LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE CAPITAL CHANNING - SECTION 2

 Zunrogo having successfully fulfilled his orders (delivering Fradel Rurik Korvald in safety to Channing), the group promptly next (without further due) reached the posh (grand) private residence of the Minister of Ceremony, Zaur Stugr.  From this point onward Fradel Rurik Korvald’s (Nevetsecnuac's) safety and welfare would be the responsibility of this diligent bureaucrat (official). 

The extra measure of caution along the way may, or may not have been warranted, for few would be so bold, some would say suicidal, to make a move against the illustrious scholar in the very Capital where security had always been tighter than a drum. 

Arriving at dusk, Zunrogo’s company found the good minister eagerly awaiting their arrival, having already been informed of their passage through Zier gate.  Zunrogo Tugo was then constrained to account for the slight delay.

01- ZUNROGO TUGO- JP  15

Zunrogo being most eager to depart, stating that he had other most urgent business to attend to before the curfew fell, soon as he entrusted the good minister Fradel’s papers, he bid his pseudo fond farewells to the Scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac) and the Minister Zaur Stugr, then both Zunrogo Tugo and Tizan mounting their steeds, left the official's residence. 

After polite felicitations and other formalities quickly dispensed with, Minister of Ceremony, Zaur Stugr then cordially (affably) escorted (ushered, accompanied) Scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac) to his luxurious private quarters without further due.  The Illustrious Fradel’s posh residence (accommodation) had been meticulously furnished with all the anticipated amenities, rare antiques, and exquisite fine art objects that a scholar with discriminating taste might require, to be most comfortably settled in. Ten servants, comprising (encompassing) both genders, were appointed to see to his every need or whim.  Following a luxurious bath, toiletries, and a brief rest, Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) was then escorted to a large dining hall where, during an exclusive (private) banquet, he was discerningly entertained, offered selective, most discriminating light refreshment, exotic range of delicacies (tidbits) and finally, the most elaborate cuisines.

 At the conclusion of the repast (feast), since Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac) did not looked wearied, and particularly did not express any desire to retire; at the suggestion of Zaur Stugr, both men then proceeded through the locked gate, to enter Zaur’s much coveted but rarely shared, private garden, their steps advancing informally (calmly) then, towards the legendary Whispering Willows Pavilion.

Zaur Stugr despite being rather young for a minister, as he was in his late twenties, nevertheless carried a, dignified, resilient (robust, buoyant, spirited) though seemingly understated, yet formidable air of authority; this very much intrigued Nevetsecnuac, impelling (driving, propelling) him, hence, to learn more of this enigmatic minister. Unfortunately for Nevetsecuac, the minster guarded his secrets too well, and since it was fated, both sides remained in the dark of each’s true identity, till it was too late.

02-ZAUR STUGR   JP 27

 In that most tranquil and exquisite setting, as they informally strolled through the winding paths of the picturesque garden, they spoke sparingly, from time to time, stopping briefly, only to lend an ear to the distant, well-orchestrated, lugubrious melodies of nature.  At the exquisite Whispering Willows Pavilion, they then partook in some rare, specialty foreign brew (environment); subsequently, spirits mellowed, they then indulged in the most delightful, lighthearted, and seemingly unreserved conversation. Minister Zaur Stugr, though a most attentive host all during the night, had (actually) nonetheless remained guarded in his speech and manner, being always tentatively (cautiously) prudent, not to let their seemingly candid exchange trespass onto any dangerous or forbidden topics.

 As they drank well into the night, a slightly inebriated Zaur Stugr dropped his guard just a fraction.  Seizing this opportunity, Fradel (Nevetsecnuac), with certain tact and decorum, discreetly broached the subjects that had been preying on his mind ever since his arrival in Channing. 

Nevetsecnuac knew that it was imperative this one major obstacle be handled satisfactorily before his goal; fortunately, he had seen fit to procure from the real Fradel, the names of the Royal Couriers (RCRB) who had delivered him the Imperial summons.

 All Nevesecnuac needed now was to learn of the exact whereabouts of Canbir Nonng and Cais Hongar so that he could, though he detested the idea, obstruct or permanently impede (hinder) any chance of them exposing him as an impostor.

