THE ORDEAL - SECTION 1

 THE ORDEAL 

 SECTION 1

 

Jiense, rather Teuquob (her actual name), had been directed to a much safer Reaog town by Ensa. Things might have turned out quite different and perhaps a bit mundane if the quirks of fate hadn’t interfered and altered her intended course.

As fantastic as it may seem when she’d reached the key juncture on the road a stray fox suddenly appearing on the spot out of thin air spooked the horse.

The terrified steed bolted, neighing, reared its front legs up high in the air, then after fiercely stomping them on the ground, shod like a projectile in full gallop in an entirely different direction. All during this most grueling, catapulting ride, though violently rocked and tossed about, as mark of her horsemanship, she’d stayed in the saddle by stubbornly clinging onto the horse’s bridle (mane).  The steed completely drenched in sweat had finally tempered his stride to a canter but by then Teuquob had lost all sense of direction and hadn’t a clue as to her whereabouts. Halting the beast on a hilltop and craning her neck, her eager gaze meticulously surveyed the open perimeter far and wide as her eyes sought to decipher or to mark a single identifiable landscape, an outlet perhaps that might correctly steer them back to their original course (destination). But after a disappointing period (spell), she had to concede to her present dire predicament: that she was utterly, hopelessly lost! Her heart laden with despair then, she lowered her head and shrugged. “So be it.”

Dismounting, she allowed the steed a brief respite wherewith to graze on the available grass; then overriding any persistent trepidation, back in saddle, she intrepidly embarked on the unpremeditated, variant direction.

She would have had a serious cause for concern however, had she known that this elected course was the very one that she’d been gravely warned against, and that come what may, from hereon, her fate fraught with danger, would be hanging in the balance with every leg of the advance.  The serpentine (meandering) route after a treacherous descent, traversed through the most perilous, immense wetland (marsh) to eventually terminate at the base of the towering foothills. Even if she were to be extremely fortunate enough to have survived the quagmire, she would then be faced with the ordeal of the dreaded foothills skirting the massive ridges of a gargantuan mountain.

It’s hard to say which projected the greatest risk: the grave topography or the carnivorous, feral beasts that were said to have inhabited the foothills and the subsequent mountain range?

The “Five Brothers” as these vast hills were called: rested at the outskirts of an ascending most treacherous, most precipitous mountain.  The monumental mountain with its sheer ridges, sharper than sharpest blades had its four peaks perpetually crowned with the white incandescent clouds; while its invisible summit reached so high that it penetrated the lower reaches of the azure heavens; hence, the name Tejunar, meaning “the eyes of Heaven”. Tejunar was so densely forested with centuries old ancient trees that in parts the sun’s rays were completely blotted out. The entire mountain range, meanwhile, was claimed “to have been inhabited” by many guardian mountain spirits that to date discouraged all or any trespassers. The staunch belief had come about over the span of years, as far too many hardy souls, hunters with mettle, gallant man and adventurers, mercenaries or diehards had lost their lives and in a terrible way too, during their bold undertaking (enterprise). The resulting colorful folktales embellished with supernatural accounts and phantasmal exploits of apparitions, goblins or evil entities had increasingly (further) fed the imagination. And so, for a decade now, despite the apparent abundance of game on this mountain range, no sane man had ever dared to violate the foreboding, deemed sacred ground, leaving the cohabitant wild beasts to roam at will and (to multiply into still greater numbers.) flourish in natural abundance.

                                                                                       ~

This be opined unfortunate or not, fate determining the way, at dusk she’d inadvertently bypassed the ‘last chance’ alternate route, to find herself (facing) encountering an increasingly inhospitable territory, that no one would ever dare venture into. Be that as it may, and this being no small feat- day after day she’d forged on- ridden, galloped or trudged on foot as they both- she and the beast, negotiated the difficult, oftentimes treacherous terrain, to cover a great distance. Only at the conclusion of each grueling day’s ride, as the darkness encroached to blanket (veil) the Earth, the bone chilling air compounded by the thrashing winds, would compel her to seek some semblance of shelter. But mindful of the din of howling, roaring beasts’ outside, in that opportune cove or an abandoned cave, she would oftentimes lie there in fetal position nestled to the small campfire, clutching the long knife- a generous gift of Ensa’s, hardly getting a wink. Cold and weary, her head riddled with cobwebs at the crack of dawn, while the horse satisfied his hunger on the abundant tall (lush) grass, she would quickly nibble on the portion of her scant rations; then once again rising to the challenge, she would hop back in saddle and take on the next plausible course.

On this day, after a long spell of riding, this is strange! Umm… the queerest thing! Just then becoming aware, she abruptly halted the nervous steed’s advance. Leaning forward she gently stroked his mane to steady him, then sitting upright once more; she cocked her head to one side and listened… She listened long and hard.

Hmm, still nothing!

To her growing unease, as she looked around, she further became cognizant of the stark, deathly silence surrounding her. Not a single leaf stirred, no insect buzzed, no birds chirped, there was no roar or a howl of any kind, no semblance (apparent) of animal life at all. No natural hum, thud or echo or pitch except that of her own breathing and the steady sounds of her mount as his hoofs nervously trod (trampled) on the reverberating ground akin to a (much like a) rhythmic drumbeat. Cast in this surreal, all pervasive, eerie atmosphere, she moreover could not shake the sensation of being espied upon.

“But by whom, by what?” She could not rightly, guess; nor did the subsequently traversed distance in the wake (aftermath) of the treacherous descent had in any way altered the persistent reality or diminish in the least the ongoing strong sensation of being avidly observed and studied perhaps by an omnipresent, intensely intrusive pair of unseen eyes.

The curious impression eventually did abate (ceased) when, after a long, grueling stretch, both the rider and the horse had suddenly and completely become gobbled-up by the dense thicket- for they had then unwittingly entered the dreaded quagmire! From hence the meandering path overgrown with weeds and brambles with many undulating pitfalls made their slow advance more laborious. Meanwhile the moisture laden air, restrictive and foul smelling, increasingly oppressed her bronchial passages. Gasping, straining for that precious breath, she led the reluctant horse by the bridle, treading wearily on the seemingly endless, soggy, slimy, uneven ground. Guided only by intuition, they had more than once barely avoided several well-disguised pitfalls, camouflaged quicksand and cloaked abysmal pools; meanwhile on the solid patches, the entwining shrubs or the ground runners unfailingly raced at every leg of the advance to maliciously mar or hinder their dauntless progress.

Her heart had oftentimes leaped to her mouth when she encountered creepy, crawly, scaly, slithering, long tapering cylindrical forms that just as quickly disappeared into the pools of stagnant water, underbrush, or simply vanished in the cavities of the earth or rock.

 In this nightmarish labyrinth with innumerable days blending with infinite nights, her sanity riding on the precipice, she’d been further burdened with the exertion of trying to handle the frightened, wayward steed that oftentimes strove to just run away from it all. Mercifully however, thus far they’d been spared from the most prevalent danger:  of being bitten by any number of the four indigenous poisonous reptiles- for one bite would have been sufficient to render any being or a beast in an instantaneous comatose state that eventually resulted in a most painful, lingering death. As it were, she only had a comparable herb, a sort of antidote in that bundle of hers, capable of averting catastrophes from insects or amphibians. And so, too fearful to stop, they’d for many a day endlessly ploughed on in this incubus maze. But anxiety had not been the sole driving force behind it all; in fact, advance had been partly made possible because of a very useful herb also fortuitously included in that medicinal pouch of hers. When chewed, the specific plant-leaves (seeds) had endowed (furnished) Teuquob with a strong stamina, keen reflexes and heightened threshold for the pain- enabling her hence, to go far beyond her limits. But at the intermittent times when the effects of the drug waned or altogether wore off (especially at the end when there were no more to be had): the mental and physical downturn, the withdrawal symptoms took a terrible physical and mental toll on her. In anticipation of a worst scenario, to prevent her falling off the mount, she’d already, by way of ropes, (fastened) secured (lower part of) her body at the waist to the saddle. But as the time wore on, even with the compliment of likewise ingested herbs, her endurance notwithstanding, she’d subsequently suffered the partial loss of feeling and sensation in her limbs, arms and legs. Meanwhile numbed to the core, her mind had often wondered wildly, reeling through picturesque, fantastic imagery in the atmospheric surreal dream-state.

