When Canute Yonn was again
interrogated, he insisted on the validity (legitimacy) of his previous
statement and, without variance, repeated that he had left the horse and a
certain portion of the booty with Yenis exactly where he had said he did. "I'm not that immoral (reprehensible) to
forsake a lone woman stranded and vulnerable in an abandoned temple, your
Honor."
His assertion made Micen
scoff, "You murderous bandit! After
all your abominable acts, you dare to assume such noble, moral airs, with me. I
warn you, my patience with you is at an end.
Now, confess! What have you
really done with the booty, other than the trifling amount that was found on
you? I said confess, or I'll make you wish you were never born!"
Seeing it was pointless to
protest further, Canute imparted what they wanted to hear and, mixing it in
with the truth, disclosed how he had given the greater portion of the valuables
to Miake Temple in exchange for prayers for his mother's soul.
"The idea, I profess, had occurred to me
in the courtyard of Kuno Temple, when I viewed the tragically exposed bones of
the monks, and was reminded of man's brief and futile existence on this
earth."
"Such
impudence…Tragic bones, indeed! Go on, but
I warn you, just stick to the facts."
Micen motioned for Canute to continue.
Canute lifted his head
and, gazing fixedly at the insignia of the Prefect's Office hung before Micen
Do, distractedly resumed, "Yes, because the horse proved useless, I had to
exchange it and some of the valuables for another one and meant to use the rest
to reach safe passage to a mountain refuge." Canute lapsed into silence again.
He had hoped to fulfill at least a part of his
promise to his mother by escaping to safety and settling down somewhere where
no one knew him, where he could grow old and lead an unremarkable life. A sure fantasy, he had to admit
inwardly, yes, a dream that was never meant to be. A fleeting, wry smile brushed Canute's pallid
lips as he closed his eyes and let his body go limp.
"What's the matter
with him? Is he delirious again? Bring him out of it!"
The bailiff supporting
Canute's left arm impatiently tried to nudge Canute out of his trance. "He's still breathing, Your Honor, but
he refuses to respond. It’s no use, sir,
I’m afraid he's out cold now."
"Never mind, let him
be." Micen, with a wave of his hand stayed any further attempts to revive
Canute.
"We need not spend any more of this
court's time on his testimony. We've got
most of it now, anyway." Then, with
his stern, official visage, Micen ordered that Canute be pilloried until he
could reach a supposedly a just decision on the method of execution.
Striking down the gavel,
Micen then dismissed (concluded the session) the court.
As the prisoner was being dragged away, the
Prefect, with his secretary, carrying the bulky documents and recorded
confessions, retired (withdrew) to his private quarters in back.
Refusing to see anyone,
especially Mouro, Micen sunk into his padded chair and began reviewing Canute's
confession from start to finish, making notes as he went along.
He then began to dictate
to his secretary, changing some parts and eliminating others entirely.
"When it’s prepared, you will report to
me for a final review then you may take the documents to Mouro and have him
secure the prisoner's thumb print on the bottom for validation." Micen having dispensed his final instructions
to his secretary turned his back to him and leisurely strolled over to the
widow, with his hands thoughtfully clasped behind his back.
As he peered outside, he grinned in
satisfaction. By the time I hold court
tomorrow morning he should have expired, and since there has been no other to
contest the case on his behalf, I can foresee no problems. Hmm, the Luko family should be very grateful
to me for my discrete handling of this case, since I've spared them from
scandal. He rubbed his hands expectantly
as he returned to his desk.
Now they should, of course, be held liable for
the costs of the necessary bribes to the essential staff members that were
present in court at the time of the prisoner's confession; that is if their
silence is to be secured indefinitely.
Having reached his desk, he plumped himself into the plush chair and
began idly fingering the high pile of documents.
He was inwardly deliberating how best to
approach the Luko family to secure even greater gain, when his thoughts were
abruptly disrupted by a knock.
His permission sounded,
the underling entered, walked right up to Micen and presented him with the
calling card from Esquire Latham Luko.
"Begging your pardon,
Your Honor, but, though I informed the honorable gentleman of your wish not to
be disturbed, he refuses to go away and insists on waiting until Your Honor is
disposed to see him. Shall I have him forcefully ejected? "
“Speak of the devil!”
Micen mumbled, then lowering his head, mused. But how on earth did he know,
rather, anticipate my intent on paying him a visit this very night? No matter, he just saved me from the trouble.
