LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC – BOOK 10- THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL – SECTION 21

 

After Dwengzur had said his unemotional farewells to those few that meant something to him amidst the assembled group, he had then quietly taken his position beside the Elder Aegeus and patiently waited.   

Elder Aegeus who’d been momentarily lost to a private rumination (reflection), maintaining his serious demeanor, gravely nodded and then enigmatically,

(incomprehensibly) mumbled the secret ancient incantation. Instantly he and Dwengzur, were both reduced to two glowing, flickering balls of light that shot through the air towards the far cavern wall and passing through it, promptly disappeared.

                                                                                       ~

01- STHETOR IMMORTAL (11)JP

The lengthy, thoughtful silence was broken (interrupted) by Elder Sthetor, when he indifferently shrugged, then in an icy tone simply ejected (spoke up):” If there is no objection, we may as well observe (and review) the rest of current events, transpiring in Wenjenkun.”

Others nodded in acquiescence for the latest string of events had already, irrevocably, captivated (held, even peaked) their interest. Sthetor, in no great hurry, first checked his elation, for things had transpired exactly as he had planned; now he could relax his vigil and wait for that inevitable turn of events. His emotionless, green eyes (dependent on his mood the color of his eyes often varied, sometimes grey sometimes other colors) bypassing Olavingemar, swept the rapt faces of Elders for a spell, delighting inwardly in prolonging their suspense; then ever so slowly, he rose and pointed to the circle, intoning the last part of the incantation:

"Do-kume...ke..ki... sooonures do … 

mukenoro qu wuuuos…. Hukoressyonner….”

"Kazuuuummm… “

    Behold!

 

The vista (scene, episode) on the wall immediately came back to life, resuming where it had left off.

                                                                               

02-ZONAR - IMMORTAL (3)JP

Zonar, turning (reverting) his stern gaze back to Lenny Sukzor, sternly ejected. “But I did not come here to engage in congenial chatter. I am still risking quite a bit, to be here, so pay heed and convey this message, post haste, to His Majesty Yoshikan Sousing Nokuzuk Binchan: ‘His Highness must defer (postpone) executing the next ploy (stratagem); favorable outcome has already been assured without it.” 

“More importantly, His Highness must be forewarned of the fact, that Zakhertan Yozdek has already deployed (sent forth) an army equipped with a new, lethal weaponry, not to strengthen Korion's borders and counter Kontu’s aggression as you’ve been led to believe, but in truth, to assassinate His Highness Yoshikan and to annihilate our populace to the last man.” 

Lenny Sukzor was aghast, having heard nothing at all to this effect. "What! How have you …"

“Don’t interrupt.” Zonar impatiently interposed (interrupted, snapped). “And another thing, inform His Highness Yoshikan that, an unavoidable circumstance constrains me for an indefinite period (time) to be absent; I will nevertheless be in the know and return the moment I’m needed." 

"Rest assured," Zonar relenting, smiled at Lenny Sukzor and spoke in softer tone. "I will avert this very disaster in due course by intercepting their Commander-in-Chief, Heshur Zican, who has in his possession the only copy of the amended decree.”

“Fortunately, Zakhertan Yozdek’s (suspicious nature and taken) precaution can be used in our favor. You see, aside from Heshur, all the other officers (his subordinate generals) had been kept in the dark about this change to ensure the element of surprise that is so vital to their mission's success. They falsely believe that they had been deployed to the frontier to assist the subsidiary Nation, Korion, in countering and halting hostile incursions, from amassed forces of Kontu.” 

“Hmm…A bolt of lightning and resulting bush fire disguised in a stormy night should do the trick.” Zonar inwardly considering, more to himself, articulated (mumbled); then looking up and shrugging, he added, "The rest will be up to Sovereign Yoshikan."

03-YOSHIKAN SOUSING NOKUZUK BINCHAN   (5)JP

"But how do you propose to catch up with Heshur Zican who, accordingly, is well on his way to…”  Lenny Sukzor was however, quickly silenced by Zonar’s irate, stern gaze that seemed to say, “You dare question my ability?”

