LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL - SECTION 21

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL - SECTION 21

 

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

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

                                                                                       ~

01- STHETOR IMMORTAL (11)JP

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

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

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

"Do-kume..ke..ki... sooonures do …  

mukenoro qu wuuuos…. Hukoressyonner….”

"Kazuuuummm… “

    Behold!

 

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

                                                                           

02-ZONAR - IMMORTAL (3)JP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

03-YOSHIKAN SOUSING NOKUZUK BINCHAN   (5)JP

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

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

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

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

                                                                             

                                                                               ~

 

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

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

Nevetsecnuac had instantly bolted from the bed and now stood in the centre of the room, arms crossed and with feet firmly planted on the carpet. Seeing who the intruder was, obviously quite pleased, he smiled and bowed his head slightly in greeting. "I had hoped for as much. So, you are alive and well.” After a brief scrutiny, Nevetsecnuac nodded: “And you have altered your appearance… You certainly look much younger, without the beard.”

“I’m glad you approve.” Zonar simply grinned.

“Are you here for a rematch, sir?"  Nevetsecnuac getting right to the point, asked.

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

“Then why are you here?”

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

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

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

 

04-ZONAR - IMMORTAL (16)JP

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

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

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

05- NEVETSECNUAC (4)

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

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

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

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

 

(END OF SECTION 21)

 

 

                                                                           ~

LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL - SECTION 19

Suddenly a call from the deep woke Under Secretary Lenny Sukzor and he sat upright with a start. He was drenched in perspiration, uncomfortably so.

"It’s about time you woke up, son of Wushing." the voice resounded in the night.

With certain trepidation Lenny turned to ascertain that his wife was still peacefully asleep by his side.

  

01  -LENNY SUKZOR (12)JP

"Oh, don't worry, no one else can hear me." The familiar voice in the shadows reassured him. "But I can linger only for a spell longer; for that hell hound Dwengzur is sure to pick up my trail."  He threw his head back and laughed boisterously, a sound akin to the rolling thunder.

As Lenny Sukzor quietly rose from his bed, he strained his eyes to see more clearly into the darkness.  

His heart palpitated wildly, suspecting yet refusing to believe what his keen senses were telling him. "Am I dreaming about this? Are you a ghost? Just who are you really, what are you? His murmured questions spilled out as he tried to light the oil lamp on the side table by the bed. "How on earth did you bypass the security?"

"How soon they forget!" the voice plaintively grumbled. "No, I am not a ghost, not yet anyway."  The figure, opting not to use magic, he instead moved nearer to the window and allowed the full moonlight streaming in to reveal his familiar features.

Lenny Sukzor, having finally managed to light the lamp at the same time, had turned and held it before him to illuminate the room. "You!” In his fright (and shock) the lamp nearly dropped from his grasp. For a heartbeat he was dumbfounded, and then found his tongue quickly, "General Zonar Kuntzu, is that really you? But how is this possible? I thought you were…  I mean, I've seen your scorched, mangled corpse."  His eyes widened in disbelief.

"Oh, that!" Zonar Kuntzu shrugged, dismissing it. He then perfunctorily put aside the miniature antique jade cauldron that had for a spell intriqued him and turned to fully face Lenny Sukzor.

02- GENERAL ZONAR KUNTZU - IMMORTAL (36)JP

"You could call the (corpse) remains an empty shell, a duplicate of sorts, for want of a better word. It’s a small trick I’ve acquired, from my father’s…mm; anyhow it was the only means with which to escape catastrophe; hah, I sure deceived that demon Dwengzur."  The last sentence Zonar’d half grumbled to himself.

Seeing Lenny Sukzor's puzzlement, he grimaced. "But never mind all that, it will take far too long for me to explain it in layman's terms."  He dismissed it with a wave of his hand.

“So, you're a magician (conjurer) as well.” Lenny thought.

"You might say that." Zonar, reading the other’s mind, again turned to face him squarely (fullfrontal).

"Then Dwengzur, he, too, is", Lenny Sukzor masked his amazement as he sought this confirmation, only to be interrupted by an impatient Zonar.

