The Rise of Nazil

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  “He’s right, Tioch, and yer knowin’ it. Even now that theys wed, ya speak against them and place them ‘bove yerself. Mayhaps it’s time ya allow Itai his happiness. Ya had yers with the one ya loved. It’s time for them ta enjoy the same.”

  Tioch scoffed, eating a spoonful of pottage. “I just don’t want him thinkin’ he’s less due to me. He’s a good match for Brahanu and a damn good man.”

  “He is, and ya was the same fer his mum. Her pa wouldn’t allow yer promise, but Hacom didn’t do the same. He’s fond of Itai and thinks much of him. Don’t place the scorn of Lillian’s pa at Hacom’s feet. Be happy that he’s found someone ta share his heart like ya shared his mum’s.”

  Tioch forced back his emotion, accepting those truths. He still loved his wife, and didn’t want anyone else at his side. Itai was like him in many ways. That was just one.

  “All right, old woman. Ya got the right of it. Hacom ain’t Erhard, and I need to stop thinkin’ of him as such. Now, ya goin’ to hush and eat, or am I to sit here and listen to ya jabber the whole morn?”

  Naji just smiled through her gums, spooning some pottage in her bowl.

  Itai was untethering his horse after his meeting at the inn. He sighed, thinking back to the conversation with his father. Although Hacom never treated either of them as less, he couldn’t help but feel that way. Even with securing Mena for their home, Brahanu would be forced to forego the luxuries that she’d been accustomed to. That truth weighed on him.

  When he neared the citadel, he paused. For some reason, he hadn’t noticed how grand it was in comparison to the stately homes that were near. Although Cazaal was the smallest of the human villages, their citadel was grand. It sat high on a hillock, overlooking the entire village, surrounded by a stone wall that appeared higher than he’d remembered.

  “Are you coming for a visit, Itai?”

  “Lord Ravenot!”

  “Lord Ravenot? You wed my elder daughter, and I became Lord Ravenot? Curious, I thought when two families joined, we became closer, not more distant.”

  “Pardons, Ha—Hacom. My mind was elsewhere, and I forgot myself for a moment.”

  “Well, Son, I’d appreciate it if you’d address me as you always have.”

  “Yes, Hacom. Beg pardon.”

  He nodded. “Now, have you and Brahanu come for a visit?”

  “No, Brahanu tired this morning and is still abed.”

  Hacom glanced at him from the corner of his eye. “Is that so?”

  “Yes, she wanted me to arrange evening meal with you on the morrow.”

  “That would please Amani and me, she’s been waiting for a visit.”

  “We know it’s customary to do so.”

  “I’ll inform Amani unless you’re prepared to do so yourself.”

  “If it’s all the same, Hacom, I’d like to return home and tend to Brahanu.”

  “Is my daughter ill?”

  “No sir, she just needs to rest. You’ll see her on the morrow and know it for yourself.”

  “Yes, well, if you must. We’ll be ready to receive you for evening meal.”

  “Thank you. I’ll give your regards to Brahanu.”

  “Until the morrow, then,” Hacom said, trotting up toward his house. Itai watched him enter the gate and the sentries and attendants milling around. He sighed.

  “How will she ever be satisfied with what I have to offer her?”

  “Oh, you’ve made it back, young man,” Briac said. “Good, good. Brahanu was becoming concerned.”

  “She had no cause. I was still in the village.”

  “That’s what wives do, Itai. They worry.” Briac chuckled, opening the chamber door. “Now, Brahanu, I have your broth and your husband. What do you think about that?”

  “I think you work more magic now than when I was your assistant.”

  “Flatter on, young miss.” Briac laughed, handing her the cup. “You’ll need to sip this slowly, but finish it while it’s still warm. Elsewise, you won’t get all the herbs.”

  “Yes, Lakaar.”

  “Itai. I left a bowl in the kitchen that’s full of the same broth. She needs to finish it before you take leave on the morrow. Just give her a cup at a time. Here,” he said, handing him a small clay bowl. “This is the ointment for the tear. Make sure she bathes twice a day and applies this after making water. Keep the area clean and dry.”

