LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC – THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL – SECTION 3

 

Dwengzur could not veil his mounting irritation since he had expected to, long before this, ferret out the answers he sought and, begone from this cursed den of loathed humans. He swigged (quaffed) some more wine then, with forced congeniality, asked aloud. "Now, perhaps, you will oblige me with an answer to a rather trivial concern of mine." "You were, of course, aware of Zonar’s mission in your country?"  He paused to receive Fradel’s (Nevetsecnuac's) simple nod, before continuing.

Truth be told, Nevetsecnuac had only a vague and unsubstantiated notion, which he had formulated, from Zonar's parting words: “Even if I fail, I will not fail.”

"Then how is it possible that your friendship could take root? I fail to understand your heart's generosity. It does not support…" Dwengzur paused then shook his head. "After all, Zonar sought to beget (effect) the utter ruin (destruction) of Wenjenkun." 

Nevetsecnuac's encapsulated vague reaction however, robbed Dwengzur, still, of any resolution.

01- FRADED (NEVETSECNUAC ) FACING DWNGZUR'S SCRUTINY

 “On the brink of death his thoughts were of you.” Dwengzur persisted with his measured natter (tone). “You alone made a singular difference to him. Why? How did you manage to alter his views, considering the deep-seated lifelong contempt he felt for your Country and all its citizens? Even more incredible, I say, since the General bore a sustained grudge against Wenjenkun, Zakhertan Yozdek and the former Monarch, Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir.  He took to heart the atrocities; the rampant genocide committed against the hapless citizens of Korion."  The Immortal shook his head grimly and looked away, as if lost for words. "Granted," after a spell, he conceded thoughtfully, " at the time Field Marshall Zakhertan Yozdek had acted on his own initiative, not on the orders of his Monarch, to gratify a personal vendetta, he bore against Korion's Sovereign. Still, that does not excuse the incompetency of Wenjenkun's past ruler. He bears some of the responsibility for his lack of action and, he should be, justly held accountable by History." 

The lack of reaction from Fradel Rurik Korvald was, again, unexpected and bit infuriating. Despite his exasperation this unique individual was beginning to interest him. Then suddenly Dwengzur caught the inkling of a dilemma in Fradel's thoughts.

“What was that; you regret leaving behind the brush…. A writing implements?” but the Immortal could not be certain of the specifics. Encouraged, yet still baffled, Dwengzur pushed to get results.

Nevetsecnuac, suspecting Dwengzur's underhanded motive, was determined to gage (measure, gauge) the limits of the Immortal's patience and deficiencies (shortcomings, limitations). Furthermore, he strongly resented Dwengzur's arrogant, supercilious, deceitful manner but, more specifically, Nevetsecnuac despised him for killing a fine, loyal warrior like Zonar. Despite all the differences, Nevetsecnuac felt that Zonar and he had much in common. Set upon the same course, an unlikely alliance and a friendship of sorts had developed after their number of encounters. Now, as warrior soulmates, Nevetsecnuac felt obligated to at least, extract measure of satisfaction from Dwengzur, he owed Zonar that much.

Fixing his bold gaze on Dwengzur, Nevetsecnuac now framed his thoughts boldly, sarcastically, “Since your scorn for mankind, sir, is all too evident, why, then, did you betray your own kinsman to appease the villain Zakhertan Yozdek and his unworthy lot?”

Dwengzur stirred as he caught the thought-projection. “How you flatter yourselves! What unworthy creatures you all are, totally beneath my contempt!”  He scoffed inwardly.

“As if the sun rises and sets, the moon, stars, and galaxies all turn in the Heavens solely for the benefit of your puny race! Why should I dispense any effort, spend any emotion at all for your kind? Hah! Do you really believe that I care one way or another whether Zakhertan Yozdek or you, Fradel Rurik Korvald, live or die? Do you think I care whether your inconsequential nation suffers or perishes in the forthcoming wars?”

