The Rise of Nazil

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  “When I told Brahanu of my love, she told me about Itai, and her love for him. She told me that she’d been in love with him since they were young. The way she spoke, and her visage while doing so touched me deeply, and her honesty only caused me to love her more. Even with that love, I did not and will not pursue her. She has wed the one she loves, and the joy in her eyes pleases me,” he lied, offering the best smile that he could manage.

  “Can a Nazilian love?” Julaybeim asked.

  “You do all you can to vex me, young lord, but your efforts are for naught. I hold no malice toward anyone in this village. We’ve come to warn you about the Zaxson’s plan and help you protect your people.”

  “Is it Wosen?” Brahanu asked. “Has he told them about Bandari?”

  “What’s Bandari?” Hacom asked.

  “Bandari is a small village beyond the Raphar at the foot of the Dessalonian Mountains,” Pentanimir said.

  “There’s no such village,” Julaybeim scoffed. “Nothing lies there but trees and wild dogs.”

  “No, Brother, you’re wrong,” Brahanu said. “The village does exist. Pentanimir took me there for safety. Father, this is where the Osmonts have lived. They fled there years ago and created a safe home for both humans and Nazilians. It’s a beautiful place.”

  “Impossible,” Julaybeim said. “What human would want a Nazilian?”

  “Enough, Julaybeim.” Hacom pounded a fist on the table. “Your impudence is uncalled for and won’t be tolerated. You see a human before you now who loves a Nazilian. You see her child as plainly as any of us. Do you deny the truth of your own eyes?”

  “Father, I—”

  “No, Julaybeim! Your prejudice toward these men is unwarranted. They are of Nazil, but they don’t behave or believe as their Zaxson. Do you know the dangers they face just coming to warn us? What about your sister? Pentanimir risked his life in aid of her, and this is how you behave? Must you shame our home?”

  “I didn’t mean…I thought…forgive me,” he sighed. “I didn’t mean to shame you, Father, or our home. I appreciate what Pentanimir did for Brahanu. It’s just…I’m…I apologize.”

  “Julaybeim, I was captured and forced to serve in the Nazilian citadel,” Zeta said. “I won’t speak of what they did to me, but it’s far worse than you could possibly imagine. Danimore found me beaten upon the floor after one of Denotra’s assaults, and against the Nakshij’s wishes, he carried me to the healer. If not for him, I wouldn’t be sitting here with you. Danimore asked the Zaxson to release me into his service to free me from the citadel. To many in Nazil, I was a slave, but in their home, we fell in love. Danimore accepted me as I was, and loved me despite what I’d suffered.

  “Pentanimir planned our move to Bandari, so Danimore and I could marry and be safe. Now, that village and yours are in danger. They’ve come to help you as they helped me, Brahanu, and Gali. Danimore has chosen to love and marry me in spite of my treatment, and my heart belongs to him. Not out of obligation or fear. I love him because he’s a wonderful and loving man, he and his brother. They purchased Gali to free her from the same torture, not to enslave her, but to return her to Kaleo, to return her to her family.”

  Gali nodded. “That’s the truth of it. When Pentanimir witnessed some of my abuse, he arranged to move me to Spero. I thank the gods for them. If not for the Benoists, I would’ve already taken my own life.”

  A pang erupted in Julaybeim’s gut, listening to their stories. It wasn’t merely what they spoke, it was their demeanor while speaking it. He felt abashed, angered, and sickened all at once.

  “I do apologize, Pentanimir,” Julaybeim said, weakly.

  “You aren’t the first to speak out in anger. I, too, have needed to make an apology after my tongue overruled my mind.”

  “This village, how long has it stood?” Hacom asked, clearing his throat.

  “Not long after Hyorin was destroyed,” Pentanimir said. “Numerous people escaped Draizeyn’s grasp, and some of them were Nazilian. Over time, more have come to the village by other means. When I chanced upon it, I was searching the furthest reaches of the wood. Otherwise, it would be unknown to me as well. After speaking with the Elders there, I knew it must be protected. The peace they have is worth the sacrifice. Bandari is the epitome of what I’ve always known in my heart. Humans and Nazilians aren’t different from one another. Not even as a child could the Cha convince me otherwise. My heart wouldn’t allow such corruption to take root. However, I’m ashamed that I did nothing to bring about any change. My brother and I speak about the disparity in the lands, but felt trapped by our heritage, and crippled at the same time. We are no different from anyone else in these lands. Our appearances differ, but are anyone’s features identical?”

