11- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - EVIL PERSONIFIED - SECTION 23

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

01- LENNY SUKZOR (BURSTING WITH FURY)

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

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

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

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

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

02- LENNY SUKZOR (SOUL IN PERIL)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

03 - QUNEN YUMMER (2) JP

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

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

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

 

04- JUYIN SUKZOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                                                 ~ 

 

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

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

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

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

05-LENNY SUKZOR (8)JP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

 

 

(END OF SECTION 23)

 

 

                                                                                               ~ 

 11- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - EVIL PERSONIFIED - SECTION 19

The moment Qarzten Caimund had returned to his quarters, he at once sat down at his desk and began writing several letters (documents), all to be forwarded soon after to the designated groups, each carrying specific orders. An elite team (zealous investigators) was dispatched to the Inn near the Nexoko Pass, where the actual Steward Chutek had stayed, as the starting point to begin the thorough investigation and, therefore, uncover the truth of, what became of the, presumed abducted Chutek.

Qarzten had firmly believed that the pseudo-Steward Chutek languishing in the dungeon, who bore an uncanny (eerie, unnerving, creepy) akin, likeness to the original, doubtless result of a cosmetic surgery, would never cooperate or confess the truth, since he awaited absolution (pardon, release) or rescue, that would never come; meanwhile, his disguise had been so painstakingly meticulous (through) that it had even fooled astute Egil Viggoaries.

Qarzten leaned back, with a slight grimace on his lips; he closed his eyes in brief respite and then begun silently cogitating (ruminating, tallying up) the key current events till then:

Qarzten’s man had of course prior, covertly uncovered the fact that the surrogate Chutek, had even had his body physically altered (fashioned) by being castrated, in not-too-distant past, with one small variance. As nothing escaped Qarzten’s vast network, he had already been informed, of Chutek’s most recent endearing feat, of piercing his earlobes the night before his departure from Channing, to wear his master’s parting gift to him, that was a pair of moonstone earrings that had been for pierced ears.

01- CHUTEK WITH PIERCED EARLOBES 6

This slight oversight of the schemers (culprits), and because of Egil’s sadistic ego compelling Qarzten’s attendance (presence) in the dungeons, the otherwise elusive (subtle, hidden) truth had been fortuitously imparted (divulged) to Qarzten: when his quick analysis (probe) had confirmed (proven) that the Chutek, being tortured in the dungeons had no such piercing in the earlobes, therefore was the proxy Chutek.

It now begged the question what had warranted this replica (counterfeit Chutek) in the first place, who was behind this ploy and was it solely a design (object, goal) to seize (procure) Tutor’s considerable assets. As it were, because of Egil Viggoaries, that aim had been utterly foiled (thwarted, hindered).

Then again, after going through this much trouble, would not the perpetrators (doers, agents) expediently destroy the original to ensure secrecy? Even if Qarzten’s men reached Chutek too late; the manner of his death and disposal, however, would still provide some answers and ultimately contribute to solving this mystery:

Provided (if) the culprits had discarded the corpse over a cliff or dumped it into fast flowing river or lake without anchor, Chutek’s remains could then be found (retrieved). But if instead, they opted to anchor it or discard the carcass in wilderness or a forest for the predatory animals to make it disappear, or bury the corpse in some unmarked grave, Qarzten’s team, however competent, might never discover Chutek’s remains.

Qarzten Caimund next, turned his attention to another serious matter: the planted agent, the competent and enigmatic Stuart Lorenzo Koen, who had not long ago successfully infiltrated the Royal Tutor Worren Youkup’s inner circle, as well, befriended Chutek, to complete the reprehensible conspiracy (ploy) that landed the Stuard in that perilous predicament. A low, resonant groan escaped Qarzten Caimund’s throat as he shook his head to dispel at least for now, from his mind the impending (future) irksome task; instead, he turned his cogitations (deliberations) to Worren Youkup and the bane plant (shrewd spy) Stuart Lorenzo.

