LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC- THE CAPITAL CHANNING - SECTION 8

Fradel’s (Nevetsecnuac’s) expression still blank; he reverted his gaze back on Zaur.  The minister's eyes were fixed on a distant point, as his mind pondered (mulled over) on some serious recollection or thought.   Nevetsecnuac noted how all along Zaur had desperately tried to master, to contain a seething emotional battle raging within, while he upheld (sustained) an outward, impassive facade.

01- ZAUR STUGR   JP 28

The range of emotions (gratitude, sorrow, anger, exasperation, relief, dreads, apprehension, and impatience) that Zaur had tried to suppress beneath his calm facade (pretense), nevertheless detected by incisive Nevetsecnuac, rather intrigued him; hence, he subtly studied Zaur's face and wondered, “If I could vicariously impart to you (Zaur) all that I had observed in that pit, how would your emotions stand up to those grim revelations?  Would you be able to maintain this calm demeanor (face, guise)?”  A strange empathy, a sorrowful feeling enveloped Nevetsecnuac’s soul at that precise moment, provoking him to breach the all-pervasive wall of distrust that lay between him and his host, to communicate the true details in the hope of drawing Zaur out and enabling (aiding) him to drop the pretense and reveal what was truly at the crux (core) of his being. Moreover, Nevetsecnuac’s heart had ached to, for once have real communication, an exchange of thoughts and feelings, without least reserve. 

“What's come over me?” Nevetsecnuac snapping from his momentary weakness, this dangerous prescience (intuition), however, quietly admonished self: “It’s inconceivable to consider this sheer madness, especially with one such as Zaur, who has already proven to be shrewd and devious, though admittedly not dangerous yet.  I've divulged far too much already.  That pit was located dangerously near the spot where Egil Viggoaries's vassals waited in ambush for Fradel Rurik Korvald.”

 Nevetsecnuac ruminated (cogitated) now, how he had come perilously close to being discovered at the site by one of the sentries; however, fortuitously, the guard had been deterred from further scrutiny (investigation) of the noise, which Nevetsecnuac had inadvertently caused just moments before when he had fallen into the pit.  If that minor incident along with the planned ambush by Egil Viggoaries, were to ever reach Zaur’s ears (it was ever to come to light), Zaur’s discerning mind could, easily then link up the correlating (corresponding) facts and therefore, begin doubting Fradel Rurik Korvald validity. Nevetsecnuac hence reminded self to be more vigilant and selective with his rendition of the supposed facts; meanwhile, unable to not entirely trust his host, Nevetsecnuac was left with the only recourse of coaxing Zaur into taking the desired action on his own accord without any requisite assistance from scholar Fradel. 

The corollary (outcome) of Fradel’s part in all of this must appear quite incidental(minor).

Meanwhile, as Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) was not at liberty to conduct any sort of investigation within the scarce time span he had until his audience with the Sovereign - if his intuition (hypothesis) proved correct, by entrusting the key into Zaur’s hands, he would compel the good Minister to fulfill at least part of Nevetsecnuac’s obligation to that singular skeleton's spirit.

02-THE EXPOSED GRAVE

 Nevetsecnuac was confident that a proper burial would follow shortly afterwards, though much depended on the depth of Zaur Stugr's commitment.  If the minister was in earnest, he would even now be contemplating an inquiry into this, apparently very personal matter.  With the greater means and manpower at his disposal, Zaur could ensure that the unfortunate victim, or victims, would be granted the eternal peace due them in the afterlife.

In the pit of Nevetsecnuac's stomach, meanwhile, the nagging feeling that he had missed something vitally pertinent, some cryptic quandary (predicament, fix) which was tied to the elusive answer, had persisted.

Ending (interrupting) the unsettling silence, Nevetsecnuac resumed his fabricated account, being most careful to sporadically weave in just the right amount of truth.

"Having related how Toza had procured the key, Yakkasar for a time fell silent and cautiously, perhaps with a tinge of trepidation, looked about him.  Being finally assured that no one was paying any particular heed (attention) to us, he reached into his pocket, leaned across the table and saying, please accept this, unclenched his fist to drop this key right into my palm (hand)."

Zaur Stugr, lending Fradel only half-an-ear learned how Toza, Yakkasar’s audacious (foolhardy) son had returned from one of his bold escapades (more likely, illicit excavations or theft), and claiming he’d found this rare treasure, expectedly had attempted to fence the key to what he thought were some incited (interested) customers (buyers, collectors).  Not only had every avenue had fallen through, but worst trouble had beset the pair (father and son) shortly afterwards when Yakkasar, thinking he could do better, had taken the bejeweled key and showed it to an affluent acquaintance of his, unfortunately with negative result.

03- YAKKASAR AND HIS SON TOZU

Yakkasar’s trust was grossly misplaced, subsequent night a group of seedy ruffians had broken into their humble dwelling and demolished everything inside in their search for the key.  Toza, returning unexpectedly to retrieve something he had forgotten had interrupted their rampage and pitted against the four-armed bandits, had been badly trounced (beaten).

Yakkasar returning home, at small hours and in an already dejected mood, had found his beloved son in a pool of his own blood on the verge of expiring.  Stopping his father from fetching help, Tozu with his dying breath had implored Yakkasar to discard (restore) the wretched key, to its original owner.

 Believing the item to be cursed, Yakkasar had, after selling their small property to pay for the burial of his son, had undertaken the arduous return journey to find the pit. Only difficulty being, of late, he could not recollect the specifics his son had imparted to him.

