The Rise of Nazil

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  After the guard fled his chamber, Daracus dropped to his knees. He couldn’t stop his tears or contain the sorrow overwhelming him. Daracus’ cries filled the chamber, causing Jahno to pause. He’d never witnessed anything like this from Daracus, and even knowing his character, his grief touched him.

  Jahno pulled back the drapes to see Daracus kneeling on the floor, wailing like a lost child. His heart ached not for the man, but for the pain welling inside of him. He does have a heart after all, Jahno thought. I must do something, or everyone in the citadel could suffer. Jahno finished lacing his trousers, going to Daracus’ side.

  He was hesitant, but lowered to the floor, drawing Daracus into a comforting hug. What am I supposed to do? What would ease the heart of someone I truly loved? Jahno contemplated, desperately needing a way to calm Daracus and keep his pain from turning into anger.

  After reciting a silent prayer, Jahno leaned away, cupping his face in his hands. When Daracus met his eyes, Jahno kissed him, feeling Daracus give in to that closeness. This is what he wants, Jahno thought, embracing him again.

  “I’m sorry, milord, and I grieve with you. Your father was a great and honorable man. We’ll find those responsible and they’ll pay for what they’ve done,” Jahno whispered in his ear.

  “They’ll suffer for this,” Daracus wept. “All of them will suffer.”

  “Come, milord, we must make you ready. The Council will arrive soon and you must appear unflappable when you face them,” Jahno said, helping him to stand.

  “You’ve always been there for me, Jahno. I know that you didn’t desire me in the beginning, but I’ve always loved you. It was never my intention to hurt you in any way. If I could, you alone would be mine as I’m truly yours,” Daracus said, wiping his eyes and kissing him again. Daracus removed his robe, nearly collapsing on the divan.

  Jahno couldn’t speak, not now. Pouring a glass of wine, he contemplated what would soothe and comfort Daracus’ heart. As he washed and dressed him, Daracus continued to weep.

  Jahno couldn’t believe the grief he felt, witnessing this suffering. He loathed Daracus, but understood the depth of such pain. Gods, help me find the words.

  “Milord, when you first revealed yourself to me, I didn’t wish it. But my refusal was wrought from fear and the heartache I felt for my family. I’d never experienced such emotion or sharing myself with another, and...and the punishment for my refusal haunts me still this day. But over time, I enjoyed becoming one with you. Although I’ve been afraid to speak the words, I do love you. I didn’t want to admit that due to your relationship with Micah. It angered me to share you with another when my heart is for you alone. I know my words mean little, but I offer them to you anyway,” Jahno said, hoping his deception was convincing.

  A wistful smile crossed Daracus’ face as he clasped his hand. “Your words mean more than you know. Micah could never replace you in my heart. He was only with me for a short time until I found you. The thought that you’d share my heart warms me in ways I can’t express. With everything surrounding me now, this news offers my heart hope.”

  Jahno smiled, helping him to stand. Draping a pearl and gold cloak about his shoulders he said, “You’re the Zaxson of Nazil, milord. What would you have of me?”

  Afferea

  Pentanimir sat alone, listening to the soothing sounds of the falls. He was desperate to understand his true purpose, what the Guardians would have of him. He struggled with his love for Brahanu and his duty for the lands and Nazil. As his eyes closed, he thought of Denotra. She wasn’t who he wanted, but he was pledged and had agreed to honor it.

  “Honor,” he whispered. A word spoken too often in Nazil, yet never truly having meaning.

  His eyes reopened with Brahanu’s words repeating in his mind. He understood her apprehension about their marriage, and agreed with the sagacity of her choice. It wasn’t for him to force his desires upon her. Their son was safe, but he’d soon be forced to leave them both. Could his heart endure such a separation? Could he truly leave them here and marry someone as vile as Denotra? Pentanimir decided that the choice was no longer his. For too long, he’d put himself and their love at the forefront of his life. With Itai, he regretted it most of all. In truth, he respected Brahanu’s husband. Howbeit, could he have truly, yet still make love to his wife? The uncertainty of it pained him.

  Pentanimir thought himself a different person…a better person. He was First Chosen, and a true man of honor as was his father. He, too, loved another, yet did his duty for Nazil. “Were you as tormented and conflicted as me, Father?”

