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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                                                          ~

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                           ~                                         

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

07- LORD ASGER THUXUR MARROG ZHON (168)jp

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

                                                                                    ~

 

(END OF SECTION 1)

LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE CAPITAL CHANNING - SECTION 8

Fradel’s (Nevetsecnuac’s) expression still blank; he reverted his gaze back on Zaur.  The minister's eyes were fixed on a distant point, as his mind pondered (mulled over) on some serious recollection or thought.   Nevetsecnuac noted how all along Zaur had desperately tried to master, to contain a seething emotional battle raging within, while he upheld (sustained) an outward, impassive facade.

01- ZAUR STUGR   JP 28

The range of emotions (gratitude, sorrow, anger, exasperation, relief, dreads, apprehension, and impatience) that Zaur had tried to suppress beneath his calm facade (pretense), nevertheless detected by incisive Nevetsecnuac, rather intrigued him; hence, he subtly studied Zaur's face and wondered, “If I could vicariously impart to you (Zaur) all that I had observed in that pit, how would your emotions stand up to those grim revelations?  Would you be able to maintain this calm demeanor (face, guise)?”  A strange empathy, a sorrowful feeling enveloped Nevetsecnuac’s soul at that precise moment, provoking him to breach the all-pervasive wall of distrust that lay between him and his host, to communicate the true details in the hope of drawing Zaur out and enabling (aiding) him to drop the pretense and reveal what was truly at the crux (core) of his being. Moreover, Nevetsecnuac’s heart had ached to, for once have real communication, an exchange of thoughts and feelings, without least reserve. 

“What's come over me?” Nevetsecnuac snapping from his momentary weakness, this dangerous prescience (intuition), however, quietly admonished self: “It’s inconceivable to consider this sheer madness, especially with one such as Zaur, who has already proven to be shrewd and devious, though admittedly not dangerous yet.  I've divulged far too much already.  That pit was located dangerously near the spot where Egil Viggoaries's vassals waited in ambush for Fradel Rurik Korvald.”

 Nevetsecnuac ruminated (cogitated) now, how he had come perilously close to being discovered at the site by one of the sentries; however, fortuitously, the guard had been deterred from further scrutiny (investigation) of the noise, which Nevetsecnuac had inadvertently caused just moments before when he had fallen into the pit.  If that minor incident along with the planned ambush by Egil Viggoaries, were to ever reach Zaur’s ears (it was ever to come to light), Zaur’s discerning mind could, easily then link up the correlating (corresponding) facts and therefore, begin doubting Fradel Rurik Korvald validity. Nevetsecnuac hence reminded self to be more vigilant and selective with his rendition of the supposed facts; meanwhile, unable to not entirely trust his host, Nevetsecnuac was left with the only recourse of coaxing Zaur into taking the desired action on his own accord without any requisite assistance from scholar Fradel. 

The corollary (outcome) of Fradel’s part in all of this must appear quite incidental(minor).

Meanwhile, as Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) was not at liberty to conduct any sort of investigation within the scarce time span he had until his audience with the Sovereign - if his intuition (hypothesis) proved correct, by entrusting the key into Zaur’s hands, he would compel the good Minister to fulfill at least part of Nevetsecnuac’s obligation to that singular skeleton's spirit.

02-THE EXPOSED GRAVE

 Nevetsecnuac was confident that a proper burial would follow shortly afterwards, though much depended on the depth of Zaur Stugr's commitment.  If the minister was in earnest, he would even now be contemplating an inquiry into this, apparently very personal matter.  With the greater means and manpower at his disposal, Zaur could ensure that the unfortunate victim, or victims, would be granted the eternal peace due them in the afterlife.

In the pit of Nevetsecnuac's stomach, meanwhile, the nagging feeling that he had missed something vitally pertinent, some cryptic quandary (predicament, fix) which was tied to the elusive answer, had persisted.

Ending (interrupting) the unsettling silence, Nevetsecnuac resumed his fabricated account, being most careful to sporadically weave in just the right amount of truth.

"Having related how Toza had procured the key, Yakkasar for a time fell silent and cautiously, perhaps with a tinge of trepidation, looked about him.  Being finally assured that no one was paying any particular heed (attention) to us, he reached into his pocket, leaned across the table and saying, please accept this, unclenched his fist to drop this key right into my palm (hand)."

