LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL - SECTION 17

Resisting the urge to go outside, Hugen leaned his back against the wall and after exhaling a long breath, in an even tone he began with: “Meanwhile, Zakhertan Yozdek’s attentions were directed elsewhere to other regions where more profitable gains could be had.”

01- ZAKHERTAN YOZDEDK  (10) JP

“All the while millions were conscripted from all parts of Wenjenkun and the (other subjugated) auxiliary regions; many physically fit men and adolescent males were pressed into military service while women, scholars or the infirm were forced into the labor camps Zakhertan created to construct the mammoth projects he envisioned for his capital.”

“Hills were razed, channels were dug, and reservoirs built to multiply agricultural production in former deserts and, of course, grand palaces were commissioned in all four corners of the Kingdom. All the while families were uprooted and relocated to the remote regions of Wenjenkun he wanted populated.  The upshot of all of this, the costly expeditions, the grand schemes, despite the plunder he amassed, had still very nearly bankrupted the State Treasury in Channing.”

"Seen in this light, the subjugation of Korion was considered a serious liability and a definite unproductive drain on their economy.  It was deemed clearly pointless, for Wenjenkun to maintain its present tight rein (leash) on the deemed barbaric race that, could not be tamed and required mounting expenditures all for the facade (pretence, sham, deceit) of keeping it within Wenjenkun's civil guidelines. Happily, our point had been driven home well and good.  From all corners of the Kingdom (Wenjenkun) petitions regularly poured in, the writers knowingly risking pain of death, protesting the continuing military presence in Korion.  They acknowledged that our country bred the finest stock of horses, was endowed with precious gemstones of the finest quality, as well, had much required (needed) minerals and useful metals in quantity; yet despite the hefty annual tribute of these items flowing into Channing, it was costing Wenjenkun (government and administration) still more dearly to maintain scant, minimal control over this unforgiving, unruly region.  Their ministers argued the point that, the National Interests would be best served with more frugal allocation of their resources and by the deployment of armies (and military personnel) to other regions (countries) where more feasible and more advantageous returns could be had.”

"As it was, Zakhertan Yozdek urgently needed to composite another invincible military force, in order to conquer the Mokuzers at that time and, already having gained his revenge against our Lord and people, he was disposed to allow such criticism.  By this time Zakhertan's arrogance and megalomania had reached its (apex) zenith and, when presented with the petition in the Great Zonggotu Hall, he was recorded as having said, "Well, if this grubbing race of barbarians can resurrect a single Royal pedigree (lineage) to rule them, I’ll permit it; Korion then may, within reason, have whatever autonomy they can muster."  He of course had been certain (quite convinced) that there were none of the Royal line left alive to take up the reign of power in Korion.”

"Unknown to him, there was indeed one who had escaped his evil carnage."  Patiently Hugen explained, " Sometime prior, the youngest sister of His Highness the late Harkan Konzuran Binchan, Princess Jenor, as the tribal custom demanded, had been entrusted to chieftain Kureshi Nokuzuk’s care, to be brought up from the age of ten till she reached the age of seventeen, by which time she was to be wed to Yeru, the third son (for the first son was too old and already married, and the second son already dead, succumbed to an accident) of the powerful tribal chieftain Kureshi Nokuzuk, in order to ensure a lasting peace with this fierce nomadic race to the North.“

02- TRIBAL CHIEFTAIN KURESHI NOKUZUK

 “After this alliance had been struck, all hostilities and border incursions in the northern sector had of course ceased and, this peace has lasted to date. “Hugen pensively nodded, then almost imperceptibly (subtly) the corners of his mouth lifted in a grimace (smirk). “Anyhow, this well-kept secret, Princess Jenor, the sole surviving member of the Royal Binchan Clan, was a legendary beauty. After Princess Jenor and Yeru’s nuptials, Princess Jenor in time had born two daughters who rivaled her in fairness, and a brilliant son, Yoshikan.  Here’s were things gets interesting: This male offspring (with Binchan royal bloodline) was promptly recalled to Korion to claim his rightful place as Sovereign of our country.”

“The Chieftain Kureshi Nokuzuk, for obvious reasons, raised no real objections to the recall, and even if Yeru had any qualms, I dare say that his opinions were quickly overridden by Kureshi, to the greater benefit of all.  And so it came to pass that, at the age of ten, on a blessed and joyful day, our Illustrious Sovereign, Yoshikan Sousing Nokuzuk Binchan, was duly enthroned.”

