THE RESCUE - SECTION 1

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC

THE RESCUE - SECTION 1

SVEIN

All morning Teuquob’s weary feet had treaded relentlessly, ascending the scabrous, scraggy ground; despite her fortitude however, the treacherous topography coupled with the prevalent dangers from both weather and beasts had inevitably taken its toll on her.

As the midday sun baked its rays deep into the backs of the myriad creatures, Teuquob’s body now succumbed to fevers born out of exhaustion and with everything beginning to close in on her, in that half-crazed state, she was spirited into still deeper, more ominous parts of the mountain.

There her mettle was further tested, with her trudging steps oftentimes halting in fright (her already reluctant, uncooperative limbs suddenly gone rigid and inflexible) perceiving movements in the undergrowth where there’d be no wind to stir them.

Similarly, other times unexpectedly finding herself immersed in total darkness where day would all at once turn into night- sandwiched as she would be by the dense canopy of foliage from above and thick vegetation below, that she would not dare advance at all. But advance she did, chiefly out of sheer will and in part, her innate stubbornness- no sooner the allusive access was glimpsed, or the otherwise perceived danger had passed.

                                                                                   ~

Presently she made her slow, laborious advance through the thicket, mastering the culminating highs and the lows, with the aid of a tall, substantial staff, one that she’d procured earlier from a fallen tree- after the dead leaves and small offshoots had been carefully cut away, transforming the sturdy part of the branch into a handy walking aid or if need be, an effective/defensive weapon.

Now after a seemingly endless day’s trek, again confronted with the scant daylight fast receding, a resurgent dread once more seared her heart.

Would her luck hold through yet another perilous night?

On the verge of collapse, Teuquob despondently halted her weary steps and survival being paramount, again looked about her: First and foremost, she must have a safe refuge, in a somewhat plausible crevice- before the impending darkness.

Having spotted such, she’d veered to take a step forward, when suddenly an all-out mayhem erupted about her, with all the birds prior perched in the trees happily chirping, suddenly taking frenzied, chaotic flight; likewise, the panic-stricken monkeys and variety of mammals, shrieking and screeching, scurried into any nick/ crevice or clawed their way to safety of ever farther, ever higher elevation.

 Even the insects took cover while the ground dwellers, creepy crawlers speedily buried their bodies deep in the earth, disappearing completely out of sight.

The vicinity that was prior teeming with frantic life, as if at a tense standstill, holding its breath and in dreaded anticipation, next, abruptly, all at once, went deathly still. Barely a time for contemplation or for an apt response, her heart had nevertheless jumped to her mouth, sighting as she did, a great big ferocious jet-Black Panther that’d subsequently leaped out of the thick foliage into midair and landed on a moss-covered rock at the small clearing that was at negligible distance up ahead.

Indefinable fear gripping her very being, rendered as she was in an incapacitated state and very much at his mercy- the panther nevertheless, in an unusual move had forgone the anticipated act and for a stretch pivoted/burned, his fervently menacing, mesmerizing pupils deep, dug in deep, into her flesh. Afterwards, eyes squinted, he curiously had moved his head askew, opened wide his enormous chasm of a maw to show his lethal fangs in an almost decipherable yawn or smile, almost lulling the would be victim, to a false sense of ease; consequently, when least expected, as if to deliberately toy with his intended pray, he then let out a most fiercest, soul-snatching roar, that sent icy-chills down Teuquob’s very soul. The ear-splitting boom having entirely paralyzed (curdled) the very blood coursing through her veins, at her wits end, she could do little else but to tragically gape at the protruding enormously sharp predatory fangs, that were clearly adept at tearing with ease any flesh, poised to devour her.

 I am finished!  With terrified intake of breath, Teuquob had gasped, as her whole life flashed before her mind’s eye.  For nothing, nothing short of a miracle could save me now!

 Mercifully however, she was spared from the impending gruesome fate: suffering an unspeakable torment of being consciously, violently torn asunder and eaten alive. For when the beast took an aggressive swipe in the air with his powerful paw, a sure warning before the lightening anticipated pounce- her courage then having entirely failed her, the tightness in her chest cavity suddenly becoming unbearably acute, her head swooning and her whole body going limp, the very next instant with everything going black, she’d then simply collapsed on the ground.

A quirk of fate, as she lay there unconscious on the cold, damp solid surface, she’d also remained oblivious to what had truly transpired next.

