LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 4

In truth the Immortal Zonar Kuntzu’s loss was only temporary; after an arduous effort, he would eventually regain (recover) all that he’d lost.   

Nevetsecnuac could not of course have imagined the extent of hazard he’d at present instigated, for the danger unleashed upon the world, albeit temporary, was very much real, as this amulet (that had housed the dangerous entity Cassar, who was called Mokak, later renamed, Jenor) was in fact more than Zonar’s family heirloom (a birthright article). The imprisoned entity within the amulet had once been bound to Zonar’s father Zandar Kuntzu’s genetic factor (DNA).

01- ZANDAR KUNTZU

Zandar, though later was considered a renegade Immortal, had once despite his youth, had held a prominent position within the ruling elite (of elders), of the ancient race of Karn. Upon Zandar’s demise, because of his specific genetic link to Zonar, this onerous responsibility of safekeeping the amulet, a lifelong sentence that could not be erased or shirked (evaded, dodged) whatever the circumstance, had then been (trussed, tethered) passed down to Zonar.  

Centuries earlier Cassars, a troublesome race had been the catalyst of a catastrophic dissention (discord) among existing ancient races; set against one another the irreconcilable differences and disparaging venom had resulted in the eventual destruction of the many primordial elite powers. Only the most resilient race of Karn (and few other races that had integrated within its modules) had triumphed; hence, decade later ending the cataclysmic wars and furthermore, conquering then imprisoning, the few remaining Cassars of this unruly (rowdy) race that had instigated (triggered) it all.  

02 -  CASSARS )

Adversarial elements of these Cassars properly contained, spanning several centuries now the armistice (truce and resulting concord) had lasted on Earh, as the dominant race of Karn, as well, few remaining subsidiary custodians of this world, had peacefully coexisted well hidden in the remotest corners (chiefly at the summits and at the icy peaks), result of having graciously allowed the species of men the sole dominion over (placid, more climatically favorable, more livable parts of the) Earth.  

It would have been far better for the world, if this troublesome race Cassars had been totally expunged; however, by consensus of the elders of Karn, Cassars had been subjugated (bested by the utilization of ice or water) though spared from total annihilation.  

03- (ELDERS OF KARN)

Elders of Karn had, moreover, additionally afforded mankind that definite measure of safety- by constraining, rather, indefinitely imprisoning few spared Cassars, in the protective water crystal amulet that selected members of Karn wore. It was a bane (burden) to be endured till the end of time. In the unlikely event the prior custodian would expire, the amulet would then be (transferred) bequeathed to the offspring sharing the same genetic factor.  Now under normal circumstances, Zonar’s immortal father would have discussed in detail the amulet’s range of powers and, even given his son some necessary, precise instructions (pointers) to maintain absolute control over the imprisoned entity; however, Zonar, sent away for his own safety at an early age to grow up among anonymous mortal family, had never been afforded this opportunity.  

Furthermore, the subsequent bizarre circumstances that elicited (caused) the premature, atypical (odd) demise of renegade Immortal Zandar Kuntzu, and hence, well before Zonar could master the amulet’s intransigent powers, Cassar entity called Mokak, with his resourcefulness had once, successfully affected its escape from captivity. (Check out: Legend of Nevetsecnuac, Book 2 titled The Ordeal, more precisely, Section 8, where Mokak is mentioned.)

At that time Zonar, wanting to know more about this amulet and the entity it contained, had avidly perused those veiled (oblique, coded) secret teachings his father Zandar Kunzu had left with him, but since the situation of escape (of any Cassar) had never once transpired  (occurred), not while the amulet had been in his father’s safekeeping, it had taken Zonar many more months of quest and sheer luck, to capture and re-enslave sly Mokak (later renamed Jekor ) in the crystal Amulet. Since then, Zonar on his own merit, through trial and error, utilizing his brilliant and discerning mind, had discovered few more facets of the amulet’s varied, multitude powers.  

04 - ZONAR KUNTZU

Currently,  during combat with Nevetsecnuac,  when the amulet broke in two this, despite Zonar’s stoic, stone countenance-  mindful of the now matured and at large entity’s, Jekor (Mokak)’s inherently grown prowess’s and the unimaginable, portended havoc he could unleash on the unsuspecting world and on both (mortal and immortal) realms- seriously troubled Zonar.  Anticipating the arduous task of, recapturing this willy, artful and now more potent menace, caused Zonar to, pensively (thoughtfully) but with unreadable expression,  glance away. 

05- (MOKAK- ALSO KNOWN AS JEKOR)

Sensing only an inkling of the magnitude (scope) of the dire circumstance, Nevetsecnuac knitted his brows, and covertly pinned his questioning gaze on Zonar; as he, same time fought the ominous foreboding that had suddenly vice-griped his heart. “Had he inadvertently, seriously harmed his benefactor Zonar by damaging the (potent)amulet, in the course of it, ending any chance of his enlisting Zonar future guidance?”  

Nevetsecnuac now hastened to ask the latter’s forgiveness but Zonar, after his fleeting icy, contemptuous glare, simply snorted and again looked away. But then in afterthought, he’d quickly passed it off as fate and dispassionately shrugged his shoulders; determined not to let this rare opportunity (of further testing his nephew) be wasted, he just unfastened the clasp and removed the chain, with the broken amulet ( crack in the middle now emitting no light) still precariously hanging from it, from around his neck, then walking to the edge of a high precipice, hurled it into river.  He watched its descent, it being swallowed by the fast-flowing waters then, with a changed, resigned expression on his face, inclined (turned) his head to grimace wryly at Nevetsecnuac. 

Afterwards he simply walked back with large strides and halting few inches away from Nevetsecnuac, cooly proposed that they might as well continue the combat. When Nevetsecnuac showed some reluctance to engage him, his short temper flared, and he roared in fury: “You dare to insult me?” And then in lightening speed launched his murderous assault.

Forsaking his reserve, Nevetsecnuac fought back, at first on the defensive but soon shifting to the offense.  

06- NEVETSECNUAC FIGHTS ZONAR

The two combatants consequently, as one successive blur to the naked eye endlessly fought on in a dizzying whirlwind, or, in unrelenting fierce deadlock, back and forth, well into the night. The Earth rumbled incessantly at their extraordinary might while Heaven knew no peace from the sheer intensity of their powerful strikes. Once, as if in protest, a mounting flotilla of dark clouds congregated to shroud the moon and the stars, following it with angry rumbling and streaks of lighting miring (marking) the sky; meanwhile, quaking ground underfoot at times shook the soil (earth), debree and boulders loose, uprooting trees, creating gashes or deep chasms, to enforce termination of the relentless, vigorous combat. But still undaunted, the battle had raged on without ceasing in intensity.  And when the first rays of dawn finally broke from hurrying (sailing) clouds, for Heaven had had enough, the rising gale winds punishingly swept across the Earth. Thunder and lightning more repetitiously now crashed about them and alight trees threatened to scorch them and reduce them to cinders. Subsequently, the torrential rains changed into hailstones, pounded mercilessly on their heads and turned the ground underfoot into muddy rivers.

