LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL - SECTION 21

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL - SECTION 21

 

After Dwengzur had said his unemotional farewells to those few that meant something to him amidst the assembled group, he had then quietly taken his position beside the Elder Aegeus and patiently waited.   

Elder Aegeus who’d been momentarily lost to a private rumination (reflection), maintaining his serious demeanor, gravely nodded and then enigmatically (incomprehensibly) mumbled the secret ancient incantation. Instantly he and Dwengzur, were both reduced to two glowing, flickering balls of light that shot through the air towards the far cavern wall and passing through it, promptly disappeared.

                                                                                       ~

01- STHETOR IMMORTAL (11)JP

The lengthy, thoughtful silence was broken (interrupted) by Elder Sthetor, when he indifferently shrugged, then in an icy tone simply ejected (spoke up):” If there is no objection, we may as well observe (and review) the rest of current events, transpiring in Wenjenkun.”

Others nodded in acquiescence for the latest string of events had already, irrevocably, captivated (held, even peaked) their interest. 

Sthetor, in no great hurry, first checked his elation, for things had transpired exactly as he had planned; now he could relax his vigil and wait for that inevitable turn of events. His emotionless, green eyes (dependent on his mood the color of his eyes often varied, modified) bypassing Olavingemar, swept the rapt faces of Elders for a spell, delighting inwardly in prolonging their suspense; then ever so slowly, he rose and pointed to the circle, intoning the last part of the incantation:

"Do-kume..ke..ki... sooonures do …  

mukenoro qu wuuuos…. Hukoressyonner….”

"Kazuuuummm… “

    Behold!

 

The vista (scene, episode) on the wall immediately came back to life, resuming where it had left off.  

                                                                           

02-ZONAR - IMMORTAL (3)JP

Zonar , turning (reverting) his stern gaze back to Lenny Sukzor, sternly ejected. “But I did not come here to engage in congenial chatter. I am still risking quite a bit, to be here, so pay heed and convey this message, post haste, to His Majesty Yoshikan Sousing Nokuzuk Binchan: ‘His Highness must defer (postpone) executing the next ploy (stratagem); favorable outcome has already been assured without it.”  

“More importantly, His Highness must be forewarned of the fact, that Zakhertan Yozdek has already deployed (sent forth) an army equipped with a new, lethal weaponry, not to strengthen Korion's borders and counter Kontu’s aggression as you’ve been led to believe, but in truth, to assassinate His Highness Yoshikan and to annihilate our populace to the last man.”  

Lenny Sukzor was aghast, having heard nothing at all to this effect. "What! How have you …"

“Don’t interrupt.” Zonar impatiently interposed (interrupted, snapped). “And another thing, inform His Highness Yoshikan that, an unavoidable circumstance constrains me for an indefinite period (time) to be absent; I will nevertheless be in the know and return the moment I’m needed."  

"Rest assured," Zonar relenting, smiled at Lenny Sukzor and spoke in softer tone. "I will avert this very disaster in due course by intercepting their Commander-in-Chief, Heshur Zican, who has in his possession the only copy of the amended decree.”

“Fortunately, Zakhertan Yozdek’s (suspicious nature and taken) precaution can be used in our favor.  You see, aside from Heshur, all the other officers (his subordinate generals) had been kept in the dark about this change to ensure the element of surprise that is so vital to their mission's success.  They falsely believe that they had been deployed to the frontier to assist the subsidiary Nation, Korion, in countering and halting hostile incursions, from amassed forces of Kontu.”  

“Hmm…A bolt of lightning and resulting bush fire disguised in a stormy night should do the trick.” Zonar inwardly considering, more to himself, articulated (mumbled); then looking up and shrugging, he added, "The rest will be up to Sovereign Yoshikan."

03-YOSHIKAN SOUSING NOKUZUK BINCHAN   (5)JP

"But how do you propose to catch up with Heshur Zican who, accordingly, is well on his way to…”  Lenny Sukzor was however, quickly silenced by Zonar’s irate, stern gaze that seemed to say, “You dare question my ability?”

"Now for the second reason of my visit here… Heed this warning Lenny Sukzor and abandon that crazy scheme of yours. You know what I mean.  Stay put for now.  Zakhertan Yozdek’s days are numbered as it is. Fate has given to another the duty of killing him, one whose obligation it is to avenge far more grievous wrongs, than yours.  Have I made myself clear?"  Zonar did not wait for the required confirmation before he then turned away. 

