12- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE PORTENDED PERIL - SECTION 3

At this point Sovereign Zakhertan was startled awake by the howls of human voices; covered in sweat and gasping for breath he at once sprang to a sitting position in bed. His stern gaze now hinged on the fast asleep Sejon, who lay peacefully curled up beside him with that infuriating complacent broad smile plastered on her rosy lips, Zakhertan contemptuously scoffed and looked away.

01- LADY  SEJON  ASLEEP  (91) b

On second thought, as he had brushed aside his dark thoughts, Zakhertan’s eyesight had unpredictably just then clouded over, and his head same time began to swim. Subsequently, a strange purplish miasma filled the room, and when it parted, it revealed the floating, deceased Sovereign Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir, surrounded by the murdered Princes, their Royal robes all drenched in blood. All the Princes pointing at him with accusatory glare, they called out with silent screams, to be avenged and demanded an immediate, ignominious end to Zakhertan's life.

Outside the chamber violent gusts of wind shook the walls, threatening their imminent collapse. Zakhertan quickly getting a grip on his senses however, jumped up from the bed and, grabbing the hilt of his State Sword, blade now unsheathed, he began stabbing and hacking at the apparitions, only to strike the empty air.

"What is it, my Liege?"  Sejon having just then awakened, her gentle, sweet voice recalled Zakhertan back to reason (sense, sanity).

 "Are you having another terrible nightmare My Lord?" Her subsequent hypocritical angst and persistent queries however, grated on Zakhertan’s nerves and so, his icy fierce glare just then pivoted on her, froze the very life’s blood circulating in her veins. She winced, her tongue stilled, she quickly retreated (withdrew) back into the shadows to conceal her involuntary quaking.

At his point, catching his reflection in the large bronze mirror and realizing his almost humorous state, Zakhertan Yozdek grimaced then, with a huff of derision turned his back to her.

02-  ZAKHERTAN YOZDEDK  (74)

 ~

 

Subsequently, Zakhertan mounted on Night Thunder and riding like the wind, at no time at all, he was back at the North Palace. Though he did not give much credence to superstition, the incredible consistency of prince Herleif’s predictions (the sudden manifestation of a new star which outshone that of present regimes, plus the prophesized resurgence of the old Dynasty after the cataclysmic upheaval and subjugation of Wenjenkun) in conjunction with Zakhertan’s most recent nightmare were such that, they could not be so perfunctorily dismissed.  Both had forecasted the actualization of Zakhertan’s long time innate dread:

That one day a serious peril to his existence would arise from a loyalist assassin or forces colluding with his eternal bane and ardent nemesis Lord Asger Marrog Zhon, who had not only to date successfully eluded (evaded) capture, but had also in all probability, shielded and fostered the last carrier of royal blood, the grandson of Late Sovereign Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir.  Therefore, Zakhertan had good reason to feel ill at ease, for Prince Nevetsecnuac Valamir would be somewhere in his twenties by now; and, if not him, the prince was old enough to have (fathered) spawned other fair-haired (blond) princelings, one of whom could be the prophesized star that would outshine his in the constellation.

That aside, Fradel Rurik Korvald’s strange appearance in his dream, regardless, had at present marked the passive/ aggressive Scholar for certain ignominious death… Zakhertan, whose life these last few months had been sedentary (indolent, lethargic), he’d been languorous far too long, akin a voracious (insatiable) feline on a hunt for a perspective prey (a mouse, a bird) now, was very much elated (ecstatic) at the chance of hunting, though firstly toying with, this allusive yet noteworthy scholar (the game, target).

Hmm… Zakhertan grimaced (smirked) viciously, A secret summons from the PM, few days prior to the original date, should suffice.

Subsequently, Zakhertan’s thoughts moved to far more irksome concern, namely Qarzten Caimund. Now, why had Qarzten appeared as a traitor in his dream? This had puzzled Zakhertan for, despite his inner foreboding (apprehension), he was (absolutely) certain of the Senior Grand Secretaries’ loyalty.

Would perchance there be an unforeseen future act or event that would cause Qarzten to shift (vary, change) his allegiance to him (Zakhertan)?

  No! after a spell, Zakhertan doggedly (resolutely) shook his head to purge the gnawing bud of suspicion and the consequent dangerous prescience (forethought) from his mind, for as far back as he could remember, he’d always held the firm belief that all men, despite the circumstances or the meddling of the mighty Gods in Heaven, could still chart, sway or alter their own fate; and consequently, should be held directly responsible for that which befell them. 

