LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL - SECTION 22

Zonar was about to take his leave when he just then having picked up Nevetsecnuac’s subsequent thoughts, for a brief spell inquisitively stared at his nephew.

“How very perceptive of you. You are indeed an astute nephew.”

01-ZONAR - IMMORTAL (46)JP

It so happened that ever since the Prime Minister's party where which Nevetsecnuac had encountered the alien Cassar, Samnuk, though this part of his memories had been erased, he still had the enigmatically foreboding, gnawing feeling in the pit of his stomach. The unease had stemmed from the fragmented, cryptic, and disjointed images that had oftentimes intruded into his mind's eye, which he had never been able to rightly resolve or decipher. Until just now that is- when from an inadvertent, illogical notion (a thought deviation), it had all come together to make a coherent deduction (sense, conclusion).

Nevetsecnuac had understood then that, once a link had been established between the entity in the amulet (that was an alien rock spirit imprisoned in a watery grave) and the host- it held an eternal and vital importance to, in this case Zonar's, existence. Overall, the amulet and the single creature within was indestructible; and it could always be retrieved. This realization generated within Nevetsecnuac the keen sense of relief and the need to repay at least in some small measure, Zonar’s kindness to him, by communicating this insight to Zonar, before his arch-nemesis Dwengzur, got hold of the amulet.

Before Nevetsecnuac could verbalize his thoughts, however, Zonar knowingly just then had smiled and held up his hand. "There's no need to caution me; however, I do appreciate your bother." He grinned as his hand unwittingly clutched the hidden bulk (at chest level) under his chemise (blouse, top).

 “I have already retrieved it. “ 

What Zonar, pressed for time, had opted at this point not to disclose to Nevetsecnuac however, was the fact that this amulet which held within it a seditious Cassar creature, this one originally called Mokak, had once belonged to his father Zandar (Chandor) Kuntzu.  A rush of historical facts, all the same, intruding into his brain, Zonar pensively looked away:

In primordial times Cassars, species that were innately, by nature supercilious (haughty), odious (vile), and oftentimes ruthless (brutal, savage), had once been the catalyst of the catastrophic dissention (discord) among existing ancient races.

02- A WARRIOR CASSARS

These primordial races, set against one another, the once supreme elite powers warring over several millennia had all consequently one by one had been eradicated (purged and extinguished). After another two millennia the Cassars, result of a long-drawn-out war, fortunately had been finally and utterly (rooted out) defeated by the omnipotent (invincible) Race of Karn. As sole remaining custodians of this world, by consensus of the elders of Karn, they had spared (the few remaining) Cassars from total annihilation only to imprison them, meanwhile allowing the mortal species to have the sole dominion over Earth. Since that time spanning several centuries now race of Karn, had secretly coexisted with men, dwelling in the remotest, highest elevation of the icy peaks- all the while, affording humankind that certain measure of safety, as the few mutated  Cassars - (the resilient ones that had later, due to the conditions of their incarceration had evolved into entirely different form, which Samnuk and Mokak were of) - had been indefinitely imprisoned in the protective water crystal amulets.

03- MUTATED CASSARS ( MOKAK IS ONE, LATER NAMED JEKOR)

 These amulets presently worn only by the elite members of the Karn Race had always been considered a bane to be endured till the end of time; because each Karn from since then had incessantly perceived (was aware of) that specific creature’s every sensation, discernment, impressions, shrewdness, and experiences, most of it abhorrently vile! 

On rare occasions, when an immortal for some reason or other ceased to exist (died), his amulet was then transferred to another suitable candidate. When Mokak became available, the most Ancient one Aegeus had bestowed the amulet containing Mokak to Chandor, at his third birthday’ special ceremony.  And so, Mokak from hence had been Chandor’s ward, till the date of Chandor’s (renegade immortal Zandar Kuntzu’s) untimely demise in the mortal realm.