Zonar did not disappear right away; however, instead, he lingered at the spot with his back to Lenny Sukzor, long enough to (append) add, "Take care, son of Wushing for you are, as well, destined for greater things. Yet before that can even begin to happen, you must purge yourself of this weakness of yours. You know very well what I mean. Having finished what, I had come to say, I shall now take my leave of you. Farewell till we meet again."   Zonar for a second or so looked at him knowingly (calculatingly) then threw his head back and laughed boisterously.

 In the next instant he had disappeared from the room, yet his laughter resounded (echoed) in Lenny Sukzor’s ears long afterwards, diminishing only gradually.

                                                                             

                                                                               ~

 

A few moments later that same night Zonar had reappeared in Nevetsecnuac's private quarters alongside his bed; smiling, he leaned forward to lightly touch his nephew, the sleeping Prince's shoulder.

Nevetsecnuac sensing his presence however had awoken at once with a start and sat upright. At that instant Zonar snapped his two fingers to illuminate the entire room right away by an artificial (unnatural) light, without the benefit of any candles, then went over and sat down in a plush chair in the far corner.  

Nevetsecnuac had instantly bolted from the bed and now stood in the centre of the room, arms crossed and with feet firmly planted on the carpet. Seeing who the intruder was, obviously quite pleased, he smiled and bowed his head slightly in greeting. "I had hoped for as much. So, you are alive and well.” After a brief scrutiny, Nevetsecnuac nodded: “And you have altered your appearance… You certainly look much younger, without the beard.”

“I’m glad you approve.” Zonar simply grinned.

“Are you here for a rematch, sir?"  Nevetsecnuac getting right to the point, asked.

"Hah! I like your directness!" Zonar threw his head back and laughed uproariously but then suddenly, unexpectedly turning quite serious, he ejected in a genuinely disappointed tone:  "Unfortunately, being pressed for time, I must forgo the fight; another time perhaps.”  

“Then why are you here?”

"Listen carefully,” Zonar held up his hand (palm). "Having scant opportunity, I ask that you allow me to state the reason for my visit forthwith and then let me be on my way with all due haste. Forgo the notion of rescuing Lord Asgar’s son Ivar Marrog Zhon; as the person in dungeon claimed to be him is false, he is only a poor unfortunate decoy (substitute). Yes, the true son lives, but at present he lives and prospers under an assumed name in this very Capital.” A witty, wry smile brushed his lips, as he added, “And you’ve already met him once, in the thoroughfare (main road) of Channing.”  

Zonar just then perceiving Nevetsecnuac’s unspoken query, shook his head in the negative.  

“Unfortunately, I am not at liberty to divulge any further than this, not without profound consequences to you and to Wenjenkun. Be assured however that the son is destined to meet his father, Lord Asgar, at the appointed time. For some reason however, I’m being kept from foreseeing (prophesizing) any further than that; so, I cannot reveal the result of that encounter. “ 

 

04-ZONAR - IMMORTAL (16)JP

Nevertheless, Zonar, sensing that something grave was the impending outcome (the consequence) of that encounter, frowning, he looked away; he was clearly perturbed, by this (shortcoming) inability. Moment later however, he shrugged and then continued: “As for days' time few days you will gain the opportunity, ahead of schedule, to encounter (meet, face) Zakhertan Yozdek, our common enemy. Be sure to take the writing brush with you when you go to the North palace. Mark my words, Zakhertan Yozdek is the devil incarnate and, as competent as I know you to be, you may not succeed in your intended venture unless you have an edge over him. He does not fight justly (equitably); he will cheat. I do not refer to mere cunning stratagem or treachery, which I know you have come to expect from him. He will use otherworldly (occult) methods or medium to win; alas, he knows an enchantment which I call the “Nokuzikos spell”, that is virtually unknown in Wenjenkun, or in any part of this world, for that matter.  Armed with this advantage, he is virtually invincible and uses it unscrupulously, in single combat or in battle (warfare), to vanquish all his enemies (adversaries).  Therefore, I am here, additionally, to equalize your chances on that impending final duel." 

