LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC – THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL – SECTION 10 

Lenny Sukzor having eventually returned home bit inebriated (for he needed something to dull his senses), disheartened and exhausted, he had at once retired to his sleeping quarters.

Shortly after, under the cover of darkness the same premises (Under secretary’s residence) yielded one then, after a period another covert (disguised) figure, both emerging from the secret passageway to be swallowed up by the murky (shadowy) street.

The first cloaked figure, heading north, was soon admitted through the secret Iron-gate, and escorted by an armed sentinel, into the prohibited, Inner Palace. Brought before the head of Zakhertan Yozdek’s Special Security force, the spy bowed respectfully and submitted her detailed report.

The second figure took a different path, heading southeast. Hugging the shadows, he quickly made his way to an old section of the city dotted with ancient temples, crumbling warehouses and, an area riddled with secret catacombs known to but a few.  The clandestine meeting was to transpire under the fifth watchtower.

01-

"You are late!"  A figure jumped suddenly out of the shadows to block his path. "A few minutes more and I would have left."

The cloaked figure apologized for the (unavoidable) delay and immediately got right down to business at hand; after receiving the small parcel (containing specific documents) he forthwith gave his personal assurances that all had been arranged to his satisfaction. The lucrative posting was to be his for the asking. This part of the business concluded, he then assured Zunrogo that as per payment for the second item, the gold itself had been deposited in warehouse 56, hidden in a stack of rice sacks.  Holding out the key to the warehouse, and thus the possession of the fee, the cloaked figure then demanded the item in question be handed over forthwith.

"Not so fast!" Zunrogo held out his hand. "How do I know, that is, what guarantee do I have …"

"None.", the cloaked figure was annoyed.

 "If you want to back out because of your short-sighted reservations, then so be it. This meeting is terminated!"  He pocketed the key and abruptly turned his back to leave.

“You have guts, Qunen Yummer.” Zunrogo smiled venomously for, despite the disguise, he had identified (recognized) the voice. The other contingencies he had laid in place in case of future betrayal were at once dispensed with. They were now unnecessary. Qunen Yummer's identity was all the insurance he needed. That very first meeting, when he had been covertly assigned to this other, more important case, Zunrogo had discreetly followed the cloaked agent at the end of their clandestine meeting to find the source of his orders. When the agent had disappeared into the mansion of the Prime Minister, Zunrogo had assumed, with some measure of certainty, who had been his employer; same time comprehended the very nature of this delicate assignment and its grave political implications which had, understandably, warranted such extensive measures. On the point of turning and walking away from Lamont Gudaren’s residence he had witnessed the re-emergence of the selfsame agent.

02- ZUNROGO TUGO - JP 21

Heeding his intuition, Zunrogo had again pursued the cloaked figure through the shadows only to see him disappear for good this time into the fire ravaged residence of Lenny Sukzor. Even so, until this very moment, he had failed to, proof positive identity, his contact. Now that he had recognized the distinct voice, this nagging mystery had been satisfactorily resolved for Zunrogo Tugo.

Qunen Yummer was the assistant to the famed architect Yazune Koz, who was employed to oversee the reconstruction of the destroyed wings of the residence. Naturally, Qunen would reside at the job site as part of his obliged duty until the project was completed.

“How opportune for the Prime Minister, to have an excellent chance (prospect) to spy on the honest and incorruptible Lenny Sukzor just as he was fast gaining in prominence. Hmm…,” Zunrogo mused, “if the Prime Minister is using Qunen Yummer in this way, I should be mindful of the junior architect's future postings. I will have to keep close tabs on him, just in case.”

As for the letter itself, when Zunrogo had first conceived of its true importance he had immediately considered the other avenues open to him for greater gain. He now regretted that decision. Setting those aside, he should have acted on retrieving it that very night after he had seduced (courier) Disaidun Agripe; alas, because of his short-sightedness, it had slipped through his hands and got replaced by the pseudo letter that would have brought about his sure demise. “At least I had avoided that catastrophe; better to admit failure than walk into a sure trap.”  He shrugged. 

"Don’t be so affronted,” Zunrogo now rushed over and hastily grabbed Qunen’s arm, to stop him. “I meant no disrespect.”  After a short apology he explained his real reasons for not accepting the key at this time.  He reluctantly (grudgingly) confessed to his abject failure in recovering the letter; succinctly stated the varied events, excluded (kept out) from the official report, which had transpired on the vessel (boat) and same time laid claim that, he’d been misinformed about the courier Disaidun Agripe.  That she had been duplicitous and same time the stooge, a false lead, but as he had other more promising leads, he presently forwarded his verbal request to his employer, through (via) Quenen, to be allowed bit more time to recover the actual letter.

“What are you really up to?” Qunen Yummer , inwardly scoffed; clearly angry for having wasted his time, he shook his head and then quickly departed the scene.

Zunrogo leered after him, relieved that he had bought (himself) some valuable time till he could figure out his next recourse (option). In truth he had no such sure leads on the letter’s whereabouts, only hunches. Zunrogo with a grim expression, stared thoughtfully for a time in the direction of the disappeared cloaked figure, then he too, advancing in a different direction, was quickly swallowed up by the darkness.

