Seed of Scorn

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  “But Nazil is our place,” Zeta said.

  “Our place, Zeta: yours, mine, and our children. We were meant to be here, and I’ll see you happy. You are my wife openly, Zeta Benoist, and we have a beautiful son and will soon be blessed with another,” he said, resting his hand on her rounding abdomen.

  She nodded again, stroking his hand.

  “Now, we need to rest,” he said. “Pentanimir has called an early meeting, and I fear that we’ve lingered awake too long already.”

  With that, she flashed him a mischievous grin, and then disappeared beneath the covers. Before Danimore could question, he sucked in a sharp breath, exhaling in a moan. Indeed, the night was short.

  Danimore was the last to arrive at the council meeting. He bowed respectfully, hurrying into the chamber. “Forgive me, Zaxson, council. Sleep didn’t come easily for me. I beg your pardon.”

  Pentanimir grinned, glancing at his brothers and sister. “You speak true, Nakshij. Mayhaps the same disturbance that interrupted my rest also kept you from yours.”

  Danimore reddened, hearing the scattered chuckles in the room.

  “Forgive me, Brother, I jest,” Pentanimir said. “A much needed respite from important business. And we have much to discuss.”

  “We do,” Nzuri said, steering the council back on course.

  Pentanimir cleared his throat. “We were discussing the Caretaker of Yarah before you arrived.”

  “Caretaker? Has one been officially assigned, then?” Danimore asked.

  “No, not as yet,” Temian said. “Arianna’s father still holds the position, but his appointment hasn’t been confirmed, and we’ve yet to find an adequate replacement.”

  Symeon’s brow creased. He hadn’t met Urdan Swayne, so he couldn’t comment on his character. Therefore, he remained silent.

  “What are your thoughts, Symeon?” Thalassa asked. “Your expression betrays you.”

  “When you’ve spoken about the Caretaker, it’s been as a man of great honor and conviction.” Symeon looked at Pentanimir. “He was a respected friend of your father and kept his confidence.”

  Pentanimir nodded.

  “Temian, didn’t Urdan Swayne take you into his home as a child and raise you as his own, knowing that you were half-human?”

  “Aye, he did. He’s never treated me as less, and always wanted me pledged to his daughter.”

  “Then why isn’t he Yarah’s official Caretaker? He’s surely earned our trust and oversees Yarah’s affairs justly. His daughter is married to Temian and his morals are aligned with ours. Isn’t Urdan loyal not only to you, Zaxson, but also to the cause in which you uphold?”

  Nods were seen around the room. The choice was obvious, although no one had spoken it.

  “If no one is in disagreement, I’ll send a bird and ask Lord Swayne about his willingness to retain the position. If he’s receptive, I’ll issue the official documents, and the ceremony will be held in a full moon.”

  With no one in opposition, Pentanimir made a note and then regarded Temian.

  “You mentioned your concern for Wosen. What’s troubling you?”

  “Wosen’s been acting strangely of late. I’m concerned that his past treatment here might be affecting him more than he’s willing to admit or even acknowledge.”

  “The time he spent in the dark chamber and the cells?” Pentanimir asked.

  “Yes, and the torture he endured from our uncle and those who did his bidding.”

  Pentanimir sighed, thinking about not only Wosen, but Oxilon and Yannick, too. The torture Wosen sustained at the hands of his uncle and his former friend was abominable. The Guardians had healed Wosen’s outer wounds, but the deepest remained internal and not as easily mended.

  “Is he still visiting the chamber?” Pentanimir asked.

  “He does, and those visits have increased. My mother does well to calm his mind, but it can’t last. I’ve spoken with him on numerous occasions and asked Nzuri of the same. Still, Wosen won’t relent. He trains hard, and is exceptional with his duties, but I’m worried about the debilitating memories inundating his mind.”

  Pentanimir shook his head. “I’ve ordered the dark chamber dismantled. Once the temple is completed, the masons will construct a wall sealing it off completely. We have no need of such vile contraptions or the memories they cause. Beilzen has spoken about his time held there, too.”