03- QARZTEN CAMUND (8)jD jp

 Mindful of the recent aberrant events Zakhertan nevertheless considered that it might be more prudent if he recalled Qarzten to the Capital immediately, where he could be (monitored) kept under closer scrutiny. As for the other urgent matter, the (almost) impossible task Qarzten was to oversee after resolving the situation in Bacau and Subain… well perhaps the task could be deferred to another, and Zakhertan had just the person in mind. As it were, Zakhertan could not entirely root out all suspicion from his heart; he believed that the more improbable a thing, the more likely it would happen (transpire); especially with one as resourceful (a vassal) as Qarzten, who would be the perfect candidate to betray him. But then, on second thought, Zakhertan Yozdek quickly (abruptly) rescinded that resolve.

No, it must not be put off; moreover, it was imperative that the precarious situation was discreetly and promptly brought under control; and who better than Qarzten Caimund to manage (handle) that arduous task. Admittedly, Qarzten was still the most competent one for the job; besides which, his hasty recall to the Capital might be the very catalyst that would accelerate or fulfill the dream prophesy; or would it be his (Zakhertan’s) inaction itself that might be the harbinger of evil?

To his further annoyance, Zakhertan Yozdek had just then realized how much despite all, he still depended on Qarzten Caimund’s rare abilities; neither could he deny the strange affinity and near admiration he felt for the Senior Grand Secretary. Zakhertan nevertheless, after a brief consideration settled on sending a covert elite group to monitor Qarzten’s activities and, upon receipt of their report, then take the appropriate action to deal with Qarzten Caimund.

Zakhertan’s thoughts turning next to Lenny Sukzor, a wry grin briefly manifested on his lips; Lenny had proven thus far to be both competent and incorruptible, quite the same way as Qarzten Caimund once had. Despite this, Lenny’ future advancement still depended on his competence at handling this most difficult tasks ahead.

Bearing in mind just then, that in few minutes time he would have to conduct the morning audience, Zakhertan picked up his pace and entering his private quarters, had a brief wash, had a change of clothing, and quickly breakfasted, before heading out again.

 

                                                                              ~

 

Egil Viggoaries quite unperturbed by the previous night’s minor setback of Nijel Pinng’s sudden demise, had typically enjoyed himself this late afternoon at an impromptu shindig.  Much earlier on, a highly acclaimed soothsayer had been abducted, of which there was no scarcity in the Capital since the disappearance of the Mighty Dwengzur, to cast a prediction for them. The mystic warrior Kekos, who happened to be an old veteran priest, a sole survivor, of one of the long ago eradicated (abolished, eliminated) religions, though he seemed ageless, had survived these many years by being adaptable and therefore, now served as an innocuous priest to one of the lesser known, though sanctioned religions in Channing.  

04- SEER KEKOS  -23JP

When the mystic warrior Kekos, cast the oracle bones and then looked over to see their outcome, he had grown ashen of face, akin that of the previous mystic Morke, who had the misfortune of not too long ago casting similar oracle bones at another one of Egil Viggoaries’s bashes. Though quite unsurpassed in the accuracy of his divinations (prophesies) Morke had made the singular mistake of being forthright about the dire predictions and this had consequently, soured (tainted) their night’s enjoyment. Outraged Egil Viggoaries (being quite intolerant of any such disparaging thought/belief to foster and take root during one of his notorious letting-off-steam bashes) had hence, condemned the poor unfortunate soothsayer that very night to a most lingering and cruel end. Of course, the subsequent day Morke’s demise had been routinely covered up and made to look quite accidental on the official records. With a similar fate facing Kekos at present, how could he find the courage to speak of the ominous revelations of the oracle bones before him? Hence concealing at once his dread, his left foot with one agile shove, had misaligned (garbled, jumbled) the two specific bones so as to alter the outcome and make it more ambiguous.

Egil Viggoaries who had in fact some clear understanding of the oracle bones readings and an even quicker eye than the talented seer, had observed Keko’s desperate attempt (an unforgivable breach) to deceive him, only he chose not to let on and later still, before the evening’s entertainment got fully underway, had allowed the soothsayer warrior Kakos to return in safety to his humble abode in the shrine. 