Micen feigning slight annoyance lifted his
stern gaze from the document (he pretended to read) and instructed, "No,
since he's here, have him come in."
 |
| 03- LATHAM LUKO , aged thirty-two |
Latham’s stern face, sporting
a slight polite smile on his lips, was ushered in at once and, after polite
greetings, was shown to a chair. The
congenial felicitations and mutual flattery quickly dispensed with over tea, Latham
donning (wearing) a serious demeanor got right to the point and urged Micen to
pass swift judgment on Fradel Rurik Korvald when court next resumed, as any
undue delay (dragging this matter out) would perpetuate his family’s
unwarranted anguish.
If Micen had not known better, he would have
been totally beguiled, by Latham’s feigning ignorance, of the latest (string
of) developments in this case.
It came as no surprise to Latham, however,
when the Prefect announced happily that it was not Fradel, but the son of a
former servant, Canute Yonn, who was the real culprit. The former gang member
had been incarcerated, his confession already obtained (under duress) and, left
in the darkest, heavily guarded dungeon to await final verdict.
"Tomorrow morning his
case will be first on the agenda when he will be duly sentenced according to
law. As events are already proceeding at
a satisfactory pace, there is no reason for you or your family to be at all
concerned."
"You are indeed quite
proficient Official, to resolve this case expediently, sir. You really are to be congratulated." Latham
circumspectly flattered the Prefect.
Highly pleased, Micen, after his supposed
momentary pondering, gave Latham what he was after, a brief account of the
pertinent details of Canute's capture and the key points of the trial.
Latham Luko masked his unease well as he
patiently listened then, nonchalantly (casually) inquired whether Canute's
confession had divulged a motive for his heinous crime against the elder Luko.
“Why had Senson been the sole target; he had
never so much as (laid eyes on) met this Canute Yonn? Also, why did this
despicable culprit not hurt (victimized) any other members of the Luko family,
while he had the chance?”
Latham was particularly
anxious to learn why he, himself, had been spared, but masked it well, behind
the seemingly dispassionate general inquiry.
He even, at this point, admitted to his own insignificant, chance
encounter with the convict and promptly confessed his cold and haughty
treatment, his refusal of Canute's pitiful attempts to gain his acquaintance, with
the purpose of securing his patronage.
"I had sensed, even
then, that he was not one of our kind, that he was only playing at being a
gentleman. There were too many unknowns
in his background and that made me wary.
Now I realize that I had been right about him all along."
He pensively looked away
for a moment, “It’s unfortunate that I could not convince my elder brother of
my views.”
Returning his undivided attention
to Micen, he then asked anxiously, "Tell me, sir; was his motive a
misdirected enmity? Was it an
unfortunate act of murder in the course of a robbery, or was it
premeditated?"
Most curious indeed, Micen mused. No
questions at all about Yenis's part (involvement) in all of this. Continuing the charade, he smiled wryly,
"Calm yourself, sir. It won't do
(help), for you to get into such a state and injure your health. As it is, you are now burdened with the
elaborate funeral arrangements, on top of bearing (assuming) your elder
brother's family responsibilities. You
know very well that I should not be discussing the case with you at all, but
since we are such good friends, I feel I can make an exception. I must caution you, however, that what I'm
about to tell you must never leave this room, for reasons which will soon
become obvious."
"I am grateful for
your discretion, Micen, and your kindness shall not be forgotten." Latham
politely bowed his head then sat upright in rapt attention.
"In view of the
delicate nature of your sister-in-law's involvement in this case I took the
precaution of having the court cleared of all viewers and non-essential staff
before a full confession was extracted from Canute Yonn. I had expected to discover that, after their
adulterous affair was exposed, Canute Yonn's hand was forced and he resorted to
violence, already palpable (evident) in his nature, to extricate himself from
the sticky situation and avoid the impending retribution from Senson. But, of course, this was not to be the
case." Micen rose to his feet and waddled over to the window to look outside. He could not resist toying with Latham, whose
fidgeting in his seat, Micen could well sense, even with his back to Latham.
Good let him fester a bit and sweat it out.
Micen grinned coldly. Assuming a grim,
serious look, Micen returned to his seat to offer Latham more tea.