"Yes, yes. That kinsman of mine sought to destroy me, and very nearly succeeded too."

"But why? And where is he now? None have seen him since the combat." Lenny Sukzor asked anxiously, more concerned about Zonar. Now he understood the chance he was taking by being with him.

"Rest assured, he's far away; gone to give a full report to his masters. He believed that his mission was a success and that he had destroyed (slayed) me. As you can see, I’m unharmed, for the time being, that is."  Zonar mumbled this last bit to himself as he shrugged and looked away and then donned a mordant smile as he glanced at an unspecific, ambiguous point in the void and, knowingly winked.

                                                                           ~  

Within the deep cavern of a high elevation, in that remote, eternally (perpetually) permafrost region .... the image and the unfolding scene on the wall, had just then ceased (halted).                          

Several assembled immortals previously cold, unfeeling eyes suddenly flamed. Their inquisitive gazes one by one then turned to silently admonish Dwengzur: “So, you have failed after all! And now look how he is stirring up even more trouble!”

“Why didn’t we send proficient ‘Exterminators’ to do this job in the first place, instead of Dwengzur?” Sthetor could not resist needling (provoking) Elder Yuntak, even though he knew the reason why. He was, however, duly ignored.

“I do not understand it. I performed the sacred ritual that should have ended his existence, double or no double.” Dwengzur's eyes flashed gold, and his brow furrowed, as he inwardly mused (questioned the air).

03- DWENGZUR (29)JP

“Yet here it is. The stark reality stretched out before us, mocking us. Did you see how he turned just then, after saying you believed that your mission was a success and that you had destroyed (slayed) him; he looked straight at us with a sardonic smile and winked! No mistakes in that! That upstart has deceived you well, and good, Dwengzur. No wonder he has the audacity to taunt us. Worst still, you let Nevetsecnuac, Zandar Kuntzu’s and Tekubzan’s grandson, their twin daughter, Arnora’s kid, slip through your fingers as well.  This is all, your fault…You have botched it…. This is inexcusable!”  In unison, they reproachfully glared at Dwengzur. This whole race of immortals was intolerant of any failure, least of all, any weakness. Dwengzur stood on the threshold of extermination or far worse.

“You're all imagining it!” Dwengzur had protested it at first only to have acquiesced a moment later. “Still, it is conceivable. I should not have left Channing so soon afterwards. Had I lingered a bit longer, I would have anew picked up his trace (or life force) and also wizened to Prince Nevetsecnuac’s true bloodline. Though he is supposed to be half immortal, he has no special powers… None that I could detect.” Dwengzur gritted his teeth, not at all pleased with the way he had been tricked by both uncle and nephew.

Dwengzur rose sharply and first reverently bowed to Aegeus, then mutely (noiselessly) addressed the elders, “I respectfully request that, before you pass any judgment on me, I be given another chance to set things right. This, I believe, is my prerogative.”  He turned next and looked directly at the venerable elder Aegeus with an unwavering coolness that commanded respect.

“Now you are insolent! Even such a brief stay in the outside world has so utterly contaminated you.”  After this projected chastisement from Elder Tibek, all heads turned to Aegeus to gauge his reaction.

“Nevertheless, you do have that right.” Elder Bovets responded coolly. “Shall we give Dwengzur another chance, then? Or would it not be wiser to send someone else in his place, someone more assured to have greater success?”

“And risk contaminating yet another?” Elder Tibek, seated at the far back, projected his concern.

All the while eminent Elder Aegeus had ruminated (brooded, sulked); his mind closed to all save one, to whom he now communicated his wishes.

“Is there no other way?” The recipient, His Eminence Olavingemar from the most ancient branch of Kongrul of the Race of Karn, telepathically asked.

“I understand your hesitation sir, as he is your grandson.” Stheltor’s projected thought just then interjected, directed at Olavingemar.

04-STHETOR IMMORTAL (8)JP

Stheltor’s insolent meddling, plus sham (bogus) empathy, peeved (irked) Aegeus. His strong dislike of Stheltor was a grave concern to him.

