The Rise of Nazil by Aaron-Michael Hall

Author:Aaron-Michael Hall [Hall, Aaron-Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780692518892
Publisher: Xtabyren Publishing
Published: 2015-08-24T06:00:00+00:00

Visit from Spero

Brahanu smiled, ushering her parents through the door. They hadn’t visited for some time, and she was excited to see them.

“Mother, Father,” Brahanu said. “It’s good to see you. I’ve been awaiting your visit. Come.”

Brahanu closed the door, taking a seat across from them. “Would you like something to drink? Philomena has gone to the market, but I can find my way around the kitchen well enough.” Brahanu chuckled, before noticing their serious demeanors.

“What’s wrong?”

“There’s much happening, Brahanu,” Hacom said. “Within the span of four full moons, we’ve had three invitations. Of them, two have come from Nazil. That’s a strange thing, don’t you agree?”

“Father, I don’t understand. Has there been word from Nazil?”

“Indeed,” Amani said.

“To tell it true, it’s from Spero, but one from Nazil sent it.”

“Spero? Father, please. What’s going on?”

“We’re going to have a visitor for evening meal,” he said. “Spero is near completion, and Daracus and the new Caretaker have arrived to inspect the city. The Caretaker is en route to Cazaal as we speak.”

“Are you to provide accommodations for him?”

“As Caretaker of Cazaal, it’s my duty. In the past, visitors from Nazil would refuse to stay at the citadel. They’d do their business and then move on to Leahcim or Dovak, but not this man. He’s asked to dine and remain at the citadel.”

“I hear the words, but they hold no meaning. Why are you telling me this?”

“Brahanu, your father is telling you this because your Chosen is visiting. Pentanimir Benoist.”

She nearly gasped. Gods, no. Not now. Please. Not here. Brahanu did her best to appear unmoved, but inside, she panicked. Since her return from Bandari, she was finally happy. Pentanimir had no place in her life beyond the possibility of their son. She loved him, but she loved her husband more. She couldn’t subject Itai to this. She wouldn’t.

“Pentanimir? Caretaker of Spero? Why is he coming to Cazaal?” she finally asked.

“They don’t need to offer a reason,” Hacom said. “I thought mayhaps you might know.”

“Me? I didn’t even know that he’d be the new Caretaker. I haven’t seen or spoken with him since he left me with the Osmonts.”

“This alone could be the cause. He wants my entire family in attendance for the evening meal. All of us, Brahanu,” Hacom stressed. “Did you tell him that you were my daughter?”

“Yes,” she said as the thought came to her. “I did mention it.”

“Well, I don’t know what he wants to learn, but he’ll have it. For good or ill, he’ll arrive with the setting sun.” Hacom stood, helping Amani to rise. “I don’t need to tell you about the possible danger here. Both you and Itai will come dressed for the occasion and be pleasant. Whatever the son of Manifir wants, he’ll have it. I won’t put this village in danger of Nazil’s wrath. Spero is less than a day’s ride. They’re too near, and Nazilians surround us.”

Brahanu’s face was bereft of all emotion as she walked them to the door. For many long moments, she only stood, watching the carriage pull away.

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