                                                                          ~

 

That same night another cloaked agent, one carrying the actual letter, had detoured to some small measure, backtracking to ascertain that he was not pursued, dogged as he had been few blocks prior.  Assured that he was in the clear he had then taken a decisively abrupt turn and, hugging the shadows as he veered this way and that, finally arrived at his destination.

Stopped by the stout and intimidating (menacing) armed guard at the gate, he at once uttered (pronounced) a seemingly ordinary salutation word, that was in fact (in actuality) the secret password, which allowed him apt (ready) admittance to the inside.

The cloaked agent swiftly advanced through the long, dark hallway which eventually led to a dim room where a clandestine meeting was already (been held) in progress. He quietly removed his cloak (cape) and uncovered his head; standing on attention now, he waited with due patience for his turn to speak.

When Zaur looked at him and slightly nodded his head, he briskly stepped forward and at this close proximity, he promptly presented the letter to the leader of the Sacred Brotherhood of the Kozurs.

"Was there any variation (inconsistency) I should know about?" Zaur Stugr in a low voice asked sternly.

"None to report, sir; It all went according to plan." Kaelan answered respectfully.

03- KAELAN  ( OR CREWMAN ZACK)

Zaur, detecting the ever so slight quaver in Kaelan’s voice, had sensed that Kaelan was holding something back but chose not to dwell on it at present.

From the start Zaur’d been quietly impressed by Kaelan’s courage, integrity, and tenacity.  Relying on these demonstrated abilities Zaur had, for the first time ever, gone against his firm policy of not involving an unseasoned member in matters of serious magnitude; and thus far, he had not been disappointed. He was confident therefore that, whatever was troubling Kaelan, at an appropriate time he would own up to it (make a clean breast of it).  

Turning his back to the assembly Zaur briskly strode to the desk and deposited the letter temporarily into his locked drawer.  Later it would be transferred to a safer home in the vault of the secret room.

Returning to listen to another’s report, Zaur Stugr continued to study Kaelan from the corner of his eye, as he same time, reflected on how hitherto, exceeded all expectations, invaluable this recent recruit been to their organization.

Unexpectedly just then Zaur was reminded of another outstanding recruit, a double agent no less, who had achieved a remarkable feat in a noticeably short while, won the Prime Minister's confidence sufficiently well enough, to be assigned to reporting on the actions of Lenny Sukzor.  His instructions had been to, by any means procure vital facts concerning this highly respected minister that could be of some use for future extortion or, to be merely employed (in some underhanded scheme) simply to be degraded (sullied, brought down) a notch or two when he got too powerful. And so, over the course of the ensuing weeks and months Qunen Yummer had dutifully fed the Prime Minister with profitable, juicy, and slightly harmful bits of data.  The items of real significance and those that were most damaging however, had been covertly and in regular intervals furnished to Zaur.

04- QUNEN YUMMER (15)JP

The final pay-off had come when Qunen had stumbled onto Lenny Sukzor’s secret identity as a Black Molochs and his involvement in this business of the Lord's extortion. Moreover, by his determining the last whereabouts of the (source) extortion-letter, Qunen had provided the Kozurs with the trump-card they had been waiting for.  Acting on this information at once, Zaur had conceived of the plan to involve Zunrogo Tugo. The summons of the scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald had been Heaven-sent, for it had also provided Kaelan (the strategically positioned mariner in that vessel) with the plausible cover to effectively conduct his key covert mission.

 Considering the result, Zunrogo's terms of payment had by no means been unreasonable or objectionable.  The Kozurs had been able to settle an old score by discreetly disposing of a corrupt and incompetent official, leaving his coveted post open for the promotion of one such as Zunrogo Tugo. Part of Zaur’s vice-ministerial duties involved selecting top candidates and their placement in apt (suitable) official posts.  As the final decision rested with the Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren, Zunrogo had been furnished with the needed qualifications, and then presented as the best option (candidate) to fill the vacant post.  The Prime Minister had already been favorably disposed towards Zunrogo and quite impressed by the captain’s abilities, was only too willing to give his approval of the appointment. 

The funds Zunrogo had requested were but a trifling sum, considering the vastness of the reserves contained in the Kozur's vault; meanwhile another covert undertaking was to, decidedly seal, Zunrogo’s fate.

Not long after the anticipated word had reached Zaur that Kaelan, executing the plan flawlessly, had retrieved the coveted prize and then replaced it with the pseudo one. As Zaur Stugr had waited for the delivery of the letter itself, Zaur had weighed his options carefully and in the end had settled on the best recourse:  For the time being he would postpone any direct action and instead, utilize his competent agent Kanbi Dayu who was strategically positioned in the palace.

Posing as one of Egil Viggoaries's underlings, Kanbi as per instructed had discreetly contacted the maid Nijel Ping, Lord Shouzi's spy in the Palace, and then passed on in a seemingly involuntary manner the secret news that the Dark Eunuch was no longer in possession of, the blackmail letter.  For reasons of security, Kanbi had since then been reassigned to a more distant post (a different taskforce, team) in a maritime province, where their (Kozur’s) smuggling operations demanded closer scrutiny.

“Let the tigers turn on each other.” Zaur at the time had gloated, thinking of the future developments that would soon be manifesting between Egil Viggoaries and Lord Shouzi.

“Blackmail...?”  Well, that consideration was last on his extensive list of options. As it were, Zaur’s mind had already been set on the precise, most tactically opportune point in time where which to expose the Lord and his powerful affiliates. 

