13- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR - SECTION 7

BOOK 13- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC – THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR – SECTION 7

01- STHETOR IMMORTAL (17)JP

 

The powerful alien immortal Sthetor unseen, from the clouds had been for some time now quietly observing the intriguing set of events, which had been transpiring on the mountain where Lord Asger, Nevetsecnuac’s wife Tekuob, and his children, the toddler twins resided.

The complicated human family dynamics, specifically the peril in the name of Egil Viggoaries, the seething animosity of the prodigal son, had at first mildly diverted Sthetor’s base imagination. As he watched the scene unfold however, other key (strategic, advantageous) factors tallied up in Sthetor’s calculating, diabolical mind; meanwhile, he had concurrently (simultaneously) become aware of the prominence of these trifling mortal beings, explicitly the mortal wife of Nevetsecnuac.

She could, if nothing else, be utilized as an effective tool for negotiating a leverage, a bargaining chip or simply to subjugate or quell (control, defeat) Nevetsecnuac at that critical future altercation.

It was on that basis that Sthetor (who held all mortals in contempt) had eventually decided on an apt interference; consequently, his arresting (halting, postponing) her certain demise.

02- IMMORTAL STHETOR TAKES TEKUOB TO A REMOTE, MAGICAL ISLAND (24)

Afterwards, Immortal Sthetor had swiftly whisked her away to a remote, supernaturally (mystically) hidden island in midst of a vast (immense) ocean, where the towering mountain peaks perpetually lay hidden by the dense miasma (fog, clouds).

In a secure facility, top of an ancient tower, she was thence (covertly) incarcerated for an indefinite (unspecified) period till she served her purpose, feasibly by then abetting Sthetor’s slated (planned) impending lofty ambitions.

03- TEKUOB A PRISONER, ON ISLAND, MISSING HER CHILDREN (62)

Tekuob’s position (inmate status) during this period, was to be a little better than an abject prisoner, though a carefully monitored one and diligently guarded by the remarkably intelligent, intuitive, antediluvian hairy creatures immense in size, with canine fangs, long sharp talons (claws) and sporting a long tale. These gentle giants also shared the same genome characteristics of pale blue orbs as eyes and high ridged (patrician) noses; the male species however had long white furs, while the female ones had dark greyish cobalt (cerulean) fur and were much smaller in size.

These robust sentinels towering well over nine feet, called Wolfgarous, were the original inhabitants of this island. An island that existed, since time immemorial between two spheres of existence, the surreal (supernatural, unearthly, mystical) and the real (actual) tangible world.

It is also important to note that Wolfgarous (these naïve and trusting creatures) had once been, for a short duration ruled (enslaved) by a small group of domineering, demigods (superbeings) Kentors.

03- TEKUOB A PRISONER, ON ISLAND, MISSING HER CHILDREN (62)

A faction of Kentors, on route to known mercantile continent, for a decade had been hopelessly lost at sea and then quite by accident driven by violent storms, (landed) chanced on this island and from thereon, decided to set up permanent root there.

These Kentors were not benevolent, far from it, they were truculent (pugnacious), belligerent beings; during the ensued century Kentor’s established hierarchy had spun spells and, by design kept the indigenous (native) Wolfgarous race from evolving into higher form. The twenty elite members of Kentors, meanwhile, for a time had collectively governed this island, siphoning and hording the riches for their own sole use.

The enslaved Wolfgarous suffered ineffable barbarisms during this time, particularly in subterranean coalfields and silver mines, and consequently, their numbers had dwindled (reduced).

Peaceful coexistence, however, had never been part of Kentor’s dogma (code, tenet); subsequently, this warmongering race before long was again embroiled in internal turmoil which tore apart what had been established (built). Consequently, the ongoing internal strife (rivalry, discord) and the resultant catastrophic purges, all but destroyed (eliminated) the domination of the ruling aristocracy of Kentor’s and their descendants. By the time the dust and ash had settled, there remained no sole elite bloodline, nor a single living ordinary Kentor at all, on the island.

