11- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - EVIL PERSONIFIED - SECTION 21

 

On the day specified for the resolution of the (penknife/assassination) case, the Dark Eunuch Egil Viggoaries armed with solid proof that guaranteed a sure win of his litigation, prostrated himself before Zakhertan Yozdek, in a closed Court preliminary hearing. In meticulous detail the ingeniously compiled evidence, against the identified culprits and conspirators, were then one by one painstakingly presented for His Highness' perusal and for his final judgment.

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Zakhertan Yozdek, of course, had already been well apprised of the developments, including the confirmation of certain tampering with the key evidence. Not letting on, he gave the presentation a thoughtful consideration and carefully examined all Egil Viggoaries’s documentation and testimonies. Zakhertan’ momentary ambivalence at the end of it, however, did not escape the eagle eye of his Senior Grand Secretary Qarzten Caimund, who had conducted his own independent inquiries. When His Highness expectedly dismissed all the courtiers including Egil Viggoaries, save for Qarzten Caimund for a private consultation, on cue (nod) the Senior Grand Secretary, armed with his arsenal of facts, advanced his steps boldly to reach the dais.

Qarzten then vociferously enunciated the accrued information with perfect lucidity, without mincing words and left nothing out, spared no one. He starkly (plainly) stated the part Royal Tutor Worren Youkup had played, the complicity of Lady Sejon, the breakdown of just what crimes could accurately be attributed to Royal Physician Enqui Rimeng and prince Herleif, as well, which facts were merely elaborate fabrications. Qarzten listed additionally, the names and means of all those who had perjured themselves and then related how Egil Viggoaries’s manipulative power had a hand in all of this.

Qarzten Caimund could not leave out the matter of the apprehension and eventual death under torture of pseudo-Stuart Chutek who was an affiliate of the Wolfbane Organization; Qarzten was of course, betting on the fact that the Sovereign had already been appraised of all these facts. He was quietly pleased, therefore, noting the lack of Sovereign’s reaction affirming his suspicions.

Qarzten could decipher (accurately read) every bit of the Sovereign’s nuances (hints), the slightest subtleties of his face and body; and so, when Sovereign’s slight shift had told him that Zakhertan was about to question him further about the real Chutak’s whereabouts, presumably another test, Qarzten had cleared his throat and readily volunteered the  succinct results of his thorough investigation, the kidnapping and the supposed presumed demise of the unfortunate Stuart whose only crime had been, which the Stuart was ignorant of, was to be instated as the sole beneficiary of Worren Youkup’ s amassed, comprehensive estate (fortune); Qarzten concluded it by stating the manner of Chutek’s eradication, when the Stuart had proved useless in the end, to the Wolfbane Organization. The matter (of this insignificant Stuart) therefore, as far as the Sovereign Zakhertan was concerned, was promptly dropped (satisfactorily shelved).

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Qarzten Caimund had finally mentioned the (Egil’s issued) untenable arrest warrant for the scholar Tonzeye Yevgun which he had temporarily stymied. At this point he paused, to receive Zakhertan Yozdek’s approval (judgment, appraisal) or further instructions.  

"That's all?" The Sovereign's question unsettled Qarzten Caimund as at the same time an ominous ripple (wave) coursed down his spine.    

"There is more, Your Highness," he coughed to briefly clear his throat, before he resumed with his, not yet fully validated facts, about the complicity of Lord Shouzi Yozdek and the extortion plot involving Nijel Ping. Meeting Zakhertan Yozdek’s hard eyes briefly, Qarzten’s face externally remained placid, an almost inscrutable mask; yet deep in his heart he was terrified, for he had just then realized, how awfully close he had come to, not only losing Zakhertan's confidence, but also risk forfeiting his own life, by withholding, yet to be solidly confirmed (authenticated), information.    

It had been made perfectly clear to Qarzten, by that single glint in Sovereign’s eyes that, Zakhertan Yozdek had already been notified of this and much, much more; and he (Qarzten), yet again, was evaluated. What did it matter that he had, all these years, an impeccable record and steadfast loyalty; every subject of Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek’s lived a precarious existence, with their lives only a hairsbreadth away from the executioner's blade. Fortunately, he had heeded his intuition and once more dodged catastrophe.   

