The Rise of Nazil- Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy

by Aaron-Michael Hall

  Brahanu was unsure, but her options were few. Accepting the wineskin, she raised it to her lips, taking a small sip.

  “Thank you,” she said, handing it back to him. “The herbs have worked well. The pain has all but gone.”

  “That’s for you. You’ll need to drink from it often if you’re going to travel.”

  “I don’t understand. Why are you helping me? I’m not Nazilian. Doesn’t that make me your enemy?”

  Pentanimir pondered his response. He lamented how the Nazilians were perceived, although such a reputation was not unearned. It wasn’t until this moment did that truth grieve him so completely. His heart wasn’t the same as that of Nazil’s leaders. He’d never taken anyone captive, but he knew others who had, and he’d done nothing to stop it. Brahanu was right to question, to demand, even. But how could he explain what he didn’t understand?

  “When you first appeared to me it seemed an illusion or—or a dream; like a shadow in the darkness,” he started. “As your form became plain in the fire’s light, I knew you were truly there, and you were real. The rains trickled over your skin, outlining your beauty with…with a radiance. I felt the gods were blessing me by creating an enchanting vision on such a night that all beauty had been forgotten. Never in my life...not even in my dreams have I seen one so beautiful,” he said, standing again.

  “I understand if you believe my words false. Even as I speak them, I’m also confused. These thoughts…these feelings have never been as prevalent with anyone before. You must know that if I wanted to hurt you, I could’ve done so many times. I brought you here to protect you from the other guards. If they discover you, you’ll surely be put in irons. I can’t fathom what the Zaxson would do with one so lovely. I’ve never condoned such treatment for anyone. I’m a Chosen of Nazil. That I’ll always be, and all the powers of the gods combined couldn’t change it. But I’m not like our Zaxson. I promise upon my honor that I’ll allow no harm to befall you. If by my death you’re made safe, so be it. I swear this on my honor as the First Chosen of Nazil.”

  Pentanimir helped Brahanu from her knees, taking a seat beside her.

  “I believe you,” she said, managing a sincere smile. “The fear remains, but I do believe you. I just hope these rains end soon. The further I can travel from Nazil, the safer that I’ll feel.”

  “Soon, I promise. I’ll need you to await me here and I’ll return. If the guards notice my absence, they’ll come looking for me.” He stood, handing her a satchel. “Please eat what you will, and I’ll return as soon as I’m able,” he said, replacing his cowl. “I will return.”

  “I know.”

  Pentanimir had only traveled a short distance before hearing the heavy footfalls approaching. After a quick glance over his shoulder, he increased his pace. The ictus of his heartbeats drummed loudly in his ears as he fought to keep the trepidation from his visage.

  “Pentanimir?” a disembodied voice called out.

  “Yes, I’m here,” he said, glancing back again. “Ah, Beilzen. What’re you doing out so far?” Resting a hand on the guard’s shoulder, Pentanimir turned him back toward the city.

  “That’s what I was going to ask you,” Beilzen said. “Where have you been? A guard shouldn’t leave his post. During these storms, it’s almost impossible to see in the distance. As First Chosen, I’d think you’d be more responsible. To leave the gates unguarded and vulnerable is a serious offense. If Draizeyn knew of such dereliction, he wouldn’t be pleased.”

  Pentanimir paused. “You needn’t concern yourself with any offenses you think that I’ve committed. I heard noises near the brush and needed to investigate. As you say, you can scarcely see during these storms. I had to ensure that what I heard posed no threat.”

  “Noises.” He scoffed. “What noises did you hear? None of the other guards reported hearing any noises.”

  “Mayhaps that’s why I am First Chosen, and they are not. It’s my duty to notice what others dismiss. And speaking of duties, Beilzen, how long have you been away from your post while searching for me at mine? I’m still your superior, and I’d hate for Draizeyn to discover you neglecting your duties and responsibility to Nazil. It was by my uncle’s word that you obtained a guard’s position. Don’t underestimate the weight of my own to have you lose it.”

