THE ORDEAL - SECTION 6

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC- THE ORDEAL - SECTION 6

 Mokak cringed at this point anticipating what was to come. Would he dare explore further? He’d better; if he was to find out how she came to be in her present predicament. So, bracing himself, he continued with his probing.

 Shortly after mid-morning, on Captains orders (his command), the storm warning to the passengers had been issued and they were bid to at once take shelter below deck.

“He can’t be serious?” Many of the merchants aired their disgruntled voices since there was not a trace of cloud in the sky; quite skeptical, few even poised to ignore this dictum. They instead watched with amusement the worried expressions on the sailors and the flurry of activity as they lowered the main sails and strapped down all loose articles above and below decks to brace the ship for the impending storm.  It wasn’t long however, when the sudden driving winds converged over their heads a bank of dark, ominous clouds, instantly turning day into night as they blotted out the rays of the rising sun.  Out of nowhere a strong gale whipped the remaining sails and thrashed the augmented waves with fury. The fearful merchants interned below decks, in accordance with the captain’s subsequent, explicit directives, had bound themselves with strong ropes to the beams and to other stationary objects to prevent being tossed about during the anticipated storm.

Under the canopy of the dark mounting clouds and the barrage of pounding water, the angry roar of the winds and the churning sea sent all men’s souls into seizures of fright.  Huge hungry waves leaped to great heights and arched over the mast in crescents like gaping mouths ready to devour the whole ship in one gulp, while the smaller ones vied for the remaining crumbs.

This fair-sized vessel was picked up and tossed about as if it was but a paper toy by the enormous powers of nature.  Drenched to the skin, the exhausted sailors appeared to be nothing more than specks against the mountains of water arrayed against the vessel. Overpowered by a mightier master many were ripped away from their moorings as their binding ropes snapped in two.  Some were simply picked up and carried away, riding on the back of the wind, till they were dropped somewhere in the vast dark waters of the sea, never to be seen again.  Countless others perished under broken secondary masts, collapsed sails, and loose cargo catapulted at them by the waves and wind.  Their cries of anguish were drowned by the roaring mayhem created by the fierce storm.  The luckier ones, still alive, groaned with pain from the bruises, cuts, broken bones or crushed limbs they had suffered, and this was only the beginning stage of the deadly storm- the full (body) fury of it had not yet come.  The hull of the ship laboring under the exerting force (pressure) was strained to the point that it threatened to break in half.  If it were not for the good seamanship of the captain and the ability of his experienced crew, all would have perished at the start.  With their heroic efforts the ship was kept pointed into the wind to ride the waves, but it continued to be tossed about wildly for endless hours without let up, surmounting the danger to their endurance and ultimate survival.

The ship constantly rose and fell, pitching forward and back in the yaw of these giant waves, causing all above and below decks to become ill, with many passing out in their collective pools of vomit.  In the cabins the stench of this bodily discharge assailed all the senses.  Those luckier ones below secured tightly to the timbers sustained minimal injuries from the flying objects, but they still emerged from this adversity (hardship) with pale faces, reddened eyes, and hair standing on end, their clothes in complete disarray.  In this condition they already resembled ghosts.  The ones with stronger constitution wildly cursed their ill fate, while others mumbled prayers to the Sea God to show mercy, to spare their life, promising in return anything under the sun they could imagine.

The storm raged without letup for two days and two nights.  Then, with the same spontaneity as it’d started, all became perfectly still.  Not a whimper of the previously roaring wind remained.

In the hazy mist rising over the calm waters an eerie quiet now prevailed.

Many below deck were well past caring.  The few sturdy ones, rejoicing that the storm had ended, began untying their bonds.  Chenko Haken released himself from his ties, checked Teuquob’s vital signs, and then tried to revive her.

“All of you better keep still,” an elderly merchant warned, “till we are told the storm has passed.”

“Bah!  What need is there to be afraid of.” One scoffed, “Can’t you tell, old man, that the storm has passed already?”

The other shook his head in dismay and asked, “Has it?”

But his caution went unheeded.  Only a few, trusting the old man, remained as they were.  Seeing something in the old man’s words, Chenko Haken took the precaution of again securing Teuquob.  Half conscious, she blearily leaned her head back against the pole she was fastened (tied) to.

Mokak’s interest peaked. Despite his terrible fright, he could not stop now; he had to see it through to the end- if not, to savor just a bit more of these remarkably terrifying, yet exhilarating episodes of life, (brink of) death and destruction.

But first, anticipating more intrigue and decidedly more hazardous development, enterprise, betide above decks, he braced himself for that scenario.

Indubitably (to be sure), at the above decks, the atmosphere was far grimmer.  The experienced sailors and the captain of the ship showed intense fatigue, despair and worse- ultimate dread in their eyes.  Some already stationed in position, clasping their hands together, trembling, with lowered heads prayed to the merciful God Denizir to spare them from certain peril. 

All available hands had been summoned on deck and subsequently were cast into a still greater flurry of activity, as if racing against time itself, to prepare for what was yet to come.  The emerging passengers from below deck were shouted at abusively and told to get back below at once, that worse peril lay in the wake.  Some defiant souls were forcefully shoved or kicked down below.  As they tumbled down the length of the stairs, tempers flared, abuses were (exchanged furiously) hurled freely without reserve from both sides.

Chenko Haken had just finished securing himself to the pole when what they had most feared happened.  First there was a strange hum, then, before anyone had time to react, the most frightening, deafening roar that froze the very blood in men’s veins was heard throughout the sky.  The subsequent experience was still a more fantastic one to beheld, for many felt the ship in its entirety being lifted off the water and sucked into the void of the sky; suspended in mid-air for a second or two, suddenly, precipitately the ship began to twirl around and around with the fiercest force as they ascended, ship and all, still higher and higher, reaching unto the heavens.  The surreal ordeal was harder to bear, and this time around there remained very little for the ship’s captain or his crew to do to avert the impending disaster. Perhaps owing to Heaven’s infinite mercy, hurled right across the sky as if a piece of twig, eventually, for after what had seemed an eternity, the nearly intact ship had dropped back down, only to hit the surface of the sea with immeasurable force.

“Wow wee… that was incredible!”  Mokak could hardly contain his exhilaration. He shook his head in disbelief, mumbling to himself. “Was it sheer luck, or more likely, a testament to the ship’s sturdiness, that it had withstood the worst imaginable catastrophe? Ha hah! I knew it was too good to be believed.”  He grinned satisfactorily, for unfortunately water was now pouring into the cabins below from the holes, gaps and the cracks that had been created by this buffeting, threatening to drown them all.  Those that were still conscious presently shook with greater fear.

“We are finished! We’re all going to be drowned like rats here!” they screamed their forebodings in alarm.  Unfastening their bonds, cramming over each other, they pushed past anything in their way in their rush to get (to above deck) outside.

