12- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE PORTENDED PERIL - SECTION 5

Last two or three days, Nevetsecnuac’s emotional and mental dilemma had intensified to a crescendo (climaxed), particularly as the day of summons had drawn near; fortunately for him, unspecified official concerns had kept his keenly observant and solicitous host Zaur Stugr far too busy, allowing Nevetsecnuac hence, bit respite from the tiresome, social obligations.

01- FRADEL RURIK KORVALD (NEVETSECNUAC ) 17)JP

Recalling just then the special unopened package, a keepsake tribute gift from the Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren’s offices, (a traditional/ceremonial court attire) delivered last night, Nevetsecnuac as a means of distracting his mind, summoned the Steward Cholden and asked him to bring it forth. If his conjecture were on the mark (spot on), he would then be obliged to, for propriety’s sake, don this array (garb) the day after tomorrow.

As anticipated, the (part armour) elaborate apparel fit Nevetsecnuac perfectly. Upon trying on the cape (cloak) though, he found out that it needed just one slight (minor) adjustment, to make the fit precise. This (alteration) he did it himself without (ado) moment’s hesitation; however, as he was adjusting one of the facets (module) of the cuff clasp as it was set too tight and had to be loosened a notch, unavoidably an invisible prong (spike) just then pricked his wrist and drew miniscule amount of blood. It was such an insignificant drop that neither he nor anyone else paid any heed (attention) to it.

Once Nevetsecnuac was donned in this magnificent and exquisitely constructed (labor intensive) finery that was a work of art, his impressive form caused all his attendants to gasp in awe. They gazed at him admiringly, their mouths agape, and with a glint of envy in their eyes.

Nevetsecnuac was far from pleased or flattered by this magnificent gift; however, mindful of the ravaging, rampant poverty, and the savage oppression of the citizens of Wenjenkun; he was dismayed to, even for a short span (spell), become a party to this decadent sort of extravagance.

02- FRADEL (NEVETSECNUAC)  DONS THE GIFT GARMENT JP 8

Nevertheless, after studying his resplendent form in the full-length brass mirror with unreadable (masked) expression (on his face), with a huff of derision, as this was in keeping with his scholar’s persona, Nevetsecnuac signaled for steward Cholden to help him get it off (undress). This done, the garment was quickly and lightly brushed, reverently and neatly folded, and then swiftly taken away to be stored, until future use.

That afternoon shortly after lunch, feeling more stifled by the soft, plush surroundings and the ever-vigilant beehive (whirlwind) of activity of the attendants trying to anticipate his every wish or whim, Nevetsecnuac strove to get away from it all, to release the pent-up energy coursing in his veins. But despite his ardent desire to leave the complex entirely, he did not venture far, not wishing to compound Steward Cholden’s burdens. As it were, before the assiduous (diligent) and affable Minister, Zaur Stugr had taken his leave earlier on at dawn, he had informed Nevetsecnuac that on his return at dusk, he had wished to acquaint him (Fradel Rurik Korvald) with a special, distinguished friend of his, who had been away. It was to be a token of Zaur’s appreciation of Fradel Rurik Korvald’s rare talents, his most esteemed, illustrious guest.

“It will be quite rare and most memorable treat.” Zaur, turning his head and smiling enigmatically had then reasserted, just before he had stepped inside his carriage.

Nevetsecnuac presently brushing all thought aside, leisurely or at times briskly, strolled through the complex structure of the joint gardens; after an hour this too however, had proven less than satisfactory. Moreover, he suspected that he was flushed in face and despite the fresh air, felt unusually stifled (strangulated, asphyxiated, short of breath) with the heavy, constrictive (oppressive) sensation increasingly taking hold in his chest cavity. Thinking that his discomfort was from the derivative of the intense heat from the burning rays of the cloudless mid-day sun, still permeating despite the tall, dense foliage and numerous ponds and waterfalls dotting the gardens, Nevetsecnuac opted to take a brief refuge in the library, which was a vast complex that included in it a perfectly harmonious private study. More importantly, the massive set of buildings that were nestled in the Northern sector of the complex, were structurally designed, and partially submerged in ground, to always remain temperate all year round.

