“We don’t swear fealty to these usurpers, and we don’t stand alone,” she said. “It’s these pythonesses corrupting the hearts and minds of once great men. We could be the only hope to sever the enchantments they’ve cast over the Benoists. The Cha wouldn’t have penned the scrolls for naught. In their wisdom, they provided us the means to reclaim our heritage.
“The pythonesses orchestrated the murder of our true rulers. Now, they attempt the same fate for our gods.” Nikolina gripped his hand, resting it on her abdomen. “They seek to destroy the future of your grandchild and the carrier of your name, our name. Would you stand by and do nothing, Father?”
He sighed. “I’ll always protect you, Nikolina, you know that. If this mage has answers, we shall hear them.”
“Then let’s continue,” Nikolina said, smiling.
As they started forward, a billowing haze slithered over the ground, covering their feet. For a moment, Allister gripped her shoulders, observing the dust beginning to encircle their ankles. When he attempted to move aside, the swirl grew in intensity, following his movement.
“Daughter?”
She shrugged, shaking her head. She was also fearful, but didn’t want to turn from their path or alert him to her apprehension.
“We must cont—.” Her words ended when the cottage door banged open. The dust that surrounded them, gradually began to shift and flow in the same direction, pulling the two along with it. Allister grabbed his daughter, unable to pull himself free from the force of the growing cloud.
“It appears that we’re expected,” Nikolina said calmly, although she trembled as she spoke.
Once trawled inside the home, it no longer appeared so small. The heavy door thumped closed behind them, as the dust slithered toward the great hearth, dissipating into the flames.
She glanced at her father, and then nervously surveyed the room. From the outside, the cottage looked weathered and old, but the inside was contrary to that initial impression. Plush divans and huge chairs lined its walls, which were covered in ornate tapestries and sconces. The thick rug beneath them was soft and warm, draped over polished, marble floors. Not even the halls of the citadel were so lavishly adorned.
“Welcome, Nikolina d’Garrion of Nazil,” a honeyed voice said. As the woman spoke, the hairs on Nikolina’s arms stood on end.
“Thank you. We’ve come to—”
“I know why you’ve come,” the woman interrupted. “I’ve seen all, and know what lies in your heart…and your womb.”
With that, Nikolina cradled her abdomen, taking a step back.
“Be at ease, my dear. No harm will come to you here,” the woman assured, moving from the darkness and gliding toward the couple. “I’m Lilinth of Sanctium.”
Both were astonished when she revealed herself. Although the scrolls described Lilinth as ancient, her appearance was contrariwise. Lilinth’s beauty surpassed anyone’s they’d ever seen. Her long, silvery-white hair hung well past her shapely hips, and she’d positioned it off her face, exposing her overwhelming beauty. Her skin was perfectly smooth and pale, the features fine and soft, with her full lips lightly accentuated with the slightest hint of rose coloring, which matched her sculpted cheeks.
The young, yet old woman gazed at them with eyes so large and pale that they mesmerized them both. The fitted garment she wore was white and crimson, flowing gracefully behind her, with a long slit down the middle, exposing her shapely legs. Allister couldn’t turn from her, feeling overcome by the presence of the breathtaking beauty.
Lilinth smiled, motioning to the large chairs near the hearth. Allister bowed low, but kept his eyes fixed on her.
“Greetings, my lady,” he was finally able to offer, stumbling over each word. “I’m Allister d’Garrion, and this is my daughter, Nikolina.”
“I’m pleased to make your acquaintance,” she said, her eyes lasciviously examining the handsome older man. A small smile crossed Lilinth’s face as what looked to be a forked tongue moved casually across her lips.
Allister’s eyes narrowed, trying to discern if he’d seen what he thought. Only her seductive advance brought him from his contemplation. She glided with an outstretched hand toward Nikolina. Lilinth rested a palm on her womb, closing her eyes, speaking words neither one of them could understand.