02- DWENGZUR

But checking his temper, Dwengzur responded coolly (calmly) and sternly, instead. "But you were already given your answer in the foothills, although in a most abstract form, when you’ve eaves-dropped on Commander Zhadol and Lieutenant Yennic at Cyprecox Pass." 

Dwengzur grimaced wryly, noting Fradel Rurik Korvald’s purposeful flinch, Nevetsecnuac having allowed him to discern just that bit.

"Fact is, it is unconscionable and quite irresponsible for us to allow ourselves to intercede in, the natural progression of civilization of any undeveloped species. The least knowledge we possess, if it were to be prematurely unleashed on your primitive culture, could foster dire consequences and detrimental disruptions. Especially when combined with your race's warmongering ways. Zonar presented such a threat to your race and so it was for the good of humankind that he was terminated; you should be on your knees and thanking me for this.”

Instantly Dwengzur picked up Fradel’s (Nevetsecnuac's) next deliberately unspoken query and baffled (perplexed), he shook his head. “You are such a curious lot; even when death is staring you in the face or your life hangs in the balance, you still stubbornly, crave to learn about matters that should not concern you.”

After few minutes of deliberation however, Dwengzur nodded in assent. "All right, so you wish to know more about Zonar’s origin; frankly, I see no reason this should be kept confidential,” but withheld the words, “from one who’s fated to die soon."  Dwengzur had hoped of course, to soften or sway Fradel, with an intriguing, amorous anecdote; after all, didn’t all mortals like a relevant (appropriate) love story, especially one based on facts?

“Hundred years ago, at a typical Divination Ceremony where, each new generation at the age of ten (earth years) was evaluated, His Eminence Olavingemar the Most Supreme Elder of Karn Race, had read the ominous prediction that, the child Tekubzan was unfortunately, the carrier of a seed that would be the harbinger of the Race of Karn’s utter obliteration.”

03- DIVINATION CEREMONY (ELDERS OF KARN)

 To prevent this from ever happening, by a majority vote, she was in a fortnight, condemned to death. She was to be, like vermin, promptly exterminated. His Eminence Olavigemar, who also happed to be her father, however, privately re-consulted the Heavens and given an option, an alternative to the execution, she was instead, doomed to a much crueler fate: being imprisoned for life, behind an impenetrable, a one peace of solid rock at the farthest point and at the deepest recesses of the Cave. There she was destined to live, the rest of her long life, in solitary confinement and in pitch darkness, behind the solid rock wall that looked to be a natural part of the cave. Thickness of it muted all sound. At least, her father had though, she would be alive!  Zandar and Tekubzan however, were destined to meet.”

“Good, I have his full interest now.”  Dwengzur took another sip of wine first, then in leisurely manner recounted (narrated) how Zonar Kuntzu’s father, Chando, also from the race of Karn, later known as Zandar Kuntzu, at the earth years of 20, possessing a curious, explorative nature, had once secretly ventured into the forbidden depths of the gigantic cavern;  where which, due to prior, once in a millennia seismic event, a fissure had occurred on the solid wall that had for (ten) decades imprisoned  behind it, a fair maiden, most enchanting creature born to race of Karn. 

“It so happened that the monstrous seismic event this time had created a crack in that solid rock wall. Chando (Zandar Kuntzu), chancing on this, had drawn near to examine it further. Now because he had an unusual and super-human hearing, he had detected the slight sound behind it. His curiosity aroused, he therefore secretly from then on, stole to the sight and began to forcefully enlarge the crack, to discover whatever, whoever it was, behind it. When the opening was large enough for him to peer in, he held up the light to it, and to his great surprise, discovered a beautiful damsel imprisoned beyond it. The immortal girl, Tekubzan, had of course, aged slowly and was now in earth years, in her mid-twenties.” 