Through his prior discrete inquiries, Nevetsecnuac had learned from Zunrogo that the members of Royal Couriers of the Red Bandanna (Red Bandanna’s specific subdivision, limb, branch, also known as RCRB), such as Canbir and Cais, being the quickest and most efficient, were perpetually kept on the go.  Each of these RCRB after grueling (demanding) selection process, had been chosen for their superhuman endurance and their indomitable fighting and riding prowess (skills). Once dispatched, RCRB would ride like the wind on the fastest of horses and were authorized to, if need be, fight their way through any obstructions.  There had even been instances where, high ranking officials or aristocrats, who’d caused slight delay of a RCRB, having been promptly killed without consequence (penalty). Depending on the urgency of the task, these couriers could ride unceasingly (incessantly), eating and sleeping on horseback until they reached their destination. 

During his travels, at various points along the throughfare (artery, road, freeway) Nevetsecnuac had seen the Imperial stables set up to supply these RCRB messengers with fresh horses and supplies.  Inns and provision stores (shops) had, additionally, sprung up (like wild mushrooms, as it was highly lucrative business), around these way stations.

As it were, Nevetsecnuac's luck had held; and this piece of intelligence he’d learned from Minister Zaur Stugr, that the couriers in question had already been dispatched the day before Fradel’s (Nevetsecnuac’s) arrival in Capital, to relay a routine command to the Military Governor at the frontier province of Tizanakang, one of the two provinces bordering Korion.

03- FRADEL (NEVETSECNUAC)  IN CAPITAL

Fradel (Nevetsecnuac), inwardly relieved, continued with their innocuous (safe, bland) exchange; until a little while later, he sought to resolve his other concern and again discretely, broached the subject of the latest assassination attempt on (reigning monarch) current Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek. Fradel, volunteering his reasons for it, briefly related part of his observations in the central square, his feelings of revulsion at the sight, and then followed it with his purposefully erroneous suppositions of the results this act portended. Apparently, there was no restriction on discussing the assassination attempt since Minister Zaur Stugr seemed most anxious to correct the esteemed Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac) and, readily obliged by conveying all the pertinent officially available information on the subject.  However, he did not end it there,

"Please do not take offense, and I am supposing that your reclusive life has prevented you from being fully informed on the present state of Wenjenkun's foreign policy."

Minister of Ceremony Zaur Stugr waited for an affirming nod before proceeding to impart the major point he wished to cover.

"This most recent assassination attempt has had far more reaching political implications than would seem on the outset."  He cleared his throat with a sip of wine then extrapolated further, bringing up the subject of the military threat from an expansive foreign aggressor, Emperor Deng Hedenko of the nation of Kontu.

04- DENG HEDENKO

Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) was keenly interested, for he recollected the facts he’d been told, back at the mountain abode, about Lord Hedenko, who was now the Emperor of Kontu. This vilest and most feared Lord had also the very one that Teuquob had been promised to in marriage.  Unfortunately, Hedenko’s present status revealed the sad fate that befell her family. 

Nevetsecnuac listened, with rapt attention, to Minister Zaur Stugr’s seemingly unbiased (equitable), nevertheless enthusiastic, deferential account of Lord Deng Hedenko’s exploits.

"I admit to being rather intrigued with Hedenko's extraordinary military accomplishments from very early on.  I've followed his chartered course when, even at an early age and, despite the overwhelming odds against him from birth, how with his resilience, his extraordinary, cunning intellect and incredible martial prowess, he succeeded in doing the impossible. Then again, his ruthlessness has no equal, save for…. am. Anyhow, as testament to his shrewd military and political maneuvers, he’d consolidated, in that unbelievably brief period, all those unruly, hostile kingdoms bordering his nation, under just one rule.”

“But that is too long an account to go into it now, perhaps we may revisit the topic at another more opportune time when, I can impart to you in detail, the long chronicle of his incredible achievements, for they read like a textbook of legendary military strategies."  Zaur dismissed this line of thought with a wave of his hand then returned to the most current political events.

