13- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR - SECTION 3

Back at the wooden Cabin, life had gone on as before, with few exceptions and minor adjustments. Now, since the day of Tekuob’s outcry, (the day of Nevetsecnuac’s near death experience because of the poisoning) she had been ailing in health but in her stubbornness, she had refused all Lord Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon’s sensible entreaties to take it easy.

 

01- TEKUOB AND THE TWINS - jp

Compounding the difficulty, the summer months in these high altitudes came to a much swifter end, and the harsher climate indigenous to this mountain expectantly brought along with-it perilous conditions and untold dangers!

Having reckoned with three calamitous events already, the wary inhabitants of the cabin had barely time to rest when fresh disaster struck them: in this case unfortunately, the victim being Tekuob, and the culprit, none other than a large venomous Dakoe viper, the most dreaded kind of all!

This Dakoe viper long since thought extinct, seeking shelter from the harsh elements had seen fit to make his home in the large wooden barrel vat that contained a safe (eatable) variety of dried mushrooms and complimentary greens. This and other such reserves (such as berries, eatable roots, dried vegetables, dried mint, spices, grain, fodder etc.), were usually stored in clay (earthen) bins or wooden barrels alongside stacks of firewood for the use in winter months, at the northern sector of the stables.

Tekuob, in the course of her duties (daily chores) had encountered and unfortunately then been bitten by this deadly asp (Dakoa), had therefore nearly perished.

By providence (chance) Asger being at proximity and therefore responding to her sharp outcry swiftly, he had promptly terminated the culprit, as well, timely extracted the poison from her arm. As it was, the identification of the viper had been the key component (essential factor) in her effective treatment and ultimate survival. A second strike from such a viper would have brought about her instantaneous demise. No amount of effort would then have delivered her from the jaws of death.

 

01- TEKUOB AND THE TWINS - jp

Even so, despite Asger’s untiring and competent care, she had remained in a comatose state for a week; her internal organs all the while undergoing one crisis after another, this being the resulting consequence, the painfully nasty side effects of this venom! With sudden reversals in her condition her erratic palpitations of heart, her battered, bruised and swollen body, unexpected elevations (rises) and drops in body’s temperature, discoloration of skin tone, all-in-all her deteriorating condition, despite the rendition of five potent (effective) treatments, had given Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon more than once a serious fright.

Lord Asger also knew that in all the documented medical cases (in medical journals), few if any, had ever recovered fully from the effects of this dreaded viper’s venom; and the few that had survived for a time, had eventually been driven insane by the future resurgent, hazarding ramifications. With this inevitability weighing heavily on Asger’s mind, he had nevertheless concentrated on the present situation at hand and, with vigilant care did all humanly possible and more, to deliver Tekuob from the imminent danger and to prolong her life.

 

Eventually, by degrees, after weeks of meticulous tending, she had beaten the worst odds and regained the use of her limbs and the full faculty of her senses. Once the destructive cycle had been averted (forestalled), her body had to still overcome the complications, the expected side-effects from the ingested, and (in its own right) highly toxic, antidote. With slow, painful road to recovery well under way, Teukuob, though still indisposed, last few days had even begun showing gradual but definite signs of improvement in her overall condition.

Lord Asger, shouldering the full burden of worry, kept her ominous future-health- prognosis - that at any time and without probable cause she could suffer a relapse resulting in her painful end- from Tekuob, so as not to impede (encumber) her recovery.

  

                                                                             ~

  

Now at about this juncture in time, Fiery Comet’s sudden arrival at nightfall in a stormy weather without a rider, compounded Lord Asger’s trepidation; he had secretly anticipated in absence of any news from Nevetsecnuac this dreaded outcome for some time now and, Fiery Comet’s present disheveled (shabby, scruffy) condition confirmed some of his worst fears!

 

03- LORD ASGER MARROG ZHON (154)  JP

Lord Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon, not wishing to hamper Tekuob’s fragile convalescence, decidedly, for the time being at least, strove to keep this bad portent, from her. He swiftly confined the horse to the stable and fed him fodder; then later that night, as soon as he could get away, he tended to the mount’s other needs, such as cleaning him (wiping the sweat off his body) and tending to his multitude of cuts, bruises, and wounds.

Asger’s efforts bearing fruit, in no time at all Fiery Comet’s wellbeing, at least in part, was restored; only, his indomitable spirit lacked the usual fiery zeal, for he had sensed and shared the depth and breadth of Lord Asger’s silent inconsolable grief and inwardly shed tears!