“Chando worked diligently for months till eventually he could get through the opening to the other side. The beautiful creature in tattered clothing was frightened at first and besides, she had forgotten how to interact (relate) or more specifically, express herself by way of vernacular. But no words were necessary as he pitied her, and same time, was drawn to her. From then on, whenever he could, he stole away and visited her. They for a time used a made-up-sign-language for communication. Gradually, having gained her confidence, the two grew quite close. She recouped (recovered) her vernacular ability by this time and was able to tell him, her name (Tekubzan), and why she had been so unjustly, by the Elders of Karn, imprisoned all this time.”

04 A- TEKUBZAN AND CHANDO (ZONAR'S PARENTS)

“They spend two more blissful (delightful) months together and eventually fell deeply in love. His innate nature (character)being a rebel, Chando would not shy away from most taboos; but he was nevertheless reluctant to be too intimate with her, knowing that if he did, in consequence he might impregnate her. When the desire became too great to resist, thinking he had taken apt precautions, the two shared a most heavenly and cherished time together. Afterwards, he had given her his solemn word that he would return very soon and then, reluctantly left her.”

05 -CHANDOR-RELUCTANTLY LEAVES TEKUBZAN (4)jp

“But unforeseen circumstances prevented him for an exceptionally long time from re-visiting Tekubzan. When he finally could get away, he rushed to the forbidden place to present her the precious gifts and ask her to be his mate forever. He had decided also to rescue her from her prison and after the two had made good their escape from the mountain, they would live happily and in secret, forever in the mortal realm, preferably, in the most remote corner of the world. Unfortunately, what greeted him was a hart-wrenching tragedy.”

“Tekubzan was no where to be seen. Then he saw the signs of an intrusion and the evidence of grand scale devastation which revealed that there had been a spectacular battle, a dire struggle there, obviously, between Tekubzan and the evil perpetrator. In the end she had perished in the fire, as her charred remains had been found there in a heap. The offender, after the evil deed, had unfortunately clear gotten away, as there had been no residue or remains of him, left behind.”

06- THE CULPRIT

“She had successfully hidden her newborn twins (boy and girl) well before the fight however and even had managed to transfer great deal of her powers to the babies, whom she had named Zonar and Arnora (girl twin), for no harm had come to the infants. Unfortunately, this must have left her vulnerable, and far less able to thwart (offset, counter) the perpetrator’s assaults. You can well imagine Chando’s frustration, his ire (rage, fury), self-blame, then ultimately, his inconsolable grief, to have arrived there too late and well after it had been all over. Intrepid Tekubzan, anticipating his return had nevertheless managed to leave a (telepathic) message to him, therefore, drying up his tears and, following her instructions, he discovered the unharmed, hidden twins, his son, Zonar and daughter Arnora. And that’s how Zonar and Arnora had come into the world. For a long time, Chando stared at these little, precious beings who were his son and daughter! The babies, not identical twins, Zonar had his mother’s blazing red hair, while Arnora had Chando’s white blond hair; nevertheless, Zonar had his (Chando’s) eyes, but fortunately, the girl had his beloved’s nose and chin.” Chando could not take his eyes off his precious, poor, orphaned infants, which had waited for him, only heaven knows how long. They had lived because she had, after severing the umbilical cords, transferred major part of her life force to them. And then used still more of her power to conceal them. Chando shedding more tears, lovingly cradled his infant boy and girl in his arms and rocked them. After a long spell, eventually, reason took hold. He went over to the pile of ashes (which were her remains) and reverently bowed to his beloved and then remaining kneeling, said his prayers; to give her at least, some solace in afterlife. Chando, then desisting the new surging flood of tears, in resolute tone articulated (voiced) his solemn vow to take exceptionally diligent care of the twins.”

07 B- CHANDO MAKES SOLEMN WOW TO TEKUBZAN'S SPIRIT

“Tekubzan had purposely not disclosed the culprit’s identity that had attacked her and ultimately taken her life, for either she did not know the assailant or, that he was far too powerful; and she knowing Zandar would seek revenge and fearing for his safety, sought to protect him.”

