LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC – ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL – SECTION 30

Zunrogo had not been bluffing, when he had earlier subtly hinted to Disaidun Agripe that he knew far more than he was letting on.  Few weeks prior, he had in fact, from the painstakingly gleaned information, pieced it all together to determine just who had written the letter and, more importantly, the contents of it.

01- SHOUZI YOZDEK 1 JP

Lod Shouzi Yozdek, only two years Sovereign Zakhertan’s senior, as children the two had been (inseparable) thick as thieves.  In fact, up till puberty, the mischievous duo, which shared similar characteristics and interests, had once embarked on many hair-raising adventures to nosh (nourish) their innate, perverse appetite for carnage. But for unknown reason or reasons, their close kinship had abruptly and drastically altered (changed) when the two were in their mid-teens; aside from the estrangement, it also transformed their once close bond to that of stealthy, adversarial one in nature.  

At any rate, well before His Highness Zakhertan Yozdek had solidified his rule, his second Cousin Lord Shouzi Yozdek, long since discontented with Zkhertan, had once colluded with Kujoge Yozdek to overthrow Zakhertan in an uprising.  In a moment's madness, forgoing his usual precautions, Lord Shouzi had sent a confidential letter to Kujoge, with certain incriminating words and some details of intended rebellion, with his trusted steward.  Unfortunately, the letter was intercepted, and the mutilated corpse of the steward was, after a frighteningly long time, sent back to Lord Shouzi with a single letter "R" carved into the corpse's chest.

Plotting a rebellion had always been regarded, by Zakhertan, as the most grievous of crimes; hence, even members of the Royal family were not exempted (spared) from the (horrendous) extremely abominable punishments.  Of course, the plot had been abandoned and all plans scrapped or, as Zunrogo suspected, temporarily postponed.  Since then, however, His Lordship Shouzi Yozdek had been living under the fearful dread of his entire family’s (his precious sons, as well as his wife’s family’s, this going back ten generations,) utter annihilation (extermination); meanwhile, his vast resources (funds, assets) were being perpetually (continuously) drained with exacting extortions (blackmails, shakedowns) from an indomitable secret foe (source).

Last two years Lod Shouzi had paid the steadily increasing ransom amount without fail, but of late, more was required of His Lordship, some of it highly dicey. In time the extortionists’ demands became even more unsavory, further contemptible.  The vile deeds which His Lordship Shouzi Yozdek was forced to commit, forever hunted the Lord’s conscience, and made him quake in dread. He spent many terror-struck days and evenings fearing his ignominious end, or worse, of his own flesh and blood beloved’s sons’ abduction and reprehensible demises.

Wishing to put an end to this intolerable (nightmarish) situation, His Lordship had naturally enlisted the help of his longtime friend, the Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren and they had jointly employed every covert means, sparing no effort or expense, to find the letter and wipe out (bring an end to) the would-be culprits. But despite years of effort, the perpetrators had ingeniously eluded detection, till now.

02-ZUNROGO TUGO - JP 23

Zunrogo mentally patted himself on the shoulder for his latest, crucial string of successes, and then turned his attention back to the woman.

Notwithstanding (despite) his seeming disinterest in the letter, his subsequent manipulative questions and the specific reference to the pouch and its seal, had presently (currently) beguiled Disaidun Agripe (Miss Jepipi) into suspecting that he already had the letter in his safekeeping.

“But how could he have stolen it without me knowing it? He did not lay-a-hand-on-me. And certainly, I’ve never not once, left it out of my sight. Earlier, roughed up by that beastly guard Tzan, could he have …? “

 Disaidun Agripe’s heart palpitated wildly just then and, as consequence (result) of the seed of doubt that he had so firmly planted in her mind, she absentmindedly placed her hand over the hidden pocket near her bosom.

“No, thank goodness, it's still there!”  Nevertheless, she knew she had been careless, way foolish, to even suspect that it could have been nabbed.

Disaidun threw Zunrogo a contemptuous look. “Well played…You think you're so smart, don't you?  All right, so you got me to betray its whereabouts, but you'll get it when Hell freezes over! “

“Furthermore, I have you know, I’m not afraid of death.” She then inwardly lied. “I’ll destroy it if you even so much as try.  Just try it!”  She sized up the distance to the cabin's porthole. Could she be fast enough?