Fortunately for her, shortly after the beast had leaped into the air (with determination of pouncing on his pray), quite unexpectedly he was cut down, pierced by the throat and by the chest, by the two consecutive arrows that had whistled through the air finding their mark.  As a result, the feral beast landed in front, instead of on top of her.

That same instant, from the thick foliage had emerged a mighty hunter.  He had a youthful face and a good strong physique.  Towering well over six feet in height, with a glorious shoulder length golden hair that glistened even in scant sunlight, keen blue-grey eyes, with a loaded quiver fastened over his shoulder, outstretched bow with an arrow notched and at the ready, he resembled more a legendary being, an immortal, than an ordinary hunter. 

A hero of a man no less, for quite some time now he’d been in hot pursuit, stalking the cunningly evasive, fiendish creature that had left in its wake a myriad, willfully tormented, bloody devastation.

Deviating from the norm, this panther had on mass ravaged the inhabitants of the mountain, wantonly killing and maiming as if simply for sport, oftentimes leaving the meat of his objectives torn but uneaten. The Devil incarnate that had evaded capture and given the hunter quite a chase, at present, despite his grave injuries still going strong, temporarily forwent the ready prey before him and now squarely faced his nemesis.

Nevertheless, in an unpredictable move he could still disappear in a flash as he’d done prior; or he could launch forward.

 In ready anticipation, the hunter in a side glance (from the corner of his eye) briefly surveyed and assessed the immediate (nigh) perimeter. The ground elevated steeply to his proximate right which provided the beast ample means of escape; meanwhile to the left, well concealed by the thick foliage and tall shrubbery, the hunter recollected that at some point there would be a sheer drop that might serve him (the hunter) well.

He grimaced, his pupils meeting and pinning with mesmerizing intensity that of the angry beast’s; meanwhile still poised to shoot, surreptitiously he edged his sure footing towards the left, his agile steps halting only at the (periphery) fringe of the dangerous precipice. His keen ears trailed the descent of the few purposefully dislodged rocks (pebbles) that gave an accurate assessment of the depth of the abysmal drop.

Just then the panther had let out an earsplitting growl and again, threateningly clawed the air as it leapt; but once more his vicious intent was interrupted in midair, this time by the hunter’s subsequent, third decisive potent shot.  The arrow in lightning speed whistled through the air and met its mark right through the lung grazing the heart of the beast. This only, because of that precise instant while in mid-flight the panther in a remarkable feat had wreathed (contorted) his torso and so escaped the inevitable. The Demon manifest with an uncommonly wrathful ferocity anew nimbly sprung back to his feet and with an unyielding zeal launched his subsequent, vehement assault.

Long at last however, he had met his match, for the hunter having as well anticipated this, at the crucial moment with an incredible agility shifted his stance, a simultaneous strike of his forearm and a strong grip- a skillful maneuver that transposed the enormous weight of the panther’s body off its objective- succeeded thence, in redirecting the momentum of the oncoming force and (instead) in one continuous motion catapulting the beast right over the hunter’s head and over the sheer drop (cliff)  .

The hunter possessing nerves of steel in the aftermath simply shook his head, terribly disappointed that it had ended so easily and predictably; with the challenge in the end not meeting his higher expectations. Turning and aslant (sideways), he leaned over slightly and looked over the edge; his eyes searching till he spotted the panther’s carcass now only a speck, plastered down at the bottom of the dark chasm.

The beast had been a fine specimen; pity he had to end this way!

As the hunter with a grim expression hung the bow over his right shoulder, his quiver lighter now with lesser arrows, he quietly reflected on the side how he’d been perforce assigned to this task of ridding the mountain of this terrible pest, the latent menace that for some unknown reasons had suddenly gone berserk and begun wreaking havoc on the overall population of the region. With many unexplained, bizarre circumstances dogging this hunt, it had placed his life in jeopardy more times than he cared to admit; still, the courageous, resourceful youth had relentlessly pursued the highly volatile beast for many a day. Then on the point of gaining a sought-after advantage, the trail had suddenly and completely gone cold, same time he had been lured to the edge of this vast forest by a rare pure white antelope, that had disappeared as mysteriously and without a trace. Coincidentally or not, he’d again upon an odd, freakish factor picked up the trail of the panther- discovering at first the almost invisible (slight) then more distinct imprints- like bloodstained residue at first scattered about at great distances on the ground as if in deliberate ploy to deceive, then came the audacious indicator tracks that led to the final discovery of a gruesome sight of heaped up and torn asunder carcasses.  Eventually, by degrees he was led to this spot. 

