“That’s not the only cause for my shame,” he said, sliding an arm around Osmara’s waist. “I owe you and Brahanu an apology.”
“Me? Why?” Brahanu asked.
“I need to apologize to you most of all. When you arrived in Bandari, I perceived you as a complication to Pentanimir’s obligations in Nazil. But it wasn’t my place to offer such an opinion, nor did I consider that the One god’s will might differ from either of ours.”
“What do you mean?” Pentanimir asked.
“I understand now that seeing you together brought back memories of my past and the decision that I made. I was bitter, and even more so when I learned about your son. It wasn’t malice or disregard for either of you. I’d forgotten how it felt to be in love and share your heart with another. I’m sorry, truly.”
Brahanu gazed at Pentanimir then, interlacing their fingers. Even suffering the loss of her love, she still loved Pentanimir, and couldn’t bear the thought of losing him, too.
“Your counsel was sound, Elder, even if your heart wasn’t,” Pentanimir said. “I did need to return to Nazil, however, I didn’t have to remain.”
“No, you didn’t, and you still don’t.” Hosdaq smiled, drawing Osmara in for a kiss. “Don’t allow yourself to become bitter and miss the love that’s right before you. I did that with Osmara, and in a way, Wosen made our happiness possible. I was prepared to leave this world, but the One god sent her to pull me back from the misery of which I’d grown so accustomed.”
“I don’t want to be without you, Pentanimir,” Brahanu said. “My heart aches for Itai, but my love for you is unchanged.”
“We’ll leave you now,” Hosdaq said. “Seeing the two of you together is heartening.”
Pentanimir watched them leave, lowering to the ground next to Brahanu. He recalled his time in Bandari and Hosdaq’s counsel. He smiled in spite of that, gladdened that Hosdaq had reclaimed his life and started to truly live.
“I don’t blame you for anything that’s happened, Pentanimir,” Brahanu said, laying her head on his shoulder.
“I promised Itai that I’d protect you and Eytan. Will you permit me to remain true to my word?”
“I will. Never do I wish you from us.”
“Can I ask something of you, Danimore?” Julaybeim stammered.
“Ask what you will.”
Julaybeim glanced over at Gali, clearing his throat. “I heard that you asked the Elders here about your marriage.”
“Yes, as we said in Cazaal, Zeta and I are promised. We’d like to wed as soon as possible.”
“When is your ceremony?”
“We won’t know until the priests return,” Danimore said.
“Julaybeim, why are you asking about their bond?” Gali asked.
He turned, taking her hands. After a steadying breath, he met her eyes. “Gali, if Danimore and Zeta would allow, I—I’d like to marry you, too.”
Zeta gasped. “We’d be honored to share our bond day with you.”
Gali’s eyes widened, unable to even move.
“Gali! Did you not hear?” Zeta squeaked. “Julaybeim asked to take you to wife!”
“I—I thought I heard the words, but I believe my ears have deceived me.”
“Believe my words,” Julaybeim said. “I told you of my heart when we were in Cazaal, and you thought yourself unworthy to be my wife. I intend to not only prove my words, but my love as well. If you feel only part of what lies in my heart, honor me by becoming my wife.”
“But—but your parents, they wouldn’t accept me as your wife, and I don’t want to offend them.”
“When they see the joy you’ve brought to their son, they’ll embrace you as their daughter.”
“Are—are you certain?”
“Do you love me, Gali?” he asked, moving closer.
She nodded.
“That’s all that matters to me. I don’t care about the past, only our future. Now, I ask you again: will you honor me by becoming my wife?”
“Yes, yes, Julaybeim, I’ll become your wife.”
Zeta screeched as Danimore chuckled, patting him on the back.
“Dani,” Pentanimir said. “Everyone is gathering for noon meal. Come, the priests will return soon.”
After receiving a bowl of stew, everyone assembled around the eternal fire as the Elders blessed the meal. Once they were seated, Danimore leaned, speaking quietly to Pentanimir.
“Are those the Elders?”
“They are, and the first builders of Bandari.”
“Which one of them is Nazilian?” Julaybeim asked.
