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  My parents sometime prior have already withdrawn to their country retreat on the assumption that I was to follow them later, at the conclusion of my annual studies and special military training.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)