Cusab surveyed the area as trackers moved off in opposite directions.
“They went west,” Zarath pointed, peering down at the ground as he walked. When he approached where the statue stood, he stopped, staring down in bemusement.
“Wait, something isn’t right.”
“What do you mean?” Draizeyn asked, dismounting again.
“I’m not certain, Sir, their—their tracks lead in that direction, but do you see here,” he said, motioning to the ground. “These tracks just end.” Zarath shook his head, lowering to his knees. His fingers flittered through a patch of loose dirt, scooping a handful up and bringing it to his face. Before he could inhale, his body tautened, and he collapsed backward to the ground.
“Get up, fool!” Draizeyn shouted.
Zarath’s mouth gaped, his lips trembling to form words that he couldn’t speak. With nothing more than a squeak, he pointed toward the heavens.
Immediately, Draizeyn and his guard backed away, noticing a violet luminescence descending from above them. The men stared in disbelief after the light dimmed, assuming a corporeal form.
The woman was breathtaking: her onyx eyes appearing to look through them as her ebon skin glistened beneath the moon’s light, outlining her form with a radiance.
“I welcome you,” Yemala said. “Why have you come to kneel before the Guardian?”
The sound of her melodic voice was mesmerizing, captivating the guards as they stood motionless.
“Who are you?” Draizeyn demanded. “Nazilians kneel before no one.”
“My name is Yemala, and I’m the pillar of the Guardians. One has knelt before my effigy and summoned me to them. Why have you come?”
Draizeyn scoffed. “Guardians,” he said with impudence. “By whose authority are you made a Guardian? The Nazilians rule everything around you and all inhabitants thereof.”
“We are of Afferea, and do not acknowledge any ruler other than our own. We, the Guardians, ensure peace throughout Faélondul. Those who dwell within our borders have no ruler other than that of our line. The authority of which you speak doesn’t pertain to anyone beyond my effigy.”
“I’m the Zaxson of Nazil and ruler of all. You’re nothing but a barbaric female, and I’ll waste no more words on you.”
Draizeyn turned, addressing his men. “We came in search of traitors and savages that have fled to the west. We’ll find those defiling our lands and end their treachery. This barbarian will be the first to die if she dares stand in our path. Zarath, lead us to them.”
His guard roared, raising their weapons, but when they stepped forward, Yemala’s gaze halted them and they moved further away.
“We won’t permit you to enter our wood,” she said as quietly as her footfalls on the ground. “The malevolence within your heart radiates through both your demeanor and your words. We know of you, Draizeyn Deaglan Vereux, and all those of your line. The same malefic essence imbued in the first, Oisin, exists within you as well. Angelaris has assured safe passage and protection to those you seek. No one may enter our woods with the intent of doing harm. This you should’ve learned from those who came before you. The Animus Wood isn’t yours to command: we will not allow it.”
“Allow it?” Draizeyn spat. “Allow? Your idiocy is believing that I need your permission.”
He spun around, facing his guard, but before he could issue a command, his men staggered further away. Seven women appeared where there’d been merely one.
Draizeyn whipped around, sneering as he leapt back onto his horse. With a feral shout, he spurred his mount into a gallop that quickly ended.
Raising their hands, the Guardians projected an intersecting numinous energy, halting the horse in full charge. Draizeyn’s teeth gritted, struggling to remain astride as the horse bucked furiously.
The Guardians’ eyes glistened, staring out over the guard, sharing in the thoughts of each.
“Why does your hatred penetrate so deeply?” they asked in unison, the harmonious sound of their ensorcelled voices undulating through the air. “Leave now and no harm will befall you. Remove those you pursue from your memory and return to your homes.”
Draizeyn blinked languidly, shaking his head. An obfuscating haze threatened to claim his mind, invading his every thought. “I don’t know what enchantments you’re attempting to cast, but we’ve come here with one purpose. Those you profess to protect have broken our laws and shall answer for their crimes against Nazil! This doesn’t concern any of you...Guardians. Heed my warning: if you persist in the disruption of our affairs, your fate will be as theirs. These lands now bleed for the greatness of Nazil, and if you don’t stand aside, you’ll bleed as well. It matters not to me if you’re taken as a captive or a corpse,” Draizeyn sneered, leveling his Xtabyren. “Choose well, for either outcome is within your grasp.”