“The one to Vot’s right,” Pentanimir said. “Elder Emet looks fully human, but his mother was Nazilian. His father, Gayu Karidian, helped to build the village. When he passed, Emet took his place as Elder. He has a brother, Nzuri, that you’ll meet soon.”
“The Karidians of Noraa?” Julaybeim asked.
Pentanimir smiled, nodding. “One and the same.”
“Brother, I didn’t doubt you, but I couldn’t truly appreciate the Bandarians until I met them. To see humans and Nazilians coexist in such peace is phenomenal. Why can’t this be the way throughout the lands?”
“It may yet be, Dani. If both sides can release their prejudices and accept one another as they are, anything is possible. But there will always be those who want to place themselves above others. They are the true dangers to these lands.”
“You’re right, Pentanimir,” Julaybeim agreed. “It’s hard to admit your failings and change your heart after hatred has filled it for so long. Even as you begin to experience things contrary to what you’ve known, it’s difficult.”
“It’ll take time,” Gali said. “I’ve had to learn such lessons and I’m thankful that I didn’t assign the evils of a few Nazilians to the whole. If that were so, I wouldn’t be here now.” She smiled, taking Brahanu’s empty bowl. “I’ll get your herbs from the carriage. You yet heal, Brahanu, and I’d see you well before we reach the western wood.”
“Thank you, Gali.”
“I’ll walk with you,” Julaybeim said, taking her hand.
“Is Brother going to marry Gali?” Ameya asked when they’d gone.
“That’s his wish, little dove.”
She smiled, sliding closer to her sister. “Good. I like Gali.”
“Pentanimir!” Nzuri said.
Pentanimir rose up, meeting his strong embrace.
“The One god is good,” Nzuri said.
“Indeed,” Yonas added. “We’ve been praying for you and the lands. Will you be staying with us?”
“I’ll see you safely to the western wood, but there are many traveling with me.”
“Many? Who are they?” Kuhani asked.
“My brother Danimore, his promised, and their son, Raithym, are among them. Also, Brahanu has returned with her brother, Julaybeim, his promised, their younger sister, and our sons.”
“Your sons?” Nzuri asked.
“There’s much to tell, my friend.”
“We must bless the babes in the falls before we take leave,” Kuhani said.
“I have another request, Kuhani. My brother and Brahanu’s would like to wed before we leave.”
“They want to wed now?” Nzuri asked. “We don’t have what’s needed for a proper ceremony.”
“If it’s possible, they would. My brother couldn’t wed before since his promised is human.”
“And the other?” Yonas asked.
“Julaybeim is most eager. He’s the Caretaker’s son and needs to return to Cazaal. When you’re safe in the western wood, we’ll travel east together.”
“He would leave his wife behind?” Yonas asked.
“Only until he’s certain that it’s safe. He loves her well, and only traveled west to keep her and his sister from danger.”
“I see,” Kuhani said. “If the Elders agree, it can be done. Only the oils and the flame from the eternal fire are truly needed.”
“Thank you, they’ll be grateful for such
favor,” Pentanimir said, noticing Julaybeim’s return. “May I introduce you to them before you take noon meal?”
When Kuhani nodded, Pentanimir gestured them forward. “If it pleases you, allow me to introduce my brother, Danimore and Brahanu’s brother, Julaybeim.” After they exchanged greetings, Pentanimir motioned to their side. “This is Zeta; she’s promised to my brother. And this is—”
“Gali?” Yonas gasped.
Gali leaned away, peering at the bearded man. “Yes, I’m Gali.”
As Yonas stepped forward, his smile took in his entire face. “It is you, Gali!” he said, drawing her into a tight hug. “My Gali! The One god is good! Gali!”
“Release her,” Julaybeim demanded, gripping his arm.
Gali met Yonas’ eyes, as hers filled with tears. “Brother? Yonas! Brother! How? I thought you lost! How?”
“Brother?” Pentanimir muttered, bemused.
“Yes, I told you about him, Pentanimir. When you asked me about my arrival in Nazil, I told you of my brother. I thought he drowned in the Great Sword, but he survived!”
Yonas cupped her face, staring intently into her eyes. “Nazil? You were taken captive, Gali?”