The indomitable (tough, steadfast) rebel force of Wolfgarous, meanwhile, surviving these catastrophic times and the ensued devastating expunges (eliminations), once freed from their oppressors, they had later undergone a significant evolutionary divide:

One branch still calling themselves Wolfgarous, the robust (stout) gentle giants, became the noble warriors and sentinels. They did all the necessary menial work, maintained peace and order, and lived simply and plainly.

05- WOLFGAROUS - JP 111

The other, the kind that had ambition and so evolved markedly different, stepped into the void left by the Kentors and assumed the new role of ecclesiastical (clerical, priestly) aristocracy (gentry, the new ruling class,) and they were called Terekons.

The apostolic segregated group Terekons, who had by then additionally lost all excessive body hair, fangs, talons, their prominent tale and good part of the old dragon genome characteristics, presently dwelled in high (altitude) elevations and in caves or in hidden temples- sturdy sarsen structures buried amidst dense forests- never seeing the sunlight, for they had by then converted into an entirely different nocturnal species.

Terekons, who had also been transformed into cerebral (logical, analytical), magical entities but now resembled humans, all had pallid (ghostly white) complexion, long white hairs (sometimes white beards), and pointy ears. They had extensively longer lifespans than ordinary mortals, but not as long as the Wofgarous; and, their spoken dialects, sometimes used clairvoyantly, were unknown to any other earthly species. Under the long white gowns they had specific mark, a tattoo on upper chest which at specific times, depending on the cycle of the moon, flared up, announcing that they could then interrupt their lifestyle of celibacy, revert to by choice either gender, then mate (copulate), a required functionality to continue their species.

06- TEREKONS, THE APOSTOLIC EVOLVED GROUP THAT LIVES IN CAVES  (46)

Erroneously, meanwhile, both Wofgarous and the Terekons held the belief that Sthetor was an omnipotent God, who from time to time visited the island to guide the devout congregates (religious flocks) which had set up alters and doggedly worshipped him.

Sthetor had of course a specific future use for these beings; for the time being, however, he had played along; and, to continue perpetuating their belief, Almighty Sthetor when appropriately bribed, once in a while even deigned to perform miracles or fulfilled their (wolfgarous and Terekons’s) reasonable wishes.

Be that as it may, it is important to note at this point, however, that Immortal Sthetor from the very start had disdained (spurned, looked down on) the Wolfarous, deeming them inferior (substandard, defective), primordial creatures not worth his bother. He furthermore despised (scorned) them for their lack of aspiration and confounded way of contact (communicating); nevertheless, he still used them, in this case to guard and monitor Tekuob.

Understanding this fact, Tekuob was careful to conceal her actual high regard for these terribly underestimated and snubbed species; as well, her gradually (painstakingly) amassed vital facts (info), gained useful traits, and at least three advantageous feats (accomplishments)… For she had not given up the desire of escaping Sthetor’s clutches.

Wolfarous’s unusual, biological Vocal cords (also called vocal folds- which are two bands of elastic muscle tissue and mucous membrane located inside the larynx at the top of the windpipe, the trachea) as it were, had impeded (hindered) their, akin to human vernacular; though they still laudably (meritoriously) communicated via ingeniously devised (concocted, invented) sign-language. Additionally, they utilized variation of grunts, howls, and other animalistic sounds to effectively convey true intent, threat, warning or, simply to converse (talk chat).

Bigoted Sthetor had naturally misjudged (miscalculated) the complexity of their exchange; having no such jaundiced (cynical) opinions against Wolfarous however, Tekuob marvelled at the intricacies of this, most challenging way of discourse (dialog). Moreover, driven by curiosity, she therefore, began astutely analyzing, studying (learning), observing (probing), and then experimenting in mimicking (imitating, mirroring) their typical natter.

07- WOLFGAROUS CONVERSING (6) JP

It had taken Tekuob good seven or eight months to fully comprehend this most remarkably complex (multifaceted) and arduous sign-language and chinwag; however, (owing to her high intelligence) once she had mastered it, from then on, she had been able to effectively communicate with her captures. Thus, Tekuob no longer felt vulnerable or forlorn, furthermore, she had gradually won them over.

