Seed of Scorn

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  “We will.”

  As Julaybeim regarded her closely, her mood had lightened, but there was more. He drew her on top of him, kissing her again. When she reached beneath the covers, he held her hand.

  “I can wait,” he said. “Tell me of your mind.”

  She laid her head down next to his, enjoying the feel of his body. “Do you think that Ameya will be all right with Vot and Huname?”

  “If I didn’t think it so, I wouldn’t have allowed Hosdaq and Osmara to take her. Huname had a special bond with her when we were in the Animus Wood. Mayhaps being in Noraa will help Ameya to heal. I’ll miss her with us.”

  “As will I. I understand why she didn’t want to stay in Cazaal. She grieves for your parents, Julaybeim. She misses them, and knows not how to cope with such loss.”

  He closed his eyes. “I do as well. I still need my father’s wisdom and guidance. All I can do now is remember the lessons learned and the wisdom of his words. My mother would tell me that I was of a like mind with my father. Usually, this was when she disagreed with something that I wanted.”

  Julaybeim wouldn’t say, but his mother spoke the same about Gali. Howbeit, had his mother known Gali as he did, and seen the joy she brought to him, she’d be of a different mind. It hadn’t been meant to be.

  If he was truly like his father, he welcomed that, and he hoped to be half the leader that Hacom had been.

  “Where’s your mind, Husband?” Gali asked.

  He opened his eyes, smiling. “You’re beautiful, you know?” he said, caressing her smooth, chestnut skin.

  “We were talking about your parents,” she reminded, feeling his arousal beneath her.

  “And now I’m speaking about you,” Julaybeim said, tenderly kissing her neck.

  She moaned, relishing the tingles of pleasure the tip of his tongue left in its wake. “You know what happens when you do that.”

  “I can only hope.”

  She covered his lips with hers, straddling his hips. Julaybeim sucked in a sharp breath, becoming a part of her. As his completion neared, a loud knock interrupted them.

  “No!” Julaybeim said, clutching her hips and continuing his movements.

  The knock repeated.

  She sighed, kissing him while moving to his side. “You’re the Caretaker, Julaybeim, and I’ll be here when you return.”

  He looked longingly at her nakedness, and then down at his groin, and back again. With a grunt of frustration, he pushed up from the bed. “Who’s there?”

  “Pardons, Caretaker. Master Gael is here to see you. He says that it’s urgent.”

  “You haven’t spoken with him yet?” Gali asked.

  He shook his head, pulling on a pair of trousers. Gali sniggered when he winced, trying to force down the sizeable bulge enough to hide.

  “Show him to the solar and bring some refreshments, I’ll attend shortly,” he called out as he regarded his wife. Julaybeim grabbed his tunic and then leaned down to kiss her. “Beware of my return, lady Ravenot. Waiting only increases my desire.”

  “As it does mine,” she said. Julaybeim offered one more quick kiss before he finished dressing to meet with Tioch.

  Before entering the solar, he took a slow and steadying breath. He’d avoided this meeting for a reason, but it could wait no longer.

  “Greetings, Master Gael,” Julaybeim said as he entered.

  Tioch stood, offering him a strong handshake.

  “Mornin’, Caretaker. I hope I didn’t disturb yer rest.”

  “Not at all,” he said, gesturing for him to sit. “What may I do for you?”

  “It—it—it’s Eytan. I was over at the house…Itai and Brahanu’s house,” he said, swallowing hard. “And Mena was there with Katar cleanin’ and washin’. She said Brahanu’s gon’ ta Nazil.”

  Julaybeim hesitated, searching for the right words. He noticed the puffy bags and streams of red streaking the whites of Tioch’s grey-blue eyes. He saw Itai in those eyes. It was strange that he’d never noticed it before. Tioch wasn’t nearly as tall and muscular as his son, but their faces were the same. Tioch’s skin was leathery and tough from years of laboring in the sun, however, the eyes were the same, and that made Julaybeim’s task all the more difficult.

  “Master Gael, did Brahanu not tell you that she’d be leaving soon?”

  “Aye, she did,” Tioch admitted, wringing his rough and calloused hands. “But she said nothin’ ‘bout Nazil.”

