LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC – THE CAPITAL CHANNING – SECTION 11

 

Years later, when the numerous vile and abhorrent deeds accredited to this seemingly docile, bookish scholar Sanzo Tezcat came to light, Zaur Stugr had marveled at how, in moments like these, his guardian/mentor's inner control and patience, had lent such gentleness and wisdom to his treatment of Kundrick.

01- SANZO TESCAT (4)

 

As Kundrick Dufo (Zaur Stugr) was further to learn, it was there and then that Sanzo Tezcat (though a confirmed bachelor) had seen fit, decided indubitably to adapt Kundrick as his son and, to oversee his special training and education.

 

Not long after this, at the annual meeting of the governing body of the Kozurs, Sanzo Tezcat had persisted (held out) in lengthy discussions until he finally secured a unanimous agreement, to have Kundrick Dufo, his adopted son and protégé, be incorporated into the fold and, thereon be molded into the kind of man who could withstand the grueling demands of this formidable and otherwise impenetrable Sacred Brotherhood of Kozurs.

This most ancient and sacrosanct organization derived its intransience (durability) and potency from its elusiveness, the fervent bond between affiliates and members stanch adherence to an unbending, rigorously applied set of rules and regulations. These hard and fast rules had also been instrumental in enabling them to withstand Black Band Guard Regiment and Black Molochs’ attempts to expose, capture or exterminate them.

 

To date the network of affiliate Kozurs was widely dispersed (scattered) throughout Wenjenkun, disguised as ordinary denizens from all walks of life, but many holding important, vital posts in the various provinces which they carried out their covert dealings right under Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek’s oppressive regime.

 

Their numerous daring exploits, feats of deadly precision and brutal assassinations were always attributed, by the Provincial Magistrates, to local factions instead.  In this way these wholly incompetent officials could appear to be implementing (effecting) at least some progress.  Meanwhile, all Wenjenkun felt the pulsing awesome power of the invincible force of the Brotherhood of Kozurs and in the outlying areas (periphery, fringe of Wenjenkun, the outlands), where their subtle but fatal influence reigned supreme, the very mention of the Brotherhood was enough to instill (infuse) sheer terror into the hearts and minds of both high and low.

 

Minister Zaur Stugr smiled sardonically as he recalled how he had finally come to learn, long at last, of Sanzo’s secret life on the very day he had first worn the cap of manhood.

02- KUNDRICK DUFO (YOUNG ZAUR STUGR  JP 2

 

Young Kundrick’s (Zaur Stugr) ensued extensive training had been most demanding (tough) and had tested him beyond unprecedented (unparalleled, extraordinary) limits on stamina, skill, tenacity, wit, will-power and much, much more; but it had prepared him well for the ensued grueling initiation, the entire induction process which had lasted for well over five months.  All these procedures had been designed since ancient times, to extract (weed out and then destroy) all undesirable, less worthy candidates.  As one of the eighteen, Kundrick Dufo (only he and one other he had tested with) survived the harsh ordeals and therefore passed. Those less worthy who had not expired during the trials were allowed to honorably forfeit their lives through ritual suicide to preserve the secrecy of the Brotherhood of Kozurs.

Despite all forewarnings, during these trials, Kundrick (Zaur Stugr) had befriended one boy, only to suffer the consequent heartache as he watched his friend become reduced to the state of a half ghost, so weak that, in the end, Kundrick was obliged to assist in the poor wretch's suicide.

Presently, the bittersweet emotions of Kundrick’s ceremonial admission to the Brotherhood of Kozurs welled up again in Zaur. He re-lived once more in his mind, the moment when he had received his new identity and, from thence (thereafter), been called Kundrick Tezcat, son of Sanzo Tezcat.

03- A KUNDRICK TEZCAT - (YOUNG ZAUR STUGR)

 

Afterwards, in keeping with his promise, Sanzo Tezcat had with due patience enlightened Kundrick (Zaur) on his birth father’s (Sorgun Dufo’s) troubled past. It was then also that Zaur Stugr had learned, how through the ingenious assistance of the Kozurs all along, Sanzo and Kundrick had all those years, with a rich bounty on their heads, been able to stay one step ahead of their (unrelenting) most persistent huntsmen/assassins.

 

Zaur smiled, thinking how, in his first years in the Brotherhood of Kozurs alone, despite their encountering adversities, Kundrick Tescat had won his guardian much reflected distinction through his bold, daring feats making his mentor Sanzo Tezcat (who by then sported a thick long beard and mustache), most proud.

