The Rise of Nazil

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  “You honor us both, Zaxson,” Oxilon said. “Nazil’s hands will cover the lands with this expansion. But who will rule in Spero?”

  “Yes, Spero. I’ve been considering that very thing. It’s been suggested that Daracus manage the city. He’s definitely capable, but I need him here. As my Nakshij, Daracus is invaluable. Mayhaps Pentanimir could ready Spero while we build the new city. Of course, everything depends on the state of the lands at the foot of the mountains.”

  Pentanimir hoped that his face didn’t betray his thoughts. If I’m in Spero, I’d be nearer to Cazaal. I could see Brahanu and my son.

  “Do—don’t you need me in Nazil, Zaxson?” Pentanimir asked.

  “Pentanimir, the Zaxson is considering options,” Oxilon said. “As First Chosen, it’s your duty to follow our Zaxson’s commands. If he selects you to head Spero, that’s where you’ll go.”

  “Your uncle speaks true, but you do as well. This journey is the first of many tasks that’ll be assigned to you. While you survey the lands, Daracus will prepare for an inspection in Spero. We need to move swiftly before the cold season is nigh.”

  “It’ll be an honor, Zaxson. How far would you have us venture into the wood?”

  “Venture to its end. The new city must be vast. There are reports of creatures not only in the mountains, but Dessalonia as well. If such tales are true, we’ll need many men.” He shrugged. “Albeit great men don’t fear things of tales.”

  “This is true,” Pentanimir said. “But I’ve seen many things in my travels. At times, there’s truth in myths and tales.”

  “As you say,” Draizeyn said, popping an olive into his mouth. “I would have you leave with the sun’s rise. Six of our strongest horses and two carts will be prepared. You’ll mark your path as you travel. If you find the lands suitable, the builders and slaves will follow and begin harvesting trees.”

  “We’ll mark our path and the wood’s borders. This will give the builders proper measure for planning the great city.”

  “See that it’s done,” Draizeyn said. “The stable slaves are preparing stakes now. They’ll load them and your necessary tools before you take leave. Is there anyone else that you want to accompany you?”

  “I’ll give it some thought, Zaxson. If you asked Danimore, he’d request that our new attendant come. I fear that he’s grown quite fond of her meals,” Pentanimir laughed, gauging their response.

  “Well, it’s fortuitous that you’re the head and not your brother,” Oxilon sneered. “Bringing a pregnant whore is unthinkable.”

  “I understand young Danimore’s desire for fine food,” Draizeyn said. “I, too, travel with the cooks of my choice, however, such a slave is an insult to Nazil. Your uncle has the right of it. She’s a whore, carrying an abomination. If not for your brother’s insistence, she and her babe would’ve been put to death long ago. Denotra is still disappointed it wasn’t so. It’s good that he’s found a use for her. The incompetence she showed here was enough to have her flayed and hanged.”

  Dani was right, but he didn’t mention Denotra, Pentanimir thought. I must try to vie for their safety.

  “Indeed. It seems she’s finally begun to show her worth. Our chamber pots have never shined so,” Pentanimir chuckled.

  Draizeyn joined in his mirth. “Now we can add chamber pots to the small list of duties that she does well. However, her mouth, now, that can work wonders,” he said, leaning forward. “At first she seemed a little shy, but after adequate persuasion from ten or fifteen guards, she learned well. But I’ve never seen anything like the dark slave’s cock disappearing down her throat. We all thought she would surely choke from the reach of his massive cock.” He laughed. “Daracus misses that the most.”

  Pentanimir swallowed down the bile in this throat, forcing a smile.

  “Well, mayhaps I missed my opportunity,” Oxilon sniggered. “It’s been long since I’ve forced a slave on their knees.”

  “The girl yet lives, Oxilon, you can still use her, but if you plan to enter, do so from behind. That swollen belly would certainly interrupt your thrusts. But the arse, now that’s a hole like no other.”

  “Indeed, Zaxson. I’m sure my nephews wouldn’t object to me using her. Usually, I would find such a thing repulsive, but I’m intrigued by what you mentioned about her mouth.”