After Egil Viggoaries’s efforts were curbed or utterly frustrated Zaur, working through a third party would then win Lord Shouzi's confidence and, by colluding and tapping into his Lordship's resources, weaken the central government and consequently erode some of Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek’s iron grip.

05- ZAKHERTAN YOZDEDK  (42) JP2

For some time now Zaur Stugr had been the surreptitious, real force (power) behind most of Lamont Gudaren’s ingenious machinations; nevertheless, it’d suited Zaur’s purpose well to have His Excellency claim full credit since it also lulled the P.M. into a false sense of security. 

“This most recent, sordid business with his nephew Yekov…” Zaur's mind had just then strayed, as he’d listened to Xifon Therrang's long, boring report.  “I cannot rely on those clumsy minions of Lamont’s to successfully carry out such an important task.  There is no room here for even the slightest margin of error; therefore, I must see to it at once that this business with Yekov is promptly and efficiently squared off (away).  Egil Viggoaries had already made (attained) great strides in his attempts to ensnare Lamont Gudaren with that business of the fire at Lenny Sukzor’s residence.”  Zaur Stugr waved his hand to stay Xifon’s report.  He had heard enough. Xifon Therrang bowing quietly stepped back.

Zaur now turning to the specific group in the room, he curtly dispensed his orders, "I want the word passed on to Koniko and Satoro that Yekov Gudaren is to meet with an unexpected accident within the fortnight. All evidence incriminating the Prime Minister is either to be destroyed or discredited."

Xifon Therrang’s tedious (tiresome) report had been the last one on the list; this night’s meeting hence, had presently come to a natural conclusion. Zaur was about to dismiss all when Kaelan again pressed forward decisively and bowed deeply.  He was now resolved to unburden himself, even if it meant his death.

"Something else," Zaur asked sharply impatiently turning to face Kaelan.

Unflinchingly, Kaelan looked Zaur straight in the eye and resolutely responded, “Sir, my mission was not entirely successful. There was another covert agent on the vassal whom I fought but could not defeat (best), so I fled with the letter. I also suspect that it was he who had fought and vanquished indomitable Lance Diostin, not Zunrogo Tugo. The cur took the credit for it nevertheless.” Kaelan swallowed hard. “He must have also at one point discovered the letter, which he had retrieved from secret courier Disaidun Agripe (Miss Jepipi)’s body, was false and disposed of it; hence, escaping dire repercussions from P.M. Lamont Gudaren. Zunrogo Tugo’s presence in capital is proof of that. For these irregularities, I therefore, respectfully ask to be punished."  Head bowed; with intrepid resignation he awaited the dire verdict (consequence).

Zaur grimaced (frowned), studying Kaelan for a long while, and then nodded.  "Your failure in this instance can be forgiven."

06- ZAUR STUGR JP (4)

Zaur Stugr, seeing the puzzled expression on Kaelan’s eyes, he elaborated. "It may have actually worked out for our benefit.  Zunrogo will now believe with impunity that he has superior fighting ability, far more than he has.  Besides, he will be too wary of reprisals from the Black Molocks for killing one of their own, Lance Diostin. Faced with disappointing P.M and danger from Black Molocks, he may choose to flee.  If he does, he can much easier be disposed. “

“Either way we are well rid of him. So as far as I’m concerned, the matter has been satisfactorily resolved.  In the unlikely event that matters may go awry and take an adverse turn, then I would expect you to do the right thing.  Until then we are in need of your services."

Kaelan bowed in gratitude and thanked Zaur with unfaltering devotion for the chance to serve the Brotherhood once more.

Meeting dissolved, Zaur Stugr had stayed behind a while longer to ponder on a concern. 

Earlier this night, another, a valuable double agent known as Qunen Yummer, had expressed certain irregularity, a part failure, in his assigned task and, had as well, asked to be punished.  His guilt being that he had failed to obtain the letter which he then, would have presented to P.M. Lamont Gudaren and brought about Zunrogo’s ignoble death. But Zunrogo discovering letter’s falsehood had destroyed it; choosing to instead, admit (disclose) his failure as well, forego the payment. More importantly, during this clandestine meeting, Qunen had been, because of his cadence (voice), identified by Zunrogo.  Since part of his cover had been blown, and he’d been identified as P.M.’s secret agent, he’d asked to be duly (accordingly) punished or sent away. At the time this had seemed critically (disapprovingly) serious, as it had limited the agent’s efficacy (effectiveness); nevertheless, Zaur had provisionally (with reservations) postponed his final judgement on this matter. In view of Kaelan’s bold disclosure (confession, admission), Zaur at present was relieved to know, that he would not have to resort to drastic measures after all.

 

                                                                          ~   

(END OF SECTION 10) 

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE CAPITAL CHANNING - SECTION 11

 

Years later, when the numerous vile and abhorrent deeds accredited to this seemingly docile, bookish scholar Sanzo Tezcat came to light, Zaur Stugr had marveled at how, in moments like these, his guardian/mentor's inner control and patience, had lent such gentleness and wisdom to his treatment of Kundrick.

01- SANZO TESCAT (4)

As Kundrick Dufo (Zaur Stugr) was further to learn, it was there and then that Sanzo Tezcat (though a confirmed bachelor) had seen fit, decided indubitably to adapt Kundrick as his son and, to oversee his special training and education.