Having regained consciousness anew, Teuquob’s heartbeat (pounded) wildly with fear as she now realized that she might not survive her ordeal after all.  She grieved that she would not be able to fulfill her obligation to her mother.  “Are we going to die?” her eyes brimming with tears she asked Chenko Haken who was untying her bonds.

“Of course, not…  I won’t let that happen.”  Chenko Haken looked up with the most reassuring smile he could master (manage).

“Why are you so good to me, Chenko Haken?” she asked gratefully.  “I’ve done nothing to deserve it.  In fact, if it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t be in this terrible predicament. I’m so s…”

“Hush!”  Gently he placed his hand over her lips to silence her, and then   compassionately wiped the tears from her cheeks. 

   “Need any help?” He turned with a start to see Beko standing right over him.

   “We’ll be all right; thanks all the same.” His curt, dismissive words went unheeded by Beko who simply shook his head, responding. “You needn’t be so proud, I’m here to land a hand whether you want it or not.” 

Since she was unsteady on her feet Chenko Haken wrapped his arm around her supple waist and supported her up the stairs in tow of Beko who continuously and energetically cleared all the strewn debris barring their way. 

The moment they’d emerged outside they were swept away in the milling crowd. Two consecutive explosions from below deck just then- since some of the cargo stored in barrels was of combustible nature (substance) - had started a panic-stricken milieu, some rushing away, while others going towards it in their effort to contain or extinguish the raging flames before they became all too consuming.  But luck was against them as there were more explosions, this time trapping those that had rushed down and were desperately trying to douse, snuff or truncate (curtail) the flying missiles of the raging fire. Billows of smoke mushrooming upwards constricted Chenko Haken and Teuquob’s already taxed lungs while heart-rending cries and screams of those trapped in the searing flames below made those above deck frantic with fear.  As Chenko Haken tried to console her, a warning shout was suddenly heard from behind, “Look out!”

Seeing that the broken mast was about to fall on them, Chenko Haken quickly pushed Teuquob away from harms length; the mast crashed down, missing her and Chenko Haken only by a hair.  Others that were nearby weren’t so lucky, some dozen or so men, including Ytuke, were mercilessly pinned down beneath the enormous weight of the main mast; they lay there dying, crying in sheer agony from the pain of their pulverized flesh and bones.  Spotting Ytuke some ways off, Chenko Haken and Beko hastened at once to his side. Then with desperate frenzy they tried to pull him and some others out from under it to safety. “Push…Push!” Beko shouted his directive to Chenko Haken. But despite all their concerted exerted effort, the massive structure, the thickest part of the pole, had stubbornly refused to give (would not budge an inch).

“Leave me be, I’m done for!” Ytuke whimpered with trembling lips as blood oozed from the corner of his mouth.

“I won’t let you die like this, hang on!  Someone, help me!”  Looking up, Beko shouted to elicit more assistance from the other able-bodied men, but only a handful of stout sailors came to land a hand, and even those, shaking their heads soon after gave up, seeing the hopelessness of the situation. Clearly, Ytuke and few adjacent men pinned underneath were done for. They were beyond anyone’s help.

“Better try saving your own hides, for it is not over by a long shot, another passerby ominously advised the persistent duo Beko and Chenko Haken; meanwhile, Sunse had been repeatedly pushed aside and told by both Beko and Chenko Haken in turn not to get underfoot and to stay clear of the danger. With her limited strength and capacity, she was being more of a hindrance than help. She watched helplessly from the sidelines, her heart seared in dismay, the tremendous exertion of Beko and Chenko Haken, as they attempted to shift or maneuver the heavy object, both drenched in sweat, the droplets of perspiration on their faces mingling with the sprays of the rapacious sea. 

Despite her bruised ego and hurt feelings, she could not just stand by and do nothing; hence, once more she called out to others to elicit much needed help from them, but everyone was too consumed by their own troubles to even care.  Just then the partial deck beside Chenko Haken gave way; barely missing him, as the hungry, searing flames underneath instantly devoured Ytuke and few others pinned underneath that they’d been so desperately trying to save. This cruel fate would have been Beko’s as well had it not been for Chenko Haken’s agile move. His strong body and hand (grasp) springing into action at that crucial moment had reached out and gripped Beko’s, as latter alongside the pockmarked merchant was about to be claimed by the fiery chasm. 

“I owe you one.” Beko responded by padding Chenko Haken on the shoulder, soon as he was hauled up and on safe footing. “Who would have guessed? You have quite a might (strength, power) and potency in those scrawny, thin arms of yours.” He chuckled trying to make light of his near-death experience; then rushed off to help rescue another known associate that was in dire difficulty (strain).

Wearied (fatigued) to begin with, all these near misses had enfeebled (drained) Teuquob’s already spent nerves. In her sudden fright of losing Chenko Haken, suffering from the shock, she’d started to tremble then all at once she let out a loud scream. Fearing disclosure, Chenko Haken rushed to her side and in haste held her in a tight embrace as the same time smothered her face by pressing her face to his chest in effort to drawn out her feminine voice until she’d regained her senses. “It’s all right, everything’s all right.” He then affectionately caressed her face and wiped away the tears cascading down her cheeks.

“You’re a girl!  I had suspected as much!” A solid piece of board struck Chenko Haken hard on the back of the head, rendering him unconscious, same time a burly hand reaching out grabbed hold of her and started forcefully pulling, dragging her towards the edge.  As she struggled to free herself from his clutches, the dastardly merchant’s lurid eyes flashed fire and he tightened his grip on her wrist. “Wretched girl, you’ve brought this calamitous curse on us all! You are going to pay and pay dearly for this disaster at sea!” Grabbing also her waist, he now tried to throw her overboard, into the foaming, churning sea.

“Please let me go!” she shrieked and struggled hard to break free from his murderous grasp.  “Someone, help me!  Help me!”  But her cries for help did not rise above the wailing and screams of those others also in peril for their lives.

    “Stop fighting me wench! Or I’ll tear you from limb from limb and throw the pieces into the sea!”  Angrily the merchant slapped her with the other hand right across her face, knocking her near senseless to the ground.  Still (seizing) clenching her wrist, with a murderous rage he was about to strike her again and again when his hand was halted by a forceful grip of another’s coming from behind. Beko’s powerful consecutive strikes of the fist onto the culprit’s face and torso then the limber kick, hurled the culprit clear across the deck.

“Beko watch out!” Her warning had come too late, for the friend of the assailant descending swiftly upon him just then, delivered a formidable blow to Beko’s back and head. He had in his hand an elongated solid piece of metal pipe which he’d used like a staff. Before he could deal with the next more deadly onslaught to finish Beko off, suddenly the deck underfoot had violently shifted then altogether gave way, swallowing both the culprit and Beko into the fiery (pit) grave below.  As they fell the culprit let out a hair-raising shrilling cry that hunted Teuquob’s soul, for the remainder of her existence. Presently she’d fallen on her knees and cupping her face, started to sob uncontrollably.