04-ZANDAR (CHANDOR) KUNTZU - IMMORTAL (2)jp

Cassars had always been endowed (gifted) with supernatural prowess, but Mokak, (later re-named Jekor by Zonar, Zandar Kuntzu’s twin son) being an anomaly, with a split personality, being also a clairvoyant and an adept shape shifter, was an additionally challenging, most troublesome bane that,  Zonar like his father Chandor before him had to,  most of his adult  life, endure. A small consolation, at least Zonar had not been burdened with this menace during his youth; for as toddler Zonar had been secreted away and spent his early childhood years under the diligent care and tutelage of human foster parents, flourishing as a well-loved, robust, brilliant mortal being.  Zonar’s contented existence, however, had abruptly ceased (ended, altered the moment Chandar had died)- as he had been then inexplicably drawn to this, albeit temporarily, liberated alien form.

At distant locale, the Cassar Mokak being quite resourceful, upon the sudden demise of (Zonar’s father) Zandar Kuntzu, had successfully affected its escape from his liquid captivity and thence, was let loose in the mortal realm.

Consequently, Zonar’s mundane human existence from that moment on had had a catastrophic, tumultuous modification: for his prior placid, methodical (organized) mind had incessantly since then warred with his body. Any lesser being had gone utterly insane by such onslaught. Zonar, harangued by the inexorable physical ailments, sporadic pain, perpetual nightmares and physic torment, had been eventually driven to seek out (search for) and uncover the truth about his true lineage and worst still, discover the existence of the imperative (indispensable) birthright bond, the eternal, crucible (tribulation) link with Mokak. This was because Zonar and Zandar, father and son, had shared the same key genes (chromosomes); subsequently, Zonar had been forced to steadfastly hunt (retrieve) Mokak, to enslave him and to regain his prior sanity (control of his brain) and his physical wellbeing.

05-MOKAK AND HIS ALTER EGO

Pursued doggedly by Zonar the adroit Mokak, to avoid capture and to gain substance and therefore be imperceptible to detection, had striven hard to blend, in other words copulate, with a mortal living being. After several unsuccessful tries, where which Mokak’d left behind several charred human remains and a range of mammal corpses, he had eventually attained through the process of elimination, the essential specifics to triumph. Primarily, it had to be an adult female, still virgin, with the rare blood type (AB-). Secondly, the mortal concept of love, the kind of ardor which human couples had often exhibited for one another, had to exist at the time of consensual union; the absence of any of these key ingredients would absolutely doom the procedure (experiment, the modus operandi).

 By quark of fate, while hiding away at the furthest Province of Wenjenkun’s inhospitable, remote mountain, Mokak had encountered Jiense (Princess Teuquob and later still, Prince Nevetsecnuac’s wife) during her flight from danger. (To learn more: peruse, BOOK 2-THE ORDEAL- SECTION 8 or earlier sections).  

After the alien creature’s stealthy scrutiny, finding Jiense a perfectly compatible candidate from then on Mokak, had set his sights onto seducing her and achieving his goal. To disarm Jiense’s fears, he’d right away quickly assumed the appearance of a rather pleasant looking, bold headed, clean shaven young man about her age; then manifesting suddenly before her, Mokak had presented himself to her as one supposedly from an aristocratic family from Kontu that had fallen on hard times and then become a devout Monk who presently, was on a religious pilgrimage.  

 Mokak could have done an irrevocable harm to Jiense (Princess Teuquob) and to his (Zonar’s) nephew, Prince Nevetsecnuac, as well, permanently altered Wenjenkun’s history. Fortunately, and just in time too, Mokak (re-named Jekor ) had been traced, captured, and then duly contained in an amulet which at present, was worn by Zonar.

Zonar grimaced and considering the alternative loath outcome, pensively looked away:

If Dwengzur had obtained Jekor, the genetic markers of the creature within the amulet, if tampered with, would have only resulted in the destruction of the alien creature and that abrupt severing of ties, could have had its own serious repercussions. Even if Dwengzur did not do this but had kept it for a while, for malice, to simply torment him (Zonar) and destabilize him, the outcome still would have been devastating. This narrow escape, hence, peeved Zonar.

