“I’m sorry,” Wosen said. “It wasn’t an admonition, and I meant no disrespect. I—I only wanted to know if what I’d been told was true. Forgive me.”
“None was perceived,” Arinak said. “We desire to return to our home…to the wood where we were birthed. All who dwell there are family to us, and the Guardians’ absence leaves a void within our souls that can’t ever be filled.”
“Not only the Guardians,” she said, looking at Arinak with sadness. “The absence of your love as well.”
“Can’t you ever return?” Wosen asked. “Have they told you that?”
“No, but we cannot.”
“The Guardians are divine beings, and you’re their children. From what I’ve learned, their forgiveness is eternal. Wouldn’t they forgive your transgressions if you asked of it?” Wosen said, considering the same for all of the people that he’d wronged.
“How would you know of such things, man of Bandari?” Arinak asked.
“I don’t, but I’ve also made great errors and committed unthinkable acts. Because of this, I suffered in the Nazilians’ hands, and my family was forced from their home. My—my father might be dead because of me. I’ve put everyone and everything I’ve ever loved in jeopardy. Those are my sins, and I must live with this and more with each rise of the sun. If I didn’t believe in forgiveness, I’d throw myself from the highest peak in Dessalonia. The Bandarians are my family, and I’ll find them. When I do, I’ll beg for their forgiveness, and wrong them no more. Surely, if a mere man can offer such toward another, the divine will do that and more for you. Their love and patience is endless.”
“He’s not wrong,” the woman said. “You’ve spoken about returning to the Animus Wood, mayhaps you should see it done. The Guardians love you, and lament your absence.”
Arinak turned swiftly, grabbing something from a shelf before moving to the exit. “Mayhaps in time. For this night, [18]“K’aun ein’ zan’ner aut h’rocs r’aymed jacqai,” he said to the others, donning his helm.
Wosen reached to steady himself as the enormous men took helms from the wall, joining Arinak. Loud screeches resonated off the peaks and the ground rumbled, sounding as if the mountains were shaken to their foundations.
“Did I anger them?” he asked, taking a seat beside her. “I didn’t mean to.”
“No. It was time for their watch. They do so with each moon’s rise.”
“Where are they going?”
“They take to the heavens, Wosen, keeping watch over the lands.”
“But the moon barely shows. How can they see in such darkness?”
“Darkness is but the absence of light, Wosen. The Desu Beasts and Dessalonians are the light. They have no need for sight in the customary sense. The crests upon their brows is of the Guardians, allowing them sight beyond seeing,” she said, handing him more food.
“I don’t understand.”
“It’s difficult to explain, but there’s a spiritual connection between the Dessalonians and their beasts. The Desu Beasts’ third eye and the crest are symbiotic. When they merge, they possess sight beyond mere vision.”
“They’re much more powerful than anyone has ever said.”
“Aye, they are, and they’re growing weary amongst the rocks. They yearn for their home and their families in the Animus Wood. They long for the Guardians most of all.”
“Families? Are there other giants in the wood?”
“No. You’d have to witness it for yourself. Their families are…dissimilar than what you’ve experienced, but the love is the same. In Arinak’s case, it’s even greater, growing and deepening for hundreds of years.”
Wosen’s brow creased, staring into her eyes. He wanted to learn about the Dessalonians, but the longer he looked at her, the more curious he became.
“Pardons,” he said. “I’ve given you my name and that of my father, but you’ve neglected to share your own.”
She inclined her head, offering a warm smile. “Please, call me Thalassa.”
Invidious
“Is she awake?” Gali asked, returning to the camp after washing and changing her soiled clothes.
“She’s weak, but she’s able to nurse,” Zeta said.
“Brahanu?” Julaybeim asked, sitting beside her. “Can you hear me?”
She smiled, blinking languidly. “I’m glad that you’re here with me, Julaybeim.”
“Me too,” he said, smiling at his nephew. “He’s perfect, Brahanu, and large, just like Itai.”
Zeta and Danimore exchanged a look, and then left the two alone.