Zaur Stugr, lending Fradel only half-an-ear learned how Toza, Yakkasar’s audacious (foolhardy) son had returned from one of his bold escapades (more likely, illicit excavations or theft), and claiming he’d found this rare treasure, expectedly had attempted to fence the key to what he thought were some incited (interested) customers (buyers, collectors).  Not only had every avenue had fallen through, but worst trouble had beset the pair (father and son) shortly afterwards when Yakkasar, thinking he could do better, had taken the bejeweled key and showed it to an affluent acquaintance of his, unfortunately with negative result.

03- YAKKASAR AND HIS SON TOZU

Yakkasar’s trust was grossly misplaced, subsequent night a group of seedy ruffians had broken into their humble dwelling and demolished everything inside in their search for the key.  Toza, returning unexpectedly to retrieve something he had forgotten had interrupted their rampage and pitted against the four-armed bandits, had been badly trounced (beaten).

Yakkasar returning home, at small hours and in an already dejected mood, had found his beloved son in a pool of his own blood on the verge of expiring.  Stopping his father from fetching help, Tozu with his dying breath had implored Yakkasar to discard (restore) the wretched key, to its original owner.

 Believing the item to be cursed, Yakkasar had, after selling their small property to pay for the burial of his son, had undertaken the arduous return journey to find the pit. Only difficulty being, of late, he could not recollect the specifics his son had imparted to him.

Yakkasar had already traveled a respectable distance to, a rough estimation of an area, hoping that this would hone (sharpen, jar) his memory, but it had not. By the time he had met up with Fradel Rurik Korvald, having suffered during the course of his travel’s untold hardships, been assaulted, robbed, humiliated and subjected to other misfortunes too numerous to recount, Yakkasar had eventually been reduced to that sorry state. 

On top of everything else his health was now failing him and, noting that the persistent symptoms were the very same ones which had dispatched (caused the demise of) his former neighbor, Yakkasar firmly believed his days were numbered. Caught in these dire straits, knowing that he could neither retreat nor advance and, he would never be able to fulfill his promise to his dead son, he simply had begged Fradel Rurik Korvald to grant an old man one last favor and take this cursed key off his hands and perhaps, with his discernible competence, accomplish what he had failed to do.

"I wouldn't ask this of just anyone," Yakkasar vehemently had proclaimed, "but you have shown yourself to be a righteous (virtuous), good-hearted gentleman.  I beg you to help me out of my difficulties.  Both my deceased son Tozu and I'd be eternally grateful to you, and when my time comes to its natural conclusion, I promise, to speak well of you to the God of the Underworld." 

“The old man's insistences raised such pity in me (Fradel Rurik Korvald) that I had to finally acquiesce and consented to do his bidding.”

With complete confidence, Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) had anticipated the probable timing of Zaur's request, his retaining of the subtly imparted details, the approximate estimation of specifics; however, as warranted caution, he’d excluded the name of the Cyprecox Pass, where the vicinity of it the pit was located, leaving Zaur to discover this by himself.

04-NEVETSECNUAC  JP 62

“Well, what are you waiting for?” Nevetsecnuac cast a quick, unreadable side-glance at Zaur as he reached out for a morsel or two.  He’d been plied (served, provided) with variety of alcoholic drinks all night long and watched most assiduously; hence, he had been emptying his cup out of politeness, not realizing that he had consumed an inordinate number of sprits over and above his capacity.  Consequently, at present, Nevetsecnuac's head began to swim, and it became increasingly difficult for him to maintain his coordination.  Curiously enough, his thoughts and speech had not been impeded (hindered), though he was getting rather awkward (clumsy), thus he was most anxious to drop this charade and retire (get preferred rest) for the night.  Yet, very much to his disappointment, Zaur had maintained his thoughtful silence and did not voice the anticipated (prompted) inquiry.

Despite Zaur's own intoxicated state, earlier on he had perceived (comprehended) Fradel Rurik Korvald’s subtle goading (ploy) and stubbornly did not comply.

“Now you are being too transparent.  Is this intentional?”

 Zaur was dubious of this latest, seemingly pure motive, enveloped as if it were in mere sentimentality and benevolent intent.