“Still, it had not been an easy time,” Zaur (at present) pensively looked away.

For each time they had escaped the dire hazards by the skin of their teeth and were successfully smuggled to safety, their supporters, and least acquaintances (people they merely talked to or was seen with) would systematically be all, rounded up one by one, by the dreaded Internal Security Force Black Band Guard Regiment, interrogated, tortured then, after being killed, their corpses became forage (food) to the wild dogs.

 

An involuntary shudder passed through Zaur just then as he reflected on the amassed loss of life, all account of them. In order to permanently (forever) escape this peril (danger) from these relentless huntsmen and the terrible inquisition overseen by Zakhertan Yozdek’s uncle Zyonow, one frigid Autumn Day, Brotherhood of Kozurs had proficiently staged both Sanzo Tezcat and Kudrick Tezcat’s odious (abhorrent) deaths by a dreadful fire, that consumed nearly half a block.

04- FIRE AND DESTRUCITON

 

Among the countless victims, two badly charred corpses with identifiable markers, in Sanzo and Kundrick’s stead, had been planted as proof positive, to satisfy the most ardent (zealot), intensive investigation.

Next step had been to have Sanzo’s mustache and long beard chopped off entirely and even his face surgically altered slightly, by a competent physician who happened to be an affiliate of Brotherhood of Kozurs. As a growing youth, Kundrick Tezcat’s features had not undergone too much drastic alteration; only the classic arch of his nose had been slightly altered (reduced), making him in due course, even more handsome and a younger looking lad (guy).

05--ZAUR STUGR (KUNDRICK TESCAT)JP 11

 

Affiliates of Brotherhood of Kozurs had finalized (concluded) their disguise by (equipping) furnishing both Sanzo and Kundrick, with brand new identity papers and unsullied family histories. After which, as Hijarmar Stugr and Zaur Stugr, a supposed widowed father and son, they had been successfully and permanently relocated at a place, their old selves would least be expected to reside. Now as far as Wenjenkun's bureaucracy were concerned, the Clan name Stugr, taken from an actual aristocratic family, integrated with implanted facts, had been so thorough a feat, an achievement, that to date, it had remained irrefutable, never warranting any (least) suspicion.

 

06-HIJARMAR SUGR ( SANZO TESCAT)  (7)

 

Hijarmar  Stugr (Sanzo Tazcat), while covertly maintaining his key status in Brotherhood of Kozurs, outwardly, now residing within the Capital Province, he openly indulged his passion  of archery, spear throwing and sword fighting, riding and hunting, as well, on occasion when he drunk, composing elegant verses (poems), which were the norm activities of typical gentry (privileged elite, nobility), in a military state Wenjenkun and therefore easily overlooked (dismissed, ignored) under the stringent (rigorous, harsh) rule of Zakhertan Yozdek. Hijarmar was careful to be noteworthy but not too much to incur jealousy and serious competition, or to draw unwarranted, superfluous patronage from ruling aristocracy.

 

Even so, in a very short time, he had still, by design, attained the low position of an officer in the Imperial Cavalry guarding the Capital city Channing. Then, however, through his acts of gallantry, proven leadership, and consistent honorable conduct, he’d meteorically risen in rank to hold an important position of a Captain (one of five) of the fifth Imperial Cavalry (mounted troops).

07-- CAPTAIN HIJAMAR STUGR  (SANZO TESCAT) (8)

 

He could have easily risen, three more ranks (to Major, Lieutenant Colonel, then to Colonel) to eventually attaining the most coveted rank of  a First Rank Imperial Cavalry General, but he chose  instead, to mask his true prowess to remain, a mainstream (though circuitous, oblique) Captain of the Imperial Cavalry, to pass just under the radar, so to speak, while he fostered (advanced, cultivated) his true vocation, at being one of the most invincible Chiefs of Kozurs’ (strategic) inner circle.

Meanwhile Zaur Stugr, his son, had enlisted in the Civil sector of the Royal army, as an official/ second Lieutenant, directly under the command of first Lieutenant which served under the exacting Captain Lotar.