Yakkasar had already traveled a respectable distance to, a rough estimation of an area, hoping that this would hone (sharpen, jar) his memory, but it had not. By the time he had met up with Fradel Rurik Korvald, having suffered during the course of his travel’s untold hardships, been assaulted, robbed, humiliated and subjected to other misfortunes too numerous to recount, Yakkasar had eventually been reduced to that sorry state. 

On top of everything else his health was now failing him and, noting that the persistent symptoms were the very same ones which had dispatched (caused the demise of) his former neighbor, Yakkasar firmly believed his days were numbered. Caught in these dire straits, knowing that he could neither retreat nor advance and, he would never be able to fulfill his promise to his dead son, he simply had begged Fradel Rurik Korvald to grant an old man one last favor and take this cursed key off his hands and perhaps, with his discernible competence, accomplish what he had failed to do.

"I wouldn't ask this of just anyone," Yakkasar vehemently had proclaimed, "but you have shown yourself to be a righteous (virtuous), good-hearted gentleman.  I beg you to help me out of my difficulties.  Both my deceased son Tozu and I'd be eternally grateful to you, and when my time comes to its natural conclusion, I promise, to speak well of you to the God of the Underworld." 

“The old man's insistences raised such pity in me (Fradel Rurik Korvald) that I had to finally acquiesce and consented to do his bidding.”

With complete confidence, Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) had anticipated the probable timing of Zaur's request, his retaining of the subtly imparted details, the approximate estimation of specifics; however, as warranted caution, he’d excluded the name of the Cyprecox Pass, where the vicinity of it the pit was located, leaving Zaur to discover this by himself.

04-NEVETSECNUAC  JP 62

“Well, what are you waiting for?” Nevetsecnuac cast a quick, unreadable side-glance at Zaur as he reached out for a morsel or two.  He’d been plied (served, provided) with variety of alcoholic drinks all night long and watched most assiduously; hence, he had been emptying his cup out of politeness, not realizing that he had consumed an inordinate number of sprits over and above his capacity.  Consequently, at present, Nevetsecnuac's head began to swim, and it became increasingly difficult for him to maintain his coordination.  Curiously enough, his thoughts and speech had not been impeded (hindered), though he was getting rather awkward (clumsy), thus he was most anxious to drop this charade and retire (get preferred rest) for the night.  Yet, very much to his disappointment, Zaur had maintained his thoughtful silence and did not voice the anticipated (prompted) inquiry.

Despite Zaur's own intoxicated state, earlier on he had perceived (comprehended) Fradel Rurik Korvald’s subtle goading (ploy) and stubbornly did not comply.

“Now you are being too transparent.  Is this intentional?”

 Zaur was dubious of this latest, seemingly pure motive, enveloped as if it were in mere sentimentality and benevolent intent.

“No one could be that caring…Why would it matter to you, Fradel, whether the owner of this key was vindicated or not?” He looked skeptically at his guest; for Zaur found it hard to accept that anyone would go to this much trouble merely out of the (kindness) goodness of his heart.

“There must be some sinister motive lurking underneath.  Moreover, what is behind this persistent, albeit discrete push, to involve me directly?”  Zaur suppressed a frown.

“Have I given it away?  How much does Fradel Rurik Korvald suspect?” 

Zaur never took anything at face value and had always dug deeper to be rewarded consistently with the ulterior motives behind those seemingly benign words, innocuous gestures and deeds that inundated him daily.  This was the golden rule to surviving in the duplicitous environment of the Capital and it had served him well so far.  He was not about to alter the philosophy he had espoused for his (whole) entire adult life on the mere chance that Fradel Rurik Korvald was a (glitch, an abnormality) rare anomaly.  Men acted the same way regardless of station, creed, or race, harboring the same malicious, greedy, and conspiratorial (conniving) intents.

Inclined slightly towards Fradel Rurik Korvald he scrutinized him, noting the subtle clumsiness of his movements.  “Truthfully, you are quite unlike anyone I have ever known (or encountered); even now, you are most remarkable, so resilient, despite your apparent inebriated (intoxicated) state.”  

A strange feeling of loss suddenly just then gripped Zaur Stugr’s heart.

“But I sense that beneath that placid exterior, there are so many grave concerns.  You seem burdened by a perilous responsibility, far heavier than the requirements of your young years.  What is it about you, Fradel Rurik Korvald, that I should feel inexplicably drawn to trust you in this way?  I feel simply dwarfed whenever I'm near you, yet this is none of your conscious doing.  On the contrary, your modesty and humility at times overwhelms me.”

 Deep down, Zaur did indeed harbor a certain affinity towards scholar Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) from the first moment when he had first laid eyes on him.

Being favorably disposed from the start, after each private conversation (discussion) with this affable, worthy opponent who had challenged his abilities to the maximum, Zaur’s admiration and respect had progressively increased (augmented) for Fradel Rurik Korvald.  Admittedly, Zaur had grown rather complacent over the years and needed this cerebral jolt (intellectual shock) which Fradel had presented at every exchange, for him to be prepared for the inevitable showdown.

“Under different circumstances, perhaps we could have…”  The sinister face of suspicion abruptly surfacing in his mind’s eye, however, cut short, this (yearning) sentiment to once more poison Zaur’s heart and cloud his judgment.

“No, you and I can never be close (intimate) friends.” For as far as Zaur was concerned the degree of complexity in Fradel Rurik Korvald’s character, the allusive secrecy, the vulnerable, pure naiveté lying atop a certain recalcitrance (or bedlam) were all inconsistencies in the scholar's character, which reinforced Zaur’s view that, Fradel Rurik Korvald was not one to be taken lightly and that underneath it all, lurked sure danger.