Once there, Nevetsecnuac quickly dismissed the guards and all the servants to the outer chamber (hallway) anteroom, resolved as he was to indulge his weary (fatigued) senses the gratifying respite and delightful quietude up until his host had returned and he was, unavoidably cast once more into the tumultuous, murky world of the upper crust (high society). Longing now more than ever to reaffirm his old beliefs, he sought out and summarily retrieved a three-volume compiled literary works, which had often in the past been referred to by his uncle and mentor, Lord Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon. Thence, in the bosom of the towering shelves stacked with rare and expensive volumes, seated comfortably in a plush chair, Nevetsecnuac excluded the present world from his (conscious) mind and strove to absorb himself in the wondrous, heroic times of old, at the same time encompassing the eternal teachings and anecdotes of the ancients. Surely enough, these rare compilations before long exuded such power that they cast their spell on him, and he felt strangely enough placated in his heart, mind, and soul.

                                                                                                                ~ 

03-  ZAUR STUGR JP (5)JP

                                                                                

Zaur Stugr having finally efficiently dealt with all the pressing pertinent matters on the day’s agenda, sought and gained permission from the Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren to return to his residence early, to tend to his guest. He was eager to leave office for, since morning he had felt in the crux of his being a certain premonition, a foreboding, and a trepidation of sorts, that something unforeseen and perilous would (might) happen before the day’s end; even though, in view of the high stakes, he had already taken every precaution and left nothing to chance. Before leaving at dawn for his offices he had even cautioned (warned) his staff, especially his steward Cholden and the bodyguards that had been assigned to Fradel Rurik Korvald for the duration of his stay at Zaur’s residence, to be extra vigilant this day; hence, there really was no reason, no foundation for his anxiety. Hadn’t things gone without a hitch thus far? Tomorrow’s appointment with Ronterron Zuke should pass without trouble as well. Then, why was he being so edgy? The day after the summons (scholar’s audience with Sovereign), Fradel Rurik Korvald’s welfare no longer a priority concern, things should revert to normal at home.

Zaur inwardly therefore huffed (snorted), admonishing self for being too overcautious, as he entered his carriage and headed straight for home. Never an idle moment, he picked up but then put aside the document that he had taken along with him to later examine (peruse) in closer scrutiny; then pulling aside the curtain, he peered at the outside to steady his nerves and through distraction (diversion), curtail this persistent sense of disquiet that had beleaguered him even now. Since it failed to work, Zaur sat back and directed his attention instead on scholar Fradel’s most recent enigmatic conduct; this brought (dawned) a temporary pleasant smile to his lips. Subsequently however, his brows knit reflecting on, how the compiled report (dossier) on the scholar Fradel up until then had been entirely unsatisfactory. These last few days’ extra effort and intense probing had also proven fruitless; nevertheless, Zaur had the sense that he had, but barely, scratched the surface and that Fradel Rurik Korvald was by far, the most intriguing and complex individual than he led on. Meanwhile, having taken a strong liking to Fradel, Zaur knew that he would at future time, (on his own initiative,) on pretext, secure a much lengthier visit with the Illustrious Scholar, to thoroughly enjoy his company; and seizing the right opportunity then, when Fradel being on his own turf therefore more open and laidback, penetrate the Scholar’s enigmatic mantle, to accurately (discover) pinpoint the hidden layers of Fradel’s innate nature. Zaur again (through the slit,) absently watching the crowds pass by, pondered on this plan a while longer.

