“You know what I mean, Arilian. It’s apparent that someone was with her upon my return. I want their name.”
Arilian shook his head, causing his hanging chins to wiggle. “Lady Denotra has only spoken of her pledged.”
“If the gods are good, he’ll return to her soon. This alone might bring her from her sleep.”
“It might, but I still haven’t discovered a reason for her ailment.”
“I’m going to speak with Hushar about the same. She was with Denotra after she became ill, and could offer some insight,” Daracus said, bending to kiss his sister’s cheek. “No one but us will know about her condition. Ensure that she’s fully healed and there’s no indication of her shame. If Pentanimir does arrive soon, I’d keep him ignorant of her state.”
Arilian’s eyes widened. “He isn’t going to be told?”
“Are you a fool, old man? Do you think the First Chosen of Nazil would want to marry a whore?”
“My—my lord, I’d never think of Lady Denotra that way. I—”
“He’s not to learn of it. If her maidenhead isn’t intact, that’s reason enough to make the pledge void. My father desired this union, and it will come to pass.”
“Yes sir, Zaxson. There’re thin skins that can be filled with pigs blood, and positioned inside. I could ensure to place one after their ceremony. If she’s careful, the skin won’t rupture prematurely and Sir Benoist would be none the wiser.”
“Good. You alone will know of this, Arilian. I’ll make arrangements for an informal ceremony upon Pentanimir’s return, and a public one next season. Gather what you need and be ready.”
“I’ll see to it immediately, my lord.”
Reunions and Forgiveness
Pentanimir and Danimore exchanged a look as they reached a clearing near the falls. Two people sat with their backs to them, on a bench near the water’s edge. Their curiosity piqued, noticing that one of them was Nazilian.
“Join your brothers,” Angelaris said. After offering low bows, the Protectors mounted their beasts, disappearing within the cascading ribbons of water.
“Come, we must join the others. There’s much to discuss,” Angelaris said, motioning to them.
The brothers continued staring at the falls, following behind the AsZar. They didn’t turn until the two visitors stood to face them.
“Cha Temian?” Danimore’s brow creased, as he stopped, staring at the two. This was the first time he’d seen the Cha without his liturgical vestments. Temian wore a black leather vest and trews with a long cloak. Danimore eyed him warily as Pentanimir went to greet them.
“I’m glad to see you so soon, Temian. I was worried that I wouldn’t see you before I left for Nazil,” Pentanimir said, embracing him.
“I appreciate you giving me leave to go. If not for the Protectors, I wouldn’t have returned so soon. This is Thalassa.” Temian smiled, nudging their sister forward. Pentanimir returned his smile, looking at his sister. Unlike Temian, Thalassa resembled her mother. With thick black hair and olive skin, only her pale eyes told of her Nazilian heritage.
“Thalassa?”
She nodded, wrapping him in a tight hug. Pentanimir was filled with emotion as he greeted his sister for the first time.
“Cha Temian, what’s going on?” Danimore said. “Why are you here, and who’s this?”
“Come, sit, and learn of it, Dani. It’s time that we truly knew each other,” Temian said. Danimore tossed a glance at Pentanimir, before moving to the bench. After hearing the detailed recounting, he sat in near disbelief, until Temian and Thalassa showed him the wooden figures.
“Why would you keep this from me, Pentanimir?”
“I only learned about it recently,” Pentanimir said. “Temian met with me in Spero before I left for Cazaal. I didn’t have time to tell you everything, but I was going to before leaving for Nazil.”
“Father should’ve told us about them. And what about Hushar? We could’ve arranged to move her to Spero.”
“I tried the same,” Temian said. “They wouldn’t release our mother, but we’re going to ensure that she’s freed.”
“We will,” Pentanimir said, going to his side. “I won’t allow Hushar to remain a captive any longer.”
Danimore’s mouth gaped, staring wide-eyed at them side by side. “By the gods,” he finally said. “You’re one unto the other. How didn’t anyone notice?”
“We’ve thought the same,” Pentanimir said.
Angelaris stepped forward, inclining her head. “Now that the children of Manifir have been reunited, much lies ahead for each of you, and the son of Hosdaq is ready to add his strength to yours.”
