11- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - EVIL PERSONIFIED - SECTION 23

That same evening Lenny Sukzor’s taciturn (icy) stare, sweeping past his lovely wife Juyin, had focused for an hour over his untouched dinner plate, with his thoughts a million miles away. When Lady Juyin smiled enigmatically and broke the deathly silence with a gentle query, "Perhaps my husband would prefer a different meat, since this one is not to his liking?" Lenny just let out an exasperated breath and again dropped his eyes, his glare pinned to the uneaten meal on his plate, those savory chunks of bloodied, thinly slashed deer meat (he always preferred his meat done rare) in the center of a tastefully arrayed delicacy. Subsequently, there was a flash of anger in those eyes and his mouth creased into a grimace of pain as he reflected on the barbarous atrocities that incessantly, at the behest (command) of the Dark Eunuch, was being committed in those secret chambers of the Imperial Dungeons.  

01- LENNY SUKZOR (BURSTING WITH FURY)

Lenny Sukzor, serving more than one master, had learned some time prior, that Nijel Pinng’s actual master was Ronian Keru. He was the one that had recruited her and then trained her (to be proficient) in both the martial arts and the art of espionage. More importantly, Lenny Sukzor had received report that Ronian Keru from the start had been a secret affiliate of the Wolfbane Brotherhood. His legitimate title and the most recent post being, Magistrate Ronian Keru in Moulon Province, Ronian Keru thereof now acted under the suzerainty of Lord Shouzi Yozdek.  Lenny Sukzor therefore most recently was assigned to, on some trumped-up charge have Nijel Pinng, because of her connections, to be formally arrested and questioned, to reveal what she knew of the disappearance of Ms. Jepipi, the downfall of Lance Diostin and on the present location of the letter itself.

Before this was to happen however, in an unexpected turn of events, the moment Egil Viggoaries had discovered Nijel Pinng’s link to Lord Shouzi Yozdek, she had been most ingeniously abducted by Black Molochs’ elite force of wallcrawlers, to whom no cliff, roof or steep wall posed an obstacle. In the centuries old cells built specially below the ordinary dungeons, Nijel Pinng had then been mercilessly tortured and incessantly (ceaselessly) interrogated until a false confession was wrung out of her.

From the start Lenny Sukzor had suspected her limited intel of the crucial (fundamental) facts. Still, Egil Viggoaries would not listen to reason. What was more, Lenny had been penalized for his opposing view by being forced, after the Dark Eunuch had had his fun with his prey, to commit further ignominies on Nijel Pinng‘s corpse. Though it had sickened Lenny immensely and took all his willpower not to lash out in seething rage at the vile beast directing him, he had nevertheless meekly complied, for there had been too much at stake, not to…He could not, specifically at this point, disobey Egil’s direct command! Besides which, the Dark Eunuch’ (Egil Viggoaries’s) pitiless eyes had been on him the whole time …Looking to detect least human weakness, least flaw (shortcoming, failing). He had to do it! There had been no other way!    

Lenny’s jaw currently clenched, acutely (in merciless detail) re-experiencing all that he had endured and sacrificed these past many months and years, to become one of the Inner Circle of the Brotherhood of the Black Molochs, how could he, at this late stage, despite the oppressive shame upon his soul, sabotage it (throw it all away)?

No amount of reasoning, however, could wash away the stain on his honor (integrity, decency) or ease Lenny’s conscience; and the memory of those latest constrained acts, those haunting atrocities yet again, imperiled (risked) his psyche, threatening to totally unhinge his mind and sanity.

02- LENNY SUKZOR (SOUL IN PERIL)

Lenny’s face once more contorted (tightened) with pain, as his eyes glared with abhorrence (loathing) at the palm of his hands, knowing full well, no amount of caustic cleansing (bleach, disinfectant soap) could ever rid him of the invisible stains of blood and infamy.    

It was little consolation to know that other members of the Inner Circle had been ordered to commit far worse, repulsive acts of barbarisms; moreover, to his dismay Lenny had realized that they had emerged from their experiences with no comparable psychological suffering or torment because they had already surrendered (committed) their souls to devil (demon) and the eternal damnation. One had to be devoid of any human dignity, morality, and compassion, which were the obligatory (requisite) conditions, to subsist (survive) under Egil Viggoaries’s command.

