LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE CAPITAL CHANNING - SECTION 6

 

 It was announced throughout the Capital the next morning that the curfew that had been imposed on the citizens for several days had been finally lifted.  This unexpected news discernibly placed everyone in a good mood. 

Resigned as Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac) was to be receiving the expected callers, nothing could have prepared him for the greatest influx (incursion) of guests, consequently, the public relations challenge/nightmare that was thrust upon him. He was suddenly cast amid the demanding posh (high-born) society’s elite with their unprecedented rigid rules and regulations, frivolous propriety (decorum) and antiquated (obsolete, archaic) protocols (etiquette), compelling him to juggle (manage) these with his academic onuses (obligations, responsibilities), all of it within the tiresome, whirlwind dance of aristocratic revelry. 

Zakhertan Yozdek had abolished the examination system around the time of the first of the intellectual purges.  Nepotism aside, for those seeking a new or better post in the government yet lacking in military prowess, social contacts have become an all-important, crucial (key, vital) source.  Their prospects were now perpetually reliant (dependent) on the personal recommendations from those officials who had already acquired power and distinction and were willing to tie their own futures to that of the candidates whom they recommended.

Deeming the esteemed scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald’s arrival as a good presage (omen, potent), the elite of Channing in their ostentatious carriages and litters, had descended in droves (multitudes) upon Zaur Stugr 's residence, all bearing rich and lavish gifts for the host and his guest, all same time hoping to satiate their curiosity about this promising, once elusive scholar.

As large as Minister of Ceremony Zaur Stugr’s residence was, its path was worn thin by this onslaught of sycophants.  Finally, Minister Zaur sought out the Prime Minister for his permission, consulted with Fradel Rurik Korvald then, taking matters into his own hands, graciously postponed all but the most important appointments until after Fradel Rurik Korvald’s audience with the Sovereign.

As this was most agreeable to many of the prudent nobility, (those wanting to see first, how the scholar would rank in favor with His Royal Highness Zakhertan Yozdek), the request was adopted without any qualm.

Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac) thus was spared from any more torment, from those slick-toured officials and nobles, who with their smiling faces and black hearts hid their ulterior motives poorly behind the facade of congeniality.

 In fact, every loaded word they sputtered, every covert gesture they made, every seemingly innocent remark with which they hoped to embroil scholars in their dark intrigues had taken their toll and had ground down Fradel’s (Nevetsecnuac’s) spirit despite his outward show of vigor (enthusiasm) and resilience.

This welcome respite had come none too soon, for it was followed the next morning at daybreak by an invitation from the Prime Minister requesting Fradel Rurik Korvald’s illustrious presence at an exclusive, nevertheless, an elaborate party to be given in his honor in nine days’ time.

                                                                             ~

 

 In the subsequent days, Minister of Ceremony Zaur Stugr proved to be a most attentive, congenial host, anticipating, and fulfilling with uncanny precision, his guest's every perceived desire and whim.

 Swayed somewhat by this solicitude, Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) found himself amending some of his first impressions of the junior Minister.  Only seven years Nevetsecnuac's senior, Zaur Stugr seemed overall to be a mild mannered, articulate and most obliging person.  Looking much younger than his age, fair in complexion, he sported only a thin mustache, and tapered beard.  Tall, thin, and strikingly handsome, with striking blue eyes, he did not need the extra adornments his peers affected to accentuate his winning features.  His lush, over the shoulder straight, raven (jet black) hair was always glistening clean and only sometimes was bound behind his neck by a simple leather band.  In contrast to his striking physique, however, he was moderate in his manners and speech and bore none of the pretentious airs associated with his office.  On numerous occasions Nevetsecnuac (Fradel Rurik Korvald) observed that this amiable persona allowed Zaur to place whomever he interacted with, regardless of their position, wealth, or power, at their ease.  Without them being aware of it, he was able to manipulate them into opening and laying bare even the most secretive thoughts that lay in the deep recesses of their hearts then sent them away contented with even more confidence and trust in this remarkable Junior Minister.

