“I know what ‘cha meant, boy. Now put them pots over on that table. I needs be getting’ mornin’ meal made, and fetch water for the stew.” Naji turned, looking at him with sad, wrinkled eyes. “When ya get here anyways? Thought ya was out gettin’ that girl of yers.”
“I did, but I returned late. I wanted to talk to Papa, but he was already abed.”
“He was abed alright. Got in ta that wineskin early and nearly missed his meal. I made sure he woke up long ‘nough ta eat it. Elsewise, I’d have ta hear it from him for the next ten suns. Why I put up with that pa of yers I just don’t know. Might find me some nice house in need of some good cookin’ and leave this place.”
Itai laughed, leaning down to kiss her cheek. “You won’t leave us, Naji. What would you do without Papa to argue with? I think you two live to aggravate each other.”
“Well, maybe so. At least I got ya here ta keep me off ‘em. You’ve always been a good boy, Itai. Now, hand me that sac a oats.”
Naji had been more of a mother to Itai than a helper in their home. When first she came, it was only to be his wet nurse and aid his mother. But as the years passed, she remained to help care for him after his mother died. When Itai thought back over his childhood, it was old Naji’s face that he remembered most.
“I should wash and dress, Naji. Do you need anything else?”
“Yer all thumbs, boy. Well, in the kitchen, anyways. Go on and get yerself dressed. Wake up that old grouch while yer at it. If ya can’t rouse him, a cold pail of water’ll do the trick,” she cackled, stirring her pot.
Itai chuckled, moving down the corridor. When he reached his chamber, he pulled on a pair of trousers and his leather boots. As he washed in his basin, noises from outside drew his attention. He dried his face before allowing in the morning air. Movement in the village had begun early. He watched his neighbors pushing their carts and hustling along the streets. Soon, I’ll no longer wake alone, he thought, walking to his father’s chamber.
He could still hear Naji clanking pots and spoons in the kitchen, knowing she only did it to disturb his father. He was glad that they’d have each other after he’d wed Brahanu.
He knocked lightly on his father’s door, but when no answer came, he knocked louder and longer.
“Get away from my door, old woman.” Tioch yelled before something crashed against the door.
Itai knocked again, entering cautiously. As soon as his shadow shone on the wall, a boot whizzed past his head.
“Papa! It’s me.”
“Oh, well, announce yerself ‘afore comin’ into a man’s room.”
“Who did you think would come to your room at this hour?”
“All hells, who knows. Thought it was that old woman come to bother me again. I swear: she does things just to get at me.” Tioch went to his chamber pot, emptying his bladder. “Well, what ya come here so early for? Did Naji put ya up to it? Always robbin’ a man of his rest, she is.”
“Papa,” Itai said, handing him a tunic. “Naji didn’t send me, well, she does want you to come for morning meal, but she’s not the reason.”
“Ha! I knew she was after me.”
“Papa, please, listen.”
“All right, Itai. Have ya news of the girl?”
“Yes, Brahanu is home and more beautiful than when last I saw her.”
“Of course, she is, son. More beautiful, more precious, more, more, more. Yet, no closer to fulfillin’ her promise. If I was ya, I would—”
“You’re not me. A lot has happened, and I’m glad to have her home.”
“Well, that’s true ‘nough. But ya can’t blame a pa for carin’ for the treatment of his son. Sometimes I feel they think we just ain’t good ‘nough to join with ‘em.” Tioch waved a hand to silence any coming retort. “Now, I know Hacom’s a pretty good fella. He don’t act all high falutin like some. Still, to let a young girl decide her promised time just ain’t right. Hells, yer papa ain’t getting’ no younger, Itai. I’m six and forty. It’d be good to see ya wed and have a lil one or two while I yet breathe,” Tioch said, draining the cup at his bedside.
“If you’d allow me to finish, I’ll tell you what we decided.”
“What’s been decided now? She need ‘nother two years to learn a new trade?”
“No, Brahanu wants to wed as soon as the Nohek can arrange it.”
“Ya gonna wed soon?”
