LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL - SECTION 21

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL - SECTION 21

 

After Dwengzur had said his unemotional farewells to those few that meant something to him amidst the assembled group, he had then quietly taken his position beside the Elder Aegeus and patiently waited.   

Elder Aegeus who’d been momentarily lost to a private rumination (reflection), maintaining his serious demeanor, gravely nodded and then enigmatically (incomprehensibly) mumbled the secret ancient incantation. Instantly he and Dwengzur, were both reduced to two glowing, flickering balls of light that shot through the air towards the far cavern wall and passing through it, promptly disappeared.

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01- STHETOR IMMORTAL (11)JP

The lengthy, thoughtful silence was broken (interrupted) by Elder Sthetor, when he indifferently shrugged, then in an icy tone simply ejected (spoke up):” If there is no objection, we may as well observe (and review) the rest of current events, transpiring in Wenjenkun.”

Others nodded in acquiescence for the latest string of events had already, irrevocably, captivated (held, even peaked) their interest. 

Sthetor, in no great hurry, first checked his elation, for things had transpired exactly as he had planned; now he could relax his vigil and wait for that inevitable turn of events. His emotionless, green eyes (dependent on his mood the color of his eyes often varied, modified) bypassing Olavingemar, swept the rapt faces of Elders for a spell, delighting inwardly in prolonging their suspense; then ever so slowly, he rose and pointed to the circle, intoning the last part of the incantation:

"Do-kume..ke..ki... sooonures do …  

mukenoro qu wuuuos…. Hukoressyonner….”

"Kazuuuummm… “

    Behold!

 

The vista (scene, episode) on the wall immediately came back to life, resuming where it had left off.  

                                                                           

02-ZONAR - IMMORTAL (3)JP

Zonar , turning (reverting) his stern gaze back to Lenny Sukzor, sternly ejected. “But I did not come here to engage in congenial chatter. I am still risking quite a bit, to be here, so pay heed and convey this message, post haste, to His Majesty Yoshikan Sousing Nokuzuk Binchan: ‘His Highness must defer (postpone) executing the next ploy (stratagem); favorable outcome has already been assured without it.”  

“More importantly, His Highness must be forewarned of the fact, that Zakhertan Yozdek has already deployed (sent forth) an army equipped with a new, lethal weaponry, not to strengthen Korion's borders and counter Kontu’s aggression as you’ve been led to believe, but in truth, to assassinate His Highness Yoshikan and to annihilate our populace to the last man.”  

Lenny Sukzor was aghast, having heard nothing at all to this effect. "What! How have you …"

“Don’t interrupt.” Zonar impatiently interposed (interrupted, snapped). “And another thing, inform His Highness Yoshikan that, an unavoidable circumstance constrains me for an indefinite period (time) to be absent; I will nevertheless be in the know and return the moment I’m needed."  

"Rest assured," Zonar relenting, smiled at Lenny Sukzor and spoke in softer tone. "I will avert this very disaster in due course by intercepting their Commander-in-Chief, Heshur Zican, who has in his possession the only copy of the amended decree.”

“Fortunately, Zakhertan Yozdek’s (suspicious nature and taken) precaution can be used in our favor.  You see, aside from Heshur, all the other officers (his subordinate generals) had been kept in the dark about this change to ensure the element of surprise that is so vital to their mission's success.  They falsely believe that they had been deployed to the frontier to assist the subsidiary Nation, Korion, in countering and halting hostile incursions, from amassed forces of Kontu.”  

“Hmm…A bolt of lightning and resulting bush fire disguised in a stormy night should do the trick.” Zonar inwardly considering, more to himself, articulated (mumbled); then looking up and shrugging, he added, "The rest will be up to Sovereign Yoshikan."

03-YOSHIKAN SOUSING NOKUZUK BINCHAN   (5)JP

"But how do you propose to catch up with Heshur Zican who, accordingly, is well on his way to…”  Lenny Sukzor was however, quickly silenced by Zonar’s irate, stern gaze that seemed to say, “You dare question my ability?”

"Now for the second reason of my visit here… Heed this warning Lenny Sukzor and abandon that crazy scheme of yours. You know what I mean.  Stay put for now.  Zakhertan Yozdek’s days are numbered as it is. Fate has given to another the duty of killing him, one whose obligation it is to avenge far more grievous wrongs, than yours.  Have I made myself clear?"  Zonar did not wait for the required confirmation before he then turned away. 

