LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC – ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL – SECTION 19

After Nevetsecnuac had consumed his evening repast (meal), he sat down in front of the fireplace and, letting his gaze fall on the dancing flames, waited in thoughtful silence.  At any given moment he expected his late-night visitor to knock at his door, and it was not long before his wait was rewarded.

As anticipated, the stranger, holding a jug of choice wine and two cups, appeared on some pretext and, after knocking, peered in, he then asked to be invited inside.

Nevetsecnuac assented and rising to his feet with reserve, motioned with outstretched hand and half-inclined head, "Please do come in.  I've been expecting your visit."

01- ZUNROGO TUGO - JP 25

The captain grimaced wryly, then nodded, entered, and turned to close the door cautiously behind him.  Bowing his head politely, but never taking his eyes off Fradel, he introduced himself as Zunrogo Tugo, Captain of the Palace Guards.

“What?  Zunrogo Tugo; have I heard the name, right?  What are the odds of this happening?”  Nevetsecnuac tensed, recalling what Zhadol had said about this man and his accomplice to Yennic, “Though they may be insignificant in the scheme of things, they have powerful backing and they're treacherous, devoid of all conscience.  That's what makes them deadly for you.”  

Nevetsecnuac’s perfect, serene mask (demeanor) had not changed in the least.  Smiling tightly, he returned the bow and introduced himself as the itinerant scholar, Tonng Yennik.  Noting at once the flicker of displeasure, then of cool calculation in the depth of Zunrogo Tugo’s pupils, Nevetsecnuac smiled inwardly, “As I suspected, you've already checked my identity papers.”

"Delighted to make your acquaintance,” Zunrogo Tugo decided to go along with the charade, at least for the time being.

Tonng Yennik (Nevetsecnuac), a perfect host, motioned the captain to a seat and Zunrogo, deferring the best seat to the Scholar, chose the less comfortable chair.

Zunrogo placed the jug and two empty cups on the small table between them. He proceeded to pour out the wine into one of the cups and then graciously offered the customary draught of friendship, to Tonng Yennik.

Tonng Yennik (Nevetsecnuac), well composed, with thanks accepted the cup of wine and in one gulp drained it; then, filling the other cup, offered it to Zunrogo, reciprocating the gesture. Customary etiquette dispensed with; they soon entered-into a polite conversation.

The topics they discussed, the vast, varying range of their exchange was, in fact, quite irrelevant.  As the two imposing figures, each in turn, mechanically uttered the expected polite rhetoric they were both, underneath it all, intently probing and scrutinizing the other.

Seated across from Tonng Yennik (Fradel), Zunrogo Tugo tried in vain to ferret out the scholar's innermost secrets and gauge his weaknesses, but it was as though Fradel had cocooned his character behind an invincible barrier.  Changing his tack (policy, scheme, ploy) midway, Zunrogo pursued more aggressively and with cunning and trickery, tried to penetrate Fradel's defenses.  When that, too, proved unsatisfactory he tried to subtly goad Fradel towards alternate end.  All the while he felt secure behind the impenetrable wall he kept up around his own personality.

At least that was what he thought.  In this war of acumen and nerves, Nevetsecnuac (Tonng Yennik /Fradel), with his keen perception and resilience eventually eradicated all the obstacles Zunrogo had laid in his path, to subtly gain the advantage and, under the guise of a seemingly passive, cooperative exchange, attained the insight necessary to formulate his own opinion of Zunrogo Tugo.

02- NEVETSECNUAC AS SHOLAR TONNG YENNIC

 Tallying (adding together all the) facts, Nevetsecnuac (Tonng Yennic, Fradel) noted how much more stalwart and intrepid (resolute, hardy) Zunrogo was; moreover, he was infinitely more treacherous and brutal in innate nature, far more than he’d been noted for.  Zunrogo’s complex mind, the depths of his, not easily decipherable, thoughts and, perhaps purposefully misleading and inconsistent habits, made him an extremely dangerous (perilous, death-defying) adversary.  His voice was his only weak link, if you could call it that, for it betrayed his passionless (uncaring) heart.  Despite Zunrogo’s best efforts to appear cordial and disarming in the exchange, there was an underlying intonation of dire indifference and obdurate (adamant) superiority.