“Yes and Brahanu asked about it, not me. She wants us to be together now, not later.”
“Forgive an old man, Itai. I meant no disrespect toward yer promised. I just worry ‘bout ya and want ya happy. Yer mum and I had to wait too long to marry. Her pa didn’t think me fittin’ for his daughter, but no other fella came ‘round askin’. After he passed, her mum let us get married. By then, that fever made yer mum ill. Four babes was lost ‘afore we was blessed with ya. Ya was so small and frail in the beginnin’; yer mum cried most of the time, fearin’ the gods would take ya, too. I didn’t want the same for ya and Brahanu.”
“I know, Papa, but don’t worry. We’ll marry soon, and fill our home with children.”
Tioch stood, clasping his hands behind his back.
“Papa, what’s wrong? Aren’t you happy?”
“I’m pleased by yer news, but I’m thinkin’ ‘bout other things.”
“Like what? I’m marrying soon, and you’ll have a new babe bearing the Gael name before three seasons have past.”
“Son, I need to ask somethin’, and I want only truth.”
“Of course, Papa.”
“Have ya ever laid with a woman?”
Itai stood, turning toward the door. “Why’re you asking that?”
“Ain’t no need to answer, yer tone told me what I wanted. I’m not tryin’ to embarrass ya. Ya done loved one woman since ya was a child. Hells, yer twenty now, and with the trips to Noraa and Kaleo, I was sure ya took a whore or two abed.”
“I don’t want a whore, I only want to share myself with my wife, with Brahanu.”
“Ain’t no shame in that, but ya talkin’ ‘bout babes and beddin’. If’n ya ain’t ever been with a woman, how ya gonna know how to please one?”
“I’ll manage. It’s a simple thing to become one with her.”
“Yeah, that’s simple all right. But I said please a woman, not poke at her like she was wood burnin’ in a brazier.”
“I think we should go down to break our fast. If we don’t, Naji’s liable to feed our food to the pigs.”
Tioch snickered. “Ya ain’t lyin’. Wouldn’t be the first time she tossed my food to the pigs. That don’t change what I’m sayin’ though. Ya don’t know nothin’ ‘bout pleasin’ a woman. Some say it don’t matter none, but they’s wrong.”
“Papa, please, I really don’t—”
“Look, I know ya rather talk with Aschelon or Manto ‘bout such things, but they ain’t never been in love with a woman, not like ya are. They never had anyone in their lives that meant more to them than life itself. I know I’m not the best pa a man could have, but I love my son. Let me help ya. If ya love Brahanu half as much as I loved yer mum, ya’d want her happy. Will ya let me help ya, son?”
Itai’s faced flushed. “You’ve always been a wonderful Papa, far more than you know. All right, I’ll listen.”
Tioch smiled, clapping him on the back. “Well, good. First, we best get to the kitchen. That old woman’s mean as a snake if her meal sits cold.”
“Yes, Papa,” Itai chuckled.
Brahanu blinked her eyes open, rising up in the bed. For a moment, she was disoriented, until her surroundings came into focus. I’m home, she thought, enjoying the warmth of the hearth and her sister nestled in next to her.
She slipped from the bed, testing the water in her basin. She smiled, splashing the warm water on her face. After pulling on her robe, she leaned down, kissing Ameya.
“I love you,” she whispered.
As soon as she exited her room, the excited voices claimed her attention. She quickened her pace, hearin
g her mother speaking about the ceremony with their attendants. Almaz and Malia hurried off when she entered the kitchen.
“Brahanu, we thought you’d still be abed,” Amani said. “Aren’t you tired?”
“I slept well, Mother. I’d almost forgotten the comfort of my room. It was nice sleeping without the room growing cold during the night.”
“Almaz tended your hearth and fetched hot water for your basin,” Amani said, pouring her a cup of tea. “She knows how much you love having your room toasty, and waking to warm water without having to visit the common room.”
“I’ve missed that,” Brahanu said. “Will Father meet Nohek Glennon this morning?”