“No one could be that caring…Why would it matter to you, Fradel, whether the owner of this key was vindicated or not?” He looked skeptically at his guest; for Zaur found it hard to accept that anyone would go to this much trouble merely out of the (kindness) goodness of his heart.

“There must be some sinister motive lurking underneath.  Moreover, what is behind this persistent, albeit discrete push, to involve me directly?”  Zaur suppressed a frown.

“Have I given it away?  How much does Fradel Rurik Korvald suspect?” 

Zaur never took anything at face value and had always dug deeper to be rewarded consistently with the ulterior motives behind those seemingly benign words, innocuous gestures and deeds that inundated him daily.  This was the golden rule to surviving in the duplicitous environment of the Capital and it had served him well so far.  He was not about to alter the philosophy he had espoused for his (whole) entire adult life on the mere chance that Fradel Rurik Korvald was a (glitch, an abnormality) rare anomaly.  Men acted the same way regardless of station, creed, or race, harboring the same malicious, greedy, and conspiratorial (conniving) intents.

Inclined slightly towards Fradel Rurik Korvald he scrutinized him, noting the subtle clumsiness of his movements.  “Truthfully, you are quite unlike anyone I have ever known (or encountered); even now, you are most remarkable, so resilient, despite your apparent inebriated (intoxicated) state.”  

A strange feeling of loss suddenly just then gripped Zaur Stugr’s heart.

“But I sense that beneath that placid exterior, there are so many grave concerns.  You seem burdened by a perilous responsibility, far heavier than the requirements of your young years.  What is it about you, Fradel Rurik Korvald, that I should feel inexplicably drawn to trust you in this way?  I feel simply dwarfed whenever I'm near you, yet this is none of your conscious doing.  On the contrary, your modesty and humility at times overwhelms me.”

 Deep down, Zaur did indeed harbor a certain affinity towards scholar Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) from the first moment when he had first laid eyes on him.

Being favorably disposed from the start, after each private conversation (discussion) with this affable, worthy opponent who had challenged his abilities to the maximum, Zaur’s admiration and respect had progressively increased (augmented) for Fradel Rurik Korvald.  Admittedly, Zaur had grown rather complacent over the years and needed this cerebral jolt (intellectual shock) which Fradel had presented at every exchange, for him to be prepared for the inevitable showdown.

“Under different circumstances, perhaps we could have…”  The sinister face of suspicion abruptly surfacing in his mind’s eye, however, cut short, this (yearning) sentiment to once more poison Zaur’s heart and cloud his judgment.

“No, you and I can never be close (intimate) friends.” For as far as Zaur was concerned the degree of complexity in Fradel Rurik Korvald’s character, the allusive secrecy, the vulnerable, pure naiveté lying atop a certain recalcitrance (or bedlam) were all inconsistencies in the scholar's character, which reinforced Zaur’s view that, Fradel Rurik Korvald was not one to be taken lightly and that underneath it all, lurked sure danger.

“What do I really know of him?  So far there is nothing concrete that I can hold up to him and say, it fits.  All along he's revealed only petty, negligible, and partial (incomplete) facts about himself. Nothing tangible, nothing useful that could be (pinpointed or) indexed for future use.  As always at every exchange, and this night is no exception, I'm stumped when it comes to deciphering his real motives.  Every avenue I explore in his character comes to the usual dead end. Is he toying with me?”

Subsequently working himself up into a state of discontent, Zaur Stugr became convinced that Fradel Rurik Korvald was a master at the art of deceit and that he'd been working all along to beguile him, to lead him astray, to show him up for a fool.  He became livid as he imagined how all along Fradel had subtly manipulated him and, worse still, had nearly beaten him at his own game.  With remarkable willpower, however, he maintained his impassive, amiable facade.

 He could not have imagined that his own cynical view was the very culprit he suspected, the evil contaminant that all along had blindfolded him, obscuring his innate intuition that otherwise might have shed the light of truth over Fradel Rurik Korvald.  Things might have turned out differently then but, being as they were, they now led Zaur Stugr to tread the course he would regret for the rest of his life.  He was locked in this erroneous course (route, path), and no amount of future great accomplishments could mitigate, alter, or amend for, what he would now fail to do.

