DRAGON LONGZE STRANDED PRO TEM AT THE KINGDOM OF AVARKAN (BY BOST, 2026) PART 2

Davos’s implications was clear; hence, inconsolable fear and dread took hold of everyone’s chests; and they quaked right to their toes—in unison they then asked, "Tell us, we want to know; what is to be done, what is the key (vital) solution?"

Now that he had them in his palm, Davos said: "Tomorrow is the dragon's birthday. He is demanding to have a present on his birthday. If he gets a nice present, he will be in a hurry to take it away and show it to his friends, and he will fly off and never come back."

Now how did he know it was the dragon’s birthday? But frightened minds are rarely logical.

The crowd had instead readily accepted Devos’s claim and cheered wildly—even the naïve, pure hearted Princess, participating from her balcony, excitedly clapped her hands.

"The present the dragon expects," said Devos, when the clamor died down a little, cheerfully, "is rather an expensive one. But, when we give, it should not be in a grudging spirit, especially to visitors. What every dragon ever wants is a Princess. We have only one Princess, it is true: but far be it for us to display a miserly temper at such a moment. And the gift is worthless that costs the giver nothing. Your readiness to give up your Princess will only show how generous you are."

A shocked silence now permeated in the air. Many stood frozen with gaping mouths, considering the alternative. Some of the crowd began to shed silent tears, for they loved their Princess, though they quite knew that their first duty was to their nation; unfortunately, this required them to be bighearted (charitable, unstinting) and give the dreadful dragon what it wanted. No one considered asking the Dragon, if that was true… Then again, they could not communicate with him, not really, so how could they?

The Princess was devastated as everyone else but desisted shedding tears, for she was brave; she had a terrible foreboding that she might be scorched then eaten, still, she was willing to sacrifice self to save the kingdom. If only there was a way to avert this catastrophe.

Stevor, meanwhile, had stood perfectly still, then sullenly (broodingly) looked away; after a time, he quickly pushed aside all worrisome thoughts and his ire checked (contained), being a pragmatist even at that young age, he next wracked his brains for an apt solution. He could not believe the Dragon was that evil; moreover, his senses pricked (jabbed), as if alerting him to an impending malevolent ploy. He was still too young to discern (comprehend) the ambitious, cunning workings of (Devos’s) an adult mind. Eventually, he went home to ponder more on the plausible solution. He was idly standing by at the back yard when the wolf cup came up to him; Stevor in a gush relayed to him his deep concern. 

02- WOLF CUB TANSAN (5)

Tansan lowered his head, dourly (resolutely) thought for a while, then questioningly looking up and growled: “Are you certain this was the dragon’s wish?”

Stevor understood his meaning, especially when Tansan, gripped his sleeve and tugged at it (pulled): making it clear he wanted to go see the dragon along with Stevor and get some explanation or truth of this matter.

Though humans, save for magicians like Devos, could not really communicate with a dragon, perhaps a wolf might, Stevor thought.

 True enough, Tansan breached the gap of vernacular difficulty and then successfully communicated with the dragon.  It was then that he learned of the dragon’s name being Longze, and his true dragon age.

Longze in turn, learned how Tansan once had lived within a dense forest of a far-off continent; though unfortunately, where hunting was a desired sport. One day Tansan was carefree and happy living with his parents and two other siblings, and the next moment, all had been destroyed. He’d witnessed the traumatic, harrowing death of his parents and his siblings; his life was spared, because of the aristocratic little boy who’d accompanied his father on this hunt, wanted the white wolf-cub as his pet. The little boy wasn’t entirely cruel, but Tansan detested being held captive; then one day, he’d made good his escape, and later still, after much suffering, he’d snuck into the luggage of a passenger boarding a ship, bound for far away lands and so came to be on this island. At the end of his narration, Tansan was surprised to note the dragon Longze’s eyes tearing up and understood that this dragon was a sensitive sentient being.

 Tansan and Longze spent many more hours communicating, sharing their likes and dislikes and in the course of it, becoming fast friends.  Stevor had waited patiently at first, then, not wishing to intrude, waved a hand and returned home. No pressure: he’d done this to allow them privacy of this rare bonding, knowing Tansan would appraise him of the facts later. Stevor was a thoughtful, kind and tolerant friend that way.

At the end of their long, intense exchange, when all that needed to be heard was communicated, Tansan nodded his head with understanding and promised that he would somehow find a way to relay (impart) all this to Stevor and in doing so, clear Longze from all false accusations.

Longze was elated to long at last be able to convey true facts; for being brilliant, he had grasped the persecution that had lately, permeated the air along with the false belief that had deemed him a monster to the apprehensive, trusting (gullible) people. He had been puzzled by the sudden change in those once affectionate pupils directed at him, which lately bore such fretful disdain (contempt); furthermore, the innocent children had lost that wonder glint (sparkle) in their eyes and instead, glared at him with chariness (suspicion) and scorn. This had made Longze so very unhappy; now however, he had hope, that the misunderstanding might soon be cleared up.

03- LONGZE MALIGNED

It took some doing, in fact, it took the entire night, but clever as Tansan was eventually successful and so Stevor was appraised of the true facts. That Longze had no wish to harm anyone, least of all the princess Juyin. He’d rather hoped to befriend everyone and take his leave of the island, which he intended to do pretty soon, now that his injury was almost healed (mended), carrying in his heart and mind fond memories.  More importantly, his birthday was still many months away.