Their persistence prevailing over Heaven’s will, eventually, by about noon of the third day, the skies cleared up. The brilliant sun’s golden rays bathed the drenched Earth and enveloped the brave warriors in sweltering heat as they still fought on.

07- ZONAR FIGHTS NEVETS (15)

Suddenly however, Zonar, in mid blow, stayed his hand and leapt out of the circle of combat once more.  

“Enough, I see now that a thousand more rounds will not engender your defeat. I therefore salute you sir, as a true and unequivocal equal.  Despite your age, you bear the singular mark of a great warrior.”

Throwing back his head, he laughed uproariously.  “Ha!  Ha!  This is what I needed most to shake myself out of my complacency.  I thank you, sir, for this most invaluable lesson.”  Assuming a more serious expression, he then bowed low to Nevetsecnuac (his nephew) in deep respect.

Bowing also, Nevetsecnuac reciprocated the courtesy.

“The honor is mine, sir, to have even met by half measure your outstanding abilities.”

 He next voiced his heart felt desire to become Zonar’s tyro (novice, trainee, acolyte, follower, student).

“Though a feasible consideration, it’s not convenient for me to accede at this time.” Clenching his fist and musing, Zonar looked away in silence.

 Zonar was in fact beginning to worry, having lingered in one spot (and time zone) far too long; therefore, risking being discovered by his ardent nemesis bent on his destruction.

 Stealing a glance at Nevetsecnuac from the corner of his eye, he further mused, “Yes in many ways, you remind me of Tuko.  Had my mortal younger brother, survived the massacre he may have turned out exactly like you.  But no!  It’s not time yet… And furthermore, with so much at stake, I can ill afford the indolence of sentiment, hence, jeopardy (risk, hazard).”  Nevertheless, he felt constrained to give Nevetsecnuac, a palpable (tangible, convincing) excuse.

“I am tempted, sir. But I fear that such, is out of the question!” Zonar finally spoke in a restrained, somber voice.

He bit his lip, “To befriend you, my sworn enemy? Wenjenkun and Korion, two strong adversary nations, will not do; for long exists the lethal animosity, toxic rivalry between (our countrymen) both.” 

 He knit his brows and with clenched fists, he simply looked away.

 “Ney; for it would mean violating every fabric of my…. and forsaking loyalty to my Sovereign.  How can I then, face my countrymen with dignity?”

08- NEVETSECNUAC DISSAPPOINTED

As Nevetsecnuac, eyeing him curiously, remained lost for words, Zonar forced a smile onto his pallid lips then, as if in an afterthought, faced Nevetsecnuac and inclined his head gallantly.  

“My name, sir, in all confidence, is Zonar Kuntzu.  I’m a native of Korion, born thirty-two years ago.  That much I will divulge, for you have well earned the right to know it.  We will be meeting again, though under what circumstances I cannot rightly predict.  I pray, however, that when that happens you will not judge me too harshly.  Each of us must follow the bidding of our loyal heart.  Remember well my parting words: ‘Even if I fail, I will not fail.’ “

Nevetsecnuac bowed to him in gratitude for the civil negation (rejection, snub) but, when he lifted his eyes to confess his own true name, the words froze on his tongue for, once more, Zonar had vanished into thin air without a trace.

Nevetsecnuac nodded his head in deep understanding.

“Yes, we are kindred spirits and, it is evident we share similar fate. Zonar Kuntzu, bound by duty, you are also headed for that uncertain future (prospects)! Existing briefly perhaps on this Earth, though more certainly me, we stive hard to accomplish that vital and arduous task, for which only we are destined to do.”

“Till we meet again my friend; I am Nevetsecnuac Alric Therran Valamir.” Nevetsecnuac whispered after Zonar, his eyes brimmed with tears.  

“I wish you well and, bid you fond farewell, my esteemed, elder brother.”

 Nevetsecnuac subsequently retrieved the gift, the sword, and after wiping the blade clean and sheathing it (placing it back in its scabbard), inwardly invoked the word: Lomelak. The magnificent sword (with its casing) instantly shrunk and reverted to an ordinary writing brush. Nevetsecnuac was ecstatic; he’d never owned a magical sword before. Desiring to test it again, he this time inwardly uttered (articulated) the word: Lohcnilik. Lo and behold, the writing brush instantly became the magnificent, sheathed sword again. And when it was again transformed into a writing brush, jubilant (thrilled) Nevetsecnuac secured it on his person. He then quickly gathered up his belongings and, not looking back, catapulted onto his horse, and raced towards the Capital, the mare’s hooves churning up a cloud of dust behind him.

                                                                                 ~

(End of Section 4)                                                                     

 

THE DRAGON LONGZE AND THE LOST DAUGHTER BERDIS - PART 2 (Original story By Bost 2025)

 THE DRAGON LONGZE AND THE LOST DAUGHTER BERDIS - PART 2

(ORIGINAL STROY BY BOST 2025)

 

Temuz’s feet was suddenly bolted to the ground and, with his arms fastened to either side of him like led weights, try as he might he could not move a single muscle, nor could he take a single step forward. That same instant, his mouth had contorted in pain, as the look in his eyes indicated dread, for he had just then grasped the gravity of his predicament (situation); ahh, but bit too late! 

01- TEMUZ (7)

Subsequently, the rising gale winds that had mercilessly thrashed him had also heralded the dark, ominous clouds overhead, instantly turning day into night. Then came the torrential downpours, a deluge, but it all fell only on him; Berdis few feet away remained totally dry. Angry skies repetitively thundered and shook the very ground which he stood; but worse was yet to come, a streak of lightening next finding its mark, Temuz’s body just then was set alight (busted into flames).

02- TEMUZ (HIT BY LIGHTENING)

 And promptly, he was reduced to a large heap of ash! Berdis, meanwhile, witnessing all this, in fright had collapsed suddenly on the moss-covered ground, unconscious yet breathing.