Habitually, Zaur Stugr’s analytical mind, prevailing over any rumor or an account, did not allow him to capitulate or hastily construe facts without first exploring every avenue available to him, but the “key” and the lateness of the hour in this case after a long wearying (taxing) day, constrained him to make an exception.

05- ZAUR STUGR   JP 29

“All right,” he reluctantly conceded, “you win for now.  I'll play into your gambit.  I was going to anyhow and eventually resolve the mystery for you.  But I promise you that, when the time comes, I'll feed you such a bewildering version that it will spin your head into a daze and unleash your full imagination.”  He absentmindedly nodded to Fradel Rurik Korvald.

“And in due course, with perseverance, I'll break down that elusive (intangible) wall you've put up to guard your secrets.  I'll break you yet.  Wouldn't you be shocked out of your scholar's cap if you knew the significance of that key and, the enormity of the truth about the pit, skeleton, and I?”

All the same Zaur’s spiteful smile died before it reached his lips, as the imagined abominations, the gruesome tortures and, lingering, tragic demise of his revered one, caused an intense angst to overtake him.

Zaur’s ear just then caught Fradel Rurik Korvald’s explanation of, how the meeting with Zunrogo and the subsequent events had unfortunately thwarted (hindered) Fradel’s fulfilling his promise to the old man, Yakkasar.

“Is he still going on about Yakkasar and, that cursed son of a traitor Zunrogo?  When will he drop this tiresome prattle?”

Surmising this change in mood, Nevetsecnuac paused and once more helped himself to some food.  As he thoughtfully chewed it, he marveled at Zaur's tenacity and strong inner discipline.

“Very well, “he conceded, “I'll meet you halfway.”

 

(END OF SECTION 8) 

                                                                                        ~

LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 26

                  

Because the official who had originally chartered the dispatch boat was most eager to reach his destination, soon as Zunrogo's party stepped onto the deck, the anchor was hauled up and the craft immediately headed out.

01- AN OFFICIAL  LUVET

The same official had remained cloistered in his cramped cabin (private quarters) for the remainder of the journey, with always his head buried deep in documents. The crew went about their business efficiently but edgily in that tense, pervading (all encompassing) atmosphere.

Earlier Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac) had been told that, for security reasons, his true identity had not been disclosed to anyone on board, it seemed to Nevetsecnuac; thus, Zunrogo’s presence alone was sufficient grounds to put everyone on their unease (tenterhooks), including the official, with his self-imposed confinement. Nevertheless, for the next several days their journey passed uneventfully, as both the river current, and the wind sped them downstream until, at the crack of dawn on one overcast day, the government craft safely moored at the designated slip in Kenzor harbor. Had it not been for the vessel's urgent need for repairs, Zunrogo, without a moment's hesitation, would have confiscated the craft for the rest of the voyage and pressed on.  Instead, by the time it took Fradel and Zunrogo to consume a satisfying hot breakfast at one of the prospering tea houses, Tizan had expeditiously booked another passenger boat and had their luggage transferred aboard, ready for their prompt (summary) departure.

Later that same morning, when they set off for the Capital, there were only few other boats sharing their course (headed the same way).  By noon the fair-weather-wind, rolling down the river valley from the north had again picked up momentum (speed). To take full advantage, their swift, modern craft at once hoisted its triangular sails and, instantly picking up speed, in no time at all put a considerable distance between them and the rest of the riverboats, save one.  This one seemed to be persistently keeping up the pace.

On the subsequent days this same north wind brought down drizzling rain and fog so dense that the riverbanks became virtually invisible. Then the blustery weather picking up force, out of nowhere herded in, a dark mass of clouds that turned midday into dusk.  The river water, churned by the tempest wind speed, broke up into rolling, silvery waves that tossed snowy foam onto the deck, perpetually rocking the craft until the dowels and bindings that held the craft together were strained to the breaking point.

The captain of the vessel, Ortusz Doku, responding to the petitions of his other, sickened passengers and, the insistence of his crew, bent on his knees before Zunrogo to obtain his permission to steer the craft into a safe harbor before the boat was battered apart by the storm.