Minister Zaur Stugr instead, told Fradel how Hedenko, still coveting more territories, had sent his invincible armada across the treacherous channel, with great army numbering in the hundreds of thousands on board, under the command of Field Marshal Yatzin Surge. Having landed quite recently infract, on the shores of the continent, Field Marshal Yatzin had already annexed the inconsequential country of Duriok.  Their real objective was, of course, to annex the neighboring state, Korion.

 "Unofficial reports had already reached His Highness Zakhertan Yozdek, that this foreign aggressor (antagonist) had wreaked havoc all along its path to the Pokesh River." Minister Zaur Stugr smiled wryly. 

"This, however, has aroused little concern in our political arena.  As to the proposed non-aggression pact between Kontu and Wenjenkun," Zaur shook his head thoughtfully, "Well, Emperor Hedenko has more than once adopted the sure strategy of allying himself with more distant states while attacking the one close at hand.  Soon, however, his allies find themselves on Kontu's border.  You can imagine the initial reluctance of our Illustrious Sovereign, despite all assurances from Hedenko."

Zaur digressed, "You must understand that our country harbors no particular affection for that den of wolves, Korion.  You see, from the time our victorious armies subjugated that country there has never been any obvious, outward signs of resistance, outbreaks of rebellion, or even any inkling of trouble brewing from that quarter and they have kept up with their yearly tribute in a timely manner.  However, they are an aggressive race and after the…" Minister Zaur Stugr stopped abruptly, dropping his head to become lost in thought.

                                                                                ~

Nevetsecnuac surmised what was on his mind, for as part of his studies he had learnt from Lord Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon, of Wenjenkun’s long standing trouble with Korion and, the last battle, which resulted in the annexation of Korion. The old Sovereign Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir, who properly duped, sent Zakhertan, with unlimited command of the expeditionary forces, to eliminate this pesky border threat; this done, Zakhertan then had retaliated, evened some personal old scores (settle old vendettas).

Though the brutal campaign and the purge in aftermath, had transpired during Lord Asger’s youth, he’d come to know well enough from hearsay (word of mouth), all about Zakhertan’s shrewd and gory policies in that country.

 Then only a Field Marshall, Zakhertan Yozdek, (with a strong backing of his influential family, who were the real instigators for Korion’s annexation,) harbored grand ambitions which eventually came to fruition, ending the benevolent reign of Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir.

The once mighty state of Korion, which was such a bone of contention with Zakhertan Yozdek, had always been a cantankerous, troublesome territory despite its small size, as it had always been inhabited by several, warring, fierce, hostile, nomadic tribes.

But even before this, Zakhertan and his supporters had first set their sights on this mountainous region for three good reasons: one being the rich mineral resources, some already being mined, others yet to be developed; the second, the coveted stock of the finest breed of war horses known to men and third, because their weapon makers turned out supreme swords whose superb strength and cutting edge were unrivaled anywhere in the world.

 This race of people had only one known weakness to be exploited, their superstitions, which dictated nearly every aspect of their lives.  Still, despite this flaw, this proud nation had never been totally subjugated despite many large and costly campaigns mounted either by Wenjenkun or by the other neighboring states.

As for the personal grudge Zakhertan Yozdek bore for this country, well, it had festered for (nearly a decade) a very long time, before Zakhertan finally got his opportunity to act on it.

 

It had all started (happened) when Zakhertan was a young man, a minor officer attached to the staff of the incompetent General Ziek Kizer and when the General’s forces suffered a crushing, humiliating defeat at the battle of Lekoza.  Zakhertan Yozdek was taken prisoner with a handful of others whose lives were spared and enslaved thereon, doing hard labor in one of Korion mines for more than a year, until he had engineered his brilliant escape. Zakhertan never spoke of the humiliation and what type of degradation he’d been subjected to, but from that time forth, he had sworn to crush this proud nation and visit upon it the indignities he, himself, had suffered at their hands.

 His chance had finally come when, after gaining promotion to Field Marshall, the Sovereign Anguan Binchan of Korion had, through the efforts of (clandestinely provoked by) the Yozdek family, offended then Sovereign Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir.  Thus goaded, His Imperial Majesty had authorized the Field Marshall to head a force of seven hundred thousand troops into Korion to secure that border and same time, exact vengeance on the impudent Sovereign Anguan.