It was no small miracle indeed, when unexpectedly one day, nearing dusk, both rider and the mount had suddenly found themselves at the periphery, and so somewhat unscathed, emerged from this dangerous trammel and deadly snare. With resurgent zeal the mount had pushed forward then, till he’d reached a safer clearing. Coming to, she’d barely managed to untie the knots and letting go, slid off the horse plump collapsing on the hard ground. After an undetermined time, she’d regained full consciousness; delighted by the refreshing change from the traversed slimy, soggy base- arms outstretched, eyes closed shut, she’d nevertheless lain there perfectly still, with only her chest cavity slightly rising and falling, as she took in a more well-earned, elongated rest under the blanket of stars. Fortunately, in all that time the noble mount (horse) had never strayed too far, grazing quietly while dutifully watching over her.

Daylight anew had brought its own variable challenges; still, nothing comparable to the ordeals just endured.

 

                                                                   ~

 

Once more back on course, with the strange sense of urgency fueling, egging them on, with the incessant riding at times in full gallop, they’d inexorably covered the inhospitable, sparsely forested and undulated steppe that seemingly had no end in sight. A mere speck on this vast landscape, this sporadically forested expanse with its intermittent gorges and valleys rising and dipping- after going over the last hump, one day she’d looked on ahead to behold the rank, forebodingly magnificent foothills. The very ones she’d been warned against! She recollected well then, Ensa’s imparted knowledge, relayed mostly by way of diagrams: How the wide band of infamous foothills skirted the eastern side of the mountain range… beyond which lay a far steeper climb.

06

She sighed, anticipating grater hardships still but fought the feeling of trepidation like a talon that had anew gripped her heart.  For what other choice did she have? After a dismissive shrug, she exhaled a deep expunging breath. Oh well, with ‘Heaven’s’ help she’d survived thus far; if it’s so ordained, notwithstanding prevalent dangers, she’ll yet again persevere!

“There’s no turning back now, hope you’re up to it old-boy!” She leaned forward and whispered into the horse’s ear as she affectionately patted the side of his neck. Besides, she’d been drawn to the majestic mountain range for an added reason:

For a long time hence, even before she’d parted from Ensa’s care, she’d nurtured an inner desire, born out of her desperate circumstance- to encounter, to chance upon a place of worship, a monastery or a lonely recluse’s hut. The dizzying heights of the summits with their proximity to the Heavens would be an ideal setting for such.  She anticipated that, there, as in her country, the mountain range would be a beacon of sorts, propelling, attracting pious beings of various religious sects or hermits, all irrespectively seeking sublime sanctuary.  Indeed, this had been at the root of her tenacity, the driving force for overcoming such incredible odds.

                                                                ~

Succeeding days, with renewed zeal, she’d relentlessly forged on through the foothills towards the gargantuan mountain range, even though the precariously hung, meandering, scantily viable (feasible) path overgrown with climbers, brambles, thorns and loose boulders, with swift flowing streams presented a daunting challenge, at times quite impossible to traverse. Meanwhile her concentration was so intently focused on the task at hand that she’d in the interim had remained deliberately oblivious to the resurgent eerie atmosphere that had for quite some time now, for lack of a better word, dogged (plagued) her.

The all-encompassing silence had of course re-surfaced (revived) shortly after she’d emerged from the quagmire, and well before she’d found herself at the periphery of the foothills. Brushing this distraction aside, she’d intentionally abstained from questioning this bizarre happenstance; for inwardly she’d deemed it a blessing from “Heaven”, especially since enveloped rather cocooned, in this somewhat protective supernatural milieu- and so spared from the worldly concerns of danger from predatory beasts- she’d been able to better advance, and be at liberty to collect water from the occasional stream, gather berries, nuts, roots and other such edible foods for sustenance.

Leaving it to the caprice of “Nature”, the only manifest difficulty meanwhile, stemmed from the tempestuous weather. For even on a relatively good day, she could suddenly become drenched with an unexpected downpour or be engulfed in precipitate murk, mist or haze; or enshrouded in dust-clouds (dust particulate matter) by the ever vigilant, gusting, thrashing winds that completely obscured all visibility. As it were the bone chilling frigid temperatures of the evenings contrasted greatly with the dampness of the morning dews and the stifling heat of the noontime- this being still the summer season. To survive the frigid temperatures of the nights she would don over her man’s attire the so-called waterproofed (waxed) jacket that Ensa had provided. But periodically when even this seemed inadequate, she would further cover herself with branches laden with leaves or moss as she huddled her body in protective corners of abandoned caves or coves. And when her footwear overtime became too threadbare, adept in ways of surviving, she’d resourcefully used strips cut from her generous portions of clothing to reinforce the soles for an added protection.  Nevertheless, in this harsh environment the cruel elements still taking their toll, her lovely hands in due course had become painfully chaffed, as did her arms and legs that now bore countless scratches and cuts. Added to this asperity was the resurgent odd feeling (a hunch) of again being watched (observed) by a pair of unseen eyes that were neither human nor beast!

Periodically, she would even perceive an acute sense of being threatened by it; but in the absence of manifest danger, gradually she’d become more curious and less fearful of the entity that of which never straying too far persistently stalked her. And so, when darkness blanketed the earth, she took solace by dwelling on this unseen constant companion and even at times outwardly conversed with it before falling asleep.

Once at midday after consuming her meager rations of food she’d been resting quietly with her back leaned against an ancient tree when just then she spotted a strange, bizarre creature crouched on an overhead rock up ahead. As she’d blinked and stirred, it’d instantaneously disappeared into thin air. Nor had this been the only such sighting of the mysterious, clearly supernatural entity… She could not rightly say whether it’d happened in a dream state or not, but on another occasion, late in the evening she’d suddenly been startled awake by a sensation of being touched or groped.  Bent on confronting this intrusive, phantom companion, on the subsequent nights she’d feigned being asleep and duly waited; and sure enough, on the fourth or fifth turn, well into the night as she’d remained dormant, something resembling a fox, a furry creature of sorts, had warily (guardedly) drawn quite near to sniff then prod her. Assuming that this was not a dangerous apparition, she was about to spring forth to grab hold, when unfortunately, just then, the ever-vigilant steed raising quite a ruckus, thwarted her aim. Nor did she ever gain another such chance, as each night thence; the moment she’d laid her head down, an unnatural (unholy) deep slumber at once overtook her.

                                                                                                     ~

 (End of Section 1)

(MORE EXCITING EVENTS WILL UNFOLD IN THE NEXT POST OF THE ORDEAL -SECTION 2)

THE FISHRMAN'S PRIZE - PART 13

 

 

LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC-

THE FISHERMAN’S PRIZE

(SECTION 13)

 

Kaimu spent the rest of that night at the shed. The following morning, rising from his makeshift straw bedding before the crack of dawn, with disgruntled air he washed up, re-entered the cabin and without uttering so much as a word to anyone, plump sat himself at the table. After downing a sizable breakfast ‘as if nothing had happened’, his huge appetite not at all affected by the night's concerns, he then rose to leave for work.  All along he’d observed, on the sly, how his son Yoansu seething in ire, had hardly touched his food.

In fact, having gotten nowhere with his mother the night before, Yoansu was determined to have, if necessary, a violent confrontation with his father when they were both out at sea. Barring all else, he would threaten the old bastard in blatant terms and demand that he lay off his mother, to stop hurting her, or else!

 As father and son both earlier than usual headed out the door, Kaimu suddenly breaking the ice half-turned his head and grumbled his stern instructions to his wife. “We will be returning earlier today, get the supper ready, after which I plan to go see Zianko.”