Neither Zunrogo nor Tizan were affected in the least bit by the incessant rocking of the boat.  Frowning and cursing, Zunrogo denigrated Ortusz with his cutting words until the captain, his pride sorely bruised, made to leave.  But then Zunrogo (on second thought) relented and gave his consent.  Soon after the vessel was expertly steered through the blinding rain into a bend in the river where the anchor was cast, and the ship moored fast by strong ropes to huge trees onshore. Just in time too, for suddenly strong, gale force winds sprang up as the worst of the storm hit. The vessel, safely moored, still was violently, unmercifully rocked, like it was but a toy.  The waves beat against the shore in an angry uproar as torrential, pelting rains drenched everything to the core.  Thankfully, the precautions they had just taken enabled the boat to ride out the storm and sustain only minimal damage.

During this grueling episode, akin (like) other passengers, Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) had fought off the terrible motion sickness; but then, under the watchful eye of Zunrogo Tugo, reluctantly had taken some medicated wine at Tugo’s insistence, which in fact aside from some troubling side-effects, had alleviated (assuaged) his discomfort.  In this partially vulnerable state, chiefly to get his mind off his ailment, he had, moreover, dashed off a few lines of verse about boats and storms.  The brilliance of poetry composed in such dire straits won him Zunrogo’s great admiration and, in due course, eliminated the Captain of the Palace Guard's last (ounce) residue of suspicion. 

Finally (on the third day), when the storm abated, the boat was made ready, with improvised improvements to, just before noon, cast off.

As the journey continued it appeared to an observer, looking only at the deceptive shroud of congeniality spread by Fradel Rurik Korvald and Zunrogo that they were conversing frankly, without the least inhibition.  Yet, after hours of conversation, Zunrogo had to admit that he found this stimulating intellectual sparring more exhilarating, more closely akin to combating a powerful foe on the battlefield and, he began to crave more of it.

Nevetsecnuac’s assumed, present identity had seriously constrained (curtailed) his abilities, forcing him to adapt to more shrewd and indirect means; and so, while seemingly obliging Captain Zunrogo, he used this opportunity instead, to explore (delve deeper into) Captain's innate nature and, extracted from Zunrogo, few, well-guarded detrimental weaknesses and flaws.  Once this was accomplished Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) relaxed his vigil, as he much preferred fighting any formidable foe directly, by way of (via) tangible (physical) combat.

As both Nevtsecnuac and Zunrogo possessed remarkable staying powers, the ensued lively exchange utilizing acumen, wits, and stratagem (subterfuge), had continued well into the night, with no possibility of satisfactory cessation.  There came a time, however, upon discussing a particular concern, after several fruitless turns and diversionary strategies, Zunrogo (the undefeated champion) was forced to, for a spell, capitulate Fradel's point of view.

04- - CAPTAIN ZUNROGO TUGO JP 2

And though Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) at present, incurred deep respect for his brilliance from Zunrogo, captain not being one to cede, with renewed zeal (fervor) he quickly revised his stance (estimation, viewpoint) and retaliated.  His irrefutable logic (analysis) gave him the added edge and, following this up with an all-out offensive, he achieved his absolute victory.  Fradel could have still challenged some of the seemingly unequivocal deductions, but with due practicality, he instead, gracefully conceded to defeat.

Fradel's mind, meanwhile, had been all along distracted by other matters, one of which was their pursuer.  Even though the ensuing (following) vessel had been temporarily lost to sight in the storm, Fradel hypothesized that it would again catch up to them in a day or two after the weather abated.

Several times Fradel, having concluded that it was Lance Diostin; he had wanted to drop that name casually in conversation, to observe Zunrogo’s reaction.  Each time however deciding otherwise, he’d held his tongue in check.

For what possible reason could he give for even knowing the name Lance Diostin?  More importantly, there had been this nagging feeling that he had harbored since they boarded this vessel.  There was more at stake here than what met the eye, more vital and sinister than the threat to his life.  What it was, unfortunately, he had not yet ascertained, and its nature kept eluding him.

 On this particular concern, Fradel's otherwise foolproof methods of inquiry had met an impenetrable wall erected by Zunrogo.  Even after Fradel had yielded the argument to drop latter’s guard, Zunrogo had held on fast to this secret with unusual grit and tenacity.  Fradel could gain no grasp of the actual situation and was left, in the end, with only his unsubstantiated intuition.

