LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 24

“He is a shrewd villain; if he had witnessed the whole thing, what sinister reason did have in falsifying, his report to the captain?" Briac interjected, nonplused, as he cupped his chin in his hand and wondered out loud.

"And in such a way that, in the end, he came out of it totally blameless himself," Frastos added wryly. “Furthermore, imagine the captain, chalking his report up to a misinterpretation of obvious signs… Misinterpretation my pew!  It was unadulterated malice, nothing less.” Frastos shook his head; then with fresh concern, knit his brows.

01- FRASTOS - JP 05

“But what persuaded, our most discerning captain, to readily accept Tizan’s incongruous (absurd) version?  So long as I've known him, Zunrogo’s always been a stickler for exactitude in reports; this is quite uncharacteristic of him.  Why would he…"

"Don't you get it?”  Briac interrupted disdainfully.  "The captain is much shrewder than Tizan, and the Lieutenant is, far too cunning to try deceiving Zunrogo.  If you ask me, this slander was a slip-up, an act of desperation."

"What desperation?"

Briac ignored the question.  "Yes, it shows that Tizan's weakening, running out of time and patience, hard pressed as he is, to discredit me in Captain's eye.  No, you're not the one who is being targeted here, not really.  I know for certain now that he's planning to harm me yes, but more importantly, and during this assignment, he aims (intends) to permanently replace me."

"What?"  Frastos looked up sharply.  "How on earth could you, from this, deduce that?"

"You see," Briac smiled tightly, "there's a lot more involved here than you can imagine. He means to do away with me, all right.  He's made a go at it once before, and I don't mean this wig, or this getup."  Meeting Frastos' baffled gaze, he grimaced sourly and dismissed it with a wave of his hand, "Never mind.  It will take too long to explain (tell).”

“As for your unpleasant experience of this morning, I suspect his motive was to make you squirm for the sake of pure amusement.  You see, his cruel nature craves, demands it every now and then.  He thrives on others' humiliation and misery, even if they did nothing to incur his animosity."

Briac continued with a dull voice, "I'm certain the Cheron incident played no part in this, for if it had, you would have had a taste of his real malice (wickedness) long before this day.  You know that patience is not one of his winning qualities.  The Cheron incident happened quite some time ago, two and a half months have passed, I believe.  Still, be warned just the same and watch your back from now on for, once Tizan turns on you, regardless of the reason, your life may well be forfeit."

After some pause for thought, Briac continued, "However, I think I can make a safe guess as to the reason for his recent animosity towards you since, through no fault of my own I, too, have incurred that animosity.  Ambitious as he is, he seeks to inveigle himself significantly more into the captain's good graces and confidence, with my ignominy and trashing my long-term loyal service. “

“Since I've been most careful so far to give him no leeway, his subtle campaign of psychological warfare has been kept in check, though not rendered ineffective.  I'm not as crude or simple minded as I may seem at the outset. “Briac looked intently at Frastos.

“That's a protective facade I find most useful in fending off aggression."  He then grimaced magnanimously, "I'm being frank with you now because I'm sympathetic towards you and I trust you implicitly.  You are a forthright fellow with a no-nonsense attitude, characteristics that I very much admire in a man."

"I guess I'm as guilty as the rest, for underestimating you." Frastos apologized.

"I sure was taken in by your pretense.  In fact, your discerning thoughts are exceedingly deep."

“And shrewd and calculating.” he wanted to add but proposed instead, "I hope you overlook my past offenses and will consider me as your good and loyal friend."

"I always have." Briac smiled.  "I judge a man by what is in his heart.  There is no need to apologize.  However, putting all this aside, I'd like to caution you to be wary.  You see, you've been with me a lot lately and your attempts to shield me from injustice have, no doubt, confirmed Tizan's suspicions that we are in cahoots, to say the least, and are plotting his denigration.  That is why he acted first to emasculate us.  That way, when he accuses us sometime in the future of some grievous, phantom crime, our attempts to exonerate ourselves will avail us nothing.”

“Do not underestimate the danger you are in.” Briac added gravely and nodded. “That would be the worst mistake you could make.  And don't think that he can be dealt with easily, for I've witnessed countless others who have tried to undermine him only to perish as easily as if he had swatted a fly.”

