11- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - EVIL PERSONIFIED - SECTION 19

The moment Qarzten Caimund had returned to his quarters, he at once sat down at his desk and began writing several letters (documents), all to be forwarded soon after to the designated groups, each carrying specific orders. An elite team (zealous investigators) was dispatched to the Inn near the Nexoko Pass, where the actual Steward Chutek had stayed, as the starting point to begin the thorough investigation and, therefore, uncover the truth of, what became of the, presumed abducted Chutek.

Qarzten had firmly believed that the pseudo-Steward Chutek languishing in the dungeon, who bore an uncanny (eerie, unnerving, creepy) akin, likeness to the original, doubtless result of a cosmetic surgery, would never cooperate or confess the truth, since he awaited absolution (pardon, release) or rescue, that would never come; meanwhile, his disguise had been so painstakingly meticulous (through) that it had even fooled astute Egil Viggoaries.

Qarzten leaned back, with a slight grimace on his lips; he closed his eyes in brief respite and then begun silently cogitating (ruminating, tallying up) the key current events till then:

Qarzten’s man had of course prior, covertly uncovered the fact that the surrogate Chutek, had even had his body physically altered (fashioned) by being castrated, in not-too-distant past, with one small variance. As nothing escaped Qarzten’s vast network, he had already been informed, of Chutek’s most recent endearing feat, of piercing his earlobes the night before his departure from Channing, to wear his master’s parting gift to him, that was a pair of moonstone earrings that had been for pierced ears.

01- CHUTEK WITH PIERCED EARLOBES 6

This slight oversight of the schemers (culprits), and because of Egil’s sadistic ego compelling Qarzten’s attendance (presence) in the dungeons, the otherwise elusive (subtle, hidden) truth had been fortuitously imparted (divulged) to Qarzten: when his quick analysis (probe) had confirmed (proven) that the Chutek, being tortured in the dungeons had no such piercing in the earlobes, therefore was the proxy Chutek.

It now begged the question what had warranted this replica (counterfeit Chutek) in the first place, who was behind this ploy and was it solely a design (object, goal) to seize (procure) Tutor’s considerable assets. As it were, because of Egil Viggoaries, that aim had been utterly foiled (thwarted, hindered).

Then again, after going through this much trouble, would not the perpetrators (doers, agents) expediently destroy the original to ensure secrecy? Even if Qarzten’s men reached Chutek too late; the manner of his death and disposal, however, would still provide some answers and ultimately contribute to solving this mystery:

Provided (if) the culprits had discarded the corpse over a cliff or dumped it into fast flowing river or lake without anchor, Chutek’s remains could then be found (retrieved). But if instead, they opted to anchor it or discard the carcass in wilderness or a forest for the predatory animals to make it disappear, or bury the corpse in some unmarked grave, Qarzten’s team, however competent, might never discover Chutek’s remains.

Qarzten Caimund next, turned his attention to another serious matter: the planted agent, the competent and enigmatic Stuart Lorenzo Koen, who had not long ago successfully infiltrated the Royal Tutor Worren Youkup’s inner circle, as well, befriended Chutek, to complete the reprehensible conspiracy (ploy) that landed the Stuard in that perilous predicament. A low, resonant groan escaped Qarzten Caimund’s throat as he shook his head to dispel at least for now, from his mind the impending (future) irksome task; instead, he turned his cogitations (deliberations) to Worren Youkup and the bane plant (shrewd spy) Stuart Lorenzo.

02-- LORENZO, THE ENIGMATIC STEWART IN EMPLOY OF WORREN YOUKUP.

Stuart Lorenzo Koen had suddenly appeared in Channing about nine months prior; then, after being employed by the administrative office of Royal Tutor Worren Youkup, remarkably, in a very short time had risen to the coveted position of assistant overseer and hence, he became (in the know) privy to the highly classified (confidential, top secret documents handled by the privileged (most trusted group) inner circle of the prudent (judicious, cautious) Royal Tutor’s domestics. Subsequently, Lorenzo had also wormed his way to taciturn Chutek’s confidence when he more than once defended Chutek against an unjust attack by his jealous colleagues.