04- COWDS IN CHANNING

Normally Zaur did not like to have any unresolved issues left lingering (hanging) about; everything had to be with precision, quickly and neatly wrapped up (perfectly ratified). As patience had never been one of his virtues, his heightened curiosity had even prompted him to consider taking a drastic action; but then on afterthought, he had relented and aborted this course. Currently, Zaur looking away, shook his head. He would refrain from taking any drastic action; not unless Fradel Rurik Korvald could be recruited. There was really no point in pursuing this matter any further; besides which, he had scarcely any time for it. The present political uncertainty and his busy schedule left little leeway for such indulgences. Letting go wishful thoughts therefore, Zaur shrugged. This day was ending and, fortunately, nothing unforeseen had happened thus far or he would have been informed of it. The night’s planned merriment should pass quickly also without undue incident. Thankfully, the fiendish eunuch Egil Viggoaries had already departed the Capital on a mysterious errand. Taking succinct (brief) mental stock of two major future vengeful ploys that had already been instigated, Zaur Stugr’s mouth formed into a snarl and then, with a lightened heart and a complacent grin he again eased his back into the plush cushions of his carriage that, in part, buffeted the bumpy ride.

Before long, having arrived at his mansion Zaur, armed with the rare gift he had commissioned a while back, alighted from his carriage and with sure footing entered the guest quarters. Steward Cholden, greeting his master Zaur Stugr and being handed the gift to carry could not conceal (hide) his surprise. Noting this, “What is it?” eagle-eyed Zaur impatiently (irritably) in his sonorous voice demanded, as he was headed straight to the library, being informed that that’s where Fradel Rurik Korvald was at presently.

“I beg your pardon, sir, and please don’t think me too presumptuous, when I say that you are being overly generous.”  Cholden, who had been in Zaur’s service for an exceptionally long time, unable to conceal the tone of jealousy (envy) in his voice, answered with a bow. He was about to add more when Zaur, sensing (alerted) something was gravely wrong, abruptly halted his stride, turned and, cutting Cholden off with a sharp gesture of his hand, barked, “What on earth (nonsense) are you babbling about?”  Before the head steward that was taken back could recollect himself enough to give any response, Zaur had spun around and hastened on ahead.

05- FRIGHTENED STUART WHO ALMOST HAS A RUN IN WITH ZAUR

Zaur Stugr in his haste, almost has a near run-in with the panic-stricken young Stuart Tolen, who had just a moment’s before confronted the dreaded scene and, ashen faced, had rushed straight outside to seek help from the guards. Earlier, shocked to the core, he had dropped the tray he had been carrying, the contents, strewn all over, irreparably damaging the rare antique carpet where which collapsed, unconscious figure of Fradel Rurik Korvald lay.

Zaur Stugr entering the room, took in these details immediately but as (since) there was little time for reprimand or reprisal, acting on impulse, on his (Zaur’s) brusque orders, Fradel Rurik Korvald’s comatose body was at once hastily carried over to his room and he was gingerly placed (laid) atop of his bed. Since the resident physician had been sent for already, Zaur Stugr to the best of his ability tried to revive Fradel Rurik Korvald. On his directive cold (compasses) compacts were made available and repeatedly applied to the scholar’s forehead, neck and face as his garments, the restrictive parts were (simultaneously) loosened in a desperate attempt to stabilize Fradel Rurik Korvald’s steadily climbing temperature (alarming fever).

The responding physician Quinher Yungar was a conscientious man (man of rectitude) in his early thirties, with high scruples. In fact, his trustworthiness was beyond reproach. Though he had a brilliant mind, his slight speech impediment had stood in the way of his career advancement.

06- 7 -PHYSICIAN QUINHER YUNGAR JP (56)

Widowed at an early age, he had refused to remarry and lived a secluded, frugal existence in a remote corner of the Empire. Here he had devoted his energies to the study of medicine and to resolving the most difficult and incurable ailments. He had been plucked out of an anonymity (obscurity) by Zaur Stugr, when Zaur happened to be the District Magistrate to that remote town of Quekon in the Monetex Prefecture of Nokoltun Province and rescued him out of dire crisis. Out of gratitude Qinher had from then on faithfully served Zaur Stugr to repay his kindness.