At first Kekos could not believe in his good fortune, that he had been spared the Dark Eunuch's wrath; as the night progressed and sleep averted him however, with that night’s events still running through his mind, the more he thought about those (seemingly) insignificant gestures and innuendos, the more imminent became his portended doom. When the bones had been cast and just before his foot had misaligned them, the vivid recollection of that unmistakable fleeting glimmer of recognition in Viggoaries’s eyes revealing that he had understood far more than he let on, still wildly palpitated Kekos’s heart. And after Kekos had been granted leave and he bowed to the Dark Eunuch in farewell, the latter’s unforgettable, ephemeral cold calculating glance, even now sent spasms of shiver through Keko’s spine.

Kekos presently breaking into cold sweat and dismally gazing at the dark ceiling, he inhaled a forlorn, elongated breath and then let out a dejected, mournful sigh. There was no need to cast another prediction! Unable to erase that rancorous stare from his mind, he knew despite his present good health, he would not last another day. He had heard of the Egil Viggoaries’s abhorrent ways and knowing what awaited him the next day, he desired more than anything to rob the malevolent Dark Eunuch of his perverse pleasure. Why should he wait for the odious end, which would most certainly befall him. He had considered for a spell of fleeing, but where would he run to, he had no family, no other affiliates of the old order he could seek shelter with. All had been vanquished long ago; he was the sole survivor of an old religious order that no longer was.

05- KEKOS

Kekos walked over and gazed at his physical reflection a long while in the tall brass mirror mounted on the wall; by all accounts his bearing was still solid, muscular (burly, strong) but he knew it was all a sham, for he inwardly felt that he lacked his old resilient, invincible vitality, he was no longer the warrior priest of certain prowess, that he had once been…Years had been particularly cruel to him, gradually wearing down his strength and stamina. Suddenly Kekos, now seated at the edge of his bed, felt extremely tired of his prolong, lonely existence. It was time for him to join his ghost (specter) friends. Resigned to his ill fate therefore, two hours after midnight (well before pre-dawn) he walked over to his desk, then after lighting a ceresin lamp, quietly and routinely set all his affairs in order. After his prayers at the shrine, he then one last time climbed in under the warm quilt, closed his eyes, and then lay perfectly still, awaiting his end.

As his mind a powerful tool willed his demise, naturally in the small hours of the night, only an hour after he’d gone to bed, fever took him and he suddenly fell gravely ill; but the following morning at sunrise, his mysterious ailment could not be accurately diagnosed, and his condition steadily worsened despite any treatment he received. Finally, by mid morning his organs having failed him altogether, seer/ warrior Kekos was spared further torment and tragically passed away.

Egil Viggoaries was getting ready for the private late-morning audience with the Sovereign Zakhertan when the news of the soothsayer's demise reached his ears. Evil leer on his lips, he derisively chuckled: “Already I am so feared that a mere look is enough to kill a man. What need have I, of any assassins?”

A special dispatch marked urgent was delivered to Egil Viggoaries just then; recognizing the seal on it, he dismissed the guard who delivered it and sat down at his desk. After breaking the seal, he withdrew the contents from it and read it. The letter was from Heaven’s Gate Spiritual Temple. Finally, his ardent nemesis’s whereabouts had been found! A vicious, broad grin registered on Egil Viggoaries’s lips. He elatedly jumped up, most anxious now, to see Zakhertan Yozdek and to secure (gain) permission for an extended leave. He would personally manage this important matter and, the sooner he departed Channing the better!

                                                                                        

                                                                                    ~

(END OF SECTION 3) 

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC – THE CAPITAL CHANNING – SECTION 13

 

As Zaur Stugr further jogged his memory, he recalled the clandestine meetings Prince Wenzor had conducted with Zakhertan Yozdek and some other important Minister (within those very premises ) at Sorgun's stately mansion.

 

01- ZAKHERTAN YOZDEDK  (21) JP

 

Once, playing hide and seek with an older playmate, he had accidentally stumbled on the conspiring trio in the garden and would have thought nothing of it save for the great stir it had caused.  He had, consequently, received a stern reprimand from his father and had been subsequently sequestered in his room.

 His unluckier playmate supposedly had been sent away with orders never to return but, years later he had learned that the poor boy had met his untimely demise at the hands of one of Zakhertan’s henchmen.

 

“My father was playing host to those traitors.  But how can that be? I know he was a staunch (steadfast) loyalist of the Sovereign Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir all his life. How could he have been drawn into this conspiracy? When did it happen? Was it by accident or by design? “

 

Zaur Stugr shook his head absolutely refusing to accept those perfidious, unconceivable treasonous notions; then suddenly an idea flashed in his brain, and he conjectured, (hypothesized), “Or was he… perhaps an undercover agent (a spy), working surreptitiously all along for the Emperor Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir and that’s why they so sadistically murdered him?”

