LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL - SECTION 16

 "Once Zakhertan Yozdek had ascended the throne, the ensuing years had been the unparalleled goriest eon (era, age) in history." Hugen resumed his narrative (chronicle) after guzzling some more wine.  When he held out the jug for Uyuk to partake some, the latter, however, had declined, saying he had far too much already, that he would abstain for a while till his head cleared a bit, he just needed a breathing space, a respite.  Uyuk had urged Hugen nonetheless, to freely indulge, as the long night after all, stretched out before them.

01- UYUK  (20)JP

Yea, right! Hugen inwardly scorned, despising Uyuk for this unwarranted deceit.  Why feign such weakness?  Hugen knew Uyuk had not reached his limit, not by a long shot…Latter could handle more, quite a bit more.  Hugen knew this for a fact.  Not as much as he can, perhaps.  Still… 

For a spell he considered goading Uyuk until the latter dropped his guard and relented. Then again, why bother, Hugen dismissing the notion, good humouredly shrugged and helped himself to some more wine.

Uyuk, despite his feigned inebriated state, keenly, from the corner of his eye had scrutinized Hugen, for the faint-hearted could not have managed the quantity of strong spirits Hugen had consumed thus far and remained still, maddeningly so, sober. Considering the extreme potency, the wine had cost Uyuk quite a substantial sum; this brand of smooth, fruity blend being particularly high in alcohol content, should have way before this intoxicated/incapacitated the most resilient (robust constitution) of men, but not Hugen! Why was that?

The corner of Hugen’s mouth slightly lifted as if in amusement, anticipating Uyuk’s inner query, and he looked away; fact is, he needed to consume at least four or five times the amount, to be totally inebriated or brought to a happy state; a condition he'd rarely indulged and always had done so in solitude. After a while the amassed consumed quantity, however, had eventually derived some adverse effect; the consequential fleeting moment of light headedness and nostalgic reflections nevertheless, through sheer willpower quickly dispensed (passed), Hugen once more reverted his somber gaze on Uyuk.  His head, his thoughts the product of a cool, calculating mind once more lucid and unequivocally defined, Hugen’s deliberations was again embroiled in the selfsame grave, harsh realities of life. 

What's more, after the subsequent several swigs (mouthfuls) of this fruity concoction (booze), far from being mellowed out, his senses disappointingly instead, had felt tauter (tense, wound up); hence, Hugen disdainfully put the jug aside and, his breathing regulated, he indolently stretched out his limbs. But this did little in dousing the fire coursing in his hot veins, his muscles twitching and flexing in an invisible restless craze, yearning to engage in a mortal combat with an invincible, (challenging)formidable foe.

Affixing his gaze to the far corner, his hankering heart tinged with sadness, Hugen thoughtfully reflected on the multitude, past, memorable combats; there was singular one that stood above the rest, General Zonar Kuntzu, a warrior with indomitable prowess. Hugen had heard much about his fame, his brilliant feats. Unfortunately, Hugen's line of work had kept him always on a different course than the General’s; but once he had been fortunate enough to have been an eyewitness to a friendly combat between the General Kuntzu and another competent fighter. The breathtakingly spectacular fight had ended the same way, with General Zonar Kuntzu being the victor as always.

02-GENERAL ZONAR KUNTZU

Hugen donned an ironic smile on his lips and looked away. How easily General Zonar Kuntzu had bested his opponent!

After that day Hugen had honed his martial skills so that one day, he could try his own luck against the General; however, when finally, his competence was up to par (the equivalence), fate had cruelly intervened to cheat him out of that opportunity.

Inclining his head, Hugen with a blank stare studied Uyuk, thinking inwardly how Uyuk unfortunately presented no such challenge.  True, he had never pitted his martial skill against Uyuk but he had observed Uyuk's ability in combat with others and, though his partner was comparatively good, Hugen had concluded that he could easily defeat (best) him without resorting to draw upon any of his special expertise. There was one thing Uyuk excelled in, however, his ability to... Hugen threw Uyuk a covert look.  Only that, he nodded. Yes, I’ll have to watch out for that.  In a way Hugen was grateful for Uyuk's somewhat amenable company.  At least Uyuk amused him, not like those intolerable, overconfident, superstitious boors whose presence strained his patience and made his blood boil.

Requiring more solitude, Hugen pointedly lent an ear to the howling of the gale force wind and the drumming, pounding of the rain pellets outside.  Oh, the nights are always so intolerably long.  Hugen inwardly moaned thinking, especially for one such as him who was an insomniac. Unfortunately, the pelting hail outside was a good deterrent for a long, brisk stroll, which was what he most desired at that moment.  Resigned to stay put, he shifted his weight to get more comfortable then, once more, somberly resumed his narration where he had left off: "Yes, we weren’t the only ones who’d suffered from his rancorous (malicious, spiteful ) wrath; all who’d tried to undermine or obstruct Zakhertan Yozdek's aim, all suspected loyalists and dissidents in Wenjenkun, were vengefully rooted out, vanquished or incinerated." 

Hugen’s eyes met Uyuk's gravely and he nodded.  "Furthermore, all who griped or raised even the slightest discourse of his harsh measures, among them countless brilliant scholars from various backgrounds, the nobility, courtiers, religious personages, priests, sages, hermits, even the stray beggars; all without exception were persecuted relentlessly and tortured before an ignominious death. The countryside, hence, is dotted with a multitude of man-made pits of death, sepulchres and catacombs where Zakhertan’s countless past and present enemies are all buried.”

Hugen paused for an effect and then resumed: “There are also hidden subterranean chambers of torture, (constructed) in Channing, equipped with abhorrent, specially designed instruments, which prolongs, any convicted felons or dissidents’ excruciating physical and mental agony before their ignominious (humiliating) end.  Some of the holding cells, chiefly used for minor offences, are all the same, ingeniously constructed to perpetuate (beget) permanent insanity; and that’s not all, but it would take me far too long to extrapolate on them all."  Hugen shrugged. "Perhaps another time, eh… Anyway, to put it succinctly, Zakhertan Yozdek's reign has been marked with extreme brutality unrivaled by anyone in history save perhaps, only by Deng Hedenko in present times."  He threw his head back and laughed at Uyuk's baffled look.

 "The Sovereign of Korion, ignoramus (numskull) you," Hugen paused to savor the other's stifled rage at the insult. "To continue; after consolidating his power Zakhertan Yozdek lost no time in raising another mammoth (gargantuan) force, this time to punish us anew, but by that time our Illustrious Sovereign Anguan Binchan had succumbed to a fatal illness, thus robbing Zakhertan of his chief grievance.”

