THE ORDEAL – (SECTION 2)
It so happened that, when a heavy downpour of a subsequent
time constrained her to take shelter earlier than usual in an abandoned
cave-and yes, strangely enough no sooner the need arose, one without fail
always mysteriously availed itself- fortuitously or not, she’d spotted a
cluster of wild mushrooms at the interior of the cave just past the entrance,
and mistaking them for an edible variety, she’d used some of it as a garnishing
to liven up her otherwise dull fare.
Consequently, shortly after ingesting it she’d lost all consciousness, remaining so, in that most vulnerable state for an unsettlingly undetermined time. Afterwards she’d shuddered at the thought of it, for imperiled (rendered vulnerable) such, she could have fallen prey to perhaps a malignant force or forces. As it were, the moment her eyelids were shut, an enormous size snake- a python of sorts appearing on the scene- had quietly coiled her in a protective circle and remained so for the entire duration of her sleep.
Meanwhile the steed had already been well teetered some ways off inside the mouth of the cavern; though greatly alarmed, he could not run away. When she’d finally regained her consciousness, sensing a presence of sorts, she’d turned on her side somewhat groggily, with her eyes slid ajar to behold just then the gargantuan, long tapering cylindrical form silently slithering away to instantaneously (summarily) vanish into thin air.
In her petrified (terrified) state, her already rigid limbs growing colder still, as if anesthetized, became fastened to the very ground. Eventually with the warm blood once more coursing through her veins she’d regained the full use of her faculties. Needing a breath of fresh air then, she’d steadied her nerves and willed her feet to the outside; but one catastrophe besetting another; she’d this time come face to face with the most ferocious mountain lion guarding the entrance.
Two fiery gleams from crimson pupils had (shot) projected forth to pierce her very soul; then, in a blinking of an eye it too had evaporated, leaving her to doubt the validity of this intense and frightful experience. Ghostly white, her hand resting on a pounding, palpitating heart, she’d after a spell, dismally thence had shaken her head and took in a calming breath. Get a grip on your sense’s girl! It’s nothing more than a bogus, surreal imagery. Biting the corner of her upper lip, she then loudly reasserted: “There’s nothing before me. It’s only a cruel hoax of my imagination, an elaborate hallucination, or perhaps, the remnant of the nightmare!” For what other explanation could there be, still, it’d felt so real!
Oh, but this is so disconcerting- in my solitude my mind
has begun playing such tricks on me! Her forehead creasing, with a frown she
again inwardly aggrieved. I’m increasingly becoming delusional; and how long
will it be, before the impending insanity? This wildlife abstinence besieged by
this abject, unearthly silence, living each day on the precipice, how much more
can I, must I endure? Shall I ever reach my objective, or shall I be worsted
(defeated) way before any true chance is gained? Thus far I’d stood firm in my
belief of Heaven’s guidance and protection; but what if I’m, I’ve been wrong
all along? Could I in fact, perhaps, cast under the spell of evil mountain
spirits, am being led astray, driven into the very core of the destructive
fires of the Underworld; or equally worse, be trapped permanently in the
sinister web of abysmal loss?
~
Thankfully, subsequent days nothing untoward had happened,
nothing at all worth mentioning. Through sheer willpower she’d regained her
full sensibilities and once more focused her attention on achieving the task at
hand (major objective).
The hardest ordeal to overcome however, had been the
ever-present weird quiet and the unsettlingly persistent monotony that had by
then expanded till it’d stilled the very wind and engulfed the all-encompassing
air. Meanwhile, the ache of loneliness growing incessantly strong, had by
degrees gripped her heart, her very soul in such an all-consuming vise that it
had dangerously at times distorted full facts, consumed life’s least joy,
diminishing any or scant hope. Her sanity teetering on the brink, of late she’d
entertained a vehement hanker, that her constant, albeit phantom companion be
somewhat manifest, regardless of whatever the form!
On this singular morning with the invariable concern still
pestering her mind, before setting out on the next leg of the journey she’d
voiced her pent-up desire, then laughed out loud at her own folly, her
silliness for doing so.
After an incessant, grueling ride where they’d ascended the
precariously hung narrow strip of the goat’s path that semi-circled a steep
cliff and then negotiated a difficult, rocky terrain- by late afternoon of the
subsequent day, she and the horse had finally got some reprieve when they’d
reached a relatively sheltered, level, grassy patch.
