LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL - SECTION 20

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC -THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL - SECTION 20

(REVISED 2026-04-20)

Only a handful of Elders of Karn and His Eminence Olavingemar had been privy to Aegeus’s secret, that Chandor (Zandar Kuntzu) and his offspring (twin son) Zonar, were both related to Aegeus by blood, and now it seemed, through his carelessness, the secret had been revealed to ambitious Sthetor as well. Aegeus put this concern aside and directed his attention instead, on the matter at hand.

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What made Zonar even more hazardous, was the fact that his blood also carried the mixed gene (although it was dormant) from his Immortal mother Tekubzan. She, the only daughter of His Eminence Olavingemar, had the rare phoenix chromosome, which had, once in every aeon, passed down to female genera of Kongrul. Zonar’s twin sister Arnora (also known as Ingrit) had died young, well before it could be determined whether she had the gene or not. The rare Phoenix genetic material (chromosome, DNA) once manifested at maturity, at about thirty-five, from then on would enable the immortal female to transform, at will, into a phoenix or into a phoenix/human hybrid. Such a being also, via the blue flames, would possess immense regenerative healing powers. They could utilize their power to heal or harm anyone, even Immortals.

Elder Aegeus had learned quite by chance, through divination, that Nevetsecnuac had also twins born to him some time prior; and one being female, she could carry that gene. He had kept this secret from all, while he decided on what this would entail and if it warranted any future action. He did not know why but an innate caution deep within, had kept him weary of Sthetor, and decidedly silent on this matter as he wish to keep Sthetor in the dark about this.

The ancient race of Kongruls, despite the immeasurable distance, once had a kinship (alliance, special link), with the race of Karn. Unfortunately, the revered race of Kongruls had virtually been annihilated during the cataclysmic wars, save for the three (that Aegeus knew of): His Eminence Olavingemar, his precious daughter Tekubzan, and of course,

Sthetor. All three-surviving Kongruls, had been readily and without prejudice (generously) accepted into the main fold of, Karn race. Moreover, in a noticeably abbreviated time, both, benevolent Oavingemar and (problematic) Sthetor had achieved prominent positions.

Notwithstanding their different prior status in Kongrul Race, for Olavingemar had been a venerated, intellectual aristocrat whereas Sthetor had been an ordinary, (rigid, obdurate) intransigent warrior and a seir (diviner). The two had outwardly been congenial (affable) towards each other and, often cooperated on pressing matters; but underneath it all, Aegeus had sensed (detected)from the very beginning, the enduring (lifelong, unwavering) hostility between Olavingemar and Sthetor. They were, moreover, as different as day and night. This aggression had reached its zenith once, when in a private meeting between the three honoured Elders of Karn, Aegeus, Olavingemar and Sthetor, audacious Sthetor (who was Olavingemar’s age but didn’t show it) had proposed to wed Tekubzan when she had reached the age of maturity, to perpetuate their race. She was no more than (earth-years of) four at the time.

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Olavingemar barely able to contain his ire (indignation, wrath), he had simply bolted from his seat and, without a word, left the meeting. Things were supposed to have been smoothed later, but Aegeus had remained doubtful of the validity of that claim. Furthermore, from then on Olavingemar had remained guarded against Sthetor. Aegeus, nevertheless, not wishing to pry (meddle), had not broached the subject with either of them.

Then hundred years later, at a typical Divination Ceremony where, each new generation at the age of ten Earth years was evaluated, His Eminence Olavingemar the Most Supreme Elder of Karn Race, assisted by Sthetor , had disclosed then manifest ominous prediction that, the child Tekubzan was unfortunately, the carrier of a seed that would be the harbinger of the Race of Karn’s utter obliteration (eradication). To prevent this from ever happening, by a majority vote, she had been in a fortnight, condemned to death.

His Eminence Olavigemar, nevertheless, privately that night had reconsulted the Heavens and, achieving a different interpretation as well, an alternative to the execution, she had been instead, sentenced to a much crueler fate of being imprisoned for life at a secret location, behind an impenetrable one piece of solid rock, where which its thickness muted all sound, inside one of the divisions (tunnels) of the deepest recesses of the Cave. There she was left to live, the rest of her long life, in solitary confinement and in pitch darkness.

Secrecy being paramount, Olavigemar and Aegeus had been the sole ones that knew the whereabouts of her prison. At least she would be alive. Elders of Karn being habitually indifferent (apathetic), they had all agreed to this, save for Sthetor. Aegeus had seen his ugly side then, especially when latter’s arguments had been superseded (overridden). More importantly, Aegeus had detected just for a spell before Sthetor had supplanted it (replaced, masked), the hint of his unease in his eye- the almost feeling of foreboding or fear- at his inability to affect her immediate demise.

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Olavigemar meanwhile, though relieved, from then on had been unusually tight-lipped and he had never mentioned or reminisced about his beloved daughter; furthermore, he had avoided, all communication (clairvoyantly) telepathically or otherwise with her. But despite the great passage of time, he had not, not once, forsaken Tekubzan.

This Aegeous had known for certain and chosen to remain silent. Aegeus likewise discerned, that Olavigemar had kept her life-stone along with his, in a secret compartment, somewhere in his room. Life-stones had been an essential part of life in Kongrus. One year after birth, each Kongrus received a singular, unique small stone (the kind only found in Kongrus’s homeland, Tarkon), which, in a specific ceremony, on the second full moon of the year, their drop of blood was absorbed by the stone, turning it into luminescent celadon color. So long as it glowed celadon, the individual was believed to be still among the living. Since her imprisonment, Olavigemar each night before going to sleep, without fail, had checked his daughter’s life-stone.

Elder Sthetor meanwhile, keeping in mind the harsh environment she had been imprisoned in, had secretly anticipated, moreover delighted, in the probability of her early demise. But the rare Phoenix chromosome had enabled Tekubzan to survive her terrible ordeal and exacting circumstance, to eventually reach maturity. It had been the innate advantage, for her surviving in those frigid temperatures of the cave during her captivity all those years. Fluke of fate, she was destined to meet and fall in love with Chandor.

                                                                                       ~

On typically ordinary late night, warned of her death by the Life-stone, Aegeus and Olavigemar had rushed over at once to investigate and discovered, to their great dismay, the breach, and the resulting clear devastation at that part of the Cave.

Olavigemar had evoked the spell, so did Aegeus, to discover the truth about what had transpired there. Both Elders had picked up Chandor’s and Tekubzan’s residues, but even then, they had failed to unlock the mystery of what sort of calamity had occurred there; and more importantly, who the evil perpetrator had been, that so brazenly violated at least two of their sacred laws.