“Korion, meanwhile, had been rocked by a volcanic eruption and three subsequent earthquakes that ravaged two major cities and most of the countryside which depleted the precious remainder of our valuable resources, our strength and vitality.  What real resistance a devastated and leaderless nation could have offered? Of course, that mattered little to such a blood-thirsty fiend Zakhertan; as a matter of fact, he had even taken it into account and used it to gain an even more swift and decisive victory." Hugen bristled.  "An honorable campaign was not something he’d consider in his evil plans.  In no time at all, his superior, predatory forces swept across the adjacent, inconsequential provinces to descend on us voraciously, with but one directive: to annihilate our race from the face of the Earth.”

03- ZAKHERTAN YOZDEDK  (22) JP

"Ah, but we (every citizen of Korion) were equally determined (resolute) to deny him his easy conquest.  Even though from the start our defeat was a foregone conclusion, our patriots resisted Zakhertan for a year and a half.  Hah!  I'd venture to guess that it was the costliest and bloodiest campaign Zakhertan had ever waged.  Alas!  Despite our courage and brilliant strategies, our impoverished army was pitted against an invincible rapacious force that, at the crucial point in the struggle, received fresh reinforcements.  I do admit that, towards the end Zakhertan's military manoeuvring and strategic offensives were flawless as only one who is the demon incarnate can devise.  In one ingenious, final stroke he had both rebel cities capitulate simultaneously."

Hugen exhaled deeply, morosely, "And so, on the solstice of the third lunar year of the reign of our Illustrious Sovereign Harkan Konzuran Binchan, a terrible nightmare was unleashed on us all."  At this point, Hugen's tongue was stilled by the anger, bitterness, and scorn he felt at the core of his being.

"Is it true what I had heard?  That after the Capital yielded Zakhertan had our late Sovereign Anguan Binchan's corpse exhumed, supreme sacrilege that it was, had it torn into minute pieces and then scattered in various cesspools throughout the country?"

"Yes," Hugen nodded grimly, "and that's not all.  On Zakhertan’s orders his men went on a rampage, digging up all the ancestral graves, some Centuries old.  They desecrated the corpses and had the remains discarded into fast flowing rivers.  The valuable artifacts were all plundered then shamelessly carted off (lugged) to their homeland."  Hugen dropped his head, swallowing hard.  "After the gruesome, ignoble execution of our Sovereign Harkan Konzuran Binchan, anyone with even a trace of royal blood was rounded up and humiliated in a public spectacle designed specifically to break our spirit before they, too, were executed.  However, this had quite the opposite effect, for it only strengthened (fuelled) our people's resolve."

Uyuk hissed; his absent gaze fixed at the far corner.

Hugen looked up sharply, pleased at the outrage in Uyuk, noting his face flushed to beet-red, his chest palpitating with indignation at the same time as his fists clenched so hard that, his nails drew blood from the sheer force and intensity of his feelings.  For a spell Hugen had forgotten Uyuk's true origin, but then, suddenly his thoughts darkened.

“Who are you trying to fool?  It was your kind, your race that inflicted these atrocities on us.”  He shook his head and bit his lip to contain his inner contempt. It was a strange idea, a hard concept for this hard-core patriot to swallow.  “No matter what, I cannot conceive of how anyone can forsake their own kind, their own race and country as absolutely as you have done, Uyuk! And for what reason, a personal grievance?” 

Seeing Uyuk in this light he questioned the other’s professed loyalty to Korion.  “What’s your actual ulterior motive?  What kind of game are you playing at anyhow?” With narrowing eyes, he covertly scrutinized his partner.

“Get a grip on your-self!” he fought the urge to strike, to act immediately.  “There’ll be ample opportunity later.  Go along for now, soon enough he will show his true colors and expose his dark heart.  You can deal with him then.”

But again, defiantly such bursting fury rose from deep within.  “Why on Earth had he bothered at all?  Why had he stuck his neck out for Uyuk in the first place?  Was it the element of danger, the challenge it posed?  Had he wished to exploit Uyuk as a game, a way to gratify his dark, morbid sense, his hatred for Uyuk's kind?  Or was it something entirely different, an alien concept long since abandoned; plain old pity?”  Hugen detested this new ambivalent feeling and looked down (lowered his gaze), trying to think of something else.

In his silent brooding, now with his eyelids closed, he reflected yet again how Wushing, his entire family, his colleagues and anyone who had been even remotely connected with him had all been hunted down and brutally eradicated (eliminated).  It mattered not whether they had been innocent lives, all ages of civilians.  Their fate had all been the same.  This extending to the (agrarian populations) countryside, the manifold atrocities that had been committed back then, to date hunted Hugen’s peace; countless ranchers (farmers, planters) had all been mercilessly cut down, their mutilated and mangled corpses piled high in heaps were then burned to ash. 

“In summation, Zakhertan Yozdek’s fierce persecution had extended way beyond those who had actively opposed him in both campaigns.  There had been so much blood spilled that for months after Korion's capitulation the rivers had ran red.  When pestilence struck during those warm months, it necessitated the burning of all the exposed corpses.  So many bonfires dotted the land, that the acerbic air stifled (burned) the lungs, while anguished wailing (cries) of mourners revibrated the land.”

04- HUGEN (54)jp

These were the haunting sounds and images which, permanently etched into his mind, had robbed Hugen of least peaceful, any tranquil existence.  Whether he was asleep or awake, the ongoing nightmares provided him no respite.  To present, Hugen's love for his country, his Sovereign and his craving for vengeance were all, what sustained him and gave some meaning to his wretched life. But alas, perpetually no absolution (pardon, release) was to be had, with his precarious, oftentimes violent existence.

"And it is for certain that one thing Zakhertan Yozdek had not counted on, was his own underestimation of the resilience of Korion’s ordinary folk." Uyuk , interceding, spoke up loudly, partly to test Hugen's state of (alertness) consciousness.

The slight frown on the other's features confirmed it, he was (alert and) awake. Uyuk was, of course speaking from personal experience.  Surviving the ignominious death of his mother and sister, he was on the brink of expiring himself when he had been given sanctuary and a second chance, by a tribe of nomadic herdsmen in Korion.  His foster father was one Muxor Kenny, a strong, stout warrior who never donned a smile.  Always rigid and stern, he had nevertheless taught Uyuk the survival skills that had served him well up to the present day. 

