LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE WEDDING - SECTION 5
BRANDT DUSTIN
The vivid
recollection of that first ride’s thrill and joy to date still stirred (fired)
Svein’s soul and brought prompt smile to his lips. At present (currently) on
route to town Karene, the added (bonus) excitement and delight stemming from his
expected union with Teuquob bursting his heart, Svein urged Fiery Comet to
equate that first time’s speed till they felt as if they were riding on air,
goaded on by the wind, with the horse’s hooves hardly touching the ground. After several days’ ride when Svein reached Karene by mid-afternoon, he and the horse were both parched by the all-consuming heat. Though the wind had picked up during the last hour or so and white clouds now sailed on by across the sky in speed, it still did not offer the earth any real respite. Svein led the horse
through the wind-swept streets, straight to the familiar inn, located at the
far western edge of town. The
middle-aged, stout innkeeper, being notified of Svein’s approach well in
advance, hurried down the steps with his hands clasped obsequiously to
personally welcome Svein and invite him into the inn. After Svein returned his
greetings with similar humility he obligingly followed alongside the innkeeper
up the stairs. Meanwhile Fiery Comet was
led around to the back stables by the stable hands to be washed and fed, in
short, to be well looked after. They
worked diligently, begrudging the horse nothing, knowing their efforts would be
well met by a generous tip from Svein in the end. After Svein was refreshed
and had a change of clothing, he came down and was shown to a seat and promptly
served a complimentary tea, the innkeeper politely inquired after his health
then asked to learn of his requirements.
Once these were imparted and some funds changed hands he then rushed off
at once to see to the details. Not
daring to waste any more time, Svein, forgoing lunch, left the premises and
went off into the main marketplace to acquire his purchases. In the past, keeping a low
profile, Svein had always concluded his business and had departed town the
following day, without any adventures to speak of. His formidable bearing had discouraged local
hooligans from accosting or assaulting him, while his quietly reserved nature
had kept him from becoming the object of idle gossip among the locals who
droned the gambling halls and whorehouses.
As a result, he had always wandered in and out of town without touching
anyone’s lives or making a single friend or foe. This time, however, his list was longer than
usual and contained some (unusual) odd and specialty items and he could not
conclude his business all in one go. The innkeeper, with delight, had prepared for Svein’s lengthier stay upon being so informed. Himself a respectable and quiet man, the innkeeper had curbed his curiosity all these years and had allowed Svein his right to privacy and secrecy. Though he knew practically nothing of Svein’s background other than the false name, Audun Colden, which Svein had invented for his outside excursions, still, over the years he had developed a special fondness and respect for the youth, appreciating greatly his virtues of politeness, honesty, and the manner of speech that had marked Audun as learned literati. After securing the day’s
purchases in his room, at dusk Svein came downstairs to consume some
supper. He was led at once to a clean
table in the far corner of the room, and tea and food were then punctually
served to him. It was towards the
conclusion of this last course when Svein’s attention was suddenly drawn to an
ornate sword handle and its sheath worn by a stranger who had just then
appeared at the doorway (entrance). By
now the place was crowded by a large boisterous crowd that kept the waiters on
their toes rushing to and for with orders. From where he stood the
stranger first surveyed the room, ignoring the waiter who had rushed over to
invite him to an available table.