“You carry a son of House Benoist, young Nikolina. Yet, I fear that the sire wasn’t a willing participant in your mating.” A loud cackle followed the statement. The sound resonated off the cottage walls, coming from everywhere and nowhere all at once. Nikolina took another step back, protectively cradling her womb.
“Do not fear,” Lilinth purred. “I find your method delicious. Come and sit with me. We have much to discuss.”
Nikolina looked at her father, and reluctantly sat beside the ominous woman.
“You’ve been reading the codices and learned of me, no doubt. After that dreadful war, I was certain someone would come. The Cha and I’ve known each other in numerous ways over these many years. I warned them about the darkness awakening in the Animus Wood, but the pythonesses’ corruption penetrated too deeply for me to aid. If only they’d come to me sooner. Things would’ve been much different.” She crossed her legs, sliding her gown sideward. “When I learned of your coming, I was pleased,” Lilinth said, smiling seductively.
“I know what you want, but I won’t grant your desires until mine are satisfied.”
Allister’s expression was bemused. Lilinth was a powerful mage. What would they have to offer such a person?
“I offer you all that I have,” Nikolina said, fearing the outcome of any other answer.
Lilinth’s eyes flashed, and a disarming smile was quick to follow. “Of this, I’m certain. However, what I want now, you don’t possess.” The last word came out as more of a hiss, as her gaze fell upon Allister.
“Me…me, my lady? All I have is yours. Tell me of that you seek and I’ll bring it to you with haste.”
Lilith’s smile widened, as she moved a hand over his. “My dear Allister, you have no need to retrieve anything for me. What I want, you’ve already brought.”
Nikolina shifted uncomfortably, witnessing the exchange. Her father’s euphoric visage was troubling. She began to question her judgment in coming to such a strange and ostensibly dangerous place. But her disdain for Zeta and the savages inhabiting the citadel shook the uneasiness from her mind.
“My children will attend you presently, young Nikolina. They, too, have waited long for such pleasures. Your father and I have more…intimate matters to discuss,” Lilinth said, running her long, sharp nails up his arm. “Upon our return, you’ll learn of all that you seek.”
Without further explanation, Lilinth rose with Allister following obediently behind.
“Wait, where’re you taking my father?”
The mage grinned, her pale, blue eyes flashing. “I’ll take the greatest care of him, as my children will do the same for you,” she said, with a broad, serrated smile.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Deeper Bond
“It looks like a sword to me,” Sahma said, peering up into the cloud-covered sky.
“A sword? How do you see a sword?” Ahvixx chuckled, as he lay beside her on the thick grass. Both stared up at the greyish-blue sky filled with puffs of shape-shifting clouds. The sun’s rays warmed them intermittently, as it peeked out from behind the clouds, and then disappeared again, as if playing a game with the two.
“You see, just there is the hilt and that, that’s its long, curved blade.” She pointed. “How is it that you can’t see?”
He glanced over at her and then turned his attention back to the sky.
“It appears like a flower to me. Yes, I’ve seen such as part of a bush. Their blossoms are long and some are a rich purple. When the wind blows, it bends their stems much as you describe a curving blade.” Ahvixx moved his finger to accentuate the pattern he described. “They’re beautiful, indeed.”
“A flower?” she said, rising t
o an elbow.
He rose up, too, pointing at the sky. “Yes, a flower. It’s found on the butterfly bush, if I recall. One of the most graceful that I’ve seen.”
With that, he laid down on his back with his arms tucked behind his head. She offered a doubtful look, lying back down beside him. “Well, what else do you see, then?”
“There are infinite possibilities. The only limit is that of your imagination. When you close your eyes and reopen them, what’s the first that you see?”
She peered at him, lying easily in his long robes with his legs crossed at the ankles, and his braid slung over his shoulder. It was the first time that he appeared truly at peace and ease. She smiled, enjoying his serene expression. When she looked back to the sky, her smile widened. Ahvixx noticed her mien, and then prodded her to give an answer.