02-- LORENZO, THE ENIGMATIC STEWART IN EMPLOY OF WORREN YOUKUP.

Stuart Lorenzo Koen had suddenly appeared in Channing about nine months prior; then, after being employed by the administrative office of Royal Tutor Worren Youkup, remarkably, in a very short time had risen to the coveted position of assistant overseer and hence, he became (in the know) privy to the highly classified (confidential, top secret documents handled by the privileged (most trusted group) inner circle of the prudent (judicious, cautious) Royal Tutor’s domestics. Subsequently, Lorenzo had also wormed his way to taciturn Chutek’s confidence when he more than once defended Chutek against an unjust attack by his jealous colleagues.

Qarzten had an innate sense (a sixth sense) about people, especially ones that caused prickling of the hairs at the back of his keck. Recognizing Lorenzo’s purposely suppressed perspicacious and shrewd (crafty, cunning) characteristics he had from then on astutely observed him. Before long Qarzten had the opportunely gleaned proof, when Lorenzo, at three crucial moments, strategically modulating (curbed, downplayed) his superior physical and mental aptitudes, had each instance, relinquished his right to victory or justice, to simply elevate those base individuals, which thereafter had become his puppets. His curiosity aroused, Qarzten suspecting Stuart Lorenzo of being worse than false, extremely ambitious and for having a hidden agenda, Qarzten had a while back, initiated a constant stealth (covert) surveillance on the Stewart and furthermore, had his background investigated by his elite team. The attained results (though it took some doing,) had far exceeded Qarzten’s expectations. Yet, he had failed to timely act on this to incarcerate him; erroneously thinking there would be ample opportunities in future.

The hidden clues once unravelled, had linked Stuart Lorenzo Koen to a little known, however immensely powerful, and elite organization, the Wolfbane; the recently established, exclusive association (group, society) with tentacles extending far and wide in Wenjenkun, though it had its ancient roots (two centuries old) emanating (stemming) from Kontu.

Qarzten incensed with this (oversight) negligence, clenched his jaw, now deliberating (cogitating): This mole, who had at present gone effectively missing, for so many months prior, had spun his scheming web to beget the tangible plan, bypassing (going undetected) their most stringent security, illuminating a serious flaw, a vital breach, hence, warranting a present comprehensive (indebt) analysis of the massive shadowing (surveillance) system.

 

03-QARZTEN CAMUND (6)

~

 

Following day, by providence, Qarzten’s worst fears had not been realized, and he soon received a report which informed Qarzten, about Stuwart Chutek succinctly thus:

 Elite leaders in Wolfbane organization had indeed been appraised well in advance, by the implant Lorenzo, about the Royal Tutor Worren Youkup’s taken measures to ensure Chutek’s comfortable future welfare and safety; therefore, the surrogate Chutek had been readied (altered), well beforehand. Finally, the recent last steps concluded, it had assured the eventual annexation (seizure, takeover) of Worren’s amassed fortune.

They had not factored in however, Egil Viggoaries’s part, nor the bizarre set of events with Prince Herleif that in the end thwarted their carefully conceived (crafted) plans. As things had gotten out of hand, leaders in Wolfbane organization thence, decided to abandon the deemed expandable agent, pseudo Chutek to his doomed fate and, (minimize) cut their losses in half, by timely (and cogently) aborting (terminating, cancelling) the entire project.

Since Stuart Lorenzo Koen was still at large, Qarzten conjectured (estimated, theorised) that he had been re-assigned elsewhere, far from Channing and to a remote (distant) province of Wenjenkun. Qarzten was not a vindictive man, but he hated being duped; hence, he inwardly cussed and sworn (avowed) that Lorenzo would one day be apprehend and be made to pay most dearly for it.