“Oh yes,” Uyuk inwardly scoffed (rebuked, chided), as he sized up Hugen quaffing some more spirits: “I am well aware of your low opinion of me and my skills. I may just one day shock the britches right off you, arrogant, smug bastard!”

 If the truth were to be known, Uyuk had it in his power to alter that opinion and countless times had been sorely tempted by Hugen's goading to show off and expose his deeply hidden talents. Indeed, Uyuk knew far more than he let on.  Despite his youth he had experienced numerous hair-raising, daring escapades that, if recounted, would boggle Hugen's mind, and earn him the respect and recognition he felt was his due.  Fortunately, his good sense had prevented him from doing that very thing.

Hugen, as if he had surmised other’s thoughts, suddenly looked up and meeting Uyuk's eyes directly, smirked; then in a conciliatory gesture, offered him the jug which the younger man this time obligingly took and raised it to his lips.

Even though Uyuk was parched, he took care to drink only a moderate portion however, just enough to wet his mouth, for it would not do if he were to become totally inebriated, despite the reliable company and relatively safe circumstances.  Feeling suddenly famished, he reached over and drew his bundle to him.  Groping about inside the sack, he found what he was looking for: the remainder of the dry rations.  He handed some to Hugen and, without ceremony the two began to tear and chew, the hard bits of venison to gratify their hunger.  Afterwards Uyuk stretched out his limbs and urged Hugen to continue with his recounting of his history.

Now more favorably disposed, Hugen picked up from where he had left off: "Time after time having encountered the gritty, dogged (resolute) resistance from every citizen of Korion high and low (ordinary folk), it soon became apparent to Zakhertan Yozdek that, Korion could not be governed by anyone other than our own.  The pacification of the rebellious tribes in the remote mountains proved particularly arduous and sanguinary.  The many costly expeditions aimed at annihilating these guerrilla fighters only resulted in a string of ignominious defeats at the hands of these nomadic herders. Many skirmishes, including those led by your foster-father Muxor Kenny, which incidentally, you’d failed to mention in your recruitment (enrolment) application.”

Hugen at this point, had abruptly fell silent, and then simply tossed Uyuk a knowing, fleeting smirk. 

05- MUXOR KENNY - KORION'S NOMADIC HORSEMAN

“To put it succinctly, these frays in time gave rise to other sporadic pockets of rebellion and soon after, there arose widespread, well organized, resistance of all sorts erupting simultaneously in all parts of the country.”

“Yes… we had demonstrated to them, once and for all, how this nation even though subjugated, could not be enslaved and all the oppressive measures, stringent laws and brutal, savage punishments would never, ever, crush our spirit or resolve!" Uyuk, getting a grip and pretending to be caught up in the moment’s hype (excitement), hissed.

Hugen gave (threw) him a pointed look, "As you seem to know the rest, I may as well save my breath." But Uyuk hastily leaned across to touch his shoulder and in an earnest voice protested his ignorance.  He confessed that, in his early pubescent (teenage) years, wanting to prove his worth to his foster-father Muxor Kenny, he had partaken in some acts of sabotage (resistance) but that he had never truly grasped the complete political picture; for his  subsequent adolescent (later teen) years were spent, totally cut off from any civilization, in the sacred Shouyou Mountains.  Appearing unusually co-operative, Uyuk without prodding volunteered that, this period had been lost to him, because he had been paying a penance for his serious breach of a key tribal law.

"What law?"

Uyuk's response was curt and cryptic.

“Have it your way.” Hugen inclined his head and inwardly scoffed: “I’ve offered you a chance to be straight with me, and yet again you’ve failed.  It’s your loss.” Of course, he knew all there was to it, he’d been well informed about Uyuk's unforgivable offense (felony, crime) and the consequential chastisement and more, much, much more.  He covertly kept Uyuk in his side-view as he grimaced coldly.

“Yes, that detailed report had encompassed data that, I suspect, even you are unaware of, my foreign friend.  I've trained my informants well, so well that they can even make the dead speak.  You would be surprised, no, shaken to your core if you knew what I know, that the one who had betrayed you, the key conspirator, was none other than you’re...”  Hugen averted his eyes. “No; why should I rattle your feathers?  Why destroy the only semblance of?”  Hugen turned (reverted) his stone-cold gaze back to Uyuk to look him straight in the eye.  But then suddenly an unexpected strong compassion seized his heart and his piercing pupils momentarily softened and he nodded.

When Uyuk once more entreated (beseeched) Hugen to enlighten him on the political aspects of Korion's and Wenjenkun's shared histories, Hugen quietly acquiesced, if only to pass the time.  Yet he did not begin right away, instead, he lent an ear for a spell longer to the pelting rain, which seemed to be tapering off. 

 

(END OF SECTION 16) 

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL - SECTION 15

"But hold on, how did you escape the second onslaught and the ensuing persecution?" Uyuk's pesky question broke the long silence. "Hadn't Minister Wushing's entire family been wiped out?  Friends, affiliates, even mere acquaintances; weren't they all hunted down and tortured to death, right down to the very last one?  Did you again flee?"

01-  HUGEN )jp

"I did escape, yes, with a vow to avenge my benefactor later." Hugen disdainfully scoffed.  "I am no coward, merely practical.  If I had died, then how could I repay the kindness Wushing had shown me?"

"All right, all right," Uyuk held up his hand, relenting.  "I was out of line."  This was the closest Uyuk came to apologizing.  Seeing that Hugen was pacified, Uyuk then urged him to recount the more explicit details of how the Minister of the Interior Wushing had saved the nation from catastrophic extermination during the first round of warfare.  Hugen, somewhat reticent, nevertheless obliged.

"Hmm...As I said before, His Highness Anguan Binchan was adamant; more than ready to fight Zakhertan Yozdek to the bitter end, but it was Minister Wushing who argued a more effective course.  Wushing advised that it was better for His Highness to buy some time in which Korion could recoup losses and prepare for a proper vengeance later on.  Zakhertan Yozdek at that time commanded an invincible army of one billion men, still flushed with victory and carrying superior arms.  Though the gallant warriors of Korion were all determined to fight to the bitter end, a course which would still inflict great havoc upon Zakhertan's forces, the effort would still not be enough to save our country.”