“I can't stress this point enough.  That is why, for the time being, I'm advocating patience.” Briac, for a time, lowered his head in weighty (reflective) silence.

"I suppose he forced every detail of the truth out of you?"  Receiving a nod from Frastos, Briac continued, "Then he had this fun at our expense."

Disdain tinged Briac’ voice: “That should satiate him for the time being, until he craves for more."

Seeing the anger building up anew in Frastos, Briac consoled him, "Oh, don't blame yourself.  Believe me, there's very little else you could have done.  I know full well how persuasive he can be.  He has few equals in that respect.  Concentrate now on sweet revenge, on devising a strategy to curb or eliminate his next cruel ploy (devilish scheme) before it renders irreversible damage. I can't help feeling responsible, however, that I've somewhat inadvertently dragged you into this peril.  I should have exercised more discretion and never asked you to make that promise to me."

“What promise?” Frastos looked up, astonished, but on second thought decided to say, to deny nothing.

 “Let him go on believing what he must; he's partially right, therefore, we should work in unison to alleviate this dangerous circumstance (fix, situation).  Besides, he's been at this a lot longer than I have and I should utilize his knowledge and resources.  Who knows, he may have some plausible recourse up his sleeve that will turn out to be beneficial.  All that matters is, the end-result and I don't care who I must team up with to achieve it.

 "I'm afraid you're next." Frastos fixed his eyes on Briac and ended the prolonged silence.  "Any minute now the captain will be sending for you.  He was a bit displeased with your indiscretions anyhow and now he's been fueled up to reprimand you.  I suspect he'll chastise you well and good and then order you to behave from now on with the decorum befitting the illustrious scholar, Fradel Rurik Korvald.  But that's the least of your worries.  Eh?"

Briac nodded, "Yeah, the least of my worries."

                                                                              ~

After this episode Briac trusted Frastos more and more until Frastos had won Briac's complete confidence.  This led them to become bosom buddies, whereupon Briac began confessing to Frastos his innermost secrets bit by bit every night until there was nothing left unsaid.  Recruited into Briac's cause, Frastos schemed with him by lamplight on, how best to contact the agents of His Excellency Egil Viggoaries once they'd reached Jukurok.

Since several checkpoints, in effect strongholds, lay ahead, Fradel Rurik Korvald's papers, along with the others', were entrusted to the captain for safekeeping. After passing the last checkpoint at Zakoz they had already gone on some measure when four or five guards had emerged from the gate to race after them at top speed.

"I wonder what this is all about." Tizan grumbled as he looked back at them.

"It should be obvious."  Zunrogo grimaced wryly and ordered the group to a halt.

Meeting up with them, the Lieutenant from the checkpoint dismounted and, prostrating himself, greeted the captain.

02- GURARD

Kneeling on one knee, he then greeted Briac, believing him to be Fradel Rurik Korvald, and delivered his message directly to him. "Our Garrison Commander Taicor apologizes profusely for having missed your illustrious visit and respectfully invites Fradel Rurik Korvald and the Captain of his party to be his honored guests at a feast.  If the honored sirs will deign to come with me, I will escort you back to Commander Taicor's private offices and offer you all the hospitality that is at his disposal."

Briac froze in his saddle, not knowing how to respond.

"Please convey my sincerest apologies to Garrison Commander Taicor." Zunrogo rode forward to reply.  "We are pressed for time and Fradel Rurik Korvald regretfully declines his gracious offer."

"Sir," the Lieutenant looked up, flustered, to address the captain, "The Commander will be very displeased with me.  Can I not, in any way, persuade you to…?"

Zunrogo's stern look cut him off short, "I'm afraid that it’s totally out of the question, Lieutenant.  We cannot make allowances in the least.  I'm sure that Commander Taicor will not wish to incur a delay in the illustrious Fradel Rurik Korvald's adherence to the summons from His Royal Highness."

"May I offer a thousand apologies for my oversight; Captain."  The Lieutenant bowed his head (in resignation).

"However, you may relay to the Commander that Fradel Rurik Korvald will be more able to oblige him on his return trip, when there will be no pressing engagements."  Zunrogo Tugo's tone was softer and more amiable and the Lieutenant, satisfied at having at least some good news to relay, wished them a safe journey on behalf of his Commander, mounted his horse and rode back to the checkpoint.