“I’m afraid not.” Aegeus, nevertheless, mastering his ire and totally ignoring Sheltor’s rude intrusion, shook his head addressing directly and only Olavingemar. “Considering the fact that our very own existence is in peril, we must do all we can to stem or, if we cannot, amend this damaging course.”

Stheltor yet again, soundlessly addressing the assembled elders, brazenly interceded: “We know Nevetsecnuac also carries the royal blood of Shon Alric Therran Valamir, and he being bent on vengeance, his actions could destabilize Wenjenkun;  Zonar meanwhile, is very much involved with Korion’s politics and welfare; can we not just this once put aside our non-interference laws and trap and execute key culprit Zonar? If not through use of “Exterminators”, then, by simply placing Korion’s Sovereign Yoshikan Sousing Nokuzuk Binchan’s welfare in jeopardy?”

“What audacity, you have Stheltor; how dare you even entertain breaching one of our sacred laws?” Elder Tibek was quicker than the rest, in telepathically reprimanding Stheltor.

05- ELDER TIBEK (WHITE WOLF) IMMORTAL (16)JP

“You may now consult the Cosmos.” Aegeus, ignoring the tumult, firmly, clairvoyantly, commanded Stheltor.

 Sthetor complying (obeying), turned his mind inward then plumbed (completely) to the universe; as he did this, his physical body then underwent a drastic change to become spectral.

After a lengthy meditative state, his ethereal form once more returned to the norm. At which point, he simply shook his head.

The governing body of Elders, with their projected thoughts in unison, pressed him to speak his mind.

Prolonging his response to them, “It is not a question of you going back,” Sthetor addressed Dwengzur directly, telepathically, in a measured, even tone. “Nor is your competence being in doubt, after all, you had no way of knowing.”

“Knowing what, respected Elder?” Dwengzur instinctively asked.

Sthetor, indifferent to Dwengzur's inquiry and his subsequent thoughts, turned instead, to address

Aegeus privately, “You were quite right in your supposition sir; I had just now found out when I consulted the Heavens that things are precisely, as they should be. Zonar is destined to transform at earth-years of thirty-three and gain that ability. Unfortunately for us, this will make handling him much harder. Elder Aegeus, you must prepare yourself for that eventual confrontation, for when he comes to destroy us, only you have the means and genetic disposition, to effectively stop him or, more precisely, terminate him. In the interim, there is no harm in trying to postpone or initiate plans for altering (modifying) even a little bit, this dire outcome. I say we give Dwengzur another opportunity; if for nothing else, but to buy us valuable time. Per chance he succeeds, well and good, if not, then it will be all up to you, reverent sir, for only you

possess that apt (pertinent) potential to annihilate Zonar.”                                                                         

“I’m sorry I brought such trouble to you, my friend.” Olavingemar projected his sincere apology to Aegeus.

06- ELDER AEGEUS

 

But Aegeus’s mind was focused on Sthetor’s words, “Zonar is destined to transform at earthyears of thirty-seven, then fully gain that ability at forty.” Then he used the words, “Genetic disposition?”  “How much did he see?” Aegeus simply shook his head and again restraining his indignation at this ambitious upstart Sthetor, for he was partially right, focused his attention on the current, pressing concern. Aegeus knew all too well what was at stake here, for while

Nevetsecnuac was the grandson; Zonar happened to be the surviving, immortal twin son of Chandor (Zandar Kuntzu) and Lady Tekubzan. While doubts lessened Nevetsecnuac’s threat to them, it could not be said the same for Zonar. He had inherited the full special gene pool particular to royal lineage from his father Chandor, who was the secret son of Aegeus.As a result, Aegeus’s grandson Zonar would soon possess the unique ability to, at will, transform into a living, breathing Dragon.

This ability manifested at the earth years of thirty-seven or forty. Aegeus’s renegade son Zandar Kuntzu had been successfully terminated well before that time, when Chandor (Zandar Kuntzu) had just turned thirty. The contemporary (present) threat was due to Zonar’s impending (fast approaching) birthday where he would be of that threatening age.

