11- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - EVIL PERSONIFIED - SECTION 12

                                                                         

Worren Youkup had left Lady Sejon’s side nearing mid-morning mentally and physically drained. Profoundly concerned for the welfare of Prince Magnian, he had gone against his better judgment and given his word that he would not say or do anything to advance the matter of the stiletto (penknife) until Her Ladyship Sejon had first in private disclosed her involvement of it to the Sovereign. Worren, furthermore, had hoped and prayed that the good council he had given her Ladyship would be sufficient in obtaining the most lenient of corollary (outcome) from Zakhertan Yozdek, although no one could really be certain of His Highness' reaction on any matter.

Previous night Worren had been resolved to brave the same unfathomable ramifications himself after the conclusion of his visit to Lady Sejon... He would have laid open this shameful episode and hoped that, in view of his impeccable record of long and loyal service that Zakhertan Yozdek would have granted him the opportunity to end his life by his own hand. He may not have deserved burial with honors, but he also felt that he did not deserve the shame of a public execution either. Now, his own future actions, would eradicate that eventuality forever; however, for the sake of Lady Sejon and more importantly, Prince Magnian, a substitute, him, was warranted to bear the full brunt of Sovereign's wrath. His mind, therefore, was nobly set on, when he would be subjected to the inquisition, to doing his utmost and assuming full responsibility for the diabolical offence (wrongdoing), facing the full severity of the law, in order to appease Zakhertan Yozdek’ s insatiable craving for blood.

01-- ZAKHERTAN YOZDEDK  (61)

“Then again, would his old, decrepit carcass be enough?”  Worren Youkup inwardly queried, then shrugged: “Well, it’s the only one I have, and it will have to suffice.”  Worren for the first time ever, was happy that he had no living family or close relatives to share his fate (burden); with his trusted Steward Chutek soon safely out of the way, Worren’s heart rested easy knowing that no other of consequence would be made to suffer the anticipated torments, at the hands of  that fiendish Dark Eunuch, Egil Viggoaries.     

 “I have no regrets (compunction) for my age is advanced, and my life has been full and quite gratifying up until now, save for one small qualm. “Worren, looking down, quietly reflected. “I would have turned sixty-five in three weeks time; oh well, I will have to abort plans for the party; ironically, it would have been rather a momentous event, as both a celebration of life and a farewell. Alas, fickle fate has robbed me of the chance.”     

Try as he might, Worren Youkup could not evade the angst (anguish, heartache) that had suddenly, against his will, pained his heart; for he had never ever expected to end his life in such an ignominious manner. The very thought of it made him wince and he fought back the tears that started to form around the (brim) edges of his eyelids.

“Stop this foolish nonsense! “He inwardly, sternly, admonished self. “There's no going back now, Worren Youkup; you are committed to doing this and that is that!” He exhaled deeply, only to be beset with yet another set of worries. “Would there be sufficient time to get Chutek out of harm’s way? Poor Chutek, he would have to remain, even with different identity, in hiding for an exceptionally long while, to escape the clutches of that hound- dog Egil Viggoaries.”  

02- STEWARD CHUTEK 7

Worren Youkup was angry at having also wasted way too much time because of his unscheduled visit with Sejon, now he must hasten even more, to do all requisite tasks (it needed doing) in much shorter period. Calling for his trusted aid Tedor (who’d been with him for well over twenty years), Worren without further delay, set things in motion. Soon after he was seen getting into the palanquin, as he was most eager to take care of this and other related business before his routine (habitual, expected) report to the Sovereign.

Worren first called on a certain official in the Department of Bondsmen whom he had made prior arrangements with, for an interim certificate of manumission for Chutek. The final stages of the official documents would be processed over the subsequent days, and then hidden, duly filed in the archives. Worren had been working towards this end (goal) for quite some time now and having already made most of the preliminary arrangement’s weeks in advance, was now able to finalize the last steps needed to ensure Chutek’s secured, comfortable life. Subsequently, he made another quick call at the Legal sector 3 Department where a document granting Power of Attorney over his affairs to the Scholar Tonzeye Yevgun of Chukset Province was promptly drawn up.

Upon his return home Worren went immediately to his vault and set aside bundles (parcels, packages) of currency (paper money, gold) to be given to the trusted officials responsible for the swift processing of his requests in both the Capital and the Province as well as the hefty fee needed for Chutek 's manumission certificate. Calling a trusted servant, he sent these gifts post haste to the various officials within the Capital. The wads (pouches) for the Provincial officials, a particularly larger sum earmarked for Tonzeye Yevgun, plus the sealed documents, were all then promptly put into a metal traveling cache. The sealed documents were of course the manumission certificate of free citizenship for Chutek, copies of the official papers that were in process, the Power of Attorney to Tonzeye Yevgun and a letter to him directing that all of the land holdings in Chukset Province which Worren had secretly acquired and had hoped to retire on, to be immediately transferred to his Steward Chutek. Hopefully Chutek, by then under a different alias, could escape detection and live out the remainder of his days comfortably in obscurity.

Worren Youkup next went to his study to prepare the last item needed.