03- ZAUR STUGR   JP 20

When Zaur Stugr turned this charm on Fradel Rurik Korvald, it took most of Nevetsecnuac's discernment and perception to avoid being swept away by the tide of affable good will that Zaur Stugr bountifully projected.  Despite his reserve, Nevetsecnuac had gradually grown quite fond of the Junior Minister and his winning ways.  Yearning for the close bonds of companionship, Zaur Stugr seemed to be the most likely candidate on which to lay his trust and friendship, yet Nevetsecnuac held back, restrained by the stronger sensibility that had guided him ever since he had first encountered Zunrogo and the people from the Capital.

 Even though there was a complete absence of proof, there was this anomalous, nagging feeling that his charming host Zaur was leading a double life, one entirely different in character from the persona he projected every day.  This sense of duality insisted on caution, if not slight distrust, particularly when dealing with affable Minister Zaur Stugr.

 At any rate after all Nevetsecnuac had seen, heard, and lived through during these past months, the innocence and trust that had once been second nature to him had been supplanted, lost forever.  At present Nevetsecnuac's guard was perpetually up, leaving no room for the spark of familiarity or friendship to develop.

Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) was bit sad that, he frequently (habitually) now, felt prematurely aged (rather old) and hardened to the core.

As happened, this dilemma eventually resolved itself when his pessimistic apprehension was given further credibility by the successive events; however, as nothing much out of the ordinary or spectacular happened, this will not warrant any elaboration.

                                                                               ~

 On the seventh day Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac) had spent the better part of the afternoon sightseeing few historic sites that the Capital Channing was famed for then afterward, both host and guest had enjoyed a sumptuous feast at the house of one of Zaur Stugr’s colleagues.

On their return to the Junior Minister's residence both felt reluctant to retire for the night and forgo the enjoyment of full moon; despite the lateness of the hour hence, they mutually decided to resume their conversation where they had left it in the Quiet Waters Pavilion, by the eastern end of the artificial (man-made) lake, that also had alongside it, a delightful, swimming pool where if they wished they could take a cool dip in private. 

The pleasant company, delightful warm breeze buffeting their sleeves, caressing their faces, and the fullness of the moon casting brilliant (rippled) reflection on the water all, had put Zaur in such a good mood that he had, without reservation, downed several more cups of wine, far exceeding his tolerance level.

Fradel (Nevetsecnuac), on the contrary, careful managing his intake of drink had of course emptied his cup discreetly, whenever he could, onto the ground. During the night as they partook (participated) in consuming still more variety of choice, vintage vines, Nevetsecnuac seizing an apt opportunity, subtly steered the conversation around to the subject of Kontu in the hope of extracting from the Minister Zaur Stugr, more indebt version and true accounts (pertaining to) concerning Sovereign Murong Di.

Zaur’s inhibitions by then having gradually eased (melted away) he, with his virtuoso narration, his gifted elaborations, and an uncanny knowledge of the smallest details, so competently (dazzlingly) painted such vivid pictures for Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) that, it made him feel as though he personally was in Kontu, hearing and experiencing it all firsthand. And so, that night listening to Zaur Stugr’s account, Nevetsecnuac came to learn all about (even filling in the blanks, the missing facts, when Nevetsecnuac had first learned about Kontu from Lord Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon back at the mountain cabin,) how Hedenko had artfully risen in prominence and power while still purportedly a vassal, commanding the army of Sovereign Murong Di of Kontu. 

Nevetsecnuac could well understand Minister Zaur Stugr’s fascination of these historical facts for the whole thing unfolded more like a military textbook with, do and don’ts.

Despite the growing threat from Hedenko, King Murong Di had unwisely given precedence to the prevailing danger from the state of Icone instead.