(END OF SECTION 19) 

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 31

Had Disaidun Agripe known what really was at stake, how many conditions were to be added to the end of his statement, she would have (fled as if her life depended on it) run and kept on running.  Imagining only the best, however, she again thanked him profusely and promised, "Oh, you'll see how appreciative I can be."

01-DISAIDUN AGRIPE JP 23

Then she remembered the other condition and asked. "What was the second thing you wished me to do?"

"Oh, nothing particularly hard.” he smiled.  "You know the situation we face."

 He waited to hear her answer, then gave an entirely different account as to the reasons behind the anticipated, armed assault.

There were just two grains of truth in this fiction (story) he fed her: one, the foe in the pursuing vessel was fast gaining on them and two, the expected engagement would be at noon of the following day as soon as the fog had lifted.

 "Your part in all of this will be is, to guard the entrance to the cabins on the lower decks, when the assault starts.  You will be, of course, positioned behind a strong, impenetrable barricade and though it is highly doubtful that anyone could break through, in the likelihood that they do, it will be your responsibility to intercept (block) them."

"It is then my task to protect the Scholar Norek," she strove to impress Zunrogo but was met with a blank stare.

Disaidun Agripe obviously had no inkling of the scholar's importance or his identity.  "Why do you ask?"  He was curious to find out how she arrived at her notion.

Her answer was expectedly, tritely dull.  "Oh, I’d just overheard Captain Doku whispering something about him to another shipmate.  The rest of their conversation, beyond his name, was incomprehensible, I’m afraid.  I have also noticed how vigilant you and that big fellow Tizan are in guarding him.  I don't wish to pry (meddle), but is Norek's life in danger from these pursuers?"  She still pushed, even though she knew better.

 

"Let’s just say that his work is highly controversial and offensive to some crude individuals, whose ill-breeding overhaul (outstrip) their aesthetic sense." Zunrogo brushed her question away, with a wave of his hand.

Disaidun Agripe did not buy any of this but wisely desisted pursuing the matter. “There will be ample time in future, to understand his reasons for this deception.” She falsely believed.

"Of course, you must be armed.  Are you adept (capable) in handling swords, and also, the crossbow?  Perhaps you may prefer a machete or an axe at close quarters."

"I have been trained in all of them." she boasted.  "I will use whatever you think is best."

"I think the crossbow will be more ideal in stopping those, capable enough to breach the barricade.  You can also utilize a knife, if it’s warranted, in such close quarters."

"And what of the other entrance?" she asked, trying to impress him.

When Zunrogo looked at her sharply she beamed, sure she had one up on him, "The secret passage, behind the bookcase, in Captain's cabin?"

But Zunrogo robbed her of any further satisfaction when he laughed knowingly and nodded, "You are a resourceful girl, aren't you?"

 Meeting his stern gaze, she abashed, cast her eyes down. As Disaidun Agripe indulged herself in the luxury of self-reproach, incensed Zunrogo, made a mental note to have Tizan take care of that crucial detail that had escaped them both.

"You need not worry about that secret passage.  It has long been secured well and proper."  He lied, after his prolonged scrutiny of her.

Her cheeks had flushed crimson (cherry red) under his burning stare but, even though all her senses were alerting her, she chose to believe otherwise.

 

Zunrogo could now afford to be magnanimous.

"Good.", he finally broke his silence. His eyes were unmistakably soft and affectionate, at odds with his cold, forced smile. 

"Then I would say for now, our business is concluded."  Nevertheless, he remained reluctant to dismiss her outright.

His mixed signals made her shift uneasily into her seat.  Disaidun did not wish to go either; furthermore, she hoped that he would ask her to stay.  Her worst fear was that he would reject her.

She watched him rising to his feet, and after fetching the jug on the night table, (which was set aside for him to indulge in just before sleep,) breaking the seal then pouring himself a cupful. It gladdened her heart, when he took the trouble to pour on for her as well, and then quietly (in silence) placed one of the cups on the table in front of her.

