THE FISHERMAN'S PRIZE - PART 5

 

 THE FISHERMAN’S PRIZE

(PART 5)

 

By and by the green hue made its mark in this God forsaken part of Wenjenkun. Spring season, if it could be called that, for the persistent cold weather discouraged any tender shoots or wayward blossoms from emerging tall or thriving in abundance, had eventually arrived.  Presently hardy variations did their best to accommodate the scant reptile and insect habitants. The incessant rainfall, meanwhile, raced to deck the grounds and rocks in that gray greenish moss carpet.

 

On a mundane, dreary, cool dawn, (just before at daybreak,) when low lying dense fog had again obscured visibility, a silhouette of a man was seen creeping decisively towards the protective cove where Kaimu’s and Zianko’s boats had been moored. The cloaked figure visited one briefly then going over to the other, he hunched over and adroitly implemented (carried out) the carefully devised steps.

 

    By mid-morning that same day the fog had dissipated, and the rainfall had gradually tapered off to a drizzle. Soon as the weather permitted, Kaimu was seen taking his small craft out to sea on his usual run. 

Things were different for Kaimu’s neighbor Zianko. Even though Zianko’s boat had been bigger and more equipped for the job, Zianko had never solely relied on fishing for his livelihood. He’d used the boat but rarely, on occasion, whenever the mood or craving for adventure struck him.

On this day, Kaimu had been rather surprised to note (observe) Zianko’s boat missing, but then he espied him already out at sea. Minding his business nonetheless, Kaimu rode the high waves and quickly bypassed Zianko’s boat to steer his small craft further in. But halfway to his destined spot, suddenly the (undermined) planks succumbing to the strain of the violent surfs, gave way and seawater came crushing in (pouring) with absolute potency.

There had been very little time in fact for a somber reaction, let alone seeking the reason or investigating the source, for this sudden catastrophe.

Kaimu’s heart sank in despair with the certain realization that the ever-rapacious sea would soon claim his craft, his livelihood.  At that instant even his fate seemed utterly sealed. But unwilling to face death as yet- if only for Ensa’s sake- and not wishing to be sucked into a whirlpool that the sinking craft would soon manifest (create), he dived over headlong into the treacherous, chilling waters.

A strong swimmer, Kaimu had just about managed to spread some distance between him and the sinking craft, when the most improbable thing happened!

Kaimu’s competitor and ardent foe Zianko, far from standing by and enjoying Kaimu’s great misfortune and perhaps his inevitable demise, he had instead instantly by applying himself to the oars, had rushed over to Kaimu’s rescue. Halting just ahead, Kaimu was then urged by Zianko to climb aboard.

Despite his dire plight, Kaimu refused to comply and continued swimming in the direction of the shore.

“Don’t be an ass, stubborn old fool!”  Zianko bellowed, throwing him a line with floating object at the end of it. “You are too far from the shore; grab hold!” He then urged, seeing Kaimu’s persistent (stubborn) reluctance.

“Damn it man, there’s a school of sharks headed your way!”  Zianko shouted anew, this time however with definite urgency in his voice, as he’d at the same time pointed to a distant spot.

As Ensa’s face had just then flushed (appeared) in Kaimu’s mind’s eye, Kaimu relented and changing course, same time ignoring Zianko’s cast line, he swam straight for Zianko’s boat. In the nick of time, Kaimu was hauled aboard to safety, escaping hence, the impending jaws of death!

Zianko with deliberate will constrained, stifled his bursting laughter as his narrowed eyes avidly watched Kaimu’s unease now: the way latter dejectedly sat there, all drenched to the very marrow, with chilling, thrashing winds compounding his misery, no doubt squirming inside, looking the sorriest of sights!

In all that time Kaimu had braced himself for the impending ridicule and abuse now that he was in a vulnerable state and a captive audience of his heartless adversary. But far from taking advantage and delighting in latter’s misery and misfortune: in an unexpected turn (unusual move) Zianko instead showed genuine concern for Kaimu’s welfare and even went as far as to supply Kaimu with a warm blanket and a jug of fine wine for inner warmth.

Am I dreaming this? Who’s this man that has come to my aid with such generosity of the heart? Kaimu with askance stared (glared) back at Zianko, musing. Let’s hear it! Don’t prolong the suspense…Why the charade?  What is it you want?

