13- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR - SECTION 1

Far from the political hub of Channing where incredible events were transpiring, beyond the remotest border province of Zhincho, near the summit of the towering snowcapped mountains, in a concealed location under the dense canopy of the forest, cohabiting a wooden cabin, Lord Asger (Lord Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon, Stark) and Tekuob had been living their days in accordance with the proprieties of a father and daughter, in relative harmony. Each day’s routine much the same they kept up the hopeful anticipation of soon receiving the positive news from Prince Nevetsecnuac.

01A - LORD ASGER THUXUR MARROG ZHON AND TEQUOB  (60)J JP

Time passed swiftly with days blending into weeks and weeks into months, though despite Lord Asger’s growing impatience, his hopes of one day being called to arms having never wavered, whenever he could get away and in whatever time he could spare, he kept up with his vigilant martial exercises and edifying (improving) his theoretical, tactical military expertise (proficiency). 

Oftentimes for diversity giving in to Tekuob’s persistence, he routinely (habitually) instructed her on the (mostly defensive) martial arts. Subsequently, with inner pride he watched her day after day, by degrees blending the imparted techniques with her own innate skills to develop her own varied manifold fighting style and thence, becoming a very proficient archer and, with her incredible prowess, wielding a deadly sword.

02A- TEKUOB AND ASGER PRACTICE FIGHTING  (8)jp

But with the passage of even more time, it became increasingly more difficult for Asger (Stark) to maintain his optimism; fearing the worse, he grew impatient with creeping inner resentment, at being (stranded) bound here at the mountain where he could lend no useful assistance to his (first) priority.

What if some harm had already befallen Nevetsecnuac? Consequently then, in all this time he would have lived in vain, guilty of being derelict in his crucial obligation and breaking the oath (covenant) to his maternal uncle, Prince Shon (7^th Prince Shon Alric Therran valamir). On the other hand, he was also bound by the oath to Nevetsecnuac, the oath of taking diligent care of his wife and children. Therefore, competent as Tekuob was, he could not, in good conscience, leave her behind to seek out any news of Nevetsecnuac, nor could he bring her and the twins along with him on such a, perilous, fact-finding mission.

Lord Asger Zhon, duty-bound yet constrained, had often fretted thus, at the conclusion of each day, at those solitary moments before retiring.

02B- LORD ASGER THUXUR MARROG ZHON (167) JP

At dawn with iron determination, he regularly resurrected the hope in his heart and directed his full attention instead, to the preservation (protection, safeguarding) and nurturing (educating) Nevetsecnuac’s beloved wife Tekuob and his identical twins Alric Svein and Lueling. As it were, in all this time Tekuob had borne so many hardships stoically that she had earned (besides his fatherly love,) his lasting admiration; meanwhile, her increasing proficiency in wielding the sword gave Asger some solace, for if nothing else, he was arming her to defend herself during his absence of periodic hunting treks, where which he provided the nutritionally requisite supplement, the meat, for especially, his growing niece and nephew.

Asger’s heart, meanwhile, had secretly ached noting her terrible longing for her beloved husband, even though she had often admirably, filled her days and her every waking moment, with caring for her children, chores, study, and martial exercises, so that at dusk her energies utterly spent, left little room for her to worry. This sort of deterrence, however, could only work so far; naturally, in the continued absence of any news, it became increasingly more difficult for her to conceal her mounting (rising) inner melancholy while maintaining her outwardly hopeful facade. Since nothing escaped Asger’s (Lord Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon’s) notice, and he had also, excellent hearing, it aggrieved him knowing that in the small hours of the night, Tekuob had often quietly shed tears until sleep overtook her. But even then, the fears and the terrible ordeals of her childhood and the demons from her past manifesting vengefully in her sleep and fueling the persistent nightmares, robbed her of scant tranquil respite; thence, she would often wake with a start drenched in the cold pearls of perspiration and then pace the room to and for till dawn broke.

This naturally concerned Asger, fearing that her obvious sleep deprivation and her suppressed (bottled up) emotions might one day acutely harm her mental and physical state. He unfortunately could do little besides (despite) his subtle counsel and the nightly concoctions (curatives) he prescribed to get her to relax and, she still slept badly or not at all.