Zaur’s chief duties, aside from running errands for two persnickety strategists Neras and Zokan, also included maintaining order of staff assigned to him, as well, writing reports and overseeing humdrum, tedious logistics. While these duties took up most of Zaur’s time, during the night, as an affiliate of Kozurs, he dealt with his other requisite, taxing covert activities. Working within shadows, he sustained his daring, heroic accomplishments to further the Brotherhood of Kozurs causes and, by even surpassing all his mentor's expectations, subsequently vanquishing all viable (feasible) competitors  with his invincible martial skills and his mental prowess, to rise in the ranks to the second top position of ( one of five), An Assistant to, Three Supreme Overseer Kozurs, (ATSOK) in the Brotherhood.

08-YOUNG ZAUR STUGR

 

During this most optimistic time, however, an unexpected perfidy (betrayal), had almost changed the course of Zaur Stugr’s core aspiration.  His most respected and beloved adapted father/ mentor Hijarmar  Stugr (Sanzo Tazcat), in the course of a short campaign, on that faithful day, astride (riding on) his magnificent black stallion, advancing at the head of  contingent of armed cavalry set to eliminate the troublesome indigenous rebels at Cherokon county  Hijarmar  Stugr,  had succumbed to a deadly trap and gravely injured, he’d anon perished.

This had happened while Zaur was still far away overseeing (supervising) a critical mission. He too was concurrently targeted for termination by the same stealth (surreptitious) foes; however, he’d miraculously escaped the dire snare and returned with only minor wounds.  After the required mourning period (during which Zaur had determined the perpetrators’ identities), Zaur had acted swiftly and ruthlessly, though covertly, and exacted the most gruesome revenge on those two powerful, culpable (guilty) nobles.

 

In the meantime, Zaur had unwittingly, because of a peculiar incident at court, had drawn the attention of Prime Minister, who from then on had actively sought to have him transferred to his department and work under him as one of his officers. His competence, nevertheless, in a very short time, availed him to rise to his present prominence (status) of, Honorable Minister of Ceremony. And since then, as this suited him (perfectly) most rightly, he’d worked assiduously to retain this position.

 

Some years later, one of key Kozurs’ founding leaders, one of the Three Supreme Overseer Kozurs, (TSOK), otherwise known as Tengron, had unexpectedly, due to bizarre accident, had passed away. Each elected Chieftain of the (TSOK) held his mighty post with akin omnipotent (godlike) powers, for life; hence, this was a major event for the Brotherhood of Kozurs, moreover, owing to its importance, the weighty position had to be filled at the quickest time possible.

The selection process of the Three Supreme Overseer Kozurs (TSOK) held a particular significance as it was essential (key element) for the lasting permanence of the secret organization. After ten days of grueling competency tests of the would-be candidates,  the prominent seventeen affiliate judges that had been sequestered, virtually imprisoned, (in the ancient Library  that had  chambers through locked doors allowing them semi-comfortable  accommodations for  sustenance, private respite, meditation and  reflection for the same duration), finally on the eleventh day at dawn, after a sleepless night’s deliberation, formerly rendered their firm decision (result), via secret ballot vote, all of it stored in a sealed, metal encasing.  

The iron box under close supervision (and hefty security) in a secret room was thus opened, contents one at a time counted, affirmed, and then the result duly registered (documented) in an ancient book. Subsequently, the much-anticipated announcement would be made by one of the remaining TSOK, in this case either by Bakun or Yanzui.

  

And so, on that faithful afternoon (of the eleventh day), the already assembled most prominent regional chieftains had waited in the large hall, with cautious hope, to hear the outcome.  Many had journeyed from all corners of the Wenjenkun, and in some cases even from beyond its borders, as the Kozur’s controlling affiliates, territorial Chieftains, had vastly expanded their influence and territories to include several foreign nations.

 

Absolute silence ensued the moment Bakun had entered the great hall, so much so that one could hear a pin drop. Everyone’s breath caught when he stepped up to the dais (podium) and with deliberate slowness, unfolded the paper; subsequently, when the name of the Third future Supreme Overseer Kozur (TSOK) was  announced, akin a seismic activity, the foundation of the building shook, result of the collective exhaling of breath, for Zaur Stugr was held in high regard  and was well-liked by the majority of affiliate Kozurs.