As if surmising his vassal's thoughts, Zakhertan’s lips curled in a disdainful sneer. With a cynical smile on his lips, he leaned back and, with a small gesture of his hand indicated that Qarzten was to proceed.   

Since Qarzten Caimund now felt that the time was ripe, he fearlessly delved in all the way. Asking His Highness' indulgence, he presented the summation (backed by ample documentation to be perused later by the Sovereign) of Minister of Internal Security Egil Viggoaries’s and Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren's sordid, illicit activities. Based on this irrevocable proof, and the amassed evidence against both culprits, he next petitioned the throne for permission to proceed with their simultaneous indictments in the High Court. Finally,(he hoped,) justice could be served swiftly and effectively. Heads removed, the bodies and tentacles of both organizations could then be effectively crushed with the minimal cost and much less bloodshed. At present there was, at Sovereign's disposal, a military force capable of suppressing any uprising in the Capital or elsewhere, as only a small contingent had been dispatched to Korion. If prompt action were to be taken therefore, Wenjenkun's political system could be swiftly purged of these deleterious elements, before the impending confrontation with that troublesome Northern Nation Sazkeroan and its secret ally, Kontu. Qarzten Caimund had assumed that he had done his best to effectively communicate to Zakhertan the urgency of this matter. He had stressed that it was imperative they launched these offensives on both fronts simultaneously and now, or face an inevitable, more arduous course after the impending great wars.    

Zakhertan Yozdek, after having listened to all Qarzten's arguments with due patience and seeming consideration, in the end however, with an unwavering stone face, had once more shook his head, remaining staunchly averse to the urgent recommendations. “The time is not yet ripe.” Had been the only snap explanative given to Qarzten, for His Highnesses adamant refusal.  

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“What am I missing here?” Qarzten inwardly queried, mystified by this negative response (negation).  

   There had to be another, more enigmatic reason for His Highness’s not utilizing this (relatively calm) apt period, which was a prelude to change, the last bastion of lull before the cataclysmic change that loomed on the horizon. On the board game of life, the pieces had taken up their respective positions already. Qarzten Caimund, affixing his gaze on the floor, searched his brain for the allusive reason. It had taken Qarzten only a second or two however, when all at once he had understood Zakhertan’s true reasons. Then with humility he had bowed his head, acceding to his Sovereign’s wishes.   

There was a slight leer on Zakhertan’s lips; after which, Qarzten was directed to, currently say, or do nothing and to guard his records with vigilance until such time they would be required for testimony against the Prime Minister, Egil Viggoaries and Lord Shouzi in court.    

Qarzten was then promptly dismissed.   

   

                                                                            ~   

 

“Could those unconfirmed reports be true?” Qarzten Caimund pondered once more, on the way to his offices.     

“The acuteness of Sovereign’s mind is truly amazing and quite humbling.” Qarzten Caimund shook his head and hissed out a long, exasperated breath. “He’s adroit brain must have conceived…Hah, I don’t know how he does it but he’s always two steps ahead of me, infuriatingly so, in particular with foreign affairs.”       

Eventually, Qarzten’s thoughts had reverted to the most intriguing findings regarding Egil Viggoaries’s parentage, disclosed to him in yesterday evening’s covert report; he had opted to sit on that explosive info however, directing his men instead to dig up further proof till the facts were absolute. Qarzten once more had to remind himself not to get too distracted (sidetracked), conserving his strength instead, for the pending challenges, the tumult (ahead) in not-too-distant future. He had reached his offices with his head laden with such concerns and took no notice of the well armed guards saluting him smartly or, when one on the left promptly reached out and opened the door for him. Once inside the anteroom (subsidiary room), Qarzten Caimund had few words with his assistant, who rushed off at once on an errand.     