Engaging in a series of fierce battles with Korion's invincible army, Zakhertan Yozdek conducted a brilliant campaign that eventually gained him the advantage. 

Through his unconventional, but ingenious, ruses he had divided the Korion forces then broken through to follow the path of least resistance to the Capital City of Korion.

 After a siege of less than two months, forty-five days to be exact, the main body of Wenjenkun's army had entered the city.

Given free rein by their commander, his blood thirsty troops massacred the populous without mercy and razed many historic buildings and monuments.

                                                                                  ~

"Let us just say that they trouble me.” Zaur Stugr suddenly resumed where he had left off, breaking (ending) the long, prolonged silence.  "Fortunately, I do not stand alone in this, though you may call it just a gut feeling if you like, for I have no facts to substantiate my suspicions."

He looked straight at Fradel (Nevetsecnuac), "They're a proud nation, you know, never before subjugated by anyone despite their small size.  Their fierce loyalty to their Sovereign is commendable.  It sort of reminds me of the way…” Again, he stopped midway.

 "No matter," a wave of hand dismissed his next string of thoughts.

Zaur reached for the cup, "I hope this particular vintage from my private reserves is to your liking.  I'm certainly no connoisseur but I find the fragrance more pleasing to the senses than the commercial vintages.  It sort of overwhelms, perhaps even intoxicates one."

In truth, Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) could not differentiate (distinguish) any variation between this one and the four others he had sampled on this night.  In his view they were all exceptional infusions, all smooth as honey and fragrant as orchids.  He nodded in appreciation, nonetheless.

Placing his cup down, Minister Zaur Stugr leaned back.

"A short while ago, emissaries from both Kontu and Korion paid their respects at the Imperial Court.  You may well imagine what Korion wanted."  Zaur Stugr shook his head.

 

 "Claiming now that they were a protectorate state, they argued that whatever threatened them also threatened Wenjenkun and that it would be in our best interests to provide them with the necessary armament and manpower for them to defend their borders against the foreign aggressor; then came the turning point.  Kontu's emissaries arrived bearing rare, exquisite gifts and their terms were rather reasonable; the non-aggression pact I told you of earlier.  Their assurances appeared to be quite sincere and many of the members of the Advisory Council were swayed to accept their terms.” Minister Zaur grimaced (made a face).

 

“Anyhow, with these Advisory Council members’ full backing, the Kontu delegation submitted to His Royal Highness Zakhertan Yozdek a sealed document originating directly from Emperor Deng Hedenko himself, written, they say, by his own hand.

I have it, good authority that, within its content, Hedenko had also promised a long-term trade and affiliation and gave his personal assurance that there would be no further hostility (aggression) between the two Kingdoms.  Hedenko swore that Kontu's aim all along had been merely to gain a small foothold on the continent to develop the long neglected and mutually beneficial trade between Wenjenkun and them.”

Minister Zaur nodded absently.

“Furthermore, in return for their exercising control over Korion, they would maintain that country as an independent vassal state of Wenjenkun and would double the yearly tribute paid to Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek’s court. The shrewdest of the Advisory Council advanced their favorable disposition towards the offer, promoting Kontu's move as a way to save Wenjenkun the expense of maintaining an occupying force in a troublesome region (area) as well as reap more benefit from that expendable nation."

Minister Zaur Stugr again nodded, this time more animatedly, as clearly, he was enjoying Fradel’s rapt (engrossed, gripped) attention. 

"All the while, it now appears, a vile conspiracy to completely incapacitate our state was in the works.  Yes, who could have expected it?  The emissaries were most cunningly convincing after all.  Well, after reviewing all that was at stake and weighing the anticipated gains and probability (prospect) of losses, it appeared that Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek was on the verge of inclining towards Kontu's proposal when, fortunately for Wenjenkun, a highly regarded seer and diviner, Dwengzur, made a timely intervention and warned our Sovereign to stay the negotiations.  It is my understanding that the seer Dwengzur had also predicted the exact place and timing to the hour of the assassination attempt.”

