11- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - EVIL PERSONIFIED - SECTION 13

All during Qarzten’s extensive investigations, there had been enough hearsay evidence to link Egil Viggoaries to far more heinous atrocities than his rival PM Lamont Gudaren had ever been involved in; however, the astute Dark Eunuch had been far too shrewd to leave least speck or shred of living evidence, perpetually eliminating, and cutting off all loose ends.  Qarzten’ competent force had dismally failed even to extract, a single drugged confession against the Eunuch. Egil Viggoaries, meanwhile, carried the notorious distinction of being the expert in these methods and anyone who had least contact with him always came away with the firm belief that he was immune to these types of trickery. Consequently, the surface reading of the Dark Eunuch’s service record looked impeccable, his loyalty and integrity appeared beyond question. 

01- EGIL VIGGORIES 4- JP

Qarzten Caimund had heard seven or eight such rumors about the childhood escapades of Egil Viggoaries that revealed a heart as black as coal, a conscience as putrid as excrement, a soul buried so deep in a bottomless, dark abyss that it was worse than nonexistent yet none of these blood-curdling stories could be substantiated. The intense fear that these rumours had nevertheless evoked, was quite unmistakable. The mere mention of his name even in the remotest corners of the Kingdom would be enough to scatter unruly crowds. All influential and powerful citizens and even most of the nobility quaked in their boots at the very sight of him. The Chief of Internal Security was truly the second most feared man in the land for, next to the Sovereign himself, Dark Eunuch’s brutality to date was unsurpassed. Like his mentor he carried the notorious distinction of being an ultimate sadist, one who enjoyed and thrived on inflicting physical and mental torture on everyone. Yet the only attainable accounts (with which to incriminate him) had been the ones done within the legal boundaries of the law. 

Nowhere was there a shred of evidence of wrongdoing with which to arrest or prosecute him.    

 The impartial, dark side of Qarzten Caimund could not help but admire Egil Viggoaries’s resourcefulness, thoroughness, and his uncanny ability to perform the darkest deeds in full daylight without there being even one credible witness.    

Added to the Dark Eunuch's accomplishments was his creation of that most dreaded network of spies, the invisible force that went by the name of, Secret Brotherhood of The Black Molochs. The organization was so brilliantly set up that it was impenetrable, yet it had thousands of tentacles extending (reaching) out everywhere, strangling all levels of Government and the populace of Wenjenkun.  Suffice it to say, Qarzten Caimund had been perturbed for an exceptionally long time about his inability to infiltrate Egil Viggoaries’s organization, even the lesser ranks.   

Then his resilience and persistence long at last had paid off. He had broken ground, so to speak, gained a significant inroad with one promising candidate.  It had taken him years of painstaking effort to covertly recruit and school Yuchemos Mantus, but in the end, Yuchemos had surpassed all Qarzten Caimund’s expectations in a surprisingly brief period. But then, that young man had some real ability other than his strikingly handsome features, fine physical bearing, so now, in less than two days time, he would be initiated into the Inner Circle of The Black Molochs. This indeed was a remarkable accomplishment. 

02- YUCHEMOS MANTUS (2)JP

Qarzten Caimund in the meantime was constrained to exercising greater caution than ever before to maintain his sham impartiality concerning Yuchemos Mantus and not to jeopardize this rarest opportunity. And so, when Zakhertan Yozdek had suddenly the other day had inquired about what he had thought of Yuchemos Mantus’s abilities and shortcomings in particular consideration for a more responsible posting in Capital, Qarzten had been most careful not to be either (for) too enthused or against the idea. He had to guard against alerting Zakhertan Yozdek’s suspicions, for once aroused, especially now, with so much riding on it; it would lead to most profound consequences (repercussions) for Yuchemos.  Zakhertan’s mood changes and reactions to people and things were closely monitored (studied) by Egil Viggoaries, who knew Zakhertan better than anyone, and occasionally the Dark Eunuch had been able to home-in accurately in on the truth. As an added cautionary measure, Yuchemos Mantus had been furthermore, ordered to avoid all but the most innocuous contact with the Senior Grand Secretary and his office staff for the next three or four months or more; and even then, only if conditions had seriously warranted it.  