Not daring to offend the
Prefect, Latham assented and sipped his tea in pained silence until Micen put
down the empty cup and picked up where he had left off. "As I was saying, I could not have been
more wrong in my assumption, for it turned out to be just another typical case
of robbery and murder. Seeing how your
family was so affluent, the ruffian had conspired from the start to rob you by
exploiting the weakness, if you will forgive my saying so, of your sister-in-law. Women are so unreliable, so impressionable,
don't you agree? If you ask me, Senson
was too good for the likes of her and certainly did not deserve such
treachery.”
“It’s most unfortunate
that, during the robbery, Senson awoke and met his untimely end, after
confronting the bandit."
Micen's discretion did not
go unappreciated. Latham understood
perfectly that he had just heard the altered(distorted) version of events that
would be presented in court the following day.
"Unfortunately,
however," Micen resumed, "we are beset with difficulties and plagued
with obstacles. The recovery of the
valuables, I fear, may be somewhat delayed."
"Please, sir, their
recovery is of little consequence to either my family or me. We are quite pleased now that my brother's
murderer has been incarcerated and will be duly punished."
"Of course… of
course… Still, some of the items I'm
told are quite irreplaceable, for example one antique jewel box, inlaid with gems
and mother of pearl. Therefore, I will
begrudge no expense and leave no stone unturned to effect (achieve) its swift
recovery. Besides which, locating that
box may shed some light on some rather haunting puzzles, but I'll refrain from
boring you with those now." Micen,
pushing all the right buttons, was deriving a perverse pleasure and some
amusement at Latham's expense.
After letting the other squirm for a brief
spell, Micen pretended to change his mind,
“I’ll let you in on this much, though, as you
may know, the box in question was kept on the night table beside Senson's
bed. Am I right?" Micen paused to receive Latham's nod before
continuing.
"Now, as per affidavit (confession), on
the night of Senson's murder, strangely enough, its entire contents were dumped
onto the floor. Senson's steward and
chambermaid, both supposedly drugged on the night in question, verified and
accounted for all the contents. Now, why
do you suppose the murderer would bother to do that? To discard them in that way, I mean,
especially as these items were of considerable value as well. Why not just take along the box as is?"
Latham's unexpected
reaction, which he failed to completely mask, gave Micen an additional, curious
insight.
There had not been
enough time for Latham to have been briefed on every detail of Canute's
confession, which meant that Latham must have been an eyewitness to the
gruesome dismemberment in the aftermath of the murder. Why had he not then intervened?
Micen scrutinized Latham further. Was he simply a yellow-bellied coward, who
sought to save his own skin, or an unconscionable, cold-hearted opportunist?
This was not the
appropriate time to delve into this investigation, however so, donning (putting
on) a solemn smile, Micen changed the subject, "I trust that Senson's
funeral arrangements are proceeding swiftly?
If there is anything I can do to assist you in any way, please do not
hesitate to ask me.”
“I will come and pay my
last respects to him as soon as I've concluded this case tomorrow. By that time your esteemed brother should be
most properly avenged. On that, sir, you
may have my personal assurance."
Micen fell silent and anxiously fingered the pile of documents on his
desk.
Latham, taking the hint,
stood up and bowed. "I've already
taken far too much of your valuable time, Your Honor." He then thanked
Micen most humbly and sincerely.
"I'm afraid our family has put you to too much trouble, sir. Still, you will not find us ungrateful. In the days to come we must think of ways of
repaying your kindness in full."
His promise delighted
Micen.
"You are embarrassing
me, sir." The Prefect ejected gleefully as he walked Latham to the door.
"I am a mere official who is only
following procedures and doing his duty.
Why make such a big deal of it?"
Inwardly, as Micen congratulated himself, he
pondered on the identity of the informant in his midst that obviously had such
free and easy access to the Lukos. But upon Latham's departure, his discreet
investigation and the uncovered facts had completely exonerated his chief
suspect, his assistant Mouro.
In truth, Mouro, having
anticipated this, had already taken great pains to secure himself a tight alibi
while directing all suspicion to likely culprits such as the head bailiff Hecun
and the court physician Sullen.
Latham Luko, true to his
word, lost no time in sending his agents to dispense generous bribes to all
those who had been present in court for Canute's confession.
~
During the small hours
when everyone was fast asleep, the guards stationed outside of Canute’s cell,
having suddenly overcome with unusual fatigue, they had all fallen into deep
stupor. In that short span, unbeknownst to all, a strange (bizarre) occurrence
took place; the prison cell which had housed Canute, suddenly was infused with
vapors and blinding light. When it
passed (cleared up), Canute’s strung up body (still locked in the pillories)
had entirely disappeared without a trace.