“Wosen?”
“Not only, but yes. As with each of you, he possesses what’s needed to usher in the change you’ve fervently beseeched the gods to manifest. It’s not from the gods that such shifts can come forth, it begins and ends in the hearts of men. The Guardians will aid each of you, but they won’t control or alter the aspects of your lives. The greatness is within you to be the change that you want to see in the lands.”
Pentanimir glanced at his siblings’ agreeing nods before regarding Angelaris again. “We’ll do whatever is necessary to free the lands and its people, but Wosen doesn’t have any experience with such things, AsZar. I won’t endanger him.”
“Wosen is more capable than you know, and you’ll have the Protectors as well. They’ll see you safely to Nazil, and aid in removing the threat from these lands.”
“That’s not enough,” Danimore said. “Are you planning an attack on Nazil? They have thousands of well-trained Chosen ready to defend the city. We’ll need more than a handful of warriors to even breach their walls.”
Angelaris smiled. “You won’t breach their walls…you’ll soar above them. Don’t allow what you perceive to become your reality, Danimore. It isn’t numbers that will win this war, it’s perseverance, conviction, and faith. A thousand men can fall before one who’s greater. Most battles aren’t fought upon an open field, children of Manifir. They’re won or lost in the heart and mind before one’s sword is even drawn.”
Temian stepped closer. “Who else will join us?”
“That can’t be revealed until he makes a choice.”
“A choice?”
“Yes, as is was with each of you. He must reconcile his heart with his mind. Once he decides to confront what he fears, he’ll be of great aid to you.”
“Wait,” Danimore said. “What about Denotra and Daracus?”
“They’ll have the same opportunity as every denizen of Nazil,” Pentanimir said. “I’ve asked about the future of Faélondul and my place in it, and now, the Guardians have revealed that to me. When I return to Nazil, I won’t be answering a pledge, I’m joining with my siblings to liberate the lands.”
“That and more,” Angelaris agreed. “The Protectors will leave in seven suns. You must prepare not only physically, but also mentally. Once Nazil is secured, the Protectors will descend on the Nazilian villages and outposts. If they raise arms against them, they’ll be destroyed.”
“All of them?” Pentanimir asked.
“The Vereuxs’ rule must come to an end. It’s through them that darkness descended upon the lands and continues to fester. The people have called out to the Guardians, and they’ve answered. The whole will not be damned to save the few.”
Arinak and Baldon’s return silenced any forthcoming retorts. The siblings watched as the Protectors emerged from the falls, dismounting and kneeling before the AsZar.
[36]“Be’tam Amelyko,” Angelaris said. “Please escort them back to their encampment and bring Brahanu and Eytan upon your return.”
“Brahanu and Eytan?” Pentanimir asked. “Will you return Tardison to us?”
“In time. Tardison needs to be with the Guardians now. After you return from Nazil, we’ll present him to the both of you. Brahanu has one who awaits her,” Angelaris said curtly, walking into the falls.
The trek back to the encampmen
t was silent, each contemplating what Angelaris had revealed and Faélondul’s future. Pentanimir contemplated even more as he walked to the carriages to confront Brahanu.
“Brahanu, Angelaris has asked to see you. There’s someone you need to meet.”
“Is it Tardison? If not, I don’t want to leave Eytan.”
“She’s asked for you to bring Eytan, and promises to return Tardison to us soon.”
“No, he’ll be returned to you. My body was used to bring him forth, and now that the pain has been suffered, I’m not allowed the joy of my son.”
“He’ll be returned to the both of us, Brahanu. Neither you nor Eytan will be without Tardison.”
“What could I be to him, his wet nurse? You’ll be wed to Denotra, and I’d be nothing more than a slave. Tardison won’t even be allowed through the gates of your city. They’d torture him just as they did Wosen.”
“Brahanu, I don’t have time to explain everything now. Changes are coming to Faélondul that will alter everything that we’ve known. If I wasn’t certain that our son was safe, I wouldn’t make it appear otherwise. The Guardians are protecting him just as they are us.”