Zonar beckoned to Nevetsecnuac and when the prince was in closer proximity, he leaned forward and whispered his instructions to Nevetsecnuac, in argot, one which he had specifically designed to be understood only by Nevetsecnuac.  

In this remarkable way Nevetsecnuac was hence armed with the knowledge of the workings of the Nokuzikos spell, the enchantment of Wind and Fire; the counter spell which would render it harmless; and the precise juncture at which it should be cast to beget (produce) maximum effect.  Zonar had taken this precautionary measure, more for the sake of keeping it from the prying ears of the Elders of Karn. When he’d finished imparting all the details, Nevetsecnuac, comprehending this great favor, bowed and most humbly thanked him.

05- NEVETSECNUAC (4)

"All right, all right," Zonar bit discomforted, impatiently dismissed the expressions of gratitude from his nephew then went on to warn Nevetsecnuac further, of the possible, unanticipated variables he may still encounter.  

As it was, the outcome of the combat between Zakhertan and Nevetsecnuac had, as well, enigmatically been kept from Zonar.  Zonar absently shook his head, as he inwardly at present again pondered, why some aspects of his cast divinations for future predictions (forecasts) had been clear as day while others had been vague or as if determinedly (by Heaven perhaps), totally concealed from him. This sort disquiets (foreboding) he kept to himself however, besides which he had complete confidence in this Prince’s rare abilities.  

Suddenly recalling another pressing matter, Zonar reached deep into his pocket seeking a leather pouch and retrieving it, removed from it an oval, Aquamarine crystal pill which he then presented (gave) to Nevetsecnuac.  

"I nearly forgot this. In any case, well before the final contest (combat) with Zakhertan Yozdek, you will fall prey to a dastardly attempt on your life. When that time comes and this is needed, just swallow it whole; you will be instantly restored (returned) to perfect health to complete your mission.”  

 

(END OF SECTION 21)

 

 

                                                                           ~

LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE PROLOGUE

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE PROLOGUE

 

 The northernmost border of Korion had been marked by a range of lofty, serrated peaks, seven in number, appropriately named “The Pillars of Heaven”.  Their astral summits (stellar zeniths) were completely obscured by crowning clouds, relegating all perception of their true elevation to the realm of fantasy.  Snow and ice permanently capped the stratospheric part of this mystic range and from the north (the north-pole) the driving, howling winds thrashed the slopes mercilessly, scouring the glacier clean of any life form. Ergo, the popular folklore of Korion had always maintained that the breath of the world was being drawn in through these august peaks. This inhospitable region of sub-freezing temperatures meanwhile had effectively deterred any human from traversing it; yet remarkably, the national lore persisted of an ancient race, old beyond the Earth itself, possessing powers most strange and subtle, dwelling and thriving in this desolation.

 

                                                                                          ~

 

In that never ending cycle of nature, as anew (afresh) the darkness enshrouded (veiled) the Earth in obscurity, on the majestic slopes the falling flakes yet again sought refuge from the relentless scourge of the wind by hiding in crevices and under ledges in swirling eddies. 

ELDERS OF KARN

ELDERS OF KARN

 On this typically forbidding (austere) night, “The Elders of Karn”, an ancient race of people each ranking over six feet tall in height, with long white or fiery red hairs, pale gray eyes and pale skin, some identically clad in dreary, nondescript garments with hoods, but all without exception, sporting a different shades of crystal amulet that hung from their neckline- had been standing or, seated around the lashing tongues of fire, for an indefinite period, listening with rapt attention to the one named Dwengzur recounting the success of his mission. 

DWENGZUR

Silence fell at the conclusion of Dwengzur’s report. The primary, the most ancient one known as “Aegeus”, thoughtfully stroking his long, snow white beard, now slightly leaned forward and without moving his lips, in measured intonation suggested to Dwengzur that the report may need a touch more elaboration.  Before Dwengzur had a chance to show his surprise at this most unusual request, the other Elders displaying an uncharacteristic curiosity added their collective nods and silent murmurs, as if in droning chorus.  “Yes, brother,” their voices burst in his head, tells us more news of the outside world.  “Tell us of the recent changes!”

