12- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE PORTENDED PERIL - SECTION 7

 

In his delirious state thrashing about and fighting dragons, scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac) had cried out, vociferously wowing to do everything within his power to fulfill his destiny.

01- FRADEL RURIK KORVALD ( NEVETSECNUAC) STILL IN GRIP OF FEVER (6)

Fortunately, the diligent Physician Quinher Yungar had paid little heed, disregarding these fevered ramblings of the Scholar, and instead, tirelessly strove to modify (reverse) the effects of the poison as well, reduce the persistent high fever, in the hope of rescuing his patient from the jaws of death.

Quinher Yungar was aware what it would mean, particularly for Zaur Stugr, if he failed in his attempts to cure the Illustrious Scholar; and, he bristled with rage (ire), for he didn’t need to be told who was behind this dastardly ploy to ruin his benefactor and dear friend, Zaur.

After many hours of gruelling and hair-raising moments, long at last the scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald’s (Nevetsecnuac’s) condition stabilized, more specifically his dangerously high fever subsided (waned, declined); and Quinher, for the first time ever, was able to lean (slump) his weary back in chair, and closed his eyes in brief respite.

Nevetsecnuac subsequently regaining full consciousness, though at first had felt no difference, he nevertheless knew that his soul had returned to his body, for the next instant he was suddenly fraught (laden, assaulted) by the violent throbbing in his head and temples, as well, felt every inch of his physical form being pricked (lanced) by million invisible needles that resulted in acute (most intense, penetrating) ache. He all the same bearing with this agonizing pain, Nevetsecnuac’s eyelids twitched then slowly, partially opened.

02- PHYSICIAN QUINHER YUNGAR - A 7 -JP (7)

The ever-vigilant physician Qinher, sensing the slight difference in Nevetsecnuac’s rhythmic breathing at this point, at once jumped to his feet and being keenly observant, noting his patient’s eyelids tad (sliver) flicker then slightly ajar, he let out a cry in relief.

This of course, let loose such volley of jubilant commotion (bustling activity) from all present, that Nevetsecnuac could barely get in a word edgewise. Finally, he managed to croak out an urgent request, for his solicitous attending physician Quinher to retrieve the specific pouch from his bottom drawer, where which he had kept the oval crystal pill that Zonar had imparted to him earlier on.

Quinher Yungar, despite his reservations to interrupt his meticulous tending and leave even for a second the scholar’s side, acceding, swiftly retrieved the requested item and brought it over to Fradel (Nevetsecnuac). With an unexpected swiftness, the Scholar snatched the pouch from Quinher’s hand and, before the perplexed Physician could query (quiz) or stop him, popped the crystal pill within it, straight into his mouth and swallowed it whole.

03- SCHOLAR FRADEL RURIK KORVALD (NEVETSECNUAC )(4)

As Zonar had promised, the results were instantaneous: Nevetsecnuac at once felt rejuvenated and strong, his face color restored to norm, his body (muscles, reflexes) immediately normalized, and he became as sound physically and mentally as if he had never undergone the terrible ordeal (affliction) with the poison in the first place.

Physician Quinher and the attendants witnessing this miraculous recovery, utterly dumbfounded (shocked), with agape mouths, stood frozen.

Nevetsecnuac now sitting up in bed, suddenly feeling parched, he had just reached forward to help himself to a cupful of water; after which, he intended to rise to his feet, when just then, Zaur Stugr happened to enter the room (appeared on the scene).

Zaur stugr, at once taking in the scene, though astounded, he quickly got a grip on his senses, cast a prompt, beholden (thankful, indebted) glance at Quinher, then squirely facing the Scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald nodded his head in greeting to him, as his steps same time hastened to reach scholar’s bedside.

04-  MINISTER OF CEREMONY ZAUR STUGR JP (6)

“You have given us such a fright!” Zaur’s face now glowing in sheer delight (elated) and his demeanor clearly at ease, said to Fradel. “But please do not exert yourself by trying to get up now.”