 

06 -DWENGZUR

 

“Anyhow, it was a great surprise to those senior members of the Advisory Council, and of great interest to us all when it was found that the conspirators were none other than the emissaries from Kontu.  Oh, the corpse's condition was far beyond any positive recognition by the time Dwengzur had finished.  There were reports from the palace that night of the most fearful noises and smoke coming from His Highness' private bedroom.  Dwengzur is known to be able to command great power, and I would hate to be the foe he turns against."

Minister Zaur Stugr waved his hand to forestall Fradel’s (Nevetsecnuac’s) questioning glance, "No, there were no eyewitnesses save, perhaps, for His Highness himself.  As I understand it, the bodyguards stationed outside were locked out at the crucial moments and were unable to afford any assistance.  Whether this was by accident or by design, it can only be illuminated by Dwengzur himself.

“Unfortunately, he mysteriously vanished immediately after the combat, and no one has seen or heard from him since.  Indeed, it was most strange.  The guards outside the Imperial Staterooms saw him turn the corner of the hall as he walked away, but the guards at the next corridor never saw him come round that corner at all.  Pouf, he vanished into thin air!" Minister Zaur Stugr smiled as he drew a dust-devil in the air beside his ear.

"Now the rumor is circulating that Dwengzur was a Heavenly Sage sent to assist Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek. His Highness may allow the unthinking populace to, from time to time, indulge in such superstitions, but we are men, not fools. Now I don't need to tell you how much irritation Dwengzur's disappearance has caused.  I'm afraid I can't go into how the assassin penetrated the Imperial chambers.  If it was known the answer would probably be kept secure anyway, but the truth of the matter is that only Dwengzur knows for sure.  Already many have paid dearly for the lapse in security.” Minister Zaur paused at this point to take a sip of wine, to relieve his parched throat.

 

"After that decisive combat the actual corpse of the assassin was discovered to be in pretty much the same horrendous condition as you, yourself, saw it when you passed through the central square.  Though the body was disfigured beyond recognition, there was enough evidence on what was left of the clothing and jewelry to positively identify the corpse as that of one of the emissaries from Kontu.  Oddly enough, it was the most suave and persuasive one at that.  He'd had us all completely beguiled by his distinguished, regal bearing and his seeming sincerity.  Based on this proof the remainder of the conspirators were promptly arrested and interrogated at length.  Under extreme, but necessary torture their sinister plot was disclosed in its ingenious entirety and the confessions that were extracted by Egil Viggoaries himself were promptly brought to Court for His Highness' perusal.” Minister Zaur Stugr was highly pleased, observing Fradel Rurik Korvald’s spellbound (enthralled) demeanor; this encouraged him to further embellish facts.

 

"What fate befell them, you may ask? “He took in a long, extended breath and exhaled it slowly, (drawing out) prolonging the suspenseful air.

 “Well, considering that theirs was the greatest crime that could be committed against our state, His Highness was most lenient, though still swift, and effective, in his response.  Charged with spying and attempted regicide, they were slowly dismembered.  The torn pieces of proposed treaty jabbed in the mouth between the teeth of each decapitated heads and the sliced body parts were all then stuffed in bags along with some dog excrement and promptly returned to Emperor Deng Hedenko.  You might well say it is all thanks to the inscrutable Dwengzu that their villainous plan (goal), of removing the only real obstacle to their subjugating Wenjenkun, His Royal Highness Zakhertan Yozdek, was timely intercepted (stopped). Now our two countries are in a state of war and Korion, however undeserving, has gotten the authorization for the armament and military manpower they had requested.  One can only hope that the Korianese use them in the manner intended and that we don't live to regret this decision."

"Even if I fail, I shall not fail." Once more Zonar's uncanny prediction (words) promptly intruded into Nevetsecnuac's (Fradel’s) thoughts; Nevetsecnuac was distracted from pursuing that thought to its conclusion however, by what Minister Zaur had said next.  His uncanny farsightedness, on the sly alarmed Nevetsecnuac; but to his relief, Minister Zaur Stugr summarily abandoned the hypothesis.