Though it appeared to each factional leader (PM Lamont Gudaren and Egil Viggoaries), their power and influence on political and military spheres were steadily mounting, their machinations were frequently in fact, foiled (stymied), by the ever-vigilant Senior Grand  Secretary Qarzten Caimund, who had devised and set in place long ago, specific (certain) curbs.    

The instant that the delicate balance was disturbed or placed in serious jeopardy by either of the factions striving to usurp more power, Qarzten Caimund’s contingency plans, then activated, would automatically disrupt, and terminate it. Qarzten’s force for some time hence had curtailed and kept the two antagonists’ ambitions in permanent check, as if by divine intervention or by capricious fate.   

Of course, with the perpetual animosity (hostility) of Korion and the potential threat from Deng Hedenko of Kontu looming on the north-eastern horizon, Qarzten Caimund had once, long ago, quietly questioned the validity of eradicating these two powerful cliques at this juncture and also, whether it could be timely effected (brought about) before the impending “Great War”.  Qarzten Caimund had (thereafter) since then implemented certain measures, to minimize the damage that these two could beget. The anticipated future pockets of rebellion would be quashed right at its start, to remove any risk or jeopardy to the might and stability of Wenjenkun's main military force. Ripple effects, including a series of carefully planned assassinations, would then commence, eliminating all potential danger to the national security. The painstakingly detailed instructions and coded cue words which Qarzten Caimund had labored over through many a night had been temporarily locked up, on Zakhertan Yozdek’s order, in the Palace vault. 

Qarzten Caimund had noticed of late however, three or four other disturbing developments becoming known, the chief one being an indirect intervention in the countermeasures set up against Lamont Gudaren and Egil Viggoaries from another quarter: Lord Shouzi Yozdek (current ruling tyrant in Gulbrand Province). This had caused these measures to lose bit of their effectiveness. Direct intervention against Lord Shouzi would have rectified this volatile situation and eliminated the threat but His Highness had termed the damage as comparatively minimal.

03- QARZTEN CAMUND (7)jp

Still, despite adequate proof, Qarzten Caimund while working out, during routine, combat session with the Sovereign Zakhertan  and the selective group of  indomitable royal warriors, Qarzten had braved Zakhertan's wrath and in between strikes, he had broached the subject yet again, urging Zakhertan to grant him permission, while there were still ample time and opportunity, to deal with this potentially explosive situation.  Though the Sovereign had listened with due patience while he fought unceasingly, to Qarzten’s well presented oral case, he had in the end shook his head (shown reluctance) and refused to take any decisive military action (against his kin) at that specific juncture (point in time).   

“Egil Viggoaries’s and Lamont Gudaren’s service to the State has not yet been fully realized."  Had been Zakhertan’s blunt (frank) response; his way of saying 'No', without fully closing the door.    

Discerning that there was more to the Sovereign's reluctance than his concern for the kin or the welfare of the State, Qarzten had set aside his misgivings and dropped the subject; a decision he had come to regret so many times over, since then.    

 

                                                                            ~   

When the news of Prince Herleif’s terrible blunder with the penknife and his subsequent punishment had first reached Qarzten Caimund, he had not taken pleasure in derision of the prince as so many others who had also held Prince Herleif in contempt, had done. Senior Grand Secretary had simply shaken his head in utter disbelief at the extent of the prince's stupidity and negligence and then frowned when he thought of; the three or four presages (portend) repercussions this innocuous episode could entail. Nevertheless, because he had deemed Herleif’s days as being numbered even without the derivative of this mishap, he had concentrated instead on dealing with other more pressing issues on his agenda.  Irksomely, the persistent reports of Herleif’s exaggerated and perverse responses had continued to filter in. The day after the prince’s recovery, in fact, he had ordered the torture and inquisition of his own equally contemptible Chief Eunuch Wagner, along with the rest of his household retinue. The needlessness of this act against ones who were so obviously innocent had angered Qarzten Caimund to the boiling point. Though very much perturbed the Senior Grand Secretary Qarzten Caimund had maintained his admirable reserve however, as he held a specific purpose in mind. He had opted to run only a little interference and advocated that the handling of the investigation into the origin of the knife be done by the Chief of Internal Security. Egil Viggoaries was on the surface the most capable man for resolving this case swiftly thus leaving Zakhertan Yozdek free to concentrate on more serious matters. The fact that Qarzten Caimund had good reason to suspect other Palace players as having had a hand in this affair would, it seemed, had opened meanwhile, another (assortment of problems) complex issue and tied up the attention of everyone involved, including Egil Viggoaries, in efforts which would inevitably change the natural course of events. But then Qarzten Caimund could not resist weaving another trap for Egil Viggoaries when this added opportunity had struck. His ulterior motive had been in part to entice Egil Viggoaries with a sure bait, to either redeem or, expectantly even on a small scale, hang himself. It was a calculated risk which Qarzten knew he would win regardless of the outcome. As it happened Zakhertan Yozdek’s elite secret service had been dispatched two days ago to investigate a rebellion looming on the horizon of Tanghui Province. The instance the urgent matters within Channing were concluded, Qarzten Caimund would then be free to accompany the new Military Governor, to Tanghui to promptly consolidate the political situation there. Qarzten inwardly cursed the delay, as he was most anxious to leave for this assignment since the route to Tanghui bypassed Tenzo Province where he had another more urgent business and a certain investigation to oversee. 

