12- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE PORTENDED PERIL - SECTION 7

 

In his delirious state thrashing about and fighting dragons, scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac) had cried out, vociferously wowing to do everything within his power to fulfill his destiny.

01- FRADEL RURIK KORVALD ( NEVETSECNUAC) STILL IN GRIP OF FEVER (6)

Fortunately, the diligent Physician Quinher Yungar had paid little heed, disregarding these fevered ramblings of the Scholar, and instead, tirelessly strove to modify (reverse) the effects of the poison as well, reduce the persistent high fever, in the hope of rescuing his patient from the jaws of death.

Quinher Yungar was aware what it would mean, particularly for Zaur Stugr, if he failed in his attempts to cure the Illustrious Scholar; and, he bristled with rage (ire), for he didn’t need to be told who was behind this dastardly ploy to ruin his benefactor and dear friend, Zaur.

After many hours of gruelling and hair-raising moments, long at last the scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald’s (Nevetsecnuac’s) condition stabilized, more specifically his dangerously high fever subsided (waned, declined); and Quinher, for the first time ever, was able to lean (slump) his weary back in chair, and closed his eyes in brief respite.

Nevetsecnuac subsequently regaining full consciousness, though at first had felt no difference, he nevertheless knew that his soul had returned to his body, for the next instant he was suddenly fraught (laden, assaulted) by the violent throbbing in his head and temples, as well, felt every inch of his physical form being pricked (lanced) by million invisible needles that resulted in acute (most intense, penetrating) ache. He all the same bearing with this agonizing pain, Nevetsecnuac’s eyelids twitched then slowly, partially opened.

02- PHYSICIAN QUINHER YUNGAR - A 7 -JP (7)

The ever-vigilant physician Qinher, sensing the slight difference in Nevetsecnuac’s rhythmic breathing at this point, at once jumped to his feet and being keenly observant, noting his patient’s eyelids tad (sliver) flicker then slightly ajar, he let out a cry in relief.

This of course, let loose such volley of jubilant commotion (bustling activity) from all present, that Nevetsecnuac could barely get in a word edgewise. Finally, he managed to croak out an urgent request, for his solicitous attending physician Quinher to retrieve the specific pouch from his bottom drawer, where which he had kept the oval crystal pill that Zonar had imparted to him earlier on.

Quinher Yungar, despite his reservations to interrupt his meticulous tending and leave even for a second the scholar’s side, acceding, swiftly retrieved the requested item and brought it over to Fradel (Nevetsecnuac). With an unexpected swiftness, the Scholar snatched the pouch from Quinher’s hand and, before the perplexed Physician could query (quiz) or stop him, popped the crystal pill within it, straight into his mouth and swallowed it whole.

03- SCHOLAR FRADEL RURIK KORVALD (NEVETSECNUAC )(4)

As Zonar had promised, the results were instantaneous: Nevetsecnuac at once felt rejuvenated and strong, his face color restored to norm, his body (muscles, reflexes) immediately normalized, and he became as sound physically and mentally as if he had never undergone the terrible ordeal (affliction) with the poison in the first place.

Physician Quinher and the attendants witnessing this miraculous recovery, utterly dumbfounded (shocked), with agape mouths, stood frozen.

Nevetsecnuac now sitting up in bed, suddenly feeling parched, he had just reached forward to help himself to a cupful of water; after which, he intended to rise to his feet, when just then, Zaur Stugr happened to enter the room (appeared on the scene).

Zaur stugr, at once taking in the scene, though astounded, he quickly got a grip on his senses, cast a prompt, beholden (thankful, indebted) glance at Quinher, then squirely facing the Scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald nodded his head in greeting to him, as his steps same time hastened to reach scholar’s bedside.

04-  MINISTER OF CEREMONY ZAUR STUGR JP (6)

“You have given us such a fright!” Zaur’s face now glowing in sheer delight (elated) and his demeanor clearly at ease, said to Fradel. “But please do not exert yourself by trying to get up now.”

Zaur next turned to again briefly look at Quinher and nodding, address him gratefully: “Excellent work doctor, I can see that the danger has been, finally, everted.”

“Indeed, I’m fully recovered; no need to fuss over me.” Nevetsecnuac, interjecting, with fluid ease sprung to his feet. Zaur could not constrain his utter amazement and sheer delight.

Subsequently, responding to Fradel’s request, Zaur formally introduced him to Phsician Quinher Yungar.

Scholar Fradel Rurik Corvald (Nevetsecnuac) reverently and with gratitude then, bowed to his benefactor, and addressing Quinher directly, said: “I am eternally indebted to you sir; for thanks to your excellent care, I am completely cured.”

05- PHYSICIAN QUINHER YUNGAR  (2)

Though perplexed and still in shock, Quinher hastened to decline any but the most minimal credit for Scholar’s convalescence, all the while silently thanking his lucky stars for this miraculous recuperation (cure, recovery). Long after Quinher had remained quietly intrigued however, wanting, but never getting the chance in that mayhem, to learn more about the potent crystal pill and the source of it.

