LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 19
After Nevetsecnuac had consumed his evening repast (meal), he sat down in front of the fireplace and, letting his gaze fall on the dancing flames, waited in thoughtful silence. At any given moment he expected his late-night visitor to knock at his door, and it was not long before his wait was rewarded.
As anticipated, the
stranger, holding a jug of choice wine and two cups, appeared on some pretext
and, after knocking, peered in, he then asked to be invited inside.
Nevetsecnuac assented and
rising to his feet with reserve, motioned with outstretched hand and
half-inclined head, "Please do come in.
I've been expecting your visit."
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| 01- ZUNROGO TUGO - JP 25 |
The captain grimaced wryly, then nodded, entered, and turned to close the door cautiously behind him. Bowing his head politely, but never taking his eyes off Fradel, he introduced himself as Zunrogo Tugo, Captain of the Palace Guards.
“What? Zunrogo
Tugo; have I heard the name, right? What
are the odds of this happening?” Nevetsecnuac tensed, recalling what Zhadol had
said about this man and his accomplice to Yennic, “Though they may be insignificant in the scheme of things, they have
powerful backing and they're treacherous, devoid of all conscience. That's what makes them deadly for you.”
Nevetsecnuac’s perfect,
serene mask (demeanor) had not changed in the least. Smiling tightly, he returned the bow and
introduced himself as the itinerant scholar, Tonng Yennik. Noting at once the flicker of displeasure,
then of cool calculation in the depth of Zunrogo Tugo’s pupils, Nevetsecnuac
smiled inwardly, “As I suspected, you've
already checked my identity papers.”
"Delighted to make
your acquaintance,” Zunrogo Tugo decided to go along with the charade, at least
for the time being.
Tonng Yennik
(Nevetsecnuac), a perfect host, motioned the captain to a seat and Zunrogo,
deferring the best seat to the Scholar, chose the less comfortable chair.
Zunrogo placed the jug and
two empty cups on the small table between them. He proceeded to pour out the
wine into one of the cups and then graciously offered the customary draught of
friendship, to Tonng Yennik.
Tonng Yennik
(Nevetsecnuac), well composed, with thanks accepted the cup of wine and in one
gulp drained it; then, filling the other cup, offered it to Zunrogo,
reciprocating the gesture. Customary etiquette dispensed with; they soon
entered-into a polite conversation.
The topics they discussed,
the vast, varying range of their exchange was, in fact, quite irrelevant. As the two imposing figures, each in turn,
mechanically uttered the expected polite rhetoric they were both, underneath it
all, intently probing and scrutinizing the other.
Seated across from Tonng
Yennik (Fradel), Zunrogo Tugo tried in vain to ferret out the scholar's
innermost secrets and gauge his weaknesses, but it was as though Fradel had
cocooned his character behind an invincible barrier. Changing his tack (policy, scheme, ploy)
midway, Zunrogo pursued more aggressively and with cunning and trickery, tried
to penetrate Fradel's defenses. When
that, too, proved unsatisfactory he tried to subtly goad Fradel towards
alternate end. All the while he felt
secure behind the impenetrable wall he kept up around his own personality.
At least that was what he
thought. In this war of acumen and
nerves, Nevetsecnuac (Tonng Yennik /Fradel), with his keen perception and
resilience eventually eradicated all the obstacles Zunrogo had laid in his
path, to subtly gain the advantage and, under the guise of a seemingly passive,
cooperative exchange, attained the insight necessary to formulate his own
opinion of Zunrogo Tugo.
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| 02- NEVETSECNUAC AS SHOLAR TONNG YENNIC |
Tallying (adding together all the) facts, Nevetsecnuac (Tonng Yennic, Fradel) noted how much more stalwart and intrepid (resolute, hardy) Zunrogo was; moreover, he was infinitely more treacherous and brutal in innate nature, far more than he’d been noted for. Zunrogo’s complex mind, the depths of his, not easily decipherable, thoughts and, perhaps purposefully misleading and inconsistent habits, made him an extremely dangerous (perilous, death-defying) adversary. His voice was his only weak link, if you could call it that, for it betrayed his passionless (uncaring) heart. Despite Zunrogo’s best efforts to appear cordial and disarming in the exchange, there was an underlying intonation of dire indifference and obdurate (adamant) superiority.
“Cold-blooded, arrogant assassin that you are, I know
it is not your aim to assassinate (murder) me; or you would have attempted it,
long before this meeting.” Nevetsecnuac from the corner of his eye furtively
studied this sure foe. “Nevertheless, I expect you will next try astounding
me (considering your earlier findings,) with your startling disclosure that you
are aware I am Fradel Rurik Korvald; then, after a terse period, magnanimously
(rush in to) confer your generous offer of assurance, of safe conduct to the
Capital. And, of course, I'll appear
aghast and pretend to let my guard down before, gratefully conceding. But what else, you're really, after? What other sinister scheme is lurking
underneath that icy surface? Yes, of course
…” Nevetsecnuac nodded
absentmindedly, while outwardly, seemingly, agreeing with the captain's most
recently advanced viewpoint.