 

Zaur bit his lip, surmising now, how these incriminating letters would have solidly backed up, Sorgun's allegations. Here were the plans for an insurrection, the irrefutable proof that would have backed up his father's claim (disclosure) of their treasonous aim to overthrow His Majesty Zuronghan Valamir. Alas, his father had failed because of a despicable betrayer, a trusted friend no less.

 

Zaur Stugr recollected then one of Sanzo Tezcat’s discussions about the sudden, curious disappearance of the Third Prince Wenzor, seemingly at the height of his popularity and influence, soon after that of Sorgun Dufo’s.  In fact, that mystery, too, to present had remained unresolved.

 

Reflecting on what Fradel Rurik Korvald had recounted about Yakkasar’s findings in the pit that night, that there had been another clustered group of skeletons at the far end away from the solitary one that was presumably Sorgun; the accumulated facts all at once suddenly fell into place, forming in Zaur’s mind, most probable hypothesis of sequence of events back then.

02- PRINCE WENZOR  JP

 

“Yes, why not; it certainly stood to reason that one of the ones in that clustered group of skeletons must have been the very Prince Wenzor.”   Zaur Stugr inwardly fumed, grounding his teeth.

Undoubtedly the Prince had outlived his usefulness to Zakhertan Yozdek and, in keeping with the usurper's tenets (credos, stances), had been betrayed.  Another in Zakhertan’s place might have allowed the prince to rule for a time, as a puppet king forced to perform at every pull at the strings, till Zakhertan had firmly consolidated his power.

 This would have spared the country from the ensuing bloodshed and of Civil Wars; but that would have hardly satisfied Zakhertan’s insatiable appetite for carnage and bloodbath now, would it?  Meanwhile, this was more in keeping (more typical) with Zakhertan Yozdek’s perverted, vicious mind, (more akin to his wicked sense) to have two mortal enemies thrown into the same pit to die together.

 

Zaur shook his head (rushed), to block from his mind those horrendous means, instruments of brutal tortures and to purge the ghastly images of the sort, his father Sorgun Dufo must have been subjected to, his ordeal lasting long afterwards, in that pit, at the hands of the Prince Wenzor and his men.

His eyes misted over as he reflected how his father had expired still protecting the secret; meanwhile Zakhertan Yozdek, alive and well, still currently, reigned supreme.

 

That part of the countryside, Zaur Stugr knew, was riddled with such pits, as mass graves, they should frankly be called.  From the evidence gleaned from the few that had come to light, he had learned something of their nature, of the ingenious manner of their construction and the way in which the (trapped individuals) unfortunates therein had met their demise.

 

All these years while his father’s corpse had languished in that akin pit, been gradually reduced to a skeleton, the key long since forgotten, tauntingly, sardonically had remained, locked in Sorgun Dufo’s silent jaw.

A staunchly determined soul preserving a secret forever, eternally locked in the mouth’s cavity!

03- KEY HIDDEN IN MOUTH

 

“But that meant that he couldn’t even cry out in pain!”

 

“The irony!  And now that nothing could be done about it, the key had finally come to light (been discovered).”

 

Suddenly, scathingly, another detail came to his mind (had struck Zaur).

 

“No clothing?”  He whispered.

 

There had been no mention of it in Fradel's account, but he knew the procedure (process, modus operandi) all too well.

Zaur Stugr knew, for instance, that they would have been stripped naked (hence, been exposed to the harsh elements), before being thrown into the pit, to ensure that there would be nothing hidden under cloth, nothing at all that could identify them.  And that way they would be forever lost to posterity, their person (being) would simply vanish into oblivion. History would never recount their heroics, their exploits, or their grievous plight in the end.

 

Zaur Stugr envisioned Zakhertan Yozdek’s cruel face sneering in the end.

He further imagined him saying, "Go ahead, and contemplate your treachery and vengeance all you wish down there.  Curse me with your dying gasps.  See if I care in the least."

Then Zaur heard the usurper's grating, vicious laughter as he signaled his men, soon to die themselves, to pile the planks then the earth back onto the mouths of these entrances to Hell. 

Zaur Stugr shook his head and grimaced sardonically, knowing how useless the information in the box was now.