03- BERDIS (8)

When she came to, the shocking event suddenly recollected, her face turned ghostly white, but not a single alarming cry escaped her lips; instead, she had simply sat there on the ground, in numbed state, barely listening to Longze’s rationalizations (explanative) and urgent appeals (entreaties) ringing in her head. She had never seen anyone perish (die) in front of her before, let alone someone she knew, though detested.

Later that afternoon Berdis had quietly returned to her home and gone straight to her room. She had said nothing to her parents even though her pallid complexion had greatly alarmed her mother, Elin.  Berdis had obligingly ingested (swallowed, consumed) some chicken bouillon, a nourishing soup, and was allowed to retire early to bed that evening. Her ill health, and melancholy state did not dissipate following morning but rather, lasted for nearly a week.

The whole village, meanwhile, was cast in tumult, when Temuz and his bond servant’s sudden mysterious disappearances without a trace, was discovered. For weeks, dire speculations, unfounded accusations and unsolicited (unwelcome) ominous predictions wildly circulated, fingers pointing at likely culprits, all the while causing emotional soup of fear, grief, anger and foreboding, not only among his immediate family and wide network of friends but also, with countless others that had dealings (favorable or otherwise) with Temuz in the village. Some of Temuz’s closest friends, recalling Berdis’s demeaning (belittling) rejection of Temuz at the dance earlier on, now put their heads together in conspiratorial whispers against Berdis, suspecting that somehow, she must have begotten (caused) this trouble. Some even shunned her or spread nasty rumours about her, even deeming her unlucky and ill-fated.  All expanded efforts searching for Temuz, meanwhile, lasting for weeks and months, had all been in vain:  no resolution, no answer came forth despite the indebt investigation; this eventually forced the authorities to register the disappearances of both in official report, as unresolved, unexplained phenomenon.

Eventually, things in the village had quieted down and ordinary life seemingly returned to norm, especially since summer was nearing its end, and soon there would be the Autumn Harvest Festival. Subsequent days, the activity in the village was electric; the air was permeated with excitement as all neighbours congregated in the community hall, planning the future Autumn Harvest celebrations. 

Reluctantly, Alec and Elin had participated in some of the ongoing rush of events, even though their hearts were not in it. By then, also not wishing to worsen Berdis’s malady, Alec and Elin had temporarily postponed making any final decision about Berdis’s prospects (nuptial), which by the way, had been greatly diminished.  They were quite contented, meanwhile, because Berdis now a subdued, proper young lady, rarely went out lone on excursions, and even then, she never ventured too far. Even so, many of her friends had now kept their distance and furthermore, Berdis’s introverted traits being unusual- consistently sequestered in her room reading horticulture books and taking notes on medicinal herbs, and as oft she seemed, distracted, moody or unhappy- inaudibly concerned, her mother, Elin.

Back at the mountain cave, meanwhile, Dragon Longze had just finished paying for his past violation, when barely released from his chains, he was now informed of a new charge, having already been found guilty in absentia, of his breach (infringement), of yet another forbidden, stringent Heavenly rule. Any intimacy or love relations was strictly prohibited between divine(immortal) and the mortal beings. When he had hopelessly fallen in love with a mortal being, his transgression had condemned him.

05 -DRAGON LONGZE (10)

Longze hence, was summoned at once to Heaven’s court, to answer this charge and to submit to his dire punishment.  Even though some had pleaded on his behalf, he was still given the only recourse (option) as recompense sentence (verdict):  to either forever forsake his love, Berdis, and incinerate her, or suffer as penance (fine, punishment) the Hundred Heavenly Thunderbolts, an extreme chastisement which none had ever survived; and on the unlikely chance he did, he would  thereafter be deprived (stripped) of his immortality. Kneeling before the Heavenly Court, he had begged for the opportunity to first contact her, before he gave his final decision. Though reluctantly, he was given this singular chance.

06--DRAGON LONGZE (5)

That night he had appeared to her in his, almost-human form, in a dream and truthfully explained his reasons for his long abstinence. He had not forsaken her, far from it, he’d done his best to alter the course of their otherwise doomed relationship, the forbidden love and the inevitably consequential tragic fate (certain outcome,) that had awaited them both. He had then asked tentatively, if she still carried the flames of passion (love) for him in her heart. She had looked at him, unafraid and straight in the eye, hurt registering in her pupils temporarily for his doubting her affection, and then nodded in the affirmative.

 “Yes,” she had then declared resolutely and, with deep emotion in her voice, “I have never once, stopped loving you.”

His heart in ruptures, he had manifested (in absolute human form) in her room, and she also awakened, presently on her feet, for a moment they had simply stared at each other.  Then he smiled and drew near to passionately embraced her, afterwards, lowering his head, he tenderly kissed her rosy lips. But then quickly pulled away and shook his head. “First, however, you must be in the know…. “Longze hesitated, looking grim, then forcing calm to his voice he slowly, hence, began recounting (relaying) albeit grave consequences, of what their forbidden love entailed:

After his punishment of Heavenly thunderbolts (he’d purposely omitted the number hundred, insinuating instead that it would only be couple of bolts), he would then be stripped of all his innate (divine) powers of immortality and then be cast on earth, to live a single lifetime, with his beloved Berdis, if fortune favored them. He reiterated, making sure she understood the full implications, that he and she would be cast forlorn and helpless, him a mere mortal being, in some distant, foreign lands where they would have to rely only on their own devices, receiving no support or backing, from Heaven, relations or friends. She may suffer greatly from being segregated (separated) from her parents, the comforts of home, the routine life in the village, all that she had known, loved and cherished in her growing years. Together they would survive and perhaps even thrive, but at a cost to her, and this fact(ached) deeply pained his heart. Then, his voice strong and resolute, he avowed to love and protect her to the best of his abilities, to cherish and provide for her to the end of his mortal existence. Falling silent momentarily, however, he looked up at her to somberly confess, that he had no certain way of knowing or predicting what his future physical shape or abilities would be. He bit the corner of his lover  lip, as he silently considered his inner dread that after his punishment he could be disfigured or worse; then, forcing a smile to his lips, he had quietly asked, “When we meet again, I may appear far different from this current physical form; please consider this carefully, are you still willing to take this great risk, simply on a leap of fate, just to attain this singular chance at happiness with me?”

07-DRAGON LONGZE (12)

She had nodded without hesitation and stanchly (steadfastly) said, “Yes.”  Then went on to add that life’s uncertainties (unpredictability) had never frightened her, however, possibility of loosing his love did. She would willingly go through fire, literally, to be with him. 