 

Not long after this, at the annual meeting of the governing body of the Kozurs, Sanzo Tezcat had persisted (held out) in lengthy discussions until he finally secured a unanimous agreement, to have Kundrick Dufo, his adopted son and protégé, be incorporated into the fold and, thereon be molded into the kind of man who could withstand the grueling demands of this formidable and otherwise impenetrable Sacred Brotherhood of Kozurs.

This most ancient and sacrosanct organization derived its intransience (durability) and potency from its elusiveness, the fervent bond between affiliates and members stanch adherence to an unbending, rigorously applied set of rules and regulations. These hard and fast rules had also been instrumental in enabling them to withstand Black Band Guard Regiment and Black Molochs’ attempts to expose, capture or exterminate them.

 

To date the network of affiliate Kozurs was widely dispersed (scattered) throughout Wenjenkun, disguised as ordinary denizens from all walks of life, but many holding important, vital posts in the various provinces which they carried out their covert dealings right under Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek’s oppressive regime.

 

Their numerous daring exploits, feats of deadly precision and brutal assassinations were always attributed, by the Provincial Magistrates, to local factions instead.  In this way these wholly incompetent officials could appear to be implementing (effecting) at least some progress.  Meanwhile, all Wenjenkun felt the pulsing awesome power of the invincible force of the Brotherhood of Kozurs and in the outlying areas (periphery, fringe of Wenjenkun, the outlands), where their subtle but fatal influence reigned supreme, the very mention of the Brotherhood was enough to instill (infuse) sheer terror into the hearts and minds of both high and low.

 

Minister Zaur Stugr smiled sardonically as he recalled how he had finally come to learn, long at last, of Sanzo’s secret life on the very day he had first worn the cap of manhood.

02- KUNDRICK DUFO (YOUNG ZAUR STUGR  JP 2

 

Young Kundrick’s (Zaur Stugr) ensued extensive training had been most demanding (tough) and had tested him beyond unprecedented (unparalleled, extraordinary) limits on stamina, skill, tenacity, wit, will-power and much, much more; but it had prepared him well for the ensued grueling initiation, the entire induction process which had lasted for well over five months.  All these procedures had been designed since ancient times, to extract (weed out and then destroy) all undesirable, less worthy candidates.  As one of the eighteen, Kundrick Dufo (only he and one other he had tested with) survived the harsh ordeals and therefore passed. Those less worthy who had not expired during the trials were allowed to honorably forfeit their lives through ritual suicide to preserve the secrecy of the Brotherhood of Kozurs.

Despite all forewarnings, during these trials, Kundrick (Zaur Stugr) had befriended one boy, only to suffer the consequent heartache as he watched his friend become reduced to the state of a half ghost, so weak that, in the end, Kundrick was obliged to assist in the poor wretch's suicide.

Presently, the bittersweet emotions of Kundrick’s ceremonial admission to the Brotherhood of Kozurs welled up again in Zaur. He re-lived once more in his mind, the moment when he had received his new identity and, from thence (thereafter), been called Kundrick Tezcat, son of Sanzo Tezcat.

03- A KUNDRICK TEZCAT - (YOUNG ZAUR STUGR)

 

Afterwards, in keeping with his promise, Sanzo Tezcat had with due patience enlightened Kundrick (Zaur) on his birth father’s (Sorgun Dufo’s) troubled past. It was then also that Zaur Stugr had learned, how through the ingenious assistance of the Kozurs all along, Sanzo and Kundrick had all those years, with a rich bounty on their heads, been able to stay one step ahead of their (unrelenting) most persistent huntsmen/assassins.

 

Zaur smiled, thinking how, in his first years in the Brotherhood of Kozurs alone, despite their encountering adversities, Kundrick Tescat had won his guardian much reflected distinction through his bold, daring feats making his mentor Sanzo Tezcat (who by then sported a thick long beard and mustache), most proud.

“Still, it had not been an easy time,” Zaur (at present) pensively looked away.

For each time they had escaped the dire hazards by the skin of their teeth and were successfully smuggled to safety, their supporters, and least acquaintances (people they merely talked to or was seen with) would systematically be all, rounded up one by one, by the dreaded Internal Security Force Black Band Guard Regiment, interrogated, tortured then, after being killed, their corpses became forage (food) to the wild dogs.

 

An involuntary shudder passed through Zaur just then as he reflected on the amassed loss of life, all account of them. In order to permanently (forever) escape this peril (danger) from these relentless huntsmen and the terrible inquisition overseen by Zakhertan Yozdek’s uncle Zyonow, one frigid Autumn Day, Brotherhood of Kozurs had proficiently staged both Sanzo Tezcat and Kudrick Tezcat’s odious (abhorrent) deaths by a dreadful fire, that consumed nearly half a block.

04- FIRE AND DESTRUCITON

 

Among the countless victims, two badly charred corpses with identifiable markers, in Sanzo and Kundrick’s stead, had been planted as proof positive, to satisfy the most ardent (zealot), intensive investigation.

Next step had been to have Sanzo’s mustache and long beard chopped off entirely and even his face surgically altered slightly, by a competent physician who happened to be an affiliate of Brotherhood of Kozurs. As a growing youth, Kundrick Tezcat’s features had not undergone too much drastic alteration; only the classic arch of his nose had been slightly altered (reduced), making him in due course, even more handsome and a younger looking lad (guy).