Reading his mind, Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) at one point, drawing near Quinher Yungar, in a whisper, promised Quinher to tell him all about it at later time; meanwhile, exuberantly, he continued advocating the physician’s medical abilities and accrediting his full recovery to Quinher’s excellent care.

Thus, flood of praises was heaped on the Physician, despite his protestations; and additionally, he was most handsomely rewarded by Zaur Stugr, who chose not to delve too deeply into this miraculous outcome.

Physician Quinher’s head was still reeling (swirling) with countless unanswered questions, long after he had retired to his private quarters and settling in his favorite chair, lit his pipe, to smoke.

                                                                                       ~

 

The rest of the night Fradel Rurik Korvald meanwhile, was most solicitously tended to by Zaur Stugr, who remained quite unwilling to leave his side. The attention poured on Fradel (Nevetsecnuac), was unrelenting and tiresome; therefore, Nevetsecnuac, at the risk of offending his host, finally requested in the politest of terms, reminding Zaur of his appointment with Ronterron Zuke the subsequent day, that he be allowed to retire for three or four hours of respite. This aim achieved, Nevetsecnuac finally reclined on his bed, not to sleep but to direct (pin) his thoughts and to prepare at least mentally, for the challenges that lay ahead, focusing, specifically beyond the subsequent day.

“I must not fail.” was the last murmured sentence (mumble) on his lips as he eventually drifted off into a blissful sleep in the wee (small) hours of the night, his conscience finally in complete accord with his reasoning mind.

 

                                                                                 ~

 

 

(END OF SECTION 7 – BOOK 12- LON- THE PORTENDED PERIL)

 

 

(LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC RESUMES IN NEXT POST- BOOK 13- LON- THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR)

 

 11- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - EVIL PERSONIFIED - SECTION 17

After so many hours of tending the Dark Eunuch’s extensive wounds (lesions), Royal surgeon Mosek stepped back and wiped the sweat off his forehead. Egil Viggoaries was then offered two or three excellent pain-numbing concoctions but despite the throbbing pain in his arm, he refused to ingest any potion and perfunctorily dismissed the Surgeon.

 

01- ROYAL SURGEON MOSEK

The Dark Eunuch thence left alone in the room, he stayed seated there for a while longer evaluating (assessing) his two provocative future machinations; finally, his thoughts reverting to Stuart Chutek, his mind pithily deliberated on the astute (shrewd) course of assertion (command, charge, contention):

His men had already been positioned in the very Inn Chutek was staying, awaiting his orders to apprehend him; before the Stewart Chutek crossed to the Chukset Province, to seek out Tonzeye Yevgun.  In a short while, when the moment was apt, Chutek would be lawfully indicted and convicted for the impending (imminent) murder of Worren Youkup based on that sheer evidence alone. Furthermore, with the established motive, Chutek could easily be portrayed as an ambitious servant who had deliberately and unconscionably seduced and coerced his senile, old master into declaring him as the sole beneficiary; then, before Worren had a change of heart, Chutek cold-heartedly had arranged to have him (the Royal Tutor) killed during Chutek’s absence from Channing, on a supposed errand no less.  Portrayed (depicted) as an insidious, scheming, malicious servant, Chutek could then be subjected the extreme penalty of the law; albeit he survived the preliminary inquisition, he could still be made to suffer the brutal indignities, before his slowest, most tortuous end.

But where was the challenge in that? Egil Viggoaries scoffed and shifted in his seat. Even without all that, any amount of incriminating evidence could easily have been amassed, since the old Tutor had shown such extreme favoritism to the strikingly handsome Chutek, incurring jealous animosities from all the other servants, one in particular…The one named, Lorenzo.

Egil Viggoaries turned his thoughts instead, to Enqui Rimeng's flask which presented far more intriguing possibilities. This flagon (evidential instrument of death) could be utilized to net the bigger prize, in addition to the accursed Herleif! But then, why would he cook the golden goose, or would it be more prudent to call her a pheasant; besides which, she may soon be infinitely more valuable as the Dowager Mother of the future Sovereign.

Egil Viggoaries sporting a wry grin, rose from his chair and walked to the window; as he absently stared out, suddenly, unexpectedly, he was reminded of Samnuk.

Dark Eunuch Egil, grimaced thinking of the time he had tricked the mixed gender rock sprit entity Samnuk, who had just escaped being imprisoned in that protective water crystal amulet which Dwengzur had always worn around his neck. Samnuk had impersonated his master Dwengzur, but Egil quickly wizened to this deception, had instead duped Samnuk into revealing one of his secrets. This was an especially useful tool (device, information), indeed, gaining the ability to shapeshift and assume any form or person; unfortunately, his (Egil) being a mere mortal, if he utilized this spell, there would be a grave consequence to him. Egil had been seriously warned about this, by non other than Dwengzur, before his eventual disappearance with then captive, mischief-maker, Samnuk.