“You must get to safety.” Chenko Haken regaining consciousness by then had at once rushed to her side; ignoring the excruciating pain from the swelling and the deep wound (laceration) where which blood oozed at the back of his head, he helped her to her feet and steadied her. Anticipating the worse, he strove to spare her precious life. “We must find a strong, safe object to secure you with, before the worst comes” He mumbled as he led her away from the crumbling, perilous section of the deck. Despite her protestations, an appropriate measure was soon taken to ensure her survival. No sooner this was done, when just then a frightful noise set a new fear in everyone’s heart. 

The ship’s hull, despite the sturdy construction had already weakened to the point of no return; suddenly it buckled, snapping like a thin piece of dry wafer and dividing the ship instantly in two. By fate’s hand, another explosion that same instant some ways off had thrown the sturdy wooden object she’d been tied to, clear across the danger. As she’d lost consciousness, she did not see what happened to many unfortunates that’d found themselves caught in the middle, and were instantly lost to the dark, foamy waters.   The mighty roar of the sky and the sea drowned the desperate cries of those dying or hurt still clinging to the serrated edges of snapped planking.  The whirlpool that was created by the two sinking halves mercilessly sucked the remaining passengers and crew to their watery grave.

When she came to, she’d suddenly found herself in the middle of a vast ocean in pitch darkness riding the huge waves, fastened (secured) onto a sturdy wooden piece (empty chest, or door).  On the brink of death, slipping in and out of conscious state, exposed to harsh elements of sea, sun, cold, hunger and thirst, she drifted hence, aimlessly for many a day.

Oh, I can’t take much more of this. Mokak hastily withdrawing his hand fell back, his heart racing, palpitating wildly. His fright had been immeasurable. His body curled to a fetal position on the ground now, he laid there for a time, rocking his body back and forth, hugging his knees and shivering and trembling uncontrollably. His temples throbbed; his chest cavity rose and fell with the quick intake and expulsion of air; meanwhile his eyes remained closed tight as a drum as if to dispel all the horrific imagery he’d just experienced firsthand. Try as he might he could not erase the frightful episodes parading before his mind’s eye that now taunted, haunted him.

The vast, infinite ocean and being trapped in the boundless volume of water; he could not phantom a more terrifying, terrorizing outcome than that!

Oh, but then, despite his terrible fright, he’d gotten such a rich experience from all that…More than he’d bargained for! After a time, when his terror had abated, he gradually began to see the upside of his lush, productive experience that presently fed his fertile imagination. Meanwhile, he could not help marveling at the complexities of human nature and, furthermore, felt envious, certain yearning even, for the vast array of opportunities, good and bad, denied to him, that were so readily available to her. More than ever now, he was determined to remedy this.

                                                                                               ~

 

(END OF SECITION 6)

 

THE ORDEAL- SECTION 5

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE ORDEAL - SECTION 5

 

At mid-morning with all hands assembled on deck, the captain in an elaborate 

Ceremony sacrificed to the Sea-God, Denizir; then toasted to the eventual success of their voyage.  With the fair winds now in their favor, the sails unfurled in full, the First-mate Jon bellowed out in quick succession the dictates of the captain that set the ship on course towards the island of Luco. 

Soon there was no sign of land mass anywhere for the day’s favorable winds had swiftly carried them off out into the vast open sea. In every direction lay a vast expanse of shimmering, undulating (rolling) silvery waves that tossed up snowy foam and caressed the floating images of sun and moon alternately.

That night Chenko Haken and Teuquob’s cabin echoed and re-echoed with the snores of exhausted sleepers, while a whale-oil lamp suspended from the ceiling shed a faint, flickering, darting light over their slumbering bodies.

“Are you all-right?” Suddenly a hushed, concerned, voice broke the sonority of the air.

Seeing it was useless to feign sleep, she sat up.  Clutching her stomach she confessed in a meek voice, “I’m a bit queasy...it must be something I... ate.”

“No, it’s not that at all,” Chenko Haken countered, “it’s what’s known as seasickness.  I’m sorry, but there is no cure for this affliction.  Please try to bear it. But just in case you can’t,” he stopped long enough to fetch the small bucket and placed it next to her bedding. Smiling comfortingly, he then added, “And don’t be shy in using it. In a day or two your system will adjust to the motion, and I promise you, you’ll feel much better then.”

“Thank you, I shall bear that in mind.”  She closed her eyes tight, fighting the urge to vomit, to empty her guts out; very much determined instead to get some sleep.

Mindful of how she must be suffering, Chenko Haken wished he could plainly nestle up to her and let his warm embrace ward off all her discomfort- but he did not dare.  Instead, with his empathic gaze on her he reached out and squeezed her hand consolingly.  She did not fight him and quietly submitted to the tender clasp of his hand. Subsequently soothed by his presence, her breathing eased in time and the tension slowly ebbed (abated) from all her muscles. Unfortunately, on his part an uninvited thought and desire had crept in (rather intruded,) to take hold of his heart and mind.

Gradually the touch of her warm, soft skin igniting the fires in his soul, threw him into raptures, deadening all shame!  How could he resist loving this delicate flower? Clearly it was futile, for it was such an excruciating pain, a worst kind of torment being so close; yet he was bound by morality, being forced to curtail all the basic human urges that unbidden, swelled up within him.  Subconsciously in a fit of passion, he’d gripped her hand tighter.

“What ails you, Elder Brother, are you, too, suffering from seasickness?” Opening her eyes, she gazed up at him in all naivetés and queried.

“Ha!”  Chenko Haken was startled from his private reflections.  Quite embarrassed, he felt the red-hot blood surging to his cheeks, and he abruptly (dropped,) let go of her hand.  After few moments of awkward silence, he finally plucked up the courage to reply, “I was thinking of you.”

“But I’ll be all right.”

Her pristine, natural response doused him with inexplicable shame.  How could I even think of tainting such an innocent, pure blossom!   Strongly denouncing the emotions, he had been swept by just then, he silently rose to his feet and after making sure the others were fast asleep, he declared. “I need some fresh air.”  Not waiting for her response, for he did not wish her to be in tow, he swiftly climbed the stairs and emerged outside.

It was out there, under the canopy of heavenly stars and the moon that he swore his solemn silent oath, to resist any impure temptations, to preserve her chastity and to be nothing other than a devoted flesh and blood brother to her.  He returned to the cabin shortly after- not daring to leave her alone down there too long- with his heart cleansed of any sinful desire and quietly laid down his head now riddled with sobering thoughts, on the hard, makeshift pillow.