05--ZAUR STUGR (KUNDRICK TESCAT)JP 11

 

Affiliates of Brotherhood of Kozurs had finalized (concluded) their disguise by (equipping) furnishing both Sanzo and Kundrick, with brand new identity papers and unsullied family histories. After which, as Hijarmar Stugr and Zaur Stugr, a supposed widowed father and son, they had been successfully and permanently relocated at a place, their old selves would least be expected to reside. Now as far as Wenjenkun's bureaucracy were concerned, the Clan name Stugr, taken from an actual aristocratic family, integrated with implanted facts, had been so thorough a feat, an achievement, that to date, it had remained irrefutable, never warranting any (least) suspicion.

 

06-HIJARMAR SUGR ( SANZO TESCAT)  (7)

 

Hijarmar  Stugr (Sanzo Tazcat), while covertly maintaining his key status in Brotherhood of Kozurs, outwardly, now residing within the Capital Province, he openly indulged his passion  of archery, spear throwing and sword fighting, riding and hunting, as well, on occasion when he drunk, composing elegant verses (poems), which were the norm activities of typical gentry (privileged elite, nobility), in a military state Wenjenkun and therefore easily overlooked (dismissed, ignored) under the stringent (rigorous, harsh) rule of Zakhertan Yozdek. Hijarmar was careful to be noteworthy but not too much to incur jealousy and serious competition, or to draw unwarranted, superfluous patronage from ruling aristocracy.

 

Even so, in a very short time, he had still, by design, attained the low position of an officer in the Imperial Cavalry guarding the Capital city Channing. Then, however, through his acts of gallantry, proven leadership, and consistent honorable conduct, he’d meteorically risen in rank to hold an important position of a Captain (one of five) of the fifth Imperial Cavalry (mounted troops).

07-- CAPTAIN HIJAMAR STUGR  (SANZO TESCAT) (8)

 

He could have easily risen, three more ranks (to Major, Lieutenant Colonel, then to Colonel) to eventually attaining the most coveted rank of  a First Rank Imperial Cavalry General, but he chose  instead, to mask his true prowess to remain, a mainstream (though circuitous, oblique) Captain of the Imperial Cavalry, to pass just under the radar, so to speak, while he fostered (advanced, cultivated) his true vocation, at being one of the most invincible Chiefs of Kozurs’ (strategic) inner circle.

Meanwhile Zaur Stugr, his son, had enlisted in the Civil sector of the Royal army, as an official/ second Lieutenant, directly under the command of first Lieutenant which served under the exacting Captain Lotar.

Zaur’s chief duties, aside from running errands for two persnickety strategists Neras and Zokan, also included maintaining order of staff assigned to him, as well, writing reports and overseeing humdrum, tedious logistics. While these duties took up most of Zaur’s time, during the night, as an affiliate of Kozurs, he dealt with his other requisite, taxing covert activities. Working within shadows, he sustained his daring, heroic accomplishments to further the Brotherhood of Kozurs causes and, by even surpassing all his mentor's expectations, subsequently vanquishing all viable (feasible) competitors  with his invincible martial skills and his mental prowess, to rise in the ranks to the second top position of ( one of five), An Assistant to, Three Supreme Overseer Kozurs, (ATSOK) in the Brotherhood.

08-YOUNG ZAUR STUGR

 

During this most optimistic time, however, an unexpected perfidy (betrayal), had almost changed the course of Zaur Stugr’s core aspiration.  His most respected and beloved adapted father/ mentor Hijarmar  Stugr (Sanzo Tazcat), in the course of a short campaign, on that faithful day, astride (riding on) his magnificent black stallion, advancing at the head of  contingent of armed cavalry set to eliminate the troublesome indigenous rebels at Cherokon county  Hijarmar  Stugr,  had succumbed to a deadly trap and gravely injured, he’d anon perished.

This had happened while Zaur was still far away overseeing (supervising) a critical mission. He too was concurrently targeted for termination by the same stealth (surreptitious) foes; however, he’d miraculously escaped the dire snare and returned with only minor wounds.  After the required mourning period (during which Zaur had determined the perpetrators’ identities), Zaur had acted swiftly and ruthlessly, though covertly, and exacted the most gruesome revenge on those two powerful, culpable (guilty) nobles.

 

In the meantime, Zaur had unwittingly, because of a peculiar incident at court, had drawn the attention of Prime Minister, who from then on had actively sought to have him transferred to his department and work under him as one of his officers. His competence, nevertheless, in a very short time, availed him to rise to his present prominence (status) of, Honorable Minister of Ceremony. And since then, as this suited him (perfectly) most rightly, he’d worked assiduously to retain this position.

 

Some years later, one of key Kozurs’ founding leaders, one of the Three Supreme Overseer Kozurs, (TSOK), otherwise known as Tengron, had unexpectedly, due to bizarre accident, had passed away. Each elected Chieftain of the (TSOK) held his mighty post with akin omnipotent (godlike) powers, for life; hence, this was a major event for the Brotherhood of Kozurs, moreover, owing to its importance, the weighty position had to be filled at the quickest time possible.