04- COMANDER ZHADOL BORYM AND LANCE DIOSTIN

 

Qarzten Caimund had learned some time prior, of the strange disappearances of certain figures associated with the Inner Circle of The Black Molochs: Lance Diostin, Zhadol Borym, Zuan and Sanqui Xiory; warranting hence, an indebt enquiry to resolve his many unanswered questions. Qarzten had quietly suspected that they had all, save Lance Diostin, been murdered, result of fresh power struggle between Egil Viggoaries and the P.M., despite the serious lack of corpses and typically, not one shred of evidence to incriminate either of them.    

Additionally, there had been another minor concern for Qarzten, certain irregularity in fact, pertaining to the Illustrious Scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald. Something odd about the elusive Scholar had alerted Qarzten Caimund’s keen senses right at the beginning and soon as Fradel had reached the Capital, he had been placed under surveillance.  The accrued discrepancies (about the scholar) had been forthwith relayed to Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek and Qarzten had received permission for investigate in greater depth and place the Scholar under constant surveillance, even though, Qarzten had quietly anticipated Zakhertan had had his own compiled, extensive report from his elite force, Black Band Guard Regiment and the auxiliary group, Shadow Brigade. Qarzten Caimund, for efficiency’s sake, had often wished to utilize (tap into) such a Force but their allegiance had been solely to Zakhertan and no other. Such an elite group could not be swayed, corrupted, enticed, threatened, or extorted let alone recruited. It was an immediate death sentence even to approach one with such an (intent) offer.    

Despite his impeccably record Qarzten Caimund had irately, already reckoned that, lately he too had been kept under closer scrutiny, more keenly than anyone else, since Zakhertan always seemed to know his activities well in advance. Qarzten had nothing to fear, however, since he had always functioned scrupulously (trustworthily) and could not be faulted or reprimanded for any irregular activity since he engaged in none.    

His mind at present reverting back to the incidence of the latest sham assassination attempt on Zakhertan Yozdek, Quarzten looked away, destructed by the sudden downpour at the outside. Through quiet reflection on the reports about the penknife incident, Qarzten of course had long ago pieced together the scant clues and had deduced the palpable culprits. For the time being, however, he had kept this data to himself, adapting a wait-and-see attitude. Quarzten’s vacillation had been due in part, to his wishing to allow the old Imperial Tutor a sufficient period of grace, to set his personal affairs in order before his risky (foolhardy) confession. Qarzten Caimund knew also that Worren Youkup’s unwitting part in this scheme had been baleful (sinister), and that he had been but an inconsequential scapegoat (martyr). Qarzten would never admit it, but he was in fact aggrieved that Worren’s lifetime impeccable service (employment), would soon to be reduced to ruins. His attention next directed to one of the architects of the ploy Lady Sejon and more importantly her handmaiden Nijel Pinng, Qarzten again irately looked away wondering, the method Lady Sejon must’ve used to persuade otherwise discerning Tutor Worren Youkup, to assume full blame.     