Wolfarous sentinels’ increasing high regard for her, plus their mutual distrust of Sthetor, worked to Tekuob’s advantage; the sentinels now provided (fed) Sthetor innocuous or false intelligence while they genuinely protected her from Sthetor’s malevolent whims and deleterious (harmful, toxic) orders.

Tekuob, by then had also approached a particularly intelligent, upright, gallant and kind guard named Koever. He was, as near as it could be understood, a sole survivor of a noble clan of Wolfarous, a secret (anonymous, hidden) prince, who carried within him therefore a genome from an ancient bloodline that was long extinct.

Koever had been initially standoffish and unsociable; besides being much younger than the rest of her guards assigned to her, he was inherently bashful (wary, cautious) and reticent (silent, reserved) a sentry. Then, she had noticed little oddities about him, some endearing characteristics, which made her trust him even more; and so, she had persisted with her approach, and in time it had paid off. Because of their mutual innate curiosity and atypical (uncommon) thirst for knowledge, as they learned of each other’s worlds, they became secret friends (chums), and in time their friendship bond grew.

Koever being overly generous in nature, he would periodically gift Tekuob rare treats from his own reserves; though these morsels of sustenance (foodstuff) and liquids (nectars and fruit drinks) were alien in taste, they were still markedly more palatable (delicious) and nutritious. She was therefore most appreciative of his thoughtful gestures and thanked him profusely, which made Koever in turn, as near as it could be, blush (embarrassed); thus ensued, his prompt gesture of dismissal, as he was unaccustomed to gratitude and being truly seen (understood).

08-  KOEVER (WOLFGAROUS GUARD) BRINGS TREATS TO TEKUOB (8) JP6

One ordinary (normal) afternoon when they happened to be alone and, during their usual discourse Koever’s thumb, just then had accidentally brushed (touched) Tekuob’s hand: he froze instantly and his expression grew grim, for he had just then sensed that Tekuob had a special kind of poison, from a viper bite, which still coursed in her veins that might one day without probable cause, beget her hazarding ramifications, eventually resulting in her death.

“What is it?” Tekuob with concern, motioned (asked).

“Have you ever been bitten by a poisonous snake?” Koever hastily gestured (signed).

“Yes, some time ago, a Dakoe viper, however, I overcame it.” She answered him, her eyes meeting his, curiously searching his stern gaze, then asked, using the same sign language. “Why?”

He silently studied her for a while, then somberly shook his head then motioned: “The poison is still in you, coursing through your veins and damaging your constitution.” Then he grew even more serious and dejectedly looked away.

“You must be mistaken; I feel perfectly fine.” Tekuob, was about to protest, but he held up his hand to stop her signing, then communicated: “That may be true for now but…” He paused, for he did not wish to frighten her. The anxiety and the serious disquiet in his demeanor, and the frantic way of his subsequent sign language, told her more than he was willing to relay. She urged him to be frank with her and not hold back.

Reluctantly he nodded; thence, swiftly, and succinctly, conveyed the rest of what he knew.

“So, I am doomed; it’s only a matter of time before I’ll be…”

“Not necessarily.” He rushed to reassure her; then fell abruptly still while his pensive gaze focused on a distant point. Inwardly he was debating how much he could tell her, and besides, he was not certain it would work. He did not wish to raise her hopes then dash them; worst still, instead of curing her, it might hasten her end (death)!

She had, meanwhile, patiently waited for him to resolve his inner dilemma. He stealthily once or twice glanced at her. Tekuob was so stoic and endearingly trustful of him!

Koever’s heart ached; in the end he knew he must try, for he would do anything to keep her alive.

09- TEKUOB AND  WOLFGAROUS (3)JP

Subsequently, he communicated to her without reserve and, revealed Wolfarous’s closely guarded secret. Tekoub then learned how some Wolfarous carried a genetic marker in their blood, which had healing properties. However, as Wolfarous had not dealt with her species before, he could not predict the outcome of it; hence, he had hesitated.