Had all this been a contrived, or a simple happenstance?  Suddenly recollecting the unconscious feminine form, he veered, and negating his trepidation- for even from afar with his acute eyesight, he’d noted her attire and footgear to be in remarkably preserved, rather in an immaculate condition for one cast in this wilderness, therefore telling of supernatural element- willed his limbs to make the swift advance towards her. Standing over her petite form now, he paused, somewhat hesitant at how best to handle her, his latent apprehension in part borne out of recollected facts from various, ancient but timeless resources.  These books while elaborating on certain time-honored primordial superstitions, antediluvian beliefs and ancestral practices of pre-settlers in Wenjenkun, nevertheless had conveyed, seriously imparted dire warnings about the myriad mountain spirits and fairy ghosts and goblins that oftentimes assumed young maidens’ forms to entrap or entice unsuspecting men, for the purposes of in the aftermath possessing the victim’s soul and devouring its flesh.  The unlikelihood of the circumstance that he should come across an unarmed traveler, let alone an unescorted maiden in these dangerous woods, for a spell hence, had made him unduly anticipatory and given credence to these earlier beliefs.

Fortunately, however, despite his young and impressionable age, he was by far too practical in nature and possessed an acute analytical mind, to (ascribe) give serious accredit to such superstitious notions and myths for too long.  His sensibilities swiftly returned to him, he now laughed at his own silliness and shook his head as if to dissipate or purge the remainder illogical notions and unfounded nonsense away.  Then after a fleeting reticence, owing to his bashful nature- he knelt beside her and gently turned her over. Whatever else he might have expected, the anticipated outcome far surpassed it- when his eyes beheld the undeniably the most exquisite, most enchanting and fairest maiden in existence!   

As he let his stunned gaze peruse her delicate, porcelain like facial features at this proximity, he found himself strangely drawn to her, and the threads of affection tugged at his heart.  Fortuitously, perhaps by Heaven’s favor, the panther had not gained the opportunity to mar such perfection!  Smiling, he heaved a grateful sigh; then modestly bypassing the neck area; he pressed his thumb on her delicate wrist instead and sought the pulse. He was pleased to note that it was present, however faint; next, he tried to revive her but without much success.  One thing was for certain- because of her prior vulnerability, albeit it was to a powerful entity, he could still, not in good conscience, abandon her to her fate- what with the approaching nightfall and to the prevalent dangers.  No, he must not forsake her to such unhappy fate; whatever the complications, outcome or danger her presence entailed...his uncle’s rule of non-interference had to be transcended in this case. Though, his uncle would be furious!

He pondered a moment or two longer on his next course of action; his mind inevitably turning to the lengthy coverage of ground and the task he needed to effectuate before even contemplating reaching home. Despite the use of a secret shortcut, the next leg of the journey still would be extensive; she would certainly slow his progress. Furthermore, with her now in his charge, he would have to modify his ways and along the way find adequate shelters for her to in safety pass the nights.

At least he could easily address this aspect. He smiled, recollecting the number of abandoned caves that in the past he’d incidentally discovered- that now lay all along the way. Previously, he’d ignored or simply opted to not using these, for when on a hunt he much preferred sleeping under the blanket of stars. Nevertheless, out of regard for her welfare, he now considered alternate means and accommodations; but he’d better hurry, if he wished to reach the nearest one in time!

Obliged by the present circumstance, as she remained unconscious and he needed a hand free - therefore disregarding propriety- he gently lifted the girl in his arms and hauled her over his left shoulder, then with bold speedy strides he began his steady ascent, following the barely visible paths that snaked through the mountain.  Arriving at the designated cave in scant time, he first made sure that it was still void of any unwanted pests. Then finding a quiet spot, he gently placed her still limp body on the prepared soft surface and quickly busied himself with lighting fire and foraging for food.