With that, she accepted his offered hand, rising up from the cot. That feeling, that closeness, caused an eruption of emotion to fill him. He steadied his stance, relishing the completeness that she brought to him.
“Brahanu, no matter what might lie ahead for me, my love is unchanged,” he said, drawing her nearer. “We have much to discuss upon your return.”
“Nor has mine,” she said, gripping him tighter and walking to where Baldon waited. She couldn’t keep her mind from that love, yet lamented what had already been lost. She was conflicted, and didn’t want to lose the relationship they shared or relinquish the memories and love she shared with Itai. Brahanu looked down at Eytan then. She grieved for his loss most of all.
“It’s good that you’ve come,” Baldon said, dismounting Náelon. “Come, Brahanu, the AsZar awaits.”
She nearly took a step back, gazing up at the fiendish-looking beast and the enormous man beside it. Náelon’s eyes shimmered in the dim light as she pawed at the ground. Brahanu had never been this close to the Desu Beasts, and although they looked akin to a creature from the abyss, it wasn’t fear that she felt.
“It’ll be all right,” Pentanimir whispered as Baldon reached for her.
Brahanu merely nodded, taking a deep breath as Baldon cradled her in his arms, mounting Náelon.
“Where are we going?” Brahanu asked.
“We’re going beyond the falls.”
“Beyond? What do you mean?”
“Beyond what you perceive, Brahanu. The Animus Wood is but the border to our home. Afferea lies beyond the falls.”
Brahanu nestled Eytan closer, leaning into Baldon’s arms. As they approached the cascading falls, she nearly called out, raising a hand up to shield her son. Only a warmth followed, with twinkling variegated ribbons seeming more like a rainbow than water. Her mouth gaped, looking up at Baldon and then back to the light encasing them.
“Did—didn’t we just pass through the falls, Baldon?” Brahanu asked as they emerged in a thicket. “What happened?”
“The falls are merely what you see, but there’s always more that cannot be seen.”
She didn’t speak again, marveling at the beauty that surrounded them: paths of creeping vines and flowering bushes laced around the hillocks, winding up beyond where she could see. The sweet melody of the falls chimed softly, soothing and filling her with a serenity that she’d never known.
“This is our true home,” Baldon said. [37]“Ar’raat.” When Náelon halted, Baldon dismounted, lowering Brahanu to the ground. [38]“Beaz gon’neesa, Náelon,” he said, patting Náelon’s side.
“It’s time, Brahanu, the Guardians and the AsZar await.” He motioned to a flowering hillock where seven falls merged into one. An earthen stair carved into one side was draped with flowering vines interwoven on either side, giving the appearance of a balustrade. Brahanu followed the stairs’ path upward to a platform surrounded by the harmonic tendrils of glistening streams. It was beautiful.
“I—I can’t walk, Baldon.”
“You’ve passed beneath the falls of Afferea, Brahanu,” he said with a smile seemingly uncharacteristic for a being of his size and appearance.
Looking at him curiously, Brahanu released his fingers, taking a step forward. When she didn’t feel any pain, she took another step, and then turned back to Baldon.
“They await you,” he said, gesturing her forward again.
Turning back around, Brahanu flinched, seeing the AsZar and the Guardians at the base of the stairs. She repositioned Eytan, increasing her pace.
“We’re grateful that you’ve come, Brahanu.”
“Pentanimir said that someone was here to see me.”
“There is, and our time grows short,” Angelaris said, motioning toward the falls. The Guardians glided up the earthen stair, positioning themselves around the curtain of water. After joining hands, they raised their heads, emitting rays of luminescence reaching nearly to the heavens.
Brahanu couldn’t move, staring at the dappling facets glistening in the stream. The sound from the falls was tranquil, beckoning and soothing her all at once.
“Brahanu?”
She gasped. The voice was familiar, yet it wasn’t. At that moment, she wanted to return to the carriage, but she remained tethered to the ground as her heartbeat quickened.
“He can’t move beyond the [39]T’reyUhm R’aFek of the Guardians,” Angelaris said. “You must go to him before the moment is lost.”