                                                                            ~                                                               

 Mokak had just about enough fright with all that water, water everywhere!

He could not imagine a worse fate than being trapped in a precarious wooden craft amid that vast ocean.

“All that infinite, abysmal water!” He shivered despite himself and quickly returned his attention, as measure of reprieve, back on Shutizan.

 He was curious to know what befell her, expecting some delightfully riveting (gripping) details. Her registered trace, after several tries having been picked up, Mokak, sat on his posterior (buttocks), in a dark spot of the cave and, leaning his head and back against the cave’s wall, closed his eyes.

On solid landmass of Kontu, Shutizan, after having seen Teuquob off to safety, had successfully returned to her room without being seen, but once there her imagination unleashed, then fearing the dire consequences such as: What if when Teuquob’s absence came to light, herself cracking under torture, she could not help betraying her beloved lady, or worse, Chenko Haken? She’d, hence, rather than risk this, was resolved to end her life.  Despite her advanced years, even Mokak had to agree, she had spunk and was quite a brazen individual. 

Indeed, after quietly making the premise look like there’d been a struggle of sorts, with all the furniture strewn about, therefore throwing the suspicion onto abduction, she’d then stoically taken a potion (poison) that brought on a heart attack, and thus died. Her reasons for suicide had been clear; she’d hoped against hope that this would buy the runaways at least some time, as well, to spare the family from any possibility of persecution.

Her corpse was discovered the following morning when the alarmed servants gained forceful entry into the compound by (ridding the obstruction and) breaking down the barred door.  As it was locked and barricaded from the inside, the authorities when called to the scene, had been puzzled to solve the irregularity in this investigation, the obvious dilemma- as to how the intruders had broken in and despite the signs of struggle, had carried Teuquob off in utter silence during the night. A strict search was made of the compounds gradually extending it to wider circumference, as well, roofs and the outlined walls were scrutinized (by the keen inspectors) for any sign of intrusion, but again to no avail. By that afternoon, however, the merchant ship had already left the harbor.  A subsequent thorough search of the city, its boundaries and port therefore, proved fruitless.  All avenues of exit blocked, the authorities went on board the stranded ships next, imposing a stricter search of the passengers, but since they were avidly looking for a captive young girl in her teens, the difficult trail to the merchant ship was not linked until much later.  When things eventually came to light giving new, incriminating evidence against Shutizan, linking her to Chenko Haken, all the members of the family were immediately arrested, and two swift vessels were promptly launched in hot pursuit of the merchant ship.  Fortunately, their target “Silver Dreams”, itself a fast boat (craft), enjoying good weather and most favorable winds for several days, had ultimately spread an insurmountable (great) distance between them.

                                                            ~

 Mokak’s attention had again reverted to the young man Ckenko, who’d sacrificed his family, his future, all to rescue a damsel in distress. And laughable foible (quirk, twist of fate) as it were, despite his best intentions clearly smitten, after curtailing his urges, Chenko’d committed himself to a vow; an earnest pledge that now bound him insufferably to the mode of behavior of an elder sibling.

“How long would the fool last out?” Curiosity getting the better of Mokak, he fought his dread of water and turned to probing her memory once more, about the more private and intriguing adventures at sea. Interestingly enough, by then, Chenko Haken and Teuquob, through numerous adjustments and compromises had alleviated (resolved) most of their difficult circumstances; meanwhile, being ever so vigilant about the aforementioned seedy character, the two fugitives rarely exchanged conversation and certainly never partook of the revelry (the boisterous festivity or entertainment) with their fellow passengers or the crew. 

Most were aptly deterred by Chenko and his younger sibling Sunse’s cold, aloof manner and eccentric behavior; only intellectually acute (keen) Beko and his newfound friend Ytuke who was a busybody merchant, broke down the barriers and imposed their company from time to time, on the two young brothers. Meanwhile, Beko still felt somewhat indebted to Chenko Haken for bailing him out of the dire predicament he’d found himself in Kontu.  

Beko and Ytuke, although from different parts of the world, almost from the beginning of the journey had become fast friends, as both had similar temperaments, many things in common and corresponding backgrounds. Besides, both shared a curious nature and loved a good mystery which presently, Chenko Haken and his supposed younger brother presented. These two deemed safe merchants- with Beko taking his lead from sly Ytuke and opting to believing in Chenko Haken’s fabricated tale and his subsequent design to find fame and fortune in foreign lands- boasted openly of their own incredible adventures, embellished riches and some attainable opportunities that lay in wait in Luco and the adjacent, well populated, cluster of smaller islands. As worldly men, they also imparted valuable pointers (info) about the hidden (obscure) aspects of law, customs and beliefs that were entrapments for embezzling naïve, unsophisticated foreigners in that part of the world. With their outright, faithful manner, they had done all they could to further win Chenko Haken’s confidence; unfortunately, the latter remained guarded and close-lipped on the private concerns, giving only ambivalent answers to their subtle queries. The silent younger sibling Sunse, a supposed shy introvert, always under the protective, watchful gaze of his elder sibling, had proven even more difficult to reach, let alone break. Despite the temporary annoyance (a snag), it’d nevertheless confirmed Beko and Ytuke’s suspicion about the seriousness of Chenko Haken’s plight. Fortunately, when another development concerning an insubordinate sailor called Tupov drew their attention, for the time being at least, they’d opted to letting things slide with Chenko Haken; after all, they had the luxury of time on this tedious, (tiresomely long) voyage.

The captain’s thorough investigation subsequently had uncovered an undesirable, flourishing, illegal drug trade on board and the vile criminal activity of the mastermind, repugnant Tupov. He was found to moreover, maliciously and spitefully poison the junior navigator, his co-conspirator, after having suspected him of skimming some of the profits. Tupov, the burly sailor in question, defiant to the bitter end, did not go down without a fight.

After an intensive struggle, he’d been cornered and captured alive; then as the only appropriate punishment for his crimes, he’d been subjected to humiliating rounds of abuse, publicly flogged and been made to walk the plank.

This invigorating episode had alleviated Beko and Ytuke’s boredom for a time but not for long. Once more they seemed restless and sought to gain fresh scandal.

During the subsequent days at sea, Beko discreetly observed a devoted elder brother Chenko Haken, to the best of his ability protecting and solicitously tending to all his younger brother’s needs.  He diligently kept Sunse from harm’s way- a difficult feat, as Sunse was extremely attractive, even sensuous in his looks; and shielded the innocence of the young sibling from the corollary rude acts, the verbal exchange (conversation) when the other merchants or sailors engaged in coarse, vile language- oftentimes reminiscing about their sexual exploits, to relieve the humdrum phase of the journey. 

Inseparable as the two fugitives had become, gradually Teuquob had grown quite fond of Chenko Haken, the intensity of her feelings reaching above and beyond that of gratitude. But Chenko Haken’s moral behavior was beyond reproach. He’d put up so many barriers that none, not even Teuquob could transcend it.

