LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC – THE CAPITAL CHANNING – SECTION 10

 

In truth, Zaur Stugr had searched long and hard for these many years and had finally given up all hope of ever uncovering the truth and of finding out what had happened to his father. Then, just when he least expected it, because of the strange twist of fate the answer had miraculously reached out to him.

“I must relay the message through a courier (an affiliate Kozur) at dawn to, without further ado, retrieve my father's remains from that hellish pit.” Zaur Stugr nodded with resolve. Unfortunately, Zaur’s full schedule did not allowed him to leave the Capital to supervise the work himself, for nothing short of a miracle, would enable him to facilitate his being absent from his official duties long enough to conduct a proper burial with full rights and ceremony befitting the station of his Father. The burden of his office was most exacting (demanding, rigorous) on his time, same as every other official regardless of their status in Channing, for each official was constantly monitored, their every action and allotted time incessantly regulated and documented (registered), under the entrenched (engrained) layers of bureaucracy with its rigid regulatory standards and lawful domination. Not a single unsanctioned intake of breath could be taken without dire repercussions, under such oppressive and absolute rule of Emperor Zakhertan Yozdek.

01-ZAKHERTAN YOZDEDK  (44)JP

 “Perhaps when this whole business with Fradel Rurik Korvald is concluded I may find the means; I promise you, Father, your spirit will find eternal peace in Heaven while your foul murderers will pay for their nefarious deeds in Hell.”  In irritation Zaur drummed his fingers upon the box.

If only he was free, free to do what he wished without the piercing eyes of Lamont Gudaren, Zakhertan’s invincible militia and that cursed Eunuch’s Black Molochs monitoring his every move!  Regardless of all the power he wielded, and yes, he was a covert (surreptitious) rebel leader, nonetheless existing (functioning) and even thriving, under the domineering, tyrannical canopy; unfortunately, at this very moment he’d realized he was nothing but a pawn of capricious fate after all. Indubitably, in the end, his every feat (act, achievement, engagement), encounters had been preordained (predetermined, fated) by the Heavenly Gods ‘dictates.

“And you, oh my most unfortunate Father, your fate had always been far more tragic than mine could ever be!” Zaur Stugr, shamefaced, groaned, recalling Sorgun's confession to him that night long ago when Zaur was a young boy…Young and utterly innocent.

 Only years later had Zaur comprehended the full implications of those words and, from then on, had remained eternally grateful to Lord Wutenzar Thuxur Marrog Zhon. He had henceforth honored His Lordship's memory in secret each year, on the day of Festival for the Dead.  He owed so much to Lord Zhon for all that he had done to extricate his father from the wrongful indictment and later still, for restoring him to his rightful (position) status.  But then because of the capriciousness of fate, more troubles had beset them.

Zaur Stugr’s mind presently recollected those perilous times back then, with the country in the grips of chaos (turmoil) and incessant wars, remembering most vividly, his father's sleepless nights that were spent endlessly pouring over documents, attending clandestine meetings, arranging for the provisions of armaments and his ceaselessly pacing the floor in his study until the (wee) small hours of the morning. 

Then, once more being constrained to flee, they had journeyed to far away alien lands where they had encountered (met) strange people with different (unfamiliar) dialects and customs; only to covertly return, though remain invisible, amid mainstream (ordinary) denizen obscurity (anonymity).

“Oh, father!  Father! “Zaur Stugr’s heart ached as if he had just become an orphan once more.  He leaned back, lowering his eyelids on the tears that welled up unbidden.

Zaur choked, recalling another time and another place that seemed like an eternity ago.

Zaur saw it all again in his mind’s eye, as vividly as if it was just happening before him that last exchange with his father, Sorgun Dufo. (Note: Learn all about Sorgun Dufo, in Book 6- The Assassins- Section 10)

02-- SORGUN DUFO

Sorgun Dufo stroked his son’s hair with a grave face and looked into his young eyes.  "Now, pay attention, Kundrick."

“Kundrick Dufo,” Zaur softly whispered his childhood name; he had not the occasion to think of it for many years now.

 "Listen son, circumstances dictate that I should go away for a while.  Wenjenkun is in the grip of grave peril, and I have it within my (power) means to alter its ill-fated course.  I must undertake a very dangerous task, and time is of the essence.  Hopefully I will achieve my goal and spare this nation of ours from the impending catastrophe.  Though you may be only a child my son, you are strong enough to be entrusted with grave responsibility.  Take this box and guard it with your life, if necessary, until my return.  You must not fail in this, for inside is proof of the allegations I will be bringing before our Illustrious Sovereign Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir. Without them all is lost."