Qarzten placed five of the documents on his assistant’s desk then with the remainder secured under left arm, he thoughtfully walked over to the bookcase where which on the second top shelf there were two juxtaposed, unusual small stone statues of no value. The carving however was exceptional. One represented the Moon Deity, a beautiful, demure young woman seated on a rock with a closed book in hand; the other was the representation of the Sun Deity, a fierce warrior with an elaborate spear, standing in readiness to strike.     

Qarzten’s right hand reached out and applied a slight pressure to lower the Moon Deity’s book, ever so slightly, which made the whole bookcase instantly, noiselessly move aside, revealing behind it the secret iron door to an impenetrable vault. Qarzten Caimund opened it with one of the (cluster of) keys he had withdrawn from his hidden belt-pocket and went inside. He walked few paces into the vault and placed the secret documents he was carrying on the third shelf. Once more at the outside, he locked the vault then going over, raised (readjusted) the Moon Deity’s book, which instantaneously (automatically) turned everything back to norm. He then straightened out his attire (making sure there were no creases on it) and then opened the door which led to his primary office. 

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Soon as Qarzten had entered the room, his eyes caught the newly appointed Vice Censor in Chief the noted Lenny Sukzor, who had been impatiently waiting for his return from the royal audience, already on his feet, which he now courteously bowed to Qarzten in greeting. Smiling contritely, Qarzten Caimund solicitously advanced to brightly (happily) greet his new friend Lenny. After offering his profuse apologies for the (unavoidable) delay and relaying his solicitations, the two sat down to the serious business of overseeing series of highly confidential matters.

                                                                             ~    

Following day in closed session of the Imperial Court the charges of the attempted murder of  His Royal Highness Zakhertan Yozdek, as well, the willful murders of the Royal Tutor Worren Youkup , Prince Chucek and Prince Kureing, were formally announced against the now deceased Steward Chutek, the still living though barely alive Royal Physician Enqui Rimeng and, the Crown Prince Herleif Yozdek.      

Their subsequent, three consecutive (sequential) trials again in closed court, very much to the immense satisfaction of Egil Viggoaries had resulted in an expedient, harsh verdicts.     

Enqui Rimeng, upon hearing his sentence had cried out in despair wishing that he had somehow ended his own life (by ingesting poison) or expired during torture, rather than suffer the impending, most ignominious end. Worse still, his actions had doomed entire Rimeng clan to extinction. He was quickly hauled away, sobbing uncontrollably, to suffer his endless days of torment in Hell.  

  

Prince Herleif had not fared any better; for Zakhertan Yozdek had perfunctorily dismissed Prince Herleif's right to appeal, since it was patently pointless and, coldly pronounced Herleif’s sentence: “Proclaimed guilty of all charges levied against him, Prince Herleif from thereon would be stripped of all Royal privileges and rights and demoted to the status of a common criminal (a slave). He wound, furthermore, indefinitely or until further notice, be imprisoned in the worst quarter of the subterranean (palace) dungeons.”

This meant that Herleif would never be allowed to see the daylight ever again, though for the present he was to be kept alive to await a future apt punishment of, Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek’s choosing.     

Lastly, Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek bereft of any other candidate, promptly passed the Royal decree- the formal appointment of Prince Magnian Yozdek, as the now rightful (Crown Prince) heir apparent.   

  

                                                                            ~

 

(END OF SECTION 21) 

  

THE STATE OF THINGS - SECTION 29

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE STATE OF THINGS - SECTION 29

 

When Canute Yonn was again interrogated, he insisted on the validity (legitimacy) of his previous statement and, without variance, repeated that he had left the horse and a certain portion of the booty with Yenis exactly where he had said he did.  "I'm not that immoral (reprehensible) to forsake a lone woman stranded and vulnerable in an abandoned temple, your Honor."

His assertion made Micen scoff, "You murderous bandit!  After all your abominable acts, you dare to assume such noble, moral airs, with me. I warn you, my patience with you is at an end.  Now, confess!  What have you really done with the booty, other than the trifling amount that was found on you? I said confess, or I'll make you wish you were never born!"

Seeing it was pointless to protest further, Canute imparted what they wanted to hear and, mixing it in with the truth, disclosed how he had given the greater portion of the valuables to Miake Temple in exchange for prayers for his mother's soul.