 In his royal arrogance he had foolishly turned a deaf ear to the counsel of his able ministers that Hedenko should be summoned to court immediately, by force, if necessary, to give good and true account of his rebellious activities.  Unfortunately, by the time the King had awakened to the true danger that existed to his rule, internal strife, and corruption within his court itself had curtailed his ability to deal with Hedenko at all and had sealed his fate once and for all.  When his only other recourse, assassination, proved ineffective within the tight military control of Lord Deng Hedenko's lands, King Murong Di resorted to a ruse.  Extending his edict of general amnesty to include Hedenko, he let it be known that it was his Royal wish that they end the strained relationship between them.

 At the same time Sovereign Murong Di made the most generous proposal of marriage between Princess Teuquob and the Lord, knowing that Hedenko would not be able to resist the temptation to acquire the most enchanting beauty in the entire Kingdom.

Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) had previously speculated that the Sovereign Murong Di's offer had been solely for the purpose of luring Lord Hedenko to the Royal Court to procure the rebel's demise.  Zaur Stugr had reaffirmed this proposition when he outlined the King's plans to have Hedenko apprehended, charged with treason, and promptly executed once he left the safety of his fortified lair to fetch his bride and attend the matrimonial festivities.

"It’s an ingenious, but nevertheless effective stratagem." Zaur Stugr concurred in good humor.

"Unaware of the sinister plan lurking in the mind of the Monarch Murong Di, the Prime Minister at that time, Neru, had for some time attempted in vain to deter the King from such a move.  He recalled to his Sovereign, Hedenko's ruthless exploits, his lack of filial piety and his brutality towards women.  He had even grimly foretold, at the risk of incurring royal disfavor, that the Lord's ambition would not be satiated that easily and that Hedenko would not rest until he had seized total power and usurped the throne for himself.  This marriage would only whet (sharpen, hone) his appetite and lead to much graver consequences.”

Monarch Murong Di, grimacing coldly, had once more not heeded the sound advice and furthermore, had concealed his true aim for fear of spies in court. 

“That, in itself, his inability to trust anyone, was a prime cause of the King's subsequent downfall."  Zaur Stugr nodded thoughtfully.

05- HEDENKO 9JP

“Hedenko, his mind equally treacherous, had accepted this proposal without reserve not so much because of the tempting bait, but because it helped him advance his own sinister plan.  The Lord's aim paralleled Sovereign Murong Di's, it seemed.  To further disarm the Monarch, he even swore to surrender all his forces and land holdings to the King the moment he was made his son-in-law, giving substance to the rumors that he had planted, that Hedenko wanted most of all to prove his loyalty to Murong and assume his former position as the King's most loyal vassal.   He set his supporters to work to reinforce this pretense in the ear of the Monarch Murong Di with similar reports supposedly from various sources.”

"This marriage proposal", Deng Hedenko had ostensibly, duly professed upon receipt, "had been a great honor and had overwhelmed him."

“Touched by the wisdom, the insight and benevolence of the Sovereign, more specifically Murong's show of good faith, Hedenko had supposedly paced up and down “in a shrine before the Gods of his ancestors and sworn an oath of allegiance to live up to his Highness' expectations.  He'd vowed also to first disprove then permanently silence the slanderers of his good name.”

“Now,” Zaur chuckled. “This covert warning sent shock waves of fear among the opposition. (In the many days that ensued) Subsequently, many had tried to amend their mistakes, others had gone hiding and still others had taken flight under various pretexts, never to be heard from again.  Meanwhile, more hateful than ever of Monarch Murong, Hedenko had initiated his long-term plans and immediately began implementing his designs on the throne.  After all, he had just been handed a perfect opportunity on a silver platter.”

“Having received this go-ahead signal, his ardent supporters, courtiers, and military generals alike, underhandedly but aggressively began their campaign of support in the Capital, the last seat of power for Murong, attempting to drum up favorable support for Hedenko and paving the way for a total capitulation, or at least for an assured success with the least resistance from those unyielding loyalist Lords too powerful as yet to be quickly extinguished. “

“The plan was for Hedenko to make his entry into the Capital with his elite force of assassins disguised as servants bringing along the bride price, this in addition to the small number of guards accompanying him.  During the festivities Hedenko would personally seize Murong and assassinate him on the spot.  The Lord already had a dagger concealed in the hall where the ceremony was to take place, planted by one of his spies at Court.  After his consolidation of power throughout the land he would pass judgment on the only surviving member of the Royal Family, Princess Teuquob.  If she proved worthy of further attention, then she would be made his new wife.  Since, however, Hedenko believed in a clean sweep and no mercy, a policy he had adopted after every victory, it was clear that, following the birth of a son or two, depending on his whim, and then she would be made to forfeit her life as well.”

