As Daracus begun to respond, Beilzen sobbed, still begging. Daracus sighed, glaring over at him and then landed a hard backhand to his face.
“The Zaxson and his Chosen are speaking, Beilzen. You’re being quite rude to interrupt. Sir Merrimont, is there perchance something that you could put in his mouth to keep him quiet?”
Yannick grinned as Beilzen tightened his lips. He shook his head, watching Yannick walk toward him, untying his laces.
“Listen well, caitiff.” Yannick gripped his chin, forcing his head up. “If you so much as attempt to clamp down on me, I’ll force every tooth from your head and take you to the stables. You haven’t taken a cock until you have that of a horse.”
“No, please, no—”
Daracus’ hand slipped into his trousers, enjoying Yannick’s skillful movements. A pleasured smile creased his lips, his mouth going slack, following each movement, until Yannick’s thunderous moan quickened his own release.
Beilzen was nearly blue, lurching sideward, coughing and retching as Yannick withdrew. Heaving in a sharp breath, he groaned, spewing more bile and blood before his body drooped against the tethers holding him upright.
Daracus clucked his tongue, dabbing sweat from his face. “Sir Merrimont, you must teach our young friend how to swallow. He seems to have made quite a mess.”
“Mayhaps we should have him lick it from the ground. That would teach him not to waste such precious nourishment.”
Daracus laughed. “Some other time. I haven’t the desire to witness such activity just now. However, I’d have you move him to the table so that I can examine what he forced inside of my dear sister.”
“Yes, my lord.” When Yannick released him from the irons, Beilzen’s body went limp. The oozing fluids left a trail as he was dragged across the chamber and tossed onto the table.
“His cock is small,” Yannick said, flicking the thin tip. “My thumb stands larger.”
When Beilzen didn’t respond, Daracus lifted a pail from the floor, dumping the contents over his face. Beilzen’s eyes popped open and he gasped, choking on the water.
“Ah, it’s good to have you back with us, son of Perrin. We wouldn’t want you to miss a moment.” Daracus whispered in his ear. “Sir Merrimont was commenting on the minuscule size of your cock,” he said, fondling it in his hand. “But we both know that until it stands full, no one can speak of the true size.”
As Daracus continued, Beilzen’s body responded, regardless of how much he wished it otherwise.
“Ah, see there, Sir Merrimont, it’s not so small.”
Yannick scoffed, unimpressed.
“Now that we’ve ascertained the size, I’ll give you the opportunity to tell me how this pitiful piece of flesh found its way inside my sister.”
Tears rolled from Beilzen’s eyes as he squeezed them shut. No matter his words, they’d hold no meaning.
“Didn’t you hear the Zaxson?” Yannick said, gripping his sac.
“Yes, please,” Beilzen squealed, the searing pain igniting every nerve in his body. “I didn’t wish it, my lord. I did only as Lady Denotra commanded.”
“Are you to tell me that my sister asked you to brutally take her maidenhead? Is this what I’m to believe? She’s pledged to the First Chosen of Nazil, but you want me to believe that it’s you she prefers?”
Beilzen shook his head, coughing. “She didn’t want me, she wanted Pentanimir. She made me answer by his name after instructing me how to please her.”
Daracus glanced up at Yannick. In his heart, he felt that Beilzen was telling the truth, but it didn’t matter. Too many people knew about Denotra’s state, and someone had to suffer for it. She couldn’t be known as a whore, even though Daracus always knew that she was.
“So, you were a substitute for our First Chosen?” Daracus forced a laugh. “You look that of a woman compared with Sir Benoist.”
“I swear, Zaxson, before all four gods. Lady Denotra asked me to take her, she yearned for her pledged and couldn’t have him. It was my mouth she took instead, and called out the name of him she loved.” He struggled through each word, feeling his throat swelling shut.
“Oh, I see. Did this anger you? There you were acting as a good little servant, pleasing my fair sister with your mouth. Then, when pleasure took hold, it was another she called out to. Is that the truth of it?” Daracus asked, his tone calm.
“She did, my lord. I only did as she commanded.”