 "The idea, I profess, had occurred to me in the courtyard of Kuno Temple, when I viewed the tragically exposed bones of the monks, and was reminded of man's brief and futile existence on this earth."

"Such impudence…Tragic bones, indeed!  Go on, but I warn you, just stick to the facts."  Micen motioned for Canute to continue.

Canute lifted his head and, gazing fixedly at the insignia of the Prefect's Office hung before Micen Do, distractedly resumed, "Yes, because the horse proved useless, I had to exchange it and some of the valuables for another one and meant to use the rest to reach safe passage to a mountain refuge."  Canute lapsed into silence again.

 He had hoped to fulfill at least a part of his promise to his mother by escaping to safety and settling down somewhere where no one knew him, where he could grow old and lead an unremarkable life.  A sure fantasy, he had to admit inwardly, yes, a dream that was never meant to be.  A fleeting, wry smile brushed Canute's pallid lips as he closed his eyes and let his body go limp.

"What's the matter with him?  Is he delirious again?  Bring him out of it!"

The bailiff supporting Canute's left arm impatiently tried to nudge Canute out of his trance.  "He's still breathing, Your Honor, but he refuses to respond.  It’s no use, sir, I’m afraid he's out cold now."

"Never mind, let him be." Micen, with a wave of his hand stayed any further attempts to revive Canute.

 "We need not spend any more of this court's time on his testimony.  We've got most of it now, anyway."  Then, with his stern, official visage, Micen ordered that Canute be pilloried until he could reach a supposedly a just decision on the method of execution.

Striking down the gavel, Micen then dismissed (concluded the session) the court.

 As the prisoner was being dragged away, the Prefect, with his secretary, carrying the bulky documents and recorded confessions, retired (withdrew) to his private quarters in back.

Refusing to see anyone, especially Mouro, Micen sunk into his padded chair and began reviewing Canute's confession from start to finish, making notes as he went along.

He then began to dictate to his secretary, changing some parts and eliminating others entirely.

 "When it’s prepared, you will report to me for a final review then you may take the documents to Mouro and have him secure the prisoner's thumb print on the bottom for validation."  Micen having dispensed his final instructions to his secretary turned his back to him and leisurely strolled over to the widow, with his hands thoughtfully clasped behind his back.

 As he peered outside, he grinned in satisfaction.  By the time I hold court tomorrow morning he should have expired, and since there has been no other to contest the case on his behalf, I can foresee no problems.  Hmm, the Luko family should be very grateful to me for my discrete handling of this case, since I've spared them from scandal.  He rubbed his hands expectantly as he returned to his desk.

 Now they should, of course, be held liable for the costs of the necessary bribes to the essential staff members that were present in court at the time of the prisoner's confession; that is if their silence is to be secured indefinitely.  Having reached his desk, he plumped himself into the plush chair and began idly fingering the high pile of documents.

 He was inwardly deliberating how best to approach the Luko family to secure even greater gain, when his thoughts were abruptly disrupted by a knock.

His permission sounded, the underling entered, walked right up to Micen and presented him with the calling card from Esquire Latham Luko.

"Begging your pardon, Your Honor, but, though I informed the honorable gentleman of your wish not to be disturbed, he refuses to go away and insists on waiting until Your Honor is disposed to see him. Shall I have him forcefully ejected? "

“Speak of the devil!” Micen mumbled, then lowering his head, mused. But how on earth did he know, rather, anticipate my intent on paying him a visit this very night?  No matter, he just saved me from the trouble.

 Micen feigning slight annoyance lifted his stern gaze from the document (he pretended to read) and instructed, "No, since he's here, have him come in."

03- LATHAM  LUKO , aged thirty-two

Latham’s stern face, sporting a slight polite smile on his lips, was ushered in at once and, after polite greetings, was shown to a chair.  The congenial felicitations and mutual flattery quickly dispensed with over tea, Latham donning (wearing) a serious demeanor got right to the point and urged Micen to pass swift judgment on Fradel Rurik Korvald when court next resumed, as any undue delay (dragging this matter out) would perpetuate his family’s unwarranted anguish.