Wrinkling his nose, his narrowed eyes telling of his disdain for this
place, he then somewhat reluctantly made his way over to an empty table of his
own choosing by the window and sat himself down. The stranger next impatiently threw down
several gold coins onto the table and voiced his requirements. The apologetic
waiter nodded, and then snatching the gold at once hurried off to fetch a jug
of the best wine of the establishment, that were typically kept in the cellar,
under lock and key. As the stranger again
looked contemptuously about him, his eyes full of daring suddenly fell on
Svein; latter on his part not wishing to incur any undue curiosity seemingly
pensive, kept his focus pinned on the plate in front of him. Subsequently the
stranger’s gaze moved on to a more interesting target, the clustered heads with
hushed wagging tongues that appeared to be scheming some conspiratorial,
unsavory plan. Towering well over six
feet in height, with a bearing so formidable, the stranger’s intimidating
presence had discouraged even the rowdy group of law enforcement officials
seated next to his table from accosting him; in fact, they’d swiftly moved on
further away to a new table that had just then become available. With a continuing frown on his lips the
stranger downed cup after cup of the wine, losing his temper at the slightest
delay in the next supply which was kept steady to his table. But, despite the amount of wine he had
consumed, he’d remained quite unaffected and not the slightest bit inebriated. By now most of the
customers had moseyed on to elsewhere to pass the night- for no one took in
sleep in this heat, leaving the dining-room half empty. The wind had long ago subsided and had
allowed the heat to increase to still greater, more intolerable levels. With many of the regulars
(patrons) pouring outdoors for relief they crowded the streets, more so than
during the daytime. The stranger
continued with his drink, his expression changing only slightly to register boredom. He had noted Svein’s brief but interested
look at his sword at the time of his entry to the premises. Recalling that fact, he again stole a
sidelong glance at Svein, who was thoughtfully sipping his tea, his void stare
affixed to his cup. “I can simply take my
leave; never knowing more…Hmm. Then again, what harm is there in casual
conversation…?” When the waiter just then brought over a
fresh pot of tea, Svein discreetly made his inquiries about the specific
stranger. The waiter, concealing his
surprise for Svein, had never shown such interest in anyone, drawing close,
imparted to Svein what little he knew about the arrogant stranger. He told of how only twice before the stranger
had wandered in to consume a meal and large quantities of their best wine,
behaving with consistent haughtiness and condescension. “Furthermore, he seemed to
have an endless supply of funds, an abundant gold in his possession.” The
waiter then as if just been reminded, added quickly in a hushed voice: “But
both those other times he was in the company of another and from the looks of
him, a foreigner also. They are not from
these parts, I’m sure of it. Do you wish
to make his acquaintance? Perhaps I can
be of some service.” No, no,” Svein rejoined
hastily, “Thank you, but that won’t be necessary… A passing curiosity, that’s
all.” A pair of other waiters,
who happened to be close by, noting this exchange, craned their necks and
picked up their ears to overhear the conversation. The innkeeper suddenly appeared on the scene,
boxed the ears of the one farthest back; then scolding them both, sent them
scurrying back to their tasks. “Anything else I can get
for you, sir? How about some sweet buns,
a specialty of the house, to go with your fresh pot of tea?” the waiter tending
Svein, clearing the spare dishes, now asked. “Nothing further thank
you; the tea is quite sufficient.” With
that Svein promptly paid the waiter the amount owed, slipping in something
extra for his trouble. Delighted, the waiter
thanked Svein and turned to tend to his other customers. Affixing his gaze outside
the window, “now where have I seen that design before?” Svein inwardly
queried, his thoughts reverting to the insignia, the crested eagle design on
the sheath and the pommel of the sword’s handle. “I know I’ve seen it
somewhere before, perhaps another likeness, but why is it I cannot recollect
just where?” Absentmindedly he
again glanced back up at the stranger and their eyes met in a mute clash. It was too late to turn away! Svein smiled and nodded his head in polite
greeting, which was reciprocated by the other. It might have ended there,
except the stranger, after exchanging a few words with his waiter, next rose
from his seat and, with bold steps, advanced towards Svein’s table. A momentary silence seized the room, as all
present, suspected trouble as the only likely outcome from one such as
him. But, to their great chagrin, the
stranger carrying a formal manner and with courteous words, duly introduced
himself as Brandt Dustin then stated his wish to make other’s acquaintance,
upon which he waited patiently to be asked to take a seat. Obliged to respond
favorably, Svein at once rose to his feet and, after delivering the formal
customary greeting, stated his own name as Audun Colden and invited the
stranger to be seated. Brandt Dustin expressed his thanks and took the seat across from Audun (Svein). All those who had witnessed Brandt’s lack of deference and almost hostile manner now rubbed their eyes in disbelief, and at safe distance, huddled their heads together to exchange views and nosh rumors. Svein was about to call
for the waiter for some wine for his guest when a second waiter suddenly
appeared behind him carrying a sealed jug of the best wine and two cups. “I hope you don’t think me
too presumptuous”, Brandt apologized, “but I took the liberty of ordering it
before. Please join me in a drink to
mark our meeting.” Then, without waiting
for Svein’s response, he broke the seal and emptied wine into a cup, after
which he, with both hands, offered it to Svein (Audun Colden). This being a gesture of
respect and friendship, Svein felt constrained to accept it. Thanking Brandt, he took the cup (with both
hands also) and had the customary three sips before returning the courtesy to
Brandt. “Now, with the formalities
out of the way, let us drink as brothers and talk without reserve.” Brandt
proposed. Svein’s polite upbringing
would not allow him to show rudeness and refuse the next drink or the next
after that. In this way coerced into
consuming several cups Svein deeply buried his feeling of guilt which had again
arisen from this defiance of his uncle’s rule.