Oloran: “You speak of laws and judgments...” Ahdessa: “…yet you stand before us without regard to our edicts.” Yemala: “We’ve communed with those you pursue...” Zoya: “…and they’ve committed no crime.” Behanish: “Your rule doesn’t extend to them, or to us.”
In unison: “Angelaris has given them safe passage and we, the Guardians, agree with the pronouncements of our AsZar.”
“Who is this Angelaris?” Draizeyn said. “Another barbaric female who believes she can order the Nazilians? Have her show herself if the fear of Nazil doesn’t have her cowering like a mewling child,” Draizeyn mocked, sheathing his sword.
“We will summon her,” Yemala said, diminishing from their perception.
“These barbaric females have wasted time enough. I only allowed them to remain to ascertain their intent. The Cha’s warnings weren’t absent of truth, and these pythonesses have proven that,” Draizeyn said, walking the ordered line of his Chosen. “We mustn’t permit them to speak. Once their voices join, it strengthens whatever spell they attempt to cast. We must act quickly before they can use their dark powers against us.” He stopped, pointing at one of his Chosen.
“Loehring, what form of attack would prove most efficient?” Draizeyn asked, gauging the man’s tactical aptitude.
“Sir, if we must attack, the crossbow would be most effective. If the men ready their quarrels, when the Guardians, I—I mean women return, we can take them unawares.”
Draizeyn nodded, approvingly. “I had thoughts on the same.”
“But Sir, it might be wise to hear what their leader would say. We’ve never dealt with such beings and don’t know of their full capabilities or influence over us. Not even the Cha could speak of that. Without knowing more, I can’t suggest a sure attack against them.”
Draizeyn’s smile faded, glaring at Loehring with narrowed eyes. “And you, Krishon,” he said. “What of your thoughts?”
“I—I believe as Loehring, Sir. These women have caused a stir within me. I’ve never been apprehensive regarding my duty to you or Nazil. Yet I’m finding it difficult to hold the moment, Sir.” His head lowered. “I’ve lost control over my emotions.”
Draizeyn’s face burned with rage. “You’re supposed to be the most seasoned of my guard!” he spat. “You stand here trembling in fear of these barbaric females, these savages! You are two of my finest Chosen,” he shouted, pointing to Krishon and Loehring. “Only Pentanimir and Yannick stand higher. There should be NO fear within you! You speak of emotions: the only emotion you should have is hate.
“Hate for those who defile our people and bring these abominations to our lands. Hate for those who obstruct our path and oppose our laws. The images you should have are those of victory over our enemies, ALL of our enemies, not just those of your choosing. You should see these betrayer’s bodies laid out before us!” Draizeyn pounded a fist into his open palm. “These lands now bleed for the greatness of Nazil. This wood will bleed, too.”
Shouts of agreement and chants of “Nazil” sounded throughout the wood. When the Guardians reappeared, Draizeyn motioned to his men.
“Now! Loose them now!”
> As the crossbowmen took aim, the guard dropped to one knee. In perfect synchronicity, they unleashed a rain of quarrels, darkening the sky.
[23]“R’ryn sha’low,” the Guardians said in unison, upraising their hands. Their combined voices hung heavy in the air, slowing everything within their vicinity. The Nazilians held in place, witnessing the quarrels hover in mid-air before drifting uselessly to the ground.
Leaning down, one of the women picked up a fallen quarrel. She held it in her palm, turning it over gingerly with her thumb. As she looked up, her gaze rested on Draizeyn, and she stepped forward, never turning from him.
“Is this the one you call a leader?” Draizeyn said.
“Neither your weapons nor words can do us harm, Zaxson of Nazil,” she said, tossing the quarrel at his feet, unaffected. “I’m Angelaris, the AsZar of Afferea. I needn’t hear your words, for I know your heart,” she said, gliding closer. “Those you pursue are beyond your grasp, and have been granted asylum within our wood. We’ve vowed to keep them safe, and it’s a vow that we’ll keep.”