It so happened that while seeking a rare herb on the slopes of Trodor mountain, Quinher had come across a dastardly assault. A powerful local bully, having abducted an honorable family’s beautiful, youngest (only) daughter, meant to ruin her, and force her to be his lover. Responding to her desperate plea (cries) for help Quinher, without a moment’s hesitation for his own safety, had rushed at once to intervene and after a brief struggle with the (brute, charlatan) ruffian Donzi Podai, managed to scare him off. He then promptly delivered her to the safety of her family.

On his return to his humble abode, however, he was met by the local (Yemen) constables and arrested. Summarily brought before the district judge he was charged with the (concocted) crimes of, abducting the very girl he had saved and, for assaulting the intervening gentleman Donzi Podai, who had striven to rescue her from a fate worse than death. Her family, under duress and (likely,) a recipient of a hefty monetary bribe, had been coerced into pressing these false charges.

Quinher, without the benefit of a just trial, indicted, in three days hence, had faced an ignoble public execution. Fortunately, however, Zaur Stugr’s timely posting to the position of District Magistrate, thwarted (foiled) this grave injustice. Reviewing the case and noting obvious irregularities in the report, Zaur Stugr stayed the execution, re-opened the case and retried Quinher Yungar. In the subsequent weeks, no amount of pressure from his superiors, covert threats, or bribes, had deterred Zaur from his just cause. In the end he had uncovered the truth and punished the guilty; but not without repercussions to self (Zaur), as the powerful Podai family had influential allies in the core political ambit (domain, sphere) in Channing. Despite his exemplary record and the subtly exerted influence of the Brotherhood of Kozurs, Zaur’s impending promotion was postponed for a year, and then two years; afterwards, as further reprisal, he was exiled to the most troublesome corner of the Wenjenkun Kingdom.

Zaur nevertheless sufficed the key challenges (naturally with the covert assistance of the Kozurs), and furthermore, brought lasting order to that region. Meanwhile Quinher, despite his acquittal (exoneration), was forced to flee to avoid trouble and to escape (survive) the underhanded persecution of the powerful Podai family’s ardent supporters. After his seven years in oblivion, never forgetting Zaur’s kindness, Quinher Yungar had eventually met up with Zaur Stugr in Channing, and offered his services to him. He had been with Zaur ever since, functioning and living in relative ease under his protective wing.

Even though Quinher Yungar had never met the full criteria for becoming a Kozur, Zaur had the utmost regard for him and had always treated him with the respect (reverence) due to an honored Uncle, rather than an employee. Subsisting in the intolerant atmosphere of the Capital, for his own safety, Qinher had been indefinitely, sequestered indoors; since then, he had lived a quite existence, in the private complex within Zaur’s mansion, functioning as the, always on call, resident physician.

Now tending to Fradel Rurik Korvald, after his brief examination and diagnosis, then a painstakingly long treatment, he eventually emerged from the room with a haggard looking Zaur Stugr in tow. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he turned to give Zaur a reassuring smile and a nod, “Your s…s…swift response may have s…saved his life. We t…t…treated him j…j…just in t…time. It was m…most f…fortunate t…t…that I had p…procured t…the rare antidote from t…that monk. Never had I t…thought at t…the t…t…time…”  Seeing Zaur’s impatience (tiredness), he aborted the intriguing tale of his encounter with the (strange red-haired) monk and reaffirmed (re-asserted), “We have done all we can f…for n…now. The p…proper dose has b…been administered, it will be up to him and d…divine providence, to p…pull through.”  He hissed out a long breath, and, in utter exhaustion, he plummeted into a chair.

“A moment longer would have been too late.,” he mumbled to himself, nodding then, noting Zaur’s grim, angered expression, Quinher smiled disarmingly and offered few encouraging words, “P…please d…do not worry yours…self s…so much. He looks t…to have an excellent p…physique, remarkably so, for an l…literati. If I d…did not k…know b…better…”

“Are you sure there is nothing further we can do to expedite his recovery?” Zaur asked impatiently then turned his hard, irate gaze on the steward, his faced, suffused with wrath.