Brandt, ignoring Svein’s
subsequent protests and claims that he was not a drinker- pressed on Svein to
consume still more. Though Brandt, on Svein’s insistence, drained
thrice the number of cups as Svein did he showed no ill effects. Svein, meanwhile, became aware of his own
state of slight intoxication. Afraid
that he would lose control, he took smaller sips and ultimately longer and
longer time to empty each cup. Brandt, a consummate drinker, after draining
several more cups, had in the interim carefully steered the topic of
conversation to the martial arsenals, then to the priceless, famed swords that
were passed on to posterity through successive generations. “Take this sword, for
example,” fondling it affectionately while pretending to be slightly
inebriated, he boasted, “it’s an heirloom, a priceless treasure also, with a
story all its own. As one of a pair, it once belonged to Lord
Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon” He paused to gauge Audun
Colden’s reaction, when none was forthcoming, bit peeved, he nevertheless
continued, “Of course, you would be far too young to know of that traitor’s
name.” He again, took several
more sips, a deliberate hiatus (break), and then quickly added, “But I digress,
after the fall of the last dynasty, when our illustrious Sovereign gained his
rightful place on the throne, the priceless pair of swords was presented to my
master Haskell as a gift, amid other favors, for his rendered valuable services
to the throne.” Svein with his ardent
discipline had curtailed his shock and surprise with admirable zeal; on the
surface his demeanor appearing perfectly placid and well composed. His expression had remained unchanged as he
continued to listen to the strange accounts of Brandt. Inwardly, however his soul had been set
alight, after hearing the name Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon. “Was that not the name on his uncle’s list
before it had been so completely erased, during their recent stay at the
‘Heaven’s Gate Spiritual temple’? What
did all this mean? Had his uncle once
served under this vilified Lord?” Oblivious to Svein’s inner
turmoil, Brandt meanwhile had continued, “My master treasured these twin swords
above everything else he owned, and he took them out frequently to admire them
and to demonstrate lessons with them.
Since, however, master agile as he was, excelled in fighting with only
one sword, often during these special demonstrations he entrusted the other
sword to his most prized pupil, Kochi. “My master had no kin and
no offspring to speak of; now trusting and being particularly fond of Kochi, he
later adopted him as his own son. That
was why he was especially devastated when Kochi, without conscience, betrayed
him. When one of the gemstones on the
handle of the sword was loosened, master wishing to have it repaired right
after dinner, had left it outside of its locked cabinet. How was he to know his adopted son, claiming
illness, would excuse himself from the dining area early and, stealing into his
room like a common criminal during those few hours, would run away with the
treasured sword, never to be seen again.”
Brandt, grinding his teeth with contempt, again reached for the cup and
downed its contents all at one go. “My master had taught him everything he knew,
thinking that Kochi would one day succeed him.
That error in judgment, plus his advanced age, stopped him in the end
from recovering his prized possession and avenging the wrong that was done to
him.” “None of his other pupils
were of any use. In his disillusioned
state he dismissed them all and withdrew into seclusion. After some years, finally giving in to my
persistence, he took me on as his next pupil on the condition; however, that
one day, when I had mastered the skill, I would seek out this villain, avenge
my master, and recover the sword so that my master could be buried with the
pair. Now taken ill, he is lying in bed
on the brink of death. Since I have
never seen Kochi, and the swords were the only link, my master with some
reluctance, allowed me to take the second sword from his side.” “I’ve journeyed far and
wide, spared no effort in trying to apprehend Kochi, yet all traces of that
villain or the sword have eluded me. Now
and again, I fear that some great misfortune might have befallen him, and that
he might have been buried under earthen debris or he’s in some watery grave
along with the sword; but I cannot allow myself to think of such an end. I have taken a vow not to return till I have
completed my task, and my master has given me his word to hang on to life until
the day of my safe return.” At this
point Brandt fell into silence, his face showing a mixture of frustration and
despair, plus something else that Svein could not clearly discern. Just then, like a
lightning bolt, it struck Svein just where, precisely, he had seen this sword’s
twin. Of course! He now
recalled. He was no more than
six years of age at the time. While his
uncle had been away on a hunting trip he had mischievously gone through his
uncle’s personal belongings, then his chest.
Groping about, he had hoped to find something of interest to while away
the lonely and boring hours. To his
great delight and thrill, he had then discovered this fine sword at the very
bottom, carefully enshrined in several layers of silk. He could still recall vividly the resulting
fury in Stark’s face when, upon his early return, he had caught him (little
Svein) red handed, playing with this magnificent sword in his room. Barely able to lift the sword, Svein was
dragging it on the floor, pretending to be a mighty warrior, vanquishing all
his enemies and dispensing justice to all.
