LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 18

Soon as Tonng Yennik’s receding (diminishing) footsteps was heard going down the stairs, the door of Room Ten creaked open and the stranger, followed by his stout guard both, emerged at outside. After making sure there was no one loitering about in the hall, at his cue, his stout assistant promptly took up his post in front of Room Twelve while the stranger producing his master key, entered the room.    Once at the interior, he first briefly surveyed the layout of the room, considering (bearing in mind) with a calculating gleam in his eye, where Tonng Yennik had left his luggage.  Grinning wryly, he next, turned to the opposite end and decisively walked over to the anticipated, precise spot where Tonng Yennik would have secured the papers.  Retrieving the bundle from the cavity behind the loose wall paneling, he carefully removed the contents and studied them.  He nodded absentmindedly, his sinister grin showing a slight glee of satisfaction.

 Afterwards he carefully replaced it just as he had found it and, not disturbing anything else in the room, turned and swiftly went out (exited, left).

01- FAMOUS BATHOUSE- SPA (6)JPG

In one of the private bathing chambers, Nevetsecnuac, despite his natural reserve, keeping up with the pretense, had allowed himself to be helped out of his clothes by the skimpily clad, ravishingly attractive (pleasant to the eye) young attendants (male or female); however, he’d refused all the additional, complementary perks, such as, special drinks and variety of morsels, soothing incense, potions or special ointments and massages (reflexology, acupressure, shiatzu, rubbing etc) that were designed to soothe any tense muscles, as well, enrich the bathing experience. The group of professionals promptly dismissed, they left with an obvious dejected, disappointed pout registering on each one’s faces.

 Refusing also any special accompaniment and having already donned (put on) a special cloth kilt (sarong) fastened around his waist (the rest of the garb, attire, flowing loose), which allowing him some modesty, Nevetsecnuac quietly climbed into (entered) the large pool and then immersed (engulfed) his body to midway to chest , delighting in the  steaming hot, perfumed waters. He swam to the far side, away from other customers, not wishing to idle converse with anyone and turned his back to the few other male guests who were already bathing, swooshing about complacently in the water, tended to by nubile attendants.

02- NEVETSECNUAC IN A BATHOUSE (19)JPG

Tonng Yennik’s (Nevetsecnuac’s) own clothes, meanwhile, were quickly whisked away to be cleaned and scented and in their place a plush long, embroidered terrycloth garb (garment) had been deposited, in anticipation of his leisurely recline on a sofa, as he might rest there, perhaps sleep, partake food and refreshments, or something else, depending on his preferred requirements, after his bath. In any event he would be pampered, till he chose to return to his private room at the inn. 

As he quietly set down on the submerged bench at the periphery of the pool, a sudden shriek ensued by a rude, boisterous laugh from one of the guests drew his attention and he half turned his head to gage what all the commotion had been about. The corner of his eye instead, caught sight of a curious looking, solitary man who appeared very much ill at ease, not at all enjoying the bath, though immersed to shoulders, in the hottest, steamiest section, at the far-off corner off the pool. Just then he, having had enough soaking, went out of the pool and sat at the bench, in supposedly thoughtful repose.

03-NEVETSECNUAC IN A BATHOUSE (27)-JPG

 Intrigued, Nevetsecnuac from hence, covertly watched the man. And when one of the attendants seductively lavished irresistible attention on him, the man had arrogantly, in an atypical (odd, nonconforming) way had feigned a passive disinterest, while continuing to discreetly, over the shoulder of the unsuspecting attendant, to spy, to scrutinize Tonng Yannik (Nevetsecnuac).  Moment later he was back in water, thinking that he would be more imperceptible (unseeable, hidden) while he kept on with his prying (snooping); he’d then even allowed one of the attendants to fuss on him.

Meanwhile, the notable (powerful) stranger (which had intrigued Nevetsecnuac, the one in the dining hall), and his intimidating guards, were nowhere to be seen; he clearly having bypassed (avoided) this spa experience.

Just then, expectantly, Kjeld Rosko’s assistant Rodny appeared on the scene, carrying a bundle of clothes tugged under his arm.  He started perspiring profusely the instant he had entered the area because he was fully dressed and so, with the back of his hand he wiped the perspiration off his brow, as he scrutinized the tubs, looking for someone specific, with urgent eyes.

04-ASSISTANT RODNEY

Catching the eye of the specific spy, he gave the barest (basic) of nods and, leaving the clothes close at hand, in one of the private chambers, quickly turned on his heels and left.  Responding immediately, the spy after his furtive glace around, making sure this had escaped notice, he rudely shoved the attendant aside and, disregarding the plaintive grunts, promptly got out of the water.  Nevetsecnuac imagined him hastily dressing himself in the clothes left by the assistant Rodny. Shortly after he’d emerged at the outside of the chamber smiling bleakly and then stole a brief side glance at Tonng Yennik before he hurried out the door.

