The Rise of Nazil

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  “My importance? What about my mother? Where is she?”

  Before Angelaris could answer, Wosen spoke up, equally confused. “Nazil? Her mother is a captive, AsZar?”

  “She is, and many others that you know. We’ll speak of her liberation and the part you’ll have in it if you elect to do so.”

  “I’ll do whatever you command. Please, tell me what to do, and I’ll see it done.”

  “In time, young one,” the Guardians harmonized.

  “Young one?” he gasped. “Only one person calls me that. Is she Thalassa’s mother?”

  When Angelaris nodded, he weakened, overcome by desolation. “No. No. My old mum? No,” he repeated, shaking his head in disbelief.

  “Have you seen my mother?” Thalassa asked, clutching his arms. “Do you know Hushar Saussai?”

  “Thalassa, I didn’t know. Hushar took care of me after the Nazilians’ abuse. She told me about the Guardians and Dessalonians. When—when she said I reminded her of her son, I didn’t understand, I—I didn’t know.”

  [31]“R’ryn sha’low, Thalassa. “Faind’t wl’eassa de’ tr’rond. Amelyko xayn vis’vo neesa d’well,” the Guardians said.

  “Wosen, you’ve become greater than we once believed. The suffering you endured has formed you into what you should’ve always been.”

  “You caused my suffering?” he asked.

  “No,” Angelaris said. “The choices you made caused your suffering. It wasn’t the Guardians will or desire to have it so. We warned of the danger, but when the pale serpent beckoned, you did answer.”

  “I—I didn’t know, AsZar, I didn’t understand then.”

  “You do now, and because of you, the Protectors have returned. Had Nazil not taken you, your words mightn’t have reached them. The anguish you suffered was due to your sins and disobedience. However, through that suffering, you’ve become the man that you were destined to be. Once you are ready, you’ll join Thalassa’s brother and return to Nazil.”

  Thalassa’s brow creased, raising up on the bench. “My brother, AsZar? You told me that he died.”

  “Crissu wasn’t your only brother. Did he not tell you about the others?”

  “What?”

  “There are two who have come with the Bandarians. Of them, the Chosen will lead.”

  “I don’t understand,” Thalassa said. “Who are they?”

  “The first is Pentanimir, son of Manifir, and First Chosen of Nazil.”

  “Pentanimir?” Wosen’s asked, dumfounded. “Pentanimir is Thalassa’s brother?”

  “And he’s not alone.” As she motioned behind her, a hooded man stepped into the clearing. When he removed his cowl, both Thalassa and Wosen stood.

  “He’s Nazilian,” Wosen said, pushing Thalassa protectively behind him.

  “No, no wait, wait, Wosen.” She stepped forward haltingly, examining his every feature. “I know you,” she breathed. “I—I remember your face. I was very young, but I remember. You came with Father. You came to Hyorin.”

  “Yes. It was long ago, Thalassa, too long, and I’ve searched for you endlessly.”

  Temian reached into a pocket, pulling the dark wooden figure from inside. As her eyes fell upon it, she rushed forward, drawing him into a hug.

  “You are my brother! You’re the one Crissu spoke of. He said that one of Nazil would come to us. It is you!”

  He covered her face with kisses, returning the tight hug, nearly going weak from it. “I offer myself to you completely,” Temian said. “You’ve reunited me with my family and I’ll be forever grateful.”

  “It was your purity of heart and determination that led her to you, Temian. There’s a great need for all the children of Manifir,” the Guardians said. “Your father beseeched us long ago, and in turn, we’ll do the same of you.”

  Wosen’s head cocked in confusion, approaching where they stood. “Temian? By the gods, you look like Pentanimir. Your face is the same.”

  Temian smiled, nodding. “He’s my brother.”

  As Wosen moved closer, a fierce wind nearly caused him to topple. The surrounding trees gave way, allowing the Desu Beast’s descent.

  “The Nazilians have been destroyed,” Arinak said as they removed their helms, bowing before the Guardians. The Desu Beast’s wings extended as they screeched, offering obeisance to the divine beings.

  “You’ve suffered in your exile, Protectors of Afferea,” Angelaris said. “The sin that weighs heavy upon your heart was forgiven long ago. Rise now and merge again with the ones who gave you life.”