“Zandar, remaining on his knees, however, in a resounding voice next had avowed: He would search Heaven and Earth to one day redress this grave injustice and duly avenge her.”

“Afterwards, for she’d also warned him that the evil perpetrator had been bent on destroying him and their offsprings, therefore, not to linger on and without delay fly to safety- Chando (Zandar Kuntzu), though reluctantly, had absconded the mountain along with Zonar and Arnora and permanently disappeared somewhere in the vast mortal world of Humans.”

 

(END OF SECTION 3)

 

                                                                                         ~  

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 11

But wait," Zhadol held up his hand, "let me give you another good example of Dwengzur’s powers.

“Yes, that night Dwengzur provided us with yet another demonstration, chiefly for Egil Viggoaries’s amusement.  A reluctant volunteer was chosen to sit before him, then Dwengzur, with a great, mysterious air, muttering incantations, place both thumbs on Lenny’s"

"Not the Under-Secretary Lenny Sukzor?" Yennic broke in, grabbing Zhadol's arm in excitement.  "Not that old sourpuss?"

Commander Zhadol jerked his arm free.  "Everyone over twenty-five is old to you." he scoffed disdainfully.  He was stalling, searching in silence with knitted brows for a way of retracting this damaging slip.

Yennic was not about to let it pass that easily and fixed his intense green eyes on Zhadol.  "Now don't change the subject.  It is him you're referring to, isn't it?"

01- COMMANDER ZHADOL AND YENNIC

Zhadol hemmed and hawed as his face twitched nervously but he soon saw the pointlessness of any denial.  Biting his lip, he cast down his eyes and gave the barest nod of affirmation.

"But this is astounding!" Yennic gloated maliciously, easing himself back.

 "What do you know?  To think that all this time, I, and everyone else were so completely duped.  To think that he’s…."

"Now, Yennic, I needn't warn you of the consequences." Zhadol ejected sternly, authoritatively glaring at Yennic.

For a fleeting moment there was such hardness, such blood-curdling coldness in Zhadol's pupils that Yennic, caught by surprise, a small shudder passed through him.  He dared not taunt the Commander any further and at once wiped off the leering smile from his face.

 "No, of course not," Yennic responded hastily then in all seriousness.  "I swear on the graves of my forefathers, I'll never breathe a word of this to anyone.  But please do go on.  Tell me about the demonstration."  He urged Zhadol on, trying his best to play down the incident but the Commander's silence was unnerving.

"Unless, of course, you'd rather talk of something else..."  His eyes looked past Zhadol with an effort and focused on the distant dark sky.

 "How brilliant the moon is tonight in the company of all those twinkling stars," he added thoughtfully, with a meaning, of course, entirely different.

His clumsy attempt to draw out his jealousy amused Zhadol. “How predictable you are…  How absurd.” In silence Zhadol stared at Yennic, who appeared to be lost in thought.  Still, his body, tensing like a bowstring, betrayed him.

 As Zhadol studied the Lieutenant a cynical smile brushed his lips then, nodding, he volunteered the information Yennic was thirsting to hear.

"Yes, Dwengzur placed his thumbs on Lenny’s forehead like so," he said, demonstrating the placement on Yennic.  "Then he uttered more incongruous, incomprehensible incantations.  Within seconds, Lenny’s eyes glazed over, and his head dropped.  Most interestingly, however, Dwengzur's hair had just then turned completely white then it reverted to its original fiery red color, and he straightened up to reveal his findings.  Dwengzur not only told of what motives lay in Lenny’s heart, but also of the desires and inhibitions that lurked in the dark recess of his unconscious mind.  Armed with this knowledge, Egil Viggoaries then ordered Dwengzur to bring Lenny around.  All the sorcerers had to do was simply mutter some words, blow once on Lenny 's face and Lenny revived instantly with no recollection whatever of what had happened.  He even asked Dwengzur, with some apprehension, when the demonstration would begin."