Qarzten had an innate sense (a sixth sense) about people, especially ones that caused prickling of the hairs at the back of his keck. Recognizing Lorenzo’s purposely suppressed perspicacious and shrewd (crafty, cunning) characteristics he had from then on astutely observed him. Before long Qarzten had the opportunely gleaned proof, when Lorenzo, at three crucial moments, strategically modulating (curbed, downplayed) his superior physical and mental aptitudes, had each instance, relinquished his right to victory or justice, to simply elevate those base individuals, which thereafter had become his puppets. His curiosity aroused, Qarzten suspecting Stuart Lorenzo of being worse than false, extremely ambitious and for having a hidden agenda, Qarzten had a while back, initiated a constant stealth (covert) surveillance on the Stewart and furthermore, had his background investigated by his elite team. The attained results (though it took some doing,) had far exceeded Qarzten’s expectations. Yet, he had failed to timely act on this to incarcerate him; erroneously thinking there would be ample opportunities in future.

The hidden clues once unravelled, had linked Stuart Lorenzo Koen to a little known, however immensely powerful, and elite organization, the Wolfbane; the recently established, exclusive association (group, society) with tentacles extending far and wide in Wenjenkun, though it had its ancient roots (two centuries old) emanating (stemming) from Kontu.

Qarzten incensed with this (oversight) negligence, clenched his jaw, now deliberating (cogitating): This mole, who had at present gone effectively missing, for so many months prior, had spun his scheming web to beget the tangible plan, bypassing (going undetected) their most stringent security, illuminating a serious flaw, a vital breach, hence, warranting a present comprehensive (indebt) analysis of the massive shadowing (surveillance) system.

 

03-QARZTEN CAMUND (6)

~

 

Following day, by providence, Qarzten’s worst fears had not been realized, and he soon received a report which informed Qarzten, about Stuwart Chutek succinctly thus:

 Elite leaders in Wolfbane organization had indeed been appraised well in advance, by the implant Lorenzo, about the Royal Tutor Worren Youkup’s taken measures to ensure Chutek’s comfortable future welfare and safety; therefore, the surrogate Chutek had been readied (altered), well beforehand. Finally, the recent last steps concluded, it had assured the eventual annexation (seizure, takeover) of Worren’s amassed fortune.

They had not factored in however, Egil Viggoaries’s part, nor the bizarre set of events with Prince Herleif that in the end thwarted their carefully conceived (crafted) plans. As things had gotten out of hand, leaders in Wolfbane organization thence, decided to abandon the deemed expandable agent, pseudo Chutek to his doomed fate and, (minimize) cut their losses in half, by timely (and cogently) aborting (terminating, cancelling) the entire project.

Since Stuart Lorenzo Koen was still at large, Qarzten conjectured (estimated, theorised) that he had been re-assigned elsewhere, far from Channing and to a remote (distant) province of Wenjenkun. Qarzten was not a vindictive man, but he hated being duped; hence, he inwardly cussed and sworn (avowed) that Lorenzo would one day be apprehend and be made to pay most dearly for it.

Qarzten’s deputies and expert huntsmen, meanwhile, had promptly submitted their detailed report about their findings and the deduced (presumed, construed), sole outcome of Stuard Chutak’s fate, his certain demise:

As it were, when the plot (plan) in Channing got botched (bungled), Stuart Chutak’s life being considered forfeit: his unconscious body had been promptly, mercilessly discarded (cast) by the ruthless Wolfbane agents, hurled (tossed) like a grain sack, over the edge of the sheer bluff, to disappear into the bottomless abyss (gorge, Ravin). His death was a certainty as no mortal being drugged and comatose, could survive a fall form such a high precipitous (sheer, steep) cliff!

Qarzten, with an unreadable expression after carefully perusing (examining, reading) the report, he had it filed away as the now unsatisfactorily resolved case of Stewart Chutek. Actually, his (gut) intuitive feeling had informed (apprised) him that, despite the logical assumptions, the real Chutek was not dead but in fact, very much alive; however, the Dark Eunuch’s iron-clad case against Chutek, though Qarzten suspected was all fabricated, would condemn Chutek if discovered, to a fate far worse than death. Far worse than his stand in had borne (endured, suffered). Qarzten also suspected that if Chutek had survived the fall and learned of the developments in Channing, he would then with apt prudence (judgement, shrewdness, discretion) would remain in hiding; thence, have a second chance at more peaceful life.