"But things took on a bizarre, rather unexpected turn." Zaur Stugr exhaled deeply with heightened zeal, "The Princess who was to be wed took flight just two weeks before all this was to happen and unfortunately perished in a storm at sea.  Of course, another (a distant royal cousin of marriable age) was quickly offered in her stead.  Hedenko, appearing most agreeable, went through with this wedding and, naturally, with his planned usurpation of the throne.  And at present, he has been the omnipotent ruler of Kontu for more than a decade."  Falling silent, Zaur reached to fill his cup.

06-NEVETSECNUAC  JP 19

Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) looked up thoughtfully for the first time and was about to inquire how Zaur Stugr was so exceptionally well informed about the internal politics of the Kontu Royal Court, when Zaur, surmising his question, held up his hand, then with some modesty exclaimed. "Perhaps I have neglected to inform you that I am an ardent student of political history.  Since childhood I have been intrigued by the process of how Kingdoms rose and fell.  In fact, I think it’s a curiosity I've inherited."  He threw Nevetsecnuac a whimsical smile.

“He's withholding something pertinent.”  Nevetsecnuac studied Zie with an impassive silence.

"I regret that I have not had the opportunity to show you my extensive library on this subject but, if you like, we could visit it tomorrow.  It is mainly taken up with documents bearing historical accounts, original writs or copied replicas painstakingly compiled since the time of my grandfather.  I cannot take the credit for my own small contributions."  He pensively drank few more sips of wine.  "It escaped the destruction of the purges simply because the papers are totally unrelated to the history of Wenjenkun.”

“Those accounts you will not find it here or anywhere for that matter, unless you want to view the government archives which house the official, Imperial- sanctioned versions."  There was a hint of disdain in Zaur’s tone as he mumbled this last sentence as he pursed his lips and looked over the pond.

 

Nevetsecnuac discounted this pseudo frank disclaimer which he believed it to be, not entirely the truth and, he deliberately ignored the tiny hint of rebellious discontent in Zaur ‘tone, not wishing to take the bait.  What’s more, he strongly suspected this very resourceful Minister to be in possession of some forbidden material, well-hidden for posterity, if not here, then somewhere within the Minister’s reach.

Fradel’s lack of reaction, meanwhile, had disappointed Zaur Stugr.  Never had he failed in gaining a valuable insight or drawing out pertinent information from the intended recipient (addressee), by his seemingly casual remarks (word) or contacts; yet after seven days Fradel Rurik Korvald was still an absolute mystery to him; the scholar's intrinsic ideas had eluded all scrutiny, remaining as elusive as ever. He could only glean some abstract notions of what Fradel thought and, all Zaur had instead, was a moderate number of unusable impressions. 

Even now Zaur Stugr was not certain whether Fradel was genuinely interested in the history of Kontu or had been listening out of mere politeness. He threw a sidelong glance at his guest.  “How can I reach you?  How can I penetrate that invisible wall you've encased yourself in and tap those inner realms of your thoughts?” He mused sardonically.  “You're unlike anyone I've met, and you are certainly not like any other scholar.  There's no trace of the arrogance and frivolity of the usual unscrupulous literati about you.  Your brilliant mind is the only thing about you that I can be certain of.”

 

                                                                                             ~

 

Wiping the frown from his thoughts before it manifested (became apparent) on his face, Zaur Stugr reached for some morsels and, as he ate in thoughtful silence, he sized up Fradel Rurik Korvald from the corner of his eye.  Suddenly, unconsciously he chuckled.  “Surely, even you are not immune to lust.  No man is.  I simply haven't found the right lure (bait) to entice you with. Hmm, perhaps someone, like the fabled Princess Teuquob, if only she was still alive.”