If only he had trusted Sanzo Tezcat enough back then (at the time) to reveal to his guardian the truth about the box, that it was his father, not mother, who’d given him the box!

 

04- THE BOX

 

 If only Zaur (Kundrick Dufo) had been brave enough to face the consequences!

Bearing in mind Sanzo’s competence (his skill, proficiency, and resourcefulness), knowing what he knew of Sanzo now, especially with the backing of the Brotherhood of Kozurs, Sanzo would have succeeded where his father had failed and so altered the grim course of history.

 

“What use is this information to me now…To anyone else, for that matter?” 

He clenched his fists in rage, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

 

 “The decision he’d made so long ago was irrevocable. Was this the cruel act (hand) of providence (destiny, chance, luck, divine intervention) or simply, his own stupidity; which was it?”  Zaur Stugr’s face burned with suppressed, searing rage. 

 

He imagined all the Gods with caustic, mordant glare, cursing him. He saw his enemies, even the dead ones, all mocking him.

 

Zaur’s fist clenched tight, he pounded on (struck) the hard wall, over and over, creating a big dent in it. Highly incensed (enraged), he remained oblivious to the pain of his hand that had become more and more badly bruised and bloodied with each strike; meanwhile, such intense rage swelled up in his chest that he felt he would just burst.

 

 It took strong willpower for him to finally restrain (contain, subdue) his self-destructive (detrimental, damaging) course.  But then, anon flood (flurry) of angry tears filled his eyes and few escaping over the rim, trickled down his cheek. Vehemently (fervidly) he wiped them quick.

 

He was still so livid (furious) with himself for after all those years of training, his countless daring feats (accomplishments, exploits), his machinations… all that power he presently held with the strong backing of Kozurs, all; in the end it amounted to big, useless nothing! Nothing! Nothing!

05- ZAUR STUGR (SADDENED BY IT ALL)

 

Again, irately, rising from his chair, he paced the room like a caged beast, hands clasped behind him, not trusted to do his bidding.

"What a fool I've been!" he inwardly howled.  "What a great and utter fool!" 

 

At last, resolving to never again be tricked by appearances or his own mistrustful nature, he closed the rooms, left the wing, and stepped out into the cold, frigid morning air.

Fate relenting, lent him to a soft breeze, to caress his face or perhaps, to taunting him further, with yet another cruel trick.

 

 Zaur Stugr left the compound, his urgent footsteps following a snaking path that skirted tall, unkempt hedges that sagged under the burden of dew.

 

 Just then a gust of wind bit at his moistened face, a shiver rippled through him, and his skin turned to gooseflesh all over.

                                                                              ~

 

 

(END OF SECTION 13 – THE FINAL SECTION, OF, THE CAPITAL CHANNING)                                                                          ~

 

 

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE CAPITAL CHANNING - SECTION 11

 

Years later, when the numerous vile and abhorrent deeds accredited to this seemingly docile, bookish scholar Sanzo Tezcat came to light, Zaur Stugr had marveled at how, in moments like these, his guardian/mentor's inner control and patience, had lent such gentleness and wisdom to his treatment of Kundrick.

01- SANZO TESCAT (4)

As Kundrick Dufo (Zaur Stugr) was further to learn, it was there and then that Sanzo Tezcat (though a confirmed bachelor) had seen fit, decided indubitably to adapt Kundrick as his son and, to oversee his special training and education.

 

Not long after this, at the annual meeting of the governing body of the Kozurs, Sanzo Tezcat had persisted (held out) in lengthy discussions until he finally secured a unanimous agreement, to have Kundrick Dufo, his adopted son and protégé, be incorporated into the fold and, thereon be molded into the kind of man who could withstand the grueling demands of this formidable and otherwise impenetrable Sacred Brotherhood of Kozurs.

This most ancient and sacrosanct organization derived its intransience (durability) and potency from its elusiveness, the fervent bond between affiliates and members stanch adherence to an unbending, rigorously applied set of rules and regulations. These hard and fast rules had also been instrumental in enabling them to withstand Black Band Guard Regiment and Black Molochs’ attempts to expose, capture or exterminate them.

 

To date the network of affiliate Kozurs was widely dispersed (scattered) throughout Wenjenkun, disguised as ordinary denizens from all walks of life, but many holding important, vital posts in the various provinces which they carried out their covert dealings right under Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek’s oppressive regime.