“What do I really know of him?  So far there is nothing concrete that I can hold up to him and say, it fits.  All along he's revealed only petty, negligible, and partial (incomplete) facts about himself. Nothing tangible, nothing useful that could be (pinpointed or) indexed for future use.  As always at every exchange, and this night is no exception, I'm stumped when it comes to deciphering his real motives.  Every avenue I explore in his character comes to the usual dead end. Is he toying with me?”

Subsequently working himself up into a state of discontent, Zaur Stugr became convinced that Fradel Rurik Korvald was a master at the art of deceit and that he'd been working all along to beguile him, to lead him astray, to show him up for a fool.  He became livid as he imagined how all along Fradel had subtly manipulated him and, worse still, had nearly beaten him at his own game.  With remarkable willpower, however, he maintained his impassive, amiable facade.

 He could not have imagined that his own cynical view was the very culprit he suspected, the evil contaminant that all along had blindfolded him, obscuring his innate intuition that otherwise might have shed the light of truth over Fradel Rurik Korvald.  Things might have turned out differently then but, being as they were, they now led Zaur Stugr to tread the course he would regret for the rest of his life.  He was locked in this erroneous course (route, path), and no amount of future great accomplishments could mitigate, alter, or amend for, what he would now fail to do.

Habitually, Zaur Stugr’s analytical mind, prevailing over any rumor or an account, did not allow him to capitulate or hastily construe facts without first exploring every avenue available to him, but the “key” and the lateness of the hour in this case after a long wearying (taxing) day, constrained him to make an exception.

05- ZAUR STUGR   JP 29

“All right,” he reluctantly conceded, “you win for now.  I'll play into your gambit.  I was going to anyhow and eventually resolve the mystery for you.  But I promise you that, when the time comes, I'll feed you such a bewildering version that it will spin your head into a daze and unleash your full imagination.”  He absentmindedly nodded to Fradel Rurik Korvald.

“And in due course, with perseverance, I'll break down that elusive (intangible) wall you've put up to guard your secrets.  I'll break you yet.  Wouldn't you be shocked out of your scholar's cap if you knew the significance of that key and, the enormity of the truth about the pit, skeleton, and I?”

All the same Zaur’s spiteful smile died before it reached his lips, as the imagined abominations, the gruesome tortures and, lingering, tragic demise of his revered one, caused an intense angst to overtake him.

Zaur’s ear just then caught Fradel Rurik Korvald’s explanation of, how the meeting with Zunrogo and the subsequent events had unfortunately thwarted (hindered) Fradel’s fulfilling his promise to the old man, Yakkasar.

“Is he still going on about Yakkasar and, that cursed son of a traitor Zunrogo?  When will he drop this tiresome prattle?”

Surmising this change in mood, Nevetsecnuac paused and once more helped himself to some food.  As he thoughtfully chewed it, he marveled at Zaur's tenacity and strong inner discipline.

“Very well, “he conceded, “I'll meet you halfway.”

 

(END OF SECTION 8) 

                                                                                        ~

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 18

Soon as Tonng Yennik’s receding (diminishing) footsteps was heard going down the stairs, the door of Room Ten creaked open and the stranger, followed by his stout guard both, emerged at outside. After making sure there was no one loitering about in the hall, at his cue, his stout assistant promptly took up his post in front of Room Twelve while the stranger producing his master key, entered the room.    Once at the interior, he first briefly surveyed the layout of the room, considering (bearing in mind) with a calculating gleam in his eye, where Tonng Yennik had left his luggage.  Grinning wryly, he next, turned to the opposite end and decisively walked over to the anticipated, precise spot where Tonng Yennik would have secured the papers.  Retrieving the bundle from the cavity behind the loose wall paneling, he carefully removed the contents and studied them.  He nodded absentmindedly, his sinister grin showing a slight glee of satisfaction.

 Afterwards he carefully replaced it just as he had found it and, not disturbing anything else in the room, turned and swiftly went out (exited, left).

01- FAMOUS BATHOUSE- SPA (6)JPG

In one of the private bathing chambers, Nevetsecnuac, despite his natural reserve, keeping up with the pretense, had allowed himself to be helped out of his clothes by the skimpily clad, ravishingly attractive (pleasant to the eye) young attendants (male or female); however, he’d refused all the additional, complementary perks, such as, special drinks and variety of morsels, soothing incense, potions or special ointments and massages (reflexology, acupressure, shiatzu, rubbing etc) that were designed to soothe any tense muscles, as well, enrich the bathing experience. The group of professionals promptly dismissed, they left with an obvious dejected, disappointed pout registering on each one’s faces.

 Refusing also any special accompaniment and having already donned (put on) a special cloth kilt (sarong) fastened around his waist (the rest of the garb, attire, flowing loose), which allowing him some modesty, Nevetsecnuac quietly climbed into (entered) the large pool and then immersed (engulfed) his body to midway to chest , delighting in the  steaming hot, perfumed waters. He swam to the far side, away from other customers, not wishing to idle converse with anyone and turned his back to the few other male guests who were already bathing, swooshing about complacently in the water, tended to by nubile attendants.

02- NEVETSECNUAC IN A BATHOUSE (19)JPG

Tonng Yennik’s (Nevetsecnuac’s) own clothes, meanwhile, were quickly whisked away to be cleaned and scented and in their place a plush long, embroidered terrycloth garb (garment) had been deposited, in anticipation of his leisurely recline on a sofa, as he might rest there, perhaps sleep, partake food and refreshments, or something else, depending on his preferred requirements, after his bath. In any event he would be pampered, till he chose to return to his private room at the inn. 

