“Awaken you to what?” Temian asked.
“To what I must do. If my parents have fallen, it was at the Nazilians’ hands. One more sword in Cazaal would’ve made little difference. But one more sword as we ride to Nazil could make all the difference.” Julaybeim’s dark grey eyes stared unblinkingly, meeting the eyes of each of them.
“He won’t be moved, and I won’t speak against it,” Gali said. “This is what he feels the Guardians would have him do; it’s what he feels in his heart that he must do. I don’t wish it, yet I stand by my husband.”
“We welcome your sword, young lord. However, I pray that your dream is false, and both Hacom and Amani await you in Cazaal,” Pentanimir said, knowing the opposite to be true.
“Thank you, First Chosen, but I don’t feel it’s so. I’ll fight beside you and free the lands of this evil. If my father were here, he’d do the same.”
The hall was nearly full as Hosdaq and Wosen entered with their families.
“What have we missed?” Hosdaq asked.
“We’ve discussed more about our strategy and the city’s layout. However, Julaybeim has decided to join us.”
“Are you certain that this is a battle you wish to join?” Hosdaq asked.
“I’m certain. My sword is yours.”
“Then you’ll assist Temian and me. Taking the temple won’t be the most difficult of tasks, but outside, many guards and Chosen will come against us. Your sword and the skill in which you wield it will be of great use, Julaybeim. The Protectors will aid us significantly, but there’ll be numerous guards we’ll have to face. This won’t be an easy battle, even with the Protectors help. We’re tasked with keeping the guards from reaching the citadel.”
“Yes, and once the captives are freed, chaos could erupt,” Danimore said. “Not everyone will want to fight or be able to, and some may hinder our efforts. We must remain focused and stay on task.”
“Agreed. Let us break our fast and move to the falls,” Pentanimir said. “The AsZar awaits us there.”
Gali’s brow knitted, glancing around the room. “Brahanu and Zeta aren’t joining us?”
Pentanimir and Danimore both shook their heads. “Kuhani met with them not long ago,” Pentanimir said. “They’ll remain in the carriage with the children for now. Our leave has grieved them and they’re comforting each other.”
“I understand their feelings,” Osmara said, taking Hosdaq’s hand. “Even knowing the importance of your duty doesn’t lessen the ache of our hearts.”
Hibret and Gali nodded, kissing their husbands before beginning their meal. Most merely picked at their food, reorganizing it on their plates. Although no one would speak it, the trepidation hung heavily in the air, like a tangible entity, crushing them in malleable tendrils.
A constant click…flick…click, resonated through the silence as Wosen continued to flick a stone on the table. It wasn’t until Hibret rested her hand on his, did the stone again lie still.
“Mayhaps you can take Malkia to see Ameya,” Hosdaq said, kissing Osmara’s hand. “They seem to play well together.”
“Are you leaving now?” Osmara whispered.
“Soon. I’d rather you leave me here than watch me walk away from you. Please, take Malkia to the carriages, and know that I love you,” he said, standing to kiss and embrace her.
“Come now, little one, give your father and brother a hug,” Osmara said. “We’re going to visit Brahanu.”
After they hugged Malkia, Osmara leaned closer for one more kiss, forcing the best smile that she could manage. “May the Guardians be with you,” she said before exiting the hall.
“I’d like you to go, too, Hibret,” Wosen said. “The Guardian’s protection covers us, and I’ll return soon. I love you.”
“I love you, too,” she said, interlacing their fingers and walking to the door.
Julaybeim turned, taking Gali’s hands. “Mayhaps you should join them.”
“But I want to stay. Until the very last moment, I want to be with you.”
“Gali, I don’t want you to see me walking away from you, either. If you join the others, you’ll have the support and love that I’ll be unable to provide.”
“If you don’t want me with you, I’ll go, but I want to stay. Being with you now is what will soothe my heart and mind, Julaybeim.”
“Mine as well,” he said, kissing her tenderly. He’d made the request more for himself than for her. His heart ached at leaving her, and he prayed that he’d have the strength to do so.
“It would be an honor to escort you to the falls,” Kuhani said, bowing.