 If Micen had not known better, he would have been totally beguiled, by Latham’s feigning ignorance, of the latest (string of) developments in this case.

 It came as no surprise to Latham, however, when the Prefect announced happily that it was not Fradel, but the son of a former servant, Canute Yonn, who was the real culprit. The former gang member had been incarcerated, his confession already obtained (under duress) and, left in the darkest, heavily guarded dungeon to await final verdict.

"Tomorrow morning his case will be first on the agenda when he will be duly sentenced according to law.  As events are already proceeding at a satisfactory pace, there is no reason for you or your family to be at all concerned."

"You are indeed quite proficient Official, to resolve this case expediently, sir.  You really are to be congratulated." Latham circumspectly flattered the Prefect.

 Highly pleased, Micen, after his supposed momentary pondering, gave Latham what he was after, a brief account of the pertinent details of Canute's capture and the key points of the trial.

 Latham Luko masked his unease well as he patiently listened then, nonchalantly (casually) inquired whether Canute's confession had divulged a motive for his heinous crime against the elder Luko.

 “Why had Senson been the sole target; he had never so much as (laid eyes on) met this Canute Yonn? Also, why did this despicable culprit not hurt (victimized) any other members of the Luko family, while he had the chance?” 

Latham was particularly anxious to learn why he, himself, had been spared, but masked it well, behind the seemingly dispassionate general inquiry.  He even, at this point, admitted to his own insignificant, chance encounter with the convict and promptly confessed his cold and haughty treatment, his refusal of Canute's pitiful attempts to gain his acquaintance, with the purpose of securing his patronage.

"I had sensed, even then, that he was not one of our kind, that he was only playing at being a gentleman.  There were too many unknowns in his background and that made me wary.  Now I realize that I had been right about him all along."

He pensively looked away for a moment, “It’s unfortunate that I could not convince my elder brother of my views.”

Returning his undivided attention to Micen, he then asked anxiously, "Tell me, sir; was his motive a misdirected enmity?  Was it an unfortunate act of murder in the course of a robbery, or was it premeditated?"

Most curious indeed, Micen mused.  No questions at all about Yenis's part (involvement) in all of this.  Continuing the charade, he smiled wryly, "Calm yourself, sir.  It won't do (help), for you to get into such a state and injure your health.  As it is, you are now burdened with the elaborate funeral arrangements, on top of bearing (assuming) your elder brother's family responsibilities.  You know very well that I should not be discussing the case with you at all, but since we are such good friends, I feel I can make an exception.  I must caution you, however, that what I'm about to tell you must never leave this room, for reasons which will soon become obvious."

"I am grateful for your discretion, Micen, and your kindness shall not be forgotten." Latham politely bowed his head then sat upright in rapt attention.

"In view of the delicate nature of your sister-in-law's involvement in this case I took the precaution of having the court cleared of all viewers and non-essential staff before a full confession was extracted from Canute Yonn.  I had expected to discover that, after their adulterous affair was exposed, Canute Yonn's hand was forced and he resorted to violence, already palpable (evident) in his nature, to extricate himself from the sticky situation and avoid the impending retribution from Senson.  But, of course, this was not to be the case." Micen rose to his feet and waddled over to the window to look outside.  He could not resist toying with Latham, whose fidgeting in his seat, Micen could well sense, even with his back to Latham.

 Good let him fester a bit and sweat it out. Micen grinned coldly.  Assuming a grim, serious look, Micen returned to his seat to offer Latham more tea.

Not daring to offend the Prefect, Latham assented and sipped his tea in pained silence until Micen put down the empty cup and picked up where he had left off.  "As I was saying, I could not have been more wrong in my assumption, for it turned out to be just another typical case of robbery and murder.  Seeing how your family was so affluent, the ruffian had conspired from the start to rob you by exploiting the weakness, if you will forgive my saying so, of your sister-in-law.  Women are so unreliable, so impressionable, don't you agree?  If you ask me, Senson was too good for the likes of her and certainly did not deserve such treachery.”