As he quietly set down on the submerged bench at the periphery of the pool, a sudden shriek ensued by a rude, boisterous laugh from one of the guests drew his attention and he half turned his head to gage what all the commotion had been about. The corner of his eye instead, caught sight of a curious looking, solitary man who appeared very much ill at ease, not at all enjoying the bath, though immersed to shoulders, in the hottest, steamiest section, at the far-off corner off the pool. Just then he, having had enough soaking, went out of the pool and sat at the bench, in supposedly thoughtful repose.

03-NEVETSECNUAC IN A BATHOUSE (27)-JPG

 Intrigued, Nevetsecnuac from hence, covertly watched the man. And when one of the attendants seductively lavished irresistible attention on him, the man had arrogantly, in an atypical (odd, nonconforming) way had feigned a passive disinterest, while continuing to discreetly, over the shoulder of the unsuspecting attendant, to spy, to scrutinize Tonng Yannik (Nevetsecnuac).  Moment later he was back in water, thinking that he would be more imperceptible (unseeable, hidden) while he kept on with his prying (snooping); he’d then even allowed one of the attendants to fuss on him.

Meanwhile, the notable (powerful) stranger (which had intrigued Nevetsecnuac, the one in the dining hall), and his intimidating guards, were nowhere to be seen; he clearly having bypassed (avoided) this spa experience.

Just then, expectantly, Kjeld Rosko’s assistant Rodny appeared on the scene, carrying a bundle of clothes tugged under his arm.  He started perspiring profusely the instant he had entered the area because he was fully dressed and so, with the back of his hand he wiped the perspiration off his brow, as he scrutinized the tubs, looking for someone specific, with urgent eyes.

04-ASSISTANT RODNEY

Catching the eye of the specific spy, he gave the barest (basic) of nods and, leaving the clothes close at hand, in one of the private chambers, quickly turned on his heels and left.  Responding immediately, the spy after his furtive glace around, making sure this had escaped notice, he rudely shoved the attendant aside and, disregarding the plaintive grunts, promptly got out of the water.  Nevetsecnuac imagined him hastily dressing himself in the clothes left by the assistant Rodny. Shortly after he’d emerged at the outside of the chamber smiling bleakly and then stole a brief side glance at Tonng Yennik before he hurried out the door.

Nevetsecnuac nodded in understanding, “Go ahead, have a good, hard look as you are ordered to do.  I'll even take an extra-long time enjoying my bath to avail you all the time you need, for thorough scrutiny and concrete (firm) validation of my identity papers.”

05- NEVETSECNUAC IN A BATHOUSE (21)- JPG

Nevetsecnuac closing his eyes then,  sank his body further down, allowing it  to be enveloped  by the  hot, therapeutic, mineral waters that also nourished the soul; inwardly however, having noted the  prevalent collusions (intrigues, conspiracies)being common as the, breath of air,  in this Province, Nevetsecnuac could not help  but hypothesize on the number of  factions that at present, might be nestled under this very roof of the Inn. 

After the long, relaxing time, Nevetsecnuac don (put on) the terrycloth garb and smiled, rather pleased with the comfort the plush robe tendered. He however had sternly (adamantly) refused the attendant’s alluring advances and the offers of special massage, smoke, exotic foods, liquids, and plus various other tantalizing bonuses, and instead, headed straight back to his room to consume the hot meal he had previously ordered.

                                                                                ~

In Room Ten the meeting was just ending. Fradel Rurik Korvald's identity had been confirmed, and the men had been briefed and each allocated to his own special task.

 In summary, the stranger seated at the head of the table, was now ordering his guards to proceed swiftly with the execution of the greater plan as soon as they left through the room's hidden back door.

"Now see to it that all the loose ends are taken care of.  It must all look like an accident.  No incriminating thread must be left that would lead to us.  Is that understood?"  There was no real need for this (drill) warning, for they had done this a hundred times before.

"Yes, Captain." the three responded in unison.

The captain waved them away, "Good, you're dismissed.  All that is, save Tizan.  I'd like a few words with you."  He motioned the stern guard to a seat then waited until they were left in private.  Leaning forward the captain asked: "Have you seen to the matter of that spy?"

"Yes sir." Tizan responded briskly.  "He is now with his ancestors.  As per your orders, we relaxed our vigil, and it all went just as anticipated.  That fool led us straight to him in the bathing hall.  The stupidity of that man never can surprise me."

He shook his head in contempt, “Forsaking the lives of his own father, wife, and infant son to send word to Egil Viggoaries’s forces by way of that spy.  Is that addle-brained or what?  Then again," he shrugged dispassionately and leaned back a little, "his fate and theirs are sealed nonetheless."  Stroking his thin beard, he smiled wryly and gave a knowing wink.

This sudden, strange familiarity bothered the captain. Though he trusted Tizan more than the rest, he looked at him guardedly.  Tizan had won his confidence some five years previous, which was no mean feat.  At the risk of his own hide, this guard had rescued him from a very tight situation.  Unquestionably Tizan was bold and confident, but his heart was hard, harder than stone, and it bore a genuine contempt for the rest of mankind.  In part, that had been the reason why Tizan had been entrusted with the most important and most difficult tasks.  He knew that Tizan could execute even the most horrendous murders expeditiously and without question and without a qualm.  In that time, however, his relationship with Tizan had always been strictly formal, distant, and cold.  He preferred it, that way to maintain impartiality and strict discipline.  In this service, it meant survival.  In such a task force any member, any subordinate could be severed instantly, effectively, and without qualm if they strayed or got out of line.  So why is Tizan being so insubordinate?  As useful as he is, he is still expendable.  When his eyes met Tizan's, the Captain's expression was totally unreadable, a purposeful move meant to unnerve his subordinate.  Seeing Tizan snap back into military bearing without showing the least sign of discomfort at his scrutiny, he knew his point had been made.