He had simultaneously and prudently chosen to remain silent about the other secret: the fact that, a royal Wolfarous’s blood (which he carried) was most detrimental (perilous) to certain races, such as Kongruls of the Race of Karn, that he knew of, which incidentally, Sthetor was one. That a single drop of his blood was enough to kill an omnipotent immortal such as him.

“We won’t know unless we give it a try.” She had signed, drawing Koever’s attention just then, and then smiled at him encouragingly, with that absolute ray of faith (hope) registering in her bright eyes. Tekuob had quickly followed it with a question: “But would it hurt too much?”

He let out a sound that sounded like a surprise chuckle. And then shook his head; his meaning was clear, not at all.

“Let’s do it now then… why delay it.”  

Koever gazed at her admiringly. She was so brave, so wonderful …. Then reached over to gently take her hand and turned it over. But again, he hesitated, then looked at her questioningly, “Are you certain? You do not want to think it over… A day or two perhaps?” He gestured.

Understanding his meaning, she firmly nodded, “Yes, I’ m sure; let us do it now, before I lose my nerve.” And held out her open palm.

Koever, using his baby finger’s talon (long claw, fingernail), which was sharp as any blade, gently pricked the skin of her palm, just a tiny cut; subsequently, he bit the tip (flesh) of his thumb, and from it an extracted (obtained) single drop of blood was then allowed to fall onto her tiny cut (laceration) which instantly was absorbed. His tongue carrying his saliva lightly brushed over the cut and instantly sealed it. He exhaled a breath and stepped back. He had never done this before; he was as much in the dark about the outcome as she.

There was an instant sensation of searing heat which coursed through Tekuob’s veins and soon engulfed her entire body. Her cheeks flushed red and for a second or so, she felt the overwhelming intense fever that reach every molecule in her body and same time dizzied her. She swayed a little but fought to check the horrible pain and the feeling of vertigo; nevertheless, her head swam (something fierce), she saw swirling stars Infront of her eyes, desisted the strong urge to vomit (retch, puke) and then her eyelids dropped and she closed her eyes tight. All this had happened within a millisecond, though it had felt like hours to her.

But then just as quickly the sensations receded and for a second or two, she became ice cold. She shivered uncontrollably at which point concern overriding propriety, Koever had moved forward to engulf her in his massive arms and body. He pressed her to his bosom and held her there tightly. They had never been this close before and if she were not so cold (frozen), she would have blushed, deeming this inappropriate. Instead, she felt comforted as though nestled in a plush blanket and her breathing eased. A brief time later, all had reverted to normal, and both sensing this, timorously (bashfully, timidly) and abruptly they pulled apart to that safe distance which they had always maintained.

Then nervously, indicating “May I?” and receiving permission (her ascending nod), Koever reached one more time to cup her tiny hand in his massive one; and for a time, he simply listened to her pulsing lifeforce… The now, virile, strong, vibrant chi.

Afterwards, Koever had happily confirmed (sensed) that all traces of the venom had entirely dissipated from her bloodstream and organs (entire body). 

“It worked!” The relief on his face was palpable; he smiled with utter delight.

Tekuob meanwhile, had never felt this good before; though nothing had changed on the outside, she still looked the same, internally she had undergone (on the cellular level) minute measure of transformation (modification, variation); and, it was enough that she now was far sturdier and healthier than she had ever been. There were also other marked advantages: Her hearing, sight, senses were so acute and miraculously, wonderous.

“You have saved my life; you are now my benefactor.” She gestured her meaning.  Unfortunately, there is a catch…” She feigned worry. “A life saved is a life owed…And so, from hereon your life might be even harder, as you now will be responsible for me.” Pursing her lips, she jested; to lighten this deeply intense moment.

      Koever could not restrain his chuckle as it had already escaped his lips; then he laughed without abandon, after which he signed: “I expected that; no good deed goes unpunished. “

They both laughed heartily after that…

 

Nor was this the only time he had saved (extended) Tekuob’s precious life. At least three other instances (this time however, keeping her ignorant of it) Koever had quietly interceded and spared Tekuob from near-miss dire harms from the recalcitrant (errant, delinquent) sentry (one in particular, one called Derrakon), an affiliate of a secret brotherhood, whose members craved power and other unsavory things, which had also the secret backing of Sthetor.