Qarzten, had therefore decided to let the matter drop, in other words, let the sleeping dogs lie. Subsequently, he turned his undivided attention to the other more pertinent issues at hand.

                                                                                              ~

 

Following two weeks Egil Viggoaries had been relentless in his persecution of the victims in his grasp; consequently, in one of the adjacent cells to pseudo Chutek, the physician Enqui Rimeng had also been tortured, though not as severely, until all the required depositions, in the presence of three unbiased witnesses, had been extracted from him.

Quasi Chutek, meanwhile, during this period, succumbing to his grave injuries had unfortunately expired.

Onus (burden of guilt) now squirely resting on the Royal Physician Enqui Rimeng, to establish an irrefutable litigation, he had therefore been nurtured back to life from the brink of expiring and then forced to perjure himself twice then once more in an official Court. Overall, Enqui had confessed to colluding (conspiring) to, murder Worren Youkup with wanton greed and contempt due to a grudge he had borne the tutor for an alleged insult the physician had suffered at Royal Tutor’s hand seven months’ prior. Stuard Chutek, knowing of this grudge, had found it easier to recruit him. Enqui admitted further to his knowing that it was Chutek who had planted the penknife in prince Herleif’s scroll when Master Worren Youkup had been temporarily distracted by the gardeners’ squabbling at outside. The assassination attempts on His Highness later, had been the diversionary tactic of Chutek’s as he had reckoned, in the anticipated uproar no one would pay too close attention to the irregular passage of the aged Royal Tutor.

 

04-PHYSICIAN ENQUI RIMENG (2)

More importantly, through Enqui Rimeng’s forced confession, a prior, far grievous criminal act, which happened to be the murder of prince Chucek Yozdek, at the behest (command) of Prince Herleif, was disclosed; up until then, everyone had believed that prince Chucek had been stillborn. At the time, Prince Chucek’s mother Princess Shayen Yozdek's life had also, by design, been deliberately compromised. Her willingness to participate in this diabolical plan had been a shocking revelation. Enqui had professed, how Princess Shayen Yozdek had been beset with dreaded fear that she would not carry the infant to full-term and thus incur the dreaded wrath of Sovereign Zakhertan; consequently, she had sought out and received in secret, a miracle drug from her confidant Enqui Rimeng which had at first, worked true wonders for her. On prince Herleif’s directive however, the last administered dose had been supplanted with another drug of similar appearance and taste which had induced instead, the abortion.

Even though one or two of the attending Royal Physicians had suspected an irregularity, they had kept their quiet and did not seek out the reasons or the source lest, they be charged for negligence. The gruesome details (particulars) of a deliberate abortion now furtively unveiled, caused quite a stir in all Palaces; five of the Royal Physicians fearing grave repercussions, hastily took their own lives, which further infuriated Zakhertan. Oddly enough though, no action was taken; meanwhile, compounding the burden of guilt, Enqui Rimeng had also professed his part, albeit a small one, in the sudden death (death by umbilical-cord suffocation) of the male offspring prince Kureing, another supposed stillborn three years prior, to Lady Yinnis, Sejon's predecessor.

05- ZAKHERTAN YOZDEDK  AND HIS BELOVED LADY YENNIS

The Dark Eunuch Egil Viggoaries had hastened to swiftly conclude this matter (and hopefully stave off danger) as this would be more grievously remembered by Zakhertan Yozdek; for Lady Yinnis, the once favorite of Zakhertan, had in the end succumbed to grief and lost her senses. Then one fine evening she had hung herself just before Zakhertan’s visit. Zakhertan Yozdek had been so enraged that he had ordered that entire wing of the palace be demolished, reducing all, objects, and beings, along with the memory of her, to dust.