Zaur next turned to again briefly look at Quinher and nodding, address him gratefully: “Excellent work doctor, I can see that the danger has been, finally, everted.”

“Indeed, I’m fully recovered; no need to fuss over me.” Nevetsecnuac, interjecting, with fluid ease sprung to his feet. Zaur could not constrain his utter amazement and sheer delight.

Subsequently, responding to Fradel’s request, Zaur formally introduced him to Phsician Quinher Yungar.

Scholar Fradel Rurik Corvald (Nevetsecnuac) reverently and with gratitude then, bowed to his benefactor, and addressing Quinher directly, said: “I am eternally indebted to you sir; for thanks to your excellent care, I am completely cured.”

05- PHYSICIAN QUINHER YUNGAR  (2)

Though perplexed and still in shock, Quinher hastened to decline any but the most minimal credit for Scholar’s convalescence, all the while silently thanking his lucky stars for this miraculous recuperation (cure, recovery). Long after Quinher had remained quietly intrigued however, wanting, but never getting the chance in that mayhem, to learn more about the potent crystal pill and the source of it.

Reading his mind, Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) at one point, drawing near Quinher Yungar, in a whisper, promised Quinher to tell him all about it at later time; meanwhile, exuberantly, he continued advocating the physician’s medical abilities and accrediting his full recovery to Quinher’s excellent care.

Thus, flood of praises was heaped on the Physician, despite his protestations; and additionally, he was most handsomely rewarded by Zaur Stugr, who chose not to delve too deeply into this miraculous outcome.

Physician Quinher’s head was still reeling (swirling) with countless unanswered questions, long after he had retired to his private quarters and settling in his favorite chair, lit his pipe, to smoke.

                                                                                       ~

 

The rest of the night Fradel Rurik Korvald meanwhile, was most solicitously tended to by Zaur Stugr, who remained quite unwilling to leave his side. The attention poured on Fradel (Nevetsecnuac), was unrelenting and tiresome; therefore, Nevetsecnuac, at the risk of offending his host, finally requested in the politest of terms, reminding Zaur of his appointment with Ronterron Zuke the subsequent day, that he be allowed to retire for three or four hours of respite. This aim achieved, Nevetsecnuac finally reclined on his bed, not to sleep but to direct (pin) his thoughts and to prepare at least mentally, for the challenges that lay ahead, focusing, specifically beyond the subsequent day.

“I must not fail.” was the last murmured sentence (mumble) on his lips as he eventually drifted off into a blissful sleep in the wee (small) hours of the night, his conscience finally in complete accord with his reasoning mind.

 

                                                                                 ~

 

 

(END OF SECTION 7 – BOOK 12- LON- THE PORTENDED PERIL)

 

 

(LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC RESUMES IN NEXT POST- BOOK 13- LON- THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR)

 

 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 30

Zunrogo had not been bluffing, when he had earlier subtly hinted to Disaidun Agripe that he knew far more than he was letting on.  Few weeks prior, he had in fact, from the painstakingly gleaned information, pieced it all together to determine just who had written the letter and, more importantly, the contents of it.

01-SHOUZI YOZDEK 1 JP

Lod Shouzi Yozdek, only two years Sovereign Zakhertan’s senior, as children the two had been (inseparable) thick as thieves.  In fact, up till puberty, the mischievous duo, which shared similar characteristics and interests, had once embarked on many hair-raising adventures to nosh (nourish) their innate, perverse appetite for carnage. But for unknown reason or reasons, their close kinship had abruptly and drastically altered (changed) when the two were in their mid-teens; aside from the estrangement, it also transformed their once close bond to that of stealthy, adversarial one in nature.  