“It’s most unfortunate that, during the robbery, Senson awoke and met his untimely end, after confronting the bandit."

Micen's discretion did not go unappreciated.  Latham understood perfectly that he had just heard the altered(distorted) version of events that would be presented in court the following day.

"Unfortunately, however," Micen resumed, "we are beset with difficulties and plagued with obstacles.  The recovery of the valuables, I fear, may be somewhat delayed."

"Please, sir, their recovery is of little consequence to either my family or me.  We are quite pleased now that my brother's murderer has been incarcerated and will be duly punished."

"Of course… of course…  Still, some of the items I'm told are quite irreplaceable, for example one antique jewel box, inlaid with gems and mother of pearl.  Therefore, I will begrudge no expense and leave no stone unturned to effect (achieve) its swift recovery.  Besides which, locating that box may shed some light on some rather haunting puzzles, but I'll refrain from boring you with those now."  Micen, pushing all the right buttons, was deriving a perverse pleasure and some amusement at Latham's expense.

 After letting the other squirm for a brief spell, Micen pretended to change his mind,

 “I’ll let you in on this much, though, as you may know, the box in question was kept on the night table beside Senson's bed.  Am I right?"  Micen paused to receive Latham's nod before continuing.

 "Now, as per affidavit (confession), on the night of Senson's murder, strangely enough, its entire contents were dumped onto the floor.  Senson's steward and chambermaid, both supposedly drugged on the night in question, verified and accounted for all the contents.  Now, why do you suppose the murderer would bother to do that?  To discard them in that way, I mean, especially as these items were of considerable value as well.  Why not just take along the box as is?"

Latham's unexpected reaction, which he failed to completely mask, gave Micen an additional, curious insight.

There had not been enough time for Latham to have been briefed on every detail of Canute's confession, which meant that Latham must have been an eyewitness to the gruesome dismemberment in the aftermath of the murder.  Why had he not then intervened?

Micen scrutinized Latham further.  Was he simply a yellow-bellied coward, who sought to save his own skin, or an unconscionable, cold-hearted opportunist? 

This was not the appropriate time to delve into this investigation, however so, donning (putting on) a solemn smile, Micen changed the subject, "I trust that Senson's funeral arrangements are proceeding swiftly?  If there is anything I can do to assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to ask me.”

“I will come and pay my last respects to him as soon as I've concluded this case tomorrow.  By that time your esteemed brother should be most properly avenged.  On that, sir, you may have my personal assurance."  Micen fell silent and anxiously fingered the pile of documents on his desk.

Latham, taking the hint, stood up and bowed.  "I've already taken far too much of your valuable time, Your Honor." He then thanked Micen most humbly and sincerely.   "I'm afraid our family has put you to too much trouble, sir.  Still, you will not find us ungrateful.  In the days to come we must think of ways of repaying your kindness in full."

His promise delighted Micen.

"You are embarrassing me, sir." The Prefect ejected gleefully as he walked Latham to the door.

 "I am a mere official who is only following procedures and doing his duty.  Why make such a big deal of it?"

 Inwardly, as Micen congratulated himself, he pondered on the identity of the informant in his midst that obviously had such free and easy access to the Lukos. But upon Latham's departure, his discreet investigation and the uncovered facts had completely exonerated his chief suspect, his assistant Mouro.

In truth, Mouro, having anticipated this, had already taken great pains to secure himself a tight alibi while directing all suspicion to likely culprits such as the head bailiff Hecun and the court physician Sullen.

Latham Luko, true to his word, lost no time in sending his agents to dispense generous bribes to all those who had been present in court for Canute's confession. 

                                                                                 ~

During the small hours when everyone was fast asleep, the guards stationed outside of Canute’s cell, having suddenly overcome with unusual fatigue, they had all fallen into deep stupor. In that short span, unbeknownst to all, a strange (bizarre) occurrence took place; the prison cell which had housed Canute, suddenly was infused with vapors and blinding light.  When it passed (cleared up), Canute’s strung up body (still locked in the pillories) had entirely disappeared without a trace.