His burrowing (investigating) eyes were fixed on her, as they drank their alcoholic brew (beverage, draft) in long prolonged sips, his expression all the while, frustratingly unreadable.

By now Disaidun Agripe was on the brink of letting her passion explode.

Zunrogo looking away, smiled knowingly, and after another sip, simply put his cup down and slightly leaned forward.

"Perhaps we can now talk of more pleasant things." He said softly as his hand reaching forward, his fingers lightly tapped (pat) the top of her hand; Zunrogo’s implied suggestion, stole her breath away.

02- ZUNROGO TUGO JP 5

 Disaidun did not pull her hand away, nor did she reject him when he next took her hand into his and this time, gently squeezed it; instead, she shut her eyes and let the thrilling, warm sensation envelop her (swathe her). She told herself that she had longed for this moment from the instant she had laid eyes on him, that she was a willing participant in whatever he desired and that, whole-heartedly, she also desired him.

 

                                                                                ~

 

When the fervent, immoral interlude was over, Disaidun Agripe beamed in delight, truly believing Zunrogo's affections had come straight from his heart.  She may have suspected otherwise had he tried to steal the letter from her bodice and, had he done so, she was not altogether certain she could have found the strength to refuse him.  Fortunately, he had made no such attempt.

 

Tizan, when he was now escorting her back to her cabin, masking his umbrage, had remained surprisingly civil in his treatment of her. 

 

Of course earlier while she’d slept peacefully in Captain’s bed, Tizan summoned to Zunrogo’s presence, in the next room were summarily briefed about the slight changes in their plan: that furthermore, Disaidun Agripe (Miss Jepipi), had now been temporarily recruited to (abridge, fill-in) secure the gap in their defenses created by Frastos and Briac's absences and, even though her contribution was negligible (insignificant) at best, it was nonetheless necessary.

Tizan had also been (commanded) ordered to say nothing, to run no interference, but to keep her under scrutiny (a watch) as she waved her net of deception over her husband and set the wheels of (destiny) destruction in motion.

 

                                                                                 ~

 

Once the secret entrance from the deceased Captain Doku's quarters had been effectively barricaded from within, Zunrogo quickly climbed above deck to assess the work Tizan had completed. 

He smiled in satisfaction, seeing that all the traps had been properly set in the key positions according to his exact specifications and that the fortifications on deck were all solidly reinforced to encompass the required parameters of stress.

That afternoon, both Zunrogo and Tizan, furthermore, had jointly concluded the last leg of the preparations by erecting below decks the barricade that would be Disaidun Agripe’s (Miss Jepipi's) duty to defend, leaving only one passage that would be sealed later from the inside. 

                                                                                          ~

 

Now that all the necessary preparations were concluded (finished, done) and the vessel had been made completely battle-ready, Zunrogo next went to the mast and, as Doku (had he been alive,) would have done at this point, hoisted the red flag with the single white star enclosed within an equilateral diamond.  Their pursuers would interpret this, as the “all clear” signal that they have been expecting.

As they watched the pennant hanging limp in the mist, Zunrogo took a few moments to update (apprise) Tizan of another revision to his prior plan; that, he intended on apprehending the culprit Lance Diostin alive, but gave no explanation, whatsoever, for the reason for this last-minute amendment.

 The outcome of the battle would determine whether-or-not, Zunrogo could risk taking his Lieutenant Tizan into total confidence; it was still too early for him to expose his actual intentions, should Tizan prove unworthy or, was somehow captured.

03- -TZAN JP

Tizan, of course, sensing that there was more at stake here than met the eye but, at the same time, knowing it would be fruitless to press Zunrogo for answers, remained reticent (taciturn, quiet). Tizan was confident that, even if in future Zunrogo didn’t oblige him with an apt answer, he could still, with his resourcefulness, resolve this mystery.