Zonar’s thoughts reverting to Nevetsecnuac’s bizarre ordeal with another troublesome Cassar, Samnuk, which happened to be Dwengzur’s ward, Zonar could not resist the temptation (chance) to provoke (antagonize) the haughty Elders of Karn and specifically Dwengzur, addressing him directly:  

“I was there you know, witnessing Samnuk’s defiant acts; I was the innocuous fly at the tip of the nose of one of the spellbound, frozen human participants (guests). I saw it all. I heard it all.” Zonar staring across, at the far corner of the room, had roguishly derided (taunted). Subsequently, he snickered, sensing his goading had generated (produced) rampant venomous thoughts teleported to him, as it had simultaneously thawed a degree of the immortals’ icy blood.

06- SOME ELDERS OF KARN (LOOKING DISPLEASED)

Zonar nevertheless quickly suppressed his present glee (delight); then, he turned his serious but affectionate gaze back on Nevetsecnuac. 

“Yes, one might say you fared well in that terrible altercation. You, a supposed primitive human, have taught them a fine lesson they soon will not forget; furthermore, they will not be so quick to underestimate your kind in future.”

"They… Who are …?" Nevetsecnuac was puzzled.

“The unwarranted and outmoded eavesdroppers….” Zonar disdainfully snorted and looked away, and then turning impatiently added, “Extrapolating your prior concern, let us just say I had a hunch, so I went back for it. After all, it was a keepsake from my father.” 

 “Now I must bid you my fond farewell."  Zonar turned to go but then stayed (halted) his footing and ceased mid-way his mumbled incantation; after a brief consideration, he simply shrugged.

"Oh, why not; I can see no good reason why you should be kept in the dark."

Despite the looming danger Zonar lingered just a little while longer at the spot to bestow on his nephew, Nevetsecnuac, a fine parting gift.

Subsequently, with a wave of his hand, Zonar created a circular opening in the mid-air of the room- a window of sorts. His face temporarily sported a strange, acerbic expression as his disdainful eyes taunted and then threatened the far away foe.

To the utter disquiet of some of the Elders of Karn and concealed fury of Sthetor, Zonar had then invoked, brazenly, the ancient incantation. When he had reached the last part of the incantation, however,

"Do-kume...ke..ki... sooonures do … 

mukenoro qu wuuuos…. Hukoressyonner….”

"Kazuuuummm… “

Zonar had then deliberately added an unknown variation (factor, canto, verse) to it. This would enable, Nevetsecnuac to view the unfolding scene (the live images, the setting and the characters) which had been purposefully obscured (hidden, muddled, concealed) to the snooping (prying) Immortals.  

07-ZONAR - IMMORTAL (37)JP

Zonar next turned with a softer expression to face Nevetsecnuac and, graciously invited him to once more experience and view the mountain cabin of his youth.

The scene presented a typical night-time routine after a hard day’s toil; the occupants of the dwelling having concluded a hearty (nourishing) repast and cleared away the dishes from the table, they had now, before going to bed, few hours' time with which to indulge in their leisure pursuits.  Nevetsecnuac's eyes presently beheld the typical warm and comforting sight in that far away Mountain Cabin, a place that had been for two decades, his home. The rush of countless exciting recollections and loving memories of those times had, all at once then, (with a warm glow) inundated his heart.

08- LORD ASGER THUXUR MARROG ZHON  (162)jp

Through misty eyes Nevetsecnuac now observed how perfectly still Lord Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon, having aged a little more, was seated in a familiar pose by the fire. How characteristically, in rapped attention he read those old manuscripts, one a night, pausing only periodically, to deliberate on a concern and at the same time inhaled a prolonged (drawn out) intake of smoke from his pipe.

Nevetsecnuac’s eyes had next trailed to his beloved wife Teuquob, seated with composure, in proximity to the warming fire. As beautiful as ever, she was diligently practicing calligraphy at her desk. Her skill had much improved, far surpassing his!

