The Rise of Nazil

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  “The Nazilians speak of ‘honor above all,’” Aizen sneered. “What honor is there in attacking people who lay abed? What honor is there in killing innocent children and women? They have no honor!”

  “There are many Nazilians with honor,” Ahni said. “Not like the beasts who orchestrated this cowardly attack.”

  “Why did they attack Hyorin, Ahni? Surely they posed no threat to Nazil.”

  “Nazil saw a threat. Their Zaxson was concerned about Hyorin’s growth and independence. The people there enjoyed a rich life, and flourished no matter the mulct that Nazil demanded. They even had their own fighting forces, not only sentries. But none of that mattered when the snakes crept up from the grass,” Ahni spat. “The city became too strong for Nazil. Draizeyn feared they would lead a rebellion against them. They had the resources, the numbers, and the training. If they had a mind, it could’ve been so.”

  Aizen nodded. “This is also why Draizeyn keeps spreading Nazil’s reach. They use the Caretakers to learn about villages and their denizens.”

  “What about Cazaal? We have no such persons among us.”

  “Don’t answer so surely, Brahanu,” Aizen said.

  Her brow creased, considering that statement. “What happened when your mother made for the shelter?”

  “She—she didn’t make it.”

  “But how? How did she escape?”

  “Did you know that we had an older sister and brother?” Ahni asked.

  “No, your parents didn’t mention them.”

  “Mother reached the shelter that led to an underground tunnel. It was filled with people, panicking and pushing their way through. Mother didn’t want to leave without Father, so she sent Annissah and Eylul through the tunnel with our attendants.”

  “Are they your brother and sister?”

  “Yes,” Aizen said. “The Nazilians set the steadings and stables on fire. Mother could hear the horses’ whinnies as they burned and choked on the smoke. She did what she could to free them, but most didn’t survive.”

  “Gods, I didn’t know. Father never mentioned any of this.”

  Ahni sighed. “He couldn’t have known. By the time that he arrived, Hyorin must’ve been in ruins.

  “Mother tethered horses near the shelter, riding one through the city. Most of our sentries had been cut down in the streets. Others were barred in their homes and billets before they were set ablaze. The screams, the way mother described the screams.” His eyes closed with the memory. “Most of the Nohek and Tumishi were murdered. The birds they sent didn’t reach the villages in time.”

  “Mother couldn’t find Father, and it wasn’t safe to travel farther into the burning city,” Aizen said. “It wasn’t until she turned back to the shelter did she see him. He was near the horses, helping those who had been injured. She thanked the gods, but her happiness was short-lived. As she neared the shelter, a great explosion rumbled with such force that it knocked her from her mount. It was as if the ground was swallowing everything around it.”

  “A crash? What happened?”

  “No one knows how the Nazilians knew. They...they collapsed the escape tunnel. Everyone who was in there was crushed under the weight.”

  Brahanu gasped. “All of them? Even the children? Oh, gods, your brother, and sister... they... they were in the tunnel. Did they make it through? Please, did they make it out of the tunnel?”

  Aizen shook his head. “Only a few survived the tunnel. Those who made it through fled into the wood near where the tunnel led. Mother and Father were fortunate to have the horses. They took the few wounded around them, heading toward the mountains.”

  “But why didn’t they go to Kaleo for help?”

  “They didn’t know who’d betrayed them. Someone told the Nazilians about the escape tunnel. Mother was inconsolable once they reached the mountains. What they discovered there shaped their future.”

  “What, Aizen?”

  “Nazilians. Father flew into a rage, attacking them with abandon. One of the men was Elder Hosdaq. When Esme screamed, Father noticed the children that she was shielding.”

  “Hosdaq? But who was with him?”

  “You’ve met Nzuri and Emet,” Ahni said. “They were there with their father, Gayu. Their mother was Nazilian, and killed in the city.”

  “But if Hosdaq knew, why didn’t he warn them?”

  “He was afraid. He led Esme and a few others to safety, but didn’t know where to go. Once the fighting stopped, he and Father formed an agreement of sorts. They didn’t trust each other, but they needed each other to escape.”

  “What about Hosdaq? Did he ever return to Nazil?”