 

Their numerous daring exploits, feats of deadly precision and brutal assassinations were always attributed, by the Provincial Magistrates, to local factions instead.  In this way these wholly incompetent officials could appear to be implementing (effecting) at least some progress.  Meanwhile, all Wenjenkun felt the pulsing awesome power of the invincible force of the Brotherhood of Kozurs and in the outlying areas (periphery, fringe of Wenjenkun, the outlands), where their subtle but fatal influence reigned supreme, the very mention of the Brotherhood was enough to instill (infuse) sheer terror into the hearts and minds of both high and low.

 

Minister Zaur Stugr smiled sardonically as he recalled how he had finally come to learn, long at last, of Sanzo’s secret life on the very day he had first worn the cap of manhood.

02- KUNDRICK DUFO (YOUNG ZAUR STUGR  JP 2

 

Young Kundrick’s (Zaur Stugr) ensued extensive training had been most demanding (tough) and had tested him beyond unprecedented (unparalleled, extraordinary) limits on stamina, skill, tenacity, wit, will-power and much, much more; but it had prepared him well for the ensued grueling initiation, the entire induction process which had lasted for well over five months.  All these procedures had been designed since ancient times, to extract (weed out and then destroy) all undesirable, less worthy candidates.  As one of the eighteen, Kundrick Dufo (only he and one other he had tested with) survived the harsh ordeals and therefore passed. Those less worthy who had not expired during the trials were allowed to honorably forfeit their lives through ritual suicide to preserve the secrecy of the Brotherhood of Kozurs.

Despite all forewarnings, during these trials, Kundrick (Zaur Stugr) had befriended one boy, only to suffer the consequent heartache as he watched his friend become reduced to the state of a half ghost, so weak that, in the end, Kundrick was obliged to assist in the poor wretch's suicide.

Presently, the bittersweet emotions of Kundrick’s ceremonial admission to the Brotherhood of Kozurs welled up again in Zaur. He re-lived once more in his mind, the moment when he had received his new identity and, from thence (thereafter), been called Kundrick Tezcat, son of Sanzo Tezcat.

03- A KUNDRICK TEZCAT - (YOUNG ZAUR STUGR)

 

Afterwards, in keeping with his promise, Sanzo Tezcat had with due patience enlightened Kundrick (Zaur) on his birth father’s (Sorgun Dufo’s) troubled past. It was then also that Zaur Stugr had learned, how through the ingenious assistance of the Kozurs all along, Sanzo and Kundrick had all those years, with a rich bounty on their heads, been able to stay one step ahead of their (unrelenting) most persistent huntsmen/assassins.

 

Zaur smiled, thinking how, in his first years in the Brotherhood of Kozurs alone, despite their encountering adversities, Kundrick Tescat had won his guardian much reflected distinction through his bold, daring feats making his mentor Sanzo Tezcat (who by then sported a thick long beard and mustache), most proud.

“Still, it had not been an easy time,” Zaur (at present) pensively looked away.

For each time they had escaped the dire hazards by the skin of their teeth and were successfully smuggled to safety, their supporters, and least acquaintances (people they merely talked to or was seen with) would systematically be all, rounded up one by one, by the dreaded Internal Security Force Black Band Guard Regiment, interrogated, tortured then, after being killed, their corpses became forage (food) to the wild dogs.

 

An involuntary shudder passed through Zaur just then as he reflected on the amassed loss of life, all account of them. In order to permanently (forever) escape this peril (danger) from these relentless huntsmen and the terrible inquisition overseen by Zakhertan Yozdek’s uncle Zyonow, one frigid Autumn Day, Brotherhood of Kozurs had proficiently staged both Sanzo Tezcat and Kudrick Tezcat’s odious (abhorrent) deaths by a dreadful fire, that consumed nearly half a block.

04- FIRE AND DESTRUCITON

 

Among the countless victims, two badly charred corpses with identifiable markers, in Sanzo and Kundrick’s stead, had been planted as proof positive, to satisfy the most ardent (zealot), intensive investigation.

Next step had been to have Sanzo’s mustache and long beard chopped off entirely and even his face surgically altered slightly, by a competent physician who happened to be an affiliate of Brotherhood of Kozurs. As a growing youth, Kundrick Tezcat’s features had not undergone too much drastic alteration; only the classic arch of his nose had been slightly altered (reduced), making him in due course, even more handsome and a younger looking lad (guy).