  Beilzen glared at him, forcing a smile. “You speak true, First Chosen. I do need to return to my post. I was only coming to make a report. When you weren’t here, I was...concerned . It isn’t like you to leave an assigned area. Now that I know everything is all right, I’ll return to the west entrance.”

  “See that you do.”

  Beilzen’s feigned smile faded as he walked away, his anger building with every step. Pentanimir had always bested him, but soon, he’d discover a way to change that.

  As the night progressed, Pentanimir’s anxiousness grew. He wondered if Brahanu was safe, cold, hungry, in pain, or if she would truly wait for him. With Beilzen skulking around, he’d have to be more cautious. If Brahanu were discovered, there’d be nothing he could do to save her. Beilzen would relish the opportunity to deliver such a captive to the Zaxson. He couldn’t allow that to happen. He wouldn’t.

  Once the guards began changing posts, he smiled, seeing his brother Danimore exit the city gate.

  “I can take it from here, Brother. Go now and rest. This duty shouldn’t fall on you, anyway. You’re First, not one of the city guard.”

  “This duty falls on all of us, Dani. Besides, it keeps me from the citadel and Denotra’s constant advances.”

  Danimore chuckled, pulling his cloak tighter. “You speak true. But once Uncle secures the pledge, you’ll be unable to avoid her advances, or her bed.”

  “If Uncle secures the pledge. There are many who seek the Zaxson’s daughter’s hand. Mayhaps the gods will be good and keep her from me.”

  “Many may seek it, but it’s you that she desires,” Danimore said. “Let us speak of it no more, your mood turns sour. There’s some muladorn stew and mulled wine awaiting you. After a night such as this, I’m certain that you could use something to warm you.”

  Pentanimir wanted to tell him what was in his mind and his heart, but he wouldn’t risk his brother as well as himself.

  “Are you all right?” Danimore asked.

  “Yes…yes, I’m fine. I thought that I saw something over there not long ago. I think I’ll search before going back inside the gates.”

  “You’ve served your time as guard. Let me search there and you can rest.”

  “No,” Pentanimir replied quickly. “It won’t take long. Besides, you shouldn’t leave the gate. Darkness surrounds us now, and we must stay focused. I’ll return soon,” he said, clapping him on the shoulder before slipping out of sight.

  As he walked toward the cove, he could scarcely contain his elation. Pentanimir couldn’t comprehend the feelings that she evoked in him, nor did he yearn to understand their meaning. It only mattered that seeing her had awakened something inside of him. “Brahanu,” he spoke quietly, desiring to hear her name again. A broad smile crossed his face accompanied by a palliative warmth.

  However, when he reached the coppice, his smile distorted into consternation. Only a cloak remained where he’d left her. Frantically, he scanned the tree-lined area, feeling a wrenching pang in his gut.

  “Pentanimir?”

  “Brahanu,” he whispered, spinning around to be greeted by only darkness. “Please be here, Brahanu.” His desperation flowed through each syllable.

  “I’m here, Pentanimir.” When she stepped from behind the tree, he rushed forward, enfolding her within his arms.

  “You’re safe,” he breathed in her ear. “The worst possible thoughts came to my mind, Brahanu. Why were you hiding from me?”

  She eased away, pulling the cowl off his head. “I heard someone approaching, but couldn’t tell that it was you. Once you spoke my name, I knew you had done as you’d promised.”

  He raised her hand, pressing his lips up
on it. “You’re so cold. I wish that we could walk through the gates of my city together. The comfort of my home would be yours for as long as you’d have it.”

  “I know it cannot be, but I’d welcome it to learn more about you.”

  “And I, you, Brahanu. However, what you’ve heard about many Nazilians is true. They are dangerous and detest humans. The majority of us don’t feel this way, but our Zaxson and Cha do. That’s all that matters here, Brahanu, albeit Nazil isn’t all of Faélondul.” He paused, a flicker of understanding reaching his mind.

  “Brahanu, can you trust me?”

  “I’ve shown you my trust.”