“N…no, n…nothing. N…now you b…best t…tend t…to your inquiries, sir, I k…know you are m…most anxious to f…find out who is r…responsible.”  Quinher’s response temporarily drew Zaur’s attention away from the steward, allowing Cholden to make him-self scarce (sneak away).

“I will k…keep a c…close eye on F… Fradel R … Korvald f…for you; do not worry. I will inform you the m…minute there is a c…change, or on t…the p…positive note, s…should he regain c…consciousness. Of course…” Quinher hesitated, not knowing how to break the news to Zaur Stugr.

 

 

(END OF SECTION 5) 

 

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 20

When Zunrogo returned to Room Ten Tizan, who had been seated complacently by the fire, sprang to attention at once.

"When did you get back?" Zunrogo asked as he closed the door behind him.

"I preceded you only by minutes, sir." Tizan smiled.

Sitting in the comfortable chair opposite Tizan, he signaled with his chin for the guard to sit down again then leaned back to get more comfortable.  "Well, let’s hear it."

01-TZAN JP

"In accordance with your orders, sir, I kept a close eye on Briac.  As anticipated, shortly after retiring to the room he shares with Frastos, I observed Briac sneaking back out again and followed him down the side alleys to the shop of the local barber on Kannicro Street.  When he entered these premises, I proceeded to climb to the roof and literally eavesdrop on their conspiracy.  It seems that we have not weeded out all the spies in the vicinity, sir. 

Despite Briac's intimidation, the barber still insisted on being paid more for the services of one of his messenger pigeons, yet that tightwad eventually gave up on his curses and met the barber halfway.  A short message was attached to the leg of the bird, and it was set free.  As you per your prior instructions, I did not intercept its flight."  He paused for affirmation.

"You were right in doing that."  Zunrogo was pleased.  "I knew that he would be sending out a message in one form or another soon after the briefing but this pigeon business, I confess, is somewhat precarious, though culpable.  Where did the barber keep them?  How was it, these courier pigeons escaped the now questionable, thorough inspection of the premise?"

"In the attic, sir, behind a false wall… The bleating of a goat kept in the room drowned out the pigeons ‘cooing."

"Keeping a goat in the attic?  And that did not warrant an investigation?"

"Frastos could hardly be blamed, sir.  The barber had concocted a plausible excuse; he said that his senile old mother, who slept in the same room, believed the goat to be her deceased husband returned to this life in another form.  In addition, an ingenious contraption had to be dismantled before the wall gave way.  Apparently, this was there to discourage the old woman from tampering with the pigeons."

"I assume, the situation was corrected then after Briac's departure?"

"Expediently, sir… The barber, his wife, his senile mother, and the remaining birds have all been dispatched, liberated from this world.  The well in the courtyard, however, will not be of much use for some time, I'm afraid."  He grinned coldly.

"I thought, Tizan, that you always liked to be thorough, but I see that I was wrong." Zunrogo smiled wryly at the guard's nonplused expression.

"The goat." he said and chuckled with good humor.

 Tizan grinned, catching the joke.

 "Now, to this business with Briac"

"Excuse me, sir." Tizan interrupted.  "I took liberty, knowing what little time we have, to initiate a solution."  He stalled, seeing the anger flame up in the captain's eyes.

Zunrogo checked his anger.  Tizan, he knew, was a competent underling and he tried not to discourage initiative.  "You have a plan, Tizan?" he asked sternly.  "Well then, let’s hear it."

"Well, sir, only part of it has been implemented.  If it meets with your censure, nothing much is lost.  I wanted to consult with you before carrying out the rest of it."

Zunrogo was intrigued. “All right, at least he's not being overly ambitious.”

Still, he had to confirm, "You, of course, did no harm to Briac?"

02 - BRIAC (2)

"No sir. That would be tantamount to disobeying your orders."

"Let’s hear it, then.  What is it, this great plan of yours?"