A wave of pure revulsion rippled through his spine as he inwardly queried: Did that akin consequence, of forsaking his humanity, awaited him also? Each time he had been ordered to commit yet another viler act of depravity, his spiritual essence consequently had been diminished and evermore drew closer to oblivion (dark abyss), meanwhile, his self-worth (dignity) had irreparably waned (declined). During each assignment, the hairs on the back of his neck had bristled and his teeth had clenched in raging defiance, yet he had still, akin a docile (tame) dog, obediently accomplished (completed) his task.     

But then, how long would he have lasted in this abhorrent organization if he had challenged those mandatory onuses (duties) and mission? Even so, how much longer could he, with his pseudo sub-human traits, persevere? And how much longer must he endure this Hellish torment? He sighed deeply then dismally shook his head. But he knew he had to brave it and persevere, if only, for the sake of his beloved Country.   

 If this was the fundamental price (sacrifice) he must undergo for their cause, then so be it!

Lenny at this point catching (hearing) his wife Juyin's adroitly worded query, snorted angrily (and impatiently). Oh, why won't she leave well enough alone? Why must she be so persistently inquisitive? Why this mock concern; didn't she already have enough on him for this week's report? Lenny nevertheless inhaled deeply to let the wrath (ire) ease out of him before he answered her in a standoffish and frosty (glacial) manner. But then seeing the deep hurt in her eyes, he relented, regretting his cruelty.     

She too was a victim of her circumstance, much in the same way as he.   

Lenny’s subsequent words were soothing; however, he still pushed his plate away. After what he had been through, he had no stomach for food, any food. What he required more, was to dull his senses. And so, he instead, reached for his wine goblet and quaffed the entire contents of it. As soon as the empty goblet (vessel) hit the table it was refilled at once by his aide, Qunen Yummer. Lenny nodded his approval, then as he drunk his wine, he continued to watch Qunen, discretely, from the corner of his eye.

03 - QUNEN YUMMER (2) JP

 After Qunen’s falling out with the architect, Yazume Koz, Lenny Sukzor had ignored other's protests and kept him on staff, later still he had brought him into his household and allocated challenging tasks to him, which Qunen had fulfilled quite admirably. Serving him (Lenny) sometimes in his offices, Qunen’s ample talents in time had shone and made him an invaluable employee. Increasingly since then, his very presence had become a source of comfort to Lenny. Secretly, Lenny was pleased, that this very night, it had been Qunen who had been reassigned to fulfill the duties of the ailing Steward.  

Lenny Sukzor quietly downed (imbibed) three more cupsful then, his smile tinged with sourness, he offered his wife a trite excuse for his odd behavior in toneless, meticulously pronounced words and then left the dining room with Qunen in tow. He had expected Juyin to return to her suite and do whatever women did in their solitary, free time. Yet she waited with mounting concern outside of his study until Qunen Yummer was dismissed before she approached him again.   

Lenny Sukzor had fallen into deep brooding, yet bravely, with beseeching eyes that professed intense love, Juyin had pressed him with sincere and placating words, to share his concerns about what truly ailed him, enabling her therefore a chance to provide him with wifely solace.

 

04- JUYIN SUKZOR

Why are you being so persistent tonight? Who put you up to this? What is it you are after?  

Lenny Sukzor’s look of contempt had startled her; she blanched as she drew away and, turned her head to hide the tears that started to overflow her red-rimmed eyes. Such hate! She was shaken to the core.  

Lenny Sukzor let out a long breath of exasperation then drew in another of repentance. Rising from his chair he came around the desk to stand behind her and reached out to place a gentle hand on her shoulder. His original intent was to comfort her with one or more placating, affectionate words, in a way of an apology, but his hand instead suddenly usurping control, his fingers gripped tightly and held on with mounting pressure.

"You're hurting me!" Her plaintive cry as she struggled to free herself, brought him back to his senses.  

He released his grip at once then reached out anew to offer a consoling hug. But she burst into tears once more and ran sobbing from the room.   

He knew that he should have gone after her, but he could not move from the spot. He stood woodenly; his feet (glued) rooted to the floor with a look of consternation on his face.  

What if next time, he did another unpredictable thing that would, irrevocably, hurt her? For when he was in this state of mind, he could no longer trust his innate instincts!

After so many hours, pain still smoldered in his chest (heart), as Lenny clenched his fists till his fingers hurt. That image, the wretched condition of Nijel Pinng’s corpse, obstinately would not go away; it still agonized (anguished) him. An involuntary shudder passed through him yet again, as he recalled how the despised Surgeon Lubin had been called in and, at one point when Egil Viggoaries had been engaged in directing the torture more closely, Lenny had (averted his eyes) looked away, then around to see the same shock and horror reflected on every face in the dungeon. One had even dared to exchange a fleeting glance of consternation with him. Fortunately, an urgent summons from His Highness had interrupted Egil Viggoaries sadistic pleasure and released Lenny from further torment (suffering).    