 

03-

 In this letter Worren entrusted Chutek’s welfare and his prospects to the capable hands of his friend. In it also he bid his long-time friend farewell and requested his help with the Provincial authorities to ensure that his last (will and testament) wishes were properly conducted. Afterwards, the sealed letter too, was placed in the metal cache, which was then locked. Worren Youkup’s resources in Channing were nearly depleted now, but he did not care; for, what use would they be by the week's end, anyhow?

At dawn of the subsequent day Chutek, clad (dressed) in his travelling attire and, for fifteen minutes now having received his final instructions from Worren, was then imparted the key to the cache and was told to secure it on his person.

Chutek, had been purposely kept Ignorant of the enclosed windfall prize in the locked cache; with only a hint that it had contained Worren’s latest unpublished sonnets (private elegies) and that it required some edification (improvement) and expurgation (editing) , as well,  that it was of utmost importance to his friend the renowned  (distinguished) Scholar Tonzeye.

Steward Chutek, subsequently furnished with appropriate travel papers and expenses, was then instructed to, post haste deliver these to Lord Tonzeye Yevgun in Chukset Province.

04- STEWARD  CHUTEK - IN HIS TRAVELLING CLOTHES

Worren had awesomely disguised (masked) his inner turmoil to completely dupe the astute (incisive) Chutek; hence, the cherished (like a son) steward thinking that he would be gone only for a brief time, exuberant  and all in smiles (anticipating meeting the illustrious Scholar Tonzeve Yevgun whom he’d greatly admired), took his leave of Worren, carrying only one light baggage and a still lighter heart. He had no way of knowing, however, that soon after he’d departed, Worren had curtly (and without explanation) dismissed all his other attendants and then after locking the door to his study, had sat at his desk unmoving for several minutes and with a blank (void) stare fixed (pinned) on a distant (vague) object. This was an innocuous (innocent), unremarkable painting mounted on the far wall, which depicted a snow-capped mountain scenery; though, it held a secret and a specific, affectionate meaning to Worren, and thus, whenever he gazed at it, it had always lightened his soul and gladdened his heart. As he continued to stare at it now, a shadow gradually darkened his face and his expression increasingly became somber (dismal, gloomy), then altogether grave (grim, morbid).

Worren’s brows subsequently knit as his eyes glistened, brimming with moisture in sheer defiance of his will; eventually, a silent string of tears cascaded down, dampening (wetting, moistening) his pallid cheeks.

                                                                                           ~                   

 

The moment that Worren Youkup had left the South Palace, Sejon had began pacing the room back and forth with angry brows knitted in consternation. “All this trouble over one penknife; and now there is the looming threat of Egil Viggoaries on the horizon! What to do? What to do?”  

Sejon smiled wryly, realizing that she had picked up the phrase from Worren Youkup; then the flustered state (anxiety) swiftly returning, her cheeks flushed crimson and she sulked.

05- LADYSHIP SEJON- JP

All she had been able to do so far was to stall the inevitable; she had no intention of ever confessing to Zakhertan Yozdek, for her to do that, would mean, she was either foolhardy or brave, and she was neither. Like everyone else in the Palace she was terrified of Zakhertan Yozdek and his unpredictable riposte. Sejon held no illusion that, because of their intimacy, he would be forgiving or lenient; moreover, whenever she was with him, with an admirable skill she had always masked her fright, knowing Zakhertan despised passive and cowardly women.  

Lady Sejon quaked deep in her heart all the same, each time she was summoned to the cold and forbidding North Palace; for every summons could mean her death sentence and that, one day she’d inadvertently offend him in some way or other, and the next instant, she’d lose her pretty head; though that eventuality would no doubt be the most merciful end, considering Zakhertan’s appetite for blood and suffering.  It would, most likely be, an excruciatingly painful and lingering death! The birth of Prince Magnian meanwhile, had afforded her precious little security or an assurance; she was nevertheless still young, quite beautiful and being optimistic, she had accepted her precarious existence, for the trappings of luxury, power and prestige were all an irresistible draw, in the hope that her eventual, sure fate would be far away. 

For now, she was the Sovereign's favorite, but for how long, she could phantom. Many a sleepless night she had pondered on a concern, a careless word or an act that might have been the instigator to end what she had enjoyed and held dear; that’s right, all could be extinguished in one commanding breath by Zakhertan Yozdek.  Zakhertan's favor had limits, she knew all too well; also, that he had no tolerance for least stupidity, carelessness, or failure.

06- ZAKHERTAN YOZDEDK AND LADY SEJON

“No, I will not chance it. I will not be confessing to anything and that is that!”  Again, she had mimicked (imitated) another of Worren Youkup’s phrases. “The old coot gave his word for now, but I can only stall him for so long. He must be permanently silenced before he can utter an incriminating word to anyone. Nijel would know what to do. She knew people.”  She stopped abruptly and called out for Nijel, only to be told that her favorite had left without a word to anyone.    

 "Just find her!" Sejon screeched, stamping her foot. "I don't want to hear excuses! I want to see her now!"  The panic-stricken servants rushed to comply as Sejon resumed her pacing and grumbled aloud, "What to do? What to do?"    

                                                                                                                  ~

 

It also happened that Senior Grand Secretary Qarzten Caimund also had a strategically placed network of informants and was routinely apprised of all developments in domestic and foreign affairs as well as the plotted intrigues, the very moment they transpired, within the walls of the four Palaces. It could be said that he was the second most influential and informed official in the

Kingdom, His Highness Zakhertan Yozdek being the first, except that no one, other than Sovereign, knew of it.  