Yannick slapped him hard across the face. “Everyone knows that you’ve lusted after Lady Denotra. Don’t try to push your perversions off onto her. She’d never allow you near her.”
“Sir Yannick, I believe that Beilzen should be relieved of that which caused this offense. Mayhaps then, the women of Nazil would be safe.”
“Aye, my lord. We must protect our women above all others. His cock is little payment for the crime that he’s committed.”
“I want all of it. Remove his cock and sac, and cut him a slit.”
“As you say.”
“No, please, forgive me. I’ll do whatever you command. Please, please,” Beilzen begged as Daracus ripped parts of the soiled bedding, stuffing it in his mouth.
“Enjoy the taste of my sister’s blood,” he sneered. “She’ll be the last woman that you’ll ever enter!”
Daracus spun around, walking toward the stairs. A loud sizzle and muffled scream filled the dark corridor, resonating off the stone walls. Beilzen’s body thrashed violently as he was separated from his manhood and sac.
“Put those in a jar, Sir Merrimont. He’ll need something to eat later.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Oh, and inform Ladir to visit my chambers after evening meal. I have an issue that requires his special abilities.”
“As you say, my lord,” Yannick said, knowing the Zaxson’s intent.
Daracus made his way up the steep stairs, fumbling with the pouch at his waist. His pace quickened, clutching the empty pouch in his fist and rushing to Denotra’s chamber.
“Arilian,” he shouted, entering the room.
The old man jerked, turning as he startled him. “Your sister grows weaker, Zaxson, I fear the worst.”
“Yes, yes, do all you can for her, Arilian. Now, I have an urgent need,” Daracus said, handing him the pouch.
“My lord, it’s empty.”
“Do you think me daft? Why else would I give it to you? I need more, now.”
“But Sir, it’s only been seven suns. There was enough here to last three times that long. It’s dangerous to consume so much so quickly.”
“I didn’t ask for your assessment. All I need from you are the pellets, now!”
“I—I have very few left. I need more mandrake, tears of the poppy, imphepho, and kava. Until I receive more, I can’t produce the pellets.”
“I’ll take what you have, and don’t let the time come again when you don’t have what’s needed to produce more. Always keep a supply for whenever I should need them.”
“Yes, Zaxson. Firstly, I need to speak with you about Lady Denotra.”
“That can wait,” Daracus said, growing more agitated. “Go now and see to my needs. I’ll stay here until you return. Make haste.”
“Yes—yes, my lord.”
After Arilian left, Daracus sat on the bed, staring at his sister, while sifting through the muddled thoughts in his mind. “Could his words be true? Did your lust for Pentanimir cause you to allow that hedgeborn filth to pleasure you?”
Daracus stroked her sweat-soaked hair, hearing Beilzen’s words repeat in his mind. Gradually, the gentle stroking ceased, and his movements became rougher, tugging pieces of hair from her head.
“Surely, you wouldn’t shame our family, Sister. You wouldn’t willingly lay with such a low-born piece of scum. Always you dangled Beilzen on a string, using him at your whim. You knew that he longed for you.” His lips curled into a snarl, leaning to whisper in her ear. His hands slid down her hair, caressing her neck.
“No
w your little songbird lies in the dark chamber, crying like a woman. That cock you made use of so well has been removed. Mayhaps you’d like to feel it again before I feed it to him? Would you like that, Sister?” Daracus said through clenched teeth, moving both hands to her throat, squeezing and twisting as he spoke.
“Because of you, I’ve injured Jahno again. It’s always you, isn’t it? Father thought it was me, but it was you. I couldn’t have who I wanted, but you had every one of your servants licking you each night until you squealed. Yes, I’ll bring you your cock. You’ll feel the same pain you’ve inflicted upon me. You’re nothing but a whore.”
Arilian paused at the door, staring over at the bed. His brow knitted, observing Daracus bent over his sister.
“Arilian.” He shot up from the bed, rushing toward him. “Do you have them?”
“Yes, my lord. There’re thirteen left, but Pailen has gone to fetch more ingredients.”
“Excellent,” Daracus said, immediately placing a pellet beneath his tongue. Everything faded away as he closed his eyes, allowing the feeling to overtake him.
