“No one has ever seen such creatures, old mum. Moreover, why would any divine being need protection? Aren’t they gods?”
“In a manner. Still, gods have vulnerabilities. Not all are as invincible as you’d think. The Guardians are but seven beings, however, there are many said to live among them, hidden deep within the Animus Wood.”
“The wood?” he asked, turning toward her.
“Why do you think no one can live there? The Nazilians say that it’s a cursed place, but the opposite is true. I’ve been there myself, many times, my promised and me. The Animus Wood is a place of blessings. It’s stood before time was time. And that’s where the Dessalonians used to live.”
She dipped the brush in the water, gently scrubbing his skin.
“Why hasn’t anyone spoken about them?” Wosen asked.
“Many things are known throughout the lands, but the most important of them have either been forgotten or deliberately hidden. Men wish to have worship, young one. They forget that worship belongs to the gods alone. Instead, they place themselves in higher regard. This is why the Dessalonians were banished from the blessed wood.”
“Banished? By whom? If they’re as great as the myths tell, who could banish such a people?”
“Only the Guardians, or the gods, as you refer to them.”
“But why? Why banish those sworn to protect them?”
“Oh…now, that’s a truth well known to you. Power, young one, power.”
“I don’t understand.”
“The Dessalonians are powerful beings who ride great beasts which they alone command. It’s said that some are winged creatures that soar over these lands, casting great shadows. It’s the old tongue they speak, the arcane Mehlonii language. When the Guardians rested, the Dessalonians kept them safe.”
“What kind of god needs rest?” he asked, standing in the tub.
“The Guardians have demiurges and others who keep watch over the lands. Even so, their sleep isn’t sleep as we know it. They’re always aware, existing here and in other places simultaneously. Only during the time of merging does their power decrease. It was at this time that the Dessalonians are believed to have attempted to take rule for themselves.”
Wosen sat back down in the tub, sliding beneath the water, rinsing the soap away.
“How do you know so much about these creatures? I’ve heard tales about them all of my life, but nothing like this.”
“I’m from a different time…a time when such things mattered. My mother taught me about the Guardians and Dessalonians as her mother did her. To some, they’ve become nothing but myth and legend. Believe your old mum’s words: they are as real as you or me.”
Holding up the tattered cloth, she helped him from the tub, drying him off and leading him to the bench.
“Don’t fear the mountains, Wosen. They might be the only protection you’ll have against the Nazilians.”
Wosen’s brow knitted, regarding her seriously. He’d considered the mountains to be his only refuge if he could manage to escape. But the probabilities of his survival were grim. Offering a silent prayer, he gripped her hand. If Hushar spoke true, and the Guardians existed, he’d need their protection to see him to safety.
When he gazed across the bath chamber, the door was creaking open. His grip tightened on Hushar’s hand until he noticed Jahno entering the room.
“You look like a different person, Wosen,” Jahno said, closing the door behind him. “If not for Hushar, I’d have scarcely known you.”
“I’m glad to see you, Jahno,” Wosen said. “It’s been nearly a full moon.”
“The Nakshij has been demanding of late,” he said, handing some items to Wosen. “Lord Daracus gifted these to me. We looked to be the same size, so I selected some formal attire for your meeting with the Zaxson. I have a heavy cloak and some warm gloves, too. I’ll ensure you have them before taking leave.”
“Thank you, Jahno. Your kindness won’t be forgotten.”
Wosen couldn’t remember the last time he’d worn fine clothing. Though used, these were nicer than any that he’d owned. Wosen didn’t allow the thought of the previous owner to deter him. Daracus had visited him in the dark chamber, many times. His malevolence rivaled both Oxilon’s and Yannick’s combined. Shaking those thoughts from his mind, he donned the fine garb with a near perfect fit. He looked like a high lord rather than an abomination, and that thought caused more of his humanity to return.
“You look very handsome,” Hushar said, running the brush through his long, thick curls.
“Thank you, old mum.”