  “Just between us, I’ve also partaken,” Draizeyn smirked. “It’s better when they’re fresh and unspoiled. The pleasure of filling their throats with my cock is quite satisfying. One slave choked from such an encounter,” he said, motioning for more wine. “It just saved us the task of gutting her later. Your slave might be small, Pentanimir, but her orifices are large.”

  Pentanimir’s jaw clenched, thinking of Zeta and her child. He wanted to leave, but he needed to ensure her safety.

  “As you say, Zaxson. Would it be possible to visit with your daughter before I take leave?”

  “Ah, Denotra would enjoy such a visit,” Draizeyn said, snapping his fingers. When Surma came to his side, his expression soured. “Why isn’t Jahno attending his duties?”

  “Zaxson, Lord Daracus called for him some time ago and he hasn’t returned.”

  “Go and fetch Lady Denotra. After you’ve done so, go and retrieve Jahno. Make haste.”

  “Yes, Zaxson,” Surma said, turning to leave.

  “Surma,” Draizeyn said. “Have Sarai, Symeon, and Ceron bathed, oiled, and sent to our usual chamber. When my business is complete, I desire my pleasure. Such talk raises a heat in me,” he said, pulling his tunic down over the rise in his trousers.

  “Yes, milord.”

  “Zaxson, may I ask something of importance before I take leave?” Pentanimir said.

  “Of course.”

  “It’s more an inquiry of my brother’s than mine. He’s been told that Zeta might be reassigned. We’d like her to remain in our service.”

  “Why would you bother the Zaxson with such trivialities?” Oxilon snapped. “Your slave is of no importance.”

  “Uncle, I was speaking to the Zaxson. It’s been some time since we’ve had an attendant, and if Zeta’s going to be reassigned, we’d like to know. At this point, she’s learned our habits and serves us well. Attendants are difficult to come by of late. Wouldn’t it be prudent to know if we’d need to find another?”

  “He’s right, Oxilon. We have but a few able to serve in the city. Until another shipment arrives, we must make do. I don’t see any reason why the slave would be reassigned. I have no further interest in her. The pleasures and entertainment she provided were short-lived.”

  “Thank you, Zaxson. In your wisdom, I’m confident that you’d allow the babe to remain as well. This would ensure a future generation of attendants for not only our household, but also our great city.”

  “You ask too much, Nephew. These abominations are an insult to Nazil! Their death is payment for crimes against our great city.”

  Draizeyn nodded. “This is our way. There’s no greater insult than a child born of such a mix. Some are allowed to remain if they have no Nazilian features. My cupbearer’s sire was Nazilian, but no one can tell that by his appearance. We can’t tolerate such obscenities.”

  “I agree,” Pentanimir lied. “If a Nazilian chose to breed with a human, it would be a blight upon our fair city. Both parents should be punished for such insolence.”

  “Now you speak like a Chosen of Nazil, Nephew. This is the only way to dissuade such disgusting behavior.”

  Pentanimir inclined his head, facing Draizeyn again. “How then are we to punish the father when so many of our guards used the girl? I was told that even the Cha used her for their purge. Who along with her shall we punish for such an offense against our great peoples and city?”

  Draizeyn and Oxilon looked bemused by the question.

  “Zaxson, I mean no disrespect,” Pentanimir continued. “I only hope to shine a light on the flaw in our reasoning. When we receive shipments of slaves, some are maiden as Zeta was. They become
pregnant after being used by the guards. The mothers can’t choose whether or not to carry the babe. Unless they’re provided the maiden’s tears, the abomination is forced upon us. In Zeta’s case, you mentioned her pleasuring the slaves as well. Her child could be human.” He paused, allowing that point to penetrate. “Why not allow these young mothers to bring their babes forth? This would ensure the next generation of slaves. We wouldn’t need to capture them if they’re bred here in Nazil. They won’t know any other way to live, and they’d be grateful for their service. It’d be easier to manage a slave from birth than ones who’ve been captured as an adult.”

  “Your words aren’t void of reason,” Draizeyn said. “Daracus and I spoke about the same not long ago. In the time of my father’s father, we bred many slaves. However, never with those of Nazil. They served well until their passing. Until we perfected the maiden’s tears, too many became sterile or died. That would no longer be an issue. Mayhaps this plan has merit. I’ll think on it further before I make a final decision. Until then, you may consider the fate of your slave’s babe favorable. Ceron was allowed to keep her son until he was sold. But if others counsel me against this, I might alter my decision accordingly.”

