“All right, thank you.” Zeta winced, sliding her legs over the side of the bed.
“Are you still feeling pain?”
“Yes, there’s still a great deal.”
“I’ll prepare a warm saltwater mixture for you to use between your legs. This and the ointment will speed your healing. After you dress, drink the tea. There’s a tincture of herbs that should ease your pain and help you rest. There are two others here as well. One is for the moon’s rise and the other for the sun. They’re better warmed, but don’t worry about that, just stir them and drink it all. You’ll feel better by the morrow, I promise.”
Once Zeta stood, Gali’s mouth went slack, tears forming in her eyes. “I thought that you said you fell?” she said, staring at Zeta’s torso and back.
Zeta peered down, seeing the dark bruises and swelling. “Yes,” she said with a stammer. “I–I fell. I fell and hit the table and then the floor.”
Gali pointed to a long, deep indention. “Then, how’d you get this?” she asked. “Did you fall backward and press yourself against a railing or the like? I know what pressure wounds look like, and this didn’t happen from a fall.”
“It’s…I…I can’t—”
“It’s all right, Zeta, I understand. I knew as much when I delivered your son. The abuse of your womanhood and splinters spoke much of your treatment. Splinters that could’ve embedded into your son’s skin. But just seeing your face and condition alerted me to your abuse. I’m sorry, truly, but don’t act as if I wouldn’t know. Even if I wasn’t a lakaar, your ill-treatment is evident.”
“Yes,” she finally admitted. “I didn’t want anyone to know. Someone came and…and used me badly, but I don’t want to tell my masters. My son is here and that’s all that matters. Please, Gali, I can’t let them know.”
Gali sighed, rubbing an ointment on the bruises before sliding on Zeta’s tunic. “I’m not going to mention it to the Benoists, but mayhaps you should. They’re not like many others that I’ve met here, and seem to care about you. I know that we can’t change how we were brought to Nazil, but when they return, they might be able to change what happens next.”
New Beginnings
Brahanu turned, reaching to embrace Itai. When the space beside her was empty, she attempted to rise, only to fall back again. She clenched her eyes shut, panting through the wave of pain. It felt as if the tip of a sharp, hot blade stabbed at her womb and twisted. She’d told Itai about some discomfort after their lovemaking, but it was beyond that. She needed the lakaar.
“Good morrow, my wife,” Itai said, carrying a tray into the room. After propping it up on the bed, he took a seat beside her. “I didn’t want to wake you, Brahanu. How’re you feeling?”
“Better than I was, but I’ll need some things from the lakaar. Some kuzbarah and turmeric will ease any discomfort and clean the wound.”
“You didn’t tell me about a wound.”
She smiled, taking his hand. “Because I didn’t want you to worry. It’s a small tear and will heal quickly. I’ve tended the same when I assisted Lakaar Briac.”
“I’m sorry, Brahanu. I didn’t know how overwhelming it would be. I—I tried to be gentle and—”
“You were. Everything about you is pleasing, Itai. Once I’ve healed, I’ll show you just how much,” she said, sliding her hand between his thighs. “Very pleasing.”
He smiled, motioning to the tray. “I wanted to cook our first meal together. I made some fried eggs, honey cakes, salt fish, and tea.”
“Honey cakes? I didn’t know you could make them.”
“Naji taught me how to cook some things for you, and these were the first that I learned. I know that they’re your favorite.”
“They’re delicious,” she said, sampling a piece.
“The warm tea will soothe you. When I returned with your honey milk last night, you’d fallen asleep in the bath.”
“Forgive me, Itai. The day was full, and the bath relaxed me so. I wanted to sleep in your arms, not the tub.”
“You did that and more. After I lifted you from the tub, I was able to dry you,” Itai admitted shyly. “You are beautiful, Brahanu. I didn’t know your full beauty until you lay naked before me. Feeling your skin against mine is more fulfilling than anything I’ve known. I never want to be without you.”