Qarzten’s deputies and expert huntsmen, meanwhile, had promptly submitted their detailed report about their findings and the deduced (presumed, construed), sole outcome of Stuard Chutak’s fate, his certain demise:

As it were, when the plot (plan) in Channing got botched (bungled), Stuart Chutak’s life being considered forfeit: his unconscious body had been promptly, mercilessly discarded (cast) by the ruthless Wolfbane agents, hurled (tossed) like a grain sack, over the edge of the sheer bluff, to disappear into the bottomless abyss (gorge, Ravin). His death was a certainty as no mortal being drugged and comatose, could survive a fall form such a high precipitous (sheer, steep) cliff!

Qarzten, with an unreadable expression after carefully perusing (examining, reading) the report, he had it filed away as the now unsatisfactorily resolved case of Stewart Chutek. Actually, his (gut) intuitive feeling had informed (apprised) him that, despite the logical assumptions, the real Chutek was not dead but in fact, very much alive; however, the Dark Eunuch’s iron-clad case against Chutek, though Qarzten suspected was all fabricated, would condemn Chutek if discovered, to a fate far worse than death. Far worse than his stand in had borne (endured, suffered). Qarzten also suspected that if Chutek had survived the fall and learned of the developments in Channing, he would then with apt prudence (judgement, shrewdness, discretion) would remain in hiding; thence, have a second chance at more peaceful life.

Qarzten, had therefore decided to let the matter drop, in other words, let the sleeping dogs lie. Subsequently, he turned his undivided attention to the other more pertinent issues at hand.

                                                                                              ~

 

Following two weeks Egil Viggoaries had been relentless in his persecution of the victims in his grasp; consequently, in one of the adjacent cells to pseudo Chutek, the physician Enqui Rimeng had also been tortured, though not as severely, until all the required depositions, in the presence of three unbiased witnesses, had been extracted from him.

Quasi Chutek, meanwhile, during this period, succumbing to his grave injuries had unfortunately expired.

Onus (burden of guilt) now squirely resting on the Royal Physician Enqui Rimeng, to establish an irrefutable litigation, he had therefore been nurtured back to life from the brink of expiring and then forced to perjure himself twice then once more in an official Court. Overall, Enqui had confessed to colluding (conspiring) to, murder Worren Youkup with wanton greed and contempt due to a grudge he had borne the tutor for an alleged insult the physician had suffered at Royal Tutor’s hand seven months’ prior. Stuard Chutek, knowing of this grudge, had found it easier to recruit him. Enqui admitted further to his knowing that it was Chutek who had planted the penknife in prince Herleif’s scroll when Master Worren Youkup had been temporarily distracted by the gardeners’ squabbling at outside. The assassination attempts on His Highness later, had been the diversionary tactic of Chutek’s as he had reckoned, in the anticipated uproar no one would pay too close attention to the irregular passage of the aged Royal Tutor.

 

04-PHYSICIAN ENQUI RIMENG (2)

More importantly, through Enqui Rimeng’s forced confession, a prior, far grievous criminal act, which happened to be the murder of prince Chucek Yozdek, at the behest (command) of Prince Herleif, was disclosed; up until then, everyone had believed that prince Chucek had been stillborn. At the time, Prince Chucek’s mother Princess Shayen Yozdek's life had also, by design, been deliberately compromised. Her willingness to participate in this diabolical plan had been a shocking revelation. Enqui had professed, how Princess Shayen Yozdek had been beset with dreaded fear that she would not carry the infant to full-term and thus incur the dreaded wrath of Sovereign Zakhertan; consequently, she had sought out and received in secret, a miracle drug from her confidant Enqui Rimeng which had at first, worked true wonders for her. On prince Herleif’s directive however, the last administered dose had been supplanted with another drug of similar appearance and taste which had induced instead, the abortion.

Even though one or two of the attending Royal Physicians had suspected an irregularity, they had kept their quiet and did not seek out the reasons or the source lest, they be charged for negligence. The gruesome details (particulars) of a deliberate abortion now furtively unveiled, caused quite a stir in all Palaces; five of the Royal Physicians fearing grave repercussions, hastily took their own lives, which further infuriated Zakhertan. Oddly enough though, no action was taken; meanwhile, compounding the burden of guilt, Enqui Rimeng had also professed his part, albeit a small one, in the sudden death (death by umbilical-cord suffocation) of the male offspring prince Kureing, another supposed stillborn three years prior, to Lady Yinnis, Sejon's predecessor.