  “I’ll see to it, thank you.”

  “All right. I think I’ve done all that’s needed here. Besides, Gwennec has been alone too long with my tonics. She’s liable to burn down my house if I leave her alone much longer,” Briac said, slinging the satchel over his shoulder.

  “Will you allow me to escort you, Lakaar?”

  “Oh, no, Itai, it’s just a short walk. These old knees need to be put to use.”

  “Are you certain?” Brahanu asked.

  “Don’t worry for me. I’ve been walking around this village before either of you were even thought of. I’ll be fine. Come by before seven suns and I’ll check you over. Should be well long before.”

  “Thank you, I will.”

  “Good, good. Then I’ll leave you to it,” Briac said, raising up a wrinkled hand. “And no, I don’t need to be shown to the door. Good day.” He smiled, exiting the chamber.

  “He’ll never change,” Brahanu giggled.

  “How do you feel?”

  “I’m quite well. The herbs work quickly.”

  “I’m glad. I spoke with your father and mine, and we can visit on the morrow.”

  “I’m sure they’ll be pleased to see us.”

  “Yes, and Aysha agreed to Philomena’s placement.”

  “That’s wonderful news, Itai. Thank you for seeing to everything. Now, come and lie with your wife.”

  “Brahanu, the lakaar said you need rest and time to heal.”

  “He did. But there’re more ways of receiving pleasure that I wish to explore.”

  His brow creased until she slid the covers aside, exposing her nakedness. His arousal was immediate as he walked to the bed, disrobing.

  Bonds

  “The land is flat and rich?” Draizeyn asked, taking a long drink from his jeweled goblet.

  “Mostly,” Pentanimir said. “We were already aware of the hills and streams from the patrols. However, we’d never ventured far beyond. The land is suitable, and the waterfalls beneath the mountains are more plentiful than we believed. The waters there are full of fish and the wood full of game.”

  “Could a city be built there even greater than Nazil?”

  “Indeed. The wood is vast and thick with trees. We didn’t venture to its end due to the early snow, but we covered a great distance.”

  “You did well. Do the stakes mark your path?”

  “They do. The workers shouldn’t have any trouble.”

  “I’m pleased. We must make a place outside the walls for storage once they begin harvesting the wood.”

  Pentanimir wiped his mouth, finishing his drink. “If you have no further need of me, Zaxson, I’ll return home.”

  “You don’t want to see Denotra before you go? She’s been awaiting your return.”

  “I always desire it, but I’m not presentable. After I’ve bathed and changed, I’ll return and greet the lady with the proper respect.”

  Draizeyn smiled, showing all his teeth. “Your words are wise. Denotra doesn’t consider such things when it comes to you, Pentanimir. Nevertheless, you have the right of it. Go now and ready yourself and return for evening meal. She’ll be glad to see you.”

  “And I, her,” Pentanimir said, bowing and leaving the room. When the door closed behind him, he sighed in relief. She’s the last person that I want to see. Her pursuit makes me weary.

  Once Pentanimir neared the entrance, the council members were arriving. Moving aside, he proffered a bow. “Greetings, my lords.”

  “Nephew, it’s good to have you back in Nazil,” Oxilon said, trailing the group.

  “Thank you. Ar
e you going to meet with the Zaxson?”

  “Yes, he’s summoned the council to discuss the new city. I hear the journey revealed much.”

  And I know how you heard about it. Your little bird wastes no time singing his songs in your ear. “It did, indeed. The builders will have plenty to do before the cold season is upon us.”

  “I’m certain the Zaxson was satisfied,” Oxilon said. “Speaking of, how fares your little slave?”

  “Well…I suppose. Danimore returned home while I spoke with the Zaxson. Since when does Zeta’s welfare concern you?”

  “It doesn’t. I know how fond you both are of the little whore, and thought it polite to ask.” He smirked, walking away.