 Meeting Nevetsecnuac's questioning gaze, he spoke in a soft, almost longing (pining) voice, "As I understand it, and this has been thoroughly verified by all, Princess Teuquob was a rare beauty."  He hesitated.

“Hmm… It would not do to reveal too much, the scope of his influence with the foreign spies and the local underground, no matter how harmless this Fradel Rurik Korvald seemed.”

“My wife is right; of late, I've been indulging in spirits far too much.” He silently admonished himself. 

“I can't afford this failing to get the better of me, not with what's at stake.”  He curtailed his speech and determined to take it easy on the wine yet, for a brief spell his disobedient mind had wandered and, he remembered how he had secretly commissioned his spies in Kontu to secure a portrait of the Princess Teuquob, filled with details taken from all the accounts of those who had known her and still lived.

It had taken great lengths to obtain it, just to satisfy his curiosity.  Expectedly, he had been delighted by the outcome. 

“As a matter of fact,” he reflected,” that had been my only eccentric act of late, until this one.”  

The predictability of his daily routine as a Minister of Ceremony had suffocated him somewhat so he had rushed to the chance to play host to the illustrious Fradel Rurik Korvald when the Prime Minister had brought up the subject of the scholar's lodging.

"I've been told this, of course, through the flattering descriptions of Princess Teuquob in the letters of the time." he quickly corrected himself.

"They describe Princess Teuquob as legendary in her beauty, with none, neither in Kontu nor in Wenjenkun able to equal her in charm or grace.  She would have been a worthy consort for any man, even our Emperor Zakhertan Yozdek."

 Listening to his own intonations, Zaur knew that he had betrayed that desire that had lain in his heart ever since he had viewed that portrait.  The beauties of Channing had paled horribly in comparison, and he had felt cheated somewhat.  After mumbling apologies at his indiscretion, he offered a lame excuse for it all and steered the topic of the conversation onto safer, more superficial concerns.  Subsequently he had played the fool, the antagonist, the diffident boor, the sincere friend, the provocative sophist and once more the wanton womanizer yet; Fradel Rurik Korvald had not taken any of the bait and had remained obstinately as elusive as ever.  He would have to try yet another (peculiar means) atypical angle to draw out Fradel Rurik Korvald.

Meanwhile, Nevetsecnuac had suppressed with remarkable iron will, his intense displeasure and extreme annoyance, rather rage at Zaur's tiresome deceits, his obvious, long-term infatuation and lust for Teuquob, his beloved wife.

 Nevetsecnuac fighting the urge to lash out at Zaur, distractedly at this point, had bent to retrieve a happily chirping cicada by his feet; just then however, quite unexpectedly the long-forgotten key that was kept in the inner pocket of this specific garment, fell to on the terrazzo (tiled flooring) with a loud thud.  Its same time had let off an unusual, curious glint as it caught the juxtaposed reflections of the brilliant moonlight and soft lamplight on its surface. 

Nevetsecnuac abandoned the cicada and quickly reached instead to retrieve the key, as the same time noted with curiosity, from the corner of his eye, Zaur’s fleeting reaction of shock and horror that was quickly replaced by an unemotional mask.

 

“He knows something”

 

 

(END OF SECTION 6)

                                                                                        ~ 

 

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE CAPITAL CHANNING - SECTION 3

Minister Zaur was about to reach for a morsel, when his complexion suddenly became ashen and his pupils for a spell dilated (became wider, larger). He slumped (slouched) back into chair, appearing dazed and as though he was fighting to restrain an overwhelming sense of queasiness (nausea).  That same instance, his mind underwent a subtle but decisive change.

01-ZAUR STUGR 17

Subsequently, as they consumed more spirits the conversation that ensued took on renewed vigor and at the same time became more varied in scope, this lasting well into the night. 