05- ZAKHERTAN YOZDEDK  AND HIS BELOVED LADY YENNIS

The Dark Eunuch Egil Viggoaries had hastened to swiftly conclude this matter (and hopefully stave off danger) as this would be more grievously remembered by Zakhertan Yozdek; for Lady Yinnis, the once favorite of Zakhertan, had in the end succumbed to grief and lost her senses. Then one fine evening she had hung herself just before Zakhertan’s visit. Zakhertan Yozdek had been so enraged that he had ordered that entire wing of the palace be demolished, reducing all, objects, and beings, along with the memory of her, to dust.

In view of all this evidence, Egil Viggoaries had expected therefore, once the physician Enqui   Rimeng's collusion with Prince Herleif was established beyond shadow of doubt, the Crown Prince would also be indicted under the present law and placed under house arrest. But infuriatingly, the Dark Eunuch was shorn off (denied) consent to personally detain and inquisition (under torture) the ostensible criminal, prince Herleif. This had come about, because of the endorsed, timely addendum by Qarzten Caimund in the Wenjenkun’s Rules Book, which sealed off the ancient loophole in law. Thereon, only the reigning Sovereign, in this case Zakhertan, had the inherent right to pass judgement and punish any other member of the Imperial House. Still, Egil Viggoaries did not lose heart.

                                                                                                 ~

(END OF SECTION 19)                                                                        

 

 

 

 

11- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC– EVIL PERSONIFIED – SECTION 1  

"Son of Wushing", Zonar called him. “Did he know? How did he know?”  Lenny never had the chance to ask the General. His closely guarded secret identity was known only to Sovereign Yoshikan Sousing Nokuzuk Binchan and now it seemed, to one other. He only hoped that it would go no further than General Zonar Kuntzu.  

01- LENNY SUKZOR (12)JP

  

Though Lenny Sukzor had returned to bed immediately after Zonar's abrupt departure, sleep till dawn had averted him; in an agitated state he had turned and tossed all night long, reminiscing, in his head considering missed (avenues) opportunities and possibilities and then, going over alternate plans.  

Lenny Sukzor recalled vividly the day which he had learned of his true parentage. His mother Ingrit, who had survived his father by just shy of two years, had confessed this to him at her deathbed, casting his heart, for a lengthy period, into utter turmoil. Lenny had undergone a drastic change then, discovering that all those years of his life had been a lie. Yes, all those closest to him had betrayed his trust, only they had called it "protecting" him. More likely it had served their purpose to keep him ignorant; but however, you termed it; Lenny Sukzor was the product of a grand indiscretion.  

At the time of Minister Keko Wushing’s trip to the capital Channing in Wenjenkun to elicit support for Korion, he had stayed as the houseguest of Minister Dongue Youlu and the two had found they had much in common. Minister Youlu, the most generous host, had given many feasts in Wushing's honor. After one such dinner, and more inebriated than usual, Wushing had chanced upon in the Fuchisia Pavilion, the Minister's beautiful fourth daughter named Ingrit. Unable to help himself, and helped along by the wine, powerless to resist her charm. He had fallen deeply in love and going against propriety, had seduced this innocent fairy maiden. At dawn, of course, he immediately regretted his indiscretion of the previous night and was of a mind to set things right by formally asking for her hand in marriage and taking her back, as his second wife, to his home in Korion. Unlike Wenjenkun, it was the norm in Korion at that time, for the well-off gentry to have more than one wife.

02- INGRIT YOULU- LATER BECAME INGRIT SUKZOR

 Unfortunately, events took a wrong turn and, before he could reveal his honorable intentions to Minister Dongue Youlu, he was whisked away to manage (oversee) other more pressing concerns. As affairs of the state took precedence over affairs of the heart, the matter had then been temporarily shelved.  