"Of course, Zakhertan Yozdek was outraged (livid) to learn of this and, I understand, many suffered his terrible wrath.  Since, however, his promise had the strength of an Imperial edict, it could not be rescinded, and Zakhertan had to let the Coronation proceed.  Still, he managed to slip a catch into it.  The boy King was deemed to be of too tender an age, to rule unaided and, since the appointed Regent had mysteriously succumbed to a fatal infection after a routine wound which had been improperly dressed, Zakhertan Yozdek’s elder relation, a grasping licentious cur calling himself Guobin Yozdek, was appointed (in its stead) as the new Regent.  With the aid of a cotillion of advisors specially transported with him from Wenjenkun, this piece of offal was given leave to govern Korion for eight years until Yoshikan Sousing Nokuzuk Binchan’s age of ascent.  Though this was nominally an interim appointment, Zakhertan’s design was obviously to have the situation closely monitored and controlled and the boy King's abilities assessed.  If Yoshikan were to show even the least potential of becoming a strong, capable leader then he was to be covertly disposed of, regardless of any future consequences. But despite his youth, His Highness Yoshikan Sousing Nokuzuk Binchan had already possessed a most discerning mind and alerted at the very start to this danger, he’d played his part brilliantly, in order to beguile his planted (spy) Royal Entourage (attendants, governors, tutors etc.) and to allay all their fears.”

“Of course, Zakhertan Yozdek would not be so easily duped and summoning our Sovereign to Channing numerous times, tested him in countless, vigorous, varied ways, dishing out all manner of insults to his person and country to see if Yoshikan or his loyal courtiers would have the backbone or strong will to strike back; but they, with all due humility and perseverance, subjected themselves to these indignities. “

“This caused Zakhertan to despise our Sovereign Yoshikan Sousing Nokuzuk Binchan even more as a spineless weakling and, predictably, to turn his attention to a more pressing concerns; one of which was the blatant and rapidly growing influence and power of Guobin Yozdek.” 

03--GUOBIN YOZDEK  (18)JP

“Guobin’s ambitious nature, as an oversight going unchecked, he’d become progressively more pompous, dictatorial and, even worse, defiant. You see, during his last state visit to Channing, Guobin deeming himself to be the most competent administrator, had brazenly (unabashedly) taken full credit for the pacification of Korion and the revival of its thriving economy. Guobin had further enraged Zakhertan Yozdek, by the unveiling of his long-term, lofty ambition; suggesting in words stronger than a mere request that, Wenjenkun should dispense with the charade and proclaim him instead, as the sole ruler of Korion. More outrageously still, Guobin had exposed his sinister plan to Zakhertan, which’d been ready to be implemented at a moment’s notice, to murder our young Sovereign Yoshikan through (via) poisoning or an induced illness.  The Regent Guobin banking on his status in family (as blood-relation), had erroneously supposed that, after his reporting of an alleged, disgraceful incident involving Prince Yoshikan, he had reached a sympathetic kinship’ ear.”

“Meanwhile, unknown to the aspiring King of Korion, our Illustrious Prince Yoshikan, because of his uprightness and humility, had progressively gained a strong and loyal following in both Korion and with the dissidents (nonconformists) in Wenjenkun.  These supporters, seeing the time was ripe, had already implemented, carefully orchestrated series of rumors and incidents which made it appear as though Guobin had long since being conspiring to usurp the throne of Korion, right under the nose of Zakhertan Yozdek. As proof, they’d   obtained depositions (affidavits) and had those incognito (anonymously) leaked to authorities in Channing, from other contiguous nations’ Princes who were no allies of Korion, intimating that Guobin had solicited their support, with the suggestion of constant border incursions, to destabilize Wenjenkun’s strong government.  Same period, several Guobin’s enthusiasts were furtively (stealthily) exposed planning their machinations, to internally undermine Zakhertan Yozdek’s rule, which would then, by way of a nation-wide rebellion, would have brought about Zakhertan’s eventual downfall. At this juncture Korion’s armies would have then swooped down to fulfill Guobin’s fantastic high ambition of uniting both countries under his new Dynasty.”