02 SAMNUK 1B

“Oh well,” Egil Viggoaries shrugged; knowing there would be an apt future time, when the advantages would far outweigh the vile disadvantage, for its use.

Dark Eunuch’s thoughts once more reverting to Sejon and then to Magnian, he now indulged his mind in that future fantasy, where which Zakhertan Yozdek and Sejon would be long dead and, he would be the Regent Guardian to Magnian. A necessary short step to being the omnipotent emperor. Emperor Egil… Egil the Merciless! He did like the sound of that! The Dark Eunuch threw his head back and gave a hearty guffaw. A brief time later, sinister grin gone, Egil abruptly turned about face and went out the room; dismissing the respectful bows of his guards at the door, he walked briskly down the hall. Of course, his personal security had at once sheathed their swords and fell into step behind him. The Dark Eunuch walked quickly with long strides to keep his appointment, albeit a little late, with the Senior Grand Secretary Qarzten Caimund. Egil knew that the meeting was of a serious official matter, though it had rapidly been dwarfed in importance by these more recent developments.  

“When I see him,” Egil Viggoaries mused with wry smile on his lips, “I must at least make a point of thanking Qarzten Caimund for his recommendation of me to this case. The man has unwittingly done me a great service!” He threw his head back and laughed once more as he continued to advance without so much as breaking stride.

   

                                                                        ~   

   

That evening, when Egil Viggoaries received the expected word that Royal Tutor Worren Youkup was at death’s door after having suffered a damaging heart-attack, he quickly set aside all other business to pay the customary courtesy call on Worren, hoping to catch him still among the living and to whisper to him his spiteful news. As it were, the Dark Eunuch’s ingrained rancour (grudge) for the sanctimonious Worren Youkup and the Prince Herleif had been everlasting because, Egil Viggoaries’s childhood years had been glumly marred as the study companion of Prince Herleif. Young Egil had undergone nefarious castigations and ignoble humiliations whenever the unruly, wily Herleif had broken the rules. At each instance, Worren Youkup (heartlessly) indifferently turning a blind eye and a deaf ear to the truth had compulsorily mated out harshest penalties on the unpopular Egil Viggoaries. Eventually young Egil had learned to fight back and once fended for himself in such a way as to make Worren’s and Prince Herleif's life, for a time being at least, an absolute Hell. Zakhertan Yozdek at the time was still waging his border wars and was frequently absent from Channing for extended periods; Herleif’s vindictiveness going unchecked hence, it was not long before Viggoaries was maligned and permanently replaced as the study companion, with a more malleable stooge. The ostracized Egil’s life from then on, had taken on a new, nightmarish turn.  

                                                                      … 

At present entering the private compound of the palace staff, Egil Viggoaries continued to make his way, in the same bold strides, towards the tutor's sleeping quarters. Coming to within an earshot of the old man's deathbed, he heard the attending physicians pontificating over Worren’s ailment and them arriving at the unanimous decision that he was at present beyond saving.

"We've done all that is humanly possible to stem the course of damage but alas, his sight and speech faculties (ability) are slightly (to some extent) impaired.” Kundo Rotek said with a tired, mournful resignation. Everyone knew he was in fact quite fond of the Royal Tutor.

“At least you’d in time mercifully administered the dose to ease his terrible pain, but I dare say, bit more excessively." His colleague (assistant) pensively griped.  

 "There is nothing further to be done." Three of the senior Royal Physicians, farcically, exasperatedly shaking their heads unanimously at this point sounded their firm estimation.   

"May Gods be merciful!" A young Royal Physician just then acerbically added, eyeing Egil Viggoaries’s entrance into the room.   

"And may his passing into the spirit world, be without fret." Another one called Polnar, hastily rushed in to say, same time gave his co-worker an apprehensively admonishing look that seemed to say: “Xamis Urmond you fool, you will pay dearly for this later! You have enjoyed the favor of His Highness Zakhertan Yozdek and basked in the rarely bestowed honors and privileges your youthful brilliance has earned you up till now, but nothing lasts forever, and no one is indispensable!” Polnar had rushed forward meanwhile, along with the others, to respectfully greet Egil Viggoaries.   

Polnar’s subsequent profuse apologies and amiable words, on behalf of his headstrong friend Xamis, had unfortunately was ignored (fell on deft ears), for Egil Viggoaries had already made up his mind to take care of this impertinent and upstart Royal Physician, permanently (for good).

03- EGIL VIGGORIES 1- JP

Outwardly, however, Egil seemed to be appeased; showing a particular concern for the Royal Tutor's increasingly deteriorating condition, he suggested (ordered) he be allowed a few solitary moments with his old teacher to convey his farewells.  

The Chief Royal Physician, Kundo Rotek, readily assenting, cleared the room at once of all persons; then he too, quickly exited the room. Then again, all were extremely glad of the opportunity to spread as much distance as possible between them and the Black Eunuch, for none wished to inadvertently offend him and risk his baneful (cursed) wrath.   