Wushing never learned of her pregnancy until after he had already departed for Korion; nevertheless, he vowed to send for her. But once again other things took precedence, like the complete rebuilding of the nation.  

Meanwhile, as she was from an old, well-established family, when her condition became known to her father, she had been forced into a hurried marriage with another, hence the surname of Sukzor.  

The ensuing turmoil of the following years, Zakhertan Yozdek’s rise to power and usurpation of the throne, his punitive campaign against Korion. It had been as though fate had conspired to keep Lenny Sukzor from ever knowing the truth. Thinking Keikon Sukzor was his natural father, he had cheered on relentlessly when Korion was subjugated and its populous nearly got extinguished. He had been brought up to believe that Wushing was a monstrous, most cunning political leader (statesperson) whose only purpose had been to oppose Wenjenkun; hence he should be despised and spat upon.  

03- WUSHING, THE MINISTER OF INTERIOR B

As it were, (believing in the state’s propaganda)  Lenny Sukzor had been the staunch supporter of Zakhertan Yozdek from the very start and had been one of the youngest statesmen that had devised the ingenious stratagems that had brought about the near destruction of Korion and, the subsequent expansion of Wenjenkun's territories, through the subjugation of many other border states to the north and then to the west.   

At the time Lenny Sukzor had been baffled by his mother's silent brooding and her seeming indifference when she heard news of the conquest and then the humiliating subjugation of Korion. Lenny Sukzor again winced recollecting his unfair, remonstrations with his mother that had resulted in her (copious) profuse tears.  

Lenny sat upright and, after drinking two swigs (mouthfuls) of water from the jug to quench his thirst, he went over and drew aside a crack the thick window (coverings) curtains, wishing to gaze at the night sky to calm his mind and bring about sleep. The remaining hours however had passed in a wink with no such luck; when the first rays of dawn (sunrise) caressed his face, “Oh well, I might as well get up now.” Grumbling, he threw his covers off and bolted from the bed.  

Shortly after dawn that same day, Lenny Sukzor arrived at Yoshikon Temple as he, a devout Hexoc, so often did, to offer prayers and give sacrifice to the local deity. As was the custom, a monk was assigned to assist him in bringing the complex rituals to completion after which he was served a specially prepared tea by the same monk in a private corner.

There was nothing unusual in this peaceful exchange and time for soothing reflection, a time in which, the monk clarified the scriptures or resolved a particular concern of a Hexos’ devotee. But appearances can be deceiving. It was not entirely by accident, that this monk had been assigned to Lenny Sukzor, nor was it strictly religious doctrines that were, with hushed voices, being discussed. With spies rampant everywhere, Black Molochs had developed an ingenious, coded dialogue where a rich duplicity of meanings was encapsulated in religious terminology and metaphors. This was one of three alternate means with which contact ‘couriers conveyed a vital covert message to the secret affiliate. Thus far they had been most fortunate that this means of communication had escaped detection by the ever-watchful agents of one of the other factions.  

Although Channing at night was a beehive of clandestine activities, necessitating the rigorous vigilance of the Secret Police to track (track) most if not all of it, there was by no means any laxity felt during the daylight hours either.  

Whether it was a brazen act or a foolhardy one, Wenjenkun’s Minister of Internal Security- Egil Viggoaries held the most secret meetings of his coterie in broad daylight right under their noses, disguised of course as official acts or plausible social calls. This afternoon, the members of the Inner Circle of the Order of The Black Molochs that were gathered in the meeting hall were particularly restless. They were all bound together by an intricate system of complex initiation rituals, secret oaths, and ceremonial intermingling of living blood, and it was one of their own who would be tried before them now. At the proper time, the news of Zhadol Borym’s capture, and subsequent incarceration had reached them all. Whether they admitted it or not, Zhadol had ingratiated himself with all the members of the Order's Inner Circle and, as the veteran member of the group, most owed him a favor or two.  