 He’d detected a faint (dim) light at Zianko’s place couple of night’s prior and again late last night. This telltale sign had assured Kaimu of Zianko’s return. Hmm, but for reasons known only to him, he’s still lying low. Kaimu now mused.

Zianko, he’s back? Fine, the mongrel dog is defiant… For that I shall enjoy killing that churlish fiend in a special, slow way! Yoansu scowled inwardly, guessing only half the reason for his parent’s present discord (dissension).

Ensa meanwhile, with a hung head had remained unresponsive, silent, as though lost in her own private revere.

“Fine have it your way!” Kaimu’s disgruntled words had again fallen on deft ears.

She dejectedly looked up to see Kaimu with indifference shrugging his shoulders and then briskly giving his back to her. Her blank, dispassionate gaze followed the two, with Yoansu in tow, hastening their steps down the slope towards the crevice where the boat was moored (fastened). With a hateful snort she then turned and slammed the door shut behind her.

 

After the craft was brought out of the protective cove, Yoansu and Kaimu with coordinated effort was about to push it into the water when Kaimu, noting (sighting) from the corner of his eye through the thick morning mist at some distance Zianko’s vigorous advance, abruptly stayed his hand. Yoansu half turned his head to see what had momentarily distracted his father.

This is serendipitous. Things couldn’t have worked out any better than if I’d planned it myself! Kaimu musing beamed, his eyes glued on Zianko.

Zianko’s heart meanwhile had skipped a beat when he’d suddenly looked up straight on ahead and spotted at the far distance Yoansu’s dark countenance bent over working alongside his father. The difficult illicit deal had satisfactorily been completed late last night. At this pre-dawn hour expecting no chance encounter, Zianko had planned to retrieve a well-concealed vital bit of incriminating evidence from the cabin of his boat.  Ceasing this appropriate time he meant to destroy this crucible item; afterwards he’d (intended on) contrived to becoming scarce for another extended period, as he in the interim initiated yet another criminal but unlawfully profitable act. This unwelcome chance meeting left him in a terrible quandary (bind), for he was not yet ready for the dire confrontation with Yoansu; therefore, pretending he’d forgotten something, he’d abruptly turned about face and started heading in the opposite direction towards his dwelling.

You’re not getting away that easily! Kaimu bent on seizing this opportunity however devilishly grinned. “Greetings old mate!” Waving a hand, he bellowed after his pseudo friend, as he threw a side-glance at Yoansu.

Blast! Zianko cursed under his breath.  “Greetings,” Came next, his reluctant loud response. Facing unto the challenge, as Zianko stoically came forward, he threw a cautionary glimpse at Yoansu. “I see your son’s visiting you.”

“And he’s brought with him a wife.” Kaimu jubilantly blabbed (burst).

“You don’t say! Well congratulations!” Zianko feigned joy and gleefully nodded to Yoansu.  Yoansu chewed the corner of his lower lip to constrain his scorn; he was utterly disgusted by this ludicrously amicable, farce exchange.

“But seriously, how have you been, old friend?” Kaimu queried, goading both. “And it’s been so long since we shared a drink last? I was beginning to get tad worried about your prolonged absence?”

“I’m afraid, a queer, bad incidence kept me away.” Zianko with a dark countenance shrugged, purposely avoiding Yoansu’s burning gazes upon him.

“I won’t pry by asking what incidence, but now that you are here… I mean to ask you something.” Kaimu turning a blind eye to the blatant hostility between the other two, as if in afterthought, excitedly injected (put in).  Zianko held his breath in anticipation and waited while Kaimu cleared his throat with a phony cough.

I’m thoroughly enjoying this. Kaimu inwardly laughed. Look at him sweat, in dreaded fear that I would break the news now, in front of that cursed son of mine.

  “You see, I’d detected a light at your abode late last night and so, I’d planned to pay you a courtesy visit at the day’s end. I wished to confer with you further on the matter of our mutual interest, but hey, why don't you come by our place instead for as well, a sumptuous meal this evening. You’ll then have the opportunity to also meet my new daughter-in-law and make her acquaintance. She is a delightful sort. You’d certainly get along. And this time, thanks to Yoansu’s generous gift, I’ll be treating you to a choice brew…Ha, ha, ha.  Yes, do come, for we will certainly have an occasion to toast and celebrate after dinner!”

Yoansu looked away, inwardly fuming at the despicable charade being played out in front of him.

“Don't tell me there is a cause for an added celebration already?” Zianko smirked wryly, emboldened by the seeming sincerity of Kaimu.

   “Not one, but two.” Kaimu promised, as he for emphasis simultaneously held out two fingers before Zianko's face. “The matter of Souko might also be resolved.”

“I suppose I have to suffer the suspense till then.” Zianko tensing answered tautly. His eyes chancing on Yoansu’s, quickly averted those (them) - for that same moment an inexplicable fear and dread had clenched (gripped) his heart and very soul.

In the thralls (throes) of danger, he’d just then had noted that unmistakable ‘murderous craze’ in Yoansu’s pupils … That infamous look he knew all too well! That alone had conclusively now resolved his prior quandary. Without a serious means of support, why should he stick around to be brutally maimed and butchered? As for Jiense, well that delicacy could wait, till this more pressing matter had been indefinitely resolved!

I’ll doubt he’ll show up for the supper. Good riddance to bad rubbish! Kaimu mused again observing the hostile exchange on the sly and grimaced coldly.

“It’s settled then!” He reached over and (conclusively) elatedly padded Zianko on the shoulder; then having nothing further to say, he turned his attention back on his craft. Hopefully, Yoansu’s influence still carried some weight and no one dared intercept! …Anyhow, the dye (colorant) was cast; fate would now determine the rest.

 

     Observing for a spell Zianko’s hasty retreat, “Who the devil is Souko?”  Yoansu then abruptly turning- curtly demanded an answer from Kaimu. His question, however, went unheeded by his stubborn old father, who busied himself with the craft.

You can’t intimidate me, curd! Kaimu halted only, to in a grumble ask his son to belay the change of plan to Ensa.

“Do I look like your errand boy?” Yoansu scowled at Kaimu.

“Never mind then,” Kaimu shrugged, “she’ll manage.” And he looked away to hide the satisfactory grin on his lips.

    You’ll get yours all in good time old man! Yoansu inwardly seethed burrowing his contemptuous look (scornful ire) on his father’s back.  Meanwhile I’ll let you fatten the pig, just before the slaughter! Yoansu’s, venomous side-glance before boarding the craft, targeted the diminishing figure of Zianko. Despite the distance, (lengthy span,) it still sent icy chills down Zianko’s (latter’s) spine, and an involuntary shiver passed through him.

    ~ 

Ensa knew all too well that the men would not be back before the dusk fell upon the earth, which gave her the added advantage of time.  For once, she was thankful that her meddling daughter-in-law Tufan would not be rising before mid-morning. She was further relieved to see Zianko on horseback galloping into distance towards town not long after, with the amount of baggage enunciating (indicating, telltale sign, divulging) an extended leave. This, more than anything else, reaffirmed her belief that (‘fate’) ‘Heaven’ was on her side (and what’s more, favorably disposed to her willful aim).

Circumstances being ripe, she had to act now, and act decisively and swiftly… Or else, all would be lost!

Ensa without further due busied herself in the kitchen and quietly made a bundle containing necessary provisions, such as dried rations, baked buns, a pair of straw sandals, some medicinal herbs, a small (earthen) jug of water and anything else she deemed (determined) it would be useful.

Jiense in the interim had been entrusted with the cleanup of dishes and other such tidying up chores. At the conclusion of which, Ensa communicated her desire to Jiense that she should change back into a man’s attire. The feminine garment once neatly folded- was also added to the bundle.