02- LENNY SUKZOR (1)JP

"That must have been a riot!" Yennic laughed venomously.  "I don't suppose you'll impart some of that dirt (on Lenny) to me?”  Yennic fished for details.  "No?  I thought as much."  Disappointed, he pursed his lips.

Zhadol suppressed his annoyance and continued, "When Egil Viggoaries confronted Lenny with the knowledge Dwengzur had gained, all of it proved quite accurate.  Extremely embarrassed, poor Lenny didn't know which way to turn.  He probably wished there was a rock somewhere that he could crawl under and die.  Egil Viggoaries, with his insatiable appetite for cruelty, played it to the limit, making Lenny squirm time and time again.  I don't have to tell you how he brutally toyed with Lenny and how he shamelessly enjoyed himself at the Under-Secretary's expense."

"I would have given anything to be there to see that upstart squirm like a stuck pig." Yennic voiced without reservation, his cold, unsympathetic reaction.  He had made no secret of his intense dislike of Lenny Sukzor ever since the Under-Secretary had publicly spurned and humiliated him.

Zhadol, on the other hand, had had no serious clashes with Lenny and, therefore, neither liked nor disliked the man.  However, he respected the Under-Secretary's strong character, his sense of justice and his frank, no-nonsense manner.

Yennic noting the strong disapproval in Zhadol's face, the threat implicit in his silence, quickly checked his tone and mumbled, "I don't suppose that Dwengzur got too many volunteers after that."

"No, he did not." Zhadol replied mechanically.  Something else was preying on his thoughts.

"Still, such tricks are very useful."  Yennic grimaced coldly as he stole a malevolent look at Zhadol.  "One could reap untold benefits and gain a serious advantage over one’s foes.  His Royal Highness was, no doubt, profoundly interested in this?"

"Precisely," Zhadol nodded distractedly, turned to look directly at Yennic and stiffened his posture.  "More importantly, Dwengzur can study the juxtaposition of the planets and constellations and predict future events.  Unfortunately, however, his predictions augured (portended) more trouble."  He shook his head, "We'll have to indefinitely postpone our trip to Yaguzer."

"But the arrangements have already been made!" Yennic's initial reaction was to protest vehemently.  "What kind of trouble?" he looked up to ask.  "Why can't we…"

"This is quite serious."  Zhadol gestured to freeze Yennic's query and explained, "Three days prior to our leaving Channing I’d acquired a disturbing piece of news from Egil Viggoaries."

"And you waited until now to tell me about it?" Yennic interrupted indignantly.

"I held off because", Zhadol looked away.

"Because you didn't trust me, is that it?" Yennic, fuming, finished the sentence.

"No, not at all," Zhadol countered morosely (petulantly).

03- COMANDER ZHADOL

 "I had to use extreme discretion, and this was the first available moment we have had that I could safely broach this subject with you.  You see, Dwengzur has read something vitally important in the stars and, through Egil Viggoaries’s influence, gained a rare, private audience with His Royal Highness Zakhertan Yozdek.  At this point, I'm told, Dwengzur gained Sovereign Zakhertan’s confidence and informed him that there would be, yet another assassination attempt quite soon.  When pressed, he even predicted the exact timing of it."

"Are you certain of this? When is it?" Yennic gasped, stiffening despite himself.

"Quite certain,” Zhadol shrugged his shoulders, "As for when it’s supposed to transpire, that, I'm afraid, is privileged information.  No other, outside of His Royal Highness, his bodyguards, Dwengzur and Egil Viggoaries, have been informed, not even P.M.  Lamont Gudaren."

"So, His Royal Highness took the threat seriously, then.  I thought that he was inclined not to believe in soothsayers, that he barely tolerated them."  Yennic's provocative question risked angering Zhadol once more, but this was far too important info (data, material) for him to cower now.