“Oh, Brahanu, your father left with the rise of the sun. He’s eager to begin preparations for your ceremony. Malia and Almaz are readying the bath for you now. We must meet with Nesrine regarding your gown. Your brother’s readying to meet with Chef Ludel as well.”
“Is the entire house so eager to be rid of me?”
“No, little dove, we’re pleased that you’ve decided to wed. After thinking we’d lost you—” Amani stopped, shaking her head. “It’s a blessing to have you back home with us, and past time that you begin your life with Itai. I hope that you know how much he loves you.”
For a moment, Pentanimir entered her mind. A pang twisted in her gut, forcing the image away.
“I love Itai endlessly,” she said. “When I was lost, thoughts of home and Itai are what helped me endure. I had to be with all of you again,” Brahanu said, walking to the fire. She hadn’t lied, but she wasn’t completely honest, either. Pentanimir had a place in her heart, too. And no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t remove him from it.
“That’s why I asked Itai about our wedding. He was gracious to allow me another year to train with Briac. In his place, I don’t know if I would’ve agreed to another delay. Itai means much more to me than studying with the lakaar, and I want to begin our life together.”
“Don’t worry, Brahanu,” Amani said, embracing her. “You’re home with us now, and your life will truly begin.”
“Well, it seems you’re celebrating without hearing my good news,” Hacom said, entering the kitchen. “Have you something of worth to share with me?”
Brahanu ran over to him, enfolding him into her arms. “We’re only celebrating being together again, Father. I missed you terribly.”
“There, there, little dove. I missed you, too,” he said, looking over at his wife. “Amani, you both should sit. I have news from the Nohek Karab.”
“Don’t just stand there, Hacom, tell us.”
“Nohek Glennon assured me that the ceremony can be performed in five suns.”
Brahanu gasped.
“So soon, Hacom? How?”
“Don’t worry about the hows and whys of it. Know that it’s a blessing and accept it as such. However, this depends on having your gown made ready, Brahanu. You need to dress and meet with Nesrine. I’m sending Irani over to fetch Itai. You both need to be measured so they can begin the appropriate garments. Amani, you and Ameya should attend as well. I’m sure you want new gowns made for the both of you and have those fancy braids put in your hair. Hells, the braids alone will take near a sun.”
“What about you, Hacom? Won’t you and Julaybeim need a new suit of clothes and armor?”
“Psssttt. We don’t need any such thing. How often do we don such attire?”
“Oh, Father! Thank you. You’ve made me the happiest woman in all the lands.”
“Oh, little dove, I’d move mountains for you. Now, you scoot and ready yourself. You, too, Amani, and have Malia ready your sister. There’s much to do, and we have little time.”
Journey
Pentanimir sat up in bed, combing his fingers through his hair. His thoughts were on Brahanu and his obligation to Denotra. At that moment, he wished that he could leave Nazil behind, but that wasn’t possible, not for him. He was the First Chosen, and that meant a different life and a difficult path.
He tossed the blanket away, sitting on the side of the bed. The air in the room seemed cool, yet sweat beaded on his brow. Though his rest was short, he decided to prepare for his duty. He thought about Brahanu and their son again, aching to be near them.
He sighed, heading down to the kitchen for some mulled wine. He usually preferred tea with his morning meal…not this day.
“Pentanimir, I—I—didn’t mean to wake you,” Zeta said.
“You didn’t. My thoughts betrayed my sleep. I was coming for some mulled wine and that fried bread of yours.”
Zeta strained to stand, and began preparing his meal, but when he noticed her wince, he moved to her side.
“Why don’t you rest, Zeta. I can get what I need.”
“The least I can do is fill your belly. You and your brother have done so much for me. Besides, you have a long trip ahead of you.”
He gently nudged her to a chair. “Please, sit. I see your discomfort. Is this what disturbed your rest?”
“Yes.” She sighed. “It should pass soon.”
“What did Hushar tell you?”
“She said that everything is fine, and the babe is growing large. Hushar believes it’ll come before the next full moon. That could be all it is. I’ll be all right.”
“I don’t like you being here alone when you’re ailing. I think I’ll ask if Yannick would allow one of his attendants to look in on you. There’s a young lady named Gali that’s good with herbs. He might allow it.”
