DRAGON LONGZE STRANDED PRO TEM AT THE KINGDOM OF AVARKAN (BY BOST, 2026) PART 2

Davos’s implications was clear; hence, inconsolable fear and dread took hold of everyone’s chests; and they quaked right to their toes—in unison they then asked, "Tell us, we want to know; what is to be done, what is the key (vital) solution?"

Now that he had them in his palm, Davos said: "Tomorrow is the dragon's birthday. He is demanding to have a present on his birthday. If he gets a nice present, he will be in a hurry to take it away and show it to his friends, and he will fly off and never come back."

Now how did he know it was the dragon’s birthday? But frightened minds are rarely logical.

The crowd had instead readily accepted Devos’s claim and cheered wildly—even the naïve, pure hearted Princess, participating from her balcony, excitedly clapped her hands.

"The present the dragon expects," said Devos, when the clamor died down a little, cheerfully, "is rather an expensive one. But, when we give, it should not be in a grudging spirit, especially to visitors. What every dragon ever wants is a Princess. We have only one Princess, it is true: but far be it for us to display a miserly temper at such a moment. And the gift is worthless that costs the giver nothing. Your readiness to give up your Princess will only show how generous you are."

A shocked silence now permeated in the air. Many stood frozen with gaping mouths, considering the alternative. Some of the crowd began to shed silent tears, for they loved their Princess, though they quite knew that their first duty was to their nation; unfortunately, this required them to be bighearted (charitable, unstinting) and give the dreadful dragon what it wanted. No one considered asking the Dragon, if that was true… Then again, they could not communicate with him, not really, so how could they?

The Princess was devastated as everyone else but desisted shedding tears, for she was brave; she had a terrible foreboding that she might be scorched then eaten, still, she was willing to sacrifice self to save the kingdom. If only there was a way to avert this catastrophe.

Stevor, meanwhile, had stood perfectly still, then sullenly (broodingly) looked away; after a time, he quickly pushed aside all worrisome thoughts and his ire checked (contained), being a pragmatist even at that young age, he next wracked his brains for an apt solution. He could not believe the Dragon was that evil; moreover, his senses pricked (jabbed), as if alerting him to an impending malevolent ploy. He was still too young to discern (comprehend) the ambitious, cunning workings of (Devos’s) an adult mind. Eventually, he went home to ponder more on the plausible solution. He was idly standing by at the back yard when the wolf cup came up to him; Stevor in a gush relayed to him his deep concern. 

02- WOLF CUB TANSAN (5)

Tansan lowered his head, dourly (resolutely) thought for a while, then questioningly looking up and growled: “Are you certain this was the dragon’s wish?”

Stevor understood his meaning, especially when Tansan, gripped his sleeve and tugged at it (pulled): making it clear he wanted to go see the dragon along with Stevor and get some explanation or truth of this matter.

Though humans, save for magicians like Devos, could not really communicate with a dragon, perhaps a wolf might, Stevor thought.

 True enough, Tansan breached the gap of vernacular difficulty and then successfully communicated with the dragon.  It was then that he learned of the dragon’s name being Longze, and his true dragon age.

Longze in turn, learned how Tansan once had lived within a dense forest of a far-off continent; though unfortunately, where hunting was a desired sport. One day Tansan was carefree and happy living with his parents and two other siblings, and the next moment, all had been destroyed. He’d witnessed the traumatic, harrowing death of his parents and his siblings; his life was spared, because of the aristocratic little boy who’d accompanied his father on this hunt, wanted the white wolf-cub as his pet. The little boy wasn’t entirely cruel, but Tansan detested being held captive; then one day, he’d made good his escape, and later still, after much suffering, he’d snuck into the luggage of a passenger boarding a ship, bound for far away lands and so came to be on this island. At the end of his narration, Tansan was surprised to note the dragon Longze’s eyes tearing up and understood that this dragon was a sensitive sentient being.

 Tansan and Longze spent many more hours communicating, sharing their likes and dislikes and in the course of it, becoming fast friends.  Stevor had waited patiently at first, then, not wishing to intrude, waved a hand and returned home. No pressure: he’d done this to allow them privacy of this rare bonding, knowing Tansan would appraise him of the facts later. Stevor was a thoughtful, kind and tolerant friend that way.

At the end of their long, intense exchange, when all that needed to be heard was communicated, Tansan nodded his head with understanding and promised that he would somehow find a way to relay (impart) all this to Stevor and in doing so, clear Longze from all false accusations.

Longze was elated to long at last be able to convey true facts; for being brilliant, he had grasped the persecution that had lately, permeated the air along with the false belief that had deemed him a monster to the apprehensive, trusting (gullible) people. He had been puzzled by the sudden change in those once affectionate pupils directed at him, which lately bore such fretful disdain (contempt); furthermore, the innocent children had lost that wonder glint (sparkle) in their eyes and instead, glared at him with chariness (suspicion) and scorn. This had made Longze so very unhappy; now however, he had hope, that the misunderstanding might soon be cleared up.

03- LONGZE MALIGNED

It took some doing, in fact, it took the entire night, but clever as Tansan was eventually successful and so Stevor was appraised of the true facts. That Longze had no wish to harm anyone, least of all the princess Juyin. He’d rather hoped to befriend everyone and take his leave of the island, which he intended to do pretty soon, now that his injury was almost healed (mended), carrying in his heart and mind fond memories.  More importantly, his birthday was still many months away.