“Have the Kozurs advanced the date?  Why haven't they informed me? Or had Zaur Stugr and the others been implicated by that cursed Dwengzur? Zhadol surely knows more than he’s willing to admit. But he’s really spooked. It’s so unlike him to be so tightlipped; but considering what’s at stake, I’ll just have to try harder that’s all.”   Yennic masked his concern with the air of disdain and skepticism, hoping to goad the commander to be more open with him.

"Dwengzur is different, perhaps the wisest one of all but, obviously, I've failed to convince you of that."  Zhadol's answer was mocking.  He was indeed angered by the other's seeming obstinacy, but then he softened, adding, "Besides, as I understand it, Dwengzur even staked his own life on the accuracy of the time he'd predicted for the assassination attempt."

"Please don't be cross with me.", Yennic used his boyish charm to disarm and appease Zhadol.  Pursing his lips together, he queried, "But if, as you say, Dwengzur cannot be killed, wouldn't his gamble be an empty show, a farce?"

"It seems that I've unintentionally misled you." Zhadol countered, smiling.  "Of course, he can be killed, but not by any conventional means.  Naturally his people keep this secret under close guard."

"Yet His Royal Highness obviously bears this knowledge?" Yennic interposed skeptically, narrowing his eyes.

"Don't forget, Yennic, His Highness was once a Field Marshall commanding our invincible armies in his glorious campaigns against Korion.  His forces penetrated the farthest corners of that state, like the wind itself."

“I know… I know rhetoric well.  Get on with it, man.”  Seemingly in agreement, Yennic impatiently nodded his head.

"During that great episode in our history," Zhadol continued in a more level tone, "His Highness must have had a brush with Dwengzur's kind, some outcast, perhaps, that had been hunted down."

Noting the puzzlement on Yennic's face Zhadol explained, "Apparently I've omitted telling you something else.  You see, when one of them breaks their stringent tribal laws, he or she is automatically cut down, condemned to be a non-entity without even the benefit of trial.  However, before the sentence of death is carried out the elders apparently grant the offender a head-start at fleeing to safety.  This, of course, is the illusion of mercy for, in all cases, the convicted one is always, quite without forgiveness, hunted down and disposed of without a trace.  It is another one of their unwritten laws, a fact of their life that no one gets to leave the tribe, willingly or unwillingly, alive.”

04- HUNTED DOWN AND KILLED

"Now, if I'm now permitted to speculate a little, one such fugitive must have fallen into His Highness' hands before their demise.  In all-probability Zakhertan Yozdek was, quite by chance, able to witness the method of execution and put the facts together.  Still later he must have elaborated on the tale while recounting his military exploits.  You know how Egil Viggoaries recollects even the most trivial of details, never forgetting anything no matter how long ago it was said."  Zhadol's eyes suddenly opened wide, "Come to think of it, that precise knowledge must be what binds Dwengzur in servitude to Egil Viggoaries and keeps him in check.  Considering his vagueness as to how he saved the sorcerer's life hmmm, but I'm straying from the point.”

Smiling, he sat back and inhaled deeply.  "Yes, Dwengzur delivered his warning to His Highness all right, but then he provided His Grace Zakhertan with an effective solution as well."

"You mean that at each instance, the assassin or assassins will now be timely intercepted and, the danger to His Royal Highness will forever be successfully averted?  Is that doable?"

“Why not, on the proviso (condition) the proper measures are implemented in time," Zhadol nodded.

"And, as I've been told, His Highness was greatly impressed and has already decided to adopt Dwengzur's plans (policies) to that effect.  Oh, and I ought to correct you on this; there is only one assassin in the prophecy, not the multitude you'd expect."

“A solitary one,” Yennic was intrigued.  Masking it, he speculated, "I suppose it was decided that only one can get through, infiltrate the security, undetected. “

“Not a bad idea, however he has to be quite an extraordinary being, considering the odds stacked up against him."

"Yes, I quite agree.  He has to be an extraordinary assassin, to say the least, to be planning a single-handed attempt on the life of His Royal Highness and, what's more, give cause for serious concern to Dwengzur and His Excellency."