Brahanu pulled him in for a kiss, feeling her tears emerging. It wasn’t regret this time, it was love. There was only Itai, and she thanked the gods for her husband.
“That’s a feeling that we share, my love. I’m yours, forever and always.”
“I want you to rest today while I attend to everything.” He smiled. “I’ll visit Lakaar Briac first and then our families. Would you like me to arrange our visits?”
“Yes, it’s expected after the bonding night. If you like, we can have noon meal with Father Tioch and evening meal at the citadel.”
He nodded, lifting some fish to her mouth. “Now, let’s enjoy our first meal together in our home. There’re many first to come for us, Brahanu.” He met her eyes. “Mayhaps we’ve even been blessed with a babe.”
Brahanu giggled. “Now you sound like my mother. She can’t wait until I’m pregnant.”
“No. I’m the one who can’t wait. I’ve already designed the nursery.”
Tears spilled from her eyes as she hugged him. She loved Itai with all of her heart, and couldn’t comprehend why she needed anyone but him in her life. Wasted years, she lamented, drawing him closer for another kiss.
“I hope we’ll soon be blessed, Itai. I want to fill our house with children, as many as your heart desires.”
“If we were to have but one, I’d love it endlessly, just as I love you.”
After enjoying their meal together, he nestled her in his arms. They laid in silence, both relishing the comfort and love encompassing them. As the commotion began outside, Itai rose up, kissing her hand.
“Cazaal awakes,” he said. “Naji has offered to assist us for a while if you’d like.”
Brahanu bit her lip, admiring his nakedness as he dressed. The memories of their lovemaking caused a heat to rise in her. She didn’t utter a syllable until he pulled up his trousers, tucking his manhood away.
“Uhm…my mother spoke with Aysha recently about her daughter. Philomena is interested in procuring a position in a home. If she’s acceptable to you, I’d like to see if she’s still available. I know that Father Tioch needs Naji there.”
“If she’s who you want, I’ll speak to Aysha while I’m out.” He pulled on his boots, kissing her again. “I’ll return with haste, Brahanu. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
Itai paused, running his hand over the stable door. It was small, and he hoped that it was enough for Brahanu. With Ared, they owned but two horses. Her father owned more than two dozen, and had as many servants. If not for Hacom gifting him the tract of land, he would’ve built in the lesser section of Cazaal: a section populated by those of lower station and birth. Others like him. With that, Itai looked back at the house he’d labored so long to build. I hope this will satisfy you, my wife, he thought, preparing his horse.
He was still deep in thought when he passed the lakaar’s home. It wasn’t until Briac called out to him did he pull up on the reins.
“I thought you were coming to visit an old man, Itai, until you passed without stopping,” Briac said, smiling up at him. His long, grey beard nearly reached his knees as he stood out on his stoop with a bushel of herbs beneath his arm. “How does my prize apprentice fare?”
“Good morrow, Lakaar Briac. I was thinking about Brahanu when I passed your house.”
“Ah, I can see why you’d lose your thought with visions of one so fair occupying your mind.” He winked, snipping bits from his plants.
Itai smiled, walking up to him. “She is at that. Brahanu sent me for some herbs.”
“Herbs I have aplenty, son of Tioch. Did she tell you what she needed?”
“She mentioned some kuzbar
ah and turmeric.”
“Kuzbarah and turmeric,” he repeated, clicking his tongue. “Where’s she feeling pain, Itai?”
“It’s, well, after, I—”
“Say no more, young man. Many have an issue after bonding and birthing. Mayhaps I’ll tend her myself. If the pain is such that she’d send for herbs, there might be more needed. Now, the turmeric, well that means she has some sort of wound.” He reached out, resting a hand on Itai’s arm. “Tell me: is the wound due to tearing or is there another cause?”
Itai looked at him for a moment before his gaze lowered.
“I only ask so I know whether to bring my sewing supplies. There’s no need for shame when it comes to healing.”
“It…it was during our bonding.”
“Wait here and I’ll grab my satchel. Might be wise to bring some coptis, fenugreek, castor, and honey. She might need one of my healing tonics to sip.”
