The Rise of Nazil

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  “That, you need to ask Sir Benoist. I’m following his order, so you’re questioning him. I can fetch him if you’d like to ask him directly.”

  Surma scoffed. “Take what you need quickly and leave.”

  “As you wish.” She couldn’t suppress her smile, gathering her supplies. While Surma tended the vegetables, she grabbed some fish and honey, hiding them beneath the hard bread.

  “Surma, I need some hot water. Could you put some on to boil and have Jahno or Micah bring it? I’ll also need more clean cloth. Sir Benoist instructed me to use what was necessary.”

  “Yes, yes, you’ll have your cloth and water. Now, leave my kitchen so I can finish my preparations.”

  Hushar nodded, hurrying away. As she rounded the corner, she nearly collided with someone in the corridor. Immediately, she bowed.

  “For—forgive me, Sir d’Garrion. I’m on an errand for Sir Benoist. Please, please, forgive me.”

  Allister bent down, retrieving her fallen items. He smiled, nestling them back into her basket. “There’s no need for forgiveness, Hushar. If you have business for Sir Benoist, don’t allow me to hinder you. He’s most unforgiving when his demands aren’t met. Even toward me.”

  “Thank you, Sir d’Garrion. Thank you,” she said, rushing down the stairs.

  “Where do you think you’re goin’, old woman?” the guard asked, holding out his arm to block her.

  “Sir Benoist instructed me to tend the boy. He said the Zaxson wanted him well soon.”

  The guard’s face paled, hearing Oxilon’s name. He stepped back, allowing her to pass.

  When she entered the cell, Wosen flinched, cowering toward the wall.

  “Easy now, young one. You don’t want to tear a stitch or aggravate your ribs.”

  “I thought that you had to leave.”

  “Only for a bit to get what I needed. Until you’re well, my duty is here with you,” she said, leaning in and whispering, “I brought some fresh fish from the kitchen. Not just bread for us this night.”

  “Thank you, Hushar. You offer prayers to the gods and your Guardians. It’s you who’ve been that way for me. Only you.”

  “I’m no god or Guardian, but they’re with us, even in such a place as this. You need to ask for forgiveness and get better.”

  “The Nazilians will force me to lead them to my village when I’m able. That’s why they push you so. Without me, they won’t find it. I know my life will end shortly after they see the smoke from our eternal fire.”

  Hushar mashed some fish in her hand, feeding it to him. “I don’t think that at all. If they can’t find the village without you, mayhaps they’ll be unable to find you once you near your home.”

  She glanced at Wosen, nodding as she pulled more fish from the bone.

  “Hushar, do you think that I could escape in the wood?” he whispered.

  “Hush now. Just eat and heal. The Guardians will provide the opportunity. It’s you who must take advantage of it.”

  Flee or Fight

  “Do you believe him, Hacom?” Amani asked, taking a seat beside him.

  “Brahanu says the same. This village does exist, and this young man is a captive in Nazil.”

  “I don’t understand why Cazaal would be in danger. If this young man is from Bandari, why would he mention us?”

  “Pentanimir and Brahanu insist that he’ll tell the Zaxson about her visiting his village. If he believes that we knew and didn’t inform him, he will attack.”

  “What’re we to do? From what you’ve said, our options are few. Either we flee Cazaal, or stand and fight. Either way, lives will be lost.”

  Hacom nodded. “Well, I’m not fleeing our home. Pentanimir suggested that you, Ameya, and Brahanu travel to the Animus Wood with his brother, Danimore. At least you’d be safe.”

  “We’ve never met his brother until this very night, and know little about the Caretaker. How are we to trust such men? He could turn us over to the Nazilians himself.”

  “One thing that I don’t doubt is their heart. He’s taking his promised and their son with them. He wouldn’t put them in danger.”

  “Promised,” she scoffed. “Humans and Nazilians aren’t allowed to wed. His own Zaxson would kill them both.”

  “Apparently, their love is greater than their fear,” Hacom said. “That alone speaks to the heart of the men. Pentanimir protected Brahanu and now this Gali, too. He says that these Bandarians allow such bonds and families. This is why they were hidden within the mountains. It’s astonishing to learn about them after all of these years. To have survived Hyorin and created this new life. That’s no small thing. Brahanu speaks of the village with great affection. I would’ve enjoyed seeing such a place while it yet stood.”