Subsequent morning, Stevor rising at dawn, he went straight to the palace and then he gathered white roses and threw them at the Princess's window till she woke up and looked out.

“What brings you out this early?”  The princes peering down, from her balcony, asked; “It must be important; all right, come up and tell me, “She said.

Stevor was an athletic boy, and so, he nimbly climbed up the white rosebush; once seated in her room, he then quietly relayed to her all the pertinent data that he’d acquired from Tansan. Then leaning forward, he kissed the Princess on the cheek and said: "Before I forget: Many happy returns of the day."

Juyin’s eyes teared; “I wish it was a happy day!” She heaved a sigh; suspecting her uncle Davos would not be persuaded to change his mind that easily, if he was set on sacrificing her. 

"Don’t be sad," said Stevor. "Why, Juyin, my precious Princess—things aren’t as hopeless as you might think. Tansan is a clever little wolf cub, together we have devised a plausible plan, the Dragon, innocent as he is, is also a willing participant. After he’d carefully imparted all the relevant details he said: “All is arranged now.  You just pretend to go along; and leave the rest to us. We got your back. I promise you, no harm will come to you, or anyone innocent. “

For good reason Stevor did not disclose to Juyin, what he’d additionally suspected about her uncle, Sovereign Davos. Why should he unnecessarily worry her.

04- DAVOS (13)JP

That afternoon, Davos exited his palatial quarters, decked out in his official regalia, wearing a special crown, his brocade garments embroidered with the golden symbolic images on it, and arriving in posh carriage, he called on the Princess. His intent was to first deliver the princess to her doom, then going to court, before the assembled officials, summoned there already, announce his rightful claim to the throne.

"Come, little birthday present," he said acerbically (sarcastically). "You look so lovely, my dear; the dragon will be so pleased to have you. And I'm glad to see you're not crying. You know, my child, we cannot begin too young to learn to think of the happiness of others rather than our own. Nation’s welfare always supersedes personal one. I should not like my dear little niece to be selfish, or to wish to deny a trivial pleasure to that, albeit unreasonable dragon, desperate to return to where he belongs, his home and friends."

Princess Juyin acquiescently nodded, her face exhibited no fear and sorrow; she stockily and obediently climbed into his carriage, and soon they were on their way to meet the dragon.

Subsequently, the state carriage stopped at acceptable distance from the pillar, and there was the white dragon, poised to take custody of the princess and, in his pseudo anticipation of devouring a delectable morsal, his massive mouth already a gap (half open).

Davos approached him cautiously and said: "Good morning, sir. We have brought you a small present for your birthday. We do not like to let such an anniversary go by without some suitable testimonial, especially to one who is a stranger in our midst. Our means are small, but our hearts are large. We have but one Princess, but we give her freely—do we not, my child?"

The Princess said she supposed so, and the dragon came a little nearer.

 

05-- HEROIC STEVOR TO THE RESCUE

Suddenly a concealed figure emerging from behind the thick bushes, a voice cried: "Run!" and there was Stevor. 

Princess at once took to her heels, to reach Stevor and Tansan. Tansan taking up defensive position up front, bearing his fangs and growling at Devos.

Davos was furious. "What do you mean, by this?" he cried, "Such impudence; by your rude intrusion on a state matter with your brazen attitude and your antagonistic wolf-cub, are you not afraid of dire punishment?" His meaning was clear, he threatened Stevor with certain death.

But while he was speaking all her precious pets, including the fox, had emerged from concealment (behind cluster of trees), to encircle Davos, so that he was buried way over his head in their thick animal fur that almost choked his lungs.

The Princess, meantime, had run to the other side of the pillar and was peeping around it to see what was going on. It goes without saying, a curious crowd had followed the carriage out of the town; now having reached the scene of the "State Function"—in unison, they all cried out: "Fair play—play fair! Princess has a right to choice, to defend herself.

But some of Devos’s supporters also voiced their discontent: “We can't go back on our word like this. Shame, shame! To give a thing and take a thing? Why, it's never been done. Let the poor dragon have his birthday present." And they also tried to get at Stevor who fended them off with a stick he was holding; meanwhile, the wolf bearing his fangs, growling fiercely stood defensively, ready to launch, to sink those fangs at the first one that would be brazen enough to sneak-attack, from the flanks (sides).

While this was going on, Juyin looked around the big pillar and called to the dragon: "Here’s your chance to clear your name; defend the innocent and punish the culprit!” Strangely enough the dragon understood the princess’s vernacular. As it were, dragons in fairy tales, had always wanted the sacrifice of princesses for friendship’s sake, someone to talk to, not to consume (eat) them.

The Sovereign-wizard Davos, however, could not be restrained (fenced) for long; getting clear of the furballs, he invoked a powerful incantation that forced the dragon to act contrary and to attack the princess.  But the princess was fast on her feet and she fled. She ran and ran, with dragon Longze in hot pursuit, without him not understanding why he was behaving antagonistically; for it was not in his nature to be so belligerent, so violent!