  A small sigh escaped his lips while he contemplated the decisions made, and honor lost. “Brahanu. Eytan. Protect,” he said aloud, as if needing to hear the words from his own lips.

  He’d keep the promise that he made to Itai, to his friend, to Brahanu’s husband. He’d never consider him as any less. Pentanimir recognized that returning to Nazil was a way for him to honor that which he’d promised. Only with accepting his rule could he keep Brahanu safe. That rule could only be established through his pledge to Denotra. The irony of that made him laugh aloud. The two were incongruous, yet this is his reality. The first of many sacrifices, he told himself. He had to know where the Nazilian’s hand would next move to keep those he loved from harm. If that meant being without Brahanu and Tardison at his side, he’d make that sacrifice.

  He closed his eyes again, feeling the weight of his obligations hang heavy about his shoulders. He wouldn’t continue to fight against the truth or torment himself with thoughts of love and happiness. Hosdaq was right when he talked to him in Bandari. It was Pentanimir’s duty to return to Nazil, his onus alone, and he’d honor that which he agreed.

  Honor above all.

  “Pentanimir?”

  When he turned, a smile found his face, although a wistful one. Seeing Hibret solidified his contemplation. She reminded him of the importance of his return to Nazil and the cruelties of his people. It took but one to begin a change. He endeavored to be that one.

  “I’ve found you,” Hibret said.

  “It wasn’t my intention to hide,” Pentanimir said, motioning for her to sit. “Do you need me?”

  “Well…uhm…I’ve heard that you’re returning to Nazil. Is that true?”

  “It is. Is something wrong?”

  Her eyes lowered before she met his again. “No, not wrong. I—I’m just asking because of Wosen. I know what he’s done, I do, but—but that’s not him. I should’ve seen how troubled he was. He didn’t mean to hurt anyone or—or cause this war.” She sighed. “That’s not the man that either of us know, not the one I love. My heart is still his, Pentanimir, and I don’t care what’s happened, I still want us to marry.”

  He draped an arm around her, lifting her face to his. He could feel her desperation and love as if it was his own.

  “If Wosen is in Nazil, I promise to find a way to bring him back to you, Hibret, but it won’t be as you remember him. He’s suffered in the hands of the Nazilians, and their methods are…brutal, especially with those of a blended heritage. The scars you’ll see without will be infinitesimal to those he’ll carry within.”

  “My father warned me of the same. Beneath it all, whatever they’ve done, he’s still my love. I’ll remember him as he was, and accept him as he is.”

  “I promise. A love like yours isn’t often found in these lands,” he said, mourning the loss of his own. “Come now, evening meal will be ready soon, and your mother will look for you. We mustn’t worry her.”

  Hibret accepted his offered arm, returning to the encampment. As they arrived, Pentanimir paused, observing the villagers’ preparations: marking the ground for their new homes, digging a pit for the eternal fire, cutting wood, and preparing meals. Was this how it was in the beginning? When they first built Bandari, he thought, walking toward Julaybeim. Hibret kissed his cheek, and then moved off to find her mother.

  “What are you working on, Julaybeim?”

  He gazed up
at him, wiping the sweat from his face and chest. “The Elder Vot needs wood for fencing to contain the animals.”

  “Indeed,” Pentanimir said, grabbing planks and stacking them.

  Julaybeim slowed his pace, peering at him from the corner of his eye. “Pentanimir, will you be visiting Brahanu soon?”

  Pentanimir paused, tossing the plank. “Not this day. Your sister is healing and needs to rest. The babes tire her, and I’ll allow her this time. There’s much on her mind and heart, and I won’t complicate it with my presence.”

  “Complicate? What’s that to mean? Even I know that her heart is yours. When I learned about her betrayal, it angered me…it does still, but Itai isn’t here, you are. I mourn for him, but I mourn for Brahanu, too. How can you ignore her pain and reason your way out of her life?”

  “What I know, young lord, is that your sister needs time. She’s told me the same, and I’ve finally agreed. Here, she’ll have that time. As she returns to Cazaal and meets her obligations, I’ll do the same in Nazil.”