In Channing, as the Senior Grand Secretary, Qarzten Caimund had always concealed well his predominant aptitudes behind the reticent humility and polite decorum that put everyone, friend, and foe alike, at their ease, especially when with him. Since he was never perceived as an ardent adversary whom he could be, he received the full cooperation of all factions. Only Zakhertan Yozdek from the beginning, discerning beneath Qarzten’s deceptive façade, his strong analytical mind and aggressive sometimes brutal will that wielded the strong arm of the law to bring swift justice and order to all segments of the Central Government, appreciated and same time remained vigilant of Qarzten Caimund.

Zakhertan Yozdek was the only one who could so utilize Qarzten’s invaluable input, his subtle yet vital role in preventing, suppressing, or eliminating, chronic internal Royal strife that flared up from time to time, which if left unchecked, could have seriously undermined Wenjenkun government’s core stability. Meanwhile, under Qarzten Caimund ‘s directive his invisible force had always, in the aftermath of any sporadic Provincial insurgency swiftly and humanely, with minimal cost, restored lasting stability as well, the law and order. Of course, at times certain glitches (anomalies) had unavoidably necessitated brutal crackdowns of the suspected or budding parasitic cliques, and so, those violent nationwide sweeps, had become the consistent (regular) trademark of Zakhertan Yozdek’s reign. But mostly, Zakhertan valued Qarzten Caimund for his farsightedness and uncanny precision when he closed in for the kill. As it were, the Senior Grand Secretary had the eerie ability to perceive calamitous events well in advance of their germination into outright trouble and to present, through his timely intervention, had kept the adept Central Government’s diverse functioning body intact, as well, preserved the omnipotent power of Sovereign.  Sovereign Zakhertan impressed with Qarzten’s competence, had additionally, covertly, assigned Qarzten to the crucial, challenging task of checking the growing influence and maintaining the balance between, two key factions under the leadership of Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren and Director of Security Egil Viggoaries. Things being the way they were, however, the full extent of Qarzten Caimund’s specific duties had never been fully specified, leaving room for Sovereign’s future addendums in the Rules’ Book.

07- QARZTEN CAMUND (4)B -jp

Qarzten Caimund’s discerning mind nevertheless anticipating Zakhertan Yozdek’s future aspirations, had started, as early as when he held the position of Censor, the enormous task of compiling all (grievous offences and) damaging evidence against the two chief factional leaders, for their eventual, lawful incarceration and deposal. The result of Qarzten Caimund’s continuous, meticulous investigations of Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren’s illicit dealings, been the compiled stacks and stacks of documents, all, linking the PM to a multitude of crimes: everything from kidnapping, torture, bribery, extortion and even murder. Lamont Gudaren reeked of corruption to the very marrow, a typical representative of everything Qarzten detested in a man; furthermore, the amassed evidence could be deemed sufficient to expediently have His Excellency (PM) and his affiliates tried in the High Court and promptly executed.

Qarzten knew that the new Prime Minister had already, secretly been picked out by Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek, who was waiting for precise time to inform the candidate of his promotion. Qarzten Caimund wanted nothing more than to promptly rid the country of this parasite, this carrion crow Lamont Gudaren but he had patiently postponed informing His Highness of his latest findings, pending (awaiting) the final piece of evidence to, at right opportunity, simultaneously present both airtight cases, against PM Lamont Gudaren and Chief of Internal Security Egil Viggoaries, in one comprehensive report.     

Strangely enough, both culprits’ lives were intertwined in many ways. The hindrance  (impediment) unfortunately, had risen from Egil Viggoaries’s sector and, despite all Qarzten Caimund’s intense efforts, he had not made as good a progress as he had hoped, this warranting the last minute, slight rescheduling. But once armed with the expected proof

Qarzten would then, petition (and strongly urge) Zakhertan Yozdek not to delay the inevitable. Furthermore, if managed properly, the situation could be brought to swift satisfactory conclusion, without involving the Sovereign's Elite Guard or kindle any new civil unrest. Delay would portend only more ills.

 

(END OF SECTION 12)

 

 

                                                                                                       ~

 

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL - SECTION 16

 "Once Zakhertan Yozdek had ascended the throne, the ensuing years had been the unparalleled goriest eon (era, age) in history." Hugen resumed his narrative (chronicle) after guzzling some more wine.  When he held out the jug for Uyuk to partake some, the latter, however, had declined, saying he had far too much already, that he would abstain for a while till his head cleared a bit, he just needed a breathing space, a respite.  Uyuk had urged Hugen nonetheless, to freely indulge, as the long night after all, stretched out before them.

01- UYUK  (20)JP

Yea, right! Hugen inwardly scorned, despising Uyuk for this unwarranted deceit.  Why feign such weakness?  Hugen knew Uyuk had not reached his limit, not by a long shot…Latter could handle more, quite a bit more.  Hugen knew this for a fact.  Not as much as he can, perhaps.  Still… 

For a spell he considered goading Uyuk until the latter dropped his guard and relented. Then again, why bother, Hugen dismissing the notion, good humouredly shrugged and helped himself to some more wine.