Briac went inside, returning with a large satchel. Before closing the door, he paused, shouting back inside. “Don’t forget to stir the caldron, Gwennec. That elixir only needs a while longer before it’s finished. Keep an eye on it. You scorched my last batch!”
He closed the door, shaking his head. “It’s hard to find helpers as good as Brahanu. She was a natural healer, and beautiful both inside and out. You take good care of her, Itai.”
Itai nodded, helping the old man on the back of his horse. Briac sat side-saddle, always opting for a long tunic instead of trousers. After he was situated, he twisted his beard, stuffing it down his collar.
Itai grabbed the reins, turning the horse back towards his house. “Lakaar, may I ask you a question?”
“I believe you just did.” Briac chuckled.
“Indeed. You’ve tended many in this village and beyond since before I was even born.”
“This is true.”
“How long will it take for Brahanu to be with child?”
“Oh, Itai, no one can give a proper answer,” Briac said, calming the unruly hairs blowing in the breeze. “She’s young and healthy. It only takes one bonding to create life. However, some are never able to conceive or hold a babe in their womb. Only the gods truly know. But don’t worry about such things. Give it time, and you’ll be blessed.”
Itai merely nodded, helping Briac dismount. After draping the satchel over his shoulder, he opened the door, leading him inside.
“Brahanu was abed when I left. It’s this way.”
“Did you build this house, Itai?”
“Yes, with help from my papa and Manto. We constructed the home first, and I finished the inside.”
“I knew that your father was a master craftsman, but I didn’t know you were, too. Hells, I haven’t even seen work like this in the high lords’ homes,” Briac said, touching one of the carved wooden beams they passed. “I haven’t ever seen such fine work, in fact.”
“You honor me, Lakaar. Thank you. I’d do much and more if it pleased my wife.”
Briac smiled up at him. “I believe you would, Itai, and she for you as well.”
“Brahanu, Lakaar Briac has come to see you,” Itai said, tapping on the door.
“Lakaar, I didn’t expect you to come. It’s wonderful to see you.”
“When your husband told me about your ailments, I had to come and tend you. You might’ve been my best healer, but I’m still better than you.” They laughed as he sat on the bed, opening his satchel. “Now, tell me: what’s troubling you.”
Her cheeks flushed, glancing from one to the other. “It was our bonding.”
“Itai told me that much. You needn’t be shy when telling me about your pain. If you don’t tell me what’s wrong, I can’t help you. Remember child, I delivered you, and I’ve been caring for you ever since. No sense in treating symptoms without knowing the cause.”
Brahanu nodded, embarrassed. “My husband—Itai—well, his size—uhm the girth, too—and—I experienced some pain here.” She rested a hand on her abdomen. “And I have a small tear as well.”
“Don’t worry, child. I’ve treated many young wives suffering the same,” Briac said, and then looked over his shoulder. “You don’t fear either, young craftsman. Your wife will grow accustomed to you. In the beginning, there’s always a little discomfort. Men half your size would attest to the same. So, if you’d heat some water for the basin, I’ll begin tending my young apprentice.”
“When did the pain first begin?” Briac asked when they were alone.
“First, there was only pressure. He was very gentle, and didn’t force, truly. As—as his excitement grew—well—it became more forceful and frequent. That’s when the pain started.”
“I understand. It’s common for men to sometimes lose control when confronted with such pleasure.” Briac shook his head. “But with his size, there might’ve been some damage done inside. How large would you estimate, Brahanu?”
Her eyes widened.
“I’m not asking to pry, but to tend. It’ll help me estimate how far his reach was inside and what might be affected by such.”
“About,” she said, moving her hands apart.
“Gracious me! Anyone would have pain after such an encounter. Lie back, child, and I’ll measure accordingly.”
Brahanu laid back on the bed as he stretched his hands a similar distance. Nodding, Briac stood, reaching into his satchel. While he pulled out what he needed, Itai returned with the water.