“I have a lot to tell you,” Brahanu said.
“What’s there to say? The lands are at war, and I’m concerned about our family. We’re safe for now, but we can’t linger here. If Pentanimir doesn’t arrive soon, we’ll have to leave and hope he finds us.”
“Brother, you must listen. With all that’s happened, I need to tell you the truth. Itai already knew, but we wouldn’t share it with anyone else.”
“Truth? What’re you talking about?”
“My son…Eytan. Itai has accepted him, but he isn’t his natural son.”
Julaybeim’s brow knitted, glancing from his sister to his nephew. Julaybeim stared at the babe’s plump, caramel-colored cheeks, and noticed the one patch of white hair amidst his thick, raven curls. He shook his head, confused. “Not his son? What’re you talking about, Brahanu? He looks like you and his father.”
“He does,” Brahanu said, detaching him from her breast. She positioned him facing Julaybeim, gently patting his back. He wriggled, his bottom lip turning down as his eyes fluttered open.
Julaybeim fell back, pointing, wide-eyed as Gali approached the two.
After handing Julaybeim a cup, she lifted Eytan from Brahanu’s arms. “I need to clean him properly while you rest. Be sure to drink all the broth, you need the herbs.”
“Thank you, Gali, I will.”
Julaybeim handed her the cup, edging closer. He fought to keep his visage from betraying his thoughts, but the anger surging within him couldn’t be wholly contained.
“What in seven hells is going on, Brahanu? Is this Pentanimir’s son?”
“Yes.”
“How could you do this? With this…this…damn ghost! Itai loves you. Why?”
Brahanu met his eyes with tears rimming hers. “It was like what you described with Gali, only one thousand times more powerful. We were overtaken by our feelings and didn’t think of consequences. I confessed everything to Itai, and he chose to wed me in spite of that.”
“Why lie about it, then? Once they see him, everyone will know. By the gods! How could you do this?”
“Even with the love I have for Pentanimir, I’m committed to Itai. I love him beyond any other, and I’m returning to him at this war’s end.”
“What about your son? His eyes…you can’t hide his eyes.”
“I don’t intend to. My son has a purpose beyond my understanding, and Itai will accept him as he is. Once healed, I’ll have as many children as he desires. Don’t doubt the love I hold for my husband. It’s the greatest love that I’ve ever known. Please, Brother, don’t despise any of us or turn your back on your nephew for our failings.”
“What about your other son? Does he have the eyes of Nazil, too?”
“What?”
“Your other son. The one Gali delivered after Eytan. What about him?”
“Another? I—I didn’t know. Please, bring him to me, please, bring me my son.”
Julaybeim shook his head, retrieving the babe from Zeta. After setting him in Brahanu’s arms, he gently lifted one of his eyelids. “Greyish-blue? They look the same as Itai’s, but it’s hard to tell,” Julaybeim said, sliding the cloth from the babe’s head. “His hair appears the same: dark gold like Itai’s. How? Could it be possible?”
Brahanu’s tears began anew, twirling the thick, golden curls between her fingers. “I won’t question it, I won’t. I thank the gods for such incredible blessings. Both Pentani
mir and Itai will be pleased. This little one will be called Eytan, Eytan Gael, second of his name,” Brahanu managed through heavy tears.
“Pardons,” Danimore said. “I’m going to patrol our borders now. Keep everyone near the fire, Julaybeim, and get some rest. I’ll take the first watch.”
“As you say, Dani. Will you be all right for a while, Brahanu?”
“Yes, Eytan’s hungry,” she said, wiping her tears. “Will you check on his brother while I feed him?”
Julaybeim nodded, still seething. After gathering supplies from the carriages, he joined Gali near the fire.
“Would you like to rest now?” he asked, kneeling beside her. “You’ve done more than any of us, and I know you’re tired.”
Gali smiled over at him, rocking the sleeping babe in her arms.
“He’s Nazilian,” Julaybeim sneered.
“He’s your sister’s son. You saw what she suffered to deliver them, Julaybeim. Don’t look at him or her that way. They’re your family…all of them.”