Stevor noting this change in plan, let Tanzan to deal with Davos’s hostile gang (horde), and looped the loose end of the rope that was attached to the pole, on the dragon’s tale, at the very point the dragon had spread his wings to create greater momentum for speed as he run after Juyin. Stevor’s action was to impede dragon’s run; instead, this pulled Longze’s tail, and pulled it very hard, so hard that as he pulled, the pillar had to come around with the tail, and the island had to come around with the pillar, and in another minute the tail was loose, and the island was spinning around the top, exactly like that toy children often play. It spun so fast that everyone on the island fell flat on their faces and held on tight to themselves, because they felt something was going to happen.

All but the magician Davos, who was seriously engaged and choking between the brave Belgian hares that had pressed forward and strategically positioned themselves to contain or stop Davos’s next aggressive aim.

The dragon Longze, meanwhile, had sent the island, with the established kingdom of Avarkan, spinning the way it ought to have gone at the beginning of the creation of the world and the incidental (chance) materialization (manifestation) of this magic island.  

06-iSLAND SWIRLING (1)jp

As the island spun around, all the animals on it began to change sizes. And the men and women and all the children would have changed sizes too, if they had not had the sense to hold on to themselves, very tight indeed, with both hands, which, of course, the animals could not be expected to know how to do.

Princess Juyin, Stevor and Tansan had all huddled together, arms fastening on each other to form one uninterrupted circle, so they were spared also.  Davos had been thrown on the ground, and with his focus spinning, seeing stars in his eyes, he’d forgotten to hold onto himself; therefore, he did change, his height shrunk to two inches.

The spell the wizard had spun (cast) on the dragon Longze, meanwhile, was broken also, and the dragon felt his old self again. Longze was instantly consumed with seething rage for being prior maligned and, for being manipulated presently in this way, forcing him to act contrary to his will. His eyes, hence, searched till he pinpointed the whereabouts of the wizard Davos, who’d done his best to hide behind a small bush.

Longze, however, was far too young to have a fiery breath, only a steam and puff of cloud would come out of his mouth.  He was only three years old in dragon years, remember. But he was still fuming and he desired apt retribution (vengeance) on the very culprit; so, he simply approached Daves, slow and deliberate, then lifted one of his feet and let it come down plump over Devos, to squash him like a pancake. And so, permanently rid Avarkan of this conniving, heartless evil.

He then shook his head; let out a shrilling cry and then opened his wings wide and next instant took to the skies. He’d recovered well enough, so that he could now return home, and when he got home, he would have a tale to tell, to whoever listened.

07- LONGZE FLIES HOME

So now the dragon gone, and all the animals were normal sizes—and at first it seemed very strange to everyone to have great lumbering elephants and a tiny little dormouse, but in time they got used to it and thought no more of this change. 

After the culprit Davos was no more, conscientious, loyal officials and brave generals ensured that law and order, as well as the lasting peace was restored to the kingdom of Avarkan. Princess Juyin received the best counsel, best education, by loyal ministers, tutors and such, preparing her well for the time she would be crowned their ruling Queen. Some time passed, in that lasting peace, all the young children grew up normal and contented.

08- STEVOR AND JUYIN GET MARRIED

Several years ago, there was an announcement on the Avarkan Times, an account of the wedding of the Princess Juyin with Lord Stevor, who was then the newly appointed Prime Minister. Naturally, she could not have married anyone but Stevor, so I suppose they made him a Lord on purpose for the wedding; even though he’d grown up to be a most competent prime minister, well respected and loved by all.

The union of Princess Juyin and Stever had met no opposition from any official or the powerful nobility (aristocracy) and besides, all the citizens (inhabitants) of Avarkan Kingdom, including the animals, both adored and loved them. From thence, the abundant blessing was constantly showered on the loving couple. Avarkan had already thrived under Stevor’s brilliantly implemented policies and all the nobles, officials, military and common citizens alike, lived in eternal bliss. 

Tansan (till ripe old age) was a constant companion to Lord Stevor; even though, soon as Stevor had secured his position of Prime Minister, he’d arranged to have a ship transport willing several wolf packs to comfortably settle on the island. Tansan, as their newly proclaimed alfa king of all the packs, ruled justly and wisely. And eventually, happily married to his chosen, destined alfa mate, and thereon, sired many alfas, his lineage secured.

09- TANSAN'S FAMILY

Few years later, Juyin was crowned the rightful Queen of Avarkan, and she ruled the kingdom wisely, with her trusted adviser, her devoted husband, always by her side, still holding onto his post as the Prime Minister of Avarkan. They had three lovely children born to them, two princes and a lovely princess.

All was well in the island and within Avarkan kingdom and everyone, men or beast, lived happily ever after.

Few times there was a sighting of dragons, charting a course in the sky, towards the North. Longze wanted very much to visit his old friend Tansan, but he was never given the permission to do so; moreover, he was discouraged from having any further contact with the mortal world, while his movements were severely and rigorously restricted by then more obdurate (inflexible, hard-hearted, stony) guardians.

Citizens of Avarkan, nevertheless, constantly cast their eyes to the sky, in search of dragons; and few times, some claimed sightings of one white dragon in particular, one that looked exactly like the one depicted in beloved folk-tale, which was constantly read to children at bedtime, but unfortunately, no dragon had ever set foot on the island ever again.

Fin. 