  “He did,” Aizen said. “Hosdaq helped to build Bandari, and through him, Kuhani came among us. He provided most of the coin we needed as well. But he always returned to Nazil.”

  “We’ve arrived,” Ahni said.

  “So soon?” Brahanu asked. “I thought it would be much longer.”

  “It was. The conversation just made it appear otherwise,” Aizen said.

  “Ahni, you’ll room with us at the inn. We’ll wait while you send the message, but you won’t stay in the city,” he said, turning to Brahanu. “If you’d like a bath, they can provide that, too. Pentanimir has given us ample coin, and we’ll purchase some attire more befitting your return home. We’re well situated.”

  “Thank you, Aizen. A bath would be much appreciated. Mayhaps we can speak more about Bandari over our meal. Your priest, Kuhani, truly interests me.”

  He smiled. “There’s much to tell, and more to learn.”

  Message from Noraa

  “Papa, I’ll finish when I return. Hacom is waiting and I need to get the horses.”

  Itai towered over his father, his large, corded arms reaching over Tioch’s head, grabbing items from the shelves. Each time he reached, Tioch waved his hand about in frustration.

  “Why ain’t he usin’ his own horses?” Tioch asked.

  “These are the strongest horses we have. We’re traveling deeper in the wood and partially into the Fire Lands.”

  “What of yer chores here?” Tioch asked, dropping his rasp on the table for effect. “Am I ‘sposed to do all the work myself while ya run errands for Hacom?”

  “I’m not running errands; I’m searching for my promised.”

  Tioch scoffed. “Promised? How many seasons done passed since the promise was accepted? Now, she wants another year to study with the lakaar. Mayhaps the girl fled to be free from that promise.”

  Itai’s eyes narrowed, his mouth gaping in surprise.

  “What now, Itai?” Tioch said, tossing his hands in the air. “All right, that was too harsh. I know ya care for the girl. Hell, ya love her. It’d just be nice to have ya wed instead of a promise of such. The seasons pass, and ya still talk ‘bout promises. Could be Hacom don’t think a craftsman is good enough for his daughter.”

  “Hacom agreed to the promise. Why do you always say that?”

  “Itai, have ya grown soft? Words. Just words. Of course, I hope ya find the girl. I ain’t wishin’ no ill on her.”

  “Oh, leave the boy be, ya ol’ grouch,” Naji said. “He’s got a good heart. That’s more’n I can say for ya. Can’t ya see he’s sufferin’? Ya always was hard as iron.”

  “Old woman, who asked ya? I thought ya was boilin’ water for wash’n. What ya doin’ out here interruptin’ father and son?”

  “Humph, boilin’ water fer wash’n,” she repeated. “You’d like that, wouldn’t ya? Ta see ol’ Naji struggle with that heavy caldron. If’n ya want that wash’n done, ya best be gettin’ out back and pour that water inta the barrel,” she murmured, shuffling away.

  Tioch pointed at Naji, eyeing Itai.

  “Ya see what ya done caused? Now I got to listen to her rant ‘til noonday. Go on, meet with Hacom. I’ll finish the work for ta’day. But I’ll need yer help on the morrow.”

  Itai smiled and wrapped his father in a hug, lifting him easily from the ground. “Than
k you, Papa. I’ll come before the moon’s rise, I promise.”

  Itai moved quickly toward the stable as the temple bell tolled. When no other toll sounded, his eyes widened. Mounting Ared, he galloped towards the village center.

  “Itai, what’s the matter?” Nesrine asked.

  “Didn’t you hear? Only one toll! There’s been a bird. A message has arrived!” He called out over his shoulder.

  By the time he arrived at the crowded temple, Nohek Glennon stepped out onto the platform. After searching the crowd, he motioned to Itai.

  “Nohek, is there news of Brahanu?”

  “There’s been word. I’ll need you to take the scroll to Hacom.”

  “Please, you must tell me, Nohek Glennon, is she all right?”

  “Don’t worry, my son, she’s fine.” Glennon smiled.

  “Thank the gods! Oh, thank the gods! Thank you, Nohek, I’ll tell Hacom at once.”

  Taking the small scroll from Glennon, he tucked it in his pouch, mounting Ared. Itai wanted to shout the news for all to hear as he urged Ared faster.