(END OF SECTION 1)

 

 

 THE ORDEAL (SECTION 3)

 

Ensuing days traveling alongside him Teuquob felt comforted and surer in reaching her objective. There was however one characteristic foible (small idiosyncrasy) that from the beginning had undeniably perturbed her. Despite his subtle claim of being sworn celibate, his piercing, (almost licentious, hungry) impious gazes on her when he thought she was not looking, and the astute way he studied her every move, every nuance, every gesture; this, compounded with the other inconsistencies, again had disquieted (disturbed) her. At these times as his religious convictions seemed to be wavering, she’d felt inexplicably threatened; nevertheless, she’d fought to dispel her angst in the absence of any concrete, outward transgressions or willful acts of improprieties. Furthermore, as he’d continued being the most valuable companion in protecting, sustaining and entertaining her, all her reservations and inhibitions in due course again lapsed back into the deep recesses of her subconscious mind to eventually be eliminated.

At night-time when they bedded down at of course respectable distance from each other in the protective cove or a cave, overcome with sheer exhaustion she could and often did render herself in safe and happy abandon in sleep. She had no way of knowing of course that her companion, who called himself Mokak, never closed his eyes in like fashion, for he had no need of it. Instead, he would pass the night endlessly, restlessly pacing the floor to and for. Periodically, he would pause at length to size her up, to hover over her, before in abrupt haste taking off for the outside. He would always return, however, just before sunrise, with a bounty of food and wake her up.

Once, during an unusually warm, sunny day, on his initiative she’d even embarked on a whimsical adventure with him. It was an experience to be had.

By taking their cue from wild macaques that had singularly appeared on the scene, in a playful imitation they had rolled on the moss-covered ground, trounced around rocks, swung from the high branches and laughed till their lungs would burst. Then, needing sustenance, they’d indulged their appetite on the rare, exotic fruits from the tall ancient trees and experienced much to their delight, quite an extraordinary state of wellbeing and vitality. Intoxicated by the rich fare, they had then danced and made merry all day long.

She’d awakened the following morning only to realize that this delightful episode had been but a vivid dream; nevertheless, she remained grateful long after for this joyful reprieve amid the persistent harsh realities of their journey!

Things back on track, on another relatively insignificant night quite exhausted from the day’s grueling climb, in the depths of a huge cavern no sooner had she nestled to a corner and laid her head down, that typically, she’d collapsed instantaneously into a deep slumber. Same could not be said about Mokak however, who appeared intensely agitated, particularly more so than usual. For shortly after midnight the weather had taken an abrupt turn for the worse; by then howling winds having given way to thunder and lightning, it’d what seemed to be in an endless cycle of violence, persistently ripped open the skies.


He could attest to it without having to go outside that within that wide perimeter all hell was breaking loose. The raging storm, the worst kind yet, was ferociously tearing everything asunder. Nor was it hard for him to fathom that the trashing winds in conjunction with other violent forces of nature had already waylaid much of the weaker habitation to waste as it methodically uprooted young trees and tore-apart ancient trunks or branches.

Akin to his master’s temper, he could almost hear the indifferent explanation of his; it was nature’s way you see, of keeping order/ sort of housekeeping. Meanwhile the persistent downpour had been so intense that the sheets of rainwater resembling iron bars, or a saw tooth of a dreaded predator had in similar fashion, unwittingly imprisoned Mokak inside. Feeling insufferably pent up and asphyxiated, he’d therefore for quite a spell now nervously paced to and for; then going over to the far corner, he squatted down and nervously hugged his knees close to his chest. With lowered head he cursed into the air, his inexplicable fear of water that had yet again gripped his entire being in such a vice. “Blast! Nights are unbearably long as it is!” He hissed, raising his head to glance in her direction.

Look at her, how is it, she can sleep so blissfully…? But he knew the answer to it already; for placed under such a spell, nothing short of divine intervention would wake her up, till the first rays of daylight were manifest.

Oh, I’m terrified and bored… Bored beyond existence! Drat, such a waste! In his irritated mode, he chewed on his upper lip. It was all he could do from pouncing on his prey.

No, you must be patient, remember the ancient recount: ‘Perseverance Furthers.’ He shook his head. You’ve invested too much time in it already. You can’t effort to blow this opportunity; not when there’s a real good chance of it working this time! As it were, it’d been quite by chance that he’d stumbled onto this resolution, this secret; unfortunately, it was the only way of escaping his fate, what persecuted and enslaved him. He’d been luckier than the rest of his kind who stood at no chance of escaping. For centuries now they’d endured this humiliating captivity. The renegade Karn (immortal) had availed Mokak this rare opportunity. Once at the outside, he’d sought and through trickery gained his albeit temporary freedom. Time was of the essence however, requisite blending with a human, any human would give him substance and make him imperceptible to detection- evermore, if memory served him right, quite invincible! So, grinding his teeth, he again inwardly admonished himself to persevere.