“Cold-blooded, arrogant assassin that you are, I know it is not your aim to assassinate (murder) me; or you would have attempted it, long before this meeting.” Nevetsecnuac from the corner of his eye furtively studied this sure foe. “Nevertheless, I expect you will next try astounding me (considering your earlier findings,) with your startling disclosure that you are aware I am Fradel Rurik Korvald; then, after a terse period, magnanimously (rush in to) confer your generous offer of assurance, of safe conduct to the Capital.  And, of course, I'll appear aghast and pretend to let my guard down before, gratefully conceding.  But what else, you're really, after?  What other sinister scheme is lurking underneath that icy surface?  Yes, of course …” Nevetsecnuac nodded absentmindedly, while outwardly, seemingly, agreeing with the captain's most recently advanced viewpoint.

Adding a few pointers of his own, he continued to assess Zunrogo, “Yes, you are burdened with a far greater task than just the safe delivery of the scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald.  Is this a sample of how your master operates?  Ploy (stratagem) within a ploy; while never leaving anything to chance until everything, no matter how trivial, is considered?  Hmm, I'll wager that even Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren is ignorant of the extent of your duplicity.  Very well, I'll feed you sufficient, deceptive, disarming information for your report.  And when you drop or, relax your vigil, then you’ll be dealt with more decisively; for you are one complication I can do without.”

Impressed by the scholar's brilliance of rhetoric, the captain, for the time being, had been forced to inwardly acknowledge that, since all the observations tallied (matched, checked, fit) accorded) perfectly, his host was indeed the real Fradel Rurik Korvald and not some mastermind impostor who had merely acquired his papers.  Yet, instead of being pleased at the favorable outcome of his search, Zunrogo remained very ill at ease.

“Is it just my suspicious nature?  Has the course of this job made me inherently paranoid?  No, this nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach is real and all my senses collectively, are sounding dire alarm.  Besides, there are few inconsistencies here that need to be ironed out; true, but they alone are not enough to warrant this hunch, this instinct to strike out at him now with all the deadly force I can muster.  He may even put up a good fight, judging by his robust physique.  How could a mere scholar look so strong, even if he has been living in the mountain wilderness, in isolation, for purported many years?  Yet all the points of contention have been satisfied.  I don't doubt my thoroughness.  Even the absence of his servants has been explained.  I suppose I could hold him here and verify his story, but that would squander precious time, one I can ill- afford, if I am to succeed in my mission. On the other hand, my hunches have never erred, not once in my (lifetime) entire life.”

“But what if, just this once, my intuition is leading me astray?  With such grave consequences at stake, how can I justify this sort of rash action? “

 “Besides, once we reach the Capital, there will be ample time to uncover (discover) the truth, and there, there will be no escape for him.  If he's other than what he claims, he will easily be exposed and eradicated.  Now it is time to end this bantering and get on with the task at hand.”

Half the jug had already been consumed even though Nevetsecnuac, aware of his own intolerance, had been most careful in his intake, taking longer and longer to consume the contents of each cup and accepting only toppings instead of the full cups Zunrogo poured himself.  Still, Zunrogo showed only the minimal signs of intoxication and that, Nevetsecnuac suspected, was also a pretense, a farce not unlike their congenial exchange.

"I am aware, sir, that most scholars of your obvious stature take on, for reasons of privacy, a pseudonym (alias).  May I be so bold, then, as to presume that this is also the case with you and to guess your true designation (name)?" Zunrogo said, ignoring Fradel's facade of slight surprise.

Nevetsecnuac studied the captain in silence, purposely prolonging the supposed suspense.  With a totally unreadable expression he then settled back, "You are most perceptive, sir.  Perhaps you will then tell me who it is that you suspect me of really being after which, I expect, you will be kind enough to reveal to me your real purpose for being in my room at this late hour."

Zunrogo took the bait.  "You are, of course, the very illustrious poet Fradel Rurik Korvald and you have been summoned into His Royal Highness' presence."

The scholar's response was not the expression of surprise that Zunrogo would have expected from one less astute than Fradel Rurik Korvald.

"You have me at a disadvantage, sir.  How long have you known?"