The selection process of the Three Supreme Overseer Kozurs (TSOK) held a particular significance as it was essential (key element) for the lasting permanence of the secret organization. After ten days of grueling competency tests of the would-be candidates,  the prominent seventeen affiliate judges that had been sequestered, virtually imprisoned, (in the ancient Library  that had  chambers through locked doors allowing them semi-comfortable  accommodations for  sustenance, private respite, meditation and  reflection for the same duration), finally on the eleventh day at dawn, after a sleepless night’s deliberation, formerly rendered their firm decision (result), via secret ballot vote, all of it stored in a sealed, metal encasing.  

The iron box under close supervision (and hefty security) in a secret room was thus opened, contents one at a time counted, affirmed, and then the result duly registered (documented) in an ancient book. Subsequently, the much-anticipated announcement would be made by one of the remaining TSOK, in this case either by Bakun or Yanzui.

  

And so, on that faithful afternoon (of the eleventh day), the already assembled most prominent regional chieftains had waited in the large hall, with cautious hope, to hear the outcome.  Many had journeyed from all corners of the Wenjenkun, and in some cases even from beyond its borders, as the Kozur’s controlling affiliates, territorial Chieftains, had vastly expanded their influence and territories to include several foreign nations.

 

Absolute silence ensued the moment Bakun had entered the great hall, so much so that one could hear a pin drop. Everyone’s breath caught when he stepped up to the dais (podium) and with deliberate slowness, unfolded the paper; subsequently, when the name of the Third future Supreme Overseer Kozur (TSOK) was  announced, akin a seismic activity, the foundation of the building shook, result of the collective exhaling of breath, for Zaur Stugr was held in high regard  and was well-liked by the majority of affiliate Kozurs.

 

09- (TSOK) ZAUR STUGR JP 7

 

Zaur Stugr, who was much younger in age than the other two Supreme Overseer Kozurs, from then on with his energetic zeal (ardor) had swayed (ignited fire under) the other two draconian leaders to his way of thinking and brought forth many contemporary changes to the Brotherhood of Kozurs. Up until the time he had assumed the mantle of leadership, the governing body had operated mainly as a self-serving, illegal organization, with dealings of contracted murders, receiving gains from instigated mayhem, illicit gambling, smuggling and extortions etc.  Consequence of Zaur Stugr’s relentless and proficient (gifted) leadership contribution (input), the Brotherhood of Kozurs now underwent drastic and long enduring transformation; moreover,  Zaur had successfully persuaded the governing board that, the appendage (addition) of patriotic causes which furthered the reinstatement of old regime and brought about the downfall of the villainous usurper Zakhertan Yozdek, would be far more gratifying and advantageous feat for Kozurs.  The Brotherhood of Kozurs with their new objective (goal) of finding and re-establishing the lost Prince Nevetsecnuac Alric Therran Valamir, from thereon, had been more able to draw upon unwitting support from various underground resistance movements and staunch loyalist rebel groups, to further enlarge Kozur’s secret sphere of influence.

 

“Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” Adapting this age-old acumen,

Zaur Stugr had also charted an admirable course in public life, right under the very nose of Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek, to eventually assume the role of a competent, trustworthy, industrious Vice-Minister to His Excellency P.M. Lamont Gudaren.  Shielded by his protective cloak, Zaur had been able to carry out since then, mind boggling clandestine feats (daring activities) right within the bounds of Imperial capital, Channing. As one of the three Supreme Overseer Kozurs, Zaur had also frequently and clandestinely instigated (brought about) more benevolent acts on behalf of those who had ardently, albeit covertly, opposed Zakhertan Yozdek. Moreover, he’d time and again, lawfully, overturned gross miscarriages of justice and brought welcome relief to those who labored under the burden of excessive taxes.

 

Last few years had been particularly exacting, with such rigorous demands placed on Zaur’s time, testing his mental capacity, and exhausting (draining) his physical stamina; but he’d still managed quite well, while competently (proficiently) juggling both positions.

 

 

(END OF SECTION 11)

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 36

 

 

"Good girl!"  Zunrogo exclaimed in pleasure as he noted the mountain of bodies piled up before the still standing barricade.  The few who still showed signs of life were quickly disposed of then moved aside to clear a path to the blockage.

Disaidun Agripe (Ms. Jepipi) had been as good as her word, more than several dozen lives had been snuffed out by her excellent marksmanship; however, her lack of response to Zunrogo's call at present gave rise to silent speculation.

“Maybe she’s already done me the favor.” Zunrogo mused.

 

01- ZUNROGO TUGO- JP  19

Zunrogo glancing at the heaps of dead men, suddenly however noticed, another irregularity. Many more of the assailants had been cut down by a sword. These mangled and hacked down men were attacked by an expert swordsman or swordsmen.

“Oh, no!” A sudden alarm gripped Zunrogo’s heart, and he shouted at Tizan to help him clear the way quickly, for he needed to get to Disaidun at once.  Soon as they had a viable path (gap,), Zunrogo swiftly advanced through the narrow strip, while Tizan up ahead, continued diligently to widen the course.  Once through to the other side, Zunrogo knelt beside unresponsive Disaidun Agripe who sat with her head and back (leaned) slumped against the wall and quickly checked her pulse.  He was not entirely concerned about the state of her condition; however, first and foremost, he needed to know if the letter was still there. He shook his head to purge slight reminiscences of his last intimate encounter with her, then fixing his attention on the part of her bodice where she had concealed the letter, his hand quickly reached beneath, to promptly retrieve it and secured it underneath his armor.