03- TWINS, ALRIC SVEIN  AND LUELING, ARE HANDFUL TO MANAGE

In daylight hours she fared better, during which time Tequob was far too (busy) preoccupied with routine chores, training and tending to her toddlers, who were with all that boundless energy, was a handful to manage. And those creative interaction with the very inventive and rambunctious twins, added to Asger’s diversionary tactics and subtle teachings of meditative techniques, which Tequob in time had embraced, kept all three resilient and healthy.

                                                                                          ~

One stormy night when gale (tempestuous) winds, thunder, and lightning yet again robbed Tekuob of any sleep, she decided on adapting another of Asger’s suggestions; thus, rising from her bed and then going over to her dresser, she quietly fetched a writing brush, ink and the small hand bound book, a journal, bypassing however the ivory-colored silk bundle (a scroll roll which she used for artistic expressions, such as drawing), which Asger had given her not too long ago to do with as she pleased.  This was the most encouraging sign of all as she, after a momentary hesitation, opened the journal (personal diary) to the first page and began in steady succession, writing down (scripting) her sundry private thoughts and concerns she would never outwardly speak, addressing them alternatively to Nevetsecnuac or, to her toddler son Svein and daughter Lueling. On subsequent nights, this routine confidential mental exercise (provided) had afforded her the much-needed emancipating succor (relief), until her anticipated reunion with her beloved Nevetsecnuac. She had remained thus, most grateful to Asger for his suggestion, as well, his unwavering patience and sensitivity.

In truth, Lord Asger’s countless, subtle attributes, so rare in a man, as time went by had endeared him even more to Tekuob. With all her heart (and soul), she felt indebted to His Lordship for his generous and accommodating ways and the fact that he had always shown her such forbearance. His loyal, warrior soul, heart, and mind, she knew, would always be with Prince Nevetsecnuac, as it should be, yet he had borne the added responsibility for her and her children with such magnanimity. She understood full well how hard it must have been for Lord Asger to bear with her feminine eccentricities (oddities), living in such close quarters; yet he had remained most upstanding (virtuous) and astoundingly (remarkably) tolerant of her vacillating moods, quirks, and foibles.

04- TEQUOB WRITES IN HER JOURNAL ABOUT LORD ASGER ZHON  (61)JP

Eternally grateful, she had once written to Nevetsecnuac, “I’ve never experienced such broadmindedness (no judgement or criticism) and tender care even from my own kin; as soon as the opportunity avails itself, I shall do my utmost, to accomplish a meritorious act, to repay a small portion of a huge debt I owe him.” “Heaven has blessed us, allowing Lord Asger to be an integral part of our life. We can all learn so much from such an honorable being, with incredible courage, moral rectitude, compassion, and loyalty.” Another time she had counseled young Svein and Lueling in her private diary (journal, memoir).

“Regardless of your future fates’ outcome, you must never waver (falter) in your courage and resolve; always emulate (the ways of) Lord Asger and, as your father before you have done, honor him and pay (strict) heed to all his invaluable teachings.” Subsequently, recounting succinctly, most recent (four) set of events about Lord Asger’s heroism, particularly the one about rescuing the toddler twins from the jaws of death, she had on yet another time, with this heartfelt statement, concluded that night’s entry. “Despite the overwhelming obstacles fate has (waylaid) thrown in his path, never once has His Lordship Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon ever deflected from his true purpose. He has stoically sacrificed so much and endured much more than any man would bear; therefore, this heroic warrior deserves our utmost gratitude (which can never be re-paid, not in the brief span of just one lifetime) and high esteem.”   Often, in her diary (journal) she imparted Nevetsecnuac, the exciting current events and Svein and Lueling’s growing progress, as well, their lovable characteristics and periodically, surprising, and most hilarious (amusing, humorous) adventures. Thus (Hence) in her heart, she had found the means to bridge the great distance (gap) that separated Nevetsecnuac from them.