The topic of conversation periodically, amidst insinuations, touched on the existing internal strife in Wenjenkun between the two powerful factions, then purposefully reverted, delving into in depth issues at hand and their resulting spin-offs.  The direct or indirect account recounted in rapid succession next was designed purposefully to confuse the issue or perhaps test Fradel's ability to keep up.

Going along, Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) fed the good minister explicit (precise, exact, specific) altercations, challenging issues, and topics, and tiresome or alternately intriguing facts in profusion to dazzle the mind.  Masterfully sparring (jousting, fencing) with ideas and hypothesis, Zaur Stugr had finally met his match.

Though elated at first, soon growing tired of this intellectual banter (repartee, wit), the charade and all that strenuous mind games, Minister Zaur steered the topic once more to seemingly mundane, innocuous affairs.

Nevetsecnuac, with his resilience at first, was reluctant to concede.  He could utilize still more varied stratagems (ploys, gambits), profound views enmeshed with questions to subtly extricate from his host the pertinent information he felt he needed for the successful conclusion to his mission.  Out of consideration for his host, however, he forewent these, seeing how Minister Zaur Stugr 's eyes were now drooping, and his body slouched slightly in utter exhaustion, despite his ceaseless prattling about some present-day political rhetoric that was obviously a hot issue in Court.  In accordance with etiquette, Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) akin showing fatigue discreetly yawned; this provided his host, Minister Zaur, the perfect opportunity to propose calling it a night.

 

                                                                                   ~

 

That late evening after Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) had dismissed all his pesky (bothersome) servants and had seemingly retired, his mind until dawn in fact, taking no solace from his plush surroundings, had raced mercilessly with conflicting summations, views, and personages.  Nevetsecnuac’s thoughts, in a profusion of images, veered incessantly from Deng Hedenko, to his beloved Teuquob, to Heng Erling, to Duan, to Lu Moldan, to Yagu Dorka, to Lord Shonne Gulbrand, to Sorgun Dofu, to Lord Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon, to Egil Viggoaries, to Zunrogo Tugo, to Tizan Lout, to Lance Diostin, to Zonar, to Dwengzu, to Zakhertan Yozdek, to Hedenko's assassins, and finally to Zaur Stugr. 

Then unpredictably (variably) Nevetsecnuac’s thoughts had lingered for a time on this curious bureaucrat Zaur whom he suspected to be deeply embroiled in this discriminating, astute world of politics, as well, the underlying layer of intrigue and clandestine acts. Contrasting with the seemingly unassuming first impressions, Nevetsecnuac conceived now that Zaur Stugr was rather a more calculating, complex, manipulative, and very profound individual; a most probable explanation therefore, for his (Nevetsecnuac’s) failure to elicit any candid response to any of the pertinent issues he had put forth, all during this evening. Nevetsecnuac felt quite apprehensive at not being able to penetrate that complex cerebral and psychological hedge that Zaur had erected; hence, not being able to appraise Zaur Stugr’s true motives, his genuine personal feelings, vested interests, or political leanings.

Minister Zaur, with his consummate sophistry had oscillated his arguments expertly during the exchange between diverging points of view, therefore appearing totally non-committed about any issues despite his seeming ebullience.  Zaur Stugr had been most careful, even when inebriated, to offer Nevetsecnuac the precise information that appeared invaluable at the outset but, on closer scrutiny, became a dangerous precipice to traverse, all chiefly to measure Nevetsecnuac's response.

In all that time minister Zaur Stugr had tirelessly woven a web of intangible, indecipherable facts to cloud the real, serious issues that were periodically and purposefully interspersed in the seemingly innocuous conversation.

After a time, Nevetsecnuac in resignation shrugged, then divesting his outer garments, reclined on the bed, however, as sleep still averted  him , he simply lay on his back and fixed his gaze on the ornate ceiling; as his eyes gradually adjusted to the scant light from the solitary oil lamp; he distractedly traced the swirls of the intricate filigree.  Despite his outward calm, his heart was torn by conflicting emotions over the inevitable denouement of his intentions.