THE WEDDING - SECTION 7

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE WEDDING - SECTION 7

SVEIN AND TEUQUOB

In the small hours of the night when all were fast asleep and not a soul stirred, Duan quietly rose from his bed and stole into Souko Yeru’s room.  With contempt in his eyes, he severed the head with one merciless stroke, without waking Souko’s companion that shared his bed.  Instantly the pillow and the bedding were dyed crimson red.  With the coolness of the assassin, Duan wiped his sword’s blade clean on the quilt and then withdrew from the room, not disturbing the cat sleeping just outside their door.

Slipping back to his room, Duan began packing the supplies and some of his belongings; Brandt, fortunately a light sleeper, jumped from his bed with a start and very much afraid to be left behind, hastily followed suit.  Nothing untoward in Duan’s manner warned Brandt of the murder.  Since Duan never had breakfast, another hardship which Brandt was forced to bear; the two quickly and quietly descended the stairs and made their way to the stables in back.

Riding two fine chargers, one black and one red-brown, Brandt and Duan passed quickly through the deserted streets well before cock’s crow, as the day’s first light began breaking.  When they cleared the town’s gates, which were almost never closed or locked, they encountered a level stretch of wild fields stretching out into the distance where they changed into wavelets of low-lying hills, some decked with trees, some stripped bare to supply the town with fuel and building material.

“Look,” Brandt pointed (his riding crop) off into the hills, “another early riser; I wonder who he could be?”  After fixing his gaze on the back of the rider, he nodded his head and answered his own question.  “But of course, it’s that remarkable youth I conversed with at the tavern yesterday.  The one called Audun Colden, the false lead I told you about.” Frowning, he looked at his companion. But Duan, appearing somewhat distracted paid scant attention to the rest of Brandt’s words.  His eyes narrowed to slits, as he suspiciously followed the stranger’s advance in the far distance.  Inwardly he questioned a premonition, tinged with misgivings that had suddenly gripped his heart.  He vacillated on whether to pursue this Audun person or not, when just then Svein’s horse suddenly reared then galloped forward at lightning speed.  Within minutes both rider and horse had been reduced to a mere speck, leaving only a long trail of dust behind them. 

When the dust completely settled and their vision was no longer obscured, the lone horseman had totally disappeared.  Duan knew that there was a fork in the road up ahead, with each branch rounding the hills in different directions.  With the gale force winds fast sweeping away (obliterating) any existing tracks, they would doubtless squander unwarranted time before construing with measure of certainty the stranger’s path.  Better to follow this other, more tangible lead; than tracking this youth on the sole basis of a hunch.

                                                                                    ~

 

With the incessant wind moaning in his ears and flailing away at his face, Svein had held tightly to the reins, anxious only about the security of the bundles.  After several hours of riding at this speed, however, his stomach threatened to discharge the breakfast the innkeeper had pressed on him.  When Fiery Comet finally slowed down, well after clearing the hills and the forest beyond them, Svein found himself once more in the wilderness, far removed from any civilization, not even a lonely woodcutter’s hut.

“Whoa… What brought this on?” Svein pulled on the reins and, presently, managed to halt the steed.  Then leaning over, he affectionately patted Fiery Comet’s neck and asked,

 “What was wrong, dear friend?  What made you hasten so, without my command?” 

But, lacking human speech, Fiery Comet neighed and whinnied, his hooves churning the ground twice to make him-self understood. He was already covered in pearls of perspiration and did not need this added exertion. 

As it were, Svein, with his keen senses, had already picked up the presence of the two riders in pursuit. Furthermore, he’d discerned the reason for the horse’s initiative; still, he could not resist teasing Fiery Comet.

 “Up to your old tricks, I see.” he smiled as he dismounted.

 “All right then, let us rest for a bit before having another go at it.”  Still chuckling, he led the horse to the fast-flowing river. 

Securing his footing, he squatted, cupped his hands, and started to drink the water and wash his face.  The wind puffed up his sleeves and flailed his loosened hair furiously against his wet face, obscuring his vision. 

He heard Fiery Comet’s approach but ignored it.

 The horse, annoyed at Svein’s earlier taunting, stopped quite close to Svein’s side but, instead of quenching his thirst, in one quick move he simply shoved Svein headlong into the river.

 

“What’s the matter with you?  Can’t you take a joke?”  Svein cuffed (smacked, thwacked) the water in pretend fury. Fortunately, Svein was an accomplished (proficient) swimmer and therefore well able to manage the deep, fast-flowing currents of the river.

 Showing his teeth, Fiery Comet just whinnied in reply. 

“Oh well, you did me a favor.  I needed cooling off.”  Good naturedly forgiving the horse for his insolence, Svein then dove in and around and had an exhilarating few more laps of swim.

Fiery Comet quenched his thirst despite the interruptions when Svein drew near, expecting certain retaliation from him, then contentedly set to feeding on the lush green grass flanking the riverbank.  He had worked up quite an appetite from all that exertion.

At last, having cleared the sky of clouds, the wind died down and now with the midday sun blazing in all its glory, once more began to scorch the earth’s surface, sending all frolicking wild inhabitants of nature into the shade.  Emerging from the water by then chilled to the bone, Svein (shed) divested his wet clothes and hung them on the lower branches to dry, then spread out on the soft, already drooping grass for some warmth.  Soon the heat proved uncomfortable for him however, and he joined Fiery Comet for a well-earned respite under an ancient tree that had spread its generous shade to accommodate them both.