05- TEQUOB WRITES IN HER JOURNAL, TO HER BELOVED NEVETSECNUAC

                                           ~                                         

 

Time passed quickly; but few days before Nevetsecnuac’s decisive combat with the villainous Emperor Zakhertan  Yozdek, when Nevetsecnuac was deliberately poisoned by an invisible prong (spike) hidden in one of the facets (module) of a jeweled cuff clasp on the jacket ( part of a keepsake tribute gift from the Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren’s offices, a traditional/ceremonial court attire, a garb, that had actually been tampered with the deadly, rare poison, by a Black Molochs’s agent, as part of Dark Eunuch Egil Viggoaries’s dastardly scheme), and therefore, Nevetsecnuac’s life was perilously at death’s door, on that date, all day long try as she might, Tekuob could not conceal her overwhelming feeling of restlessness and, same time, the disconsolate (gloomy) mood that had gripped her soul.

All matters vexed (irked) her; she was uncharacteristically incensed (angry) by the children’s rambunctiousness (boisterousness), at the howling winds outside, her chores did not go as well as she had hoped, a wild animal the night before had rampaged the vegetable garden, the windowpane in her bedroom had developed a small crack that needed an immediate repair. When the meal she had labored for the greater part of the morning burnt, she felt utterly dismayed and hiding in her room for an hour; she cried inconsolably.

Shortly afterwards, however, Tekuob, with admirable (reserve) willpower had suppressed her inner turmoil, dried her eyes, and emerged from her bedroom. The next two days, she continued to redirect (channel, convert) this persistent unease and the consequent restless energy towards completing the necessary tasks: which besides her routine chores, included patching (fixing) the crack in the windowpane (opting not to bother Lord Asger with such trifle), rescuing some of the plants and re-organizing the vegetable patch and cooking preserves (jams, jellies, conserves).

06- LORD ASGER ZHON GONE ON HUNTING TRIP (128)JP

Fortunately, Lord Zhon had been absent from the premise (vicinity), having departed shortly before dawn on an essential hunt. Armed with sword, bow, and arrows, he had descended from the mountain (high elevation on foot); and, Tequob knew, he would then venture into the dense forest’s perilous depths (thick foliage) to supply (provide) them with fresh game.

All this while, Tequob had been incessantly, fighting to supress her inner demons; on the third day her agitated state had unfortunately reached an apex point.  Nevertheless, by the time Asger had returned (that very afternoon) earlier than expected with a week’s worth of bounty, she had mastered her wayward (recalcitrant) emotions, and everything on the surface appeared placid and ordinary.

Later still, after the three had a nourishing midday meal Tekuob, as part of the daily routine, put the children to bed for an afternoon nap (cat nap, siesta) then settled herself at her desk to commence her studies of the classics and reading up on Wenjenkun’s history. Try as she might, however, she could not concentrate her thoughts (direct her undivided attention) on the lessons at hand. Her exasperated mind, in defiance of her will, kept straying onto diverse topics, majority being, unpleasant.

“What is the matter with me today?” Finally, putting the book down, she demurred. “Why is my mind in such perplexing bedlam (confounding mayhem)?”

In his seated position, though he was engrossed in what he was reading, sensing her irritation, Lord Asger abruptly looked up and subtly scrutinized (studied) her.

07- LORD ASGER THUXUR MARROG ZHON (168)jp

In that instance, Lord Asger’s perfunctory (fleeting) observation had told him there had been an assiduous (perpetual) serious concern praying on her mind; however, not wishing to intrude (as she will inform him when ready) he instead gave an indulgent smile and then, without a single word, reverted his undivided attention back to the ancient manuscripts and the amassed (summative) revisions of the time-honored war stratagems.

In truth, he too without cause since dawn, had felt intensely perturbed, but upon his return he had pushed it aside, relieved to see that (in their humble habitat) all was as it should be. Soon the toddler twins Alric and Lueling will be waking up from their afternoon siesta and they, being particularly lively and spirited (not unlike Nevetsecnuac at the same age), yet still too young for the implementation of strict discipline, Asger remained reluctant to disrupt the current peaceful repose, which was an integral part of their midday revitalization routine. As it were, despite his strong stamina, Asger had endured a particularly grueling morning, condensing weeks’ worth of hunting into just few (three) days, for he dared not be absent from them too long. Unfortunately, the quiet (silence) he had craved, did not last for too long.