  “I don’t understand why Pentanimir insists upon Brahanu leaving Cazaal. The sentries here can protect us.”

  “Both Itai and I have voiced the same. Mayhaps it’s due to his love that he wants to ensure her safety.”

  Amani gasped. “Love? He admits this freely?”

  “Yes, but his admiration was obvious when he first visited. However, he admitted being in love with her tonight.”

  “What about Brahanu? Does she share these feelings?”

  “Amani, you witnessed the same as me. When they’re together, there isn’t any doubt. She cares for him, whether she’ll admit that or not.”

  “She’s married to Itai! There can’t be any other, especially not some ghost of Nazil!”

  “Amani, think. The both of us cared for another when we were wed. It took time, but we were able to release those feelings and fall in love. Truly, I didn’t know love until you shared your heart with me.” He smiled, caressing her hand. “Brahanu and Itai have always loved each other. But it’s possible that she might care for Pentanimir, too. We don’t know, my wife.”

  “No, Hacom. Brahanu is in love with Itai, not some ghost. She was the one who wanted to wed when she returned. Why would she—” Amani paused, recounting all of the past events in her mind.

  “What is it, Amani?”

  Could her child be Nazilian? That would explain Itai’s peculiar behavior at the feast. Did she tell him? No, Brahanu wouldn’t do this, she wouldn’t. I must know the truth, Amani thought in near panic.

  “Amani?”

  “What? Oh…forgive me…I was thinking about our children and this threat from Nazil. What can we do?”

  “Firstly, we can’t speak to anyone else about this. Draizeyn could have spies in this citadel. Many of our stable workers were appointed, not selected. The Caretaker and his brother risked much warning us about this pending attack.”

  “I’ll guard my words, Hacom, but surely we’ll inform the Caretakers of Kaleo and Noraa.”

  “Julaybeim and his guards will leave on the morrow. He’ll inform them about the possible threat, but nothing more. Lord Estenbrook is already suspicious and should ready his sentries.”

  Amani sighed. “Where are our guests now?”

  “Itai and Julaybeim escorted Gali to the lakaar. She’ll be staying with Tioch until they’re ready to leave. Danimore and Zeta were shown to chambers, and Pentanimir is speaking with Brahanu.”

  “Alone?” Amani asked, incredulously.

  “Be calm. They’re in the gardens as before.”

  “Calm? It isn’t proper for her to be alone with him. Now, knowing the depth of his feelings.” She shook her head. “How could you permit this?”

  “Itai permitted it. Brahanu is married to him and under his protection.”

  “But she’s our daughter, Hacom. If you won’t do something, I certainly will. I won’t allow—”

  “Leave them to their words,” Hacom said, gripping her arm. “We owe him this much for what he’s risked for our sake. Itai will return soon and escort her home. Ready yourself for bed, my wife, and be still.”

  “Seeing you again warms my heart, Brahanu. I wish I was visiting just to see you. My love grows with each rise of the sun.”

  “
I feel much the same. Even though I love Itai, I still yearn for you. I’m ashamed to admit it, but I do love you, Pentanimir.”

  He turned then, embracing her. His hands glided down her back as he kissed her lips and neck. “I’ve tried, Brahanu, for your husband’s sake, I’ve tried. But I can’t fight the fire raging inside of me. The pain when we’re separated is excruciating, and only you can sooth it. If I can’t make love to you, I need to at least taste you. Seeing our son growing only intensifies what’s already within my heart.”

  No, I can’t betray Itai. Not again, she thought, struggling against the overwhelming desire attempting to consume her. She held his hands, removing them from around her.

  “I’m glad that you’ve been able to see your son growing.”

  “The gods are good in allowing me to do so. However, the reason for my visit is a dangerous one. Draizeyn will come to Cazaal, and you can’t remain.”

  “Itai won’t want me to leave. He’s my husband and I’m under his protection. Don’t you understand? I love him, and I won’t go against his wishes.”

  “If you stay in Cazaal both you and our son will be at risk. Itai is your husband, but I love you, too. As long as I draw breath, you’ll both be kept safe. You must convince them, Brahanu, you must.”

