13- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR - SECTION 1

Far from the political hub of Channing where incredible events were transpiring, beyond the remotest border province of Zhincho, near the summit of the towering snowcapped mountains, in a concealed location under the dense canopy of the forest, cohabiting a wooden cabin, Lord Asger (Lord Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon, Stark) and Tekuob had been living their days in accordance with the proprieties of a father and daughter, in relative harmony. Each day’s routine much the same they kept up the hopeful anticipation of soon receiving the positive news from Prince Nevetsecnuac.

01A - LORD ASGER THUXUR MARROG ZHON AND TEQUOB  (60)J JP

Time passed swiftly with days blending into weeks and weeks into months, though despite Lord Asger’s growing impatience, his hopes of one day being called to arms having never wavered, whenever he could get away and in whatever time he could spare, he kept up with his vigilant martial exercises and edifying (improving) his theoretical, tactical military expertise (proficiency). 

Oftentimes for diversity giving in to Tekuob’s persistence, he routinely (habitually) instructed her on the (mostly defensive) martial arts. Subsequently, with inner pride he watched her day after day, by degrees blending the imparted techniques with her own innate skills to develop her own varied manifold fighting style and thence, becoming a very proficient archer and, with her incredible prowess, wielding a deadly sword.

02A- TEKUOB AND ASGER PRACTICE FIGHTING  (8)jp

But with the passage of even more time, it became increasingly more difficult for Asger (Stark) to maintain his optimism; fearing the worse, he grew impatient with creeping inner resentment, at being (stranded) bound here at the mountain where he could lend no useful assistance to his (first) priority.

What if some harm had already befallen Nevetsecnuac? Consequently then, in all this time he would have lived in vain, guilty of being derelict in his crucial obligation and breaking the oath (covenant) to his maternal uncle, Prince Shon (7^th Prince Shon Alric Therran valamir). On the other hand, he was also bound by the oath to Nevetsecnuac, the oath of taking diligent care of his wife and children. Therefore, competent as Tekuob was, he could not, in good conscience, leave her behind to seek out any news of Nevetsecnuac, nor could he bring her and the twins along with him on such a, perilous, fact-finding mission.

Lord Asger Zhon, duty-bound yet constrained, had often fretted thus, at the conclusion of each day, at those solitary moments before retiring.

02B- LORD ASGER THUXUR MARROG ZHON (167) JP

At dawn with iron determination, he regularly resurrected the hope in his heart and directed his full attention instead, to the preservation (protection, safeguarding) and nurturing (educating) Nevetsecnuac’s beloved wife Tekuob and his identical twins Alric Svein and Lueling. As it were, in all this time Tekuob had borne so many hardships stoically that she had earned (besides his fatherly love,) his lasting admiration; meanwhile, her increasing proficiency in wielding the sword gave Asger some solace, for if nothing else, he was arming her to defend herself during his absence of periodic hunting treks, where which he provided the nutritionally requisite supplement, the meat, for especially, his growing niece and nephew.

Asger’s heart, meanwhile, had secretly ached noting her terrible longing for her beloved husband, even though she had often admirably, filled her days and her every waking moment, with caring for her children, chores, study, and martial exercises, so that at dusk her energies utterly spent, left little room for her to worry. This sort of deterrence, however, could only work so far; naturally, in the continued absence of any news, it became increasingly more difficult for her to conceal her mounting (rising) inner melancholy while maintaining her outwardly hopeful facade. Since nothing escaped Asger’s (Lord Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon’s) notice, and he had also, excellent hearing, it aggrieved him knowing that in the small hours of the night, Tekuob had often quietly shed tears until sleep overtook her. But even then, the fears and the terrible ordeals of her childhood and the demons from her past manifesting vengefully in her sleep and fueling the persistent nightmares, robbed her of scant tranquil respite; thence, she would often wake with a start drenched in the cold pearls of perspiration and then pace the room to and for till dawn broke.

This naturally concerned Asger, fearing that her obvious sleep deprivation and her suppressed (bottled up) emotions might one day acutely harm her mental and physical state. He unfortunately could do little besides (despite) his subtle counsel and the nightly concoctions (curatives) he prescribed to get her to relax and, she still slept badly or not at all.