“When I take you to the Zaxson, you must be respectful,” Jahno said. “Upon entry into the solar, immediately take a knee to honor his position. Don’t rise until he’s given you leave to do so. When he speaks, don’t meet his eyes. Not only is this a sign of disrespect, but he’ll see the eyes of Nazil staring back at him. He already holds great disdain for you, Wosen. Please give him no further reason to harm you.”
“Mind his words,” Hushar said. “Jahno spends more time with the Zaxson and Nakshij than anyone else, save Surma.”
Wosen nodded. “How should I respond to his questions?”
“Answer only what’s been asked and do so concisely. Don’t offer more. When the answer is complete, end with Sir or Zaxson.”
“I’ll heed your advice, Jahno, thank you.”
“Good. If you’re ready, the Zaxson awaits you.”
“I fear that I won’t see you again,” Hushar said, holding him close.
“If the One god and the Guardians are good, you’ll see me, Hushar, and we’ll be free.”
Gali
Julaybeim shifted nervously, glancing around at the thick brush and trees. Although he was keeping a close watch on the woods, his mind couldn’t turn from the new information they’d received or the potential affect it would have on him. He was concerned for the well-being of the lands, but also for the woman that he was escorting. With the uncertainties in Faélondul, he needed to clear some of the turbidity from his heart and mind. If he could only muster the courage to begin.
Resting a hand on his sword’s hilt, he took a step forward, but then stopped again, taking a deep breath. After calming his thoughts, he looked at her, steeling his resolve.
“Gali, are you certain about returning to Spero?” he was finally able to ask.
“Yes. I’ve enjoyed being in Cazaal and everyone has been kind, but I must return. It’s taken some time, but I’m beginning to feel myself again,” Gali said, smiling up at him and continuing to dig up the roots. “You’re the cause for much of that, you know?”
The warm flutters in his stomach made his cheeks flush. Since their first walk together, Julaybeim managed to spend time with her every day. In all of that time, she hadn’t given any indication of her feelings for him. He wasn’t certain, but he felt that she thought of him as more than a friend, and that was pleasing. Time alone with Gali had changed much of what he thought when first they met. The servant was gone, and only an intelligent, beautiful woman remained.
“Me? How am I the cause?” he asked, helping her to stand.
“I noticed the way you looked at me when I first visited your home. It was your eyes, Julaybeim…the pity and disapproval of me at your father’s table. You thought me beneath you. Did you not?”
“I did not and do not think of you that way. Yes, I’ve said that I felt pity for you and Zeta. I was offended that the Nazilians brought you to us in that state. It was anger, not disregard. I don’t think that you’re beneath me. I found you beautiful and broken, and it angered me.”
“You found me beautiful?”
“Then and now,” he said, helping her in the cart and then taking a seat beside her. “Why must you return to Spero? Why now?”
“When Pentanimir asked if I wanted to return home, I thought that I should. But after Tioch’s kindness in offering me a room, I knew that I couldn’t go back to Kaleo, not to stay. There’s no place for me there, Jula
ybeim. Soon, the lands will be at war. If Brahanu travels to the wood with Zeta and Dani, I’ll need to be with them. They’re leaving from Spero, so that’s where I need to be.”
“But why? Why must you go?” he asked, slowing the cart.
“Zeta has a young babe, and Brahanu is nearly due. They could both need me. The journey will be slow, and Black Boulder Pass can be treacherous if not traversed with great care. I’ve traveled the pass many times with my father. I can’t abandon them after all they’ve done for me.”
“What about me?”
“You? What do you mean?”
He sighed, turning away from her. He’d spoken aloud what should’ve remained only in his mind. Now, he had to confront what he feared. The feelings that he felt for Gali surprised him. As he sat in contemplation, the reality of his circumstances threatened to overwhelm him. He didn’t know what to say, but he couldn’t turn from it now.
“Are you to say that you feel nothing for me, Gali?”
She reached up, turning him back around to face her.
“I didn’t’ say that.” She smiled. “You’ve been my truest friend since my arrival here.”