Noting the healthy skepticism in Kaimu’s eyes, Zianko grimaced, and kept up with his solicitous care.

“Why are you being so nice to me? What are you really up to Zianko?” Kaimu finally exploded and asked blatantly in a stern tone, as he declined yet another bout from the jug of wine.

Far from being indignant, Zianko in passive tone offered a brief plausible explanation about his changed behavior and then succinctly (described) recounted the accounts of his terrible, perilous ordeals and his unexpected brush with death at the hands of highwaymen during the last, lengthy absence from home. He reasserted in the end, that upon his chance survival, he’d wowed to mend his ways from then on and if given the opportunity, to reciprocate the kindness he’d received.

“As fate would have it, Kaimu, you are the beneficiary of that oath.” He ejected humbly.

Truly he appeared to be a changed man!

By the time they’d reached the shore, Zianko had succeeded in swaying Kaimu into a state of ease.

Zianko further proposed as goodwill gesture, that Kaimu used his craft from then on, as it remained idle most of the time anyhow, in exchange for moderate portion of Kaimu’s future catches (bounties)- one third to be exact. He declared in all sincerity that this was nothing more than a neighborly gesture on his part; till Kaimu rebounded from his near tragedy and obtained or rebuilt himself another craft. Meanwhile Zianko stood to gain, from this reciprocity, a ready supply of fresh fish without much trouble. What could be better than that?

“Let us bury the old hatched once and for all.” He then proposed magnanimously in a very persuasive tone.

Kaimu pondered for a time in reluctance, disbelieving his ears. Can a man undergo this much change? What about the ulterior motive? There had to be one. What’s worse, he now owed Zianko his life!

“Well, at least think about it neighbor… Give it some thought!” Zianko meanwhile had interjected amicably.

“You needn’t give an answer right away, as I’m not going anywhere for a while.” He shouted after Kaimu, who’d turned and hastened his steps towards home, eager as he’d been to get out of (divest) his soaking garments.

That late afternoon in an emboldened move, Zianko paid a courtesy visit to Kaimu and Ensa carrying a big bundle in his hands filled with rare delicacies. He claimed it to being a peace offering for Ensa.

Despite Ensa’s misgivings, for civility’s sake, Zianko was graciously invited in. Unfortunately, Zianko from that day forth, persistently, by degrees wormed his way into the good graces of Kaimu.

More than once, Ensa had raised the subject of her suspicions and concerns regarding Zianko, to Kaimu. How this accident at sea had resulted in such an opportune circumstance for devious Zianko. But despite Kaimu’s own reserve, he had flatly rejected this notion, claiming that “his craft had been decrepit anyhow, and so, what had happened, had to have been inevitable!” Bound now by his obligation, he’d further argued the point, “that any brush with death could change people, even one as contemptible and vile as Zianko.”

Inwardly Kaimu had the same wish for their prodigal son Yoansu that somehow, wherever he might be, when they see him next that he’d be a transformed man.

As far as Ensa knew, their second son had left them some time ago, not contented to be just a fisherman, in search of better opportunities in the nearby town. Ensa knew, rather held onto firm belief that whether successful or not, their filial son not forsaking them, would one day return home, even if it was to be for a spell.  Now that they had obtained a free wife, she prayed incessantly for her son's speedy return, thinking that the boy could be enticed (with this new addition to their family) to cease his senseless wonderings. She went to bed each consecutive night harboring the fervent desire (aspiration) that the following day would be the day she’ll greet her son at the threshold of their home.

It broke Kaimu’s heart to see the incessant disappointment registering in Ensa’s face at the conclusion of each long and laborious day. Naturally, with certain reserve, he too had shared her hopes, but unlike her, he expected the worse from the boy.