Captain narrowed his eyes, deciding to overlook the matter this time.  Assuming a stern expression, he asked, "Any difficulty in attaining", and then stole a glance at the door before he leaned forward to frame the rest of his question in a whisper.

"No, sir;" Tizan replied tersely.

06-TZAN JP

"Good.  You have much to accomplish tonight but remember; there are to be no witnesses."

"Yes sir."

"You may go now."  The captain turned his attention to the document he had just removed from his inner pocket.

Tizan stood up smartly and walked towards the door.  His hand reached out for the door handle, then ceased mid-way.  On the other side he could hear the frightened eavesdropper scrambling to get clear of the door.

“You are stinking piece of offal,” Tizan gave a scornful, venomous smile then, with a calculating gleam in his eyes, withdrew his hand and stole a look back towards the captain.

"Is there something else?"  The captain, seated back to the door, lifted his head from his reading to demand.

Tizan looked back to the door, “I’ll force your hand yet, you slimy weasel! “Turning about smartly, Tizan responded, "May I have a word with you, sir?

"Can't it wait?"  The captain asked, aware of the slight hesitation in Tizan's voice.

 “I suppose that you are now going to alert me to Briac's doings. “Captain smiled knowingly and, folding the document once more, returned it to the inner pocket.  Half turning to throw a curious glance at the door, then at Tizan, he nodded and indicated the chair with his chin.  "Be sure to make it brief." he warned.

Tizan took a breath.  "May I speak frankly, sir?"

"You are trying my patience, Tizan." the captain barked.

 "Speak up, man, I haven't got all night!  Say what you will and be done with it!"

"It's Briac, sir that I wish to warn you about.  I know he's been with you for a long time, a lot longer than I have, but of late - how shall I put this - I've noted serious inconsistencies in him, especially in the way he's always overreacting, as if he has something to cover up - like that ruckus he raised in the dining hall.  It’s all to impress you, sir."

"Do you realize the seriousness of your accusation, Tizan?"  The captain drowned a frown.  "You had better have some solid evidence to substantiate your claim.  Well, have you?"

His irate bark caught Tizan by surprise.  This was not the reaction he had expected to receive from the more perceptive, the more discerning Captain.

 Startled at that moment, he came to believe that the captain was dressing him down, berating him in earnest, so convincing was, his superior's playacting and, in that moment, Tizan almost lost his head.

“How dare he?  Captain or no Captain, no one talks to me like that and lives!”  He clenched his fist, his chest rose and fell, and his eyes bored angrily into the captain's face.

The coldness of his gaze touched the captain to the core.  Still unrelenting, he stared back at Tizan belligerently, the threat most explicit in his silence.

Tizan blanched and lowered his eyes.

"I conclude by your silence that you have none." The captain finally ejected angrily.

 "I'm disappointed in you, Tizan."  His voice became markedly different. Touch concern took root and mellowed his subsequent stern tones, "You should consider yourself fortunate that I know your character well, Tizan.  I know, for instance, that you have a measure of integrity that places you above petty, malicious slanders.  Your obvious contempt of late for Briac could not fail to come to my attention.  It does not matter who, or what substantiated this observation.  I was hoping that this damaging rift would be resolved of its own accord without need for my interference, but I see now that I must deal with this forcefully.  I order you to drop this nonsense at once and, furthermore, you are to make every effort to get along peacefully with Briac.  No more friction.  I will not tolerate any dissension within this group.  Do you understand me?  If you don't, I'll be forced to deal with you more severely."

“That’s telling him, Captain.”  Outside the door, Briac with a smirk on his face, derided (jeered, scoffed, sneered).  Well, what you know…. all those Years of diligence sure paid off.  Imagine that; Frastos putting in a good word for me.  I always liked him best.  Maybe I can use him to more advantage.” 

07- BRIAC (3)

In contrast to his angry words of admonishment, however, the captain, his back to the door, bore a peaceful expression.  Tizan was baffled until, at the end, the captain half turned, threw a cursory glance at the door, and gave Tizan an accommodating smile.  Suddenly Tizan grasped the situation and his indignation spontaneously melted.

“So, this entire scene had been played out, all, for the benefit of that excrement’ eavesdropper, Briac… The captain, then, wants me to watch Briac carefully, monitor his actions but do nothing for the time being.  Perhaps the captain has a specific use for him, like relaying false information at some crucial time” Tizan nodded dutifully.

Briac standing outside with his ear to the door, unaware of the ploy against him, grinned from ear to ear, when he heard the captain say, "Now listen, Tizan.  I will not have you speak ill of Briac; he is an exemplary and most trusted officer.”

“In the long while that he has been in my service, he has never given me cause to have a single concern or raised the least reason to doubt his loyalty. I repeat, I will not have you slandering a good officer!"

"Yes sir.  I'm sorry, sir.  I will do as you say, sir." Tizan begrudgingly agreed to the captain's demands.

“Go ahead, crawl.  Then crawl some more.  It does my heart good to hear you being chewed out for once.” Briac snickered outside.

"All right; In view of your past good record, I'll forget this unpleasant incident for now."

“Oh no; you're letting him off the hook way too easy!” Briac gritted his teeth in disappointment.

"Thank you, sir, for giving me this chance. I shall mend my failing (flaw) and make things right." Tizan stood up and awaited a dismissal that was purposefully delayed giving Briac time to flee to safe distance.