Next morning at dawn, when
Canute's missing body was discovered, Micen, wishing to avoid controversy and
likely trouble from superstitious groups, gave the order of secrecy on pain of
death; and so, the matter was expediently covered-up (whitewashed, smoke
screened). A short time later, Micen in court, briefly announced that prisoner
Canute Yonn succumbing to his excessive injuries, had expired during the
night and his corpse had already been
promptly disposed (Another condemned, disfigured prisoner’s corpse in place of
Canute Yonn's, had been chopped up and
then fed to the wild dogs); subsequently, a different version of Canute’s
confession was read out loud, and no one in court cried foul. Earlier still, a
pseudo (fake) Canute’s head, badly disfigured and unidentifiable, had been
secretly transported to the Luko mansion for apt disposition: According to
prescribed ancient customs, the perpetrator’s (culprit Canute’s) skull, once
stripped of flesh and scorched by fire, would then be placed beneath Senson's
corpse’s feet at his burial ceremony, condemning Canute's spirit to eternal
servitude to the deceased Luko clansman.
As it were, even though
Senson's murder case had generated much public interest, only a fraction of the
previous crowd of spectators had filed into the courtroom on the day of
sentencing. Many of the curious onlookers
were, understandably, scared off by their memory of the grizzly-red-haired
Devil.
 |
| 05- GRIZZLY RED-HAIRED IMMORTAL |
When the prisoners, Yenis Luko and Fradel
Rurik Korvald were next brought in court, the sorry state of the woman created
quite a stir and a shock among few that were in attendance. Disappointedly, Fradel Rurik Korvald,
however, looked none the worse for his ordeal.
The presiding prefect
Micen Do in his splendid attire, feigned confidence (boldness), despite the
fact he had tripled his posting of guards, as he proceeded through the
preliminaries and moved to the judgment and sentencing.
Yenis Luko was sentenced
to be decapitated (guillotined), the execution to be carried out at noon on the
same day on the public execution grounds in the center of the city. Upon hearing this she shrieked and passed out
cold. She too, was then dragged out by
two bailiffs and put into the cell for the condemned to await (wait for) the
appointed hour of her doom.
At this point a second
squad of bailiffs entered the courtroom and took up positions with the
first. The prisoner Fradel Rurik Korvald
was brought in before the bench for sentencing.
Micen spoke slowly, aware of the crowd in the room holding its breath
and straining to hear every word.
"Prisoner Fradel
Rurik Korvald, by the judgment of this Court, you are found to be not guilty of
the charges of murder, mutilation and robbery of the Honorable Esquire Senson
Luko. You are therefore absolved of all
charges and no punishment will be laid against you."
The crowd groaned and
gritted their teeth in contempt, they had been hoping for additional execution
that afternoon.
"The court will now
consider the charge of trespassing on the restricted grounds of Kuno Temple in
violation of Imperial Edict."
Suddenly all ears perked
up and a dead silence prevailed.
"Despite your
ingenious defense, and your plea for leniency, the law is most explicit in its
stipulation that no exceptions, regardless of circumstance, be made. In accordance with that law, I judge you, the
defendant, guilty as charged and sentence you to death, also to be carried out
by beheading."
The crowd breathed a sigh
of relief, anticipating their entertainment, only to be disappointed once more.
"Due to the
consideration of you special circumstance, I hereby set the place of execution
as the Capital city, Channing, and the date of execution to be a day after the
completion of the services due his Imperial Highness, Zakhertan Yozdek.
The exact time and date are to be determined by the Board of Punishment
in that city. You, of course, are free
to appeal your case to the Board before that time, and also to seek an Imperial
Pardon from His Highness. Commencing at
daybreak tomorrow, you will be transported with armed escort to Channing in an
enclosed and locked prisoner's cage.”
“You will be let out of
the cage for a brief physical examination upon your successful transfer to the
authority of Magistrate Rue of Cheabirger Prefecture in Tenzo Province and not
before then."
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| 06- FRADEL RURIK KORVALD (NEVETSECNUAC) |
As he was being led away by four bailiffs,
Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac) reflected gravely on how he could make good
his escape from this impasse.