Mokak after avidly watching her for a good while longer from where he was slouched, he slowly rose to his feet and with deliberate strides approached (walked right up to) her. A wry grimace donned on his features as he stood idly over her. Then again, there was another, relatively harmless way to while away the time.

He snorted: Why the heck not? She would not be the wiser. And besides, it might even give him an added insight into her guarded nature for more effective manipulation. Resolute, he sat cross-legged beside her now and touching her forehead at the temples with his extended middle-fingers, focused his mind on penetrating hers.

Though it’d held some interest at first- experiencing events from a different angle, strange point of view- he soon got tired of probing her recent escapades, thoughts and dreams.

Delving deeper still into the recesses of her subconscious part of the brain, he picked her very personal, logged memory….

Aha, there’s something more colorful for the amusement! He therefore focused on the entire event. Eyes closed; he delighted in the unfolding scene in his mind’s eye. The picture expanded till it engulfed him entirely. Now he experienced everything firsthand as if he was there. But then in actuality, he was there! His prolific (productive, fertile) senses had picked up every nuance of experience, every scent, every gradational word and richer still, everyone’s inner thoughts, fears, desires and hopes:

“Hurry up child!” The old nurse tugged at the girl’s sleeve, urging her to keep in step.

The earth was mantled in velvet darkness on this starless night, and most of the lamps had, one by one, been extinguished as many had already settled into deep slumber. Two cloaked figures quietly glided through the servants’ quarters then made their way through the gate to outside. Hugging the shadows, as they rushed down the deserted alleyways the biting, howling wind pummeled their sleeves.

“Oh, what a night to be out! “, the plaintive cry of the old lady rang out after they had reached some measure of safety.

The beautiful girl Teuquob just smiled complacently and picked up the pace. After having been cloistered in private restrictive quarters nearly all her life, everything on the outside world now seen for the first time, had flooded her senses in an inexplicable burst of rapture. She could barely contain her joyful exuberance as she with insatiable thirst assimilated (absorbed) all the strange sights, sounds and smells along the way; meanwhile, remaining quite oblivious to the throbbing pain in her delicate shins and soles cased in luxuriously plush footwear, as it trod with some difficulty or negotiated certain hindrances of the descending, uneven cobble stoned streets.

“All has been arranged.” Suddenly the old nurse’s (Shutizan’s) cautious murmur brought her out of revere to present reality. “It’s just a little way farther dear.”

Subsequently they veered around a corner and entered a quieter, more leveled street where towering, sturdy outer stone-walls and locked iron-gates of pre-eminent mansions flanking both sides discouraged any (wayward) arbitrary visitors. Stopping abruptly before the back-gate of a modest-sized compound, the old nurse lifted the door clapper to announce their arrival, but it fell with a hollow thud as the door suddenly creaked open and a young man’s face peered outside to invite them in.

Following the lead of the youth to the end of a long passageway that bypassed the servants’ quarters and the stables, they then entered a well-groomed courtyard encompassing ingenious miniature landscapes and mountains. Delightful fountains of various sizes amidst rare and exotic vegetation and monumental guardian sculptures that evoked in one both dread and awe dominated the scene.

Reluctant to leave this tranquil scene, they nevertheless followed the anxious youth through many archways and hallways to eventually end up at the private living quarters of the main household.

It was then that the two ladies entered a spacious but dimly lit room which served as the family parlor. Here they were ushered into comfortable seats close to a warm fire.

I do hope your journey here was devoid of incident, Auntie.” The young man, bowing to the old lady inquired politely, and then offered them some tea from an elaborate silver service set by the mantle.

“Yes, fortunately all went well.” The old lady, catching her breath, responded. “Now, having delivered her safely to your hands, I must return to the compound before I’m missed, so I will have to decline your kind offer of tea, son.”

Then turning to Teuquob, she managed to give an encouraging smile. “Now, child, without further ado, I would like to introduce my nephew Chenko Haken, to you. I’ve entrusted him with the responsibility of your safety and wellbeing. Young as he is, he’s unequalled in both courage and integrity. He will see to all your needs from now on.

“Chenko Haken, you may now bow to the young lady in greeting...”