05--ZAUR STUGR (KUNDRICK TESCAT)JP 11

 

Affiliates of Brotherhood of Kozurs had finalized (concluded) their disguise by (equipping) furnishing both Sanzo and Kundrick, with brand new identity papers and unsullied family histories. After which, as Hijarmar Stugr and Zaur Stugr, a supposed widowed father and son, they had been successfully and permanently relocated at a place, their old selves would least be expected to reside. Now as far as Wenjenkun's bureaucracy were concerned, the Clan name Stugr, taken from an actual aristocratic family, integrated with implanted facts, had been so thorough a feat, an achievement, that to date, it had remained irrefutable, never warranting any (least) suspicion.

 

06-HIJARMAR SUGR ( SANZO TESCAT)  (7)

 

Hijarmar  Stugr (Sanzo Tazcat), while covertly maintaining his key status in Brotherhood of Kozurs, outwardly, now residing within the Capital Province, he openly indulged his passion  of archery, spear throwing and sword fighting, riding and hunting, as well, on occasion when he drunk, composing elegant verses (poems), which were the norm activities of typical gentry (privileged elite, nobility), in a military state Wenjenkun and therefore easily overlooked (dismissed, ignored) under the stringent (rigorous, harsh) rule of Zakhertan Yozdek. Hijarmar was careful to be noteworthy but not too much to incur jealousy and serious competition, or to draw unwarranted, superfluous patronage from ruling aristocracy.

 

Even so, in a very short time, he had still, by design, attained the low position of an officer in the Imperial Cavalry guarding the Capital city Channing. Then, however, through his acts of gallantry, proven leadership, and consistent honorable conduct, he’d meteorically risen in rank to hold an important position of a Captain (one of five) of the fifth Imperial Cavalry (mounted troops).

07-- CAPTAIN HIJAMAR STUGR  (SANZO TESCAT) (8)

 

He could have easily risen, three more ranks (to Major, Lieutenant Colonel, then to Colonel) to eventually attaining the most coveted rank of  a First Rank Imperial Cavalry General, but he chose  instead, to mask his true prowess to remain, a mainstream (though circuitous, oblique) Captain of the Imperial Cavalry, to pass just under the radar, so to speak, while he fostered (advanced, cultivated) his true vocation, at being one of the most invincible Chiefs of Kozurs’ (strategic) inner circle.

Meanwhile Zaur Stugr, his son, had enlisted in the Civil sector of the Royal army, as an official/ second Lieutenant, directly under the command of first Lieutenant which served under the exacting Captain Lotar.

Zaur’s chief duties, aside from running errands for two persnickety strategists Neras and Zokan, also included maintaining order of staff assigned to him, as well, writing reports and overseeing humdrum, tedious logistics. While these duties took up most of Zaur’s time, during the night, as an affiliate of Kozurs, he dealt with his other requisite, taxing covert activities. Working within shadows, he sustained his daring, heroic accomplishments to further the Brotherhood of Kozurs causes and, by even surpassing all his mentor's expectations, subsequently vanquishing all viable (feasible) competitors  with his invincible martial skills and his mental prowess, to rise in the ranks to the second top position of ( one of five), An Assistant to, Three Supreme Overseer Kozurs, (ATSOK) in the Brotherhood.

08-YOUNG ZAUR STUGR

 

During this most optimistic time, however, an unexpected perfidy (betrayal), had almost changed the course of Zaur Stugr’s core aspiration.  His most respected and beloved adapted father/ mentor Hijarmar  Stugr (Sanzo Tazcat), in the course of a short campaign, on that faithful day, astride (riding on) his magnificent black stallion, advancing at the head of  contingent of armed cavalry set to eliminate the troublesome indigenous rebels at Cherokon county  Hijarmar  Stugr,  had succumbed to a deadly trap and gravely injured, he’d anon perished.

This had happened while Zaur was still far away overseeing (supervising) a critical mission. He too was concurrently targeted for termination by the same stealth (surreptitious) foes; however, he’d miraculously escaped the dire snare and returned with only minor wounds.  After the required mourning period (during which Zaur had determined the perpetrators’ identities), Zaur had acted swiftly and ruthlessly, though covertly, and exacted the most gruesome revenge on those two powerful, culpable (guilty) nobles.

 

In the meantime, Zaur had unwittingly, because of a peculiar incident at court, had drawn the attention of Prime Minister, who from then on had actively sought to have him transferred to his department and work under him as one of his officers. His competence, nevertheless, in a very short time, availed him to rise to his present prominence (status) of, Honorable Minister of Ceremony. And since then, as this suited him (perfectly) most rightly, he’d worked assiduously to retain this position.