03- TWINS, ALRIC SVEIN  AND LUELING, ARE HANDFUL TO MANAGE

In daylight hours she fared better, during which time Tequob was far too (busy) preoccupied with routine chores, training and tending to her toddlers, who were with all that boundless energy, was a handful to manage. And those creative interaction with the very inventive and rambunctious twins, added to Asger’s diversionary tactics and subtle teachings of meditative techniques, which Tequob in time had embraced, kept all three resilient and healthy.

                                                                                          ~

One stormy night when gale (tempestuous) winds, thunder, and lightning yet again robbed Tekuob of any sleep, she decided on adapting another of Asger’s suggestions; thus, rising from her bed and then going over to her dresser, she quietly fetched a writing brush, ink and the small hand bound book, a journal, bypassing however the ivory-colored silk bundle (a scroll roll which she used for artistic expressions, such as drawing), which Asger had given her not too long ago to do with as she pleased.  This was the most encouraging sign of all as she, after a momentary hesitation, opened the journal (personal diary) to the first page and began in steady succession, writing down (scripting) her sundry private thoughts and concerns she would never outwardly speak, addressing them alternatively to Nevetsecnuac or, to her toddler son Svein and daughter Lueling. On subsequent nights, this routine confidential mental exercise (provided) had afforded her the much-needed emancipating succor (relief), until her anticipated reunion with her beloved Nevetsecnuac. She had remained thus, most grateful to Asger for his suggestion, as well, his unwavering patience and sensitivity.

In truth, Lord Asger’s countless, subtle attributes, so rare in a man, as time went by had endeared him even more to Tekuob. With all her heart (and soul), she felt indebted to His Lordship for his generous and accommodating ways and the fact that he had always shown her such forbearance. His loyal, warrior soul, heart, and mind, she knew, would always be with Prince Nevetsecnuac, as it should be, yet he had borne the added responsibility for her and her children with such magnanimity. She understood full well how hard it must have been for Lord Asger to bear with her feminine eccentricities (oddities), living in such close quarters; yet he had remained most upstanding (virtuous) and astoundingly (remarkably) tolerant of her vacillating moods, quirks, and foibles.

04- TEQUOB WRITES IN HER JOURNAL ABOUT LORD ASGER ZHON  (61)JP

Eternally grateful, she had once written to Nevetsecnuac, “I’ve never experienced such broadmindedness (no judgement or criticism) and tender care even from my own kin; as soon as the opportunity avails itself, I shall do my utmost, to accomplish a meritorious act, to repay a small portion of a huge debt I owe him.” “Heaven has blessed us, allowing Lord Asger to be an integral part of our life. We can all learn so much from such an honorable being, with incredible courage, moral rectitude, compassion, and loyalty.” Another time she had counseled young Svein and Lueling in her private diary (journal, memoir).

“Regardless of your future fates’ outcome, you must never waver (falter) in your courage and resolve; always emulate (the ways of) Lord Asger and, as your father before you have done, honor him and pay (strict) heed to all his invaluable teachings.” Subsequently, recounting succinctly, most recent (four) set of events about Lord Asger’s heroism, particularly the one about rescuing the toddler twins from the jaws of death, she had on yet another time, with this heartfelt statement, concluded that night’s entry. “Despite the overwhelming obstacles fate has (waylaid) thrown in his path, never once has His Lordship Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon ever deflected from his true purpose. He has stoically sacrificed so much and endured much more than any man would bear; therefore, this heroic warrior deserves our utmost gratitude (which can never be re-paid, not in the brief span of just one lifetime) and high esteem.”   Often, in her diary (journal) she imparted Nevetsecnuac, the exciting current events and Svein and Lueling’s growing progress, as well, their lovable characteristics and periodically, surprising, and most hilarious (amusing, humorous) adventures. Thus (Hence) in her heart, she had found the means to bridge the great distance (gap) that separated Nevetsecnuac from them.

05- TEQUOB WRITES IN HER JOURNAL, TO HER BELOVED NEVETSECNUAC

                                           ~                                         

 

Time passed quickly; but few days before Nevetsecnuac’s decisive combat with the villainous Emperor Zakhertan  Yozdek, when Nevetsecnuac was deliberately poisoned by an invisible prong (spike) hidden in one of the facets (module) of a jeweled cuff clasp on the jacket ( part of a keepsake tribute gift from the Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren’s offices, a traditional/ceremonial court attire, a garb, that had actually been tampered with the deadly, rare poison, by a Black Molochs’s agent, as part of Dark Eunuch Egil Viggoaries’s dastardly scheme), and therefore, Nevetsecnuac’s life was perilously at death’s door, on that date, all day long try as she might, Tekuob could not conceal her overwhelming feeling of restlessness and, same time, the disconsolate (gloomy) mood that had gripped her soul.