Taking a deep breath, Brahanu ascended the stairs, timidly reaching a hand through the falls.
“Brahanu,” he said again, gently grasping her hand. Though she attempted to pull away, he tightened his grip, guiding her through the stream.
“By the gods!” she said, nearly toppling down the stairs. “Itai? How? Itai!”
She wept, both joyous and fearful. “It can’t be. My eyes only show me what my heart desires.”
Itai drew her closer, kissing her tenderly. “It’s what my heart desired, my love,” he said, kissing her again.
Brahanu nearly collapsed in his arms, never wanting to be free from him again. “Itai? How can this be?”
Itai embraced her tighter, looking down at his son.
“He looks like you, husband, he looks just like you,” she said, removing his swaddle.
Lifting him from her arms, Itai kissed his son, hugging him against his chest. His tears joined hers, holding his son for the first time.
“Our son is beautiful, Brahanu, just as you are beautiful.”
“Gods, I love you, Itai.” Brahanu pulled him down to her, kissing him more passionately than she ever had before. If this were a dream, she never wanted it to end. She’d stay with her husband and son, leaving the rest of the world behind.
“They—they told me that you fell in battle,” she finally managed. “How can you be with us now?”
“The Guardians have blessed us, but our time won’t be long. Once their light fades, so, too, will I.”
“What? No, stay with us, please, don’t leave us, Itai. I love you.” Her tears increased, clutching on to him.
“I’ll always be with you, my love, but I can’t remain. What you know of me has passed from the realm of the living. Only through the Guardians are we allowed this time. I’m here this moment, but also with those who fell at my side in Cazaal.”
“No…I…I can feel and smell you. You’re here with us, and I’ll never let you go. Eytan and I need you, Itai, please don’t leave us.”
He leaned in, kissing her again. Never had his touch been more intense or satisfying.
“In this state, this existence, my understanding is beyond that which it was. Being within the T’reyUhm R’aFek has provided me with knowledge of things past, Brahanu. Many things unknown to me before.” Itai cradled his son, kissing his cheeks and hands. “I know ab
out Tardison, too.”
Her mouth dropped, unable to meet his eyes. “I’m sorry, Itai. I—I tried to tell you when I returned, but you wouldn’t allow it. I’ve never loved anyone as deeply as I love you. Please forgive me, husband.”
Lifting her face to his, he kissed her again, and more fervently than before. He wanted her to feel his love in that kiss just as veritably as he felt hers.
“I love you,” he whispered against her lips, kissing her softly and then moving away. “I know that your love for me is greater than any other, and I understand that it wasn’t your love for Pentanimir, but the need of the Guardians.” When a look of bemusement covered her face, he shook his head, caressing her cheek. “Through the Guardians I’ve gained not only clarity, but also peace. If I were with you in Cazaal, I wouldn’t be of the same mind. Being as I am here this day, only the love that I have for you and our son remains. It’s that love which permitted me to remain when the others passed through the T’reyUhm R’aFek.”
“Please, forgive me. Tell me what you want me to do, Itai, and I’ll do it. Regardless of what I’ve allowed, I never stopped loving you. You’ll always live in my heart, always.”
“I have forgiven you, as the Guardians forgave me. I pray that you offer that same forgiveness to yourself. My love for you is eternal, but that’s all I have left to give. If you can have the happiness you brought to my life with another, I’d have it so. I can no longer provide such happiness for you, though I wish it otherwise. Know that my heart never belonged to any other. Now, the love of you and my son will fill me as I await you beyond the falls,” he said, cradling Eytan closer, and kissing him again. “Eytan Itai Gael, second of your name.
“You must take him home, Brahanu, my papa and Naji await him there. They’ll need Eytan as they mourn for me.” As the light encasing them bedimmed, he stroked Eytan’s dark curls, kissing him again. Holding him against his chest, Itai fought against the anguish welling inside of him, and focused on his blessings.
“I love you, Eytan, forever will I love you,” he whispered in his ear, and handed him back to Brahanu. “It’s nearly time, my love, and I’ll be with you no more.”
The Rise of Nazil Page 71