Briac, watching the men raising a cloud of dust in their wake, was relieved and, in part, disappointed.

Later, the Captain took some time to explain his reasoning to the real scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald, "I declined that offer on your behalf, sir, for good reason.  That Garrison Commander, Taicor, is well known to be a grasping opportunist and not at all trustworthy; I advise you to avoid him on your return journey as well."

Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac) thanked the captain graciously for his protection and sound advice.

Briac, witnessing this uncharacteristically polite exchange by the captain, twisted his mouth and looked away in disdain. “As if he'd be in any danger!” he huffed.

 “It’s my neck that's on the line, not his. But the Captain Zunrogo doesn't seem to have any confidence in my ability, to pull it off; as if it takes any special talent to be him.”  He stole a scornful look at Fradel Rurik Korvald.

 “He's only an overrated scholar.  Anyone can recite some lines and look arrogant.  But was that a deliberate mistake (I saw the captain make,) the captain made at that last checkpoint, when he’d introduced Fradel Rurik Korvald as Frastos and Frastos as me?”

“Ah, Briac, you're being far too paranoid; after all, we were in a rush.”  Briac dismissed the thought and spurred his horse forward to align himself with Frastos where he could spend his time gossiping and complaining to a sympathetic ear.

                                                                             ~

"This may be our only opportunity."  Frastos had anxiously sought out Briac everywhere throughout the Inn to tell him, "I've just come from the captain.  Tizan has been dispatched on an errand, probably to book our passage on a riverboat.  Because he insists on departing early tomorrow morning, the captain has taken the scholar to show him some beauty spots Jukurok harbor is famous for.  They won't be back for hours."

"Right, this is it." Briac concurred, springing to his feet.  "We've been waiting for this chance all along.  Maybe you should stay back, though, in case they return earlier than expected and you can cover up for me."

"Nothing doing, I’m coming with you.  If we are together, I can't be accused of disobeying orders.  Even if they come back prematurely, we could certainly offer some reasonable excuse for our absence from this Inn.  Besides," Frastos smiled mischievously, "you may need my assistance should you be assailed (attacked) by beautiful women again on the way."

"You are right of course brother, but I can hardly go out like this, not in this garb.  Disguised as him, I'll be risking danger at every turn.  We need to first…”

"I'm way ahead of you, brother." Frastos held up his hand, smugly interrupting him.

 "It’s all been taken care of and, there's a bundle of apparel (clothes) in our room already for you to change into.  I'm afraid there was nothing much we can do about the wig, except hide it under the broad brimmed hat I also procured for you."  Frastos winked and smiled.

 

"It seems you've thought of everything.  You are truly an indispensable ally.  I'm indebted to you, brother." Briac thanked Frastos as he headed hastily back to the room.

"We'll sneak out the back way to avoid any curiosity." Frastos coolly suggested after cautiously closing the door behind them.

"Now, hurry up and change."

As Briac complied he asked nonchalantly, "Do you still remember the password? Oops!"  Briac'd inadvertently let out another secret.

"Of course, who could forget?  'Plum blossoms adorn the beauty passing under them.'” Frastos coolly answered. 

“I must have accidentally disclosed (blabbed) it, last time I was totally (intoxicated) inebriated. Oh well, he would have eventually heard of it anyway.”  Briac shrugged his shoulders and, wiping the worry lines from his face, smiled sheepishly at Frastos.

Originally Briac had intended on leaving Frastos outside the temple gates to keep watch since there was no need yet for him to be privy to everything.

“Frasto’s integration into the Do-ki spy network should be gradual.” Briac’d told himself.  In truth his caution had stemmed from pure greed and, in his reluctance to share the anticipated reward money.

Frastos, when he had been informed of this plan, had pretended not to notice this blatant insult to his character.  “So, he still distrusts me after all the great lengths I've gone to cover for him.  You would leave me out in the cold, wouldn't you?  No doubt you'd also discard me the minute I've outlived my usefulness.  Your loyalty is only to gold, and you can drown in it for all I care.”

03-FRASTOS - JP 19

"Right, well, aren't you finished yet?"  Suppressing his inner animosity, Frastos nervously paced the floor.

"Almost,” Briac finished tying on the belt.

