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.

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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.

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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.  

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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.

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“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.

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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.”  

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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?”

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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?”

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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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.

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“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

THE RESCUE - SECTION 8

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC 

THE RESCUE - SECTION 8

PRINCESS LUELING AND SHAO

Shutizan had never spoken with such vehement, passionate conviction before, though Teuquob had long ago had perceived, seen through the at times stern, restrained, rather reserved, deceptive exterior of her nanny and believed her to be a soft, caring person with gentle disposition, one who actually loved her charge as if she was her very own.

“I am now totally committed to the truth.  I made up my mind last night to give you a reason and a means to escape this terrible predicament.  Please child, do not hate me for keeping silent for so long; no, no, do not interrupt either, let me speak, before I lose my nerve.”

Then, straying in her thoughts, she interjected, “Oh, your mother was such a beautiful woman both inside and outside, as you, yourself, are growing up to be.  In fact, you are the very image of her, hence the reason for your father’s, His Majesty’s contempt.”

“Men’s vanity!” she spat on the floor, “Heaven may spare us from...” but then, getting a grip on herself, she smiled sheepishly and continued in a more even tone.  “Your mother’s name was Lueling.  She was the Fifth Princess of the Kingdom of Jenor, a peaceful, beautiful state about one-third the size of Kontu.

  It had the misfortune; however, of resting along the borders of our kingdom and possessing access to strategically important shipping ports… and for that reason, as so many others had, perished!  Of course, the existence of Jenor, by royal diktat (edict, decree), was entirely omitted from your studies, the reasons for it now, you may well comprehend.”

Then, Shutizan spoke of a turbulent time in history when the great armies under Lord Hedenko had waged incessant wars on all the neighboring countries, gaining Murong Di the territories he’d craved.  She succinctly narrated the key events and how some later campaigns, including the one against Jenor, were more directly overseen by His Majesty, who wished at the time to escape the tedious tranquility of his court.

“But what do I know of war strategies or politics...?” She smiled sheepishly then shook her head as if in self-admonition. “How I continue! Well anyhow, after the successful campaign against Jenor, His Majesty Murong Di entered the capital city leading the victorious armies and perched himself on your maternal grandfather’s conquered throne.  Then, as I have been told, he had the entire Royal family and anyone else of consequence brought before his presence, and, in front of your mother, who was made to bear witness, had them humiliated, debased then one by one slowly dismembered, sliced, eviscerated or other such, cruelly annihilated.  He had the same thirst for barbarism you see, not much different from Hedenko, he was.

“Only your poor mother Princess Lueling, was made the sole exception and so her life was spared.  Why, you ask? Because your father, our present sovereign, also had an eye for beauty, and your mother was the fairest maiden he had ever seen or possessed.  As for the other palace belles who were also spared, well, they were taken away to be abased and ravaged by the subordinates or profitably sold to brothels or into slavery.  What use did he have for them, when he had laid claim to the most enviable prize? The ensuing week, the soldiers, on orders from His Majesty, went on a rampage of murder, destruction and wanton mayhem, reducing a once-beautiful city to cinders, before the army’s final withdrawal.”

“Now child, what I’m about to tell you may cause you still greater distress.” Shutizan warned as she determinedly gazed at Teuquob’, “But I must be candid with you on all accounts.  You must be made aware of your father’s inherent cruelty.