02- WUSHING, THE MINISTER OF INTERIOR

“Wushing then had summed up his argument with these akin (similar)words: As things stand today, restraint is key, we are well fortressed here in Zujug and have enough rations to withstand a siege of more than two years.  Zakhertan Yozdek knows this and will undoubtedly seek to draw us out to hasty engagement in battle; and, he is unfortunately, quite adept (expert, practiced) in doing just that. Without a shrewd (wily) recourse (strategy) therefore, our certain offensive, will be like that of amassed force/moths, propelled to a flame.  Furthermore, to effectively invalidate (weaken) Zakhertan’s command of that sort of indomitable army, we need to strike and effectively siphon (nullify, erode) his power (control) at the very root (source), in other words, at the base of Zakhertan’s staunch (steadfast) support, amidst the ruling elite of Wenjenkun. Thus, Wushing persuaded the King to send him as a strategic envoy to the Court of Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir, purportedly to sue for peace. 

03- PRIME MINISTER MORVALD (19) JP

Wushing, being a resourceful minister understood Prime Minister Morvald of Wenjenkun, the father-in-law of Zakhertan Yozdek, was a pompous, licentious and rapacious (avaricious) lord. More importantly, Morvald and Minister Xitor both exerted great influence on the Sovereign of Wenjenkun and it was by offering great bribes and beautiful women to both these officials, that they were influenced into doing Korion's bidding.  Through their influence, Minister Wushing was granted a timely audience with Sovereign Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir."

Hugen left his narrative to offer a small digression, "The present government of Zakhertan Yozdek is rigidly controlled and fear of their Sovereign is far too great for employment of this sort of tactic now; hence, other avenues (contravening measures) need be utilized."

"Yes, we saw just how far Kontu got when they offered bribes." Uyuk sneered.

"Are you daft?" Hugen shook his head in exasperation.

"You mean?"  Uyuk's mouth fell open for a second in amazement as he quickly grasped the picture.

Hugen hid the smirk that stole onto his lips and dismissively (impatiently) waved his hand. Fire coursing through his veins, he animatedly continued with his narrating the history: "Wushing made supplications to the Imperial Court of Wenjenkun, beseeching the Royal Highness Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir to grant us peace.  At the same time, he relayed, with certain eloquence, the apologies of our Sovereign Anguan Binchan for the offense that had been inadvertently given and, our Monarch's willingness to return (revert) to the previous status of an ally, a tutelary (protective) state, when all present unwarranted hostilities ceased.”

04- JURONGHAN ALRIC THERRAN VALAMIR JP (4)

"As was the usual case, Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir took the matter to private counsel before rendering a decision, only to have both Prime Minister Morvald and the Minister Xitor both speak favorably of the peace accord, this initiative, overriding (superseding) Zakhertan Yozdek’s adamant (insistent) petitions to be given time and supplies to completely exterminate the opposition before proceeding to the border of the Rheox region to subdue the unruly Nehor tribesmen. By this time, you see, rapacious Zakhertan Yozdek had made several advances in the face of our fierce opposition and had by then brought the peripheral areas of Zujug under his control as well as the strategic Kenquan Pass to the north-west of the city.  Building up strong earthworks and ramparts he had encamped around Zujug and laid in an all-out siege.  As you know, the city was particularly built for defense on the banks of the Quito River with rings of impregnable fortifications and a standing force of 9000 men to which had been added 7000 of Anguan Binchan's army.  Wushing had indeed insured that the position would be safe if they would but stay inside.” 

05-ZAKHERTAN YOZDEDK  (8) JP 2

“Zakhertan Yozdek mounted vigorous attacks both day and night yet, after a month he still had failed to gain any advantage.  This lack of success coupled with the diplomatic offensive Wushing had launched back in capital Channing of Wenjenkun could have caused a less determined man to waiver, unable to bide the time until the defenders of Zujug ran out of supplies and capitulated. As luck would have it, the courier bearing a progress report from Wushing to His Grace Anguan Binchan was intercepted by a detail of Zakhertan Yozdek’s reconnaissance men. The report itself contained nothing which could be used to incriminate Wushing back in Channing; however, Zakhertan Yozdek still was able to use it to devise an ingenious ruse to lure the forces of Korion out of the stronghold.”

“He had the report ingeniously forged to state instead that, Wushing had utterly failed in his task and presently imprisoned, was awaiting torture and execution.  The altered report demanded Korion's total capitulation, payment of a huge tribute and the immediate surrender of His Royal Majesty Anguan Binchan in person to Marshall Zakhertan Yozdek.”

 “Zakhertan of course knew that, even though Sovereign Anguan would be demoralized by this news, his Grace would rather fight than concede to these demands.  A spy disguised as the original courier then delivered the forged report to Zujug.”

“To complete the deception, Zakhertan planted rumors that there had been a large force of reinforcements dispatched from Wenjenkun as soon as Wushing was imprisoned. Acting on these reports and believing there was no other recourse, His Royal Highness Anguan Binchan himself led 7000 crack troops out of the stronghold in the early dawn hours and arrayed them in battle formation on the west bank of the Quito River.”

06-ANGUAN BINCHAN KORION KING (31)JP

“The Korion’s force of 9000 left inside the city was ordered not to interfere in the ensuing battle. Zakhertan of course, had as well anticipated this outcome and two days beforehand had secreted about one third of his infantry in the woods, presently flanking His Grace's position. Zakhertan Yozdek and his invincible cavalry, followed by the remaining two thirds infantry now arrayed themselves across the river.  At his command the portion of the cavalry charged forward, fording the river at specific points and a pitched battle ensued. Our forces not only stood their ground but, aided by the difficulty Zakhertan's cavalry had in fording the river, were able to turn this murderous assault around.  By about mid-morning it appeared to Sovereign Anguan Binchan that the battle was going his way; for part of Zakhertan's infantry left on the other side of the Quito River seemingly demoralized, was breaking ranks and part of it (in small groups) already started to move to the rear. Then Zakhertan Yozdek’s impersonator sounded the retreat.  An elite cavalry contingent which was the suicide group along with Zakhertan’s double, that had prior fiercely engaged Sovereign Anguan Binchan’s key forces, now turned (hightailed) and plunged back into the river hotly pursued by Anguan’s cavalrymen. Completing the deception, rest of the infantry on the far bank had also broken ranks; they run seemingly helter-skelter (in disorder), to disappear behind a wall of tall bushes.”

