  “Ceron!” Zeta spat.

  “Yes,” Angelaris said. “Ceron loves your son, and it will be difficult for her to accept this loss. Raithym didn’t love her, but he did ca
re, and he wanted this child most of all. He promised to care for them both, and he would’ve held true to this.

  “Ceron’s son will appear more a brother than a son to Raithym now. It will be difficult, but even more so for Ceron.”

  “What are we supposed to do? He’s but four,” Zeta said, nestling Raithym against her breast.

  “You are to accept your grandchild as he is. Although he can’t be a son to Raithym, they should remain together. Nurture the bond between them, and help Ceron overcome this loss. Do not allow anger or resentment a place in your heart. The repercussions of your actions could ripple across Faélondul. You’ll all be needed once Raithym’s son is born.”

  Zeta continued to shake her head as Angelaris moved away, taking Arinak’s offered hand. “The Protectors will see you safely to Nazil.”

  “AsZar,” Pentanimir said. “Will Ahvixx and his family return with us?”

  “They will come.” Angelaris smiled. “Once Naomi’s preparation is complete.”

  “Preparation?” Pentanimir asked. “Preparation for what?”

  “To take her place as AsZar.”

  epilogue

  Zeta rocked Ihnat in her arms, ruminating about the direful occurrences her family had recently suffered. The past four seasons were a blur, seeming more an awful nightmare than reality. They’d endured so much over the past few years, and Zeta feared that only more lay ahead.

  Since Raithym’s return, Zeta had become vigilant. She vowed to protect her family, and Raithym most of all. It didn’t matter what she’d have to do, she was going to protect her son. The Guardians only protected those of their choosing, and Zeta was going to do the same.

  “Choice,” she murmured, looking down at Ihnat. “I, too, have made a choice. If the Guardians won’t protect my children, I will.”

  With that, Zeta moved a hand over her rounded womb. That sensation reminded her of the few joyous events in her life. Albeit, at what cost? The Guardians had healed her womb, but only after her son had died. This, too, they could’ve prevented, yet sat idle and permitted his death.

  “The Guardians,” Zeta said, staring down at Ihnat. At that moment, she felt blessed and cursed all at once.

  Ihnat wasn’t truly her son, and no matter how she wished it otherwise, she couldn’t move past that fact. This was yet another burden she’d be forced to bear. For Danimore’s sake, she’d endure the pain of caring for his son. His first true son, she had to admit.

  Though Danimore had claimed Raithym as his own, the circumstances weren’t the same. At least, not to Zeta.

  “Raithym!” Ceron said, rushing through the door. She skidded to a stop, noticing Zeta seated in the room.

  “My—milady,” Ceron stammered, casting her gaze down.

  “Ceron, please, come. I’ve been waiting to speak with you,” Zeta said, rising and nestling Ihnat in his crib. After retaking her seat, she motioned Ceron toward her.

  “You’ve come with a purpose, have you not?”

  “Milady, beg pardon. I weren’t meanin’ to disturb your time.”

  “My time?”

  “Yes, milady. Forgive me, I—I’ll come back in a bit. I mean, If’n that’s all right.”

  “Do I have a cause to forgive you? Have you committed some offense of which I’m not aware?”

  Ceron fidgeted nervously, shifting under Zeta’s glare.

  “Speak!” Zeta pounded a fist on the divan.

  Ceron flinched, taking a shaky step back. “Milady, I was just wantin’ to see Raithym. We’s close and—and I promised to come by and check.”

  “Close?”

  “Yes’m. We was talkin’ ‘afore he left, and he’s wantin’ to see me.”

  “Raithym didn’t mention anything to me about that. Perhaps you could enlighten me,” Zeta said, motioning for her to sit.

  Ceron’s eyes darted around the room, before she sat across from Zeta.

  “We have much to discuss, you and I.”

  “What would ya have of me?”

  Zeta smirked, inspecting her from toe to head. “That’s an interesting question. Do you recall the last time you asked the same?”

  “Milady?”

  “The last time you asked, what I’d have of you. The promise you made to me. Do you recall the last time you asked that question?”

  Ceron’s eyes lowered, knowing exactly what she meant. She fought back the forming tears, knowing that Zeta had learned about her relationship with Raithym.

  “It—it was when ya asked me to stay away from Raithym.”

  “Ah, you do recall. Good. Now, do you remember the promise that you made?”

  “I promised to do what ya asked.”

  Zeta nodded, glaring. “Of everyone in this citadel, I thought you were my friend. We suffered horribly here, Ceron, the both of us. I was grateful to you for all you’d done to protect me when we were slaves. But now…” Zeta paused, struggling to remain calm.

  “I’ve told you how pleased I was when you decided to stay. I allowed you to select your own suite, ensured you were well compensated for your service, and offered you the respect that I felt you and the others deserved.