  

(END OF SECTION 2) 

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 36

 

 

"Good girl!"  Zunrogo exclaimed in pleasure as he noted the mountain of bodies piled up before the still standing barricade.  The few who still showed signs of life were quickly disposed of then moved aside to clear a path to the blockage.

Disaidun Agripe (Ms. Jepipi) had been as good as her word, more than several dozen lives had been snuffed out by her excellent marksmanship; however, her lack of response to Zunrogo's call at present gave rise to silent speculation.

“Maybe she’s already done me the favor.” Zunrogo mused.

 

01- ZUNROGO TUGO- JP  19

Zunrogo glancing at the heaps of dead men, suddenly however noticed, another irregularity. Many more of the assailants had been cut down by a sword. These mangled and hacked down men were attacked by an expert swordsman or swordsmen.

“Oh, no!” A sudden alarm gripped Zunrogo’s heart, and he shouted at Tizan to help him clear the way quickly, for he needed to get to Disaidun at once.  Soon as they had a viable path (gap,), Zunrogo swiftly advanced through the narrow strip, while Tizan up ahead, continued diligently to widen the course.  Once through to the other side, Zunrogo knelt beside unresponsive Disaidun Agripe who sat with her head and back (leaned) slumped against the wall and quickly checked her pulse.  He was not entirely concerned about the state of her condition; however, first and foremost, he needed to know if the letter was still there. He shook his head to purge slight reminiscences of his last intimate encounter with her, then fixing his attention on the part of her bodice where she had concealed the letter, his hand quickly reached beneath, to promptly retrieve it and secured it underneath his armor.

Tizan’s curious, though somewhat licentious (profligate, wicked) gaze was met by the captain’s hardhearted and cruel smirk. Tizan swiftly turned his slightly reddened face away to conceal (hide) his dubious and racy thoughts.  “So, the captain’s prior, impious relation with her, his supposed foible, carried the purpose other than carnal (sensual) indulgence (desire, need).  As there is no room for mistakes in this detachment, I should have been more astute.”  

 

Zunrogo meanwhile, was beset with some unsettling facts that had suddenly invaded his brain and needed clarification. “Decidedly she’d been overwhelmed from behind; was this carnage result of the suspected, but never uncovered, covert Black Moloch infiltrator on board? Was he still on board; for clearly, he hadn’t retrieved what he must have been assigned to do? What scared him off? Later, in private and away from Tzan’s prying eyes, he must examine the letter more (closely) carefully. “

Zunrogo’s quiet reflections suddenly ceased (halted, stayed), when she slightly stirred and at the same time, a faint groan emanated from her throat. Though her pulse was faint and her breathing shallow, a brief scrutiny revealed that she had sustained grave injuries to her head, her shoulder and left arm, as well deep cuts and scrapes here and there; therefore, as much as he’d liked to, Zunrogo could not bring her around to a sensible state, to inquisition her. True enough, she was at death’s door; however, even if she lasted long enough, still, it would take no small miracle for her to regain her faculties and in her poor state, even if she’d regained consciousness, she would still not be cognitive enough to satisfactorily answer his imminent queries, luxury of time he did not have.

For a second Zunrogo’s suspicions fell on Tzan.  “No,” He quickly dismissed that thought. Tzan had fought valiantly by his side and besides, wasn’t Tzan totally passed out, unconscious when Zunrogo regained consciousness.

Tzan had all this time, with his back to Zunrogo, continued with his dismantling the barricade.

As he labored Tzan grimaced coldly.  “Wonder what it was he took from her? …. Still, in all these years under his command, never once have I seen him do anything without a sinister reason or an underlying dark motive.  I wonder what’s really at stake here?”

 

02- 11-TZAN JP

Proceeding with methodical efficiency, Tzan had, in no time at all, disengaged (severed, disarmed) remaining, pertinent, lethal traps and cleared away the key barriers.  The rest Tzan was told, could later be safely handled by the crew, after they are released from their locked cabins.  This measure of keeping the crew safe had been deemed necessary, for they were essential in manning the vessel of this size.