  She stared at the intensity in his eyes, no longer able to resist. “Why do I desire you so?” she said, drawing him down for a kiss. “Why does this fire burn within me that only your touch can calm?”

  “It burns within me as well, Brahanu. Always I feel it. Gods, I need you.”

  Before she could protest, he’d dropped to his knees, raising her long skirts. Brahanu nearly called out, stifling her moans with her hand. Her knees trembled, grasping at him at the peak of pleasure. Never had it lasted so long, sending cascading waves of ecstasy throughout her entire body.

  Pentanimir moaned, enjoying her sweetness. He drank of her before rising up and kissing her passionately. Their breathing was heavy as a voice called out in the distance.

  Brahanu gasped. “What have we done?” she said, straightening her clothes and wiping the moisture from Pentanimir’s face.

  “We’re here, Itai,” Brahanu said, trying to control the nervous shaking of her voice. She gripped Pentanimir’s elbow, walking back toward the braziers. Brahanu forced back her tears, hearing Itai’s light footfalls. She couldn’t understand why or how. She was empty.

  “Oh, here you are,” Itai said. “I thought you’d be sitting near the braziers.”

  Brahanu released Pentanimir’s arm and desperately clutched Itai’s.

  “We were, but I was restless, and needed to walk with so much on my mind. Pentanimir was kind enough to accompany me.”

  “I offer my gratitude to you again, Caretaker. Thank you for tending to my wife. Now, please excuse us, Brahanu needs to rest.”

  “The pleasure was mine,” Pentanimir said. “Good night.”

  “I love you, my beautiful Brahanu,” he whispered as the door closed behind them.

  Pentanimir sighed, waiting a few minutes before entering the citadel. The rush of emotions and conflicts was devastating, and he fought to reconcile his actions with his honor.

  When he walked past the kitchen, Zeta was at the table.

  “Can sleep not find you?” he asked.

  “Raithym wasn’t easily calmed. Danimore is seeing to him while I have some honey milk.”

  “May I join you?”

  Zeta nodded, sipping from her mug. “I spoke with Gali before she left. She’s getting the herbs from the lakaar.”

  “It’s her decision, Zeta. I can understand her choice.”

  “But her child would be a gift from the gods. Raithym certainly is. No matter how it was conceived, it’s a blessing.”

  “Not everyone feels the same. When you look at Raithym, you see Dani. Having his love helps you to overcome some of what you’ve suffered. Gali was a captive in Nazil for years, and she never wanted Yannick’s affections. This doesn’t lessen your suffering, yet helps you to understand hers. Whenever she’d look at her child, she’d be reminded of Nazil. In her place, I might do the same.”

  “I thought that Yannick cared about her. Did you speak false in an effort to ease her heart?”

  “Not at all. I know that Yannick cared for her deeply. The way he behaved, I feel that he might’ve loved her. This child,” he sighed, shaking his head. “He and his wife, Sidra, didn’t enjoy intimacies together. This is why Gali was truly acquired. He was in awe of her at first seeing, and paid the lord who was to make purchase three times his gold to have Gali. In the end, I feel it was my uncle’s influence that caused him to treat her ill. Yannick wanted this child, just as much as he wanted her.”

  Zeta stood, shaking her head. “I don’t understand any of it. Even if Gali had birthed his child, its life wouldn’t have been guaranteed. I wonder if Yannick would’ve defied Oxilon’s order to murder his own child?”

  “I’m pleased that that’s a question that’ll never need to be answered.”

  “As am I. I hope that Gali can find peace and reclaim her life. I owe her much for all she’s done for me and Raithym,” Zeta said, leaning down to kiss his cheek. “I’ll see you on the morrow, Caretaker.” She smiled.

  Pentanimir sat in silence, thinking about Brahanu. He was wrong for longing for her as he did, but he couldn’t control his heart. Learning about her marriage should’ve prevented him from making love to her. He couldn’t comprehend why it hadn’t. He truly admired Itai and the way he cared for Brahanu. Honor should’ve prevented his actions, his betrayal, and his enduring desire. But it didn’t. Nothing mattered but being a part of her, and nothing else quenched the fire within him.