Zunrogo had been thoroughly entertained by the web of conflicting emotions that had passed over her face, surmising the array of her thoughts.  “How delightful she was when issuing those silent threats.  How utterly delightful! “

“But now, it was time to put an end to this fun and plunk her in her proper place.”  Smiling mischievously, he asked, "How long has it been?"

"How long?"  Disaidun Agripe raised her eyebrows.

"Don't play coy with me.  How long has it been since you've had a good one?" he grinned.

This time she caught his meaning.  Her eyes hardened.  Glaring at him she snarled, "Since you seem to know everything, you tell me."

"Oh, why articulate such righteous anger?  You were proud once to be so well sought after in high circles.  You should be flattered that your reputation precedes you, even after all this time."

"That's right," she frowned. "That was all in the past.  I've buried it (former life) long ago."

 She’d denounced it hotly, indignantly then, lowering her head, ejected sadly, "It's so cruel of you to dredge up the past.  It all happened then, before I knew any better, before I had any sense."

"Before you were under eighteen years of age, I believe," Zunrogo cut her short, unfazed.

Truncating her subsequent, near comical retort and words of self- pity, "And don’t forget, just four months before your enlistment into Secret Society of KokuTizanrez…. Only eighteen, eh?  Still, even in that short time you had built yourself up quite a reputation, didn’t you?  Learned a few good tricks too, I'll bet."  He asked forcefully.

"But tell me, how was Zohuj Kez?  How does one worm one's way into the black heart of a eunuch when he lacks the proper equipment to satisfy a woman's desires?  You must indeed be exceptional."

The question had achieved its desired effect and Disaidun Agripe blushed profusely.  “Incredible,” Zunrogo shook his head in disbelief, “after all that she's experienced, succumbed, all she’s been through, the vixen can still blush!”

"How dare you!  What gives you the right to talk to me that way?" She cried out indignantly, trying to hold back her tears but she'd taken this insult to heart and, in-order-to shield herself from his piercing gaze, looked away as two defiant strings of saltwater pearls rolled down her cheeks.  Covertly, she wiped them away as she kept up the angry response, determined not to afford Zunrogo the satisfaction.

He threw his head back and laughed coldly, viciously with sure delight.

“Now she'll be ready.  Oh, but look how frantically she tries to purge guilt and shame from her heart.  How desperately she strives to maintain her dignity and prove me wrong. Oh, poor little vermin (mice), I almost feel sorry for you!”

In the ensuing moments, however, he sustained his heartless prodding, poked fun, and unreservedly enjoyed observing (watching) the predicted change taking root in her, the whole time each struggle ensnaring her deeper and deeper into his tightly woven net.

Disaidun Agripe realized too late that she was hooked, well and proper.

Earlier on she had discerned but foolishly ignored, her intuit warning, that her worst nightmare was about to come true.  Her feelings vacillated to each extreme, according to what he said.  Each tone of his voice seemed to manipulate her responses independently of her will.  Despite her valiant efforts to deny the feelings raging inside her, his insinuations, his rude, suggestive remarks both irritated and enticed her.

Satisfied with the end-result, Zunrogo eased off a bit, though by no means was he through toying with his prey.

“Now let’s see just how ambitious you are.”

 The time was now ripe to tempt her with some purpose, some hope.  Would she take the bait?

 "But tell me, “He changed the subject, "hasn't a capable girl like you ever aspired to some greater goals in life?"

"As if I have a choice," she huffed; the words had poured out of her unbidden.

Checking her discomfiture, she stared back at him questioningly.

03- DISADUN AGRIPE JP 222

“No sense appealing to his sympathy. He has no heart, no understanding.”

 What she had heard about him was all true; he was a cruel and manipulative brute.

“Oh, what's the use?” She hung her head.

She (for a time) thoughtfully affixed her gaze onto the floorboards of the cabin, to hide her deep resentment for him; then, bit the corner of her lip to get a grip and, again, looked askance at him.

