LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC – THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL – SECTION 2
The general guests well into their cups, P.M. Lamont Gudaren unleashed the profligate centerpiece of the night's entertainment: a licentious, at times violent orchestration of a ribald theme by a famed opera company.
Nevetsecnuac (seated at the honoured position) was
unfortunately, constrained to watch this tactless display; to alleviate his
discomfort, he downed (consumed) several more cups of fine wine, exceeding his
limit.
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| 01 -PM LAMONT GUDAREN -2-JP |
Noting Fradel Rurik Korvald’s slight annoyance, the Prime Minister, already ripened to the occasion himself, leaned forward and confided his deep disappointment to Fradel, that the great magician and seer, Dwengzur, had been unable to be located and therefore could not have been prevailed upon to enliven this gathering. "If the great Dwengzur had performed but one of his famed magic", Lamont Gudaren avowed, "This show we are watching would be paled in comparison. I regret that I can only provide the second best." After the expected polite disclaimer from Fradel, Lamont had swiftly resumed, "In fact no one, not even the Sovereign, has seen him since the cowardly assassination attempt that has aroused the anger of everyone in the Channing."
Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac)'s interest was now roused.
Even though his reason told him otherwise, he remained hopeful that Dwengzur
and Zonar were the same and that the wretched, badly charred corpse in the
central square was indeed the emissary from Kontu, as Zaur Stugr and everyone
else firmly believed. A tiny ripple of
anxiety and impatience washed over him.
“If only
Dwengzur had attended this party; this matter could have been firmly resolved.”
That instant as if prompted by this very thought, there arose
a low, disturbing hum which grew into an angry rumble. It seemed to emanate
from the center of the tall dome that stood atop the octagonal hall, spreading
downwards, and causing the walls themselves to quake violently. The flames in the hanging braziers dimmed,
quivered then blazed into full brightness, fanned by a gust of wind which arose
out of nowhere. An odd, pungent smell rode this wind, circling the hall like a
whirlwind to assail all nostrils like a harbinger of evil. From out of the
walls themselves, a dense, luminous, crimson fog, streaked with plumes of
azure, coiled around the gathering, shrouding everything in its tendrils and
then, abruptly all noise ceased.
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| 02- LUMINOUS CLOUDS |
In the eerie stillness, Nevetsecnuac felt an icy touch on the nape of his neck. He turned sharply but could see nothing through the dense, radiant haze.
Slowly the incandescent fog dissipated and the figures of his
host, the entertainers, guests, servants, musicians and even the exotic animals
in their cages could then be, discerned. Yet something was not right, they were
all frozen in their various poses. It was as though time and all life in the
great hall had stood still. Nothing, not even a breath or the lightest breeze
moved. Not a single strand of hair stirred. Reality as once was, was now in
question; meanwhile, the prevalence of dark, demonic presence encapsulated the
stifling air.
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| 03- DEMONIC PRESENCE |
Frowning, Nevetsecnuac rose cautiously from his seat and, placing his hands at the edge of the table, he craned his neck this way and that, to survey the entire hall. Everything about him without exception was inert (stationary). Even the wine that was just-being-poured remained suspended in mid-air. Wagging tongues, animated gestures, shrieks of amused laughter were all arrested. On the center stage an opera player was, frozen in mid somersault as he dodged the speeding knife that now hovered in mid flight. The woman on the divan, caught in the scripted adultery and attempting to hide her partial nakedness under the sheets, her and the billowing sheets were also perfectly stationary, solid, and unmoving as rock. A single house fly that was about to be swatted, lay frozen in mid-flight just inches from a cross-eyed servant's nose.
Leaving the table, Nevetsecnuac walked the length of the hall
and stepped onto the terrace (veranda, balcony) to check the view in the
garden. Again, he observed nothing but
unnatural stillness as far as the eye could see. Ahead, the main fountain's
water, tear shaped and motionless, was trapped in its trajectory. Beyond the
carefully landscaped hedges, ripples were frozen solid on the manufactured pond
as a golden carp balanced on the water like a brass statue to snatch a
motionless mosquito. Even the air itself had stilled. There was no evidence,
not in the slight, of the refreshing breeze that had previously caressed his
cheeks and rustled the branches. There was no harmonious melody of the
nocturnal insects to grace the ears.