Lenny had never been so relieved, almost elated at being summoned by Zakhertan Yozdek. Normally it was an ordeal shunned by everyone but in this instance, he had greeted this dreaded duty with a grateful heart.   

                                                                                 ~ 

 

Shortly after dusk, after his brief consultation with Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek, Lenny Sukzor had then been instructed (commanded) to post haste report to Senior Grand Secretary Qarzten Caimund, for further instructions. Lenny had hastened there, been politely ushered into the primary office, and given assurances that Senior Grand Secretary, called to an urgent errand, would be there shortly. But after two or three hours of waiting Lenny Sukzor, at present, petulantly (irritably) paced to and for across the room, then returning to his chair, reluctantly helped him-self to a cupful of hot tea to steady his taut nerves.

Lenny sat there appreciative nonetheless, to be in solitude (alone), which had allowed him a repose, to check his emotions and to collect his thoughts. But as he had waited for forty-five minutes more, feeling like hours, for Senior Grand Secretary Qarzten Caimund’s arrival, unexpectedly, his wayward thoughts had again returned to the stark recollection of those gruesome images, those everlasting horrors routinely being committed back in the sub dungeons. This robbed him of any solace or real peace. It was a small consolation but at least this time, seated alone in Qarzten’s office, Lenny had been spared from eye witnessing those (inflicted) atrocities at the hand of that demonic Surgeon Lubin.     

 After a long spell, Lenny Sukzor had abruptly ceased his sipping from the third cup, put it down and disdainfully pushed it aside, for the aftertaste of hot infusion had just then turned acrid in his mouth. He leaned back and pensively closed his eyes, as he was keenly aware that these same perversities would be re-enacted again, night after night, for the Dark Eunuch's amusement and, it was a certainty that, Egil Viggoaries would make sure that next time, he (Lenny) again be present at the evil debacle.    

How long could he persevere, how long before the inevitable breakdown?  

05-LENNY SUKZOR (8)JP

Lenny’s body had stiffened just then with this inner query, and he involuntarily clenched his fists tight until his nails drew blood from his palms. Instantly he checked his emotions however and quickly wiped away all traces of blood. Fortunately, there was no danger of him being disturbed; he had seen the stacks of documents on Qarzten’s assistant’s desk in the next room, he would have his head buried under it all night long.   

No sooner Lenny Sukzor had again leaned his back in the chair however, those same vile images of countless torture victims, as well as Nijel Pinng’s, had once more commenced parading in his mind's eye.   

If only someone in The Black Molochs’ Inner Circle had superior prowess, had enough gumption (guts) and slight degree of insanity to oppose Egil Viggoaries this one time, and denied him his perversity… by swiftly and mercifully ending the wretched victim’s life.   

“Alas, this will never be. Stop fretting over matters you are powerless to alter; instead, redirect your thoughts on the task at hand.”  Lenny Sukzor shook his head with self recrimination.

Suddenly just then however, Lenny Sukzor’s wayward mind turned to another puzzling concern. Earlier on in this week, in private conference with Qarzten Caimund and before Qarzten had been suddenly called away, the minister with a grave face had started to say in muted voice, something about the Dark Eunuch Egil Viggoaries. It was an enigma to Lenny, why Quarzten had broached the subject with him at all in that cryptic, mysterious way (fashion); unfortunately, other matters taking precedence, that query had never been resolved.   

There was slight disturbance in the hallway; then Lenny Sukzor long at last heard the unmistakable sound of Qarzten Caimund’s arrival. He at once bolted (rose) to his feet and now perfectly composed, waited for Qarzten to enter the room.   

Irksomely however, Qarzten Caimund did not and furthermore, for a lengthy period in an undecipherable low voice had conversed with his assistant in the outer room (outer foyer), at the end of which, he then had instructed his competent aid to, “on his way out, inform the guards that he was not to be, under any circumstances, disturbed.”     

Short while later, the doorknob finally turned and the illustrious Qarzten Caimund, with a pleasant smile on his lips, entered his primary office. Closing the door quietly behind him, the Senior Grand Secretary indicated for Minister Lenny Sukzor to again take a seat then, walking across the room in bold strides, seated himself comfortably across from and facing Lenny Sukzor. He offered his sincerest apologies for the (unavoidable) delay then got straight down to business.     

