Seed of Scorn

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  Ahvixx’s head lowered. “It isn’t easy after so many years, Olam. My sister doesn’t have any problem adjusting to life here, but she’s always had that spirit. Mine is much different.”

  “I don’t think that’s true. Droxahn certainly has no trouble socializing or expressing herself, but you’ll learn the same, in your own way and time,” he said, pointing to the braid.

  “It’s good to see your entire face, Ahvixx. I’m glad that you’ve moved your hair from shielding it.”

  “Sahma brushed and braided it for me. She’s offered to do it daily if I would allow.”

  Olam noticed his uncharacteristic smile. “I warn: she’s true to her word. Soon you’ll become addicted to the massage of her brush.” He laughed aloud, and Ahvixx soon joined in his mirth.

  “I welcome that,” Ahvixx said to Olam’s amazement.

  Olam studied his usually solemn face, nodding. “I believe that you do.”

  So it was over the next several full moons.

  As promised, Sahma came before each morning meal and sat with Ahvixx as she brushed and braided his hair. She talked about Bandari, meeting the Guardians and Protectors, and all of the tales that she knew.

  In turn, Ahvixx shared stories about his family and studies with the Nohek. He began to enjoy her company and the relaxing sensation her movements caused.

  Their conversations were so engaging that they usually missed the morning meal. Ahvixx was surprised at how quickly he began looking forward to their time together. Sahma’s warm smile and heart penetrated his protective shell, offering an innocent honesty that was refreshing. With the abuse he’d suffered in the past, it had been difficult to trust anyone. But that wasn’t so with Sahma.

  She accepted everything about him openly and without judgment. There was no gain for her. She only wanted to brush his hair and see his smile. Ahvixx found himself doing more of the latter with each sun’s rise.

  “There,” Sahma said, admiring her work. “I think that you look more handsome this way. Yes, you have a very handsome face. No more hiding behind your hair, no matter how beautiful it is. Your eyes are even more beautiful, you know, and now everyone can see them.”

  “Only you would think such a thing.” Ahvixx blushed. “Tha—thank you. I mustn’t ever leave the city or I fear my hair might tangle again.”

  “Well, just make sure that you bring me along.” She held out her hand, motioning to the door.

  Ahvixx looked up, confused. He was unsure, but accepted her offered hand anyway.

  “Are we going to break our fast?”

  “No,” she said. “I have something to show you. We can get some food from the kitchen later.”

  “I don’t think that we should leave without the Caretaker’s approval.”

  “We aren’t going out into the city. I have something that I think you’d enjoy. Don’t you want to see?”

  He shrugged, following behind the excited young girl. When they moved through the postern door to the citadel grounds, Ahvixx halted.

  “Don’t worry,” she chided.

  He sighed, continuing where she led. After they reached the side of the stable, she stopped.

  “They’re just there,” she said, pointing and entering the far side of the stable. Before Ahvixx’s eyes could adjust to the darkened area, he heard the whimpering cries of the puppies. Sahma held one in her hands as she approached. “Are they not the sweetest?”

  He smiled, snuggling the puppy beneath his chin. Stepping farther into the stable, he saw several black and tan puppies in the hay with their parents. He sat at Sahma’s side, cradling the pup.

  “Dogs? From where did they come?”

  “Tika and Odahg aren’t dogs; they’re jaenitu,” she said. “You can’t keep them as pets, well, not unless they allow it. Tika birthed them a few weeks ago, and I check on them every morning and ensure she has food and water. Odahg doesn’t always remain, and it’s a lot of work to take care of six pups.”

  “Jaenitu?” he asked, staring at the large animals.

  “Yes, the woods near Bandari was full of them. Haven’t you ever seen them before?”

  “No. I didn’t really leave the temple grounds,” Ahvixx admitted. “Did you name them?”

  “The jaenitu name themselves.” Sahma giggled.

  “I’ll help you take care of them if you’d like.”

  “Would you? I’d love that, Ahvixx,” she said, leaning against him.

