“The Guardians offer us knowledge and guidance. They don’t ever force their will upon us. Either you accept their truths, or you do not. The opposite is true for malefic beings. They dominate, manipulate, and devour indiscriminately. I believe Ahvixx underwent something similar during his meditation. He prepared himself and the chamber adequately, but his faith is deficient.” Kuhani upraised a hand, noting Pentanimir’s expression.
“Not his faith in the Guardians, Zaxson, his faith in himself to accomplish the task the Guardians have requested of him. His concentration mustn’t waver when attempting such a profound meditative state. During meditation, the mind is vulnerable to intrusion. Both mental and spiritual barriers must be in place.”
Pentanimir glanced around the room. “What do we need for him? Are there spiritual implements we could provide?”
“You misunderstand, the fortification comes from within. Ahvixx doesn’t require anything to achieve a meditative state, except discipline. Nzuri has assisted him well, and Ahvixx undoubtedly understands the fundamentals of communing. But the most important of these is self. This assault was otherworldly.” Kuhani slid the covers from Ahvixx’s bare chest, exposing the seared flesh beneath.
“It was mentally delivered, only physically manifesting due to Ahvixx’s diminished mental state, creating an opening in his subconscious. He must learn to alleviate this deficiency, or he could suffer another intrusion. Whatever or whoever perpetrated this assault, might attempt another. Even more troubling is: they may have learned of and discerned the contents of the Guardian’s message imparted through Ahvixx.”
“How can we be certain, Drah’kuu?” Nzuri said. “Even if they accessed his thoughts, we can’t know which were affected?”
“I agree,” Kuhani said. “However, the Guardian’s message was in his mind and unprotected. We must continue as if this enemy was privy to the entirety of Ahvixx’s knowledge. Such precautions are essential to protect us all.”
Pentanimir tucked a hand beneath his chin, recalling Angelaris’ words. The Guardians won’t abandon him, he thought, feeling some relief from that promise.
“You speak true,” Pentanimir said. “Will you be able to remain in Nazil while Ahvixx heals?”
“I’ve made arrangements to do so. Nzuri and I will continue monitoring his condition and keep you informed. You have other pressing matters to attend to, Zaxson.” He looked down at Ahvixx. “The AsZar assured you of his well-being. He’s yet with us, it’s only a matter of time.”
With that, Pentanimir stepped to Ahvixx’s bedside. Regardless of those assurances, Pentanimir felt responsible for his condition. Ahvixx had returned to Nazil due to his invitation.
Pentanimir rested a hand on his shoulder. “I know that you’re here with us, Ahvixx. The Guardians will keep you safe. Nazil needs you.” He leaned closer. “And Ayrmeis will need you most of all.”
“Mah’saahc!” Ahvixx shouted, springing up in the bed. His eyes widened, emitting a brilliant amethyst luminescence. He clutched Pentanimir’s wrist, ostensibly looking at the three men all at once.
[25]“Mah’saahc dar’rassa resh kibe aand neesa pouant!” he said, his hand digging into Pentanimir’s arm.
“He’s speaking Mehlonii!” Nzuri said, rushing toward the table. “I need parchment.”
[26]“Ayrmeis. Ayrmeis resh la’waa r’aymed jacqai,” Ahvixx continued, vaulting from the bed.
Ahvixx’s steps were labored, as he tottered to the table next to Nzuri. Never looking down, he began outlining an image.
“Ayrmeis, resh la’waa r’aymed jacqai,” he repeated. “Mah’saahc dar’rassa kibe aand neesa pouant,” he said, still sketching a symbol. [27]“R’aymed Zon’Tul Tak Tr’Eon resh r’ryn la’waa,” he said as Nzuri transcribed every word.
“Amelyko,” Ahvixx declared in a harmonic, multilayered voice, pointing at the Zaxson. [28]“She’naad T’reyUhm. She’naad T’reyUhm! She’naad T’reyUhm!” he repeated, his voice intensifying in pitch.
Pivoting toward Kuhani, the illumination in Ahvixx’s eye’s bedimmed. “Drah’kuu, Drah’kuu, [29]Si’val tak isfan,” he said, as his eyes reverted, and he collapsed in Kuhani’s arms.
“What did he say?” Pentanimir asked, helping carry Ahvixx to the bed.