  Itai stood, extending out his hand. Although he resented what he alone knew about Pentanimir, he couldn’t deny the good that he’d done, or the passionate way Gali and Zeta spoke.

  “I don’t fault you for loving Brahanu,” Itai said. “When you met, I wasn’t known to you. What you’ve done for Zeta and Gali is honorable. You brought my wife back to me when it could’ve cost you your life. For that alone, I owe you much. If you have more to say, I’ll hear it.”

  As he moved to sit, Brahanu gasped, cradling her womb.

  “Brahanu, what is it? Are you all right?” Itai asked.

  “The babe…it dances inside me.”

  Itai’s smile was immediate as he rested his hands atop hers. “It does,” he chuckled.

  Pentanimir was apprehensive, but longed to feel his son moving.

  “Itai, Brahanu, if it won’t offend, may I please feel as well? Zeta allowed me to do so, and the experience was remarkable.”

  Brahanu looked at Itai, and he reluctantly nodded. Carefully, Pentanimir placed his hand on her womb, and the babe kicked hard, fluttering beneath his fingertips. Pentanimir laughed aloud, enjoying his son’s movement for the first time. “He’s strong,” he said, looking up at Itai. My son is strong.

  Although he longed to continue the connection, he slowly moved away, retaking his seat. Itai’s and Brahanu’s closeness grieved him, and not being allowed his son grieved him all the more.

  “Pentanimir, why do you think that Draizeyn will come to Cazaal?” Hacom asked.

  “The one imprisoned is named Wosen Neufmarche. His father was a Chosen of Nazil named Hosdaq. Soon after the attack on Hyorin he fled to Bandari. Though Wosen’s mother was human, Wosen wanted to be a Chosen like his father.”

  “A Chosen? Was he mad?” Hacom asked.

  “He ignored the truths before him. Hosdaq didn’t tell him everything he should’ve, but others did. Wosen chose to believe otherwise, and felt that the villagers were cowards for fearing the Nazilians.”

  “Had he only feared, too,” said Danimore, solemnly. “He wouldn’t be chained in the dark chamber.”

  “Wosen will tell everything once he’s put to question,” Pentanimir said. “Draizeyn won’t stop until he’s learned the location of the village and everyone who had knowledge of it. Already, the Guard prepares in the Nazilian villages and outposts. They await only his word.”

  “Why haven’t we heard anything about this? Only the reveries of one Nohek warned me of trouble. Does anyone know?”

  “Hacom, Draizeyn won’t reveal his plans to invade and slaughter. His victory is assured by the surprise of the attack. I love Nazil, but what he’s planning isn’t honorable. I’ll take no part in it.”

  “We must ready our sentries, Father,” Julaybeim said. “There’s no choice. I’ll ride to Noraa and warn the Caretaker. They must be ready.”

  “Young lord, there’s more,” Pentanimir said. “They’ll certainly move on Noraa, but they’ll come here, too.”

  “Why would they come to Cazaal,” Julaybeim asked, incredulously. “We don’t know anything about a hidden village.”

  “I do,” Brahanu said. “Wosen didn’t hide his feelings about my arrival in the village. He’ll tell them who I am and where I can
be found.”

  “I’ll kill them all if they come near you!” Itai said.

  “Itai, your bravery isn’t in doubt,” Pentanimir said. “I’ll continue to aid you in this, but I have more to ask.”

  “Ask what you will,” Hacom sighed.

  “I’ve sent a message to Bandari, and they’ll travel to the Animus Wood ahead of Draizeyn’s attack.” He paused, meeting Hacom’s eyes. “Brahanu should travel there as well.”

  “What? My wife isn’t leaving my side. If the Nazilians come, I’ll protect my wife and child. I’ll kill them all before they even come near Cazaal.”

  “I must agree with Itai,” Hacom said. “Brahanu will be well protected in the village.”