Nevetsecnuac nodded in understanding, “Go ahead, have a good, hard look as you are ordered to do.  I'll even take an extra-long time enjoying my bath to avail you all the time you need, for thorough scrutiny and concrete (firm) validation of my identity papers.”

05- NEVETSECNUAC IN A BATHOUSE (21)- JPG

Nevetsecnuac closing his eyes then,  sank his body further down, allowing it  to be enveloped  by the  hot, therapeutic, mineral waters that also nourished the soul; inwardly however, having noted the  prevalent collusions (intrigues, conspiracies)being common as the, breath of air,  in this Province, Nevetsecnuac could not help  but hypothesize on the number of  factions that at present, might be nestled under this very roof of the Inn. 

After the long, relaxing time, Nevetsecnuac don (put on) the terrycloth garb and smiled, rather pleased with the comfort the plush robe tendered. He however had sternly (adamantly) refused the attendant’s alluring advances and the offers of special massage, smoke, exotic foods, liquids, and plus various other tantalizing bonuses, and instead, headed straight back to his room to consume the hot meal he had previously ordered.

                                                                                ~

In Room Ten the meeting was just ending. Fradel Rurik Korvald's identity had been confirmed, and the men had been briefed and each allocated to his own special task.

 In summary, the stranger seated at the head of the table, was now ordering his guards to proceed swiftly with the execution of the greater plan as soon as they left through the room's hidden back door.

"Now see to it that all the loose ends are taken care of.  It must all look like an accident.  No incriminating thread must be left that would lead to us.  Is that understood?"  There was no real need for this (drill) warning, for they had done this a hundred times before.

"Yes, Captain." the three responded in unison.

The captain waved them away, "Good, you're dismissed.  All that is, save Tizan.  I'd like a few words with you."  He motioned the stern guard to a seat then waited until they were left in private.  Leaning forward the captain asked: "Have you seen to the matter of that spy?"

"Yes sir." Tizan responded briskly.  "He is now with his ancestors.  As per your orders, we relaxed our vigil, and it all went just as anticipated.  That fool led us straight to him in the bathing hall.  The stupidity of that man never can surprise me."

He shook his head in contempt, “Forsaking the lives of his own father, wife, and infant son to send word to Egil Viggoaries’s forces by way of that spy.  Is that addle-brained or what?  Then again," he shrugged dispassionately and leaned back a little, "his fate and theirs are sealed nonetheless."  Stroking his thin beard, he smiled wryly and gave a knowing wink.

This sudden, strange familiarity bothered the captain. Though he trusted Tizan more than the rest, he looked at him guardedly.  Tizan had won his confidence some five years previous, which was no mean feat.  At the risk of his own hide, this guard had rescued him from a very tight situation.  Unquestionably Tizan was bold and confident, but his heart was hard, harder than stone, and it bore a genuine contempt for the rest of mankind.  In part, that had been the reason why Tizan had been entrusted with the most important and most difficult tasks.  He knew that Tizan could execute even the most horrendous murders expeditiously and without question and without a qualm.  In that time, however, his relationship with Tizan had always been strictly formal, distant, and cold.  He preferred it, that way to maintain impartiality and strict discipline.  In this service, it meant survival.  In such a task force any member, any subordinate could be severed instantly, effectively, and without qualm if they strayed or got out of line.  So why is Tizan being so insubordinate?  As useful as he is, he is still expendable.  When his eyes met Tizan's, the Captain's expression was totally unreadable, a purposeful move meant to unnerve his subordinate.  Seeing Tizan snap back into military bearing without showing the least sign of discomfort at his scrutiny, he knew his point had been made.

Captain narrowed his eyes, deciding to overlook the matter this time.  Assuming a stern expression, he asked, "Any difficulty in attaining", and then stole a glance at the door before he leaned forward to frame the rest of his question in a whisper.

"No, sir;" Tizan replied tersely.

06-TZAN JP

"Good.  You have much to accomplish tonight but remember; there are to be no witnesses."

"Yes sir."

"You may go now."  The captain turned his attention to the document he had just removed from his inner pocket.

Tizan stood up smartly and walked towards the door.  His hand reached out for the door handle, then ceased mid-way.  On the other side he could hear the frightened eavesdropper scrambling to get clear of the door.

“You are stinking piece of offal,” Tizan gave a scornful, venomous smile then, with a calculating gleam in his eyes, withdrew his hand and stole a look back towards the captain.

