The Rise of Nazil

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  “I see no slight in that, Oxilon. Your brother was the most revered Chosen in Nazil, and he treated his workers kind as well.”

  Oxilon’s jaw tightened. “This is true, however, Manifir’s servants were Nazilian, not human.”

  “I agree with you on this, but what could be done? The slave is theirs to do with as they please. If they wish to sell her, bed her, or feed her to the pigs, it’s of no matter. Why does it concern you so?”

  “It’s merely appearance, Zaxson. I used the whore well in their absence to remind her of her place.” He grinned. “She’s probably still tasting my seed and shit.”

  “To what end? It seems a small thing receiving pleasure from a slave. She was well used while she served the citadel. Hells, I partook of her myself on numerous occasions as did the Cha and several others of my choosing.”

  “It should be a small thing, but they wouldn’t approve. Pentanimir, I understand, he’s to wed Lady Denotra. But Danimore has never lain with a woman.”

  “Never? Are you certain? Mayhaps he hasn’t confided such things to you.”

  “He admitted as much. The boy is eight and ten; it’s unnatural for him to not at least use her mouth.”

  Draizeyn shrugged. “Evenso, I don’t want to hear about this again. I gifted the slave to serve their home, and Pentanimir is pledged to my daughter. If you wish to discuss such business, do so behind closed doors and away from eager ears.”

  “Yes, Zaxson.”

  “Besides,” he said, draining his goblet. “Danimore could prefer the company of boys. It’s not unheard of, old friend. Many in the city find great pleasure in it.”

  Oxilon leered over at him, taking great offense at the comment.

  “Discretion is all that I ask.” Draizeyn stood, straightening his doublet. “Now, I have business in the audience hall. Sometimes, this title is a burden.”

  Time for Healing

  “How is he?” Vot asked, entering the chamber.

  “His wounds are healing, and the fever passed,” Saifu said. “But Hosdaq hasn’t opened his eyes or spoken. Kuhani reached him through the merge, but he hasn’t come back to us fully.”

  “Could it be the herbs? Could he have ingested too much to wake?”

  “No, it was merely enough to dull his pain, and that was some time ago. He should be awake and in need of more.”

  Vot rested a hand on Hosdaq’s brow. “Come back to us, old friend. We need you with us. Saifu, what else can we do? Surely, there’s something: a root, an herb, anything.”

  “I wish it were that simple. All we can do is keep him comfortable and monitor his condition. The rest is up to Hosdaq. He must want to return to us and fight for it. I pray that he hasn’t grown weary of life.”

  “All of this is unfathomable. Even with Wosen’s recent resentment of his life here, I would’ve never thought him capable of such brutality, and against his own father.”

  Saifu sighed. “That alone could be too much for Hosdaq to bear. Mayhaps that pain prevents his awakening.”

  “It’s devastating, yes, but he must know that Malkia needs him. She loves her father and wants to see him.”

  “I don’t advise her visiting until the swelling and bruising subsides.”

  “I agree,” Vot said. “Seeing him like this would be traumatic for her. Do you know what caused the injuries on his face?”

  Saifu shrugged, adjusting Hosdaq’s bandages. “I know that he received a hard blow to the back of his head. Most likely, he fell forward, hitting his face on the floor. Either that, or Wosen struck him numerous times.”

  “I never thought we’d have such violence here. We’ve always had peace, Saifu.”

  “It was bound to end. Such maleficence is intrinsic in all peoples, Elder. It lives within our hearts, awaiting a single spark to ignite a festering malaise of hate. We’ve cultivated a climate of peace here, but even in the most tranquil of places, darkness resides.”

  “No, Saifu, I can’t believe that the actions of one disturbed individual could corrupt all that we’ve built.”

  “I didn’t mean to imply that. We’ve been touched by Nazil’s maleficence again, and it signals more to come. We can’t ignore what’s right before us.”

  “Saifu, I’m not—”

  “El—der.” Hosdaq’s voice was barely audible.

  “He’s awake,” Vot said. “Hosdaq, we’re here…we’re here with you.”

  “El—der. You m—ust go. He wi—ll re—turn.”

  “Please, don’t try to speak,” Saifu said. “You need to drink this while you’re with us.”