 

                                                                                           ~

 

 

(END OF SECTION 7) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - EVIL PERSONIFIED - SECTION - 4

LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - EVIL PERSONIFIED - SECTION - 4

Month after month, each night’s routine was the same for Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek; this evening as well, he was burdened with so many imperative official (bureaucratic) documents needing his special perusal.

“I detest squandering my time in this way, even with the most able of help, monitoring and controlling the wolves that are my vassals.” Zakhertan Yozdek scoffed inwardly, shifting in his seat. “What an utter waste of my talents. This cursed dreary existence … This never ending; cloying, suffocating, bureaucratic red tape could drive a lesser man to madness. Darn it all!” Zakhertan ground his teeth. “Even the slowest of torturous death would be preferable to this present inertia (inaction).”

 

01- ZAKHERTAN YOZDEDK   JP

 Wearily, Zakhertan closed his eyes as if to escape it all. Never had he felt so empty in heart, so utterly alone; his true aspirations had always been to- as a brilliant tactician, a great general with invincible prowess- burgeon (thrive) at the battlefield… That was the only life for him. Zakhertan heaved a deep, dejected sigh, pining to be once more in the combat zone (at the front line); at least there, Zakhertan had no qualms, no artificial worries to be addressed, nothing taxing his patience. There he would be in his element, thriving on solving precise, (clear) arduous yet all too familiar tactical problems while accepting the perils that each new campaign entailed. Dicey warrior’s life was unquestionably preferable to this cackling of barren hens that called itself a political arena. What a waste it was, for someone who has had war pulsing in his veins, ever since he had been a suckling…

Zakhertan’s mind just then was diverted (sidetracked) by the recollection of a once propagated hearsay (rumour), that had described how he, Zakhertan, had come into this world:

 Purportedly (supposedly), at the time of his birth, he had kicked so violently that he had ruptured the very womb that had prior nourished and sustained his life; hence, he had claimed his first victim, his very gentle and loving mother, Lady Rosaline, before he had even drawn his first breath.

This tale (false account) imparted to Zakhertan during his early childhood by none other than his hateful stepmother Lady Serafina, had left an indelible (permanent) mark (blot) on his conscience till adolescence and had irrevocably fashioned his innate character.

 It was not till much later that he had learned of the truth; that his birth had been a breach-birthing and, his Lord father valuing a son more than his wife, had ordered the tending physician to slice open her womb and extract the male offspring, regardless of the (blood-loss  and) consequence.

02-  ZAKHERTAN'S FATHER

Zakhertan’s father Lord Kade Yozdek, back then had been an influential personage in the Northern border province. He controlled massive resources and vast lands which had been owned (inherited) by the Yozdek clan for five generations; furthermore, he regulated most trade and maintained a small private army in addition to the border imperial troops, allocated to him supposedly for stability and maintenance of peace. His generals perpetually guarded (patrolled) the northern region, for the purposes of preventing and subduing the sporadic violent incursions from ethnic tribes that trespassed into his lands, as well, invaded or pillage the remote border towns and regions. The governor of the district, toadied to the lord, recognizing the fact that he held the real power in this northern territory (state).

Lord Kade, a cold, calculating, impious (licentious) man, had remarried quickly after the death of his principal wife Lady Rosaline, well before the period of mourning had been officially over. This advantageous union however, had been a strategic, loveless union, and though his new wife, Zakhertan’s stepmother Serafina, had borne his Lord father first a girl offspring and then a boy, the boy had not lived long enough to see his second year.

The young Zakhertan had no regrets about eliminating his rival sibling, despite the untold grief it had caused to his, by then odious Lord father. The licentious brute had often when drunk derided and brutally beaten willful and defiant Zakhertan senseless.