"Since your arrival," Zunrogo lied, hiding his admiration. “It’s a pity you chose a literary career, you sir, would have made an excellent statesman.  You have the natural ability for it.”

"Yet you waited until now to confront me with this knowledge?" Fradel frowned and eyed Zunrogo suspiciously.

"I meant no disrespect, honored sir." the captain hastened to apologize then briefly explained his reasons for coming here.

Fradel looked skeptical.  "Please do not take this the wrong way.  You say that you have been charged by the Offices of the Prime Minister, Lamont Gudaren, with the responsibility of ensuring my safe conduct and timely arrival?"

"Yes.  To do otherwise would be a dereliction of my duty, for which I would be severely punished." Zunrogo interrupted to stress the point.

“I doubt that would be the case.” Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) grimaced wryly. 

"Yet, sir, you have neglected to tell me who it is that I require protection from.  As you well know, I have lived in seclusion most of my life, adapting to a stringent, pious lifestyle; this, to get closer to the natural world which I love to write about.  Outside of family, I have not interacted with anyone any significant length of time to incur animosity.  My literary efforts are not political, nor can they be misconstrued as offensive to any of the noble gentry or bureaucratic class.  Even my deceased father had no affiliations whatsoever with any political group, and no enemies to speak of.  Who then would conspire to harm me?  Holger Province is free, as far as I can see, of all bad elements."

“How much do you really know?” Zunrogo raised an eyebrow slightly as he considered Fradel's question. “Oh, but there's no way you could possibly be informed.”

Zunrogo dropped his guard to laugh sourly; after which he said, “To be sure, law and order are strictly upheld in this province but the existing danger to your esteemed self is, none the less, quite real."

"Why do you insist on being cryptic, sir?" Fradel huffed in exasperation.

"I'm sorry.  I wish I could be more obliging (helpful), but I am not at liberty to disclose anything further." Zunrogo shook his head.  "Perhaps once you have safely reached Channing…”

Looking away thoughtfully, he added, "I'll say only this - that it is a political matter."  Returning his gaze to Fradel he added, "Please excuse me for saying this, but your own involvement is purely incidental."

“You just refuse to commit yourself, but I won't let you off the hook that easily.”  Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) stared back, his demeanor unchanged.

 "I do not appreciate evasive answers, Captain.  I would much rather that you be candid with me.  If, as you have suggested, we are to complete the rest of this journey in each other’s company, then I propose that we learn to trust one another, starting now."  Fradel paused to look meaningfully at Zunrogo, who remained in thoughtful silence for a moment.

“I don't know what you mean,” Zunrogo almost said, but then stopped himself.  An amused smile crept across his face, and he broke into a laugh.

"You are far too clever for me, sir."

"Flattery offends me even more, Captain Tugo." Fradel dismissed the remark curtly, maintaining the arrogant bearing of a scholar.

 "Now I must insist on being told the details which pertain to me that is, if you wish to enlist my full cooperation, sir.  Otherwise, I must insist that, we have nothing further to discuss."  Fradel's stare was unrelenting as he leaned back, still watching Zunrogo Tugo with cold, unblinking eyes.

Zunrogo felt hard pressed to reveal the truth, or to find another plausible explanation convincing enough to assuage Fradel's sharp mind. “Why should I even expend the energy to sway this upstart, when a partial truth may serve as well?  The report excluded mention of your stubborn nature.”

Zunrogo’s smile tightened imperceptibly as he burrowed his gaze at Fradel, scrutinizing him intently.  “I don't know how you found out, but you already know, don't you?  Now you want me to commit myself.  Very well, I'll meet your requirements halfway.”

Zunrogo Tugo shifted uneasily in the chair, laughed sourly and, nodding his head, made a show of resignation.

When he leaned forward to speak, his voice was low, but crisp, "Very well, I will oblige you by being frank, but I trust that the subject of this discussion will be held in confidentiality."  He drained his cup, waiting for Fradel's nod of affirmation.