  “With all due respect, Hacom, she won’t be. Danimore and Zeta are taking a carriage through the pass and into the wood. It would be wise to send Brahanu, Amani, and Ameya, too. The journey will be long, but they’ll be safe. I’ll return here and fight at your side to protect the village. But know this: Wosen will tell about Cazaal. When he does, they’ll march on your village just as they did on Hyorin.”

  Wounds That Heal

  Hushar massaged his feet and ankles, rubbing in the ointment that she’d prepared. When he moaned, grimacing, she looked up at him with empathy. After wrapping his feet in cloth, she moved up to face him.

  “Wosen?” she said, resting a hand on his cheek.

  His head jerked up and he cried out, wincing with the jarring pain the sudden movement caused.

  “Don’t try to move. I’ve got some herbs for your pain. Can you hear me?”

  Gradually, his eye began to open. The poultice allowed much of the swelling to diminish, and he could again see. His face was no longer misshapen or discolored. Although not completely healed, he looked like a man again.

  When Wosen saw Hushar, he tried to move away, but the pain seized him, causing a dry cry to escape his lips.

  “Shhh, don’t try to move. I won’t hurt you. I’m Hushar, and you’ve been with me for a bit. Do you remember?”

  Wosen shook his head, warily.

  “It’s all right. Firstly, you must drink. When you didn’t wake, I feared the worst. But your body needed the time to heal. I’ve put some herbs for pain in the water. You’ll need them.”

  Wosen looked unsure, but he lifted his head, sipping from the bowl.

  “Good. I’ll have Jahno bring more mulled wine and bread. You ate well after I soaked it, and you haven’t taken food for some time.”

  Hushar dipped a cloth in water, cleaning his face and moistening his lips. After removing the crust from his eyes, one of them fully opened. Gods, he is Nazilian, she thought, staring into his pale eye.

  “Where am I?” he asked.

  “You don’t remember?”

  “I—I’m in Nazil.” His voice trembled with the words.

  “Be calm. I’m going to take care of you, Wosen. You’ll stay with me now.”

  “Are you a slave?”

  “Aye, young one. I’ve been in Nazil for more years than you’ve been alive. What about you? How were you brought to the city?”

  “I was a fool,” is all he offered, feeling the complete—and painful—weight of those words.

  “A fool?”

  “I wasn’t brought to Nazil,” he said, coughing and whimpering in pain.

  “There now, be still. You need water; your throat is raw and red,” she said, pouring the last of the water in a bowl, and peering out at the guards, as she stirred in the honey. “Here, young one. Drink this.”

  He reached for the bowl, drinking down the sweet mixture. “I don’t deserve your kindness. Because of me, everyone in my village will be killed. I was a fool to believe that I could become a Chosen like my father. They tried to warn me, but I wouldn’t listen.”

  “Your father? They said his name is Hosdaq.”

  “Yes, he was my father—my father—and I—I... Our god has turned his back on me. He’s punishing me for what I’ve done. I—I killed my father.” Wosen wept.

  “No, no, young one. The gods and Guardians don’t punish us. This isn’t the work of the gods. It’s the depravity of man.”

  “I’m the one who’s depraved. I killed my father.”

  “Do you know this for sure? Did he die before you?”

  “No. But I know what I did.”

  “Wosen, you’ve endured more suffering than anyone that I’ve seen and lived. Allow yourself some time to heal. It’ll take time to become yourself again.”

  “I’ll never be the man that I was…that I should’ve been. They’ve taken that from me forever.”

  Hushar shushed him, glancing in the corridor. “The guards will come if you aren’t quiet. You can’t change what’s passed, young one. You might still regain what’s been taken.”

  When a guard paused near their cell, she raised up, pretending to adjust his covers.

  “Young one, did you know that I was from Hyorin? I heard that your mother was from there, too. I might’ve known her.”

  “My mother? You knew my mother?”

  “Could be. If your father is Hosdaq Neufmarche, then that would make your mother, Esme Ilani. Is that right?”

  “It is,” Wosen said, as a slight smile creased his lips. “How did you know her?”

  “I knew not just her, but her family, too.”

  “My mother died when I was very young. There wasn’t time for me to learn about all of my family.”

  “Oh, well, I must tell you about them. They were both kind and quite prosperous. Let me think…Esme had three elder brothers, and one younger, if I recall.”