“My lord,” Arilian shouted, wrenching him from his euphoria. “By the gods, what happened?”
Daracus blinked his eyes open, staggering around. As his vision cleared, he noticed Arilian grasping his sister.
“Wha—what do you mean?” he slurred. “What’s the matter?”
“Your sister, my lord. Lady Denotra, she—she’s dead.”
Strategy
Osmara snuggled closer to Hosdaq, resting her head on his smooth chest. She fought to keep her tears at bay, though desolation permeated her very being. The passing suns seemed more liked moments until he’d leave her for Nazil. Now, the time was here, and she couldn’t bear to think of it.
“Did you sleep at all, my wife?”
“Only thoughts of this war filled my mind, forcing all else from it. Why must you leave the safety of the wood?”
“I can’t send Wosen to Nazil alone. Only Pentanimir and I have trained with the Chosen Guard, and my sword is needed, my love.”
He sat up, resting a hand on her stomach. “I’m not doing this only for the lands. I’m doing this for my children, for you, and for our child you’re carrying now. I love you more than anyone that I’ve known, Osmara, and I refuse to hide that love, or allow our children to be forced from these lands. Too long have the rulers of Nazil corrupted the truth and misled our people. Your blood is the same as mine…there’s nothing that separates us. If I wasn’t needed, I’d never leave your side.”
“I know of the need, but I’m afraid. You’ve only just come to me, Hosdaq, and we’ve had little time together. If I were to lose you now, I wouldn’t want to live.” Osmara wept as Hosdaq enfolded her into his arms.
“Allay your fears. The Guardians will protect us, and you won’t lose me. They’ve already spoken of our victory.”
“They’ve spoken of your victory, not of your survival. You haven’t been in the white city for years, and I don’t want you from my side.”
“Nothing will keep me from returning to you. Together we’ll see our children birthed and grow strong. I’m coming back to you,” he said, embracing her tighter. “Will you come with me to the hall? I have to meet the others, but I don’t want to leave you alone.”
“I’ll come after readying Malkia. I know that you’re meeting with the Elders, too.”
“I won’t be taking my meals at the Elder’s table anymore. Our family is the most important thing in my life, and I’ll be at your side,” he said, kissing her lovingly. “What you said in Bandari was true. You didn’t express your love for me, but I’m guilty of the same. I was afraid then, but no longer. I would’ve loved you endlessly, my wife, as I cherish you now. Don’t think that my heart doesn’t ache at the thought of leaving. Learning of your love and our coming child have been among the happiest moments in my life. I love you, Osmara, I’ve always loved you. The Guardians will bring me through safely. I promise.”
She smiled wistfully, sliding the cover away. “If you’re going to Nazil, I need you to be a part of me before you do.”
He kissed her waiting lips. “There’s no other place that I’d wish to be,” he said, moving over her.
Temian and Thalassa stretched, approaching the hall. Neither of them had rested well with thoughts of the coming battle occupying their thoughts. As they opened the door, Pentanimir and Danimore were sipping steaming cups of tea, sitting at a table nearest the door. The brothers sat close, viewing a large piece of vellum.
“Is this a map of Nazil?” Thalassa asked, joining them at the table.
“It’s mainly the citadel and temple. I’ve marked the barracks and doors here.” Pentanimir pointed out their locations, motioning the two closer. “The citadel is surrounded by not one, but two walls. There’s a drawbridge between them, and two portcullises, which are raised and lowered by the guards here,” he continued, pointing to different locations on the map. “The battlements and ramparts are here. There’re arrow loops and murder holes as well. We must concentrate our arrows in these locations. The guards inside will have access to arbalests, but they don’t routinely have them in place. When they go to retrieve the weapons, we must be ready.
“This location is a small entrance to the cells, and there’re several postern doors here. All of these are barbicans, and usually only two to four guards are stationed there. And this, of course, is the curtain wall. I’m not certain about the temple’s detailed layout, and know of only three entrances. We’ll need you to mark those, Temian.”
He moved closer, picking up several stones from the table. “Here and here. These aren’t known to most. This one is of the most importance. It’s meant as an escape door of sorts, and doesn’t lead directly outside. There’s an underground tunnel that lets out behind the citadel.”