“He spoke much and little,” Nzuri said. “When you were in the wood, the AsZar identified this Mah’saahc as an eidolon. Ahvixx said, Mah’saahc will destroy all in her path. It’s a forewarning or augury of an impending threat.”
“He said my son’s name, too. He said Ayrmeis.”
“Yes, Ayrmeis.” Nzuri nodded, finding the correct passage. “Ayrmeis will free the lands.”
“What? How, Nzuri? Did he say how?”
“Be calm, Zaxson,” Kuhani said. “Ahvixx spoke of a sycophant of darkness.”
“On Sanctium? The…the…mage…or…or entity who watches?”
“It must be,” Nzuri said. “Ahvixx warns that the sycophant of darkness will be free. After he’d pointed at you, Zaxson, he repeated, the scepter of the divine. Do you know what that is?”
“Only that it exists, and Ayrmeis is supposed to wield it. I don’t know where it can be found. Did Ahvixx mention a location?”
“No. He only spoke once more to Kuhani. He referred to you as, ‘Drah’kuu,’ which we know is the Mehlonii word for priest. The other words translate as—”
“Key of souls,” Kuhani finished for him.
“Key of souls,” Pentanimir said, looking from one to the other.
“Other than this image, that’s all we have,” Nzuri said.
Pentanimir squinted, examining the parchment from different angles before returning to the original view. The peculiar image was elongated and oddly shaped, with a concave, grooved opening at one end. Along the base were curved and pointed edges, ornamented with twin birds, outstretching their wings. The sides waved upward, ending in a sharp point.
“Is this the Guardians’ mark?” Pentanimir asked, turning the picture toward them.
“It is,” Kuhani said, lifting the parchment from his hands. “Some of the etchings are familiar, but a few are unknown to me.”
“I pray Ahvixx wakes soon,” Pentanimir said. “The answers lie in him, and our time grows ever shorter.”
“Not only,” Nzuri said. “The Guardians imparted this information to Ahvixx, and it is they who can clarify it.”
Son of my Son
Tioch’s eyes widened as the Nazilian gates opened. It wasn’t merely the splendor of the city, but also the men patrolling the ingress. With a bemused glance at Julaybeim, Tioch lifted the drape again, staring out the window.
“They’re human.”
Julaybeim nodded. “Humans are commonplace in Nazil now. Pentanimir conscripted sentries from Kaleo and Noraa to join his Chosen Guard. He’s ensuring that only loyal guards are protecting Brahanu and Eytan.”
“They’re allowin’ it? The other Nazilians, I mean.”
“Pentanimir is the Zaxson, and they follow his commands. With the Cha’s removal, only his family and trusted guards form the ruling council. There wasn’t any opposition to this decision. Well, not openly.
“A few Cazaalian sentries are interested in joining the new guard, too.”
“Cazaal?”
“Yes,” Julaybeim said. “There’re several sentries who’ve spoken to me regarding the opportunity.”
“They’d come ta Nazil, willingly?”
“Tioch, I understand why you’d believe otherwise, but yes. Faélondul is in flux, with numerous changes yet to be implemented. Good changes for the betterment of Human and Nazilian alike.
“Pentanimir may be Nazilian, but he’s disparate from the former Zaxsons. He proved that when he warned us about Draizeyn’s attack. My father believed the Benoists to be honorable, and entrusted them with Brahanu’s safety. Father had no love for the Nazilians, but he understood the truth, Master Gael.”
Tioch glanced at Aschelon and back to Julaybeim. “What truth?”
“
My father cast aside his abhorrence of the Nazilians. He measured Pentanimir as a man, not a Nazilian. If we can’t do the same, aren’t we becoming who or what we’ve always accused them of being?
“Many Nazilians still consider humans as savages and beneath them. They don’t recognize and assess an individual, they label and condemn the whole. You must try to consider Pentanimir as the Zaxson alone. He is Nazilian, but he’s not representative of the Nazilians who attempted to destroy Faélondul. That infamy was buried with Draizeyn, and I pray it never surfaces again.”
“What do ya mean?”
“I mean simply that Pentanimir and his family are goodly people. Countless other Nazilians are the same. Albeit, the number is probably equal among them who’d want the humans enslaved and the Benoists’ rule at an end.