Subsequent morning, Stevor rising at dawn, he went straight to the palace and then he gathered white roses and threw them at the Princess's window till she woke up and looked out.

“What brings you out this early?”  The princes peering down, from her balcony, asked; “It must be important; all right, come up and tell me, “She said.

Stevor was an athletic boy, and so, he nimbly climbed up the white rosebush; once seated in her room, he then quietly relayed to her all the pertinent data that he’d acquired from Tansan. Then leaning forward, he kissed the Princess on the cheek and said: "Before I forget: Many happy returns of the day."

Juyin’s eyes teared; “I wish it was a happy day!” She heaved a sigh; suspecting her uncle Davos would not be persuaded to change his mind that easily, if he was set on sacrificing her. 

"Don’t be sad," said Stevor. "Why, Juyin, my precious Princess—things aren’t as hopeless as you might think. Tansan is a clever little wolf cub, together we have devised a plausible plan, the Dragon, innocent as he is, is also a willing participant. After he’d carefully imparted all the relevant details he said: “All is arranged now.  You just pretend to go along; and leave the rest to us. We got your back. I promise you, no harm will come to you, or anyone innocent. “

For good reason Stevor did not disclose to Juyin, what he’d additionally suspected about her uncle, Sovereign Davos. Why should he unnecessarily worry her.

04- DAVOS (13)JP

That afternoon, Davos exited his palatial quarters, decked out in his official regalia, wearing a special crown, his brocade garments embroidered with the golden symbolic images on it, and arriving in posh carriage, he called on the Princess. His intent was to first deliver the princess to her doom, then going to court, before the assembled officials, summoned there already, announce his rightful claim to the throne.

"Come, little birthday present," he said acerbically (sarcastically). "You look so lovely, my dear; the dragon will be so pleased to have you. And I'm glad to see you're not crying. You know, my child, we cannot begin too young to learn to think of the happiness of others rather than our own. Nation’s welfare always supersedes personal one. I should not like my dear little niece to be selfish, or to wish to deny a trivial pleasure to that, albeit unreasonable dragon, desperate to return to where he belongs, his home and friends."

Princess Juyin acquiescently nodded, her face exhibited no fear and sorrow; she stockily and obediently climbed into his carriage, and soon they were on their way to meet the dragon.

Subsequently, the state carriage stopped at acceptable distance from the pillar, and there was the white dragon, poised to take custody of the princess and, in his pseudo anticipation of devouring a delectable morsal, his massive mouth already a gap (half open).

Davos approached him cautiously and said: "Good morning, sir. We have brought you a small present for your birthday. We do not like to let such an anniversary go by without some suitable testimonial, especially to one who is a stranger in our midst. Our means are small, but our hearts are large. We have but one Princess, but we give her freely—do we not, my child?"

The Princess said she supposed so, and the dragon came a little nearer.

 

05-- HEROIC STEVOR TO THE RESCUE

Suddenly a concealed figure emerging from behind the thick bushes, a voice cried: "Run!" and there was Stevor. 

Princess at once took to her heels, to reach Stevor and Tansan. Tansan taking up defensive position up front, bearing his fangs and growling at Devos.

Davos was furious. "What do you mean, by this?" he cried, "Such impudence; by your rude intrusion on a state matter with your brazen attitude and your antagonistic wolf-cub, are you not afraid of dire punishment?" His meaning was clear, he threatened Stevor with certain death.

But while he was speaking all her precious pets, including the fox, had emerged from concealment (behind cluster of trees), to encircle Davos, so that he was buried way over his head in their thick animal fur that almost choked his lungs.

The Princess, meantime, had run to the other side of the pillar and was peeping around it to see what was going on. It goes without saying, a curious crowd had followed the carriage out of the town; now having reached the scene of the "State Function"—in unison, they all cried out: "Fair play—play fair! Princess has a right to choice, to defend herself.

But some of Devos’s supporters also voiced their discontent: “We can't go back on our word like this. Shame, shame! To give a thing and take a thing? Why, it's never been done. Let the poor dragon have his birthday present." And they also tried to get at Stevor who fended them off with a stick he was holding; meanwhile, the wolf bearing his fangs, growling fiercely stood defensively, ready to launch, to sink those fangs at the first one that would be brazen enough to sneak-attack, from the flanks (sides).

While this was going on, Juyin looked around the big pillar and called to the dragon: "Here’s your chance to clear your name; defend the innocent and punish the culprit!” Strangely enough the dragon understood the princess’s vernacular. As it were, dragons in fairy tales, had always wanted the sacrifice of princesses for friendship’s sake, someone to talk to, not to consume (eat) them.

The Sovereign-wizard Davos, however, could not be restrained (fenced) for long; getting clear of the furballs, he invoked a powerful incantation that forced the dragon to act contrary and to attack the princess.  But the princess was fast on her feet and she fled. She ran and ran, with dragon Longze in hot pursuit, without him not understanding why he was behaving antagonistically; for it was not in his nature to be so belligerent, so violent!