“Sovereign Anguan, believing he could seize this moment, ordered his men to continue pursuing Zakhertan and the enemy through the waist-deep river.  The trap totally unseen had already been set in this mid-portion of the river they were coached to trespass. Sometime prior you see, during the cover of night, specifically designed vessels had secretly dumped, great quantities of boulders, broken rocks, crockery, and other such sharp metal spikes in mid-stream, not enough to obstruct the flow of the river but to create hazardous course and to inflict injury and cuts to the anticipated cavalry horse’s feet and legs. “

“Korion's cavalry contingent was about halfway across the river when the full scope of Zakhertan's plan became apparent.  Sovereign Anguan Binchan’s cavalry along with their suicide cavalry contingent were all bogged down in midstream (current) by these destructive elements. The (shrill) high-pitched whistle just then commanded the infantry regiment, armed with long bows and quivers, which had taken cover behind tall bushes, to at once emerge and to re-form in precise rows at the shoreline. All highly skilled archers they took aim, a clear shot, and then let loose volley of arrows (that darkened the sky).”

“Concurrently, behind Sovereign Anguan's forces the Zakhertan Yozdek’s one third portion of infantry also poured out of the woods from the high ground to take up the defenses Anguan had abandoned, cutting of his possible retreat.”

“These marksmen (competent) archers as well, in sync (as one) taking up positions, joined in on the onslaught (massacre), each arrow piercing through leather’ armor and finding their deadly mark, near decimated the cavalry ensnared (trapped) in midstream of the river.  The situation was most dire for both our forces and their suicide squadron as many cruelly were pierced, heartlessly cut down or drowned. But all was not lost; Heaven taking pity sent forth just then a dense fog, which totally obscured all visibility. Our valiant heroes flanking our sovereign fought the elements as well as the impenetrable forces of Zakhertan and brought our Sovereign back on the banks of the river and to safety. Then using their shields as cover, our Sovereign, and those gallants, fighting desperately, made their way slowly and painfully back upstream to the battlements of Zujug where they finally received some covering fire from the defenders inside.  By the time His Grace Anguan Binchan had led the last of his expeditionary force through the gate, there were approximately 6500 men left dead and dying, washed up on the banks of the Quito River. His forces considerably demoralized and reduced in number, Anguan reviewed his options, of which surrender was (definitely) not one.  Down to the last officer and infantryman, all the defenders of Zujug vowed to face impalement on their own swords rather than the disgrace of defeat at the hands of Zakhertan Yozdek.  This mass suicide was distressingly near (close) when accurate word arrived from Wushing.  With great foresight the Minister had taken due precautions and had sent a backup report shortly after dispatching the first unfortunate courier.”

07-WUSHING, AS AN ENVOY

"Zakhertan Yozdek meanwhile, had been apprised of the dangerous developments in Channing by his informants in court and hoping to intervene in time, forwarded a strongly termed memorandum to His Imperial Highness Zuronghan Therran Valamir, in which he professed his loyalty and enumerated the serious threat His Grace Anguan Binchan posed to Wenjenkun.”

“This contention was substantiated by the irrefutable reports of the current battle and the steadfast (staunch, dogged) resistance of the defenders of Zujug. Zakhertan further warned his Sovereign, rightly so, that Anguan still commanded the (enviable) love and unfaltering fealty (allegiance) of his subjects and led a still formidable fighting force despite the most recent humiliating campaign (war).  ‘A wounded tiger must be finished off entirely before it portends more trouble.’  Zakhertan Yozdek had advised and, ‘A blighted crop must be burned to the root to prevent re-growth.'” Hugen swallowed hard then nodded. “I swear there’s no embellishment here.  These were the (precise) very words he used."

Hugen grimaced (scowled), seeing the skepticism in Uyuk's eyes.  "You see, Wushing had obtained a copy of this very memorandum.  I told you he was resourceful. There was also in it, the expected warning against Wushing, who was accused of deception and purposefully misleading Zuronghan Therran Valamir about the peace prospects in-order-to buy time for Korion’s reclamation (recovery).  Zakhertan Yozdek urged his Sovereign to put Wushing to the sword at once.”

“Fortunately for Korian, Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir paid no heed to these warnings and all of Zakhertan’s subsequent memorandums were either intercepted, re-edited by Prime Minister Morvald or simply fell on deaf ears.”

08- PRIME MINISTER MORVALD

“More so at about this time Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir had begun to lend an ear to those old adversaries of Zakhertan Yozdek, who had seized this opportunity while Field Marshall was away, to band together to malign and denounce Zakhertan.  Successfully arguing their point, they were quick to present (demonstrate) evidence of the costliness of these unwarranted, self-serving punitive campaigns, which had been in fact, a castigatory measure of the Field Marshall Zakhertan Yozdek's, fulfilling his aspiration to settle an old vendetta (quite a few aristocrats and military personnel) in Korion. This heavy toll on Wenkenkun, more insidiously had also fostered Zakhertan’s other long term high ambition, slyly hinting therefore, at Zakhertan’s long term goal of, usurping absolute power.”

At this juncture Hugen had paused to remind Uyuk, "Remember, while still a lowly Lieutenant under Commander Linder, Zakhertan Yozdek had once been taken prisoner by our Sovereign, then Prince Anguan Binchan, after a crushing defeat at the Battle of Xteak and Zidney.  Who’s to say, as a prisoner, what this future Emperor had felt was the unbearable blight or humiliation he’d been subjected to? Probably it was nothing more than the standard treatment for all prisoners. It could have been a mere dressing down by a punctilious guard, or perhaps the assignment to some of the menial duties normally given to low-ranking prisoners such as swabbing out the stables or cleaning the latrines (toilet, especially a communal one on a military base).  To date no one knows what manner of insult it had been at the root which had so inflamed Zakhertan Yozdek; so much so that, he’d sustained and nurtured the voracious, fervent seed of revenge, till nothing, nothing short of the complete annihilation of our Nation would appease him?"  Hugen shrugged.

 "I confess, I don't have least clue, and frankly, I don't think there is anyone left alive who does. One thing is for certain however, Zakhertan's vindictive nature is all too well known; furthermore, he was, and he still is today, an arrogant beast.  Anguan would have done better to have disposed of this pesky prisoner at the moment of his capture; this sort deserves no clemency (no leniency) at all. "

"I quite agree." Uyuk interjected hotly.

Hugen nodded, "But then, it’s easier to determine the right course and lay blame, in hindsight.”

“How could anyone has predicted then, the way Zakhertan would, by such an ingenious ruse, affect his escape…Or that, concealing his even higher aspirations, after his return to Wenjenkun in such a short period he would raise to such prominence to be Field Marshall?  Oh, but I digress."  He waved a dismissive hand and cleared his throat.

"Yes, well, eventually Wushing succeeded in his aim, if it could be called that, considering the enormous annual tribute which is siphoned off to Wenjenkun every year in exchange for this precarious peace.  This and the abjectly humiliating verbal retraction and remorse, demanded of our Sovereign.  What more could they ask? “

“Oh well, as expected, Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir took the bait."  Hugen winked, "He pardoned our Sovereign Anguan Binchan and, Korion from then on became the seventh subsidiary state of the ravenous Wenjenkun.”