  “I trusted you, Ceron. My husband trusted you. Even my son loved you as part of our family. Raithym was always with either you or Ayrmeis.” She shook her head. “The two people he loved the most both betrayed him.”

  Ceron looked up then, with moisture rimming her eyes. “Betrayed? I ain’t betrayed neither of ya. You’re the only family I’s got. I love—”

  “You dare speak that word to me? The only person you love is yourself. You’ve proven who and what you really are, Ceron, and I wish I’d realized that sooner.”

  “Milady, I—”

  “No! You were aware of the unnatural changes in my son. I trusted you, and you betrayed me, betrayed all of us. I asked you to allow my son time to adjust to what was happening to him. You promised me that you would. You lied. You looked me in my eyes and you lied to me.”

  “It weren’t meant that way, milady. I was tryin’ to do how ya asked, but Raithym weren’t ‘ceptin’ it. It weren’t just me. He—he would be waitin’ in my room when—”

  “You have the audacity to throw the blame at my son’s feet?”

  Ceron shrank back, clutching the arms of her chair. “I ain’t blamin’ him, milady, I’s just speakin’ true. I tried to do all ya said, but he weren’t hearin’ me. He said he was a man grown, and kept comin’. I tried, milady, please.”

  “The changes in my son weren’t natural. We explained this to you, Ceron. I asked you to allow Raithym time for his emotions to settle. He might’ve appeared like a man, but he hadn’t the time to adjust and understand what being a man truly meant. You took advantage of his ignorance and forced yourself upon him.”

  “No, milady, I promise. I ain’t never forced your son. He came to me.”

  “Again, you blame a child. A four-year-old child forced into the body of a man.”

  With that accusation, the lingering vestiges of Ceron’s composure crumbled. Zeta hadn’t lied, but she didn’t understand how relentlessly Raithym had pursued her, either. Now, she’d betrayed her friend, and shattered any chance of a possible future with Raithym.

  Once Zeta learned about their coming child, Ceron feared what would become of her. She’d disobeyed an order from the Shijahn of Nazil. This was beyond disappointing a friend. Ceron had betrayed the wife of the second most powerful man in Faélondul.

  “Take this,” Zeta said, tossing a small pouch in Ceron’s lap.

  “Milady?”

  “There’s enough coin there for you to begin anew. You can travel wherever you wish and make a life for yourself. You could buy a nice home and a tract of land. I believe they’re still allotting land in Spero and Rhoyden at no cost at all. I don’t care where you go or what you decide to do, but you won’t be staying here.”

  “But—’

  “There’s no ‘but’. Not with this. When Surma and Leanta leave for Yarah on the morrow, you�
��ll be going with them. Whether you decide to stay there or buy passage elsewhere doesn’t concern me.

  “Your time in Nazil is over, Ceron. If I were you, I’d begin packing my belongings.”

  “No. Please, milady, Raithym promised. He—he said I could stay here. He promised me, milady, please.”

  Zeta’s eyes narrowed. “Truly? Raithym said nothing of the sort when we returned from the Animus Wood. Why would your location be of interest to him?”

  “He—we, milady, please. If’n ya ask him, he’ll tell ya the same. I can’t leave Nazil now. Raithym’s wantin’ me here, and—and I’m wantin’ the same. He needs me.”

  “Need? What need has Raithym of you? I warned you that my son was interested in several ladies here. You weren’t the only one trying to lure him to your bed.”

  “But he promised. Please, If’n ya let me see him, he’ll tell ya. I gots to stay here. Ain’t no other way.”

  “Why? Why is it so important for you to stay here with Raithym?”

  Ceron’s head lowered, as she rested a hand on her abdomen. “Rai-Raithym and me are gonna have a child, milady.”

  “A child? My son?”

  “Yes’m. Please ask Raithym and he’ll tell ya. We was ‘sposed to tell ya and the Nakshij when ya got back. I knew ya’d be upset, but Raithym said you’d ‘cept me and our child.” She looked up for a moment. “Your grandchild.”

  “A child? My son?” Zeta forced a chuckle. “Raithym certainly didn’t mention any child. Raithym doesn’t love you, Ceron. He never did.”

  “What?”

  “It gives me no pleasure to speak it, but I must. The Guardians informed us about your pregnancy. Apparently, you’re going to have a son. Your son.

  “They also mentioned that you were in love with Raithym. That love isn’t reciprocated. It never was. Raithym might’ve loved bedding you, but beyond that, there was nothing. I’m certain that he still cares. After all, you were his caregiver and attendant. But he does not and did not love you.”

  “He does, milady. We’s goin’ to have a child.”

  “No. You’re going to have a child, a son. You alone, Ceron, and not Raithym. You’re going to leave Nazil and not return.”