                                                                                        ~

                                                           

Svein’s sooner than anticipated safe return, delighted both Stark and Teuquob.  This short parting had endeared prospective couple still more to each other.  The bashful exchange between Svein and Teuquob barely contained the bursting affection and joy each carried in their heart for the other.  The great warmth and love that flooded the room gladdened Stark’s heart, but the air of contentment was overshadowed by Stark’s discernment that something unusual had transpired with Svein on this journey.  Nevertheless, Stark’s reserve constrained him, and forestalled his inquiry until the following morning when they could converse in private out of earshot of Teuquob.

At the conclusion of their routine martial practice, before Svein could find the words to broach his concern, Stark sat himself down quietly on a fallen tree trunk, and then motioned Svein to do the same, after which he acknowledged his perception and encouraged Svein to speak his mind without reserve.

“Uncle, does the name Brandt Dustin mean anything to you?” Svein burst forth with his question.  He did not expect Stark to know Brandt, but perhaps the family name Dustin could recall to Stark’s mind an old enemy.  Svein knew his uncle had an impeccable memory.

“No, I know no one by that name.” Stark obligingly replied then, affixing his questioning eyes on Svein, patiently waited for an explanation.

“Then, as I supposed, he must have given me a false name.” Svein muttered to himself then, mindful of his rude behavior, he quickly apologized and related the entire encounter with Brandt that night at the tavern.  As he did this, he kept his uncle under scrutiny, searching for the answers to his silent questions, but much to his disappointment, Stark’s expression underwent no change.

Just then, for a fleeting moment, Svein thought that he had detected and inkling of a grave look that had registered in his uncle’s eyes.  Encouraged by this, he pushed further to get results.  Falling on his knees before his uncle he, in an emotional outburst, implored Stark for enlightenment.  What measure of importance was Lord Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon to him?  Was his uncle bound to this Lord by loyalty and respect, out of friendship or fealty?  Since, admittedly, the other of the twin swords was in Stark’s possession, how had Stark come by it?  Svein’s entreaties had erupted in a ceaseless flow of emotion, leaving Stark no word in edgewise.

Stark’s face flushed with anger as he sprung to his feet, freezing Svein’s next set of questions in his mouth.

“Such insolence, how dare you act so weak?” he stormed at Svein.  “Get up at once!”

In obedience Svein complied but an uninvited resentment flooded his heart.  Surely Uncle owes me some explanation.  Why must I abstain from raising these questions? Why is Uncle being so obstinate and closed-minded?  I’m old enough to be wed in two days’ time hence, can I not then be trusted to assimilate and then confront any situation, however grave, however shocking?

 Instead (of airing these however,) he apologized to his uncle for speaking out of turn.

Stark had anon (almost immediately after) regretted his outburst and now softened his disposition; he nodded his head and stroked his beard thoughtfully.  Then, after a momentary silence, which seemed more like an hour to Svein, he ejected in a more conciliatory voice, “Svein, it is with good reason that I must insist on you showing more restraint.”

 He again paused at length for emphasis.  “Please expend more effort to curtail your curiosity.  The knowledge you seek will be imparted to you at the proper time, when I shall be better disposed.”

“I will refrain from making such transgressions, Uncle.” Svein acquiesced in earnest.

“Good.  Let us now forget all about it and return without delay, there are a lot of details to be seen to before a proper marriage ceremony could transpire.”  So, saying, Stark started towards the bath cabin. 

As it happens, ever since Teuquob’d come to live with them, for the sake of modesty, certain routines had to be altered or entirely changed- one such was the fact that they no longer indulged in bathing in the nearby stream during the hot summer months.

As they washed beyond the partition Svein recalled Brandt’s reference to the Yukorskyi fighting style and briefly requested Stark to instruct him in it the next time they practiced, believing his uncle to be the master of all existing fighting styles.  In past, from bits of information received from his uncle during their casual conversations, he had concocted his own theories about his uncle’s past vocation, deeming him to be anything from a scholar with military prowess, to a military advisor, instructor, minister of war, field marshal or simply a general in the imperial army.  His uncle’s qualifications certainly attested to the validity of any of these titles.  The absence of response from Stark constrained Svein to remain silent and his thoughts once more reverted to Teuquob.

In truth, as Stark had emptied the buckets of cold water over his head letting the ripples course down his body, in uncharacteristic dissociation from the present, he’d begun seeing in his mind’s eye (envision) the unfolding pictures and scenes from the pages of his past. Subsequently, as he rubbed his body clean, he absentmindedly caressed the stump of his severed arm; at that juncture he was transported to the time of a singular incident that had changed his life forever.

He was on a tall, precipitous cliff, its summit crowned in frigid, feathered mists. At this high elevation, the thin atmosphere made one lightheaded. Still clad in his court gown, the child held in his arm and sword in hand, he was scattering his assailants to either side of him like petals in the wind.  Though he had always fought with two swords, being indisposed, the other rested in its sheath.

 He fought on foot for his horse had long been lost to him, brutally maimed then forced off the cliff into the abyss.  He was one against many, and their numbers could not be extinguished.

 With such odds stacked against him, despite his excellent prowess he was nevertheless forced into a defensive position, with his formidable foe, the one man who equaled, if not surpassed his own skill in swordsmanship, Grand Marshall Gustav Erling, close at his heels.