“Those that you claim to protect are traitors to Nazil. The rule of these lands is mine, and I alone decide the fate of those who dwell here. If you stand in our way, your fate will be as theirs. This is a vow that I make.”
Angelaris drew nearer to his position, until they stood but cubits apart. “You speak of traitors. What offense did they commit against you, against Nazil?”
“They’ve broken our laws, corrupted our people, and infect our lands that were once pure. They bring abominations to steal our heritage and taint our future. These are crimes punishable by death!”
Draizeyn’s knuckles whitened, gripping the hilt of his Xtabyren. He thirsted to slit their throats, but the powers they’d already shown momentarily stayed his hand.
“You sit in false rule of these lands, son of Naughton. The corruption of which you speak is found only in your heart and that of your line. Long has the malfeasance entrenched within you covered these lands, sullying all that we’ve cultivated with a pall of darkness. The people of these lands have called out to us again, and you’ll no longer be allowed the power that you’ve usurped.”
Draizeyn ground his teeth, glaring at Angelaris and the seven standing behind her. “False? How dare you speak so to me! I’m the Zaxson of Nazil and the only ruler of these lands. There is none greater than me, and you’ll learn your place just as the savages you’ve attempted to shield.”
“I’ve been the AsZar of Afferea since the 71st year of Xahntas. In that time, never have I borne witness to such detestation. There’s nothing that separates you from those that you hunt. No, these are not your people, Draizeyn Deaglan Vereux. However, through them, a new line of rulers will emerge. The time of your rule and the evils inculcated through it is at an end.”
Draizeyn hollered, raising his Xtabyren high, intending to bring it down across Angelaris’ neck. With merely a wave of her right hand, an emblem upon her palm pulsed, sending the Xtabyren soaring from his grasp. He lunged forward then, his hands aiming for her throat. A radiant burst sent him sailing backward, crashing into his guard. The men charged forward in a rage, only to be driven back by the energies Angelaris projected. With waning courage, many guards fled the clearing, fearing what they couldn’t comprehend.
“Forget the path that led you here, Zaxson of Nazil, and usurper of power,” Angelaris said. “Be gone from these woods lest your people be returned to the depths from which they came. These lands are no longer yours to rule, and another shall take your place as Zaxson, and serve the lands with honor.”
As Angelaris and the Guardians moved further from them, Draizeyn grabbed his Xtabyren from the ground, leaping back to his feet.
“My rule is forever,” he yelled, lunging toward them. “Attack!”
Everything slowed as his guard charged, causing Angelaris and the Guardians to turn.
[24]“Za’Boné,” the Guardians said. As the last syllable resonated through the air, a swift, eddying wind lifted the guard from their feet, sending them hurtling backward.
Resting one hand atop the other, the Guardians rotated them outward, exuding tendrils of deflecting energy. Their eyes closed as their heads raised to the heavens, and with each revolution, the men lost ground.
When the crossbowmen raised their weapons, loud screeches erupted from seemingly every corner of the wood. The Guardians’ motion stilled, recognizing the conversant sound. The Nazilians and slaves alike screamed, running, and ducking from the massive, hovering shadows.
“Are you mad?” Draizeyn roared. “Release them now!”
As the men took aim, a huge beast swooped down, knocking them hard to the ground. Bolts flew through the air without aim, killing the guards nearest to them. Cries of pain and confusion rang out as Arinak and Baldon protectively landed their beasts between the Nazilians and the Guardians.
Draizeyn couldn’t mask his escalating terror, witnessing the enormous creatures’ descent. He struggled to his feet, only to see his men fleeing the wood with the remaining Dessalonians in pursuit.
[25]“K’dulak wyansoon!” Gavriel shouted, his Desu Beast, Ailis, diving, and clutching the guards with her massive claws. His booming voice echoed through the wood as she flew above the tall trees, releasing the struggling guards to plummet to their deaths. With a resonant screech, Ailis’ maw opened, discharging a luminous miasma. Once it enveloped the fleeing Nazilians, their pace slowed, as if something tangible held them in place. All those ensnared within her mist, moved with stuttered steps, seemingly tethered to the ground.