“Why did you insist on dredging up the past, if not to humiliate me?  What was the point of all those mean, nasty questions? What am I supposed to believe when, you are stern (harsh, demanding, hardhearted) one instance then turns unexpectedly judicious (fair) and humane (caring, gentle, kindly, charitable) the next…Oh, my brain is so befuddled with all these mixed messages?  What could you possibly want from me besides that, same old, oh …?”  

Suddenly she recalled what he had said earlier on that he may have certain use for her in future.

 “Is he, by any chance, thinking of recruiting me?  Is this just a test?”  Narrowing her eyes, she overtly scrutinized him. “Why else? “

Suddenly Disaidun Agripe bounced back out from her deep depression.  “Then I'll show him a thing or two and just what I'm made of; but first, I’ll get him back for putting me through all that grueling.” she inwardly swore.

“I’ll show him that I have what it takes; then I’ll refuse him flatly.”   Her confidence fully restored; she had the spunk to plan apt retribution (payback).

Zunrogo grimaced as he surmised this turn in her thoughts. It was precisely what he had hoped to make her feel at this point.

“Nearly half the work is done; good!”  He sat back and braced himself for her anticipated questions.

"Why have you sent for, me?" Disaidun shifted uneasily in her seat, her soul unknowingly bending to his whim

"Two reasons." Zunrogo answered gravely after a deliberate, painful pause.  "You did say they meant nothing to you, but how do you feel about that old official, Luvet?"  He looked at her meaningfully.  He had had him checked out.  He was clean.  He was not a spy.  Still, he strove to be certain, to leave no loose ends behind.

"The same," Disaidun Agripe shrugged coldly.  Then, understanding fully what he expected of her, she asked, "You mean all three?"

"Is that a problem?"

"No.", she shook her head spontaneously, studied Zunrogo for a moment then nodded her cold commitment.  "Consider it done."

"It must look perfectly natural, you understand."

"No problem."  Her confidence mounting, already she had conceived the plan in her mind; it had been played out many times on countless opera stages.  "No problem at all. You'll see, even you will be impressed.”

"Good."  Zunrogo was pleased.

“What?  Not curious about the details, not in the least?”  Disaidun thought she was the mastermind of this brilliant plan, not realizing how subtly, methodically she’d been manipulated to contribute to this specific plot. As she was most eager to earn his praise, she now readily volunteered the specifics all in one burst. The simplicity and efficiency of her ideas did please him, but all he let show was his slight amusement.

"You said that there were two things.  What's the other?"  She, with racing heart, eagerly asked.

"Not so fast." Zunrogo chuckled at her keenness.  "Don't you want to know why?"

"Not particularly." Disaidun Agripe lied.  In truth, she was dying to know the reason.

"Good, then I’ll save my breath.”  He paused to watch her desperate attempt to remain calm, to control the emotions erupting within her.  He was sorely disappointed in her.

“You'll have to do better than that.  You're not so hard after all, and you can be read like a book.  One wonders how you've managed to survive this long unless you've fortuitously dealt only with morons!”

He's still testing me; she raised her hurt filled eyes up to him.  “Am I measuring up?”

"Perhaps,” His icy, spontaneous answer startled her.

 But then, “why be so surprised?  So, he’s discerning my thoughts. I made no conscious effort to conceal them.” She inwardly lied to herself; then, looking at him squarely in the eye, she asked: "You would really consider recruiting me?"

“No…It depends."

 The vague answer exhilarated her, nevertheless.  It was more than she’d hoped for.  A hint of gratitude and joy registered in her eyes as Disaidun looked at him needing, searching for some sort of confirmation.  Then a sudden darkness cast its shadow over her dreams. 

She lowered her eyes and shook her head in deep despair, "No, it can never be.  I'm under contract."  Disaidun looked up at him tragically, "They'll kill me before they let me go.”

“I…  I know too much."  Even this low-level assignment she was on had been sanctioned by their leader, of that, she was sure.

“Silly girl; even if I were to consider this in earnest it would not be their opposition I would be concerned with.”

Instead, he fed her further hope, "They are small fish.  They would not dare go against my wishes."