  [32]“Debanah de’ lea’aah k’ohn. Za ce’Shunt mion laze aut amelyko. R’eMahd sost r’aMold,” the Guardians spoke in unison, resting a palm over their emblems and merging with them completely.

  “We’ll serve you with honor and forever be at your side,” they vowed.

  Angelaris reached out to Arinak, being lifted into his arms. “Pahn’taal uhnmé,” she said, kissing his face as he leaned toward her. “We must continue into the wood and join the Bandarians.”

  Arinak cradled her in his arms, mounting Xandi. “Baatheer!” he commanded, taking to the skies.

  Obligations

  Pentanimir drew Brahanu closer, enjoying the feel of her in his arms. They sat near the fire, barely speaking to each other. However, words weren’t needed. Just sharing this closeness and allowing him to hold her was enough, and more than he felt he deserved. Although he longed to be with her, he refused to burden Brahanu with such desires. Their fates were abundantly clear, no matter how much he wished it otherwise. After witnessing his brother’s bond, Pentanimir lamented what awaited him. Brahanu was his love, yet he was pledged to another. His breath nearly stopped at the thought, until Vot’s voice claimed his attention.

  “It warms us that your brother and his wife will join us, Pentanimir,” Vot said. “Will the others remain as well?”

  “Julaybeim is going to return to Cazaal, but Gali will remain a while longer. He needs to inspect the village and begin to rebuild.”

  “Aren’t there men to complete the task in his absence?”

  “There are, but as the Caretaker’s son, Julaybeim must meet his obligations not only to his village, but also to his family.”

  Huname nodded, glancing at the two. “What about you and Brahanu?”

  “Our obligations also take precedence over our desires. Brahanu will return home with Eytan. She’s needed in Cazaal, and I’m needed in Nazil.”

  “Obligations, needs, desires,” Huname began. “Most things of the greatest importance also take great effort. We sacrifice some desires for what appears to be the greater good. At times, if we’re patient, a different path might present itself that we hadn’t yet considered.”

  Pentanimir feigned a smile. “Perhaps, Elder Huname. We’ll take leave and allow you to continue your preparations. The babes are in need of their mother, and I promised to assist Nurul with the watch.”

  Huname’s words repeated in his thoughts as he helped Brahanu in the carriage. ‘Sacrifice’ sounded in his mind. His sacrifice.

  “You need to drink the herbs, Brahanu, and I’ll bring Eytan and Tardison. Do you want me to send Ameya as well?”

  She shook her head, not meeting his eyes.

  “Rest now, and I’ll bring them to you. If Osmara is available, I’ll ask her to come while I assist Nurul.”

  Brahanu didn’t speak, she reached for his hands, searching his eyes for the answers welling in her heart.

  “Rest,” he said, bringing her hand to his lips and then walking away from the carriage. Though he yearned to be near her, he needed to accept the truth. His place was in Nazil. After reporting his uncle and brother’s honorable deaths, he’d fulfill his pledge. This was his duty, and he’d see it done.

  The smell of frying fish caused Pentanimir to stir. His back ached from the hard ground as he rose up, stretching his tired limbs. Only he and a few other guards still slept near the fire after their watch. With a deep yawn, he stood, shaking the leaves fro
m his pallet.

  “Good morrow, Brother, how was your night?” Danimore said.

  “Not as good as yours.”

  Danimore blushed. “It—it was like nothing that I’ve ever known.”

  “I’m pleased for you. I’ve always wanted your happiness above even my own.”

  “And I, yours. Why aren’t you sleeping near Brahanu?”

  “It wasn’t my place to do so,” Pentanimir said, folding up his blanket.

  “Not your place? What about Tardison?”

  “Dani, you know that I love Brahanu and our son, but I’m not her husband. She needs to heal, and I must return to Nazil and answer the pledge. This war hasn’t altered my obligations.”

  “Nazil? No, Pentanimir, you should stay here with us. No one knows that we’re here. Let them think we died during the war. There’s nothing left for either of us in the white city but misery.”

  “It’s always been my duty to return. Even if Brahanu had accepted me, I couldn’t ignore what I’ve pledged to do. If the gods are good, I’ll return to the wood in three to four seasons.”