                                                                                   

                                                                                    ~

 

(END OF SECTION 18)

THE STATE OF THINGS - SECTION 32

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE STATE OF THINGS - SECTION 32

02- DAG DIEZ

    

At some distance from Hecun’s contingent, Mouro and his two guards, traveling ahead on the major highway, by nightfall had already checked in to a long-established inn and were, indulging themselves in a fine feast and a good measure of the local wine. All during dinner Mouro had been staring at the young waiter, one of the groups that were tending their table.  His exceptional good looks, fine features and delicate mannerisms drew Mouro out to the point of infatuation; discretely at first, but after a flagon or two of wine, Mouro had flirted more openly (uninhibitedly) with the young man.

One of the guards, called Dag Diez, found this rather amusing, joined in the fun but the other, called Kade Luir, having some scruples, found the show most distasteful. Soon as he could, Kade Luir therefore asked to be excused and retired early to his room. After divesting himself from his travel garments, Kade Luir had just slipped under the covers when the other guard Dag Diez staggered in, curses and complaints on his breath.

Ranting and raving incoherently, Dag finally settled down, "That Mouro!  Just because he's in charge, where does he get off!  The gall he has, ordering me around in that manner!  I'll show him!"

 Dag Diez slammed his fist into the door, his face dark with anger.  "He's too much!  I'm not even tired."  He was striding to and for across the room now, rubbing his burning fist.  "Am I less deserving than he?  There's nothing amiable about his...eh?"  Dag sheepishly threw a glance at his companion, who had indifferently shifted and turned his back to him.

"Besides, why should I retire when I haven't even had my fill yet?  All because he wants to indulge himself in perverse pleasure.  Was I crowding him, or something?"  Huffing, he plumped himself into the chair.

After a moment's silence, his mood had changed, "Yeah, he always did like them that way best.  He toys with people’s lives; he likes to play games and moreover, always have be the alfa dog, the domineering one…"

Kade Luir, feigning to sleep with his face to the wall, ground his teeth in anger, or was it jealousy?  He was so incensed with Mouro, and this intoxicated fool that he had to struggle to contain his bursting rage.

"Did you see how annoyed the innkeeper was?  What a sight to see!  That old sourpuss squirmed like a pig back there."  Dag Diez slapped his knee drunkenly and roared.

"But he wouldn't dare openly say a word against it.  He didn’t have the guts!  Even if Mouro hadn't flaunted all that money around, the greedy wimp knows enough to keep his trap shut and his tail tucked between his legs.  He knows enough not to stick his bulbous nose into trouble.  How else would he have lasted so long and prospered so? Boy you are a sound sleeper.”

“Yes sirree… Not by being stupid, that's for sure!  Yes, he knows enough to keep out of trouble."  Dag Diez rose and went over to the other bed, shaking Kade Luir, who was feigning sleep.  "Hey, this is no time to be sleeping, I'm talking to you.  Open your eyes!  Are you making a mockery of me?"

Finally giving in, and checking his anger, Kade Luir pretended to being awakened. Then shaking his head and yawning, he exclaimed that he was still (groggy) tired and demanded that Dag be brief with whatever it is he had to say.

"Bah!  Who needs you?  Go back to your precious sleep if you like." the obnoxious Dag retorted in a gruff voice and waddled back to his chair.

Before long he was singing the same tune to himself.  "That's right; he knows enough to keep in line.  He knows that ones Like Mouro, rich wastrels that they are, are too dangerous to be trifled with and deadly to offend.  I'm not sure, but Magistrate what's his name is, he might even be a distant relative."

Kade, now exasperated, sat up and resorted to fine reasoning to persuade the other to get some sleep.

"Sleep… Sleep?  Why should I?" rowdy Dag snarled as he ignored the drooling down his mouth.

"Eh, your kind will never understand."  Dag idly fingered the copper water pitcher.

"Imagine him having all the fun and not me!  I… stranded here with the likes of you!"  In a burst of anger, he hurled the pitcher violently against the wall above Kade's head.  Luckily there was very little water to spill.

Wiping the spray from his face, Kade Luir clenched his fists, not obliging Dag with a fight.  Quietly reclining again, he turned his face to the wall and remained that way, unresponsive to the vile, disgusting slanders, muttering and provocation of Dag.

"Oh, what's the use?"  His anger spent, his energy consumed by his temper, Dag Diez had finally consented to sleep.  "I might as well get some rest.  Of course you wouldn't take me on!  You know you'd lose.  You just look competent, but you're soft!"

As he pulled up his covers, fully clothed still, he muttered to himself, "And tomorrow, tomorrow, we'll see.  Eh, let him enjoy it while he can…ha, ha, ha!"

Dag’s sinister laughter grated on Kade's nerves.  “Won't he ever shut up?”  But the obnoxious filth kept pouring from Dag’s mouth well into the night until; finally, after several loud belches and yawns, he drifted into a deep, snoring slumber.

Unable to get any sleep Kade Luir tossed and turned then, sitting bolt upright, fixed his brooding gaze on the door, contemplating going after Mouro.

 But what would be the point?  What could he do anyhow?

"He's always preening (grooming) himself like a prize goose," the drunkard Dag stirred in his sleep, "but we'll see.  We'll see how much longer he'll enjoy this privilege."   He snorted a couple more times then rolled onto his other side and began snoring even more thunderously than before.

                                                                             ~

Mouro, meanwhile, after changing his clothes, had patiently waited until all the activity had abated outside his room then, bolting to his feet and with the sealed drum of fine wine tucked under his arm, he headed for the door.

"Don't wait for me, now."  He half turned to address the young waiter, Ted. “I’ll be a while; best you try to get some sleep." Stealing across the deserted dining hall in the dark, he quietly slipped outside and entered the stables.