More the pity, Qarzten inwardly scoffed; for he knew, even after Her Ladyship’s complicity (regarding the knife) with the Imperial Tutor became known, Lady Sejon would predictably be acquitted, until such time when, as only Zakhertan Yozdek would know, she would have outlived her usefulness to him.

Qarzten Caimund frowning, set aside the document pertaining to Lady Sejon, with a multitude of others awaiting his perusal and shrugged dispassionately. The life of Lady Sejon was of little consequence anyhow; she mattered less and less in the grand scheme of things, and that thankfully, welfare of Prince Magnian was nonaligned with hers. As for the instigator of all this Nijel Pinng, now that was an entirely different matter.

Qarzten Caimund reflected on how his policy of routinely checking beyond the official records of everyone, who had entered government service in Capital, had paid off yet again; furthermore, the revelation (disclosure) had shed an entirely rather an intriguing light on things.

 

(END OF SECTION 13)

 

                                                                                     ~ 

 11- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - EVIL PERSONIFIED - SECTION 10

The moment it had happened the news of the shameful episode and Prince Herleif’s subsequent punishment had spread like a wildfire throughout the Palace. The staff nevertheless hid their delighted chuckles and guffaws hidden behind a sleeve or a handkerchief, while inwardly wishing, still worst in store (yet to be) for this particularly disfavored Royal fiend (brute). As it were, no one seriously expected Herleif to one day ascend the throne; meanwhile, five or six staff members had already began expounding on the ensuing repercussions of this recent debacle (fiasco).

Zakhertan Yozdek’s estimation being right on the mark, fifty strokes had been more than an adequate punishment for the crown prince with his low pain threshold; Herleif had to be revived several times, due to the requirement that the offender (lawbreaker) remained conscious during punishment, until all the strokes had been properly administered. When it was all over, Herleif was taken back to his Royal apartments where he was gradually nursed back to health by the assigned, conscientious (diligent) Royal Physician, Enqui Rimeng.

After lying in unconscious state for several hours on the first night, Prince Herleif soon as he had regained his strength, spent the subsequent days and nights ranting and raving, venting his suppressed rage, foul temper, curses and unwarranted vengeful acts upon that vulnerable help who tended to him.

01- PRINCE HERLEIF RANTING AND RAVING

 Those domestics (servants, retainers) who were obliged to serve his unreasonable needs were made to suffer tenfold pain, worse than he had been forced to bear. His unjustified wraths (ire, madness) were only interrupted by ear splitting shrieks when the bandages were changed (replaced); his high-pitched yelps akin a whipped jackal, meanwhile, ripped through the air each time the potent medicine, a stinging salve (ointment, lotion) was applied on his lacerations.

Herleif (needless to say), had entirely missed the point of his punishment, and no one was foolish enough to attempt to reason with him or enlighten him on the elusive logic, let alone this rare, lenient consequence, for which he should be thankful (glad, content).

                                                                                   ~ 

Royal Tutor Worren Youkup’s previous night's soul-searching and sleepless hours of self recrimination, on the subsequent dawn (at daybreak) had visibly left its mark on his face.

Worren, nevertheless, was still adamant (resolute, determined ) to confront Lady Sejon and extract a plausible  explanation from her; hence, no sooner had he dressed and breakfasted, he climbed into his personal carriage and instructed the driver (handler, coach) to take him (traversing across the vast palace grounds) at once to the South Palace gate.

02-THE GATE OF SOUTH PALACE

Worren Youkup once there, while alighting from the carriage he quietly considered the long and brisk (laborious) walk that lay ahead of him before his destination, the compound at the far side of the South Palace where Lady Sejon, currently the Sovereign's favorite, resided. The location, besides being the grandest apartments in the South Palace, was set at the farthest high ridge (at high elevation with many steps leading up to it), with an stringent checkpoint at the bottom, positioned prior to the hanging bridge that crossed over the ecological (natural) deep lake, an intimidating, unwarranted measure, which  displayed her importance and discouraged any trespass from wayward or frivolous (inconsequential) visitors.   