Brilliant tactician Stark had retreated up a narrow goat’s path that allowed only one man at a time to ascend; the Marshall’s army unable to flank Stark, fidgeted helplessly behind the Marshal like the long body of a serpent several miles in length, swords drawn, ready and anxious for a chance to fight. 

Grand Marshal Gustav Erling clashed swords so fiercely with Stark that cold, blue streaks of lightning cracked at every meeting of their blades.  Stark was again forced to retreat to still higher and higher ground to escape the Marshall’s deadly strikes, many of which were directed at the innocent child in Stark’s embrace.

“Why pursue this hopeless course. Unless you sprout wings and fly away, there is no place you can run to for safety.  Surrender now and I will show you mercy.”

“And the child, will you extend that mercy to the child?”

“I’m sure something can be arranged.”

“Not good enough!”

The life and death struggle thus had raged on ceaselessly for more than half a day on that ascending goat’s path. At times the trail was so tapered that Stark’s footing barely stable, dislodged rocks at the edge of the precipice and pieces of earthen debris, giving way, tumbled to the depths to be swallowed up in the fast-flowing river.

Once more, Grand Marshall Gustav Erling made a lightning thrust and again Stark parried it with equal agility. Despite the expanded effort and the unwavering intensity neither of them seemed to be abating in strength or stamina. Neither of them would succumb to defeat or capitulate.

 In order to break the stalemate, the most renowned marksman, who had been led close to the front of the serpent, now took careful aim and loosed his arrow.  But Stark nimbly deflected it with his sword letting the shaft glance off the cliff, and then with incredible dexterity he intercepted every one of Gustav Erling’s subsequent strikes and lunges.

With agile sideways turn, Stark escaped the next lethal arrow, just in time to parry Marshall’s sword.  At that point a newly loosened shaft, taking flight, missed its mark and by providence, pierced Marshall’s arm instead, rendering his left side momentarily useless.

 As he cursed them, with his eyes riveted on Stark, at lightning speed he yanked the arrow out and continued with his attack; he would be damned if he let a little thing like this get in the way of capturing his nemesis. 

Interlocked in fierce combat with Grand Marshall Gustav Erling, Stark smiled wryly. Now at least they were equally matched. Moreover, this blunder would discourage the elite marksmen from discharging any more arrows, let along using poisoned arrows.

More time elapsed with the exchange of blows ensuing with all its ferocity. Then, as if fate had to (intercede) play its hand, the child squirmed and let out a sharp cry at the very instant more earth partially dislodged (gave way) under Stark’s feet.  Jumping to safety and steadying himself, with his attention temporarily distracted (sidetracked) by the child, he’d unavoidably presented a singular opportunity to his ardent foe.

In that fleeting moment, having failed to intercept Gustav Erling’s deadly strike, the Marshal’s blade sliced clean through bone and flesh severing Stark’s arm just below the elbow.

That scene– with the hand still gripping the hilt of the sword, arching over the cliff and spiraling downward into the depths- had played out in slow motion a hundred times since, in Stark’s mind.

At present, blood spurted from the stump dying his light blue garment a crimson red.  Pressing the child closer to his chest, he turned and fled towards the summit, as retreat now became his only viable option.

With roaring laughter, Marshall Gustav Erling pursued Stark, shouting his demands for Stark to cease his running and to surrender, with intermittent words of assurance that the child would not come to any serious harm.  But Stark was not swayed, for he knew only too well the cruelty of Marshall Gustav Erling, and how he could not be relied upon for mercy, despite any dispensed promises of amnesty.  His own salvation was of little consequence to Stark, but the child’s safety was paramount, and in keeping with that faith so many had sacrificed so much already, to afford this precious being a chance at life… How can he let all that be in vain?

  Reaching the end of the path, he halted, for sheer rocks rising ahead made any advance impossible.  Left defenseless, with nowhere else to retreat, Stark had to make a quick decision.

Though providence (destiny) presented this paltry chance, if any, of survival, it was still a preferable alternative to surrendering to that treacherous Gustav Erling, to in the end die ignominiously and by so doing, give satisfaction to that bloodthirsty usurper.

Determinedly thus, with the child clutched to his torso, and before Marshall Gustav Erling could reach him, he’d hurled himself and the child over the sheer cliff’s edge into space.

Gustav Erling had stamped his feet and cursed furiously in Stark’s imagination. 

And so it came to pass that both Stark and the child were airborne and with winds as their wings they floated in descent, providentially averting the jagged rock protrusions.

 The Gods were indeed merciful to them on that day and after some while (of flight) they plunged unscathed into the fast-flowing depths of the frigid river.

Quickly recovering from the shock of the cold, Stark still clinging to the child, using all his might had swum upwards to clear the surface of the water. But despite his resolute effort to swim towards the bank, both he and the child had been wildly tossed about and swept far, far away by the maddening, churning currents of the river. 

In danger of drowning himself, Stark (all during this ordeal) had held the child tightly against his upper torso, pressing the child’s cheek against his, as he tried with concentrated effort to keep both their heads above rushing water.