 

09- (TSOK) ZAUR STUGR JP 7

 

Zaur Stugr, who was much younger in age than the other two Supreme Overseer Kozurs, from then on with his energetic zeal (ardor) had swayed (ignited fire under) the other two draconian leaders to his way of thinking and brought forth many contemporary changes to the Brotherhood of Kozurs. Up until the time he had assumed the mantle of leadership, the governing body had operated mainly as a self-serving, illegal organization, with dealings of contracted murders, receiving gains from instigated mayhem, illicit gambling, smuggling and extortions etc.  Consequence of Zaur Stugr’s relentless and proficient (gifted) leadership contribution (input), the Brotherhood of Kozurs now underwent drastic and long enduring transformation; moreover,  Zaur had successfully persuaded the governing board that, the appendage (addition) of patriotic causes which furthered the reinstatement of old regime and brought about the downfall of the villainous usurper Zakhertan Yozdek, would be far more gratifying and advantageous feat for Kozurs.  The Brotherhood of Kozurs with their new objective (goal) of finding and re-establishing the lost Prince Nevetsecnuac Alric Therran Valamir, from thereon, had been more able to draw upon unwitting support from various underground resistance movements and staunch loyalist rebel groups, to further enlarge Kozur’s secret sphere of influence.

 

“Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” Adapting this age-old acumen,

Zaur Stugr had also charted an admirable course in public life, right under the very nose of Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek, to eventually assume the role of a competent, trustworthy, industrious Vice-Minister to His Excellency P.M. Lamont Gudaren.  Shielded by his protective cloak, Zaur had been able to carry out since then, mind boggling clandestine feats (daring activities) right within the bounds of Imperial capital, Channing. As one of the three Supreme Overseer Kozurs, Zaur had also frequently and clandestinely instigated (brought about) more benevolent acts on behalf of those who had ardently, albeit covertly, opposed Zakhertan Yozdek. Moreover, he’d time and again, lawfully, overturned gross miscarriages of justice and brought welcome relief to those who labored under the burden of excessive taxes.

 

Last few years had been particularly exacting, with such rigorous demands placed on Zaur’s time, testing his mental capacity, and exhausting (draining) his physical stamina; but he’d still managed quite well, while competently (proficiently) juggling both positions.

 

 

(END OF SECTION 11)

 INTREPID HAGEN RESCUES THE RAVEN PRINCE ARATHORN

 (BOST ORIGINAL STORY 2025)

There was once a handsome, brave, strapping young man named Hagen, of about nineteen years of age, with long blond hair and brilliant blue eyes like the sky on a clear day. He knew how to read and write, as his retired scholar father had taken pains to educate him at home; meanwhile, his mother the healer, had passed on to him her knowledge about the traditional herbal medicines. Hagen always had a wild imagination and since childhood he’d read copious (abundant, profuse) fantasy books; he was additionally interested in anything pertaining to supernatural and rather enjoyed dabbling in old sorts of magic.

01-HAGEN  (6) jp

Hagen unfortunately lost his parents to fever about four years ago and since he had no other relatives, he continued to live alone in the wooden cabin, halfway down the mountain that had its summit permanently shrouded in snow and ice. Hagen was a resourceful young man who made a pretty good living by hunting and foraging in the woods for rare medicinal herbs and roots, then selling these pelts (furs) and the dried herbs at the nearby town.  

It so happened that one ordinary day at dusk a traveller cloaked in black, just happened to be passing through the mountain; fortuitously, his path crossed Hagen’s, who’d spent the day collecting specific herbs and rare medicinal roots, which filled the bucket on his back to the brim.

02-ADELRAM (1) JP

The traveller who’d introduced himself as Adelram (meaning, dark and noble), professed that he was actually a spiritualist (choosing not to say a sorcerer) on his way to the Ingolf Temple; unfortunately, he’d temporarily lost his way. Ingolf Temple was a place of great interest to Hagen as he’d once heard his father mention it to his mother, with great reverence. When Hagen later inquired about it, suspecting that his father might have once been a member of that sect or something else, his father had drawn a long face, then in a stern voice he’d vehemently denied knowing anything about it, and furthermore, irritably had admonished (rebuked) his son to never mention that name Ingolf, ever again. Hagen could not let it go however, and after pestering his mother, she’d secretly imparted to him the only fact she knew, that this was a secret sect that was very exclusive, and its location was quite mysterious. Now chancing on this spiritualist who was on his way to that very temple, well, Hagen could not simply let him go; not without extracting further information from him.

What Hagen did not know however, was that the sorcerer had been actively searching for Hagen’s father, for no one had ever belong to that sect and got to leave it, the way Hagen’s father had done. As it had just then begun to rain, and from the look of things, the rising wind herding the flotilla of clouds in the sky, the downpours would be upon them soon, Adelram, before they were drenched, readily accepted the invitation to spend the night in a warm dry place. Along the way Adelram had truthfully confessed to Hagen that his bones were quite weary from his lengthy travels anyway, and that his stomach gnawed as he’d forgotten to eat past two days. He would resume his journey the subsequent day, or when the rain had let up, with renewed vigour after a good night’s rest. What could be better than that?