  He pounded on Hacom’s door while rushing inside to find them.

  “By the gods, Itai, what’s the matter?” Amani asked, glancing around at Julaybeim and Hacom.

  Itai only smiled, reaching in his pouch and producing the scroll.

  “Is it Brahanu?” Amani asked, stepping closer.

  He nodded, handing her the scroll. Both Hacom and Julaybeim moved closer, reading the scroll as she did: “Father, I’m all right and will be home within two suns. I have passage on a ship named the Spicy Lass. Give my love to everyone, and please tell Itai that I’m all right and miss him terribly.”

  Amani yelped, drawing the men into a celebratory embrace.

  Hacom couldn’t respond. He returned her hug and then staggered away, taking a seat near the hearth. Their daughter was safe and coming home, and that news took the breath from him.

  “Thank you, Itai. Our daughter is coming home, she’s coming home,” Amani shouted, hugging him again.

  “Yes, the gods are good, and she’s coming home!” Itai lifted Amani up, spinning her around in the air.

  “Father, we need to prepare for Brahanu’s return,” Julaybeim said. “Two suns seems long, but she’ll be back soon, and we must be ready.”

  “Yes…yes…everyone must come and celebrate with us. Almaz will need help in the kitchen.”

  “We’ll need some tables and benches, too, Father. Nohek Glennon might have some to lend. I’ll ask him, and talk with Yerrid, too.”

  “Yes, Julaybeim, you do that,” Hacom said weakly. The words on the scroll repeated over the voices surrounding him. She’s safe. My daughter is safe.

  “Hacom, what’s the matter? Our daughter is coming home, yet you seem troubled.”

  “No, Amani, I’m all right. It’s just that Noraa is so distant. I don’t understand how she ended up so far from Depero Wood.”

  “Father, Brahanu can answer that upon her return. It’s not for us to question how the gods delivered her. We are to be thankful that she was delivered.”

  Hacom smiled, meeting Julaybeim’s grey eyes. It was like looking into a mirror. With the same copper-colored complexion, curly, raven hair, and hench build, Julaybeim appeared much as Hacom did in his youth. His smile grew. “You have the right of it. Her safety is all that matters.”

  Itai edged closer, clearing his throat. “Hacom, I—I don’t mean to overstep, but if it pleases you, I’d like to meet Brahanu. I’d go after two suns and wait at the port inn. If—if—it pleases you and Amani,” he stammered, his eyes never leaving the floor.

  Hacom and Amani shared a glance and then regarded Itai. For years, he’d loved Brahanu. Many men wouldn’t have had the patience for such a wait. Yet, there he stood. Brahanu was the only woman that he’d ever loved, and he proved that love with each rise of the sun.

  “I think that Brahanu would be pleased at seeing you,” Hacom said. “We know you’ll bring her home safely.”

  “Thank you, thank you both. I must tell Papa the news!” Itai hugged them again before rushing out the room.

  When he returned home, Tioch was draping a tarp over a pile of wood. Itai watched as he fumbled with the covering that kept being blown up by the wind.

  “Here, Papa, let me help.”

  Tioch stepped away, wiping sweat from his brow. Reaching inside his vest, he removed a small flask, and then rested on a stool. “Whew, it’s good ya came when ya did. Looks like we’re gettin’ more rain,” he said, taking a swig from the flask. ‘Wait, what ya doin’ back? I thought you was in such a hurry to meet Hacom.”

  “Didn’t you hear the toll?”

  “I never pay them things no mind. If it’s somethin’ important, someone will come ‘round sooner or later talkin’ ‘bout it.”

  “It was important. It was everything that I’ve been praying for.”

  “Why ya lookin’ and talkin’ that way, Itai? What’s the news?”

  “Papa, it was from Brahanu! She’ll be back in Cazaal in two suns…back with me!”

  “Two suns? That’s a long way from home. Where’s she been?”

  “She only said that she was in Noraa and was coming on a ship...the...uhm...Spicy Lass. Yes, the Spicy Lass. It’ll be here soon, and I’m going to the port to meet her.”

  “The Spicy Lass? That’s a merchant’s vessel. I used to know a few of them captains. They don’t take on passengers ‘less ya got the coin to pay. Where’d she get coin like that?”