With all the preparations done, Ensa with Jiense then in tow quietly left the cabin. Going to the shed- that was also the makeshift stables, Ensa using sign language first ascertained herself of the fact that Jiense could ride the horse. Ensa knew the loss of a mount would further enrage her husband and her son; but Jiense had to be given all the advantages, if she was to make good her escape.

In a somber mood she carefully fastened the bundle on the harness. The two leading the horse by the bridle then quietly left the premise.

                                                                ~                                                          

It so happened, in a previous night’s premonitory dream, Ensa’s ‘spirit guide’ had directed (instructed) her onto a precise path. Driven to desperation, but trusting absolutely in ‘Heaven’s protection’, Ensa with resolute steps now led the way.

Of course, Ensa and Jiense’s flight was covertly observed for quite a while by the ever watchful, unseen eyes of spies; meanwhile, Yoansu’s exceptional steed, procured at very high cost, was well known to all. However, such had been the notoriety of Yoansu, that friend or foe, even the contending rival gang members complied without question all these years to the standing order to lay off Ensa and Kaimu. Therefore, on this occasion despite the seeming oddity, though it had baffled many minds, no one dared to intercept her designated course.

Blissfully unaware of this fact, after quickly traversing the vast open, rather vulnerable span, by mid-morning Ensa and Jiense had reached the uneven, rocky, sparsely forested topography. At a specific point, they managed the safe crossing of the tributary of a thunderous, fast flowing river that eventually emptied into the sea, and ascended the section of a steep hill that had been recently stripped bare by a ferocious fire that had started by a lightening. Thankfully, the ensuing relentless rains of the last couple of months had well cooled the grounds. Nevertheless, the stifling air and the number of debris cluttering the uneven ground still took its toll on human and beast’s limbs, forcing their heart and lungs to further labor under the heavy strain. After a somewhat perilous decent, the stout pair reached a clearing whereupon following subsequent period of rest, that night taking advantage of the full-moon and the cloudless sky, they made good progress with their swift ride on a horseback.  At dawn when their path converged with open fields, Ensa from thereon took a particular care for them not to be detected by any prying, unseen eyes. At one point they even strayed from the regular paths and despite the prevalent danger of being permanently lost, guided by her hunches, they followed through instead, the maze of nature born (not man-made), lengthy, winding crevices and seemingly endless gorges that scarred the expansive landscape. This, in order to escape the anticipated invisible army of spies, messengers, carriers, smugglers, bootleggers or highwayman that, (she knew of from hearsay) as she’d been told, periodically thronged the other safer routes regardless of time of day/night or seasons.

At dusk, having successfully emerged from the dangerous labyrinth, they again rode for a while on horseback, the strong beast carrying them both through small-forested region till they reached a clearing.

This would be the parting point; from here on their path would diverge.

In a previous night’s dream all these steps, well cloaked in symbolism, had been prophesized to Ensa. Recognizing at once the specific topographical features, right down to the tree, she halted their advance. They sat in the alcove of a rock beside an ancient tree for a well-earned rest and an intake of food. Ahead lay, a vast span (band) of level ground with tall grass that endlessly stretched out before them; and then beyond it, there would be gently undulated hills that were sparsely populated with trees. Well sheltered from the elements, they spent the second night there. At dawn following morning, after breakfasting on their meager rations, with the aid of a stick Ensa drew a diagram, a sort of a map, conveying the following message to Jiense:

A small conciliation, Jiense at least, for the rest of the way, could proceed in full gallop on horseback, cutting across the fields, a sort of shortcut, without any serious hindrance from unlawful sorts, till she met up with the major thoroughfare. This well-traveled bustling route eventually would lead the way to more prosperous town of Reaog. It was a highly profitable commerce center wherewith reputedly, at least under the scrutiny of government officials, some measure of law and order was (observed) adhered. Perhaps chancing on kindhearted, civilized folks, Jiense would fare better than the other lawless towns’ closer by.  It was imperative however that Jiense steered the course to the left at the major junction, for straying to the right or even north might land her on a more dangerous, more treacherous course… that at some point led to the dreaded “Five brothers” foothills.

 Ensa then with sorrowful, tearful (tearstained) eyes, using sign language, as well as being vocal- tried to relay the rest of her intentions to Jiense.

“My dearest daughter,” she sobbed, “I’m being forced to abandon you at this desolate spot (stretch). Unfortunately, the time has come for us to part. I know that you stayed on with us out of perhaps misguided love and obligation to my especially undeserving husband. Oh, how I had hoped that you would be with us till the day I closed my eyes for the final time, but alas this was not to be.” She heaved a deep sigh. “This may seem a cruel recourse to you, but believe me, the precarious fate waiting for you back at home is far worse.  So please do not misjudge me by misinterpreting my well-intentioned reasons and think that I turned you out from lack of love or out of displeasure. Nothing could be further from the truth!”

Then after thoughtfully nodding, she added: “It's fortunate for us that you did not understand the basis of our row (quarrel) last night, for you would have hated us, perhaps even hated me, for I am powerless to stop my stubborn husband's selfish aim. He’s not a bad sort really; but sometimes he gets into his head such strange notions!”

She wiped away the tears cascading down her cheeks onto her sleeve and took in a deep breath, for she was too choked up to speak. Swallowing she tried to desist, the subsequent onrush of tears, then with the aid of serious of hand gestures continued in her mournful tone: “The journey ahead of you may prove perilous; still you are young and pliant, and you have survived comparable, even equivalent ordeal.  I am hopeful that ‘Heaven’ pitying you, would deliver you to a more propitious life.  May your ‘guiding spirit’ show you the way! I’m confident; an immaculate, pure, sweet being such as you will always have strong spiritual protection. Now, go with my blessings dearest and the blessings of ‘Heaven’.  It’s imperative you make good use of the remaining daylight. Spread a good distance between you and would-be pursuers. You must leave me now. I’ll do my best to cover your tracks. Go without delay!”

She urged Jiense thus, tears the size of pearls streaming down her cheeks.  She was soon overcome with grief.  She cupped her face and sobbed uncontrollably.  Jiense, also in tears, hugged Ensa back, which she loved like a real mother, for the last time!

Eventually, prying herself free from Jiense's tight embrace, Ensa helped Jiense mount the horse, and then struck the rump of the beast to make him go. As the steed galloped into the distance, she with a choking voice cried after Jiense.

 “May the ‘Nature spirits’ stand guard over you also my precious… go now and don't look back. I shall pray for you always! I shall always keep you close to my heart! I shall never, ever forget you!”

Ensa had remained rooted to the spot for an undetermined span with her gaze glued to the distance trailing the lone mounted figure appearing then disappearing amidst the thicket of tall, undulating vegetation. She’d looked on with sorrowful eyes and an anxious heart, until Jiense had appeared as little more than a speck on the horizon; then that too had disappeared behind a relatively, minor ridge.

                                       

       ~        

 

(THIS CONCLUDES CHAPTER ONE- THE FISHERMAN’S PRIZE, OF THE LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC.  STAY TUNED FOR THE SUBSEQUENT CHAPTER TWO - THE ORDEAL; WHEREWHICH, POSTS WILL RECOUNT THE MANFOLD, EXCITING ADVENURES.)

 

  

THE FISHERMAN'S PRIZE - PART 12

 

LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC

THE FISHERMAN’S PRIZE

(SECTION 12)

 

   It was now nearing the end of the monotonously laborious third week, dreary without the companionship of Zianko, when Kaimu was suddenly awakened in dead of night with an urgent need to relieve himself. His eyelids leaden with sleep, he’d gone about doing his business as usual at the outdoor latrine, when suddenly his keen hearing (ears) picked up a faint, shuffling sound emanating from the direction of the storage shed. By now the storage shed had been turned into a makeshift barn, to provide adequate security and shelter for the highly prized commodity, the horse. 

Kaimu again cocked his ears and listened more intently, hoping it would be the wind but pegging it to be some intruder, men or a beast!  In all this time Zianko had been strangely absent. As one could never be sure of his activities or his cohorts! …Hmm! No mistaking it! “Blast... the horse…the money!” Kaimu growled.