“This obviously infuriated Zakhertan Yozdek, who acted swiftly and brutally but in a much stronger fashion than could have ever been anticipated or hoped. With a single stroke, Guobin Yozdek and the untrustworthy Princes along with all their supporters and countless other suspected conspirators were all, maliciously and sadistically eradicated.” Hugen at this point pausing donned a somewhat sinister, satisfactory grin.  “This brought about the accession of our Illustrious Sovereign Yoshikan Sousing Nokuzuk Binchan a full two years before the ordained time. And of course, you know the rest." Hugen waved his hand in dismissal and, rising to his feet, strode outside to relieve himself.

After the rain, with the wind subsiding and most of the flotilla clouds gone away, the night’s sky was now decked with blinking stars (patently) markedly flirting with the half crescent moon; meanwhile, Earth was still mantled (blanketed) in black, with periodically dancing hazy, indistinct sundry shapes. Hugen grimaced, suddenly hearing a (cry) hooting of an owl that was perfectly camouflaged up in the tree some ways off, and knowingly nodded.    Lingering at outside Hugen inhaled deeply and filled his lungs with the refreshingly cool, crisp evening air. Reluctant to return to the confines of the ramshackle hut, he offhandedly at first pinned his empty gaze into the dark void; moment later however, in his mind’s eye he was visualizing and nostalgically reminiscing about the exciting exploits of heroes, some he knew all too well, a long, long time ago. His thoughts again reverting to his beloved Sovereign, Hugen reflected on how even before his ascension His Highness Yoshikan had spent many long grueling hours holding Court in secret, all well hidden beneath the guise of licentious parties. Through these long processes some of the necessary changes had been surreptitiously and, (gradually) by small degrees, incorporated into the existing system. His Highness had tirelessly toiled night and day to draw up effective stratagems for resurrecting the nation from the ashes, rebuilding it to its former glorious strength so that once more they could become a Country to contend with. Soon as he was legally King of Korion, Yoshikan had appointed these certain able ministers’ and with their help instituted apt effective measures that had been so many years in the making.

04- YOSHIKAN SOUSING NOKUZUK BINCHAN  -JP

His Highness Yoshikan Sousing Nokuzuk Binchan’s subsequent edict had amended the flawed old system of governance and law; after which had occurred, the purging of all undesirables’ right down to the root.  Those spies, collaborators and moles that had been pinpointed (found out) sometime prior, were either converted, bought out or kept on to unknowingly pass on misinformation to Wenjenkun.  A few, very few, were discreetly killed when they proved uncooperative.  Zakhertan Yozdek hence, all this time had been fed a deceptive picture of the state of Korion and was lulled into a false sense of security that had lasted to the present day.

 Hugen re-entering the dilapidated (rundown) hut, quietly sat in the same spot and periodically, somewhat distractedly, gazed at the far corner, as he waited for Uyuk’s return. 

“Odd, there's that feeling again, a strong sense of danger gnawing at my innards. Plus, the hairs on the back of my neck are bristling, which is a sure sign of peril.” As it was, Hugen's intuition had never failed him.  His piercing gaze once more astutely scrutinized the corner from where he sat, keenly examining (observing), that small pile of debris against the far wall.  “There's nothing outwardly strange, yet there's something odd about it, something I can't rightly pinpoint (explain); perhaps the way the broken shards of furniture are resting, the pattern of the bricks and mortar, that broken jug handle, was it there before?”

Just then Hugen was distracted by Uyuk's noisy return from the business he had just concluded outside.  Uyuk, sensing his partner's mood, quietly took up the same position he had just vacated a moment ago.  "What's up?” he then leaned forward to ask in a conspiratorial whisper.

"I'm not sure.” Hugen grunted. After shaking his head, he leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes, remaining deliberately oblivious to Uyuk's questioning, piercing gaze. 

“That mouse I saw scurrying across to his hole when I came back must have disturbed it.” Hugen quietly mused.  “Either that, or, Hmm...No, that’s too improbable.”  Before long, his thoughts again (turned) reverted to his beloved Sovereign.