“Imagine, if you can, how your poor, dear mother must have felt being made to watch her entire beloved family after unspeakable torment, being ruthlessly butchered, one by one, in front of her.  Yes, and when she lost consciousness, she was revived and unmercifully forced to witness still more atrocities. It was a sort of game for him you see, toying with the victims’ minds, first trampling on their integrity and their honor, then in the end, with their soul in shatters and when all speck of humanity was stripped away, to have them brutally subjugated and cut down. For simple decapitation or butchery, without the tantalizing debased spirit, would not suffice. Imagine if you can the depth of agony she must have endured.  The state she must have been reduced to after all that!  Now, I ask you, what need was there of such vile acts?”  She shook her head indignantly, “What had been the point of it all... The unequivocal display of his might? To mount further satisfaction as he drove her to the brink of insanity, meanwhile, sapping all resistance of her will…?” Shutizan absorbed herself in considering this for a moment then, turning her gaze back on Teuquob, heaved a deep sigh.  Teuquob’s head was lowered, and she was quietly shedding tears.  Biting her lip to constrain her own emotions, Shutizan continued, “At the time of her capture, Princess Lueling had been betrothed to a most handsome and virtuous aristocrat scholar, what was his name?  I should remember, for it was on her lips daily...Shao...that’s right, he was called Shao.  This most handsome young man, as I understood it, was a sensitive, most gentle soul who possessed great literary genius but, unfortunately, lacked martial skills.  As the youngest son of the Prime Minister of Jenor, and a distant cousin to Princess Lueling, your mother and he had been playmates since childhood, and, as they grew into young adulthood this childhood attraction and their innocent, carefree exchange had naturally blossomed into different kind of love.

Subsequently, the said young adults were no longer permitted to freely see each and certain restrictions for the proper decorum now had to be adhered to; however, overriding these complexities, they’d still maintained written correspondence and with it the deepest affection for each other.  Once, taking a grave chance, they had even rendezvoused secretly by the garden’s lotus pond to profess their devotion and eternal love for each other.  Within the palace walls, however, few secrets could be kept. When the princess’s father, a kindly, perceptive King, considering info, announced (pronounced in Court) his desired wish for their ‘future union in matrimony’, the two could not have been happier.

 But, alas, just a month before the Royal wedding ceremony was to take place, their country was plunged into war with Kontu, and only a brief time later their capital was besieged by Hedenko’s invading army.

“Now at the time of your mother’s capture this fact about her prior engagement was also disclosed to His Majesty Murong Di; your father had Shao therefore captured alive and had him brought before his presence.  Then, as ordered, Hedenko had Shao’s chest cruelly ripped open while the unfortunate was still alive.  Plucking the beating heart right out of the body, Hedenko (then just a field-marshal) presented it to Our Sovereign, in full view of your mother.”  At this point Shutizan cringed noticeably and her body gave an involuntary shudder.  Teuquob was too horrified to utter a sound and remained mortified, though curious, to hear the rest.

After taking a deep breath, the old nurse pushed on, “Your father looked at the bloody organ with scorn, and then remarked, “Ha, it’s but an ordinary heart!  Cast it to the dogs!”  Those were his exact words, I swear, as your mother told me.  I’m telling you all this, distasteful as it is, only because your mother once asked me to.  The night of her unfortunate demise, in fact, she made me swear an oath to only reveal this truth to you when the need arose, and not until then.  She had hoped you would be spared Murong Di’s wrath, but I think, deep down, she knew otherwise.  Now being such a time, I am bound by my oath to your mother, overriding His Majesty’s, to reveal all.  Yes, I have long since detested His Majesty, my liege, for his despicable acts.  It took me weeks to wipe away those horrible images from my mind, but I had to mask my indignation for your sake.”

Warily she looked at the door, and then moaned, “Your poor mother!  Already spent both emotionally and physically, this added atrocity proved too much for her to bear and so once more she’d collapsed, quite unconscious to the floor.  This time, however, despite their attempts, they failed to revive her.  The Imperial Physician diagnosed her state as, “Barely alive and in state of near comatose shock,” and then urged our Sovereign to have her taken to a quieter place where she could be properly tended to.  Begrudgingly, he must have agreed to it, for Princess Lueling regained consciousness several days later in his bed.

“Forgive me if this may sound cruel, but it may, perhaps, have been better had she never recovered.  For that night and nights after that Murong Di had his way with her and repeatedly violated her near senseless, limp body.  She later pleaded again and again with him to allow her to die, but he would grant her no such wish.  On the contrary, he took every precautionary measure and had her under constant surveillance to prevent any suicide attempts.”

Teuquob could not bear to hear anymore.  Her hands cupped over her face, she collapsed on the bed and sobbed uncontrollably.  Alarmed, the nurse rushed to console her, urging her to be strong.  Drying the girl’s eyes, Shutizan urged Teuquob to help her finish what she had started.