Tekuob’s attention having again strayed from her studies, after a thoughtful pause, she abruptly looked up and then, begging Lord Asger’s pardon, started to say something that seemed imperative (most urgent), when suddenly at that fateful moment, back at Channing Nevetsecnuac’s life was in sure peril, Tekuob’s words in mid-sentence abruptly froze on her tongue and she, as if in dire agony clasped her hand over her heart. Consequently, overcome by the brusque, overwhelming feeling of deep dismay, plus the excruciating pain that had just then gripped her soul, her lovely face became ghostly ashen (pallid, pasty white).

That same instance, Asger had pricked his finger by the splinter jutting from the vintage (ancient) tome’s leather-bound spine casing (sheath, jacket), drawing blood; nevertheless, disregarding this, he rushed to inquire, “Are you all right, my child?” 

Tekuob at first had remained unresponsive, but then, with glazed eyes and, her face bearing the tragic look of a soul plunged into the abysmal depths of misery, she looked up at Lord Asger. When tears threatened to manifest, it was all she could do, but to turn her head away.

“Nevetsecnuac!” A stifled groan (moan, grunt) escaped from Lord Asger’s lips as the inexplicable fear and dread had just then gripped his pulsating, loyal heart.

The toddlers, who were just moments before peacefully asleep in the adjacent room, suddenly burst into loud wailings, as if startled-awake by a terrible nightmare.

 

                                                                                    ~

 

(END OF SECTION 1)

THE ASSASSINS - SECTION 14

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE ASSASSINS - SECTION 14

      After quenching his thirst with a cup of tea, Asger, resumed in somber tone, his recounting    of the past, historical events:

“As the invincible army commanded by  Grand Marshal Gustav Erling poised (encamped, waited) at the border, the newly arrived military Tribune,  crossed into our territory, and gaining an audience with my Lord father, read aloud the degree from the usurper Zakhertan Yozdek, a complete amnesty for my father, allowing him to retain his title, lands and forces as long as he declared fealty to the new regime and relinquished custody of the Prince and all the other royal members, including my mother and me, to them.  Word had already reached us by then, that the rest of the country had, without exception, been subjugated under Zakhertan  Yozdek's rule and that we, alone, stood in resistance.

“Father (Lord Wutenzar Thuxur Marrog Zhon), spitting on the ground before the envoy, reviled the usurper Emperor Zakhertan  Yozdek to his face and, shaking his armored fist in the air, vowed to fight to the bitter end.  Behind him our army cheered loudly, and I could see the Tribune shiver in his boots.”

"Our subsequent struggle lasted half a year as the opposing sides clashed in several savage battles.  Greatly outnumbered, our forces were unfortunately at some point dislodged from Nanku Pass in an assault that also lost Gustav Erling three divisions; after a month, we were driven back to within the confines of the city walls.  There, at Chenko, we continued to fight unrelentingly, only too conscious of our restrictive circumstances.  Food and ordinance, to say nothing of manpower, were being dangerously depleted.  Then Grand Marshall Gustav Erling, having received reinforcements from the Capital, divided his army and laid a vigorous onslaught (offensive, blitz) on the city (Chenko) from all sides.”

Prince Shon

"During this final confrontation Prince Shon was mortally wounded by a sniper's poisoned arrow fired from the enemy ranks.  Later that afternoon, knowing that the end was near and that the situation was hopeless, His Highness called me to his side.  There I knelt beside his deathbed as the prince, his breathing violent and parched, asked me to take his only son, Nevetsecnuac, to safety so that he and I may one day return and avenge the deaths of the Royal family.  'We are beyond salvation', His Highness sobbed, 'but let hope flourish elsewhere so that the crimes of Zakhertan  Yozdek against our family and nation will not go unpunished!'  My heart aflame, I swore that day to make this vengeance happen.”