His Royal Highness Yoshikan Sousing Nokuzuk Binchan in the ensuing years, living prudently and encouraging all his ministers to follow suit, had shared the abysmal hardships of his subjects. He’d abolished (inherited) fiefdoms; furthermore, on his Highness’s directive, the Governing Council had per annum, assiduously apportioned (allotted) the nation's wealth among its citizens high and low.  Standards were set and strictly regimented; communications improved; taxes remained moderate; the enforced laws were strict but nevertheless fair and just.  People willingly worked harder and toiled longer hours, knowing that it was for the common good and, they got to keep a good portion of their profits for themselves.  This encouraged them to exert themselves and their abilities to the maximum for the harder they worked, the better off they were, and the better off their children's lives would be. The future, no longer bleak, looked bright and promising for all.  Piety and propriety abounded, and industrious citizens had in time flourished. Sovereign Yoshikan never letting himself for a moment to forget the disgrace that his lineage and his subjects for more than decade and a half now had borne (suffered, endured), unrelentingly hence, had kept up his vigil, setting a good example as well as being, an inspiration to all. Thus, Sovereign Yoshikan had earned his subjects' undying love and unfaltering loyalty in a way that all other leaders since time immemorial would envy.  He’d become the true heartbeat of their nation.  Every citizen without question would suffer the torments of Hell, would surrender their very lives without a single moment's hesitation if it would benefit their beloved Sovereign or their nation.

In this respect, then, Hugen was not alone; furthermore, Hugen like all good patriots, lived and breathed in anticipation of the day Zakhertan Yozdek and Wenjenkun would be totally eradicated, obliterated from the face of the Earth and the pages of History.  Impatience gnawed at him daily as his heart ached increasingly with the unstinted yearning to see that day when it would all come to pass.

"Unfortunately, our resourceful, well-respected Minister Tuvering Bokurek has deemed the time is not yet ripe; and his advice is always sound.  Some even compare his competence and forte akin to the Illustrious Wushing." Suddenly Hugen broke his long, prolonged silence and looking directly at Uyuk, enunciated (voicing) the subsequent thought that’d just then intruded into his mind.

It was obvious that Uyuk had been thinking along these same lines as he abstractedly drew circles on the dirt floor, for he nodded; but then, seconds later frowning, he shook his head and grumbled. "The time is not yet ripe.  When will it be ripe?  Why is he stalling?" His eyes affixed on Hugen he now pressed on: "We formed that new alliance with Luso and Dokurak after Terz to…"

"That information is highly confidential!” Hugen barked, aghast. “How did you come by it?"

"Oh I, too, have my resources."  Uyuk smiled smugly then pinned his defiant gaze on Hugen.  "But don't you go imagining that there is a leak in the High Council.  After all, you are the only one I've disclosed this to, and this I did only because I know for a fact that you were already aware of it."

"Right, well I know exactly where and from whom you acquired your information but never mind." Hugen looked away to hide his extreme annoyance.

“That little vermin should have been exterminated (eradicated) some years ago if it were not for his powerful backers.” Hugen still livid, mulled over. “But this breach is inexcusable!  As soon as I get back, I'll push to have him eliminated, disposed off permanently, for after this violation (flouting) a mere dismissal will now not suffice.” 

Hugen understood well, how this move would incur great animosity towards him and create lasting enemies.  “That brute does have so many influential friends.”  For a second he’d wavered; reflecting on those ardent nemesis’s, which were always after his hide. “So, what,” Grimacing, he shrugged. “Let them add a few more grievances to an already long list.”

Uyuk had perfunctorily dismissed that certain cringe he’d felt in his heart, and now suppressing the alarming thoughts as well, simply grunted. "Yet I fail to comprehend just how much more time Minister Bokurek needs to have, to give the final go-ahead.  Aren't we as ready as we'll ever be?"

05-MINISTER OF KORION TUVERING BOKUREK   (3)

"Surely the good Minister's reasons are explicit enough…  Why should we show our hand prematurely and awaken the sleeping giant?”  Hugen snorted disdainfully. "Besides, aren't you overlooking something of vital importance?"

"What?"  As Hugen then turned his stone gaze back on him, Uyuk decided not to feign total ignorance. "Oh, you mean the implications of the failed assassination."

"You can be exasperatingly quite tiresome at times."

Uyuk threw his head back and laughed uproariously but then abruptly halted it and drew close to seriously murmur, "It’s nevertheless quite regrettable that General Kunsun had failed in his mission." Out of the corner of his eye Uyuk had watched for the expected reaction and finding nothing, he groaned. "Many hopes hung on him, so sure we were that he would succeed."  He looked Hugen straight in the eye this time and shrugged, as if to take the edge off his next remark, "You think it took any stretch of imagination, any brilliance at all, to deduce just who the assassin was?  He was after all, the best candidate for the task; unfortunately, his demise will be a tremendous loss for our State. He deserved better, especially after his rendering of myriad years of invaluable service to our Sovereign and the State. Oh, shame of it all that the General’s corpse had ended up the way it did; to date I’m tormented by the wretched condition of it… He was certainly undeserving of such an ignoble end."