Zhadol's uncanny words startled Yennic and placed him instantly on his guard.  “

How much did Zhadol suspect?  Was he toying with him, testing him? “But, after a brief scrutiny of the Commander, Yennic concluded, “No, he suspects nothing.”  And with that, his alarm dissipated in one breath.

"Zakhertan Yozdek, of course, is interested in capturing him alive."

Imagining the hellish tortures that awaited the unnamed assassin, Yennic dropped his head then shuddered involuntarily as he commiserated, "Yes, how I pity the poor wretch that will be walking into that trap."

The remark was innocuous enough but the reckless response, the unmistakable sympathy in Yennic's voice, took Zhadol by surprise.  He turned sharply and examined the Lieutenant.  “Did I hear him right?”

Yennic winced and swallowed hard.  Disregarding the Commander's questioning gaze, he grunted, "By the gods, another assassination attempt!  Won't they ever learn?"

Then, looking straight at Zhadol, he pointedly, defiantly asked, "Do you suppose it will end with his, and the other conspirator's capture?  No, that would be too easy.  The last attempt was made only eight years ago, and it was only recently that the witch hunt ended, and the strong measures were rescinded.  Now it will start all over again and we'll be cast into turmoil once more.  I wonder how many more will be made to suffer, justly or unjustly, this time to appease His Royal Highness' wrath?"

“Oops!  He'd gone a bit too far!”

Before Yennic could retract his last words or try to cover them up, Zhadol barked, "Hold your tongue!  Your words could be misconstrued as treason.  Take care with what you say and to whom you say it."  His face twitched anxiously as he looked nervously about.

 Yennic's face mirrored Zhadol's fear.

Convinced there was no one about, Zhadol reprimanded Yennic severely, "You're fortunate that I know your heart, but your reckless diatribes (tirades rantings) will one day land you in serious trouble, beyond anyone's help.  More influential men have fallen for saying less."

Yennic appreciated Zhadol's concern and told him so then, used other honeyed words to placate him.  Even so, it was some time before Zhadol was calm enough to return the conversation to the subject of Dwengzur.

"That may be," Nevetsecnuac heard Yennic, back to his old self again, stubbornly counter, "but I still fail to see how a mere scholar could threaten His Excellency Egil Viggoaries.  How can he be the cause of his serious downfall, or as Dwengzur so bluntly predicted it, the cause of His Excellency's disgraceful, premature death?"

Nevetsecnuac pricked up his ears upon hearing the word, scholar. 

“Are they referring to me, or rather to Fradel Rurik Korvald?  Tomorrow morning, I would have discarded these clothes and donned scholar's garments and, in doing so, I would have blindly walked into their trap.”  Nevetsecnuac knew that he could have easily bested them all, but not without cost. 

Because he would be acting contrary to Fradel Rurik Korvald's character, disguise or no disguise, if there were an engagement, he would be forced to kill them all.  These men were merely following orders and his sense of justice and aversion to murder prevailed on Nevetsecnuac to be merciful.

05- NEVETSECNUAC

"Even if we ignore all his power and influence," Yennic's argument took Nevetsecnuac's attention away from his private thoughts, "His Excellency Egil Viggoaries is famed throughout the land for his martial skills, second only to His Royal Highness in invincibility in combat.  He could never be caught off guard or be bested by anyone, let alone by an insipid scholar.  Don't you think that this prediction is a bit too fantastic to be taken seriously?  A scholar indeed!  Why, a single breath could knock a scholar over!"  Yennic curtly and gratingly laughed.

"No matter what you say, I cannot accept (swallow) this.  Furthermore, it makes no sense to me at all that a man of Dwengzur's abilities should be so compliant.  If he really wanted to, I doubt anyone could stop him, threat, or no threat.  Why then should he stick around and, worse still, remain in the limelight, given the circumstances."

“Why indeed.” Nevetsecnuac concurred.