As Svein reflected such,
he’d assumed the mask of indifference, mindful of Brandt’s scrutiny, latter
seeking least sign, anything to substantiate his initial suspicion. Why else would he have bothered to share a
drink and as a gesture of trust, unburden himself so elaborately to a perfect
stranger? Meanwhile Svein had played
his part so remarkably well that Brandt presently doubted his prior misgivings
about Audun (Svein); moreover, Brandt’s inner frustration mirrored his
professed outward words. “I’ve even offered a great reward for any
information, however slight, that would lead me to achieve my purpose, again to
no avail. No one has seen the twin of
this sword or its bearer. It’s as though
they have both vanished from this world.” He shook his head, refusing to call
it quits, not after he’d invested so much of his time. Brandt suddenly growing
serious and in the most direct manner, burrowing his pupils in Audun (Svein),
asked, “I will not insult you, sir, by offering you the reward money but, out
of compassion and due respect for my dying master, won’t you tell me why you
had shown a slight, a glint of interest in my sword earlier at the point of my
entry to these premises? Can I hope,
perhaps, that you have seen the likeness of it somewhere before?” “Now comes the truth;
a brazen move” Svein’s face donned
a nonplussed (puzzled) look, as if he’d not heard Brandt right. “I would be most obliged
upon receiving any information that you may have, however trivial.” Brandt
obdurately (pig-headedly) insisted. “I am deeply sorry to have
caused you any false hope.” Seven, feigning regret, shook his head. “In truth, I was drawn to
it for its striking quality of workmanship, nothing more. The crested eagle design alone is done to
perfection. I profess to know something
about these arts, and it was my appreciation of it which, in this case, drew my
attention. The weapon itself, I’m
afraid, is of little consequence to me, since I lack any ability in
swordsmanship.” “Surely you are too
modest.” Brandt sham rebuked Svein’s claim of limited knowledge of martial arts
and arms. “Why your physical bearing
alone tells of your competence and no doubt, formidable skill.” “You do me too much honor,
sir.” Svein blushed with due humility.
“I do daily exercises to keep fit and, besides my other chores, I cut
wood and, on occasion, scale the mountains or hunt for game. That is all.” “By your words, you
profess to know archery at least.” Brandt grinned. When pressed further by
Brandt to give some account of his years and background, Svein had wisely
hinted at an age at least four more years older than his own and purported to
be the third or fourth son of some local official somewhere, undetermined region. He had supposedly gained some formal
education from private tutors and even this bit of useless info had been
relayed as insinuation, hint or suppositions under the guise of plain humility
(all without the benefit of real facts or details). He is far too clever
to cave. Brandt huffed. Though inebriated he is still exercising
caution, not giving anything away. All
night long his answers to my questions have been evasive. I know nothing further, nothing tangible
about him, than when I first took this seat at his table. “All right, perhaps I was
mistaken.” This time Brandt did not
insist. Surely this Audun Colden has
private reasons of his own for his ambiguity and professed ignorance. Perhaps he is afraid of meeting a challenge
from me. Perhaps he is but a coward
after all. “Then perhaps you can still be of some
assistance to me. During your journeys
to and from this town, have you ever encountered a stranger, an elderly
gentleman with only one arm?” Svein’s suspicions further
escalated, on the outset he made a pretense of jogging his memory, then
smiling, shook his head in the negative once more. “That is most
unfortunate.” With a despondent look on his face, Brandt sighed. After downing another cup,
he dejectedly leaned back in his chair then explained further, “I had neglected
to mention it earlier, but Kochi, because of an accident he’d suffered shortly
before his evil deed, had his right arm severed at the elbow. This description was given to me as my only
other way of identifying him.” His eyes
once more burrowed deep into Svein, persistent on receiving a response from the
other. “I regret that I am still
unable to offer you any hope, despite my sincerest wish to do so.”, came
Svein’s standard, unruffled, genuine reply. “I was just hoping.”