"You have been selected by His Majesty to undertake a covert assignment of utmost importance in Subain Province. You will depart tomorrow morning at dawn, alone and without the customary panel of inquiry since this mission is an investigation only; to verify or dispute the extent of the suspected corruption in that province.” As Qarzten had said this, he’d quickly and unceremoniously, had helped himself to some not so hot tea to alleviate the sudden parch sensation in his throat, and then added, “You were chosen because you are relatively unknown at outside Channing’s bureaucratic circles, and you will not be recognized by the Provincial Officials you are probing." Qarzten Caimund then proceeded to go over the instructions for this perilous assignment, item by item, since Lenny Sukzor’s findings would then determine the measures to be taken. Pending Lenny Sukzor’s report, if the professed allegations are substantiated, Qarzten Caimund with Lenny Sukzor acting as his assistant would then be expediently dispatched on a punitive campaign to, swiftly and effectively with the help of reserve forces stationed in the adjacent province, rectify/resolve the volatile situation at Subain Province.      

Lenny quietly nodded, knowing Qarzten was the most competent minister to handle this grievous matter, for Qarzten was fearless, resourceful, and ruthless if needs be, malleable and could achieve the installation of a stable government (through his rigorous discipline and rigid regulations, stricter measures, and precedents all,) within the bounds of law and in the specified time.    

It was in truth, Lenny Sukzor’s aptitudes that were being tested (on trial) here; Qarzten was to oversee the operations while in due course, on this seemingly less significant assignment, teach Lenny the ropes, the requisite acumen and edification, before being dispatched to undertake more crucial mission of, permanently resolving the dire menace (threat, hazard) from the impenetrable, strong Guangweit Nation.     

There will be Hell to pay then, for Zakhertan Yozdek wanted nothing less than total satisfaction. Qarzten Caimund meanwhile had summarily mused on this factor, and then quickly went on to appraise Lenny at length of the recently uncovered developments in Subain Province:

He did not need to tell Lenny Sukzor the economic and strategic importance of the province, since this was known to every learned person in Wenjenkun. Subain Province, because of its low-lying terrain next to the warm sea, was responsible for eighty percent of the national salt production and it was the overseas trade in salt that made the capital, Heisen, the third largest, import/export seaport in the country. Only few ministers however, including Lenny, had been privy to the information that, the same estuaries, and marshes of Kesuo and Jefor Prefectures which allowed for the bountiful salt production were also, an ideal hiding places for an extensive number of pirates. These pirates had, for a span of time, flourished by shrewdly avoiding the government monopoly on transport of salt.

The illicit salt smuggling had brazenly been supplemented last little while by an increasing number of raids on cargo vessels and fishing boats traveling through the provincial waters. This allegedly thriving smuggling business up until now had gone unchecked, in fact perpetuated/fostered, under the covert protection racket of the corrupt local government/customs officers which had admittedly posed a serious drain on the Central Governments’ revenues. This entire matter, till recently that is, had been under the (jurisdiction) authority of Prime Minister’s offices, (which had also incorporated the Finance   Ministerial offices). Sovereign Zakhertan had only recently, covertly engaged Qarzten Caimund to look in on this matter. A thorough analysis of the accounting books had hence disclosed the irregularity- that the extent of the production reported to the Capital had been only a mere fraction/one third in measure. The rest had (purportedly) gone to making up the deficit in defense caused by the still more serious a problem in that province: the Pirates!

 

06-  SEA FARING MIGHTY WARRIORS - PIRATES (5) jp

 

In all fairness, a while back a detailed report from the provincial government had been submitted to the Prime Minister’s offices asking special aid, to deal with the growing problem of piracy in that region that had targeted cargo ships, salt transport vessels and fishing boats. What was more, it was noted that as the city expanded the plundering of cargo ships had increasingly been an earnest consideration; but as this region steadily suffered the incursions from these indigenous pirates, even the allocated funds for the defence of the coastline had become, at best, insufficient. 

Additionally on a flawed, unsound decision, the military commands (with adequate units) that had been set up at strategic points of Ziek, Roxi, Celek, Youez and Kigen, had not been expanded despite the increased number of engagements, becoming hence, quite deficient in both workforce and armament.     

The Central Government meanwhile had grown impatient and had been increasingly critical of the lack of progress report against the buccaneers, whose attacks had grown ever more frequent.     

 

 

 

(END OF SECTION 23)

 

 

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