Tizan’s curious, though somewhat licentious (profligate, wicked) gaze was met by the captain’s hardhearted and cruel smirk. Tizan swiftly turned his slightly reddened face away to conceal (hide) his dubious and racy thoughts.  “So, the captain’s prior, impious relation with her, his supposed foible, carried the purpose other than carnal (sensual) indulgence (desire, need).  As there is no room for mistakes in this detachment, I should have been more astute.”  

 

Zunrogo meanwhile, was beset with some unsettling facts that had suddenly invaded his brain and needed clarification. “Decidedly she’d been overwhelmed from behind; was this carnage result of the suspected, but never uncovered, covert Black Moloch infiltrator on board? Was he still on board; for clearly, he hadn’t retrieved what he must have been assigned to do? What scared him off? Later, in private and away from Tzan’s prying eyes, he must examine the letter more (closely) carefully. “

Zunrogo’s quiet reflections suddenly ceased (halted, stayed), when she slightly stirred and at the same time, a faint groan emanated from her throat. Though her pulse was faint and her breathing shallow, a brief scrutiny revealed that she had sustained grave injuries to her head, her shoulder and left arm, as well deep cuts and scrapes here and there; therefore, as much as he’d liked to, Zunrogo could not bring her around to a sensible state, to inquisition her. True enough, she was at death’s door; however, even if she lasted long enough, still, it would take no small miracle for her to regain her faculties and in her poor state, even if she’d regained consciousness, she would still not be cognitive enough to satisfactorily answer his imminent queries, luxury of time he did not have.

For a second Zunrogo’s suspicions fell on Tzan.  “No,” He quickly dismissed that thought. Tzan had fought valiantly by his side and besides, wasn’t Tzan totally passed out, unconscious when Zunrogo regained consciousness.

Tzan had all this time, with his back to Zunrogo, continued with his dismantling the barricade.

As he labored Tzan grimaced coldly.  “Wonder what it was he took from her? …. Still, in all these years under his command, never once have I seen him do anything without a sinister reason or an underlying dark motive.  I wonder what’s really at stake here?”

 

02- 11-TZAN JP

Proceeding with methodical efficiency, Tzan had, in no time at all, disengaged (severed, disarmed) remaining, pertinent, lethal traps and cleared away the key barriers.  The rest Tzan was told, could later be safely handled by the crew, after they are released from their locked cabins.  This measure of keeping the crew safe had been deemed necessary, for they were essential in manning the vessel of this size.

 

 Tzan was about to go upstairs to first, finish disposing of the corpses into the river, when he was just then called to Zunrogo’ side. 

"She's not dead." the captain announced coldly, indicating Disaidun Agripe (Ms. Jepipi).

 "Take her body to her cabin and let her husband deal with her last-minute rites.”

Tzan, leaning over her warm body, understood her grave state of health at once and looked at askance (sideways, suspiciously) at Zunrogo.  “He is not known for showing least amount of mercy to anyone who’s outlived their usefulness; unless… she still has some benefit (consequence) to be utilized… hmm?”  But Tzan shifted his body with unease as he was once more mired (puzzled, stumped) by Zunrogo’s enigmatic mind, unable to phantom the captain’s decidedly sinister, future objective.

Only few hours prior, she’d been so full of life; now she was barely alive, what further use was she to Zunrogo?  Tzan could not help feeling a small measure of sadness for her short-lived ecstasy.  Zunrogo, contrastingly, with not a shred of sympathy or remorse, was already headed down the hall.

 

The time it took for Tzan to pick up the pliant body of Disaidun Agripe, Zunrogo was fast unlocking the scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald's door. Fradel emerged just in time to see Tzan, with her limp, broken body draped over his shoulder, going down the hall towards her cabin.

The scholar's inquisitive (questioning) gaze constrained Zunrogo to give a brief account of her involvement in the struggle: how she, being an accomplished archer, had offered her services and how, despite his own reservations, he had engaged (utilized) her abilities to safeguard the rest of the passengers, including Fradel.  He curtly (briskly) praised Disaidun Agripe’s courage and skill, noting how she had claimed few dozen lives before she, herself, had tragically been injured beyond recovery (saving); hence, she’d been allowed this precious remaining time to be spent saying farewells to her husband and child.

"There’s really no way she can be saved?" Zunrogo shook his head and gestured to sternly cut off Fradel's anticipated next inquiry.  "Pity, all the courage she has shown is totally lacking in Official Ceros Agripe.” Zunrogo derisively (sarcastically) snorted and looked away. “Let him come to terms with this new reality and then grieve for his impending loss in private; besides, the last thing we need now is the complications from a hysterical husband.  The rest, including the official Luvet and the crew, will be appraised of the near miss peril they’d been spared, all in good time, well after all the corpses are made fish meal.” 

“Meanwhile, for their sake and for ours, the less they know the better." Zunrogo impatiently then added that he’d taken this ill-afford time, out of courtesy to Fradel, to appraise him of the facts.  Now that the danger had passed, all that remained was the cleanup. He next went on to say, as a matter-of-factly, how to prevent pestilence, in the aftermath (result) of the deadly fray (fight, skirmish, battle), it had been deemed necessary to immediately dispose of all the corpses, into the cold, watery grave.

Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) reluctantly concurred with this hardhearted, but sound decision, then solemnly offered his assistance, where warranted.