03- YOUNG ZAKHERTAN

Despite his oppressive and violent childhood, or perhaps because of it, Zakhertan had always, for as long as he could remember, taken solace in battle and in living life on the edge (of death). Even now he could smell the carnage and envisioned with a certain longing the terrible havoc, the glorious devastation he would wreak on his next campaign. Alas, he knew that for the time being at least he had to forbear (be patient) and resolve few more snags (glitches) in his governance (control) before he could venture anew at the head of a massive army and, finally met his most worthy adversary (nemesis), Emperor Deng Hedenko of Kontu.

Zakhertan’s gaging and astute (keen) mind had already factored in the inevitability of the prolonged and costly campaign (battle) and the resulting gory before that anticipated eventual victory (triumph). It would be a conflict the like of which had no precedence in Wenjenkun’s history; nevertheless, one his heart frenziedly craved (yearned for).

Patience, however, had never been Zakhertan’s innate virtue; it had to be doggedly (resolutely) forced and perpetually (constantly) learned.

“Curse Dwengzur for cheating me out of that fight!”  Denied that fundamental (essential) reprieve, Zakhertan’s thoughts had just then reverted to the Immortal; thus, his fists involuntarily clenched, as he crossly (irately) cogitated (deliberated) on that nagging concern.

“Where was that bothersome wizard anyway…How could he still be at large, a man of Dwengzur's caliber… Escaping his (Zakhertan’s) vast network of spies which was entrenched right across the known world?”

But even as he had asked this, Zakhertan already knew the answer. And it was for that reason that despite Zakhertan's protests and denials, the Immortal’s disappearance had deeply troubled him; especially since the extensive, persistent search, which had even encompassed the regions of Korion all the way up to the island of Kontu, still furiously, had failed to deliver least trace of Dwengzur or his sort’s abode.     

Zakhertan Yozdek had of course inwardly laughed at the circulating blathers, refused to give least credence to the preposterous, imbecilic notions, belief of couple of his supposed, brainy officials, that Dwengzur was a demigod. (Minor god- one regarded as such in a hierarchy of other gods.) 

04- DWENGZUR THE DEMIGOD (49)JP

These key bureaucrat sucker fools, had hypothesized that “Dwengzur had in fact been sent by Divine authority, to assist and protect their illustrious and righteous Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek from serious harm and, once the earthly task had been completed, Dwengzur had returned from whence he came.”     

Meanwhile it had served his (Zakhertan’s) purpose well, to let the plebians be gulled by all that superstitious nonsense. Ordinary folk (plebs) had always been prone to (deducing then) attributing strange manifestations to the work of Supreme Gods. Zakhertan grimaced wryly and shrugged. The Hexocian religion, one of the surviving orders, to date had been secretly manipulated and utilized to bend the inferior minds, enabling that contemptuous lot to be herded like sheep into doing his (Zakhertan’s) bidding whenever the need rose? Did they think that he would ever tolerate, let alone perpetuate that farce, that contemptible pretext of those religious orders, without reason?

“Divine intervention indeed, “Zakhertan Yozdek (the atheist) again scoffed venomously reflecting at this point on the incredulous notion that, Gods would take any notice of the bothersome, writhing, myriad creatures. “Earthly task ha!” Zakhertan Yozdek hissed out a long breath and smiled tautly, as memories of his hundreds and thousands of acts of (heathen) brutality came to mind.

“Surely none of those abhorred acts were condoned by these righteous Gods. And besides, where was the expected retribution; his reign to date had remained unchallenged and consolidated. That proved it: Gods did not exist. But Immortals did exist.”

Zakhertan’s gaze then pensively turned to the painting of the white tiger, mounted on the far wall. He stared at it for a time, then with awry smile he looked down.

05 - WHITE TIGER 10- JP

Few years back to expel his boredom Zakhertan had gone on a dangerous venture, a hunt for a fearsome white tiger that had terrorized three remote villages at high elevation at the northern end, and the  furthest reaches of Wenjenkun’s Toreaken Province.

The white tiger of incredible size and ferocity after his rampaging through these villages, had left behind countless mangled and mutilated corpses (both humans and animals). Hundreds of half-eaten parts littered the blood-soaked pathways (grounds), before the callous beast had finally retreated to his lair at that towering peak; with only a precarious goat’s path leading up to it, way passed the densely forested mountain ridge.