03-ZUNROGO TUGO - JP 24

On receiving it he put back the empty cup, took a breath and continued in an unwavering tone, "You need not be concerned with this, but our Prime Minister, like all eminent men who uphold this effective and strict administration, has incurred the hatred of some powerful enemies who would stop at nothing to undermine his righteous endeavors.  Since it was Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren who recommended your illustrious self to the emperor at court, he feels naturally bound by the responsibility of seeing that your travel should be uninterrupted and comfortable.  This added precaution was taken in the anticipation of possible trouble or in order to preclude even the least unpleasantness from manifesting itself." 

He grinned sheepishly. "I'm sorry if my previous reckless words have magnified the situation and led you to believe that there was real potential for danger here.  I confess, I am somewhat inept at diplomacy, as all military personnel are, I suppose.  I sincerely hope that you will overlook my shortcomings, however, and set your mind at ease.  The danger to your person is only a supposition.  No blatant or obvious threat has been voiced thus far."

“Thus far… You must really believe that I am that naive.” Nevetsecnuac mused. “All right, I'll let that pass for now, besides it is better you think that of me.  From what I've heard, he'd never do that, but go on if you must, keep his name out of it.  Besides, your clumsy attempts to cover up the inconsistencies are growing rather tiresome.”

"In truth," Fradel (Nevetsecnuac), obviously suppressing a yawn, consented amicably, "the trek here has been rather tiresome (dull) if not arduous.  I would, therefore, be most happy to accept your gracious offer of companionship; during the course of which I will look forward to being informed of the latest developments in Channing, so that I won't feel totally out of sorts there."

"I’ll do my best to (oblige) enlighten you.” Zunrogo beamed arrogantly.

“Indeed, so much has transpired even during these last few months, let alone years but I think that I've delayed your sleep long enough.  I will detain you no longer."  Now that he had secured what he wanted, Zunrogo abruptly rose to his feet and, without further ado, he wished Fradel a good night and took his leave.  There were a few neglected details that had been preying on the back of his mind all during their exchange that he wanted to lay to rest before the night was done.

                                                                                      ~

 

(END OF SECTION 19)                                                                             

 

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 11

But wait," Zhadol held up his hand, "let me give you another good example of Dwengzur’s powers.

“Yes, that night Dwengzur provided us with yet another demonstration, chiefly for Egil Viggoaries’s amusement.  A reluctant volunteer was chosen to sit before him, then Dwengzur, with a great, mysterious air, muttering incantations, place both thumbs on Lenny’s"

"Not the Under-Secretary Lenny Sukzor?" Yennic broke in, grabbing Zhadol's arm in excitement.  "Not that old sourpuss?"

Commander Zhadol jerked his arm free.  "Everyone over twenty-five is old to you." he scoffed disdainfully.  He was stalling, searching in silence with knitted brows for a way of retracting this damaging slip.

Yennic was not about to let it pass that easily and fixed his intense green eyes on Zhadol.  "Now don't change the subject.  It is him you're referring to, isn't it?"

01- COMMANDER ZHADOL AND YENNIC

Zhadol hemmed and hawed as his face twitched nervously but he soon saw the pointlessness of any denial.  Biting his lip, he cast down his eyes and gave the barest nod of affirmation.

"But this is astounding!" Yennic gloated maliciously, easing himself back.

 "What do you know?  To think that all this time, I, and everyone else were so completely duped.  To think that he’s…."

"Now, Yennic, I needn't warn you of the consequences." Zhadol ejected sternly, authoritatively glaring at Yennic.

For a fleeting moment there was such hardness, such blood-curdling coldness in Zhadol's pupils that Yennic, caught by surprise, a small shudder passed through him.  He dared not taunt the Commander any further and at once wiped off the leering smile from his face.

 "No, of course not," Yennic responded hastily then in all seriousness.  "I swear on the graves of my forefathers, I'll never breathe a word of this to anyone.  But please do go on.  Tell me about the demonstration."  He urged Zhadol on, trying his best to play down the incident but the Commander's silence was unnerving.

"Unless, of course, you'd rather talk of something else..."  His eyes looked past Zhadol with an effort and focused on the distant dark sky.

 "How brilliant the moon is tonight in the company of all those twinkling stars," he added thoughtfully, with a meaning, of course, entirely different.

His clumsy attempt to draw out his jealousy amused Zhadol. “How predictable you are…  How absurd.” In silence Zhadol stared at Yennic, who appeared to be lost in thought.  Still, his body, tensing like a bowstring, betrayed him.

