LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE STATE  OF THINGS - SECTION 12

Nevetsecnuac politely coughed to break the uneasy silence and then adroitly, with apt sensitivity, addressed all the areas of difficulty till most of Fradel's qualms were eased.  As it were, even though Fradel's literary work had won him fame and his reputation had been widespread throughout the Kingdom, his previous seclusion proved to be a bonus (advantage) to their present plan (stratagem). No one, not even the Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren who was responsible for his recommendation at Court (save for a few acquaintances in Fradel’s remote region), knew of his precise physical appearance.

NEVETSECNUAC AND FRADEL

Nevetsecnuac was erudite (scholarly, cultured, widely read); now factor in the official’s hasty, unprecise (undetailed) sketch on the ID permit, then, Nevetsecnuac could easily pass as Fradel.  All that remained at present was for the Nevetsecnuac to be briefed (updated) on the pertinent details of what was expected of him upon his arrival at the Capital and at his presentation at Court, as had been previously relayed to Fradel by the Imperial palace guard Tuo (special attaché of P.M. from the Rights division).  Diligently, Fradel began to share all he knew, even though he was extremely tired and barely able to stay awake.

"Elder Brother, you are exhausted.  Why do you persist in going on?” Nevetsecnuac was concerned about Fradel’s health, just then asserted. “Please get some rest.  Since there are still so many details that need going over, I will stick around (linger, tarry) for an extra day." To encourage Fradel to retire, Nevetsecnuac, quickly snuffed out (blew) the two candle lights, leaving only one.

“All right… Good… I will go rest then. “Fradel, inwardly overjoyed to have his brother with him for another day, lethargically rose from his seat and, after divesting his outer suit coat, climbed under the covers of the bed.

FRADEL

"I look forward to exchanging more info…" His voice trailed to silence for, no sooner had his head touched the pillow than he sank instantly into a deep slumber.

Nevetsecnuac subsequently following Fradel's lead, had also gone to bed. The room at present enveloped in pitch darkness and tranquil air (silence) permeating throughout now that the storm outside had subsided, it became highly conducive to sleep yet sleep averted Nevetsecnuac. Laying on his back (reposing) perfectly still till small hours, his mind enumerated (reckoned, listed) every possible circumstance, hoping to ensure (secure) Fradel's safety, as well, exempt Fradel from suspicion of conspiracy, for Nevetsecnuac did not wish to have on his conscience, another purge of the Scholars. Only after Nevetsecnuac had resolved every variance of peril (risk, hazard), did he closed his eyes to gain some rest, but by then it was too late, the cock's crow outside announced the arrival of a new day.

The help downstairs was already, heard, stirring; quietly Nevetsecnuac rose from his bed, washed up, dressed, then exited the room. Nevetsecnuac informed the innkeeper of their intention to stay for an additional day and left with them the instructions that Fradel presently was not disturbed.  Then he went to the stable to check on the horses.

 It was late morning, long after Nevetsecnuac had breakfasted and taken a ride to survey the countryside that Fradel awoke.  During the course of the day, they both rode the safe pathways that Nevetsecnuac had found and talked at length as Nevetsecnuac's ingenious plan was unfolded.

NEVETSECNUAC

Fortunately, as apt precaution, both had given false (synonym) names when they had sought lodgings (and registered), as well, refrained from divulging their travel plans to the very inquisitive Innkeeper, the night before.  Later still, Nevetsecnuac had learned, by conversing with the help, that by some good fortune they had taken the roundabout route to Fradel's destination, the Provincial Capital of Toren.  This road first bypassed the town of Monter and was not as frequented as the other.  Accordingly, Fradel was instructed to, upon reaching Monter, claim that he had taken the more direct route; this way the incriminating evidence (clue) of their being seen together at the inn, would hence be missed (concealed, overlooked) by the future probable (likely) investigators overseeing Fradel's case.

Rising at dawn the next day they left the inn.  After a full day’s ride at dusk stopping at the secluded spot, they set up camp.  Repast quickly concluded, as an added precaution their personal apparel worn at the inn and on the road leading there, was quickly consigned to the flames and they both donned scholar's garments.  Of course, Nevetsecnuac now carried all of Fradel's important papers on his person as well as, on Fradel's insistence, the special brush and ink pad, though the prince felt it would be of limited use.

Returning to the fork in the road, they then took the alternate, more direct route.  At a significant location they dismounted and buried Lord Asger's sword, for either of them to retrieve later.  This was necessary as Nevetsecnuac would most undoubtedly be searched at the city gate.

It was also determined that, in order to enforce the deception, they must also exchange their steeds.

His heart laden with misgivings, Fradel watched Fiery Comet's defiance, how he neighed, trotted and shook his head wildly as Nevetsecnuac led the horse by the reins towards him.  Halting a few feet away, Nevetsecnuac stroked Fiery Comet's mane and patiently whispered his brief instructions into the defiant animal's ear until the stallion nodded his head in assent.

How remarkable! Fradel mused.  Can a beast truly be that intelligent?

Surmising Fradel's thoughts, Nevetsecnuac rejoined with a smile as he handed over the reins, "He's like no other, Fradel.  Rest assured, in compliance with my wishes he'll curb his temper and carry you safely to your destination.  When in doubt you may rely on his instincts.  He will deliver you from all danger."

Half convinced; Fradel nodded.

When all had been said and done, the two embraced one last time as brothers and bid an emotional farewell to each other.

Still apprehensive about riding such a magnificent war horse, Fradel braced himself and climbed into the saddle.  Remarkably, just as Nevetsecnuac had assured him it would be, Fiery Comet trotted in a manner and at a speed befitting Fradel's own, more domesticated, gelding.  When a sudden gust of wind rose up to snatch Fradel's scholar's cap off of his head this intelligent animal halted instantly, without receiving any orders, and stood perfectly still until Fradel had dismounted, retrieved his cap.  When Fradel returned to mount him again, he noted the partially dried line of tears under the horse's eyes.  Shaking his head in disbelief, he put his foot in the stirrup and hauled himself back into the saddle.

With longing in his own heart, he then looked back and sought out the consistent form of his new brother, no more than a speck in the distance.  His eyes were soon obscured by tears, and, with blurred vision, he turned his head back in the direction of the road, not knowing that the distant figure stayed with them, just on the horizon, until dusk.

 

(END OF SECTION 12)

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