The Rise of Nazil

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  “It wasn’t a dream,” he said, still groggy. “You pleasured me with your mouth.”

  “I wanted to please you, and I knew that you wouldn’t allow it.”

  “Why then did you take me in my sleep?”

  “Because you needed me to,” she said, caressing his bare chest. “Your body was anxious for my touch.”

  As he leaned down for a kiss, Raithym began to cry. Zeta smiled, kissing his chest before moving to soothe her son.

  “Did you enjoy it?” Zeta asked.

  “How could I not? The pleasure of it woke me from my sleep.”

  “Then, I’m happy. I hope that you’ll allow me to please you soon when you’re fully awake to enjoy it.”

  “I welcome that, Zeta, but you still need time to heal.”

  As she fed Raithym, Danimore stood, poking at the wood in the hearth. “What do you think about Pentanimir’s plan?”

  “I’m excited. Do you think it’ll work like he said?”

  “As long as Draizeyn appoints him to Spero, there shouldn’t be an issue.” He paused, meeting her eyes. “What are your thoughts about Nikolina and the pledge?”

  “I understand the why of it.”

  “But what are your thoughts, Zeta?”

  “I’d rather that you didn’t do it. I hate deceiving her, especially if she cares for you.” She shook her head. “No good has ever come from a woman’s scorn, Dani. I’m afraid of what might happen, but I understand that your uncle is forcing your hand.”

  “If there was another way, I’d do it. I don’t want to mislead Nikolina or her father, but our options are limited.”

  “I understand, and agree with whatever you decide.”

  She nestled Raithym in his bed, pulling on her dress. “I’d better start the morning meal. Is there anything that you’d like?”

  “Your happiness, Zeta.”

  “You’ve already made me happier than I thought that I ever could be. It’s—it’s more than hurting her. I want to be in her place. I want to be able to express our love openly, Dani, you and me.”

  “In time,” he said. “Both you and Raithym will be Benoists.”

  “I welcome that time.” She smiled, leaving his chamber.

  As he began filling the pot, he couldn’t stop thinking of the pleasurable way she’d awakened him. He smiled until his body responded, causing the spray to hit the floor and wall.

  “All hells,” he said, trying to manage the stream.

  “Dani,” Pentanimir said, tapping on the door.

  “Yes, come,” Danimore said, dipping his hands in the basin.

  “I was just ensuring that you were awake. I’ll be leaving soon.”

  “I’ll join you in a moment, Pentanimir. Allow me to dress.”

  “Don’t forget to visit Uncle after your duty,” Pentanimir said. “We don’t need anything impeding our plans for Spero.”

  “I will, but it’ll take everything within me to endure his pomposity.”

  “Trust me: Uncle will be pleased with your request. The thought of arranging a second pledge will feed the very ego that you fear.”

  “How long will it take to arrive in Spero, Pentanimir?” Zeta asked.

  “Eight to nine suns at least. The Yarahan Caretaker’s planned a feast in his honor. Most likely, Daracus will do the same in Dovak and Leahcim. He likes to swank around the high lords like he’s the Zaxson.”

  Danimore shook his head. “He’s just like his father.”

  “Indeed. Howbeit, Daracus is more dangerous than Draizeyn. The more pellets that he consumes, the more he needs them. Everyone at the citadel has suffered from his volatility, even the guards. Daracus enjoys his sadistic proclivities, and desires them often.”

  “Daracus and his father are cruel,” Zeta said, recalling their abuses. “But it—it was Denotra that I feared most. One moment she would smile and the next, she’d beat me. You couldn’t judge her mood or satisfy her needs.”

  I know which needs she wants satisfied, Pentanimir thought. “I’ve experience this as well. It isn’t a pleasing thought to know my life is pledged to such a person. Neither she nor Daracus care about anyone in their service. Even I’m merely a pawn in the larger game the Vereuxs play.”

  “Mayhaps the gods have a different path for you, Brother. We don’t know what the future might hold.”

  “If there’s another for me, I wish the gods would make it known. Elsewise, it’s Denotra that I must take to wife. Not only is she a vile woman, she looks identical to her father. All I see when she looks at me is the Zaxson.”