Nevetsecnuac looking over her shoulder unseen and unheard, marveled at her penmanship and the proficiency of the ink strokes as they effortlessly glided on the (paper) parchment. As though sensing his presence, she abruptly stopped, exhaled a deep sigh and then withdrew the string of wound threads he’d long ago after one of their long walks, had given to her when she had casually asked what he had been doing? He had felt nervous during their conversation and so used his hands to focus on something else. He could not believe that after all that time she still held onto it, that she treasured something so trivial and looked at it now with such longing in her pupils.  

09-NEVET'S WIFE TEKOUBJIN  (70  B )JP

He fought the sudden desire rising within him, wanting to embrace her, to stroke her auburn locks; to reach out and tuck the stray loose hair behind her ear. Oh, how he longed to gently caress her cheeks and then ever so reverently kiss the tip of her nose, which always made her smile, kiss her forehead and those luscious lips.

 His soul and heart were now filled with melancholy, for he loved and missed her so terribly; his present existence contrastingly, had been so driven, austere, and devoid of such candor, tenderness, and tranquility. Moreover, he suspected deep down that he would never ever again be with her or with them.

A sorrowful sigh escaped him as his focus (gaze) lastly settled on his beloved, a little bit older, and now not so identical twins. His precious, robust (strong, healthy, and hardy in constitution) boy twin Alric Svein and darling, most precious girl twin Lueling, as they with wonder glint in their eyes observed (studied) everything and all, about them as they played.  

Only the child’s vastly rich imagination could flourish (enabled) and hold such wonders as twins remained deeply absorbed, intensely captivated by some imaginary yet ordinary item (object): perhaps a specter, a crawling bug, a bird, a simply fallen log, a crackling flame, or a discarded, a plainly innocuous toy.  

10- THE TWINS , BOY ALRIC SVEIN AND PRECIOUS GIRL TWIN LUELING.

Nevetsecnuac’s heart was again wrenched with melancholy anticipating the many dangers and hardships that awaited them, even though Lord Asger would do his utmost to shield them from it all.

“You are being way too morbid.” Zonar’s testy, stern words snapped Nevetsecnuac from his ominous reflections.

"You should instead rejoice in your heart that you have such striking and gifted twins, perfectly well behaved too; funny how the boy is the spitting image of you, whereas the little girl now resembles more and more your astonishingly beautiful wife Princes,

Teuquob.” Zonar softening, grinned mischievously as though entertaining a secret; but

                                                                                    

                                                                              ~

 

one he was not willing to divulge, not at this moment in time. “Imagine if Lueling had instead, looked like you.”

Nevetsecnuac remained quite unresponsive to Zonar’s purposeful banter however, as he could not tear his eyes from the scene. He watched as though obsessed, oblivious of the tears filling his eyes.

 The fearful emotions, of trepidation about their prospects, once more welling up in his heart, Nevetsecnuac broke away from the scene by a sheer act of will and turned to ask Zonar if he could enlighten him on their probable futures, but the renegade Immortal had already gone, vanished into thin air, without a sound or a trace some time ago.

 Disappointed, Nevetsecnuac (spun his head back) turned to look again at the scene in mid-air, but the window that beheld his beloveds’ images, too, had also disappeared as if it had never existed. Suddenly the light was gone as well, and pitch darkness once more had blanketed (permeated) the room.

His emotions, meanwhile, erupting akin to the cyclone winds (or, charged akin to lightning bolts); Nevetsecnuac simply collapsed in the chair by the bed and closed his eyes tightly for some time, to beget (tranquility) serenity, in that thought-filled silence.

“Am I crying?”   

Only then had he become aware of the copious number of hot tears streaming down from his cheeks and chin; the cascading flow subsequently, progressively, drenching (soaking) the upper part of his silk night garment (pajamas, clothes).

                                                                                      

                                                                                ~

 

(END OF SECTION 22)

(CONCLUSION OF THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL- STAY TUNED FOR  BOOK 11- THE EVIL PERSONIFIED) 

 

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC – THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL – SECTION 2

The general guests well into their cups, P.M. Lamont Gudaren unleashed the profligate centerpiece of the night's entertainment: a licentious, at times violent orchestration of a ribald theme by a famed opera company.