Uyuk, despite his feigned inebriated state, keenly, from the corner of his eye had scrutinized Hugen, for the faint-hearted could not have managed the quantity of strong spirits Hugen had consumed thus far and remained still, maddeningly so, sober. Considering the extreme potency, the wine had cost Uyuk quite a substantial sum; this brand of smooth, fruity blend being particularly high in alcohol content, should have way before this intoxicated/incapacitated the most resilient (robust constitution) of men, but not Hugen! Why was that?

The corner of Hugen’s mouth slightly lifted as if in amusement, anticipating Uyuk’s inner query, and he looked away; fact is, he needed to consume at least four or five times the amount, to be totally inebriated or brought to a happy state; a condition he'd rarely indulged and always had done so in solitude. After a while the amassed consumed quantity, however, had eventually derived some adverse effect; the consequential fleeting moment of light headedness and nostalgic reflections nevertheless, through sheer willpower quickly dispensed (passed), Hugen once more reverted his somber gaze on Uyuk.  His head, his thoughts the product of a cool, calculating mind once more lucid and unequivocally defined, Hugen’s deliberations was again embroiled in the selfsame grave, harsh realities of life. 

What's more, after the subsequent several swigs (mouthfuls) of this fruity concoction (booze), far from being mellowed out, his senses disappointingly instead, had felt tauter (tense, wound up); hence, Hugen disdainfully put the jug aside and, his breathing regulated, he indolently stretched out his limbs. But this did little in dousing the fire coursing in his hot veins, his muscles twitching and flexing in an invisible restless craze, yearning to engage in a mortal combat with an invincible, (challenging)formidable foe.

Affixing his gaze to the far corner, his hankering heart tinged with sadness, Hugen thoughtfully reflected on the multitude, past, memorable combats; there was singular one that stood above the rest, General Zonar Kuntzu, a warrior with indomitable prowess. Hugen had heard much about his fame, his brilliant feats. Unfortunately, Hugen's line of work had kept him always on a different course than the General’s; but once he had been fortunate enough to have been an eyewitness to a friendly combat between the General Kuntzu and another competent fighter. The breathtakingly spectacular fight had ended the same way, with General Zonar Kuntzu being the victor as always.

02-GENERAL ZONAR KUNTZU

Hugen donned an ironic smile on his lips and looked away. How easily General Zonar Kuntzu had bested his opponent!

After that day Hugen had honed his martial skills so that one day, he could try his own luck against the General; however, when finally, his competence was up to par (the equivalence), fate had cruelly intervened to cheat him out of that opportunity.

Inclining his head, Hugen with a blank stare studied Uyuk, thinking inwardly how Uyuk unfortunately presented no such challenge.  True, he had never pitted his martial skill against Uyuk but he had observed Uyuk's ability in combat with others and, though his partner was comparatively good, Hugen had concluded that he could easily defeat (best) him without resorting to draw upon any of his special expertise. There was one thing Uyuk excelled in, however, his ability to... Hugen threw Uyuk a covert look.  Only that, he nodded. Yes, I’ll have to watch out for that.  In a way Hugen was grateful for Uyuk's somewhat amenable company.  At least Uyuk amused him, not like those intolerable, overconfident, superstitious boors whose presence strained his patience and made his blood boil.

Requiring more solitude, Hugen pointedly lent an ear to the howling of the gale force wind and the drumming, pounding of the rain pellets outside.  Oh, the nights are always so intolerably long.  Hugen inwardly moaned thinking, especially for one such as him who was an insomniac. Unfortunately, the pelting hail outside was a good deterrent for a long, brisk stroll, which was what he most desired at that moment.  Resigned to stay put, he shifted his weight to get more comfortable then, once more, somberly resumed his narration where he had left off: "Yes, we weren’t the only ones who’d suffered from his rancorous (malicious, spiteful ) wrath; all who’d tried to undermine or obstruct Zakhertan Yozdek's aim, all suspected loyalists and dissidents in Wenjenkun, were vengefully rooted out, vanquished or incinerated." 

Hugen’s eyes met Uyuk's gravely and he nodded.  "Furthermore, all who griped or raised even the slightest discourse of his harsh measures, among them countless brilliant scholars from various backgrounds, the nobility, courtiers, religious personages, priests, sages, hermits, even the stray beggars; all without exception were persecuted relentlessly and tortured before an ignominious death. The countryside, hence, is dotted with a multitude of man-made pits of death, sepulchres and catacombs where Zakhertan’s countless past and present enemies are all buried.”

Hugen paused for an effect and then resumed: “There are also hidden subterranean chambers of torture, (constructed) in Channing, equipped with abhorrent, specially designed instruments, which prolongs, any convicted felons or dissidents’ excruciating physical and mental agony before their ignominious (humiliating) end.  Some of the holding cells, chiefly used for minor offences, are all the same, ingeniously constructed to perpetuate (beget) permanent insanity; and that’s not all, but it would take me far too long to extrapolate on them all."  Hugen shrugged. "Perhaps another time, eh… Anyway, to put it succinctly, Zakhertan Yozdek's reign has been marked with extreme brutality unrivaled by anyone in history save perhaps, only by Deng Hedenko in present times."  He threw his head back and laughed at Uyuk's baffled look.