He’d gone nowhere with his tireless efforts of obtaining any, least bit of info; all his subtle inquiries had amounted to nothing. Either no one knew or everyone was too frightened to even talk about such dangerous topics. 

The dungeon was immense and had many subterranean tunnels all heavily guarded. As for Lord Asger ‘s son, Ivar Marrog Zhon’s whereabouts, (Nevetsecnuac had learned the name by then,) it had been clearly a well-kept secret. Then there had been that presupposition by some individuals that Ivar Marrog Zhon had long been, secretly expired.  This prospect had profoundly (forlornly) frustrated Nevetsecnuac.

 

02- NEVETSECNUAC  JP 34

Nevetsecnuac’s thoughts reverting to Zakhertan Yozdek, the usurper, he shifted uneasily, in his bed.

Having fully assessed the current political situation well in hand, he had come to grips with the grim, undeniable reality that, when he succeeded in his aim, it portended great danger for Wenjenkun.  Logic and duty in his core again stood in terrible conflict. 

The villainous usurper, Zakhertan Yozdek, for all his brutal crimes, was a necessary evil.  After all, he had consolidated his power over everything and had maintained under his iron rule thus far a strong nation that could easily withstand any foreign aggressor, even one as formidable as Emperor Deng Hedenko.

 And what of Korion, who was waiting in the wings for a single chance to strike back despite their seeming conformity (submission)?

Nevetsecnuac comprehended full well, how by killing Zakhertan Yozdek he would be fulfilling his destiny and avenging the countless dead, victimized, wronged, and oppressed citizens of his country and, at the same time, would be robbing the state of the cornerstone of its strength and its best defense. 

By his action he would cast Wenjenkun into utter chaos, during which internal strife would take hold, led chiefly by those three rival contenders, the Yozdek faction, Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren and Minister of Internal Security, Egil Viggoaries’ group, and render the Empire vulnerable to the invading armies of the foreign aggressor, Deng Hedenko, admittedly a greater villain than Zakhertan Yozdek. 

Yet, despite pertinent (relevant) logic, his heart was propelled to wrack vengeance upon Zakhertan Yozdek, if only for Lord Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon; and besides, he was deeply bound by a strong sense of duty, filial piety, and loyalty to his family, they, taking precedence before Wenjenkun.  How, otherwise, could he face his Ancestors, Lord Asger Zhon, Lord Shonne Gulbrand, the real Fradel Rurik Korvald and the countless others who had sacrificed so much to give him this singular chance? 

Nevetsecnuac did not delude himself that he could, by enlisting the support of one of the rival contenders, through the application of ‘the divide-and-conquer strategy’, take over the state as Crown Prince and rightful heir, without the full support of the army and enough of the bureaucrats to administer the state. So entrenched were these three factions, in the fabric of Wenjenkun that any real change would be improbable, not while these cliques retained even the fraction of their power. There would, at best, still be a period of transition during which the contending parties of the Prime Minister, the Eunuch and the Yozdek family, one by one, would have to be put down and, if need be, entirely (rooted out) eradicated.

 Nevetsecnuac knew that, in most perfect scenario, should he survive these ordeals, his reign may well become the briefest Dynasty. He was also mindful (aware), that his precarious scholar disguise (as a Fradel Rurik Korvald) would not last to avail him of another such opportunity.  The pending (imminent) reversal of fortune for literate was fast approaching (near). They would once more become the escape-goat in the blame game for all the ills of society and county. Meanwhile, the burden of vengeance for all those wronged, restless spirits rested solely and squarely on his shoulders, and he alone had been given this one-time rare opportunity to avenge them all and bring the villain Zakhertan Yozdek to justice.

 Could he spare him because the country needed a strong leader to control the precarious state of internal and external (foreign) affairs that was chiefly Zakhertan’s doing in the first place? 

He had sustained this political volatility chiefly to ensure his uninterrupted reign, right down to fostering an incompetent weakling, which was Crown Prince and heir apparent, Herleif.