Her face now gently caressed by the subdued winds, in her exhaustive state she was soon lulled into a consistent stupor (trance) by that ever-present monotonous, unnatural quiet; ergo she rode on with a hung head, her mind lost in a miasma of obscure imagery- leaving the more alert steed to at will pick the course. When the mount suddenly halted and neighing threaded his hoof nervously on the ground, Teuquob snapped out of her hypnotic reverie, sullenly raised her head and looked bleakly on ahead not expecting much of any variance.
What’s this, another phantom?
Remarkably however, what she’d perceived did not, as in the
past, spontaneously dissipate or instantly vanish into thin air. This time
around the illusory mental image persisted (lasted) and remained altogether
solid.
Oh, but how can this be? Disbelieving her eyes she
rubbed them, and then with a focused vision anew looked on. But no mistaking
it… There, up ahead her eyes still beheld a rather pleasant looking, long
haired, clean shaven young man who was not much older than she and what’s more,
was clad in strangely familiar attire. His bearing was immaculately clean and
well composed. Armed with a staff, he supported a bundle over one shoulder.
Unabashedly (brazenly) meeting her inquisitive eyes, he
simply nodded as if in answer, yes, you are not envisioning me. I assure
you, I’m flesh and bones!
Then sporting a most charming smile he quickly advanced with bold strides towards her. His friendly demeanor had at once disarmed her, but not her nervous steed, which now fidgeted terribly and strove to run away. As she dismounting, tried to calm the beast, the young man meanwhile at closer proximity now, graciously, with an elaborate gesture of the hand and bow of the waist extended his verbal polite greetings to her.
So elated had she been at the fortuity (prospect) of meeting
a sole companion, that the strange occurrence did not strike her as being odd
till much later: That in this inhospitable, God-forsaken stretch she would
chance on a being, a relatively disarmed one, on foot, so well preserved- with
hardly a scratch on him, totally composed, spotlessly clad and propitiously,
speaking to her in her own native dialect. Instead, quite ecstatic, she’d at
once turned to squarely face him and to extend her likewise polite greetings.
Just then, however, the reins that she’d held onto rather laxly got violently
yanked from her hand. The spooked beast let out a frightful neigh and arching
its back trampled the air up high with his fore hoofs (hoofed feet) before
summarily bolting in lightning speed.
But her attempt at rushing after the steed had at once been vigorously curtailed by the amicable stranger who’d politely then proceeded to give his mitigated reasons, at the same time advising her on the futility of such a course.
“Let him be.” He insisted. “The path from here on being
steeper, you’ll have no further use for the beast of burden. You’ll be doing
him a favor. He stands a better chance of surviving on his own. Who knows, he
may even find his way back home; however far that may be!” He cheekily sized
her up then grimaced. “But come, come, you needn’t worry- you are in good hands
now! Oh, and don’t worry about your stuff (belongings) either,” He rushed to
reassure her. “I have here in these bags,” he pointed to the two bundles (that at
times hung from the pole) which he carried leaning over one shoulder,
“everything you’ll ever need and more. It’ll be my pleasure to share.” His
apparent generosity of the heart coupled with his tranquil, melodious tone had
an almost bewitching effect on her, at once erasing any suspicion or misgivings
from her mind. Besides, she’d wanted and chose to believe in the stranger’s
virtue and moral rectitude, overriding the otherwise instinctual warnings,
deeming him to be probably untrustworthy and even dangerous- likened to a wolf
in sheep’s clothing.
What’s more, in a short span even the residue reservations
had melted away as true to his word, he’d proven quite competent in
expeditiously tending to all her needs. The shared, the consumed dried rations
amazingly enough, had promptly restored her to her prior good health and vigor;
meanwhile, the special brew he’d insisted on her partaking a sip or two, had
instantly with remarkable potency, cleared the cobwebs from her mind, erasing
least doubt and fear. Moreover, as a lasting boon, her cognizance and thoughts
from then on had become lucid, more translucent and focused. At least that’s
what she’d deemed, rather, believed it to be true!
The strange ointment which he’d concocted from the
combination of few indigenous plants and powdered ingredients that he had on
him, had in due course brought about the most miraculous effect on all her cuts
and bruises.
The spare garment,
cape and footwear which he’d so generously produced from his bundle -one of the
supposed offerings destined for an “Earth Goddess” of a specific shrine he’d
hoped to visit- now being bestowed on Teuquob, meanwhile, fit her perfectly and
so comfortably that it was beyond belief. The exquisitely embroidered damask,
unusually durable, light and breathable, kept her body’s temperature moderately
cool during physical exertion in the daylight hours and perfectly warm and snug
during inactivity and sleep despite the frigid temperatures of nighttime. Meanwhile, every step she took from thereon
was like walking on air or on clouds.