"Now for the second reason of my visit here… Heed this warning Lenny Sukzor and abandon that crazy scheme of yours. You know what I mean. Stay put for now.  Zakhertan Yozdek’s days are numbered as it is. Fate has given to another the duty of killing him, one whose obligation it is to avenge far more grievous wrongs, than yours. Have I made myself clear?"  Zonar did not wait for the required confirmation before he then turned away.

Zonar did not disappear right away; however, instead, he lingered at the spot with his back to Lenny Sukzor, long enough to (append) add, "Take care, son of Wushing for you are, as well, destined for greater things. Yet before that can even begin to happen, you must purge yourself of this weakness of yours. You know very well what I mean. Having finished what, I had come to say, I shall now take my leave of you. Farewell till we meet again."   Zonar for a second or so looked at him knowingly (calculatingly) then threw his head back and laughed boisterously.

 In the next instant he had disappeared from the room, yet his laughter resounded (echoed) in Lenny Sukzor’s ears long afterwards, diminishing only gradually.

                                                                             

                                                                               ~

 

Three minutes later that same night Zonar had reappeared in Nevetsecnuac's private quarters alongside his bed; smiling, he leaned forward to lightly touch his nephew, the sleeping Prince's shoulder.

Nevetsecnuac sensing his presence however had awoken at once with a start and sat upright. At that instant Zonar snapped his two fingers to illuminate the entire room right away by an artificial (unnatural) light, without the benefit of any candles, then went over and sat down in a plush chair in the far corner.

Nevetsecnuac had instantly bolted from the bed and now stood in the centre of the room, arms crossed and with feet firmly planted on the carpet. Seeing who the intruder was, obviously quite pleased, he smiled and bowed his head slightly in greeting. "I had hoped for as much. So, you are alive and well.” After a brief scrutiny, Nevetsecnuac nodded: “And you have altered your appearance… You certainly look much younger, without the beard.”

“I’m glad you approve.” Zonar simply grinned.

“Are you here for a rematch, sir?"  Nevetsecnuac getting right to the point, asked.

"Hah! I like your directness!" Zonar threw his head back and laughed uproariously but then suddenly, unexpectedly turning quite serious, he ejected in a genuinely disappointed tone:  "Unfortunately, being pressed for time, I must forgo the fight; another time perhaps.”  

“Then why are you here?”

"Listen carefully,” Zonar held up his hand (palm). "Having scant opportunity, I ask that you allow me to state the reason for my visit forthwith and then let me be on my way with all due haste. Forgo the notion of rescuing Lord Asgar’s son Ivar Marrog Zhon; as the person in dungeon claimed to be him is false, he is only a poor unfortunate decoy (substitute). Yes, the true son lives, but at present he lives and prospers under an assumed name in this very Capital.” A witty, wry smile brushed his lips, as he added, “And you’ve already met him once, in the thoroughfare (main road) of Channing.”  

Zonar just then perceiving Nevetsecnuac’s unspoken query, shook his head in the negative.

“Unfortunately, I am not at liberty to divulge any further than this, not without profound consequences to you and to Wenjenkun. Be assured however that the son is destined to meet his father, Lord Asgar, at the appointed time. For some reason however, I am being kept from foreseeing (prophesizing) any further than that; so, I cannot reveal the result of that encounter. “  

04-ZONAR - IMMORTAL (16)JP

Nevertheless, Zonar, sensing that something grave was the impending outcome (the consequence) of that encounter, frowning, he looked away; he was clearly perturbed, by this (shortcoming) inability. Moment later however, he shrugged and then continued:

“As for your quest, in a few days you will gain the opportunity, ahead of schedule, to encounter (meet, face) Zakhertan Yozdek, our common enemy. Be sure to take the writing brush along with you when you go to the North palace. Mark my words, Zakhertan Yozdek is the devil incarnate and, as competent as I know you to be, you may not succeed in your goal (mission, objective) unless you have an edge over him. He does not fight justly (equitably); he will cheat. I do not refer to mere cunning stratagem or treachery, which I know you have come to expect from him. He will use otherworldly (occult) methods or medium to win; alas, he knows an enchantment which I call the ‘Nokuzikos spell,’ that is of course unknown in Wenjenkun, or in any part of this world for that matter. Armed with this advantage, and he often uses it unscrupulously, till present, he’s been indestructible (perpetually and swiftly vanquish all invincible opposition)- whether engaged in formidable single combat, arduous campaign, or an onerous battle (warfare). Therefore, I am here, additionally, to equalize your chances on that impending final duel." 