Also understanding Lord Asger’s desire for secrecy, in ready compliance, he kept the noise level down to a minimum (like his neighing or stomping) even those times when he was let outside to roam free in the dense forest.

  

                                                                                      ~

  

For five days now, continuous strong gale winds and pelting rain have wreaked havoc at everything outside. The cabin’s sturdy walls and roof, though withstanding the enormous, environmental pressures had, nevertheless, incessantly shook from the violent outbursts and relentless assaults from beasts and nature. But regardless of prevalent danger Asger had always perfunctorily risen just before dawn each and every day, as he’d done for over two decades, to tend to morning chores- in this case, caring for Fiery Comet, investigating and securing the perimeter before he washed up and returned back to the cabin with an adequate supply (stack) of firewood and bucket of water.

Subsequently, Lord Asger Zhon had been busy kindling the embers in the fireplace when, despite the deafening noise outside, his keen ears picked up (detected) Fiery Comet’s alarm-raising (alarming) whinnies and urgent stomping in the stable.

 

04- LORD ASGER THUXUR MARROG ZHON (150) JP

 

“What now?” Asger’s brows knitted in deep concern.

 

Expecting a likely breach (intrusion) into the stable from a carnivorous beast, a desperate foraging animal or a fowl in search of food and warmth, Lord Asger rose to his feet and after making certain that neither Tekuob nor the children were awakened, or in any way disturbed by all that commotion outside, as Tekuob was still convalescing, he opened the door to, in due haste rush outside.

He barely missed running into a disarrayed stranger brandishing none other than Asger’s own ancestral sword, the very one he had entrusted to Prince Nevetsecnuac. Before Asger’s accost (inquiry)however, the stranger with a disheveled hair, who was clad in torn and bloody garments, his face and body bearing numerous lacerations, cuts and bruises, with eyes glazed, head swooning, had suddenly dropped the sword and was about to collapse backward when, Lord Asger agilely grabbed hold of both the sword and the stranger spontaneously, before both had had a chance to hit the ground. (No small feat, as Asger had only one arm!)  

The stranger in the grip of a terrible fever, in his semi-conscious state mumbling deliriously, was at once hauled over the shoulder and quickly (got) carried into Asger’s room. Gently placed onto the bed, Asger proceeded with his quick diagnosis of the stranger’s condition; determining (seeing) that his state was not lethal, Asger armed with a staff departed the room in haste to resolve the other, more pressing concern (issue). When his subsequent brief investigation in the barn (woodshed) assured Asger that Fiery Comet was in no real danger, he laid aside his bamboo stick and stroked the steed mane to help calm him down. He next provided the steed with a bucket of water and silage (fodder, hay). As the stallion (horse) was still on edge, Asger tried talking to him to quiet him down. “Now, now… it is all right boy, patience I know, has never been one of your strong points but the storm will soon abate, and you can roam free at outside for as long as you wish. As for the stranger, frankly, in his condition he poses no threat to anyone! And besides, Nevetsecnuac would not have entrusted the sword to a foe. This is the most encouraging sign we have had in a long time. In any case, he obviously brings word from Nevetsecnuac.” Asger had mumbled this last part more for his benefit; he needed to hang on to that slightest of hope.

 

05- FIERY COMET IN BARNJP

Asger’s placating words having finally the desired effect, the mount’s persistent irritation, his repeated stomping, and neighing slowed, then altogether ceased.  “Good boy,” Asger presently rewarded the steed with four crab apples (wild apples). He then picked up the freshly filled bucket of water and headed towards the barn door.

“I must be off now, I will tend to your other needs soon after I have checked on the stranger, all right? Now behave yourself, lest you wake up Tekuob and the children!” Asger half-turned his head, just as he headed out the stable door, part serious and part jesting, admonished Fiery Comet.

Bracing against the violent, thrashing (blinding) winds and hail, Asger then quickly retraced his steps back to the cabin and seeing that all was quiet inside, proceeded to nurse the stranger back to health: In swift succession all his wounds were cleaned; deep lacerations properly tended to and bandaged; his garments were changed (into) with more appropriate ones and the old wear put aside to be later mended and cleaned. The stranger’s unconscious state had made it easier for Asger to complete these tasks swiftly; since the patient’s pulse and his vitals were quite steady and almost normal, Asger applied another cold compress over his’s slightly feverish forehead and administered to him orally the right dose of medicine, one that would help speed his recovery (healing process) and restore him to good health. Asger, having done all that he could, he left the patient snuggled in the safety of a warm quilt to sleep it off, as it would be the natural side-effect of the administered potion, and then, quietly exited the room to see his other responsibilities. Fortunately, there were still two more hours before daybreak and before Tekuob and the children awoke.