  Until that is, the day the prevailing winds of fate had shifted!

(END OF SECTION 5)

 

 

 

THE ORDEAL - SECTION 4

LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC – THE ORDEAL - SECTION 4

 

Chenko Haken had at first been torn with the urgency of comforting Teuquob; nevertheless, opting to offer his polite excuses he’d soon as he could, hastened out the room after his aunty to bid his final farewells; but alas, the spry old lady was already gone! Not resigned to let it go at that, he’d still rushed his steps in a fruitless pursuit catching eventually a fleeting glimpse of her as she’d darted out the back gate to be shortly after swallowed up by the darkness of the night, with her receding form blending well into the distant shadows. Shoulders stooped, with a lowered head, eyes glistening with tears Chenko Haken uttered his silent farewells and prayers none the less; then abruptly turned to (secure) bolt the door after him. 

He knew he would never see her again. But that was not the worst of it. He feared for the inquisition and many tortures she might be forced to endure as she bought them the precious, requisite time for their successful escape.

Suddenly, quite unbidden, anger set in and turned to rage swelling up his chest at the recollection of the innumerable injustices of their times that had necessitated such sacrifices from gentlefolk. 

Get a grip on yourself. He heaved a deep sigh and unclenched his fist as he quietly admonished himself.  There was no time for such sentimentality. Then his thoughts veered to Teuquob. Good God, I’ve left her all along, poor thing, all by herself in a strange place! More furious now for his negligence, he composed himself and returned pronto to the parlor.

The sight that greeted him, her stoic stance in view of what she faced and might be feeling inwardly, doused (plunged) his heart in shame.   After his respectful address and the subtle words of encouragement, he offered to take her to her allocated (designated) room wherewith she could take in a well-earned rest for the night.

“I’ve left a few amenities there for Your Ladyship’s comfort,” abruptly halting by the door, he’d turned to squarely face her- in the interim barely missing running into her. After a confounded silence, he’d bashfully enumerated the facilities placed at her disposal, ending it with, “but if there is anything further, you’ll require, please do not hesitate to pull at the crimson cord by the bedpost, which will ring the bell in my room and summon me to your presence.  My parents sometime prior have already withdrawn to their country retreat on the assumption that I was to follow them later, at the conclusion of my annual studies and special military training. When my aunt approached me with this worthy proposal, agreeing to it at once, I fabricated an illness and got a temporary leave of absence from the Academy.  Subsequently, as part of the necessary preparations, I took the added precaution of already dismissing all the household and personal servants, on the presumption of my supposed proposed early departure, the yearly excursion inland to the inherited estate of my maternal Uncle. Still, the house is well secured. No intruder can bypass the locks.” In his nervousness he’d babbled on such. Testament to her tolerant and kind nature, she’d with due patience had listened, despite her overwhelming tired state (her overwhelming tiredness).

He turned crimson realizing tad too late, his lapse in judgment; then hastily apologized for the unwarranted delay. As he politely directed her next towards her quarters, inwardly he sternly reproached himself for his thoughtlessness, his shameful infraction and blundering. Positioned slightly ahead of her, his legs, meanwhile, in defiance to his will, had felt like dead bolts, straining at each step. Finally reaching the prepared room, he opened the door and invited her in. At least now more composed, he articulated the appropriate sentiments and well-wishes for her comfortable stay.

After an appropriate time, he was now prepared to take his leave. “Please, Your Ladyship, try to gain some rest.  Tomorrow promises to be a diversion from the norm; it might be exhilarating or be perhaps a most trying day.”  His heart became filled with remorse of having yet again blundered. “What must she be thinking of me?” He looked searchingly into her eyes as if his soul was balanced on the tip of his tongue, but then merely said, “I’ll leave you now.”, and abruptly turned.

There was no effective, cleaver way to salvage his dignity! Her incredible beauty had taken him by surprise. It had both exhilarated and suffocated him at the same time. A surge of emotions, the intensity of which never experienced, had spontaneously yet again taken hold of his being, reducing him to a detestable, bumbling fool. All he could hope for now, was that perhaps tomorrow, after a good night’s rest, he would behave more himself, with more decorum.

“I’m most grateful to you, sir.” He heard Teuquob just then bashfully enunciate (articulate, utter, convey) after him in her sweet, melodious voice.

Brightness beamed from Chenko Haken’s face as he turned back to protest to say it was his privilege to be of any small service to her, that it was not worth mentioning, that his only wish was to see her happy in even the slightest way.  Then he hastily withdrew before he could commit another accidental blunder, bidding her goodnight.

I must pinch myself to make sure that I’m not dreaming, he mused, as his dutiful steps involuntarily led him away from her.  From the first moment I’d laid eyes on her, her graceful countenance, her infinite beauty so enchanted me, so intoxicated my senses, that I dared not steal a glance at her for fear of revealing my innermost thoughts to Auntie Shutizan.  Finally, when we were left alone, instead of shining, quite the opposite, I made such a fool of myself! But perhaps under the circumstances, I may be excused, for it was enough that I curtailed the surging range of emotions that so suddenly overtook my heart, vehemently urging me to make bold confessions of my deep infatuation.  Dare I yield to the wild temptation, the excited passion that so propels me to run back to her and take this most delicate, most exquisite of all creatures into my arms?  My heart is gripped with such longing that it pains me. Still, I cannot betray the trust placed in me…Tormented as I am, I shall conduct myself with due decorum, suppressing, abandoning such wayward emotions to a dream state only. She must never know how I feel!  

Resolved to this grievous loss, he heaved a deep sigh; then raised his eyes to the antique family’s wall hangings (arras) that lined both sides of these corridors.  Their woven warm earth-tones painted vistas of Green Meadows, his maternal Grandfather’s country estate.  The ancestral villa spread itself over the foreground, its whitewashed wings; built when Chenko Haken was young, stretching out in front, protecting the land around it like the forelegs of a recumbent Angora cat.  Undulating hills rolled out in back, acre upon acre of lush farmland and verdant pasture stippled with cattle and sheep nestled within the protective embrace of the manor house. 

His mother and sisters would be there now visiting his grandfather and grandmother.

The year before last Chenko Haken had joined his father at Green Meadows and accompanied him on his many trips around the inland Provinces as he made the financial arrangements that would, at harvest time, fill his harbor warehouses to the rafters with fresh produce.  This time around because of the military training Chenko Haken had been constrained to remain behind in the city for at least till mid-summer; meanwhile he was entrusted with the responsibility of seeing to it that the repositories would be ready for the coming onslaught.  He would join the rest of the family later in season, in plenty of time for the harvest festival and for unbridled fun.