Brandt pursed his lips, in feigned dismay. “Unfortunately, like so many, in
this god-forsaken town not a single clue has surfaced to give me scant
hope. At least in other towns, other
cities, we were led to people bearing some resemblance to Kochi, to some
renegade cripples with one arm.” We?... Svein
nevertheless, curbed his inquiry. Was Brandt’s other
companion, the one the waiter told of earlier, also in pursuit of his
uncle? For, no mistaking it, it was
Stark they were after. These facts, the
twin sword, the right arm severed at the elbow all tallied perfectly. Then
again, it was inconceivable that Stark would have ever consented to being the
pupil of a master who was once an advocate of the usurper Sovereign. The subsequent accounts were equally
implausible and thoroughly contrary to Stark’s nature! Svein for a brief spell
had mulled over the validity of Brandt’s claims and the alleged ignominy; this
lapsed judgment and the unpardonable slur, undeserved dishonor to Stark’s
integrity, both angered and at the same time shamed Svein. Curtailing these negative emotions however, he
stole a discreet glance at Brandt. Oh, he is shrewdly
deceptive. Even his bearing does not
correspond to what he claims. Despite
this disguise of plain clothes, he looks to have grown up amidst affluent
surroundings. I would venture a guess: an aristocrat perhaps? But why concoct such an elaborate story to
slander Uncle’s good name and to entrap him? Surely this was more than an
expanded attempt to recover a sword or settle an old (score) vendetta. What was Brandt after? Svein could not shake the
ominous feeling that there were far graver consequences at stake here. He quickly estimated the time: “Uncle has
lived in seclusion for at least the course of my life, some 20 years and Brandt
was, according to him, only four years my senior. How could one so young bear such contempt for
Uncle and be seeking him to exact revenge?” For there was no mistaking
it, there had been that pure, unadulterated hatred and lust for vengeance
disclosed in Brandt’s eyes at every mention of Kochi- clearly a fabricated name
for Stark? Though Svein wished to pry
further into this matter to learn this stranger’s true aim in seeking out
Stark, he abstained in favor of caution.
He was obliged nevertheless, in carrying out this charade to its natural
conclusion and though this deceptive game sickened him at heart, he intoned his
sympathies and understanding for the other’s plight, adding that no offense was
taken to Brandt’s persistence. From the start, Brandt had
this nagging gut feeling that, at long last, he’d been poised at the heels of
his allusive prey, a good solid whiff perhaps and he would uncover him- but
nothing untoward had happened to substantiate this prior hunch. Subsequently,
observing the sincerity of Svein’s tone and manner, Brandt had to concede that
once more, he had followed a false instinct.
“Why, this man before me is no more
knowledgeable or formidable than the local thug (ruffian). Now, if only Audun here was some years
younger, then I may have some slight cause to persist”. Brandt nodded absentmindedly, “but he is clearly a
good four years older than the one I seek!” Suddenly tiredness weighed
heavily on Brandt. Lapsing into
brooding, he reflected impatiently and indignantly on how much time he had
wasted questioning all manner of denizens of this and other such detestable
outposts at the far fringes of the Empire, how he had searched every city,
town, district or settlement all to no avail!
As he downed several more
cups in swift succession however, his expression changed momentarily, and his
lips drew a most sinister smile.
Brandt’s thoughts had reverted back to Duan, the cold, unfeeling
assassin who was his accomplice, his so-called companion. Had he been with him
at this time, this so-called Audun Colden would not have lived to see another
day? Looking away, again his
lips parted in that venomous wry grin, uncovering perfect teeth as a fleeting
picture of the cut up, maimed bodies of those who were merely suspected of
knowing something flashed before his mind’s eye. “So, what if they had proven to be a false
lead?” Duan had argued the point coldly, “In the end had it not been better to
have snuffed out their miserable existence than, on the off chance, let the
real one escape?” Of the two of them, Brandt was the one better
natured; Duan, totally at odds with everyone, seemed to thrive on bloodshed and
pain. Unfortunate were those who crossed
paths with him. Indeed, Duan was
incapable of feeling remorse or compassion, but Brandt needed him and without
him he could not realize his wish. For
that reason, Brandt had put up with a lot and had always given in to the
other’s whims and incessant demands. Svein had persisted with
this discourse, hoping in all that time to uncover the truth about Brandt and
his accomplice; however, Brandt was quite adept at this game of deception, and
had not let on any useful info; furthermore, increasingly seen as a dangerous
adversary, Svein decided now to swiftly end this fruitless exchange. Coincidentally just then, the innkeeper came to his rescue. “Gentlemen, now please,” he said plaintively, gesticulating in part as he approached them somewhat timidly, fearful of an angry response from Brandt, “Begging your pardon sirs, but please finish your drinks. We are way past our closing time. See, everyone else is already gone.” Cursing under his breath at this wasted time,
Brandt, with a wry smile, turned to address Svein and, after some perfunctory
words of farewell and other such, rose to his feet and, ignoring the waiters
who rushed to get out of his way, exited the Inn. Svein, following suit,
rose from his seat and went outside, for supposedly a solitary walk to clear
his head, deliberately choosing the opposite direction than Brandt. Soon he was swallowed up
by the dark, moonless night. A change in weather, and the sweeping, cooling
winds had blanketed the sky with ominous clouds. Using this to his advantage, he moved
stealthily, with the agility of a cat, far above the ground.
(END OF SECTION 5)
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