“A heart,” she said, pointing above them. “A beautiful heart, floating on the wind, and seeking another to share the love it holds.”
He sat up, looking at her curiously. “A heart?”
“Yes, but it won’t last. It’s already begun to fade.”
He observed the cloud, and then watched her eyes intently, following its movements.
“They all fade, Sahma, but only to change or merge into something more.”
“No, not this one,” she stated, matter of fact. “This one has been drifting alone, until it found me here.”
“It’s but a cloud. Why does the sight of it sadden you?”
For a moment, she said nothing. Then she rose up, kissing his cheek. “Don’t worry, Ahvixx. I love you,” she whispered sweetly, before lowering back to the ground and admiring the sky.
He flinched, resting a hand on his cheek. How does she know that it’s my heart that drifts empty?
“Now I see a shield,” Sahma said, drawing his attention. He stroked that part of his cheek that she’d kissed…a kiss he didn’t know that he needed. That simple act of friendship and the statement that accompanied it filled his heart more than he knew possible.
“A shield? Do you ever find anything of beauty in the skies?” he asked, forcing a chuckle, still fighting the emotions welling inside him.
“I found your heart, Ahvixx. Is that not beautiful?” she said, rolling sideward and resting her head on his chest.
Ahvixx gazed down, unable to respond. After a few moments, he draped an arm around her. They stayed that way quietly for some time, both enjoying the comfort that they brought to each other.
“It’s your heart, reaching out to mine,” he finally said. “You’re more a blessing than you know.”
The time he’d spent with her was the most pleasurable that he’d experienced in many years. She constantly forced him to give more of himself as she did the same. He’d never had such a nurturing and honest friendship. He loved her, he realized, and he loved the person that he was becoming due to her influence.
“You’re my friend, are you not?” she said. “Shouldn’t I know your heart and love what I find there?”
He chuckled again, but it was more to cover the truth of her statements and his nervousness at their realization.
“You’re one of few that do, Sahma. But you couldn’t begin to understand the reasons for my past and sometimes present distance. One day, I’ll share everything with you. Then, you’ll truly understand Ahvixx Ahllendale.”
She snuggled in closer. “My father would say that our past experiences cultivate us into the people we are today. Some learn from those experiences, whether good or bad, and move forward, while others wish to linger there, and cause themselves misery. I’m glad that you’re no longer there, Ahvixx, in your past. I’m glad that you’re here with me now, right here in the gardens. Does it make you happy, too?” She yawned.
Ahvixx pondered that. How profoundly she spoke, yet still skipped about as if she was a child at play. She gave him much to consider. Had he been allowing the past to impede or dictate his future? The murder of his parents, the Nazilians’ horrible abuse when he was a child—so many memories, and so much pain.
Had he allowed these experiences to impede his future? Certainly, when it came to his interactions with others. He always kept to himself: sheltered and isolated. If Sahma hadn’t forced their friendship, he’d still be alone. But did she force it, or merely offer it in a non-threatening manner? That thought brought a smile to his face and warmth to his heart.
“Yes, I’m happy, too.” When he looked down, her eyes were closed and her breathing steady. He kissed the crown of her head, drawing her closer.
“I love you as well, my friend,” he said, closing his eyes.
“Brother,” Droxahn said, nudging his shoulder.
Ahvixx opened his eyes, allowing them to adjust to the light.
“Brother.”
“How long?” Ahvixx said, feeling Sahma still snuggled against him.
“Long enough to miss noon meal and for Sahma to miss her studies,” Aizen said, leaning down to rouse her as Droxahn reached a hand out to her brother.
His face reddened. “We didn’t intend on falling asleep.”
Sahma stretched as she stood and yawned. Running her fingers through her long ringlets, she looked up at Aizen, wiping the weariness from her eyes. “Is it time for noon meal?”
“It’s time to meet with your father,” Aizen said. “He’s been looking for you.”
She nodded. “Wait,” she said, moving away from Aizen. She stepped back to Ahvixx, pulling him down and kissing his cheek.