Zonar did not disappear right away; however, instead, he lingered at the spot with his back to Lenny Sukzor, long enough to (append) add, "Take care, son of Wushing for you are, as well, destined for greater things. Yet before that can even begin to happen, you must purge yourself of this weakness of yours. You know very well what I mean. Having finished what, I had come to say, I shall now take my leave of you. Farewell till we meet again."   Zonar for a second or so looked at him knowingly (calculatingly) then threw his head back and laughed boisterously.

 In the next instant he had disappeared from the room, yet his laughter resounded (echoed) in Lenny Sukzor’s ears long afterwards, diminishing only gradually.

                                                                             

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A few moments later that same night Zonar had reappeared in Nevetsecnuac's private quarters alongside his bed; smiling, he leaned forward to lightly touch his nephew, the sleeping Prince's shoulder.

Nevetsecnuac sensing his presence however had awoken at once with a start and sat upright. At that instant Zonar snapped his two fingers to illuminate the entire room right away by an artificial (unnatural) light, without the benefit of any candles, then went over and sat down in a plush chair in the far corner.  

Nevetsecnuac seeing who the intruder was, obviously quite pleased, nodded. "I had hoped for as much. So, you are alive and well. Are you here for a rematch, sir?"  He bolted from the bed and stood in a fixed position, with arms poised to strike.

"Hah!  You are a gutsy one!" Zonar threw his head back and laughed uproariously but then suddenly, unexpectedly turning quite serious, he ejected in a genuinely disappointed tone:  "Unfortunately, being pressed for time, I must forgo it; another time perhaps.”  

“Then why are you here?”

"Listen carefully,” Zonar held up his hand (palm). "Having scant opportunity, I ask that you allow me to state the reason for my visit forthwith and then let me be on my way with all due haste. Forgo the notion of rescuing Lord Asgar’s son Ivar Marrog Zhon; as the person in dungeon claimed to be him is false, he is only a poor unfortunate decoy (substitute). Yes, the true son lives, but at present he lives and prospers under an assumed name in this very Capital.” A witty, wry smile brushed his lips, as he added, “And you’ve already met him once, in the thoroughfare (main road) of Channing.”  

Zonar just then perceiving Nevetsecnuac’s unspoken query, shook his head in the negative.  

“Unfortunately, I am not at liberty to divulge any further than this, not without profound consequences to you and to Wenjenkun. Be assured however that the son is destined to meet his father, Lord Asgar, at the appointed time. For some reason however, I’m being kept from foreseeing (prophesizing) any further than that; so, I cannot reveal the result of that encounter. “ 

 

04-ZONAR - IMMORTAL (16)JP

Nevertheless, Zonar, sensing that something grave was the impending outcome (the consequence) of that encounter, frowning, he looked away; he was clearly perturbed, by this (shortcoming) inability. Moment later however, he shrugged and then continued: “As for days' time few days you will gain the opportunity, ahead of schedule, to encounter (meet, face) Zakhertan Yozdek, our common enemy. Be sure to take the writing brush with you when you go to the North palace. Mark my words, Zakhertan Yozdek is the devil incarnate and, as competent as I know you to be, you may not succeed in your intended venture unless you have an edge over him. He does not fight justly (equitably); he will cheat. I do not refer to mere cunning stratagem or treachery, which I know you have come to expect from him. He will use otherworldly (occult) methods or medium to win; alas, he knows an enchantment which I call the “Nokuzikos spell”, that is virtually unknown in Wenjenkun, or in any part of this world, for that matter.  Armed with this advantage, he is virtually invincible and uses it unscrupulously, in single combat or in battle (warfare), to vanquish all his enemies (adversaries).  Therefore, I am here, additionally, to equalize your chances on that impending final duel." 

Zonar beckoned to Nevetsecnuac and when the prince was in closer proximity, he leaned forward and whispered his instructions to Nevetsecnuac, in argot, one which he had specifically designed to be understood only by Nevetsecnuac.  

In this remarkable way Nevetsecnuac was hence armed with the knowledge of the workings of the Nokuzikos spell, the enchantment of Wind and Fire; the counter spell which would render it harmless; and the precise juncture at which it should be cast to beget (produce) maximum effect.  Zonar had taken this precautionary measure, more for the sake of keeping it from the prying ears of the Elders of Karn. When he’d finished imparting all the details, Nevetsecnuac, comprehending this great favor, bowed and most humbly thanked him.