 "The Sovereign of Korion, ignoramus (numskull) you," Hugen paused to savor the other's stifled rage at the insult. "To continue; after consolidating his power Zakhertan Yozdek lost no time in raising another mammoth (gargantuan) force, this time to punish us anew, but by that time our Illustrious Sovereign Anguan Binchan had succumbed to a fatal illness, thus robbing Zakhertan of his chief grievance.”

“Korion, meanwhile, had been rocked by a volcanic eruption and three subsequent earthquakes that ravaged two major cities and most of the countryside which depleted the precious remainder of our valuable resources, our strength and vitality.  What real resistance a devastated and leaderless nation could have offered? Of course, that mattered little to such a blood-thirsty fiend Zakhertan; as a matter of fact, he had even taken it into account and used it to gain an even more swift and decisive victory." Hugen bristled.  "An honorable campaign was not something he’d consider in his evil plans.  In no time at all, his superior, predatory forces swept across the adjacent, inconsequential provinces to descend on us voraciously, with but one directive: to annihilate our race from the face of the Earth.”

03- ZAKHERTAN YOZDEDK  (22) JP

"Ah, but we (every citizen of Korion) were equally determined (resolute) to deny him his easy conquest.  Even though from the start our defeat was a foregone conclusion, our patriots resisted Zakhertan for a year and a half.  Hah!  I'd venture to guess that it was the costliest and bloodiest campaign Zakhertan had ever waged.  Alas!  Despite our courage and brilliant strategies, our impoverished army was pitted against an invincible rapacious force that, at the crucial point in the struggle, received fresh reinforcements.  I do admit that, towards the end Zakhertan's military manoeuvring and strategic offensives were flawless as only one who is the demon incarnate can devise.  In one ingenious, final stroke he had both rebel cities capitulate simultaneously."

Hugen exhaled deeply, morosely, "And so, on the solstice of the third lunar year of the reign of our Illustrious Sovereign Harkan Konzuran Binchan, a terrible nightmare was unleashed on us all."  At this point, Hugen's tongue was stilled by the anger, bitterness, and scorn he felt at the core of his being.

"Is it true what I had heard?  That after the Capital yielded Zakhertan had our late Sovereign Anguan Binchan's corpse exhumed, supreme sacrilege that it was, had it torn into minute pieces and then scattered in various cesspools throughout the country?"

"Yes," Hugen nodded grimly, "and that's not all.  On Zakhertan’s orders his men went on a rampage, digging up all the ancestral graves, some Centuries old.  They desecrated the corpses and had the remains discarded into fast flowing rivers.  The valuable artifacts were all plundered then shamelessly carted off (lugged) to their homeland."  Hugen dropped his head, swallowing hard.  "After the gruesome, ignoble execution of our Sovereign Harkan Konzuran Binchan, anyone with even a trace of royal blood was rounded up and humiliated in a public spectacle designed specifically to break our spirit before they, too, were executed.  However, this had quite the opposite effect, for it only strengthened (fuelled) our people's resolve."

Uyuk hissed; his absent gaze fixed at the far corner.

Hugen looked up sharply, pleased at the outrage in Uyuk, noting his face flushed to beet-red, his chest palpitating with indignation at the same time as his fists clenched so hard that, his nails drew blood from the sheer force and intensity of his feelings.  For a spell Hugen had forgotten Uyuk's true origin, but then, suddenly his thoughts darkened.

“Who are you trying to fool?  It was your kind, your race that inflicted these atrocities on us.”  He shook his head and bit his lip to contain his inner contempt. It was a strange idea, a hard concept for this hard-core patriot to swallow.  “No matter what, I cannot conceive of how anyone can forsake their own kind, their own race and country as absolutely as you have done, Uyuk! And for what reason, a personal grievance?” 

Seeing Uyuk in this light he questioned the other’s professed loyalty to Korion.  “What’s your actual ulterior motive?  What kind of game are you playing at anyhow?” With narrowing eyes, he covertly scrutinized his partner.

“Get a grip on your-self!” he fought the urge to strike, to act immediately.  “There’ll be ample opportunity later.  Go along for now, soon enough he will show his true colors and expose his dark heart.  You can deal with him then.”

But again, defiantly such bursting fury rose from deep within.  “Why on Earth had he bothered at all?  Why had he stuck his neck out for Uyuk in the first place?  Was it the element of danger, the challenge it posed?  Had he wished to exploit Uyuk as a game, a way to gratify his dark, morbid sense, his hatred for Uyuk's kind?  Or was it something entirely different, an alien concept long since abandoned; plain old pity?”  Hugen detested this new ambivalent feeling and looked down (lowered his gaze), trying to think of something else.

In his silent brooding, now with his eyelids closed, he reflected yet again how Wushing, his entire family, his colleagues and anyone who had been even remotely connected with him had all been hunted down and brutally eradicated (eliminated).  It mattered not whether they had been innocent lives, all ages of civilians.  Their fate had all been the same.  This extending to the (agrarian populations) countryside, the manifold atrocities that had been committed back then, to date hunted Hugen’s peace; countless ranchers (farmers, planters) had all been mercilessly cut down, their mutilated and mangled corpses piled high in heaps were then burned to ash. 