"Well, how do I look?"  He spread his hands and twirled like a bridegroom in his finery.

"Like a beauty who's about to pass under some plum blossoms." Frastos grimaced wryly.

"Yeah, right; and are you, my beloved?" Briac responded in cold sarcasm.

"Touché.", Frastos relented.

 As they were passing through the door, Frastos turned to ask, “Why plum blossoms?"

"Imagine if you will this incredible, exhilarating scene in historical era: A time before the most crucial (decisive) battle, the legendary divisions (regiments) getting ready for the surprise vanguard attack.  It’s springtime and the crisp, morning air is rocked by the thundering drums, the stamping of the horse's hooves and the marching feet, as they all prepare for the most dangerous undertaking.  Subsequently, as they march through the gate, they pass under the canopy of plum blossoms, the tall, ancient trees lining the road, fully bedecked as they are with these fragrant pristine white blooms…. The vibrations of their progression, begetting torrents of blossoms, the same blossoms that adorn the Heavenly courtyard, begin to rain down upon them like tears.  Lingering at the gate are their loved ones, (old man, women and children, beautiful young girls) all, looking longingly with dismay after them, their painful hearts not noticing how they, too, are being bedecked by these same blossoms."

"I think that playing the scholar, Fradel Rurik Korvald, has finally gone to your head; it has turned you into a hopelessly romantic’ lyricist." Frastos with a wide grin, teased Briac.

Then looking away, he disdainfully (derisively) grunted, "It’s more likely that they selected that comparison line because every temple in these parts has planted plum trees in their courtyard and one can use that analogy to make the contact without arousing any suspicion from onlookers."

"That's one thing that I quite dislike about you, Frastos." Briac frowned.  "You always take such a straight, dim view of everything, almost to the point of being completely drab.  Lighten up!  Life has color."

"So now you're an artist as well."  Frastos' mockery ended the exchange on a sour note.

 

                                                                                   ~

 

(END OF SECTION 24)

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC  - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 15

 Zhadol, after concluding his business wistfully looked up at the blinking star-studded sky and sighed. "It’s so peaceful here in the bosom of nature, I enjoy it simply, the gentle breeze caressing my cheeks and the rustling of the leaves."  Reaching upwards, his palm brushed against the swaying branches and the whispering leaves.  Just then a sudden, cold, unexplained shudder, however, ran through him and, stepping back decisively, his keen eyes searched for the upper echelons of thick foliage.  He had sensed a presence there among the branches, but Nevetsecnuac's well camouflaged form eluded him. 

01- WELL CAMOUFLAGED NEVETSECNUAC

After a moment Zhadol laughed at his own stupidity, “Who would dare spy on us?”  

Of course, he was thinking only of the other guards.

"Bah, a bustling city, filled with human intrigues is more to my liking." Yennic, meanwhile, oblivious to his thought, had disdainfully countered.  "You're too much of a poet to be in this line of business; it beats me how you've survived thus far."

"Cynicism does not become you."   Zhadol's sharp retort cut Yennic short.  He was about to walk away when he abruptly turned to look back at the tree.

 "It’s a pity that neither of those two scholars we'd offed (killed)earlier, wasn't him; but then, such is the quirks(flukes) of fate.” He simply shrugged.  “Unfortunately, they had born such an uncanny resemblance to the description.”

"Eh, that was their misfortune, an insignificant insect or two crushed, what difference does it make anyhow?  I'd rather be deemed an efficient (thorough), albeit brutal trooper (guardsman), than risk letting that sly academic slip through our snare (noose, trap)." Yennic responded (coldly), contemptuously.

"Well, you're not in charge so, irrespective of how you feel about scholars, in future we will take extra precautions and use discretionary judgment before we claim another innocent life.  Order the guards to show more restraint next time, they are not to engage until Fradel Rurik Korvald's identity has been verified."

"And what if that cursed Scholar slips through our hands because of your magnanimity?" Yennic asked wryly.

"There you go, imagining things.”

“A moment ago, you weren't even certain that he'd come this way at all.  Now you're determined to butcher all academics (erudite individuals) who use this pass on the off chance he may slip through.  What are you fretting about, anyhow?  As the Commanding Officer, you know full well that the responsibility for the outcome (success or failure) of our mission lies solely with me and me alone.  In the unlikely event of a flop, you will still be spared the maximum penalty."  Zhadol ejected sternly then turned his back to the trees and strode back to the cave.