“You shouldn’t worry about it, Pentanimir. It’ll pass.”
“I do worry, Zeta, not only about your condition, but also about you being alone. Too many know that you’re here and that we’ll be away. I’d feel better knowing that someone is with you. Yannick has been like my brother for years, or at least he was before Oxilon and he became so close. He shouldn’t’ have an issue with permitting Gali to come. Well, if you agree, that is.”
“All right, milord. Now, can I fix your meal?”
He returned her smile, gesturing toward the hearth. “If it pleases you.”
“It does.”
“While you tend to that, I’ll fetch more water. Dani will bring in the second barrel and fill it before we leave. This way, you should have enough to last until our return. You know he doesn’t want you to fill them yourself.”
“Yes, and I’ve finally listened.”
“You push yourself too hard, Zeta. Try and take care and rest when you need to.”
“I will.”
As Pentanimir rounded the corner, he nearly collided with Danimore. He yawned, wiping the sleep from his eyes.
“Pardon, Brother,” Pentanimir said, steading Danimore’s stance. “I thought you were still abed.”
“My rest wouldn’t come. I was going to have some honey milk.”
“It appears that none of us could find sleep this night.”
“None? Is Zeta awake?”
He nodded. “She’s preparing some mulled wine now. I’m going to fetch water for the barrel. Join her, she’d like the company.”
When he arrived, Zeta was warming bread on a flat piece of iron above the flames. He kissed her cheek and took a seat at the table, draining the mug.
“That was for your brother.”
“He can pour another. Besides, this would’ve grown cold before he’s finished his task.”
“These are for your brother as well, but I doubt if he’d miss one or two. Are you hungry?”
“No, but help yourself. My stomach won’t welcome food.”
“Are you all right, Dani?”
“It’s this journey. It feels wrong to me, and I don’t want to leave you alone.”
“I’ll be all right, and promise to rest.”
He gazed into her eyes, attempting to keep the angst from his. It was for naught: his grief and concern was evident, as if it were a corporeal being, perched directly in front of him. “If I could refuse this assignment, I would.”
“But you can’t,” Ze
ta said, finding a place on his lap. “This is an important assignment and Pentanimir needs you. There was much talk of the new city in the market.”
“And what did they say?” Pentanimir asked as he entered.
“Many were talking about new leaders and builders. Some even mentioned the dangers of the mountains. But most were eager to learn what was beyond the forest and hills.”
“And what do you think lies beyond the forest, Zeta?” Danimore asked.
She shrugged, pouring mugs of mulled wine. “I don’t know. Mountains, rivers, animals, and more trees,” she giggled. “You’ll discover the secret of the wood. I’m sure of it.”
As she reached up for the honey, she cried out, stumbling against the counter.
“Zeta!” Danimore rushed to her side. “What’s wrong? Is it the babe?”
“Dani, take her to her chamber. I’m going to get Gali.”
He scooped her up in his arms, rushing down the corridor. “No, Brother. We need Hushar, she’ll know what to do.”
“Dani, use your mind. We can’t call for the Zaxson’s servant again, especially at this hour. Yannick always speaks highly of Gali, and I know that she can help us.”
“All right, just please hurry,” Danimore said.
“I’ll be back before half a glass. Help Zeta undress and use the oils. I’ll return with haste.”
After removing her clothes, Danimore rubbed the oils over her stomach and then propped the cushions behind her. “This is why you slept in your own room. You didn’t want me to know.”
“I’m sorry, Dani. I just didn’t want you or Pentanimir to worry. It’ll pass.”
“You shouldn’t have kept this from us. You’re pregnant and need to take care. I know you think it’s a bother, but it’s not, never could it be,” he said, ending his massage with a kiss. He pulled her blankets up and went to tend the hearth.
“Are you warm enough?”
She nodded, reaching out for his hand.
“If I could stay and look after you, I would. This assignment has come at the worst of times.”
“It’s necessary, and you’re doing this not only for Nazil, but also for me.”
“For you?”
The Rise of Nazil Page 26