Additionally, both had understood, that an unknown incantation, far more powerful spell, had been cast to hide the truth from both Elders of Karn. But the cave had disclosed five or six clues nevertheless, that there had been number of happy events there, that must have culminated in two young immortals eventually falling in love and becoming a couple.

04- CHANDOR AND TEKUBZAN

Aegeus had never cogitated the possibility of a union between (two varied species) a Karn and a Kongrus; he was shocked, as everyone else, when the secret liaison between the condemned Tekubzan and Chandor became known. The esteemed elders, Aegeus and Olavigemar moreover, secretly been elated and amazed, at the discovery of traces that revealed the existence of an offspring grandchildren, more specifically twins, born to the loving couple.

The spotted (noted, discerned) indicators had revealed next, of a violent intrusion and the subsequent dire (catastrophic) struggle, obviously, between Tekubzan and the evil perpetrator.

In the end she had perished in the fire, as her charred remains had been found in a heap. The offender, after the evil deed, had unfortunately, clear gotten away, as there had been no residue or remains of him, left behind.

05- THE RESIDUE IN CAVE

Fortunately, Tekubzan had successfully hidden her newborn twins well before her devastating engagement (fight, struggle) with the indomitable foe, for the infants (boy and girl) whom she had named Zonar and Arnora, had remained unharmed through it all. She had achieved this, by transferring a great deal of her powers to the babies, at the time of the twins’ birth; this unfortunately had left her vulnerable, and far less able to thwart (offset, counter) the perpetrator’s assaults.

It took no great imagination to envision Chandor’s frustration, his ire (rage, fury), self-blame, then ultimately, his inconsolable grief, to have arrived there too late and well after the devastating fight. Intrepid Tekubzan, anticipating his return had nevertheless managed to leave a message for him, therefore, following her (telepathic) instructions, he had discovered the unharmed, hidden twins, his son Zonar and daughter Arnora. Then, according to her wishes, for the evil perpetrator had been bent on destroying their precious offsprings, Chandor had absconded the mountain along with the twins, to permanently disappear (take refuge) somewhere in the vast mortal world of Humans.

06- CHANDOR DISSAPEARS IN THE MORTAL WORLD

Aegeus from the start had innately mistrusted Sthetor; but he had all the same, still passively stood by and let Sthetor with dogged determination, rallying support from the

Elders of Karn and utilizing their ancient laws, to set forth and to destroy Chandor (Zandar Kuntzu). At the time, Aegeus had deeply resented being put in such a predicament and blamed his renegade son Chandor (Zandar), for not being capable enough to triumph against all odds.

Even though this great mystery about the identity of the evil perpetrator had never been satisfactorily resolved, Aegeus had his own suppositions, which in absence of solid proof, to date he had kept to himself. He reflected on the fact that, Stheltor at that time, on the pretext of having fallen gravely ill, had timely (absconded) gone on a surreptitious retreat to supposedly convalesce, well before the detection of Chandor’s absence, and the finding of Tekubzan’s breached prison. On his return, he had taken to always wearing gloves. The reasons for this idiosyncrasy had been successfully explained to all, except for Aegeus. Additionally, Sthetor, had been the one strong component, behind the dogged persecution, the hunting and eventual capture of Chandor. Back then, Aegeus had assumed, vindictive Sthetor had intensely (dourly) hated Chandor for attaining the love of Tekubzan, whom Sthetor coveted since her age (earth years) four and, regarded (pegged) her as his owed prize. She had been the configured, essential part of his high ambition (and sinister reasons), which he had hid behind a noble claim, of wanting to perpetuate Kongrul Race, within Karn. That was why venerable Olavigemar, from then on, had remained on his guard. In the end Sthetor had still got her, and then, exacted his ultimate revenge on Chandor.

In hindsight, Aegeus anticipated that there had been a far sinister reason behind it all; unfortunately, to present, he had failed to resolve this enigmatic quandary (perplexing dilemma).

But Sthetor was now (single mindedly) targeting to destroy his grandson Zonar. Aegeus, despite his seeming indifference, was nevertheless caught in a bind. He knew all fate can be altered; he just had not conceived yet, how to achieve alternate means. His granddaughter Arnora was already lost to him; part of him secretly wanted to preserve Zonar’s life as he saw enormous potential in his grandson. 

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On the other hand, at present, Zonar posed the greatest threat to Karn Race’s welfare and lasting existence; for along with the prophesy, Zonar, was the possessor of the combination of both dragon and, albeit dormant, rare, mutated phoenix- YBXchromosome (DNA, genes). As the preservation, (safeguarding) of Karn Race had always been the paramount, (predominant) importance over everything in Aegeous’s life, he therefore anew, hardened his heart.

And so, Aegeus after his brief ponder, simply nodded, dispassionately acquiescing to Sthetor’s current, principal request; then, at the apt moment, he also gave Sthetor permission to enlighten the others, but only on the scant (limited), pertinent details.

Sthetor’s mind subsequently open to all, he checked his glee, and then looked about him for a spell, his inexpressive, (emotionless) soulless grey eyes sweeping the rapt faces.

“Indeed, it was a Divine Providence that interceded in sparing and extending Zonar's life, so that he may play a vital (most fundamental) role in determining the course of, mortal world's history.”

“Are we to do nothing, then?” All eyes asked.

“No, that's not what I meant at all.” Sthetor continued evenly, mutely. “Zonar should be apprehended at the appropriate time and accordingly dealt with; to do otherwise, would be irresponsible. But beware; it shall be a much harder task to accomplish, than we had originally anticipated. I would have thought it inconceivable but here we stand. There is no denying the fact that the renegade Immortal Chandor or Zandar Kuntzu, had somehow acquired the most ancient, taboo spell and innately passed it solely onto his progeny (offspring) Zonar; and he, in well enough time, must have learned to safely utilize it.”

“The proof lies before us. As things now stand, Zonar Kuntzu is far more resourceful than we originally anticipated. He is now a force to be reckoned with. Furthermore, if he knows this spell, which is a mere derivative, he must also be acquainted with the prohibited primordial Kekok Enchantment.”

“What!”  There was a quick exchange of looks and baffled thoughts. “But we have never heard of any Kekok Enchantment.”

“Of course, not… The very notion of its existence has been forbidden knowledge long ago. Believe me; you are all better off for not knowing it. It is the most dangerous; most volatile spell there is for, once evoked, there is no certainty of the results. In as much as it can grant you what you want, it can also, quite unpredictably and with one stroke, negate (undo, cancel out) the very Universe itself. All reality as we know it could cease to exist.”