“When after a lengthy inquiry of an independent Royal Commission had substantiated Wushing's allegations of genocide and horrendous atrocities committed by Zakhertan Yozdek’s forces in Korion, the Sovereign of Wenjenkun, being a righteous king, had of course, was appalled.  Whatever his other faults may be, one thing was for certain Late Sovereign Zuronghan Therran Valamir had always tried to rule with benevolence.  Outraged by the liberties Zakhertan had taken, and perhaps wary of his growing influence and the size of the army under his command, Zuronghan Therran Valamir recalled Zakhertan Yozdek to Channing at once. A special tribunal was set up to have him answer to these serious allegations and to be duly chastised. His replacement, a decorated general in the Imperial force, named Litham Fazhor, who had served Sovereign of Wenjenkun for many years with valor, was dispatched immediately with Imperial edict (decree), commanding him to lift the siege at Zujug and take that great army into Hangou State to annex them before proceeding into the Rheox region to subdue the unruly Nehor tribesmen.” Hugen swallowed hard. “Except that, Zakhertan Yozdek returning to Channing (without his army), so ably and successfully argued his case that, in the end, he’d not only escaped severe reprimand but as well, retained his lofty position."

"Hah!  That was their Sovereign's fatal mistake." Uyuk, caught up in the momentum, excitedly slapped his thigh.

09- HUGEN (61)jp

"Well, despite that, for the moment it appeared as though Korion was out of danger." Hugen continued after a gesture of acknowledgment toward Uyuk.  "In actual fact, all that brought us was a temporary respite (break, postponement), though not nearly enough time for the reconstruction and rebuilding of our defenses.  Unfortunately, before we could attain this aim, the political winds in Wenjenkun had shifted and a new, more destructive course had been charted for our Country's history. Every citizen of Korion was nonetheless prepared to endure even lengthier period of submission so that one day; after achieving strong, bilateral allies and covertly mobilizing an invincible army, we could then launch a successful all-out offensive against Wenjenkun.”

"Prudently meanwhile, Wushing anticipating Zakhertan Yozdek’s unpredictability, his ultimate ambition and taking into account the fickle fate, had already implemented (initiated) key measures to strengthen our state and defensive capabilities.”

“This prescience (insight) may have been what spared us from total annihilation."  Hugen shrugged, and then continued, “Unfortunately the real gremlins that foiled his plans were the twin failures of insufficient time and insufficient funds.  Remember, we were burdened with a hefty annual tribute to Wenjenkun aside from any projects of reconstruction and defense.  Yet it was most ironic to witness the resulting devastation in Wenjenkun itself when it became ripped apart by its own bloody civil war, in which those loyalists who resisted Zakhertan Yozdek paid a terrible price.”

"Yes.", he nodded thoughtfully, "Hmm!  Imagine him inflicting these same horrors on his own countrymen!  That goes to show you, doesn't it, the kind of man, or rather a monster, he is.  Millions upon millions were needlessly slaughtered on a grand scale unimaginable, too horrendous to describe."  Hugen ground his teeth in disgust.

"But then, the greater the civilization the more despicable, the more savage, the more barbaric would be its inevitable devastating downfall and ruin." Uyuk interjected scornfully.

"But wait, worst was yet to come." Hugen impatiently held out his hand. “Be patient with him.” he inwardly admonished self, for he knew Uyuk was, after all, just spurting out rhetoric in vain attempt to mask his ignorance and to appear somewhat knowledgeable.

 

(END OF SECTION  15)

 

LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC – THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL – SECTION 1 

At the appointed time, as mark of great favor Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren had sent his own personal carriage bearing the insignia of his office and complete with its impressive entourage to (transport) convey Fradel Rurik Korvald to his own residence where, as the quintessence of invitation had put it, a small gathering of a few intimate friends eagerly awaited the Illustrious Scholar’s distinguished presence.  More a command than an invitation, Fradel Rurik Korvald therefore acquiescing to this requisite social obligation, at noon had graciously entered the Prime Minister’s carriage. Close behind at a prescribed respectful distance had followed the minister of Ceremony Zaur Stugr’s closed carriage.

Some time later both carriages had promptly arrived before the bronze gates of the Prime Minister's ostentatious mansion and no sooner they had cleared the gate, they had been greeted by the delighted Lamont Gudaren who had rushed out at once to personally welcome his honored guest Fradel Rurik Korvald. The Prime Minister then graciously and humbly assisted Fradel to alight from the carriage. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Fradel with the utmost deference, was escorted by Lamont Gudaren, up the stairs and then ushered into the PM’s stately residence.

01- RICH RESIDENCE  OF PM.JP 2

On the way to the main reception hall Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) with Lamont’s humble apologies, was discretely told, that Lamont’s niece and Emperor's chief consort Lady Sejon, one who had advocated for Fradel Rurik Korvald to be in Channing, having caught a slight chill the night before, would regrettably be absent from this small private gathering. There was one other, thankfully, who would not be there and that was the Minister of Internal Security, Egil Viggoaries.

When they finally entered the main vestibule, Fradel saw at once that he had been grossly misled, and that far from it being a small private affair, the atrium had been filled with (surfeit) plethora of eagerly awaiting prominent dignitaries. Fradel was first introduced (with much fanfare) to Lord Shouzi Yozdek, and then with abject apologies quickly whisked away and, in midst of the whirlwind of social protocol (etiquette), circulated to make acquaintances of all the key influential guests, ones that had showed up chiefly to curry Fradel's patronage and, as a bonus, also ingratiate themselves extra into the good graces of their patron P.M. Lamont Gudaren.

02- THE GUESTS AT THE PARTY JP 10

All this while Prime Minister Lamont had never ventured too far from Fradel's side and kept on smiling smugly as though Fradel Rurik Korvald was already his personal tyro (his client or protégé).

Fortunately for Fradel (Nevetsecnuac), he already possessed the required attributes (incredible patience, brilliant mind, wit, eloquent tongue, tenacity and skill) to pass as an illustrious scholar and to with ease, make a success of this most irksome (exasperating) situation: convincing and indubitably impressing (dazzling) even the most astute (most discriminating) elitists and  the not so secret affiliates of Egil Viggoaries,  who’d blatantly infiltrated the shindig with the sole purpose (objective) of gathering pertinent damaging  info on the Scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald. After a prescribed respectful time, armed with their inequitable but nevertheless distressingly insipid reports, these brazen spies of the Dark Eunuch had all quietly departed (taken their leave early). The rest of the high society’s most influential and distinguished guests (comprised of, brilliant scholars, shrewd politicians and their wives, and the bold military personnel, not to mention other factions’ covert agents) clad in their gaudy, jewelled attires /garbs had unfortunately, incessantly, swirled around Fradel like erudite cyclone.