“If I didn’t trust Pentanimir, do you truly believe that I’d permit my sister and nephew to be here?”
With that, Tioch regarded Julaybeim differently. He’d always been protective of his sisters, and was the same with Itai in the beginning. Tioch couldn’t refute his sentiments, but he was worried about Brahanu and Eytan. Tioch would ensure their safety, just as he’d promised Itai.
“Course ya wouldn’t,” Tioch finally said.
Julaybeim nodded as the carriage came to an abrupt stop.
“We’ve arrived,” Aschelon said, peering out the window.
Tioch raised the drape again, anxious to see the magnificent structure he’d heard the citadel to be. To his surprise, more human guards patrolled the ramparts surrounding the impressive complex. Wherever he looked, a human was staring back at him.
“These guards are human, too.”
“As I said,” Julaybeim stated. “Pentanimir doesn’t trust many of the Nazilian guards to protect his family. There are but three that he permits on the floors where his family resides. One, you’ve met, though he’s only half-Nazilian. His mother was from Hyorin.”
“Wosen?”
“Indeed. He accompanied the Zaxson and his First Chosen to Cazaal. Nakaris is another. He’s been friends with the Benoists for many years.”
“Ya said there was three.”
“Temian is the last. He, too, is only half-Nazilian, yet you wouldn’t know that upon meeting him. He’s Pentanimir’s elder brother and looks much like him. You’ll meet Temian’s mother, Hushar and the rest of his family soon.
“After learning about his half-siblings, Pentanimir granted them a blessed birth. It takes a man of great character to accept and recognize bastard born siblings and welcome their mother as well.”
“Greetings, Julaybeim,” Temian said, opening the carriage door.
“Ah, Temian. I was just speaking of you to Master Gael. He didn’t know that you were the Zaxson’s brother.”
“It’s an honor to meet you, Master Gael,” Temian said, reaching out a hand to him.
“Temian?” Tioch’s eyes widened. “Ya lookin’ more’n like yer brother than yerself.”
Temian chuckled. “So we’ve been told. The Zaxson extends his greetings, Master Gael, and awaits you in the grand hall. Would you like to be shown to your chambers to freshen before your meeting?”
“My chambers?” Tioch asked, looking around the massive compound.
“Yes. The Zaon—” Temian cut his words short, noticing Julaybeim’s gesture. After clearing his throat, he said, “Lady Brahanu has assigned you chambers near hers. She wanted you to be near her and Eytan.”
“The—the Zaon?” Tioch asked, confused.
“Yes,” Julaybeim said. “Brahanu holds a formal title in Nazil, but you needn’t worry about such formalities.”
Tioch nodded, following the guards through the citadel. When they reached the large doors of the hall, Temian push forward, motioning for the men to follow.
“Zaxson, Lady Brahanu, allow me to present the Caretaker of Cazaal, Lord Julaybeim Ravenot, and master craftsman, Tioch Gael,” Temian said.
Pentanimir smiled, extending out his elbow for Brahanu. With what he’d recently learned about Sanctium and Ahvixx, this visit was a welcomed reprieve.
“Greetings, Caretaker, Master Gael,” Pentanimir said, descending the stairs with Brahanu. “It’s a pleasure to see you both again. I trust your trip was uneventful.”
“It was. The road was easy, though long,” Julaybeim said. “I’m pleased to be in the city again. The reason for my past visit wasn’t pleasure, and I intend to remedy that on this occasion.”
“Indeed.”
“Julaybeim, are Gali and Dawntaylesha with you?” Brahanu asked.
“No, and she wasn’t pleased with my decision. However, Yonas and his wife are visiting Cazaal, and will hopefully keep her mind off my absence.”
“Yes, we regret being unable to attend Yonas’ wedding,” Brahanu said, hugging her brother, and then turning toward Tioch.
A smile creased Tioch’s face as Eytan pointed in his direction. So much Eytan reminded him of Itai. Tioch’s smile took in his entire face when Eytan leaned, reaching out for him.
“He remembers me,” Tioch said.
“Of course, he does.” Brahanu kissed Tioch’s cheek, leading him to a comfortable divan against the wall. “Eytan loves you, Father Tioch. You’ll always be a part of his life.”