  Lifting a hand to his face, he inhaled, enjoying her lingering scent. With closed eyes, he lowered his head, reliving their brief encounter.

  “Am I interrupting your prayers, Pentanimir?” Amani asked.

  “No, no, my lady. I was quite finished,” he said, standing to leave.

  “Wait. Can you walk with me for a moment? I wanted to speak with you, but wouldn’t interrupt you and Zeta. ”

  “Of course,” Pentanimir said, extending out his elbow. She led him into the garden, gesturing for him to sit.

  “Isn’t it a beautiful night?”

  “Yes, my lady. The cold doesn’t reach Cazaal as it does Nazil.”

  Amani didn’t respond. She met his eyes, saying nothing.

  “Are you all right, Amani? You seem troubled.”

  “There’s much on my mind. Hacom informed me about the reason for your visit, but that’s not what occupies my thoughts.”

  “Are there questions of which I hold the answers?”

  “If you’re as honest as you present yourself, yes. A mother can sense dissonance in our children. Our bonds are closer than that of their father’s.”

  “Dissonance? If it’s a question regarding one of your children, why are you asking me?”

  “I’m asking you to spare my daughter from answering.”

  “Spare her? Ask what you will. I have no secrets concerning Brahanu.”

  “Good. I’ll ask you plainly, then. Does my daughter carry your child?”

  Pentanimir couldn’t keep the shock from his face.

  “Must I restate the question?”

  “Par—pardons, Amani. I didn’t expect such a query. The implications of what you ask are inconceivable.”

  “I agree, but I’d still like the answer.”

  “Itai is the father of Brahanu’s babe.” It was my seed that caused him to grow, but I won’t be allowed to be his father.

  “Are you to say that Brahanu doesn’t love you?”

  “This, I did not say. I can only tell you about my own heart. Brahanu has wed whom she loves, and I’ll soon be wed as well. The desires of our hearts are secondary to our obligations.”

  “Such sentiments aren’t unknown to me, Pentanimir, but I feel there’s more you haven’t said. Still, I’ll trouble you no further,” Amani said
, standing. “The gods know the truth of it. It was your love that saved our daughter. Albeit, it’s that same love that might be the end of us all. I don’t know whether to praise you or curse you, First Chosen.”

  “Why must you choose?” he said, approaching her. “Do each. Curse me, praise me, there’s little difference. I’ve done the same since first I met your daughter, and from that moment to this, my heart hasn’t belonged to me. Brahanu will hold it always, and I’ll forever lament what can never be. The gods both blessed and cursed me by bringing her into my life. Your daughter is the only woman that I’ve ever loved, or want to love,” he said, not turning from her eyes.

  “Even though her heart is for Itai, I wouldn’t allow the Zaxson to have her. You’ve met Gali and Zeta. Had Brahanu been discovered, her suffering would’ve been worse.

  “No, my lady, I don’t regret taking Brahanu to safety. I’d do it one thousand times more, and give my life in place of hers. You can look at me and hate what’s to come. But had I not acted, your daughter would be a slave, and Nazil would still strike against the villages. The focus wouldn’t begin with Cazaal, but you wouldn’t be free from their wrath.”

  Amani’s gaze lowered, understanding and lamenting those truths.

  “My lady, Draizeyn is fixed on Cazaal. I realize that you, Hacom, and Itai believe that you’ll be safe, but you won’t. Nazil surrounds this village, and your sentries will be overwhelmed. You must allow me to take Brahanu to safety. Speak with her and learn her true desires. We can take Ameya with us, too. Please, don’t grow overconfident and place their lives in danger. If Brahanu refuses me, I’ll accept her answer, but it must be hers alone.”

  “I’ll talk with Hacom on the morrow,” Amani finally said. “After which, I’ll ask Brahanu what she’d like to do. If she’d rather leave Cazaal, I won’t speak against it.”

  Exodus

  “Have all the animals been loaded?” Vot asked, tying down his cart.

  “They have,” Nurul said. “We only need to load the supplies from the storage.”

  “Good. I’ll have Aizen and Ahni load what’s left. Double-check your house and the hall. We must make use of the sun’s light.”