“Zonar was by far the most fortunate being in that it worked exactly the way he wanted it to, with no serious (consequences) repercussions.”  

All this while Elder Aegeus, with his head down had remained in pensive silence; now suddenly terminating (breaking off) his pondering, he looked straight at Dwengzur.  A dour voice loudly intoned in Dwengzu’s head: “There is no getting around it. You must be armed with the same knowledge, rather, be imparted (bestowed) a superior edification, if you are to succeed. Even then it may not be sure guarantee, judging by the …. Hmm…But before you respond, stand warned that there is a dire cost for this information, a sure consequence, most grievous and unalterable one. Furthermore, once you have assimilated the Kekok Enchantment along with the rest of Ultimate Supreme Elder Yokanotek’s acumen and expertise, you may no longer be allowed to associate as before with others of the Karn. You will be given only one chance, one chance only, to accomplish your mission and, upon your return you will again meet with the Ultimate Supreme Elder Yokanotek. At that precise moment of your meeting you will become the new Ultimate Supreme Elder and be given a new name; the previous Ultimate Supreme Elder Yokanotek, will then be relieved of any and all obligation to race of Karn; he will of course ascend (rise) to the higher realm, transforming into pure energy and, as an iridescent light, roam or be part of the Cosmic Universe.”  

All faces regarded Dwengzur now with another strange, mixed emotion, blending of envy and abject pity, which had intrusively and suddenly resurged. As it was, they understood fully how, Zonar Kuntzu had the sure advantage over Dwengzur, to warrant such measure. Zonar endowed with unusual and not yet fully comprehended powers, would be able to coexist indefinitely (hundreds, if not thousands of years) with the creatures at the outside world. It was also clear to all that unlike Zonar, Dwengzur’s time at the outside world, after he had assimilated the Kekok Enchantment, would be provisional; he only had comparatively (limited,) shorter span, with which to fulfill his mission and return before his innate powers indubitably were sapped. If he failed, as consequence, he would then either became a mortal being with no memory of past or, if he were lucky, it brought about his immediate and dreadful end, which meant that he would simply cease to exist, no residue energy, no light, nothing.

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“Even so, I am resolute!” Dwengzur vociferously declared.

Elder Aegeus with an unreadable expression simply stared at Dwengzur for a long time.

“Very well then, after you take a moment or two, to bid your farewells, you may then follow me to the interior to receive the highly classified instructions from Ultimate Supreme Elder Yokanotek, for only he can impart to you the knowledge you will require.”  

The Elder Aegeus rose slowly from his seat and now waited until Dwengzur made his brief and unemotional farewells to those present then came to stand beside him. When Dwengzur was in position, Elder Aegeus mumbled the secret incantation. Instantly he and Dwengzur, were both reduced to two glowing, flickering balls of light that shot through the air towards the far cavern wall and passing through it, promptly disappeared.

 

(END OF SECTION 20)

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC – THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL – SECTION 11

                                         

Back at the Under-Secretary Lenny Sukzor’s private residence, for a long while sleep had averted the intrepid Minister; lying awake in deep contemplation, Lenny’s stare had been for some time now affixed (glued, set) on the canopy of his four-poster bed. Incessantly his eyes (pupils) traced each cleverly executed embroidery, woven so colorfully yet mockingly beautiful, depicting patterns of marital fidelity and family’ loyalty, that of which now taunted him with their lies.

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Their creator, his wife Juyin, was as beautiful as she was talented and, if the truth were to be known, he had loved her deeply from the first moment he had set eyes on her.  Despite his present denial, despite all that had since come between them he was still enamored of her. He still treasured every moment they spent together and warmed in the ecstasy, the pure, unadulterated joy she infused down into the very cockles of his heart.

On this night of all nights, he longed to embrace her, to pretend that all was simple and good between them, but his adored wife was not where he desired her to be. She was not in bed beside him. The moment he had feigned sleep, Juyin had snuck away.  Extending his hand, he felt the residual warmth of the mattress. His brows knitted as he turned to his side and (smelled) smelt her perfume still lingering on the pillows and sheets.

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He had known of her recruitment from the very start. Until this major incursion he had boasted with impunity how he had kept his household clear of spies but on that day when he had received certain confirmation his anger had welled up intolerably in his chest.  He had conjured up thousands of tortures to pay her back for this ultimate betrayal.

It mattered little that she had most certainly been (coerced) forced into carrying out her actions, if she had been truly loyal, she would have taken her own life rather than submit to the course that was imposed on her.  He had even considered disposing of this viper nestled in his bosom, by administering a slow-acting poison that mimicked “Breakbone Fever”, killing her with long, lingering, excruciating pain.  Then the anger and disappointment had subsided to rest deep within his marrow, and he’d reasoned in a cool, dispassionate way that, he was being too idealistic, and, even if he’d disposed of her, another would be planted in her stead, one who might be far harder to detect.

Subsequently, with things seemingly remaining as they were, Juyin was only given to convey the certain information that Lenny wished for Zakhertan Yozdek to know.

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Even with the apparent benefits of having this direct link (contact) to the Sovereign, he had to argue his case long and hard before Egil Viggoaries and, had endured the lasting humiliation of being verbally, virtually cuckolded in front of his brothers and peers, in order to merely win the continuance of her life for just a while longer before her eventual and certain, sentence to a painful and ignominious death (demise). For nothing less, would satisfy Egil Viggories. The Dark Eunuch Egil, his superior, had so many varied ways to inflict pain and humiliation on a being, and after filling Lenny’s ear with it, each time Lenny had felt wronged by her, like tonight, overriding his mixed emotions, his imagination simply ran rampant with the many possibilities of her imminent, dire punishments.

“Oh, what is the use of tormenting my-self?  That day will come soon enough!” Lenny Sukzor quickly shunted these thoughts aside.

“Better to think of something more to the point, like Dwengzur, for instance. Where has he gotten himself to?”  Inwardly Lenny Sukzor reviewed the same, haunting questions. He had asked discreetly about but none knew of the Immortal's whereabouts since the last assassination attempt on His Royal Highness Zakhertan Yozdek. It was as though Dwengzur had vanished into thin air. The wizard's disappearance without a trace, though not out of character, the long duration (timespan) of it, had baffled everyone.  Of course, the usual rumors circulated, some even reaching the status of a plausible hypothesis, but Lenny had not given any of them much credence.