Zaur Stugr caressed the box once more, holding it as he had gripped it as a child (of about nine years old), feeling the weight of its importance. 

"In the meantime,", Sorgun had continued, "I have arranged for you to remain in the good care of my old friend, Sanzo Tezcat.  I know you are a strong-willed boy despite your polite manners, and I charge you now to behave and do as Sanzo says. Do not give me the least cause to regret this decision.  When I return to reclaim the box, I will explain everything to you, in full detail." 

But his father never returned.

“As discerning as you were, Father,” Zaur Stugr smiled wryly, “even you did not grasp how you were being played (toyed) by fickle fate.  You did not perceive, had no way of knowing of Sanzo's secret life.  How things might have turned out differently, had either of you, more specifically him, breached that wall of secrecy and taken the other, you, into confidence.  You are not entirely to blame though father; after all, you pursued a common cause and trusted him (a confirmed bachelor) well enough to leave me, your only son, in his care. “

“It was clearly not negligence on your part; perhaps it was Sanzo's excellent disguise, crafted so well it had fooled even a childhood friend such as you.” Zaur lowered his head in woeful air.

“How capricious fate is.”

To be sure, (definitely) Sanzo Tezcat had been a master of camouflage; what’s more, he had been bound by his blood oath of allegiance sworn in complete secrecy to the Sacred Brotherhood of the Kozurs.  Since even blood relatives were kept in the dark (unless it was sanctioned by the brotherhood to reveal it, and that happened hardly ever,) Sanzo Tezcat could not have confided in Sorgun Dufo even if he had desperately wanted to, even if it were to save his own life.  So serious were the repercussions of breaking the oath that even the most horrible death was preferable to betraying the Brotherhood.

03- SANZO TESCAT (2)

Zaur’s noble father had never suspected that this bookish (studious, thoughtful), benevolent, and foolishly idealistic, equable (composed, placid) erudite (scholarly, historian), who always seemed to be lost in some fantasy world of his own so distant from the crude realities of present life and politics, was anything more than what he seemed.  And so, at the time, Sanzo Tezcat must have seemed the ideal, safe candidate to entrust with the safekeeping of young Kundrick Dufo.  Besides, Sorgun Dufo's own scruples and good conscience would not have permitted him to involve (or recruit) his childhood friend Sanzo, this idealistic, gentle soul into the perilous, clandestine struggle that took up his every waking moment.

Perhaps that was the root, true basis for his father's undoing; he should have looked deeper into the man’s soul, should have questioned the obvious when it came too easily.  Sanzo, a wolf in sheep's clothing, would have proved invaluable in altering the course of Sorgun's doom.

Vividly Zaur recalled the look of panic in Sanzo Tezcat 's eyes when, just three days after leaving with Sorgun Dufo on a mission, Tojo Tugo was spotted (was seen) in the crowd across the market square.

In an instant metamorphosis, Sanzo had dropped all semblance of his benign, placid (docile) disguise and clearly incensed (irked), hastened (rushed) Kundrick home at once.  Within the space of an hour, they were packed and ready for the flight to disappear in hiding.  Cursing furiously, Sanzo Tezcat had slammed things about and committed countless, obviously important documents to the roaring flames of the kitchen fire.

Despite his forced restraint, Zaur gritted his teeth and cursed the name, Tojo, Tojo Tugo, father of Imperial Captain Zunrogo Tugo.

 “May you burn like dry leaves in Hell for your treachery! “Zaur scowling cussed (swore, cursed).

Many nights since the time when he had first pieced the facts together, Zaur Stugr had anguished over the dilemma. 

Zunrogo Tugo had been a mere child back then, could he be held morally accountable for his father's heinous crimes?  In the end Zaur had exonerated Zunrogo from all blame and did not exact lawful revenge on him.

Despite this resolve, Zaur Stugr had held, in the depth of his heart, a strong dislike for Captain of the Palace Guards, Zunrogo Tugo.  If it were up to him, alone, the Undersecretary's Office would have had no dealings whatsoever with this arrogant, martinet (despot, bully).  Unfortunately, Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren had long ago recognized Zunrogo’s specific talents and, over the course of the ensuing years had engaged his increasingly invaluable services to successfully carry out the most difficult of the Prime Minister's sinister schemes.

As Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren’s avowed subordinate (in official capacity), Minister Zaur Stugr was constrained to maintain an outward (superficial) civil relation with Zunrogo, son of Tojo the traitor; and when bid to do so, enable (facilitate) the despised Captain to augment (expand) his influence and fortunes. Despite solid evidence, Zaur suspected Zunrogo Tugo of having other affiliates, moreover, a far more powerful patron (benefactor) than PM, not ruling out the possibility of that sponsor being someone from the Royal Yozdek Family.

At this point Zaur's mind, unexpectedly, reverted to his childhood.

"How will Father find us?  I'm not going anywhere." Zaur remembered crying out as he squirmed and wrestled against the servants with all his might, steadfastly refusing to budge an inch. 

That was the first time that Zaur (Kurndrick Dufo) had ever defied his father's dictate.

Zaur smiled, recalling how stubborn and cheeky (rebellious) he’d been back then.

 As it were, when threat, force and reasoning failed to sway Kundrick Dufo, the steward Lios then had resorted to a ruse.  Pretending to have briefly consulted Sanzo Tezcat, wily (crafty) Lios had, by choosing his words very carefully, reassured Kundrick that Sorgun Dufo had already sent word to Sanzo that he would meet with them at their intended destination once his pursuers were thrown off his trail.

04- FEARLES KUNDRICK DUFO

When defiant Kundrick had boldly confronted his guardian in his study later still, demanding Sanzo validate this info, Sanzo Tezcat had simply suppressed an outward venting of his displeasure (at this obstinate upstart) and glared sternly at Kundrick.

 His gruff silence had, oddly enough, reaffirmed in Kundrick’s mind that the words Lios had spoken were the truth.  Thus beguiled, Kundrick Dufo (Zaur Stugr) had then complied willingly with all that was expected of him. 

After they had fled to safety, Kundrick had waited fruitlessly for many a day, looking forward to that time when he would be reunited with his father. Every night before going to sleep he’d envisioned (in his mind’s eye) the joyful event, how he would eagerly, elatedly greet his father and then excitedly blather away, recounting (relaying) the many hair-raising adventures he had already experienced.

When their urgent flight to safety had warranted a third move within one year, Kundrick Dufo bit more wizened (more able to discern a lie from the truth) and skeptical, this time he’d adamantly stood his ground, obstinate and unafraid.  Raising quite a ruckus he’d demanded the full explanation he felt was his right to have. On the verge of being bound, gagged, and forcibly transported, Sanzo Tezcat just then arriving on the disordered scene, in an icy tone (a voice commanding absolute obedience), had barked, “Put the boy down.”

Zaur could still envisage (visualize, picture) the riveting scene, how Sanzo’s brief, forbidding look that fanned the room had instantly frozen all commotion (clamor) and frenzied protestations.

 A tomblike (deadly) lethal tension had gripped the room as all, save for Kundrick, stood perfectly still with their heads lowered in abject contrition.

Sanzo Tezcat with slow, deliberate steps, hands clasped behind him, walked over to the window, and gazed absently outside; he stood there for what seemed an eternity, his hand then (grasping) resting on the hilt of his partially hidden stiletto (an ancient, ceremonial dagger). Sanzo’s dark green, piercing eyes subsequently had reverted back to Kundrick Dufo; noting with some amusement, the boy’s adamant stance and the unflinching stare of defiance returned back to him, Sanzo simply nodded.

In truth, despite the just then wavering, inexplicable fear Kundrick had felt in the pit of his stomach, determined not to show any weakness, he had obdurately (pig-headedly) tunneled his hard gaze into Sanzo's eyes.

The steward Lios, having been rather fond of the indomitable boy and at that moment fearing for his safety, had defied his subservient place to cough gently and to flash Kundrick with a worried look.

Quite unexpectedly however, Sanzo's face had suddenly softened (relaxed) and he threw his head back and gave a loud, boisterous laugh that resounded in the tense stillness of the air.

"Ignorance makes a lion of the lamb (young sheep)." Kundrick thought he heard Sanzo Tezcat grumble under his breath as he walked over (drew near) to the boy and seated himself comfortably into a plush chair.