“I was, but no more,” she said, wiping her tears away. “Pentanimir and Danimore saved me from them. Now, I’m promised, and I’ve found you.”
“I—I didn’t know, Gali. I wouldn’t have ever left you in Nazil. I thought they’d killed you…you and Father.”
“I don’t want to think about any of it now. I refuse to allow the horrors of the past to steal away my joy,” she said, pulling Julaybeim closer. “This is my promised, Julaybeim, and his father is the Caretaker of Cazaal. I’m going to be married, Brother. Isn’t this news worth celebrating?”
“It is. I’ve never been as happy as I am in this moment.”
When Yonas regarded Kuhani, he nodded approvingly.
“You’ll be married this day,” Yonas said, kissing her again. “We’ll call for you soon,” he said, hugging her before moving off with the priests.
“Gali, I’ve known and respected your brother for years. When he first arrived in Bandari, he was broken and grief-stricken. Kuhani and Nzuri helped him heal, and he offered prayers for his family often. I never realized that you were one for which he prayed. Forgive me for not reuniting you sooner.”
Gali hugged him, kissing both of his cheeks. “You don’t owe me an apology, Pentanimir. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be here.” She kissed him again, hugging him tightly.
He smiled. “You need to gather some cloth and tunics and await them at the falls. You’ll be attended to shortly.”
After accepting a hug from Zeta, Pentanimir sat down next to Brahanu. “Our brothers’ elation with their coming bonds is apparent.”
“Everything is happening so fast. I only wish our parents could witness Julaybeim’s ceremony. I’ve never seen him like this before. They are truly a good match.”
As are we. “Gali is good for him as Zeta is for Dani,” he said, taking her hand. “What about us, Brahanu? Will we honor our love?”
“Last I knew, you were promised to another.”
“I’d remain here with you if you’d have me. It might be too soon for our bond, but know that I’m prepared to do so at your word. This pledge is an onus that I’d gladly forgo if you’d have me as your own. These lands would be a memory as I build a life with you and our son. That’s all I’ll ever need, Brahanu.”
Her gaze lowered, wanting to speak the same. Regardless of what lay in her heart, she couldn’t abandon her family. Tioch had already lost his son, she wouldn’t keep his grandson from him.
“It is too soon, Pentanimir. My heart aches for Itai. I won’t betray my husband in death as I did in life. I’ll mourn for him and present Eytan to Tioch as Brahanu Gael, not Brahanu Benoist. Our time will come. If we’re truly meant to be together, the gods will make it so.”
He offered an accepting nod, leaning in to kiss her.
“You’re needed at the falls,” Huname said, approaching with Osmara and Hibret. “Ahni, Aizen, and Antenah are preparing shelters for the bonding night. Will you and Brahanu need one, too?”
“No, Elder, Brahanu will stay in the carriage, and I’ll sleep near the fire. Only our brothers will wed this day.”
“As you say,” Huname said, moving off with the children.
Pentanimir sighed, helping Brahanu to stand. After sliding an arm around her waist, he led her to the falls. He did his best to think of Danimore’s happiness and not of the anguish threatening to consume him.
As they came upon the falls, the couples were standing before the priests and remaining Elders. Pentanimir lowered Brahanu to the bench before taking his place with Danimore. Kuhani’s words were muffled, sounding more a distant echo through the thoughts and regrets besetting Pentanimir’s mind. Hearing cheers from behind him, Pentanimir forced a smile, celebrating their bonds. He trailed behind the couples, as the priests led them to their bonding shelters.
“You’re now released to continue your bond. Let no one disturb this blessed day,” Nzuri said, handing them their cloths.
“You’re now my wife, Lady Ravenot,” Julaybeim said, tenderly kissing her lips. “There’s no greater honor in these lands than the one you’ve bestowed upon me.”
“The honor is mine, my love,” Gali said, and then grinned mischievously. “But our bond isn’t complete.” After hugging everyone, she raised the drape, disappearing behind it. Julaybeim’s smile was broad, offering a nod to the others and following quickly behind.
“I hold no high position, Zeta, but this day we are made one.”
“I’ve never cared about position. All I’ve longed for was you.”