  “Yes,” Nzuri said. “Wosen has come to me many times for prayers and meditation techniques. When Kuhani visits Nazil, I’ll ask him to counsel Wosen. Kuhani’s methods are far beyond my skills. It’ll take time, but I’m certain he can reach him. Wosen hasn’t even slept in his chambers recently. Sleep is elusive and his mind won’t calm.”

  “Temian, I’d like for you to continue monitoring Wosen,” Pentanimir said. “Don’t interfere with his activities, but evaluate them. He respects you and will heed your words.”

  “Let us hope that respect holds,” Temian said. “I’ll keep watch over the son of Hosdaq, and my mother will, too. They have a strong bond and she looks on him as a son.”

  Pentanimir nodded approvingly, turning to Nzuri. “How’s your work with the scrolls? Are you able to decipher them?”

  “With Thalassa’s aid, the task has become more of a pleasure than a frustration. We’ve worked more quickly than I anticipated. There’s much to do, but just as with Kuhani, Thalassa is a thorough and patient teacher. The Mehlonii language is challenging.”

  [1]“Be’tam amelyko,” she said, thanking him in the arcane language.

  [2]“Amelyko de’ vwan’tayn,” he managed in return.

  “It certainly seems like Thalassa has been teaching you well,” Pentanimir said. “We’re all interested in what the scrolls will reveal.”

  “As are we, Zaxson. This is but the beginning, and there are more scroll tubes and codices than can be counted,” Nzuri said. “When I inspected the temple, I discovered a small opening behind a half-hanging tapestry. It appeared that someone might’ve gone to retrieve something once kept there. There were several scrolls that remained, along with a map of sorts.”

  “A map? To where?” Pentanimir leaned forward.

  “Sanctium is what’s written. It lies some distance across the Nazil River. It might speak of the large thicket of trees across the vast waters, but I’m not certain.”

  “Temian, did the Cha ever speak about such a place during your time at the temple?” Pentanimir asked.

  “Not in my hearing. However, much was kept from me in the temple. The Elder Cha had many secrets; this is certain.”

  “Leave the map with me,” Pentanimir said. “I feel there’s much and more to learn about this before the end of it.”

  “Indeed,” Nzuri said, curiosity awakened.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Nikolina

  Nikolina sat in her chamber, staring out the window. She watched the activity in the streets whilst listening to the clamor of people going about their lives. That simple activity appeared more an unconquerable feat that she felt incapable of accomplishing. Since the presentation and feast honoring the new Zaxson and Zaontras, Nikolina had refused to leave the refuge of her home. Too many changes had taken place so abruptly. She was unable to cope with the magnitude of those changes, or the impact and direction their reality had sent her young life.

  Images of Danimore clouded her mind and similarly, her eyes. It wasn’t long past that her father announced his meeting with Oxilon Benoist. Danimore had asked to marry her and fulfilled her truest desire. She loved him, and he was the only man in Nazil that she’d ever permitted to enter her heart. When her father informed her of the news, it was the happiest she’d ever been. Now, she was empty.

  Nikolina couldn’t remove the image from her mind or the harrowing words that followed. She’d watched helplessly as the couple was introduced to the masses. “Lord Danimore and Lady Zeta Benoist, Nakshij and Shijahn of Nazil,” she murmured as almost a question. As soon as the words escaped her lips, the tears
streamed down her face.

  Cries turned to angry groans as her delicate hands balled into fists. Repeatedly, she pounded the wooden table at her side. The pain was confirmation that she was alive, though in her heart, it felt otherwise. She pounded again, even harder, and then winced when the pain thundered up her arm.

  “Danimore and Zeta Benoist,” she said louder, her features contorting into a mask of abhorrence. “A human! A slave whore!” she shouted, allowing the bottled rage to be released.

  “A slave! A whore!” she repeated, grabbing the stool at her feet and slamming it against the wall.

  She whipped around with eyes full of both rage and anguish. “A human!” she shrieked before hitting the table again, lacerating the skin. She cried out, hearing bone surely break under the strength of the blow. Nikolina nursed the crooked finger and screamed, collapsing to the floor.