05- NEVETSECNUAC (4)

"All right, all right," Zonar bit discomforted, impatiently dismissed the expressions of gratitude from his nephew then went on to warn Nevetsecnuac further, of the possible, unanticipated variables he may still encounter.  

As it was, the outcome of the combat between Zakhertan and Nevetsecnuac had, as well, enigmatically been kept from Zonar.  Zonar absently shook his head, as he inwardly at present again pondered, why some aspects of his cast divinations for future predictions (forecasts) had been clear as day while others had been vague or as if determinedly (by Heaven perhaps), totally concealed from him. This sort disquiets (foreboding) he kept to himself however, besides which he had complete confidence in this Prince’s rare abilities.  

Suddenly recalling another pressing matter, Zonar reached deep into his pocket seeking a leather pouch and retrieving it, removed from it an oval, Aquamarine crystal pill which he then presented (gave) to Nevetsecnuac.  

"I nearly forgot this. In any case, well before the final contest (combat) with Zakhertan Yozdek, you will fall prey to a dastardly attempt on your life. When that time comes and this is needed, just swallow it whole; you will be instantly restored (returned) to perfect health to complete your mission.”  

 

(END OF SECTION 21)

 

 

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LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC – THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL – SECTION 3

 

Dwengzur could not veil his mounting irritation since he had expected to, long before this, ferret out the answers he sought and, begone from this cursed den of loathed humans. He swigged (quaffed) some more wine then, with forced congeniality, asked aloud. "Now, perhaps, you will oblige me with an answer to a rather trivial concern of mine." "You were, of course, aware of Zonar’s mission in your country?"  He paused to receive Fradel’s (Nevetsecnuac's) simple nod, before continuing.

Truth be told, Nevetsecnuac had only a vague and unsubstantiated notion, which he had formulated, from Zonar's parting words: “Even if I fail, I will not fail.”

"Then how is it possible that your friendship could take root? I fail to understand your heart's generosity. It does not support…" Dwengzur paused then shook his head. "After all, Zonar sought to beget (effect) the utter ruin (destruction) of Wenjenkun." 

Nevetsecnuac's encapsulated vague reaction however, robbed Dwengzur, still, of any resolution.

01- FRADED (NEVETSECNUAC ) FACING DWNGZUR'S SCRUTINY

 “On the brink of death his thoughts were of you.” Dwengzur persisted with his measured natter (tone). “You alone made a singular difference to him. Why? How did you manage to alter his views, considering the deep-seated lifelong contempt he felt for your Country and all its citizens? Even more incredible, I say, since the General bore a sustained grudge against Wenjenkun, Zakhertan Yozdek and the former Monarch, Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir.  He took to heart the atrocities; the rampant genocide committed against the hapless citizens of Korion."  The Immortal shook his head grimly and looked away, as if lost for words. "Granted," after a spell, he conceded thoughtfully, " at the time Field Marshall Zakhertan Yozdek had acted on his own initiative, not on the orders of his Monarch, to gratify a personal vendetta, he bore against Korion's Sovereign. Still, that does not excuse the incompetency of Wenjenkun's past ruler. He bears some of the responsibility for his lack of action and, he should be, justly held accountable by History." 

The lack of reaction from Fradel Rurik Korvald was, again, unexpected and bit infuriating. Despite his exasperation this unique individual was beginning to interest him. Then suddenly Dwengzur caught the inkling of a dilemma in Fradel's thoughts.

“What was that; you regret leaving behind the brush…. A writing implements?” but the Immortal could not be certain of the specifics. Encouraged, yet still baffled, Dwengzur pushed to get results.

Nevetsecnuac, suspecting Dwengzur's underhanded motive, was determined to gage (measure, gauge) the limits of the Immortal's patience and deficiencies (shortcomings, limitations). Furthermore, he strongly resented Dwengzur's arrogant, supercilious, deceitful manner but, more specifically, Nevetsecnuac despised him for killing a fine, loyal warrior like Zonar. Despite all the differences, Nevetsecnuac felt that Zonar and he had much in common. Set upon the same course, an unlikely alliance and a friendship of sorts had developed after their number of encounters. Now, as warrior soulmates, Nevetsecnuac felt obligated to at least, extract measure of satisfaction from Dwengzur, he owed Zonar that much.

Fixing his bold gaze on Dwengzur, Nevetsecnuac now framed his thoughts boldly, sarcastically, “Since your scorn for mankind, sir, is all too evident, why, then, did you betray your own kinsman to appease the villain Zakhertan Yozdek and his unworthy lot?”