Once at the wood cabin however, Adelram had learned that both Hagen’s parents had passed away; negating the need to fulfill his secret assignment. Meanwhile, Hagen’s blissful ignorance about his father’s past, had saved his life.  

03-ADELRAM (8)JP

After repast, the two comfortably seated by the hearth (fireplace) they had sincerely conversed delving into many topics, and in a very short time, Adelram become quite fond of the youth; furthermore, he was impressed with Hagen’s brilliance of mind and good heart.

Adelram at one point, as a matter-of-factly, feigning mild interest, asked to see Hagen’s right palm, and readily been given access to it, he studied the lines for a long while, secretly reading much more, as he was also a seir (diviner, clairvoyant, psychic). Subsequently, he knitted his brows, and then pinning (burrowing) his eyes into Hagen’s, he studied the boy’s subconscious mind.  In the end, Adelram, knowing what he knew, swiftly decided to impart some of his knowledge of the (sacred scrolls) mystic arts to this trusting, likeable youth, Hagen; therefore, providing him with slant chance to overcome future catastrophe, and perhaps even save his life. The outcome and how he fared (managed) the danger, however, would still depend on Hagen’s future competence (aptitude, skill).

Adelram had stayed with Hagen for several more days during which time he’d imparted on (taught him) Hagen, a good measure of the arts, with the result that the young man became an expert (proficient) in most spells and charms. As Hagen continued to show such promise Adelram, before his intended departure, took Hagen aside and showed him an incantation (spell) that he'd carefully written down during the night on a parchment, while Hagen had blissfully slept. It dealt with the exorcism of specific type, supremely powerful demon-spirit and told Hagen to set it aside for now, till one day, when in dire straits, he might make good use of it. Adelram then holding out the second parchment, said, “My dear boy, here's several more effective spells (hexes) which I’ve written down for your eyes only; these incantations will exorcise (banish, eliminate) most evil spirits; guard it well, and it will always provide you with a good source of income. You’ll never lack for dosh (cash, bread) and in time it may even provide you with a beautiful wife.”

Hagen gratefully accepted the gift.

Time passed and as Hagen practiced the mystic arts, word of his competence spread and as he’d prospered, he took up residence in the nearby small village. He conducted his business of mysticism, divinations, exorcisms and dispensed herbal remedies, from his current modest dwelling at the edge of the village. As he became renown far and wide, Hagen’s gate was thronged with folk bearing many gits to solicit his help.

04- SEDIT

Then one day a haughty (arrogant) merchant (who had prospered from selling arms and quality farm equipment) named Sedit, called on Hagen and in private consultation told Hagen that he was terribly worried about his precious younger daughter Botilda, worst still, he feared his daughter’s life might be in dire peril from an evil spirit or a ghost. He offered Hagen rich rewards if he would go and see her.  Hearing that it was a case of life and death, Hagen consented to help and, forgoing any pre-payment for his trouble, set out immediately with Sedit to reach his residence. They travelled for several days, for the place was quite far. Eventually one late afternoon they arrived at this remote locale and presently came to Sedit’s house perched on a hilltop, which proved to be a magnificent mansion, built like a fortress. Entering it, Hagen was conducted to where Botilda was sleeping behind a gauze curtain; and when her maids hung up the curtain, he saw that though she was barely sixteen, her features were ravaged as if by a very long illness.

As Hagen drew closer to examine her, the girl suddenly opened her eyes and smiled.

“Here comes a good physician!” Botilda said in a hushed voice.

The whole family was delighted, for up till then, she had remained as if in a coma, not uttering a single sound, for several days.

After his brief examination, Hagen left the girl’s chamber and went to the study where Sedit was, to acquire more specifics about her prior symptoms; consequently, Hagen learned from Sedit, that in broad daylight servants had observed, more than once, a young man going into Botilda’s bed. At each attempt to catch him however, the young man had vanished, only to reappear soon after. Sedit therefore had deduced (assumed) that he must be an avenging evil spirit or a ghost.

“If he is a ghost,” remarked Hagen, “I can easily rid you of him. But if he is a powerful demon, I shall be powerless to help.” 