Zonar now beckoned to Nevetsecnuac and when the prince was in closer proximity, he leaned forward and whispered his instructions to Nevetsecnuac, in argot, one which he had specifically designed to be understood only by Nevetsecnuac.

In this remarkable way Nevetsecnuac was hence armed with the knowledge of the workings of the Nokuzikos spell, the enchantment of Wind and Fire; the counter spell which would render it harmless; and the precise juncture at which it should be cast to beget (produce) maximum effect.  Zonar had taken this precautionary measure, more for the sake of keeping it from the prying ears of the Elders of Karn. When he had finished imparting all the details, Nevetsecnuac, comprehending this great favor, bowed and most humbly thanked him.

05- NEVETSECNUAC (4)

"All right, all right," Zonar bit discomforted, impatiently dismissed the expressions of gratitude from his nephew then went on to warn Nevetsecnuac further, of the possible, unanticipated variables he may yet (albeit) encounter.

As it was, the outcome of the combat between Zakhertan and Nevetsecnuac had, as well, enigmatically been kept from Zonar.  Zonar absently shook his head, as he inwardly at present again pondered, why some aspects of his cast divinations for future predictions (forecasts) had been clear as day while others had been vague or as if determinedly (by Heaven perhaps), totally concealed from him. This sort disquiets (foreboding) he kept to himself however, besides which he had complete confidence in his nephew’s rare abilities.

Suddenly recalling another pressing matter, Zonar reached deep into his pocket seeking a leather pouch and retrieving it, removed from it an oval, Aquamarine crystal pill which he then presented (gave) to Nevetsecnuac.

"I nearly forgot this. In any case, well before the final contest (combat) with Zakhertan Yozdek, you will fall prey to a dastardly attempt on your life. When that time comes and this is needed, just swallow it whole; you will be instantly restored (returned) to perfect health to complete your mission.”  

 

(END OF SECTION 21)

                                                                           ~

 

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL – SECTION 1

01- ZONAR KUNTZU

 Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac), relentlessly pursuing Mouro Kerr, ascended several flights of stairs that led upwards to the open air.  As he took the next sharp turn, however, he found himself face to face with Zonar Kuntzu, grasping in his left hand, suspended by the hair, the ghastly severed head of Mouro, dripping its blood onto the corpse at his feet.

"I abhor debauched officials, but, even more, I despise devious cowards." Zonar grunted, glowering at Mouro's head before he hurled it into the distance with disdain.

His fiery eyes next riveted on Fradel.  "Our meeting was not ordained for this night," he spoke sternly then, turning his back on Fradel, walked away.

 At that instant, however, Fradel leaped into the air and flipped over Zonar's head to land right before him and block his way.

 Zonar, taken aback slightly, knit his brows, "Are you courting death, sir?" He should actually had called him nephew… but not yet!  Zonar ruminated (brooded, pouted).

Fradel, bowing in respect, begged the warrior's indulgence and asked for Zonar's full name so that he may offer his proper thanks to his benefactor who had, not once but twice, rendered him a valuable service.

Zonar grimaced wryly, "You are too polite sir.  Thanks, are neither warranted nor necessary, since I am only reciprocating a kind turn rendered to me once."

He was about to walk away again when Fradel more persistently barred his way, requesting an introduction and a proper surname.

Checking his annoyance, Zonar glowed.  "And you, sir, are you in turn willing to oblige me by disclosing your true (legitimate) identity?" he asked with icy cynicism.

Taken aback slightly, Nevetsecnuac burrowed his questioning eyes on Zonar.  He hesitated, not wishing to insult (affront) this formidable warrior's intelligence by insisting that he was, indeed, the scholarly poet Fradel Rurik Korvald, yet still consumed with a desire to learn just how much Zonar knew or suspected.