03- FRADEL AT THE PARTY

Despite his resilience and tenacity, as the time progressed Nevetsecnuac, had found this supposed academic repartee, a flamboyant display of sardonic (scathing) social banter and gluttony (all under the guise of entertainment), increasingly (disdainful) intolerable; more so, as there had been no end to the cornucopia of sporadic (intermittent) debauched and licentious pranks. To foster this outcome, the guests had all along been continually plied with potent and rare extravagant drinks by the circulating, scantily dressed, voluptuous female attendants; close behind them came the secondary group of pubescent male attendants, carrying trays heaped with various tantalizingly exotic morsels, to gratify even the most discriminating sensibility and tastebuds.

At the appropriate hour, a large bronze gong was struck with a mallet, whereupon the guests were then all shepherded into an elaborate, huge banquet hall.  The specifically (strategically) arranged seating, placed Fradel at hearing range between Lord Shouzi Yozdek on one side and Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren on the other. The rest of the afternoon and all through the feast (banquet), the burnished gold plates on the tables were continually piled high with every imaginable kind of bounty of gourmet dishes; additionally, gilded goblets (with embedded semi-precious gemstones) were kept perpetually filled to the brim with the finest, most fragrant alcoholic beverages. Countless servants bustled about in a silent, choreographed ballet, going back and forth, fulfilling every wish, whim, or outrageous desire of the guests.  The din of the pretentious chatter rising above the orchestrated lively music grated on Nevetsecnuac’s ears, as the ongoing entertainment with remarkable performances by colourful acrobats and dancers, all, served only to plunge him into a deeper state of dismay (heightened state of annoyance). Despite his outward (superficial) calm, his stomach had begun to churn, his livid state fueled by the incessant wagging tongues that vied in a whirlwind of deceit to win still more merit with Lamont Gudaren, himself, or some other official that they had spied from across the room. 

“This room is as empty of truth and propriety (morality) as it is full of avaricious people.” Nevetsecnuac, seated at the honoured position inwardly seethed. His patience wearing dangerously thin, he yearned to escape it all, if only for a brief spell.

A chance finally presented itself when Lamont Gudaren’s attention was drawn-away, by the eruption of a strong disagreement and an ensuing brief, heated (a violent) scuffle (almost a fray, exchange) between the two very inebriated dignitaries on the open verandah. As two of the quests hastened to pacify them, Nevetsecnuac seized this opportunity to ask his host's permission to be excused and, to visit the lavatory.

04-THE GUESTS IN DISPUTE AT THE VERANDA JP 12

After doing his business Nevetsecnuac was in no great hurry to get back and so for a spell he meditatively sat at the edge of the marble fountain; then desiring some more respite, he stood up and strayed off the general path to investigate less accessible sectors (regions) of the elaborate garden.  His lungs thanked him for the deep draughts he took of the refreshing air; meanwhile, light zephyrs (light winds) flavored with the scents of the exquisite flowers that adorned the grounds, sporadically wafted to tantalize his nostrils. Still reluctant to return, he strolled further in, delighting in the gentle breeze that caressed his red-hot cheeks, as he wandered aimlessly over-elaborate bridges and down the winding pathways that skirted miniature lakes ringed (encircled) with token forests.  Orchids decked out rocks and stumps with their delicate blossoms.  His heart and soul gradually lightened as their natural beauty in this tranquil setting lifted the onerous burden of socialization from his shoulders.  Without realizing it, his meanderings had taken him quite ways off (far away) from the banquet hall and, so as not to get too far lost, he was about to retrace his steps back when, hushed voices just then drew his attention to a distant spot beyond the pavilion, to an almost hidden sector,  that was nestled by the carefully manicured tall hedges of juniper and atypical (rare type) trees.

 

05- BEAUTIFUL GARDENS  AT PM'S RICH RESIDENCE JP 7 2

He stood rooted to the spot, fighting the urge to investigate the source of these urgent sounding whispers when, unexpectedly two figures immersed in a serious exchange, suddenly materialized (emerged, became visible) from the shadows of the dense tree- foliage (greenery).

Nevetsecnuac recognized one of them at once as being Zaur Stugr.  “What? Here too?” he frowned. “Would he never cease, not even for a bout, with his incessant plotting? It is tiresome enough deducing the scope of his machinations?” Before Nevetsecnuac could retreat however, Zaur's keen eyes had detected his presence and, quickly masking his momentary annoyed surprise, Zaur grinned and rushed over with his right arm extended, his companion close at his heels, to greet Fradel Rurik Korvald. 

Halting in close-proximity, Zaur Stugr nodded in polite salutation then proceeded to introduce the apparent latecomer to the banquet, as an old, distinguished friend, the esteemed Undersecretary Lenny Sukzor.

The name struck Nevetsecnuac like a thunderbolt; hence, he tersely looked down to conceal his inner shock, before he extended his customary greeting to Lenny.

Nevetsecnuac’s mind, meanwhile, had reeled (whirled) with uneasy questions: What is this… is he the same Lenny Sukzor, a certain affiliate of The Black Molochs?  The same Lenny Sukzor whose name Commander Zhadol had let slip to, Lieutenant Yennic, back at Cyprecox Pass!

Unfortunately, once more, Zaur's trustworthiness had again, come into question. What schemes were being hatched here?  How can Zaur Stugr fit in, with this known ally of Minister of Internal Security, Egil Viggoaries, the most powerful Eunuch in Wenjenkun and an ardent nemesis of Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren? Furthermore, had Zaur just then introduce him as an old, close friend? Conspiracy heaped on collusion, is there no end to this official's vices?

Nevetsecnuac's heart was gripped with foreboding as he remembered how, in all innocence; he had rendered the mysterious key to this now passionately believed, duplicitous (hypocritical) minister. Could this portend future trouble/ hindrance (impediment) for him? No! Nevetsecnuac quickly dismissed that notion; Zaur Stugr had no reason to doubt the story he had given him, though just as well, that he'd altered the truth in part. 