“Or maybe he’d returned to whence he came...Korion.” Lenny Sukzor, at present, speculated.  He had his certain reservations about Dwengzur from the very start, yet that night, he had been constrained by Egil Viggoaries's bidding to allow Dwengzur to penetrate his deepest most innermost thoughts, in the demonstration.

“If he had retrieved my most confidential stance (position, perspective) he had not let on, had not disclosed the one most damaging fact that would have spelled my immediate doom.  Moreover, he could have extorted me, to secure his silence.” Lenny, thinking back, now pondered on the concern once more.

04- DWENGZUR (AS lENNY REMEMBERS)

Lenny also recalled the fleeting, knowing smile and the Immortal’s perfunctory reaction had been, when the opportunity had finally availed itself for Lenny, to broach this most delicate subject in privacy with him. Dwengzur had curtly declared that he was not at all interested in the politics of Wenjenkun, or of Korion for that matter.  His manner, at the time, had indicated that he had a far greater purpose in mind. Of course, that purpose had since become clear, after the last assassination attempt on Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek.

 Dwengzur had established himself at Court solely to apprehend one of his own!

“Perhaps the hoary legends of this red-haired race were true after all?”  Lenny nodded absently.

Just then Lenny Sukzor was startled from his reverie by the faint sounds of footpads in the hall.  The door handle slid against the latch.  He lay perfectly still in mimed slumber as she crept inside, quickly disrobed and slipped between the covers. She sniffed. “Was she crying?” 

Lenny longed to turn to her, clasp her to his heart and tell her that it was all right, that come what may, he would protect her in the end, but he knew that it would be a veil of lies that would only soothe his conscience temporarily.  He lay like a stone statue, cold and unmoving as her warm body snuggled next to his and she buried her head under the covers.

“Blessed sleep will overtake you soon, my love, and then you will find the solace you seek.  Or will you? Will the nightmare of your betrayal haunt your peace even then?”  Lenny Sukzor cursed himself, cursed his ambition, and cursed the times and everything else that kept him apart from his heart's desire (urgings). Soon, out of sheer emotional exhaustion he, too, was impervious (unreceptive, as he was asleep) to the stirrings of the night.

 

                                                                                  ~

 

In the dead of night an unusual thud had abruptly and with a start awakened Nevetsecnuac; but now all seemed deathly still in semi-darkness. Just then however, his ears detected (picked up) another slight thump. There it was again. This was followed by a faint rustling of leaves and then a crunching sound.

This very night being exceptionally hot and humid, to gain some relief Nevetsecnuac had left the windows wide open; a slight breeze moved the curtains aside at that point in time to expose the culprit crouched in a corner of the windowsill, but he scurried off, frightened by the minute disturbance in the room.  A fleeting smile brushed Nevetsecnuac’s lips as he rubbed his eyes and then languidly (indolently) surveyed the room.  Why had he slept so long? He had only meant to doze off for a few minutes, just long enough to fool that busybody steward!

He reached for the empty cup by his bedside and examined it. His nose creased having at once picked up the faint but distinct odor that anyone else might have easily missed.  Earlier on, alerted by the steward's uncharacteristic insistence, he had had only a sip before slyly giving most of it to the resident cat that, of late, had taken to sleeping in Nevetsecnuac's room.

05- SLEEPING CAT

The feline was now sprawled at the foot of the bed, (out cold) dead to the world. Nevetsecnuac’s keen ears at that moment having picked up yet another suspicious sound, this time from the hallway, Nevetsecnuac swiftly shoved the drugged feline under the bed where she could recover from her misfortune without alerting the staff to her state. 

Nevetsecnuac then returned to bed and slipped under the covers to feign sleep just in time, when suddenly, the door creaked open, and someone tiptoed into the room.  Nevetsecnuac distinctly (became aware) felt, the change in airflow as the bedcurtains were parted and then the hot breath of someone bending over him as if to assure himself that Fradel Rurik Korvald was, as he should be, in deepest slumber. Once this had been ascertained the intruder walked over and shut the window, locked it, and pulled those curtains tightly together; he next reached over to the night table and picked up the incriminating cup.  Afterwards, just as silently he exited the room and closed the door behind him.

"Go to bed." Nevetsecnuac heard the hushed command at outside.  "There's nothing more to be done here. He will be sound asleep until the morning."  The sounds of their reassured footfalls gradually muted down the length of the hallway.

The evidence now gone, Nevetsecnuac bit put out, bolted upright in sitting position in bed.

 What warranted this precaution?

He had been intentionally, for an unknown reason, drugged to be rendered incapacitated. If it had been a foe, he would have certainly used this opportunity to finish him off.  His suspicions all the same aroused, Nevetsecnuac pushed the covers aside and quietly got out of the bed; after he changed into dark garments he walked over and pressed his ear to the door.

“Good!”  Nevetsecnuac exhaled deeply, knowing full well the sentry and the night attendants had all left; not a soul stirred at the hallway’s extended (comprehensive) perimeter, therefore, it was now perfectly safe for him to exit the room and (scout) reconnoitre the grounds. Having already conceived the notion, just what and where the main action- the covert meeting might transpire, Nevetsecnuac once at the outside, advanced stealthily and vigilantly through the pathways, for under the canopy of winking stars and the full moon’s silver rays the checkered grounds were perfectly (completely)illuminated.

Nevetsecnuac persistently then stuck to the right, his silent steps traversing (going forward) without hesitation on the snaking flagstone trails that would eventually around the bend, disappear behind the manufactured mountain. 

06- GROUNDS AT NIGHT

He crossed several small walking bridges that hopped over bubbling brooks and streams of diverse sizes and depths, taking care all the while to be swallowed up by the shadows to avoid detection by the increased number of security patrols that were out and about this very night, dutifully scouring that segment of the complex.

At one point, Nevetsecnuac had been constrained to wait in concealment as two groups of guards met midpoint and shared some bits of idle gossip before resuming their rounds. Soon as the coast was clear, Nevetsecnuac quickly skirted the heart shaped pool filled with golden carp sparkling in the moonlit water and delved into a thick pine grove to avoid the next cordon (barrier, blockade) of guards. Following the thin meandering gravel path, he quickly emerged at its far side in the forbidden section and headed straight towards the location of Zaur's secret office. 