The impressed spectators
remained in awe of Micen's courage.
After nervously glancing about, they converged outside in groups to
mechanically nod their heads and exchange similar views in whispers.
"See, His Honor
cannot be intimidated!"
"Micen Do is really a
firm judge."
"He's to be commended
for his courage."
"He upholds the law
to the letter, without exception."
"To be transported
all that way in that fashion is as good as being condemned to death, the
prisoner will never survive the ordeal."
"As sure as my nose
is on my face, Fradel Rurik Korvald will never reach the Capital alive to
appeal his case."
"I tell you; I
wouldn't be so bold or as brave as His Honor.
Not with that threat hanging over my head."
"Nor would I!"
"Nor I!"
One after another, they
all concurred then left to get some lunch before making their way to the public
execution grounds.
Though the proceedings had
created an excessive backlog of cases, which would normally force the Prefect
to convene court twice daily, Micen Do deferred all the pending hearings to a
later day and, with a stack of documents tucked under his arm and a heavy guard
at his side, left the building shortly before noon.
Now of course few had
harbored the curious enigma (conundrum) in mind and had queried inwardly of
what had really happened to Canute Yonn. This dilemma, however, would never be
resolved for years to come.
But Canute Yonn had in fact was rescued by a
non-other than, invincible warrior called Zonar.
 |
| 07- ZONAR KUNTZU |
At prior time, whilst the
apprehended Canute Yonn burdened with cangue and chains, awaited in the hallway
for his turn in court, to be taken before Micen Do, Zonar, detecting Canute’s
unusual aura and so, fleetingly manifesting there, had only askance (sideways),
given Canute a cursory look. But in that instance, Zonar’s keen senses (radar,
insight, mental probe) having promptly penetrated Canute’s mind and the depths
of his soul, he’d promptly learned all he needed to know about this steadfast
young man. Canute’s entire life history (his tragic, past ordeals) then an open
book, and furthermore, what his portended future was, this intrigued same time
had infuriated, Zonar. After that, Zonar could not idly stand by and let this
remarkable young man be subjected to extreme torture till he perished at the
hands of such despicable villains. So
yes, Zonar had paid Canute a visit, on that last night of his incarceration,
before the day of execution. And true
enough, if he had not, Canute would have expired from his severe wounds that
very night.
In that blinding flash of
light and vapors, manifesting for a spell, he had freed Canute Yonn from his
chains and then instantly transported (whisked, zipped) him to a, far away
place, a densely forested hilltop, in a remote northern region of Wenjenkun,
bordering Korion. There, Zonar invoked one of his invocations (spells) and
instantly restored Canute Yonn, to his former physical and mental health. Canute coming to, was shocked to see Zonar
before him, however, quickly overcoming his shock and fear, grasping what must
have happened, he'd fallen on his knees and humbly thanked his benefactor for
saving him. Zonar, after simply nodding, snapped his fingers and the two were
instantly transported to a deep cavern in the mountainous region of Korion. Having recognized the great potential of
Canute Yonn, Zonar, scribbled an undecipherable (obscure, cryptic), message on
a just then produced peace of parchment, sealed it up in a bamboo tube. Zonar entrusted this to the care of Canute
Yonn, along with his brief verbal instructions. Canute, hence, learned of which
path to follow to safely descend the mountain and to reach a remote mountain
village, ruled by discerning and honorable clan. This ancient indigenous tribe
populated by warrior type hunters and gatherers (herbalists) would welcome him
and if he cared to stay there a while, a season or two, he would then learn how
to fight, ride and hunt, as well, acquire rare, valuable, lifesaving aptitudes
(abilities, pointers) that would serve him well in future years. Canute was
then directed (instructed) to, where he should go from thereon, whom to contact
to receive arms, employment and place to permanently set up roots. Remembering
another detail just then, Zonar reached into his inner pocket and gave Canute
Yonn a leather pouch, containing a generous amount of funds, (Korion’s monetary
means, monies), for the anticipated, future incurred expenses. Zonar then
impatiently, dismissing Canute’s sincere heartfelt gratitude and words of
thanks, (for he had to be urgently present elsewhere), he simply nodded and
said, “There is no need. As you are destined for greatness, we will meet again
one day.” And then, puff, instantly he (Zonar) vanished (disappeared) into thin
air, leaving Canute Yonn all alone in that enormous cave.
~
(END OF SECTION 29)
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