 As Zhadol studied the Lieutenant a cynical smile brushed his lips then, nodding, he volunteered the information Yennic was thirsting to hear.

"Yes, Dwengzur placed his thumbs on Lenny’s forehead like so," he said, demonstrating the placement on Yennic.  "Then he uttered more incongruous, incomprehensible incantations.  Within seconds, Lenny’s eyes glazed over, and his head dropped.  Most interestingly, however, Dwengzur's hair had just then turned completely white then it reverted to its original fiery red color, and he straightened up to reveal his findings.  Dwengzur not only told of what motives lay in Lenny’s heart, but also of the desires and inhibitions that lurked in the dark recess of his unconscious mind.  Armed with this knowledge, Egil Viggoaries then ordered Dwengzur to bring Lenny around.  All the sorcerers had to do was simply mutter some words, blow once on Lenny 's face and Lenny revived instantly with no recollection whatever of what had happened.  He even asked Dwengzur, with some apprehension, when the demonstration would begin."

02- LENNY SUKZOR (1)JP

"That must have been a riot!" Yennic laughed venomously.  "I don't suppose you'll impart some of that dirt (on Lenny) to me?”  Yennic fished for details.  "No?  I thought as much."  Disappointed, he pursed his lips.

Zhadol suppressed his annoyance and continued, "When Egil Viggoaries confronted Lenny with the knowledge Dwengzur had gained, all of it proved quite accurate.  Extremely embarrassed, poor Lenny didn't know which way to turn.  He probably wished there was a rock somewhere that he could crawl under and die.  Egil Viggoaries, with his insatiable appetite for cruelty, played it to the limit, making Lenny squirm time and time again.  I don't have to tell you how he brutally toyed with Lenny and how he shamelessly enjoyed himself at the Under-Secretary's expense."

"I would have given anything to be there to see that upstart squirm like a stuck pig." Yennic voiced without reservation, his cold, unsympathetic reaction.  He had made no secret of his intense dislike of Lenny Sukzor ever since the Under-Secretary had publicly spurned and humiliated him.

Zhadol, on the other hand, had had no serious clashes with Lenny and, therefore, neither liked nor disliked the man.  However, he respected the Under-Secretary's strong character, his sense of justice and his frank, no-nonsense manner.

Yennic noting the strong disapproval in Zhadol's face, the threat implicit in his silence, quickly checked his tone and mumbled, "I don't suppose that Dwengzur got too many volunteers after that."

"No, he did not." Zhadol replied mechanically.  Something else was preying on his thoughts.

"Still, such tricks are very useful."  Yennic grimaced coldly as he stole a malevolent look at Zhadol.  "One could reap untold benefits and gain a serious advantage over one’s foes.  His Royal Highness was, no doubt, profoundly interested in this?"

"Precisely," Zhadol nodded distractedly, turned to look directly at Yennic and stiffened his posture.  "More importantly, Dwengzur can study the juxtaposition of the planets and constellations and predict future events.  Unfortunately, however, his predictions augured (portended) more trouble."  He shook his head, "We'll have to indefinitely postpone our trip to Yaguzer."

"But the arrangements have already been made!" Yennic's initial reaction was to protest vehemently.  "What kind of trouble?" he looked up to ask.  "Why can't we…"

"This is quite serious."  Zhadol gestured to freeze Yennic's query and explained, "Three days prior to our leaving Channing I’d acquired a disturbing piece of news from Egil Viggoaries."

"And you waited until now to tell me about it?" Yennic interrupted indignantly.

"I held off because", Zhadol looked away.

"Because you didn't trust me, is that it?" Yennic, fuming, finished the sentence.

"No, not at all," Zhadol countered morosely (petulantly).

03- COMANDER ZHADOL

 "I had to use extreme discretion, and this was the first available moment we have had that I could safely broach this subject with you.  You see, Dwengzur has read something vitally important in the stars and, through Egil Viggoaries’s influence, gained a rare, private audience with His Royal Highness Zakhertan Yozdek.  At this point, I'm told, Dwengzur gained Sovereign Zakhertan’s confidence and informed him that there would be, yet another assassination attempt quite soon.  When pressed, he even predicted the exact timing of it."