"Well, sir, it involves using this."  Tizan picked up a fair size pouch he had kept by the side of the chair until then and, rising, handed it over to the captain.

Zunrogo, with a certain curiosity, peered inside.  At once he apprehended the plan and he beamed, "Well done."

"You approve, then."

"Quite; it’s a fitting end for him, I say."  He handed the pouch back to Tizan.  "You must have been toying with this idea for some time."

"For a while now, sir; however, I had to be first assured of Briac's treachery."  His eyes fell on the pouch.  "Unfortunately, the previous owner was not obliging, and I had to resort to force." Tizan explained dispassionately.

Zunrogo’s heart winced.  He did not need to ask whether the victim was mercifully dispatched or had writhed (squirmed) in agony, for he knew Tizan only too well. In that remote fishing village where once Tizan had lived till about month or so before at the age of twelve, well, Tizan’s cruel stepfather Zianko had done a lot in shaping, unleashing Tizan’s sadistic nature.  (You may check back to: Book 1 – Fisherman’s Prize – Section 3).  

Tizan, since his recruitment, had been rather useful in accomplishing exceedingly difficult, most abhorred tasks; for his conscience never bothered him, in fact, he reveled in it.  His sadistic nature consistently craved, fed on the sufferings of others, even more so when he, himself, inflicted the pain.

"Well, I expect you still have a few more details to see (tend) too." Zunrogo, with a wave of his hand, abruptly dismissed Tizan.  But then, as the guard was headed towards the door, Zunrogo offhand voiced his query: "How will you do it, without waking him up?"

Tizan halting turned to explain, "I knew Briac would be visiting a lady friend of his before he returned to the Inn.  Oh, I've had her screened and she's no threat.  Anyway, after the business with the barber, I left a jug of fine wine on Briac's bed table, supposedly a gift from the Innkeeper to apologize for the incident in the dining hall.  As greedy and selfish as I know him to be, he's sure to consume the entire jug this very night.  I expect him to presently be passed out cold on his bed."

"Then he'll be getting two surprises tomorrow." Zunrogo smiled coldly.  "Do a complete job on him."

"Yes, sir, I most certainly will."  Tizan bowed and, turning smartly, left the room.

“He's too efficient.”  Zunrogo stared at the door with certain uneasiness.  “How much he reminds me of myself at that age.”

                                                                               ~

“Wake up, lazy bag of bones!  Wake up, I say.  It's nearly dawn."

"Oh, leave me alone, damn it!"  His lids half covered his eyes as he took a cursory look at the window.  "It’s still dark outside."  He buried his face back into the pillow.

"Get up this instant, that's an order!"  The commanding voice made him sit up with a start.  Rubbing his eyes into focus, Briac looked bewilderedly from one guard to the other until he saw the captain seated by the fireplace.  Instantly, he sprang out of bed to stand at attention, naked as the day he was born, “Yes sir… sorry, sir."

“At ease. " Captain Zunrogo grunted.

The speed of his movement meanwhile had made Briac’s head, ache, and Briac moved his hand up to rub his aching skull.  "What the…Aiyyegg!" Overnight he had mysteriously lost all his hair, gone completely bald.

“So, it wasn't a bad dream after all.”  His bewildered eyes caught the venomous grin on Tizan's sinister face and noted a certain satisfaction in the depths of his pupils.

 "Are you responsible for this outrage?"  Fists clenched, he turned furiously to Tizan.

"And how do you like your new look?" Tizan stared down at him belligerently.  Throwing his head back, Tizan laughed until a stern look from the captain abruptly silenced him.

With anger and incomprehension in his eyes, Briac looked at Frastos but Frastos stood at attention with his head lowered, attempting with all his might to stifle a laugh.

“You, spineless cur,” Briac inwardly cursed, disgusted by his friend's cowardice.  Turning to Zunrogo, with a pained look in his eyes, his voice anxiously protested, "Sir, what Tizan has done…this is an unmitigated outrage."