"That night I bid my farewells to my beloved family and, with sixty able bodied, loyal guards and you, Prince Nevetsecnuac, in my arms, went through the secret tunnel to the camp outside the walls.  Securing additional mounts from the adversary, we vaulted into the saddles and fought our way out of the encirclement to safety.  Each of us was hand-picked to be a match for a hundred of the enemy and they were powerless to stop us.  Our war bellows (cries, roars) rent-open the sky and struck terror into their hearts.”

“Five days after our escape, Chenko fell, and the defenders were slaughtered to a man.  The city was brutally destroyed, and the fires raged for two months until all was looted, burned or razed to dust.”

Except for one, my infant son Ivar Marrog Zhon, Stark fell silent, as stab of pain constricted his heart and soul anew, grieving silently as always, for his son’s ensuing fate.  It would have been better had he died, but no, Zakhertan  Yozdek’s barbarism, his ruthlessness knows no bounds.  None is safe from his malice, his spiteful vindictiveness, certainly not an innocent child. But this too, Asger kept to himself.  Then after inhaling a few puffs from his pipe, he continued (resumed) in an even tone, pushing aside this unbidden, unwelcome ache from his mind and heart.

"Grand Marshall Gustav Erling, leaving a major part of the army under the command of his able subordinate, Lir Yussaf, with instructions to effect the final obliteration of the Zhon family stronghold, marched southwards with eight regiments to join up with our pursuers.  After fighting several pitched battles with them, we succeeded in crossing the border.  By then our numbers had been reduced to thirty-eight, while the enemy, despite the heavy casualties we had inflicted on them, still numbered in the thousands.  The massive size of their force lost them the maneuverability they needed to pursue us through the narrow, treacherous mountain shortcuts.  Since there existed several such trails, some converging while others came to a dead end, and we’d laid false tracks on many to confuse the enemy, we were able to ambush and overcome with ease all the scouts sent to trail us.” 

“A subsequent two-day brilliant tactical feat won us a decisive victory over a key obstacle, a strategic pass guarded by none other than the notorious Garrison Commander Mulnar.  Armed now with fresh mounts and much needed supplies we proceeded (advanced) in due haste towards the Jerken River, a natural barrier that marked the border of the next province.  Unfortunately, the massive bridge which provided safe passage over the dangerous rapids at this juncture lay in ruins. Our circumstance was now dire (ominous), for in a few days’ time Gustav Erling's forces would be upon us, meanwhile, we were stranded without any means of crossing to the other side.  Even if we felled trees and worked diligently through the night to construct a raft, we still lacked the skill needed to master the fast-flowing waters and treacherous rocks of this high-country river.  The closest crossing to us lay near a major provincial town where we could expect staunch opposition. As we vacillated, considering our options, three seemingly harmless fishermen emerged from the rushes and offered to ferry us across.  When they learned just who we were, however, they abandoned their sinister plan of robbing us in mid-stream and, with full cooperation, delivered both our small force and the horses across the river to safety just as Gustav Erling reached the opposite bank, a full two days ahead of where we had expected him to be.  Fearless of Gustav Erling's repercussions, these braves, brigand fishermen remained in sight of his forces, taunting them from the opposite bank.  With earth-shaking fury Grand Marshall Gustav Erling cursed and beat his officers, rushing them to make repairs to the bridge.”

03-GRAND MARSHAL GUSTAV ERLING

"For the next five days our path skirted several hills, eventually leading us to higher, more precipitous ground where, taking refuge on a densely forested hilltop, we pitched camp and posted sentries.  The night sky was engulfed by heavy, burdened clouds that mantled the earth in darkness.  The blazing campfires below, however, allowed us to pinpoint the size and the position of our enemy, or so we thought.  During the night, while keeping more campfires lit than necessary, Gustav Erling, at the head of thirty-five crack contingents, had secretly rode off towards Kensu Pass to enlist the aid of that outpost's commander.”