Things had already been set in motion. The dreaded future of this country being overrun by a foreign aggressor was as inevitable as the dawn of the day. Once Zakhertan Yozdek was dead, whether it was by assassination or just old age, Wenjenkun was fated to be plunged into a struggle for power that would leave it vulnerable for any hostile takeover.  As Nevetsecnuac saw it, he had no other alternative but to fulfill his destiny and abide by ‘Heaven’s Mandate’.  The Yozdek Reign was meant to end at this time. That was surely a ‘Divine Intervention’, at work here; and that is why he’d been lured out prematurely into this vengeful world. Five years would not have made that much of a difference; he knew full well, that is to be the truth now.

It was in this terrible; unresolved state of mind that Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) faced (greeted) the first light of dawn.

 

                                                                        ~

After the morning session of Court and as soon as he had concluded his other obligations and responsibilities of office, Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren in an unorthodox, yet politically astute move, visited the private residence of the Minister of Ceremony, Zaur Stugr, to extend his personal welcome to the illustrious scholar and poet Fradel Rurik Korvald- one that had been chosen particularly by the Sovereign's chief consort and most recent favorite, Sejon.

In keeping with propriety, Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) bowed low and said, "I have been remiss in my duty and have failed to pay my respects upon my arrival in Channing, to you, Your Excellency; to my great shame you have honored me instead, with your visit."

03- PM LAMONT GUDAREN 7-JP

“I am only too happy to do it.” Prime Minister responded in an unusually affectionate tone and smiled; after which, though he was more than twice Fradel Rurik Korvald’s age, Lamont Gudaren bowed his head slightly in return, as measure of his deep respect, to the scholar.

The Prime Minister, with his glib tongue, bestowed his further felicitations and other such pleasantries as they both moved towards the reception chamber.

There, host and guests (all three,) comfortably seated sipped fragrant tea, and, under the guise of a seemingly innocuous, sincere conversation, they gauged each other’s strengths and weaknesses. During this seemingly pleasant exchange of ideas which lasted several hours, Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren, a man of discerning mind, became more and more enthused by the infinite potential he saw in this scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald.

 

“I could reap untold benefits from furthering this scholar.”  He told himself. 

 

Never one to take chances, however, Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren extended his visit of Minister of Ceremony, Zaur Stugr and Illustrious Scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald and stayed for lunch.  During the sumptuous private feast, despite the heavy consumption of wine, tirelessly, yet discreetly, Prime Minister prodded scholar’s mind further, to ascertain that his first impressions about him had been correct.  By the end of his subsequent, though, subtle (shrewd, ingenious) examination, Lamont was unequivocally impressed with the scholar's superior attributes; his eloquence, his outstanding quickness and brilliance of mind, his noble bearing, and exceptional good looks; all these findings had far exceeded the Prime Minister's expectations.

“If Fradel Rurik Korvald had been born to a noble family he would have, most certainly, gone much farther than he had.” Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren mused, looking down and stroking the long, stringy beard that reached his mid-chest.

 

 “But all is not lost; even at this late stage, something can easily be arranged.”  

At that very moment Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren had conceived a plan to utilize the scholar’s full potential by adopting him into his ranks where, as his protégé, he could mold Fradel into the position of greatness he deserved.

“Ah, that is if the political winds do not shift yet again.” But then on second thought Lamont conceded that it would be best to exercise caution and bide his time until Fradel Rurik Korvald had passed His Highness' scrutiny.

“Yes, we will first assess the impression you make on the Emperor, Fradel Rurik Korvald, before we risk all in any venture on your behalf.”

 

Prime Minister was just then given a confidential message; after a quick perusal, despite his reluctance to end the stimulating exchange (conversation) with Fradel, he quickly rose to his feet.  Stating that, “he must return to his office to attend to an urgent matter of the State,” he quickly left.

Seated comfortably within the posh carriage that was hastening away, Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren knitted his brows in ire and mumbled.  “How could things have gotten so out of hand? No doubt about it, Egil Viggoaries has engineered this!  He has played his hand just so, to discredit me.”

 

 

                                                                                ~

 

(END OF SECTION 3) 

 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."

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.

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.

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)