This morning had been unseasonally frigid, Worren Youkup’s breath as he exhaled, let out white plumes of vapor testifying to  the crispness of the morning air; nevertheless, after flatly refusing the offered palanquin (rikshaw) ride, he with an unreadable expression for a spell had lingered at the spot and stared at the long stretch that lay before him. He of course, had deliberately opted to walk off all that nervous energy (in solitude) which had been bottled up within his chest; anticipating that, the physical exertion would placate his troubled heart and mind before he confronted Lady Sejon.

His prior (routine) morning walks had always given him an inexplicable sense of rejuvenation and oneness with nature, as well, effectively diminished (paled) all major disconcerting (disquieting, worrying) thoughts and experiences that often beset (plagued) him. Indeed, in those instances, the knotty (tricky) political affairs and dubious acts of powerful people that aggrieved his conscience, plus the problematic social and administrative duties had always (vanished) melted away by the wafting breezes that gentle caressed his cheeks; then, for a fleeting shining moment or two, whatever had ailed his heart or plagued his conscience, thankfully and indubitably, lost its significance (and potency).  That is what he’d sought to echo (recap) this very morning; thus, his steps anon (presently), promptly and carefully tread on the interwoven, smooth, damp logs of the hanging bridge, for it had drizzled (rained) freshly just before dawn. Worren Youkup, furthermore, indulging his lungs with rhythmic, deep intakes of oxygen, welcomed the soft zephyr (gentle wind) drifting (fanning) off the lake and experienced the familiar sensation, to akin absolute peace and tranquillity, availed by that pristine, crisp morning breezes that buffeted his sleeves and caressed his cheeks.

Subsequently, as his rapid and sure steps advanced towards Lady Sejon’s main dwelling (key residence), the acute tautness (tension) from his shoulders had also gradually eased and he was temporarily thence, got reprieved from the consequential qualms of his present dilemma. Halting for a spell, his eyes took in the magnificent outlay (brilliantly organized lay out, geometric designs, delightful landscape etc.) that stretched out before him; as he did this, he was reminded once more, that, ‘Things were same yet not the same.’

03- SOUTH PALACE - 1 JP

The South Palace (typically guarded by the heavily armed parapets,) contrasted in every viable way from the other Imperial dwellings (compounds, buildings), including those of Eunuch’s edifices (structures). Here for instance, the prevalent architecture by design lost the severity of all others. The manicured grounds, currently awakening at dawn and reconciled by the delicate patterns of the exquisitely adorned, more refined flowers, glistened with the jewel-like dew on them; meanwhile, Worren’s nostrils were delightfully assailed by their varied (diverse, mottled) intoxicating fragrances.

Those brilliant nuggets of flowerbeds, moreover, occasionally held in its centre the mythic nymphs, pleasing female-guardian statues, or the representations of legendary beauties fixed in enchanting poses. To put it succinctly, all was designed to totally inveigle (cajole) the senses, to disarm and place one in an amicable, receptive mood. Worren, likewise, mollified (placated), he watched the butterflies’ flitter here and there; while lending an ear to the ongoing lugubrious symphony of insects and birds, his soul entirely lightened now, of all its (mundane) burdens.

 

04- HEAVENLY GARDEN LANDSCAPES - 9

Unexpectedly, an involuntary shudder just then however, reminded Worren Youkup of the cold, forbidding North Palace where Zakhertan Yozdek resided. The austere Spartan decor of the North Palace was in keeping with the bloody frescoes which glorified hunting, war and the Sovereign's supremacy over nature and the works of Heaven. Every niche and corner held menacing marble grotesques representing War Spirits and Demons. Even Zakhertan Yozdek’s private garden from his apartments was decorated to look more like a battlefield than a quiet meadow.

 

Worren, two days prior had received the summons to render his usual report this late afternoon, a task which he did not ordinarily relished; currently however, this was made worse by Prince Herleif’s recent debacle (catastrophe). Worren, hence, shook his head to dispel those unwarranted, worrisome thoughts and fears that anew threatened to burden his soul and directed his attention instead, on the present fecundity (lushness) of nature, which opportunely once more lulled his senses into a tranquil state. Worren, furthermore, focused his gaze deliberately on the intricate granite walkway ahead that was boarded by glazed colourful (azure, yellow, red, green) tiles that glistened, then on the elaborately carved balustrades (handrails, railing) that boarded it. His steps absentmindedly navigated the smooth surfaces, as he pondered on the anticipated, soon to be encountered labyrinth (maze of) of fragrant orchard trees and then the snaking path of the tranquil bamboo grove.