"Oh, I'd be ever so grateful."  Disaidun’s heart palpitated wildly.

Looking up at him with certain elation, as if he was some demigod, she utilized her winning feminine charms, wanting, needing further affirmation; but again, his unexpected stern composure froze her, dead on her tracks.  She abjectly (grimly) lowered her head and kept her silence.

"Your gratitude is premature.” He ejected coldly at this point, suppressing his laughter.

 "You have not yet proven your suitability, and there is still the High Council's decision yet to be made.  However, I may be able to sway their decision if I could tell them how you...” he deliberately left the rest hanging in air.

 

(END OF SECTION 30)

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 4

In truth the Immortal Zonar Kuntzu’s loss was only temporary; after an arduous effort, he would eventually regain (recover) all that he’d lost.   

Nevetsecnuac could not of course have imagined the extent of hazard he’d at present instigated, for the danger unleashed upon the world, albeit temporary, was very much real, as this amulet (that had housed the dangerous entity Cassar, who was called Mokak, later renamed, Jenor) was in fact more than Zonar’s family heirloom (a birthright article). The imprisoned entity within the amulet had once been bound to Zonar’s father Zandar Kuntzu’s genetic factor (DNA).

01- ZANDAR KUNTZU

Zandar, though later was considered a renegade Immortal, had once despite his youth, had held a prominent position within the ruling elite (of elders), of the ancient race of Karn. Upon Zandar’s demise, because of his specific genetic link to Zonar, this onerous responsibility of safekeeping the amulet, a lifelong sentence that could not be erased or shirked (evaded, dodged) whatever the circumstance, had then been (trussed, tethered) passed down to Zonar.  

Centuries earlier Cassars, a troublesome race had been the catalyst of a catastrophic dissention (discord) among existing ancient races; set against one another the irreconcilable differences and disparaging venom had resulted in the eventual destruction of the many primordial elite powers. Only the most resilient race of Karn (and few other races that had integrated within its modules) had triumphed; hence, decade later ending the cataclysmic wars and furthermore, conquering then imprisoning, the few remaining Cassars of this unruly (rowdy) race that had instigated (triggered) it all.  

02 -  CASSARS )

Adversarial elements of these Cassars properly contained, spanning several centuries now the armistice (truce and resulting concord) had lasted on Earh, as the dominant race of Karn, as well, few remaining subsidiary custodians of this world, had peacefully coexisted well hidden in the remotest corners (chiefly at the summits and at the icy peaks), result of having graciously allowed the species of men the sole dominion over (placid, more climatically favorable, more livable parts of the) Earth.  

It would have been far better for the world, if this troublesome race Cassars had been totally expunged; however, by consensus of the elders of Karn, Cassars had been subjugated (bested by the utilization of ice or water) though spared from total annihilation.  

03- (ELDERS OF KARN)

Elders of Karn had, moreover, additionally afforded mankind that definite measure of safety- by constraining, rather, indefinitely imprisoning few spared Cassars, in the protective water crystal amulet that selected members of Karn wore. It was a bane (burden) to be endured till the end of time. In the unlikely event the prior custodian would expire, the amulet would then be (transferred) bequeathed to the offspring sharing the same genetic factor.  Now under normal circumstances, Zonar’s immortal father would have discussed in detail the amulet’s range of powers and, even given his son some necessary, precise instructions (pointers) to maintain absolute control over the imprisoned entity; however, Zonar, sent away for his own safety at an early age to grow up among anonymous mortal family, had never been afforded this opportunity.  

Furthermore, the subsequent bizarre circumstances that elicited (caused) the premature, atypical (odd) demise of renegade Immortal Zandar Kuntzu, and hence, well before Zonar could master the amulet’s intransigent powers, Cassar entity called Mokak, with his resourcefulness had once, successfully affected its escape from captivity. (Check out: Legend of Nevetsecnuac, Book 2 titled The Ordeal, more precisely, Section 8, where Mokak is mentioned.)

