“Father, what if they’ve created some traps? They knew that he was coming to Nazil, I doubt that they’d sit idle and wait to be destroyed.”
“The abomination fled the village after stabbing his father,” Grimmish said. “If Hosdaq indeed died, mayhaps the truth of his son’s heading died with him.”
“Your point is well received,” Draizeyn said. “But I won’t assume that Hosdaq is dead. We’ll continue as if the entire village knows of our coming. Every precaution will be taken to ensure an expeditious victory.” He turned, retaking his seat. “Oxilon, what’s the news from Pentanimir? Has Danimore visited Cazaal?”
“He did, Zaxson. They visited under the guise of introducing him to the Caretaker.”
“It’s good to know there are yet Benoists who can do as they’re commanded.”
Oxilon’s eyes flashed, but he quickly forced a smile, inclining his head.
“What did their message read, Reaglen?” Draizeyn asked.
“Pentanimir reported the visit was a success. The daughter, Brahanu, is heavy with child. She shouldn’t be leaving the village anytime soon.”
“Excellent news. Oxilon, when we march toward the mountains, you’ll travel south through the wood with five hundred guards. Assign one hundred each to overtake the human outposts. Pentanimir will bring his guard in from the southwest. You’ll converge on Cazaal, and neutralize all in your path. I want the Caretaker’s daughter brought back to Nazil, unspoiled.”
“Zaxson, it might be more efficacious if Pentanimir held her in Spero,” Temian said. “She could be transported to Nazil after Cazaal’s defeat.”
“Temian, you’re not a man of war, and your time here has been short. If not for the shipment from the temple, you’d still be in Spero. Your presence here is a courtesy and nothing more. Cazaal must bleed, and this Brahanu will become my new pet. They’ll serve as a lesson for anyone who even thinks to oppose us.”
“As you say, Zaxson.”
“Daracus, you’ll take five hundred guards to Mahlum, and Yannick, you’ll take five hundred to Yarah. Choose a third to take five hundred guards to Brandt. Assume command of the guards there and coordinate your attack upon Noraa. Reaglen will send word as to when.
“Gudrun, you’ll choose a second. Each will have two-hundred-fifty guards. You’ll lead in Lempol, and your second in Leahcim. Together, you’ll take Kaleo. We’ll rain down on the villages simultaneously.”
“Zaxson,” Oxilon interjected. “Wouldn’t Noraa be a better assignment for me? My brother and I successfully initiated the strategy and attack that destroyed Hyorin.”
“I’m aware of your past deeds…as well as your present ones,” Draizeyn said, dismissively. “Speaking of, what’s Beilzen’s current position?”
Oxilon was incensed by his rebuff. “Beilzen? He’s earned a position as second guard.”
“Earned? By whose authority was he promoted?” Draizeyn asked, already aware of the answer.
“By my authority, Zaxson.”
“Indeed. What challenges did he complete to earn a place on the second guard?”
“He completed no public challenge. It was by my word alone that he was promoted.”
“Oh, by your word. Mayhaps had he completed the challenges that are required to join our honorable guard, he wouldn’t think himself above his orders. Being on the Nazilian guard is an earned honor. Lymbach, at our meeting’s end, you’ll escort Beilzen to the temple. He’ll serve as your personal scribe and receive an assigned chamber. He’ll do your bidding and not leave your side.”
“Yes, sir, Zaxson.”
“Also, I’ll have Leanta and Ceron bathed and sent over for your purge. Your prayers need to be focused before Nazil heads to war. Use them well and often…all of you,” Draizeyn said, glaring over at Temian. “You’re dismissed.”
Eytan
“Itai, we need to talk about this now,” Brahanu said. “We must make a decision soon.”
“There’s no decision to make. You’re my wife, not his. I swore to protect you before we wed, and I’ll hold to that.”
Brahanu sighed, finding a place on his lap. “I am your wife, Itai. This has nothing to do with Pentanimir. He’ll be in Cazaal as I travel with his brother and Zeta.”