 

03- FRADEL (NEVETSECNUAC) OFFERS ASSISTANCE (6)

“Kind of you to proffer (volunteer),” Zunrogo curtly refused his help, saying that the only task remained then, was still too gruesome and taxing, for one with Scholar’s delicate sensibilities and fragile constitution. There was no malice in his tone, just fact, so Fradel let this affront (insult) go.

Fradel was asked instead to, for a little while longer, remain in his cabin, until all the unpleasantness, in other words, all telltale signs of skirmish on deck, had been thoroughly cleared.

Zunrogo had another reason for keeping the meddlesome scholar away from the scene of the battle. He was certain, there were no survivors left above deck, however, perchance there were some, Fradel, with his moral rectitude, would be gallingly adamant for the wounded to be properly (cared for) tended; this contrasting with Zunrogo’s deemed sound judgement of, finishing them off and then swiftly discarding all the corpses into the watery grave, to prevent  any possibility of unforeseen, future complications.

By the time Zunrogo caught up with his Lieutenant, Tzan having already delivered the barely alive Disaidun Agripe to the care of her hysterical husband, at present his mind totally engaged with his work, was in the process of routinely adding weights to the neck and feet of last (group) batch of tied up corpses, before they too, unceremoniously were dumped (discarded) overboard into the river.

 

04- CHURNING WATERS OF THE RIVER

Tzan mopped his forehead off perspiration with the back of his hand then stood back to check and admire his clever workmanship.  Seeing that there was a slight movement, a twitch, a flicker of life, in one of the presumed dead, he quickly lifted the bound (roped, fastened, trussed) bundle and carried it to the railing then tilted it overboard.

 " Enjoy your long, blissful sleep at the bottom of the river." he hissed with venomous sneer, as he watched it sink into oblivion beneath the waves. When he turned, he was startled to find Zunrogo standing right behind him.

"Was that the last of it?" Zunrogo asked Tzan, with an unreadable expression on his face.  Receiving Tzan's nod of affirmation, he grunted cooly. "Good work."  Then he simply turned and walked away. 

“Well, Lance Diostin, despite your invincible prowess, you are now, indisputably dead and gone; and perhaps if you are lucky, your vestige (trace, hint) of brilliant exploits will be written onto the pages of history.” Zunrogo musing, scoffed (derided) then exhaled slowly the long, tense breath, which he’d been unwittingly (unawares) holding.

 

                                                                                     ~

 

Shortly after dusk the deckhands were let out to scrub the gore from the decks and mend those parts of the ship that had suffered in the attack.  For most of the night the crew slaved away not daring to make any suppositions or ask any questions about the day's events.

To a man, however, they were in unison with their intention, to abandon this cursed vessel and vanish into oblivion the very moment they docked at the next port. For they all had their own secret reasons for not wanting to undergo, the inevitably lengthy and grueling investigation and consequently, the impending penalties.

 

                                                                                       ~

 

Subsequent days, while the top deck buzzed with a flurry of activity, silence reigned in the cabins below.

Soon as Zunrogo could get away, he had stolen into his cabin to quietly inspect the letter. Noticing right from the start some oddities about the sheath, his face darkened, and deep frown set in. He did not wish to tamper with it any further, but was convinced nevertheless, that the contents within would most definitely be fake, which meant that the actual letter was in possession of that covert Black Moloch’s agent.

“Is he still on board?” Zunrogo wondered “or had he clear gotten away. “ 

In any case, this setback put him in a real bad mood, which would last several days.

Eventually he did, very carefully, bypassing the deathly traps and poisonous dart, removed the fake inside letter and unfolding it, quickly perused the contents. What he read infuriated him still more, knowing if he had in ignorance delivered the letter to the Prime Minister, it would have brought about his immediate, ignoble (dishonorable, dastardly) death.  In his rage he promptly fed the letter along with its covering to the hungry flames in the brazier.

Later still, Zunrogo keen on discovering the particulars and whereabouts of this presumed Black Moloch spy, his tireless efforts, and astute observances, had eventually revealed to him the presumed identity of the culprit. He’d been one of the crewmen, one called Zack, most probably a pseudo name; what’s more, after the battle, he had mysteriously (gone missing) disappeared without a trace, never to been seen or heard from again. Yet, this had not alarmed anyone, including him?

 

05 B CREWMAN ZACK - A BLACK MOLOCK SPY ON BOARD BOAT (5)JP

Zunrogo now faintly remembered how on the day they’d boarded the vessel, his keen eye had (caught) noted the exceptional physique of this particular crewman; nevertheless, in the aftermath Zunrogo had been so completely taken in by Zack’s assumed ordinary demeanor. This infuriated Zunrogo, subsequently, his ire (indignation), his fiery temper had rained misery on all, especially since Zunrogo, upon further reflecting, became acutely aware of his own (failing) prior oversight, resulting in his sorely missing the certain oddities that should have alerted his senses.

After further thorough search of the vessel and questioning at length the other crewmen and Tzan, Zunrogo’s suspicions were affirmed; that Zack, had not been among the discarded corpses, which meant that, he’d had clear gotten away along with the actual extortion letter! Be that as it may, the vessel charting a ceaseless course in the center of this fast flowing, wide river with barely visible shorelines, however a good swimmer, could Zack still have defied all the odds?

 

 

                                                                                     ~

 

(END OF SECTION 36)