"Is there something else?"  The captain, seated back to the door, lifted his head from his reading to demand.

Tizan looked back to the door, “I’ll force your hand yet, you slimy weasel! “Turning about smartly, Tizan responded, "May I have a word with you, sir?

"Can't it wait?"  The captain asked, aware of the slight hesitation in Tizan's voice.

 “I suppose that you are now going to alert me to Briac's doings. “Captain smiled knowingly and, folding the document once more, returned it to the inner pocket.  Half turning to throw a curious glance at the door, then at Tizan, he nodded and indicated the chair with his chin.  "Be sure to make it brief." he warned.

Tizan took a breath.  "May I speak frankly, sir?"

"You are trying my patience, Tizan." the captain barked.

 "Speak up, man, I haven't got all night!  Say what you will and be done with it!"

"It's Briac, sir that I wish to warn you about.  I know he's been with you for a long time, a lot longer than I have, but of late - how shall I put this - I've noted serious inconsistencies in him, especially in the way he's always overreacting, as if he has something to cover up - like that ruckus he raised in the dining hall.  It’s all to impress you, sir."

"Do you realize the seriousness of your accusation, Tizan?"  The captain drowned a frown.  "You had better have some solid evidence to substantiate your claim.  Well, have you?"

His irate bark caught Tizan by surprise.  This was not the reaction he had expected to receive from the more perceptive, the more discerning Captain.

 Startled at that moment, he came to believe that the captain was dressing him down, berating him in earnest, so convincing was, his superior's playacting and, in that moment, Tizan almost lost his head.

“How dare he?  Captain or no Captain, no one talks to me like that and lives!”  He clenched his fist, his chest rose and fell, and his eyes bored angrily into the captain's face.

The coldness of his gaze touched the captain to the core.  Still unrelenting, he stared back at Tizan belligerently, the threat most explicit in his silence.

Tizan blanched and lowered his eyes.

"I conclude by your silence that you have none." The captain finally ejected angrily.

 "I'm disappointed in you, Tizan."  His voice became markedly different. Touch concern took root and mellowed his subsequent stern tones, "You should consider yourself fortunate that I know your character well, Tizan.  I know, for instance, that you have a measure of integrity that places you above petty, malicious slanders.  Your obvious contempt of late for Briac could not fail to come to my attention.  It does not matter who, or what substantiated this observation.  I was hoping that this damaging rift would be resolved of its own accord without need for my interference, but I see now that I must deal with this forcefully.  I order you to drop this nonsense at once and, furthermore, you are to make every effort to get along peacefully with Briac.  No more friction.  I will not tolerate any dissension within this group.  Do you understand me?  If you don't, I'll be forced to deal with you more severely."

“That’s telling him, Captain.”  Outside the door, Briac with a smirk on his face, derided (jeered, scoffed, sneered).  Well, what you know…. all those Years of diligence sure paid off.  Imagine that; Frastos putting in a good word for me.  I always liked him best.  Maybe I can use him to more advantage.” 

07- BRIAC (3)

In contrast to his angry words of admonishment, however, the captain, his back to the door, bore a peaceful expression.  Tizan was baffled until, at the end, the captain half turned, threw a cursory glance at the door, and gave Tizan an accommodating smile.  Suddenly Tizan grasped the situation and his indignation spontaneously melted.

“So, this entire scene had been played out, all, for the benefit of that excrement’ eavesdropper, Briac… The captain, then, wants me to watch Briac carefully, monitor his actions but do nothing for the time being.  Perhaps the captain has a specific use for him, like relaying false information at some crucial time” Tizan nodded dutifully.

Briac standing outside with his ear to the door, unaware of the ploy against him, grinned from ear to ear, when he heard the captain say, "Now listen, Tizan.  I will not have you speak ill of Briac; he is an exemplary and most trusted officer.”

“In the long while that he has been in my service, he has never given me cause to have a single concern or raised the least reason to doubt his loyalty. I repeat, I will not have you slandering a good officer!"

"Yes sir.  I'm sorry, sir.  I will do as you say, sir." Tizan begrudgingly agreed to the captain's demands.

“Go ahead, crawl.  Then crawl some more.  It does my heart good to hear you being chewed out for once.” Briac snickered outside.

"All right; In view of your past good record, I'll forget this unpleasant incident for now."

“Oh no; you're letting him off the hook way too easy!” Briac gritted his teeth in disappointment.

"Thank you, sir, for giving me this chance. I shall mend my failing (flaw) and make things right." Tizan stood up and awaited a dismissal that was purposefully delayed giving Briac time to flee to safe distance.

                                                                                   

                                                                                    ~

 

(END OF SECTION 18)