In view of all this evidence, Egil Viggoaries had expected therefore, once the physician Enqui   Rimeng's collusion with Prince Herleif was established beyond shadow of doubt, the Crown Prince would also be indicted under the present law and placed under house arrest. But infuriatingly, the Dark Eunuch was shorn off (denied) consent to personally detain and inquisition (under torture) the ostensible criminal, prince Herleif. This had come about, because of the endorsed, timely addendum by Qarzten Caimund in the Wenjenkun’s Rules Book, which sealed off the ancient loophole in law. Thereon, only the reigning Sovereign, in this case Zakhertan, had the inherent right to pass judgement and punish any other member of the Imperial House. Still, Egil Viggoaries did not lose heart.

                                                                                                 ~

(END OF SECTION 19)                                                                        

 

 

 

 

 11-LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - EVIL PERSONIFIED - SECTION 7

Looking at his useless son, Zakhertan Yozdek, despite his misgivings, was reminded of the prince’s beloved, and now deceased mother, Lady Elin Yozdek.

01- LADY ELIN YOZDEK (2)jp

 

Herleif bore some resemblance to Lady Elin; for one thing they both had penetrating, honey-brown eyes, and long lustrous auburn (chestnut) hair with loose, sheen curls. Lady Elin had been the only woman who had come close to earning not only Zakhertan’s deep affection but also his unqualified respect, which was no small feat by any means. Though Zakhertan had taken several wives since, none had come close to comparing to her noble stature, brilliance of mind, beauty or sensuality or the other special talents and attributes she possessed. Still, it did not redeem (deliver) her from a grievous, gruesome end at the hands of her admiring husband when Zakhertan had found it necessary to be free to marry Idona, then Prime Minister Adelram’s daughter.

This had been but one of the many steps he had taken towards the realization of his grand design, and all of them had required sacrifices of one sort or the other.

“All the more is the pity,” he mused, studying Herleif’s face, “the boy has gained none of her (Lady Elin’s) characteristics when he inherited her looks.” Zakhertan knew that Prince Herleif had benefited nonetheless from his remorse at killing Lady Elin and that this had been yet another reason for his tolerance, of this unworthy offspring, this exceptionally long. But all that was going to change now. His heart once more turned to stone, Zakhertan glared at his son.

Without the Sovereign's permission to speak, prince Herleif, burdened with documents, had stood rigidly in his abject stance even as Zakhertan moved unexpectedly away from the window and came swiftly towards him. Zakhertan not uttering a word, circled his son like a predatory beast (or a hunting hawk), his steps coming to an abrupt halt, when his back was Infront of the closed door. In sharp contrast to his son, the Sovereign presented the very picture of might and authority that could inspire awe and fear in any man. Flashing in Zakhertan Yozdek’s icy, penetrating pupils just then was a single, somber calculation that caused Prince Herleif’s hairs on the back of his neck to bristle (stand on end).

"Well, what is it you want?"  The words, outwardly innocuous, were harsh and abrasive, their tone speaking volumes full of disapproval and contempt. Zakhertan noted with disdain how Prince Herleif had involuntarily flinched at the sound of his voice then as the fear was quickly mastered and the prince spun sharply about to face him and bowed respectfully, Zakhertan felt a certain satisfaction but hid his amused smile.

Prince Herleif, formally addressing his father, briefly stated the purpose of his visit.

"Very well," Zakhertan consented brusquely. "A few minutes, that’s all, I will spare you."  He gestured sharply, beckoning his son closer to the desk as he returned to sit once more in his plush chair.

With the outward appearance of patient parent, Zakhertan with a stern face heard prince Herleif out, all the while lending only a disinterested ear to his son's theoretical babbling. Prince Herleif on his part relayed in measured and lucid speech how, having been beset by disturbing dreams, he had consulted the positioning of the stars in addition to the oracle provided by the bones. To be ascertained (to ascertain the facts), he had shaken the bones for the second and third time only to reach in every instance the same outcome for the reading:  his illustrious father Zakhertan Yozdek and the Wenjenkun kingdom faced a bad omen. Soon, (in a noticeably short while) after a Nationwide upheaval, the definite downfall of the present regime was forecasted. Braving his most esteemed, sovereign father Zakhertan’s wrath, therefore, duty bound Herleif had come forward to forewarn his Majesty of this fact. The prince then asked permission to elaborate on the details necessary to substantiate his claim.