“In summation, Zakhertan Yozdek’s fierce persecution had extended way beyond those who had actively opposed him in both campaigns.  There had been so much blood spilled that for months after Korion's capitulation the rivers had ran red.  When pestilence struck during those warm months, it necessitated the burning of all the exposed corpses.  So many bonfires dotted the land, that the acerbic air stifled (burned) the lungs, while anguished wailing (cries) of mourners revibrated the land.”

04- HUGEN (54)jp

These were the haunting sounds and images which, permanently etched into his mind, had robbed Hugen of least peaceful, any tranquil existence.  Whether he was asleep or awake, the ongoing nightmares provided him no respite.  To present, Hugen's love for his country, his Sovereign and his craving for vengeance were all, what sustained him and gave some meaning to his wretched life. But alas, perpetually no absolution (pardon, release) was to be had, with his precarious, oftentimes violent existence.

"And it is for certain that one thing Zakhertan Yozdek had not counted on, was his own underestimation of the resilience of Korion’s ordinary folk." Uyuk , interceding, spoke up loudly, partly to test Hugen's state of (alertness) consciousness.

The slight frown on the other's features confirmed it, he was (alert and) awake. Uyuk was, of course speaking from personal experience.  Surviving the ignominious death of his mother and sister, he was on the brink of expiring himself when he had been given sanctuary and a second chance, by a tribe of nomadic herdsmen in Korion.  His foster father was one Muxor Kenny, a strong, stout warrior who never donned a smile.  Always rigid and stern, he had nevertheless taught Uyuk the survival skills that had served him well up to the present day. 

“Oh yes,” Uyuk inwardly scoffed (rebuked, chided), as he sized up Hugen quaffing some more spirits: “I am well aware of your low opinion of me and my skills. I may just one day shock the britches right off you, arrogant, smug bastard!”

 If the truth were to be known, Uyuk had it in his power to alter that opinion and countless times had been sorely tempted by Hugen's goading to show off and expose his deeply hidden talents. Indeed, Uyuk knew far more than he let on.  Despite his youth he had experienced numerous hair-raising, daring escapades that, if recounted, would boggle Hugen's mind, and earn him the respect and recognition he felt was his due.  Fortunately, his good sense had prevented him from doing that very thing.

Hugen, as if he had surmised other’s thoughts, suddenly looked up and meeting Uyuk's eyes directly, smirked; then in a conciliatory gesture, offered him the jug which the younger man this time obligingly took and raised it to his lips.

Even though Uyuk was parched, he took care to drink only a moderate portion however, just enough to wet his mouth, for it would not do if he were to become totally inebriated, despite the reliable company and relatively safe circumstances.  Feeling suddenly famished, he reached over and drew his bundle to him.  Groping about inside the sack, he found what he was looking for: the remainder of the dry rations.  He handed some to Hugen and, without ceremony the two began to tear and chew, the hard bits of venison to gratify their hunger.  Afterwards Uyuk stretched out his limbs and urged Hugen to continue with his recounting of his history.

Now more favorably disposed, Hugen picked up from where he had left off: "Time after time having encountered the gritty, dogged (resolute) resistance from every citizen of Korion high and low (ordinary folk), it soon became apparent to Zakhertan Yozdek that, Korion could not be governed by anyone other than our own.  The pacification of the rebellious tribes in the remote mountains proved particularly arduous and sanguinary.  The many costly expeditions aimed at annihilating these guerrilla fighters only resulted in a string of ignominious defeats at the hands of these nomadic herders. Many skirmishes, including those led by your foster-father Muxor Kenny, which incidentally, you’d failed to mention in your recruitment (enrolment) application.”

Hugen at this point, had abruptly fell silent, and then simply tossed Uyuk a knowing, fleeting smirk. 

05- MUXOR KENNY - KORION'S NOMADIC HORSEMAN

“To put it succinctly, these frays in time gave rise to other sporadic pockets of rebellion and soon after, there arose widespread, well organized, resistance of all sorts erupting simultaneously in all parts of the country.”

“Yes… we had demonstrated to them, once and for all, how this nation even though subjugated, could not be enslaved and all the oppressive measures, stringent laws and brutal, savage punishments would never, ever, crush our spirit or resolve!" Uyuk, getting a grip and pretending to be caught up in the moment’s hype (excitement), hissed.

Hugen gave (threw) him a pointed look, "As you seem to know the rest, I may as well save my breath." But Uyuk hastily leaned across to touch his shoulder and in an earnest voice protested his ignorance.  He confessed that, in his early pubescent (teenage) years, wanting to prove his worth to his foster-father Muxor Kenny, he had partaken in some acts of sabotage (resistance) but that he had never truly grasped the complete political picture; for his  subsequent adolescent (later teen) years were spent, totally cut off from any civilization, in the sacred Shouyou Mountains.  Appearing unusually co-operative, Uyuk without prodding volunteered that, this period had been lost to him, because he had been paying a penance for his serious breach of a key tribal law.

"What law?"

Uyuk's response was curt and cryptic.

“Have it your way.” Hugen inclined his head and inwardly scoffed: “I’ve offered you a chance to be straight with me, and yet again you’ve failed.  It’s your loss.” Of course, he knew all there was to it, he’d been well informed about Uyuk's unforgivable offense (felony, crime) and the consequential chastisement and more, much, much more.  He covertly kept Uyuk in his side-view as he grimaced coldly.