“Travel where? No one even knows if the wood is safe, yet I’m supposed to send my wife and unborn child there with nothing but a Nazilian to guard them? No. No one can offer you greater protection than your family. Why do you put so much trust in this Nazilian?”
“It’s not my trust in him, Itai, truly. I told you about the Elder’s visions. One of them concerned our child.”
“He knew about our child?”
“Yes, he knew about our son. Please don’t ask me to explain everything now. My heart tells me that this is what I should do. Not one thing the Elder told me has been false. There’ll be great sorrow if I remain in Cazaal.”
“A son? You’re having a son?” Itai smiled, but it soon faded. “Why don’t you have faith in my ability to protect you and our son? The wood is unknown, Brahanu, and said to be cursed in many ways.”
“He’s right,” Hacom said, entering the room.
“Father, if everyone refuses this road, how do we truly know that?”
“I’ve heard stories about it since I was a child. It’s said that the Dessalonians fled the Animus Wood, and they were a mighty people.”
“No one has ever seen a Dessalonian, Father. What about the Elder’s visions? Those are real, and I can’t ignore them. Our son’s life and mine are at risk if I stay here.”
“Your son?”
“This Elder told her she’d soon be with child, and it would be a son.” Itai smiled.
“Yes. I’m not doubting your ability to protect Cazaal, but there’s more. Nazil has an interest in me apart from the village. Wosen called me by name, and Draizeyn is coming for me.”
Hacom shook his head. “You speak of Elders and visions, Brahanu, I can only speak about facts. The Nazilians will attack, and we’ll defend this village and you most of all,” Hacom said, kissing her cheek. “Itai, you’ll need to meet us in the practice yard. Make haste.”
“You don’t believe me either,” Brahanu said, after Hacom left.
“I believe in you, my love, and I understand your concern. Don’t worry, you and our son will be safe.”
Brahanu accepted his kiss and watched him leave. She didn’t know how she could convince her family to agree with her. She had to leave with Danimore or suffer there in the village. That much was abundantly clear, at least, it was to her.
Brahanu strained, pushing up to her feet. Almost immediately, she doubled over with the piercing pain that followed.
“Brahanu? Are you all right?” Amani asked, taking hold of her arm.
“Yes. I was dizzy for a moment, but I’m all right. Our son has been active of late.”
“A son?”
“That’s our hope,” she said, not willing to elaborate. “Can we talk about it in the garden?”
“Of course. It’s been some time since we could sit and talk amongst ourselves. I’ll have a tray prepared for us.”
After telling Almaz of their need, they sat near the braziers, admiring the garden’s beauty.
“Mother, why don’t we spend more time here? It’s the most tranquil place in the entire village.”
“It’s always been your favorite. You used to run around chasing the butterflies through the maze. You’d get lost every time and cry out for me. Do you remember that?”
“I do.”
They both giggled as Almaz brought their refreshment.
“Brahanu. I need to ask you something important,” Amani said after Almaz closed the doors.
“You can always ask me anything.”
“I wanted to know about the First Chosen.”
“Pentanimir?” Her heart quickened. “What do you want to know that he hasn’t already told you?”
“I’m not concerned about what he’s revealed, I’m interested in
what he hasn’t. Your father told me that he admitted to loving you.”
“Yes,” she blushed. “He admitted that long ago. However, I reminded him about how much I loved Itai, and he didn’t persist.”
“Little dove, you’ve never come false to me, why do you begin now?”
“What? I love Itai with all my heart. How could you possibly doubt that?”
“I don’t doubt your feelings for Itai, I’m speaking about those you have for Pentanimir.”
Brahanu couldn’t keep the trepidation from her face or the tears from welling in her eyes.
“If it wasn’t obvious before, Brahanu, it is now.”
“I’m sorry, Mother. Please don’t tell anyone about this. I—I can’t help how I feel and I regret it with each sun’s rise. I love my husband, but I can’t keep Pentanimir from my heart or mind. I—I do love him, but I love Itai more.” She shook her head, struggling through the words. “I tried…and…I…”
Brahanu gasped, cradling her abdomen. The wrenching pains stabbed at her, twisting and searing hot.