“You are so full of it!” Hugen musing pensively looked away; subsequently, he broke his long, uncharacteristic silence with a grunt.

Uyuk could see the other was tense, as though anticipating a fight, perhaps an onslaught (ambush), yet chose to disregard Hugen's unusually taut demeanor.

"As it is, his spirit will now be forced to roam the Earth forever.  I'm not sure just how much comfort our future sacrifices can bring him.  It's most unfortunate the way things turned out for him, eh…Too bad for us that he failed."  Uyuk disingenuously lamented, his mind on entirely different matters. “Oh, I know full well what you mean to do the moment we return home, but I won't let you; we won't let you.”  Uyuk inwardly scoffed as he concurrently (at the same time) determinedly clenched the fist he had hidden from Hugen's sight.  “He is my friend and he'd come through for me more than once.”

"Oh, but has he?  Has he really?"  Hugen's eventual, sarcastic response, had at first shocked Uyuk, but then he quickly got a grip on his senses as he realized Hugen was referring to General Kunsun.

Uyuk’s ambivalent (unsure) eyes again met Hugen's stone gaze.  After a moment's hesitation he tragically grimaced and nodded, "Yes, I suppose you are right.  After all, it strengthened Zakhertan Yozdek’s resolve to send an invading army to, purportedly reinforce Korion’s borders and to offset (counteract) the expected onslaught (attack) from Kontu.  A hundred-thousand strong, was it not?"  He waited for Hugen's silent confirmation of the figure before he continued, "Without that edge massive armies of Kontu would have been unleashed on Korion by now."

There was a quick exchange of glances, meaningful, wistful looks of excitement then both burst into boisterous, hearty laughter. 

 

(END OF SECTION 17) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC – ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL – SECTION 32

 

 With nothing else left to do, Tizan donned (wore, put on) Captain Duko's attire over the light armor he kept on underneath to protect him from arrows then, as ordered, went back below decks to retrieve (fetch) Disaidun Agripe.

This time quite unexpectedly, Disaidun’s spineless husband, having mustered all his courage, charged at Tizan just as they were headed out the door. 

 

01- CEROS AGRIPE STRIKES BACK

Though Ceroz Agripe was half-crazed, filled with remorse and rage, he was still no match for the Lieutenant of Imperial guards and so, with just one blow from the back of his fist, hardly any effort at all on Tizan's part, Ceroz was hurled right across the room, bloodied and almost cataleptic (almost out cold), to crash onto the floor of the cabin.

 "You dare oppose me, wretch!" Tizan’s rage not assuaged, growling he went over to deliver a couple of vicious kicks to the Ceroz's side; the force of the second kick was such, it lifted the massive body up and slammed (smashed, crashed) it against the far wall of the cabin.

 

02- CEROS AGRIPE KICKED TO FAR END

 Tizan turned his fiery gaze back to the woman Disaidun Agripe and bellowed.  "What have you done to him to bring him to such a state?"

Not condescending to answer, Disaidun Agripe simply shrugged and walked on ahead.

“Quite the vixen, aren't you?” Tizan smirked as he locked and barred the door behind them.  In truth he liked a woman with such spunk but, since Captain Zunrogo had taken special interest in her, she was off-limits to him.  Such was the rule he had always lived by and continued to follow. 

Grabbing Disaidun Agripe’s arm forcefully next, and ignoring her volley of threats, he lugged (toted) her to the barricade.  "This is your post.  The captain forbids you to stray an inch from this point…  Understand?"  Only then Tizan let go of her arm. He was inwardly thrilled at her repressed seething contempt for him, and could not help but provoke her further, "We have only a few hours now before the fog lifts.  If you want to pray for your salvation, go ahead; now may be your only chance."  He smirked.

 

Her retort froze on her lips when her eye just then caught the exceptionally crafted crossbow leaning in the far corner.  Walking over, Disaidun Agripe picked it up, examined it carefully and said, “Where did you find this?  It’s magnificent."

Then, she sedately withdrew an arrow from its quiver.

 

“Show off, as if you can discern a good weapon from a bad one.  Some maven (expert, professional, doyen) you are.” He’d inwardly scoffed, fixing his cold gaze at her; Tzan once more could not resist goading (inciting) her, "You do know how to use it, I trust?".