All matters vexed (irked) her; she was uncharacteristically incensed (angry) by the children’s rambunctiousness (boisterousness), at the howling winds outside, her chores did not go as well as she had hoped, a wild animal the night before had rampaged the vegetable garden, the windowpane in her bedroom had developed a small crack that needed an immediate repair. When the meal she had labored for the greater part of the morning burnt, she felt utterly dismayed and hiding in her room for an hour; she cried inconsolably.

Shortly afterwards, however, Tekuob, with admirable (reserve) willpower had suppressed her inner turmoil, dried her eyes, and emerged from her bedroom. The next two days, she continued to redirect (channel, convert) this persistent unease and the consequent restless energy towards completing the necessary tasks: which besides her routine chores, included patching (fixing) the crack in the windowpane (opting not to bother Lord Asger with such trifle), rescuing some of the plants and re-organizing the vegetable patch and cooking preserves (jams, jellies, conserves).

06- LORD ASGER ZHON GONE ON HUNTING TRIP (128)JP

Fortunately, Lord Zhon had been absent from the premise (vicinity), having departed shortly before dawn on an essential hunt. Armed with sword, bow, and arrows, he had descended from the mountain (high elevation on foot); and, Tequob knew, he would then venture into the dense forest’s perilous depths (thick foliage) to supply (provide) them with fresh game.

All this while, Tequob had been incessantly, fighting to supress her inner demons; on the third day her agitated state had unfortunately reached an apex point.  Nevertheless, by the time Asger had returned (that very afternoon) earlier than expected with a week’s worth of bounty, she had mastered her wayward (recalcitrant) emotions, and everything on the surface appeared placid and ordinary.

Later still, after the three had a nourishing midday meal Tekuob, as part of the daily routine, put the children to bed for an afternoon nap (cat nap, siesta) then settled herself at her desk to commence her studies of the classics and reading up on Wenjenkun’s history. Try as she might, however, she could not concentrate her thoughts (direct her undivided attention) on the lessons at hand. Her exasperated mind, in defiance of her will, kept straying onto diverse topics, majority being, unpleasant.

“What is the matter with me today?” Finally, putting the book down, she demurred. “Why is my mind in such perplexing bedlam (confounding mayhem)?”

In his seated position, though he was engrossed in what he was reading, sensing her irritation, Lord Asger abruptly looked up and subtly scrutinized (studied) her.

07- LORD ASGER THUXUR MARROG ZHON (168)jp

In that instance, Lord Asger’s perfunctory (fleeting) observation had told him there had been an assiduous (perpetual) serious concern praying on her mind; however, not wishing to intrude (as she will inform him when ready) he instead gave an indulgent smile and then, without a single word, reverted his undivided attention back to the ancient manuscripts and the amassed (summative) revisions of the time-honored war stratagems.

In truth, he too without cause since dawn, had felt intensely perturbed, but upon his return he had pushed it aside, relieved to see that (in their humble habitat) all was as it should be. Soon the toddler twins Alric and Lueling will be waking up from their afternoon siesta and they, being particularly lively and spirited (not unlike Nevetsecnuac at the same age), yet still too young for the implementation of strict discipline, Asger remained reluctant to disrupt the current peaceful repose, which was an integral part of their midday revitalization routine. As it were, despite his strong stamina, Asger had endured a particularly grueling morning, condensing weeks’ worth of hunting into just few (three) days, for he dared not be absent from them too long. Unfortunately, the quiet (silence) he had craved, did not last for too long.

Tekuob’s attention having again strayed from her studies, after a thoughtful pause, she abruptly looked up and then, begging Lord Asger’s pardon, started to say something that seemed imperative (most urgent), when suddenly at that fateful moment, back at Channing Nevetsecnuac’s life was in sure peril, Tekuob’s words in mid-sentence abruptly froze on her tongue and she, as if in dire agony clasped her hand over her heart. Consequently, overcome by the brusque, overwhelming feeling of deep dismay, plus the excruciating pain that had just then gripped her soul, her lovely face became ghostly ashen (pallid, pasty white).