02- PRINCE HERLEIF YOZDEK (4)jp

Much to his delight, Herleif received a begrudging, stern nod from Zakhertan. Quickly he unfolded the first of his charts and proceeded to give an interpretation to the intricate geometrical diagrams and particulars which he had meticulously drawn, marked, and outlined.

Glancing at these, Zakhertan Yozdek noted how the drafting was so fine the piece could be considered an exceptional work of art solely on its own merits. “Why couldn’t his dastardly (burdensome baggage) son akin have shown, skill with military charts? At least then his talent could have been utilized, instead of this absurd gibberish, hogwash.”  Though he would never own up to it, Zakhertan was in fact, quite adept at astrology himself, having employed it during his youth many times to justify actions he had wished to take. Presently, taking in the details at-a-glance, he had briefly deciphered it already for himself, long before Prince Herleif had finished his explanation, inwardly concluding that some of Herleif’s interpretation had been right on the mark. There was one curious variance (discrepancy) however that Herleif had entirely missed; there were not one but two stars, directly positioned one behind the other, that it could easily be misconstrued as one. The juxtaposition of planets and stars meanwhile, were quite precise, right down to the birth of the new star, already much brighter than the star of Zakhertan Yozdek’s, which was ever so slowly moving into the ruling position in the constellation that governed the state of Wenjenkun. The future the fates foretold was quite obviously that of his dynasty's downfall at the hands of one, which would then be followed by another, a rising Sovereign to be. And the timing of one would be quick but not the other, at least not as quick as Herleif had predicted.    

Zakhertan at this point reflected how just last night in the Royal Observatory he had discerned (perceived) this new manifestation in the constellation but was disappointed to note that, its position and timing precluded it from being in any way related to the birth of Prince Magnian. Now that Zakhertan saw the chart laid out in front of him like this, he noted with slight trepidation, how close the first star was to the house of the former rulers. Could it be? No! Zakhertan dismissed the notion instantly. Even if he could have survived, the likelihood of that happening was ridiculously far-fetched. Zakertan chastised self. Besides, when had he ever attached any credence to such superstitious nonsense…  Ravings like these were useful only for amusement and for manipulating the gullible, nothing more.   

 Zakhertan turned his attention back to Prince Herleif who had just then unraveled the second diagram on the desk. This one was exceptionally crafted as well. “The wimp has a real talent here; too bad it is wasted.”  Taking no stock in what Herleif was saying, Zakhertan’s conciliatory mood abruptly dissipated, and he disdainfully scoffed, “So what if Herleif showed promise, had excelled in the black arts of Astrology and Alchemy? This vast knowledge would not serve him at all in the end.”      

With a bitter taste in his mouth, Zakhertan Yozdek recalled Herleif’s spitefulness and how his shrewish and ruthless applications of his knowledge and power had, in the past, won his son more enmity than praise.   

Crown Prince Herleif meanwhile having misinterpreted Zakhertan’s habitual inert mask (which Zakhertan wore at such boring times) and encouraged by his father's unusual tolerance, pegged these signs as interest. Consequently, with an overflowing enthusiasm that colored his words, he began to elaborate further on his hypothesis. Herleif had never known anything resembling to affection from Zakhertan Yozdek and was now having difficulty properly gauging such an alien concept. This was the closest he had come to an approval by his cold-hearted parent, and he had erroneously assumed that, for the first time, he was making some headway in communicating with Zakhertan.     

At one-point Zakhertan with an unreadable expression rose from his seat and hands clasped behind his back, walked over to the window to again stare at the outside. As there had been no command for Herleif to stop, the prince had continued with his incessant babblings. The prince Herleif’s bewilderment at Zakhertan’s reticence (silence) was shared by Neru who, having just finished with his task of burning the most trivial of the day's documents was standing at unease (disquietly) in a corner of the room mentally noting all that was being said as he awaited the Sovereign's next command. Zakhertan at present appeared temporarily distracted by one of the brightly plumed songbirds which, after finishing its bath, had alighted on the windowsill to fluff its feathers and dry off thoroughly.   