Nevetsecnuac (seated at the honoured position) was unfortunately, constrained to watch this tactless display; to alleviate his discomfort, he downed (consumed) several more cups of fine wine, exceeding his limit.

01 -PM LAMONT GUDAREN -2-JP

Noting Fradel Rurik Korvald’s slight annoyance, the Prime Minister, already ripened to the occasion himself, leaned forward and confided his deep disappointment to Fradel, that the great magician and seer, Dwengzur, had been unable to be located and therefore could not have been prevailed upon to enliven this gathering. "If the great Dwengzur had performed but one of his famed magic", Lamont Gudaren avowed, "This show we are watching would be paled in comparison.  I regret that I can only provide the second best."  After the expected polite disclaimer from Fradel, Lamont had swiftly resumed, "In fact no one, not even the Sovereign, has seen him since the cowardly assassination attempt that has aroused the anger of everyone in the Channing."

Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac)'s interest was now roused. Even though his reason told him otherwise, he remained hopeful that Dwengzur and Zonar were the same and that the wretched, badly charred corpse in the central square was indeed the emissary from Kontu, as Zaur Stugr and everyone else firmly believed.  A tiny ripple of anxiety and impatience washed over him.

“If only Dwengzur had attended this party; this matter could have been firmly resolved.”

That instant as if prompted by this very thought, there arose a low, disturbing hum which grew into an angry rumble. It seemed to emanate from the center of the tall dome that stood atop the octagonal hall, spreading downwards, and causing the walls themselves to quake violently.  The flames in the hanging braziers dimmed, quivered then blazed into full brightness, fanned by a gust of wind which arose out of nowhere. An odd, pungent smell rode this wind, circling the hall like a whirlwind to assail all nostrils like a harbinger of evil. From out of the walls themselves, a dense, luminous, crimson fog, streaked with plumes of azure, coiled around the gathering, shrouding everything in its tendrils and then, abruptly all noise ceased.

02- LUMINOUS CLOUDS

In the eerie stillness, Nevetsecnuac felt an icy touch on the nape of his neck.  He turned sharply but could see nothing through the dense, radiant haze.

Slowly the incandescent fog dissipated and the figures of his host, the entertainers, guests, servants, musicians and even the exotic animals in their cages could then be, discerned. Yet something was not right, they were all frozen in their various poses. It was as though time and all life in the great hall had stood still. Nothing, not even a breath or the lightest breeze moved. Not a single strand of hair stirred. Reality as once was, was now in question; meanwhile, the prevalence of dark, demonic presence encapsulated the stifling air.

03- DEMONIC PRESENCE

Frowning, Nevetsecnuac rose cautiously from his seat and, placing his hands at the edge of the table, he craned his neck this way and that, to survey the entire hall. Everything about him without exception was inert (stationary). Even the wine that was just-being-poured remained suspended in mid-air. Wagging tongues, animated gestures, shrieks of amused laughter were all arrested. On the center stage an opera player was, frozen in mid somersault as he dodged the speeding knife that now hovered in mid flight. The woman on the divan, caught in the scripted adultery and attempting to hide her partial nakedness under the sheets, her and the billowing sheets were also perfectly stationary, solid, and unmoving as rock. A single house fly that was about to be swatted, lay frozen in mid-flight just inches from a cross-eyed servant's nose.

Leaving the table, Nevetsecnuac walked the length of the hall and stepped onto the terrace (veranda, balcony) to check the view in the garden.  Again, he observed nothing but unnatural stillness as far as the eye could see. Ahead, the main fountain's water, tear shaped and motionless, was trapped in its trajectory. Beyond the carefully landscaped hedges, ripples were frozen solid on the manufactured pond as a golden carp balanced on the water like a brass statue to snatch a motionless mosquito. Even the air itself had stilled. There was no evidence, not in the slight, of the refreshing breeze that had previously caressed his cheeks and rustled the branches. There was no harmonious melody of the nocturnal insects to grace the ears.