With a look between longing, desperation, and bemusement, he searched every part of her. Although he knew it was wrong, he released the reins, drawing her in for a kiss. Gali pushed away, raising a hand as if to strike him. Her chest heaved, as visions of Yannick flooded her mind. But the more she stared into his grey eyes, the more those images faded. She wasn’t in Nazil, and Julaybeim wasn’t her captor. She cared about him, as he appeared to care for her. Slowly, she leaned forward, softly kissing his lips. It was the first time that she’d returned a kiss freely.
“Forgive me, Gali. I talk about the Nazilian’s behavior, and then, I force myself on you. It wasn’t how I meant it to be, truly. I wanted you to care about me as I do you…I wanted you to desire me…but…I was wrong, and I’m sorry.”
“Julaybeim, I’ve always found you attractive. It wasn’t the same in the beginning as it is now, but you’ve always been desirable. Evenso, I’ve accepted the truth: I was a slave in Nazil. Every human knows exactly what that means. Zeta was blessed with Danimore, but I don’t expect such an outcome. Continuing my work as a lakaar is blessing enough, and I honor my father by doing so. Not everyone is meant to wed,” she said, wistfully.
Julaybeim’s brow creased, guiding the cart back to the wood. He didn’t speak as he locked the wheels, helping her down again. Gali looked at him curiously, following him to a weathered bench.
“Why have we returned here?” she asked.
“Because I want to speak with you alone. The lakaar doesn’t need the herbs right away, and I’m finished training for the day. We need time, Gali. You and me.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Nor do I, but I know that we need to talk.”
“If this is about the kiss, there’s no need to worry. I’m not going to tell any one, and I know it didn’t mean anything. Everyone wants a first kiss.”
“Why would you say that? Do you think that I walk around the village kissing every maid that I pass?”
“No, and that’s not what you did with me either. I haven’t been a maid since my first night in Nazil. Yannick Merrimont paid much coin to have an unspoiled slave at his bidding. So, I’m no maid, young lord, and not at all fit for a Caretaker’s son.”
“No one can tell me who is fit to share my heart.”
“Please, Julaybeim, you’re young, and don’t fully understand what you’re saying. The time that we’ve spent together has been wonderful, and I’ll miss you when I leave. However, some things just can’t be. I won’t come false and say that I feel nothing for you, but those feelings matter little. I’m not fit for you, and your parents would never approve such a relationship.”
“I’m a man grown, as you are a woman, a beautiful woman. It’s more than mere warmth I feel when I think about you; it’s much more. That’s all that I need to understand. No one in this village, save Tioch and Briac know about your past, and it doesn’t matter to me.”
“It should matter to you. It’s changed the person that I was. Don’t you see that? I was a captive in Nazil for four years, just as I reached the age of bond. I’m just now regaining some of my former life. How could I give you all of me if I’ve lost so much of myself?”
“Then allow me to help you reclaim it,” he said, kissing her again.
She didn’t move away, drawing him in closer. She relished the feel of his hands caressing her back, as she tasted all of him, enjoying what a kiss was meant to be. Sliding a hand down his abdomen, she moaned, feeling his arousal. When Julaybeim tautened, she leaned back, staring into his eyes.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
Julaybeim shook his head. “I–I–it—”
“Haven’t you ever lain with a woman?”
He turned away, fighting against his release. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—I mean—”
Gali didn’t speak as she stood, leading him deeper within the trees. When they entered a small coppice, she turned, covering his lips again. Julaybeim didn’t protest when she lowered him to the ground.
Kissing down his chin to his neck, Gali unclasped his belt, loosening the laces of his trousers. Her eyes never left his as she moved over him, joining his body to hers. Julaybeim’s mouth gaped, a pleasurable heat igniting every part of him at once. Within moments, he clutched her hips, calling out repeatedly. Gali continued her skillful movements, reaching a peak of satisfaction that she’d never known.
After her breathing calmed, she smiled down at him, offering a gentle kiss before standing, and straightening her dress.
“If I were you, I’d get up and lace my trousers, young lord. You were quite loud, and might’ve attracted the sentries.”