Stevor noting this change in plan, let Tanzan to deal with Davos’s hostile gang (horde), and looped the loose end of the rope that was attached to the pole, on the dragon’s tale, at the very point the dragon had spread his wings to create greater momentum for speed as he run after Juyin. Stevor’s action was to impede dragon’s run; instead, this pulled Longze’s tail, and pulled it very hard, so hard that as he pulled, the pillar had to come around with the tail, and the island had to come around with the pillar, and in another minute the tail was loose, and the island was spinning around the top, exactly like that toy children often play. It spun so fast that everyone on the island fell flat on their faces and held on tight to themselves, because they felt something was going to happen.

All but the magician Davos, who was seriously engaged and choking between the brave Belgian hares that had pressed forward and strategically positioned themselves to contain or stop Davos’s next aggressive aim.

The dragon Longze, meanwhile, had sent the island, with the established kingdom of Avarkan, spinning the way it ought to have gone at the beginning of the creation of the world and the incidental (chance) materialization (manifestation) of this magic island.  

06-iSLAND SWIRLING (1)jp

As the island spun around, all the animals on it began to change sizes. And the men and women and all the children would have changed sizes too, if they had not had the sense to hold on to themselves, very tight indeed, with both hands, which, of course, the animals could not be expected to know how to do.

Princess Juyin, Stevor and Tansan had all huddled together, arms fastening on each other to form one uninterrupted circle, so they were spared also.  Davos had been thrown on the ground, and with his focus spinning, seeing stars in his eyes, he’d forgotten to hold onto himself; therefore, he did change, his height shrunk to two inches.

The spell the wizard had spun (cast) on the dragon Longze, meanwhile, was broken also, and the dragon felt his old self again. Longze was instantly consumed with seething rage for being prior maligned and, for being manipulated presently in this way, forcing him to act contrary to his will. His eyes, hence, searched till he pinpointed the whereabouts of the wizard Davos, who’d done his best to hide behind a small bush.

Longze, however, was far too young to have a fiery breath, only a steam and puff of cloud would come out of his mouth.  He was only three years old in dragon years, remember. But he was still fuming and he desired apt retribution (vengeance) on the very culprit; so, he simply approached Daves, slow and deliberate, then lifted one of his feet and let it come down plump over Devos, to squash him like a pancake. And so, permanently rid Avarkan of this conniving, heartless evil.

He then shook his head; let out a shrilling cry and then opened his wings wide and next instant took to the skies. He’d recovered well enough, so that he could now return home, and when he got home, he would have a tale to tell, to whoever listened.

07- LONGZE FLIES HOME

So now the dragon gone, and all the animals were normal sizes—and at first it seemed very strange to everyone to have great lumbering elephants and a tiny little dormouse, but in time they got used to it and thought no more of this change. 

After the culprit Davos was no more, conscientious, loyal officials and brave generals ensured that law and order, as well as the lasting peace was restored to the kingdom of Avarkan. Princess Juyin received the best counsel, best education, by loyal ministers, tutors and such, preparing her well for the time she would be crowned their ruling Queen. Some time passed, in that lasting peace, all the young children grew up normal and contented.

08- STEVOR AND JUYIN GET MARRIED

Several years ago, there was an announcement on the Avarkan Times, an account of the wedding of the Princess Juyin with Lord Stevor, who was then the newly appointed Prime Minister. Naturally, she could not have married anyone but Stevor, so I suppose they made him a Lord on purpose for the wedding; even though he’d grown up to be a most competent prime minister, well respected and loved by all.

The union of Princess Juyin and Stever had met no opposition from any official or the powerful nobility (aristocracy) and besides, all the citizens (inhabitants) of Avarkan Kingdom, including the animals, both adored and loved them. From thence, the abundant blessing was constantly showered on the loving couple. Avarkan had already thrived under Stevor’s brilliantly implemented policies and all the nobles, officials, military and common citizens alike, lived in eternal bliss. 

Tansan (till ripe old age) was a constant companion to Lord Stevor; even though, soon as Stevor had secured his position of Prime Minister, he’d arranged to have a ship transport willing several wolf packs to comfortably settle on the island. Tansan, as their newly proclaimed alfa king of all the packs, ruled justly and wisely. And eventually, happily married to his chosen, destined alfa mate, and thereon, sired many alfas, his lineage secured.

09- TANSAN'S FAMILY

Few years later, Juyin was crowned the rightful Queen of Avarkan, and she ruled the kingdom wisely, with her trusted adviser, her devoted husband, always by her side, still holding onto his post as the Prime Minister of Avarkan. They had three lovely children born to them, two princes and a lovely princess.

All was well in the island and within Avarkan kingdom and everyone, men or beast, lived happily ever after.

Few times there was a sighting of dragons, charting a course in the sky, towards the North. Longze wanted very much to visit his old friend Tansan, but he was never given the permission to do so; moreover, he was discouraged from having any further contact with the mortal world, while his movements were severely and rigorously restricted by then more obdurate (inflexible, hard-hearted, stony) guardians.

Citizens of Avarkan, nevertheless, constantly cast their eyes to the sky, in search of dragons; and few times, some claimed sightings of one white dragon in particular, one that looked exactly like the one depicted in beloved folk-tale, which was constantly read to children at bedtime, but unfortunately, no dragon had ever set foot on the island ever again.

Fin. 

THE STATE OF THINGS - SECTION 33

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE STATE OF THINGS - SECTION 33

Hecun half believing his ears nevertheless listened on, as Mouro summarized Micen's reasons, his fears of retribution from the not so vulnerable, in fact the dangerously influential Fradel Rurik Korvald, and the entire sinister plot that had been concocted to extricate Micen from any danger and future trouble.