“Who’s he calling a lamb?” Zaur remembered well, how he’d inwardly seethed in rage at the time. He was a real firebrand (a troublemaker, a real hothead) back then.

Kundrick’s fury unleashed he stood ready to pounce on Sanzo, “I’ll show him...” 

But then, steward Lios, catching the boy's attention just then, his eyes had implored Kundrick to keep still and to concede, warning him of dire chastisement if he persisted with his defiance.

05-SANZO TESCAT (10)

Sanzo Tezcat, well composed, with his hard gaze glued to Kundrick Dufo, had pondered on a concern for quite some time, as though the urgency of their flight had never existed and as if they had all the time in the world to spare.  In contrast, these precarious moments had dragged on, for Kundrick and presumably, for his friend and ally, Lios.

Then unexpectedly Sanzo had slightly leaned forward and indicated that Kundrick was to take the seat across from him as, with a singular look, he dismissed the steward and the rest of the servants from the room.  Kundrick Dufo, unflinchingly never taking his eyes once off his guardian, had complied.

Instead of the admonishment he had expected, however, Sanzo had, in a sympathetic, patient tone, promised that one day, when it was appropriate for him to do so, Kundrick would receive all the pertinent knowledge that he sought and that he, Sanzo himself, would answer unequivocally all Kundrick’s queries without the least reserve.

“Until then,” Sanzo had austerely ejected next, “it would be most dangerous for a boy of your stature (station), to possess too much knowledge.”

Looking away Sanzo had then in a softer tone distractedly added, “And since it seems we would be together for quite a long while, I prefer to have our relationship be, more affable (amiable).”

Sanzo, rebounding from that momentary sentiment quickly however, had again austerely exhorted (urged) Kundrick to behave, as his father would have wanted him to, with the decorum becoming of his station and to show the perseverance and self-discipline that was his innate (inherent) good breeding. 

Most incredible, Sorgun Dufo had been one of those rare, exceptional individuals (persons) who had won Sanzo's eternal gratitude and affection. Fortunately for Kundrick Dufo, he had been the beneficiary of all that respect Sanzo had held (felt) for his father and, though the boy had been nothing but a liability thus far, in fact, by this last defiant spectacle (demonstration) worn rather thin his privilege, Kundrick, as sole exception, had still been tolerated by his guardian.  Zaur had learned years later how dangerously close he’d come to being slayed that day.

It had taken tremendous amount of self-control on Sanzo’s part, not to have lashed out and simply offed (killed) the boy; in the end, during his pondering Sanzo seeing something in the boy, (in fact Kundrick had reminded him of his own unruly childhood-self,) that Sanzo had decided from henceforth, to judge the boy on his own merit (instead of his father's) and to give him one last chance.

Sanzo then had communicated to Kundrick in no uncertain terms that, if he wished to remain under his guardianship and in his good graces, absolute obedience was required and expected of him. The underlying tone of this last part (of Sanzo’s speech) had been most firm and severe, leaving no room for discussion or negotiation.

 

(END OF SECTION 10)

 

                                                                                   ~

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 13

 Zhadol had narrowed his eyes and had spoken thoughtfully that last part, but then he sharply looked up and grimaced, "Yet, you know what, Egil Viggoaries is not entirely to be blamed for all that he’d…. “Zadol abruptly stayed his tongue, then simply shook his head. “What I mean to say is that he’s only the product of his circumstances.  Zakhertan Yozdek’s former Chief Eunuch, Mokan had a lot to do with molding Egil Viggoaries’character; yes, since the time he’d been made his guardian, when Egil was in his early teens.  Now there was a devious, callous brute; his heart was black, far blacker than Egil Viggoaries's now. You are most fortunate that his early death spared you from having any dealings with him.”

01- CHIEF EUNUCH MOKAN

Zadol pensively looked away for a time, then after a nod, said: “Since the time Egil Viggoaries’s training was entrusted to that demon Chief Eunuch, furthermore, he was given free rein to do anything he pleased…. well, is it any wonder that Egil Viggoaries is the way he is now?  In a rare, vulnerable moment once, much to my surprise, Egil tearfully opened his heart to me and confessed his deepest, darkest secrets; how he had been savagely, brutally …. oh, I cannot speak of such….” Zhadol suddenly dropped his head and fell silent, as involuntary shudder just then passed through him.