Pentanimir nodded, continuing to study the map. “Like the tunnel of Hyorin,” he said, quietly.
“The children of Manifir are joined at last,” Temian said, taking a seat beside them.
“Not all, Brother. Crissu was supposed to be with us,” Thalassa lamented.
“He is with us, Sister,” Temian said. “In all that we do, he’s with us.”
Thalassa nodded, regarding the others. “Were you able to rest?”
“Only thoughts of the coming battle were in my mind.” Danimore stretched, shaking his head. “The more I did to rid myself of them; the more powerful they became.”
“Me, too,” Pentanimir said. “Brahanu did much to soothe me, but I couldn’t rest.”
“Thalassa and I were much the same. I don’t think anyone rests well on the eve of battle. But we need to stay focused and remember everything we’ve planned. Nazil won’t be prepared for our attack, and we’ll use this to our advantage. Our strike must be fierce and unrelenting.”
“The citadel will be the most difficult target,” Pentanimir said, pointing at the map. “With Wosen’s arrows, our chances are greatly improved.”
“Yes, but if we’re to take it, our descent must be flawless,” Danimore said. “I know that the Protectors can place us where we need to be, but once inside, are we on our own against all of the guard?”
“No,” Pentanimir said. “Thalassa, Arinak, and Baldon will be with us. Their beasts will wreak havoc on the guards attempting to enter, and any on the ramparts that Wosen hasn’t removed.”
“Indeed. Hosdaq and I’ll secure the temple,” Temian said. “The false gods of Nazil will be destroyed this day. Once we’ve taken the temple and detained the Cha, the remaining guard will come to us. With the Protectors’ help, we’ll keep the guards from storming the citadel. Wosen will continue circling above, and the beast’s mist can help slow multitudes of guards.”
“Yes,” Thalassa said. “The Protectors don’t always fight on the backs of their beasts. They’ll do as the Protectors command through their extrasensory connection. It’s grown stronger being amongst the Guardians. They’ve all grown stronger.”
; “As have we,” Danimore said. “Will the nectar we consumed protect us from their poison?”
“Not fully. There wasn’t enough time, and you could only ingest small amounts. You must take great care with your blades.”
“What about the slaves?” Temian asked. “Who’ll release them?”
“I will,” Danimore said. “There are guards stationed throughout the corridors, but only two guard the cells. If the Nazilians have taken more captives, they can assist us. We’ll enter with six, but there’ll be many more once the slaves are set free.”
“You’ll enter with seven,” a voice called from the door.
The siblings squinted, raising a hand to block the sun’s rays bathing the hall.
“Julaybeim?” Pentanimir said, surprised. “We can’t ask this of you. This battle belongs to us alone.”
“Where’s that written, First Chosen?” Julaybeim said in his usual defiant tone, taking interest in the map.
Gali raised up a hand, shaking her head. “Save your words, Pentanimir, he’s of a singular mind. During the night, he woke with horrible dreams. Not even my closeness could soothe his heart or mind. He won’t be moved, not even by the words of his wife.”
Thalassa looked curiously, realizing more from Gali’s statement than the others. “Dreams? What did you see, Julaybeim?”
“I saw my parents. Only, they weren’t truly there. It was merely a shadow of what they were.” He took a deep breath, trying to keep the tremble from his voice. “I called out to them…tried to reach them, but I couldn’t get near. It—it was the falls, like Brahanu described. They seemed to merge all into each other and…and this light. Beneath them, there was a light that reached the heavens.
“I couldn’t reach them; I couldn’t. They smiled at me, embracing each other, and speaking words of love. When I reached out to them again, they were gone…forever they are gone.”
“Do you think your dream is true?” Thalassa asked, resting a gentle hand on his arm.
“I can’t be certain until we return to Cazaal, but I grieve for my parents. Everything appeared as real to me then as all before me now. Had Brahanu not spoken of the merging falls, I’d try to dismiss it…to reason my way through. But being here amongst the Guardians, I feel there’s truth in my dream. It seemed more a vision placed in my mind to awaken me.”
The Rise of Nazil Page 77