“This is most peculiar! Much has changed during my long absence; why this sudden interest in the forsaken mortal realms?” Dwengzur locking his mind up and retreating to that private segment that could not be penetrated, a privileged right, he for a spell, pondered. Centuries had passed since the last great struggle that’d in the interim seriously depleted their numbers and erased in its entirety the female gender of their race. From thence unable to propagate, their longevity being the only other boon to their special powers- yes, the final war had been won but at a heavy cost.

CESSARS

CESSARS

Cassars, rock spirit entities, that had eventually been enslaved by Karns and so kept in check- had been the catalyst of this catastrophic dissention (discord) among existing ancient races. Set against one another the other elite powers had all one by one been eliminated, purged, extinguished. As sole remaining custodians of this world, by consensus of the elders of Karn, they had spared Cassars from total annihilation only to imprison them and allowed the species of men to have the sole dominion over Earth.

 Since that time, spanning several centuries now, race of Karn had secretly co-existed with men, in the remotes corner of these icy-peaks; meanwhile, affording mankind that certain measure of safety- as Cassars’ contained or bested by the utilization of ice or water were then indefinitely imprisoned in the protective water crystal amulet that each Karn wore. It was a bane (burden) to be endured till the end of time.

                                                                                ~

The ancient race of Karn had always lived by very stringent tribal laws.  On most rare instance, any would be offender, without mercy and without the benefit of any trial, would be condemned to be a non-entity and then swiftly terminated.

The other unwritten law was that no one got to leave the tribe, willingly or unwillingly, alive.  But then one resourceful renegade Immortal known as Chandor, (also known as Zandar Kuntzu, the name he’d adapted at outside), had succeeded in doing the impossible. 

The day before Dwengzur was to depart on the most difficult and dire assignment, he’d been secretly informed (briefed) By Elder Aegeus (who had the power to only visit the sight and invoking an incantation, pick up all that had transpired there) on the pertinent details relating to this case.

 It so happened that Chandor (Zandar Kuntzu) was the only surviving direct descendent of the primary, the most ancient Aegeus. Chandor hence, carried the Royal bloodline and the rare gene that would enable him, when he reached the Earth years of 40, to be transformed at will, into the most fearsome creature, Dragon.

 Dwengzu’s assignment had been to find and destroy him as well as the children (twin boy and girl)  that he’d secretly sired, well before that time. Extrapolating on this, Elder Aegeus had then revealed to Dwngzur that, in an undisclosed sector of the main Cave, a prisoner had been held for some time now who happened to be the daughter of His Eminence Olavingemar.  Her name was Tekubzan, the most enchanting creature born to the race of Karn. In fact, she’d been the sole surviving female species of their race who had escaped total inhalation   because of her secret (captivity) incarceration.  At the earth age of 10, at the Divination Ceremony where the new generation’s fortunes were read, her ominous prediction had revealed that she unfortunately was the carrier of a seed that would be the harbinger of, utter obliteration (eradication) of their (Karn’s) race.  She was therefore condemned to die by the Chief Elders in a unanimous vote in order to circumvent (avoid, prevent) this inevitability.

OLAVIGEMAR

His Eminence Olavigemar entrusted this task to his most trusted and able assistant Meju, but he at the last moment had found out that he could not carry out this sentence. Instead, he privately consulted the Stars and chose another option, a preferred alternative to her execution. Of course, he’d paid the ultimate price in order to preserve this great secret forever, the very secret that had been discovered only recently due to a strange set of circumstances.  Anyhow, her life had been spared but she’d been condemned nevertheless to a far crueler fate: an imprisonment for life behind an impenetrable, a one piece of solid rock at the furthest point and the deepest recesses of the Cave which the Elders of Karn once a year held counsel. The thickness of it muted all sound from escaping. The council meetings were later transferred at a more favorable location.  For nearly a decade, this fair maiden had languished in the dark, well forgotten, save for her father who secretly still longed for his only offspring.  Tekubzan being an immortal never needed sustenance or liquids; she’d been therefore only provided by Meju (before his demise), some textiles and garments to appropriately (cover her body) cloth herself as she grew up.  She lived in solitary confinement and in pitch darkness behind that solid rock wall that looked to be a natural part of the cave. In time she was totally forgotten, especially by the new generation which Chandor (Zandar Kuntzu) happened to be. 