  He flinched, but when he looked down at her serene visage, it comforted him. It would take time for him to become accustomed to such closeness. Well, to get used to her closeness. She saw no boundaries as far as he was concerned.

  Howbeit, no harm would come from Sahma. She was the only one besides Olam that he enjoyed being with. Droxahn was gone most days with Aizen, and Ahvixx had grown lonelier than he wanted to admit.

  Not so anymore. He gave thanks to the Guardians for bringing Sahma to him when he needed her. And most of all, he gave thanks that he was able to accept the friendship that she offered him.

  Ahvixx reminded himself that Sahma wasn’t a young girl in body, but in her heart alone. She’d soon be five and ten, and appeared to have blossomed over the few full moons they’d spent together. But he’d see her as she was the first time she’d come to him—skipping and humming barefoot down the corridor. That memory brought a smile to his face and he raised his arm, draping it over her shoulder, enjoying the peace of the stables and the comfort of his friend.

  Deciphering the Past

  “But what does it mean, Nzuri?” Thalassa asked.

  “That’s what I hoped you could tell me.”

  “I can tell you the words, but not the meaning behind them. Even the words themselves are a mystery. The Doh’Mahn Vwazi Tr’Eon means little without knowing the context. Not all words in the Mehlonii language have an appropriate equivalent. There’s just no definitive way for me to give this a proper meaning. Only ‘dark’ and ‘gate’ translate.”

  “If that’s so, shouldn’t we expedite our trek to Sanctium? Mayhaps there are more scrolls there that would help us clarify these passages.”

  She shook her head. “I wouldn’t recommend venturing to Sanctium until learning more. If this place of darkness inscribed here is literal, mayhaps the isle is where it could be found. The phrase could mean a passageway to, or of darkness. Alternatively, a door could be opened. The variables are many and the dangers unknown. Without certainty, no one should travel there. The risk is too great.”

  “But we have no answers. The more scrolls and codices that we translate, the more questions we have. None of these have provided any definite answers to our queries,” Nzuri said, pushing the parchments aside.

  Thalassa rested a hand on his shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. “We’ll find the answers, Nzuri, it’ll only take more time. Many scrolls were removed from the temple and even with the ones that Emet brought from Noraa, the picture won’t be complete. All we can do is present what we have to Pentanimir and let him decide.”

  “That isn’t all we can do. Angelaris can help us decipher the scrolls. Perhaps she can provide the answers we seek.”

  “This isn’t something that we should ask the AsZar, not yet. This we must accomplish on our own. Drah’kuu Kuhani can assist us in time. If we need more answers after our task is complete, the Guardians may provide clarification. However, we must continue our efforts and decipher the remaining scrolls. Of one thing I’m certain: this isle was visited by the Cha. They alone knew what or who is there. Given what we now know about these men, I grow fearful of what the scrolls might reveal. We must be sagacious.”

  “You speak true.” Nzuri sighed. “I merely grow tired of these cryptic riddles. Can no one just speak plainly and have us know what they want? If this darkness is contained on the Sanctium or even accessible, then Nazil and possibly all of Faélondul could be in grave danger. If there’s something otherworldly on Sanctium, why didn’t the Cha use it against us?”

  Thalassa
chuckled as more questions presented themselves. “We’ll get there,” she said, taking a seat at the table. After sipping some tea, she reached for a slice of bread, and immediately paled. With a lurch forward, she rushed to the basin, emptying the contents of her stomach.

  “Thalassa! What’s the matter?” Nzuri asked. “Are you all right?”

  She patted her face, taking a deep breath. “I—I’m fine. It’ll pass.”

  His brow creased, examining her closely. After checking her forehead for fever, he held her out at arm’s length, searching her face.

  “What?”

  “Have you told Jahno?” he asked.

  “Wha—what?” She stammered, turning away from him.

  “Have you told him?”

  Thalassa craned around, not meeting his eyes. “No. Only my mother and I know.”

  “Why, Thalassa?”

  “It’s too soon.”

  “Too soon? Too soon for what? Jahno has awaited this news since your marriage.”