He was so touched, tears pricked his eyes, and he reached out to gently hold (grip) her hand; turning it over, he raised it to his lips and tenderly kissed the palm of her hand, which was a symbolic gesture, a pledge of his deep, eternal love for her.

And all this was observed in Heaven, not just by his supporters but all, even those ardent opponents (critics) who by having witnessed this rare fervour (zeal), courage, this unequivocal(undeniable) deep affection (love) and unwavering devotion (dedication, fidelity), resultantly hence, had wavered (faltered) in their staunch resolve.

Meanwhile back on earth, from that night on, anticipation of joy, hope and love along with melancholy and worry (chiefly for him), in continuous emotion, though alternately (by turns) had existed in Berdis’s heart. That was partially the reason for her solitude and oft manifest mixed emotions: as her heart habitually palpitated, basking (delighting in,) in Longze’s deep professed love, while her mind considered all that she would be leavening behind, and the myriad (innumerable) possibilities their future entailed. Additionally, her mind also was beset with silent worry about the outcome of his impending (looming) punishment; knowing his nature, she had guessed (supposed) he had not fully disclosed to her, the full gravity (extent) of his sentence (penalty).

                                                                                          ~

In the village, the Autumn Harvest Festival celebrations, which lasted for a week, was now in full swing. During one such event in which all the eligible young people had obligingly participated in symbolic harvesting the terraces, a small measure of the strips of ripened wheat fields that had been purposely left untouched- they had not been long at it when one of the girls, one called Helga, coincidentally one noted for her beauty, joyfully cried aloud having found a specific purple flower.

08- HELGA

 Everyone hurried over to at once congratulate her for this, artfully implanted, though purportedly (ostensibly) rare and most fortunate find, which foretold that a brave admirer would soon be on his way to her father’s dwelling to claim her hand in marriage.  The girl blushing crimson, quickly tucking the trophy to her bosom, awkwardly intoned her thanks to all the well wishers and then rushed off to home to relate this good knows to her parents.

That same instant, one of the young men (a distant cousin of Temuz) who happened to be the local blacksmith (the metalworker) and more importantly a malevolent person well-known in the community for his prophetic, ominous predictions, supernatural powers, had noted Berdis’s unease as she had stood aloof off to the side. Langu looking more intently, spied in Berdis’s hand before she could conceal it, impromptu (unplanned, yet genuine), another specific purple wildflower: though this one had two purple blossoms, a much rarer find, more importantly, it had an ominous red stem and leaves.

09-  BERDIS (29)

Excitement bursting in his chest, “Dragon comes!” At once an alarmed cry rang out from Langu.  “The ominous blossoms exist, check out the mark of the red stalk and leaves that is in her grasp!” He insisted in an urgent shout, drawing unwarranted attention to Berdis, and this time his accusatory finger pointed directly at Berdis’s hand, causing everyone gathered to take an intake of deep, fearful breath. All eyes mechanically next, turned to the sky, in search of, predicted, wrathful, baneful Dragon; for the sky had just then suddenly, ominously darkened, as the abruptly rising winds heralded the flotilla of clouds overhead, swiftly concealing the sun behind it.

Berdis subsequently had striven to run away, but Langu persisting with his dire warnings, “Beware all! Watch out for the sure signs...” he, same time, had maneuvered his body to effectively block her way and prevent her escape (flight). “The vengeful dragon, will soon emerge from the cave and seek his revenge on us all!” Langu had continued in his exaggerated tones (unaware of the danger he might beget self), accompanying his ardent words with the mimicked action of many facets of death.  “Run, run for your lives.” 

10-LANGU

He turned abruptly and burrowed his hard, suspicious, contemptuous eyes on Berdis. “You! You are in league with that dragon! You are also responsible for my cousin’s disappearance, and perhaps, untimely demise, I know it!” In a venomous whisper, he hissed (murmured). “I will expose you; you wait and see! “

Berdis stockily met Langu’s accusatory glare and simply shrugged.  Her eyes next, with an unreadable expression regarded the purple flower with red stem and red leaves. Inwardly however, she was fighting to steady her heart and to contain her surging inner elation (joy), knowing what her find meant. She had been subtly given the answer, of the Heaven’s merciful verdict.  He’d survived his ordeal, his mated punishment, and soon, very soon, she would be reunited with her beloved Longze.

Langu’s eyes (popped)opened wide, as if he’d just then read her thoughts, as he loudly this time, (reiterated) screeched, “Berdis, she is in league with the Dragon!”

Some among the crowd of onlookers that had gathered, shook their head as if to say, this was bit too much… Suddenly, rounds of laughter erupted spontaneously in waves, as everyone thought that Langu was playing a prank on them, a cruel one at that, just to frighten them and to augment the excitement of the festivities.

Berdis ceasing this opportunity, hastily tugged the precious find into her pocket and darted away, this time successfully.

Of course, no Dragon manifested; furthermore, Langu’s dramatics lost its effect entirely when just then the sudden downpours had everyone running for cover. And, before long all that hype was forgotten, save for Langu who had menacingly and doggedly from then on kept a surreptitious eye on Berdis.

Some things are never put off, even though the numerous events and festivities had many villager’s schedules hectic, and multitudes franticly engaged. Surprisingly at dawn one day, a representative matchmaker of Overseer (supervisor) Kendo Ren, who was from another prominent family, laden with gifts, had formally called at Alec and Elis’s home, to put forward this time a more persuasive proposal for Berdis’s hand in marriage. Supervisor Kendo Ren was way older than Berdis, but he enjoyed such renown (fame) for his aptitude, dexterity and courage especially in the last skirmish (scuffle, fray, fight)  that had secured the highways, including the one leading to their village, from relentless highwaymen, permanently eliminating threat from the notorious White Hawk Gang, that Berdis’s parents accepted him readily at once as an apt suitor for their daughter.  They had long suspected the cause of Berdis’s malady being her secret infatuation of a malevolent spirit; hence, Alec and Elin’s decision had been based on the dire hope that Kendo Ren, with his proficiency as a warrior, would ultimately rescue Berdis from the clutches of that harmful, phantom spirit.

11- KENDO REN

Berdis, when informed of her parent’s decision, did not express any objections to the suitor’s age or give any other plausible reason; she simply shook her head in the negative, clearly rejecting the marriage proposal. Her parents spent the entire night arguing the point between them. By the following day, with their mind set, ascribing the young daughter’s hesitancy to maidenly fear, they went ahead anyway and fixed the date for the upcoming nuptials. Elin, despite her intuitive worry, for Berdis had remained adamant despite pressure, that she would never acquiesce to this match, chose instead, to busy herself for the next couple of weeks with the customary preparations. The wedding date was fast approaching and on the fifth of November, three days after Berdis’s sixteenth birthday hence, the Overseer (supervisor) Kendo Ren would present himself in person, in full regalia, with pomp and ceremony, with a contingent (delegation) of mounted men, at their door, to collect his bride. The wedding celebrations would then take place in his residence, lasting, at least four weeks, owing to his importance.