“I’m your devoted servant, ma’am,” the young man slightly flushed from that unexpected high praise, in ready compliance bowed to Teuquob.

Protesting this courtesy, Teuquob stood up and bowed to return his greeting, thanked him for his kindness, then asked him to regard himself as her Elder Brother instead.

“I wouldn’t presume such an honor, my lady.” blushing, Chenko Haken again bowed to her. “I’m satisfied with just being one of your loyal servants.”

“Well spoken!” the old nurse approved, nodding her head, and then smiling warmly added, “Perhaps in the interest of expediency, however, we could dispense with such formalities. Now Chenko Haken, I hope, barring all unforeseen adversities, you will take good care of her Ladyship. And I hope by Heaven’s special favor, despite all the daunting odds that may lie ahead on your path, you will still emerge triumphant. Meanwhile I have every confidence in you my boy, that you will get her through to safety and then devote the rest of your life to serving her well!”

“As one undeserving of such high honor, I shall give you my solemn promise Auntie that I shall not fail in my responsibilities.” Chenko Haken promptly replied, “I shall guard her ladyship’s life with my own.” But then suddenly concern clouded his face and after a momentary pause he meekly injected, “I don’t mean to be disrespectful to your wishes, Auntie, but could I not persuade you to come with us? I would rest so much easier in mind if you just consented to join us on this journey!”

“No. No, that’s out of the question!” The old lady held out a restraining hand in protest. “I must go back… Go back immediately! As it is, you are taking on such an immense risk. I’m advanced in years and in my feeble condition, I’ll only hinder your escape. Besides, I can be of more use here. I’ll stall the ‘would be pursuers’ to enable you two both with bit more time to get away. So, speak no more of my joining you. My mind is made up!” With a stern stance, she adamantly pursed her lips. Catching a glimpse of Teuquob’s concerned look, “Now look how your careless talk has frightened the young lady!” Shaking an index finger, she affectionately chastised her young nephew.

“Don’t pay any heed to him, my child, I’ll be all right.” She then turned to reassure Teuquob and tenderly wiped away the girl’s tears with her handkerchief. “I still have a few tricks up my sleeve. They won’t harm a hair on my head; nor will they be given the slightest chance.” Shunning the somber, questioning gaze of Chenko Haken, she reached forward and cupped Teuquob’s delicate chin into her hand; looking directly into Teuquob’s eyes, she then advised (counseled) her. “Now be mindful of all strangers, exercise due caution, for spies are plentiful and as you well know DFOCA are planted throughout. Remember well all that I’ve told you. However little a measure, the evildoings, the scourging, the afflictions of that villain must somewhat be checked. You can mourn for your mother later, there’s nothing to be gained by you sacrificing your life; it’s imperative you get away first to safety in order to make the appropriate offerings, now you owe her that.”

In obedience the girl assented. “Good child, now dry your eyes completely and preserve your strength for the task at hand; and who knows, maybe, just maybe propitious adventures may lie ahead.” After her hopeful rhetoric, the old nurse impatiently then struck her knees with her palms and stood up. “I must be off. Don’t bother to see me out Chenko Haken, just take good care of her ladyship; she is not used to the outside world, as she’s led such a sheltered life.” Choking back the tears, the old nurse quickly darted out of the room, before the girl could see her grief, and disappeared instantly into the dimly lit hallway.

In truth her heart quaked in fear for their safety. It was a long shot that they will get away… Longer still, that they will survive the hostile world! But perhaps, with Heaven’s help, the unlikely feat would come to pass. She had to try… Try to alter the course of Teuquob’s tragic fate, that of which it would surely come to pass, had she stayed there. She had to pry her from the clutches of her dire, cruel predicament so that she would not suffer her mother’s calamitous end!

How brave and selfless her young nephew was! She was forfeiting (sacrificing) him also by casting him into this perilous role. But perhaps it would not be all in vain. Miracles did happen from time to time. She had to try. Now the rest was up to Heaven.

“May Gods be merciful?” She’d murmured a soft prayer as she hastened her steps away.



(END OF SECTION 3)



(WHAT WILL BECAME OF THE BRAVE OLD NURSE SHUTIZEN? MEANWHILE, MORE ADVANTUES AWAIT HER LADYSHIP TEUQUOB AND HEROIC YOUNG NEPHEW CHENKO HAKEN IN THE NEXT POST OF THE ORDEAL -SECTION 4)