“It’s as hard for me to tell you this, as it is for you to hear.” She reasoned, “So, child, you must be stronger.  Old as I am, I’m tired already.  Now, you don’t want me worrying about your health on top of everything else too, do you?”  Teuquob pulled herself together and nodded her head.  “That’s my girl.”  The old nurse affectionately hugged her.  Then she told of how Princess Lueling was kept more like a prisoner in a high tower, under scrutiny in order to prevent her from killing herself.

“Favoring Princess Lueling, the most, your father visited her frequently.”  Scorn entered her voice, “Because your mother was the only one who had rejected his advances, remaining the only one he could not conquer, he became like a man possessed. All his other wives lost favor and his mounting infatuation, rather lust, drove him to the brink of madness. He incessantly fixated day and night on seizing (attaining) Princess Lueling’s true affections.  Despite all his efforts, however, he could never win her love; never make her forget her murdered fiancée!

“Since everything is according to the will of Heaven, not of man, you were meant to be conceived.  Pregnancy brought a definite change in your mother, and gave His Majesty renewed hope.  Thinking that, at last, he had won her over he relaxed the watch on her and looked forward to a time when he could resume his pleasures with her.

“Men!” Shutizan spat on the floor in disgust, “whether king or pauper, they are all cast from the same mold.  I’m glad I was never tainted by their filth.  I’m glad I was spared such contemptible...”  Checking her tongue, Shutizan smiled wryly and coughed.  “How I stray.  You don’t suppose I’m going senile already, do you?” she questioned the air as she walked around the room.  Then, sitting herself down once more; she resumed her say (continued), however, in a sadder tone.

“Don’t take what I say to heart dearest; not all men are the same, some are noble and good.... My hope is that you will meet one such person in future and fall in love and have the happiness that had been so cruelly denied to your poor mother….  Now, where was I?... “She closed her eyes to pick up the train of thought she’d veered from.  “Because your mother was against taking an innocent life and felt an obligation to the fetus (child) in her womb, she had resolved herself to endure her torment (to carry-it to full-term at least) until after you were born.  As for that contemptible father of yours, he looked forward to the day of your birth as well, not because he wanted or valued a child but...” Shutizan shook her head and murmured: “He craved your mother more than his kingdom, more than all the power he held.”  Once more she paused to catch her breath.  All this emotion had worn her out.

“It was after you were born,”, she finally, looked up to say, “at the time when you were no more than two weeks old, when your beautiful mother, on one peaceful fall afternoon, so tragically ended her life by throwing herself from the window of the high tower.  Ayy...”  The terrible picture just being evoked in Shutizan’s mind made her unable to continue.

 She rose hastily and walked away to stare out the window.  Tears flowed down her cheeks in defiance of her best efforts to stifle them.  “How I carry on.  I’m but an old fool, an old weakling.”  She bit her upper lip and angrily stamped her foot to constrain her emotions.  Then, quickly wiping away all evidence of tears, she sat herself down as before by bedside and added indignantly,

 “The King, your father, was outraged.  Far from admiring your mother for her virtue, he scorned her as a contemptible woman, deeming her act as most despicable and, most of all, unfair to him.

 First, he claimed, she had enslaved his emotions, then cast them aside as thought they were worthless dirt.  How dare she uphold the memory of a dead man over him, forsaking and rejecting all his boundless devotion and love? 

His disappointment soon unhinged his tumultuous rage, and he acted with unheard of ferocity.  Many suffered at his hand! Blood flowed like rivers as thousands, mostly civilians, lost their lives most brutally!

“Cruel, such cruel acts many more months, ensued this mad savagery!” Shutizan shaking her head bit the corner of her lip.

“Meanwhile, on his decree your poor mother had been unceremoniously buried in an unmarked, pauper’s grave, no prayers, no sacrifices, nothing! She’d been hence forever denied the peace she’d deserved in the afterlife.  Ahh...”, again Shutizan sighed. 