  “Brother—”

  “Ah, good morrow, Pentanimir,” Antenah said, handing him some fried fish and bread, unaware of his interruption. “There’s mead in the barrel and my mother has tea. It’s good that you’ve awakened, we’ll be leaving shortly.”

  “Thank you, Antenah. I’ll ensure our carriages are ready.”

  “Brother, you don’t truly mean to return to Nazil,” Danimore said.

  “I do,” he said, pensively. “It’s my sacrifice. Now, tell me about Zeta and Raithym. How are they?”

  Danimore’s eyes rolled. “Zeta and Gali are helping Brahanu with the babes while we load the carts.”

  Pentanimir laughed, wiping grease from his mouth. “Tending the babes and talking about their husband’s skill as lovers, no doubt. You and Julaybeim were quite loud. I’m glad that your shelters were far from the camp.”

  “It—was—enjoyable.”

  “Indeed.” He winked. “You’re blessed, Dani, all of you,” Pentanimir said, tossing his bone in the fire. “Now let’s get our carriages loaded and assist with the carts.”

  “All right, but I want to discuss your return to Nazil.”

  Pentanimir spun around, causing Danimore to nearly collide with him. “There’s nothing to discuss. Brahanu made her choice, and I have my duty. You’re to stay here and keep them safe. This is your duty.” His tone brooked no debate. “I’m not merely returning to answer my pledge. Do you understand?”

  Danimore sighed, nodding.

  “Good. I’d like you and Zeta to command Brahanu’s carriage and I’ll take Gali, Julaybeim, and Ameya in mine.”

  “What? Brahanu would want you with her.”

  “It’s not for her to decide,” Pentanimir said louder than he intended. “Forgive me, Dani. Brahanu told me of her heart and her inability to share it with me. It’s taken time, but I understand and accept her decision. She needs time, Brother, time to heal. My love for her will never fade, but I’ll not cause either of us to suffer needlessly. You’ll command her carriage.”

  “As you say, Pentanimir.”

  After the carts were loaded and tied, Vot ignited a torch from the eternal fire. He walked to each, lighting their torches from his. Snuffing the fire, Aizen and Ahni mounted their horses, trotting to the front. The twins upraised their hands and began moving toward the west wood.

  The constant bumps and jerking from the uneven ground awakened Brahanu from her sleep. She glanced around woozily, checking her son’s baskets.

  “Did you rest well?” Zeta asked, nursing Eytan.

  “Too well, I fear. Are we moving again?”

  “We’re heading deeper into the wood. Eytan was hungry, but I didn’t want to wake you. Would you like something to eat?”

  “I’m thirsty, but have no appetite for food.”

  “We have some fresh water,” Zeta said, handing her the skin.

  “Thank you. I thought that Pentanimir would wake me before we took leave.”

  Zeta looked at her with empathy, rocking Eytan in her arms. “Pentanimir isn’t driving the carriage.”

  “Why isn’t he with Tardison and me?”

  “He didn’t think that you wanted him to. Dani says that he’s returning to Nazil soon, and no one can turn him from it.” Zeta rested a hand atop hers, sharing in her grief. “Pentanimir doesn’t feel that you share his feelings, and he doesn’t want to complicate your life with his desires. He’s—he’s going to fulfill his pledge to Denotra.”

  “What? No, Zeta, No. He can’t, not now, please. He took my words contrary to their meaning. I want to marry Pentanimir, but needed time. It’s too soon after losing Itai, and I must return to Cazaal with Eytan. I don’t want to lose Pentanimir, surely, he must realize this.” Tears lined Brahanu’s eyes with the dolor pervading her.

  “He promises to return within three to four seasons. Mayhaps you could wed at that time. He loves you, Brahanu, and doesn’t want to be without you and his son.”

  “No. Don’t you see? If he marries Denotra, I’ll be without him always. What about our son and Eytan? Did he mention them?”

  “Dani is going to keep all of us safe. When you return to Cazaal, we’ll take care of Tardison. We’re going to take care of each other. I promise—”

  The carriages abruptly stopped, causing Eytan to almost tumble from Zeta’s arms. Steadying herself, she handed him to Brahanu and then stepped out of the carriage.