 

Some years later, one of key Kozurs’ founding leaders, one of the Three Supreme Overseer Kozurs, (TSOK), otherwise known as Tengron, had unexpectedly, due to bizarre accident, had passed away. Each elected Chieftain of the (TSOK) held his mighty post with akin omnipotent (godlike) powers, for life; hence, this was a major event for the Brotherhood of Kozurs, moreover, owing to its importance, the weighty position had to be filled at the quickest time possible.

The selection process of the Three Supreme Overseer Kozurs (TSOK) held a particular significance as it was essential (key element) for the lasting permanence of the secret organization. After ten days of grueling competency tests of the would-be candidates,  the prominent seventeen affiliate judges that had been sequestered, virtually imprisoned, (in the ancient Library  that had  chambers through locked doors allowing them semi-comfortable  accommodations for  sustenance, private respite, meditation and  reflection for the same duration), finally on the eleventh day at dawn, after a sleepless night’s deliberation, formerly rendered their firm decision (result), via secret ballot vote, all of it stored in a sealed, metal encasing.  

The iron box under close supervision (and hefty security) in a secret room was thus opened, contents one at a time counted, affirmed, and then the result duly registered (documented) in an ancient book. Subsequently, the much-anticipated announcement would be made by one of the remaining TSOK, in this case either by Bakun or Yanzui.

  

And so, on that faithful afternoon (of the eleventh day), the already assembled most prominent regional chieftains had waited in the large hall, with cautious hope, to hear the outcome.  Many had journeyed from all corners of the Wenjenkun, and in some cases even from beyond its borders, as the Kozur’s controlling affiliates, territorial Chieftains, had vastly expanded their influence and territories to include several foreign nations.

 

Absolute silence ensued the moment Bakun had entered the great hall, so much so that one could hear a pin drop. Everyone’s breath caught when he stepped up to the dais (podium) and with deliberate slowness, unfolded the paper; subsequently, when the name of the Third future Supreme Overseer Kozur (TSOK) was  announced, akin a seismic activity, the foundation of the building shook, result of the collective exhaling of breath, for Zaur Stugr was held in high regard  and was well-liked by the majority of affiliate Kozurs.

 

09- (TSOK) ZAUR STUGR JP 7

 

Zaur Stugr, who was much younger in age than the other two Supreme Overseer Kozurs, from then on with his energetic zeal (ardor) had swayed (ignited fire under) the other two draconian leaders to his way of thinking and brought forth many contemporary changes to the Brotherhood of Kozurs. Up until the time he had assumed the mantle of leadership, the governing body had operated mainly as a self-serving, illegal organization, with dealings of contracted murders, receiving gains from instigated mayhem, illicit gambling, smuggling and extortions etc.  Consequence of Zaur Stugr’s relentless and proficient (gifted) leadership contribution (input), the Brotherhood of Kozurs now underwent drastic and long enduring transformation; moreover,  Zaur had successfully persuaded the governing board that, the appendage (addition) of patriotic causes which furthered the reinstatement of old regime and brought about the downfall of the villainous usurper Zakhertan Yozdek, would be far more gratifying and advantageous feat for Kozurs.  The Brotherhood of Kozurs with their new objective (goal) of finding and re-establishing the lost Prince Nevetsecnuac Alric Therran Valamir, from thereon, had been more able to draw upon unwitting support from various underground resistance movements and staunch loyalist rebel groups, to further enlarge Kozur’s secret sphere of influence.

 

“Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” Adapting this age-old acumen,

Zaur Stugr had also charted an admirable course in public life, right under the very nose of Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek, to eventually assume the role of a competent, trustworthy, industrious Vice-Minister to His Excellency P.M. Lamont Gudaren.  Shielded by his protective cloak, Zaur had been able to carry out since then, mind boggling clandestine feats (daring activities) right within the bounds of Imperial capital, Channing. As one of the three Supreme Overseer Kozurs, Zaur had also frequently and clandestinely instigated (brought about) more benevolent acts on behalf of those who had ardently, albeit covertly, opposed Zakhertan Yozdek. Moreover, he’d time and again, lawfully, overturned gross miscarriages of justice and brought welcome relief to those who labored under the burden of excessive taxes.

 

Last few years had been particularly exacting, with such rigorous demands placed on Zaur’s time, testing his mental capacity, and exhausting (draining) his physical stamina; but he’d still managed quite well, while competently (proficiently) juggling both positions.

 

 

(END OF SECTION 11)