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| 04- THE GARDEN STILLED |
Returning to the great hall, he again sat down and taking a sip from his cup, wondered out loud, “Could I be dreaming this? Was the wine drugged and this is the resultant (ensuing) hallucination?” Nevetsecnuac's mind, unbidden, brought back the vivid memory of his strange experience on Yekono Mountain. “No, only a great supernatural force or a magician of superior caliber could cause (bring about) such an all-encompassing transformation of this magnitude.” Nevetsecnuac quickly refuted (countered) his query.
"You are quite correct in that assumption; this is not a
dream.” a voice boomed behind him.
“Zonar,” with hopeful anticipation, Nevetsecnuac turned only
to be greeted by another, equally remarkable being. This distinguished giant of
a man, in his late twenties bore the same wild mane of blazing red hair as
Zonar, yet his features were somehow smoother.
The being inclined his head ever so slightly in greeting:
"I apologize for the dramatics, but I very much wanted to make your
acquaintance before I took my leave. You, of course, know who I am?" He grimaced wryly as his eyes burrowed into
Nevetsecnuac's.
Nevetsecnuac responded in kind with a smile and then bowed his
head in polite greeting, to express with eloquence his pleasure at having this
rare opportunity to, finally, make the Immortal Dwengzur’s acquaintance.
“Strange,” Dwengzur
noted, “this is the first time my
abilities have been rendered so ineffective. This one's willpower is so strong;
it is like an impenetrable wall. Never have I seen its like, though the ruler
of this very country, Wenjenkun, did come close.”
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| 05-IMMORTAL DWENGZUR |
Dwengzur , who could manifest his presence at any age and therefore had picked a form (an appearance) closer to Fradel’s in order to put him at his ease, was intrigued. “So, you have been forewarned of my telepathic powers, I see.” Dwengzur narrowed his eyes. “By the same token, you know how I needed to make contact in a certain way to achieve my purpose and you should have therefore been at your ease. Contrarily, you are so circumspect; just what is it that you are guarding against so vehemently?”
True enough, Nevetsecnuac was chary (cautious) of Dwengzur's
abilities and paying heed to his intuition, had erected barriers in his mind
and marshaled his thoughts in the most abstract, least damaging direction. The
gnawing feeling at the pit of his stomach still warned him that Dwengzur was
untrustworthy, dangerous, and far more powerful than he let on. There was also
another strong reason for Nevetsecnuac to be wary of this Immortal. Hadn't
Dwengzur been the one who, colluding with Egil Viggoaries, warned the eunuch of
Fradel Rurik Korvald’s portent of danger to his life? The inner conflict, only
moments before expertly masked and prevented from coloring his random thoughts,
presently in defiance (rebelliously), swelled within Nevetsecnuac to turn into sheer
disdain for Dwengzur; for the mere presence of this Immortal gave truth to
Zonar’s dreaded fate. Nevetsecnuac, clenched his teeth in utter contempt,
recalling the charred remains that presently was hung in the Central Square.
“Ah,” Dwengzur
conceded inwardly, never once taking his eyes off Nevetsecnuac, the mind ruled by reason, may oftentimes be
tamed; but the senses, a victim of emotions, was at odds here. Once such
conflict exists, it will open a crack in yet the strongest armor and then, even
the steadfast resistance would be rendered vulnerable. Emotions are the human
failing that eventually betray the most resolute will. Dwengzur grinning, more astutely now,
studied Fradel. Scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald had obviously
harbored a certain fond admiration for Zonar which, strangely enough, seemed to
have been reciprocated. This is the advantageous material, which Dwengzur
had grasped. At present, by exploiting
this singular aspect he hoped to extract more data, same time sought to gratify
his curiosity and ascertain that no forbidden knowledge had been communicated
by Chandor- (Renegade Zandar Kuntzu) or by his son, Zonar, to the outside
world. Everyone within Karn Race, had to
abide steadfastly by this ancient law, for even the least breach could
warrant only one outcome and, it had been with the intention to tie up any
loose ends, to terminate (cease) any leaks that, Dwengzur, had made this
flamboyant visitation and sought out Fradel.