“No, of that I’m certain, he is not!” exclaimed Sedit with a wry smile. Sedit had then grumbled something under his breath, then added in hushed voice, “He wouldn’t dare trespass on my …!” Then staying his tongue, he’d furtively looked to ascertain Hagen had not caught (heard) the careless lingo (speech, utterance, mumble).

Having dispensed written charms to some of the attending servants, those around the patient, Hagen retired for the night, though sleep averted him. At stroke of midnight, a well-dressed young man entered his room, and Hagen, taking him to be some relative of the host, rose from his couch and ask to learn the stranger’s name.

05- RAVEN PRINCE ARATHORN  jp

“I am the Raven Prince Arathorn, my physical form, spellbound by the silver chains, is held captive (imprisoned) in the very dungeon below,” was the disconsolate (melancholy, sad) reply. “Do not underestimate that villain Sedit, he is in truth, a powerful panther demon. His supposed wife Ellisif and her daughters Botilda and Freya, are his human captives. Sedit, five years ago brutally murdered her husband and took her for himself. But he had, same time also, kidnapped her two young girls …. Let’s just say he has sinister plans for them both when they become full adult.  Before my capture, I, with my youthful exuberance, wanting to see the world, had left the safe heaven of my father’s kingdom, in search of adventure. Passing through this region, I happened to see, Botilda, the young lady you’ve been asked to cure (restore to health), carefree and gathering wildflowers at the edge of the forest and felt instantly drawn to her; nevertheless, I flew on by.” Arathorn, dropping his head, fell silent for a moment, recalling in his mind’s eye, the delightfully captivating, serene scene back then, a time which seemed a lifetime ago.

06- RAVEN PRINCE ARATHORN - CHAIND IN THE DUNGEON

He cleared his throat and then resumed his say, “But then, since I could not get her out of my mind, I flew back sometime later, to glimpse her one more time.  I came upon the horrific scene. I fought him but he was too powerful and in the and, I too was taken captive by this loathsome (immoral, vicious), malignant demon. Because I have taken fancy to Botilda, I managed to release my spirit from my body, and aptly disguised, through telepathic (telekinetic) projections, akin now, from time to time, I confess that I had visited her, though chiefly to console her and try to give her hope, scant hope that there was, till you happened to come along.”  

07- BOTILDA IN CAREFREE TIMES

Arathorn allowed Hagen to see him as he truly was, bound by chains in the dungeon; before shifting back to less dramatic (pitiable) form. Arathorn pensively bit the corner of his lip and shook his head; thenceforth, he in serious tone, cautioned Hagen: “Do not let your guard down, not for a second; he has sought you out for some malevolent motive. You are a pray, not his salvation. I approached you with this warning, because I can sense that you are a decent mortal being. And perhaps we can find some apt resolution to this dilemma; possibly we can in some way help each other, as you are true of heart and for this reason, I decided to trust you.  I shall also relay to you that Botilda’s elder sister Freya, who shall be eighteen years old in seven day’s time, is even more beautiful than my beloved. But I assure you, I only have eyes for Botilda; and, till present our relationship has only been platonic, I have not done anything improper, and I am not certainly responsible for her ailment. While I have respected and even guarded their virtue, there is a mysterious force that is perpetuated by Sedit, poised to, in not to distant future, inflict harm on them both.  Temporarily, doing my best to protect them, I deliberately caused mayhem and fright to deter his dastardly aim. But my vitality is waning (diminishing) and the bluff will only work so far; I cannot shapeshift, I cannot use my innate powers, I am rendered utterly helpless and at his mercy. But I care not for my welfare; my chief worries are of the innocent two; what will become of them when I’m gone? Who will save them then?”

08- HAGEN  (1)jp

Hagen’s face as he’d listened, had revealed no emotion at all, though inwardly he’d seethed in fury. His heart was beset with dismay by all these shocking revelations and his righteous sense demanded for him to at once lash out at Sedit, to attack and destroy this demon.  He wanted nothing better than to rescue the innocent captives, to release the raven prince, only, he did not know how to go about it.

As if reading (anticipating) what was on his mind, Prince Arathorn suddenly said, “We need a good plan, an apt strategy before we go up against him; and conceivably, a powerful incantation, one that would paralyse (incapacitate) him, if not, rob him of his powers, long enough to enable us to terminate him. But I know no such spell; do you?”