  Pentanimir shook his head, wasting no time returning home. After such a journey, a hot bath and his bed were a welcome thought. He hung his cloak and belt on a hook near the door, collapsing on the couch. Myriad thoughts and concerns flooded his mind. He wasn’t only conflicted about the new city, he was so about Brahanu and his son, too. Those concerns would make his return to the citadel even more excruciating. The thought of being near Denotra soured his mood and weighed heavy upon his heart. As vile as she was, she truly cared for him. But how could he honor a pledge to such a woman?

  He released a heavy sigh, closing his eyes. He needed time. Time not only to assist the Bandarians, but also to sort out the diverging aspects of his life.

  “Brother,” Danimore said. “I thought that I heard you. How was your meeting with the Zaxson?”

  “As we knew it would be. He’s planning to move forward and decimate the wood.” Pentanimir clenched his eyes tighter, massaging his temples.

  “Unfortunately so. Although, there’s more we didn’t know.”

  “I need nothing more on my mind, Dani. All I want is a hot bath and a cup of mulled wine. I must visit the citadel for evening meal, and wish that I didn’t have to suffer it.”

  “Well, let us think of more pleasant things,” Danimore said, as Raithym began to coo.

  Pentanimir slowly lowered his hands, opening his eyes.

  “Gods!” He leapt up to his feet. “Who, Dani? Where—”

  “Be calm, you’ll frighten him.”

  “Him? Who is him?”

  “Him is Raithym. Zeta birthed him while we were away,” he said, sliding the covering from his head. “Isn’t he beautiful?”

  Pentanimir stepped closer, the babe’s pale eyes fluttering open, causing him to smile. “Dani, he looks Nazilian. No one could tell him apart from any other birthed in the city.”

  “I told Dani the same,” Zeta said, limping forward.

  “Zeta, are you all right?” Pentanimir asked, helping her to sit. “I mean is there anything that you need?”

  “Thank you, Pentanimir, I’m quite well. Gali delivered the babe the same day that you left.”

  “Did she tell Yannick or Sidra about him?”

  “She said that she wouldn’t.”

  “Why do you ask?” Danimore said, handing Raithym to Zeta.

  “It’s something that Uncle said as I was leaving the citadel. I thought for certain that he knew.”

  Zeta shuddered, fearing what was to come. She listened intently, praying Pentanimir didn’t know about her ill treatment.

  “Uncle? What did he say that worried you?”

  “It isn’t what he said, as much as how he said it. He asked me how Zeta fared.”

  “He gave care for Zeta?”

  “No. And he said as much when I asked. His demeanor was such that it gave me pause. It was as if he had surreptitious information that he wouldn’t divulge. Instead, he’d have me learn of it on my own.”

  Zeta’s heart felt like it would beat from her chest. I’ll say nothing about your abuse. If you would have it known, you alone will tell of it.

  “Put it from your mind, Pentanimir. Mayhaps Beilzen told him about our journey and his talk of servants. The fact that I wouldn’t take his bait on the matter could interest Uncle. Nonetheless, the babe is here, and Oxilon can’t do anything to change that.”

  “Still, we shouldn’t speak about it. If Uncle visits, pray Raithym falls silent, and Zeta will remain in her chamber. I won’t ask Gali to lie to Yannick, but not speaking about Raithym shouldn’t be an offense.”

  “I agree, but there’s more that we need to discuss.”

  “More? What else happened?”

  “It’s not that,” Danimore said. “I’d like to have Zeta and Raithym as my own.”

  “I know, Dani. We talked about that in the wood.”

  “No, you don’t understand. I’m not only speaking about our marriage, but also having Raithym as my son.”

  “Yes, you mentioned that.”

  “No one would know that he’s not my natural son. Why can’t he have our name as well? Only Aronin and the rest of Mother’s family in Yarah know me by sight, not like you. No one would know.”

  Pentanimir peered over at them peculiarly. “Dani, do you know what you’re saying? Pardons, Zeta, but Raithym is bastard born, to a slave…a human slave. He can’t have our name, not even if you were wed.”

  “But you said that this wouldn’t matter in this village. How would they know that we weren’t wed and Raithym of a blessed birth?”

  “Because there isn’t any other place where such a bond would be performed and recognized.”

  “Surely, there’s a way. If they accept us, they must accept Raithym, too.”