“By the gods!” Amani said, rushing to call for the attendants.
“Brahanu, please, it’s all right, just breathe, breathe, little dove,” Amani said, stroking her face.
“Milady?” Almaz said, entering with Irani and Nived.
“Help me get Brahanu to our room. Hurry! We must lay her down and bring the lakaar.”
Brahanu’s face paled, struggling through the copious pains assailing her. Her breaths were shallow: each causing stinging pricks in her chest.
“I’m sorry, Brahanu. It doesn’t matter…none of that matters,” Amani said, dabbing her face and neck. “Please, just breathe.”
“I must go to the wood. I must—” Her plea ended in a reverberate shriek.
“By the gods, please,” Amani cried. “Shhh...don’t speak. I’m sorry, Brahanu. I’ll do whatever you want. Just breathe and be calm. The babe needs more time to grow.”
Her breathing had nearly normalized when Briac and Gali arrived. Hurrying to the bed, he waved a dark root beneath her nose that made her eyes blink open. Her lungs filled with air and she coughed, gagging from the pungent smell.
“Be still,” Briac said. “Gali, help me elevate her.”
“Yes, Lakaar.”
“Will she be all right?” Amani asked.
“Lady Ravenot, allow us time to fully examine her. She seems well, but we must check to be certain.”
As Briac and Gali began their examination, Itai, Hacom, and Julaybeim rushed into the chamber. Amani hurried to the door, ushering them back into the corridor.
“It’s all right,” she said, unconvincingly. “Lakaar Briac is taking care of her.”
“What happened?” Itai nearly demanded. “I want to see my wife.”
“Please, the lakaar needs time,” Amani said.
“You’ll need to offer more than that,” Hacom said. “Is it the babe?”
“No. Brahanu had some pain and trouble breathing. She’s feeling better now, but we need to be certain.”
Everyone turned as the chamber door swung open. When Briac motioned them inside, Itai ran to her bed.
“Brahanu, are you all right?” he asked, taking her hand.
“I am. Everything’s fine now, Itai, truly.”
“Briac, what caused this?” Hacom asked.
“Brahanu was a bit excited earlier. That alone could cause her shortness of breath. As for the pain, it’s not unheard of at this stage of her pregnancy. We examined her, and everything is fine. She just needs to rest and avoid stress. I fear the babe is anxious to meet its parents.”
“Is she in any danger now?” Amani asked.
“Allow her to rest and she’ll be fine. Itai can take her home when she feels up to it. This babe is much larger than most at this stage, but Itai is the largest in the village.” Briac smiled, and then reached into his pouch, handing Amani a root and some herbs. “If she grows faint again or can’t catch her breath, pass this beneath her nose. The herbs should be boiled in water with a touch of honey. I’ll tend to it now, and if you don’t mind, I’d like Gali to keep an eye on her for a while. She’s the best healer I’ve known, well, after me, of course,” he chuckled, turning to regard her. “Gali, come with me and learn how to mix this tonic.”
“Mayhaps we should allow Itai and Brahanu some time alone,” Amani said, escorting the others out.
“Brahanu, forgive me,” Itai said. “I should’ve heard you out. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“It’s not your fault. Olam warned me about difficulties with my pregnancy.”
“The Elder of the village?”
“Yes, when he spoke about our son, I didn’t understand like I do now.”
“What else did he say?”
“Olam told me that our son would be of great importance. However, he also said this wouldn’t be an easy pregnancy or birth.”
“You truly believe this Elder?”
“I do. Had you heard his words and felt his presence, you’d believe the same.”
He smiled, resting a hand on her womb. As he leaned down for a kiss, the babe landed a hard kick.
“Oh! He responds to his father,” Brahanu giggled.
“The Chosen spoke true: he is strong.”
“Just like you.”
He kissed her again, caressing her abdomen. “I’ve been thinking about his name.”
“Our son? When, Itai?”
“During our training, and your father made me pay for my lack of focus,” he said, resting a hand over a ripe bruise on his arm.