Alec and Elin had no way of knowing of course that, on the day Berdis had found that two purple blooms on a single red stem, in her heart of hearts she’d understanding its message. Subsequently, she had covertly visited the  forbidden zone one last time, and in front of then sealed cave’s entrance, sitting on a rock, under that broad-topped young pine whose leaves whispered in the gentle murmur of the air in the evening hours when the twilight steals by with night on its heels, she had declared openly , her voice resonating in  the air, her affirmed, avowed fidelity to Longze. 

12- BERDIS

                                           ~                                       

Two days prior, to the day November 5^th, that was to be her marriage date, she donned her best garments, arranged her hair according to the tradition of her village and wore all her maiden ornaments in beautiful array.  With a smile, she then came forth just before dusk and presented herself to her parents.

“I am sorry to have caused you so much worry,” She said, “It is time for me to now, take my leave of you. My place is with my intended, future husband, Longze, who is patiently waiting for me at this moment, to whisk me away.”

Her face was radiant with joy, and the parents, thinking what she had said was a fanciful way of expressing her acquiescence to their plans, and that Longze was a nickname she’d given to her intended, nodded their ready acquiescence (consent). They had of course expected her to now, to go forth and have that clandestine meeting with her intended suitor Kendo Ren, as this was the accepted norm, before the actual wedding day. 

Her father Alec had stood at the doorway and wished his precious daughter Berdis plentiful good fortune in her anticipated, happy meeting with her soon to be husband, and then briskly turned on his heels and went inside, not wishing for his daughter to witness fresh tears just then brimming in his eyes. Her mother Elin had accompanied Berdis, part of the way.

"I leave you with some trepidation in my heart," Berdis said finally, in a somber tone, when they had halted their steps; from thence, they would part.  "Joyful as this event is, my heart is beset with sadness for I am going from one who has loved and nurtured me since my infancy; one who has guarded my youth; who has given me medicine when I was sick and taught me to cook and sew.” Turning to take one last teary-eyed look at her childhood home, she added. “I am going from a father who diligently kept us safe from all danger, as he oft has ranged the forest to procure the choicest meat and furs, and liberally had his home supplied with food and warmth.  I am going from a place which has been my shelter from the harsh storms of winter, and my shield from the heat of summer. My gratitude is boundless for all that you’ve both done for me. I love you both dearly; but now I must leave you. Farewell, my beloved mother,” Berdis looked at her home one last time and mouthed the words, “farewell also, my respected father, farewell!"

And then, she sped faster than any could follow to the periphery (margin, edge) of the fairy wood, and in a moment, she was lost to sight.

That night Alec and Elin seated by the fire, with mixed emotions had patiently awaited till small hours for her safe return. Subsequent day was the waiting day, which all would rest, reflect and pray, just one day before the big day, the joyful event that would unite their precious Berdis with Kendo Ren formally (legally) before the assembled key witnesses and officials, in an anticipated, blissful matrimonial ceremony.

Time passed.  Hour followed yet another hour, as the clouds of evening rolled up in the west; darkness faded eventually and, the first daylight was about to be manifest in the east, yet Berdis had still not returned. 

They jumped from their seat at a loud knock on the door at down, and with pounding hearts, rushed to open it. But instead of Berdis, they came face to face with the forlorn and decidedly angry face of the bridegroom to be, who demanded an explanation for this insult.

13- ANGRY KENDO REN

He had gone through a lot of trouble the night before, with magnificent preparations (arrangements), to woo (court, flatter) Berdis with words of passion, sonnets, gifts of food, wine, music and personal tokens of love, ancestral jewellery to be bestowed on her. He’d patiently waited all night long at the rendezvous point for hours on end, his steps (boots) to and for wearing out the ground and ultimately, his patience, but she had failed to show up. He demanded an explanation for this great breach of etiquette and time-honoured custom (tradition, ritual).

Alec and Elin were mystified and bit horrified at this unimagined outcome; they were of course beset with silent worry thinking some grave mishap must have befallen her. They carefully, meticulously enumerated, the last night’s spoken words and events, in their head, still disbelieving their senses, instead, seeking any plausible explanation for this unexpected outcome.

Kendo Ren had great influence and power not just in the village but in the entire region; and because of his prominence, soon, many armed men were dispatched (rounded up) , utilized, spread about, some on horseback, searching the byways, steep hills, the periphery shoreline of the lake, wilderness and whereabouts, even trespassing into the forbidden zone, in an exhaustive, thorough search of Berdis. The all-encompassing search had lasted all day and night; at night with torches lit, they (examined) still investigated every dark recess of the mountain, probed each and every chasm (crevice), combed every leafy brush, examined every disturbance on the ground (tracks belonging to wildlife or men), still it had been in vain. The huge cave entrance meanwhile had been sealed, it was solidified into a mountain, and the cavern existed no more. Nor did they care. They hoped it had sealed and imprisoned the dreaded Dragon there permanently. At least that was something to be thankful for.

14- KENDO REN

Kendo Ren’s rage could not be so easily assuaged; though he concealed his innate nature well, he was in truth an arrogant, possessive, cruel and spiteful warrior who’d always gotten his way. Moreover, Kendo Ren had, for a long time secretly lusted (hankered) after Berdis, and when Temuz’s proposal of marriage had been accepted, incensed Kendo Ren had then made certain arrangements to bring about Temuz’s accidental, premature demise (death). But before this was to happen, Temuz had gone missing, robbing Kendo of the satisfaction of personally illuminating his rival. Now after the extensive search, having failed to yet again possess Berdis, he’d now sought to utterly destroy her parents Alec and Elin, for his unrequited lust and, as scant satisfaction, of his need for revenge.

It took some doing but eventually Kendo Ren was persuaded by the influential officials from his village, to instead, merry Helga. She was vein true, but also well endowed; moreover, on her seventeenth birthday, just shy of three months, she would be bequeathed with an additional wealth, a sizeable inheritance left to her by her only uncle, an enigmatic adventurer, who had never married or sired any known children. Joining her in matrimony will enhance his wealth and power, and so he had opportunely altered his (nuptial) plans and thought of Berdis no more.