Surprisingly however, the wing was just as dark and perfectly quiet. Nevetsecnuac climbed up the unusually tall trellis, covered with lush green vines (decked bluebell flowers), which was on the shaded side of the building, to reach the apex of the roof and then to survey the grounds from there.  Just as he was about to reach the peak (top), he noticed some ways off down below, a faint, quivering sliver of light blinking behind the iron shutters of an oblong window tucked under the eaves of a solid structure (building), nestled in the thick bamboo grove, in the most ancient part of the mansion.

His senses on the alert Nevetsecnuac crept stealthily towards it, as his determination to unravel this newest duplicity of Zaur's, wounded itself tighter and tighter into his will. Once there and perched under the eaves like a bat, he peered through the narrow slit that was his only view into the room and, strained his ears to make out what was being said. Despite the deceptively small proportions of the structure on the outside, the hall within was in fact spacious and, elongated away from his viewpoint, it comfortably (assembled) accommodated   some twenty or thirty stout (robust, sturdy) cloaked men. 

Nevetsecnuac quickly comprehended from their various accents that these were the sectional leaders, congregated here from the various, far-flung reaches of Wenjenkun.  He had to marvel at the apparent scope (extent, reach) of this secret organization and the strict discipline to which masked members unquestioningly adhered.  With keen interest he observed how they all moved as if one body to reverently face the alter and, as Zaur Stugr stood off to one side, swore the ancient oath of allegiance as if with one multi-toned voice, renewing their bond to the Brotherhood.

The ceremony ended in a bloody ritual sacrifice after which the cloaked figures, in a steady stream in which their positions were obviously dictated by differences in rank or seniority, exited the hall through a hidden tunnel.

 

(END OF SECTION 11) 

LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC – THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL – SECTION 7 

The beast that was Dwengzur, shrieking as if to deafen the dead, transformed into a giant python and then coiled around Fradel’s (Nevetsecnuac's) body, squeezing, and squeezing, restricting his breathing, and threatening to crush every bone. Yet, once more, Fradel (Nevetsecnuac's) imagination fought the spell and won the battle. Reluctantly, the python eased his grip, only to open its mouth wide, intending to swallow Fradel whole.

 

01-MONSTER SERPENT

Maddeningly, the unfazed Scholar now chortled in mystical serpent’s face. "Haven't you eaten enough already; I’d think twice about that if I, were you! You know full well I'm not going to perish, and I can do lot more harm in your gut than I can out here."

His bluff worked. The numinous python recoiled and instantly vanished in a puff of smoke and light. Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) found himself once more seated back at the table across from disgruntled (peeved) Dwengzur, as if non of that had happened.

Glaring at him over the rim of his cup, Dwengzur finished his sip then, shaking his head, ejected coldly, "You are indeed an exceptional being. For a human you are quite remarkable if I should say so myself. I can see now what qualities Zonar saw in you. I would like to indulge you some more, but I am rather pressed for time."  He glanced down for a brief second then returned his icy gaze to Scholar Fradel.

"I am going to ask you just one more time, and that is only because such a remarkable iron-willpower has earned you a measure of my respect; will you voluntarily submit to, my probing of your mind?"

“I’ll not now nor ever, oblige you in this unreasonable request." Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) responded resolutely because his distrust of Dwengzur had now reached its zenith. He would hence, come-what-may, be defiant and guard his secret.

Equally obdurate (obstinate), Dwengzur regretted that which he must do next; for he needed to uncover the extent of damage Zonar had done then deal with the problem accordingly. This last refusal afforded him the perfect excuse and means of absolution for the outrage he must now commit.

 "Very well, then." he shook his head dismally, "You’ve left me no other choice. You have only yourself to blame if things go awry and you are reduced to…” Dwengzur checked his tongue abruptly; but the grave threat implicit in his tone, gave Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) cause for concern and he pondered for a spell, on potential future consequence.

 

02-  FRADEL (NEVETSECNUAC)

Dwengzur in the interim had also paused, hopeful that Fradel would relent, yet no change was forthcoming.

"Fool! With your own obstinacy you have signed your own death warrant or perhaps even a fate worse than that."  Dwengzur shrugged off his irritation and looked away. “And thence, I will not be held accountable for the probable consequences." He muttered as if to reassure himself.

In truth (actuality), Dwengzur would rather not have resorted to that extreme measure, for to do so would be a mark of failure, admittance that he had been unsuccessful in mastering this situation, in besting this primitive life form.

Again, looking away, Dwengzur took mental inventory of the probable damage that Fradel Rurik Korvald might suffer, because of the “Tashork” spell:  First, there was a good chance that Fradel would come out of it dull-witted (stupid, slow) or even brain dead. Dwengzur had seen it happen before and it was not a pretty sight. Second, if this human still had significant contributions to make in his lifetime, his zombie state would seriously impede (hinder) or even alter providence (the course of destiny); then being held accountable, he (Dwengzur) would suffer the ultimate (extreme) punishment.

“Blasted, obstinate human; since you are forcing my hand, you should be held solely responsible for any dire outcome, not I; then again,” he paused to consider this: Regardless of circumstance, had his master ever shown any mercy, afforded him any sort of leeway? Dwengzur grumbled, fearing the worse.

Having run out of options, Dwengzur now uttered the incantation: “Tashork”, its power second only to that spell which raised the dead.

 Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) watched in wonder as the immortal Dwengzur changed his physical form and he became something entirely different. His eyes glowed and then blazed crimson and harsher, until they reached an incredible brightness in intensity; subsequently, an ancient cryptogram (symbol) manifested on his bare chest as the several streams of surging (electric) energy swirled about his body.

 

03- DWENGZUR ALTERING HIS APPARENCE

Try as he might, Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) could neither look away nor close his eyelids. Suddenly two blinding bolts of white light shot out from Dwengzur's burning orbs to, sear through Fradel’s (Nevetsecnuac’s corneas) irises, to eventually attach themselves like shackles to the back of his eyes. Subsequently that part too, painfully melted away as the piercing light penetrated to the centre his brain.

Mesmerized, Nevetsecnuac was rendered powerless to prevent the steady infringement which permeated next, deep into the very recesses, the very core of his (soul) being.  Unable to resist this most potent of magic, in his frozen state Nevetsecnuac, with eyes wide open, was forced to endure being terribly violated (breached) till such a time when he sank into a deep, vacant stupor.

In few minutes Dwengzur had retrieved the information he needed and much, much more.