At any rate, well before His Highness Zakhertan Yozdek had solidified his rule, his second Cousin Lord Shouzi Yozdek, long since discontented with Zkhertan, had once colluded with Kujoge Yozdek to overthrow Zakhertan in an uprising.  In a moment's madness, forgoing his usual precautions, Lord Shouzi had sent a confidential letter to Kujoge, with certain incriminating words and some details of intended rebellion, with his trusted steward.  Unfortunately, the letter was intercepted, and the mutilated corpse of the steward was, after a frighteningly long time, sent back to Lord Shouzi with a single letter "R" carved into the corpse's chest.

Plotting a rebellion had always been regarded, by Zakhertan, as the most grievous of crimes; hence, even members of the Royal family were not exempted (spared) from the (horrendous) extremely abominable punishments.  Of course, the plot had been abandoned and all plans scrapped or, as Zunrogo suspected, temporarily postponed.  Since then, however, His Lordship Shouzi Yozdek had been living under the fearful dread of his entire family’s (his precious sons, as well as his wife’s family’s, this going back ten generations,) utter annihilation (extermination); meanwhile, his vast resources (funds, assets) were being perpetually (continuously) drained with exacting extortions (blackmails, shakedowns) from an indomitable secret foe (source).

Last two years Lod Shouzi had paid the steadily increasing ransom amount without fail, but of late, more was required of His Lordship, some of it highly dicey. In time the extortionists’ demands became even more unsavory, further contemptible.  The vile deeds which His Lordship Shouzi Yozdek was forced to commit, forever hunted the Lord’s conscience, and made him quake in dread. He spent many terror-struck days and evenings fearing his ignominious end, or worse, of his own flesh and blood beloved’s sons’ abduction and reprehensible demises.

Wishing to put an end to this intolerable (nightmarish) situation, His Lordship had naturally enlisted the help of his longtime friend, the Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren and they had jointly employed every covert means, sparing no effort or expense, to find the letter and wipe out (bring an end to) the would-be culprits. But despite years of effort, the perpetrators had ingeniously eluded detection, till now.

02-ZUNROGO TUGO - JP 23

Zunrogo mentally patted himself on the shoulder for his latest, crucial string of successes, and then turned his attention back to the woman.

Notwithstanding (despite) his seeming disinterest in the letter, his subsequent manipulative questions and the specific reference to the pouch and its seal, had presently (currently) beguiled Disaidun Agripe (Miss Jepipi) into suspecting that he already had the letter in his safekeeping.

“But how could he have stolen it without me knowing it? He did not lay-a-hand-on-me. And certainly, I’ve never not once, left it out of my sight. Earlier, roughed up by that beastly guard Tzan, could he have …? “

 Disaidun Agripe’s heart palpitated wildly just then and, as consequence (result) of the seed of doubt that he had so firmly planted in her mind, she absentmindedly placed her hand over the hidden pocket near her bosom.

“No, thank goodness, it's still there!”  Nevertheless, she knew she had been careless, way foolish, to even suspect that it could have been nabbed.

Disaidun threw Zunrogo a contemptuous look. “Well played…You think you're so smart, don't you?  All right, so you got me to betray its whereabouts, but you'll get it when Hell freezes over! “

“Furthermore, I have you know, I’m not afraid of death.” She then inwardly lied. “I’ll destroy it if you even so much as try.  Just try it!”  She sized up the distance to the cabin's porthole. Could she be fast enough?

Zunrogo had been thoroughly entertained by the web of conflicting emotions that had passed over her face, surmising the array of her thoughts.  “How delightful she was when issuing those silent threats.  How utterly delightful! “

“But now, it was time to put an end to this fun and plunk her in her proper place.”  Smiling mischievously, he asked, "How long has it been?"

"How long?"  Disaidun Agripe raised her eyebrows.

"Don't play coy with me.  How long has it been since you've had a good one?" he grinned.

This time she caught his meaning.  Her eyes hardened.  Glaring at him she snarled, "Since you seem to know everything, you tell me."

"Oh, why articulate such righteous anger?  You were proud once to be so well sought after in high circles.  You should be flattered that your reputation precedes you, even after all this time."

"That's right," she frowned. "That was all in the past.  I've buried it (former life) long ago."