Contrary to appearance however, Zakhertan from the corner of his eye (in a side view) had observed (noted) how Herleif had quickly untied the knot binding of the last scroll and, with a completely inappropriate flourish, unfurled it (across) on top the desk. Instantly Zakhertan’s attention was riveted to the stiletto that, previously hidden in the scroll, had now been exposed. It was the most common, innocuous kind of penknife or a carving knife; it was not a weapon of choice for any would be assassin. Still facing the window, Zakhertan waited to see what his worthless son would do next. Prince Herleif, nonplused, stood frozen in his place, fear gripping his heart.   

Without turning, Zakhertan Yozdek barked, "Go ahead, pick it up!" 

03- ZAKHERTAN YOZDEDK  (57)JP

All at once the color drained from the prince’s already pallid but now completely ashen face. Trembling from head to toe like a leaf in a gale, he fell to his knees and repeatedly beat his forehead on the floor, vehemently professing his innocence in a choked voice. "I don't know how it got there, your Majesty. I do not. I did not put it there. “    

“I have been set up. Please, father, I swear, I had no knowledge of this. "He continued these denials in the contemptible, quaking croaks that further grated on Zakhertan’s irate nerves.  

“Just as I thought,” Zakhertan Yozdek highly incensed, stared at the giant marble legendary warrior stationed by the stone bridge thirty feet away in the garden, furious with his son for his abhorrent, self-debasing beseeching. Yet this was worse, far worse, than if Prince Herleif had indeed been behind this juvenile attempt. He might have even forgiven Herleif had he the backbone to seriously try assassinating him.    

Zakhertan snorted in utter disgust, “This is unforgivable; he is being made the fool. How did it come to this; who would dare make such a mockery of my, albeit an imbecile, royal spawn (offspring)? I should crush this inexcusable insect now and be done with him, just as I will crush those who are behind this reprehensible farce. “    

 "You are a disgrace!” he turned and snarled at his son; teeth bared. He raised his clenched left fist as if to strike and pulverize Herleif’s skull but abruptly held back, his rage still mounting. In a split second his right hand snatched the knife and flung it with incredible force at the songbird; so agile and quick was this move that the unfortunate birdie did not stand a prayer of a chance. Just as it had spread its wings to take a flight, the blade pierced its chest through and (before its last breath) hurled it backward, pinning it tightly to the ledge.  

"Guards,” The roaring command caused the dumbfounded Neru to jump several feet up in the air. Coming to his senses, he could only cast pitying eyes upon the quivering prince Herleif as two guards rushed in.   

"Take him away!"  Zakhertan pointed to the crown prince, still on his knees. "And give him fifty blows with the heavy staff for good measure, no less and no more."  Zakhertan knew that the hundred strokes that were required in this situation would prematurely kill the miserable wretch.    

“No; death will not come to you that mercifully Herleif, for you have not yet outlived your usefulness.” Zakhertan glowering at Herleif mused.   

Reluctantly Zakhertan also had to admit that, for now, he needed the prince alive for the stability of the succession until the toddler Magnian's chances of survival were assured. With certain distaste in his mouth, he watched the indignant, yet cowardly Herleif being roughly (man-handled) moved away by the guards. They had gripped him by the arms and, being much taller than the prince, they were holding him several inches off the ground.  

“Of course, you could never inspire respect in anyone, could you?” Zakhertan scoffed then signaled the guards (a slight lifting of the index finger) to wait. Instantly they halted in their tracks.    

"Thank your lucky stars that you are being dealt with so leniently."  Zakhertan strode over to pin his menacing glare to his son’s terrified face. "With each stroke of the staff I want you to contemplate on just why you are being punished. Do you understand me, boy?”    

"Now, get him out of my sight."    

For a man who had celebrated his ascension (ascent) to adulthood some five years ago, being called a 'boy' in front of others was a most demeaning insult, but Prince Herleif completely missed this fine point, as well as his larger, more grievous failure.  

"Father, I'm innocent! Please father, please hear me out." He pleaded as he was being unceremoniously hauled to the dungeons.

    

                                                                                 ~    

 

(END OF SECTION 7)