As he played with his grandson, Brahanu gestured to Julaybeim. Taking his arm, they excused themselves, walking midway down the aisle.
“What did you tell Tioch about Pentanimir and Tardison?” she asked.
“I told him about your promise, but it’s for you to inform him about your marriage.”
“Does he know that Eytan has a twin? Did you say anything about Tardison?”
“It’s not my place to do so. Tioch wouldn’t understand the complexities of Tardison’s birth.” He glanced around the room, whispering. “He certainly wouldn’t understand your infidelity with Pentanimir. Some truths are best left untold.”
Brahanu was shocked at his assertion, but could only offer a weak nod. Julaybeim spoke true, and denying her intimacies with Pentanimir before and during her marriage to Itai wouldn’t change what she’d done.
“Tha—thank you for escorting Tioch to Nazil. I’m aware that you wouldn’t have come otherwise. I appreciate what you’ve done, Brother, and what you’ve said.”
“Tioch hasn’t been himself since you left Cazaal. I didn’t tell him why you haven’t visited, only that there was some trouble on the road when last you were en route.”
“I’m going to tell him about the attack on my caravan,” she said.
“Are you going to tell him about Itai?”
“No. Tioch doesn’t know anything about the Guardians beyond the Protectors who visit Cazaal. He wouldn’t understand the intricacies of the divine gate or how Itai’s essence is interlaced with two worlds.” She shook her head, taking a deep breath. “One day I’ll tell him about the connection Itai shares with Eytan, but it won’t be soon.”
“As you say, Sister.”
“How long will you be staying?” she asked, leading him back toward the others.
“I promised Gali I’d return within eight suns. However, Tioch will remain here with you.”
“He wants to stay in Nazil? Are you certain?”
“He needs this time with you and Eytan. I’ve told him to send a message when he’s ready to return. I’ll send Aschelon to retrieve him.”
“Thank you, Brother, no. When Tioch is ready to return, we’ll escort him ourselves: the Zaxson and Zaontras of Nazil.”
CHAPTER seventeen
Volunteers
“Six more have petitioned to join,” Emet said.”
“Six?” Vot asked.
“Thus far. After receiving the report from the new Nazilian sentries, whatever apprehension that prevented them from petitioning before has faded. Many are eager to become a part of this new brigade since humans have never had the opportunity to become Chosens. Both Pentanimir and Hosdaq have done something truly progressive and enlightened when selecting their First Chosens.�
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“They have, and hopefully others will follow such examples. What did your brother report regarding their duties and training?” Vot asked.
“Pentanimir cleared two barracks to accommodate the sentries,” Emet said. “Their training is extensive, and the majority have been assigned to guard the main corridors and outer wall.”
“Surely, the Nazilians aren’t pleased with this change,” Olam said. “Many have trained for years to become Chosens of Nazil.”
“True, but Pentanimir’s acumen is justified. They aren’t certain which Nazilian guards are loyal. Only a select few have any interaction with the Zaxson’s family.”
“We’re having our difficulties here as well,” Huname said. “I can’t fathom the pressures that the Zaxson is under.”
“Nor I,” Vot said. “Most of the difficulties in Nazil stem from the Zaxson’s and Nakshij’s human wives.”
“It’s more substantial than that,” Olam said. “Certainly, some Nazilians feel betrayed by their behavior, but most are angered about the destroyed villages and lost lives. That isn’t a thing easily forgotten…or forgiven. Even those who support the Benoists don’t agree with that outcome of the war.”
A war the Nazilians forced, Vot thought, vividly recalling every aspect of the war and the betrayals and brutalities leading up to it.
“Do you agree, Caretaker?” Emet asked, sounding as if the question was posed more than once.
“Yes. Yes. Of course, this could be the case,” Vot stammered, re-joining the ongoing conversation.
“Father, is everything all right?” Aizen asked.
“There’s much on my mind, my son, and more to discuss. Our time grows short, I fear.”
The twins exchanged a look. “We have all the time you need, Father,” Ahni said. “What’s troubling you?”
“Nothing more than you already know,” Huname said. “Your father and I’ve been discussing many things of late. Despite our earlier troubles, Noraa is stabilizing. Once the same is true for Nazil, we don’t intend on remaining here in the city.”
“You do mean to return?” Asmaa asked.
Seed of Scorn Page 44