"After you had been poisoned all the corpses, including the prisoner, would have been barbarously mutilated.  In addition to some incriminating evidence planted at the scene, the blame for the massacre would have been indisputably shifted onto Zonar, and the responsibility for it onto Magistrate Rue."

"So, because of Micen's incompetent handling of this case, all of us were to be brutally sacrificed just to tidy up his own mess."  Hecun, understanding the full implications, mused out loud.

"Yes.  That, in a nutshell, would be it exactly."

"Such treachery I can expect from Micen Do," Hecun's face darkened as he burrowed his burning gaze into Mouro, "but you, you?  If you were aware of this diabolical plot from the start, why did you not see fit to warn me about it?"

"Think, brother, could I really do that without exposing myself?  As far as they are concerned, we have been adversaries ever since I took that promotion away from you."

"You're so smart; you could have found a way if you'd wanted to.”

"All right, perhaps I'm deserving of your contempt."  Mouro turned his head away, abashed, and then wryly ejected, "Though I'm ashamed to admit it now, I did, at the time, go along with Micen, selfishly wanting greater gain.  I'm not perfect."

"Greater gain… What, a greater gain!" Hecun exploded. "Greater gain than our friendship?  After all I've done for you?  You bring a new meaning to the word 'loyalty'."  Hecun highly incensed, spat on the ground in disgust.

 "From now on I will consider you as my enemy."

"Not so fast", Mouro protested, blocking the other's way.

"You're always so dramatic!  No, you listen!  Fine, I accept my shortcomings.  I confess that perhaps I'm too ambitious.  I'm guilty as Hell all right and I deserve your contempt, but doesn't it count for something that I didn't go through with it?  I didn't have to expose the plan to you at all, you know."

"True, you didn't, but there still is the fact that you collaborated with Micen against me.  You cold-heartedly plotted to murder me.  Am I supposed to feel better now that you've had a sudden attack of conscience?" Hecun scoffed coldly.

"Fine, I deserved that!  I'm a despicable human being, not as noble as you.  Now that you've gotten all that off of your chest, will you at least listen to me?  Whether you like it or not, if you're to survive this danger, you must work with me and not against me.  It’s imperative that we pool our resources together to deliver you from this perilous predicament.  Though you may now think that it’s asking too much, you must put your trust in me for this, if only but for old times’ sake."

“Trust you?  Trust you?  Imagine, you have the audacity to ask me that?  I'd sooner trust a scorpion.”

 Suppressing his inner feelings then, speaking aloud, Hecun asked wryly, "How do I know this isn't another ruse, another twisted plot?  How can I be ascertained that you're not ensnaring me in yet another facet of Micen's fatal trap, eh?"

"You're wrong, brother, in still suspecting me."

"Don't call me your brother,” Hecun spat on the ground.  "You disgust me."

"Fine, fine…Go ahead and hate me if you must but, for heaven's sake, don't let your emotions have reign over your reasoning."  Mouro was fighting hard to contain his anger.

"Stop for a minute and think.  Why did I let you in on it?  You think I like making things difficult for me?  Believe me when I say, this was the only way I could intercede and come through for you without endangering myself as well.  I haven't got much time to try to convince you of this.  I have to get back before I'm missed, so let some sense penetrate that thick skull of yours.  I made a clean breast of things too...Oh, all right; I'll confess this as well, if only to convince you: my fate, just like yours, is also hanging in balance here.  Yes, I, too, am in as much peril."

"So that's it!  It was because your own hide is at risk.  That's the reason for your change of heart.  I knew there was a good, solid, selfish motive behind all this sudden honesty." Hecun sneered.

Ignoring him, Mouro glanced around suspiciously then continued, "Unfortunately, I became aware of this fact only recently.”

“A few days back, as I was contemplating a means of helping you and, at the same time, considering taking my own guards into my confidence when some relatively insignificant act by Dag Diez arose my suspicion.  Since this nagging doubt persisted, I arranged to have him totally incapacitated by drink and seduced by an innkeeper's voluptuous niece.  After he had passed out, she let me into his room, and I made an avid search of his clothing.  You must understand why this measure was warranted.  For the entire duration of our journey, I had not seen Dag Diez even once disrobe for any reason.  He even insisted on sleeping fully clothed.  Little did I expect to find my own death warrant?  It was there, though, that vile, confounded, confidential letter from Micen, oh, I know his handwriting, ordering him to cooperate fully with the spies in your detachment and, after the completion of the deed, to dispose of my own corpse in the same fashion and add my name to the casualty list as well."

Mouro frowned, biting his lip.  "Now, I ask you, how could you and I, who hand-picked those two hundred men, have been so remiss, so gullible, as to have allowed some of Micen's spies to infiltrate those ranks?  It boggles the mind how we could have been so easily duped.  I admit, it’s partly my own fault for underestimating the resourcefulness of that crafty Micen Do, as well as the extent of his power."  Mouro's voice softened as he began speaking half to himself and began to walk away.

"That's essentially it.  Using my weakness against me, he beguiled me into believing I was his indispensable confidant.  Oh, what a joke!  But then, yes, it’s clear to me now why he wished to be rid of me."  For a moment Mouro reflected, absentmindedly drifting off to further personal, private concerns.  Catching himself in his folly, he abruptly halted, cleared his throat, and turned his gaze back to Hecun.