  When Hosdaq tried to speak again, Vot raised the cup to his lips. “You must heed Saifu. Huname told us about Wosen, and we’re preparing. I’ll tell you everything, but first you must drink the herbs and heal.”

  “Good. I’ll prepare some more,” Saifu said. “It’ll stave off infection and ease your pain.”

  “It wasn’t a dre—am. My son at—tacked me?”

  “I wish it was a dream,” Vot said, solemnly. “You’ve been tended well, and will recover in time. Malkia needs her father.”

  “Mal—kia…where—is—is she safe?” Hosdaq winced, coughing through the words.

  “Be calm, you mustn’t aggravate your wounds. Osmara is taking good care of her, but she’s afraid, and wants to see you.”

  “Not li—like th—is. Ple—please, not li—like this.”

  “No, it’s better if she waits. You’ll be stronger soon, and Osmara will bring her to see you.”

  Hosdaq nodded, closing his eyes. “You m—ust ke—ep her safe.”

  “She’s well protected and we’ve increased the guard around the village. One’s stationed here with you. If Wosen returns, he’ll be unable to hurt anyone.”

  Hosdaq reached up, taking Vot’s hand.

  “We’ve been through so much, you and I,” Vot said. “You alone showed me the heart of a true Nazilian, and I’ve loved you as my brother. I’m human, and you’re Nazilian, and we’re brothers. That’s what we’ve built here. That’s the man that you are.”

  Hosdaq’s eyes lined with tears, looking up at him.

  “Do you remember the night we met?” Vot asked, forcing a smile. “Our children had been murdered, and I wanted to die alongside them. I’d no desire to live until I saw you. Then, I had to live, I had to kill the man who’d taken so much from me. All of my anger, my grief, and my pain was unleashed upon you.” He paused, tears streaming from his eyes. “All I saw before me was an enemy who’d slaughtered my children. I ignored your pleas, and the sound of our swords meeting echoed through the darkness.

  “No one could’ve known from such a beginning that we’d have such an end. I can’t allow you to give up on a life that means so much to so many. You must fight with all the vigor of years past, Hosdaq. Your life won’t end in this bed. I won’t allow it. You’re my brother, and I love you.”

  His head lowered, overcome with emotion.

  “You should return home, Elder,” Saifu said, coming up beside him. “You need to rest, and Osmara has come for a visit. I’ll keep you informed, all right?”

  Vot didn’t argue. As he left the chamber, Osmara slowly approached the bed. She nearly gasped, choking back her emotion. Hosdaq’s pale flesh was marred with tiny gashes, the raised, purple and green bruising distorting his usually handsome features. She closed her eyes for a moment, and then leaned down, softly kissing his lips.

  His eyes blinked open, feeling the unexpected affection.

  “Elder Hosdaq,” she said, stroking his face. “Please forgive me.”

  “Elder, my sister has been asking to see you since you fell ill,” Saifu said. “Do you feel up to a visit while I prepare your ointment?”

  Hosdaq nodded languidly, never looking away from Osmara.

  “Sister, the Elder needs to drink the tincture. See that he receives it,” Saifu said, gesturing to the side table and closing the chamber door.

  Osmara sat on the bed, being careful not to jostle him
. Gently holding his head, she helped him sip the broth. Once the cup was empty, she patted his lips dry, kissing them again. This time, Hosdaq weakly attempted to return her affections.

  “I didn’t mean to overstep, Elder. I just wanted you to know.”

  He stared at her, the pooling tears sliding from the corners of his eyes.

  “We’ve lived here together and…and I know that you’ve passed me without notice, but it hasn’t been the same for me. Many times I thought you desired our closeness, but you never…I don’t. Am I not pleasing to you?”

  Hosdaq reached for her hand, clenching his eyes shut. Those words caused a warmth in him that he hadn’t known. With the anguish of his son’s attack, she lifted some of the weight compressing his heart.

  “It’s not proper for me to do so, but I’ll not wait a second longer. Too much has happened, and I refuse to have you lie here without knowing my heart. Regardless of your feelings, I’m sharing mine with you. I’ve waited for you, Elder, only you. My brother feels that you’re not interested in a wife, but I hope that he’s wrong.”