 

(END OF SECTION 31)

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 5

01-NEVETS ARRIVING AT  THE REMOTE CHECKPOINT

At sundown Nevetsecnuac without incidence crossed the remote border checkpoint and entered the Capital province of Holger. The nearby town still to be reached, at a secluded spot at the edge of a dense forest, he dismounted his horse and then donned his scholar's robes, afterwards he traveled at some speed at the main highway. That evening and few evenings after that he’d stayed at modest, respectable inns and hostels, chiefly to rest his mare, buy some supplies and to gather (pertinent) reconnaissance information from the seemingly friendly locals.

At first, unlike the other provinces, he’d found Holger to be prospering, with citizens contented and not lacking in comfort or being out of sorts; beneath the seemingly pervading peaceful order and opulent facade, however, he could sense that something sinister and evil lurked that bolted shut every dissident's mouth. And when he discretely and relentlessly delved deeper into internal matters and the existing facts, Nevetsecnuac uncovered, true enough, ugly manipulation, wide-spread corruption among the officials, appalling misery, and vast enslavement of the seemingly normal populous. 

02- MARKETPLACE AT SUBURB TOWN IN HOLGER PROV.2

Nevetsecnuac’s soul became further beset (burdened, tormented) with wearying (draining) despair, understanding the fact that even at this furthest periphery, the stranglehold of (Usurper Zakhertan Yozdek’s) stringent rules of law and the draconian penalties, all enforced under the (guise) masked miasma of propriety (aptness, decency), solidly dictated every facet of each citizen’s life. Enslaved by the eternal, numbing fear coursing through their veins, the unfortunate masses, even those rare would-be dissidents, consequently had their mouths permanently bolted shut, despite the fact that their subsistence were far worse than any imagined torture in Hell; moreover, Nevetsecnuac understood that he had to harden his heart for ahead, lay, a  portended, graver conditions, far worse villainy, and abominations.

                                                                                      ~

 Meanwhile, in response to his inquiry as to which course to take to reach the Capital City, the river route was pointed out to him, time and again, as being the most preferred and pleasurable of alternatives.

Though admittedly a bit slower, for the Yawjun River meandered widely and was subject to occasional storms, the magnificent scenery along its course fostered (cultivated, nourished) every scholar's, poet's and artist's soul and the comfortable lodgings provided by the charter boats more than compensated for this slight inconvenience.

 Nevetsecnuac, for the sake of expediency, opted instead for the faster land route and, late that afternoon, at the outskirts of town, at a secluded spot behind the hill, further down the road, he allowed the mare to graze briefly on the tall, lush grass, as he once more changed back into his regular traveling clothes then secured the scholar's garb in the luggage bundle behind his saddle.

03- NEVETSECNUAC

After two days journey, once more ignoring the last well-meaning innkeeper’s counsel, (a short, plump, middle aged man called Huisun, who had taken a liking to Nevetsecnuac and had genuinely tried his best to deter him from taking the hazardous course as this was the worst season for such a daring undertaking), Nevetsecnuac, digressed from the main highway, to continue (via) by way of short-cut route.

The direction he was headed traversed the most dangerous Yokono Mountains, a range of peaks of various heights, some of which towered to touch the Heavens, that stretched away far to the south-east. Eventually the trail would meet up with the more frequented, safer, and civilized roundabout route by the river.  By rights, Huisun's apprehension was well (founded) warranted for, even in a good season, the path was marred (marked) by the skeletal remains of those, however competent, which had chosen not to pay heed to the warnings and were never seen or heard from again.

Naturally the locals who lived in the shadows of the Yokono range firmly believed in the superstition of the evil, wayward mountain spirits that dwelt in the abundant caves and deep caverns.

These nefarious spirits supposedly perpetually preyed on the unsuspecting souls of travelers, driving them to madness then suicide, if they per chance, miraculously survived (avoided succumbing to) nature’s numerous lethal traps and the predatory beasts that in profusion, inhabited the mountain slopes.

 Accordingly, the Mountain God of the Yokono, Choron, received many offerings from those who lived at the edge of the foothills and was often called upon to preserve the inhabitants from various malefactions which they perceived may, at any time, descend upon them from the mountains to inflict injury and spread terror.