In keeping with his word, Asger went back to the barn (outbuilding, shed) to tend to Fiery Comet’s further needs; afterwards, he fetched more firewood and water and then returned to the main cabin. Preparations for breakfast were well under way (completed), feeling ill-at ease about the stranger’s (precarious) condition. He momentarily peered into the room to check in on the patient’s expected progress. When he did, the most unexpected sight greeted Asger!

 

06- THE STRANGER  - JP (1 (3)

The stranger far from sleeping it off soundly, his face free from prior lacerations and bruises and showing no signs at all of his past ordeals, was sitting bolt upright on the bed, though in a dazed state; subsequently, he lowered his gaze and then remained perfectly still!

“Remarkable,” Asger murmured, approaching the bedside. He knew that the patient should have been dead to the world for at least six more hours; for it was physically impossible for a mortal being, however, strong in stamina, to override the potent effects of the drug he had administered to him. Stroking his beard he, moreover, pondered for a moment on the stranger’s extraordinary appearance. Unless? The answers quickly came to mind. Right, he had this medicine in his possession for at least fifteen years. Though adequately stored, it still could have lost some measure of its potency (expired); meanwhile, he had quickly dismissed the other, viable, negative thought that had also crept into his mind.

As the patient did not respond to his general, polite inquiries, Asger apathetically (indifferently) picked up the cold compass lying on the floor and discarded it into the trash. He then reached for the patient’s wrist and listened carefully to the rhythm of his pulse. It was close enough to normal; the few irregularities were no cause for alarm. The liver, kidney, and lungs functioned fine. As for the slight arrhythmia of the heart (irregular heartbeat pattern, palpitations), that too, was an expected consequence of the drug… Hmm, but the stranger’s skin coloration was slightly (bit) off!

Asger’s mind was preoccupied with the successive treatment he might be using to address that peculiarity, when just then the stranger’s lowered head suddenly jerked up. His keen, probing (inquisitive, quizzical), cold eyes for a solid minute (burrowing into) were affixed on Asger; then, he scathingly (derisively) snorted and looked away. In that moment he had appeared surprisingly alert and in full command of his faculties. But when he was accosted (questioned) by Asger and he was about to respond, abruptly just then a dark curtain, a visible shadow swept across his face. His eyes dimmed, his contrite (penitent), noble and principled expression in face transforming, for a fleeting moment it became hard, vein, contemptuous, vile and seething; subsequently, his burrowing gaze softened and then shifted to that of a dumbfounded and blank (void, empty) stare!

Before Asger could positively determine the cause of stranger’s vacillating disposition

(erratic mood swings), his expression had yet again altered, this time to sheer exasperation- as if a mystically enforced catatonic disorder overriding his will, had again held him in its mercy. Try as he might, his jaws being locked as if in a vice-grip despite his intense desire at the core of his being to reply, thwarted him nevertheless from responding to any of Asger’s concerned enquiries (probes). Asger had moreover discerned those tearing pupils, the desperate cry of alarm, a heed of warning!

 

 

(END OF SECTION 3)                                                                                           ~

 

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 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)

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 37

The passenger official, Ceroz Agripe had tried his utmost to keep his beloved wife alive, but her injuries being so grave, she did not live long.  After her (hastily improvised) impromptu funeral where her corpse also ended up in the river, the official Ceroz Agripe had remained in deep mourning and mostly sequestered in his cabin. He was naturally devastated and from then on incessantly mourned her loss. In his bereavement he ceased all communication and activity, as well, frequently refused any intake of sustenance (provisions, nourishment).

 

01- TORMENTED CEROS AGRIPE

He did not appear idle, rather, seemed to be contemplating something dire; meanwhile, he’d remained always in bad temper and often lashed out at the crew members, or whoever called on him. Ceroz’s angst (dread) and mounting heartache, meanwhile, had raised no alarms, as there were ample other more pertinent concerns and great deal still to do on aboard.

The infant’s death was attributed to crib-death, a common occurrence at that time, which often befell (occurred), one in every four babies. 