                                                                                       ~

Later that night, Fradel fortuitously happened on a confidential conversation between Zunrogo and Tizan and caught a singular reference being made to Lance Diostin's martial prowess.  Fradel was intrigued, to say the least, by Zunrogo’s respectful references to his adversary.

Was Lance Diostin such a competent foe that he cast a doubt in Zunrogo’s heart?  Keeping his hand poised above the door's handle, Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) eavesdropped for a longer spell.

From the disjointed, coded then decoded fragments that were being discussed Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) deduced that Tizan had previously sighted Lance Diostin at Kenzor harbor and Zunrogo had arrived at a similar conclusion as his (Nevetsecnuac),

That Lance Diostin’s craft was indeed trailing them.

Nevetsecnuac further suspected that once the storm had abated the enemy vessel (craft) would swiftly descend upon them for that decisive fray. Despite his readiness however, his intuition (the gnawing feeling in the pit of his stomach) forewarned him that there was far more at stake here than Zunrogo let on.

Zunrogo was about to instruct Tizan on the finer points of the strategic defenses, that were to be utilized against Lance Diostin’s impending assaults, when Fradel Rurik Korvald's sudden knock at the door startled them both. 

Fradel quickly dispensing with the polite preliminaries took the seat offered to him across from the captain.  Getting right to the point and feigning ignorance, he then confessed to overhearing the name of Lance Diostin as he was about to knock on the door and, audaciously, inquired after the information associated with that name.

Zunrogo's reluctant and evasive answers further piqued Nevetsecnuac’s (Fradel's) curiosity; he, nevertheless, letting it go, pretended to have been satisfied with Captain's makeshift explanations.  Fradel quickly stated what he had originally come to say, and then abruptly rose to bade them good night and then hastily withdrew.

Back in his cabin, with many concerns praying on his mind, Nevetsecnuac did not (immediately) go to bed, instead, he set down in comfortable chair and reflected on the past exchange between Zhadol and Yennic.  As far as he could tell, there were three reasons to account for Lance Diostin's pursuit: a feud between the two factions; Dwengzu's prediction that, should Fradel Rurik Korvald be allowed to reach Channing, it would bring about Egil Viggoaries’s premature death (or, serious downfall); and some third reason which still eluded him.  His thoughts then reverted to Yennic’s (blatant) unabashed approval, when he was informed that Lance Diostin would be guarding the river route.

Thinking of the upcoming confrontation between Zunrogo and Lance Diostin, Fradel grinned wryly.  “That should prove rather interesting, though I doubt that I, Fradel Rurik Korvald, will be allowed to witness this remarkable combat. Yet, what if both Zunrogo and Tizan, despite their combined effort, can’t…? “He lowered his eyes thoughtfully and tersely drummed his fingers on the chair arm.

05- NEVETSECNUAC  JP 23

“It is conceivable that they might not measure up to the task.  What then?”  Nevetsecnuac reflected short time later, recalling Zunrogo's apparent anxiety when he had casually mentioned Lance Diostin’s name, to him. “What if they did indeed succumb to the prowess of this formidable foe?  If that is the case, I'll be constrained to fend for myself and then eliminate all who witnessed the fighting.  More slaughter!”  He shifted uneasily into the chair.

Aside from the vessel's Captain, Doku, and his crew and their own party, there were four other passengers on board: a young couple with an infant son and a reserved, semi-retired official.  The rest had good fortune to leave the river boat after the storm and preceded the rest of their way on land.  The remaining passengers kept very much to themselves and, for the most part, stayed in their cabins.

“If the circumstances dictate it, would I have the heart?” He knew he would not.

 “There was only one option, the only alternative choice, for him to take; yes,” he nodded decisively.                          

                                                                                      ~

 

The last remnants of the storm had finally abated at dawn, leaving the river a bit more swollen and the currents in the center a touch faster.

As Zunrogo and Fradel had (independently) forecasted, two days later the sail of the pursuing craft was spotted for a split second, bearing swiftly down on them from the distance, just before the river turned to hide them once more.  Accepting Zunrogo's reluctance to discuss the matter, Fradel, acting as though he had seen nothing, occupied himself with the typical scholarly concerns of reading and composing while discreetly noting the flurry of activity among the deck hands. 

They did not see the vessel again for some time after that.

 

 

(END OF SECTION 26)