  Julaybeim dropped his saw, standing to face him. “I’ve heard what awaits you in Nazil. How are you supposed to care for my sister and your son when you’re married to the Zaxson’s daughter?”

  “Don’t allow your tongue to overrule your mind.”

  Julaybeim’s jaw tightened as he took a steadying breath.

  “Julaybeim, Denotra isn’t the only reason why I need to return to Nazil. If Faélondul’s edicts are to change, we need people in place to implement those changes. I know many men of influence that could aid me in this. The Animus Wood is a haven for the people here, but what about the multitude in the lands? Doesn’t their fate matter to you?”

  “It does,” he conceded. “If this is something that you can truly bring to fruition, tell me your plans and receive my aid.”

  “I couldn’t think of anyone better to assist me. Firstly, you must return to Cazaal and aid the people there.”

  “What about my parents? Surely, they’ve already begun repairing what’s been destroyed. My aid might come sooner than you’d think.”

  “As you say, young lord,” he relented, unable to meet his eyes in that moment. “You’re right, and I’ll visit with Brahanu and Tardison for a while. Regardless of anything else, they’re the most important in my life.”

  Julaybeim nodded as Pentanimir proceeded toward the carriages. He wasn’t certain what to say to Brahanu, but he couldn’t be moved. At that moment, he realized that he’d kept his distance more for that reason than any other. But the absence of her and his son only compounded his sorrow and feeling of loss. Being apart from them hadn’t made him stronger, it weakened him.

  “Your son has a good appetite, Pentanimir,” Yeshe said as he approached the carriages. “He’s going to be strong like his father.”

  Pentanimir returned her smile, reaching for Tardison. “Thank you for helping to care for him. You’re more a blessing than you know.”

  “As are you,” Yeshe said, stepping from the carriage. “I appreciate you speaking with Hibret. She’s been inconsolable since learning about Wosen. You’ve given her heart hope, and that means much to her father and me.”

  He nodded, gripping her hand. “I meant what I said, Yeshe. If Wosen is in Nazil, I’ll ensure that he’s reunited with Hibret. After what he’s suffered, it’ll take the whole of Bandari to assist in his healing. He’ll never be the same, but the love that permeates this village will aid in his recovery, and help him reclaim what he once was.”

  “We’ve already forgiven him and pray for his safety.” She smiled, motioning for him to sit. “Sahma is looking for you, too. She spent nearly three turns of the glass braiding Brahanu’s hair. Now, she wants to braid yours.”

  Pentanimir was finally able to laugh, considering the young girl and the purity of her heart. “I’ll find her once I’m finished. There’s no other that I’d want to groom my hair. She’ll give it a good washing and brushing, too. It’s grown longer than I like, and she’ll need to tend it.”

  She smiled, nodding. “I’ll leave you to your privacy.”

  “Thank you, Yeshe,” he said, moving to sit next to Brahanu.

  Her entire face brightened as she reached for his hand. It had been too long since they could be alone. Seeing her smile made him long for her touch…for all of her.

  “I’d hoped to see you, Pentanimir. Gali says that I’m getting stronger and should be able to walk without help soon.”

  “Your color returns as well,” he said, admiring her smooth, mahogany complexion. When his eyes rested on her lips, he moistened his own, fondly recalling the taste and feel of them.

  “Your hair looks beautiful,” he said, admiring the small braids. “You look like your mother.”

  Brahanu blushed. “She wore hers like this often,” she said, stroking a stone dangling from one of the ends. “I miss them.”

  “I know,” he said, turning away. “How—how is Eytan? He looks to be feeding better now.”

  “He is, and growing stronger with each sun. He’s looking more like his father, too. I hope that’ll bring some joy to Tioch’s heart.”

  “Me as well. Once Julaybeim returns to Cazaal and ensures it’s safe, he’ll come for the both of you with a contingent of sentries. They’ll see you home safely.”

  “Julaybeim? What about you, Pentanimir?”

  “It’s not my place…not this time. I doubt that the Cazaalians would welcome me so soon after this war. I’ll visit Spero and then return to Nazil. I’ve told you about my plans and what lies ahead.”