Necessities well disposed, as means of cementing the
relationship and hoping same time to goad (prod) her into doing the same- he’d
somewhat reluctantly and bashfully relayed his tragic personal history:
Claiming to be of a young lad from an old established aristocratic family from
Kontu that unfortunately due to unavoidable circumstances, while he was in his
early teens, his family had fallen on hard times. Bent on upholding of what was
just and honorable his illustrious father had sought retribution; unfortunately,
with dire consequences. Ensuing years of retaliation and much bloodshed, he,
the last of his line, finally seeing the light through the rigors of covert
spiritual discipline, had long at last broken free from the ongoing vendetta
and embarked on this religious quest. Hinting at an unimaginable atrocity, and
some of it by his own hands, then a most grievous personal loss, details of
which, being still too fresh, too painful for him to recount: he’d, after
having ignited her curiosity and fueled her wild imagination, gracefully
abstained from revealing any further.
She had no reason to doubt his story. Nor could she fathom the true motive, even if she did, for the weaving of such an elaborate account that would have ultimately ensnared the wisest, the absolute disbeliever in such a potent net. Meanwhile she’d relented about her earlier incertitude and so came to confess of her actual name being that of Teuquob, not Jiense. Despite her gratitude however, she’d remained (tight-lipped) hesitant to recount or to reveal the least bit of her personal history, deferring it to later time instead.
He’d been both kind
and understanding- masking not so well his apparent curiosity- by not pursuing
the matter or prying into the reasons for her prior deceit. Afterwards, the two
walking alongside, he’d readily volunteered his other admirable qualities,
cloaked in false modesty of course. Overall as he appeared most sincere and
kind, his amicable words soon won him her unbiased confidence. Of late she had
even entertained the notion of forgoing the wait and unburdening herself
entirely, without qualm, to this most sympathetic, compassionate individual.
Observing him from the corner or her eye, rather discreetly she nodded to
herself, yes, perhaps this evening, after the repose will be an appropriate
time.
It turns out, he beat her to it.
They had not gone far that afternoon, when he’d abruptly
halted and turning to face her, “Please don’t think me too intrusive, but your
ladyship is on a similar quest as I, are you not?” he’d suddenly, to her
astonishment, blurted out.
“That depends on the kindness of fate sir.” Her rash,
ambivalent answer had at once escaped her lips; for amidst shock, she was
inwardly pondering on what had given her away. Was it her demeanor, the
manner of speech …What? Teuquob, granted a rare name, was merely her personal
name, known only to immediate family members and a few intimate people. He could surely not have made the connection.
In Kontu she’d been sequestered most of her life in private quarters, there was
little likelihood of him ever knowing anything about her- even if he’d happened
to be, as he’d claimed, a prior aristocrat from her native land. Unless!?... Through
the trusted grapevine, she’d heard of the existence of DFOCA (Deadly force of
covert assassins) an elite network of spies and assassins recruited from all
walks of life, in the secret employ of Hedenko. The special force, being party
to all confidential information, had perpetuated and maintained a vast record
on all key Kontu citizens, civilians, military and nobles alike. Nothing,
however minute, escaped their detection or enumeration. The often-utilized
knowledge, had spread fear and dread throughout the country, reaching far
beyond the national borders!
But no! She quickly rejected that notion as well. No,
he couldn’t be one of those butchers; there had to be another reason for his
stark (blunt), startlingly keen perception.
From the corner of her eye, she studied him a while longer even though she’d desperately wanted to learn the extent of his knowledge, how much more did he know and was not telling? But instead masking her resurgent unease, she presently smiled and quickly intoned. “But please do not refer to me in kind. I’d rather be addressed plainly, as Teuquob.”
“Though we are far from any civilization, I still wouldn’t
be so presumptuous as to continue on with this impropriety- being guilty of
blatant violation of protocol by addressing you by your personal name my Lady.”
At once he’d vehemently objected; but as she insisted, relenting, he’d agreed
to bend the rules of etiquette a little. “Oh, very well, as we are both cast
perhaps by “Heaven’s” secret design into this wilderness, I suppose it won’t
hurt to transcend some social barriers.” After a winning smile, with an
elaborate bow- his hand in a semicircle sweeping the air- he’d gallantly
consented. “In truth, I hate all that contrived ostentatious, pompous nonsense
anyhow!” Looking away, he’d then mumbled to himself. “But I am rather offended
and should really be cross with you for pegging me a DFOCA spy…Especially since
I’ve said and done nothing to warrant that. Pray tell me, what further proof
you need of my sincerity and of my good will?” He looked askance at her, then
half turning chewed on the words, “Humans!”