 Inwardly his heart had been laden with concern and unwanted dread, for the infant’s vital signs appeared so weak, his conscious state tentative and hardly a sound, not even a gurgle, had emerged in a long while from the poor thing. Just then however, the most welcome piercing cry both assured and comforted Stark.  In the interim, the tears of gratitude that flowed down his cheeks quickly got wiped away by the foamy waters flailing against it.

Despite the loss of blood, he strove hard not to lose consciousness and steer his body towards the weaker currents, the eddies where they would stand a better chance of escaping the enormous falls, whose sound now roared in his ears. 

Succeeding in this task, Stark let himself be swept away by the secondary currents, their heads from time to time bobbing in an out of the foamy turbulence.  Had Stark not been a champion swimmer, he and the infant would have surely perished in the torrent.

Subsequently, they were carried over the lesser falls, escaping the main cataract, and dumped into a basin from which the river meandered onto more level ground.  Further expended energy enabled Stark to pull himself and the child to safety on the muddy bank of the river.

At once Stark set to binding his severed arm with strips cut from his undergarments and stopped the incessant bleeding.  No sooner had he completed this task than, already pale and seeing stars before his eyes, he’d collapsed against his will into a state of deep unconsciousness.

When he revived (regained his senses), it was already twilight.  Cast onto this deserted embankment, the child’s bawling was the only sound that interrupted the enveloping silence of the surrounding air. The eerie atmosphere, in fact, was quite unnerving, foreshadowing the ominous future.  Quickly pressing the famished, bawling infant to his chest for warmth, he’d allowed him to suck on his finger as he rose to survey the surroundings.

Casting his eyes on the sky above him, he saw at once that a severe storm was brewing.  There was no time to waste; he had to secure some form of shelter. 

He could barely make out some thatched roofs among tall trees beyond the surrounding soaring bulrushes and reeds that flanked the river on both sides.  Without a moment’s hesitation he delved into the thick vegetation, the child now secured at his back, pushing his way towards the thatch cottage where he hoped to acquire some information as to his whereabouts and obtain proper sustenance for the baby.  Racing to the spot, mindful of the impending storm, he paid scant attention to the stabbing pain of his legs, compounded further by the thrashing, slashing of the sharp edged, thorny undergrowth.  But he had underestimated the distance, for halfway there came a loud ‘Crack’ as the ominous sky tore open with crashing thunder. Just then another bolt of lightning found its mark, this time only a few yards away, bringing down an ancient tree which barely missed them in its fall.

All the while mounting demented winds tossed and thrashed the willow branches and Stark alike, making Stark quite unsteady on his feet.  ‘Crack, Crack’, again and again the air was repeatedly split by the peals of thunder and lightning bolts.

 Once more they were drenched, this time by torrential rains which instantly turned the ground under Stark’s feet into streams of mud.  Slipping and sliding, Stark relentlessly pushed on.  Eventually the rain tapered off, but the night which cast the earth into pitch darkness, with the moon hidden behind some persistent clouds, presented yet another hindrance to Stark’s advance.  Blindly, in part groping about, he led himself in the general direction of the thatched hut.  When he stopped for a moment to catch his breath, something furry brushed against his leg and nibbled at his feet.  Fortunately, a swift kick was all that was needed to scare it away.                                                                 

 “Would you be much longer uncle?” Svein’s sudden query snapped Stark from his trance.

“What?  Oh...no.  I’ve nearly finished,” Stark hastily responded.  “You go on ahead, Svein, I’ll be there presently.” 

As another bucket of water emptied over his head, Stark’s thoughts once more reverted to the past.

Overjoyed to learn that the region that the river had cast him out upon was near the border of one which rested under the authority of Lord Shonne Gulbrand, he had, from then on, pushed with renewed exuberance (zeal) towards the Lord’s country estate; this, after he had exchanged his rich garments with the local peasant’s in order to thwart any or undue suspicion along the way.

Now, as he slowly dressed, Stark’s thoughts succinctly trailed over the countless hardships and obstacles he had endured and overcame before finally reaching his destination.  Recalling his old friend’s warm greeting and the kindness and support he had received, at the risk to Lord Shonne Gulbrand’s own family’s wellbeing and security, Stark’s eyes became moist once more with tears of gratitude and longing. Wiping them away, he slipped on his footwear and hastened towards the main cabin where a hot breakfast now awaited him.

                                                                                           ~

When the auspicious day finally arrived, in a proper wedding ceremony with Stark officiating as the master of ceremonies, Svein and Teuquob were duly married (enjoined).  After the newlyweds drank together from the paired goblet of matrimony, the three then sat down at the decorated table to partake of a kingly feast and rejoice together as one family.  That evening the cabin resounded with the cheerful sounds of laughter and merriment.

Now, Stark had never disclosed to Svein that Teuquob was of royal descent, lest Svein would feel unworthy of her and raise an objection to this union.  Teuquob, in accordance with Stark’s decision, had also maintained her silence.  Thus, it came about that it was long after this very night that Svein came to know of the truth, that on this very night he’d been wed to a beautiful princess.

At the appointed hour, on Stark’s discreet urging, the newly married couple blushingly withdrew to their specially prepared room to revel in matrimonial bliss, abandoning themselves to love and tender ecstasy. 

Stark had also retired shortly afterwards, carrying some wine with him to his room.  Enveloped in stillness he sat upon the bed, fully clothed, drinking without reserve with the peering moonlight falling through his windowsill, as his only company.