02-EGIL VIGGORIES 1- JP

"You needn't be so strident.  My concern was more for your sake than mine.  Everyone knows how intolerant his Excellency Egil Viggories is of least failure; it doesn’t take much to ……” Yennic held back what he was about to say and instead, bit the corner of his lip then, wishing to change the subject, shook his head. “Still, how your moods alternate on a whim!  They're as changeable as the wind." Yennic grumbled sourly, shaking his head.  "It never hurts to consider all the avenues, you know.  All right, even though I think you're making a big mistake, I'll pass your order to the men."  His grunts of compliance trailed Zhadol into the distance.

“Yes, he may have seemingly erred in his directive (command), but by ordering his guards not to be too hasty in attack, he has saved their lives and spared me the pointless bloody battle.” Nevetsecnuac watching the two receding figures, heaved a thankful sigh (moan, exhalation). Then, as soon as it was safe for him to do so, he swiftly descended from the tree top and headed back in the opposite direction from the two officers, taking care to avoid any other probable traps.  Blending in perfectly with nature and moving like a swift shadow, he traversed over the sometimes-dangerous terrain to soon reach the spot where he had tethered the mare.

In the nick of time too, it seemed!

Without a moment's hesitation unarmed as he was, armed with a sturdy, weighty pole (hefty stick), he rushed to the assistance of the poor, exhausted horse, virtually snatching him from the jaws of death.  The ensuing struggle between Nevetsecnuac and the disgruntled, ferocious beast that refused to give up its prey lasted but briefly.  It was Nevetsecnuac's remarkable courage, ingenuity, unyielding strength and agility, combined with his relentless defense of the mount, unyielding strength and agility that had won him the advantage in the end. The predator had eventually forsaken his aim, retreated(withdrew) back into the dark foliage and, after issuing one last threat in the form of a fierce growl (retreated) withdrew to disappear instantly amidst the dense, pitch-dark foliage.

03- PREDITOR BENT ON EATING THE HORSE

 The dangerous predicament alleviated, and the mare's fears finally allayed, while Nevetsecnuac was tending, washing off the blood and applying medicinal plant poultices to the horse’s few cuts and abrasions (bitemarks), it was then that the plausible idea suddenly struck (dawned on) him.  After a moment's consideration and stroking his chin, Nevetsecnuac exulted, “Why not?  It should work.  It certainly was a viable cover.”

Forthwith, Nevetsecnuac gathered (obtained) the readily available material from the (nature) woods and then fashioned himself a remarkable bow and enough arrows. The remainder of the night until subsequent day’s mid-morning, Nevetsecnuac additionally utilizing the hastily constructed, though humanely effective animal-traps, had vigorously hunted all types of wild game (that thrived in the woodland regions).  When he had accumulated sufficient sum, he strapped and secured the amassed pelts (furs) and carcasses for his apt disguise onto, back of the saddle, concealing well, the luggage.  Next, his bow and quiver filled with (freshly made) arrows slung over his back, Nevetsecnuac in one fluid motion gracefully swung into the saddle and, looping the reins quickly over his hands, galloped with sure determination at top speed towards Cyprecox Pass.

He arrived at the ambush spot just as the slanted, golden rays of the mid-afternoon sun cast long, hazy shadows on the earth.  However, instead of maintaining his gallop as one might expect, he slowed the mare down to a canter.

The ruse had worked perfectly, dispelling all suspicion thus far.

Predictably, Nevetsecnuac had noted a fleeting flash of light (gleam) reflected off the metal armor of the sentry and felt the two suspicious pairs of eyes avidly (studying him) spying on him from above.  Soon the number had multiplied, yet no officers or sentinels emerged from hiding to accost him or in any way intercept his path.  Under this intense scrutiny, Nevetsecnuac unflinchingly rode on.

04- NEVETSECNUAC THE HUNTER 2-JP

Mid-way, he imagined the kind of exchange Zhadol and Yennic most certainly would be having at that very moment and provocatively (boldly) raising his head looked up directly at the spot they would be hiding and then, smiled teasingly.