Danimore lifted the drape, allowing her to enter. “Thank you, Brother. You spoke true, all the lands aren’t Nazil, and I’ve married the one I love.”
“It pleases me to see you happy. Go now and complete your bond, you’ve both awaited this time together.”
Before they’d even turned, Julaybeim’s pleasured shouts erupted from the shelter. Pentanimir chuckled, as Julaybeim continuously called out Gali’s name.
“Your brother wastes no time completing his bond. I hope that Gali is easy with him.”
“He’s as his sister.” She smiled. “Had it been our ceremony, it would’ve been much the same.”
“I welcome that time, Brahanu. It’s been too long since I could offer myself to you without haste. You deserve more than I’ve been able to give.”
“As do I. Firstly, I must heal, not only from the birthing, but my heart as well.”
Confrontation
The men roared, thundering across the landscape, following Draizeyn’s charge. Trackers led the pursuit, pausing only briefly to verify the Bandarians trail. It appeared as quickly as the dawn had come: the sun surrendered to the moon. The darkening sky did little to halt the fervor burning in Draizeyn’s heart. He urged his men faster, thirsting to capture the savages that had eluded him for so long.
Lashing feverishly at his horse, Draizeyn shouted, his eyes aflame with both anticipation and rage. The foot soldiers struggled to keep pace, but neither of them dared to give an indication of the anguish assaulting them. Their bodies ached from the abuse by the terrain, their throats burning for water as the ictus of their heartbeats thrummed loudly in their ears. Some of the soldiers’ boots were blood-sodden, yet they steeled their resolve, forcing the pain from their minds, knowing that if they faltered, Draizeyn’s punishment would be far worse than anything they now suffered.
With a resounding call, the trackers paused, discovering a clearing in the wood. Raising one hand in the air, Draizeyn pulled hard at the reins, ceasing their charge and examining the new area. His massive warhorse snorted, stomping as the trackers leapt down from their mounts.
Nothing but a statue stood amongst short bushes, encircled by the dense foliage they’d just passed. The soldiers slowed, instinctively readying their weapons as if preparing for an attack.
A dreadful heaviness came over every man, although each thought he alone felt it. The Animus Wood was no place for a Nazilian, and the warnings from the Cha cascaded through their minds as the feeling of foreboding encompassed their being.
Draizeyn’s eyes narrowed, urging his mount on toward the effigy, glittering in the fading light. The horse paced forward slowly and deliberately until drawing within ten cubits of the statue. No matter how furiously Draizeyn lashed at his destrier, the horse stayed tethered to the ground.
Draizeyn slipped from its side, striding arrogantly toward the statue. Although infuriated, his visage displayed curiosity. He stared at the statue admiringly, transfixed by the majestic image carved into the black marble.
Slowly, he raised up a hand, but stopped, removing his glove. His fingertips grazed the surface, tracing the exquisite outline of the figure. It was the likeness of a beautiful woman: every feature and curve etched meticulously in the rich dark marble. Even in the fading light, he couldn’t help but appreciate the majestic beauty and countenance of the silent lady.
Draizeyn’s visage became almost tranquil, unable to turn from the woman’s likeness. The exquisite statue was so rich and unblemished that it seemed to be newly made, but the thick flowering vines and creepers surrounding it testified to untold years of exposure. The garment and mantle she wore were as regal and filled with authority as one of the Zaxson’s family might wear, yet not so. Her face appeared to be at once intimately caring, and serene in some remote and untouchable way. Draizeyn had never seen such an image depicted so majestically. He stood both awed and enamored.
“Where have you led us?” he demanded, taking a step back and regaining his composure.
“Sir, this is where their trail led,” the tracker, Cusab said.
Draizeyn straightened his posture, returning to his horse. He couldn’t discern the eruption of emotions flooding his soul, or the disquiet trickling down his spine. “We must proceed with caution. The Cha has warned us about the pythonesses inhabiting these woods. There are powers here, dark powers that are unknown to us,” he said, facing his men. “But our power is greater than anything that might dwell in these woods.” Draizeyn mounted his horse, gesturing forward. “Quickly, find their tracks and bring this to an end. The savages will fall this night.”
The Rise of Nazil Page 66