"Unless, of course, he harbors a more sinister purpose; meanwhile, feigning being helpless, to gain some lethal advantage." Yennic snorted.

"Your point is well taken, Yennic." Zhadol concurred, stroking his beard.

"I confess that I, too, have experienced similar qualms.  Still, Egil Viggoaries is no fool.  You know how shrewd he is."

"That aside," Yennic impatiently drummed his fingers on his knee, "if Dwengzur is as good as his claim, how did he err in the prediction of the scholar's exact time of arrival here at Cyprecox Pass?  Wasn't tonight supposed to be the time?  Though we've remained vigilant in our watch, there's been no sign of him so far, nor do I expect there will be.  If he fails to show by dawn tomorrow, we should take our leave of this god-forsaken pass and return to the Capital."

"That would be disobeying direct orders, and you well know the penalty for that."   Zhadol shook his head.  "I'm afraid that we'll just have to stick it out for another two days at least, if not more."

"I object to following orders blindly."  Yennic fidgeted in his seat then looked up,

“What if he never shows up?  What if we've missed him already because he's taken an alternate route?”

“Are you quite certain that pompous scholar would choose this desolate dirt road over the more pleasurable and scenic river route, more akin to a scholar's tastes?  His Excellency is only interested in results.  Won't he be furious?"

"Orders are orders.  We are to stay put here regardless of the consequences or rewards; any action or inaction may foster." Zhadol spoke sternly, frowning.

"However, to put your mind more at ease, I recommended before our departure that Lance Diostin be posted on the river route.  He was dispatched the day before we were.  You see that angle has been covered as well."

“Lance Diostin?" Yennic nodded appreciatively.  "How many were dispatched with him?"

"I recommended five.  Does that meet with your approval?" Zhadol responded mockingly with a wry smile.  "So now you can stop worrying?"

Curtailing a curt response, Yennic grimaced and dropped his eyes then, after a momentary pause, meekly ejected, "How can I?"  A definite vulnerability lay under his tone.

"I've been rather apprehensive about this assignment from the start."  He bit his lower lip.  When Zhadol remained quiet, Yennic continued, "I'm filled with trepidation over the precarious predicament we've been placed in.  We're doing his Excellency's bidding, but what if this were ever to come to light?"  He shook his head dismally.

"I mean, by upholding one order, aren't we committing a still worse offense?  Undermining Prime Minister; Egil Viggoaries’s aim is one thing, but..."

"But do you wish to live forever, Yennic?" Zhadol chuckled then, meeting the Lieutenant's grim stare and noting his serious unease, he stopped teasing.

Speaking soothingly, he encouraged Yennic, "You needn't be so concerned, Yennic.  Egil Viggoaries knows what he's doing.  His Royal Highness doesn't really care whether Fradel Rurik Korvald complies with the summons or not.  Really, it’s only a whim with him and now, with this new threat on the horizon, the matter of Fradel Rurik Korvald's memorial poem is the farthest thing from Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek's mind.  Only Lamont Gudaren is anticipating the poet's arrival and, expecting serious opposition from Egil Viggoaries, has gone to his predictable lengths to ensure the scholar's safe delivery."

"A futile attempt for, as always, His Excellency Egil Viggoaries is one step ahead of him."  Yennic nodded appreciatively.

“So that explains the presence of this contingent.” Nevetsecnuac grimaced.  “They are expecting to do battle with the Prime Minister's men.  They must be planted all along the way.”

“Fortunately, I diverted from the usual routes and so escaped both this disaster and the assistance.”  Nevetsecnuac now even suspected that the alleged bandits that had attacked Fradel when they had met were in fact Egil Viggoaries's men.

“I wonder how he's been faring.”  Sudden worry momentarily creased (clouded) Nevetsecnuac's features.

“Oh, but he's in the care of Fiery Comet; he'll be all right.” Nevetsecnuac, smiling, quickly brushed aside this concern.

 

(END OF SECTION 11)                                                                                        ~