04- COMANDER ZHADOL BORYM

  

Mindful of this stiff opposition, Egil Viggoaries had taken certain precautionary measures to curb all anticipated appeals on behalf of Zhadol. For some time now he had deemed Zhadol as expendable and already had his replacement waiting in the wings. As a means of demonstrating his incompetence and ineffectiveness, Zhadol had been assigned to a task that was doomed (with certain measure of certainty) to fail. When news of Fradel Rurik Korvald’s safe arrival in the Capital had reached him, Egil Viggoaries had neither been surprised nor particularly pleased. It had merely turned out just as he had anticipated it, although the subsequent reports of Zhadol Borym’s attempted suicide had taken him aback ever so slightly.  

Yes, that piece of news had disappointed, or rather, annoyed him, for he had at least expected, or hoped for a more fitting end to the old pro.  

Of course, Egil Viggoaries would never admit this, even to himself, and would have outright denied that a small part of him secretly harbored a certain fondness for his once lifelong companion. The simple fact was that Zhadol Borym had grown useless of late; he had softened up. Admittedly, the source of this weakness was his relationship with Lieutenant Yennic Zhiborym, and Egil Viggoaries was not above underhandedly manipulating this relationship to his own advantage. Once, at a rare moment’s weakness, Egil had regretted this ploy, but even so he could delude himself only so much. In truth, unable to purge his heart of this seething jealous anger, this dissatisfaction with Zhadol Borym. He had sought by this means to denigrate him, to pay him back for that insolent, ill-conceived act.  

As anticipated, it had been Yennic who had stopped Zhadol from terminating his own life while at the same time covertly abetted in Zhadol’s capture. Yennic thought he was invaluable because he could communicate with the ravens; a claim Egil Viggoaries did not truly believe, thinking it to be nothing more than a parlor trick. Ambitious cur that he was, Yennic had hoped to advance his own prospects through this act of treachery, only to find he had grossly underestimated the gravity of the situation and the dire outcome, not only for Zhadol but for himself as well.

05- LIEUTENANT YENNIC

  

“Did the worm really think that we would not find out about him; furthermore, that the Order would blindly foster his ambitions? He had some gall (some nerves, cheek). “Egil scoffed with utter disdain. For even if Yennic had been other than what Egil had suspected, he would still be of little use to the Order. Egil Viggoaries ate rodents like Yennic for breakfast.  

“Could it be that he did not understand the Ritual? He was motivated out of true affection?"  Egil Viggoaries, meanwhile, typically turned a deft ear to the sympathetic whispers about Zhadol.  

“Well, no point in delaying the inevitable.” Egil Viggoaries grimaced venomously as he descended the steps leading to the antechamber.  

As soon as he entered the room, they all snapped smartly to attention; heads slightly bowed in ritual submission. At the same instant, a strained silence took hold, enveloping the assembly. With deliberate slowness, Egil Viggoaries strode to the other side of the hall and assumed his position. When seated he scanned the faces of the eleven men before him, meeting their eyes as they stood rigidly erect, hands at their sides, motionless as if they had been cast in bronze.  

Egil Viggoaries’s eyes passed over Lenny Sukzor, resting for an extended period on this replacement of Lance Diostin as he stood farthest away in the circle, least in nominal order of importance. As he sized the man up, he noted how the recruit was puffed up with arrogance and he nodded coolly, absently as he donned a sinister grin. The starkly unoccupied chair to Egil Viggoaries’s right stood as a magnet for the ambitions spread out below him and as a grim reminder of the coming unpleasantness that awaited them at the end of this day's session.  

One by one, the more pressing matters on the agenda were swiftly dealt with. From this point on, the orders and instructions would be relayed to the rest. The eighty-nine subordinate officers who, each entrusted with small, strictly regimented contingents of their own in all corners of the empire, waited in the wings. It was indisputably the most efficient spy network, as well as a competent paramilitary force that was not to be trifled with. It was all the brainchild of one man, Egil Viggoaries, who had constructed the foundations of this network in theory when he was no more than thirteen years of age.