Egil Viggoaries nodded in satisfaction as he approached the old Tutor as, without interference, he was now able to assess for himself the specific symptoms of the poison. Though all had read his occasional dissertations about the progress of human diseases and thus would never question his motives, no one was truly aware of the full extent of Egil’s vast knowledge of medicine and toxicology, gathered over the course of many years of experiment and study.  Not only had Egil Viggoaries poured over and devoured the Royal Library's vast storehouse of medical texts (one of the subjects along with alchemy, astronomy, botany and military strategy that had been spared from the incineration) but he had for the past several years also conducted experiments on his own into the causes, cures and progress of a countless number of diseases that plagued mankind with terminal suffering.  As Minister of Internal Security, he was able to procure an unending supply of subjects from among the ranks of the condemned prisoners with which he strove to resolve the dilemmas posed by those elusive maladies that had eluded even the wisest of contemporary medical minds. Not that Egil Viggoaries was striving to find cures for these illnesses; rather, his fascination lay in inducing sickness into previously healthy individuals and then painstakingly recording in meticulous detail the variations of the disease's progress until the final deterioration of their condition.   

The suffering, the torment inflicted on these ill-fated victims gave him that perverse pleasure and bizarre sense of temporary satiation from his bottomless, sadistic curiosity. Egil Viggoaries’s compiled works meanwhile had proven to be a controversial yet invaluable contribution to the medical field, though the methods by which the information had been gathered drew to date, twenty or thirty muted criticisms from certain Court Officials as well as, secret censure by two of his medical peers. Regardless of these personal qualms, they nevertheless jostled each other in their rush to obtain, at great expense, his latest findings when they were, infrequently printed up for publication. For every now and then Egil Viggoaries would succumb to the human failing (an urge) to boast, to gain recognition for his unconscionable yet brilliant methods and theories. These published findings however had only ceded the surface layers of his knowledge of the tools of death. He had also, for self-preservation, secretly experimented, and duly become an expert in identifying the culprit poisons, in specifically, five unresolved murder cases.     

Looking at the old Royal Tutor, Egil Viggoaries presently noted with a bemused smile the obvious signs and the side-effects of the drug Worren Youkup had unwittingly ingested, which had escaped the learned eyes of those brilliant Royal Physicians. Haughty, Idiotic incompetents, the lot of them! Even that arrogant upstart had not caught on. Later, Egil Viggoaries was to learn that Xamis Urmond had indeed raised the possibility during his examination but had been roundly overridden by his more discreet peers. His apologist had even ventured as far as to advise Xamis, "Let the sleeping dogs lie."    

Dispassionately Egil Viggoaries studied the side effects of the potion that had, in its wake, left the Royal Tutor gradually (increasingly) more bereft of sight and speech.  That old boorish tyrant that had plagued his childhood, now nearing his end, was as vulnerable as a newborn babe, squirming in his silent pain. Yet there remained something in those sightless eyes, an urgent need in that contorted face to communicate something vital. Taking advantage of this chance, Egil Viggoaries ordered one of the waiting attendants at outside, to bring him a parchment and ink-laden brush. The attendant as he was leaving the room witnessed only of Egil Viggoaries placing the brush in the dying Royal Tutor's right hand and urging him to write.

No one bore witness to the Eunuch’s subsequent act of, leaning close to Worren’s ear and imparting to him in a whisper, while grinning with sheer malice, his exquisite plans for the darling Stewart Chutek. 

04- STEWART CHUTEK'S IMPENDING FATE

A brief time later Egil Viggoaries had emerged at outside declaring the result to be indecipherable scribbling that warranted thorough analysis later. The Eunuch’s back to them, Chief Royal Physician Kundo Rotek and the other Royal Physicians had all at once, frenziedly rushed (scrambled) back into the room, in time only to observe, Worren Youkup arch his back in pain and breath his last.

 

                                                                        ….   

 

 

(END OF SECTION 17)

 

 11- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - EVIL PERSONIFIED - SECTION 16

 Fortunately for Surgeon Mosek, Egil Viggoaries had once more turned his thoughts back to the barbarian giant and the marvelous combat: In an uncontested, swift maneuver Viggoaries had not only freed himself from this Barbarian giant's clutches but had also struck down his opponent instantaneously as soon as the other’s subsequent, murderous assault had been launched. Admittedly the giant had been quite skilled and dexterous for one his size. Amazingly, he had been quite adroit in his defenses and counter strikes, fending against the lightening speed deadly blows aimed at his head, legs, and chest even as he fumbled for his weapon, which had, at one point, taken flight and wedged between ice covered rocks, at the distance of a hundred feet away. Egil grimaced, thinking of his ensued, signature kick to the man's spine, launched after a mid-air somersault, which had dropped the giant at Viggoaries’s feet, his legs still kicking impotently.