The captain did not answer; in his solid, unwavering, stone eyes, there was no emotion at all; he was indifferent, if not completely cold, to Briac's suffering.

03-- ZUNROGO TUGO - JP 26

“How could Captain Zunrogo Tugo have sanctioned this?  How could he have condoned it?  Wasn't it only last night that he had admonished Tizan and warned him to behave?  What could have gone wrong since then?”  Briac blanched.

 “No, that's inconceivable.”  Despite his fierce denial, his heart pounded through his chest as he was seized with inexplicable fear and his head ached even more.

"What are you waiting for?"  Tizan's sharp bark brought him back with a start.

"Put these on at once.  The captain wants to see how you look in them."  Tizan forcefully thrust a bundle into his hands.

Briac venomously glared at Tizan and inwardly cursed. “Despicable beast…This is all your doing; how long did it take you to construct this vile revenge and to beget this humiliation. You deserve to be torn apart, limb from limb, by the wild dogs.”

"But these are not my clothes." Briac outwardly, however, had protested, looking past Tizan to address the captain. 

"Are you dense?  Put them on at once!" Tizan bellowed, so close that his breath, heavy with loathing, beat on Briac's face furiously.

His heart pounded wildly with intense fear, making Briac's hands tremble as he begrudgingly donned the garments and stood before the captain.

"Oh; and put this on too."  Tizan robustly thrust, the scalp with long locks of blond hair, the same shade and color as Fradel Rurik Korvald's, into Briac's hand.  "It’s sure to improve your looks.  No need to thank me for it." He grinned maliciously.

Briac, knitting his brows, looked at the scalp and hair (pelt) with incomprehension.  Then, as understanding dawned onto him his eyes widened with horror and, with a visible shudder, he looked up questioningly at Tizan. “Just what kind of monster are you?”

"Come over here." the captain's stern voice commanded him into a seat.  His cold stare inspected Briac's disguise for the first time as the guard obediently sat down.

"You have been assigned to this most important task," Zunrogo explained with cool indifference. " Yes, you’ve’ been honored with this job, taking in due consideration, of your past extenuating service, your courage in line of duty and, once loyalty to me.”

“Past…. once loyalty…” Briac swallowed dryly, his stomach knotting itself tighter and tighter.

“But Sir,”

"You wish to object?"  The captain's glacial tone froze the blood in the guard's veins.

“Do they know?  Do they suspect that I’m...?  Is this to be only the most lenient part of my punishment?  How could that be, I've been so careful? How could they’ve have found out?” The outcome was too frightful for Briac to even imagine.

“No, that isn't it.”  Briac bit his lip and clenched his fists to control the trembling in his            hands.

 “It can’t be… I’m still safe.  Didn't the Captain just say that I'm being honored?”

 He swallowed fearfully and bowed his head abjectly, dropping his eyes to the ground.

 "No sir." Briac feebly assented.

"Then it's settled." Zunrogo glared.  "From now on you are forbidden to remove this disguise.  Those are your new orders."

"Very well, sir." Briac swallowed dryly and, as the captain got up to leave, he looked up to meet Tizan's eyes.

"What are you afraid of?" Tizan goaded Briac.  "Perhaps you're afraid to die?  You…"

The captain stopped mid-stride and half-turned to stare sharply back at Tizan, silencing him instantly with his look.  Tizan took a step back, cowed.

No sooner was Zunrogo gone than Tizan, a cruel half-smile on his lips, jovially clapped Briac on the shoulder.

"Don't worry, Briac, you'll be well protected.  Frastos and I will see to that.  Won't we, Frastos?"

04- FRASTOS - JP 07

Briac disdainfully jerked away from Tizan's hand and turned his back to him to turn his imploring eyes on Frastos.  "Why me?" the groan escaped his trembling lips.

Frastos avoided Briac's eyes.  Lowering his head, he mumbled softly. "It makes sense.”

But then inwardly, he added, “Better you than me.”

 

(END OF SECTION 20)

 

                                                                                          ~