"The following day's downpour, which started at dawn and lasted all day, hindered our advance but, unaware that we were galloping straight into the heart of danger, we relentlessly pushed on ahead, riding ceaselessly all day and resting only for a few hours at night.  We were aiming to widen the gap between us and our pursuers and reach Kensu Pass first.”

“When, finally, we neared it at dusk, I gave orders for the torches to be lit.  Ironically, after observing the surrounding topography, I had just finished commenting how, with only a few good men, this place could be set up as a prime ambush for Gustav Erling's army when, suddenly, the thunder of war drums filled the air around us and the sky was ignited into one gigantic sunburst by countless fire arrows showering down on our heads.  Hastily, I ordered the retreat, but it was already too late.  A battalion of infantry poured down from the slopes ahead and another group rushed up the gully from our right to block the way.  Rather than dividing our meager forces at this vulnerable spot, I ordered a charge to our left, where we could gain some high ground and mount a more effective resistance. “

“Just then however, another troop of cavalry charged forward from behind the knoll and blocked this avenue as well.  A mass of dancing torches in the south revealed the arrival of Gustav Erling's main force, eliminating any hope of withdrawal.  Completely hemmed in, our situation most grave, we stood our ground to fight.  Our forward line clashed, amid wild shouts, with theirs in a savage, bitter battle.  Our men ploughed fearlessly into the enemy ranks, wielding their weapons with lethal effect, they began to carve a way out through a wall of living men. Corpses piled high around us, littering the ground along which the blood flowed in rivers.  Yet, after an all-night pitched battle, we could still not break their thick encirclement.”

"Then at dawn, another downpour drenched us to the skin; the curtain (wall) of water was so dense that it obscured all vision.  Taking advantage of this, my remaining   men grouped around me in a protective phalanx and fought with magnificent valor to tear throughout the enemy's ranks.  Sowing confusion and bloody mayhem, they provided me and my two officers the means to get away, and then they closed ranks behind us to fight on, as if we were still with them."

Asger paused to puff on his pipe his urgent tears held back, as his heart in a knot (constricted), simply ached. Fighting images of his men's faces, shouting bravely as they died, pained his soul, casting his thoughts into a dark, bloody abyss. 

Nevetsecnuac, with vivid, haunting pictures of war parading before his mind's eye, shared with Asger the feelings of exhilaration and pain.  The urge for battle had fired up the warrior's blood now coursing through his veins and the fierce, bone-chilling cries of the battlefield filled his ears.

"Yes, only the four of us: you Nevetsecnuac, I, Zeru and Uffen were able to escape that pass.", Asger's voice startled Nevetsecnuac from his trance.  "Tracking along that bloody path, we pushed on up the mountain slope in that blinding, driving rain.  A voice shouted behind us, 'On pain of death, do not let Lord Asger escape!', and a volley of arrows assailed us from the rear.  Suddenly another unit of cavalry cut in from our side to block our way.  Zeru and Uffen wheeled their mounts in either direction as they urged me to get away.  With deep sadness in my heart, for I was constrained by my promise to the late Prince Shon, I checked my urge to remain with these brave men and fight to the bitter end.  Though my senses shouted out of impending danger, the possibility of yet another ambush up ahead, I had little choice but to ride in the only direction that remained open to me.”

“As I rounded the outcrop, a final contingent, led by Marshal Gustav Erling himself, surged out of hiding to obstruct my way.”

“‘And where do you think you're going?’ Marshall Gustav Erling mocked.  ‘Surrender the child at once and I may be lenient.  If not, prepare to die a horrible death!’ he snarled at me.  I roared back in defiance, cursing him and his ancestors to rot in Hell then dared him to face me alone in a single combat.  I remember the monstrous laugh he responded with, and his words, 'Look how the lamb dares to fight the lion!  Death is staring you in the face, and you don't even know it!'  Charging towards me on his steed in a blind fury, he ordered his men to stay put.  They stayed behind dutifully, fidgeting on their mounts, aching to follow him in for the kill.”