Briefly perusing the preliminary issues on the agenda for the next gathering, Egil Viggoaries then set up the ordinary business aside and motioned for the prisoners to be brought in to face their tribunal. Their trial and sure conviction had already occurred, in the mind of Egil Viggoaries and this scene was a sham, a mere formality to make a sure impression on the others under a pretense of fairness. It was a game Egil Viggoaries occasionally allowed himself to indulge in.

Despite the sure anticipation of Zhadol’s condition, his appearance all bound and gagged and his face bearing the sure signs of grievous maltreatment, which evoked in many of his former comrades the long forgotten, deeply buried feelings of compassion and pity.

06- WARRIOR FRIENDS (33)

No one cared about the inconsequential Yennic Zhiborym, whose face and body bore the traces of the most horrendous and brutal torture; and where once most of his refined, distinctive features attracted many, presently bore the marks of countless lacerations and ugly deep scars.  Yet this fact did not even elicit one furrowed brow; far from it, it pleased them to observe Yennic's obvious tortured state. He was so roundly despised for his role in the capture and vilification of Zhadol. They jeered and gnashed their teeth when viewing Yennic, yet heaved a secret, dejected sigh when stealing a glance at Zhadol Borym. Still, not a single whisper of protest mounted on Zhadol Borym's behalf escaped their tightly sealed lips, so properly intimidated were they by the wrath of Egil Viggoaries.

Nevertheless, in the averted eyes of a more enlightened minority, there were unmistakable indications (marks) of slight visible hint, as they looked for ways to exonerate Zhadol Borym from all blame. Truth be told, they had stealthily harbored the notion that their compatriot had been the unfortunate victim of an odious intrigue and that his failure was but compounded from that original failing.

07- FRIENDS OF COMMANDER ZHADOL

With a slight indication of the chin from Egil Viggoaries, the stone-faced guards pushed Zhadol Borym forward to fall to his knees before the Dark Eunuch. Egil Viggoaries had earned that distinction of being referred to as Dark Eunuch, because of the extreme cruelty of his innate nature and soul.  

Linked to Zhadol Borym by the heavy bronze chains, this action of the guards had also pushed Yennic Zhiborym on his knees, causing the manacles to sink further into the already gaping wounds in his neck, ankles, and wrists. But Yennic’s involuntary cry of pain had elicited only a brief mocking glances from few of the Inner Circle members of the Black Molochs; contrastingly, Zhadol's eyes had held a degree of compassion for the rag doll of a figure who had once been his friend. Looking away from Yennic, Zhadol Borym fearlessly glared round this circle of stone-faced leaders, forcing them one by one to avert their eyes before he next turned his burning, defiant, reproachful gaze to rest on Egil Viggoaries.  

“So, all these years of loyalty (loyal service) and intimacy counted for nothing? Now I am discarded like a dirty rag. I protest this injustice; I do not deserve this disgraceful treatment!”  

Despite the rush of memories Zhadol's defiant, intrepid manner had brought to Egil Viggoaries’s mind, he had remained outwardly resolute and pinned his icy, odious glare (eyes filled with loathing) on Zhadol. “There can be no absolution for your crime! You know the rules, yet you dared to stand stoically unrelenting!"  The Dark Eunuch’s furious roar suddenly broke the tense, eerie silence that had enveloped the room.  

"Death is death!" Zhadol Borym spat the words out of his bloodied, bruised mouth as he glared back at Egil Viggoaries. Bristling with anger, he cried out in a voice that crackled with hatred and revulsion. "My only crime is that prior, I tried to cheat you out of the great satisfaction my death would bring you. So why defer your perverse pleasure? Get on with it!” Then, scornfully, he added, "But have you considered all the possible ramifications of your actions?"  

Egil Viggoaries reared upwards like a viper (cobra) and hissed, "Are you finished?"  

"Finished; no, not by a long shot!" Zhadol Borym defiantly countered. As a condemned man he had little to lose, and he was determined to face his end with stoicism and a certain dignity. He spoke fervently, "We all know you sent me on that fool's errand knowing I would fail. You deemed I was expendable, and you wanted me to be supplanted (replaced, offed). But why should you go to all that trouble?"  Then Zhadol Borym gave a derisive laugh.  