  “They would, Dani, but they’d know that the ceremony couldn’t have been performed before your arrival.”

  “Could we truly be married?” Zeta asked.

  “Yes,” Pentanimir said. “This village was established by both human and Nazilians for those very freedoms.”

  “When can we travel there?”

  “I’m not certain. They’ve remained isolated for years, but with the new city, it might not remain that way.”

  “Is it that close to where Draizeyn wants to build?” Danimore asked.

  “It’s near enough. Our standard patrol radius would reach their borders. I’ll need to travel soon.”

  “Could Zeta go with you?”

  “That wouldn’t be possible, not now. Uncle would definitely notice her absence.”

  “What about Raithym? Could you take him there?”

  Pentanimir shook his head. “Raithym needs his mother, and I don’t know anything about caring for babes. We’ll find a way soon. I promise. For now, I need a hot bath and sleep. The evening meal with the Zaxson will come too soon.”

  “I think that I should travel with the builders, Father. I could survey the lands before we make a more permanent move.”

  “Lord Daracus, your leave of the city isn’t advised,” Oxilon said. “We sent our best men. Surely, we trust what they’ve reported. If not, why send them at all?”

  “Oxilon has a point,” Draizeyn said. “You’re my Nakshij, and your duties here are integral to our coming plans. The builders can oversee this project.”

  “Beg pardon, Zaxson,” Lymbach said. “The builders’ safety is still in question. With part of the guard yet in Spero, how will we ensure their safety?”

  “Couldn’t some of the Chosen Guard accompany them?” Temian asked.

  “The Chosen’s purpose is to guard Nazil, not escort builders and slaves.”

  “I’m not speaking of the entire Chosen Guard, Cha Reaglen, only a half dozen. That would serve both the builders and the city, would it not?” Temian said.

  Grimmish shook his head. “Neither suits me. We have trackers. Although their prowess doesn’t match the Chosen, they’re still skilled. If the slaves attempted to flee or harm the builders, they’d have little trouble subduing them.”

  “Yes,” Daracus agreed. “But the slaves aren’t the only concern.”

  Draizeyn observed the men, talking over one another. Each thought their plan better than the next. He waited patiently for the conflict to end, and when it didn’t, he raised his hand, silencing the room.

  “
It’s your place to advise me, not argue and fight like spoiled children over a sweet,” Draizeyn said, standing and clasping his hands behind his back. “The builders are leaving in three suns. Oxilon, you’ll choose six of our finest trackers to accompany them. Daracus, you’ll select the strongest fifteen slaves with appropriate skill and wit. We must move with haste, it grows colder with each moon’s rise.”

  The men nodded as he retook his seat. “We’ll need ten carts for supplies and wood. Send twenty horses and have the provisions readied by the morrow. Cha Bisdan, you know the builders well. Which would you select?”

  “With our finest off in Spero, our choices are limited. I can check my books and have an answer for you by the morrow.”

  “On the morrow then. Not later.”

  “Yes, Zaxson.”

  “Good, the matter is decided. We’ll adjourn now, and meet again for noon meal.”

  The men stood and bowed, exiting the room.

  “Not you, Oxilon,” Draizeyn said, reaching for an olive. “I pray you stay a while longer.”

  “As you wish. What would you have of me?”

  “I wanted to ask about your nephew.”

  “My nephew? I have but two. Of which do you speak?”

  “I’ve heard that you had a disagreement with Pentanimir. Is there something that I need to know?”

  “Pardons, no. Our disagreement involved the matters of our house, nothing more.”

  “You allowed a private issue to be known publicly. How am I supposed to receive such a report? Pentanimir is pledged to my daughter, Oxilon,” he said calmly, but the ire was splayed across his face.

  “I understand, Zaxson, and this was the subject of our disagreement. As the one pledged, Pentanimir’s reputation should remain unblemished. I’d have no slight toward you or Lady Denotra.”

  “To what slight do you refer?”

  “The slave they’ve selected to serve the home. Not even Nazilian workers are treated with such familiarity. Many goodly people have mentioned their concerns to me. My nephews continue to treat her too kindly for a slave.”