  “Of course, Zaxson. It should be no other way,” Pentanimir said as the doors opened. When Denotra entered, he stood, taking her hand.

  “My Lady, your beauty, and presence brightens this room and my heart.”

  “Thank you, Pentanimir,” she blushed, sitting beside her father.

  Pentanimir winced, seeing them side by side. She had the look and build of Draizeyn, and that unpleasant truth caused his stomach to sour.

  “Denotra, Pentanimir leaves on the morrow to do duty for Nazil. He asked to see you before he takes leave.”

  “I’m pleased.” She smiled. “Pentanimir, would you walk with me?”

  “It would be an honor,” Pentanimir said, extending out his elbow. “If it pleases you, Zaxson, I’ll take my leave.”

  “Yes, Pentanimir. I’ll see you on the morrow.”

  “Zaxson, Uncle.”

  Denotra dismissed her guard, drawing Pentanimir closer.

  “How do you fare, my lady?”

  “That depends on you. A little bird sang a sweet song in my ear during your absence. If the bird’s song is false, everything is fine.”

  “My lady, I don’t know of any little birds who know a song about me. Perhaps if you’d sing a measure or two, I could ease your mind.”

  “Oh, the little bird sang of the Chosen of Nazil fleeing our great city. Surely, his song was confused with another.”

  “Does it look like I’ve fled the city? Your little bird desires much, I think. He’d do better to learn a different song. My place is in Nazil.” Pentanimir smiled. “And soon, my place will be at your side.”

  “Well, at hearing that, I’m quite well indeed.” She squeezed his arm, turning toward her chambers.

  “My lady, I’m supposed to—”

  “Call me Denotra. It would warm my heart to hear my name from your lips.”

  “As you wish. Denotra, I need to prepare the men for the morrow. I shouldn’t linger or keep you from your studies.”

  “Oh, I sent Cha Reaglen away as soon as I heard that you were here. My father puts great faith in him, but as a magister, he’s quite a bore. All of the begats and begots, this name and that, it holds little interest for me. Besides, soon you’ll be my husband. That’s what holds my interest. We’ve had so little time of late. Not like when we were children, and you’d visit the citadel with your honorable father.”

  “Many things change as we grow and accept responsibility, Denotra. Childhood is only for a season.”

  She smiled, opening her doors and shooing Leanta out.

  “You speak true. And we’re no longer children, are we?” Denotra said, pushing him against the door and kissing him. Her hands explored his body, ending between his thighs.

  “My—my lady, please,” he said on the verge of panic. “It’s not proper for me to be alone in your chamber. I fear that your father would have my head if he learned about this.”

  “Well, at least I’d know where to find it,” she said, glancing down.

  “It’s not your touch, it’s my guilt. I’m the First Chosen of Nazil, and I’ll not dishonor the Zaxson’s daughter.”

  “Honor? I seek only pleasure. I’ve heard the servants whisper about your size and your skill as a lover. Did you think the whores in the pleasure houses wouldn’t brag about being bedded by the First Chosen of Nazil?”

  “My lady, I meant no dishonor to you. It’s been four seasons since I’ve frequented such places. When my uncle spoke of this pledge, I no longer sought the pleasure of such women. It’s only you that I’ve dreamt of pleasuring.”

  “If that’s so, secure the door and come to me.”

  “My lady, I can’t—”

  “You will. Well, unless you’d have me scream for my guard.”

  Surely, she’s mad! If we’re discovered, I’ll be thrown in irons. Gods help me. Reluctantly, Pentanimir locked the door, joining her near her bed. She ran her fingers over her chest, pulling down her low bodice.

  “Does this please you?”

  It doesn’t, Denotra. Nothing about you pleases me, he thought, seeing only the Zaxson’s face staring up at him.

  “The sight of you is always pleasing,” he said, reaching out to caress her.

  “If you were in a pleasure house, what would you do if I were your whore?”