 

 Tzan was about to go upstairs to first, finish disposing of the corpses into the river, when he was just then called to Zunrogo’ side. 

"She's not dead." the captain announced coldly, indicating Disaidun Agripe (Ms. Jepipi).

 "Take her body to her cabin and let her husband deal with her last-minute rites.”

Tzan, leaning over her warm body, understood her grave state of health at once and looked at askance (sideways, suspiciously) at Zunrogo.  “He is not known for showing least amount of mercy to anyone who’s outlived their usefulness; unless… she still has some benefit (consequence) to be utilized… hmm?”  But Tzan shifted his body with unease as he was once more mired (puzzled, stumped) by Zunrogo’s enigmatic mind, unable to phantom the captain’s decidedly sinister, future objective.

Only few hours prior, she’d been so full of life; now she was barely alive, what further use was she to Zunrogo?  Tzan could not help feeling a small measure of sadness for her short-lived ecstasy.  Zunrogo, contrastingly, with not a shred of sympathy or remorse, was already headed down the hall.

 

The time it took for Tzan to pick up the pliant body of Disaidun Agripe, Zunrogo was fast unlocking the scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald's door. Fradel emerged just in time to see Tzan, with her limp, broken body draped over his shoulder, going down the hall towards her cabin.

The scholar's inquisitive (questioning) gaze constrained Zunrogo to give a brief account of her involvement in the struggle: how she, being an accomplished archer, had offered her services and how, despite his own reservations, he had engaged (utilized) her abilities to safeguard the rest of the passengers, including Fradel.  He curtly (briskly) praised Disaidun Agripe’s courage and skill, noting how she had claimed few dozen lives before she, herself, had tragically been injured beyond recovery (saving); hence, she’d been allowed this precious remaining time to be spent saying farewells to her husband and child.

"There’s really no way she can be saved?" Zunrogo shook his head and gestured to sternly cut off Fradel's anticipated next inquiry.  "Pity, all the courage she has shown is totally lacking in Official Ceros Agripe.” Zunrogo derisively (sarcastically) snorted and looked away. “Let him come to terms with this new reality and then grieve for his impending loss in private; besides, the last thing we need now is the complications from a hysterical husband.  The rest, including the official Luvet and the crew, will be appraised of the near miss peril they’d been spared, all in good time, well after all the corpses are made fish meal.” 

“Meanwhile, for their sake and for ours, the less they know the better." Zunrogo impatiently then added that he’d taken this ill-afford time, out of courtesy to Fradel, to appraise him of the facts.  Now that the danger had passed, all that remained was the cleanup. He next went on to say, as a matter-of-factly, how to prevent pestilence, in the aftermath (result) of the deadly fray (fight, skirmish, battle), it had been deemed necessary to immediately dispose of all the corpses, into the cold, watery grave.

Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) reluctantly concurred with this hardhearted, but sound decision, then solemnly offered his assistance, where warranted.

 

03- FRADEL (NEVETSECNUAC) OFFERS ASSISTANCE (6)

“Kind of you to proffer (volunteer),” Zunrogo curtly refused his help, saying that the only task remained then, was still too gruesome and taxing, for one with Scholar’s delicate sensibilities and fragile constitution. There was no malice in his tone, just fact, so Fradel let this affront (insult) go.

Fradel was asked instead to, for a little while longer, remain in his cabin, until all the unpleasantness, in other words, all telltale signs of skirmish on deck, had been thoroughly cleared.

Zunrogo had another reason for keeping the meddlesome scholar away from the scene of the battle. He was certain, there were no survivors left above deck, however, perchance there were some, Fradel, with his moral rectitude, would be gallingly adamant for the wounded to be properly (cared for) tended; this contrasting with Zunrogo’s deemed sound judgement of, finishing them off and then swiftly discarding all the corpses into the watery grave, to prevent  any possibility of unforeseen, future complications.

By the time Zunrogo caught up with his Lieutenant, Tzan having already delivered the barely alive Disaidun Agripe to the care of her hysterical husband, at present his mind totally engaged with his work, was in the process of routinely adding weights to the neck and feet of last (group) batch of tied up corpses, before they too, unceremoniously were dumped (discarded) overboard into the river.