At that time Zonar, wanting to know more about this amulet and the entity it contained, had avidly perused those veiled (oblique, coded) secret teachings his father Zandar Kunzu had left with him, but since the situation of escape (of any Cassar) had never once transpired  (occurred), not while the amulet had been in his father’s safekeeping, it had taken Zonar many more months of quest and sheer luck, to capture and re-enslave sly Mokak (later renamed Jekor ) in the crystal Amulet. Since then, Zonar on his own merit, through trial and error, utilizing his brilliant and discerning mind, had discovered few more facets of the amulet’s varied, multitude powers.  

04 - ZONAR KUNTZU

Currently, during combat with Nevetsecnuac, when the amulet broke in two this, despite Zonar’s stoic, stone countenance-  mindful of the now matured and at large entity’s, Jekor (Mokak)’s inherently grown prowess’s and the unimaginable, portended havoc he could unleash on the unsuspecting world and on both (mortal and immortal) realms- seriously troubled Zonar.  Anticipating the arduous task of, recapturing this willy, artful and now more potent menace, caused Zonar to, pensively (thoughtfully) but with unreadable expression, glance away. 

05- (MOKAK- ALSO KNOWN AS JEKOR)

Sensing only an inkling of the magnitude (scope) of the dire circumstance, Nevetsecnuac knitted his brows, and covertly pinned his questioning gaze on Zonar; as he, same time fought the ominous foreboding that had suddenly vice-griped his heart. “Had he inadvertently, seriously harmed his benefactor Zonar by damaging the (potent)amulet, in the course of it, ending any chance of his enlisting Zonar future guidance?”  

Nevetsecnuac now hastened to ask the latter’s forgiveness but Zonar, after his fleeting icy, contemptuous glare, simply snorted and again looked away. But then in afterthought, he’d quickly passed it off as fate and dispassionately shrugged his shoulders; determined not to let this rare opportunity (of further testing his nephew) be wasted, he just unfastened the clasp and removed the chain, with the broken amulet ( crack in the middle now emitting no light) still precariously hanging from it, from around his neck, then walking to the edge of a high precipice, hurled it into river.  He watched its descent, it being swallowed by the fast-flowing waters then, with a changed, resigned expression on his face, inclined (turned) his head to grimace wryly at Nevetsecnuac. 

Afterwards he simply walked back with large strides and halting few inches away from Nevetsecnuac, cooly proposed that they might as well continue the combat. When Nevetsecnuac showed some reluctance to engage him, his short temper flared, and he roared in fury: “You dare to insult me?” And then in lightening speed launched his murderous assault.

Forsaking his reserve, Nevetsecnuac fought back, at first on the defensive but soon shifting to the offense.  

06- NEVETSECNUAC FIGHTS ZONAR

The two combatants consequently, as one successive blur to the naked eye endlessly fought on in a dizzying whirlwind, or, in unrelenting fierce deadlock, back and forth, well into the night. The Earth rumbled incessantly at their extraordinary might while Heaven knew no peace from the sheer intensity of their powerful strikes. Once, as if in protest, a mounting flotilla of dark clouds congregated to shroud the moon and the stars, following it with angry rumbling and streaks of lighting miring (marking) the sky; meanwhile, quaking ground underfoot at times shook the soil (earth), debris and boulders loose, uprooting trees, creating gashes or deep chasms, to enforce termination of the relentless, vigorous combat. But still undaunted, the battle had raged on without ceasing in intensity.  And when the first rays of dawn finally broke from hurrying (sailing) clouds, for Heaven had had enough, the rising gale winds punishingly swept across the Earth. Thunder and lightning more repetitiously now crashed about them and alight trees threatened to scorch them and reduce them to cinders. Subsequently, the torrential rains changed into hailstones, pounded mercilessly on their heads and turned the ground underfoot into muddy rivers.

Their persistence prevailing over Heaven’s will, eventually, by about noon of the third day, the skies cleared up. The brilliant sun’s golden rays bathed the drenched Earth and enveloped the brave warriors in sweltering heat as they still fought on.

07- ZONAR FIGHTS NEVETS (15)

Suddenly however, Zonar, in mid blow, stayed his hand and leapt out of the circle of combat once more.  

“Enough, I see now that a thousand more rounds will not engender your defeat. I therefore salute you sir, as a true and unequivocal equal.  Despite your age, you bear the singular mark of a great warrior.”