  “I see. Well, Mena is correct concerning Brahanu’s destination. However, she’ll be returning to Cazaal in a full moon.”

  His eyes appeared as if they’d jump from their sockets. “Nazil! Why’d she take Eytan there? Ain’t safe near them ghosts…not for no one.”

  “Be calm, Master Gael. I assure you that both Eytan and Brahanu are quite safe. They’re visiting the citadel under the protection of the Zaxson himself. You needn’t worry.”

  “Not worry? My grandson’s in the city of ghosts! How can ya say not to worry? Why’s she doin’ this, Julaybeim?” he asked, losing all sense of etiquette for the Caretaker’s position.

  “Because Nazil is no enemy of Cazaal. Had it not been for Pentanimir, we wouldn’t have known about Draizeyn’s attack. Need I remind you that Pentanimir also rescued Brahanu when she was lost near Nazil? No harm will come to either of them.”

  “Not an enemy? They attacked our village and killed my son! They’ll always be the enemy.”

  “My father felt differently,” Julaybeim said. “We mustn’t allow ourselves to forget the sacrifices Pentanimir and his brother made for us. They put themselves in great danger to help us prepare for a war. It was by their efforts that Brahanu and Eytan were taken to safety. They did all and more of what they promised to my father and to Itai. No, they aren’t our enemy. I used to think the same, but that’s no longer true. Gali feels the same as me. Only you and Lakaar Briac know what she suffered in Nazil. Pentanimir rescued her from that torment and helped to liberate Faélondul.” He leaned forward, resting a hand atop his. “I fought at his side in Nazil as my father fought at your son’s. Pentanimir didn’t cause their deaths, Master Gael, Draizeyn Vereux did. If you allow yourself to see past your pain, you’d know that my words are true.”

  Tioch sighed. “Even if Pentanimir ain’t our enemy, them other Nazilians are. Brahanu don’t have no position. What they want with her?”

  “She needed time,” Julaybeim prevaricated. The truth wouldn’t serve him. “Still she mourns for Itai as we all do. Being in their home and discovering the nursery almost overwhelmed her. Allow her this time to heal. Although the thought of Itai and Eytan’s loss saddens her, being in their home is also a comfort. She feels a connection with Itai there, one she can experience nowhere else. Brahanu loves this village, she loves your son, and she loves you.”

  Tioch accepted that, nodding and pushing to stand. Offering another strong handshake to Julaybeim, he thanked him and was escorted to the door.

  When Julaybeim returned to his bedchamber, Gali had replaced her robe and taken a seat on the balcony. The warm sun glinted on her skin as she reclined with closed eyes.

  “How was Tioch?” she asked, feeling his lips on her cheek.

  “He was asking about Brahanu and Eytan.”

  “It was only a matter of time. Hopefully when Brahanu returns, she’ll explain everything to him. He wouldn’t understand now.”

  Julaybeim moved beside her, drawing her into his chest. Together, they enjoyed the morning sun and spoke no more.

  Apologies

  “Did you bring what I asked, Father?” Nikolina said, pinning her long, white hair atop her head.

  With a reluctant nod, he closed the door behind him. Although Allister’s apprehension was evident, he’d try to do whatever his daughter asked of him. However, this gave him pause.

  “Nikolina, what are you planning to do? This is a foul liquid, and if not handled properly, could cause great harm.”

  “No one saw you acquire it?”

/>   “No, but you still haven’t explained why you want it? The Zaxson forbid its use, and it’s difficult to obtain. I couldn’t risk asking my usual contacts, and only purchased a small amount. Otherwise, too many questions would’ve been asked, and rightly so. Why do you want it?”

  “Allay your fears, Father, I’m merely curious. I’m well aware of your distaste for the concoction, and you’ve lectured me on how to properly handle it. I’ll be careful. I promise. Don’t you trust your daughter?” she asked, planting a kiss on his cheek while taking the phial.

  Allister sighed. He never could deny Nikolina anything, especially when seeing her beautiful smile—a smile that belied her intent.

  “I’ll always trust you, but I’m concerned.” He crossed his arms over his chest, raising his brows. “There isn’t enough here to harm yourself, Nikolina. I hope you aren’t thinking of doing something foolish.”