He had flatly rejected the presumed ill-gotten sum. But Yoansu going behind his back had surreptitiously offered the money to Ensa and upon his insistence- with his coaching she’d hid it in the shed for future emergency. Of course, little or nothing escaped Kaimu’s scrutiny; nevertheless, weighing the alternative, he’d turned a blind eye to this deception.

“The scent of cash always draws the waywardly thieves!” Kaimu grumbled under his breath, as he for a moment or two considered fetching his son. But that might allow the culprit or culprits, time to finish the job, or worse, to escape with the booty! He therefore quickly armed himself with a staff, then made his swift, silent, bold advance towards it (the shed) in that pitch darkness, determined to confront this impending danger head on. With his adrenaline pumping he was prepared for the worst scenario.

As he neared the door, he noted that the shuffling noise had suddenly ceased, giving way now to panting, gasping sound.

“Crap!” No doubt about it, the money was being dug up!

 Kaimu’s hand poised to strike with a raised staff, he soundlessly (entered) glided into the shed. The place was shrouded in darkness except for the feint light at the far corner, behind towering pile of logs.  Owing to this scant lighting he could discern that the carefully laid out trap, in front, was not sprung. Nor were the ingeniously placed juxtaposed stacks of dried rations and other such supplies, in any way disturbed. The horse was uneasy but otherwise untouched! Hmm! Perhaps only after the procurement of the booty, the thief meant to make his get away with the beast all loaded up. But how did the culprit so skillfully evade all the pitfalls; furthermore, know just where to dig?

I’ll show him to mess with me!  When Kaimu with his adrenaline pumping veered the corner, the appalling scene that greeted his eyes simply took his breath away.

He was prepared for anything but this!

There before him stood not a ruffian intruder holding a shovel, but his own worthless son, naked to the waist, after his apparent groping, now about to totally disrobe and molest the unconscious, frail body of Jiense.

What happened after that was all but a blur to incensed Kaimu!

He’d seen red, and with the fierceness of a tiger, he’d pounced on Yoansu! There was a brief, but violent scuffle. Unfortunately, Yoansu was in far better shape and so owing to his youth, he easily bested Kaimu. Enraged as he was, Yoansu uncharacteristically, nevertheless, had constrained himself from dealing his father a death- blow. But this had not been an easy feat; for it had taken all his willpower and might, to curb his unbridle fury.

When Kaimu regained consciousness, he found himself tightly bound and gagged. His son squatted on the floor with his downcast gaze, head cupped between his hands, in deep remorseful ponder.

Kaimu’s first concern had been with Jiense. Despite his restraints, he managed a slight shift of his body to catch a glimpse of her. Thankfully, she lay there, as before, seemingly untouched, in the same shape and way when he’d interrupted Yoansu’s aim.

“Good, you’re conscious! Hope I didn’t rough you up too much, any broken bones?” Yoansu’s phony concern infuriated Kaimu. He struggled to free himself from his bonds, but without much success.

“Before I let you go, I want to talk to you.” Yoansu snorted dispassionately, wiping the wry grin from his face.

Seething in rage, Kaimu glared back at Yoansu. But unfortunately, his despicable son who towered over him with his strong physique was no longer a meek offspring.  He could no longer be made to yield to his will. When Yoansu in a single swift stroke cut the restraining gag across his mouth; hence, allowing him the chance to speak- “villainous scoundrel!” Kaimu barked. “What have you done to her?” He then growled, as he, same time indicated the unconscious Jiense with his chin.

“Nothing much, thanks to you!” Yoansu smirked. “Oh, you mean, how come she’s still unconscious, knocked out cold!” He then realizing the rest of his loaded question grimaced wryly. “I’ve just slipped in a potion (potent sleeping drug) to the pot of tea. That’s why all the womenfolk are dead to the world. Don’t worry, aside from a slight headache, a hangover, it’s deemed a relatively harmless one.”

“And I was unaffected, because I chose wine.” Kaimu grumbled, finishing Yoansu’s explanative.

“You are usually a sound sleeper, especially after consuming all that wine.” Yoansu shrugged. “Had you not interrupted, she would have been tugged back into her bed, never knowing the difference.”

“This the first attempt?” Kaimu had to ask.

“Yes, if you must know, her virtue is intact, for now that is!” Throwing his head back Yoansu laughed uproariously. It was a chilling, cynical laugh that reverberated in that icy air and sent shivers down Kaimu’s spine.

“What a vile, loathsome creature you are- how can you be of my flesh?” Kaimu spit at the floor, cursing the day of Yoansu’s birth. “Had he known, he would have…”

As if surmising this, Yoansu’s face just then became taut, “Now let there be no misunderstandings here.” With a voice full of venom, he barked at his father. “I don’t care piss all what you think of me anymore! And know this, I want her, and I mean to have her with or without your consent. Have I made myself clear?”

A dark shadow suddenly descending over his murderous countenance, he then added, “And don’t think I’m above killing you. For mother’s sake however, I am willing to spare your life. For her sake I am willing to negotiate the following terms. If, and that’s a big if, you keep your trap shut… If you give me your word, I shall not manhandle her (Jiense), and when the time is ripe, I’ll take her and make her legally, rightfully my spouse.”

“What about your present wife Tufan, cursed wretch?” Kaimu hissed.

“She’s not your problem. Besides, she’ll soon outlive her usefulness. And spare me your phony concern about her welfare. I know you despise her as much as I do.” Yoansu curtly responded.

“You are way over your head; Ckarban is not one to be trifled with!” Kaimu shook his head. Then with a downcast gaze he seriously pondered, but only for a spell, whether to reveal the dark secret he’d withheld from him all these years.

“Do we have a deal or not? Answer me now; or all bets are off!”

You deserve all you’ll get! Kaimu inwardly shirked any responsibility to this brazen son. Besides, the brute was unscrupulous and quite capable of fending for himself. Nevertheless, Kaimu knew that once his anger had subsided (passed), he might relent, and still do the right thing by telling him. As he was pressed to give response, seeing no way out, Kaimu, for the time being at least pretended to assent to Yoansu’s demand- this, if only for the sake of buying time.

In equitable exchange, Yoansu gave his, albeit reluctant word, to temporarily lay off Jiense.

Was he to be trusted? Would Yoansu honor his word? Not likely!

Hence, from that night forth, Kaimu prepared to sleep lightly, with one eye open, ears (pricked,) poised to detect any abnormal, deviant noise. And while on the outset he would seemingly be a willing co-conspirator to Yoansu’s sinister aim, inwardly still, Kaimu had already devised a plausible counter offensive of his own, to thwart Yoansu’s despicable goal.

 

                                                                                    ~

 

Rising at first light, Kaimu braved the excruciating pain and quickly donned his long-sleeved garb in effort to conceal his bruised body from the prying eyes of his wife. Facial lacerations and swollen lips, black or dark purple bruises on both Kaimu’s and Yoansu’s faces nevertheless still raised few eyebrows and drew some unwarranted criticism and questions from the womenfolk. No satisfactory explanation was ever given on that day or the next however, as both remained tightlipped about their apparent serious altercation (row,) sometime during the night, as the rest had soundly slept. But from hence, the adversarial stance, the infrequent cool exchange between father and son persisted, making Ensa’s heart and mind beset with worry. She hoped and prayed for the stubborn two’s relationship to mend.

A small comfort, well into the next week, the estrangement between Yoansu and Kaimu seemed to have eased off a little. Then one rainy night Kaimu though in recumbent position, desisting sleep had waited patiently for everyone to retire and to succumb to deep slumber. When not a sound stirred about the house, he nudged his wife awake and whispered to her, his supposed concerns.  “Ensa, this has been praying on my mind for quite a while. Please listen without interruption, for I have something to tell you regarding Jiense’s future.”