Hosdaq’s smile was immediate as he stood to embrace him. “The honor will be ours, old friend,” he said, locking stares with him. With a nod of understanding, Kuhani rested a hand over Hosdaq’s heart, prompting him to do the same.
[43]“Daihmud tak pahn’taal daihmud,” Kuhani said, quietly.
[44]“Dijnay ein faeduhn,” Hosdaq responded, feeling the warmth and weight of the K’ohshulian affirmation completely.
Before anyone could question, Kuhani gestured them forward, leading the procession toward the falls.
“Greetings, warriors of Afferea,” the Guardians spoke in unison.
“We are honored to be in your presence,” Kuhani said, bowing low.
Angelaris walked forward, taking her place in front of the Guardians. The Protectors knelt beside their massive beasts, outfitted for battle. Their armor was regal, yet rugged, with mirrored silver breastplates with onyx accents, which seemed fitting for the fierce fighters. The only embellishment was the mark of the Guardians centered on their chests, a mark surrounded by golden flecks symbolizing light.
The habergeons they wore seemed to shift color with the accentuating rays of the sun, changing from a purplish silver, and back again to black. The shields attached to their beasts stood taller than any man, with thick spikes protruding from either end. The detail was intricate, identical to the gauntlets, cuisses, and greaves that they wore. The shimmering eminence-colored cloaks of the Guardians hung from their shoulders as they knelt by their Desu Beasts, similarly adorned with impenetrable iridescent armor.
Angelaris motioned to a long, polished table that no one had noticed before. Positioned across its top were armor, hauberks, gambesons, shields, swords, daggers, shurikens, helms, and an intricately carved bow and quivers. The arrows were broad with tips of silver. As Wosen studied them, he noted a dark deliquesced hue.
“The nectar of the beasts,” he said, nodding.
“Yes, son of Hosdaq, these are yours.” Angelaris smiled.
“The armor? The shield? The helm?” Wosen asked, touching the magnificent items.
“For each of you. The protection of the Guardians will cover you in Nazil. These are the weapons that you shall wield, and none other.”
Pentanimir lifted a hauberk from the table. “It’s as light as fabric.”
“Yet, no arrow or blade shall pierce it.” Angelaris pointed. “Son of Wesleyon, for you as well.”
“You knew that I was to wield a sword in my son’s place?”
“Wosen was always meant for the bow. He’s the archer, though he didn’t wish it. But he’ll learn that without this strength, the battle couldn’t be won.”
Vot’s expression was bemused. “You’ve told of their victory.”
“We did, Elder. Albeit Hosdaq needed to realize his need to return to Nazil: not only for his son, but for himself. Not all battles are fought upon an open field. The ones of greatest significance are fought within.
“And these are for you, Julaybeim, son of Hacom,” she said.
“Me? I only just told of it. How did you know that I was going to join them?”
Oloran: “The truth known in your…” Behanish: “…heart, needed to find your mind.” Yemala: “Once you allowed it an unfettered path...” In unison: “…you could accept what is, despite what is desired.”
“My heart? It was you. You brought the vision to me,” Julaybeim
said, falling back a step. “Was it true? Have they fallen?”
Yemala: “It’s as you saw, son of Hacom. They’ve passed through the [45]T’reyUhm R’aFek.”
“Why? Why would you show me this now? Because you need me to fight in your war?”
“No, it’s because of your need, not ours. Choice, son of Hacom,” the Guardians responded.
Lowering his head, Julaybeim approached the table. After examining the items, he reached forward, and then stopped, taking a deep breath. Haltingly, he gripped the sword’s pommel. The balance was perfect, and it felt like an extension of his arm, with the honed edge glinting in the sun’s light. When he raised it higher, the weight was hardly noticed. As he completed a few practiced moves, he smiled despite himself. “This is like my father’s sword.”
“Crafted as his, but not so,” Angelaris said. “It’s a Guardian Sword, and there’re no others like these in all the lands. Even long after you’ve passed, these swords will remain. Forever will they be a part of your line, passed from one generation to the next. All those who wield them shall be blessed.”