  “I’d never, Father. I’m fine, truly, and only want to learn more about it. After everything that’s happened, I need something to occupy my mind. I’ve always had an interest in the medicinal arts. You used to shoo me away from Arilian for asking too many questions.” She giggled. “This isn’t new.”

  “All right, but do be careful. Now, do you need anything else?”

  “Yes, I need to finish preparing for Danimore’s visit. When he arrives, I’d like some time to speak with him alone.”

  “What? You told him that I’d be in attendance. Isn’t that the only reason that he agreed to come?” He shook his head. “It’s best if we greet him together, Nikolina. It isn’t proper for a young maid to receive a man alone, not even the Nakshij of Nazil.”

  “Oh, Father, you worry too much. I’m not asking to spend the entire visit with him alone. I’d never do that. I only want to give him the opportunity to explain what happened and apologize. I think this would be easier if he spoke with only me. After, we’ll enjoy the afternoon together and discuss more pleasant things. I’m doing this for Danimore, not for myself.”

  He tossed his hands up in surrender. “Well, if you must, but I hope Danimore doesn’t have you so beyond reason that you can’t hold your tongue. Regardless of anything else, he’s the second in Nazil, Nikolina. Remember that and choose your words wisely.”

  “I’m not some bastard waif with the scruples and etiquette of a savage,” she said, taking his hand in hers. “I’m the daughter of a true man of honor, and my behavior will reflect my proper upbringing. Unlike the lowborn doxy he wed, I am highborn, and reared to honor Nazilian traditions. I was denied my pledge, Father, but I won’t be denied this time alone with Danimore. Please. Once he’s spoken his piece, we can all enjoy the afternoon together.”

  “As you say, Nikolina,” he said, kissing her cheek.

  When the door closed behind him, Nikolina spun around in utter satisfaction. After checking her hair again and rubbing some scented oil on her bust, her smile broadened, hearing the expected knock.

  That whore might’ve stolen the name, but I’m going to enjoy the man, she thought, sitting at her dressing table.

  “Come.”

  “Milady,” Dalinda said. “Sir Benoist is here. Do you want me to take him to the solar?”

  “No, I’ll escort him myself. Have you made him comfortable?”

  “Yes, milady. He’s waitin’ in the vestibule.”

  “Good. Did you deliver everything I ordered to the solar?”

  “Yes, milady.”

  “Then you’re dismissed. The Nakshij and I don’t wish to be disturbed. If I need your assistance, I’ll call for you.”

  Dalinda curtsied, disappearing from the chamber.

  Rechecking her appearance and retrieving the phial, Nikolina raised her skirts, hurrying down the corridor to the solar.

  “Too bright,” she said, pulling the covers over a few windows.

  Seeing the tray of refreshments on the table, Nikolina pulled the stopper from the phial, holding it over one of the cups.

  “One, two, three, four, five,” she counted, mesmerized by the liquid dropping into the cup. After giving it a quick stir, she hid the phial, and then left to welcome her guest.

  Danimore smiled, relaxing his position as she entered the room. “Good afternoon, Nikolina. Again your beauty overwhelms,” he said, standing and kissing her hand.

  “Thank you, Nak—Danimore.” She blushed. “We appreciate you accepting our invitation. Dalinda has prepared some of your favorite dishes, and Father acquired that wine you liked so well when last you visited.”

  “I’m honored,” he said, and then turned toward his guard. “You can wait for me in the carriage, Thoumas. I’ll be fine.”

  “Are you sure, Nakshij? The Zaxson requested that I remain.”

  “I’m certain.” Danimore extended out his arm to Nikolina. “This isn’t the first that I’ve visited the d’Garrions. Besides, Dalinda escorted you through their home to ensure we were alone. I’ll be fine.”

  “Yes, Sir.” Thoumas bowed, exiting the room.

  “I’m glad that we’ll have the opportunity to talk, Danimore. I’ve thought of nothing else of late.”

  “My thoughts have been on much the same,” he said as she led him down the corridor to the empty solar. He paused beneath the lintel, glancing around. “Where’s your father?”

  “Don’t worry. He’s finishing up some work, but will be with us soon. Come, please sit.”