Under the pretense of outwardly congenial chatter Nevetsecnuac scrutinized Zaur more keenly out of the corner of his eye. Imagine consorting so brazenly with the enemy, both invited guests in the home of their presumed ardent foe… hmm? Nevetsecnuac could not help but marvel at such audacity, the cunning complexity beneath the affable exterior.

 No, that was not it at all. Just then another notion quickly manifested in his mind. From everything he had seen and understood, Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren was far too shrewd to be, misinformed or be careless, and his security was too pervasive, especially here. With all the hidden spies about it was inconceivable that this meeting could transpire without the Prime Minister's knowledge and acquiescence. More likely Zaur Stugr was conducting (acting in accordance with) his superior's instructions. If so, what diabolical scheme was being- hatched here? What odious intrigue was in the works? Nevetsecnuac again inwardly queried, perplexed with this subtle web of alliances and treachery that were perpetually being spun, under the guise of norm, within the walls of the Imperial Capital Channing.  Since his arrival in Capital city, he had noted partly in dismay, that nothing, no one could be (relied upon) counted on to be what they seemed at face value.  In this diabolically superficial world even nature itself was, molded and manipulated, into a totally controlled representation of, someone's imaginings (dreams) and whims.

06- LENNY SUKZOR (12)JP

Covertly sizing up Lenny Sukzor, Nevetsecnuac found it hard to believe that this strikingly handsome young minister with his distinguished bearing and fine manners was anything other than what he appeared to be: sincere, upstanding, likable, and eloquently articulate being.  Indeed, this amiable mask he wore could dupe even the worldliest, cunning, and calculating official (bureaucrat, administrator).

Nevetsecnuac reflected again on the fact that Zaur had introduced Lenny Sukzor as an old, close friend. Even one as discerning as Minister Zaur, not being immune to Lenny’s charms, could be, beguiled. Was it conceivable that Zaur was unaware of Lenny Sukzor’s complicity with Eunuch Egil Viggoaries? If so, he could be in grave danger. He may be passing on information to the other side, and with the Prime Minister's blessing, no less.

His quandary, however, was short lived. “No, if I believed that, I'd have to have been born yesterday.” Nevetsecnuac shrugged it off. As it were all this array of intrigues, albeit an entertaining diversion, had kept his mind bit off course from the main objective.

Tad ashamed, Nevetsecnuac presently directed his full attention on the undeniable fact that from the very moment he’d arrived at the Imperial city all the culmination of what he’d seen and heard had determined that the invincible, solid defensives and indomitable sentinels shielding the core, more specifically the Imperial Palace in Channing, were quite impenetrable.  Additionally, the multitude of spies and the dire vigilance of the Black Band Guard Regiment, which was Zakhertan Yozdek’s private invincible militia guarding him, had left Nevetsecnuac with but one option: to persevere in this odious disguise until the appointed date of summons.

Nevetsecnuac till then would continue to maintain his aloof (standoffish) disposition, patiently tolerating these upper crusts’ (polite society’s) machinations till it was time for him to strike. This afternoon being, already lost, he forwent any further speculation about Zaur or Lenny’s motives and instead, allowed himself one last (heedless) bit of fun for the reminder of the day. Subsequently, he turned his undivided attention back on the ongoing outwardly cordial, amusing, yet highly exuberant altercation between the two brilliant minds (officials).

Both arguments were properly marshaled, yet Nevetsecnuac was quick to discern (discerned) beneath the lucid, academic exchange the subtle riddles, plays on words, the underlying assertions that underpinned a benign discussion. He could not help but be increasingly impressed by Lenny Sukzor’s ready repartee, his eloquence (of tongue) and the complexity of meanings in the brilliant profusion of his images.  The views themselves were most profound and his judgments so very sound. With his ready command of puns and colloquialisms he was a good match for Zaur Stugr. For the most part Lenny Sukzor would appear most tractable to the points Zaur had put forth then, at an unexpected turn he would, with uncanny precision and skill, insert his own cunning, complexities backed by appropriate quotations to bring the subject over to his own point of view and cast serious doubt over the shambles of Zaur's arguments he had left behind.

Minister Zaur Stugr was no less talented.  A sure virtuoso, his eyes sparkling with mischief, he retaliated in the same good humor with impressive, lucid arguments that oscillated between the two extremes, dazzling Lenny with no less pointed, skewed logic. The irrefutable theories, wrapped in brilliant metaphor sometimes forced Lenny Sukzor to concede and retract what they both knew to be the truth. Then with mutual admiration they exchanged ciphers, whose meanings were different than those outwardly expressed yet, the connotations of it, was clear to both Lenny and Zaur.

07- SPARRING WITH IDEAS AND NOTIONS

The precipitously exchanged wittingly cryptic (ambiguous) words, with slyly ingenious connotations (undertones) beneath it, which Zaur and Lenny had incessantly volleyed (lobbed) between them, would have baffled anyone, save for Nevetsecnuac, who was equally adept (proficient) at, analytical, abstract (conceptual) geneses and their sort of odd logic. In fact, he interjected with articulate subtlety from time to time to manoeuvre the discourse onto an alternate path neither one of them were prepared to take. Unwittingly steered onto this atypical theme (topic) and swept along by its momentum, they had then animatedly discussed its ramifications, under the orchestration of the new games master, Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac). Engaged thus, the trio had gradually advanced through the unfrequented garden paths to eventually rejoin the general area of the bash (party, shindig).

Nevetsecnuac had estimated (assessed) that Lenny Sukzor, having gone to this length to ingratiate himself with Zaur Stugr and Lamont Gudaren, would have stayed on for the duration of the banquet and filled his arsenal with the tidbits dropped by the Prime Minister's increasingly inebriated clientele. Even these snippets could have proved effective if Lenny had the aim of fomenting trouble in the opposing camp. Therefore, Nevetsecnuac was surprised when, shortly after their return, Under-Secretary Lenny Sukzor had discretely asked the Prime Minister's leave (excused) from the party, claiming another, very pressing engagement which, to his deep regret, he could not get out of (away from).

Also of interest was that Lamont Gudaren only put up a token show of displeasure as he acceded to the request. As Lenny Sukzor discreetly slipped away during a distraction provided by a brilliant gymnast, Nevetsecnuac was shocked (struck), by the tacit smile exchanged behind his back by the Prime Minister and Zaur Stugr.

“It’s all a chess game with them!”  He scoffed. Clearly there were no real victims here, only adroit players, each quite adept at strategic manoeuvring of pieces into posts, all the while tugging on the strings of deception and laying invisible traps, to hasten the astonishing yet feral conclusion.

 

(END OF SECTION 1)

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