  “Y—ou are beau—tiful. I al—ways thought it.” Hosdaq’s breaths were staggered. “I’d be ho—nored to be with you. Your bro—ther spoke false.”

  Osmara kissed him again. As she tried to move away, he shook his head, drawing her back down to him. Not since his wife had anyone shown him such affection, and he didn’t want that feeling to end, and be overcome by the pain that was trying to consume him.

  “Sister, it’s time for the Elder to rest,” Saifu said. “You may visit again on the morrow, but for now, he needs to sleep.”

  Osmara merely nodded, leaning down for another kiss before leaving them alone.

  “Your sis—ter is bea—uti—ful.”

  “She is. Osmara has awaited your notice for some time.”

  “I always no—ticed her.”

  “Well, you can speak with her about that once you’ve healed.”

  “I de—sire that great—ly.”

  “As would she, but we’ll speak of it more on the morrow. You must rest and become well. Osmara will return, and we’ll make arrangements for Malkia.”

  Hosdaq nodded, closing his eyes. “I wel—come their visits.”

  Duty, Honor, and Secrets

  “But Father, why can’t we wed before the cold season?” Denotra asked, taking a sip of wine.

  “We haven’t the time to prepare the ceremony. Your wedding will be grand, my sweetling, and everything must be perfect.”

  “Yes, Sister. Besides, Spero isn’t complete, and many of those needed aren’t in Nazil.” Daracus grinned. “Is your desire for our First Chosen so strong that you can’t wait one season?”

  “Daracus, don’t jest with your sister. She’s anxious to fulfill her pledge. Mayhaps I should secure one for you, too. It’s past time for you to marry and sire sons to further our name.”

  Daracus’ smile faded. “I have no interest in marrying right now. Denotra is the one who’s ready to wed.”

  “Yes, but Denotra will further the Benoist’s line. It’s your duty to further ours. Your wishes are irrelevant, Daracus, you’ll do what’s best for our family as we all do.”

  “Father, with Spero nearing completion and the planning of a new city, I haven’t the time to take a wife. I’m your Nakshij, and have much business to attend.”

  Draizeyn scoffed. “Time? What time does it take to bed a woman and place a son in her womb? You’ve spread your seed to enough whores in the villages. How many bastards have you sired throughout the lands, Daracus? It’s time to have heirs of blessed birth.”

  “There are none in which I have an interest.”

  “Well, I know of at least one who you can’t turn from, Brother.” Denotra teased. “Mayhaps you should inform Father about the little flower who’s caught your eye and possibly your heart.”

  Draizeyn peered at his children, unamused. “Is what your sister speaks true?”

  “No, Father. My sweet sister offers a bad jape. Mayhaps after Spero’s completion, I’ll look at the available maids with fresh eyes.”

  “Don’t give it a thought,” Draizeyn said, with a flourish. “I’ll have the Cha send birds to the villages. There’ve been numerous high lords vying for our interest for many years. In fact, there was a pretty one here not long ago visiting Cha Temian. I had half a mind to take that one for myself. What was her name?”

  “Ariana,” Denotra said. “I learned that she’s Cha Temian’s sister, but she didn’t look like anything special to me.”

  Draizeyn chuckled. “That’s a woman’s envy, I think. Ariana Swayne is a beautiful young maid. I’ll inquire about her on the morrow. It’s past time for you to wed, Daracus, and that one would please even the pickiest of men.”

  Daracus began to protest, but the doors parted, and the guards escorted Pentanimir into the hall.

  “Pardons, Zaxson. I didn’t think that I was late.” He bowed.

  “You aren’t late, Pentanimir. We merely began evening meal early so that Daracus could take leave. He’ll journey to Spero on the morrow,” Draizeyn said, motioning to a seat across from Denotra. “Please, rest and join us. We have much to discuss.”

  Pentanimir approached Denotra with a winsome smile and knelt, handing her some flowers. “These are for you, my lady. Though they aren’t nearly as beautiful as you or smell as sweet.”

  Daracus cleared his throat, taking the opportunity to turn the conversation away from his pledge.

  “Pentanimir, how long do you estimate it’ll take to clear the wood?”

  “Nearly three seasons. However, once the city is properly planned, that time could differ.”