“Oh, Itai.” She smiled. “Father has always been the best. Tell me the name.”
“I’d like to name him after my G-Pa. I mean, if you agree.”
“Eytan? Your father’s father?”
He nodded, his gaze lowering. “Papa wanted me named the same, but Mum chose Itai, after her elder brother. He passed when he was just a babe, like my siblings. I was the only child that survived.”
She leaned against his shoulder, interlacing their fingers. “Eytan Gael, second of his name,” she said. “It’s wonderful, Itai. We could tell Father Tioch on the way home.”
“Home? The lakaar told you to stay abed.”
“Yes, until I felt up to leaving.” She smiled mischievously. “I’d like to return to our own house.” She paused, drawing him down for a kiss. “And our bed.”
“Brahanu, we can’t. We could hurt Eytan.”
“Our son responds to my mood, husband. By satisfying your wife, you could soothe your son.”
His smile was broad. “I’ll get your broth from Gali and then fetch the cart.”
Julaybeim fidgeted in his chair, pretending to drink some mead as he watched Gali. He smiled, enjoying her fluid movements and the flattering fit of her dress. She acted as if she didn’t notice, continuing her work. She didn’t turn around to face him until Itai entered the kitchen.
“Here you are,” she said, handing him a cup. “Have her take care, it’s hot.”
“I will. Thank you, Gali.”
“Almaz will take care of that,” Julaybeim said as Gali began cleaning up the kitchen.
“Thank you, Lord Ravenot, but I don’t mind. As you know, I’m used to serving.”
“You don’t serve anyone here, Gali. Almaz tends the kitchen.”
“That’s good for you to say, but aren’t we all in service to the Caretaker’s family? I knew my place when I first entered your home, and my work with the lakaar doesn’t change that. I’m Gali Yeondi, former slave of Nazil. With such a title, I’ll always serve.”
When she attempted to turn, he reached for her arm, causing her to snatch away.
“Forgive me. I shouldn’t have grabbed you. Gali, I only want to talk with you and apologize.”
“Have you committed a slight against me, Lord Ravenot?”
He threw his head back in frustration, rolling his eyes. “Would you please call me by my name? Please, sit with me.”
Reluctant
ly, she sat at the furthest place from him, crossing her arms beneath her bust. “All right, Julaybeim, what do you want to say?”
“Firstly, I’m ashamed of how I’ve behaved. When you were brought here, I saw only a slave, and not a person. It wasn’t until I listened to Zeta did I begin to understand. I place myself high above the Nazilians, but it took Danimore to remind me what’s truly important. He was able to look beyond what Zeta suffered, learned about her, and fell in love with what he found. I felt ashamed at my inability to do the same.”
“And now?” she asked, lowering her hands to her lap.
He stood, filling their cups and taking a seat beside her.
“The thought of what you’ve suffered still plagues my heart and mind. But my admiration overshadows any pity that I once felt. Since you’ve been here, I’ve watched you transform into something wonderful. Despite your treatment in Nazil, you…I…” He sighed. “I don’t know how to convey my thoughts.”
She smiled, taking a sip from her cup. “There’s no need, young lord. Tioch and Briac have been very kind, allowing me to stay. I’ll return to Kaleo, but first, I need this time to regain who and what I was.”
He was unsure, but grasped her hand anyway. When she didn’t recoil, he placed the other on hers as well. “Will you allow me the opportunity to show you my sincerity?”
“You needn’t prove anything to me. I’m merely a—”
“Beautiful person who deserves respect and kindness. I’m only asking to be your friend. Will you allow me that chance?”
She looked at him wearily, not understanding why a high lord would concern himself with a former slave. Her family was held in high regard in Kaleo, but that, Julaybeim couldn’t know.
“All right.”
“This isn’t an order. If you don’t want to spend time with me, I won’t force it.”
“Julaybeim, I don’t respond to commands, that part of me is long dead. I accepted your invitation because I chose to. Mayhaps you can teach me about Cazaal and the surrounding wood.”
The Rise of Nazil Page 52