She turned to Arinak, caressing his face. [46]“Arinak, k’aun ein’ zan’ner aut k’leonei r’aymed jacqai.”
As she spoke, the Protectors stood beside their Desu Beasts, bowing to the AsZar and the Guardians.
[47]“Debanah kr’nam sost quel’son, AsZar,” Arinak said, placing his helm on his head. The immediate illumination was synchronous with Xandi’s third eye.
Gali ran to embrace Julaybeim. “I love you. Please come back to me.”
“I’ll return to you, Gali. I love you, too.”
The Guardians radiated a warming glow as they glided over to them, resting a hand on the shoulder of each. The luminescence brightened, bathing the clearing with numinous energy. After the tendrils diminished, the warriors shuddered, clumsily regaining their footing.
“The light hasn’t weakened you,” Angelaris said. “It’s made you stronger. Take up your weapons and join with the Protectors. Together, you’ll cleanse the lands and free its people.”
[48]“R’aymed palatta unce becka east xayn vaan dar’rassad!” Baldon roared. The Protectors roared in response, mounting their respective beast.
Thalassa sheathed her swords, running to her father. [49]“Arinak, Za baatheer fe’laite amelyko, AvHotther,” she said, reaching up to him. Arinak smiled, scooping her up, and placing her behind him.
[50]“R’eMahd sost r’aMold, pahn’taal m’eloahnte,” he said to her.
“Blessings and protection are with you, warriors of Afferea. Have no fear,” Angelaris said as the beasts began to stir.
Arinak raised his heavy double-edged axe in the air. [51]“K’aun ein’ zan’ner! Baatheer, Xandi, Baatheer!”
Day of Honor
Daracus peered at his handsome reflection in the mirror, smoothing his perfectly trimmed brows and hair. He smiled, admiring his slender, toned frame and striking features. Pivoting around, he adjusted his new suit of clothes, the cut of the fine garb accentuating his tall, attractive physique. Pulling at the stiffly embroidered collar, he turned toward Jahno.
“Do I have the look of a Zaxson? Like my father?”
“Your appearance is that of an honorable leader, milord, more so than even your great father,” Jahno strained to speak, still hoarse and healing from Daracus’ abuse.
“You’ve always told me that this color complemented me,” he said, moving to his bedside. “I chose it for you, Jahno. I wanted to look my best for you, and make you proud of me and my new position.”
“Still I speak the same.”
“Soon, I’ll stand before all of Nazil and tell them about my father’s death at the hands of those pythonesses. I’ll tell them how they sent slaves with threats to our homes and lives. Cowards! Cowards they are. No one in Nazil will bow to these savages, Jahno. I wish you could stand at my side as I address my people. My name will resonate across the city as they call out to me like they once did my father. Together, we’ll defeat whoever dares to stand against us.”
“Nazil will always stand, milord. You’re an honorable people led by a great leader.” I hope that they do come, Daracus. And when they do, I pray you die first.
Daracus smiled, leaning down to kiss him. His fingers flittered through Jahno’s silken, raven hair, twirling it between his fingers. “You speak true, my love, and I’ll lead them all. Nazil will stand greater than ever it has. Our hands will cover the lands, and the humans will learn their place.”
Jahno stared at him, watching the flicker in his eyes, recognizing the malevolence in his voice. How he wished that Daracus’ last attack would’ve freed him from his bondage, from Nazil, and from this world, never to awaken again.
“Oh, I can’t forget the surprise that I have for you.” Daracus smiled, caressing his hand.
“For me, milord?”
“Of course, Jahno, for only you. I’ll tell you the details over a nice dinner this evening. It’s a special day, not only for Nazil, but also for our relationship. Just know that from this day forth, you’ll always be with me. No matter where I travel, you’ll be at my side as it should be. I’ll no longer permit you to serve the citadel. You’re my love, Jahno, and I’ll care for you,” he said, kissing him again.