Leading his horse by the reins, he walked the beast some measure away to the edge of the forest.  At this safe distance, he then vaulted into the saddle and galloped through into woods, disappearing in the paths among the thick foliage.

 He continued to press his fine mare for speed over hedges and ditches as man and mount covered an incredible distance in but a short time.  Finally, he arrived at his destination, the deserted ruins of a temple, hidden among the towering cliffs and ancient cypresses.  Dismounting, he led the mare cautiously across a dilapidated stone bridge spanning a bottomless chasm.

The sentries on duty at the other side were relieved to see that they had accosted Mouro.

03- GUARDS ON DUTY

Hecun, after the formal greeting, asked, "I am indeed pleased to see you, sir, but I feel constrained to inquire what purpose brings you here at this hour.  Were we not supposed to meet at the Magistrate's offices?  And where are your guards Kade Luir and Dag Diez?  I hope nothing untoward has happened to them."

"The guards… Oh no, dear old friend, they are sound asleep and dreaming of the girls or man back at the inn, no doubt."  Mouro's informal greeting put the Head Bailiff at ease.

"I know you're a stickler for protocol, but out here?" he clapped Hecun on the shoulder as they walked to a more private corner of the compound.

 "Let us dispense with the formalities of office.  I'd rather address you as in the past, eh, Elder Brother, if it’s all right."

He waited for Hecun's nod of assent before resuming, "As for my reason for (stealthily, covertly) coming here, I've taken these great pains in hopes of delivering you from an anticipated dread predicament.  Why else?  Tell me, are your water rations not depleted?  That's what I thought; I would have been greatly surprised if they hadn't.  Let's see your map."

Mouro sketched a line of route on the parchment Hecun provided.  "Now, if you start tomorrow along this shortcut I've indicated and, upon reaching the fork, keep to the left for about a day and a half, you should without much difficulty reach the modest inn I'm thinking of.  There one can have their fill of drink and gorge on generous portions of deliciously prepared meals at a fraction of the normal cost which will, no doubt, also please the men.  The proprietor is a bit eccentric, however.  Advise the men not to stare or make any rude remarks about the ugly scar on his face.  No one knows to this day, I suspect, who inflicted it on him many years ago but, if you keep on his good side, he'll lavish you with hospitality, the like of which you have never before experienced.

"But tell me, Elder Brother," Mouro looked at the encampment about him, "surely you had more men than this when you embarked on this journey."

"Two hundred to be exact," Hecun nodded.  "Along the way we suffered several setbacks.  Some were killed and others tried to desert and were appropriately punished but it would take too long for me to go into that right now."  He hoped that Mouro would press him for the details.

"Quite right, we can discuss at length all that later.  We have more immediate concerns we need to address now." came Mouro's disappointing response.

"I'll say this, however," Hecun could not hold back, "along the way we even had a run-in with Zonar but, oddly enough, he opted not to engage us or attempt to free the prisoner."

Robbing the other (Hecun) once more, of a chance to boast, Mouro interrupted. "May I make a suggestion, then?  Since there is no real danger to speak of in this province, and since that cowardly assassin was obviously issuing only empty threats, why should you continue on these remote paths?  Why put yourself and your men through unnecessary hardships?  After a brief stay at the inn, I told you about you can keep to the highway and, in less than three days’ time, you can arrive with ease at Magistrate Rue's offices.  I'll be riding on ahead to inform His Honor of your arrival.  I really should be there now, if it weren't for this detour.”

“Hmm…  Micen Do will be furious about the delay and, no doubt, demand my head on a platter upon our return.  Don't worry, though.  He doesn't scare me one bit and, besides, I know how to deal with him.  As I see it, this was unavoidable.  I had to make amends when, a few days back, it suddenly dawned on me that I had neglected to mention the location of the only well at this temple which still contained water.  Yes, brother, there is another one located here other than the two obvious dry ones you have already discovered.  I stumbled across it quite by accident some years back when I was caught in a similar predicament.  Feeling responsible as I did, I took appropriate measures and raced here over some treacherous terrain in the hope of meeting up with you tonight."

"I'm indebted to you for your concern and trouble." Hecun thanked Mouro gratefully.  "Now, brother, if you'd be so kind as to direct me there."

"Wait, there will be time for it soon enough." Mouro held up a hand, smiling.  "First, I've brought a surprise with me.  I know how fond you are of good wine and had anticipated that you'd be craving a good cup just about now.  If, by some misfortune, I had not met up with you tonight I had planned to leave it hidden here along with the instructions on the whereabouts of the well.  Please allow me to have the drum fetched for you now."  Mouro called for the guard.

Mouths watered and neck craned to observe the unloading of the special drum from Mouro’s horse and its transport over to Mouro.  The guards looked on with hungry, yearning eyes as they waited with trepidation for their turn to partake of the sure to be a rare wine.  They hoped there would be plenty to go round once Hecun and Mouro had had their fill.

Mouro, after a sly grin, called for a cup as he, at the same time, unsealed the mouth of the small barrel.  Filling it to the brim, he ceremoniously presented it to Hecun who received it with appropriate thanks then, politely smiling, put the cup down and called for another cup to be brought.

Filling this one to the brim, Hecun reciprocated the courtesy to Mouro and proposed, "Let us drink together one more time for old times' sake, before we are joined by the others."

"You are too polite.  All right, brother, we'll drink to your good health and to a long, prosperous life."  Mouro grimaced as he obligingly received the cup.  Subsequently, as custom decreed, each deferred the honors of first toast to the other.

After a few turns, Hecun unable to resist any longer, congenially toasted, "To our lasting friendship," before he raised the cup to his lips and was about to gulp it down all in one go when, Mouro, suddenly assuming a stern visage, in a flash discarded his own cup to the side and violently knocked Hecun's cup from his hands, spilling entire contents of the wine all over the bailiff's face and garments.