  “Unfortunately so,” Danimore sighed. “It seems that Daracus is the only Vereux with a pleasing appearance.”

  “That’s the only thing that’s attractive about him.”

  When heavy knocks sounded from the door, Pentanimir rose to answer as Danimore motioned to Zeta. “Go to my chamber and latch the door.”

  “Good morrow, Sir Benoist,” the man said, bowing. “The Nakshij sent me to retrieve your belongings, and the guards await you near the carriage.”

  “Ah, good morrow, Symeon…of the Jasiri,” Pentanimir said.

  Symeon looked surprised, offering another bow that caused his braid to fall forward.

  “I have two chests in my chamber. Wait here and we’ll bring them out.

  “Sir Benoist,” Symeon called after him. “If it pleases you, I’ll retrieve the chests and load them into the carriage.”

  “It’s all right, Symeon, we’ll bring them out to you. Come, would you like some tea?”

  Symeon glanced around, bemused. “No—no thank you, Sir Benoist,” he said, ducking under the arched lintel, entering the room. “I’ll wait for you by the door.”

  “Do you know him, Brother?” Danimore asked, peering back at the large man.

  “Don’t you remember him? He’s the one who Beilzen punished in the stables.”

  “Ah, I do.” Danimore glanced back at the door. When he considered his name, he paused. “That’s Symeon? By all the gods,” he breathed.

  “Pardons, Brother?”

  “What? Oh—oh, nothing, he—he seems to look fondly upon you. Well, if his expression speaks true to his heart,” Danimore stammered.

  “I, to him as well, Dani. Upon inquiry, I learnt that he was a sentry and scout in the villages. It’s rumored that he’s one of the desert isle. There’s a man in Bandari who displays the same markings and braid. His name is Kuhani, and they refer to him as the warrior priest,” Pentanimir said, looking over at his brother. “Symeon survived an attack when all others in his patrol were killed. It took nearly a score of guards to subdue him, even after being struck with an envenomed arrow. You can’t help but admire such a man, Brother. Once he was a great swordsman and protector of his people; now, he’s a captive.” Pentanimir shook his head. “It would be an honor to clash swords with him and have him feel himself again.”

  “There’s no one in all the lands who could give him a greater challenge than you. You’ve always been the best.”

  “I’ll ask Daracus if he can accompany us. If time allows, I’ll give him that challenge,” he said, reaching for a chest. They grunted, struggling to move the heavy chests down the corridor. When they entered the room, Symeon bowed again, gripping one under each arm, and loading them.

  “If it pleases you, my lord,” Symeon said, motioning to the carriage.

  “My return won’t be swift, Dani. Please take care and hold your tongue with Uncle.”

  “Travel safely, Brother,” he said, embracing him. “I’ll heed your words.”

  Danimore closed the door, calling for Zeta.

  “Yes, Dani.”

  “Pentanimir has left for the citadel, and I’m getting ready to leave for duty. I’ll be talking with Oxilon before returning home.”

  “I understand.”

  “I’m doing this for you and Raithym, Zeta. If only for a short while, Uncle’s attention is focused elsewhere, it’ll give us the opportunity that we need.”

  Danimo
re kissed her quickly, and then donned his baldric and cloak. Before he’d even traveled ten meters, Oxilon was waiting near his mount.

  “Uncle? I was coming to see you at my duty’s end. Do you have need of me?”

  “I do. I’ll accompany you to the gate, and we’ll speak of it.”

  “As you wish,” Danimore said, watching him from the corner of his eye.

  “I’ve heard that you have a request, Danimore. Is this so?” Oxilon asked in his usual commanding tone. Even a simple question seemed more a demand.

  “Yes, it’s true. I’ve spoken with Pentanimir, but I need to speak to you as well.”

  “Are you going to tell me or would you have me guess?”

  “Forgive me, Uncle, the thought yet causes apprehension. If I were more like Pentanimir, mayhaps I’d look upon a pledge with confidence.”

  Oxilon paused, turning to face him. “You’re a Benoist. Pentanimir wears the pearl cloak of the Chosen, but you, too, are my blood. We’ll always share a bond, Danimore, more than any other. Anyone in Nazil would be honored to have you seek a pledge.”