“Ah, right on time, young man. Pour some in the basin and help Brahanu undress. I’ll need to examine her if I’m to be of any aid.”
Brahanu held tight to Itai’s hand while he tended to her. Once Briac was finished, he wiped his hands, smiling up at them. “You can cover yourself, Brahanu. I’ll mix up an ointment and a nice tonic for you. I should have just enough sumac left.”
“Is everything all right, Lakaar?”
“Oh, she’ll be on her feet by the morrow. There’s no serious damage, only normal reaction to first bonding. It’s only more severe due to size, but all young maids get used to that soon enough. Our bodies are made to heal and adapt. Worry not, I’ll tend her well.”
“Now that it’s come from the lakaar, do you believe?”
Itai smiled, leaning in for a kiss. “Yes. I’ll leave now and run our errands.”
“Yes, young craftsman, your wife is in skilled hands. I’ll stay with her until your return.”
“Now, Brahanu,” Briac said when they were alone. “I’ll search out that kitchen and tend to the ointment and tonic. You stay abed.” Briac began to leave and then halted. “Mayhaps you can tell me about the older scarring inside you when I get back.”
Brahanu’s mouth dropped. How?
“It’s all right, don’t worry. That could be caused by all types of things. There’s no need to mention it to anyone else. Don’t you agree?”
She nodded, her eyes finding the floor.
“So be it.”
Strategies and Revelations
“I think that we should continue,” Beilzen said. “We’re familiar with this road and could reach Nazil this night instead of the morrow.”
Pentanimir shook his head. “Familiar or no, the moon’s light is fickle. It’s too dangerous to risk ourselves or the horses.”
“He has the right of it,” Nakaris said, hopping down from the cart. “There’s not enough light to guide us, no matter how much we wish it otherwise.”
Danimore tethered his horse and started gathering wood for a fire, ignoring the arguing around him. He wanted to return as well, but one more sun would rise before he could see Zeta.
“What say you, Danimore?” Nakaris asked.
“Pentanimir has the right of it. We should prepare our camp now and continue on the morrow.”
Beilzen scoffed, climbing down from his cart. “I guess it’s been decided then. I’ll get the provisions and start the meal. The turn is mine, is it not?”
“It is,” Nakaris said. “Don’t burn it this time. I tire of charred duck and fish.”
“Oh, the little bird has grown bold. Mayhaps the nearer we get to Nazil the bigger your balls grow. What songs will you sing this time? Why not sing them for us?”
Beilzen cowered as Nakaris towered over him.
“Men of Nazil,” Pentanimir said with authority. “Let us not stray from our purpose. We know of the caitiff’s spies and whispers. Let him slink in his shadows, continuing to covet that which we’ve earned,” he said, leading Nakaris away. “We’re honored guards of Nazil, selected by the Zaxson himself. We didn’t need to beg for inclusion in the guard or for this duty. Our bravery and worth is so renowned, the bards sing about it throughout the cities and villages.”
“Aye, they do,” Danimore said.
“Worry not, Nakaris. Come and have a mug of sweet red while the women prepare our meal. The Zaxson would have his men well satisfied.”
Nakaris laughed, his booming voice echoing through the trees. “You speak true, First Chosen. Let the men of Nazil enjoy some sweet red.”
As they approached, Danimore filled mugs of wine, leaving Beilzen to struggle with the crates.
“How long will it take to reach Nazil,” Danimore asked, taking a seat by the fire.
“If the weather holds, it shouldn’t be long after noon meal. The road is easy enough from here.”
“I hope that Yael’s prepared for my return. The only noon meal I’ll be feasting on is my wife,” Nakaris said, draining the mug.
“It’s good that you have a wife to return to, old friend.”
“And when will you take a wife, Dani? I’ve seen the young maids vying for your attention. There’s been talk of a pledge for you as well, and the maids are pushing out their breasts and arse, hoping that you notice.”
Danimore chuckled. “Not me, Nakaris. It’s my brother who garners such attention.”
The Rise of Nazil Page 34