 She’d denounced it hotly, indignantly then, lowering her head, ejected sadly, "It's so cruel of you to dredge up the past.  It all happened then, before I knew any better, before I had any sense."

"Before you were under eighteen years of age, I believe," Zunrogo cut her short, unfazed.

Truncating her subsequent, near comical retort and words of self- pity, "And don’t forget, just four months before your enlistment into Secret Society of KokuTizanrez…. Only eighteen, eh?  Still, even in that short time you had built yourself up quite a reputation, didn’t you?  Learned a few good tricks too, I'll bet."  He asked forcefully.

"But tell me, how was Zohuj Kez?  How does one worm one's way into the black heart of a eunuch when he lacks the proper equipment to satisfy a woman's desires?  You must indeed be exceptional."

The question had achieved its desired effect and Disaidun Agripe blushed profusely.  “Incredible,” Zunrogo shook his head in disbelief, “after all that she's experienced, succumbed, all she’s been through, the vixen can still blush!”

"How dare you!  What gives you the right to talk to me that way?" She cried out indignantly, trying to hold back her tears but she'd taken this insult to heart and, in-order-to shield herself from his piercing gaze, looked away as two defiant strings of saltwater pearls rolled down her cheeks.  Covertly, she wiped them away as she kept up the angry response, determined not to afford Zunrogo the satisfaction.

He threw his head back and laughed coldly, viciously with sure delight.

“Now she'll be ready.  Oh, but look how frantically she tries to purge guilt and shame from her heart.  How desperately she strives to maintain her dignity and prove me wrong. Oh, poor little vermin (mice), I almost feel sorry for you!”

In the ensuing moments, however, he sustained his heartless prodding, poked fun, and unreservedly enjoyed observing (watching) the predicted change taking root in her, the whole time each struggle ensnaring her deeper and deeper into his tightly woven net.

Disaidun Agripe realized too late that she was hooked, well and proper.

Earlier on she had discerned but foolishly ignored, her intuit warning, that her worst nightmare was about to come true.  Her feelings vacillated to each extreme, according to what he said.  Each tone of his voice seemed to manipulate her responses independently of her will.  Despite her valiant efforts to deny the feelings raging inside her, his insinuations, his rude, suggestive remarks both irritated and enticed her.

Satisfied with the end-result, Zunrogo eased off a bit, though by no means was he through toying with his prey.

“Now let’s see just how ambitious you are.”

 The time was now ripe to tempt her with some purpose, some hope.  Would she take the bait?

 "But tell me, “He changed the subject, "hasn't a capable girl like you ever aspired to some greater goals in life?"

"As if I have a choice," she huffed; the words had poured out of her unbidden.

Checking her discomfiture, she stared back at him questioningly.

03- DISADUN AGRIPE JP 222

“No sense appealing to his sympathy. He has no heart, no understanding.”

 What she had heard about him was all true; he was a cruel and manipulative brute.

“Oh, what's the use?” She hung her head.

She (for a time) thoughtfully affixed her gaze onto the floorboards of the cabin, to hide her deep resentment for him; then, bit the corner of her lip to get a grip and, again, looked askance at him.

“Why did you insist on dredging up the past, if not to humiliate me?  What was the point of all those mean, nasty questions? What am I supposed to believe when, you are stern (harsh, demanding, hardhearted) one instance then turns unexpectedly judicious (fair) and humane (caring, gentle, kindly, charitable) the next…Oh, my brain is so befuddled with all these mixed messages?  What could you possibly want from me besides that, same old, oh …?”  

Suddenly she recalled what he had said earlier on that he may have certain use for her in future.

 “Is he, by any chance, thinking of recruiting me?  Is this just a test?”  Narrowing her eyes, she overtly scrutinized him. “Why else? “

Suddenly Disaidun Agripe bounced back out from her deep depression.  “Then I'll show him a thing or two and just what I'm made of; but first, I’ll get him back for putting me through all that grueling.” she inwardly swore.