“This did not bode well! So that’s what’d been at the root of their discord (tiff).” With certain trepidation, Ensa nodded her assent. Then after rubbing her eyes propped up her pillow behind her back and sat upright. But Kaimu was too agitated to stay put; he abruptly threw the covers aside and rising, set at the edge of the bed. Carrying an authoritative tone now, he began his long tirade with a warning.

“Wife, I want no arguments from you!” Turning to face his wife, he tried to look affectionate. “I know that, during these past few months, you have grown quite fond of Jiense and being soft-hearted as you are, took her to your bosom as your very own daughter.  This would have suited me fine, except that; things did not turn out the way we’ve expected.  We are not wealthy folk, and admittedly I cannot support so many people.  I have decided hence, to remedy this problem well before Yoansu’s departure, the advent of autumn or the subsequent winter months. I’m not diminishing your importance by any means, but morally and officially I am the head of this household and therefore bear the sole responsibility for everyone’s welfare. Ultimately, it’s up to me to decide what’s best for this whole family. In all fairness, I’m giving you an advance notice of what’s to come. Naturally, as the sensible, good wife you are, I expect your full cooperation on this matter. Anything less would create discord and rock the harmonious stability of this household.” After an irritating moment’s silence, which he’d paced to and for, making sure his well-rehearsed words had sunk in deep, he sat down again and continued. “It is made clear to me that, Jiense cannot stay here indefinitely. Also, it would not do for us to keep for long one as young and beautiful as Jiense to tempt our son.  Better extinguish the kindling before it ignites into a huge bonfire and incinerates the whole house. Yoansu is hot-blooded young man and admittedly quite attractive to opposite sex. In their youthful fancy, he or she might one-day fall into temptation. You don’t want that on your conscience. Besides,” he then added quickly, holding out his hand to halt Ensa’s contrary arguments, “two young women under one roof always spell trouble. Sooner or later, if it has not already, it will create an unwarranted friction, turbulence between them. You want to be responsible for this kind of a marital discord?”  Then, pinning his face before his wife’s, with a firm conviction in his voice he added. “So, adopting her as a daughter is out of the question.  Besides, what kind of life or future can we give her? Our lot is worse than any of our neighbors.” He cleared his throat at this point. “Speaking of neighbors; that’s what I mean to do.”

Up until then Ensa with a lowered head, with certain resignation, had listened to what Kaimu had to say.  Some of what her husband had said, the points he’d made could not be refuted. How could Ensa in good conscience detain this precious jewel for her selfish reasons only? Jiense deserved to have a befitting husband and a good home of her own. But, when Kaimu made mention of a neighbor, even though he had momentarily withheld his name, her heart had skipped a beat and hairs on the back of her neck had stood on end. She held her breath in dire trepidation, hoping against hope that she’d be wrong, that it would not be the case.

“Since I have supported her all this time, affording her my protection, food and care- to simply let her go without exacting some form of compensation would not only be impractical but downright foolish. I am therefore within my right, to oblige her to do the right, proper thing!” Kaimu had said this with such forceful resolution… so adamantly, that she quaked in fear to hear the rest!  “And I don’t buy that story he fed me about Souko. I believe he contrived to have her all along… This way, it will be out in the open and he must do the right, honorable thing by her. So as to not have any more misunderstandings, I shall now say it plainly. Yes, I have decided on giving Jiense in lawful matrimony to our neighbor Zianko! He should, in return, bound by law, pay me a very generous dowry.”  He rubbed his hands in happy anticipation.

 

Up until then Ensa had held her tongue, remaining perfectly composed, with a compliant, lowered head. Now she sprung to her feet, her face flushed beet-red with fury. With contempt in her eyes, she bit her lower lip to stifle her scream, and then added mournfully. “Husband, I have lived with you all these years, more than half of my life span, sharing life's joys and sorrows with you, and still (up until) to this moment did not know what a heartless monster you were!  How could you even consider such a vile thing?  He is close to your age; he is old enough to be her father and his cruelty and coarseness is very well known!  The man is a beast!  A man that would kill his own wife, or have you forgotten Tizan, that lovely, spirited boy?  From the day he was forced to live with that brute, that poor boy had suffered horribly at Zianko's hand, all those beatings! How can you contemplate on giving this frail child to that fiend? How can you have the conscience to condemn Jiense, this poor fledgling to a lifetime of misery?  Better to kill me and take her yourself as a wife.  It would still be a preferable option, instead of that wicked monster you call friend!” She shook her head in utter dismay; however, being adamant in her opposition, desisted shedding any tears. She won't show any weakness, nor will she ever cave in to his unreasonable demand! Not now, not ever! In her staunch stance she’d resembled a lioness, one fiercely protecting her cup.

Kaimu was momentarily taken back by the degree of her defiant outburst. He’d broken the news to her as gently as he could. Besides, he was expecting a tearful, gentle protest, not this! He was so stunned that his mouth agape, for a spell he’d remained lost for words.  When eventually the shock wore off, he sprung back with an angry retort. “Woman, have you no lick of sense!  Have you no fear of death?  I’ve been both patient and indulgent of your unreasonable requirements thus far but if you continue to press me like this, one of these days, I would not be held responsible for my adverse actions.  What a way is that for a wife to behave?  And to suggest I wed her- a child I’ve come to consider and beholden to my heart as my daughter! Have you lost all sense, morality, and all shame?  How dare you so blatantly, so brazenly tarnish my good name, my honor, worst still, undermine me?  Is this any way for a filial wife to behave?” Then turning away, he aired his grievances to the religious idle in the room. “See what I must put up with? Why don’t you drill some good sense into her stubborn head? Instead of being malleable and easier to get along with, she is becoming instead more difficult, more antagonistic and quite unreasonable. Acting like a madwoman, imagine her getting such wild ideas into her head!” Sharply turning then to face her, “Shame, shame on you woman!” he barked and shook an accusatory finger at her.

 Incensed, he feared the loss of self-restraint in the face of her further defiant response. Abruptly veering, with curses on his lips, he ejected loudly. “But no, it's my fault. Lately I’ve been too indulgent, too considerate of your feelings. I should have just gone and done what I’d planned to do and then told you. This is what I get for my solicitude, my thoughtfulness!”

 

But Ensa’s rage had turned her heart to a stone, and she remained recalcitrant in her stance. She could not be persuaded or moved, no matter what!

Kaimu's anger now mounting, he grabbed her by the shoulders and violently shook her. “Why are you deliberately goading me to violence?”

 

 “Hush up; you want to wake up the whole house?” She snapped back.

 

“God, how you drive me mad!”  Rived with rage, as he held on, he sunk his fingernails into her flesh. Faced with more of her defiant words on his face, Kaimu was brought to the brink of insanity with seething ire. Being at his wit's end, he feared his frenzied, wrathful response.  “Enough!” he violently let go of her and turning, marched towards the door. But then he relented when he heard the muffled sobs of Ensa, and stayed there in front of the door, rooted to the spot for some time with his back to his wife.

He eventually took in a deep, patient breath and turning, went back to sit quietly by her side at the edge of the bed.  Using a placating tone, he tried once more to reason with her. “Wife, I thought we’re way past this type of discord. I’m sorry you can’t see my reasons, for they are plain as day. I wish you could believe me when I say I would never, ever do anything to hurt Jiense. All I’m trying to do is what’s best for everyone concerned. When I shared his company last, he complained to me bitterly how lonely he’d been and how terribly he missed the company of his late wife.  He sorely regrets his past ways. Lamenting heart-wrenchingly on another occasion, he wowed that if he’d ever got the chance, he would treat the next wife with due reverences. He swore an oath to Heaven, right before my eyes, asking the Gods to strike him dead and condemn him to eternal damnation should he fail to keep his promise. If anyone needed a spouse, it would be him! His place looks so unkempt and disorderly that it’s pathetic. And don’t forget how I owed him my life. This way I would repay my debt to him as well. Do you want me to remain under obligation forever? Besides, in this way she’ll continue to live nearby, and you can keep an eye on things. Now that he has learned his lesson, he would not repeat his past mistakes. I’ll make sure of that. She’ll be well cared for. You should be thanking me for taking your feelings into consideration. How unreasonable you are, wanting to keep her here and denying the girl, perhaps her only chance, of ever having a home of her own!”