Dwengzu had, meanwhile, severed the link and hence, once more reverted to his old form (appearance). He sat back pondering on all that amassed knowledge; all that he, through clairvoyant (psychic, telepathic) means, had learned about the recent past, and the immediate future yet to unfold. His gaze affixed on this remarkable, though enigmatic (mysterious), heroic Prince, he studied him long and hard, cataloging the intriguing facts and accidental fluctuations, into proper apertures (slots) in his brain.  He smiled, having now fully grasped, just what it was that had made Fradel Rurik Korvald, rather, Prince Nevetsecnuac Alric Therran Valamir, (also known by so many other, assumed names, Svein, Audun Codenz, Tonng Yennik,) such a remarkable, worthy individual; he carried the gene of Ingolf, the founding father of Wenjenkun, and that’s why he had stood out so tall above the rest of the mortal rabble around him. Dwengzur had, furthermore, grasped that the basis for the affinity and mutual respect between Zonar and Nevetsecnuac being much more; and finally, despite all of his bigoted protestations, conceeded that the prince had as well now secured his (Dwengzur’s) lasting admiration.

Nevetsecnuac’s past combats in the moral realm alone, were enough to stir his (Dwengzur’s) essence to the very core. In that brief instant, Dwengzur had drunk deep of this most intoxicating wealth of human emotions: the boundless, infinite love, the uncompromising sense of duty, intense loyalty, supreme sacrifices, the filial piety, and the remarkable courage not only of Nevetsecnuac’s, but also of the rest (contacts, his associates). So passionately intense these overpowering emotions had been that it had pierced his, (figuratively speaking,) stone heart and shaken him to the very root, altering his lifelong attitude (estimation), as well, eradicating all his prior prejudices against humans.

Dwengzur additionally sympathized with Nevetsecnuac’s past endured hardships, and he appreciated akin rebellious defiant acts, towards his oppressors. Dwengzur, meanwhile, had glimpsed at the immediate future, within a month, events beyond that were hidden to him; and so, he glanced towards Zaur Stugr, seated at the side, little ways off, and then shook his head.

“Pity, that outcome could have been altered significantly if it were not for the pervasive mistrust imbued in every facet of their beings. However, he could not see providence too far ahead; so perhaps the outcome could still be different.”

Dwengzur did have it within his means to change this, but the law forbade interference in fate (providence), and that law could never be broken. “Perhaps if I put forward an appeal to my master and through him to Elder Aegeus?”  He looked down grimly and shook his head, knowing the uselessness of such an attempt.

Draconian laws…Shame of it all. For there could be no exception to those irrevocable rules.

But just as abruptly the feeling of dishonor (shame), a newly acquired strange notion, now gnawed at him. Having lived through Nevetsecnuac’s experiences, his innate selfish, sadistic, vile, crass, and vindictive nature had been, albeit temporarily, altered. Dwengzur at present, moreover, felt compassion and mercy also invading his heart for the first time ever. With this strange, alien concept, suddenly, goodness was born in him, and he desired to be benevolent. He will start by helping this prince; there must be a way to circumvent, at least some of that dire portended peril, and so, he raked (combed) his brains for doable succor (assistance, support).

Oh, but wait, there was still more! …  

Dwengzur’s innate powers had suddenly detected this, surprising (unbidden), telepathic divulgence (acknowledgement, transmission) emanating from Prince Nevetsecnuac’s subconscious mind. This part had been prior hidden from Dwengzur, because Prince Nevetsecnuac was entirely ignorant of it as well. 

04- THE UNEXPECTED REVELATION

What was that?!  The updated information that was, unpredictably forthcoming, revealed to Dwengzur now- because of his rare, outstanding clairvoyant abilities to see the past events, not in entirety but sometimes in erratic glimpses, manifestations, and this had been one such glitch- was most extraordinary revelation to assimilate. An electrifyingly startling fact that it was, it temporarily halted (paused)his breath and interrupted Dwengzur’s core being (his vital essence).

Even so, taking hold of his senses, Dwengzur accepted the full measure of this streaming account, and now he became indubitably aware of these starkly dangerous revelations that had rushed to compound his worry:

Prince Nevetsecnuac’s lineage, from maternal side, was…. This new revelation shocked Dwengzur to the core; he could not believe what he was assimilating (absorbing, learning) … He had also acquired the vital, most sobering, shocking revelations about Nevetsecnuac’s innate (distinctive) genetic factors… It explained, why his existence (life) was so vital (imperative) to Elder Aegeus, Elder Olavingemar, Elder Sthetor and more importantly, to Zonar. Now that he knew the identity of Nevetsecnuac’s mother,  with that dawned the realization that this young man was nephew of… Zonar…. And furthermore, he carried the ancient bloodline, akin Elder Aegeus (of Karn) and Kongrus, of Elder Olavingemar and Elder Sthetor … and much, much more… The presaged (portended) consequences were astounding! Oh my!

Dwengzur had considered it, only for a spell, to readily let his master acquire this knowledge at the time of his inevitable capture; the shock of it, might spare him from the severest part of his punishment, the dreaded chastisement, result of his audacious feat, his absconding (escaping) from his prison.

Dwengzur, shook his head dismally, knowing all too well of his master’s temperament, aware (understanding) also that nothing would lessen his certain, horrific reprimand (penalty).

In truth, Dwengzur hated his master, for his long borne (endured) cruel enslavement…. His master was entirely devoid of any feeling or mercy; besides which, Dwengzur suspected, his master (more a warden), his everlasting tormentor, was more ambitious than he led on, and that he for a long while, not unlike Sthetor, had espoused a secret agenda….

If his master acquired (learned, absorbed) any of these forbidden facts and chose to collude with Sthetor, this remarkable being’s life would be forfeit…Nevetsecnuac would be hunted down and eliminated instantly by Sthetor.

As for the prophesy…Dwengzur wanted that to happen... Hah, what a joke! Here was a rare chance for retribution (payback, reconning).  He wanted the Elders of Karn completely obliterated, consequence of kinfolk (clan, relations) pitted against each other, paving the way for an absolute domination of both realms. The altruistic Karn’s swift elimination would then be a certainty after the annihilation of all mortal realms, as Sthetor had always been the secret vassal of the restrained, ultimate evil incarnate…

Dwengzur pensively nodded in the affirmative when the stark realization set in; by then, he’d fully comprehended (grasped) the high stakes, convinced now that this anomaly (incongruity), this young prince endowed (gifted) with such remarkable faculty (prowess and rare bloodline from both parents), had solely the potential, a unique variance to alter even his (Dwengzur’s) doomed existence. Moreover, he wished to protect this gallant youth… and felt strongly that the prince deserved to live and accomplish what he was destined to do. Thus, it was imperative that his master be forbad (prevented, hindered) from acquiring any of this vital info he now possessed! He was also determined to keep this secret, everlastingly, not only from his master but also from the Elders of Karn and more importantly, the evil incarnate Sthetor of Kongruls.