  “Nikolina,” Allister said, running through the door. He rushed to her side, helping her over to the bed.

  “What’s the matter, my dearest? Nikolina?” he said, wiping away her tears. He gasped when he looked down, noticing the blood oozing from the fresh wound. “Gods! What have you done?”

  She continued to cry, holding onto her wounded hand.

  “It’s all right, my dearest. I promise, it’ll be all right,” he whispered, cradling her in his arms.

  Allister fought back his emotion, kissing her tenderly before rising and summoning an attendant. He returned to Nikolina’s side, enfolding her into his arms.

  “Please, my dearest, why have you done this? What’s the matter?”

  Her lips quivered as she opened her mouth to respond. After several silent moments, she said, “Danimore.”

  His heart ached at not only her pain, but for being the cause of it. Had he accepted the pledge when first presented, his daughter would’ve stood next to the Nakshij on the citadel’s grand balcony.

  “I’m sorry,” he said. “I know that this was the desire of your heart. I’m sorry.”

  “Why didn’t you accept?” She hurled her words as an accusation.

  Allister shook his head, looking at her with sadness. He couldn’t make her understand. To her, he’d stolen her only chance for happiness. When the gods finally answered her prayers, it was her father who’d denied them.

  “The offer of pledge is always negotiated,” he said, weakly. “Had I accepted the offer when presented, you could’ve seemed desperate, and the offer might’ve been rescinded. This is the way of seeking pledge. No one accepts the first offer, no one. I wanted to ensure your happiness, my daughter. I couldn’t have known that the lands would erupt in war, and Oxilon would be killed. If I had any inclination of the perils we’d face, I would’ve accepted immediately, regardless of the repercussions.”

  “But you didn’t, and now my husband is gone. He wed a human whore! Everyone in Nazil knows what she was and is. Now that diseased doxy stands as the Shijahn of Nazil. My place of honor.”

  “Forgive me, Nikolina, please. It should’ve been you, and I’m sorry. No one can understand why Danimore and his brother have chosen to favor these humans. This has placed a great blight over our home, but there’s nothing anyone can do to change it. We must accept this and continue as we have.”

  “You can accept this betrayal if you wish, but I won’t. I’ll kill that whore if I have a chance!”

  Allister’s eyes widened, his face paling with consternation. “Nikolina, don’t ever speak as such, not even in jest. Consequences for such talk are dire.”

  “I mean every word. She’ll pay for what she’s done to me, what she’s stolen.”

  He peered nervously around the chamber, leaning in closer. “Forget about Danimore and his wife. He’s not the only one who sought your hand. Velnic Meagher’s position isn’t as prominent, but he’d make a fine husband. He’s always treated you kindly and made his feelings known long ago. Mayhaps with someone who loves you near, you can forget about the Nakshij and the bastard that he’s claiming as his son.”

  “A—a bastard?” she said, drying her tears.

  “Yes. When Danimore took this Zeta into his service, she was already pregnant. I’m told that she was badly used in the citadel, even by the Zaxson himself. I’ve never condoned such treatment, but it was the way.”

  She sat up then, nursing her injured hand. “How do you know that Danimore didn’t bed the whore, too? The boy could be his son.”

  “No. Oxilon said as much when we spoke. He mentioned the woman often and his displeasure with her serving his nephew’s home. Danimore took her from the citadel after she was pregnant, and he’d never met her until that time. Oxilon hoped that you’d get rid of her after you and Danimore married. The child isn’t his. He was bastard born, and only by the proclamation of the new Zaxson has he been awarded a blessed birth.”

  A conniving smile alit her lovely face as she met her father’s eyes.

  “What are you thinking, Nikolina? They’re wed, and the child holds the Benoist name. No one can change what the Zaxson has decreed.”

  “I don’t intend to change that which has been publicly noted.”

  “Then what?”

  “Velnic. Tell me: what position does he hold?”

  Allister was stunned by the seemingly unrelated question. “Second guard. Yes, he’s a second guard. That’s a rank Danimore held not long ago. However, when last we spoke, the Zaxson was considering elevating him to a citadel guard.”