 

Disaidun Agripe did not answer him but, instead, loaded the arrow in the blink of an eye then aimed it directly at Tizan's heart and asked. “Do you want a demonstration?"

This was too much!  Throwing his head back and trusting his hidden armor, Tizan laughed heartily, "Go ahead, I dare you to."

 

03-TZAN JP

Just then Zunrogo appeared on the scene, his stern looks at once sending Tizan without another word, scurrying off to above deck, to take up his assigned post.

Disaidun Agripe’s (Jepipi's) alluring approach was met with the same icy rebuke.

Not taking it to heart, she behaved as if he bade her, sizing up Zunrogo from the corner of her eye and admiring his heroic countenance.

 

“By the Gods, he is magnificent! “Gearing up for this single, bitter battle, she was positive he would triumph over any foe, however invincible, before the end of the day.

                                                                                         ~

 

For seemingly endless hours now, Disaidun Agripe (Miss Jepipi) had fidgeted at her post.  These times preceding an engagement (battle) had always seemed to drag on forever; furthermore, the angry rants and ravings of her half-crazed husband Ceroz, only two doors down aggravated her soul and ignited her ire, making things far worse.

“Oh, why won't he shut up?” Disaidun Agripe groaned, for her conscience bothered her a little now; after all, it was she who had brought him to this state.

“But it was necessary,” she told herself to ease the guilt.  “I had to do what I did to survive.  Why couldn't he be a bit more like his half-brother?  Insipid fool brought this misfortune down upon himself because he's less of a man, he’s so weak! “Her face contorted in disgust.

 

                                                                             ~

 

Yesterday, upon her return from her blissful experience with Zunrogo, she had hesitated for a few moments outside the cabin door, just long enough to dishevel her hair, loosen her belt, scratch her shoulders, and rip her bodice slightly, altering her appearance and assuming a tragic countenance.

 Let inside and, finally free (away) from Tizan's prying eyes, Disaidun had then given an incredible performance of a woman who had been both physically and mentally abused.

 

Ceroz Agripe already looked haggard, his face unusually gaunt and pale, and his eyes sunken and bloodshot.  It tore at his heart and ripped his bowels to shreds, nearly driving him to the brink of insanity to hear Disaidun’s embellished accounts of the shameful mauling (pawing, battering) that she had supposedly endured at the hands of that vile, lecherous old official, Luvet. That’s right; not Zunrogo but Luvet, her husband was led to believe, was the supposed sole perpetrator of this grievous sexual assault on his beloved wife Disaidun.

 

04- LUVET

Luvet’d spared her face but not her body, under her garments, she’d claimed, was all black and blue as testament of his ill treatment. She had brazenly offered to show it to him but Ceroz, the fool, trusting in her implicitly, simply taken her at her word.

Ceroz Agripe was further led to believe that, behind Luvet's seemingly benign, quiet disposition lay a calculating, sinister, greedy, licentious, and vindictive villain who had, from the moment he’d laid eyes on Disaidun, lusted after her and from then on shamelessly had striven (endeavored) to possess her.

The convincing story Disaidun fed her husband was wretched enough in itself but her quiet tears, her unspoken insinuations just compounded Ceroz’s already intolerable existence, his unbearable misery. Highly incensed, Ceroz Agripe’d gnashed his teeth, shaken his fist in the air and vowed to exact vengeance on that dog's spawn. 

“He'd make him pay dearly for his vile deeds, enlist the help of his half-brother, Zohuj Kez and his influential friends, if needs be.”

"And how do you propose to survive this present danger?  You know you're powerless to stop him or them."  Disaidun had rebuked him, then relayed to him the information she’d overheard, when they thought she’d passed out, in Luvet’s cabin.

Luvet the mastermind, Ceroz Agripe came to believe, had conspired from the start with Captain Doku, the two assassins, the Imperial guard Tizan and Captain Zunrogo, and the seemingly upright scholar, to intercept in mid-stream a tribute vessel bound for the Capital with its cargo of gold bullion.

The details of this grand larceny had been worked out months in advance, down to the minutest point and, the specific measures needed for smooth transition and the eventual execution, now had been finalized.  Many more were involved in a scheme of this magnitude, including some subversives planted on the targeted vessel. The few expendable passengers/witnesses, like them, were all imprisoned in their cabins, to be dealt with later; their predictable demise, however, would eliminate (eradicate) any possibility of trouble later-on.