  Danimore fidgeted with his collar, glancing around the dimly lit room again. He was feeling less confident than he did a few moments ago, until Allister hurried into the room. As Nikolina seated Danimore across from the tainted wine, she deliberately leaned forward, giving him a view of her bust. Once she handed Danimore the cup, her lips twitched up in a grin as it almost met his lips. Almost.

  “It’s good to see you again, Sir Benoist. How are things at the citadel?” Allister stammered, noticing his daughter’s glare.

  “The pleasure is mine, Sir d’Garrion. It’s taken time, but Nazil’s affairs are being put in order.”

  “Excellent. I’ve been hearing rumors, not only in Nazil, but in Yarah, too. It’s mostly disgruntled men complaining about having to pay for what they once enjoyed for free.” He shook his head. “But I did hear that our temple wouldn’t be rebuilt. Is there truth to that?”

  Danimore’s brows creased, setting his cup back on the table. “They speak false, I assure. Masons are currently working to restore not only our temple, but other buildings damaged during the war. Nazil is my home, Sir d’Garrion. Everything we’ve done is to protect and improve what we’ve built, not to destroy it.”

  Allister smiled. “I wouldn’t expect any less from you. Your family has always been honorable. Despite what some might believe, I’m certain that Nazil will continue to thrive. In fact—”

  “Pardons,” Dalinda said. “Sir, Keldin’s here with the scrolls you requested. I escorted him to your study.”

  Allister stood to leave. “Forgive me, Sir Benoist. He was supposed to deliver these this morning. If he’s late once more, I’ll hire a different courier. Please continue your conversation and I’ll return shortly.”

  When the door closed, Nikolina immediately lifted her cup, prompting Danimore to do the same. After taking a long drink, he leaned back comfortably.

  “Now, Nikolina, what would you like to talk about?”

  “Many things,” she said, lifting the lid from some dishes. After pouring more wine in his cup, she placed some meat onto a plate, adding some cheeses and bread. “I apologize for my behavior at the citadel. I didn’t realize how overwhelming it would be for me, and I couldn’t collect my thoughts.”

  “There’s no apology needed; not from you. I should’ve made the offer myself. With so much on my mind, many matters of importance have slipped from it. Whatever you need to say, please feel free to do so.”

  Nikolina smiled up shyly, watching him sip his wine. “Firstly, I wanted you to know that I’ve decided to accept Velnic’s offer of pledge. He’s not the husband th
at I desired, but he’s a very good man.”

  “Nikolina, I—”

  “It’s all right, really. I can’t say that I don’t still love you, but I know that I can love Velnic, too. It’ll take time, and I don’t blame you for what’s happened. Once, I did, but no more. This isn’t your fault anymore than it is mine.”

  Danimore nearly sighed, feeling a weight lifting from both his heart and mind. He took her hand in his, gladdened that he’d decided to come. “None of this is in any way your fault. You’ve done nothing but extend your heart toward me, and had I done the same when I knew how I felt about you, things would’ve been different. I’m sorry that I didn’t understand then what I know now. I was apprehensive when I asked for your hand, and thinking you didn’t desire me…I…I’m sorry, Nikolina. It took time for my heart to mend, but being with you now, I know that it has. The same will be true for you. Velnic is a good man and a good friend as well.”

  “Perhaps you’ll honor us by attending our bonding ceremony. I mean, once we’ve negotiated the pledge.”

  “The honor would be mine. In fact, I’m certain that Pentanimir would agree to host the festivities in the citadel. I owe you that and more, Nikolina. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

  “Truly? Anything?”

  “If it’s within my power, I’ll ensure that you have it.”

  Nikolina leaned back, taking a sip from her cup. “There might be something that you could help me with, Danimore. Actually, you’re the only person who can.”

  “Me? What is…” His sentence ended in a cough, and he grabbed his cup, draining its contents.

  “Are you all right?” she asked, feigning concern.

  “I’m fine, it’s merely an itch in my throat. Now, please tell me what you need?”

  Nikolina nodded, noting his left eye beginning to twitch and his hands trembling. “Truthfully, it’s more a want than a need. Your willingness to visit means more to me than you could ever imagine.”

  “What does…” Danimore’s mouth gaped, contorting weirdly as he struggled to draw in a breath. He grunted, unable to force any other sound from his throat.