Before she could respond however, anew facing her in an
altered mood, he’d with an amicable tone suddenly interjected: “Then again, it
was providence that threw us together. An encouraging thought! Hmm, we must
therefore, for the sake of harmony, strive to be more lenient, more tolerant of
any shortcomings and not take any offence- whether it is in the form of
misspoken words, acts or thoughts- to heart. Don’t you agree?” But his question
seemingly did not warrant any response, as he without a pause continued. “The
fault lies with me; in not completely winning your confidence, I humbly
therefore offer my apologies! Absolute trust, basis of any friendship, after
all, must be earned.”
Dumbfounded by this lecture, she’d just looked up at him,
seeing him as if for the first time, but now in a different light. A truly
complex individual, a bit paranoid perhaps and interchangeable as the wind, he
was. Furthermore, underlying his seeming humility, she’d detected his feelings
of annoyance, and a certain arrogance smothered in impatience.
This time he was truly irked by her. But mastering his
outrage, he simply lowered his eyes and in thoughtful air stroked his chin.
“Hmm. Unfortunately, yes, there is no other recourse my L… um, correction,
Teuquob; you must ascent this terrible mountain that lies ahead if you so
desire to reach the intended place of warship.” Looking up, he intoned
earnestly, his face the very picture of a concerned sponsor. “But take heart
for I can be of great service to you. I know what’s at stake and what’s to be
expected; with all my abilities placed at your disposal, you needn’t be
dismayed (or be afraid of failing). After all, and please don’t think me
impertinent or presumptuous: For I say this with deep conviction: Yes, I must
have been planted here by providence, as nothing is per chance; doubtlessly to
see to it that you’ll fulfill your aim!”
A magnetic, winsome smile brushed his lips as he again
startled her with the subsequent revelation. “Hmm; yes, you may also erase
those worry lines, for Ensa is all right. She made it back O.K. The rough
(thug) Yoansu meanwhile after an extensive search has deemed you to be
dead…Perished in some deep chasm or at the maw of a voracious beast. He’s long since called off his goons!”
“How did you…?” She sharply looked up, abruptly falling
silent. Was he clairvoyant, able to foretell the future as well as decipher
her thoughts (read her mind) and know her heart’s innermost desires?
Not quite. I told you the things you needed to hear.
He wryly mused, narrowing his eyes. “Yes, you can say that; I’m somewhat a
mystic.” He devilishly chuckled, meanwhile, outwardly answering her subsequent,
silent query.
Observing her further unease, with a glib tongue he rushed
to quickly add. “But I do hope you are not offended or least bit frightened by
it? I do humbly apologize for my transgressions. This ability, newly gained
boon or a curse has been the result of my long years of extensive spiritual
training that had also encompassed rigors of meditation. Yet if it makes you least bit uncomfortable,
I’m more than willing to curtail, that is to refrain, as a sort of courtesy -
as I’d done so already since our first meeting till now- from using this
skill. If you so desire, I’ll certainly
abide by your wishes, to ensure you of your absolute right to privacy?”
She was thinking, you are true gentlemen, sir! When
she, speechless, nodded her head.
“It shall be as you desire!” he smiled amicably
(delightedly). She was oh so naïve!
“I do apologize for getting on ahead of myself.” Lowering
his gaze for a spell, he ejected sincerely. “After all, as fellow travelers on
a serious quest, we must first learn to be at ease with each other; and only
after a sufficient time perhaps become serious confidents, if not soul mates!
And please do forgive my reiteration: the foremost basis, the core of any
lasting relationship is trust, is it not? Taking due liberty,” he swallowed,
shunning her eyes and looking every bit vulnerable.
“I now have a declaration, a sort of ignominious confession
of my own to make: Despite the years of pedagogy and all my spiritual
discipline, of late solitude was beginning to wear on my nerves. I craved the
companionship of a single human being. Therefore, I’ve erred, begging your
pardon now for all my unsolicited exuberance and for my however unintended,
taken liberties (audacity) since our chanced meeting in this forlorn, desolate
corner of the world.” He rejoiced when he again elicited the favorable response.
~
(END OF SECTION 2)
(MORE SURPRISING EPISODES WILL UNFOLD IN THE NEXT POST OF
THE ORDEAL- SECTION 3)