  “I have four uncles?”

  “Indeed. Handsome and strong, just like you.”

  “What about my grandparents? Did they live there, too?”

  “Hey, old woman!” One of the guards shouted, hitting the bars with a cudgel. “It’s his wounds you’re ‘sposed to be tend’n, not tellin’ him tales!”

  Hushar turned, lowering her gaze. “Yes, sir.”

  “Mayhaps he’s missin’ that spike up his arse,” the guards laughed. “Look at him, he’s cryin’ for it!”

  “No,” the first guard jested. “Could be a hard cock in his mouth is what he be need’n. I hear his tongue moves sweetly,” he said lewdly, licking his lips and wriggling his tongue. “Daracus’ moans were loud with the suction of his sweet mouth.”

  “Yeah, I hear he finally learned to swallow,” the second guard japed.

  “Yannick made sure ‘a that. He only had to lose six teeth ‘fore he learned how to please the Second Chosen. Shame Symeon wasn’t here. He’d a choked on that cock.” They continued to laugh. “I wish she hadn’t sewn him up, he might like the feel of my cock in his arse.”

  “What? After that massive bondin’ spike, your cock would be like a twig!” The guards continued to joke, walking away from the cell. Hushar regarded Wosen with sadness. His torment was only beginning.

  “Is that the truth of it, young one?”

  Wosen turned away. The little happiness she’d brought to him was taken away in an instant.

  “You needn’t feel shame. You chose none of it, just like all those that they bring for me to tend. None of them wanted to be used, Wosen. Not one.”

  “It’s my fault. I fled the safety of my home to come here, to be part of the honorable Nazil. My father is the one with honor. He had the right of it. I hated being human…looking human. I thought the Nazilians were strong, and I admired that strength. Now, I understand why my father begged me to stay. He knew what would happen to me, and I named him a liar.”

  “The Guardians will keep your family safe. You’ll heal in time, and might be with them again.”

  “Heal? No, Hushar, I’ll never heal. The wounds which are the deepest will always remain. There aren’t any herbs to soothe such an ache.”

  She understood, and made no attempt to tell him otherwise. Her wounds had been with her since before her arrival in the white city. In all those years, that pain had never faded.
/>
  “Take your mind from such thoughts, Wosen, and try to rest while I attend my duties. When I return–”

  “You’re leaving me?”

  “Like you, I must do what I’m commanded,” she said, kissing his brow. “You remind me of my son, and I’ll pray for you as I pray for him.”

  Hushar strained to stand, calling out to the guards.

  “I ain’t forgot ‘bout that sweet mouth of yours, savage,” he said in a vomitous tone, stroking his manhood.

  Hushar turned. “Guardians, keep him safe,” she whispered, returning to her duties.

  “Hushar!” Oxilon barked from behind her.

  “Yes—yes, sir, Sir Benoist.”

  “You’ve saved me a trip to the cells. How are the savage’s wounds?”

  You don’t give a damn about his wounds. He suffered at your hands and the other monsters here who pretend to be men.

  “They’ll take some time to heal, milord. I fear the large wound on his arse might fester. I flushed inside, and applied the ointment, but I wasn’t allowed the hot water that I needed.”

  “I instructed those fools to give you whatever you needed to tend him. The Zaxson won’t be pleased if you fail, Hushar, and neither will I.”

  “Yes, Sir,” she trembled, recalling Oxilon’s cruelties. He hadn’t demanded her pleasures for years, but the memories still haunted her. “I’ll need more herbs, clean cloth and—”

  “I don’t take orders from you, old woman. Tell Surma what you need and get it done. Until that abomination is healed and can walk, you’ll remain with him. Am I clear?”

  “Yes, milord. I’ll tend to him right away.”

  Hushar waited for Oxilon to round the corner before continuing to the kitchen. Thank the gods. I’ll have what he needs to heal.

  “You’re late,” Surma snapped.

  “Pardons, Surma. Sir Benoist needed to have words.”

  “Words? With you?”

  “Yes. He wants me to get what I need to treat the boy Wosen, and stay with him until he’s well.”

  “And who’s supposed to take charge of your duties while you rest in your cell?”