  “It’s too soon, Nzuri. I know that Jahno and I are blessed, but how much joy can I express learning about my pregnancy when Zeta recently lost her son?”

  “I understand, but isn’t it unfair to your husband? Dani and Zeta have suffered a great loss, and I continue to pray for them, but neither one of them would deny you this joy, and you need to consider Jahno’s feelings. Have you forgotten the horrors that he suffered here?

  “Thalassa, Jahno prays and asks for guidance regarding the life growing inside you right now. It’s his greatest desire to share this blessing with you.” Nzuri cupped her chin, raising her head to meet his. “He deserves this happiness, Thalassa. You both do.”

  “I know. Jahno is the most loving man that I’ve known. Even after everything he’s suffered, he cares so much, and it shows in all that he does and says. I love him, Nzuri, truly.”

  “He loves you, too.”

  Thalassa sighed, glancing at the parchments on the table. “Do you think that you can continue without me until the morrow?”

  “Go to your husband. There’re parchments that need tending. I’ll meet you after the morning meal.”

  “Thank you,” she said, offering a quick embrace before leaving the room. Taking a deep and steadying breath, she moved down the corridor. She nodded to the guards as she approached the chamber where Jahno sat with Beilzen.

  “Thalassa,” Jahno said, rising to greet her.

  “Pardons. I needed to speak with you, but I didn’t want to disturb your work.”

  “We were nearly finished,” Jahno said.

  Beilzen noted her demeanor, and rolled the parchment they were viewing, and then replaced it on the shelf.

  “Yes. It isn’t anything that can’t be completed on the morrow,” Beilzen said. “I promised my father that Fáelán and I would visit. Mayhaps now would be a good time. Have you seen Wosen?”

  “Last I knew, he was in the practice chamber with Symeon and Pentanimir.”

  “Thank you, Thalassa. I’ll see you on the morrow, Jahno.”

  “He seems much different than when first we met,” Thalassa said when they were alone. “Is this his typical behavior?”

  “As far as I can tell. I think that his son has brought about the true change. He addresses me respectfully and even accepts my position above him.”

  When she didn’t respond, Jahno’s head cocked, noting her distant expression. “Are you all right?”

  “I—I have a lot on my mind. We have much to discuss.”

  “Well, it must be important if you left your work with the scrolls. What is it?”

  She gazed into his eyes and smiled. They seemed to reach into the depths of her soul and she rose from her chair, finding a place on his lap.

  “Thalassa, are you certain that everything is all right?”

  She responded with a kiss, losing herself in the taste and feel of her husband. When he moaned, drawing her closer, his arousal was evident.

  “I—I must lock the door,” she breathed, standing and tugging at her clothing. Jahno unlaced his trousers, beckoning her back to his lap. She relished the feel of him, thinking of the first time that they’d made love. Her motion and excitement grew, as did the moans of her husband.

  Jahno clutched her waist, tensing with his quick release. “What put you in such a mood?” he said, breathlessly.

  “Weren’t you pleased?” she teased.

  “You’ve always pleased me, Thalassa. Even more so when it’s unexpected. Is this why you came?” he asked, rising to lace his trousers. “If so, I relish such surprises daily.”

  “Not initially, no, but when I looked at you, I couldn’t resist.”

  “Never do you need to. Shall we continue in our chambers or would you like to visit another room in the citadel?”

  “Mayhaps tomorrow.” She smiled, caressing his face. “I do have something important to share with you.”

  “Tell me of it that I may know.”

  “I wanted to tell you before, Jahno, but with everything that’s happened, I thought it best to wait. However, I can’t keep this from you any longer.” She met his eyes, sitting on his lap again. “Jahno…I’m…we’re…I’m pregnant.”

  For several moments, he didn’t move or blink.

  “What?” he exclaimed, looking down at her abdomen. “We’re to have our first? You—you’re pregnant?”

  “Yes, we’re going to have our first.”

  “Thank the Guardians! When, Thalassa, when?”

  “Mother says within six to seven full moons.”