“You cannot justify this heartless decision on pretext (under the guise) of concern, duty or rational opine. Spare me the rhetoric. It is what it is; your glib tongue cannot vilify your selfish cogitation, your greed!” Ensa snorted, remaining undeterred. 

Kaimu’s frustration again mounting, with a fury he slammed his fist over the night table, setting the clay jug filled with water tumbling down from the table and crashing onto the floor into countless pieces.

“Look what you’ve made me do! It’s hopeless trying to reason with you. You are beyond reproach. Why am I wasting my breath?” He sprang to his feet and with a huff, stormed out of the room. He craved the outside cool air to alleviate his blistering, tumultuous ire.

Ensa continued to curse her husband in his absence.  Grinding her teeth she then mused, how dare he be so callous as to collude with Zianko? Had Kaimu lost all sense? No, something else, something entirely more sinister had to be at stake here. But despite all her mental prodding, she failed to come up with even a single strand of clue. Nil, zip, there was nothing at all that she could latch onto for answers. When her mind reverted to the impending marriage of Jiense, she shivered involuntarily and bit her lower lip in utter despair. Oh, my poor, precious Jiense, she’ll not last a day in the hands of that vulgar, churlish, savage ruffian!  A beautiful girl such as her will be in the mercy of that tyrant: why, it will be nothing short of tragedy!  She shuddered anew at the thought (notion) of Jiense being molested night after night by that vile villain. Overcome with grief, angry tears in defiance to her will now began cascading down her cheeks.

Jiense’s sleeping quarters being near Ensa and Kaimu’s room, she’d been rudely awakened from her sound sleep sometime during the night by the unsettling row between (her benefactors) husband and wife. Since she had heard her name being mentioned alternatively, in anger then in appeal, she’d easily deduced at being at the heart of the problem. Her heart fluttered wildly with fright and concern when the muffled fighting intensified.  After she’d heard Kaimu storming angrily out of the cabin, Jiense rose from her bed, quietly crept into their room and seated herself beside Ensa.    

Ensa’s heart ached when she gazed at the angelic face of Jiense and looked into her tearful crystal blue eyes. “My poor Jiense.” she could not help but utter to herself amid sighs, “If you knew of the terrible fate that awaited you, you would leave this place this very night, run away and never ever look back!” Suddenly Ensa’s face became taut; she absently nodded, having right then and there made up her mind as to the only possible recourse.

When Yoansu’s inquisitive face appeared through the crack in the doorway, Ensa quickly (curtly) sent her son back to his room offering some lame excuse for the night’s disturbance. She’d been tempted for a spell to enlist his invaluable help; but quickly resolved instead, to bearing the sole responsibility for the daunting task.

She would not after all, not if she can help it, involve her beloved son in this sordid mess!

                                                                               

(END OF SECTION 12)

 

(STAY TUNED FOR AN APT RESOLUTION, TO THIS DREADFUL TROUBLE, WILL UNFOLD  IN THE NEXT FISHERMAN'S PRIZE POST - SECTION 13)

THE FISHERMAN'S PRIZE - PART 11

 

THE FISHERMAN’S PRIZE

(PART 11)

 

As it were, Jiense had endured all her hardships, and had remained with the kindly folks for this long, out of gratitude.  Now that the son had returned, she felt assured that her further stay would no longer be warranted, and so since last night she had begun considering her other options and a plausible way of communicating this desire to Ensa.  Naturally she wished to take her leave at the earliest opportunity, and as the sole survivor of her mother's clan, go seek a religious order in order to fulfill her obligation, her purpose for living.

 

That day, the new daughter-in-law did not rise from her bed 'till midday. 

The rest had generously let her sleep however long, understanding her need of it after such a lengthy and tiresome journey.  Ensa and Jiense quietly went about their chores, taking care not to raise any unnecessarily loud sounds that might awaken her.

Yoansu, putting aside his anger of the night before, for the sake of appearances and change of pace, had accompanied his father on his fishing trip.

When Tufan finally woke up, all the chores of the house had been already completed and Ensa and Jiense had gone on to weaving straw mats.  Tufan felt no shame or remorse for having slept so long and smiled condescendingly, hiding her not too flattering inner thoughts of how uncouth these people were. Inwardly she’d then asked, and where is that no good husband of mine? A fine way to start our connubial day with this boorish (ill-bred) lot; I suppose they have forgotten or forsaken the expected, customary conduct/rituals.  Least of which, we were supposed to have risen together, and as husband and wife, come out to bow to his parents, as mark of our esteem. Just as well, I could not feign convincingly, my supposed high regard. They are so petty, so inferior in status!  Ug, Pesky fisherman!

As it were, she’d always snubbed fisherman considering them to be worse than a lazy servant or a street sweeper (vendor).

 Had I known this…But he sure had pulled the wool over my eyes.  She puckered her lips in utter disdain. He better not entertain any notion of leaving me behind. Curse on you Ckarban! I curse the day your honeyed tongue and your filthy hands swayed me into seduction! I should have known better though… For that, I only have myself to blame.  

Fortunately, her dark, contemptuous thoughts had gone unheeded by the kindhearted Ensa, who’d rushed about trying to familiarize Tufan with her new, humble surroundings. 

 

At first Tufan improvising, had put on a grand show of wanting to be useful.  She continued to rise each morning, despite all her efforts, however, at a much later time than the rest, and this always after her claim of uncomfortable sleep.

Orphaned at an early age, Tufan had been brought up by paternal uncle Ckarban and his wife as one of their own. They had two other boys that at an early age had succumbed to illness and died. The sole surviving girl child, meanwhile, five years Tufan’s senior, had always been withdrawn in character, physically heavy-set (fat) and rather plain looking. In contrast, Tufan had very beautiful features, pearly white flawless complexion and a shapely feminine form.  Constant affirmation of her attractive physical attributes (during) in her growing years had made her rather conceited, self-centered and expectant of grander things in life.  She had always envisioned herself as the future spouse of a distinguished man, one that was handsome, rich and powerful, living amidst luxury in stately mansions.  Not even in her wildest imagination or worst nightmare would she have ever conceived of such a terrible turn, of being reduced to living under such impoverished conditions. 

Even though she’d been led to believe, by Yoansu, that this visit was temporary -no more than a month- each passing day seemed to her an increasingly, insufferably prolonged. In her growing resentment, she doubted she would last out the second week, much less a month! What’s more, she’d found the prevalent (overwhelming) stench of raw fish quite unbearable. Using her pregnancy as a particular crutch, she’d complained bitterly and endlessly about her discomforts to Ensa. But no matter what the poor woman did, it always fell short of appeasing Tufan. In the interim Tufan had understood all too well the invisible power, the sway the mother held over her husband and son; hence, Tufan (set out to learn from this and) shamelessly engaged Ensa in manipulating, forcing Yoansu into submission on matters that were important to her. Nor did she stop there. Recognizing Ensa’s partiality to Jiense, Tufan then moved to sway her affections, by showing consideration and kindness to Jiense. Jiense’s appearance from the start- going about the place as she did, in plain clothes, the ones Ensa could spare- had been an eyesore to Tufan; it irritated, rather offended her highly developed fashion sense. 

Jiense is close to my build (dress size) ...  So, why not? Embarking on an idea one day, after a frenzied search through her trousseau, she recovered the least favored, poorest quality dress she could find.  Folding it anew and holding it gingerly as if it was a treasured item, in front of the men Tufan made a special presentation of it to Ensa. Needless to say, ensuing days, she shamelessly reaped the benefits of this supposed generous gesture.