  Danimore’s expression nearly betrayed his thoughts. It was the first time that he could recall that Oxilon made no insult toward him. “Thank you, Uncle. For many seasons, I’ve admired Nikolina d’Garrion. We’ve spent some time together recently, and my fondness has only grown. With Pentanimir’s pledge announced, it’s made me yearn for my own arrangement.”

  “Is that so?”

  “I know you can’t understand, and we’ve had disagreements of late, but having Zeta with us during her pregnancy has caused me to realize many things. I know you don’t approve of her placement, but it’s due to her that I long for a wife and heir. If Nikolina’s father accepts my pledge, I’d like to wed soon. It’s not only Pentanimir’s responsibility to further our line, but this duty also falls on me.”

  “It does, and I’m pleased that you realize that. It’s good to learn that you hold no affection for your slave. That was cause for great concern. With the announcement of this pledge, everyone will know that your house is in order,” he said, resting a hand on his shoulder. “I’ll visit the temple and speak with her father. Allister d’Garrion is no fool. His position in the temple is significant, but he’s not nearly as well situated or regarded as the Benoists. No one has failed to notice his desire to join our houses. Still, the arrangement won’t be swift. Opposition is always offered, and no one accepts at the first meeting. But don’t fear, it will be secured.”

  “Thank you, Uncle. It’s an honor to have you as the head of our house. Father would be proud of your earned position and the leadership that you’ve shown Pentanimir and me.”

  Oxilon inclined his head, mounting his horse. “The honor is mine.”

  Hosdaq

  “Are you certain that you’re well enough, Elder?” Nzuri asked, helping him to sit up.

  “I’m sure. It’s past time that I moved from my bed and rejoined the others.”

  “There’s no need to rush. Your wounds have mended well, but we don’t want you up if you haven’t the strength for it.”

  Hosdaq shook his head, straining to rise. “The strength is within me. You and Saifu have tended me well. The pain has mostly passed, my wounds are sealed, and Kuhani has assisted with my inner healing. Now, I need to walk out of this house and allow everyone to witness my recovery. Only then will they be assured that my son didn’t take the life from me.”

  “Can’t it wait one more rise of the sun? Saifu is coming on the morrow.”

  “No, Nzuri. It’s been nearly one full moon since I’ve left this chamber. I want to breathe in the air and enjoy the sun on my face.”

  “As you say, Elder. I’ll warm your water and help you dress.” When Nzuri reached the door, he turned. “Elder, Osmara has been waiting to see you. Should I allow her in?”

  “Yes, please, allow her to come,” Hosdaq said, straightening his robe and hair, trying to smoothen the tangles and cowlicks.

  “You look well this morning, Elder,” Osmara said.

  “Won’t you call me Hosdaq?”

  “Oh, Hosdaq,” Osmara smiled, taking a seat beside him. “I’m glad to see you out of bed. Everyone in the village is concerned about you.”

  “What about your concern?”

  “Mine is greatest of all, save Malkia. She enjoyed being able to sit with you. Her spirits are lifted, and she smiles once more.”

  “She’s a sweet girl and misses her brother. I don’t know how he could treat us so ill.”

  “None of us do, and Hibret is lost. She still loves him, and wants their promise.”

  “At one time, he wanted the same. Hibret and Wosen have always been close and shared a great love for each other. It pleased me to see them together.”

  “Yes, they’re a good match.”

  Hosdaq studied her face, enjoying the warmth that her presence evoked. Her recent affections had awakened something within him that he thought he’d lost long ago. Although he’d admired and yearned for her for years, he thought himself foolish for doing so. With everything so new, Hosdaq didn’t want to disturb the feeling. But he needed to make his heart and desire known.

  “Osmara, you’re a beautiful woman, and there are men younger than I that would much desire you. Does your heart truly lean in my direction?”

  “This I’ve known since first we met. At that time, I’d hoped that you felt the same. The way your eyes found mine and the smile that came to your face, it warmed me when I saw it. But it was too soon after you’d lost Esme, and your heart still ached for your wife.”