In truth, he’d never really had any faith in Yoansu’s nature or his so-called abilities. All along he’d considered this son weak in moral fiber and disloyal. Kaimu did care for the boy as much as any father would, especially since he was their only surviving offspring now, but love him? That was entirely a different matter and somewhat debatable! Furthermore, it infuriated him the way his wife had always doted on this worthless son. On occasion, when drunken, Kaimu would reveal his true emotions concerning Yoansu.  Lamenting bitterly, he would turn on his absent (prodigal) son and would curse him without reserve for his abrupt departure that so pained Ensa’s heart.  “In future when my strength and stamina fail me, how can I entrust him with the burden of responsibility?  What's the good of having a disloyal son? Without so much as a word, he just packed up and left us, you, his supposed beloved mother, in search of better horizons!  And you still count on such a being? Bah! What will it take for you to accept the fact that we have a heartless deserter for a son?”  He would then turn the full blame for Yoansu’s character on his wife, accusing her of spoiling him and for filling the boy's head with such fanciful ideas. But deep down, even when drunk, he knew the real reason why their son had left them.  He knew that it was him that had driven the boy away.  Yes, he had pushed his son too hard, and allowed him no compassion, no mistakes, or human weaknesses.  When the boy fell in with the bad lot and faced that terrible predicament, as punishment he’d withheld his support, any affection or understanding, not forgiving his son for that betrayal.

 After the tragic loss of their first-born son, Kaimu had also been most reluctant to ever leave his emotions bare or his heart vulnerable. And considering what came to pass between him and his second son; well, he could not rebound so quickly or prevent the ensuing repercussions to his second son. Nevertheless, these past few months, since his accident he’d relaxed some of his rigid, moral standards, and now a transformed man, he’d been willing to let bygones be bygones. He’d grown more flexible, more tolerant in his heart towards his prodigal second son’s obvious failings and character flaws and had inwardly promised to show the latter leniency when or if he returned home. But sadly, Kaimu could not shake the indomitable feeling deep down in his gut that the boy would never, ever amount to anything good.

 If only his elder son had not perished so cruelly at Sea.  His love for him had been, still was, unending, limitless! How tragic, that a single oversight should have cost such a promising boy his life.

 Kaimu still to date blamed himself for his absence on that day. He carried the great burden of guilt with him, which weighed heavily on his conscience and heart.

                                                                                                    ~

No matter how many times a snake sheds its skin, it’s still a snake. Unfortunately, since that day of Kaimu’s near tragedy at sea, to the chagrin of Ensa, Kaimu had increased the frequency of his correspondence with Zianko. The rekindled old relationship resulted in numerous arguments between husband and wife, disturbing the tranquil, placid life of their home. As it were, despite all his efforts, Zianko had miserably failed to win Ensa over. She’d stubbornly firmly had held on to the belief, that one with his vile and, sordid temperament could never ever change (or revert to good). In her view, Zianko was slick as a slimy snake even though nothing unlawful or criminal had thus far (stuck) was lawfully pinned on him; notwithstanding this, that didn’t mean that he was blameless or pristine.  She kept up with her suspicions that beneath that façade of recent uprightness, Zianko must still deal in all manners of illicit acts: forgeries, trafficking in contraband goods - Heaven knows what else?  Furthermore, she’d insisted on still holding Zianko responsible, even in absence of any proof, for her best friend’s murder and prompt disposal of the son Tizan. “Because of Zianko’s licentious nature, his terrible, explosive temper, disloyal heart and brutal nature, he could never boast of having any friends, only likewise associates.” She’d enumerated these failings, and more, to Kaimu on numerous (myriad) occasions, but Kaimu had obstinately ignored it, maintaining, albeit cautiously, liaison with Zianko. Though a good few years of Kaimu’s junior, on a rare occasion when Zianko had been invited to dinner for a home cooked meal, lacking in morals, he’d sneakily (underhandedly) and lustfully leered at this beautiful girl that was to be Kaimu’s daughter-in-law. When Zianko had finally wormed it out of Kaimu, the circumstances of the girl’s acquisition, underneath that mask of goodwill and well wishes, he’d seethed and inwardly coveted their good fortune.  Being an immoral opportunist, his head reeled with vile concoctions, as he saw endless possibilities in possessing such a ravishing beauty.  Only his fear of their son, a serious deterrent, checked his ultimate aim. Nevertheless, each time he frequented Kaimu’s humble abode, while successfully diverting Kaimu’s attention, Zianko had shamelessly let his lustful eyes graze on Jiense’s body. In his head choosing to put aside the only stumbling block, he would then entertain all sorts of vile possibilities as he licked his chops and inwardly asked (raised) the same, repetitive questions. How can I snatch this tender, savory lamb, this ambrosial morsel from Kaimu’s clutches?