04- MONSTERS AND MALEVOLENT SPIRITS

  ~

 

The first leg (part) of this journey was uneventful (without incidence), even tedious for Nevetsecnuac, then, with a drastic change in the weather, gale winds swept across the foothills as incessant, torrential rains lasting for weeks on end, drummed on his head; the deluge washing the slopes clean and creating mud traps and fatal rockslides.

Despite these (occurring) scores of obstacles in his path, Nevetsecnuac relentlessly pushed on, endeavoring to cover as much ground as possible on any given day. Subsequently he reached the segment where the towering range on both sides hastened the dusk. Here the overhead broad-leafed trees shielded Nevetsecnuac from most of the downpours, but this was a mixed blessing for they also enveloped him in an oppressive darkness in which the air increasingly grew stagnant.

In this eerie, foreboding atmosphere, due to copious annual precipitation, the soft rocks of the mountainside had been carved into grotesque shapes, while lush green vegetation habitually choked the already precarious paths.

Underneath, an abundance of creepy, crawly insects, legless, slippery reptiles with fangs and venomous amphibians (frogs) posed yet another sort of danger. Meanwhile, the multitude of dark caves, crevices slimy with moss, and the huge, forbidding caverns that held wild, predatory inhabitants frequently tested Nevetsecnuac's prowess when he had to contest with them for the night's shelter (accommodations), though by preference, he avoided inflicting on them any serious harm.

 Incredibly, after the next stretch, the topography, and the atmosphere both underwent a drastic change; there were now plenitude of gushing streams, abundant picturesque, roaring waterfalls crowned in mist, tingling, gurgling brooks in their plenitude intermingling with the drumming rain and obsessive wind.

Periodic streaks of sunlight brushed, the dancing, fleshy, provocative leaves, swaying, tempting branches in a lugubrious symphony enrapturing one in a magical air, delighting the senses to their fullest and giving one, in fact, a false sense of security and serenity.

The ever-present dangers from the majestic, possessive Yokono mountain peaks towering overhead, meanwhile, perpetually glowering, threatened to at any given moment to inflict havoc on the unsuspecting, lulled trespasser who dared to violate this sanctimonious ground.

With so many treacherous traps just waiting to claim him in a wink, could Nevetsecnuac be expected to escape them all, unscathed?  Hence, in one moment's inattention because of a spooked horse, Nevetsecnuac (while leading the horse), nearly did in fact succumb to the ravenous appetite of a precipitous drop.

 One catastrophe begetting another, that same instant the horse's hind left leg got trapped in a collapsed crevice, Nevetsecnuac losing his footing, had slipped on the moss covering the just then loosened rock and unavoidably went right over the edge. He managed to slow the speed of his descent and arrested (halted) his further plunge, by grasping at the roots and vines hanging from the top, till he eventually secured his footing on a protruding rock ledge. Tethered precariously (by still holding the roots), he looked down to (see) catch the accompanying mossy rocks and clumps of muddy earth, as well as the ridge, in a blink disappear into the hazy abyss.

Up above the spooked mare trotted and neighed uneasily as she tried to liberate her hind leg from the entrapment in the solid segment of the path, unwittingly however, creating an extra dire situation, by loosening (dislodging) still more earth and rock.

With the skill and agility of a monkey, Nevetsecnuac, in nick of time hauled himself up to safety to dispel the blindfolded mount's fears, before the beast did irrevocable damage to herself. 

A careful examination of the rescued leg revealed the mare's ankle bones to be intact, though the muscle and skin around it was slightly swollen from bruising and superficial lacerations. Nevetsecnuac tended to this best he could.