Dwengzur stirred as he caught the thought-projection. “How you flatter yourselves! What unworthy creatures you all are, totally beneath my contempt!”  He scoffed inwardly.

“As if the sun rises and sets, the moon, stars, and galaxies all turn in the Heavens solely for the benefit of your puny race! Why should I dispense any effort, spend any emotion at all for your kind? Hah! Do you really believe that I care one way or another whether Zakhertan Yozdek or you, Fradel Rurik Korvald, live or die? Do you think I care whether your inconsequential nation suffers or perishes in the forthcoming wars?”

02- DWENGZUR

But checking his temper, Dwengzur responded coolly (calmly) and sternly, instead. "But you were already given your answer in the foothills, although in a most abstract form, when you’ve eaves-dropped on Commander Zhadol and Lieutenant Yennic at Cyprecox Pass." 

Dwengzur grimaced wryly, noting Fradel Rurik Korvald’s purposeful flinch, Nevetsecnuac having allowed him to discern just that bit.

"Fact is, it is unconscionable and quite irresponsible for us to allow ourselves to intercede in, the natural progression of civilization of any undeveloped species. The least knowledge we possess, if it were to be prematurely unleashed on your primitive culture, could foster dire consequences and detrimental disruptions. Especially when combined with your race's warmongering ways. Zonar presented such a threat to your race and so it was for the good of humankind that he was terminated; you should be on your knees and thanking me for this.”

Instantly Dwengzur picked up Fradel’s (Nevetsecnuac's) next deliberately unspoken query and baffled (perplexed), he shook his head. “You are such a curious lot; even when death is staring you in the face or your life hangs in the balance, you still stubbornly, crave to learn about matters that should not concern you.”

After few minutes of deliberation however, Dwengzur nodded in assent. "All right, so you wish to know more about Zonar’s origin; frankly, I see no reason this should be kept confidential,” but withheld the words, “from one who’s fated to die soon."  Dwengzur had hoped of course, to soften or sway Fradel, with an intriguing, amorous anecdote; after all, didn’t all mortals like a relevant (appropriate) love story, especially one based on facts?

“Hundred years ago, at a typical Divination Ceremony where, each new generation at the age of ten (earth years) was evaluated, His Eminence Olavingemar the Most Supreme Elder of Karn Race, had read the ominous prediction that, the child Tekubzan was unfortunately, the carrier of a seed that would be the harbinger of the Race of Karn’s utter obliteration.”

03- DIVINATION CEREMONY (ELDERS OF KARN)

 To prevent this from ever happening, by a majority vote, she was in a fortnight, condemned to death. She was to be, like vermin, promptly exterminated. His Eminence Olavigemar, who also happed to be her father, however, privately re-consulted the Heavens and given an option, an alternative to the execution, she was instead, doomed to a much crueler fate: being imprisoned for life, behind an impenetrable, a one peace of solid rock at the farthest point and at the deepest recesses of the Cave. There she was destined to live, the rest of her long life, in solitary confinement and in pitch darkness, behind the solid rock wall that looked to be a natural part of the cave. Thickness of it muted all sound. At least, her father had though, she would be alive!  Zandar and Tekubzan however, were destined to meet.”

“Good, I have his full interest now.”  Dwengzur took another sip of wine first, then in leisurely manner recounted (narrated) how Zonar Kuntzu’s father, Chando, also from the race of Karn, later known as Zandar Kuntzu, at the earth years of 20, possessing a curious, explorative nature, had once secretly ventured into the forbidden depths of the gigantic cavern;  where which, due to prior, once in a millennia seismic event, a fissure had occurred on the solid wall that had for (ten) decades imprisoned  behind it, a fair maiden, most enchanting creature born to race of Karn. 

“It so happened that the monstrous seismic event this time had created a crack in that solid rock wall. Chando (Zandar Kuntzu), chancing on this, had drawn near to examine it further. Now because he had an unusual and super-human hearing, he had detected the slight sound behind it. His curiosity aroused, he therefore secretly from then on, stole to the sight and began to forcefully enlarge the crack, to discover whatever, whoever it was, behind it. When the opening was large enough for him to peer in, he held up the light to it, and to his great surprise, discovered a beautiful damsel imprisoned beyond it. The immortal girl, Tekubzan, had of course, aged slowly and was now in earth years, in her mid-twenties.” 