  “When you arrived in Bandari, Malkia had just been birthed, and I wasn’t fit to care for her or myself. If not for you and the people here, my life might’ve ended those years ago. I never considered that anyone would want me as their own again. I noticed you, cared for you, and found you beautiful. But my heart was closed to allowing that deeper love an unobstructed path. Not so anymore. You’ve opened it fully.”

  “As you have mine, Hosdaq.”

  When she stood to embrace him, he drew her in for a tender kiss.

  “It’s been too long since I’ve known the touch of another,” he whispered against her lips. “I’d forgotten the pleasure of having one you love close to you.”

  Her heartbeat quickened. “You’ve always been the only one that I’ve wanted to share that closeness.”

  “I’m not as young as I once was, Osmara. My time of pledge and promise has long passed, and I’ve thought of it for only my children. But now, I’m of a different mind.”

  “Your age is yet another element that I find attractive.”

  “Only one as you would think so.” He smiled. “There’s something that I’d like to ask you. It might seem too soon, yet, I want you to know what’s in my heart.”

  “It’s not too soon. Tell me of it, Hosdaq.”

  “Beg pardon, Elder,” Nzuri said. “If you’re going to the hall for noon meal, we need to hurry.”

  He nodded, turning back to Osmara. “We’ll have time to talk later. Will you come and accompany me to the hall after I dress?”

  “I will,” she said, leaving the chamber.

  “Vot and Huname are coming to escort you, too, Elder. They’re bringing Malkia.”

  “I look forward to seeing them,” Hosdaq said, standing and allowing Nzuri to remove his robe.

  “Will you allow me to assist with your bath?”

  “I’ll make the attempt first by my own hand.” Hosdaq took the brush from the water, lathering it with soap. Slowly, he glided it over his body, pausing to take breaths in between. “Such a small thing now takes such effort.”

  “You’re still healing. Permit me to assist and we’ll have it done.”

  Hosdaq didn’t protest. He raised up his arms, allowing Nzuri to wash him.

  “Nzuri, have I offended many in the village?”

  “In what manner?”

  “I permitted my concern for Wosen to overwhelm my senses. Instead of heeding the Eld
ers’ warnings, I chose my own path. However, when it was time for Pentanimir to do the same, I rallied against him. It wasn’t my place to choose who he loves. I didn’t dislike Brahanu, Nzuri, I didn’t know her. Pentanimir stands where I did years ago, and I wouldn’t turn away from Esme. Yet I demanded that he do so with Brahanu.”

  “Elder, it was your place to offer counsel. You made your choice with Esme, but you weren’t pledged to the Zaxson’s daughter. His circumstances were different than yours, and Kuhani spoke the same. If the One god truly wishes Pentanimir and Brahanu to be together, the opportunity will present itself. It’s for them to choose that path, it can’t and won’t be forced upon them. Just as with you and Osmara.”

  Hosdaq shook his head. “Was I alone unaware of her feelings for me?”

  “I think her love for you was known as far as K’ohshul, Elder.” He laughed. “She made the attempt many times, but you couldn’t see. Why do you think she remained here with Saifu instead of returning to Noraa? Osmara is a lady, and many lords were interested. Including my brother.” Nzuri smiled. “Osmara only wanted you.”

  “And yet it passed my notice. I’ve admired her beauty often, mayhaps more often than I should have. Never did I imagine that she admired me as well. I thought that this part of my life was over, and I accepted that. Not since Esme have I even become one with another.”

  Nzuri stood, tossing his hair to his back. “Elder, you’re but five and forty. Why shouldn’t you have someone to love you? It might seem to have ended with Esme, but she’ll remain a part of your heart always. Mayhaps Osmara can continue to provide that love and happiness for you. There’s a void within you that must be filled.”

  “But she’s so young,” he sighed. “How am I to please such a woman? It’s been long, Nzuri.”

  “This, you ask a priest?” Nzuri chuckled. “What does your heart speak to you?”

  “My heart?”

  “Yes. When you learned of her heart, what did yours speak in return?”

  “It was a consuming warmth, and I saw her true for the first time. When she touched my lips with hers, something awakened in me, something that I didn’t realize I’d lost long ago.”