Later, as Nevetsecnuac and mare, ascended to greater heights, the unusually sweltering temperatures and torrential rains created a permanent miasma that, compounded with the thin air consistent with these high altitudes, further constrained the lungs to the degree of belaboring their advance.  Sorely missing the cold, refreshing temperatures, Nevetsecnuac looked up longingly to the summits in the hope of tracing the expected margin of snow, but his vision was obscured by the crowning mist that descended all the way down to converge with the rising fog and steam from the mantled valleys below.  Nevertheless, tirelessly advancing along the middle ground in this ambiance, if it was not for the stony, thorny path, Nevetsecnuac could have quite easily imagined that he was treading on clouds in mid-air.

                                            ~                                       

 Dealing with the ever-present persistent dangers from the roaming predatory beasts and slithering serpents (or poisonous reptilians underbrush) by day and nocturnal animals, birds (bats) and biting insects at night, eventually on a descending course, Nevetsecnuac trailed the narrow ledge that had been carved into the mountain with one side having the rising peaks decked with ancient, towering trees with huge, wide trunks with heights reaching up to the clouds while on the other side again a steep precipice dropping to a bottomless abyss.  Despite this, leading the blindfolded horse by the reins, he successfully negotiated these countless perilous turns this way and that, to reach the more favorable plateau.

Advancing at this more lenient segment, once on a rare cloudless day, in the absence of rain, mist and fog, Nevetsecnuac, with unobstructed vision, witnessed the unfolding glory of the most magnificent, panoramic, breathtaking view that had all along eluded him.  Looking beyond the frolicking, rainbow-colored birds; Nevetsecnuac elatedly then, had traced the now visible river Yawjun carving a snaking vein through a deep valley thousands of feet down.

The worst part of the journey finally behind them, in this more moderate climate, man and mount trailed in more leisured pace the stony pathway flanked by thick vegetation and strange, broad-leafed trees; thus enjoying, the branches bedecked with budding blossoms swaying gently in the breeze that fanned them. The delicate fragrant air softly caressing his face, Nevetsecnuac, delightfully lent an ear to the melodious thrilling of songbirds as they were busily building nests. Fully appreciating nature's exquisite beauty, which enchanted and enthralled his senses, he paused frequently to assimilate it all as his eyes observed in delight the industrious, buzzing bees happily converging on the pistils of blossoms, the flippant, fluttering, frail butterflies contesting in beauty with the host flowers, and the droning, intrusive insects encircling the air in peaceful coexistence with the furry, fuzzy, frolicking animals in full celebration of life.

In the ensuing days his heart burst in excitement, his head in fanciful clouds, Nevetsecnuac bounced his steps joyfully on the petal strewn pathway that gradually straightened, flattened, and widened as it converged with the more moderate route (trail, segment, road).

The undulated slopes surrounding this dell hemmed in by jagged peaks in parts were densely forested, portending still a multitude of concealed dangers.  However, this did not raise the least concern in Nevetsecnuac. Nearing the end of his dried rations, he scavenged for some delectable mushrooms, wild berries and dug up some edible roots for sustenance. Intoxicated with nature's beauty for the first time since he had embarked on this long, arduous journey, he had only now permitted himself the luxury of such serendipity.

 In that brief respite he had ceased to exist, the all-encompassing, enchanting nature possessed his soul and his weightless body floated on the warm, fragrant breeze.

07- NEVETSECNUAC

The colors, enhanced by the sun's brilliant rays, grew in intensity brighter and brighter still till he was almost blinded.  Indistinct patterns of all shapes and forms danced next, in front of his eyes as swirling lines created by swaying branches and the flight patterns of insects simultaneously drew iridescent, incoherent messages for him in the air.

 Dizziness overcoming him, he reclined spread eagle on the plush, wet, multicolored carpet and, for a moment, closed his eyes in repose.

But no sooner had he done so than he felt the cold, sharp edge of a blade pressed firmly against his bare throat.  Opening his eyes with a start, he saw before him the glaring face of Zonar.

"We've some unfinished business, you and I," he sneered icily, his one knee pressed firmly, squarely on Nevetsecnuac's chest.

"I said we'll be meeting again.  How is it you're still caught unaware?" he asked, mockingly and, throwing his head back, laughed uproariously before answering his own question…"But perhaps not this early, eh?"

 

(END OF SECTION 5)