“I must take a wife, but only to sire sons and further our line. Now that I’m certain such duty can be performed without repulsion, the Vereux name will again be plentiful in the lands.” He paused, meeting his eyes. “I didn’t think that a woman could arouse me, but I was able to complete my duty many times. It wasn’t the same as when we make love, Jahno, and my excitement only grew with thoughts of you.” His hand stroked Jahno’s face, and then glided down his abdomen. “I—I did have Micah come for a time, but please don’t be angry. We did very little, and you never left my mind. You know that you’re the only one I love. If I could marry you legally, I’d do so this day. You’re the only one who’ll ever share my heart or my bed. Is this pleasing to you, my love?”
Jahno struggled to keep the terror from his face. “Nothing would please me more. Always I desire to be near you.”
“As I do you,” he said. “When I took Sarai abed, it was you that I wanted, Jahno. You.” Daracus hungrily kissed his lips, growing more excited with thoughts of Sarai and Jahno together. Snatching the covers away, his tongue slid down his chest. His breathing was heavy, removing the covers, and continuing his intimate kiss. Jahno jerked from both pleasure and pain.
“I’ve missed your taste,” Daracus said, increasing his efforts until Jahno’s body responded. As he kissed back up his abdomen, a gasp from the door startled them both.
“Par—pardons, milord,” Hushar said, averting her eyes. “I—I didn’t know that you were here.”
He swiftly covered Jahno, standing from the bed. “I only came to check on Jahno’s condition. How’s his healing?”
“More quickly than I expected,” she said, noticing Jahno’s anguished expression. “I—I was able to remove the tube and most of the swelling is gone. He still has a bit of a fever and some redness in his throat. I brought something to soothe him.”
“Good. He looks well, and is speaking much better.”
“Yes, milord. There’s still some soreness, but he’s walking again and makes water often.”
“I’m pleased to hear it. I’ll be moving Jahno to my chambers this evening. After this day, you’ll be able to return to your duties. If I need you, I’ll have you summoned, but I’ll be seeing to Jahno’s needs and comforts.”
“Yes, milord. As you say.”
Daracus straightened his cloak, stepping toward the door and speaking quietly.
“When Jahno has finished his meal, I need you to tend Sarai. She’s abed in the third guest chamber.” He grinned. “Our time together was…enlightening. I understand my father’s interest now. Tell me: is it normal for women to squirt so with their completion, Hushar?”
Her face paled, feeling her stomach churn. “I don’t know, milord. She’s t
he only one I know of in the citadel.”
“It’s intriguing, indeed.” He licked his lips. “And tasty, too. I could drink of her endlessly, and that’s surprising. See to her needs and have her bathed and oiled. I want more of her this evening, and arrange for a proper chamber nearer mine. My father had excellent taste.”
“Yes, milord.”
When Daracus left, she rushed to Jahno’s side. “Did he hurt you?”
“Not this time, but once he has me alone in his chambers, he will. Now with Denotra gone and Pentanimir fallen, there’s no hope for us. Daracus was the worst of the Vereuxs, and we’ll never be free of him.”
“There’s still hope, Jahno, for all of us. I can feel it deep within my heart.” She reached for the tray, stirring the warm soup. “Now, you need to eat. After, I’ll change your bandages and help you dress. The Zaxson might ask for you, and you need to be ready. I’ll always be close.”
Daracus smiled when his guards pushed open the door to the hall. The huge doors to the balcony were opened wide, offering a view of the vast city. As he looked out over Nazil, the crowd was beginning to gather beneath the grand balcony. The sun cresting over the mountains caused the faint snow flurries to twinkle as they drifted through the air. Loud chimes from the temple’s bells echoed through the streets whilst the flames of the emblazoned Kadul swayed hauntingly, signaling the Zaxson’s coming.
Daracus peered at the fierce statues of the gods, casting great shadows over the crowd. Reaching in his pocket, he pulled a pellet from his pouch, placing it beneath his tongue. The billowing shouts from the crowd and the warmth of the pellet suffused him, and a smile creased his lips, enjoying the encompassing euphoria.
“My lord,” Yannick said as he and Nakaris entered the hall. “Your people await you.”
“Yes, Sir Merrimont, they await the both of us. With Pentanimir’s absence, I’m promoting you to First Chosen.”
The Rise of Nazil Page 78