“What about Itai? He’s her husband, not this damn ghost. How can we take a half-Nazilian back to Cazaal after what we’re enduring right now? They’re killing our people and my sister is having their damn children!”
“Shhh…” Gali warned, glancing around. “It’s not for us to decide. Nazilians are attacking, but not Pentanimir or Danimore. It’s because of them that all of us are safe and were able to prepare for this attack. Don’t do this, Julaybeim, please. Be thankful that your sister and both of her sons are safe and healthy.”
“I’m thankful for that, truly. I knew there was something between them, and no one would listen. Now, we have this…this…my…nephew. She gave herself to him willingly,” he said, his face scrunching in disgust. “Could you have done so? Would you want a child of a ghost?”
Gali saddened for a moment, thinking about the child she’d carried when they’d met. Could she have loved it? Sitting there cradling Brahanu’s son, she wasn’t certain. But this was Pentanimir’s son, not Yannick’s, and that made all of the difference.
“If I loved the man who fathered it, yes. Not all Nazilians are vile, Julaybeim, just as not all humans are virtuous. I’d love that child just as I’d love one from you.”
“Mine?” His eyes widened. “Are—are you with child? My child?”
“No, but if I ever am, I’ll love it, just as I love its father.”
Julaybeim leaned in for a kiss, and then caressed his nephew’s cheek. “I welcome the time when you hold our child in your arms.”
“Do you truly wish it to be?”
“More than you know, Gali. Once this war ends, I’ll prove that and more to you.”
Gali smiled, kissing him again. “I should take him to Brahanu and wash the other one. He’s beautiful, Julaybeim, just like your sister. Don’t think of him as Nazilian, think of him as your blood, your nephew.”
“I know that it’s a blessing that they’re well. The lands are burning around us and I’m complaining about the color of my nephew’s eyes. Death surrounds us, but here, we brought forth life.”
Victory and Defeat
The temple bells’ continuous tolls resonated throughout Nazil, signaling the arrival of messages regarding the war. Denizens rushed through the streets, crowding around the temple, awaiting word from their Zaxson and Chosen Guard.
Denotra stormed through the temple doors with her guard trailing behind. She wasn’t waiting another moment to hear about her family and pledged. The Cha moved too slow for her liking, and she planned on conveying those sentiments as well.
Reaglen and Lymbach flinched, the sound of wood meeting stone echoing down the corridor. When they saw Lady Denotra, they exchanged a nervous glance, hurrying down to greet her. After they passed Beilzen’s chamber, he poked his head out, smiling when he saw Denotra.
“My lady,” Reaglen bowed. “You shouldn’t have left the safety of the citadel. Bisdan is en route to inform you of the news. You should return and receive him.”
“Why would I do that when I’m standing in front of you now? You’ll update me on what you’ve learned about my family and Pentanimir. I’ll wait no longer.”
“But Lady Denotra—”
“Cha Lymbach,” Beilzen interrupted. “Lady Denotra isn’t making a request. Our Zaxson, Nakshij, High Advisor, and First Chosen are fighting to protect our great city. In their absence, Lady Denotra is next in command. It’s your duty to honor her as if she were our Zaxson.”
Denotra accepted Beilzen’s outstretched arm, smiling. “He’s right. Until their return, Nazil is under my command. Are you certain that you want to refuse me?”
“No, no, my lady. We didn’t intend to give the appearance of ordering you. It’s due to your importance that I made the suggestion. If it pleases you, I’ll give you a full report in the hall where you can be comfortable,” he said, motioning to the double doors across the corridor.
The servants rushed around, setting out delicacies for them to sample as Denotra sat at the head of the table, gesturing for Beilzen to join her.
“My lady, we’ve indeed received a bird from Mahlum,” Cha Lymbach said. “Lord Daracus and Sir Merrimont report favorably concerning Noraa, and are en route to Nazil with captives.”
“My brother is returning?”
“Yes. If the weather holds, they’ll arrive soon. They sent the message before leaving Mahlum.”