Dwengzur, had conveniently forgotten of course, his own foible
(imperfection)just last week, at which point in time he had been tricked by
guileful Egil Viggoaries to reveal a
secret incantation that enabled one to (shapeshift) transform into any form or
being. But he was not at all worried about that kink, and Egil Viggoaries had been forewarned of
the dire consequence if he, being a mortal, ever tried to use it. Nevertheless,
Dwengzur shook his head, to purge the memory of that dreadful blunder of his,
from his mind and then, striding over to Nevetsecnuac, casually helped
himself to a drink.
"You'd rather it was he, who greeted you now."
Dwengzur said, after he had drained the second cup in one gulp. "We
originate from the same race after all, Zonar Kuntzu and I… That is the name
you knew him by, is it not?"
Not caring whether he received an answer, the Immortal looked
disdainfully about him, sweeping the guests with a gesture of his hand and
spoke. "Hah! For all their schemes and paltry ambitions (goals), they are
such gullible, predictable bores. Don't you agree? They hold such high opinion
of themselves, yet they spend their brief life's energy on such selfish,
trivial pursuits. But perhaps this one could be the exception that proves the
rule." Strangely enough, Dwengzur had pointed to Zaur Stugr, then added,
"And you’re most notable self, of course." Dwengzur waited for a
spell, but again the goad had produced no (satisfactory) typical response.
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| 06- FRADEL (NEVETSECNUAC) JP 3 |
Turning his fiery gaze back to Nevetsecnuac, Dwengzur had met only an unflinching, dispassionate, blank stare (gaze). Well, where is that explosive rebuff, the unbridled anger so typical of your species (kind)?
“Are you not in the least bit curious as to why I've singled
out this minister in particular?”
Dwengzur grumbled in barely audible voice.
“You will
enlighten me when you’re ready.” Nevetsecnuac had lowered his
guard for a second or two, to allow the Immortal to read this thought. After
shrugging to simply indicate indifference, he again erected the mental barriers
and, coolly looked away.
Dwengzur marvelled at Fradel’s outstanding, disciplined mind. “Such
an unusual self-control; what would it take to provoke you?”
Dwengzur's slight irritation hinted at the exasperation he
felt and confirmed Nevetsecnuac's suspicions that the Immortal's abilities far
exceeded what had been rumored.
Nevetsecnuac smiled, grasping at once the reasons why Dwengzur had
perpetuated the false notion, (that he relied on the placing of hands coupled
with the recitation of an arcane spell to penetrate a man's innermost
thoughts,) and the limitations. Otherwise, he would not have been, so well
tolerated in Royal Court or received any cooperation from those of real
consequence. Meanwhile Nevetsecnuac had well affirmed his suspicions that
Dwengzur was capable of reading anyone’s mind, without the theatrics, from
close proximity, provided that the targeted individual was conscious (wakeful)
and was caught unawares. Had the conscious state of the individual not been a
prerequisite, Dwengzur would not have bothered with this spectacle and would
have scanned Nevetsecnuac's mind, anytime and anywhere, when he was sleep,
inebriated or (when rendered) in a trance.
A broad smile reached
Nevetsecnuac's lips, as he had just then conceived of a way to effectively deal
with this Immortal.
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| 07- IMMORTAL DWENGZUR |
Just then however, Nevetsecnuac's eye caught the gleaming pendant that at that moment had manifested at the surface of the garment; prior it had been invisible, as it was fastened to Dwengzur's inner garment. Nevetsecnuac shifted his stance with unease recalling, during one of their long drinking sessions, certain facts that Zaur Stugr had inadvertently disclosed. For instance, how Egil Viggoaries for a time had held certain sway (dominance) over the Immortal Dwengzur, after he had stealthily (slyly, cunningly) obtained the amulet and well concealed it, till such a time, he had been forced to relinquished it to Zakhertan Yozdek. The pendant had allegedly contained a piece of the Immortal's umbilical cord (from birth), therefore was, most essential, for the continuance of the Immortal’s existence. Yet, here it was, in safe keep of the Immortal.