“Yes, that detailed report had encompassed data that, I suspect, even you are unaware of, my foreign friend.  I've trained my informants well, so well that they can even make the dead speak.  You would be surprised, no, shaken to your core if you knew what I know, that the one who had betrayed you, the key conspirator, was none other than you’re...”  Hugen averted his eyes. “No; why should I rattle your feathers?  Why destroy the only semblance of?”  Hugen turned (reverted) his stone-cold gaze back to Uyuk to look him straight in the eye.  But then suddenly an unexpected strong compassion seized his heart and his piercing pupils momentarily softened and he nodded.

When Uyuk once more entreated (beseeched) Hugen to enlighten him on the political aspects of Korion's and Wenjenkun's shared histories, Hugen quietly acquiesced, if only to pass the time.  Yet he did not begin right away, instead, he lent an ear for a spell longer to the pelting rain, which seemed to be tapering off. 

 

(END OF SECTION 16) 

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC – THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL – SECTION 4

Dwengzur, continued on with his narration of Zonar’s immortal father’s daring escape from the icy peaks, carrying with him his infant twins; consequently, his ensued (succeeded) disappearance into the mortal realms.

01- THE ICY PEAKS

“The renegade immortal Chando (Zandar Kuntzu) along with his infant son Zonar and daughter Arnora for a time settled down in a remote, obscure part, at the edge of a border town in Korion; experiencing firsthand, all the intriguing and bizarre characteristics and emotional turmoil, which was so prevalent at the mortal realms.”

“Earth years went by quickly; in all that time, Zandar had brilliantly (most effectively) concealed his true essence for well over a decade, during which time, to perfect his disguise, he had even taken a (also red-haired) mortal female  as his nuptial mate and sired (conceiving with her) two additional offspring, a boy, and a girl.”

02- ZANDAR AND HIS MORTAL WIFE

“During this period, Zandar’s extraordinary metamorphosis had been so complete that he had remained successfully covert (hidden) until the day of reckoning when he had finally been, hunted down by yours truly and Sthetor, and then, along with his mortal wife and children, properly disposed.”

“But I’m getting well ahead of myself; anyhow, well before this, and well before Zandar Kuntzu’s demise, anticipating this outcome, Zandar had entrusted the Immortal toddlers, Zonar and Arnora, to the care of others. Zandar had competently ensured twin’s safety, first by choosing an old, frail go-between mortal female who had died soon afterwards and, by purposefully remaining ignorant of the identities of the subsequent, two different foster families that were destined to raise his son and daughter.”

“Every infant Immortal born to the Karn Race, existed alike a mortal human being, until the age of adulthood (of about thirty earth years); hence, untraceable in that period. After maturity, it was of course a different story. Before Zonar and Arnora had been given-away, as an added protective measure, Zandar Kuntzu had also, astutely implanted a magical command in the children’s subconscious minds which had prevented his son and daughter, even after they had reached adulthood, from ever utilizing their powers. This held true for Arnora but, for inexplicable (mysterious) reasons, not for Zonar ; nevertheless, Zonar’d remained mortal all the while he was living in Korion.”

“At the time I’d (Dwengzur) been assigned to this task of, tracking and disposing of the vermin renegade Immortal Chando (Zandar Kuntzu) and his Immortal offsprings -  to ensure my success, I’d been previously instructed by the most ancient elder Aegeus, on this taboo knowledge and, given the skill and the means with which to hunt down and slay another Immortal. To alleviate your curiosity, I will tell you this much. When an Immortal’s congenital (inherited) and varied powers are fully restored at maturity, from then on, every time he used his innate powers, it would leave a subtle subatomic residue (trace) which could easily then, be picked up by those who knew how.”

“Ironically, it had been those very incantations (spells) Chando (Zandar) had invoked when Zonar and Arnora were still a toddler, which had left a faint filtrate (residue), that had then enabled Sthetor (the one who’d  left the mountain and accompanied me, to render me invaluable guidance) and  me, to track the whereabouts of Zandar and to eradicate (destroy) him and his mortal family. Nevertheless, the success of my assignment was rendered incomplete by Chando’s prior taken action; hence, Zonar and Arnora, living incognito (disguised) in well enough distance, survived. My superior Sthetor was furious and for a very long time, refused to give up the rigorous search; despite all expended effort, however, Immortal twins remained well hidden from our radar. What I am about to reveal now, the intriguing course of their fate, was acquired much later on. First let me state briefly, first the tale of Anora then Zonar. “

03 a- ANORA

 “Arnora, at young age was abducted by an ardent enemy of her foster father, which in turn smuggled her into Wenjenkun. There, her abductor was of mind to sell her to a brothel, to mitigate his wrath and to get apt retribution (payback, vengeance). On route to the capital however, they were attacked by a well-organized group of bandits. During the scuffle, the abductor and his servants and guards were all slain; meanwhile, the frightened child, pursued by one of the bandits, driven to the precipice off a high jagged cliff  and unfortunately loosing her footing, fell into the abysmal void. No one could have survived that fall; hence (as she was presumed to be dead), no further search was conducted.”