Smiling wryly, he continued, “Needless to say, from the moment I'd read the letter I was positively incensed, hence even more determined to completely undermine Micen's grand scheme."

Gritting his teeth, he stayed slightly on every word, "And this will be achieved only by our safe delivery of the prisoner Fradel Rurik Korvald to the Capital."  He then nodded with assurance for emphasis, noting Hecun's remaining skepticism. 

"Therein will lay our salvation...  As I mentioned briefly prior to this, Fradel Rurik Korvald has a strong influence among the powerful elite of the Imperial Court.  As soon as his grievance against Micen is aired to them, the repercussions against the Prefect will surely follow.  We, meanwhile, will delay setting out on our return journey and so escape the inevitable rippling effects of his downfall.

03- MOURO AND HECUN

“I must rely, of course, on Fradel's sense of fair play since he does appear to be that sort.  I'm confident he won't persecute those who are only doing their jobs.  Who can fault us for merely following orders, especially if tomorrow, after the opposition is wiped out, we make certain amends to him at obvious risk to ourselves."  Recalling his own ill-treatment of the prisoner in the courtroom, Mouro hung his head in silence but quickly shrugged his shoulders and brushed it aside.

“At least you were not as cruel with Fradel Rurik Korvald as you were with that hapless Canute Yonn,” Hecun pondered the same concerns.

Surmising the Bailiff's thoughts, Mouro grimaced coldly.  "For now, you must guard the prisoner well and let no harm befall him.  When I show up tomorrow with Kade Luir, for I mean to dispose of that cur Dag Diez well before then, you and I will express concern and release Fradel from the cage.  I'm sure he won't raise a serious objection to being put back inside once we're in the vicinity of Magistrate Rue's offices.”

“Oh, unfortunately, my hasty departure tonight made me entirely forget to bring the key.  But then, it would have been rather pointless anyhow, even if I had remembered."  He spread his hands animatedly, sneering, "You couldn't just spring him out now, could you?  He'll be far safer tonight staying just where he is."

“And besides, you wouldn't want me to take all the credit in Fradel's eyes, would you?” Hecun narrowed his eyes.

"Now remember, after I've taken off in a huff tonight, you must let yourself be cajoled into a calmer state, then condescend to drinking the wine that I had brought along.  Well before this, however, you must select two competent and trustworthy men and take them into your confidence, for you cannot do this alone.  Let them know that you suspect renegades have infiltrated their ranks in order to prevent the successful conclusion of this mission.  With their support you can then make your move.  In isolated, controlled groups share the wine with each of the men.  Those guards who abstain from drinking it, as they believe that it’s lethal, must be put to the sword at once.  Do not, I repeat, do not, hesitate or even consider taking them prisoners because it will only lead to further complications down the road.  The odds are stacked against us as it is; why should we needlessly compound the risks with traitors as prisoners?  Oh, and here, before I forget."  Mouro drew out a folded paper from an inner pocket.  "The directions in here will lead you to that well.  I regret that I have no time now to show it to you."

"Are you certain Kade Luir is to be trusted?  How can you be so certain that he's not in league with Dag Diez?"

04-KADE LUIR

"Him...?  Yes.  Kade Luir and I are, or rather had been once, rather intimate, sort of…”  Mouro smiled sheepishly, knowing Hecun's intolerance of his illicit relationships with men.

"You may not condone it," he could not resist rubbing it in, "but its commonplace in the army. This sort of friendship, the comradery (comradeship), fosters true loyalty, especially when your life is repeatedly put at risk; moreover, you can see how useful it proved at this instance.  Yes, I do trust Kade Luir completely; at best he will assist us, at worst, he won't give us any trouble.  Come to think of it, since he's quite adept with a sword, I will do my utmost to enlist his assistance should things go awry, and I'm forced into dire armed (conflict) confrontation with that brute Dag Diez.  You see, Dag Diez is guarded against me but not against Kade Luir.  He looks down on and despises him, considers him a weakling because of his suspected assignations a long time ago with me."  Mouro ignored the judgmental reproach in Hecun's (eyes) look.

"Hence, I can use this effectively against Dag Diez to beget (effect) his demise.  Now, let us both get back before we arouse suspicion.  You know what to do.  Play your part well."

After these directions Mouro strode boldly out of the ruined tower with Hecun close at his heels.  Suddenly, he halted in mid stride, causing Hecun to crash into his back.  Turning to face the Head Bailiff, Mouro said gravely, "Oh, there is one more thing I'd unfortunately neglected to mention."

Cautiously glancing about, he moved his head closer to Hecun's and whispered, "Fradel Rurik Korvald's identity papers that you were furnished with are false.  When my suspicions were aroused, I unsealed an envelope I had been entrusted with containing what I was told were his true papers.  Examining them with great care they, too, proved to be clever forgeries. “

“Hmm… Let us hope that, when I bring the key tomorrow, we find the originals in there with him.  Otherwise, we'll be in a terrible fix, won't we?  I don't know what we'll do then.  Now, let's play out this charade to its conclusion."  He dashed forward, along with Hecun, to be swallowed up by the oppressive darkness.

Feigning great anger when he came within sight of the guards, Mouro marched right through them with curses on his lips, violently kicking away the red-hot embers of the campfire in his path.  He boldly strode past the sentry, still fuming, and, snatching the horse's reins away, led the mare across the bridge.