Many suns rose and set, and in time all forgot the existence of Berdis, save for her parents. They had endlessly, in lamentation oft at night called out her name, but she answered not.  Nevermore in their light did the bereaved parent’s eyes behold the lost form of their beloved child. Soon they had to come to grips with a harsh reality: their beloved daughter had been lost to them forever. Wherever she had vanished, it was to a place no mortal eyes could see, and no mortal tongue could tell.

15-DRAGON LONGZE (8)

Essentially, when the Dragon Longze was first freed from his chains and  emerged from the cave: before his going to Heaven to answer for the new charges, it had been him that with his magic breath that had permanently sealed the entrance of the cave, forming an impenetrable, solid, charred rockface, so that no other would ever be held captive there ever again.

Afterwards, he had gone to Heaven and had suffered the extreme punishment of 100 Heavenly thunderbolts. He had endured the unimaginable torment and furthermore, survived just so he could be with his beloved Berdis. He could not allow himself to expire, not when he was so close to fulfilling his heart’s desire. His love had sustained him through the searing flames slicing, carving deep lines in his flesh and bones, the agonizing, soul shattering bolts that threatened to unhinge his mind.

He remained most grateful to his friends that had unstintingly cared for him after the fact, tended to his wounds and soon as the danger had passed and he was able, though a deep scar on his right cheek now marred his beautiful face and his left arm was permanently debilitated (hindered, encumbered), he had not with resentment but with humility, knelt before the Heavenly Mighty God and accepted, his just, final verdict.

Heaven being (lenient) merciful, he was manifested back at the mortal realm, in perfect health, as the same handsome young man of twenty with long, cascading blond hair and grey blue eyes, the same image he’d assumed in his last encounter with Berdis. 

16- DRAGON LONGZE WAITING FOR BERDIS

He had patiently waited that night, there under the canopy of infinite no of stars and moonlit sky, at the mouth of the old cave, for her to come to him. She did not disappoint his trust; and joyfully reunited with her, the two then embraced and closed their eyes; instantly they were cast (transported) to a distant land, but not an inhospitable one, for Heaven was compassionate and forbearing (tolerant, forgiving).

Longze and Berdis settled down in a modest dwelling, perched on the remote, however picturesque, segment of the majestic mountain, with cascading waterfalls and breathtaking scenery.  These mountain rages and the surrounding area, being at the periphery, was still under the jurisdiction, therefore apt protection of a just kingdom.

They mostly kept to themselves, though the monastery and the two towns nearby, still at some distance, provided Longze and Berdis with the necessary, annual provisions they could not otherwise attain. There, in their humble dwelling they lived happily ever after in perfect, blissful existence, Longze earning a living through hunting with abundant game on this high elevation (not altogether hostile topography, beside the densely forested mountain range); and Berdis, contributing to their livelihood, by being a healer, as she had some knowledge of the healing herbs.  She often gathered wild herbs that was found sometimes only on the mountain slopes (gradient, incline, hill), and categorized these accordingly, using them as treatment for myriad (innumerable) afflictions. And so, they lived peacefully ever after, till their hair turned grey, surrounded by three beautiful children, and two boys and a girl and many grandchildren.

The End.

 

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE STATE OF THINGS - SECTION 8

Once again, seated across from Serek Vern (Fradel), Dokurek explained, "I did not take that precaution for my own sake, you understand.  I know that you trust them, but one can never fathom the depths of another man's heart."  The old man shrugged.

The possibility of his men being informants was unthinkable.  They'd been with Fradel as long as he could remember but, so as not to antagonize Dokurek, he stilled the protests on his tongue and let the old man collect his thoughts.

"All right, I suppose I should start with the scholar Taok Therkan.", Dokurek commenced.

01- TAOK THERKAN

Taok Therkan, Fradel learned, was a brilliant, prolific writer and a just minister.  While still in his teens Taok had summarized his political thoughts in several brilliant works that were then circulated among the literati and politicians alike, winning him both instant fame and a reputation for controversy.

“But then with the political shift, the freedom of speech, once widely enjoyed under the old regime, was the first casualty, first tenet to disappear under the rule of Zakhertan Yozdek.” Dokurek dismally shook his head. “But hey, I’m getting ahead of myself…. Let me see, yes, from the first day Taok Therkan had assumed office; he had fought uncompromisingly against corruption in the court, continued to do so, right up to his untimely end.”

“Earlier on, becoming acutely aware of the deep roots of the corruption and the manifest danger to the reigning monarch Taok had, against all friendly advice, sent in his memorial, to His Highness Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir.  In it he strongly advocated positive reforms to be carried out in the government that would have curtailed the influence and power of certain military and civil officials and their cohorts among the dominant gentry.  Though he had carefully avoided using any names, a specific reference to a matter overseen by the office of the Minister of War had earned the good minister Taok the undying animosity of Ovan Kustan.”

02-  MINISTER OF WAR OVAN KUSTAN

“Minister of War Ovan Kustan was not a man to be crossed.  With the cooperation of the Prime Minister, Morvald, and the blessings of Field Marshall Zakhertan Yozdek, he used his powerful clique at court to accuse Taok Therkan of such heinous crimes that his instant execution was a certainty.  However, the benevolent and wise Majesty (Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir) favored Taok's integrity and suspected foul play.  His Highness ordered another independent, in-depth inquiry into the incident.  Unfortunately, the efforts of the investigators were obstructed from the start.  His Royal Highness Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir, in his wisdom, still suspected a conspiracy, even though no proof could be obtained that would substantiate his intuition and extricate Taok from blame.” 

“Taking into consideration Taok's invaluable service to His Highness and the State, the extreme penalty was hence averted; Taok Therkan was instead, demoted to the rank of Census Official and banished to the remote frontier province of Birgerchi.”

Dokurek’s father had played host to the good minister on his way into exile; during which time, Taok had left such an indelible impression on Dokurek’s younger brother Yutzu that he decided to follow a literati pursuit instead of a military calling.

In exile Taok had continued to serve his Monarch with unwavering loyally for seven more years. Birgerchi prospered and citizens enjoyed lasting peace following Taok’s precedent guidelines of not accepting any bribes and benefiting from Taok’s expanded administrative obligations to run a judicious office. 

Zakhertan Yozdek, meanwhile, was amassing greater power through land acquisitions and secret military buildup, furthering his influence in Court through a strategic marriage to then Prime Minister Morvald’s younger sister Bera. 