Throwing back his head, he laughed uproariously.  “Ha!  Ha!  This is what I needed most to shake myself out of my complacency.  I thank you, sir, for this most invaluable lesson.”  Assuming a more serious expression, he then bowed low to Nevetsecnuac (his nephew) in deep respect.

Bowing also, Nevetsecnuac reciprocated the courtesy.

“The honor is mine, sir, to have even met by half measure your outstanding abilities.”

 He next voiced his heart felt desire to become Zonar’s tyro (novice, trainee, acolyte, follower, student).

“Though a feasible consideration, it’s not convenient for me to accede at this time.” Clenching his fist and musing, Zonar looked away in silence.

 Zonar was in fact beginning to worry, having lingered in one spot (and time zone) far too long; therefore, risking being discovered by his ardent nemesis bent on his destruction.

 Stealing a glance at Nevetsecnuac from the corner of his eye, he further mused, “Yes in many ways, you remind me of Tuko.  Had my mortal younger brother, survived the massacre he may have turned out exactly like you.  But no!  It’s not time yet… And furthermore, with so much at stake, I can ill afford the indolence of sentiment, hence, jeopardy (risk, hazard).”  Nevertheless, he felt constrained to give Nevetsecnuac, a palpable (tangible, convincing) excuse.

“I am tempted, sir. But I fear that such, is out of the question!” Zonar finally spoke in a restrained, somber voice.

He bit his lip, “To befriend you, my sworn enemy? Wenjenkun and Korion, two strong adversary nations, will not do; for long exists the lethal animosity, toxic rivalry between (our countrymen) both.” 

 He knit his brows and with clenched fists, he simply looked away.

 “Ney; for it would mean violating every fabric of my…. and forsaking loyalty to my Sovereign.  How can I then, face my countrymen with dignity?”

08- NEVETSECNUAC DISSAPPOINTED

As Nevetsecnuac, eyeing him curiously, remained lost for words, Zonar forced a smile onto his pallid lips then, as if in an afterthought, faced Nevetsecnuac and inclined his head gallantly.  

“My name, sir, in all confidence, is Zonar Kuntzu.  I’m a native of Korion, born thirty-two years ago.  That much I will divulge, for you have well earned the right to know it.  We will be meeting again, though under what circumstances I cannot rightly predict.  I pray, however, that when that happens you will not judge me too harshly.  Each of us must follow the bidding of our loyal heart.  Remember well my parting words: ‘Even if I fail, I will not fail.’ “

Nevetsecnuac bowed to him in gratitude for the civil negation (rejection, snub) but, when he lifted his eyes to confess his own true name, the words froze on his tongue for, once more, Zonar had vanished into thin air without a trace.

Nevetsecnuac nodded his head in deep understanding.

“Yes, we are kindred spirits and, it is evident we share similar fate. Zonar Kuntzu, bound by duty, you are also headed for that uncertain future (prospects)! Existing briefly perhaps on this Earth, though more certainly me, we stive hard to accomplish that vital and arduous task, for which only we are destined to do.”

“Till we meet again my friend; I am Nevetsecnuac Alric Therran Valamir.” Nevetsecnuac whispered after Zonar, his eyes brimmed with tears.  

“I wish you well and, bid you fond farewell, my esteemed, elder brother.”

 Nevetsecnuac subsequently retrieved the gift, the sword, and after wiping the blade clean and sheathing it (placing it back in its scabbard), inwardly invoked the word: Lomelak. The magnificent sword (with its casing) instantly shrunk and reverted to an ordinary writing brush. Nevetsecnuac was ecstatic; he’d never owned a magical sword before. Desiring to test it again, he this time inwardly uttered (articulated) the word: Lohcnilik. Lo and behold, the writing brush instantly became the magnificent, sheathed sword again. And when it was again transformed into a writing brush, jubilant (thrilled) Nevetsecnuac secured it on his person. He then quickly gathered up his belongings and, not looking back, catapulted onto his horse, and raced towards the Capital, the mare’s hooves churning up a cloud of dust behind him.

                                                                                 ~

(End of Section 4)                                                                               ~