Hecun, behind him, was left to play out the next, very crucial, scene.

                                                                                     ~

 

(END OF SECTION 33)

THE STATE OF THINGS - SECTION 31

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE STATE OF THINGS - SECTION 31

On the appointed day at cockcrow the quiet city streets were rocked by the marching of armed guards, some decked out in full armor as though going into battle, and the rumbling, creaking crunch of the heavy iron mobile cage, hauled by two sturdy workhorses.  Heading up this procession was the mounted Hecun.

01- PRIONER TRANSPORT IN IRON CAGE

 The few vendors who opened up shop early rubbed their sleepy eyes and complained then craned their necks and sharpened their stares with interest when they awakened to the procession's significance.

 The barking of a stray dog accompanied the guards until a cast-off broom whisk landed on its muzzle and sent the beast scurrying off with sharp yelps.

 Leaving the gates of Denor City and the stir they had created behind, the long train forked off from the major highway and continued its snaking route through the undulating hills and valleys surrounding the city.  Hecun drove his men relentlessly, hastening them towards their destination, fearful that the prisoner would not survive a long ordeal.

The summer season was almost at an end and the gusts of easterly winds often arose out of nowhere to thrash the faces of the horsemen as the mounting, dark clouds sailed on continuously like an endless armada of war across the gloomy sky, driving the sun away into hibernation.

For the next two days the torrential rains soaked them to the bone as the uneven, slippery mud paths compounded the difficulties of this already arduous journey.  Any idea Hecun had of a swift advance was soon discarded.  The flat lands were turned into seascapes and in the bare hills the greatest danger was from sudden mud slides, which could bring half the hillside down onto the road in seconds.  Hecun's party apprehensively passed through this dangerous zone, too, until the rain tapered off to a light drizzle.

Looking out across the long, sodden grasses that flanked their path laid low by the weight of the water on their leaves then turning his gaze skyward to the menacing, mounting clouds roiling in the gray sky, threatening to begin the deluge anew, the Head Bailiff Hecun sighed repeatedly.

“This is possibly the worst season to undertake this journey,” He grumbled. “Heat on one hand, torrential rains on the other.” 

His dismal thoughts turned to the prisoner, locked up in the cage, it only opened a small hole in the upper left side which allowed food and water to be dropped in.  Shrugging his shoulders dispassionately, he mused, “He's the only one shielded from this blasted rain, but at what cost?  Confined in that restrictive, suffocating space, rotting in his piss and excrement…  Thankfully, I’m not that wretch.”

He stretched his limbs in appreciation. “That stupid Temple…  That trespassing charge is unwarranted after all this time.  Why not petition His Royal Highness to have that unjust law rescinded or amended?  Or just has the cursed place leveled or scorched to the ground so that it can't entrap or injure anyone else?  How many more lives will be wasted needlessly because of it?”

Hecun inhaled deep. At least the rain had finally stopped. As he rode on, his thoughts once more reverted to prior concern.

“How many times have I sounded out my reasoning to the Prefect… time after time without success?  He just turned a deaf ear to me.  It's all too convenient for him, isn't it, to keep things just the way they are?  After all, if he were to heed my suggestion, he would be hard pressed to fabricate another trap to rid himself of his enemies or other unwanted pests so conveniently.  I was a fool to even waste my breath.  Things never change.  It’s the same everywhere.  I really should try to mend my ways and still my tongue; I should be more like Mouro, so as to avert future disasters. Would it work if I utilized akin underhanded means as Mouro? I wonder though, how many more innocent souls like this scholar will be ensnared in future; how can I idly stand by and do nothing about it? Would my conscience (ethics) let me? “

But then Head Bailiff Hecun suddenly became aware of disturbance at the rear of the column.  Wheeling his horse round, he shouted, "What's all the commotion about back there?  And why aren’t you moving?"

"Look, sir.  Look!"  One of the panic-stricken guards pointed left to the menacing, fearsome mounted warrior figure at the hilltop.

Turning his head, Hecun looked up at the indicated spot.  His soul nearly took flight.  This was the sight he most dreaded seeing.  Mounted atop a black coal horse, standing like a crown on the crest of the hill, was the majestic, formidable figure of Zonar!

Swallowing his fright, Hecun dispensed the orders at once for the men to surround the prisoner's cage, draw their swords in readiness of a strike, and make haste to the more defensible ground to the right.

"Remember men, despite his formidable appearance, he's only flesh and blood.  He can be bested, just like any other mortal man." Hecun shouted his encouragement along the way.

"He's also pitted against two hundred of us.  We'll make him taste a bitter defeat if he dares to attack us.  We'll show him what we're made of!"

These men (guards) were all hand-picked by Hecun and Mouro to ensure the success of this assignment.  All were seasoned warriors, capable of either mounting a strong, sustained attack or fighting a pitched defense with equal ease.

02-  ZONAR

Irrespective of this, however, the foe facing them now looked so menacing, struck such awe into their hearts that, as they assumed their defensive positions and waited for the dreaded confrontation, many once proud warriors entertained thoughts of dropping their arms and fleeing (running off) to safety, but all knew that at the first sign of desertion they would be cut down by Hecun or by one of their own comrades.  Even if they succeeded in their cowardly flight, they would be wanted men forever forsaking their homes and host of loved ones, the parents, wives, brothers, sisters and children who depended on them.

