LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL - SECTION 21

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL - SECTION 21

 

After Dwengzur had said his unemotional farewells to those few that meant something to him amidst the assembled group, he had then quietly taken his position beside the Elder Aegeus and patiently waited.   

Elder Aegeus who’d been momentarily lost to a private rumination (reflection), maintaining his serious demeanor, gravely nodded and then enigmatically (incomprehensibly) mumbled the secret ancient 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.

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01- STHETOR IMMORTAL (11)JP

The lengthy, thoughtful silence was broken (interrupted) by Elder Sthetor, when he indifferently shrugged, then in an icy tone simply ejected (spoke up):” If there is no objection, we may as well observe (and review) the rest of current events, transpiring in Wenjenkun.”

Others nodded in acquiescence for the latest string of events had already, irrevocably, captivated (held, even peaked) their interest. 

Sthetor, in no great hurry, first checked his elation, for things had transpired exactly as he had planned; now he could relax his vigil and wait for that inevitable turn of events. His emotionless, green eyes (dependent on his mood the color of his eyes often varied, modified) bypassing Olavingemar, swept the rapt faces of Elders for a spell, delighting inwardly in prolonging their suspense; then ever so slowly, he rose and pointed to the circle, intoning the last part of the incantation:

"Do-kume..ke..ki... sooonures do …  

mukenoro qu wuuuos…. Hukoressyonner….”

"Kazuuuummm… “

    Behold!

 

The vista (scene, episode) on the wall immediately came back to life, resuming where it had left off.  

                                                                           

02-ZONAR - IMMORTAL (3)JP

Zonar , turning (reverting) his stern gaze back to Lenny Sukzor, sternly ejected. “But I did not come here to engage in congenial chatter. I am still risking quite a bit, to be here, so pay heed and convey this message, post haste, to His Majesty Yoshikan Sousing Nokuzuk Binchan: ‘His Highness must defer (postpone) executing the next ploy (stratagem); favorable outcome has already been assured without it.”  

“More importantly, His Highness must be forewarned of the fact, that Zakhertan Yozdek has already deployed (sent forth) an army equipped with a new, lethal weaponry, not to strengthen Korion's borders and counter Kontu’s aggression as you’ve been led to believe, but in truth, to assassinate His Highness Yoshikan and to annihilate our populace to the last man.”  

Lenny Sukzor was aghast, having heard nothing at all to this effect. "What! How have you …"

“Don’t interrupt.” Zonar impatiently interposed (interrupted, snapped). “And another thing, inform His Highness Yoshikan that, an unavoidable circumstance constrains me for an indefinite period (time) to be absent; I will nevertheless be in the know and return the moment I’m needed."  

"Rest assured," Zonar relenting, smiled at Lenny Sukzor and spoke in softer tone. "I will avert this very disaster in due course by intercepting their Commander-in-Chief, Heshur Zican, who has in his possession the only copy of the amended decree.”

“Fortunately, Zakhertan Yozdek’s (suspicious nature and taken) precaution can be used in our favor.  You see, aside from Heshur, all the other officers (his subordinate generals) had been kept in the dark about this change to ensure the element of surprise that is so vital to their mission's success.  They falsely believe that they had been deployed to the frontier to assist the subsidiary Nation, Korion, in countering and halting hostile incursions, from amassed forces of Kontu.”  

“Hmm…A bolt of lightning and resulting bush fire disguised in a stormy night should do the trick.” Zonar inwardly considering, more to himself, articulated (mumbled); then looking up and shrugging, he added, "The rest will be up to Sovereign Yoshikan."

03-YOSHIKAN SOUSING NOKUZUK BINCHAN   (5)JP

"But how do you propose to catch up with Heshur Zican who, accordingly, is well on his way to…”  Lenny Sukzor was however, quickly silenced by Zonar’s irate, stern gaze that seemed to say, “You dare question my ability?”

"Now for the second reason of my visit here… Heed this warning Lenny Sukzor and abandon that crazy scheme of yours. You know what I mean.  Stay put for now.  Zakhertan Yozdek’s days are numbered as it is. Fate has given to another the duty of killing him, one whose obligation it is to avenge far more grievous wrongs, than yours.  Have I made myself clear?"  Zonar did not wait for the required confirmation before he then turned away. 

Zonar did not disappear right away; however, instead, he lingered at the spot with his back to Lenny Sukzor, long enough to (append) add, "Take care, son of Wushing for you are, as well, destined for greater things. Yet before that can even begin to happen, you must purge yourself of this weakness of yours. You know very well what I mean. Having finished what, I had come to say, I shall now take my leave of you. Farewell till we meet again."   Zonar for a second or so looked at him knowingly (calculatingly) then threw his head back and laughed boisterously.

 In the next instant he had disappeared from the room, yet his laughter resounded (echoed) in Lenny Sukzor’s ears long afterwards, diminishing only gradually.