02- FRADEL RURIK KORVALD (NEVETSECNUAC)

"I thought not," Zonar interrupted the suspenseful air.  "To each his own, then,” as he turned his back once more, he added in a thundering voice, "but I thank you for your courtesy; denial at this point would only have incurred my ire.”

Nevetsecnuac had, just then, detected a familiar, slight accent in Zonar's dialect, one not unlike that of the assassin Duan. Quite intrigued, Nevetsecnuac remained ever more reluctant to let Zonar go; feet firmly planted on ground, he stubbornly blocked Zonar’s path as his mind pondered.

 “It has to be more than paranoia, more than a mere fluke that our paths have crossed with such frequency; but what importance does these coincidences entail?”

Nevetsecnuac had first encountered Zonar innocently enough at Aguda and Yagu's Inn but, since then, the strong sense (intuition) of being persistently stalked had both intrigued and troubled him. Possessing incredible prowess, Zonar had appeared and disappeared without a trace at will; in Yenis Luko's room at Kuno Temple, then again at the trial, where he disappeared dramatically in the midst of a crowd after issuing his threat to Micen Do, and his sudden appearance again here. This could not all be mere coincidences; therefore, what was it Zonar really after?  And since Nevetsecnuac could not ascertain the precise timing of Zonar's (appearance) materialization at this last locale, he abstained from theorizing why Zonar had not joined in the fray (combat) earlier on, either for or against him. Zonar’s poignant reference to their impending future meeting, on the other hand, merited probing. With Heng Erling’s treachery still fresh in mind, Nevetsecnuac (forgoing all the conjecture,) glued his gaze on Zonar but this time with a look of askance, wishing to engage him in friendly dialogue, regardless of the consequences.

“Are you done, probing?” Zonar was briefly amused.

"Your persistence, however, is getting rather tiresome." Zonar stared down at Nevetsecnuac. “Unfortunately, I am pressed for time and furthermore, I have no wish to engage in dialogue or fight (test) with you at this point in time. “ Zonar was about to snap his fingers and simply disappear, but then on second thought, he stayed long enough to add: “ I would think that your mind would be beset with more pressing concerns, such as, the whereabouts of Fradel Rurik Korvald's real identity papers. For without them, how could you gain entry to the Capital to ultimately fulfill your destiny?"

 Noting Nevetsecnuac's slight start at the emphasis on the word 'real' he threw his head back and laughed raucously…Then, before Nevetsecnuac could respond, "Oh, here."

 In a flash Zonar produced the envelope from an inner pocket and thrust it into Nevetsecnuac's hand.

03- ZONAR KUNTZU

 "No need to thank me for them, either." he shrugged.  "They were of no use to me, anyway."

Seeing that they were, indeed, the originals and not the forgeries Mouro had spoken of, Nevetsecnuac's heart filled with gratitude, and he looked up at once to thank Zonar and to question him about it.

 He was nowhere to be seen.  Quite mysteriously once more, Zonar had disappeared without a trace into thin air, with not even the slightest sound to alert Nevetsecnuac's keen senses.  Frowning, Nevetsecnuac strained his eyes and scanned the area.

"Don't fret, we'll be meeting again soon enough." the thunderous voice shook the skies, and the subsequent roaring laughter trailed off into the distance.

Nevetsecnuac's entreaties for him to halt, his dares to manifest himself fell on deaf ears so, eventually, he gave up trying and returned to the matters at hand.  Nevetsecnuac clad in more appropriate (armor) travelling attire, first secured Hecun's sword, this along with his scholar's vestments and identity papers in a bundle, Nevetsecnuac fastened them all onto the harness of Mouro's charger (strong cavalry horse). He gave a proper burial to Doctor Sullen and the others then vaulting the mare resumed his journey to the Capital.

                                                                               ~

In the ensuing days and nights, Nevetsecnuac could not shake the feeling of being monitored (watched) by an unseen entity; for intuitively, despite the seeming absence of form, he certainly sensed unearthly presence at every turn. It was like that of Zonar’s aura, a force, and yet not quite the same… This presence was, inured, (callous, desensitized) yet same time more deadly and, it definitely was in pursuit of something or someone, other than him. Nevetsecnuac was just a conduit (channel, means); the phantom hunter (tracker) had intangibly stalked him to attain real prey (target). Nevetsecnuac did not know it, but he had instinctively detected the unseen presence of an immortal, one called Dwengzur; who had been assigned to hunt down and destroy the renegade Immortal before he reached his full potential.