Remarkably, it was at this moment that the horse, already spooked by the hidden guards, began to whinny, and bolt, placing Nevetsecnuac in a most compromising situation.  Yet the expected onslaught did not happen.

“Has my disguise fooled them so completely…Even that skeptic, Yennic?  This has been far too easy.”  If he had known the truth, that it was his formidable countenance as he rode high in the saddle that provided the real deterrent to rash action on the guard's part, Nevetsecnuac would have smiled more.

A chilling shudder had passed through all the ambushers and each, inwardly, had professed that this mighty hunter was not one to be trifled with, and could only be engaged only at consequential peril.  Their curious eyes nevertheless watched how Nevetsecnuac brought the beast quickly under control again then steered it towards the narrowest, most dangerous part of the pass. 

Strategically, this would be the most opportune time and place for them to strike, to intercept him even if only for a sport.

The air was so still, the atmosphere so laden with tension that only the solitary tread of the wary horse resounded in vibrations off the jutting cliffs that bounded the road on both sides.

At the midpoint of the pass however, the anticipated, taunting arrow boldly pierced the air, aimed straight at Nevetsecnuac's heart.

05-NEVETSECNUAC THE HUNTER 12- JP

Keeping his mount in check, Nevetsecnuac, unperturbed, twisted sideways, reached out his left hand and (intercepted) plucked the arrow out of midflight.  Faster than the eye could follow, he retrieved his bow, notched the arrow and, at the precise moment, let the missile fly. 

Dead on center, it collided with the second arrow just as it had left Yennic's hiding spot.  Both arrows locked together and fell harmlessly to the ground.

The laughter died quickly in Yennic's throat.  He turned to Zhadol who shook his head in astonishment and commented, "Never have I seen such marksmanship and, never before have I ever witnessed such remarkable prowess."

The other guards exchanged wide-eyed looks and exclaimed in unison their awe, "Truly, a most magnificent skill… how fantastic!"

06- NEVETSECNUAC THREATENS  JP

Before they had a chance to retaliate, however, Nevetsecnuac glared and boldly shouted out his dare and his warning then, taking an arrow from his own quiver, he notched it, raised his bow high as he twisted sideways, and took straight aim at the large rock behind which most of the force was concealed.  He drew back the string until the bow sang with tension then let the arrow fly with such force that it buried itself half the way up its shaft into the solid stone.

Zhadol shifted his position to view the shot.  "That's incredible…such awesome power!"  Yennic, meanwhile, was infuriated at being made the fool and, with curses forming on his lips, had started to stand up and go after the hunter, whatever the cost.  It was his good fortune that the strong arm of Zhadol held him back from an early grave.  "Stay your ground, Lieutenant!  That's an order!"

"But are we going to let him make a mockery of us all?  Are we going to let that arrogant (bully) brute’s affront, his taunt go unanswered?  There's only one of him and…" 

Yennic's grumbles softened moment later as he changed his tune, attempting to cajole Zhadol, "All right, if we are not to challenge him for that then let me at least make his acquaintance.  Don't you think it would be a great boon for our force to recruit such a hunter/warrior, however arrogant?"

"I said stay your ground, Lieutenant!" Zhadol barked.  His lingering, menacing gaze seemed to say, “Don’t you dare contradict my orders again in front of the men or I'll have your hide! “When Yennic, cowering in silence, dropped his eyes, Zhadol explained, "Such men are not interested in any affiliations, Lieutenant, they are loners by choice."  He then reasoned further that, being at the pass on secret orders, they could not expose themselves to a possible scout or spy unless there was the certainty of recruiting or killing him.  Even if this rider was neither and was, in truth, a lone hunter, he could let loose an inadvertent word here or there to the authorities and oblige the contingent to furnish an account of their purpose.  Even at best, it would be a sticky situation for them all.  There had been enough senseless killing already from which, just this once, Zhadol wished a reprieve. He summed it all up by saying, "It is obvious, Yennic, that this man is no docile Scholar and therefore cannot possibly be the object of our target."

"So, we will let him pass, the lucky dog!"  Yennic clenched his teeth and watched in mute hostility; as Nevetsecnuac, without further incident or provocation, rode passed his horse unscathed through the talons of danger.

                                                                                    ~

 

(END OF SECTION 15)