                                                                             

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A few moments later that same night Zonar had reappeared in Nevetsecnuac's private quarters alongside his bed; smiling, he leaned forward to lightly touch his nephew, the sleeping Prince's shoulder.

Nevetsecnuac sensing his presence however had awoken at once with a start and sat upright. At that instant Zonar snapped his two fingers to illuminate the entire room right away by an artificial (unnatural) light, without the benefit of any candles, then went over and sat down in a plush chair in the far corner.  

Nevetsecnuac seeing who the intruder was, obviously quite pleased, nodded. "I had hoped for as much. So, you are alive and well. Are you here for a rematch, sir?"  He bolted from the bed and stood in a fixed position, with arms poised to strike.

"Hah!  You are a gutsy one!" Zonar threw his head back and laughed uproariously but then suddenly, unexpectedly turning quite serious, he ejected in a genuinely disappointed tone:  "Unfortunately, being pressed for time, I must forgo it; another time perhaps.”  

“Then why are you here?”

"Listen carefully,” Zonar held up his hand (palm). "Having scant opportunity, I ask that you allow me to state the reason for my visit forthwith and then let me be on my way with all due haste. Forgo the notion of rescuing Lord Asgar’s son Ivar Marrog Zhon; as the person in dungeon claimed to be him is false, he is only a poor unfortunate decoy (substitute). Yes, the true son lives, but at present he lives and prospers under an assumed name in this very Capital.” A witty, wry smile brushed his lips, as he added, “And you’ve already met him once, in the thoroughfare (main road) of Channing.”  

Zonar just then perceiving Nevetsecnuac’s unspoken query, shook his head in the negative.  

“Unfortunately, I am not at liberty to divulge any further than this, not without profound consequences to you and to Wenjenkun. Be assured however that the son is destined to meet his father, Lord Asgar, at the appointed time. For some reason however, I’m being kept from foreseeing (prophesizing) any further than that; so, I cannot reveal the result of that encounter. “ 

 

04-ZONAR - IMMORTAL (16)JP

Nevertheless, Zonar, sensing that something grave was the impending outcome (the consequence) of that encounter, frowning, he looked away; he was clearly perturbed, by this (shortcoming) inability. Moment later however, he shrugged and then continued: “As for days' time few days you will gain the opportunity, ahead of schedule, to encounter (meet, face) Zakhertan Yozdek, our common enemy. Be sure to take the writing brush with you when you go to the North palace. Mark my words, Zakhertan Yozdek is the devil incarnate and, as competent as I know you to be, you may not succeed in your intended venture unless you have an edge over him. He does not fight justly (equitably); he will cheat. I do not refer to mere cunning stratagem or treachery, which I know you have come to expect from him. He will use otherworldly (occult) methods or medium to win; alas, he knows an enchantment which I call the “Nokuzikos spell”, that is virtually unknown in Wenjenkun, or in any part of this world, for that matter.  Armed with this advantage, he is virtually invincible and uses it unscrupulously, in single combat or in battle (warfare), to vanquish all his enemies (adversaries).  Therefore, I am here, additionally, to equalize your chances on that impending final duel." 

Zonar beckoned to Nevetsecnuac and when the prince was in closer proximity, he leaned forward and whispered his instructions to Nevetsecnuac, in argot, one which he had specifically designed to be understood only by Nevetsecnuac.  

In this remarkable way Nevetsecnuac was hence armed with the knowledge of the workings of the Nokuzikos spell, the enchantment of Wind and Fire; the counter spell which would render it harmless; and the precise juncture at which it should be cast to beget (produce) maximum effect.  Zonar had taken this precautionary measure, more for the sake of keeping it from the prying ears of the Elders of Karn. When he’d finished imparting all the details, Nevetsecnuac, comprehending this great favor, bowed and most humbly thanked him.

05- NEVETSECNUAC (4)

"All right, all right," Zonar bit discomforted, impatiently dismissed the expressions of gratitude from his nephew then went on to warn Nevetsecnuac further, of the possible, unanticipated variables he may still encounter.  

As it was, the outcome of the combat between Zakhertan and Nevetsecnuac had, as well, enigmatically been kept from Zonar.  Zonar absently shook his head, as he inwardly at present again pondered, why some aspects of his cast divinations for future predictions (forecasts) had been clear as day while others had been vague or as if determinedly (by Heaven perhaps), totally concealed from him. This sort disquiets (foreboding) he kept to himself however, besides which he had complete confidence in this Prince’s rare abilities.  

Suddenly recalling another pressing matter, Zonar reached deep into his pocket seeking a leather pouch and retrieving it, removed from it an oval, Aquamarine crystal pill which he then presented (gave) to Nevetsecnuac.  

"I nearly forgot this. In any case, well before the final contest (combat) with Zakhertan Yozdek, you will fall prey to a dastardly attempt on your life. When that time comes and this is needed, just swallow it whole; you will be instantly restored (returned) to perfect health to complete your mission.”  

 

(END OF SECTION 21)

 

 

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