Adding a few pointers of
his own, he continued to assess Zunrogo, “Yes,
you are burdened with a far greater task than just the safe delivery of the
scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald. Is this a
sample of how your master operates? Ploy
(stratagem) within a ploy; while never leaving anything to chance until
everything, no matter how trivial, is considered? Hmm, I'll wager that even Prime Minister
Lamont Gudaren is ignorant of the extent of your duplicity. Very well, I'll feed you sufficient,
deceptive, disarming information for your report. And when you drop or, relax your vigil, then
you’ll be dealt with more decisively; for you are one complication I can do
without.”
Impressed by the scholar's
brilliance of rhetoric, the captain, for the time being, had been forced to
inwardly acknowledge that, since all the observations tallied (matched, checked,
fit) accorded) perfectly, his host was indeed the real Fradel Rurik Korvald and
not some mastermind impostor who had merely acquired his papers. Yet, instead of being pleased at the
favorable outcome of his search, Zunrogo remained very ill at ease.
“Is it just my suspicious nature? Has the course of this job made me inherently
paranoid? No, this nagging feeling in
the pit of my stomach is real and all my senses collectively, are sounding dire
alarm. Besides, there are few
inconsistencies here that need to be ironed out; true, but they alone are not
enough to warrant this hunch, this instinct to strike out at him now with all
the deadly force I can muster. He may
even put up a good fight, judging by his robust physique. How could a mere scholar look so strong, even
if he has been living in the mountain wilderness, in isolation, for purported
many years? Yet all the points of
contention have been satisfied. I don't
doubt my thoroughness. Even the absence
of his servants has been explained. I
suppose I could hold him here and verify his story, but that would squander
precious time, one I can ill- afford, if I am to succeed in my mission. On the
other hand, my hunches have never erred, not once in my (lifetime) entire
life.”
“But what if, just this once, my intuition is leading
me astray? With such grave consequences
at stake, how can I justify this sort of rash action? “
“Besides, once
we reach the Capital, there will be ample time to uncover (discover) the truth,
and there, there will be no escape for him.
If he's other than what he claims, he will easily be exposed and
eradicated. Now it is time to end this
bantering and get on with the task at hand.”
Half the jug had already
been consumed even though Nevetsecnuac, aware of his own intolerance, had been
most careful in his intake, taking longer and longer to consume the contents of
each cup and accepting only toppings instead of the full cups Zunrogo poured
himself. Still, Zunrogo showed only the
minimal signs of intoxication and that, Nevetsecnuac suspected, was also a pretense,
a farce not unlike their congenial exchange.
"I am aware, sir,
that most scholars of your obvious stature take on, for reasons of privacy, a
pseudonym (alias). May I be so bold,
then, as to presume that this is also the case with you and to guess your true
designation (name)?" Zunrogo said, ignoring Fradel's facade of slight
surprise.
Nevetsecnuac studied the
captain in silence, purposely prolonging the supposed suspense. With a totally unreadable expression he then
settled back, "You are most perceptive, sir. Perhaps you will then tell me who it is that
you suspect me of really being after which, I expect, you will be kind enough
to reveal to me your real purpose for being in my room at this late hour."
Zunrogo took the
bait. "You are, of course, the very
illustrious poet Fradel Rurik Korvald and you have been summoned into His Royal
Highness' presence."
The scholar's response was
not the expression of surprise that Zunrogo would have expected from one less
astute than Fradel Rurik Korvald.
"You have me at a
disadvantage, sir. How long have you
known?"
"Since your
arrival," Zunrogo lied, hiding his admiration. “It’s a pity you chose a literary career, you sir, would have made an
excellent statesman. You have the
natural ability for it.”
"Yet you waited until
now to confront me with this knowledge?" Fradel frowned and eyed Zunrogo
suspiciously.
"I meant no
disrespect, honored sir." the captain hastened to apologize then briefly
explained his reasons for coming here.
Fradel looked
skeptical. "Please do not take this
the wrong way. You say that you have
been charged by the Offices of the Prime Minister, Lamont Gudaren, with the
responsibility of ensuring my safe conduct and timely arrival?"
"Yes. To do otherwise would be a dereliction of my
duty, for which I would be severely punished." Zunrogo interrupted to
stress the point.
“I doubt that would be the
case.” Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) grimaced wryly.
"Yet, sir, you have
neglected to tell me who it is that I require protection from. As you well know, I have lived in seclusion
most of my life, adapting to a stringent, pious lifestyle; this, to get closer
to the natural world which I love to write about. Outside of family, I have not interacted with
anyone any significant length of time to incur animosity. My literary efforts are not political, nor
can they be misconstrued as offensive to any of the noble gentry or
bureaucratic class. Even my deceased father
had no affiliations whatsoever with any political group, and no enemies to
speak of. Who then would conspire to
harm me? Holger Province is free, as far
as I can see, of all bad elements."