“Remarkably, though she was badly injured, she still lived long enough to be discovered and rescued by Lord Wutenzar Thuxur Marrog Zhon, during one of his hunting trips. Arnora was nursed back to good health, but having suffered amnesia, Lord Zhon and his wife Anselma (who happened to be the elder sister of 7^th Prince Shon), who only had one son Asger, and could not have another because of her Ladyship difficult birth, adapted her to be their second child and she was given a new name Ingrit.”

04- INGRIT (AT 17) 2

“Ingrit grew up to be an enchanting beauty and at the age of seventeen, caught the eye of His Highness The 7^th Prince- Shon Alric Therran Valamir. As it were, after the death of his beloved wife, Prince Shon had remained single and grief-stricken for well over five years. “Now smitten anew with new love, despite the age difference the two, only after only six months of courtship, were duly married. I believe they had a baby boy born to them shortly thereafter; and I think the offspring’s name was Nevetsecnuac.”

INGRIT (ANORA) AND 7TH PRINCE SHON ALRIC THERRAN VALAMIR  (32)

This revelation had shocked Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) to the core; nevertheless, he had competently and most remarkably masked this from Dwengzur. The oblivious immortal, therefore, had nonstop (ceaseless) continued with his narration.  “The funny thing, the spell that Zandar Kuntzu had placed on her had remained intact in all that time, and so she never knew of her inherent powers, that could have actually saved her and so many others.”

“But I am getting way ahead of myself.  Now let me tell you bit about the more interesting life of the twin male offspring of Zandar Kuntzu, Zonar:  His early childhood spent in Korion, was relatively uneventful at first. Zonar, growing up as he did, as a mere mortal boy with three elder siblings and under the loving, tender care of his foster parents, his childhood I venture to guess, had been rather a happy one. His adolescence years (puberty, teenage years) however, contrastingly was rocked by turbulent and harsh circumstances. He suffered, like so many others had, result of Zakhertan Yozdek’s violent and viciously brutal, unremitting, vengeful campaigns against Korion. And after witnessing the gruesome deaths of his foster parents and his three mortal siblings, Zonar swore, at that early age of thirteen, to avenge the wrong done to his family and Country. Filled with human patriotism, he, lying about his age, enlisted in the clandestine army of the King of Korion, and then rapidly rose to, the rank of a General.”

06- ZONAR AS TEENAGER

“At the time I was left on my own to hunt for Zonar, as Aegeus had ordered Sthetor, pronto, back to the mountain.  Years later and fortuitously for me, the protective spell that had all that time concealed Zonar’s whereabouts, for an inexplicable (enigmatic) reason, was suddenly lifted the instant Zonar set foot in Wenjenkun. Subsequently of course, the rest of his innate special powers gradually manifested (re-emerged), along with vague recollections about his Immortal mother and father. Self-taught, each time he (utilized) implemented those powers, including those encounters with you Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac), he had unknowingly however, had left behind a traceable imprint, which then, easily got picked up by yours truly. Accurately predicting Zonar’s latest aim and so, strategically well in advance positioned in Channing, with due persistence and implanted suggestions, I had even convinced Zakhertan Yozdek to leave the handling of the matter entirely to me. Moreover, armed with certain knowledge Zonar had lacked, from this vantage point (advantageous position) when Zonar had little or no means of escape, I was finally able to confront him and rid the world of this blight.”

According to Dwengzur, with the elimination of Zonar, now all was set right in the world. Zonar deemed culpable (guilty) for violating their most sacred rules, his attempting to change the destiny of the mortal world, had righteously afforded Dwengzur, the moral justification to end Zonar’s existence. In his admission to Fradel (Nevetsecnuac), Dwengzur had used this reasoning, for his protracted enjoyment concerning the chase and his gloat over its successful conclusion, terming it, “the roach had been squashed (under my foot) and its hollow (corpse) shell so fittingly, burned to a crisp.”

But Dwengzur's cold-blooded recounting of Zonar's (the once mighty warrior’s) death had instead, both grieved and infuriated Nevetsecnuac. The image of that wretched, scorched corpse hanging from the gibbet in the Square, even before Nevetsecnuac had learning that it was his uncle, had all along persisted in haunting Fradel’s (Nevetsecnuac’s) thoughts; to have Dwengzur now show no remorse, instead, to wallow in self-satisfaction, made Nevetsecnuac, livid.

07 - FRADEL (NEVETSECNUAC) GOADS DWENGZUR

Nevetsecnuac with his iron-will nevertheless, contained his bursting retort and furthermore, composed his thoughts into a series of random images to trick Dwengzur into revealing, at least in part, the events of that singular combat between the two Immortals. Using the Immortal’s prejudices against humans, Nevetsecnuac hence, played him.

Dwengzur had felt especially wily (clever) portraying the scene in such a dramatic fashion, to draw Fradel’s intense interest; but the scholar not only did not respond in anticipated fashion, but he had furthermore, yawned, affronting Dwengzur’s bloated pride.

Dwengzur tricked by Fradel’s (Nevetsecnuac”s) pitched bait (angled lure), rose impatiently and growled:  "Here, I'll show you exactly what had happened so your feeble mind can comprehend (grasp) the true wonder of it."

 

 

(END OF SECTION 4)

 

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