  “It’s too dangerous for you to travel alone, and the rains would’ve erased all signs of the paths in Depero Wood. How you managed to travel through without detection is a miracle only the gods could’ve performed. Nazilian guards patrol its borders and their eyes and senses are keen. I can’t risk taking you back to your village, not now. But there’s a place known to me, and those who live there are peaceful. They’ll welcome both of us. We would need to travel west to the Dessalonian Mountains. From there, we’d cross the shallows of the Raphar and follow it to the edge of the wood. The journey could take three suns. Gods be good, and we could reach the settlement in two. If I lead you there, will you follow?”

  “What place is this? I know of no village in all of Faélondul that would welcome both human and Nazilian.” She shook her head. “My family and promised, Itai, will be searching for me. It might be safer for me to travel south, back toward Cazaal.”

  “There’s no time to explain every detail now. If it were safe to return you home, I’d do so. Though our proximity to Cazaal is closer than that of this village, the dangers prevent us from taking this road. I can’t travel openly with you, and the Dessalonian Woods will shield us from humans and Nazilians alike. Time is our enemy this night, and we must hurry in whatever we decide. The sky will soon brighten, and there’ll be no darkness left to shield us. We can discuss more as we journey. I promise that whatever questions you might have, I’ll supply the answers. If you agree, I’ll secure horses and provisions. Please, I’ll see you safely to your village. Firstly, I’ve vowed to keep you safe here. After you’ve regained your strength, I’ll secure passage down the Great Sword.”

  Brahanu nodded, reluctantly. “All right, but can we at least send a message to my village to let them know I’m well?”

  “I’m sorry, we can’t risk sending a bird. Once you’re safe, I’ll travel to Noraa and send your message. I’ll go now and speak with my brother. It won’t be long until I return with our horses.”

  Brahanu watched until he had faded away in the darkness. Although she couldn’t sense any maleficence from him, she’d been told how deceitful the Nazilians were. Her father had dealt with them on more occasions than he wished, and warned their family often. Even when the Zaxson sent men to their village, her father ensured that she and her siblings weren’t at the citadel. So, why didn’t she feel the same trepidation that her father did? In fact, Pentanimir elicited emotions within her that she didn’t understand. Only her promised had made her feel so. Until now.

  Whichever road she took would be a dangerous one.

  “Dani.”

  “Brother, I was beginning to worry. Did you find anything out there in the darkness?”

  “Yes, I truly have.” Pentanimir’s smile was euphoric.

  “Are you certain that you’re all right? The naja and kuzbarah oil, did it aid you?”

  “I’ve never felt better in all of my life. I feel as I did when we were young, and father took us on our first hunt. Do you remember? The confidence, the pure joy and excitement of the hunt, do you remember, Dani?”

  “Yes, I remember that day. It’s one memory that replays in my mind often. What’s caused this feeling in you?”

  Pentanimir smiled, leaning closer. “Have I ever come false or misled you?”

  “Of course not, but why—”

  “I need you to trust me now. Can you do that, can you trust me?”

  “Pentanimir, there’s a fear rising inside of me. What happened?”

  “Can you trust me?”

  “I’ve always trusted you. As long as there’s breath in my body, I’ll be at your side.”

  “I’ve never doubted your heart, Dani, and you’re the only one that I trust. Now, I need you to hear my words and not question their content.”

  “I don’t understand. I’ve never questioned anything you’ve said or done. Pentanimir, you’re not only First Chosen, you’re my elder brother.”

  He nodded, peering around again. “Listen carefully. I need to retrieve two horses from our stable and three nights’ provisions. I’m leaving the city tonight.”

  “Tonight? It’s too dangerous to travel in such blackness. The storms have nearly swallowed the moon and stars.”

  “You said that you wouldn’t question me,” Pentanimir reminded.

  “I’m not questioning you; I’m concerned for you. The storms created an early darkness. Let me ride with you on the morrow. Whatever the journey, I’ll help you get there.”

  “I know that you’d give your life in defense of me, but this road I must travel alone. I promise to explain everything upon my return. I’ve no time to waste and must leave now.”

  “What about Oxilon? If he questions me, what am I to say?”