“I’ll show him that I have what it takes; then I’ll refuse him flatly.”   Her confidence fully restored; she had the spunk to plan apt retribution (payback).

Zunrogo grimaced as he surmised this turn in her thoughts. It was precisely what he had hoped to make her feel at this point.

“Nearly half the work is done; good!”  He sat back and braced himself for her anticipated questions.

"Why have you sent for, me?" Disaidun shifted uneasily in her seat, her soul unknowingly bending to his whim

"Two reasons." Zunrogo answered gravely after a deliberate, painful pause.  "You did say they meant nothing to you, but how do you feel about that old official, Luvet?"  He looked at her meaningfully.  He had had him checked out.  He was clean.  He was not a spy.  Still, he strove to be certain, to leave no loose ends behind.

"The same," Disaidun Agripe shrugged coldly.  Then, understanding fully what he expected of her, she asked, "You mean all three?"

"Is that a problem?"

"No.", she shook her head spontaneously, studied Zunrogo for a moment then nodded her cold commitment.  "Consider it done."

"It must look perfectly natural, you understand."

"No problem."  Her confidence mounting, already she had conceived the plan in her mind; it had been played out many times on countless opera stages.  "No problem at all. You'll see, even you will be impressed.”

"Good."  Zunrogo was pleased.

“What?  Not curious about the details, not in the least?”  Disaidun thought she was the mastermind of this brilliant plan, not realizing how subtly, methodically she’d been manipulated to contribute to this specific plot. As she was most eager to earn his praise, she now readily volunteered the specifics all in one burst. The simplicity and efficiency of her ideas did please him, but all he let show was his slight amusement.

"You said that there were two things.  What's the other?"  She, with racing heart, eagerly asked.

"Not so fast." Zunrogo chuckled at her keenness.  "Don't you want to know why?"

"Not particularly." Disaidun Agripe lied.  In truth, she was dying to know the reason.

"Good, then I’ll save my breath.”  He paused to watch her desperate attempt to remain calm, to control the emotions erupting within her.  He was sorely disappointed in her.

“You'll have to do better than that.  You're not so hard after all, and you can be read like a book.  One wonders how you've managed to survive this long unless you've fortuitously dealt only with morons!”

He's still testing me; she raised her hurt filled eyes up to him.  “Am I measuring up?”

"Perhaps,” His icy, spontaneous answer startled her.

 But then, “why be so surprised?  So, he’s discerning my thoughts. I made no conscious effort to conceal them.” She inwardly lied to herself; then, looking at him squarely in the eye, she asked: "You would really consider recruiting me?"

“No…It depends."

 The vague answer exhilarated her, nevertheless.  It was more than she’d hoped for.  A hint of gratitude and joy registered in her eyes as Disaidun looked at him needing, searching for some sort of confirmation.  Then a sudden darkness cast its shadow over her dreams. 

She lowered her eyes and shook her head in deep despair, "No, it can never be.  I'm under contract."  Disaidun looked up at him tragically, "They'll kill me before they let me go.”

“I…  I know too much."  Even this low-level assignment she was on had been sanctioned by their leader, of that, she was sure.

“Silly girl; even if I were to consider this in earnest it would not be their opposition I would be concerned with.”

Instead, he fed her further hope, "They are small fish.  They would not dare go against my wishes."

"Oh, I'd be ever so grateful."  Disaidun’s heart palpitated wildly.

Looking up at him with certain elation, as if he was some demigod, she utilized her winning feminine charms, wanting, needing further affirmation; but again, his unexpected stern composure froze her, dead on her tracks.  She abjectly (grimly) lowered her head and kept her silence.

"Your gratitude is premature.” He ejected coldly at this point, suppressing his laughter.

 "You have not yet proven your suitability, and there is still the High Council's decision yet to be made.  However, I may be able to sway their decision if I could tell them how you...” he deliberately left the rest hanging in air.

 

(END OF SECTION 30)