  Jahno scooped her into his arms, standing and spinning around the room. “We’re going to have a child. Our first!” he said, setting her on the floor and caressing her womb. “It’s there now, growing and waiting to meet us, Thalassa.”

  “Yes, it’s there now, and you’ll be a wonderful father, just like you have been a husband.”

  Jahno embraced her again, before his expression turned serious.

  “Is there anything that you need? I’ve heard there’re foods you must have, and—and special treatments. Oh, can I rub your back or your feet?” he asked, sliding his hands gently down her spine. Thalassa laughed, positioning his arms around her waist.

  “For now, I need nothing but you. Once I’m big and fat, you’ll have to carry me all around the citadel and feed me ten times a day.” They laughed, embracing again.

  “I would do that and more, Thalassa. You’ll be even more beautiful once our babe grows.”

  “Thank you, but there’s more.”

  “What else could there be?”

  “The babe, Jahno. I don’t think we should tell anyone else about the pregnancy…just for a little while.”

  “But why? I want to shout it from the ramparts.”

  “In different times, I wouldn’t hinder such a display. In fact, I’d be at your side speaking the same, but with Zeta and Danimore’s loss so near, I don’t wish to grieve them any further.”

  He nodded, a look of both disappointment and understanding crossing his face. “I wouldn’t want such a thing, either.”

  “Still, I’d have you happy, my love, and would take none of your joy in knowing of my pregnancy,” she was quick to add, resting his hands on her abdomen.

  “No more sparring with Symeon,” he offered, seriously. “And no more training the new guards. Well, not for a while, anyway.”

  “I won’t; I promise. Besides, I’ve had enough bruises from Symeon to last a lifetime.”

  “I thought with our marriage that you had caused the greatest happiness that I’ve ever known. Now, I know a joy even greater than before,” he said, leaning down to kiss her.

  Sycophant of Sanctium

  As they entered the clearing, their pace slowed, eyeing the unassuming cottage in its center through a billowing, greyish haze. Allister glanced over at Nikolina, feeling an encompassing unease, and reconsidering his decision to venture to such a desolate and enigmatic place.

  The surrounding trees had long lost the luster of
the greener foliage that had greeted them upon their arrival to the isle. This dirt-covered patch appeared to completely absorb, or even, repel the brightness of the sun.

  Allister shifted his eyes upward, and then behind them again, noticing the rays flowing uninterrupted over the vegetation they’d just passed. Only this barren patch of land remained shaded, as if all life and light had been syphoned away and replaced with darkness.

  “Are you certain this is the best course, Nikolina?” he asked, feeling the hackles on the back of his neck rise. As he turned to face her, dirt swirled beneath his feet, adding to his apprehension.

  Everything around them seemed void of life and sound. None of the expected woodland creatures ventured near this lifeless patch, or the one said to occupy it. Allister pulled his cloak tighter, warding off the sudden chill.

  “Is this not where the scrolls have led us?” Nikolina asked.

  “Yes. Of course. Here’s where this mage is said to reside. The—the conduit. She’s said to have been blessed with immortality from something called the Zon’Tul.” He scrutinized their surroundings with obvious uncertainty. “But we know not the implications of such an intrusion, or what a Zon’Tul is. The Cha alone dealt with this mage and there might be a reason for her seclusion. Mayhaps we should return home and allow me more time to decipher the scrolls. There’s no need to move with such haste.”

  “No. We can’t sit idle and do nothing. The scrolls you have are incomplete, Father, and you were denied the others. All of Faélondul could be in jeopardy from these pythonesses manipulating the Benoists. We serve the Four: the only true gods. The savages advising our Zaxson want to destroy all that we are. We can’t allow them, or the evil they serve to entomb us so,” she said in a tone that brooked no debate.

  “Nikolina, some of what you say is true, but this raises a fear in me. The Zaxson hasn’t condemned our beliefs or commanded us to follow his. We do serve the Four, and nothing the Benoists do will ever change that. Allow me more time to decipher the scrolls. Once we learn more about this mage, mayhaps we can return. Albeit, there are some mysteries that should be left unsolved.”