"Are you certain of this? When is it?" Yennic gasped, stiffening despite himself.

"Quite certain,” Zhadol shrugged his shoulders, "As for when it’s supposed to transpire, that, I'm afraid, is privileged information.  No other, outside of His Royal Highness, his bodyguards, Dwengzur and Egil Viggoaries, have been informed, not even P.M.  Lamont Gudaren."

"So, His Royal Highness took the threat seriously, then.  I thought that he was inclined not to believe in soothsayers, that he barely tolerated them."  Yennic's provocative question risked angering Zhadol once more, but this was far too important info (data, material) for him to cower now.

“Have the Kozurs advanced the date?  Why haven't they informed me? Or had Zaur Stugr and the others been implicated by that cursed Dwengzur? Zhadol surely knows more than he’s willing to admit. But he’s really spooked. It’s so unlike him to be so tightlipped; but considering what’s at stake, I’ll just have to try harder that’s all.”   Yennic masked his concern with the air of disdain and skepticism, hoping to goad the commander to be more open with him.

"Dwengzur is different, perhaps the wisest one of all but, obviously, I've failed to convince you of that."  Zhadol's answer was mocking.  He was indeed angered by the other's seeming obstinacy, but then he softened, adding, "Besides, as I understand it, Dwengzur even staked his own life on the accuracy of the time he'd predicted for the assassination attempt."

"Please don't be cross with me.", Yennic used his boyish charm to disarm and appease Zhadol.  Pursing his lips together, he queried, "But if, as you say, Dwengzur cannot be killed, wouldn't his gamble be an empty show, a farce?"

"It seems that I've unintentionally misled you." Zhadol countered, smiling.  "Of course, he can be killed, but not by any conventional means.  Naturally his people keep this secret under close guard."

"Yet His Royal Highness obviously bears this knowledge?" Yennic interposed skeptically, narrowing his eyes.

"Don't forget, Yennic, His Highness was once a Field Marshall commanding our invincible armies in his glorious campaigns against Korion.  His forces penetrated the farthest corners of that state, like the wind itself."

“I know… I know rhetoric well.  Get on with it, man.”  Seemingly in agreement, Yennic impatiently nodded his head.

"During that great episode in our history," Zhadol continued in a more level tone, "His Highness must have had a brush with Dwengzur's kind, some outcast, perhaps, that had been hunted down."

Noting the puzzlement on Yennic's face Zhadol explained, "Apparently I've omitted telling you something else.  You see, when one of them breaks their stringent tribal laws, he or she is automatically cut down, condemned to be a non-entity without even the benefit of trial.  However, before the sentence of death is carried out the elders apparently grant the offender a head-start at fleeing to safety.  This, of course, is the illusion of mercy for, in all cases, the convicted one is always, quite without forgiveness, hunted down and disposed of without a trace.  It is another one of their unwritten laws, a fact of their life that no one gets to leave the tribe, willingly or unwillingly, alive.”

04- HUNTED DOWN AND KILLED

"Now, if I'm now permitted to speculate a little, one such fugitive must have fallen into His Highness' hands before their demise.  In all-probability Zakhertan Yozdek was, quite by chance, able to witness the method of execution and put the facts together.  Still later he must have elaborated on the tale while recounting his military exploits.  You know how Egil Viggoaries recollects even the most trivial of details, never forgetting anything no matter how long ago it was said."  Zhadol's eyes suddenly opened wide, "Come to think of it, that precise knowledge must be what binds Dwengzur in servitude to Egil Viggoaries and keeps him in check.  Considering his vagueness as to how he saved the sorcerer's life hmmm, but I'm straying from the point.”

Smiling, he sat back and inhaled deeply.  "Yes, Dwengzur delivered his warning to His Highness all right, but then he provided His Grace Zakhertan with an effective solution as well."

"You mean that at each instance, the assassin or assassins will now be timely intercepted and, the danger to His Royal Highness will forever be successfully averted?  Is that doable?"

“Why not, on the proviso (condition) the proper measures are implemented in time," Zhadol nodded.

"And, as I've been told, His Highness was greatly impressed and has already decided to adopt Dwengzur's plans (policies) to that effect.  Oh, and I ought to correct you on this; there is only one assassin in the prophecy, not the multitude you'd expect."