After wearing plain, coarse clothes for so long, Jiense had also been delighted to once more be able to don on her body this ultra feminine dress, even though it fell far short of the quality of the ones her lowest-status’ servants had worn. Of course, Jiense looked absolutely enchanting in it. It was not long, therefore, before Tufan’s success and pleasure (soured and) turned into dismay. 

It came about when she caught sight of her husband's odd behavior: his lingering, unmistakably lustful gazes on Jiense- a most inappropriate look for a supposed relation! (And she should know!)

 Up until then Yoansu had covertly admired Jiense for her beauty despite the loose, coarse garments; now clad in feminine attire, she seemed to him the very vision of loveliness. Unable to mask his inner hankering hence, his unbridled passionate gazes now and then would be glued on Jiense. Periodically the Illicit, profligate thoughts, the wanton desire would make his heart palpitate wildly and his face would flush.

And even when away, Jiense’s glorious countenance still hovered before his mind’s eye, intensifying the yearning in his heart for that eventual intimate union.

The uninhibited passion, the ungovernable signs of lust in her husband, directed so poignantly at Jiense further consternated Tufan. As Tufan held all fishermen, therefore Yoansu and his family in such disdain, she could not rule out an incestuous (liaison) relationship.

Quirks of fate; was she going to be victimized by an incestuous liaison yet again? Only this time the shoe was on the other foot- namely, her husband! But just where would that leave her?

Fueled by resentment, there arose in the privacy of their room therefore, numerous rows between husband and wife. Eventually, some details of these arguments, curses and threats leaked to outside, eroding away the harmony and peace of this humble abode.

Yoansu’s inattentiveness towards Tufan, and in contrast, his obvious affections towards Jiense, had also greatly troubled (consternated) Kaimu. Nevertheless, in absence of any credible proof, as Yoansu had not made any outward immoral moves, he could not be openly reproached. Each time Tufan had acted up, Ensa meanwhile had excused her sins, in one breath. Totally blinded to Yoansu’s failings, deeming the cause to be “a difficulty of pregnancy or homesickness”, Ensa showed great forbearance for Tufan's misbehavior. She urged her son to be more attentive to his wife, to show patience and tolerance for her antics; as well, to give in occasionally to her demands, however unreasonable, to ease this transition period. “Once the baby is born, you'll see the change,” she promised on Tufan's behalf, “things will then be greatly improved between you two.”

Was Ensa really that naive, that oblivious to what was going on with her son? Or was it that prejudiced by mother’s love, she chose to believe in fallacy?

As it were, he could do no wrong in her eyes, nor could she perceive him in any other light, besides the divine one he supposedly dwelled in. This, even after the episode of that odd incident:

In the small hours of the night, Ensa had suddenly been awakened with a strange feeling gripping her heart. Intuition guiding her to the door, she’d then quietly peeked at outside of her room and to her great surprise saw Yoansu standing there motionless before the straw curtain. The makeshift curtain that concealed Jiense’s sleeping quarters! Nonplussed (baffled), she’d watched him slowly raising the curtain up.

Once more Ensa’s heart had palpitated wildly with an inexplicable feeling of dread. She nevertheless could not conceive any notion of impropriety on her son’s part, and so had reasserted: There must be a perfectly good reason, a viable explanation for this. Could it be that my boy has acquired a sleepwalking condition? My poor boy, all this trouble with his wife, must be wearing on his nerves!

Thinking that Kaimu would not be as understanding, she’d but a moment looked away (turned her head) to first reassure herself of her husband’s deep slumber; when she reverted her gaze back on her beloved son, to her relief she saw Yoansu quietly retracing his footsteps back to his room.

But the following night Ensa was again disturbed from her sleep. She was reawakened in the early hours by the barely discernible, light footsteps treading (creeping) across the living room floor that subsequently once more halted before the straw curtain.

Determined to get to the bottom of this, Ensa at once sprang (jumped out of) from her warm bed and quietly darted to outside, barefoot and all, paying no heed to the bone chilling, coarse floorboards. Astonishingly, she saw Yoansu, again in front of the straw curtain, clasping in one hand an oil lamp and poised perfectly still as though lost in deep ponder (thought).

He was inwardly debating how best to proceed with minimal disturbance. 

On the previous night, when he’d rolled up the curtain and observed this breathtaking beauty in abandoned sleep: it had so stirred him, so aroused his wanton passion that, he’d feared he would lose all self-control, act vilely and so risk exposure. The best recourse, therefore, had been to (withdraw quickly) make a hasty retreat.

After some consideration and precautionary measures- such as drugging (slipping the sleeping potion into) her cup earlier this evening, to ensure a satisfactory turn- he’d made his bold advance. Halting before the curtain now he inhaled (withdrew) an impatient deep breath exhaling it slowly. Soon he would be having his way with her as she slept; granted, it would not be as pleasurable or as satisfactory, but it simplified matters.

He certainly didn’t think of it as rape.

No, this was different…It was merely a sweet seduction.  A premature sampling, a compensatory dawn-payment of an impending marital relationship; and later still, when things had played out their course, she would certainly succumb to his passion and willingly surrender herself without least abandon, to his lustful and loving embraces. Was she not of flesh and blood? Why should he, a willing precipitant or recipient, delay the course of nature? In all probability she’d been already drawn to him, he saw the way she coyly, bashfully looked at him. She was demure because his detestable wife Tufan stood in the way.  He was offering her nothing more than a solace. Hmm! Yet he hesitated. No, this would not do. Besides, how can he surrender himself to total abandon and enjoy unbridled passion with such shackles?

Hence, he’d lingered before the straw curtain in an ambiguous feel, torn between wanton desire and that unwanted sentiment of reason that had suddenly crept into his brain to shatter his earlier resolve.

Now, seeing his mother coming towards him, all other concerns brushed aside, he had to think fast of a plausible excuse. But not finding a ready pretext, he improvised (under pseudo solicitousness) solicitously. “Oh, did I wake you? I’m so sorry mom! Feeling somewhat parched, I wanted to get some water!”

“But son,” Ensa drawing nearer still, ejected in a whisper, “The clay urn is no longer kept there.  Don’t you remember? It’s now by the door to enable me easier access from the cistern.”

“Yes of course, how foolish of me.” Yoansu answered hurriedly taking hold of his faculties quickly and walking over to the spot helped him-self to the ladle of water. Refreshing water trickled down from the corners of his mouth, down to his chin and wetted his nightshirt.  He welcomed this cool relief. When he had his fill, he again quietly apologized to his mother for disturbing her, for waking her up needlessly. And after bidding her goodnight, he quickly withdrew into his room.  Once inside, his hands clasped into a tight fist, he leaned the back of his head against the door and heaved an exasperated deep sigh. Phew, that was close! Thank goodness his shrewd wife was still fast asleep!

He sure was parched. Ensa meanwhile carried this thought all the way back to her room.  In fact, she’d been quite relieved to learn that the cause had not been a sleepwalking disorder. Thirst, that’s all it was! But from now on I must remember to leave a small jug of water on his night table. She made a mental note to herself as she reclined her head gently on the pillow. She’d just closed her eyes, when Kaimu, who had his back to her until then, without turning, asked in a grumble.

“What’s he been up to now, in this ungodly hour?”

“Sash, go back to sleep. The poor boy was just thirsty, that’s all.”

“I’ll bet! In a pig’s eye,” Kaimu scoffed under his breath and remained wide-awake for quite some time, his head riddled with grievous, dark concerns.

So, the wild boar was on the prowl!

Yoansu, having come this close to being found out, decided on the temporary postponement of his objective. On the surface everything seemed placidly normal and boringly ordinary; it had to be so, since Kaimu had remained vigilant from then on and watched Yoansu like a hawk! Meanwhile, each subsequent night Yoansu had to drink a convincing measure of the water from the small jug, which his doting mother had unfailingly supplied.

 

(END OF Part 11)

 

(MORE EXCITING EVENTS WILL UNFOLD IN THE NEXT FISHERMAN’S PRIZE POST-    PART 12)