That same instance, Asger had pricked his finger by the splinter jutting from the vintage (ancient) tome’s leather-bound spine casing (sheath, jacket), drawing blood; nevertheless, disregarding this, he rushed to inquire, “Are you all right, my child?” 

Tekuob at first had remained unresponsive, but then, with glazed eyes and, her face bearing the tragic look of a soul plunged into the abysmal depths of misery, she looked up at Lord Asger. When tears threatened to manifest, it was all she could do, but to turn her head away.

“Nevetsecnuac!” A stifled groan (moan, grunt) escaped from Lord Asger’s lips as the inexplicable fear and dread had just then gripped his pulsating, loyal heart.

The toddlers, who were just moments before peacefully asleep in the adjacent room, suddenly burst into loud wailings, as if startled-awake by a terrible nightmare.

 

                                                                                    ~

 

(END OF SECTION 1)

 11- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - EVIL PERSONIFIED - SECTION 26

 On the evening of the day that Qarzten Caimund and Lenny Sukzor had both at dawn departed from Channing, Minister of Ceremony Zaur Stugr conducting business as usual in his secret offices, had next received Kozur affiliate (member) Qunen Yummer.

01- QUNEN YUMMER (1)JP2

As Zaur had listened with due patience to Qunen’s lengthy report, in his mind's eye Zaur could not help but envision all the committed, ghastly, disturbing acts/atrocities at the hand of that blood thirsty Egil Viggoaries.

Zaur was both relieved and quietly intrigued to hear next, however, when at dawn of this very day the Dark Eunuch had again gone down to the subterranean dungeons to further torment Nijel Pinng but had instead, discovered her lifeless, headless body.

Deprived of this pleasure, Egil Viggoaries’s subsequent reaction had been fierce. Imagining the mayhem, Zaur could not hide the manifest slight grin on his lips; though, he continued to listen with an unreadable stone expression and learned how as consequence, all Hell had broken loose, quietly of course, within the ranks of the Black Molochs.  

Zaur, thinking back on the pre-dawn’s (daybreak’s) minutes now quietly contemplated, “Soon as he had woken up this morning, he had sensed something grave in the air!

Zaur Stugr, briefly and pensively looked away, before pinning his gaze back on Qunen Yummer who, incessantly (nonstop) stated the subsequent succinct details of his report.

Now, admittedly, this was the most charitable course for Nijel Pinng; but who had dared, more specifically, who had accomplished such an impossible feat?   Zaur inwardly queried; he knew that security had always been rigorous in that segment of subterranean dungeons and that it had always been impenetrable for any unsanctioned breach (gap, entry).

Zaur Stugr, again, while landing a half ear to the report, cogitated:  A while back Kozur elite force had tried but in vain, to rescue one of their valued secret agents from the clutches of that despised, dastardly Eunuch. Sadly, the mole (infiltrator) in the end had died stoically, without giving Egil Viggoaries what he was after (wanted).  

Zaur’s attention abruptly just then reverted to Qunen, when he heard him say, “Forgive me Chief for my omitting lone factor prior, as I could not decide whether or not it held any significance…"     

Qunen Yummer had then momentarily paused to receive an affirmative nod from Zaur, before resuming, his voice lowered only by a fraction. "After Minister Lenny Sukzor’s undoubtedly grueling meeting at small hours with Egil Viggoaries, and subsequently, at dawn this morning, before his prompt departure from the Capital that is, I had covertly observed for a spell a rather unexpected and odd reaction of his…This had happened you see when Lenny Sukzor was alone with me in his study, overseeing some last-minute details." 

02- ZAUR STUGR JP 11

  

"What kind of reaction?" Zaur Stugr impatiently cutting Qunen off with a sharp gesture of his hand, curtly asked.  

"Well, sir, when one of the crystal figurines, the one Her Ladyship had presented him with on his last birthday, in his haste was bumped onto the floor from the mantelpiece, Lenny bent over to pick up the decapitated head, not the body; and I caught just then the strange gleam (twinkle) in his eyes. I knew that figurine held special sentimental value to him, yet at that moment his expression showed no remorse for his carelessness, only relief. His eyes (focus) meanwhile had stayed glued to it for a spell. He unmistakably was thinking of something else.”    