“When news of the conspiracy by the Yozdek family to depose His Highness Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir reached Taok’s ear, he made several attempts to contact the Monarch and warn him of the impending danger.  All his attempts failed, however, due to the Therkan family's interference.  The dominant matriarch of the Therkan family opposing Taok’s ideals successfully intercepted or killed every courier and destroyed every warning letter Taok sent to the Royal household.  Taok was then forcibly incarcerated in his own home like a criminal and forbidden by the Therkan family to interact with any outsiders until Zakhertan Yozdek had completed his plans to depose HRH Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir.”

“After an episode of illness from which he nearly died, Taok suddenly made a remarkable recovery and, under the very noses of his powerful family, began a subversive movement.  His followers began distributing his unsigned works, exposing the treachery and brutality of Zakhertan Yozdek, the widespread corruption at Court, the hypocritical rule and the evil oppression of the present regime.” 

“These works helped rally scholars throughout the country to the cause of the restoration of the old Dynasty.  The timing was exactly right to favor their cause.  Zakhertan Yozdek's main concern at this time was with the consolidation of power within the workings of the bureaucracy and with crushing the pockets of resistance that had sprung up under a few rebel Lords, such as Lord Shonne Gulbrand.  On top of this there emerged a growing threat from the Alvacon Tribe in the Northeast Territories.”

“The intellectual leaders of this insurgent group were in the midst of plotting a major armed rebellion when a disgruntled new officer, passed over for elevation from the lower ranks, turned informant and alerted Zakhertan Yozdek to the growing danger.  The Palace guards were immediately dispatched under the strictest secrecy to bring Taok Therkan back to the Capital where he would be charged with treason, tried and convicted.  Zakhertan Yozdek wanted the list of all the leaders in his hands and, the precise details of the planned uprising, information his informant could not provide, even when subjected to extreme torture.

Unfortunately, Taok had received word of his impending arrest too late, to realize an effective escape.  What little time he had left he used it, to commit all the incriminating documents to the fire and to send words to others to stay clear.  He then torched his study with himself still at his desk.  The leaping flames quickly spread to reduce the whole house to ashes (cinders) within a matter of minutes.”

“The infuriated Zakhertan Yozdek responded with a brutal purge.  Selecting the ruthless Black Band Guard Regiment, he set them on one of our history's most vengeful, ruthless campaigns of suppression ever.  Pockets of resistance were quickly quashed.  All too unsuspecting scholars were rounded up and, regardless of innocence or proof of rebellion, were buried, layer upon layer, quite systematically in mass graves.”

“More than twenty thousand people suspected of collaborating with the scholars were killed in public spectacles of torture, slow strangulation, flailing, beheading, or were simply burned tied to a pole in the marketplace.  This vicious purge continued for a year after Taok's death with unabated, unequivocal force.  The subsequent three years of this witch-hunt were so severe that they threw the country into chaos and threatened national security.”

"In that dark, oppressive time there was no end to the atrocities, indiscriminate killings and mass poisonings.  Under such pressure many implicated their colleagues, neighbors and even blood relatives in order to lighten their own sentence or extricate themselves from blame.  Some, taking the law into their own hands, murdered the suspected dissidents so as to avoid incrimination by association.  The purges were so severe, none escaped Zakhertan Yozdek’s wrath."  Dokurek dropped his head, "That was truly a dark, dark time in our history.  History is what gives men a sense of belonging.  History is what distinguishes man from the wild beasts who have no awareness, no conscious past.  My father preached that all the time, yet I would gladly expunge (erase) that period of history from my memory."

It had become clear to Fradel that Dokurek carried in the recesses of his heart some burden of guilt.

"But, even after a supposed return to normalcy, a Royal decree muted everyone from expressing the least discord or criticism of the policies and harsh laws imposed by the new regime.  The consequences of the minutest disobedience were met by public execution of the offender and the extermination of their families down to the fourth generation, followed by the confiscation of all properties to be sold by the state.  You know where I’m going with this?” He suddenly looked up but resumed his tirade.  “Meanwhile, anyone, regardless of age or gender harboring fugitives or possessing any inflammatory forbidden books or pamphlets were deemed guilty and, without benefit of trial, promptly executed on the spot. All the reminder of their family members was then rounded-up, tattooed on the face and sent in chains to serve a cruel sentence of hard labor for life.” He shook his head dismally.

“And many, many more restrictions were also put into place, but it would take me too long to list them all.  Suffice to say, this was the most dangerous time to have any enemies; for the least discord would lead to a false accusation with incriminating evidence planted to ensure imminent destruction.  A few select schools were allowed to function in government facilities, under the strictest supervision and constant monitoring to ensure adherence to state propaganda.” He fell silent for a while, pondering on a concern.  But then dismissed it all with a wave of a hand and continued on, relieved to be releasing some of this pent-up anger and concern to a sympathetic ear.

"Officials failing in their duty to immediately root out the suspected dissidents and subversives from their area faced spontaneous demotion or banishment to the remotest regions.  Did I say this already?”  But again, not waiting for an answer resumed his narrative. “So, we all did what was required of us without thinking, without questioning.  In our fear we misinterpreted signs, heard careless words and..."

With a strange, mad gleam in his eyes, Dokurek dropped his head to stare at his palms then agitatedly rubbed them over his pant legs.  He raised his head but fell abruptly silent again and looked down.  Fradel with sympathetic concern observed Dokurek’s sudden new distraction, a frayed cut in his trousers, which he absentmindedly dug his index finger in it.

 Checking himself a moment later, Dokurek looked up and explained bashfully, "You know, at one time I would not have considered wearing a pair of pants more than once.  But now..."  He shook his head then, after a momentary silence, continued, "I've done a lot of things of which I'm ashamed, but I hope you understand.  I did them so as to survive.  That, and as well, I was misguided.  Alas, I came to know the error of my way a bit too late to do anything about it." 

Fradel gave a sympathetic nod, refraining from making any rash judgments.

03- YUTZU

Dokurek appreciatively continued on, how his own younger brother, Yutzu, had been recruited to the doomed cause of Taok Therkan from the start.  Remarkably, Yutzu had survived the purges to continue the underground struggle and become one of the leaders of the “Red Bandanna Resistance”.

"Of course I had no way of knowing this,” Dokurek protested. 

"How could I when, for nearly a decade, we had lost touch?"  He threw his hands into the air in animated exasperation. 

"Since childhood we have always been at odds on every issue.  We'd never seen eye to eye, never agreed on anything, however trivial.  I was always the pragmatist; he was the idealist.”