04- THE  GARDEN STILLED

Returning to the great hall, he again sat down and taking a sip from his cup, wondered out loud, “Could I be dreaming this? Was the wine drugged and this is the resultant (ensuing) hallucination?”  Nevetsecnuac's mind, unbidden, brought back the vivid memory of his strange experience on Yekono Mountain. “No, only a great supernatural force or a magician of superior caliber could cause (bring about) such an all-encompassing transformation of this magnitude.”  Nevetsecnuac quickly refuted (countered) his query.

"You are quite correct in that assumption; this is not a dream.” a voice boomed behind him.

“Zonar,” with hopeful anticipation, Nevetsecnuac turned only to be greeted by another, equally remarkable being. This distinguished giant of a man, in his late twenties bore the same wild mane of blazing red hair as Zonar, yet his features were somehow smoother.

The being inclined his head ever so slightly in greeting: "I apologize for the dramatics, but I very much wanted to make your acquaintance before I took my leave. You, of course, know who I am?"  He grimaced wryly as his eyes burrowed into Nevetsecnuac's.

Nevetsecnuac responded in kind with a smile and then bowed his head in polite greeting, to express with eloquence his pleasure at having this rare opportunity to, finally, make the Immortal Dwengzur’s acquaintance.

“Strange,” Dwengzur noted, “this is the first time my abilities have been rendered so ineffective. This one's willpower is so strong; it is like an impenetrable wall. Never have I seen its like, though the ruler of this very country, Wenjenkun, did come close.” 

05-IMMORTAL DWENGZUR

Dwengzur , who could manifest his presence at any age and therefore had picked a form (an appearance) closer to Fradel’s in order to put him at his ease, was intrigued. “So, you have been forewarned of my telepathic powers, I see.”  Dwengzur narrowed his eyes. “By the same token, you know how I needed to make contact in a certain way to achieve my purpose and you should have therefore been at your ease. Contrarily, you are so circumspect; just what is it that you are guarding against so vehemently?”

True enough, Nevetsecnuac was chary (cautious) of Dwengzur's abilities and paying heed to his intuition, had erected barriers in his mind and marshaled his thoughts in the most abstract, least damaging direction. The gnawing feeling at the pit of his stomach still warned him that Dwengzur was untrustworthy, dangerous, and far more powerful than he let on. There was also another strong reason for Nevetsecnuac to be wary of this Immortal. Hadn't Dwengzur been the one who, colluding with Egil Viggoaries, warned the eunuch of Fradel Rurik Korvald’s portent of danger to his life? The inner conflict, only moments before expertly masked and prevented from coloring his random thoughts, presently in defiance (rebelliously), swelled within Nevetsecnuac to turn into sheer disdain for Dwengzur; for the mere presence of this Immortal gave truth to Zonar’s dreaded fate. Nevetsecnuac, clenched his teeth in utter contempt, recalling the charred remains that presently was hung in the Central Square.

“Ah,” Dwengzur conceded inwardly, never once taking his eyes off Nevetsecnuac, the mind ruled by reason, may oftentimes be tamed; but the senses, a victim of emotions, was at odds here. Once such conflict exists, it will open a crack in yet the strongest armor and then, even the steadfast resistance would be rendered vulnerable. Emotions are the human failing that eventually betray the most resolute will. Dwengzur grinning, more astutely now, studied Fradel.  Scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald had obviously harbored a certain fond admiration for Zonar which, strangely enough, seemed to have been reciprocated. This is the advantageous material, which Dwengzur had grasped.  At present, by exploiting this singular aspect he hoped to extract more data, same time sought to gratify his curiosity and ascertain that no forbidden knowledge had been communicated by Chandor- (Renegade Zandar Kuntzu) or by his son, Zonar, to the outside world. Everyone within Karn Race, had to abide steadfastly by this ancient law, for even the least breach could warrant only one outcome and, it had been with the intention to tie up any loose ends, to terminate (cease) any leaks that, Dwengzur, had made this flamboyant visitation and sought out Fradel.