  “Yes, you told me, but you never asked my opinion on the matter. How can you leave me and your son so easily?”

  For a moment, he didn’t answer. Pentanimir kissed his son, caressing his patch of silvery-white hair before lowering him into his basket. He dreaded his next words, but needed to speak them.

  “On this, Brahanu, neither of our opinions truly matter. I’m the Caretaker of Spero and pledged to the Zaxson’s daughter. I offered to forego all of this for you, to remain here with you and our son, and you didn’t want that. It took time, but I realized the wisdom in your words. I’ve done all that I can here, and need to return to Nazil. Nothing in these lands will ever change without those willing to initiate that change. I love you more now than ever before, but my heart can’t bear being near you and not with you,” he said, standing to leave.

  “Doesn’t our love have meaning?”

  “Brahanu, our love is what drives me to honor my duty. Just as you were to return to Cazaal and leave Tardison and me, I must return to Nazil. Learning about Itai doesn’t alter what you said. That’s where your heart truly leaned, and I’ve accepted that.” Pentanimir leaned forward, kissing her softly. “My love for you is everlasting, and it’ll never leave my heart. What I do for Faélondul, I do for our family most of all. Denotra awaits our bond, and I need to see it through.”

  “No, Pentanimir, marry me. I’m ready now. Please. Don’t leave me here alone.”

  “As you said, if the gods wish it to be, it will be,” he said, raising her hand to his lips, and exiting the carriage.

  As the sun surrendered to the moon, Pentanimir returned to the encampment. His hands and back ached after harvesting trees throughout the evening. He did whatever he could to keep his mind from Brahanu and her expression when he left her.

  “May I join you, First Chosen?” Hosdaq asked, handing him a water skin.

  Pentanimir nodded, turning up the skin and sitting near the fire.

  “When do you plan to leave, Pentanimir?”

  “No longer than two suns. Julaybeim and I will travel together as far as Spero. I’ll ensure he arrives in Cazaal safely before taking the Great Sword toward Nazil.”

  “Will it be safe for you to travel alone? The humans will be wary of Nazilians.”

  “If my guard has returned to Spero, I’ll have them accompany me. The Cha will send a bird to alert Nazil of my coming. Denotra should be pleased.”

  “Will you truly
fulfill your pledge? Even after everything that’s happened?”

  “Elder, not so long ago, you alone opposed my remaining in Bandari. You reminded me about my duty to Nazil. How can you now question me honoring it?”

  “I’ve been a fool regarding many things. Duty and honor plagued my mind and wiped all else from it. I told you of my heart when you arrived in the wood. Now, tell me what lies in yours, son of Manifir?”

  “My heart? Again, you speak of hearts, Elder. My heart aches for these lands. It aches for those not within the wood. It aches for my son and his mother. My heart tells me to return to Nazil, and my mind knows the same.”

  Hosdaq’s gaze lowered. “You speak true, and I can’t deny what I said, however, I know that you love Brahanu. Both of you share a special connection that shouldn’t be allowed to wither. Tardison is here, and he’ll need both of his parents.”

  “My love for one can’t supersede my love for the many. What I do for Nazil, I do for Tardison, Eytan, and all others of Faélondul. My love for Brahanu can no longer keep me from my purpose, nor can I keep her from hers.”

  “Pentanimir—” Hosdaq’s words caught in his throat as a chilling zephyr swept over them. Flaming tendrils from the eternal fire lashed out, whipping around them as they attempted to stand, only to be forced back by the powerful gusts.

  A upsurge of panicked cries echoed through the darkness when loud screeches resonated on the swirling torrents encompassing the encampment.

  “Hosdaq!” Osmara shouted, clutching Malkia’s hand as she struggled to his side. He labored to his feet, drawing them defensively against him.

  Pentanimir unsheathed his Xtabyren, and then staggered back, witnessing a luminous orb drifting toward the fire.

  “Do not fear, people of Bandari,” the Guardians spoke melodiously, the orb encasing them diminishing, and revealing the seven held within. “The Guardians are among you: we here before you, and those from above.”

  As they cast their gaze upward, the faint, violet hues of the Protectors shone brightly in the darkened sky. The winds swept over them again, as the beasts began their descent.