Egil could have decapitated him that instant, but instead, he had taken his time, delighting in the giant's paralysis, and his impotent (powerless), anguished pain (though still defiant with his daggers ‘glare); choosing instead to finish him off,  in that grindingly slow, tormented way before he applied just a bit of pressure, just so. 

01- EGIL VIGGORIES

Subsequently, Egil Viggoaries leaned back, his mind oblivious to the pain in his arm which was now spreading to his chest and neck; looking away to a distant void with his mind already devising (conceiving) apt steps to destroy his intended target, the corners of his mouth just then lifted slightly as his lips sported a (pitiless) malicious, cynical smile.

At that moment a sharp knock at the door abruptly interrupted his pleasure (hideous reverie) and thus he scowled. His deputy, Caunze, was eventually granted admission and, after a deep bow, came to stand before Viggoaries and to inform him of agent Rukon's urgent request for an audience.

 "Let him in.", Viggoaries gestured, condescendingly.

 

                                                                                     ~

Once admitted, the newly recruited agent stopped in the center of the room, reverently bowed low then stood at attention for permission to speak. Just inside the door, the Deputy Caunze waited at ease, his hands clasped behind his back.

"Well, what is it?"  Viggoaries's obvious impatience made Rukon flinch reflexively.

In fact, it was the sudden searing, bolt of pain radiating from his arm that had put the Dark Eunuch in a foul mood; this however he would never admit to himself, for he despised weakness and all forms of human frailty.

Egil Viggoaries had constantly (in his adult life) striven to be indifferent to physical and mental pain, and likewise demeaning human deficiencies (limitations), ever since that humiliating lesson he had learned at the hand of Zakhertan Yozdek when he was but eight years old. That mortifying experience had permanently marred and altered his character. Additionally, there were those four incidences, before puberty, that Egil had buried in the deep recesses of his conscious mind where they could never be surfaced (recalled) for to do so would instantly rob the Dark Eunuch of the last shred of his dignity and any remaining self-respect.

Egil Viggoaries grimaced, being abruptly reminded of the other, the supposed him, languishing since infancy in fact, like a subhuman criminal, in the darkest recesses of the dungeons. Zakhertan Yozdek had gifted him to Egil as an outlet, when he had turned into his teens, to torment as much as he had liked, with only one condition, that the prisoner lived. If you could call it that; the wretch lived, lived to endure yet another day’s torment.

The agent Rukon, meanwhile, had opened his mouth, steeling himself before he spoke. Still, he hesitated, his eyes darting to Surgeon Mosek who, with rapt attention was bent on sewing up the remainder of the wound after the tendon was re-attached and the veins cauterized. Would it be prudent to expose these findings in front of this physician? Granted Mosek's reliability was beyond question. Still, this could be a test.

There was a peal of eerie, mocking laughter as Egil Viggoaries subsequently shot Mosek a cold, stern look that effectively dismissed the physician. The closing of the wound would have to wait, irrespective of future complications. Egil Viggoaries’s eyes tracked Mosek as latter promptly and without least protest exited the room; afterwards, Egil’s stone (unreadable) gaze fell on Caunze for a moment or two, before reverting onto Rukon.

02-AGENT RUKON

The agent’s face paled, so cold was the Dark Eunuch’s scrutiny that it sent shivers down his spine; thus, Rukon bit out the words without so much as a pause, injudiciously reporting all, even the inconsequential stuff (matter) of his findings:  This well included the redundant details of Nigel's visit to the kitchens (under the pretext of ordering a specially prepared repast for Lady Sejon) and, after identifying that night’s allotted dishes for Royal Tutor Worren Youkup, she had then discretely emptied the entire contents of the pilfered (pinched, stolen) flask into one particularly sweet saucer.

"Have you retrieved the flask she discarded?" Egil Viggoaries now brusquely cut short (terminated) Rukon’s ramblings.

"Yes sir; it took some doing but I’ve…” Noting the fierce disapproval in Egil Viggoaries’s eyes, Ruken abruptly fell silent, and his flesh started to crawl.

“What breech of conduct can I be guilty of now?”  He knew better than to ponder that question too long and, he at once removed the flask, which by then had lost the label, from his tunic and rushed forward to hand it to Egil Viggoaries, mumbling also copious apologies as he backed away.

Egil Viggoaries removed the tightened lid and wafted the air above the opening toward his face. He made no effort to conceal his venomous grimace or the certain sober calculation in his eyes. Her previous indiscretions, the conspiracy to murder and its associated misconducts were not sufficiently grave to suit his purpose; but now, he would add premeditated murder to the list of her crimes, and then, when the time was ripe, he would reap the bountiful harvest.

 "That will be all." the words spoken to Rukon were sharp and abrasive, but Viggoaries’s icy eyes went past the agent to rest on Caunze.

The Deputy nodded, his face placid, almost inscrutable in its masklike quality; no one could have anticipated the smoldering rage deep inside the man as he bowed stoically and exited the chamber promptly, with Rukon at his heels.