  “Does it matter? Can’t you be happy at the news? Brahanu is coming home to me.”

  “Can’t yer papa ask one question without ya gettin’ all tied up in knots? Of course, I’m happy the girl is safe. But Noraa is far from Cazaal and these merchants…” He shook his head.

  “Everything is fine, Papa. I need to tend our house before she comes. The floor is nearly done. I just hope that she likes it.”

  “Well, she’d best like it. Not one home in this village has as much wood as ya put in there. Could be done if not for placin’ all that wood and them beams. It took half the trees in Depero to do all ya done.”

  “Papa, she’s going to be my wife. When she leaves her father’s home, I want her to have a nice one to come to. She’s used to fine things and I—I—”

  Tioch stood, pointing a thick finger. “Now ya look here, Itai. Yer a fine son. Don’t go judgin’ yer worth by her father. Hells, no one in the village stands as his equal. Brahanu should thank the gods for ya.”

  “I’m not measuring myself against the man. I only want Brahanu to have what she’s used to. I might not have much coin, but I have my skills. I’ll use it to create a home and furnishings that she’ll be proud of.”

  “As ya say. If that’s what yer wantin’, ya will be happy to know that I finished that fancy tub of yers.”

  “Finished? Already? How did you finish so soon?”

  “Did ya forget who taught ya the trade? It was important to ya; that made it equally so to me. Old man Banerin will just have to wait on that new table: my son comes first.”

  Itai smiled, quickly embracing him. “Where’d you put it?” he asked, lifting up some tarps and peering beneath.

  “While ya was off with Hacom, Clive helped me load it in the cart and take it over there. We put it on that platform in the bedchamber. Ain’t that where ya wanted it?”

  “Yes. I’ll put candles of real wax around it, not rushlights. It’ll be grand! Colton painted scenes with beautiful trees, flowers, and falls. Nesrine will make some fine drapes, too. If I can get the wood before the weather cools, I can finish soon.”

  “Itai, ya gotta rest. When ya not workin’ here, ya workin’ at the house, if not there; yer with Hacom or sparrin’ with Aschelon. Then, ya run off to the wood to cut and split trees. Ya always busy. I worry ‘bout yer health. Brahanu will love the house, just like she loves ya.”

  “That’s my hope.”

  Tioch stood, heading inside the house. “Naji fixed a meal. She wa
s out here just before ya came fussin’ ‘bout no one bein’ inside to eat it. I don’t know why I keep that old woman ‘round here.”

  “You keep her around because you couldn’t make it without her.”

  “Mayhaps she’s the one who can’t make it without me. Ya ever thought ‘bout that?”

  “I have, Papa,” Itai laughed. “You two need each other. Now, let’s go and enjoy our meal. Besides, I want to tell her about Brahanu. She’ll be happy at the news.”

  “That she will son—that she will.”

  Oxilon

  Pentanimir woke to the pleasant aroma of bacon. He sat up, wiping the weariness from his eyes, inhaling deeper. Despite his recent conflicts, he was pleased to be home with Danimore. After a deep yawn, he tossed the covers aside, standing to fill his chamber pot. As he nearly finished, he jerked, hearing a woman’s voice. Spraying the floor and himself, he fumbled about, trying to lower his tunic.

  “Are you awake, milord?” she asked again.

  “Yes, yes,” he said, still fussing with his tunic. “I’ll join you in a moment.” Pentanimir looked down, sighing at the mess he’d made. You’d think it was the first time I learned to use the pot.

  After removing his tunic, he smiled, noticing that Zeta must’ve washed and organized his clothing. He pulled on his stockings and trews, moving to the basin.

  “Oh, cold,” he said, patting his face dry and continuing to dress. When he opened the chamber door, voices and laughter filled the corridor. For a moment, he just listened, enjoying the sound of Danimore’s laugh. It had been far too long since he’d heard that.

  “Good morrow,” Pentanimir said, sitting next to Danimore. “The smells are giving me quite an appetite.”

  “Morning, milord.” Zeta curtsied, hurrying to prepare his plate.

  “Did you enjoy your bed?” Danimore asked.

  “Much and more. I prefer feathers to straw or my bedroll.”