A deep concern, subsequently, furrowed his brow, for he did not know how best to stop his master from acquiring this data the instant (moment) Dwengzur was captured and claimed, and this inevitability was only a matter of time. Long before this, he’d resigned himself to the anticipated tenfold hellish torment for his already committed breach; so why not compound his deemed felonious acts, with just one more: That’s right, there was that!

He smiled. There was only one way to keep all the pertinent data about Nevetsecnuac’s true origin (ancestry), as well, the info about the magic brush/sword, from ever being disclosed; he would permanently erase, purge it entirely, from both his conscious and subconscious mind, by way of “Expunging (purging) Hex”.

This recently acquired unusual incantation (spell) had once before, enabled him to escape certain repercussions from his master. That memory being removed, he could not recall what blunder (fault) had been which needed erased, what it was about, except that it had something to do with being duped by Egil Viggoaries …. what? Why was he thinking of …. shapeshifting? No matter…. Dwengzur shrugged, and focusing instead, on the present dilemma, he disdainfully (scornfully) grunted.  Hmm, unfortunately, he’d paid a hefty consequence (price) after invoking that Spell! 

That awful repercussion being still so fresh in his memory, that excruciating pain… he was naturally reluctant to repeat it. But feeling genuine remorse for what he had done to this fine prince, also for selfish reasons, wanting to get back at his master and wanting to beget willful harm to Elders of Karn- Dwengzur, first isolating and then concentrating (focusing) on the specific memories- he hastily invoked “Expunging Hex”, before he had a chance to change his mind.

05- DWENGZUR  PERFORMING -EXPUNGING HEX

After it was all over, what he wished to forget completely expunged from memory and, thankfully his suffering had assuaged, specific memories completely gone (being removed), he could not rightly recall what blunder (fault) he had committed this time. Despite the brain fog however, he felt the urgency of it and that it had something to do with the scholar, Fradel Rurik Korvald and that he needed it to fix it. Something about a mistake…. Dwengzur, turned and apologetically stared (gazed, took a good long look) at Fradel…Or , rather Nevetsecnuac, that’s right, he now recollected, that was his true name.

“If your cause is just, you will have had the protection of Gods … That is what’s need now.”  Dwengzur moaned; he hesitated for a moment, fearing the possible dreaded outcome of using the neutralizing “Ne-Tashork” spell, on Nevetsecnuac. Then, bracing self, Dwenzur intoned (chanted, hummed) the counter spell to and afterwards, blew a breath onto Nevetsecnuac's face.

As he waited, he inwardly prayed for the other’s true self to emerge unscathed from that violent intrusion. For a second, feeling like an eternity, nothing had changed in those blank eyes then, to Dwengzur’s great relief, he saw the rekindled (embers,) smoldering fires of anger, increasing in intensity in Nevetsecnuac's pupils.

Instantly, Nevetsecnuac knew his true identity had been exposed. "Now that you know, just what are your intentions?"  Livid with rage, he was prepared to die if needed be, in the attempt to stop Dwengzur.

Unexpectedly, Dwengzur smiled and bowed to Nevetsecnuac respectfully. His voice filled with unmistakable remorse; he apologized for his presumption and quickly reminded the prince of the policy of noninterference.

"You have grievously misjudged me," he added in a hurtful tone. "I truly meant you no real harm. Besides, all this could have been avoided had you instead of goading (provoking), exhibited least bit of faith (trust) in me. Naturally, I had consulted the stars and already knew the fated outcome before I warned Egil Viggories about Fradel Rurik Korvald, or rather yourself.  I knew even then that none of the Dark Eunuch’s actions would alter anything, and they didn't, had they? You are here safe, are you not?"

Nevetsecnuac was about to respond when he was cut short by a sudden mounting sound of an angry thunder overhead that shook the building to its foundations. To his amazement he noted the undisguised fear in Dwengzur's eyes.

 

 “What…  Is he trembling?” 

 

                                                                                 ~

 

 

(END OF SECTION 7)

 

LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC – THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL – SECTION 6 

Suddenly, Dwengzur struck an idea, and his menacing, calculating eyes yet again turned to burrow decisively into Fradel Rurik Korvald’s.

Fear- yes, first he will inject true fear into this upstart scholar. For fear, he believed, was the most potent ingredient to which all humans unequivocally responded. This, he had confirmed repeatedly, in all his past, aberrant dealings with the humans. Victory was so within his grasp now! He exhaled deeply, confident of his future triumph.

01- DWENGZU

"Enough! I have been civil with you long enough." He suddenly burst, slamming his palm down onto the table. "No more prevarication; I have no more time to waste with the likes of you. I would not care if you were the portended future Emperor of a New Dynasty, one that would reinstate this flea-bitten nation Wenjenkun to magnificence; you have tried my patience to the brink!" 

Blinded by his indignant fury, he dismissed Fradel Rurik Korvald’s slight, involuntary wince. "You humans," Dwengzur, his face beet red with rage, spat out the words as if they were a mouthful of venom, "you're all alike: irrational, crude and intolerable. This is what I think of all of you!" Pointing at the nearest dignitary he invoked a short incantation in an incomprehensible murmur. The immobile man was just then released from his trance and, before he could utter a single word, even a cry of astonishment, he began diminishing in size until he was no more than the size of an ant.

In horror, Nevetsecnuac watched Dwengzur pick up the wriggling, tiny figure by a single leg between his thumb and index finger.

Nevetsecnuac relented, for having pushed Dwengzur this far. "Why take this out on him?" His angry shout, however, was ignored by Dwengzur, as he with a cruel smile on his lips, crushed the unfortunate dignitary to a pulp.

"There, one less vermin. He is no more." he said this with disdain, as he wiped his fingers clean, on the tablecloth.

The Undersecretary to Egil Viggoaries shared a similar fate soon afterwards. Next, the Teylon ambassador was turned into a ripe date which disappeared into Dwengzur's mouth in a flourish.

His anger still not satiated (abated), the Immortal turned his attention to the acrobats, invoking another incantation which instantly turned them into piles of steaming cow excrement. He scoffed, "An apt criticism of their dreadful performance, I say."

Stunned and outraged Nevetsecnuac was, he was now even more determined to deny Dwengzur the least satisfaction, "Are you through with your petty, childish tantrums?"