04- NEVETSECNUAC BEING MONITORED BY UNSEEN DWENGZUR

A scant scent of target had led Dwengzur to that spot where the previous battle had taken place. Nevetsecnuac, a sole survivor emerging from the scene, warranted attention and therefore had been pursued; but when the mark (trace, hint), whatever was attached to this mortal had proven false, then one day Nevetsecnuac’s keen sensation of been persistently monitored, had abruptly cessed (terminated, ended).

                                                                                   ~

Several days later, however, the sensation of being observed by an unknown force had again returned, though, this one was not hostile.  Nevertheless, Nevetsecnuac was bit peeved (annoyed, ticked off), that he’d been persistently for some unknown reason was being monitored and audaciously, subtly tested; and so, once after a long, tiring ride, when he halted for respite at the edge of a thick forest, near a flowing creak, he’d shouted his dare into the air:

“If you are fair, face me true, or, try another, more (effective) potent tactic.”

Subsequently, as he waited for a response, (with his senses on high alert,) he’d perfunctorily laid down his bedding under an ancient tree and, after starting a small campfire, his eyes pensively watched the steed graze on the lush grass, then quietly sat down to, for his sustenance, roast the already cleaned and gutted small game (rabbit)  he’d snared earlier on.  

His hunger satiated, after a bout (spell) of reflection, for disappointingly nothing untoward had happening (manifesting): “Oh well,” shrugging his shoulders, Nevetsecnuac briefly looked up at the cloudless sky overhead, which was blanketed with stars that winked incessantly, then donning a knowing, broad smile, he reclined and closed his eyes in sleep.

Suddenly, as if in answer to his earlier challenge, an arrow pierced the air and, finding its mark, got buried deep into the log where Nevetsecnuac had used as his pillow, its shaft barely grazing the tip of his nose.

"You are back; but surely you can do better!" Nevetsecnuac, unperturbed, chortled and, pulling out the arrow, with ease, tossed it aside.

"Don't provoke me, for I can ground your bones to dust with but a single blow."

A terrifying voice boomed (roared) out of the darkness.

"You're welcome to try." Nevetsecnuac masking his inner elation (excitement), with a wry grin goaded presumed Zonar further, eyes still (closed) shut tight.

In a bolder move yet, Nevetsecnuac simply shifted his body to get more comfortable and then yawning, plaintively mumbled.  "I’ve had a long day’s ride but pray do your worst for; as yet, you have shown me nothing of your vaunted might?"

The dare had barely left his lips when, with a deafening, crackling sound, the ancient tree sheltering Nevetsecnuac split right down the middle into two perfect halves. If not for a nimble jump to safety, Nevetsecnuac would have been pulverized under the enormous trunk as it came crashing (in big chunks) to the ground. His mare, as luck would have it, was tethered to another tree opposite and so had escaped the danger.

"How unreasonable, this tree had existed for thousands of years yet perished in a flash." Nevetsecnuac shook his head disapprovingly as he viewed the damage.  "Such is the vanity of man."

05- NEVETSECNUAC DISSAPPOINTED

"You dare mock me?"  Zonar's thundering voice, though he remained invisible still, quaked the ground under Nevetsecnuac's feet, suddenly splitting it wide open, with dislodged soil and rock subsequently plunging (plummeting) into a deep chasm (gorge).

Nevetsecnuac had escaped this catastrophe by nimbly, in the nick of time, jumping to one side of the precipice.  After which, still clinging onto the exposed roots at the edge, he’d hauled himself up to safety. He nonchalantly dusted off his clothes while inwardly marveling at the other's incredible powers.

Unperturbed, he shouted out defiantly, “You had best resign (quit) tonight, for I refuse to oblige your whims any longer.  Sleep is what awaits me now."  This said, he picked out another suitable ground under another ancient tree and reclined his head. Nothing much happened that evening and he slept soundly till dawn.

 

(END OF SECTION 1)                                                                                           ~