“What's he waiting for?” Hecun nervously tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword when the anticipated rush of the assassin still did not come.

“What’s his game?  Is he waiting for night to fall?  It may well be his tactic to wage war on our nerves first.  It would therefore be to our advantage to combat him now, while the morale of the men is still high.”  With this in mind Hecun, loudly reviled Zonar from his safe distance, challenging him, trying to draw him into a fight; meanwhile, emboldened by Zonar's lack of response, his men also joined in with added verbal abuse and taunts.

 “What, still no response?”  Though he had been tempted, Hecun knew enough not to divide his force and initiate the offensive when the opponent held the high ground. Instead, Hecun quickly dispatched four of his archers, armored with overlapping plates of laminated bronze which gave maximum protection and freedom of movement, to (in roundabout way) get closer to Zonar and let loose a volley.

The remaining men watched in horror as, the arrows loosed straight at his chest, Zonar swept his hand in front of him with lightning speed, caught the arrows and, using no bow, launched them back full force through the armor and into the hearts of the hapless archers.  As his black steed reared up, Zonar let loose an earth-shaking, ear-splitting laughter.  This made the hair on the back of all the guards’ necks stand up as their blood simultaneously froze in their veins.

The next moment, in an unexpected move, however, Zonar had wheeled his horse round and in the blink of an eye disappeared from view.

Far from being relieved, every man in the command had realized in that instant that they would not stand a prayer of a chance in any direct encounter with this demon.  And that they were, for the time being safe, so long as Zonar was only toying with them.

In the following days and nights, the guards kept up with their constant vigilance (did not dare drop their guard for one second) and in securing the prisoner; consequently, they were robbed of least respite and peace of mind.  On (perpetual) assiduous alert, every guard with taut nerves constantly panned the surrounding hills, the vast fields and valleys with fear filled eyes, anticipating and dreading the imminent mortal encounter with Zonar.

A few of the more disgruntled were in the process of conspiring to mutiny, to murder Hecun and turn the prisoner over without the least resistance, when Zonar again suddenly (appeared) manifested but after a spell, just as quickly disappeared. 

 

                                                                                      ~

 

As Hecun's guards had remained on high alert pending a surprising dire onslaught from Zonar, Micen Do back in the comfort of his study, had just settled down to, forsaking the tea, enjoying some delectable salty tidbits on the tray. His mind totally at ease, Micen remained quite certain that he had, with his brilliant ploy, outmaneuvered the grizzly-haired demon.

 It was the middle of the afternoon on an unusually hot day and Micen, now feeling parched, just put aside a document he had been studying, looked up and was about to send for some cool refreshments when, “What the devil?”

 In a chair at the far corner of the room, casually seated and reading from an ancient scroll, sat Zonar; this sight instantly, therefore, froze the subsequent words on Micen's tongue.

Though Micen was mesmerized by fright at first, the casual, indifferent attitude of the assassin, completely immersed in the ancient literature, put the Prefect somewhat termporarily at ease.  He was not reconciled to dying and eyed the door, contemplating which course would be faster, calling for help from the five guards posted outside or making a dash for the door.

03- ZONAR KUNTZU

Micen’s blood turned to ice in his veins when just then Zonar looked up, and their eyes met.  Next instant, before Mucen could utter a single sound, he was cleaved clean through from top to bottom… For Zonar's gleaming sword had cut him into two perfect halves.

As Micen's right half watched with its waning eye, the left side collapsed onto the desk, dispersing a pile of documents.  Zonar instantly recognized Fradel Rurik Korvald's actual identity papers and summons, fallen three-quarters of the way out of a parchment envelope and, reaching for it, disappeared in the last beat of Micen's heart.

The secretary, coming into the room minutes later with some documents, made the grisly discovery and so alerted the household.  The news of Micen's assassination spread like wildfire throughout Denor City and the entire prefecture and all citizens rushed indoors, apprehensive about their own mortality.

 

                                                                                    ~

 

After an arduous, apprehensive trek, Hecun and his guard regiment at long last escorted the prisoner to the border crossing at Danlo Pass.  The disgruntled, weary group finally relaxed their vigil only after they had confirmed, from the border guards, that no person matching Zonar's name or description had preceded them across the border.  Accordingly, they relayed their warnings to the border patrol to be on the alert for such dangerous assassin, and to arrest or apprehend him on sight, if they were capable of doing so.

"You're the second group in five days that has made in depth inquiries after such a person." the border guards professed, scratching their heads.  "However, the others said nothing about him being a wanted criminal."

When Hecun ascertained that they were referring to Mouro's group, he was concurrently, both pleased and offended. He spoke thoughtfully to the sergeant Tubak that was riding alongside him. “It's not like Mouro to be so remiss.  Other, more serious concerns must have preoccupied his mind though, for the life of me, I cannot imagine what they could be.  He never disclosed to me the nature of his urgent task, not really.  But it’s just like him to be this evasive.  Now I think of it, those last two or three days he'd seemed rather more irritable than usual.”