 By right, she would fetch him a huge sum. But would the rival gang’s Chieftain Koerak be interested enough to provide (supply) him with apt protection from the anticipated reprisals?  He could always forgo (relinquish) part of the amount and negotiate instead certain provisions: that aside from security, he’d also be permitted from time to time, on favorable monetary terms that is (on discount), to also partake in heavenly pleasures with her in the designated brothel. 

Naturally, at the first opportunity wary Ensa had enumerated Zianko’s blatant indiscretions and his repeated improper leering, to Kaimu.  But this was nothing new to Kaimu, for Kaimu himself on the sly had noted Zianko's riveted gazes affixing on his proposed daughter-in-law. Far from taking offense however, he’d been rather amused and insidiously (underhandedly) had allowed Zianko to wallow in his self-imposed deprivation and envy.

                                                                                    ~

Then came a day when Zianko’s informants told him of the recent set of developments (current sequence of events) and the supposed secret about Kaimu’s son, the “number two boss”.  Zianko could hardly contain his joy, for this fortunate circumstance had now rendered Jiense a free agent (freed up Jiense), therefore eliminating the major hurdle in Zianko’s determined nefarious course.

 

Nevertheless, Zianko halting his solitary reverie- alone in his cabin as usual, daydreaming and talking inwardly- brusquely cautioned himself. I better tread on this carefully, and for the time being at least exercising prudence, simply lay low. Let the expected events unfold; meanwhile, I shall work on Kaimu. I shall first go see Souko and call in the debt he owes me. The fatuous, harebrained scholar owes me big, for getting him out of that last vicissitude (strife)!

When that’s settled, and all the technicalities (details) are worked out, I shall then acquaint Kaimu in one of our drinking sessions, with the particulars of my supposed opulent distant relative… A very distant cousin, whose existence that I’d supposedly only recently became aware of, during my last visit to (furthest) town. I shall give plausible details and accounts that are way above suspicion. For that I shall tell half-truths and artfully (timely) insert into the conversation the boy’s parents’ long-standing desire to wed him. How they are well disposed to doling out generous sums for the dowry, to secure a befitting wife for their sole heir. I shall of course leave out Souko’s perverse secret: his voracious homosexual tendencies. Instead, I shall give reasons of the problem being his discriminating taste, his conceit and arrogance. I could tell Kaimu, I’m in need of a wife too… But no, he would never go for that. And furthermore, his shrewd wife would never consent to it!  Hence, it must be this way. Later, when the opportunity strikes, I’ll discreetly bring up the subject of my distant cousin again. This time around, he would be more inclined (prone) to the idea, you’ll see. Ha, haaa! Zianko in happy anticipation rubbed his hands.

Since Zianko from then on at each visit provided Kaimu with a generous gift of a rare vintage, he in turn, to the chagrin (dismay) of Ensa, was frequently asked to be their guest. 

Perhaps as requisite- Zianko’s life being often in jeopardy- as well, when one factored in the age difference: Zianko surpassed Kaimu’s otherwise sturdy build, stronger constitution and stamina. What’s more damaging however was the fact that Zianko could hold his drink much better than Kaimu and being unscrupulous, often resorted to cheating to outmaneuver Kaimu at mind-games, physical sport- such as arm-wrestling matches- atop various kinds of drinking wagers. But far from being stooped, rebounding quickly at each turn, Kaimu with his uncanny wit, to the chagrin of Zianko, would deny latter the complete satisfaction and score ingenious victories of his own.  The friendly banter kept both on their toes and sharpened their zeal- flourishing each with a healthy dose of respect for the opposition.

 With the cementing of such friendship, Zianko in time grew bold and seemingly more careless with his talk. On an opportune moment one day he henceforth (therefore) spilled the beans, rather, unburdened himself to Kaimu and told latter of the particulars, a dire secret about his supposed nephew Souko.

                                                                                    

                                                                                    ~

END OF SECTION 5

 

(MORE EXCITING SET OF EVENTS WILL UNFOLD IN THE NEXT POST OF FISHERMAN’S PRIZE - SECTION 6)