Then she reminded her husband how she had wanted to disembark along with the other, lucky passengers when the opportunity had availed itself, when there was still time.

She blamed him, on his short-sightedness, his eagerness to reach his new post, and consequently, for this terrible predicament.

Her ill luck had also been the contributor. She then softening, had exclaimed, looking as though she desperately sought to exonerate at least in part, his guilt, which further endeared her to him, “How wonderful she was; how so very naïve to believe in nonsensical superstition.” Fool that he was, she could read him like a book.

 

05-CEROS AND DISAIDUN AGRIPE

 “Oh, darling husband, what can we do, what can you do to save me?” Once more she had wept unconsolably, heart wrenchingly.  After which, when she, feeling terribly parched, dried her eyes, and asked her husband to fetch her some water from the jug.

Her husband eager to please and to console her had rushed to do her bidding.

 It was at that point in time, when she looking even more dismal (gloomy), robbed him of least hope, by telling him that before she was sent back, she had been told, but was afraid to tell him till then, how the villain Luvet intended to murder Ceroz and the baby and if she did not agree to be his concubine in future, he threatened to sell her into slavery (bondage).

As for the reasons why, she had been sent back, it was simply to allow her to say her final farewells, while they finalized their plan and corrected prior overlooked areas of incongruity (conflict ).

"Oh, dear husband our bliss has been so cruelly cut short; as doomed individuals we are, robbed of ecstasy of growing old together. You’ll never see your son grow up. He’ll never grow up! “Disaidun Agripe had looked at him with hurtful, resigned eyes then burst into loud sobs to once more, wrench his heart.

She’d watched (seen) from the corner of her eye how self-loathing and reproach gnawed at his entrails, how flustered, how sickened at heart he’d suddenly felt, in his dire predicament.

For a brief second, seeing how she had broken him with her words, she had felt the stirring of remorse tugging at her conscience; but she had already resolved in Zunrogo's cabin to carry this ploy through to the bitter end.

"Don't worry, husband," her heart again hardened, she had seized this opportunity to add salt to his open wounds.

 "I will not blame you for what will happen to me in future. As I said earlier, I was born under an unlucky star; it has been my curse my entire life.  I don't see why it should change now.  I'm grateful for this one brief period of happiness you have given me.  It will be one fond memory I will carry with me to my grave."

Then once again Disaidun Agripe had recounted in detail, the shameful episodes with Luvet; at the end of which, she’d thrown herself at her husband’s feet, imploring him to have mercy and, by killing her right there and then, put an end to her torment.

 Of course, Disaidun knew Ceroz was totally incapable of such an act.  It was just one more pummel of guilt, another whack of disgrace, all, fostering chagrin, to further constrict the loop (strap, noose, snare, rope) around her husband’s neck, to sap his honor, his manhood and ultimately, push him over the edge.

Egged on by her pleading the fool had tried, given it his best shot too; to predictably in the end, when, she had started to turn ashen, when her eyes had bulged out only a little and, she had started to emit slight gurgling sounds, he had suddenly broken off his grip on her neck and then, with a horrified look on his face, fallen back.

"I can't go through with it! I'm no murderer." He’d cried out.

 “What did I almost do?” Traumatized Ceroz Agripe had glared hatefully at those still partially clenched, despicable hands that had almost taken the life of his beloved wife.

He had next, burying his face and fallen on his knees, had sobbed hysterically, uncontrollably, like a child.

 

06- DISRAUGHT CEROS AGRIPE

Disaidun Agripe, her senses restored to norm, though inwardly sullen, going over, had murmured her encouragement. "It’s all right, dear.  You did nothing wrong. I asked you to; I made you do it. You are not to be blamed. You are a good man; you always were.  We’ll be all right."  She'd then sobbed inconsolably as she cradled him and rocked his head soothingly in her arms.  "Please don't cry.”

 Drying her tears, she’d then to further shame him, promised resolutely, “You need not try, dear; I’ll find the strength somehow for us both and, avenge this wrong. This time I'll find it in myself too..."  She did not have to complete her sentence, for he had understood (grasped) her meaning. 

Disaidun would rather end her own life by throwing herself into the cold river and perishing in the watery grave, than suffer further shame. 

Her strong determination only belittled him further, robbing what little bit of humanity was left within him.  He felt smaller than a maggot, slime, a piece of offal.

 

 

                                                                              ~

 

 

(END OF SECTION 32)