“Such was her tragic end, and your mother’s cruel, most cruel fate.  To this day no ne, save for the Sovereign, knows where your mother is buried.”   

“Riled by this injustice, long ago I did make some discreet inquiries, but these yielded no result.  Your poor, dear mother!  Then, as if that was not enough, with the same stone heart he had you, a two-week-old baby, disowned, put under house arrest. The man you’ve known to date as your father was your paternal uncle-in-law. I suppose that’s right… For he’s the husband of our Sovereign’s younger sister…He took pity on you, and securing permission from the King, on condition that you’ll still be kept in similar form of confinement, formally adapted you. In this way he’d hoped to shield you from future ramifications, as well as provide you with a personal name and acceptable surname. In time however, even this became too much for the wrathful king to bear. I don’t believe it was a hunting accident that caused the early demise of your foster father…But again, my suspicions have never been proven …so I must keep my tongue.”

Then, after a thoughtful silence, the old nurse muttered, reflecting on how, with the advancing of the years the king had only become worse, on how he had only nursed his anger and hatred, and how, in punishing Teuquob in this manner, he was still seeking revenge (vengeance) on his long-dead wife, Princess Lueling.

Just then a sharp knock on the door startled them both.  The concerned Chief attendant (head chambermaid) was at once abruptly dismissed by an incensed Shutizan.  But then, on second thought, Shutizan called her back and ordered her, even though it was beneath her station, to fetch them the no:5 herb tea.  The old nurse’s throat was parched and Teuquob looked too pale.  When the tray was produced Shutizan sternly gave the order to her rival, “The young mistress needs her rest.  See to it that no one disturbs us.”

“Yes ma’am.” She begrudgingly assented; but as she was leaving, she snuck another look at Teuquob.  Observing the girl’s condition, she halted her step, contemplating suggesting that perhaps a physician be fetched to examine Teuquob.

“What are you waiting for?” Shutizan’s curt, angry voice however deterred the other; for an open confrontation with latter when she was in such a foul mood would not be advisable.

“Sorry, ma’am,” she meekly ejected and quickly left the room.  Shutizan was an old shrew that no one dared cross or disobey.

This special brand of herb tea was appropriate for times like this, for it soothed the nerves and rushed blood to their cheeks.  Placing the empty cup down the nurse now spoke with and even tone, “Dear child, I have told you all this, painful as it was, to make you understand.  Now you must set aside all propriety, I mean your filial piety towards this one who do not deserve it.  Since the King has long ago forsaken you and spared you not one ounce of parental affection or care, you do not owe him any homage, least of all obedience.  You owe it to your mother and yourself, however, to survive and not perish in this vile net of fate he has cast to ensnare you.

“Your mother’s life was tragically spent before its time, but this need not be your destiny.  You must disobey the King and get away to safety without fail.  Only then, once you are safe in another state, may you offer the prayers and proper sacrifices to her soul.  Only then may she find peace in the afterlife.  Her spirit must be released from its internment in this world and be able to find entry to the heavens above.  Her long-tormented soul must be spared from further anguish.  Only you, my child, the last surviving member of your mother’s family, can offer this solace to her.  Since the Gods are merciful, they will hear the prayers you offer, as long as it’s done through a proper religious order, regardless of creed or sect.

“Take counsel, Teuquob.  I have thought long and hard on this and have finally devised a plausible course of action whereby we may be able to free you from this entrapment.  Listen with care, therefore, to my instructions.  Tonight, we will pretend to have retired early, only...”

“You don’t look well, my dear, perhaps we should go back.”

“Go back?  No!  I can’t!”  Trembling, her throat constricting, Teuquob protested.  Then, realizing where she was, she smiled bashfully, steadied her heart and apologized.

“I quite understand.  There’s no need for explanations.” Stark with a compassionate response, withdrew his hand.  “Still, perhaps you would like to rest here a bit before our return.  We needn’t proceed to the next point.”

                                                                                       ~

 

(Stay tuned for the next exciting post, the conclusion of “The Rescue”, Section 9)