The official Luvet, despite Zunrogo's assurances, had also chosen most of the time to remain isolated (quarantined) in his cabin.  He had never had any dealings with Ceroz Agripe, yet at his wife Disaidun Agripe’s funeral, his blatant (unconcealed) hostility towards him, his intense (penetrating), fiery (blazing) antagonistic gaze (eyes), had both mystified and greatly alarmed official Luvet.  He’d subtly questioned Captain Zunrogo’s Lieutenant Tzan about this matter, but Lieutenant’s response had been less than satisfactory; moreover, his not so subtle, cryptic words had thence (thereafter) hunted Luvet’s peace. He could not shake the feeling that he’d somewhat been set up (accused, blamed for something he didn’t do) and ominously, a cruel, ignominious fate had awaited him. But how could he escape this impending catastrophe when he was constrained as passenger in a fair size vessel (craft, boat) temporarily stymied (because of necessary repairs) in the center of the vast expansive river, with the shoreline barely visible. He was not a competent swimmer and there was no small dinghy (dory, rowboat) on this cursed ship.  

 

Last few nights, burdened with deep concerns, Luvet had hardly touched his supper but drunk heavily to ease his mounting trepidation (fear, anxiety). Pacing back and forth across the room, he stayed up most of the evenings contemplating a plausible plan to ward off this impending disaster.  He could not shake the terrible foreboding in the crux of his being, that if not now, in matter of days, even if he succeeded in evading (escaping) the grave, lurking peril (danger, hazard, risk), his life would still be forfeited.

 

02- LUVET

                                                                 Scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald, meanwhile, from the very start, had refused to be sequestered in his cabin; not wishing to remain idle, he’d instead, had done his bit in expediting the mending of the ship.

Under Tizan's competent supervision, in no time at all the vessel had been made sail-worthy; hence, the fourth day at dawn, taking full advantage of the sudden rise of a north wind, they’d charted a course over the wide river that would bring them at a swift pace into the port city of Hanbrak, the river port immediately before the Capital city of Channing.

Once they had docked, Zunrogo and company were to precede post haste from then on, on horseback, to the Capital.

                                                                                  ~

 

Midway to reaching the port city of Hanbrak, no one other than Zunrogo, had anticipated the sudden and unexpected tragic turn of events.

In the dead of night, as all the other tired souls, including Fradel Rurik Korvald clutched their pillows in deep slumber; Ceroz Agripe suddenly snapping out of one of his catatonic (inert, withdrawn) states, had sat bolt upright and guardedly looked about him.

With wild gleam in his black pupils, he quietly rose from his bed and went over to pick up his sleeping baby. But the crib was empty, his precious Tait was not there, he’d gone missing!

Suddenly his memory served him a faint recollection, how in his anguished state, before the battle on board had started, trying to quieten the bawling (wailing) infant, he had pressed his precious boy to his chest and, tragically, smothered (suffocated) him.

“But when did they take him away? Where was Tait now?”

His mind once more becoming unhinged, his memory fogged, and he felt suddenly confused. He looked down at the empty crib, “There you are,” this time he clearly saw his precious boy Tait fast asleep.

03- BABY IN CRIB

Smiling, he gingerly picked up the small pillow, which he’d often used to protect the baby from the edge, his arms swaddling (enveloping) it, he held the precious cargo close to his chest.  Suddenly the baby was awakened and began to squeal.

“There, don’t cry Tait… Mommy will be here soon.” He gently rocked the bundle in his arms till the baby was quiet.

Bending his head, he gently kissed Tait’s forehead. His beautiful son seemed to be smiling at him. “Oh, you are such a good boy” He blew him another string of kisses.

Again, confusion set in, but just as quickly it went away; his mind was much clearer now, suddenly he knew what he must do.  Going over, he edged out the door of the cabin and locked it behind him.

 

Once in the dimly lit corridor, hugging the walls, he inaudibly crept two doors down to Luvet's cabin and quietly slipped inside.  Three paces into the room he stopped.  With the mad fire burning in his eyes, he quickly surveyed the immediate surroundings: his eyes momentarily rested on the table which was cluttered with dishes, food left uneaten, but there was the  discarded  wine stained cup, the empty wine jar tipped on its side; then he observed the stack of documents on the night table and the flickering oil lamp teetering dangerously over the edge; finally,  his gaze came to rest on the sleeping official.

Ceroz Agripe’s pulse again raced as the shiver of fuming rage and seething contempt rippled through him.

 

Gingerly, as if wary of waking his infant son from sleep, Ceroz put the precious bundle down in the plush, oversize chair in corner and, reaching into his left pocket, retrieved a long, red, silk cord.

 This crimson silk cord had been his former wife's favorite fashion accessory.  He took a shuddering breath as his gaze rested on it, recalling the multitude of purposes she had put it to.  Now it would serve a new purpose.

 He caressed it lovingly, touching it to his cheek, then to his pallid lips.  The lingering perfume it held misted his eyes with the memories it evoked, and he moaned softly in pain and dropped his head.