"Are you suggesting that perhaps it was he who intervened?" Zaur Stugr tad regaled (amused), eyed Qunen Yummer quizzically. “What an intriguing concept!”    

Qunen Yummer’s face flushed (reddened) feeling for a spell rather foolish; but then with a lowered gaze pondered the question carefully before answering, “No!" and then shook his head with definite conviction in the end. "He would not dare; however, he could be in some ways indirectly involved, sir."    

“Highly unlikely,” Zaur Stugr nevertheless on the outset nodding, mused. “No. Lenny Sukzor would not undertake such callous risk (action). He had too much at stake. He certainly would not jeopardize it all over an insignificant being (spy).”    

Since Qunen Yummer had again stopped, Zaur signaled for him to continue with the rest of his report. Whilst Zaur Stugr listened on, he pondered on Lenny's sudden departure under these mysterious circumstances, anticipating that it had a far-reaching political significance. The fact that he was headed in the opposite direction from Qarzten Caimund after their private conference last night, carried intriguing inference (connotation) and it made it worth looking into it, a bit more extensively.  Just the same, Zaur had already assigned two of his best agents to tail Lenny and send reports back on his activities; while he waited for the results, Zaur would utilize few other avenues to uncover Lenny's true/actual (objective) mission.   

Sometime later, armed with his new instructions Qunen Yummer, had left Minister Zaur Stugr’s offices, and blending into the shadows under the starless night, swiftly made his way back to Lenny Sukzor’s mansion.   

    

                                                                          ~    

 

Burning the midnight oil that same night, Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek was overseeing four other grievous matters that needed his immediate attention. He had worked tirelessly most of the night, desisting going to bed, for of late the moment he’d laid down his head on the pillow his mind at once raced with day’s pesky unfinished tasks, as there was so much one could fit in a day’s agenda; and if he was fortunate enough to catch forty winks, without fail his sleep would then be assailed by incessant, grotesque nightmares.  

Though Zakhertan Yozdek would never outwardly admit it, he had already missed the invaluable company of Qarzten Caimund and their rather intense, exhilarating, sometimes philosophical, but always highly cerebral, nightly repartee that provided him with small degree relief at the end of a typically wearing, sometimes trying day.

His thoughts abruptly turning to disinherited Prince Herleif, Zakhertan angrily looked away. The ignoble son, who had been nothing but a disappointment from day one, could simply rot in jail for all he cared, but eventually Zakhertan knew that he would have to execute him. That part did not disturb him as much as the dread that Herleif would shame him further when he faced the hour of his end, for Prince Herleif had always been innately deficit in both courage and honour.

 

03-PRINCE HERLEIF YOZDEK (7)JP

 

Zakhertan had even considered dispatching his assassins to the subterranean dungeon to finish him off quietly in the dead of night, but part of him still wanted to further punish this reprehensible spawn, therefore, no easy death for him for being such ignominy to Zakhertan. This thought unfortunately brought to his mind another disappointment, Lord Shouzi Yozdek, a relative that Zakhertan had once actually respected and bore certain affections (fondness) to.    

A second cousin from the paternal side of the family and only four years Zakhertan’s senior, as children the two had been (inseparable) thick-as-thieves. In fact, during the memorable period prior to and up till puberty, the mischievous duo that shared similar characteristics and interests, had embarked on more than fifty hair-raising adventures, each of which to date Zakhertan fondly remembered, to nosh (nourish) their innate, perverse appetite for carnage.   

The unleashed zest for bedlam and violence had (ultimately) paved the way later for Zakhertan to achieve his utmost ambition. Alas, change being inevitable, Shouzi during his teens had sadly undergone a drastic, inexplicable conversion (change) in character, which to date Zakhertan did not know the cause or reasons for it. All the same, Shouzi had readily each time answered Zakhertan Yozdek’s call to arms and, it had been Shouzi who had without fail bolstered Zakhertan Yozdek during those difficult campaigning years, making it possible for him to ascent steadily in power.

Zakhertan now pondered with a leaden heart how in all those years Shouzi, with his estimable courage, loyalty and prowess, had once been a valuable kin and an intimate friend, fighting alongside him, when Zakhertan one by one toppled (eradicated) all opposition, vanquished all his nemesis and consolidated his power to establish his present, enduring and omnipotent reign (dynasty, empire).