  “Second guards are allowed in the citadel, and their families are invited to the feasts, are they not?”

  “Not all. There are several events each year that include the Chosen, second and third guards. If his position is elevated, it’ll certainly be so. Why do you ask?”

  “I’m considering accepting Velnic’s pledge, Father. Firstly, please send word to the citadel that I’d like an audience with the Nakshij.”

  He gasped.

  “Don’t worry, Father,” Nikolina purred, caressing his cheek. “Danimore will see me. He’ll want to offer a proper apology for what he’s done. That’s his heart. He’d daren’t refuse me after such treachery. And when we meet, I’ll have a request that he’ll likely not refuse.”

  Allister stared at her in disbelief for a moment. The more he looked into her eyes, the weaker he became. This was his fault, and he’d do whatever he could to allow her heart to heal and have his beloved daughter be herself again.

  “As you wish.”

  To his surprise, Danimore was receptive to the request and asked for Nikolina to join him that evening.

  She bathed in the sweetest oils and donned the ribbon that Danimore had gifted her. Nikolina ensured her womanly curves showed prominently as a tease to what he could’ve had beside him always. The fitted gossamer gown accentuated her ample bust with a low bejeweled bodice, outlining her breasts perfectly.

  “The carriage is nearly here,” Allister said, rushing into her chamber. “What are you going to say to Danimore?”

  “Don’t worry, Father,” she chided. “I’ll be respectful and on my best behavior. I’ll give him the opportunity to explain the dissolution of our pledge, and tell him about Velnic.” She blotted some color from her lips and turned. “I won’t even mention that human whore.”

  “Such words, Nikolina. You’ve never spoken so foul.”

  “Thank your new leader for such changes in your daughter. They’ve perverted everything that the Nazilians are. No human should be within the citadel unless they’re in service. The Benoists have elevated them above the Nazilians and given them rule over us. Both Pentanimir and Danimore were honorable. Now, these pythonesses have control over them and damned us all.”

  “Nikolina, regardless of who rules Nazil, I’ve never believed the humans were beneath us. There are many that I’ve known for years that have earned my respect. I’m not certain what’s to come, but the Benoists have always been honorable men. We must remain faithful and know the Four will continue to guide us. The lands are changing, and we must change with them.
”

  “No, Father. I’m no apostate. I serve the Four, and won’t bow to these humans or the pythonesses in the Animus Wood.”

  Noticing his troubled expression, Nikolina smiled, kissing his cheek. “I’ll speak none of this beyond these walls. I promise. Soon, you can speak with Velnic regarding our pledge. But first, I’d like to talk to Danimore.”

  “Pardons, the carriage has arrived for milady,” Dalinda said, tapping on the door.

  Nikolina kissed him again. “Don’t worry, Father. Everything will be as it should.”

  “I owe her this, Zeta,” Danimore said. “Can’t you understand that?”

  She sighed, weighing his words. Zeta knew her husband’s heart and loved what she found there, but this seemed wrong to her.

  “Dani, I understand that you feel compelled to apologize to Nikolina, and I’d expect nothing less from you, but your offer of pledge wasn’t accepted. Her father refused, you didn’t renege on it. She wants something, Dani, and I’m afraid of what that might be. Please, don’t dismiss this.”

  “I’m not dismissing it. I’ve always respected your opinions and taken heed to your advice. Even though Nikolina doesn’t know about the deception, we do. I don’t think allowing her one visit should be cause for concern. She deserves an explanation, and I’ll offer the only one that I have: Love.”

  “Don’t, Dani, please. Don’t tell her that your love for me was greater than that you held for her. I was a slave in the citadel, and I’m human. Such a pronouncement can have unknown consequences. Tell her that you felt rejected and I helped you overcome the pain of losing her. Tell her that you married me because your heart was broken after she refused your proposal…anything but the truth. The scorn of a woman is longer lasting and more powerful than the greatest love.”

  When he met her eyes, they were lined with tears. Not until that moment did he realize how deeply this meeting affected her. “I’ll do as you say,” he said. “The meeting will be brief, and I’ll be back at your side. If this scares you so, I won’t ignore it.”