Angelaris smiled as Arinak and Baldon removed their helms, kneeling before her.
“Children of the Guardians,” Yemala said. “You’ve returned to us.” Resting her palm over the emblem on Arinak’s brow, Yemala combined their marks, merging with him completely. Extending out their arms, the remaining six Guardians drew from their connection, merging their minds with his.
[26]“Zofon ein r’aymed na’tah tak Bandari?” Yemala said as the numinous energy surrounding them diminished.
“He is there,” Arinak said, rising up and lifting Wosen from Náelon. He immediately lowered to his knees, not meeting the eyes of the deific beings.
The commotion of battle continued in the distance as Yemala rested a hand on Wosen’s shoulder, sharing her energy with him.
“You may rise, my children, all of you,” Yemala said. “You needn’t fear me, son of Hosdaq. I am Yemala, pillar of the Guardians.”
“You—you know me?” he breathed.
“I knew you before the beginning of time, as I yet know your father.”
“He lives? My father lives?”
“As do all those of Bandari,” the Guardians offered in unison.
“Arinak, [27]“Bo’halla r’aymed gon’neesa aut nael?” Angelaris asked.
When Arinak approached Xandi, Thalassa stood, understanding the AsZar’s request. As he lowered her to the ground, she drew him near in a tight embrace.
[28]“K’aun ein’ zan’ner, pahn’taal m’eloahnte,” he said.
Thalassa kissed his cheek before kneeling to the ground.
“Arinak, Baldon, join your brothers and quell the Nazilian threat. They’ll destroy all in their path as they flee back to Nazil. Destroy them, as they would’ve destroyed those they hunted.”
[29]“Debanah kr’Nam sost quel’son,” Arinak said as he and Baldon mounted their beasts.
[30]“Baatheer!” Xandi “Baatheer!” Náelon,” Arinak commanded, taking to the skies.
Angelaris smiled, motioning for Thalassa to stand. “I’m pleased that you’ve come, Thalassa. The Protectors have prepared you for what might lie ahead.”
“I’ll do whatever you command.”
“Everything will be revealed in time,” Angelaris said. “The Guardians do not command, they merely guide. You must choose your path as the ones who came before you. Come, my children.”
As Angelaris gestured sideward, a large copse of trees appeared to f
litter, before giving way for their passage. Angelaris flicked her wrist, summoning an amethyst disc that rested beneath her feet, lighting their path. Once they entered a small cove with wooden benches encircled by bushes and polished black stones, the disc diminished, but Thalassa and Wosen’s curiosity and veneration piqued.
“Thalassa,” Angelaris said, bringing them from their observations. “Though your time with the Protectors has been long, never have you been from our hearts and minds. The great Protectors are your family, and your connection with Arinak is profound.”
“He—he’s my AvHotther.”
“Yes. And you’re his m’eloahnte,” she said, motioning for them to sit. “The Protectors were removed from our presence, but weren’t absent of our love and guidance. They’ve nurtured you as the Guardians have done to them. At times, you felt your isolation a penance, but that was never so. We protected you as we did Crissu.”
“Crissu? Did my brother come here, AsZar? Does he await me in the wood?”
“Not as you would desire,” Angelaris said as the Guardians appeared from the thicket. “As with each of us, Crissu chose the path he wished to walk. We couldn’t turn him from that desire, and understood that choice. We mourned for him then, as we do so now.”
“Mourn?”
“Crissu has come to us and gone as all do who’ve fallen in these lands.”
“Fallen?” Thalassa shook her head, her eyes filling with tears. “No, he can’t be dead. Please.”
“You’ve mourned for what you knew, but your heart wouldn’t accept. Crissu has found the peace in death that eluded him in life. He awaits you now, at your father’s side.”
“But why?” Thalassa wept. Wosen enfolded her within his arms as she cried into his chest. “Why were we taken from our mother?”
“It was necessary. When the Nazilians destroyed Hyorin, Tesu guided you to the Protectors. Your importance to these lands is immeasurable, Thalassa. We didn’t take your mother from you. The Nazilians captured her and she serves them still.”
The Rise of Nazil Page 67