Chandor (Zandar) at 20 earth years, possessing a curious and explorative nature, more than once had secretly ventured into the forbidden depths of the Cavern. Due to rare, once in a millennium seismic event, a fissure, a crack had occurred on the solid wall, which Chandor (Zandar), on one of his expeditions, came upon. He drew near to examine it.  With his unusual and super-human hearing, he at that point happened to detect the slight sound of stirring behind, telling of a life, a creature that must have dwelled there. He enlarged the gap as best as he could, and holing up a light to it, peered in to investigate the source. He was shocked to discover an enchanting being, clearly a female creature staring back at him. He worked diligently and secretly for almost a year, till eventually he could get the opening large enough to get his physical body through it. The beautiful creature clad in tattered clothing on the other side was frightened at first and besides which, forgotten the vernacular. But no words were necessary for communication. He pitied and same time was terribly drawn to her. From then on, whenever he could he stole away and visited her. In time having gained her confidence, the two grew quite close. They spent many happy moments together and eventually fell deeply in love with each other. Being sort of a rebel in character, he would not shy away from most taboos; but he was nevertheless reluctant to be too intimate with her, knowing the consequence, knowing that if he did, she might be impregnated. When the desire became too great for them to resist, thinking he’d taken apt precautions, the two one night shared a most blissful, intimate time together. That time he’d left after promising to visit her the next day. But unforeseen circumstances had prevented him for many months from calling on her. When he finally could get away, he rushed to the forbidden pace to present her the most precious gift an ask her to be his mate forever. He’d decided well before this to rescue her from her prison and after the two had made good their escape from the mountain, he would make sure she would never be impregnated, to live a long and happy life with him in some secret location, in some remote corner of the world.

Fate unfortunately had intervened to destroy all his hopes and dreams. What greeted him instead, was a heart-wrenching tragedy. He found her long dead with a precious naked twin infant boy and a girl, wrapped in a cloth, beside her. A brief note etched on a wall had recounted her most dire ordeal which she’d courageously faced. Worse, however, been the days of waiting and longing for him; though trusting him, her generous heart had forever absolved him from any blame. Finally, when his eyes beheld the words of her written declaration of lasting love for him, his heart ripped open, and he broke down and sobbed uncontrollably for quite some time.

Eventually a slight whimper from the twin infants, whom she had transferred her life force to after severing the umbilical cord, the poor entities which had waited in darkness and solitude for so many months, had just at that point in time drew his attention. He at once dried his tears, tenderly picked up his son and daughter and pressed them to his bosom. After a long spell, eventually reason took hold. As the ground was hard, he fetched many rocks and reverently covered the body of his beloved in order to provide her at least some solace in afterlife; he said his prayers and then made a solemn wow to take good care of their beloved offsprings.  He’d made good his escape and   disappeared for many a year, living in secret and under disguise, as a woodsman, close to some remote village in Korion.

AEGEUS  (13)B JP

Elder Aegeus abilities being vast and mysterious, he had seen the truth in a vision. For reasons known only to him however, he’d kept some facts that Dwengzu had discovered only later, to himself. Dwengzur at the time had only been instructed to find Zandar and eliminate him and his mortal wife and the chilren they had.

 In truth, for the sake of his twin children, Zandar’d befriended a widowed mortal female (a local farmer’s third daughter,) living alone with a son equal in age to Zonar (boy twin) and Arnora (girl twin). Through mutual arrangement he took her as his mate and settled down to work the fields like an ordinary farmer.  His new wife had been a good-natured, kind soul and, from the start, she’d treated the toddlers Zonar and Arnora as if they were her own. Zonar and Arnora had both been happy children then, though briefly, as they then had an elder brother.

Again, these details Dwengzur had discovered, later and quite by accident:

 Zandar’s twin children Zonar and Arnora were never told of their true heritage; in those early years they had grown up believing the mortal human was their mother. Zandar Kuntzu during his years living among the mortal humans had undergone such a metamorphosis, in order to perfect his disguise, that he had remained successfully well concealed for over a Decade, until the day of reckoning when he had finally been hunted down by Dwengzur and along with his mortal wife and mortal boy and a girl child were properly disposed of.