 

05- SUMMER PALACE GARDEN - JP  3

 

                                                                                                        ~  

Worren Youkup’s hasty steps swiftly advanced (passed) through the large, circular moon shaped gate next, and then bypassing into the inner courtyard, he finally entered Sejon's private quarters. There, his gaze was greeted by jewel encrusted mosaics depicting seductive scenes of exotic nymphs cavorting shamelessly across the walls, designed to bring forth euphoric ecstasy of the imagined Heaven.  Notwithstanding his puritanical nature his gaze lingered briefly on them, to vicariously appreciate the frolicking, lifelike, voluptuous pixies (fairies, elves), fertile earth spirits entwined around the carved turquoise pillars that stretched up to the purple ceiling.

Worren Youkup’s feet, independent of thought, then softly glided on the plush carpet past the ranks of vermilion doors flanking the corridor and emitting waves of exuberance, warmth, and secrets, or whispered intimacies. Despite the bustling of the servants rushing to and for, there was such an atmosphere of placid tranquillity that he wondered if the news of last night's events had reached here at all. But of course, it had.

Later on, he would learn that the uproar which had rocked the very grounds of the East, West and South Palaces had not at all disturbed Her Ladyship's slumber. While everything was turned upside down about her, Sejon had slept soundly and peacefully through all the animated gestures, the whispers, the sighs and lashing of tongues. It was as though her physical form and soul existed in the  alternate placid universe.

The North Palace had also maintained the (norm) routine, as the resilient, stout attendants and guards often being quite accustomed to earthshaking events, completed their assigned tasks, with regimented, military efficiency, throughout the night and subsequent morning.

                                                                                                       ~

When her Ladyship Sejon finally awoke at her usual time in mid-morning Sejon was delicately informed by a serving staff (team) that the old tutor Worren Youkup had made his unexpected, early visit and that, stubbornly, he insisted on waiting for an audience (conference) with her.

"If he has so much time on his hands then waiting a little more will not hurt him." Sejon had replied without emotion and continued with her leisurely bath and toiletries. “Those towering bookshelves in the library will no doubt afford him some amusement; let him pass the time there. Make sure he has his treats." 

Having been perfumed and dressed she then consumed a full breakfast in her usual, unhurried manner.

 

06- HER  LADYSHIP SEJON

                                                                                                          ~

Worren Youkup, meanwhile, as per her orders, was congenially ushered into the library and, after making himself comfortable was served a cupful of fragrant herbal tea. A large tray of his favorite small cucumber sandwiches, sweets, and exotic tidbits was also placed nearby for him to partake.

“No, Sejon, I won’t be so easily mollified or enticed this day.” Worren had inwardly scoffed, snubbing the tray of cuisine pabulums (victuals).

Subsequently, leaning his back in the plush chair, his stern gaze had instead, uninterestedly swept over the volumes, row upon row of classic manuscripts and rare scrolls about family loyalty, proper conduct and morals which now taunted him by their incongruous presence in these apartments. But as the hours wore on, in these plush surroundings with the flowers perfume from the garden wafting into the room, it gradually pacified Worren Youkup’s inner fury and iron resolve; his hand meanwhile, had absently wandered over to the tray and, before he’d even realized what he had done, he had already popped several delicious cucumber sandwiches into his mouth. And once he had started, he could not very well stop, and so, with a sigh, he consumed last two of those delectable (scrumptious) sweet comestibles (edibles).

 

                                                                                                      ~

Sejon, with an amicable (cordial) smile, one that did not reach her eyes, had eventually sauntered into the library after her breakfast; but her keen eyes at once (noting) finding the tray empty, her laconic (pithy, curt) yet decidedly dour (terse, severe) look at the servants sent them immediately scurrying off to refill it.     

"What brings us the pleasure of your company so early in the day, Master Youkup?” She inquired pleasantly; her voice filled with respect while inwardly she cursed. “I will tolerate you for a while longer, you old fool, for you still have some use.”      

"You are always welcome here, of course."  She puckered (pursed) her crimson lips and coyly shook her hair once she had crossed the room to stand facing Worren Youkup, who had risen from his chair to greet her.