He sat up then, fastening his trousers and belt. “How did you know?”
Her smile widened, reaching a hand out to him. “What’s to know? There’s always to be a first, Julaybeim. This was first for the both of us.”
“But how, Gali? You didn’t have to share yourself with me. I mean…I wanted to be a part of you, but I’d never force myself on you.”
“Then, we both received what we desired. For you, it was the first time becoming one with another. For me, it was the first time that I chose freely with whom to become one. Weren’t you pleased, young lord?” she teased.
He halted, taking her hands. Her words stung, and he felt the guilt of finding their closeness so pleasing. “Gali, please don’t call me that. This wasn’t a duty or command. I don’t just want your physical pleasures; I want you, all of you.”
“I don’t follow commands anymore. Had I not wanted you, we wouldn’t have shared such closeness. But this is all that I can offer you. In another time, I would’ve relished those words, but I’ve no more to give. I’m leaving Cazaal soon, and I hope that you’ll remember our closeness always. Not only the pleasure, but me as well.”
“Who’s there?” a voice called in the distance.
Julaybeim whipped around, pushing Gali protectively behind him, lowering a hand to his sword.
“Ulrike, Nuran, is that you?”
“Lord Ravenot? We heard screams. Is everything all right?” Ulrike asked, scanning the tree-lined area.
Gali snickered, stepping out from behind Julaybeim.
“We—we’re fine, thank you for your concern,” Julaybeim said, knowing those screams were his. “Gali was helping me...I mean, I…I…was helping her to re—retrieve herbs and roots for the lakaar.”
Ulrike and Nuran grinned, exchanging a knowing look. “As you say, Lord Ravenot,” Nuran said, elbowing Ulrike and returning to their post.
“I think they know that you weren’t completely honest, Julaybeim. Had I known of your exuberant expressions of pleasure, I would’ve taken you deeper into the wood. ”
He blushed, helping Gali into the cart. As they passed the guards’ tower, the two men smiled, waving down at them. Gali merely giggled, return
ing the gesture.
“This isn’t funny,” Julaybeim said. “We need to talk about this seriously.”
“Can’t we enjoy what we shared for now? I don’t want to talk about it. I’d rather remember the sensation of your lips, your hands, and the perfect way that your body fills mine,” she said, taking his hand. “And how you tremble beneath me.”
Noticing his forlorn expression, she sighed, interlacing their fingers. Gali hoped that sharing such closeness would satisfy Julaybeim’s desires, but his demeanor caused her to think otherwise. That was unexpected, and she contemplated not only his true desires, but also hers. She understood the truth even if he didn’t. There wasn’t a place for her in his life, no matter what either of them wanted. She hoped that he’d accept that, just as she had long ago when she realized that she cared for him.
“Mayhaps on the morrow,” she said. “We could meet at the inn if you like. Naji says that they make a fine mortrew.”
“I’d rather speak about it now, but I’ll wait. I’d like you to come to my home and we can have a private meal in the gardens.”
“I doubt that your mother would approve of that.”
“You’ll be well received, I promise. Tell me your favorite meal and I’ll have it prepared.”
“Truly?”
“Tell me of it and see.” Julaybeim smiled, halting the cart.
“All right. I haven’t had fried fig pastries in a while. They were my favorite. Oh, and sausages with spiced sauce, roasted rice, fresh turnips, stuffed eggs, mushrooms, zabaglone, and a delicious hypocras,” she rambled off, wearing a broad and beautiful smile.
Julaybeim laughed aloud. “Two sweets? Where could you hold so much food with such a pleasing figure?”
“You asked what I wanted, young lord,” she said, quickly kissing him before hopping down off the cart.
“You shall have it, Gali. Come at noon and I’ll escort you to the gardens.”
Spinning around, she waved and then entered Lakaar Briac’s home.
He flicked the reins, moving the cart forward. Julaybeim smiled, despite the tumult of conflicting emotions inundating him. He couldn’t sort through his thoughts, but this couldn’t be the end for them when he was just beginning to surrender his heart.
The Rise of Nazil Page 54