Next morning at dawn, when Canute's missing body was discovered, Micen, wishing to avoid controversy and likely trouble from superstitious groups, gave the order of secrecy on pain of death; and so, the matter was expediently covered-up (whitewashed, smoke screened). A short time later, Micen in court, briefly announced that prisoner Canute Yonn succumbing to his excessive injuries, had expired during the night  and his corpse had already been promptly disposed (Another condemned, disfigured prisoner’s corpse in place of Canute Yonn's, had been chopped up  and then fed to the wild dogs); subsequently, a different version of Canute’s confession was read out loud, and no one in court cried foul. Earlier still, a pseudo (fake) Canute’s head, badly disfigured and unidentifiable, had been secretly transported to the Luko mansion for apt disposition: According to prescribed ancient customs, the perpetrator’s (culprit Canute’s) skull, once stripped of flesh and scorched by fire, would then be placed beneath Senson's corpse’s feet at his burial ceremony, condemning Canute's spirit to eternal servitude to the deceased Luko clansman.

As it were, even though Senson's murder case had generated much public interest, only a fraction of the previous crowd of spectators had filed into the courtroom on the day of sentencing.  Many of the curious onlookers were, understandably, scared off by their memory of the grizzly-red-haired Devil.

05- GRIZZLY RED-HAIRED IMMORTAL

 When the prisoners, Yenis Luko and Fradel Rurik Korvald were next brought in court, the sorry state of the woman created quite a stir and a shock among few that were in attendance.  Disappointedly, Fradel Rurik Korvald, however, looked none the worse for his ordeal.

The presiding prefect Micen Do in his splendid attire, feigned confidence (boldness), despite the fact he had tripled his posting of guards, as he proceeded through the preliminaries and moved to the judgment and sentencing.

Yenis Luko was sentenced to be decapitated (guillotined), the execution to be carried out at noon on the same day on the public execution grounds in the center of the city.  Upon hearing this she shrieked and passed out cold.  She too, was then dragged out by two bailiffs and put into the cell for the condemned to await (wait for) the appointed hour of her doom.

At this point a second squad of bailiffs entered the courtroom and took up positions with the first.  The prisoner Fradel Rurik Korvald was brought in before the bench for sentencing.  Micen spoke slowly, aware of the crowd in the room holding its breath and straining to hear every word.

"Prisoner Fradel Rurik Korvald, by the judgment of this Court, you are found to be not guilty of the charges of murder, mutilation and robbery of the Honorable Esquire Senson Luko.  You are therefore absolved of all charges and no punishment will be laid against you."

The crowd groaned and gritted their teeth in contempt, they had been hoping for additional execution that afternoon.

"The court will now consider the charge of trespassing on the restricted grounds of Kuno Temple in violation of Imperial Edict."

Suddenly all ears perked up and a dead silence prevailed.

"Despite your ingenious defense, and your plea for leniency, the law is most explicit in its stipulation that no exceptions, regardless of circumstance, be made.  In accordance with that law, I judge you, the defendant, guilty as charged and sentence you to death, also to be carried out by beheading."

The crowd breathed a sigh of relief, anticipating their entertainment, only to be disappointed once more.

"Due to the consideration of you special circumstance, I hereby set the place of execution as the Capital city, Channing, and the date of execution to be a day after the completion of the services due his Imperial Highness, Zakhertan  Yozdek.  The exact time and date are to be determined by the Board of Punishment in that city.  You, of course, are free to appeal your case to the Board before that time, and also to seek an Imperial Pardon from His Highness.  Commencing at daybreak tomorrow, you will be transported with armed escort to Channing in an enclosed and locked prisoner's cage.”

“You will be let out of the cage for a brief physical examination upon your successful transfer to the authority of Magistrate Rue of Cheabirger Prefecture in Tenzo Province and not before then."

06- FRADEL RURIK KORVALD (NEVETSECNUAC)

 As he was being led away by four bailiffs, Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac) reflected gravely on how he could make good his escape from this impasse.

The impressed spectators remained in awe of Micen's courage.  After nervously glancing about, they converged outside in groups to mechanically nod their heads and exchange similar views in whispers.