“How much do you really know?” Zunrogo raised an eyebrow slightly as he considered
Fradel's question. “Oh, but there's no
way you could possibly be informed.”
Zunrogo dropped his guard
to laugh sourly; after which he said, “To be sure, law and order are strictly
upheld in this province but the existing danger to your esteemed self is, none
the less, quite real."
"Why do you insist on
being cryptic, sir?" Fradel huffed in exasperation.
"I'm sorry. I wish I could be more obliging (helpful),
but I am not at liberty to disclose anything further." Zunrogo shook his
head. "Perhaps once you have safely
reached Channing…”
Looking away thoughtfully,
he added, "I'll say only this - that it is a political matter." Returning his gaze to Fradel he added,
"Please excuse me for saying this, but your own involvement is purely incidental."
“You just refuse to commit yourself, but I won't let
you off the hook that easily.” Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) stared back, his
demeanor unchanged.
"I do not appreciate evasive answers,
Captain. I would much rather that you be
candid with me. If, as you have
suggested, we are to complete the rest of this journey in each other’s company,
then I propose that we learn to trust one another, starting now." Fradel paused to look meaningfully at
Zunrogo, who remained in thoughtful silence for a moment.
“I don't know what you mean,” Zunrogo almost said, but then stopped himself. An amused smile crept across his face, and he
broke into a laugh.
"You are far too
clever for me, sir."
"Flattery offends me
even more, Captain Tugo." Fradel dismissed the remark curtly, maintaining
the arrogant bearing of a scholar.
"Now I must insist on being told the
details which pertain to me that is, if you wish to enlist my full cooperation,
sir. Otherwise, I must insist that, we
have nothing further to discuss."
Fradel's stare was unrelenting as he leaned back, still watching Zunrogo
Tugo with cold, unblinking eyes.
Zunrogo felt hard pressed
to reveal the truth, or to find another plausible explanation convincing enough
to assuage Fradel's sharp mind. “Why
should I even expend the energy to sway this upstart, when a partial truth may
serve as well? The report excluded
mention of your stubborn nature.”
Zunrogo’s smile tightened
imperceptibly as he burrowed his gaze at Fradel, scrutinizing him intently. “I
don't know how you found out, but you already know, don't you? Now you want me to commit myself. Very well, I'll meet your requirements
halfway.”
Zunrogo Tugo shifted
uneasily in the chair, laughed sourly and, nodding his head, made a show of
resignation.
When he leaned forward to
speak, his voice was low, but crisp, "Very well, I will oblige you by
being frank, but I trust that the subject of this discussion will be held in
confidentiality." He drained his
cup, waiting for Fradel's nod of affirmation.
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| 03-ZUNROGO TUGO - JP 24 |
On receiving it he put back the empty cup, took a breath and continued in an unwavering tone, "You need not be concerned with this, but our Prime Minister, like all eminent men who uphold this effective and strict administration, has incurred the hatred of some powerful enemies who would stop at nothing to undermine his righteous endeavors. Since it was Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren who recommended your illustrious self to the emperor at court, he feels naturally bound by the responsibility of seeing that your travel should be uninterrupted and comfortable. This added precaution was taken in the anticipation of possible trouble or in order to preclude even the least unpleasantness from manifesting itself."
He grinned sheepishly.
"I'm sorry if my previous reckless words have magnified the situation and
led you to believe that there was real potential for danger here. I confess, I am somewhat inept at diplomacy,
as all military personnel are, I suppose.
I sincerely hope that you will overlook my shortcomings, however, and
set your mind at ease. The danger to
your person is only a supposition. No
blatant or obvious threat has been voiced thus far."
“Thus far… You must really believe that I am that
naive.” Nevetsecnuac mused. “All right, I'll let that pass for now,
besides it is better you think that of me.
From what I've heard, he'd never do that, but go on if you must, keep
his name out of it. Besides, your clumsy
attempts to cover up the inconsistencies are growing rather tiresome.”
"In truth,"
Fradel (Nevetsecnuac), obviously suppressing a yawn, consented amicably,
"the trek here has been rather tiresome (dull) if not arduous. I would, therefore, be most happy to accept
your gracious offer of companionship; during the course of which I will look
forward to being informed of the latest developments in Channing, so that I
won't feel totally out of sorts there."
"I’ll do my best to
(oblige) enlighten you.” Zunrogo beamed arrogantly.
“Indeed, so much has
transpired even during these last few months, let alone years but I think that
I've delayed your sleep long enough. I
will detain you no longer." Now that
he had secured what he wanted, Zunrogo abruptly rose to his feet and, without
further ado, he wished Fradel a good night and took his leave. There were a few neglected details that had
been preying on the back of his mind all during their exchange that he wanted
to lay to rest before the night was done.
~
(END OF SECTION 19)