Dwengzur, had conveniently forgotten of course, his own foible (imperfection)just last week, at which point in time he had been tricked by guileful Egil Viggoaries to reveal a secret incantation that enabled one to (shapeshift) transform into any form or being. But he was not at all worried about that kink, and Egil Viggoaries had been forewarned of the dire consequence if he, being a mortal, ever tried to use it. Nevertheless, Dwengzur shook his head, to purge the memory of that dreadful blunder of his, from his mind and then, striding over to Nevetsecnuac, casually helped himself to a drink.

"You'd rather it was he, who greeted you now." Dwengzur said, after he had drained the second cup in one gulp. "We originate from the same race after all, Zonar Kuntzu and I… That is the name you knew him by, is it not?"

Not caring whether he received an answer, the Immortal looked disdainfully about him, sweeping the guests with a gesture of his hand and spoke. "Hah! For all their schemes and paltry ambitions (goals), they are such gullible, predictable bores. Don't you agree? They hold such high opinion of themselves, yet they spend their brief life's energy on such selfish, trivial pursuits. But perhaps this one could be the exception that proves the rule." Strangely enough, Dwengzur had pointed to Zaur Stugr, then added, "And you’re most notable self, of course." Dwengzur waited for a spell, but again the goad had produced no (satisfactory) typical response.

06- FRADEL (NEVETSECNUAC) JP 3

Turning his fiery gaze back to Nevetsecnuac, Dwengzur had met only an unflinching, dispassionate, blank stare (gaze). Well, where is that explosive rebuff, the unbridled anger so typical of your species (kind)?

“Are you not in the least bit curious as to why I've singled out this minister in particular?”  Dwengzur grumbled in barely audible voice.

“You will enlighten me when you’re ready.” Nevetsecnuac had lowered his guard for a second or two, to allow the Immortal to read this thought. After shrugging to simply indicate indifference, he again erected the mental barriers and, coolly looked away.

Dwengzur marvelled at Fradel’s outstanding, disciplined mind. “Such an unusual self-control; what would it take to provoke you?”

Dwengzur's slight irritation hinted at the exasperation he felt and confirmed Nevetsecnuac's suspicions that the Immortal's abilities far exceeded what had been rumored.  Nevetsecnuac smiled, grasping at once the reasons why Dwengzur had perpetuated the false notion, (that he relied on the placing of hands coupled with the recitation of an arcane spell to penetrate a man's innermost thoughts,) and the limitations. Otherwise, he would not have been, so well tolerated in Royal Court or received any cooperation from those of real consequence. Meanwhile Nevetsecnuac had well affirmed his suspicions that Dwengzur was capable of reading anyone’s mind, without the theatrics, from close proximity, provided that the targeted individual was conscious (wakeful) and was caught unawares. Had the conscious state of the individual not been a prerequisite, Dwengzur would not have bothered with this spectacle and would have scanned Nevetsecnuac's mind, anytime and anywhere, when he was sleep, inebriated or (when rendered) in a trance.

 A broad smile reached Nevetsecnuac's lips, as he had just then conceived of a way to effectively deal with this Immortal.

07- IMMORTAL DWENGZUR

Just then however, Nevetsecnuac's eye caught the gleaming pendant that at that moment had manifested at the surface of the garment; prior it had been invisible, as it was fastened to Dwengzur's inner garment. Nevetsecnuac shifted his stance with unease recalling, during one of their long drinking sessions, certain facts that Zaur Stugr had inadvertently disclosed. For instance, how Egil Viggoaries for a time had held certain sway (dominance) over the Immortal Dwengzur, after he had stealthily (slyly, cunningly) obtained the amulet and well concealed it, till such a time, he had been forced to relinquished it to Zakhertan Yozdek.  The pendant had allegedly contained a piece of the Immortal's umbilical cord (from birth), therefore was, most essential, for the continuance of the Immortal’s existence. Yet, here it was, in safe keep of the Immortal.

Nevetsecnuac skeptically narrowed his eyes, questioning at present, the validity of the rest of Zaur Stugr’ proclaimed facts. True or false, it could have also been a purposeful ruse by Dwengzur, who by design had leaked this misinformation. Egil Viggoaries could have been further duped into believing that he could utilize it to subjugate or even destroy the Immortal, at will. Zakhertan Yozdek believing in the same had forcefully confiscated it, only to lose it shortly thereafter. Regardless, the pendant's importance, could not be, entirely dismissed.