 "What disgraceful conduct?  How dare you insult me in this manner?" Mouro stormed.

 "You may be my elder, but I'm still your superior and don't you forget it!"  He shook a threatening finger in Hecun's face.

"And you stay out of this!" Mouro turned to lash out at the sergeant Tubak who, (standing by at close proximity,) aimed to intercede on behalf of his commander.

 Mouro once more reverted his menacing gaze back to the Head bailiff and, with curses on his lips, he demanded, "How dare you be so presumptuous?  How dare you behave in this outrageous manner, just because I'm kind enough to treat you with courtesy?"

Aghast (shocked, appalled), Hecun's face flushed and, even though he did not know what he’d done to offend Mouro, finding his tongue, rushed to apologize, but there was no placating (mollifying) Mouro. 

Placed on the defensive, inwardly Hecun remained most resentful of Mouro's inconsistencies, “What kind of game are you playing at?  How dare you set me up, make me breach etiquette, then make me lose face in front of my men like this?”  

Head Bailiff Hecun just wanted to squash this upstart, ungrateful vermin like a bug, but knew only too well of Mouro's hot temper and obstinate nature; therefore, he wisely opted to suffer passively and with total restraint, this heaved, unending abuse, hoping that Mouro's anger would summarily be spent (pass).

Far from being appeased, Mouro was, in fact, further antagonized. He bellowed furiously, "Why in blazes did I take all this trouble…For the likes of you?  You're beneath my contempt!"  Scoffing, he sprung to his feet and stormed away into the darkness.

Alarmed, Hecun raced after Mouro, still apologizing. Eventually he caught up with him beyond the courtyard and, in a hot pursuit, dashed after him behind a half-collapsed tower. The moment he’d entered the full darkness, however, a hand extended from under the dilapidated flight of stairs and forcefully yanked (pulled) Hecun into the ink black crevice, where he was brought face to face with Mouro.

Hecun's fear soon abated when, in a passive voice, Mouro explained, "You can stop worrying now, brother.  I'm not at all offended.  It was a charade, enacted for their benefit."

"Whose benefit,” Dumbfounded Hecun strained to see more clearly.  "What madness is this?"

Moving out of the shadows, his hand still clasping Hecun's shoulder, Mouro smiled wryly.  "Rest assured, my faculties are intact…  I couldn't go through with it, anyhow.  Still, I had to stop you from drinking it, while casting suspicion, that the drink was spiked."

"The wine was spiked.  What are you talking about?" Hecun asked in exasperation.  "We have no enmity between us, why should you try to poison me?"

"You're not listening," Mouro snapped.  "The wine is perfectly fine; they only think it's laced with poison, and I had to play along with the pretense."

Now it was Hecun's turn to be temperamental, "Your inference to 'they"…  Just who are 'they'?  Why do you talk in riddles, or is this just another one of your underhanded ploys to make me look like the fool?  Are you purposefully trying to muddle me?"

"There are turncoats, you fool!  Renegades planted among your men."

"Are you sure?  How do you know this?  Who are they?  How many are there?  Tell me and I'll have their black hearts torn from their chest."  Hecun clenched his fist repetitively.

"I don't know who they are."  Mouro shrugged and walked away.  "I came to know of their existence myself only quite recently, but I didn't have the means to find out their numbers, but I surmise it must be over thirty.  In any case, it’s up to you to flush (hunt) them out."  Reading confusion and disbelief on Hecun's face, he continued, "You still need convincing, don't you?  Why must you always be so obstinate?  I should be furious with you for not trusting me but, oh, all right, I'll start at the beginning and clarify this situation for you, even though I'm pressed for time.”

"Listen, my coming here tonight was not accidental, nor was my failure to tell you about the functioning well. The purpose was obviously other than the one I expressed in front of the men."  He cleared his throat.  "Actually, I was instructed by Micen.  Yes, Micen Do.  Now, don't interrupt.  I was instructed by him to deliver some poisoned wine to you as part of a diabolical plot to bring about the demise of yourself and your men, saving the spies who were obviously warned not to drink the wine."

"But why would Micen want to kill me?" Hecun injected in surprise.  "I was never out of line with him.  I served him loyally for all those years and did nothing to incur his enmity.  What could he gain from my death?"

"You were only the instrument, the insignificant pawn, please forgive my saying so, who had to be sacrificed in the scheme of things.  It had nothing to do with you personally, or with your performance of your duty. “Mouro explained dismally.  "You think you mattered anything to him at all?  Your only fault was that you let yourself become expendable.  Added to that, your mission was doomed from the start, even if you had survived the ambush and other conceivable dangers on the road as you have done.  Yes, I'm well aware of the traps you've avoided all along the way in order to reach this point.  Never mind how I know."  He held up his hand to stay any questions from Hecun.  "Even the desertions you experienced earlier, I suspect, were the workings of the implanted spies, working within to assure your perilous end.

"It would have been their objective to reduce the numbers of those to be doomed way before now and, no doubt, you played right into their hands.  You would have done better, my friend, to have, just this once, acted contrary to your nature, to have made concessions and exceptions to the rules.  Your flaw, besides being too predictable, is that you're a stickler for rules and regulations.  Don't you see how much of an easy target that makes you, how much more vulnerable?  Never mind, it’s pointless to harp on that now."

"How deep is this conspiracy, anyway?" Hecun grumbled, gritting his teeth.

Mouro, agitated, turned away.  "Listen well and you'll learn the extent of it."

                                                                                ~

(END OF SECTION 32)