 Always up for a challenge Zakhertan Yozdek, perfectly disguised as ordinary hunter had gone alone on a venture to add this monstrous beast’s head to his other mounted trophies.

06- WHITE TIGER 5- JP

Zakhertan had pursued the carnivorous beast hotly, but then at the crucial juncture, when he spotted it, he’d taken aim at the edge of sheer cliff and was poised to shoot his poisoned arrow when, the earth underneath his footing had suddenly given way and he’d plummeted down into a deep, bottomless abyss (chasm) along with the fallen debris. Halfway down, he had gripped (gotten hold of) one or two of the (exposed,) resilient dangling roots, which protruded from the precipitous edge (vertical drop) and so escaped certain death.

Proceeding (climbing, advancing) once more towards the peak (summit), mid-way up he had discovered the hidden opening to a huge cavern (grotto) and fearlessly went inside. Advancing in pitch darkness, he had followed one of the subterranean tunnels and after escaping six or seven perilous pitfalls, had emerged unscathed, when it was nearing dusk, at the outside.

The topography (landscape) and the fauna that had greeted his eyes, when abruptly the miasmic (vaporous, gaseous, misty) fog cleared, had appeared to him most strange; moreover, he noted the sudden, stark (abysmal), all encompassing absence of all sound. He was considering which direction to advance, when just then a bot of lightening streak from a cloudless sky and then a tremendous ruckus at a distance drew his attention to a small clearing, beyond the dense (forest) grove of trees.

Zakhertan had approached the area cautiously and then, concealing his presence, had avidly and elatedly, watched the ongoing deadly and intense combat between two, sure to be Immortal warriors. Fortune smiling on him, he had also eye-witnessed and heard the subsequent invocation (incantation) of the “Nokuzikos Spell,” by the clearly senior rank Immortal warrior; after which, in a flash, his opponent had then been (utterly subdued) bested.

07- IMMORTALS FIGHTING (4)

The defeated and partially incapacitated younger Immortal had subsequently, been swiftly carted (lugged) away by the victor, both riding the clouds, to oblivion.  

Zakhertan Yozdek had always been gifted with retentive memory and the ability to recall information however complex, verbal, or visual, with great accuracy and clarity; forgetting all about the white tiger, for he had attained a far greater prize, he had joyously returned home. Possessing   this “Nokuzikos Spell,” his already indomitable powers subsequently further enhanced, he had since then been invincible in every battle or single combat. Notwithstanding how formidable the enemy been, his adversaries (foe, opposition) had always (been defeated without fail) suffered the same fate.  

This advantage, the sure gift, had a terrible drawback (derivative) however, for Zakhertan being a mere mortal, after each invocation of the Nokuzikos Spell, he had consequently, always suffered (succumbed to) the subsequent day, an intense and unimaginable smarting (painful) headache. No amount of medicine or care would alleviate (assuage, lessen) the extreme pressure and the excruciating, throbbing in his head. His personal physicians lived in dread at such times, fearing that Zakhertan might inevitably one day, undergo a fatalistic aneurism (aneurysm) in the brain and so expire.

Never forgetting the fierce combat between those two superior beings, Zakhertan had of course instigated for a long time, thorough searches for their kind. But all subsequent pursuits (quests, hunt) had been unfortunately proved in vain, till quite recently that is, when Zakhertan had learned of Dwengzur’s presence in Channing.

Dwengzur, an alleged wizard, employed for entertainment purposes during one of Egil Viggoaries’s infamous social gatherings, had left quite an impression on all that had been present. The culminated reports intriguing Zakhertan, he had at once summoned Dwengzur to his presence.  Zakhertan had at length questioned the so-called Wizard; though infuriated by his deceit, Zakhertan had nevertheless played along and kept his ire in check, to secretly monitor this Immortal’s activities, as well, uncover the whereabouts of his Race. Anticipating that, where there was one, there would be others and utilizing such beings would make him more omnipotent (all-powerful and unstoppable) Ruler.

(END OF SECTION 4)

 

                                                                           ~  

  

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.

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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)