“What about Pentanimir and Father? Have you received any word from Dovak or Spero?”
“Yes, well, we’ve had news from Spero. The siege was successful and the guard is regrouping now.”
“Was the message from Pentanimir? When is he returning to Nazil?”
“As of yet, we haven’t heard from your pledged,” Reaglen said. “He was reported taking one of the Caretaker’s children captive. He was supposed to return to Spero, but we don’t have any verification of his arrival.”
“What do you mean he hasn’t arrived? Where is he?”
“He hasn’t yet,” Reaglen clarified. “During war, birds don’t always reach their destination. From his latest message, we know that he misses you, my lady. He’ll get another message to you soon. I’m certain of that.”
Denotra nodded. “Yes, he did say that. I miss him terribly. Did…did you receive a message from my father?”
“We did,” Reaglen continued. “He sent two guards back to the city. They found the savage’s village, but it was deserted, and they’re tracking them south.”
“Deserted?” Beilzen asked. “What about the savage?”
Reaglen shot him a look and then regarded Denotra. “The savage escaped into the mountains. Some trackers went in pursuit, but his return is unlikely. He’ll either freeze or be killed.”
Beilzen scoffed. “Pity. If only I’d been allowed the opportunity to deal with him myself.”
Reaglen’s eyes narrowed. “The Zaxson and Sir Benoist assigned you to the temple. Surely, you don’t find their judgment flawed?”
Beilzen was seething, yet managed a smile, turning his attention to Denotra. “I would never think my judgment above that of such great men. It was merely the presence of such a creature among us that caused the thought to form. Never should a savage be so near a fair beauty as our Lady Denotra.”
She blushed, standing and straightening her skirt. “I couldn’t rest while that filth was in the citadel. I had dream-scares of him breaking free and ravaging me during the night. Isn’t that what those disgusting savages and abominations do?”
“It is, my lady,” Beilzen said, extending out his arm. “They aren’t like you and I. More like animals, these savages are. It’ll be welcome news once your honorable father returns victorious.”
“Indeed. I’m returning to the citadel now, Reaglen, don’t keep me in wait again. When a bird arrives, send Beilzen immediately with the news. He understands how the First Lady of Nazil should be treated.” With a flip of her hair, she turned, exiting the chamber.
“Beilzen, I’d like for you
to return to the citadel with me. There’re some matters I’d like to discuss. With my father and brother away, it will be comforting to have you with me.”
“I’d be honored to accompany you, Lady Denotra. I’m at your service in whatever capacity you’d have me.”
“Good,” she said, as he helped her into the carriage. “You can join me for evening meal. It’s been some time since you’ve visited with me…several seasons at least. Come, join me, and we’ll remedy that oversight.”
Beilzen inclined his head, masking his growing smile. Now, with the lands at war, his opportunity had finally presented itself.
“I heard that you defied Sir Benoist’s orders and administered some much-needed punishment to that savage. Is the word true?”
“To some extent. His presence in our citadel angered me greatly. However, when I learned about your fear, I could no longer stay my hand.” Although his actions had been meant to impress Oxilon, anything done in or for Denotra’s honor stroked her already enormous ego.
“You defied Oxilon Benoist for me?”
“Only for you, my lady. I would do much and more if you commanded it. Pentanimir doesn’t fully appreciate his pledge. He knows the honor of it, but there’s far more that our First Chosen refuses to realize.”
“You think Pentanimir is an ill match for me, Beilzen?”
“Not at all, my lady. Pentanimir is a fine match. His sense of duty and honor are well known throughout the lands. He’ll make a fine husband and Caretaker of Spero. I’m speaking of more intimate matters.”
“Intimate?” Denotra repeated as the carriage halted.
“Yes, we were both men of the guard. My position wasn’t as prominent as his, but I was no less a guard. As such, we spoke about many things while doing our duty for Nazil. Pentanimir admires you, and is honored by your pledge.”
“Yet, I fear what you aren’t saying is more what I need to hear.”
The Rise of Nazil Page 61