“A solitary one,” Yennic was intrigued.  Masking it, he speculated, "I suppose it was decided that only one can get through, infiltrate the security, undetected. “

“Not a bad idea, however he has to be quite an extraordinary being, considering the odds stacked up against him."

"Yes, I quite agree.  He has to be an extraordinary assassin, to say the least, to be planning a single-handed attempt on the life of His Royal Highness and, what's more, give cause for serious concern to Dwengzur and His Excellency."

Zhadol's uncanny words startled Yennic and placed him instantly on his guard.  “

How much did Zhadol suspect?  Was he toying with him, testing him? “But, after a brief scrutiny of the Commander, Yennic concluded, “No, he suspects nothing.”  And with that, his alarm dissipated in one breath.

"Zakhertan Yozdek, of course, is interested in capturing him alive."

Imagining the hellish tortures that awaited the unnamed assassin, Yennic dropped his head then shuddered involuntarily as he commiserated, "Yes, how I pity the poor wretch that will be walking into that trap."

The remark was innocuous enough but the reckless response, the unmistakable sympathy in Yennic's voice, took Zhadol by surprise.  He turned sharply and examined the Lieutenant.  “Did I hear him right?”

Yennic winced and swallowed hard.  Disregarding the Commander's questioning gaze, he grunted, "By the gods, another assassination attempt!  Won't they ever learn?"

Then, looking straight at Zhadol, he pointedly, defiantly asked, "Do you suppose it will end with his, and the other conspirator's capture?  No, that would be too easy.  The last attempt was made only eight years ago, and it was only recently that the witch hunt ended, and the strong measures were rescinded.  Now it will start all over again and we'll be cast into turmoil once more.  I wonder how many more will be made to suffer, justly or unjustly, this time to appease His Royal Highness' wrath?"

“Oops!  He'd gone a bit too far!”

Before Yennic could retract his last words or try to cover them up, Zhadol barked, "Hold your tongue!  Your words could be misconstrued as treason.  Take care with what you say and to whom you say it."  His face twitched anxiously as he looked nervously about.

 Yennic's face mirrored Zhadol's fear.

Convinced there was no one about, Zhadol reprimanded Yennic severely, "You're fortunate that I know your heart, but your reckless diatribes (tirades rantings) will one day land you in serious trouble, beyond anyone's help.  More influential men have fallen for saying less."

Yennic appreciated Zhadol's concern and told him so then, used other honeyed words to placate him.  Even so, it was some time before Zhadol was calm enough to return the conversation to the subject of Dwengzur.

"That may be," Nevetsecnuac heard Yennic, back to his old self again, stubbornly counter, "but I still fail to see how a mere scholar could threaten His Excellency Egil Viggoaries.  How can he be the cause of his serious downfall, or as Dwengzur so bluntly predicted it, the cause of His Excellency's disgraceful, premature death?"

Nevetsecnuac pricked up his ears upon hearing the word, scholar. 

“Are they referring to me, or rather to Fradel Rurik Korvald?  Tomorrow morning, I would have discarded these clothes and donned scholar's garments and, in doing so, I would have blindly walked into their trap.”  Nevetsecnuac knew that he could have easily bested them all, but not without cost. 

Because he would be acting contrary to Fradel Rurik Korvald's character, disguise or no disguise, if there were an engagement, he would be forced to kill them all.  These men were merely following orders and his sense of justice and aversion to murder prevailed on Nevetsecnuac to be merciful.

05- NEVETSECNUAC

"Even if we ignore all his power and influence," Yennic's argument took Nevetsecnuac's attention away from his private thoughts, "His Excellency Egil Viggoaries is famed throughout the land for his martial skills, second only to His Royal Highness in invincibility in combat.  He could never be caught off guard or be bested by anyone, let alone by an insipid scholar.  Don't you think that this prediction is a bit too fantastic to be taken seriously?  A scholar indeed!  Why, a single breath could knock a scholar over!"  Yennic curtly and gratingly laughed.