“Thank you,” she said before turning to leave. When they were a few steps away, she regarded Ahvixx again.
“There can be beauty in swords and shields, you know,” she said, and then left at Aizen’s side.
Ahvixx laughed aloud, shaking his head.
“What?” he asked, noticing the peculiar expression on Droxahn’s face.
“You’re happy. I mean, truly happy. Could it be?”
He gave her a curious glance and proceeded down the garden path.
“It’s true, Brother. It’s been far too long.” She paused, embracing him. “Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve heard you laugh or seen such light in your eyes?”
“What do you mean?”
“You know full well what I mean. Is it the girl? Is it Sahma?”
“I don’t know what you mean at all. Sahma is very sweet and very young. She brushes my hair and spends time with me. Nothing more.”
“It appeared a bit more when we awakened you. I’m certain that her father would think the same, had it been him, and not us who discovered you lying so with his young daughter.”
“We were merely enjoying the gardens and observing the clouds as we always do. Sahma laid her head on my chest as we spoke. We’re friends and nothing more. Is my wont not that of a priest?”
“Brother, it’s not an admonition. No one knows better than I the innocence of that witnessed embrace. Nonetheless, you must know that Sahma isn’t so young a girl. We’re nearly the same age, and you’re only three years her senior. Surely, you’ve noticed the…the changes in her. With the tight fit of her garb today, it was more than evident. Her body has developed, even past my own.”
“We give no care for such things. She’s a friend and reaches me beyond one of her years. Whether her body blossoms or no, her heart and mind are innocent and full of love—love that I return gladly and just as innocently. There’s no desire beyond that which I’ve stated.”
“Perhaps for now, but it mightn’t remain that way. Sahma is a beautiful young girl inside and out, but sooner than any of us will know, she’ll be a young woman. A beautiful young woman who’ll notice that the friend she loves is a handsome and appealing man.”
“No, Droxahn. Our relationship is that of the purest kind. She sees me now as I am, and wouldn’t move past the boundaries of dearest friend. I admit: I don’t wish to be without her. She’s helped me realize and accept so much, not only about myself, but about life. It may seem a strange admission, but I need her just as she needs me.
There’s no malignancy or improper thought. It’s the truest friendship that I’ve known, and not easily placed aside. Sahma is honest and holds nothing back, not from me, and not from herself. I need this, Sister, more than I knew. I need her.”
She studied his every inflection. He did need this, and she was pleased that he’d found someone that he could love. He was becoming more the person she knew and had missed.
“I didn’t intend to suggest that you ever be without her. I didn’t know how much you truly cared, but I should have. You’ve always isolated yourself, and now, you have someone other than me to share your heart. And it’s a heart worth sharing.
“I only mentioned it to have you consider the possibility. You chose to become a priest because you thought your options were limited. Your wounds were long to heal, and serving the Seven greatly aided in that healing. But much has changed, and with it, the possibilities for your life. Mayhaps Sahma would want you for a husband, and now there’d be nothing impeding the path for such happiness. That would please me, Brother, but is it a possibility that you’d consider with Sahma or anyone?”
Ahvixx shook his head. “There’s much which lies ahead. As for Sahma and me, we are dear friends, and this I cherish. I won’t worry for what the future may hold. Doing so would distract from my present joy. Too long have I allowed the past to do just that, and it took a girl of five and ten to show me the truth of it, and the error that I’ve committed. I’ll enjoy the present, Droxahn, as you do with Aizen.”
“Aizen is a wonderful friend,” she said, taking his hand. “Albeit, unlike you and Sahma, my feelings have grown beyond that of friendship.”
“Do you love him?”
“I think that I do. It’s hard to know without ever having such feelings before.”
“Does he love you?”
“He hasn’t said the words, but I feel that he does. If his kiss is any indication, they’ve grown quite passionate of late.”
“His kiss?” Ahvixx halted.
Seed of Scorn Page 18