Surgeon Mosek had all this time stood patiently at the outside corridor (hallway), awaiting word (a command from the Dark Eunuch) to rush back in and to finish his laborious task. He gazed after the retreating pair with blank stare. Halfway down the hall, at a safe distance, Caunze abruptly halted and pivoted.

Thrusting his hostile face right up against Rukon's, his fiery eyes burrowing into Rukon’s, he then sneered incredulously, "Just what did you think you were doing back in there? And wipe away that stupefied look from your face!"  Caunze grabbed Rukon’s shoulder roughly and yanked him aside then shoved him further in the quiet niche to escape the curious eyes and ears of the guards.

Leering menacingly, Caunze again pitted his face right up against the other and curtly enumerated every instance of inappropriate and plainly erroneous conduct, all the violations that Rukon had been guilty of, back in the room. As Rukon listened, his heart (palpitated) hammered violently against his breastbone (in his chest) for he had just then realized how close he had come to forfeiting his very life through his carelessness and deficient compliance of the stringent protocol.

03- DEPUTY CAUNZE (2)

Constraining the sheer disgust he felt from his voice, Caunze next pointed out sternly how just this once Rukon had been given this rare leeway, that for which he should be thankful. “And be sure to have your future reports more defined and concise.” Caunze tersely added before with a snort of derision he turned and walked away, not caring if Rukon followed.

He subsequently tossed a swift parting shot over his shoulder as his voice trailed into the distance, "His Excellency is not always this charitable.”   

Ceding this one point, Rukon stared after the Deputy with resentment smoldering in his heart. “To think after all I've gone through, having striven so hard to retrieve that cursed flask from a whirling cesspool, for him!”  Rukon bit his lip to hold back his anger and obvious disappointment then quickened his pace to return to his posting.

Subsequent days, Rukon’s routine tasks, his administrative duties, had increasingly became more arduous, his life much more a living hell. Rukon did eventually learn, quite by accident, that the greatest part of the blame for his failings on that day, had rested squarely on the shoulders of his immediate supervisor Caunze; hence, the consequent hostility and the ensued hardships.

                                                                            ~

    

No sooner Caunze and Rukon had disappeared down the hall, surgeon Mosek had been summoned back in to finish the job. Mosek with assiduous speed set to at once tending, cauterizing stitching, and then bandaging the rest of the terrible (extensive) wound on the arm.

All this while, the Dark Eunuch's mind was focused on an intriguing matter, more specifically, the detailed report on an insignificant Steward Chutek in Worren Youkup’s employ. Knowing Worren’s unnatural infatuation (obsession) with Chutek, Egil Viggoaries had the steward shadowed, for a long while, by his agents. Of course, when Egil had first learned of Imperial Tutor's clever manoeuvrings, long before his formal charge, (condemnation)- including the naming of the steward Chutek as the lawful, sole beneficiary of his estate and, anticipating unforeseen adversity his timely implemented certain measures to circumvent it- Egil Viggoaries had been both irate and amused. 

Subsequently, once the Imperial Tutor fell under suspicion, the actuated (triggered) land title search revealed the true measure of Worren’s vast holdings and secreted investments that had been amassed in his long lifetime. Since Worren Youkup had lived so frugally, it had taken everyone by surprise that the old Tutor had been underhandedly so brilliant with his investments, that it had led to the accretion of such magnitude of wealth.

 

04- STEWART CHUTEK TRAVELLING- JP

Recent developments, which entailed the hasty departure of the Steward Chutek from the Capital (Channing) on a facade urgent errand, meanwhile, had mildly elated Egil; nevertheless, he had not yet issued any order to have Chutek apprehended.

In the wake of other troubling reports, the Dark Eunuch's cold heart now contemplated on the added (relevance and) benefits of this, foible of Worren’s, to the case.

Dark Eunuch grimaced, cogitating, as this had then enabled Egil to in the future, formally charge Chutek and those he suspected of being in league with, for the Tutor’s well anticipated, untimely demise or, more specifically, murder.

Currently as things stood, even if Worren Youkup were to be posthumously exonerated, with no living relative to lay claim to his now exposed vast estate (numerous prime properties and funds), it would all still be automatically absorbed by the central Government (the state); then, with only a bit of subtle engineering, the major portion of it could easily, permanently be made to disappear into Egil Viggoaries’s own coffers.

 

                                                                               ~ 

 

(END OF SECTION 16)

 

 

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 14

 

“Now, you've heard how Kuric and Ruat had a falling out a while back?"   Zhadol paused to acknowledge the confirming nod from Yennic before continuing, "It’s no secret that, since then, they have become bitter adversaries, always trying to undermine each other.”

01-KURIC AND RUAT

“Sorek’s involvement was quite incidental.  In fact, it is my contention that he was victimized by the malicious slander that started it all.  Chakon, Kuric's brother-in-law, spread it with the hope of gaining much from Sorek's downfall."

"So, it was Chakon who told-on (betrayed) him?"