“Chando worked diligently for months till eventually he could get through the opening to the other side. The beautiful creature in tattered clothing was frightened at first and besides, she had forgotten how to interact (relate) or more specifically, express herself by way of vernacular. But no words were necessary as he pitied her, and same time, was drawn to her. From then on, whenever he could, he stole away and visited her. They for a time used a made-up-sign-language for communication. Gradually, having gained her confidence, the two grew quite close. She recouped (recovered) her vernacular ability by this time and was able to tell him, her name (Tekubzan), and why she had been so unjustly, by the Elders of Karn, imprisoned all this time.”

04 A- TEKUBZAN AND CHANDO (ZONAR'S PARENTS)

“They spend two more blissful (delightful) months together and eventually fell deeply in love. His innate nature (character)being a rebel, Chando would not shy away from most taboos; but he was nevertheless reluctant to be too intimate with her, knowing that if he did, in consequence he might impregnate her. When the desire became too great to resist, thinking he had taken apt precautions, the two shared a most heavenly and cherished time together. Afterwards, he had given her his solemn word that he would return very soon and then, reluctantly left her.”

05 -CHANDOR-RELUCTANTLY LEAVES TEKUBZAN (4)jp

“But unforeseen circumstances prevented him for an exceptionally long time from re-visiting Tekubzan. When he finally could get away, he rushed to the forbidden place to present her the precious gifts and ask her to be his mate forever. He had decided also to rescue her from her prison and after the two had made good their escape from the mountain, they would live happily and in secret, forever in the mortal realm, preferably, in the most remote corner of the world. Unfortunately, what greeted him was a hart-wrenching tragedy.”

“Tekubzan was no where to be seen. Then he saw the signs of an intrusion and the evidence of grand scale devastation which revealed that there had been a spectacular battle, a dire struggle there, obviously, between Tekubzan and the evil perpetrator. In the end she had perished in the fire, as her charred remains had been found there in a heap. The offender, after the evil deed, had unfortunately clear gotten away, as there had been no residue or remains of him, left behind.”

06- THE CULPRIT

“She had successfully hidden her newborn twins (boy and girl) well before the fight however and even had managed to transfer great deal of her powers to the babies, whom she had named Zonar and Arnora (girl twin), for no harm had come to the infants. Unfortunately, this must have left her vulnerable, and far less able to thwart (offset, counter) the perpetrator’s assaults. You can well imagine Chando’s frustration, his ire (rage, fury), self-blame, then ultimately, his inconsolable grief, to have arrived there too late and well after it had been all over. Intrepid Tekubzan, anticipating his return had nevertheless managed to leave a (telepathic) message to him, therefore, drying up his tears and, following her instructions, he discovered the unharmed, hidden twins, his son, Zonar and daughter Arnora. And that’s how Zonar and Arnora had come into the world. For a long time, Chando stared at these little, precious beings who were his son and daughter! The babies, not identical twins, Zonar had his mother’s blazing red hair, while Arnora had Chando’s white blond hair; nevertheless, Zonar had his (Chando’s) eyes, but fortunately, the girl had his beloved’s nose and chin.” Chando could not take his eyes off his precious, poor, orphaned infants, which had waited for him, only heaven knows how long. They had lived because she had, after severing the umbilical cords, transferred major part of her life force to them. And then used still more of her power to conceal them. Chando shedding more tears, lovingly cradled his infant boy and girl in his arms and rocked them. After a long spell, eventually, reason took hold. He went over to the pile of ashes (which were her remains) and reverently bowed to his beloved and then remaining kneeling, said his prayers; to give her at least, some solace in afterlife. Chando, then desisting the new surging flood of tears, in resolute tone articulated (voiced) his solemn vow to take exceptionally diligent care of the twins.”

07 B- CHANDO MAKES SOLEMN WOW TO TEKUBZAN'S SPIRIT

“Tekubzan had purposely not disclosed the culprit’s identity that had attacked her and ultimately taken her life, for either she did not know the assailant or, that he was far too powerful; and she knowing Zandar would seek revenge and fearing for his safety, sought to protect him.”

“Zandar, remaining on his knees, however, in a resounding voice next had avowed: He would search Heaven and Earth to one day redress this grave injustice and duly avenge her.”

“Afterwards, for she’d also warned him that the evil perpetrator had been bent on destroying him and their offsprings, therefore, not to linger on and without delay fly to safety- Chando (Zandar Kuntzu), though reluctantly, had absconded the mountain along with Zonar and Arnora and permanently disappeared somewhere in the vast mortal world of Humans.”

 

(END OF SECTION 3)

 

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