All present in the hall quaked in their boots for his dared effrontery. Zhadol Borym may be a doomed man, yet they knew that Egil Viggoaries was not one to be provoked.   

“Such prodigious (immense, outstanding) audacity (nerve) Zhadol Borym had!”  All eyes were pinned on Egil Viggoaries, trying to gauge the cruelty of his response. Unfortunately, the Dark Eunuch's stone-cold face said it all.   

Even though Egil had remained outwardly, atypically placid, the threat was implicit in his eyes. Furthermore, his icy silence spoke volumes. Zhadol would pay, and oh so dearly, for this (impudence) outburst!  

08- EGIL VIGGOARIES - THE DARK EUNUCH

Lieutenant Yennic , unwisely (foolishly) at this point summoning all his strength, girded up his courage and edged forward, ready to use his glib tongue, while it was still attached to his mouth, to plead for both their lives. Before he could speak, however, he was struck flat by the stout, heartless guards. No one wanted to hear from Yennic at this juncture; he was nothing more than mere vermin.  

"I warned you," Zhadol’s reproachful and dismayed look said to Yennic, as he shook his head. 

"But would you listen? Would you listen to good counsel? (pay me any heed?)"  

   

Even though Zhadol knew it was useless, his compassionate heart nevertheless urged him to plead on Yennic’s behalf; Yennic might be spared small measure of punishment, if Zhadol humiliated himself enough, to appease Egil Viggoaries’s perverse sensibilities.  

Surmising his intent, Egil Viggoaries grinned. "You would do better to plead for your own self." He leaned forward to sneer (jeer, taunt, hiss) venomously.

"Would it do any good?" Zhadol Borym sternly asked.  

"No," Egil Viggoaries glowered down at him, "but it may amuse us and we may then possibly show some measure of leniency in the severity of and (length) span of time of “TK Cuts,” before your demise."  He was of course blatantly lying. There would be no mercy; his face contorted in a snarling grin as he leaned back once more to scan with narrow, pitiless eyes on the faces in the room.

“Ten Thousand Cuts,” Zhadol Borym winced and swallowed hard. "Why so severe a penalty?"  He then got a grip on his senses and, again defiantly, incredulously, shook his head.  His horror meanwhile was impromptu (involuntarily) mirrored on the faces of all those assembled. Suddenly, the profusion of images, those wretched beings, and the anguished cries of the past victims, which Dark Eunuch had doomed to this manner of death, now paraded before everyone’s eyes, and echoed in their ears.

Zhadol, despite his outward stoicism, inwardly could not help but recoil in horror, for he knew all too well; the prolonged suffering (of appalling shame, ghastly anguish) that awaited him in the depths of dungeons below before his life finally was terminated! His body, now defiant of his will, slightly trembled, and his knees threatened to buckle under him.  

“That’s a terrible way to die!” All eyes in the circle implored Egil Viggoaries. “This is not right; his crime is not grave enough to warrant such punishment. He is, or rather was, one of us.”  

Despite his ashen face, his quaking muscles, Zhadol Borym bit his tongue and clenched his fists, refusing to give Egil Viggoaries more of what he wanted, knowing in his heart of hearts that it would not do him any good. Even so, was there no one there brave enough to raise the slightest protest, the least objection for him? A fleeting tragic smile crossed Zhadol’s lip and then changed to a grimace of contempt as he looked. No, spineless cowards were all; he stood alone in all of this. After Zhadol’s eyes had searched the faces of his fellow associates, it had then abruptly caught Yennic's bewildered look and, fearing the worst for his partner, Zhadol turned his questioning stare back on Egil Viggoaries.

Answering the unspoken question with a venomous grin, Egil Viggoaries nodded.  

“How could I have expected any different?” Zhadol Borym lowered his eyes and ceded the point, pained that Yennic Zhiborym, too, awaited the same ill fate.  

  

(END OF SECTION 1)