  “Yes, it won’t be swift,” Draizeyn said, waving the slaves away. “Daracus and I have been speaking about your pledge, and securing one for him.”

  “Lord Daracus, have you decided to take a wife?” Pentanimir asked.

  “Apparently, it’s not my decision. My father has decided that I’m ready,” Daracus said, fumbling with the small pouch in his belt.

  “Well, I’m pleased with my pledge, and can’t wait for our ceremony,” Denotra said.

  As Pentanimir raised his cup to her, Daracus slipped a pellet beneath his tongue.

  “Yes, Sister, you’d wed on the morrow if it would bring Pentanimir to your chamber faster.”

  Draizeyn slammed his hand on the table. “Don’t dare speak to your sister in such a manner. She’s not a common whore like the ones you take abed. She’s the daughter of the Zaxson, and even you’ll show her that respect. Do I make myself clear, Daracus?”

  “Beg pardon, Sister, my jest was in poor taste. Forgive me, Father, and you as well, Pentanimir.”

  “Mayhaps you should retire to your chamber,” Draizeyn said. “Your journey will be long, and I’d have you well rested.”

  Daracus’ eyes narrowed, feigning a smile. “Yes, you’re quite right. I’ll need much before I journey to Spero,” Daracus said, pushing back from the table. “Jahno, have water heated for my bath.”

  “Yes, milord,” Jahno said.

  “Micah, bring a tray of fresh fruit and two bottles of wine, the white,” he instructed. “I bid you all good night.”

  As Daracus exited, he let the heavy doors slam in his wake. I won’t be wedding any time soon, Father. If you want to further our line, impregnate that slave whore you’re in love with. Well, after you move her off your face, he thought, popping another pellet in his mouth.

  “Did I upset Lord Daracus?” Pentanimir asked.

  “No, he was angered by Father’s mention of a pledge. My brother is more pleased with the thought of a brothel than a wife.”

  “Indeed. However, it’s time that he took his position seriously,” Draizeyn said. “Your brother is two and twenty; he needs a wife and heirs. Don’t you agree, First Chosen?”

  “My uncle reminded me of the same, and I was honored when offered a pledge to the fairest maid in the land. If I had to choose one to bear my sons and with whom to spend
my life, it would be Lady Denotra.” Pentanimir smiled at the blushing young woman. She plays the shy maid for her father. If she had me alone in her chamber, the whores in the largest cities would be put to shame.

  “It’s good that you understand the honor of your pledge,” Draizeyn said. “Your father was dear to our house, and served Nazil with honor. It was his relationship with my father and brother, Nikolaj, that secured your pledge. Oxilon believes he was able to facilitate the honor, and I’d have it remain that way. But my father wished our houses joined if Sir Manifir sired sons. With your position as First Chosen, you were a better candidate than Danimore.”

  So, that’s the truth of it. Even after his death, my father has bested him.

  “Well, I’m pleased that my brother held no interest in pursuing such a title.”

  “As am I,” Denotra said, with a smile identical to her father’s.

  “Speaking of, it would be prudent to begin the preparations for your ceremony. Denotra would have you wed before the cold season is full upon us.”

  Pentanimir’s heart sank. “Will time permit for such a ceremony, Zaxson? Lady Denotra deserves nothing but the finest.”

  “I spoke the same. We’ll begin preparations for a ceremony during the warm season.”

  “You are wise, Zaxson. As much as I desire to wed soon, I’m aware that such a ceremony can’t be rushed.”

  “No, and we have other matters to attend to as well.” Draizeyn motioned for more wine. “Daracus is leaving for Spero on the morrow, and I’d like for you to accompany him, Pentanimir.”

  “You would have me join him?”

  “Yes. Many from Dovak and Leahcim are constructing their homes. Last we heard, the temple, citadel, and main road are complete. You’ll need to appoint a Cha Asham from Nazil, and select one Cha from each village to occupy the temple. I still plan on you overseeing Spero.”

  Brahanu. I’d be near Brahanu. I could see her and my son, Pentanimir thought, his heart and mind racing.

  “Would I be forced to leave Lady Denotra in Nazil?” Pentanimir asked, hoping the answer would be yes.