As Nevetsecnuc had not concealed these musings, Dwengzur picking it up, had been totally amazed at the scope and insightfulness of, scholar Fradel’s brilliant mind. The umbilical cord nonsense had been, in fact, a misinformation. The amulet’s suitability was determined solely by Immortal’s genetic markers. Even if another had obtained the object (talisman), the link could never be established and they, mortal or immortal, could never be able to exploit the rock sprit known as Cassars, who was the entity trapped within it, to further their agenda; furthermore, the genetic markers if tampered with, would have only resulted in the destruction of the amulet. The immortal, who was the guardian, had the inherent right, to name (any name of his choosing,) this enslaved entity. The talisman (amulet), far from being advantageous, it was more a bane, a blight, to the Immortal, for once the link was established, the Immortal wearing the amulet and his ward (Cassar), from then on, would be in a symbiotic relationship: each being aware of the other’s feelings, sensations, discernment, impressions, and experiences. Cassars being an unruly, wily, and rapacious creatures, the Immortal had to from then on, tolerate and endure the creature’s vile sensations (feelings) and, it’s most abhorrently repellent thoughts!

08- CESSARS A_edited 2

Dwengzur’s attention was suddenly drawn to Nevetsecnuac’s next inner query.

Why had Dwengzur, seen fit to accost him (Fradel) at this specific time and place; why hadn’t the Immortal made his presence known much earlier on, when he (Fradel) was alone in the garden, or in his quarters with far less dramatics? 

Just as abruptly thereafter, Fradel’s thoughts had again ceased being clear and, became vague (imprecise) or altogether hidden, to Dwengzur.

He can do this at-will? Dwengzur was quite impressed.

An icy tension had suddenly gripped Nevetsecnuac’s limbs meanwhile when the answer to his inner query had become all too apparent. Nevetsecnuac subsequently, guardedly, had conceived this future response: “He did not expect to have things easy with me. He needs a roomful of hostages to force my hand; I must therefore resist being, antagonized. Absence of least emotion may minimize the damage.” 

 Dwengzur in the interim, having received no further input, fetched himself another full jug of wine and poured himself three capfuls; after he gulped the fragrant brew down in quick successions, he threw a cursory glance back at this elusive Fradel Rurik Korval. Truth-be-told, Fradel’s fine, regal bearing, his exceptional good looks, his intelligence, tenacity, and other apparent strengths might have impressed Dwengzur if he did not so utterly despise all humans. To him humankind was the lowest form of life (species) on the evolutionary scale, ranking just below (maggots) slime worms.

Suddenly requiring a more comfortable place to sit; especially one by the window, Dwengzur impatiently snapped his fingers, to forcibly eject two prominent dignitaries at the adjacent table and hurl them clear across the room to land, headfirst in a heap of dishes, on a far table. Seating himself in one of the vacated plush chairs he casually indicated that Fradel Rurik Korvald should take the other seat now positioned across from him and waited until the scholar, albeit dejectedly, had complied.

"Would you care to share a drink with me?" he asked with an enigmatic grin, pouring the draught into another available cup, and placing it before the scholar.  His manner was most dignified even though the tone was cutting, while at the same time congenial and sincere. His affable gaze fixed on Fradel, it was saying: “let us dispense with the formalities, shall we? And no more games; after-all, I know all there is to know about you and your kind. You may as well relax your vigil and painlessly surrender to my will as this is as inevitable as tomorrow's sunrise.”

Though his distrust of Dwengzur counselled him to decline the offer of wine Nevetsecnuac's good breeding prevented him from so openly antagonizing the Immortal. Reluctantly, with thanks he shared, four more capfuls, all the while marshaling his thoughts, unrelenting and obstinate as ever, in his attempt to frustrate Dwengzur's persistent aims.

 

(END OF SECTION 2)