 

04- CHURNING WATERS OF THE RIVER

Tzan mopped his forehead off perspiration with the back of his hand then stood back to check and admire his clever workmanship.  Seeing that there was a slight movement, a twitch, a flicker of life, in one of the presumed dead, he quickly lifted the bound (roped, fastened, trussed) bundle and carried it to the railing then tilted it overboard.

 " Enjoy your long, blissful sleep at the bottom of the river." he hissed with venomous sneer, as he watched it sink into oblivion beneath the waves. When he turned, he was startled to find Zunrogo standing right behind him.

"Was that the last of it?" Zunrogo asked Tzan, with an unreadable expression on his face.  Receiving Tzan's nod of affirmation, he grunted cooly. "Good work."  Then he simply turned and walked away. 

“Well, Lance Diostin, despite your invincible prowess, you are now, indisputably dead and gone; and perhaps if you are lucky, your vestige (trace, hint) of brilliant exploits will be written onto the pages of history.” Zunrogo musing, scoffed (derided) then exhaled slowly the long, tense breath, which he’d been unwittingly (unawares) holding.

 

                                                                                     ~

 

Shortly after dusk the deckhands were let out to scrub the gore from the decks and mend those parts of the ship that had suffered in the attack.  For most of the night the crew slaved away not daring to make any suppositions or ask any questions about the day's events.

To a man, however, they were in unison with their intention, to abandon this cursed vessel and vanish into oblivion the very moment they docked at the next port. For they all had their own secret reasons for not wanting to undergo, the inevitably lengthy and grueling investigation and consequently, the impending penalties.

 

                                                                                       ~

 

Subsequent days, while the top deck buzzed with a flurry of activity, silence reigned in the cabins below.

Soon as Zunrogo could get away, he had stolen into his cabin to quietly inspect the letter. Noticing right from the start some oddities about the sheath, his face darkened, and deep frown set in. He did not wish to tamper with it any further, but was convinced nevertheless, that the contents within would most definitely be fake, which meant that the actual letter was in possession of that covert Black Moloch’s agent.

“Is he still on board?” Zunrogo wondered “or had he clear gotten away. “ 

In any case, this setback put him in a real bad mood, which would last several days.

Eventually he did, very carefully, bypassing the deathly traps and poisonous dart, removed the fake inside letter and unfolding it, quickly perused the contents. What he read infuriated him still more, knowing if he had in ignorance delivered the letter to the Prime Minister, it would have brought about his immediate, ignoble (dishonorable, dastardly) death.  In his rage he promptly fed the letter along with its covering to the hungry flames in the brazier.

Later still, Zunrogo keen on discovering the particulars and whereabouts of this presumed Black Moloch spy, his tireless efforts, and astute observances, had eventually revealed to him the presumed identity of the culprit. He’d been one of the crewmen, one called Zack, most probably a pseudo name; what’s more, after the battle, he had mysteriously (gone missing) disappeared without a trace, never to been seen or heard from again. Yet, this had not alarmed anyone, including him?

 

05- CREWMAN ZACK - A BLACK MOLOCK SPY ON BOARD BOAT

Zunrogo now faintly remembered how on the day they’d boarded the vessel, his keen eye had (caught) noted the exceptional physique of this particular crewman; nevertheless, in the aftermath Zunrogo had been so completely taken in by Zack’s assumed ordinary demeanor. This infuriated Zunrogo, subsequently, his ire (indignation), his fiery temper had rained misery on all, especially since Zunrogo, upon further reflecting, became acutely aware of his own (failing) prior oversight, resulting in his sorely missing the certain oddities that should have alerted his senses.

After further thorough search of the vessel and questioning at length the other crewmen and Tzan, Zunrogo’s suspicions were affirmed; that Zack, had not been among the discarded corpses, which meant that, he’d had clear gotten away along with the actual extortion letter! Be that as it may, the vessel charting a ceaseless course in the center of this fast flowing, wide river with barely visible shorelines, however a good swimmer, could Zack still have defied all the odds?

 

 

                                                                                     ~

 

(END OF SECTION 36)