"Petty…  Childish did you say?"  With a deafening roar Dwengzur turned towards Fradel Rurik Korvald to chastise him proper, only to, quite unexpectedly, throw his head back and burst into a raucous roar of laughter which reverberated through the entire hall.

"You have such audacity (sheer guts), human, I'll give you that much credit. Of course, it will do you no good."  Rising, he faced Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) squarely and began to invoke an even more terrible spell.

02- IMMORTAL DWENGZU CASTING A SPELL 2

"Is this all you can do; these cheap parlor tricks?" Fradel (Nevetsecnuac's) deliberate provocation cut Dwengzur's concentration, breaking the spell.

"You need a good lesson in manners, human! I am through pussyfooting around with you!" Dwengzur bellowed, gnashing his teeth and began to recite yet another, different spell. A flick of his finger forced Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) to his knees.

Fradel tried to rise, but his knees felt as if they were bolted to the floor. His hands defied his will, weighed down as if by lead weights, they fell to the floor forcing him into a kowtow position. Again, and again his head was pressed down, his forehead touching the floor-rug in a gesture of abject humility.  Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) gritted his teeth. Frozen by the spell, his mouth and tongue refused to form the angry words of rebuke (scolding, reproof) he wanted to hurl at Dwengzur.

At first this display of humiliation delighted and amused Dwengzur but he soon grew tired of it.  He snapped his fingers once more and this time Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac) was, gripped by a violent force which whisked him completely off the ground and hurled him across the hall to, have his back be, sadistically slammed against the far wall. It was only his martial training and the fact that, the wall was, cushioned by a thick tapestry that spared Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) from having his ribs crushed (and perhaps his spinal cord entirely (crushed) shattered /flattened) by the impact.

As it was, he still suffered a slight concussion and, few badly bruised ribs and limbs. Pinned and unnaturally propped up against the far wall seven feet above the floor, Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) struggled once more with all his might but failed to get free; nevertheless unyielding, he considered his options and strained his eyes to at least, see clearly.

Obviously enjoying Fradel Rurik Korvald’s fruitless struggle, Dwengzur flicked his fingers once more. Out of nowhere, two hundred fiery daggers suddenly manifested themselves, suspended in mid-air between them.

"Do your worst!" Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) shouted defiantly as soon as his tongue had been released. "Let’s see what a great marksman you are!"

With a smile on his lips, Dwengzur not deigning (condescending) to answer, simply motioned for the attack. In an instant the fiery blades shot across the room at blinding speed only to halt, a hairsbreadth away from the thin layer of skin protecting Fradel’s (Nevetsecnuac's) vital organs. Though they did not touch Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) at all the scorching heat of the fiery blades still seared his flesh and blinded his eyes. At a single breath from Dwengzur, the burning blades turned frosty blue, and the heat was replaced by numbing cold.

That same instant Nevetsecnuac's sight being restored to him, Nevetsecnuac saw that behind the blades, (just inches away from Nevetsecnuac’s face,) Dwengzur having had floated over, was presently, hovering in mid-air and leering at him with a cruel smile on his lips.

"Have you had enough, or would you like some more demonstration of my powers?" Dwengzur sardonically asked.

"Oh, but I'm having so much fun; why would I ever wish for this to end?" Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) used sarcasm to hide his mounting resentment.

“My aim is to please.” Dwengzur responded mockingly, disappointed, and yet amazed at Fradel’s resilience and his lack of fear, this being quite evident in the eyes that so defiantly met his own. Dwengzur snapped his two fingers and instantly all the knives vanished into thin air; subsequently, Dwengzur’s form begun to grow and grow. He then transformed into the most hideous, hellishly abhorrent creature that Nevetsecnuac had ever seen.

03- DWENGZU TAKING ON A HORRIBLE FORM

But then the form changed and got even worse. At the top of the creature’s forehead floated four blazing red, reptilian pupils and behind them, Nevetsecnuac observed, two ugly, razor-sharp spiraling horns fastened to Dwengzur’s oblong skull. His gaping red mouth, meanwhile, dripping with green, putrid saliva as if in anticipation of a feast, hovered just inches from Fradel’s (Nevetsecnuac's) face. Suddenly, with the back of his paw the vile creature swiped at Nevetsecnuac's head, nearly rendering him senseless.

The creatures’ long claws next dug in and tore away Fradel’s (Nevetsecnuac's) garments to expose naked flesh; at which point with a groan of pleasure the beast that Dwengzur had become, sunk his elongated fangs deep into the abdomen to tear out a raw chunk of flesh.  As the ogre Dwengzur chewed at this delectable piece, his eyes focused on another part, anticipating the flavor in his rank maw. Swallowing the last bit, Dwengzur was about to indulge in more when Nevetsecnuac, rising above the excruciating pain, invited the beast to sample a portion from the higher segment of his torso instead, and to feast on an unequivocally more delicious, living, pulsating heart.

Dwengzur's quadruple eyes blinked simultaneously; he looked down at Fradel and then up at the ceiling, as he considered this. Finally, he shook his head and groaned, as he (grasped) comprehended the ominous warning which had emanated abruptly, from deep within.

“No!” The siren had said, “You need this prey alive for the longest time possible, as his augmented anguish is the very nourishment your essence craves, far more than the scrumptious vital organs and tender human flesh.”

The beast reluctantly acquiesced, that is what is missing here; yes, the prey must not expire too soon; meanwhile, the portions tastes even better when it is seasoned with the juices of fear!

Its quadruple eyes of the beast now lowered, it targeted Fradel’s left thigh; sinking its fangs in deep, it tore away substantial chunk comprising both muscle and bone, then commenced to leisurely crunching it.

Fradel (Nevetsecnuac)had intrepidly gritted his teeth and bore this excruciating pain also, without a single groan or a whimper escaping his lips. Suddenly, he was reminded of the hallucinatory experience in the forest and, with an iron will, denied the existence of this current reality (actuality).

The beast in the meantime having finished his mouthful had licked his chops and now bit into Fradel’s right thigh. Yet, oddly enough, his fangs could not, would not penetrate the skin of his prey, let alone tear away any tender flesh. Refusing to give way, Dwengzur attacked repeatedly, only to be stymied time and, again. Then he noticed even the parts he had mauled prior, now gradually growing back and, in due process being returned to normal.  Again, and again his fangs targeted different segments of Fradel’s body, only to be denied least satisfaction at every turn. It was no use. Howling angrily, creature Dwengzur stepped back and, with his great, beastly head, nodded.

Fradel’s (Nevetsecnuac's) resolve had broken the spell.

 

  

(END OF SECTION 6)