Nevetsecnuac skeptically narrowed his eyes, questioning at
present, the validity of the rest of Zaur Stugr’ proclaimed facts. True or
false, it could have also been a purposeful ruse by Dwengzur, who by design had
leaked this misinformation. Egil Viggoaries could have been further duped into
believing that he could utilize it to subjugate or even destroy the Immortal,
at will. Zakhertan Yozdek believing in the same had forcefully confiscated it,
only to lose it shortly thereafter. Regardless, the pendant's importance, could
not be, entirely dismissed.
As Nevetsecnuc had not concealed these musings, Dwengzur
picking it up, had been totally amazed at the scope and insightfulness of,
scholar Fradel’s brilliant mind. The umbilical cord nonsense had been, in fact,
a misinformation. The amulet’s suitability was determined solely by Immortal’s
genetic markers. Even if another had obtained the object (talisman), the link
could never be established and they, mortal or immortal, could never be able to
exploit the rock sprit known as Cassars, who was the entity trapped within it,
to further their agenda; furthermore, the genetic markers if tampered with,
would have only resulted in the destruction of the amulet. The immortal, who
was the guardian, had the inherent right, to name (any name of his choosing,)
this enslaved entity. The talisman (amulet), far from being advantageous, it
was more a bane, a blight, to the Immortal, for once the link was established,
the Immortal wearing the amulet and his ward (Cassar), from then on, would be
in a symbiotic relationship: each being aware of the other’s feelings,
sensations, discernment, impressions, and experiences. Cassars being an unruly,
wily, and rapacious creatures, the Immortal had to from then on, tolerate and
endure the creature’s vile sensations (feelings) and, it’s most abhorrently
repellent thoughts!
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| 08- CESSARS A_edited 2 |
Dwengzur’s attention was suddenly drawn to Nevetsecnuac’s next inner query.
Why had Dwengzur, seen fit to accost him (Fradel)
at this specific time and place; why hadn’t the Immortal made his presence
known much earlier on, when he (Fradel) was alone in the garden, or in his
quarters with far less dramatics?
Just as abruptly thereafter, Fradel’s thoughts had again
ceased being clear and, became vague (imprecise) or altogether hidden, to
Dwengzur.
He can do this at-will? Dwengzur
was quite impressed.
An icy tension had suddenly gripped Nevetsecnuac’s limbs
meanwhile when the answer to his inner query had become all too apparent.
Nevetsecnuac subsequently, guardedly, had conceived this future response: “He did not expect to have things easy with
me. He needs a roomful of hostages to force my hand; I must therefore resist
being, antagonized. Absence of least emotion may minimize the damage.”
Dwengzur in the
interim, having received no further input, fetched himself another full jug of
wine and poured himself three capfuls; after he gulped the fragrant brew down
in quick successions, he threw a cursory glance back at this elusive Fradel
Rurik Korval. Truth-be-told, Fradel’s fine, regal bearing, his exceptional good
looks, his intelligence, tenacity, and other apparent strengths might have
impressed Dwengzur if he did not so utterly despise all humans. To him humankind was the lowest form of
life (species) on the evolutionary scale, ranking just below (maggots) slime
worms.
Suddenly requiring a more comfortable place to sit; especially
one by the window, Dwengzur impatiently snapped his fingers, to forcibly eject
two prominent dignitaries at the adjacent table and hurl them clear across the
room to land, headfirst in a heap of dishes, on a far table. Seating himself in
one of the vacated plush chairs he casually indicated that Fradel Rurik Korvald
should take the other seat now positioned across from him and waited until the
scholar, albeit dejectedly, had complied.
"Would you care to share a drink with me?" he asked
with an enigmatic grin, pouring the draught into another available cup, and
placing it before the scholar. His
manner was most dignified even though the tone was cutting, while at the same
time congenial and sincere. His affable gaze fixed on Fradel, it was saying:
“let us dispense with the formalities, shall we? And no more games; after-all,
I know all there is to know about you and your kind. You may as well relax your
vigil and painlessly surrender to my will as this is as inevitable as
tomorrow's sunrise.”
Though his distrust of Dwengzur counselled him to decline the
offer of wine Nevetsecnuac's good breeding prevented him from so openly
antagonizing the Immortal. Reluctantly, with thanks he shared, four more
capfuls, all the while marshaling his thoughts, unrelenting and obstinate as
ever, in his attempt to frustrate Dwengzur's persistent aims.
(END OF SECTION 2)