 For the first time in twenty years, he’d allowed himself the pleasure of letting go and falling into an inebriated stupor.  Gradually, however, as he emptied cup after cup, his happy state of mind gave way to one of loneliness, followed by one of deep despair.

 Unable to stop the welling tears, he wept as though his heart would break over Ivar Marrog Zhon ’s fate and the tragic loss of all those whom he had loved.

With his heart in the grip of this bitter desolation, his mind in desperation gave way to fantasy.

One by one they drifted before his mind’s eye; the lovely form of his beloved wife dressed in her favorite celadon laced brocade garment, carrying in her bosom their only son Ivar Marrog Zhon , a precious infant. How he’d loved him, how overjoyed he’d been at his birth!  He had such aspirations for Ivar Marrog Zhon.

Stark felt his heart would break into a million pieces. An enormous pain gripped his heart, such inexplicable sorrow surfaced anew to smother his conscience and soul. But he shook his head and determinedly checked his bursting emotions.   No, he must not grieve; to do so would infer that he regretted the actions he took!

Looking up, he asked forgiveness then, for his momentary lapsed sense, for his temporary weakness, and then uttered a silent heartfelt prayer for his son’s salvation and quick deliverance.

 After a time, to preserve his sanity, he strove to turn his thoughts to the joyful occasion at hand. He toasted to the newlywed’s wellbeing, whom he also loved very dearly and to their everlasting, blissful co-existence.

 But uninvited, (unsought,) once more his melancholy returned (resurfaced) and in his heart wrenching loneliness, now giving rein to fantasy, he envisioned his parents coming forth to greet him.

His beloved (adapted) sister Ingrit, (also known as Arnora) and her husband, 7^th Prince Shon Alric Therran Valamir, and countless other relatives all, donning smiles and mouthing joyful rhetoric streamed in next, to extend their warm felicitations and congratulations to him.

They all came over in their ghostly form to visit him, filling the small room to the brim.  As they smiled and conversed gaily with him, echoing their familiar mannerisms, they appeared so real that, more than once, forgetting the truth, he’d stretch out his hand into the emptiness, to touch them. 

Then the steward, appearing at the doorway, announced the arrival of his closest friends, and the family withdrew under various pretexts, leaving him to greet his friends with unrestricted familiarity.

Just as it had been in the past with their happy gatherings, they chatted and drank merrily, as if these last twenty years had never happened, with servants shuffling in and out of the room carrying more drinks, cups and trays filled with all manner of exquisite, choice dishes to delight their palate.

Suddenly Stark was in his favorite pavilion, amidst the breathtaking scenery.  Built at the foot of a majestic mountain, the Azure pavilion looked out onto an emerald lake whose tranquil ripples were etched in brilliant moonlight.  The fragrance of the exquisite flowers carefully planted around the pavilion drifted to assail his and his friend’s noses.

  In this placid atmosphere they conversed happily as they consumed (downed, drunk) cup after cup, not stopping until Stark’s eyes drooped in tiredness.  Now no longer able to carry on a straight conversation, he stumbled over his words, causing his guests to break into waves of laughter and jest; yet they were in no better a state than he.  Together they roiled in laughter till they felt their sides were splitting.

“Enough… ha, ha, ha… that’s enough!  Stop jesting, I can’t bear it any longer!”  Kunig, the youngest of the bunch, pleaded with them to stop with their antics, while clutching his kidney as he rolled himself into a ball.

“Gentlemen,” at this point the conscientious Lord Shonne Gulbrand suddenly rose to his feet to announce, “the hour has grown rather late, and I fear we have overstayed our welcome.”

Then, pointing to Stark, “Look, our host is tired.  Let us take our leave now and allow him some respite (to gain some rest).  If providence allows it, we will meet again in the not-too-distant future.”

“I would like to invite all of you to my country estate in three days’ time.  That is, if it’s agreeable to all.” Chion suddenly suggested, also rising to his feet.

“Excellent.”, all, nodding their heads, voiced their assent.  Then, rising to their feet, one by one they came over to bid Stark their farewells.

“Please don’t go, I’m all right, really! “Stark, blushing with shame, cried out within. He strove so hard to rise up, to detain them a while longer but, as if stymied by an invisible force, try as he might, to his great consternation he could neither lift his head from his pillow, nor could he part his lips to utter a single nuance of plea for them to stay.

 It was as though he had been struck down, crushed under tons of earth; all he could manage instead was to shed tears of regret at their parting, bearing the knowledge in his heart that they would never meet in this earthly domain again.

 

When the sun’s burning rays reached his eyes from the small opening of the window it woke him with a start.  He was greatly surprised to learn the lateness of the hour.  Despite the great heat, however, his head rested on comfortable coolness.

 Odd, how did my pillow get so drenched? He mused as he rose to his feet, forgetting his previous night’s sorrow. 

He hastily washed his face and hands, combed his hair, put on a clean set of garments, and then went out to greet the newlyweds, donning a broad smile and a cheerful face. 

That late morning the joy that Svein and Teuquob’s beaming faces brought to him was boundless and renewed his hope for a promising future.

                                                                                             ~ 

(This concludes The Legend of Nevetsecnuac, Book 5, The Wedding.  The epic story of The Legend of Nevetsecnuac continues in the next post, Book 6, The Assassins, Section 1)