"Then I should think that His Excellency Egil Viggoaries definitely had a hand in his guardian's untimely and rather suspicious demise (end).  After all, didn't he have everything to gain and nothing to lose?"  Yennic's pitiless (cold) tone was deliberately provocative.

"I see that you are not above lending an ear to these unsubstantiated, idle and malicious rumors that obviously persist to date." Zhadol huffed angrily.

"Mokan had a multitude of enemies and any one of them was capable of engineering that bizarre, freakish accident, infinitely more capable than a mere boy barely fourteen years of age.  Mokan got exactly what he deserved.  Frankly, it’s strange that someone didn't off that brute long before."   Zhadol gritted his teeth then, growing quiet, looked away.

“How fervently (vehemently) you rush to the defense of Egil Viggoaries, while inadvertently perhaps, exposing your searing contempt for your old benefactor, Mokan.” Yennic mused, studying Zhadol out of the corner of his eye.

 “One would think that you shared Egil Viggoaries's pain at first hand, despite your prior claims.  Well, why not?  I should be cross with you for keeping the truth from me, and your denial has confirmed my suspicions.  Egil Viggoaries was only fourteen at the time, but you were nineteen and certainly felt protective of him.  You both were in on the conspiracy, weren't you?  Though perhaps I'll milk the confession and the details some other time from you.”

Assuming a gentler disposition now, Yennic on the outset conceded, smiling, "True enough, it’s too far-fetched to consider… mmm… true enough, such a deed would be way beyond any boy's capacity.  Still, Mokan's demise was very beneficial for His Excellency Egil Viggoaries.  Wasn't he chosen for some personal, private service to the Crown Prince Herleif, shortly afterwards?  A decidedly advantageous gain, wouldn't you say?"

02- PRINCE HERLEIF (1)

"You would think so, wouldn't you?" Zhadol scoffed.

 "First of all, the appointment came much, much later and secondly, there, too, Egil Viggoaries suffered unspeakable abuse at the hands of Zakhertan Yozdek's once, favored son Herleif.”

“No, Yennic," Zhadol asserted grimly, "it was not an advantageous position.  In fact, it was quite the opposite.  The damage done by his humiliation and degradation was almost irreparable.  However, it was somewhat countered by the scant attention and due recognition he received from our Sovereign."

 Zhadol shook his head. “Yes, I could tell you horror stories about that episode in Egil's life as well.  Still, while emotionally bound to His Highness, Egil to date credits all blame on his rebellious father: he’s been held solely responsible for all Egil’s suffered pain and abominations since the time of Egil’s abandonment at infancy.  In fact, so doggedly Egil loathes, to the very marrow of his bones, his biological father, that I think…" But then Zhadol suddenly falling silent, pensively looked away at some distant point.

 When Yennic drew closer and appeared, about to speak, Zhadol, surmising the inquiry, shook his head and answered readily, "No, Yennic, I don't know the insurgent Lord’s name.  I don't even think Egil Viggoaries knows for certain. "

"Then again, maybe he does know it; but he feels far too shamed to…” Zhadol in afterthought shrugged then stroked his beard.

Subsequently, his brain flooded with a rush of memories Zhadol, nodded absentmindedly as he inwardly examined the scant clues he’d previously overlooked. "Yes, maybe he does know, that would explain so much!"

“Shamed…?”  It was such an odd choice of words, that, Yennic, meanwhile, had looked questioningly at Zhadol; but the Commander ‘s mind already drifted off to distant memories, mired in his own recollections, he simply ignored Yennic.

In the ensuing minutes Zhadol then had quietly reminisced about the infrequent moments of kindness he'd experienced with Egil Viggoaries and the knotted muscles of his face relaxed their hold fractionally.  With a softer expression he looked up and smiled, "You know, Yennic, he does have a vulnerable side to him, though you'd rarely see it for he never drops his guard, even when asleep."

03-EGIL VIGGORIES

"Listening to your accounts one could easily be misled, or worse, disarmed, by His Excellency Egil Viggoaries." Yennic laughed cynically. "You paint a picture of a victimized, vulnerable, oh so tragic being!  How can you speak kindly of him after all you've seen, after all the atrocities you've witnessed and after all your suffering at his hands?  Is abandonment, or a deprived childhood love, any excuse for all his sins (depravities) he’d committed, or was it just his evil innate nature surfacing to begin with?  I'd suspect you'd find something nice to say about even the most vicious beast as he stood above you, threatening to devour you whole."  Yennic grinned, shaking his head.