09- RAVEN PRINCE ARATHORN (9)jp

Suddenly, the very incantation Adelram had gifted to him, came to Hagen’s mind and, after an elated chortle (snigger), he happily exclaimed: “Yes, indeed; I happened to have the very thing!” After that, he briefly told Raven Prince Arathorn about Adelram and his imparted secret incantation, Hagen was certain it would be the key (fundamental armament) solution.

Subsequently, both Hagen and Arathorn wracked their brains till they devised a concrete plan; mindful that they would only get this one chance to best the demon. They needed the help of one other willing participant, however, one the demon would not suspect and preferably the very one the demon would overlook. There was only one person, that it could be…

Next day before noon, Hagen approached Sedit and told him that after the night’s deliberation, he’d arrived at a probable solution; but then he hesitated (stalled), and after exhaling a deep breath, he stated that he would do this on one condition however, as he would face certain peril, in leu of payment for his services, he wished  that Sedit would consent to wed him to his elder daughter Freya.

Sedit looked as though he would explode, but he quickly swallowed his rage, and forcing a smile to his lips, a smile that never reached his cold eyes, he tautly ejected, I’ll need some time to consider this. Then as if in afterthought, he nodded in agreement, “Never mind; I agree.”

Weary of deception and fearing Sedit might recant the nuptial agreement once Botilda was entirely cured (and supposedly safe), Hagen asked for an added assurance from Sedit’s wife Ellisif who happened to just then came out from the inner chambers. Ellisif, having heard of their accord, and hope springing in her heart, she’d advanced towards Hagen to greet him and state also her ready pledge.

10 - BOTILDA  2

“These suspicions are quite unworthy of you, sir!” Ellisif, nevertheless, criticized Hagen, trying not to appear too eager. My husband’s word is law in this household, however, since you ask for guarantee, would this suffice?” Ellisif then, with pretend indignation, (handed over) gave him Freya’s gold hairpin. As Hagen received the hairpin, he discretely that same moment had slipped into her pocket a written note. She’d sensed this and after her furtive look at her husband, convinced he’d not noticed this breach, Ellisif then sharply looked at Hagen, to silently berate him for his audacity, for such dangerous and improper conduct, but seeing the urgent warning in Hagen’s eyes, an understanding dawning on her, she shut her mouth and said nothing more.

Subsequently, Hagen had spent most of the day making certain preparations. Shortly after dusk, he then summoned the whole household and chanted incantations to exorcise the ghost. Hagen burned some sage and did some smudging, which was a typical purifying ritual. After re-examining the sick girl Botilda, he asked for water to sprinkle on the curtain.

11-FREYA

To his utter delight it was the elder sister who swiftly brought him a bowl, stealing glances at him as she came and went. Hagen felt captivated by her grace and beauty but pretended not to notice her. Meanwhile, Botilda had for some reason, a relapse, and now was moaning in her bed, but when he mumbled his incantations and then sprinkled holy water over her, this after he’d given her an herbal potion (chiefly to sooth her nerves but same time keep her alert and awake), she appeared subdued, and possibly cured. Hagen then left her side. She did not lose any consciousness and thereafter, had no episodes or irregularities during the rest of that night.

12-ELLISIF (1)

The Raven Prince Arathorn, also as per agreed, did not manifest in Botilda’s chamber at all.

All seemingly was quiet that afternoon; moreover, because of the spell Hagen had secretly invoked, it had deterred the evil spirit, from possible trespass and rehash her ailment. The job seemingly concluded, Hagen now prepared to take his leave, but Sedit pressed him to stay for the night and would not take no for an answer. He was promptly served a sumptuous feast at repast; Ellisif and Sedit entertained Hagen as a most honoured guest, his host remaining with him till he retired to his room for forty winks (sleep). Just as Hagen laid down to slumber (nap, sleep), he heard an impatient knocking at the door and arose to find Freya there. She furtively looked about then darted in.

13-FREYA

“My stepfather will propose that you stay on two additional nights, and he’ll tell you that the day after tomorrow, on the third night, we will be wed in private ceremony; but he has no intention of letting me to ever marry you; he is plotting instead, to murder you tomorrow night!”    She gasped. “You must flee to safety… Please, leave under some pretext at dawn tomorrow, I can’t bear to see you perish, fly for your life!” This said in an urgent voice and turning around, she was gone. But Hagen had no intention of fleeing.