 In the far future he would take charge of the business from his father in the uplands while his younger brother stayed on in the city to tend to this end.  His future and vocation had been precisely (fixed) drawn up; they’d even selected a worthy mate for him from another well-established family and picked out the precise date of the mutually advantageous matrimony. The course of his life that disregarded his own personal wish- for that was not in the configuration of heredity (filial piety) - up till now had been rather mundane and predictable, until that is, his father’s spinster sister, Shutizan, who had been exalted far beyond anything the family could hope for, had covertly approached him last week with her irrefutable request.  From the moment of his ready compliance, his predictable life had been transposed; come what may, he considered himself fortunate, entrusted as such with the care and protection of a living angel.  Nor could he have conceived a more advantageous trade.  He would have mortgaged a thousand futures for just one minute in the presence of such a legendary beauty.  Shaking his head to collect his thoughts, for it’d suddenly struck him just where he was, he chuckled impishly.  Your head is in such a daze, Chenko Haken.  Look how you have walked past your own room.

About turn, he headed back; once through his door he threw himself upon the bed and grabbing hold of the pillow he squeezed it hard then caressed it.  Heaving a deep sigh, he next rolled onto his back and gazed unfocused on the ceiling.

“How could Heaven conceive such an angel?” he asked the thin air in a murmur barely audible.  In beauty and grace truly, she is without equal in this world of mortal men!

For a moment, just a moment he forgot himself, surrendering to that allusive fantasy world that he dared not transcend (have). “Clandestinely, day and night I shall feast my eyes on her lovely countenance, and when we are away in distant lands… dare I hope?” He questioned the air biting the corner of his lip; then lowering his gaze, whispered. “Perhaps I can win her affections… and if providence allows, in due course even win her hand in matrimony?” But then the image of his frowning aunt appearing in his mind’s eye, juxtaposed with Teuquob’s: brusquely brought him back to his senses and he recoiled in bitter remorse.  Wrenched with self-reproach, he groaned: “You are worse than a maggot to be thinking of her in this way, deserving of the worst punishments!  How dare you seek personal gratification out of this tragedy?”

That night restful sleep eluded him as his squirming and gyrating bound ever-tightening knots in his bedding.  Finally, just before dawn he felt exhausted into a short, fitful slumber.

Chenko Haken bolted upright as soon as the morning sun’s rays hit his eyelids.  His thoughts were still full of the beauty sleeping down the hall.  Once again, he stifled (curbed) the eccentric thoughts and the passion that had unbidden risen in his chest.  Instead, he concentrated on bringing the luggage he had packed yesterday down the stairs to the delivery entrance at the rear of the house.  From there it was but a few steps to the kitchen where he prepared a hot breakfast.

When Chenko Haken, tray in hand, finally knocked at Teuquob’s door, he could not help smiling with amusement at the young boy who let him in.  The disguise was truly endearing, dressed as she was in vest and leggings well suited to a scion of one of the Capital City’s wealthier families. However, the black knit cap, a last-minute compromise, was a tad too large and did not quite sit well on her head.  Meanwhile the few wavy strands of light brown hair (with golden blond highlights), that’d escaped to fall down over her flawlessly smooth skin was a sure giveaway, a testament to her delightful femininity having failed also in concealing the sky-blue eyes that twinkled like stars with the excited mischief of a shared secret.

Chenko Haken smiled, finding it easier now to address his own gender; the problem after all, could be addressed later, at the conclusion of breakfasting. “I hope the accommodations were adequate enough to have allowed you a restful sleep, however brief, My Lady.”

“Under the circumstances, I slept quite well, thank you.  Besides, I’ve always been an early riser.” Looking at the tray Chenko Haken was carrying, she politely protested. “But you shouldn’t have gone to so much trouble. A light fare would have been more than sufficient.” In truth, filled with anticipation, her stomach in many knots (as though bolted shut); she feared that she’d be unable to eat a single morsel (crumb).

“Please try my Lady, for you need to build up your stamina for what lies ahead if not the voyage.” Smiling, he urged her to partake some.

He was so sweet, especially the way his cheeks burned betraying his bashfulness, (contrasting) in defiance to his authoritative tone and forced composure.

Well disposed, she therefore put forth the best effort and partook some, so as not to give offense. When it was all over, the awkward moment’s silence came to an end when Teuquob pushing the tray aside, abruptly stood up. After a little twirl, she coyly asked, “Well, you’ve kept me in suspense long enough; will I pass?”  

Having had sisters, Chenko Haken broached the subject delicately.  After a brief fix up of the problem area, he took a step back and with a broad grin gave his approval. “Now you look the part my Lady! No danger of disclosure. From hence, I shall be most proud to introduce your Ladyship as my most handsome younger brother.” Fearing that his words had been tad too brazen, Chenko Haken’s cheeks flushed crimson, and he hastily lowered his eyes.

Most handsome younger brother! After mulling over the sentence and its connotations briefly, “Then it’s settled.” Teuquob’s abrupt, serious tone drew back his now questioning glance. He had given offence. ...  But she was smiling?

Her lips curved upwards in broader delight; with a beaming face, she shook her head. “Nevertheless, it would not do for such close relatives to stand on formalities.  We shall henceforth, elder brother, dispense with them.”  It was part assertion, part request and Chenko Haken took it with the good grace that it had been given (intended). 

Bowing at the waist after an elaborate sweep of the hand, he ejected. “Your wish is my command, my dear, mm, young brother.”

She pursed her lips as if in remonstrative displeasure and maintained her composure, till both burst into hardy laughter.

“How shall I address you from here on?  I mean, have you perhaps a preference to a specific name?”

She nodded, “How about Sunse…I’ve always been partial to that name.” The words tumbled from her mouth without hesitation.  Then, noting the slight darkening of his demeanor, Teuquob qualified her choice.  “It was the name of the hero in Blue Balustrades, my favorite tale.  If the name offends you, Elder Brother, you may choose for me another.”

“No.  No, you misunderstood me.”  Chenko Haken, forsaking jealousy, smiled in relief.  “Sunse is quite acceptable, rather appropriate, as the name conjures up in mind, the perfect image of a dashing young man, a hero of sorts.” He looked away thoughtfully; in fact, he knew of such a person. They were the best of friends till that is their irreparable contention. Not yet resigned to the grievous loss, to date it’d occasionally hunted his peace. His questioning eyes confronting her innocent face, he shook his head, dispersing all negativity and doubt. Then upon a varying thought he added:

“But I still feel awkward being called Elder Brother. I mean it’s improper, for I owe you, my allegiance.”

“I thought for the sake of good disguise we’d already agreed to forgo, to dispense with the cumbersome formalities.” stamping her foot impatiently, she insisted: “So, no more arguments!”

“You are quite right of course.” Chenko Haken lowered his head in polite submission.