  “I’ve never asked you to speak false and I’ll not do so now. Guard in my place on the morrow and everything should be all right. I’ll be gone no more than seven suns. While I’m away, I’ll inspect our traps and obtain information regarding damage from the storms. If I feel there’s a need, I’ll send a message from Mahlum. Let them know these things and nothing else.”

  “As you say.”

  Danimore opened the gate, allowing Pentanimir to pass. Acknowledging the guards on the inner wall, Pentanimir made note of their positions. He turned then, hurrying to his home, and contemplating his very few options. He cursed himself for not riding his horse. Usually, the long walk through the city was calming. He’d be lost in his reflections, admiring Nazil’s beauty. Not this night. The walk home would take precious time away from returning to Brahanu.

  When he finally entered his home, the aroma of muladorn stew caused him to smile. It had been too long since they had any attendants for their home. They’d made the decision together, but Danimore took on the brunt of the extra work…work Pentanimir knew would be better managed by attendants. It took many to oversee a home of that size, and the brothers left much undone. He made a mental note to remedy that upon his return.

  Not taking the time to remove his cloak, he scooped the stew from the pot, pouring what he could into a skin. After searching the kitchen, he grabbed bread, honey, fruit, and any other food easily carried on the road. He stuffed the provisions and two skins of wine in his leather satchel.

  After entering his chamber, Pentanimir pulled the furs from his bed and other items he needed for his journey. He glanced around once more, walking down the corridor to the rear. When he thought of the young woman awaiting him, he halted, a smile taking in his entire face. “Brahanu,” he said aloud, enjoying the sound of it. “I’ll see you safe,” he vowed, rushing out of the door and to his stable.

  Being careful not to alert anyone of his presence, he saddled two of his best horses and loaded their bags with his provisions. Pentanimir was thankful for the wind’s howl, as it masked the horses’ hoof beats.

  As he passed the temple of the Cha, his hackles rose. He turned, but didn’t notice anything askew. The gods’ statues cast obscuring shadows over him as he stared, marveling at the majestic figures adhered to the exquisite temple. Calm yourself. It’s the eyes of the gods you fear upon you, nothing more , he thought, exhaling a steadying breath, and continuing to the gate. As soon as the gate closed, Beilzen stepped from the shadows.

  Pentanimir met Danimore’s eyes, contemplating what to say. “Dani—”

  “I know. You’ll tell me when the time
calls for it. I know your heart, Pentanimir. If this is something that you must do, I’ll not hinder you. Do what you must, and I’ll do as you’ve asked. Go now before the guard returns.”

  Pentanimir embraced him quickly and then moved back toward the coppice. Although he worried about his brother, he couldn’t stop thinking of Brahanu. She was a beautiful woman, but he’d seen other beautiful women, yet none of them captivated him like she did. He hadn’t ever felt the warmth or connection that he did with her. Making Brahanu understand these feelings would be difficult. Firstly, he’d have to understand them himself.

  “I’m glad that you’ve returned.”

  “Brahanu, you startled me. I didn’t expect to find you here. Why did you leave the coppice?”

  “I heard something and wanted to see what it was. My vantage is greater from here. Forgive me, I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

  Releasing the reins, he grabbed some items from the saddlebag. “Please, wear this. I’m certain that you’re chilled. I apologize for not having anything more befitting you, but this’ll keep you warm.”

  “Thank you.”

  Pentanimir gathered the damp cloaks, draping them over his horse. “We need to travel into the woods a short distance. This’ll only be until we clear the sight of the guards, after which we’ll head west toward the mountains. Once we reach the path, we’ll continue until the sun’s rise. We should arrive at the mountains pass by that time. I know that you’re tired, but we must continue throughout the night. There are falls and a small lake where we can rest on the other side. Do you have the skin that I gave you?”

  “Yes.”

  “It would be wise to drink from it before we leave. The road is long.”

  Brahanu nodded, taking a long drink from the skin. “I understand. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be able to endure as long as you need.”

  A Pledge

  “No!” Surma snapped. “Place the olives near the Zaxson’s setting. They are his favorite. How many times must I remind you of placement?”