Following morning Sedit looking terribly annoyed and grim, without knocking simply barged into Hagen’s room and in furious tone informed Hagen of the sudden relapse in his daughter’s condition at dawn and hence, demanded he examine her again. Hagen suspected a cover-up for Sedit’s failed, flustered, dubious, evil attempts. Prior, having anticipated this turn, (possibly of Sedit’s), Hagen had covertly put in place, potent, strips with protection incantations. It must have worked; however, this could not be repeated, for it was only a temporary solution.  He needed to return to his home immediately and study the parchment Adelram had gifted him. He would then return, armed with the knowledge, to initiate the rest of the carefully devised plan.

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When Sedit had to leave midmorning that day, to oversee some business matter in town, and stated that he would be back before dusk, this gave Hagen the single chance, and borrowing one of their horses from the stables, on some pretext he left the mansion.

He galloped the steed all the way and returning home in haste, he quickly fetched the parchment. He read the incantation, committed it to memory, fetched the necessary herbal concoction, fortunately for him already in liquid form, in a blue small bottle, this secured in his inner pocket, he then once more mounting the steed, galloped back, mount and rider drenched in perspiration, to arrive in nick of time at Sedit’s mansion. He was back late afternoon, just before Sedit’s posh carriage had pulled to a stop at the (well guarded) iron gates.

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At repast that night, goblet filled with his choice wine, Sedit, commanding attention, made a toast to Hagen specifically, for completely curing Botilda, and then again for his upcoming nuptial to Freya. What he did not know however, was that the wine had been infused with the specific incantation laced concoction. As Sedit drunk to his black heart’s content, smiling with sinister glee, his thoughts engaged with enumerating his secret vile plan that late night, he did not pay too much attention, that just then his true form was revealed to all, though only for a spell; and, if anyone had blinked, they would have missed it.

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Then the transformation began: Sedit’s blazing eyes dimmed, gradually his senses had dulled and his physique on cellular level shifted; bit by bit (increasingly), without him knowing it, he had lost his omnipotent power to then slowly become just a mere mortal being. When the realization had set in, he had only mere seconds to reverse the damage, to alter the lasting effects. This was the most crucial moment, the only window of opportunity, when he was utterly vulnerable as a living, breathing mortal being. There had been a vague reference to this in the parchment; but even Adelram could not be certain of it. Hagen had, nevertheless, factored this variance into the plan, deciding to chance it.  At that critical juncture, Sedit’s timid (brow-beaten) wife Ellisif, who had suffered so terribly at his hand all these years, still bereft (mourning, grieving) of her beloved husband’s murder, and now Sedit was still planning far worse for her beloved children, well, something had snapped in her.

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Ellisif suddenly had stood up, turned, and akin a tigress she plunged the long dagger’s blade (a stiletto) straight into Sedit’s transformed (altered) completely human heart. Even though the warm red blood (not black blood)  rapidly spread, soaking his tunic in crimson, he still overcoming this shock, had enough predatory vigour (strength) in him that, before anyone could intercede (put a stop to it), his hand had precipitously reached out and fiercely grabbing Ellisif by the keck, crushed the bone. In a blink of an eye, both Sedit and Ellisif had expired instantaneously, (toppling) collapsing lifeless, on the floor. The malevolent devil had met his end, but unfortunately, he’d managed to claim one more innocent victim, even at the very end.

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Now the moment the Devil had expired, so had ceased (stopped) the spell that had bound the Raven Prince in chains (manacles, cuffs, fetters).  Arathorn’s power suddenly restored, he ripped the shackles (restraints) as if they were paper; once freed, his fists next smashed open the locked iron doors and he hastened (bolted) up the stairs.

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                                                                             ~

Long after the funeral of Ellisif and the proper mourning period, the two surviving daughters in a simple ceremony had joyfully married to their beloveds. As life goes on, eventually two sisters parted company, and each at different milieu (locale, background, environment) resumed rest of their fulfilling existence.

Raven Prince Arathorn flew, with his human wife Botilda held tight in his arms, and returning home in no time at all, as he was the sole heir (successor), reclaim his rightful place in that kingdom.

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Botilda lived happily with the then crowned king, as his queen in this surreal, most fantastic world; soon after, they were blessed with two healthy boys and lived contentedly to ripe old age.

Hagen also lived blissfully for many years with Freya, overcoming many challenges and then passing on their knowledge to three beautiful children when they grew up, two boys and one girl. Hagen and Freya’s love never diminished throughout their ordeals in the mortal realm, not even when they were old, feeble and their hair turned completely white, as they were always surrounded by caring friends, good neighbours, and the incessant (continuous) joy and laughter of children and many grandchildren (permeating the air).

 

The End