“I know I spoke harshly just then, I mean, that’s not the way to behave with one’s elder brother, but all things considered, it is the best way, is it not?” she cajoled.  “Please don’t be too cross with me, elder brother.”

“How can I be?” he responded with a forgiving smile.

The delicious freshness of the morning air greeted them as they emerged from the rear gate.  The sun had yet to clear the rooftops and dew still clung stubbornly to the shaded spots under the eaves.  The cobble stones in the alleyway were turned into a silver mirror, its expanse unmarred by the inevitable carts of that tray’s peddlers and tradesmen.

“Please stay here with our luggage while I fetch us a carriage.”

“Are we going far?”

“No.  The harbor is only a few blocks down.”

“Then I prefer to walk.” she announced with determination as she confidently stepped into the alley.

“Hey, hold on!  You don’t even know the way.”  Quickly swooping up the bags Chenko Haken rushed after her, leaving the gate closed but unlocked behind him.  Teuquob was already beside the neighboring property when Chenko Haken, hastening after her with his poorly balanced load, slipped and fell squarely on his rear, legs akimbo.  His load scattered all about in a starburst of bags and cartons.

“Are you hurt?”  She rushed to his side with concern, “Its all-my-fault!  Please forgive me.  Please say you’re not hurt and that you’re all right!”  Tears glistened in her eyes.

Her anguish made her appear even more enchantingly beautiful but Chenko Haken was too embarrassed to take notice or appreciate the attention she was now lavishing on him.  His whole head was pounding with red-hot blood as he quickly scrambled to his feet. “It’s all right.” he mumbled, hastily dusting his clothes, “and there is nothing to forgive.”  Collecting the bags strewn about, he balanced the load then picked it up once more. “Let’s go.”

Once she knew Chenko Haken was none the worse for wear the comedic picture of just a few moments before sprang to her mind.  She turned her head away demurely to stifle the giggles beneath her sleeve.

Chenko, though annoyed, said nothing and put on a serious expression.  With firm steps he hastened down the hill to the sea. 

As he watched Teuquob out of the corner of his eye his heart once more softened. With the eternal innocence of a child, her eyes scanning, searching this way and that, she was absorbing, assimilating every nuance of things and beings that came into view or flooded the senses.  He was both enchanted and amused by her reactions and unguarded exuberance.  How positively wonderful and refreshing was her naivety, her nature uncommonly pristine and unspoiled; what a delicate a flower she was!

They could hear the bustle of the harbor long before it came into view.  Chenko, a most inquisitive and adventurous child, had practically grown up as a wharf rat; having seen it all one time or another, nothing further intrigued or piqued his curiosity. But observing Teuquob’s reaction and by vicariously now living through her experiences, he found that all the old sounds, once comfortable in their familiarity, had regained their novelty (originality) afresh. He therefore delighted in the undulating work-songs of the stevedores, the staccato hammering of the shipwrights, the bleating, braying, lowing and neighing of the bestiary of pack and produce and the whips and barking commands of their wranglers.  He also took notice, being reminded for the first time in many years, how, like a host of locusts a low incessant hum droned underneath the tumult, as the deals were being made or broken, goods weighed or exchanged, all manner of bartering, the ongoing goodwill or deceit - all in all resurrected in the multitude stores, segments or pits that lined the docks.  When they rounded the final corner onto the avenue that led down from the market, they were greeted by the full morning sun shimmering off the ocean before them, dancing on the waves in sprinkles of cerulean and orange.

Teuquob halted abruptly in her tracks as if she had just walked into a brick wall.  Chenko Haken could see the beginnings of a bewildered smile as she took in the scene of sea and sky, only to be overcome by surprise redolence, making her eyes squint and her nose wrinkle with unexpected displeasure.

Of course!  She was not used to the smells, the pungent odors and the likewise reek; as it were, she was inheriting the full bounty of the harbor’s ambiance, courtesy of brisk easterly winds pushing up the avenue like a parade. 

He chuckled, despite himself and teased. “You had better get used to this quickly, little brother.  It will not get any better when we’re on board the ship.”

“I expect so; however, I’ll adapt to that circumstance as well, as I’m most gratefully, been forewarned.” Her stoic resignation caused Chenko to relent, and he hastily asked to be pardoned for his insensitivity. She nodded, her gracious smile filling his heart anew with enthusiasm for the anticipated adventures ahead, as his feet in accordance, picked up the pace, with her in tow, towards their destination.

The sturdy merchant ship Silver Dreams had been tugging impatiently at her moorings for the past three days but this morning the ropes hung in graceful arcs as she rolled lazily like a beast after a heavy meal.  Her hold had been stuffed with the products of Kontu’s thriving textile industry: fine silks, brocades and lace packed into countless trunks and roll upon roll of tapestries and carpets stacked over and around them like so many logs.  Only one space was left empty; the tiny cabin that was to house the small group of merchants who had invested their fortunes in the items stowed below the decks.

Chenko Haken had encountered one of those merchants two days prior, a well-endowed, burly young man called Beko, attempting to resell a fine breed of yearling horses which he had (purchased) transported from Korion.  He was in a terrible bind as the would-be original purchaser had reneged from the transaction, having been jailed and awaiting execution on some other serious charge. Chancing on Chenko Haken, who in turn had introduced him to a competent trader that had often had dealings with his father and having gotten a more than a fair return; the grateful merchant had arranged for Chenko Haken and his younger brother to share a passage with them on the next leg of their journey which was to be the island of Luko.  He had introduced Chenko Haken to the ship’s Captain that very evening and there and then Chenko Haken had settled his part of the fare. 

As the expected addition (passengers), no sooner Chenko Haken and Teuquob walked up the gangplank, they’d been greeted with a curt nod by the purser and immediately taken below decks to be shown their assigned space in the cabin. 

A quick perusal revealed several hanging hammocks positioned off to one side; at the center stood a rugged table with years of buildup grease, encircled with some odd crates serving as a makeshift chair; then at the far corner beneath some hefty poles, in a space hastily cleared  two parceled woven straw mats, bedrolls of sorts presumably reserved for the newcomers,  thrown askew alongside a sturdy trunk  and a few other scant amenities, such as barrel containing water with a ladle, an oil lamp and so forth. 

This would be a terrible imposition on her! Chenko frowned, avoiding looking at her, for he could not bear to see the dismay that had to have been registered in those beautiful eyes. But under the circumstances this prudent arrangement was still the best that could be had, especially on such short notice and without arising suspicion. He was astonished however, when he, with a sideway glance looked at her and saw that she was smiling, apparently quite unperturbed by the inferior (humble,) substandard, even squalid conditions (abode, dwellings).

It’s all right really! We’ll make the most of this. Those gleaming eyes, now meeting his, seemed to be saying (conveying) encouragingly.