She was about to add, as you well know, I am more disposed to receiving visitors in the afternoon, but Worren's firm, almost angry countenance froze (arrested) the words on her tongue. After indicating for him to take a seat, she with a certain flair and charming decorum seated herself also, right across from the old scholar.

Observing her placid (tranquil, serene) demeanor, Worren Youkup could not have estimated that, just then, her stomach had in fact, knotted with anxiety.

For a period, they both sat immobile and with unreadable expressions simply gazed (stared) at the other, without a word passing between them.

Sejon held up her fragrant handkerchief to her nose and then pursing her lips momentarily looked away, as she succinctly considered: Courtesy was always the best policy. There was no point in aggravating the old goat any more than he clearly, already was.

"I hope you have not been kept waiting too long, sir.” Sejon purred her insincere apology, finally ending the uncomfortable silence, as she same time flashed him one of her winning smiles.

“That should be enough to placate him.”  She was confident of the effect, being the most enchanting beauty in all the land and typically, the response had always been the same; but Worren’s unwavering eyes had met hers coldly then moved about the room, resting briefly on each of her attendants until they settled on Nijel, her newly promoted yet most trusted and ambitious lady in waiting.

07- NIJEL

Worren Youkup wry (sardonic, cynical) smile fleetingly brushed his lips and then he nodded, “Despite her angelic face, yes, that vixen would be the one.”

 Worren lowering his gaze, cogitated further: Nijel’s keen eyes, before she quickly veiled (disguised) it, had bespoken of ruthlessness, an intense yearning and an unfulfilled ambition…More importantly, since she had replaced the absent Zijur, Nijel had consistently of late, had wormed (inveigled) her way into Sejon's confidence. Besides, Sejon was too crafty to soil her own hands.

Sejon's mind, meanwhile, was perturbed by the old man's cryptic manner; underneath her projected, fragile smile, laid bitterness she could not entirely repress. "How may I be of service to you, Master Youking?"  Receiving no reaction still, she pressed on, "Perhaps, sir, you would wish to visit my son, prince Ma...?"    

"No."  The curt (snappy) and unnaturally loud tone (voice, assertion) caused two of her servants to jump.

 "I apologize for my terse response,” Worren Youkup quickly composed himself, then added, in a low toneless voice, picking out each word meticulously. “However, the sole reason for my visit Madame, is to discuss here and now, a matter of utmost urgency pertaining to ..."  He stopped then his eyes dubiously (suspiciously) glared at Nijel.

"I am at your disposal then, Master Youkup." Sejon, pretending not to have noticed this, assumed instead a baffled (perplexed) look, plus just a hint of vulnerability added to her quivering, caring tone, that completed the pseudo (quasi, imitation) picture of a persona of an eager pupil, as she same time sat stiffly upright in her seat.

"Pray, tell me also, have I or any of my staff, done anything to displease you; speak frankly, your mind, sir, so that I may address (tackle) it immediately."    

Worren Youkup fought off the urge to slip into familiar pedantry. “Oh, you are good my dear, but it won't work this time.”  Her submissive manner far from pleasing him, seen now in a vastly different light, merely served to annoy him and his mouth creased into a grimace of disdain (akin a scorn).

“This brazen vixen is toying with me! Has it come to this, then?”  Though his expression outwardly had not changed, inwardly the resurgent rage had choked the words in Worren’s throat. “She knows full well what she has done, yet playing the innocent…what unmitigated gall she has?”

Worren, adamant at not showing any weakness, exhaled deeply to check his indignation then leaned back. “All right, my dear, we will play this your way.”  He softened his expression and fixed a more amiable gaze on her. In a pleasant tone he next inquired, "I wonder if, before we proceed any further, it could be arranged for us to speak privately."    

"Leave us."  Sejon's immediate, curt wave of her hand dismissed all her attendants, indicating to Worren Youkup that at least she wished to cooperate. They all promptly departed except for Nijel, who had not budged an inch from her mistress' side.

Worren Youkup remained silent; he knitted his brows and his stern gaze simply looked away, to a void space in the periphery of (just inches from), where Nijel stood.

 

(END OF SECTION 10)

 

 

                                                                                           ~