"No matter what you say, I cannot accept (swallow) this.  Furthermore, it makes no sense to me at all that a man of Dwengzur's abilities should be so compliant.  If he really wanted to, I doubt anyone could stop him, threat, or no threat.  Why then should he stick around and, worse still, remain in the limelight, given the circumstances."

“Why indeed.” Nevetsecnuac concurred.

"Unless, of course, he harbors a more sinister purpose; meanwhile, feigning being helpless, to gain some lethal advantage." Yennic snorted.

"Your point is well taken, Yennic." Zhadol concurred, stroking his beard.

"I confess that I, too, have experienced similar qualms.  Still, Egil Viggoaries is no fool.  You know how shrewd he is."

"That aside," Yennic impatiently drummed his fingers on his knee, "if Dwengzur is as good as his claim, how did he err in the prediction of the scholar's exact time of arrival here at Cyprecox Pass?  Wasn't tonight supposed to be the time?  Though we've remained vigilant in our watch, there's been no sign of him so far, nor do I expect there will be.  If he fails to show by dawn tomorrow, we should take our leave of this god-forsaken pass and return to the Capital."

"That would be disobeying direct orders, and you well know the penalty for that."   Zhadol shook his head.  "I'm afraid that we'll just have to stick it out for another two days at least, if not more."

"I object to following orders blindly."  Yennic fidgeted in his seat then looked up,

“What if he never shows up?  What if we've missed him already because he's taken an alternate route?”

“Are you quite certain that pompous scholar would choose this desolate dirt road over the more pleasurable and scenic river route, more akin to a scholar's tastes?  His Excellency is only interested in results.  Won't he be furious?"

"Orders are orders.  We are to stay put here regardless of the consequences or rewards; any action or inaction may foster." Zhadol spoke sternly, frowning.

"However, to put your mind more at ease, I recommended before our departure that Lance Diostin be posted on the river route.  He was dispatched the day before we were.  You see that angle has been covered as well."

“Lance Diostin?" Yennic nodded appreciatively.  "How many were dispatched with him?"

"I recommended five.  Does that meet with your approval?" Zhadol responded mockingly with a wry smile.  "So now you can stop worrying?"

Curtailing a curt response, Yennic grimaced and dropped his eyes then, after a momentary pause, meekly ejected, "How can I?"  A definite vulnerability lay under his tone.

"I've been rather apprehensive about this assignment from the start."  He bit his lower lip.  When Zhadol remained quiet, Yennic continued, "I'm filled with trepidation over the precarious predicament we've been placed in.  We're doing his Excellency's bidding, but what if this were ever to come to light?"  He shook his head dismally.

"I mean, by upholding one order, aren't we committing a still worse offense?  Undermining Prime Minister; Egil Viggoaries’s aim is one thing, but..."

"But do you wish to live forever, Yennic?" Zhadol chuckled then, meeting the Lieutenant's grim stare and noting his serious unease, he stopped teasing.

Speaking soothingly, he encouraged Yennic, "You needn't be so concerned, Yennic.  Egil Viggoaries knows what he's doing.  His Royal Highness doesn't really care whether Fradel Rurik Korvald complies with the summons or not.  Really, it’s only a whim with him and now, with this new threat on the horizon, the matter of Fradel Rurik Korvald's memorial poem is the farthest thing from Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek's mind.  Only Lamont Gudaren is anticipating the poet's arrival and, expecting serious opposition from Egil Viggoaries, has gone to his predictable lengths to ensure the scholar's safe delivery."

"A futile attempt for, as always, His Excellency Egil Viggoaries is one step ahead of him."  Yennic nodded appreciatively.

“So that explains the presence of this contingent.” Nevetsecnuac grimaced.  “They are expecting to do battle with the Prime Minister's men.  They must be planted all along the way.”

“Fortunately, I diverted from the usual routes and so escaped both this disaster and the assistance.”  Nevetsecnuac now even suspected that the alleged bandits that had attacked Fradel when they had met were in fact Egil Viggoaries's men.

“I wonder how he's been faring.”  Sudden worry momentarily creased (clouded) Nevetsecnuac's features.

“Oh, but he's in the care of Fiery Comet; he'll be all right.” Nevetsecnuac, smiling, quickly brushed aside this concern.

 

(END OF SECTION 11)

                                                                                        ~

 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)                                                                               ~