"I barely had time to secure you to my back and spur my mount before our weapons clashed.  We fought at least thirty rounds, with neither of us able to best the other.  His fame was well earned, for he was truly a most competent foe, unequaled in martial skill.  This, coupled with his superb cunning   in tactical warfare made him virtually invincible.  Despite all my best efforts, I could barely keep him at bay.  In truth, I felt myself beginning   to falter, but my concern over the infant Prince, you, fueled my resolve and would not allow me to fail.  Perhaps it was out of respect for my own skill that Marshall Gustav Erling then began to sway me with words towards surrendering.  At the climax of the fighting, I feigned weakness.  Expecting me to yield or beg for mercy, Gustav Erling relaxed his vigil for a second.  Instead, I wheeled my horse around and charged at full gallop through the cordon of men around us at their weakest point.”

"To this day I don't know whether or not this was purposefully done by Gustav Erling, for the trail I was forced to ride led nowhere.  At one point I was forced by the narrowness of the path to abandon my horse and ascend on foot to the summit, you in my arms, followed by a snaking trail of foes, headed by Grand Marshall Gustav Erling, his double swords flashing like fangs in the serpent's mouth.  This was the final trap he had set for me, on this high mountain at the corner of three provinces.  Arrows whistled past me from behind.  By grace of Heaven and darkness I escaped their aim with but a slightly grazed shoulder and cheek.”

"Fighting still, and dodging arrows, when I reached the summit, it was dawn once more and the provinces below were bathed in light.  During the continuous close combat with Marshall, when one such arrow, missing me, found its mark in Marshall Gustav Erling’s left arm, from then on at least, the elite marksmen did not dare discharge any more arrows, and abandoned entirely any subsequent notion of using poisoned ones. There I combated Gustav Erling until I lost my arm.  Unable to fight and hold on to the child, I was caught in a bind.  It was there and then that I resolved to hurl both myself and you over the sheer cliff rather than let you be taken alive.  With you still clutched to my chest, after countless minutes of airborne flight with arrows whizzing by after us, we landed in the frigid waters of the river and were finally able to get away."

"How fortunate that you escaped that calamity,” Nevetsecnuac exclaimed in amazement.

"Fortune had nothing to do with it!  It was due to the sacrifice of those sixty valiant men and later still, Lord Shonne Gulbrand's invaluable aid that we were able to get away to safety.”

“If not for all that", Asger shook his head, "I shudder to think of the fate that would have befallen you, my Prince."

“Do you know what became of the Marshall?” Nevetsecnuac asked.

Asger simply nodded. Long after the rescue, mindful of Zakhertan  Yozdek's intolerance of failure, Asger had made an atypical inquiry from his trusted contacts regarding the final disposition of Marshall Gustav  Erling.

“Over the years I came to know of a certain, unconfirmed report, and again I emphasize the fact that it may only be hearsay at best.” Asger stressed, before continuing, “That Gustav Erling returned to the capital bearing the heads of Prince Shon and my father Lord Wutenzar Thuxur Marrog Zhon along with their families, and reported as well, his failure to capture Prince Nevetsecnuac and myself. Despite this partial victory, he was nevertheless accused of incompetence and both he and his family were sentenced (condemned) to death. Then again,” Asger pondered out loud. “I doubt this account was entirely true, for it had been long rumored that the beautiful wife of Marshal Gustav Erling, Lady Lingrace, had an unusual attraction for Zakhertan  Yozdek and the two had supposedly an illicit...  Ah, but that's another matter."

Asger abruptly ended it, with a cold bemused smile.

 

Just then the cock's crow announced the arrival of the new day. As Teuquob woke up also at sunrise, she was asked to forgo the chores for the time being and be seated. She was then introduced to her husband in his identity as Prince Nevetsecnuac Therran Valamir and similarly was asked to succinctly divulge her long kept secret about her own Royal heritage and the true facts that precipitated her escape from the Palace and then Kontu. Then, over hot a breakfast, Teuquob was enlightened in a summary of the previous night's exchange, the relevant historical events of Wenjenkun and the key circumstances that had (led) forced Asger and Nevetsecnuac to this mountain sanctuary.

 

(END OF SECTION 14)