"See, His Honor cannot be intimidated!"

"Micen Do is really a firm judge."

"He's to be commended for his courage."

"He upholds the law to the letter, without exception."

"To be transported all that way in that fashion is as good as being condemned to death, the prisoner will never survive the ordeal."

"As sure as my nose is on my face, Fradel Rurik Korvald will never reach the Capital alive to appeal his case."

"I tell you; I wouldn't be so bold or as brave as His Honor.  Not with that threat hanging over my head."

"Nor would I!"

"Nor I!"

One after another, they all concurred then left to get some lunch before making their way to the public execution grounds.

Though the proceedings had created an excessive backlog of cases, which would normally force the Prefect to convene court twice daily, Micen Do deferred all the pending hearings to a later day and, with a stack of documents tucked under his arm and a heavy guard at his side, left the building shortly before noon.

Now of course few had harbored the curious enigma (conundrum) in mind and had queried inwardly of what had really happened to Canute Yonn. This dilemma, however, would never be resolved for years to come.

 But Canute Yonn had in fact was rescued by a non-other than, invincible warrior called Zonar.

07- ZONAR KUNTZU

At prior time, whilst the apprehended Canute Yonn burdened with cangue and chains, awaited in the hallway for his turn in court, to be taken before Micen Do, Zonar, detecting Canute’s unusual aura and so, fleetingly manifesting there, had only askance (sideways), given Canute a cursory look. But in that instance, Zonar’s keen senses (radar, insight, mental probe) having promptly penetrated Canute’s mind and the depths of his soul, he’d promptly learned all he needed to know about this steadfast young man. Canute’s entire life history (his tragic, past ordeals) then an open book, and furthermore, what his portended future was, this intrigued same time had infuriated, Zonar. After that, Zonar could not idly stand by and let this remarkable young man be subjected to extreme torture till he perished at the hands of such despicable villains.  So yes, Zonar had paid Canute a visit, on that last night of his incarceration, before the day of execution.  And true enough, if he had not, Canute would have expired from his severe wounds that very night.

In that blinding flash of light and vapors, manifesting for a spell, he had freed Canute Yonn from his chains and then instantly transported (whisked, zipped) him to a, far away place, a densely forested hilltop, in a remote northern region of Wenjenkun, bordering Korion. There, Zonar invoked one of his invocations (spells) and instantly restored Canute Yonn, to his former physical and mental health.  Canute coming to, was shocked to see Zonar before him, however, quickly overcoming his shock and fear, grasping what must have happened, he'd fallen on his knees and humbly thanked his benefactor for saving him. Zonar, after simply nodding, snapped his fingers and the two were instantly transported to a deep cavern in the mountainous region of Korion.  Having recognized the great potential of Canute Yonn, Zonar, scribbled an undecipherable (obscure, cryptic), message on a just then produced peace of parchment, sealed it up in a bamboo tube.  Zonar entrusted this to the care of Canute Yonn, along with his brief verbal instructions. Canute, hence, learned of which path to follow to safely descend the mountain and to reach a remote mountain village, ruled by discerning and honorable clan. This ancient indigenous tribe populated by warrior type hunters and gatherers (herbalists) would welcome him and if he cared to stay there a while, a season or two, he would then learn how to fight, ride and hunt, as well, acquire rare, valuable, lifesaving aptitudes (abilities, pointers) that would serve him well in future years. Canute was then directed (instructed) to, where he should go from thereon, whom to contact to receive arms, employment and place to permanently set up roots. Remembering another detail just then, Zonar reached into his inner pocket and gave Canute Yonn a leather pouch, containing a generous amount of funds, (Korion’s monetary means, monies), for the anticipated, future incurred expenses. Zonar then impatiently, dismissing Canute’s sincere heartfelt gratitude and words of thanks, (for he had to be urgently present elsewhere), he simply nodded and said, “There is no need. As you are destined for greatness, we will meet again one day.” And then, puff, instantly he (Zonar) vanished (disappeared) into thin air, leaving Canute Yonn all alone in that enormous cave.

                                                                           ~

(END OF SECTION 29)