Chenko Haken, inwardly relieved, with a nod accepted the arrangements and then promptly dispensed a few bronze coins to the scowling, impatient deck hand.

“Tide turns on the quarter.” He squealed (announced) then briskly scampered up the ladder.

“Lots of time for a stroll on the deck,” Teuquob pulled at Chenko’s sleeve now with bursting excitement. “It’s bit stifling down here.”

Chenko Haken’s warning glance briskly suppressed any further outbursts as he led her eyes to the two early arrivals from the merchant group that was now descending the stairs armed with their private possessions. They simply nodded their perfunctory greetings and grumbling under their breath, went over to the far corner of the cabin to stake out their claim- the private quarters further limited now with the imposed addition of these two newcomers. 

“Sunse, need I remind you; this is not a pleasure trip; you must help me put our traveling gear into the trunk here before we venture anywhere.” Chenko’s austere, commanding (stern) tone drew her attention away from the two strangers that were now engaged in an ongoing conspiratorial argument.

His heart and mind laden with fear for her safety and many other such concerns, he’d spoken a tad too harshly; now relenting, he added amicably.  “Maybe we can go up later, after the ship has sailed.”

“Whatever you say, elder brother,” Teuquob complied with all the petulance of a dejected sibling.  She was soon distracted, but her mood remained unchanged, when the other eight members of the merchant group bustled into the cabin, already caught up in an animated discussion.  The sailors trailing them quickly set down their baggage next to the line of hammocks that would be the traders’ sleeping quarters for the duration of the voyage then left with empty pockets completely ignored by the party.  If they felt at all slighted, they had no time to wallow in it for the deck above immediately burst into a hive of activity.  Moorings were untied, sails unfurled and with a heave and one lingering creak the Silver Dreams left the slip to ply the inner harbor.

“Whew!” Chenko Haken could not help but breathe a sigh of relief once his back was to the others.  “Cheer up, little brother.” he said, reaching over to pat (gently tap) her over the shoulder.  “For better or worse we’re on our way.”

Teuquob’s eyes brightened anew as hope took hold and she looked wistfully towards the cabin door.

“All right,” Chenko consented with a smile. “When the activity on deck slows down, we’ll venture above for a bit of fresh sea air.  But we should wait until we pass the King’s sentry tower and clear the harbor at least.”  Teuquob caught on.  He did not wish to be seen, and recognized, by anyone on shore.  For the next little while she sat quietly in the corner discreetly observing the interactions of the fellow passengers and patiently awaiting her first glance at the open sea and all its imagined wonders.  

Chenko Haken had busied himself securing their luggage in the assigned trunk. As he looked over his shoulder to briefly check up on her, the pure radiance of her demure face, shining with all her hopes for the future, somewhat dispelled, if only for a moment, all Chenko’s worldly thoughts and cares.  Reminiscent of (like) the fresh breeze blowing down from the snowcapped mountains or off the vast ocean, her expression had instantly dissipated (dispelled, exiled) all pain and misgivings from his heart.

Just then however, out of the corner of his eye he spotted one of the merchants avidly looking in their direction- his attention too held by Teuquob, as if entranced.  The hairs prickled on the back of Chenko Haken’s neck, for the man’s gaze was dastardly- as he, with his dark countenance appeared to be a decided degenerate.

Though society highly frowned upon it, Chenko had heard of some disturbing, loathsome exploits and immoral acts still being carried on, vilely committed, during the long voyages at sea. 

“It should be quite safe by now.” He hastily concluded his task and ventured.  “Let’s start out on the bow and do some sightseeing.  But be sure to bundle up, the sea air is a degree cooler than it is on shore.”

Teuquob was more than willing to oblige as this proposal coincided with the yearnings in her heart; soon they were both ascending the stairs onto the top-deck.  Emerging outside, she’d gazed up at the bright blue sky tinged with wispy clouds, welcoming the refreshing breeze so delightfully caressing her cheeks.

 A moment or so later she stood mesmerized by the activity on deck. To Teuquob’s untrained eye the crew was doing a well-choreographed dance, to the staccato rhythms of the Mate’s commands.  Sailors passed by swiftly, driven by an unknown purpose, seemingly in no hurry, yet once a command was barked there was always someone at the post to carry it out.  It reminded her of the bustling kitchen before a big banquet, only Poekie was usually in the thick of things.

 The husky First Mate stood above the deck on a raised platform alongside the stern-faced Captain, issuing his dictates in a blaring voice as he gazed alternately ahead to sea then down at the hive of activity at their feet.  Beside him the burly helmsman energetically managed the wheel while the third in command stood at rapt attention, ready to dish out the next set of directives. 

Teuquob as if magnetized, had started towards the bridge advancing (Tequob was involuntarily propelled with) her steps in quick succession towards the Captain, only to bump into Chenko Haken who had suddenly appeared in front of her.

 “Let’s go astern, where we won’t be in anyone’s way.”  He saw the question in her eyes and added, “This way, towards the back of the boat.” 

She turned to follow him, and her eye immediately caught the familiar outline of her majestic former residence at the crest of the hill that lay behind the walled city.  Her mouth fell open in amazement.  “It all looks so miniscule!”

 Reality had suddenly struck her, that she was finally free; she was at the outside of that imposing structure, her former prison. Those impenetrable walls, the heavily guarded iron gates that had so effectively kept all life’s experiences from her, were now gradually diminishing in size as the distance between them grew.  A deep sigh escaped from her; yes, she’d attained what she’d yearned for all her life, but many of her friends and retinue were still incarcerated, interned in that dreadful place that regulated their every waking moment, their precarious fate always hanging by a thread, just inches away from certain death and persecution. Though she’d been deliberately kept in the dark, she’d still noted how within the last two years things had degenerated to a far worst state. “Hedenko”, that loathsome name, her intended, had to have been at the root of it all. Dreading the probable consequences for her absence, she said her prayers and fond farewells to each one she knew and loved, yet by the time they had reached the aft railing she was barely a quarter of the way through.  Suddenly her throat knotted, felt as though a chicken bone had been wedged in it and unsteady, she became aware of the heaviness of the air going into and out of her lungs.

She turned to Chenko Haken for help then noticed the moistness at the corners of his eyes. 

His mouth was silently forming the words, “Goodbye Auntie Shutizan.  Oh, I can’t even bear to think of the alternative….!” His face somewhat contorted with the terrible inner strain; he chewed on his lower lip. “I sincerely hope that despite your dire predicament, by some miracle you’ve escaped all consequence. My prayers, thoughts and affections shall be with you always.” 

Recollecting anew her trusted nurse’s kindness, her bravery and her supreme sacrifice Teuquob could not resist her swelling emotions; she let out a mew like a hurt kitten as the tears streamed onto her flushed cheeks.

                                                                                         ~

 

END OF SECTION 4)