Hecun had abruptly fallen silent at this moment, as he inwardly mused: “True, we've been good friends for a long time now, and I am fond of him.  Still, I cannot boast that I’ve fully understood him.  I know no more about him now than I did when I first met him.  When he was in such desperate straits I did set him on the straight course, welcomed him to my home, and even helped him get that job.  I remember how I watched in amazement as he, always an apt student, fully subdued all opposition and managed to ingratiate himself in the good graces of the Governor and Micen.  He even managed to pull off something I've never been able to do and curry favor with that stand-offish, condescending Luko clan.”

With a twinge of jealousy in his heart, Hecun now disdainfully further recalled how Mouro's ambitious undertakings had paid off.  Within a year's time Mouro, despite his youth and considerable inexperience, had taken advantage of his superior martial abilities, if one believed the official explanation, to bypass Hecun and win the promotion meant for (the Head Bailiff) him.

Annoyed only at first, Hecun, nevertheless, soon realized that it would be more to his advantage to remain on good terms with his new superior, than to become his adversary.

Besides, Hecun had found it awfully hard to refute Mouro's congenial qualities and his gracious side.  He certainly could not deny that Mouro had also reciprocated his previous kindness in full, and countless times had bailed him out of trouble with Micen. 

Mouro had also filled another desperate void in Hecun's life by fitting snugly into the shoes of the bailiff's deceased younger brother.  Hecun now recalled fondly also how, when they were alone, Mouro had respected and treated Hecun as the elder brother, but the closeness had remained chiefly one-sided. Not being the type to bear his soul to anyone, Mouro had constantly guarded his privacy and history even from him (Hecun), letting it be known only that he was born a native of Tenzo Province.

"Five days, eh, this is good."  Hecun, well across the border, was in better spirits and gloated to his subordinate (sergeant) Tubak.  "Why, that means that, despite all the setbacks we've suffered, we've still made pretty good time, especially considering that they're riding swift horses on a straight highway, and I'm pretty certain that they encountered no bandits like we did, or that assassin, Zonar.  Mouro would not have missed a chance to boast of it to those border guards."

"Yes, sir…  We were rather fortunate that he chose not to engage us after that first sortie.  Even so," the sergeant dismally hung his head, "the threat of confronting him again was still enough to drive many good men to contemplating desertion... pity."

"Are you blatantly aligning your sympathies with those cowards?  Their desertion seriously undermined our capacity to confront that gangster Lurin and his lawless bunch!" Hecun stormed.  "Perhaps it was your intention to desert as well?"

04- SERGEANT TUBAK

"Sir ...  I'd never ever considered such a thing!" the sergeant contested vehemently.  "Forgive my audacity for speaking as I did just then.  My thoughts were of Yozder, he was ordinarily a good sort.  Not too long ago he lost his wife in a tragedy.  Now his five young children, the oldest is only nine, are left without any means of support, and only Yozder's invalid aunt to care for them.  I could not help grieving for what will become of them now."  He hung his head, but his sidelong glance at Hecun framed his unspoken question, couldn’t you have, just this once, bent the rules just a little?  Why did they all have to perish?

Hecun fumed, "I'm not such a heartless man as you make me out to be, sergeant, but rules are rules.  The deserters knew full well what they were getting themselves into.  They got nothing more nor less than, what they deserved.”

“Remember, because of them we were all put at risk.  How can I expect strict obedience in the future from the rest if I showed leniency or, worse, made an exception?  Regulations in militia must be strictly adhered to, so that men can feel secure.  Your grievance against me is totally unfounded, sergeant, and I counsel you to think hard before airing your thoughts to me again."  After this rebuke, Hecun angrily spurred his horse toward the iron cage, ignoring his subordinate's gobbed (spat, expelled) apologies.

“That's more than I can say for this poor wretch.  Despite his innocence, he's been ensnared in an unjust law and is now being made to suffer for it.” Hecun grumbled to himself.

 His thoughts then turned to more immediate concerns, “Why hadn’t Zonar struck and vanquished them when he had them at his mercy?  Why had those bandits attacked just after they were through Danlo Pass?”

Hecun recalled presently what he had heard distinctly some of the gang members had said, as they attempted to seize (snatch) the iron cage.

 “But what on earth made them think that we were carrying gold in the cage, instead of a criminal?”

 

Now that they were inside Tenzo Province the general consensus was that the worst had been left behind them, nevertheless Hecun opted for caution and closely followed the course Mouro had charted out for him.

Their subsequent laborious advance took them through difficult terrain, over uneven paths that were often carpeted in vegetation that had withered in the dry heat and choked with debris blown in by the driving gusts of wind.  Beneath their concealment lay a multitude of dangers for horses and riders alike.

Rounding yet another sharp turn, Hecun shielded his eyes and gazed questioningly over the sharp precipice that loomed just ahead.  To his dismay the distant canyon, shrouded in twilight, disclosed no signs of human habitation.

“Was it conceivable that Mouro had miscalculated the details of the supposed settlement nestled in this valley's forest? Their water rations had been getting dangerously low in this high, arid region and there was no reprieve in sight. “Hecun, grimly hence, anticipated even more desertions among his disgruntled guards.

Taking out Mouro's map, he studied it once more.  A small mark indicated the ruins of a monastery close by.

 “Hmm…If there are wells, there will certainly be water there. “

 Hope sprung up anew in Hecun's heart.  Since dusk was fast approaching, Hecun resolved to set up camp at the monastery and so dispatched scouts in three directions to locate it.

    

                                                                                  ~

 

(END OF SECTION 31)