 “After the death of our parents, one day we’d had a dreadful row on a concern, I cannot recall what.  Meanwhile, we had both uttered words that wounded deeply and one, we could not take back and so, I divided up the inheritance and we each went our separate ways.  As far as I was concerned, he was a dead man. I forbade my wife, the household staff and others to never ever mention his name.  How was I to know he'd still drag me into the cesspool of his own misfortune?”

“As it was the most sensible thing to do, I enlisted in Zakhertan Yozdek’s service.  I saw His Highness as our savior, a charismatic, strong leader, one our nation needed badly for strength and stability.  I erroneously blamed the Sovereign Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir for all the ills of society and the rampant corruption at court.  I swallowed the whole propaganda that deemed Zuronghan a weak, ineffective ruler who deserved to be toppled.  What can I say?  I was beguiled.”

04- DOKUREK'S WIFE KELI

"Ah, but that’s not all. Soon after my recruitment, Zakhertan Yozdek recognized my talents and put me to good use.  I was a brilliant and promising engineer, you see.  You are the only one who knows this, but I was the builder of these Pitfalls.  One in particular, I believe, was used to trap a prominent, influential traitor, or perhaps a member of the Royal Family.  Of course I was not allowed to see who, nor did I wish to know, for all who were directly involved were put to death immediately afterwards.  Too much information can be detrimental to one's health, so I kept my nose out of it.”

"After it was all over and the struggle for power ended Zakhertan Yozdek, settled securely on his stolen throne, rewarded me generously for my contributions. Even as the country was being swept by the putrid tide of the purges, I'd kept my head above water and had remained secure in my privileged position, untouched by it all."

Dokurek shook his head, "But Yutzu, again surfaced as the bane of my Life.  I should have expected it, really, should have known that he'd be at the crux of it all.  Too late I'd learned he was a rebel.”

"Yes, it all came crushing down on my head that autumn day when my once secure and comfortable existence came to an abrupt end.  You see, I'd been away from home on official business for several weeks.  On my way back I suddenly realized that I'd neglected to get my wife the usual gift.  She'd be expecting one.  I loved her dearly and had no wish to disappoint her.”

“Way before this, during the time of spring festival, as we’d strolled the streets around Hekoler Temple she had taken a fancy to an antique jade pin in one of the pawn shops there, so I steered off course, to see if I could purchase it for her. “

“Oh, you can imagine my surprise when I discovered on sale there another piece of jewelry, a jewel encrusted necklace I had given my wife for her twentieth birthday.  But the pawnbroker's records were in order, after some serious negotiations he named a satisfactory sum for it.  Containing my fury, I purchased it back and rushed home to confront my wife with it.

"Would you believe it, there was another surprise waiting for me there, my cursed brother!  I needed no explanation; I knew then the cause of my wife's indiscretion.  I lashed out at him Like a mad dog, letting lose all those years of pent-up anger and disappointment.  During this heated exchange he shouted his defiant, treasonous tenets right to my face. Was I supposed to believe his embroidered yarn?  Supposedly, after his meeting with the other surviving leaders of the underground, he'd succumbed to an attack by bandits on his return journey.  Being stranded in this province without any means of getting back, he'd swallowed his pride and came to ask for my aid, though I suspect it was my wife's sympathies and help he was really after.  Surely, he would have gotten away with it too had I not returned home earlier than expected.”

"Overcoming my shock, livid, I was about to revile him further and threaten him with disclosure, just to scare him, mind you, when a noise outside distracted us both.  At once I rushed out to investigate but found no one there.  Nevertheless, I was terror-struck!  I knew the calamity or ruin this portended.  So, in frenzied fear of my life, I had him bound and gagged.”

"Seeing him again after such a long time, I confess, had rekindled within me the deep brotherly love I'd later supplanted with hate.  However different our views, he was still my little brother.  I paced the floor, to and for, in sheer panic while I pondered on the appropriate course of action.  I debated whether to turn him in to the authorities or to arrange for his escape.  I did not know just how much the spy had overheard and just how much this would implicate (incriminate) my family and my wife.  She had run off to her boudoir in tears before I could question her.”

“I was robbed of any decisive act however when the sudden presence of armed guards at my door was announced.  I was mortified when I learned that they already had the house surrounded and carried a warrant for the arrest of my brother and my wife.  And yes, I too was carried off to be charged (of this crime) as well, before the magistrate.  After a lengthy questioning and with some finagling I managed to establish my total innocence and loyal intentions, after all, Yutzu was already bound and gagged ready to be turned over to the authorities.”

“In the end it was my impeccable service record and the fact that I had been away and only just returned from a business trip that absolved me from blame.  Unfortunately, despite my best efforts and numerous bribes, I failed to extricate my wife from serious culpability.  In the end she was judged guilty of being an accomplice.”

04-ZURONGHAN ALRIC THERRAN VALAMIR

"The informant who had turned us into the authorities had trailed my brother for some time and compiled serious, incriminating data.  Furthermore, his damning testimony against my wife could not be refuted.  She'd been quoted as saying that her sympathies lay with the insurgents.  She'd loudly reviled the Yozdek regime and promised my brother her full support.  All this was news to me.  I had no idea that she understood politics much less that she had so passionately harbored such treasonous views.  I felt utterly betrayed and, what's more, despaired for my children's fate.  I only hoped that they were too young to have been contaminated by their mother's misled loyalties.  It's a funny thing with women; they seem on the outset so mindless, so frivolous..."  Dokurek dropped his head and, after a moment's pause, swallowed hard, holding back the welling tears.

He continued in a choked voice, "I was the ignoramus of true facts and real politics.  I was the one who had been misinformed, a misled, utter fool.  My brother was tortured to death.  He suffered an agonizing end, and I was made to watch it all, watch to his final hour, when he was no longer in any recognizable human form, watch until his last, labored breath expired.  He died once but I’ve died a hundredfold.  For days thereafter the pain seared my soul. I could not forget his eyes; those accusing eyes have left such an indelible gash in my heart to this day.”

“To my further shame, I was even too frightened to claim his body for burial and left it there for them to dispose of in the usual way.  His mutilated corpse was fed to the wild dogs at the nearest crossroads.  Because of my cowardly act I had been spared, but I could only guess at the terrible fate that awaited Yutzu's wife, my niece and nephew.  I prayed that their end was swifter than his had been, as swift as that of my wife's corpse that was left impaled on a soldier's spear at the same crossroads.

"Despite my acquittal, I was not let off that easily.  In the end my entire property was confiscated, and I was banished to the remote frontier with my two sons to live out the remainder of our days.” 

 

(END OF SECTION 8)

                                                                                      ~