"No, Chakon doesn't have much clout.  He was only the instrument.  Ruat was behind it all.  He caused Sorek's disgrace after he'd finally succeeded in landing in Kuric, in serious trouble.  I suppose he feared repercussions from Sorek and worked to render him ineffective.  As for the trouble Kuric landed in, well you know Kuric has already been arrested, charged with conspiring with Frenzo in grand larceny and has had all his property confiscated."

"Then there was some truth to that rumor but that's preposterous!  He never even knew Frenzo." Yennic objected.

"None the less, Ruat has produced enough solid, incriminating evidence to prove otherwise.  It is also my contention that this is pure fabrication but who is there to contest it and prove otherwise?  All of Kuric's associates have severed their friendships and dealings with him out of fear.  Some have even fled the Capital, anticipating the ensuing repercussions."

"But not Sorek," Yennic grunted (contradicted).

02- SOREK

"Sorek was a fool,” Zhadol scoffed.  "Still, they couldn't have touched him because of his powerful family but, instead of keeping his mouth shut and laying low for a while, he incited trouble.  Over one trivial word, that's all it took.  Egil Viggoaries's spies, once informed by Ruat, brought this to His Excellency's attention.  Sorek was kidnapped, interrupting his sleep, in the middle of the night and brought before the Black Molochs to give an account of his disrespect.  Instead of cowering before the ensuing secret tribunal and begging Egil Viggoaries's mercy, as any sensible person might do, the fool remained indignant and insisted on the falseness of the charge.  I have no doubt the report was greatly exaggerated to make it come out as it did, but still there was some grain of truth to it.  Anyhow, not only was Sorek whipped senseless, but he was also disgraced by being stripped naked to the waist and …"   Zhadol abruptly fell silent and dropped his head.

 "I have no love for Sorek, you understand," he lifted his eyes, "but I felt that this branding punishment was a bit too severe."

"Is that why you refused to take part in, hmm, “Riding the Colt”, at the informal gathering in wee hours that night in His Excellency’s residence?" Yennic eagerly asked.

"I thought you said you didn't know anything about it?"

"I ran into the physician Coj, who attended on Sorek the next day." Yennic confessed.

"He's an old friend of my father's and I was under his good care when I'd contracted that serious childhood disease, Lurox Sores. Seeing his distraught state, I treated him to some wine, and, in his intoxicated state, he finally opened up to me a little.”

“But that muddle-headed fool Coj was too incoherent with his accounts (facts) to be of much use. Truly, I remained ignorant of the precise details that led up to the punishment till; I'd pieced it all together while I listened to you, just now."

“A likely story,” Nevetsecnuac smiled broadly.

Zhadol, appeared totally taken in (convinced) for, typically, he was blinded by his affection where Yennic was concerned.

"Your mind works quickly." Zhadol complimented.

"Thank you.” Yennic was pleased. “Yet Sorek is from one of the most powerful, old-established families, and their influence has grown further since Her Ladyship, recently the most favorite of His Highness Zakhertan Yozdek, awarded them her patronage.  Surely if anyone could have brought formal charges against His Excellency Egil Viggoaries before His Highness, they could.  Why is it then that Sorek's father chose to cover up this incident?"

"They knew it was useless.  Don't you understand?"   Zhadol looked intently at the Lieutenant.

"Yes," Yennic nodded, comprehending. "It would have been rather pointless for them to pursue the matter.  If it ever did become public knowledge the family would have suffered far worse from the loss of face.  That is why the whole matter was hushed up, swept under the carpet, so to speak, so expeditiously."

"Egil Viggoaries, knowing their weakness, dared to act as he did, choosing the perfect humiliation for one of Sorek's breeding.  In this instance, political power had very little to do with it,” Zhadol summarized.

Yennic knitted his brows, "Yet Sorek's uncle, Chancellor Derez, is known to be a dogged, vindictive man.  How did they manage to keep him out of this?"

03-CHANCELLOR DEREZ

"He's been too wrapped up in his own questionable dealings of late to pay too much attention to family matters.  That extortionist,” Zhadol snorted. "He's the worst of the lot, but he enjoys the protection of you-know-who and no one may speak ill of him or dare to expose his dirty dealings.  You know of the recent case of the Kyu murder?"

Yennic was aghast.  "He wasn't involved in that, was he?"

"Involved," Zhadol sneered.  "He engineered the whole thing."

"You have proof of your allegations?"

"Yes, but I dare not breathe a word of it to anyone other than you.  Anyhow, it’s all been covered up and two other innocent parties have been made to pay for the crime."

"You don't mean that Jekon and Mayoz Dur were innocent, after all," Yennic gasped.

04-JEKON

05-MAYOZ DUR

"Yes, they were.  I found out who had really carried out that gruesome deed."

"But those two confessed to doing it." Yennic insisted in disbelief.

"You, too, would have confessed to anything if you were subjected to the same kind of tortures they had been." Zhadol grimaced.