  “Gods,” Zeta said as Danimore protectively pushed her behind him.

  “Remain calm!” Vot shouted, stepping down from his cart with upraised hands. “Don’t draw your swords! Remain calm!”

  “What are we to do?” Hosdaq whispered, staring at the dozens of archers surrounding the caravan.

  “I don’t know, Elder. If these are the people said to dwell in the wood, they won’t harm us.”

  “Father,” Aizen said. “Here. Someone approaches.”

  A small hooded figure advanced toward the caravan, stopping in front of the twins.

  “Do not fear, people of Bandari. I am Yemala, pillar of the Guardians. You are now within the borders of Afferea.”

  Death and Deception

  Jahno leaned back, clenching his eyes shut, struggling against the pleasures of Daracus’ intimate kiss. He was adept at his oral pleasuring regardless of how Jahno fought against it. Gods, why must this overwhelm me so. I mustn’t take pleasure in this, Jahno thought futilely.

  “I’ve longed for this, Jahno,” Daracus said, bestriding him. “I love the feel of you.” Daracus moaned, moving Jahno’s hands up to his chest. As he began his stimulation, Daracus called out his name, increasing his motion and bringing them both to completion.

  With a staggered breath, Jahno turned his head, refusing to look at his master. Shame covered him as it always did. Not only in committing the act, but more so, the pleasure he received from it.

  “Do you require anything else of me, milord?”

  Daracus smiled, snuggling in beside him. “I desire you with me.” Laying his head on his chest, Daracus caressed him tenderly, enjoying their closeness.

  “There’s much taking place in the lands, my love,” Daracus said. “I’m concerned about some of our men. Oxilon has already fallen, and my father has yet to return. Now, with my sister’s illness, I have only you at my side. You don’t understand how much that means to me, Jahno. I need to portray my strength to our people, but you know of my weaknesses,” he paused, rising up to meet his eyes. “If Father would allow, I’d keep you with me always. I love you, Jahno,” he whispered, drawing him down for a kiss. When a loud thumping sounded from the door, Daracus’ face immediately darkened.

  “I said no one should disturb me!” Daracus shouted, rising up in the bed.

  “Pardons, Sir,” a guard called from the corridor. “We’ve received word about your father. A great threat approaches Nazil.”

  Daracus leapt up from the bed, pull
ing the drapes closed. “Stay here and remain silent,” he ordered, covering his nakedness.

  Thank the gods, Jahno thought, wiping the taste from his mouth.

  “What news of my father?” Daracus demanded, flinging the door open. After reclining on his divan, he sipped from his cup, watching the guard’s apprehensive approach.

  “My…my lord, if the reports are true, much has happened near the cursed wood.”

  “I asked about my father, Rowan.”

  He bowed nervously. “Yes, Sir, a—a bird arrived from Lempol. They—what they report seems impossible. Slaves—Nazilian slaves fled to Lempol, slaves that once accompanied your father. They tell of great winged beasts, pythonesses, and our men being dropped from the skies. Some were trampled or mauled. I—what—it’s your father, my lord. They say that he’s among them.”

  “What do you mean, Rowan? Do we now take the words of slaves as fact?”

  “No, Sir, you don’t understand. They, the Caretaker of Lempol, they have your father—his—the Zaxson, my lord, he’s fallen.”

  “No…you lie! My father will return to Nazil victorious. There aren’t any in these lands who can defeat him!”

  Covering his mouth, Jahno suppressed a gasp. He didn’t know whether to rejoice or mourn the Zaxson’s death. He listened intently, grabbing up his clothes and dressing. Daracus would be in no mood for him, and he feared what might come to pass.

  “The Cha sent the message, my lord.” Rowan’s hand trembled, extending out the parchment and then quickly moving away. “They’re searching for more fallen guards and bringing them back to the village. Only the Zaxson and Chosen were brought to the temple. There’s no doubt, my lord. All of Nazil mourns with you.”

  Daracus crumpled the scroll into a ball as tears welled in his eyes. The anger and pain surged up from the pit of his stomach, expelling in a feral yell. Snatching the bottle of wine from the table, he hurled it across the room, just missing the guard’s head.

  “Get out!” Daracus shouted. His body trembled with copious emotion, struggling to maintain control.