"I've always said that you are too soft hearted.”  “Or does it go deeper than that?  Could it simply be guilt? And so, despite it all, you view Egil as replacement for your long-lost little brother-one you’d failed to protect; Egil hence, filling that void of mentoring and protecting, as means for absolution?" Yennic conjectured (theorised), as he sternly (unsympathetically, hardheartedly) scrutinized Zhadol.

Just then however, Yennic’s eyes suddenly lit up and a sinister smile brushed his lips as if he recalled a new way to goad the Commander.  "Speaking of Egil Viggoaries's favorites, I just realized it’s been some time since we've heard about Heng Erling."

04-- HENG ERLING

Still perched on the tree branch, Nevetsecnuac momentarily tensed at hearing that familiar name.  So much had happened since that fatal encounter.  A cold shiver rippled through him as he instantly recalled Heng Erling's deception, the intense combat and finally, that shattering disclosure (revelation) that had irretrievably altered his future. (Detailed account of this is at- Book 6- The Assassins- Section 17)

 

"You didn't do something drastic to Heng Erling, did you?"  Yennic's teasing tone disclosed a slight hint of jealousy.

"I hate to disappoint you but no, I didn't.  He left some time ago on a secret mission and I did not care to ask His Excellency anything about it."  Shrugging his shoulders dispassionately, Zhadol looked away.

"Understandably", Yennic masked his cruelty to play at being sympathetic once more.

"Well, perhaps he'll have the good fortune to fall prey to some serious adversary and never darken your thoughts again.  Tell me, though; was there any truth to those rumors concerning Heng Erling and His Excellency?"

05--HENG ERLING

"You know it well!"   Zhadol fixed his cold gaze back on the Lieutenant.

"But I thought that they had despised each other all along?" Yennic needled.

"The animosity between them was real enough.  They were rivals since childhood.  Heng Erling had always been close to the Crown Prince Herleif and never missed a chance to entice Prince Herleif into torturing Egil Viggoaries for being different.  Yet you know how opposites attract.  Besides, I believe Heng's recent change of heart was instigated by his mother's ambition.  That artful, calculating enchantress (wiccan) Lady Lingrace controls him absolutely. She has high ambitions for him, you know, particularly since His Highness has now two remaining living sons and only one living illegitimate one that we know of. “

“Wasn’t Lady Lingrace a lady-in waiting, to Lady Elin?” Yennic pondered out loud. “That’s right, she had been attendant to Prince Qijerrik and Prince Herleif’s mother Lady Elin, during which, she had an affair with His R.H. Zakhertan Yozdek. Later still, her husband Gustav Erling was executed for treason; Heng’s elder siblings were promptly executed, but the younger Heng Erling was spared, and we all know the reason, why? Rumors had it, because he was His Majesty Zakhertan Yozdek’s illegitimate son. Lady Lingrace is considered old now, she has lost most of her attractiveness, but still is around and furthermore, maintains most of her power.”

06- LADY LINGRACE

“You would think so, wouldn’t you?  But I think that is not entirely true. Meanwhile, she must have noticed the balance of power shifting towards Egil Viggoaries lately and so pushed her son into aligning with the sure victor.” Zhadol pensively ejected.   

"And she thinks that, when it comes to it, His Excellency Egil Viggoaries will politely step aside?"  Yennic could not hold back a laugh.

"You're dangling over the (razor’s) blade’s edge again!"   Zhadol knitted his brows in anger.  "I warned you about that kind of dangerous talk!"

"I was only hypothesizing; I meant nothing by it." Yennic retracted it at once, grinning sheepishly.  "His Excellency's devotion and loyalty to His Highness is above question.  Everyone knows that."

 Zhadol elected not to dwell on it.  "Come now.  Patient and tactful you are not.  I know you've been burning with curiosity all night, so why haven't you asked me yet about the cause of the recent trouble between Egil Viggoaries and myself instead of talking about nearly everything else?"

"I figured you'd get around to it eventually."  Yennic shrugged his shoulders, feigning indifference.  "Besides, you'd assured me that there was nothing to worry about."

"Pretend all you want; I know you better."  Zhadol laughed in good humor.

"Well then, I'll tell you but don't expect any elaboration on it. “

                                                                                 ~

 

(END OF SECTION 13)