 Then again Zandar Kuntzu had foreseen this outcome well in advance and had entrusted his toddler twins Zonar and Arnora, separating them as precautionary measure, to the care of two different ordinary mortal families, along with a complete set of instructions that would be visible when they reached teen years. Each Immortal born lived as a mortal being until the age of adulthood, hence they were unremarkable (indiscernible) in that period. After maturity, it was of course, a different story; the Immortal’s congenital (inherited), varied (wide-ranging) powers were fully restored to them and from then on, every time they used their innate powers, it left a subtle subatomic trace that could easily be picked up by those who knew how.

At the time Zandar had further ensured Zonar and Arnora’s safety by purposefully remaining ignorant of the identities of the foster families and by choosing an ancient, infirm go-between (to carry on the transaction) who had died soon afterwards. Any hope of tracing Zonar and Arnora hence, had become practically impossible.  Before leaving Zandar Kuntzu had also implanted a magical command in the toddlers’ unconscious which prevented them, from teen years to adulthood, from knowing of or using their powers while still hidden in Korion.  Unfortunately, it was through this faint trace which had eventually enabled Dwengzur to (detect, locate) find Zandar and his mortal family.

At the time Dwengzur had been assigned to this task of tracking and disposing of this renegade Immortal Chando (Zandar Kuntzu), his immortal twins, as well all his intimate human associations (like his mortal wife and his offsprings), forced as he’d been to the re-entry into the outside world, Dwengzur had been privately instructed, by the most ancient elder, Aegeus, on this taboo (most prohibited) skill, the means with which to track and kill another Immortal.

                          ~                                 

 Back at the Immortal’s hidden abode (habitat), each time Dwengzur had utilized his powers, through a beacon of sorts, Aegeus and the governing body of the elders of Karn, had tracked his steady progress (feat, achievement) and as they did this, in the interim, (as the unwanted side-effect) they had gradually got ensnared by the intriguing affairs of man.  Dwengzur’s latest exploits, the acutely unusual set of events however had been rather ambiguous and warily obscure, meriting (necessitating) at present, an explanation.

“This is unwarranted curiosity,” Dwengzur reticently grumbled. “They should have had, after all these centuries of abstinence, been immune to it and all!  The Elder Aegeus’s present request countered their most sacred of unspoken laws.  Perhaps after centuries of detachment, they’d craved variance; a dangerous precedence, to say the least.”

Dwengzur, as he surreptitiously searched the faces of governing body of Elders seated about, inwardly asked: “What degree of contamination would be acceptable, the inescapable resulting consequence, and in the end, what would be forfeit?”

Casting a wary glance into the recesses of the cavern, where the hibernating groups of the younger (middle-aged) clan members lay dormant, as if in hibernation but regenerating, Dwengzur nodded to signal his eventual acquiescence to their request and opened his mind once more for the siphoning of information.

 His eyes closed, his face perfectly composed, his thoughts perfectly lucid, moment later all seated about heard in their heads Dwengzur’s somber voice resounding with respect and care.

“It so happens I have a singularly intriguing mortal tale to impart, one with a particular charm all its own, as well as an incipient promise of good.  It is a chronicle of good versus evil, a narrative in which courage, loyalty, friendship, honor, sacrifice, romance, is pitted against, treachery greed, lust for power and abominations of every imaginable kind; but firstly, it is a tale of moral vengeance.  You, my brothers, who have long since purged yourself of these and other such frailties, you may assume the task of an impartial judge. And at the end of it, decide whether the prince Nevetsecnuac of this tale had acted in a righteous cause, or was he merely a pawn in the game of fate, a straw dog, blown about by Heaven's breath.”

He rose to his feet and summoned a tendril of flame to his fingertip.  Walking over to the cavern wall, he incised a circle of fire as he invoked the familiar incantation:

               "Zukonaren..koture..lozuk..

               "Yeme..rike..tokure..kizerune..dom..

               "Do-kume..ke..ki..

               "Kazuuuemmm.”

 

The circle of flame instantly collapsed upon itself at its center then exploded outwards, creating the window to the world.

With an expansive gesture of his hand, Dwengzur invited,

 "Behold!"

 

Just then eddies of burning mist had cleared away to reveal a barren coastline.

                                                                                  ~

 

Note:                                                             

 

(Stay tuned for the next post. Chapter 1- Fisherman's prize. As each chapter being so very long, it shall be divided into segments, culminating in many, sequential posts, over time.)