Abruptly anew the ire erupted in his chest, and he clenched the cord taut with indignation and bile until his knuckles whitened and cracked.

Just then Luvet stirred in his deep slumber, uttered some incomprehensible phrase, and then turned onto his side.  Ceroz was rooted to the spot, holding his breath as he considered his recourse should be the cursed official awake now and catch on to his presence in the room! 

Then, however, a lugubrious, loud snoring resounded in the air.

“Vile cur; how dare you sleep without a care…  Death is too good for the likes of you!”

 A wave of sickness, disgust and anger washed over Ceroz Agripe as he gritted his teeth.

“Your flesh should be ripped (torn) into minute pieces and fed to the wild dogs!  I swear, even if it is the last thing I do, I will gauge-out your eyes and stuff them up to …. where they belong.  Your manhood and your black heart I shall trample underfoot.  I will make certain that you will never be born again in any condition to defile a good, virtuous woman!”  He spat; his anger barely contained as he shivered once more.

His body was rocked with an all-consuming-wrath, and he clenched his fists to steady his steps as he determinedly approached Luvet.

 He stopped at hairsbreadth away from the edge of the bed.  His nostrils dilated as he glowered at the official; before him lay an ordinary official with plain nose, ordinary beard and mustache and typical lips, nothing special at all.  In the dim light, Ceroz noted how his reddish hair was scraggly (disheveled) and few strands hung loose at the sides.  There was nothing remarkable about him, nothing that would betray to an onlooker in the least his vile, contemptible nature.  There was no trace of inhumanity which Ceroz could detect in that oblong, rather impassive (blank) face, yet this mangy dog Luvet was assuredly the lowest of the lowest.

Surging contempt consumed Ceroz as he felt the bile rise in him once more.

05- CEROS AGRIPE -GONE MAD

In the next instant the cord looped around Luvet's neck and tightened with such unusual force that it bit two inches into his neck.  The convulsions of the struggling body were kept under control only by the application of Ceroz's total weight upon the dying man.

When Luvet finally expired, Ceroz drew from his other pocket the knife his wife had given him as her instrument of revenge.

 In the next few minutes, he set off to work, fulfilling his promises of defacement to the letter.  When he was done, he discarded the knife onto the table and stepped back.

As if now reconciled with the dead official, Ceroz smiled and calmly walked over to the corner to pick up the baby once more.  Going above deck, he moved slowly and serenely, looking as if he was merely taking the infant out for some air.

 Before any of the watch could realize his intention and stop him, he simply stepped over the edge of the boat and disappeared instantly in the foam of the wake.

 

“Man overboard…Man overboard!” In dead of night, the warning sounded.

 

But the vessel, as ordered, kept on (with its speed) going.  They could not have rescued him anyhow, even if they were any such order.  Driven by the strong northern wind, the vessel was moving way too fast to stop or try turning back, without grave risk to all.

The gruesome sight of Luvet's mutilated corpse was discovered soon after.  Without exception, every member of this rugged crew was chilled to the bone.  Enough incrimination evidence was left behind to leave no question as to the murderer's identity.

The motive was framed variously in everyone's mind but most chalked it up to simple insanity induced by the tragic loss of his beloved wife Disaidun Agripe, his infant boy Tait and the recent events, such as the terror and violence of the battle.

 It was generally determined that, being weak in nature already, Official Ceroz Agripe had simply cracked under pressure.  A few, however, speculated that the mutilation stemmed from the settling of an old grudge (score).  Some guessed that it was a crime of passion, and that the wife must have had an illicit affair with the bureaucrat Luvet.

Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) suspected that Zunrogo was somehow at the root of it all and despised him even more for it.  However, he had nothing solid on which to base his suspicions (allegations), therefore he buried his resentment and concentrated on the serious concerns that lay ahead of him once they reached the Capital.

06- TZAN JP

 Tzan, by piecing together the snippets of information and what he’d astutely observed, in the end discerned the true probable cause.   Tizan absently nodded as he wrapped up the pieces of the official's corpse; then with a sinister grin, he covertly eyed Zunrogo, telling himself to never ever for an instant let his guard down, to never underestimate (take too lightly) the captain’s capacity for ruthlessness, or misjudge in future Zunrogo’s devious powers of manipulation.

                                                                                        ~

 

               (END OF SECTION 37- END OF BOOK 8 – ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL)

 

(LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC EPIC STORY CONTINUES IN BOOK 9- THE CAPITAL CHANNING)