"They were publicly hanged!  Their families wiped out!" Yennic mumbled grimly, finding it hard to swallow this travesty of injustice.  The revelation had hit him particularly hard.  He recalled being an eyewitness to the executions and, like so many others, feeling a sense of vindication, that is, until now.

 Zhadol was perplexed by Yennic's strange demeanor and noted the strain, his grave expression which Yannic had failed to mask.  He was about to ask why Yennic took this news so hard when he was cut off.

"you’ve said you knew who the real assassins were…tell me before I burst; who were those darn cut-throats?" Yennic hotly demanded.

"Why, by the Heavens, are you getting all worked up for?  It’s all over and done with.  There isn't much that you, or anyone, can do now. Besides, it’s best that you remain ignorant of their identities.  Otherwise, with your hot head…"   Zhadol shook his head dismally, the concern evident in his voice. "With that explosive nature of yours you'll most likely land yourself in serious trouble.  I can't go around saving your neck all the time, you know.  Even I have my limitations."

 He held up a hand to cut short Yennic's bursting response.  "Honestly; it’s best you don't know of it.  I'm finding it hard to live with it myself."  He half turned, shrugging his shoulders, and looking away dispassionately.  "Then again, what's one more heaped on the mountain of injustices?"

Typically, his wise counsel fell on deaf ears as Yennic grasped Zhadol’s arm and swung him around till they were eye to eye.  "No, I must know!  You must tell me!" Yennic implored, charged with emotion.

Stone faced, Zhadol studied Yennic with curiosity. “Why are you being so persistent?  I've never known you to have ever been this emotional about a case before.”

"Don't you see?"  Yennic suddenly dropped Zhadol’s arm then abruptly confessed, "I was made their instrument, or don't you know that?  Of course, you were away on assignment when the case came up.  I helped capture Jekon and Mayoz Dur and deliver them to their unjust end.  I was the arresting officer!"  Yennic dropped his head in remorse.  "Even though they had once done me a good turn and they professed their innocence from the start, I still took them in."  Biting the corner of his lip, he looked up to Zhadol for absolution, "How was I to know?  Could I have acted any differently?"

Clearly Yennic was tormented by guilt and Zhadol nodded in understanding.  By putting his personal feelings aside, Yennic had, as always, done his utmost to impress his Superior.  Perhaps this once should have delved deeper into the reasons for it.

 "Then this portends (augurs) even more trouble."   Zhadol shook his head, "I'm sorry, Yennic, but..."  Yennic's contemptuous look froze the words on his tongue.

"You think so little of me?" Yennic turned his head away in dejection.

"If I do tell you their names, will you promise not to stir up trouble?"   Zhadol was softening.  "Promise me you won't go after them, for to do so would result only in your own undoing.  You'll be framed for some crime, or worse found lying dead in some ditch within a month.  You're too small a fish to fry and, though they may be insignificant in the scheme of things, they have powerful backing and they're treacherous, devoid of all conscience.  That's what makes them deadly for you."

"Yes,” Yennics responded. “I’ll take that into consideration.  I promise I won't do anything foolish; now, tell me who they are and, since this matter is so delicate, tell me how you found out about it."

"How I found out is not important, but..."

Yennic grasped Zhadol’s arm, squeezing it tight.  He already surmised how Zhadol had found out; the way he always found out about everything.  "You were about to tell me their names.  Stop all this stalling and tell me.  Tell me now!"

"You're out of line, Lieutenant!"   Zhadol jerked his arm free then, despite his better judgment, relented.  "It’s none other than Zunrogo Tugo and Gaos Zunkur."

These names, of course, meant nothing to Nevetsecnuac but he saw their profound effect on Yennic who, with clenched fist, gritted his teeth under snarling lips and dropped his head.

Concern registered on Zhadol’s face and, for the third time he reminded Yennic of his promise of constraint.  In his heart he knew, of course, that Yennic would break it for the Lieutenant had many other reasons for hating Zunrogo Tugo, especially Zunrogo.

06 - ZUNROGO TUGO JP 5

This latest bit had just added to the long list of grievances Yennic harbored against the man.  Yet this seeming calm on Yennic's part particularly alarmed Zhadol.  He would rather have seen Yennic explode with his predictable, searing rage, swearing abuse, and calling for hot, sweet revenge but nothing, not even a grunt or a muttered curse passed through those lips.  The brutal glint in his eye spoke volumes, however, about the inner resentment festering within him.

“Why are you holding me responsible?”  Zhadol shot back a questioning glance.

This unnerving silence had lasted only seconds but to all three it had seemed as though a far longer period had elapsed.

"Come now, we've been away long enough."   Zhadol placed a gentle, reassuring hand on Yennic's shoulder.

"The dawn should soon be upon us.  Let us return and get some shut eye."

Yennic responded with a mute nod then sprung smartly to his feet.  Halting briefly, they relieved themselves under the very tree in which Nevetsecnuac was hiding.  The cool breeze fanned their faces and delighted their senses as they lent a casual ear to distant hooting and the flapping of wings.

 

 

(END OF SECTION 14)

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