04-SHOUZI YOZDEK - JP  7

Zakhertan Yozdek, moreover, had never forgotten how Shouzi at a crucial juncture once, had mounted a daring rescue and delivered him from the clutches (jaws) of death, after Zakhertan because of his overestimation, had been caught in a terrible ambush. His life had been spared because of Shouzi’s intrepid feat and for that, Zakhertan owed him a life; hence, the reason for his present, troubled mind, and pained conscience, having already initiated the only viable recourse, to curb (if not stop) Lord Shouzi Yozdek’s future objective (aim).

How swiftly time had passed; how capriciously family and friendship bonds went astray!

Zakhertan did not know this, but he stood at the cusp (threshold, verge) of more akin perfidies (betrayals) from those he trusted the most.

Zakhertan Yozdek had always presumed (believed) that he was a great judge of character and astute observer; he could spot a fake sincerity or sham loyalty from slightest shift in nuances (tones, hints, tinges) of facet (face, characteristics) or mien (demeanor, aspect) of any Royal family member or a liege subject (pledged, vassal, warrior, official, aristocrat or a plebian) in his kingdom. He knew he had never stinted with his gratitude and recompense of any good deed. Zakhertan, besides which, had bestowed far more favors on that unappreciative (surly ingrate) truculent (insolent) and audacious Lord Shouzi (a second cousin), than he’d done for anyone else.

And, he had raised no objection to Lord Shouzi’s third son Konnur’s nuptial’s (marriage) to Lamont Gudaren’s daughter Arabel, which had established a strong, mutually beneficial bond between the Lord and the Prime Minister; albeit this shrewd political maneuvering, had warranted Zakhertan’s perpetual, close monitoring of their coalition (association, link) over the past years.

05-ZAKHERTAN YOZDEDK  (81)

 

Moreover, last ten or more years, Zakhertan had been more than generous and lenient with Lord Shouzi Yozdek’s other akin, political, and economic transactions (maneuverings), allowing the Lord to amass his present, copious wealth, and influence.

   

Then what had happened? What grievance had been at the root, that so propelled Shouzi, a once close friend, to turn on him? Zakhertan with disdain pushed aside the stack of documents before him on his desk and then letting out a long, exasperated breath, he eased his weary back into the cushioned chair.

Deep down of course he knew the basis of Lord’s dissension, though he refused to admit Lord Shouzi's apparent weakness and his recent indifference. Until recently Shouzi had been dependable kin, an ardent loyal friend and a good vassal, whose analytical mind and actions had always been ruled by logic. He had proven that more times than Zakhertan cared to remember it. All that had changed however when Shouzi’s eldest son Wasmund, having been found guilty of mutinous political views and his reckless association with the known rebel group, was incarcerated and subsequently executed. By rights Lord Shouzi should have understood his (Zakhertan’s) obtaining confirmation much too late of the boy’s inadvertent part in that conspiracy. But then, Wosmund could be said to have brought that misfortune upon himself; for the young upstart brazenly and passionately in military court had defended (championed) the culpable faction's right to rebel! He’d called him a barbaric Narcissist! Imagine that! Besides these unpardonable offences Wosmund had furthermore, blatantly renumerated in thundering voice, the insurrectionist’s novel grievances (list of criticisms and objections) against the present regime, which had been fought and lost two years prior by the movement's cofounder, Zakhertan Yozdek’s beloved son Prince Qijerrik. The old wounds rehashed, despite Lord Shouzi's entreaties (to Zakhertan) to grant his twenty-year-old son a reprieve, a life for a life in exchange for the debt Zakhertan had owed him, Wosmund had to be made an example of and so, was duly decapitated.     

 So, what, Zakhertan Yozdek scoffed. At least he was not quartered.

Besides, Zakhertan’s loss had been far greater; for he had lost his beloved Qijerrik at the tender age of fifteen. But even after the swift execution of all suspected instigators and participants, the insurgency far from being quelled at the root, had in fact arisen anew in four years in two isolated pockets of the nation, threatening to mushroom into another fully fledged rebellion. These budding malcontent dissidents had to be at all costs suppressed (crushed); subsequently, after Qarzten Caimund’s effective and precise (efficient) measures, Wenjenkun had enjoyed the four years of stability and peace.  

 

 

(END OF SECTION 26)