  “My whore? I have none, and would never think of you that way.”

  “Pentanimir, I’m directing you to touch me as you would them. I want to feel you grow at the thought of me.”

  “As you bid.” Pentanimir pulled the bodice lower, leaning down to taste her. His mind returned to Brahanu then. Lowering a hand, his fingers began to explore as the motion of his tongue increased. Denotra’s back arched, covering her mouth to muffle her moans.

  With Brahanu’s face in his mind, his arousal grew, causing Denotra to whimper. As her pleasure peaked, she grasped his back, trying to pull him closer. Pentanimir offered a final caress when she yelled out, twitching beneath him.

  After wiping his hand on the blanket, he wordlessly walked over to the divan against the wall.

  “Pentanimir, why have you left me?” she asked, breathlessly.

  “You’ve overwhelmed me, my lady. Didn’t I please you?”

  “You did. I can’t wait to feel all of you.”

  “I desire it, but I won’t dishonor your father. He trusts me with you, Denotra.” He pulled up his tunic, revealing his excitement. “If I were able, I’d please you without end.”

  “Gods, the whispers are true. I can’t wait until I can have you.”

  “I feel the same,” he said, standing and unlatching the door. “For now, my duty awaits, my lady. Thank you for allowing me to pleasure you. Thoughts of your beauty will warm me during my travels.” When she attempted to rise, he backed out of the door, avoiding the guard’s eyes. After he turned into the main corridor, Oxilon was approaching.

  “Pentanimir, I thought you’d left some time ago.”

  All hells! “Yes, Uncle. Lady Denotra wa—wanted me to accompany her to the garden. I’m heading home now to prepare for the morrow.”

  “We have much to discuss,” Oxilon said, exiting beside him.

  “What needs to be discussed, Uncle? Did the Zaxson mention something in my absence?”

  “You know of what I speak,” he whispered, grabbing his shoulder. “We need to speak about that whore and her babe.”

  “We don’t need to discuss something that the Zaxson has already decided. Now, if you’d excuse me, I need to prepare for my duty.”

  Oxilon’s eyes narrowed, glancing around at the guards. “As you say, Nephew. Give my regards to Danimore.” I’ll give my own to your slave.

  After the Feast

  Itai sighed, tossing and turning in his bed. He was fatigued, yet sleep was elusive. His father was a
bed upon his return, and that frustrated him. He’d wanted to tell Tioch about Brahanu and their plans to wed. At least with that, his father’s mind would be at ease. It hadn’t been easy for either of them continuing to wait for their marriage. Now that it was coming to pass, his joy was greater than the pain of her confession.

  He stared up at the ceiling, tucking his hands behind his head and picturing Brahanu.

  “Brahanu,” he said. I must remove the Nazilian from my mind. He took advantage of your fear. Forgive me for not being there to protect you, my love. I refuse to allow the ghost to take from our happiness.

  A wistful smile found his face, experiencing both the joy and pain of his musings. “Soon you’ll be my wife, and our lives will truly begin.”

  A loud clanking from the corridor brought him from his contemplation. He sat up, pulling on a tunic as the noise became louder. Quickly wrenching the door open, the loud clank of pots and pans hitting the floor echoed down the corridor.

  “Ahhh curses!” she spat, resting her hands on her hips.

  “Naji? What’re you doing?” Itai asked, picking up the mess.

  “What does it look like I’m do’n, boy? Takin’ my pots back ta the kitchen.”

  “Yes, I can see that. But why were they out of the kitchen?”

  “Ask yer old pa why,” she said, continuing down the corridor. “He takes my stuff and puts it all over the place. Found these out in that work area holdin’ up some sorta board. Don’t know how he ‘spects me ta do my cookin’ when he keeps takin’ my pots.”

  Itai clumsily fumbled with the pots, trailing behind her. “I’m sure that he would’ve returned them. Could be you should’ve left them where they were.”

  “Humph! How can I start the stew if’n I don’t have my biggest cookin’ pot? As tough as this meat is, I need ta simmer it all morn ta make it soft ‘nough for evenin’ meal. Or would ya ruther I lose the few remainin’ teeth I got tryin’ ta eat?”

  “No, Naji. I just meant—”