LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL - SECTION 14

At the end of another typical, lengthy day’s arduous riding, nearing dusk when they spotted an old, clearly abandoned farmhouse which was precariously perched on a hillside, Uyuk, quickly suggested, "It's badly dilapidated, but there is still enough of it left to shelter us from this bone-chilling gale. I for one, would like to spend the night there."

"It’s an apt place for a trap."  Hugen simply grunted (grumbled).

01- UYUK  (6)JP

“Highly unlikely," Uyuk insistently rebuffed Hugen; his aching body demanding an immediate reprieve.” This desolate area is clearly forsaken by both man and beast.”

"Not in this instance." Hugen shook his head.  But Uyuk, being too exhausted to bother listing his reasons or heeding Hugen’s counter arguments, very much in need of respite had adamantly this time (unrelenting), spurred his horse towards it.  Though it went against his better judgment, Hugen after shrug, reluctantly followed Uyuk.

Once inside, they quickly cleared the debris off to one side and, relaxing their vigil slightly for the first time, they settled down cross-legged in the least drafty spot on the floor to talk freely, something they had not been able to do (for several days) until then.  They even allowed themselves the liberty of broaching the contents of a large jug of country wine they had purchased five days back at an obscure border town.  Time sped quickly and presently they were very mellowed by the quantity of strong spirits they had consumed.  When Hugen drunk extensively, whether inebriated or not, he would uncharacteristically, become placid (tranquil) and quite sentimental; this time being no different, switching effortlessly between dialects, he began to reminisce about the past in general and his own childhood.

"Ah, that cursed day!  I was barely eight, but even then, I understood only too well the calamity that befell us, the panic that suffocated the air to saturation point, making everyone wild with worry.  Yes, I can remember it all too vividly, like it happened only yesterday; the misbegotten day when our brave soldiers, no match for the barbaric offensive launched by Field Marshall Zakhertan Yozdek, were routed at the battle of Nozurk.  Our noble King, Anguan Binchan, forced to flee the Capital with only nine thousand men and withdraw to the wilderness of Zujug."

"I was much younger, and my recollection of that time is not as clear as yours," Uyuk nodded, leaning forward to place a sympathetic hand on Hugen's shoulder, "but I understand that the second offensive that was fought in Zujug was even more brutal."

"Brutal; aye that it was!" Hugen shuddered and met Uyuk's keen gaze.  “It boggles the mind to think that any human beings can inflict such horrors on others of same species!  We could have never anticipated (imagined) the scope of genocide the army of Zakhertan Yozdek’s could inflict on hapless civilians, defenceless women and children, all without mercy, falling like ripe stalks of grain under his scything."  Hugen clenched his fists as the fires of indignation filled his veins. 

02- - HUGEN (26)jp

"You may expect more mercy from the uncivilized barbarians at the north, not the disciplined army of Wenjenkun." He shook his head.

"I still shiver and get chilled to my very marrow when I think of the atrocities, they committed, the rapes, the tortures, the pillage. I can still hear the anguished cries of the old men, the women and children, the wailing of babies thrown into the street to be trampled on by the horse's hooves.” Biting his lip, Hugen fell silent for a moment.

“The terrible sound still rings in my ears and haunts my dreams even to this very day!"  Hugen repetitively wrung his hands and nodded as he, in his mind’s eye relived the massacre over and over.

"Orphaned at an early age, I was, placed in the care of my maternal aunt.  Loujan was her name.  She was a rare, kindly soul.  She was quite beautiful, too beautiful in fact.  Childless herself, she loved all children, and myself especially, reared me like I was her very own.  And yes, I reciprocated her motherly love and loved her as a devoted son."  There was a drunken conviction in Hugen's voice as he tapped at his chest, "I loved her, all right, to the very marrow of my being."

"At least you've known that kind of love." Uyuk huffed, as he studied Hugen.

After a painful silence Hugen then looked up, his face creased with sorrow as his eyes once more met Uyuk's.  "You know she sacrificed her life to save me?  She was the one who concealed me, told me to stay put, come what may, as she brazened it out with those savage, villainous curs."  Hugen shook his head then placed both hands on his ears to drown out her bone chilling shrieks as she was viciously mauled.  "That day," he hissed, his voice distorted in rage, "something within me died along with her.  I could never be the same again."

"We all live for vengeance." Uyuk morosely concurred.

Hugen stared at him with narrowed eyes, not seeming to comprehend for a moment, and then nodded with understanding.  "We all have our own private hells that we carry within us."  His eyes brimmed with compassion.

"And what became of your uncle?  Or perhaps I shouldn’t presume to ask." Uyuk hastily probed, sensing the question forming on the other's tongue.

03- UYUK  (7)JP

 Uyuk quickly then passed the wine, diverting Hugen from inquiring too deeply into his own, dark past.

The utterance died with Hugen's shrug as he raised the jug to his lips and took several large mouthfuls.  His sleeve absorbed the overflow from his chin.  "He was killed at the ramparts, like the countless others who defended the besieged city.  Don't ask about the particulars.  After I came out of hiding, I recognized his partially charred, mutilated corpse in one of the piles outside the walls.  Wild dogs were scavenging his… tearing at the…"  Hugen stopped to take a shuddering breath; he forced two hard swallows to keep the bile from rising back up and then thrust the jug violently back into Uyuk’s hand.    Clutching his belly, he rubbed the muscles as he tried to erase the gruesome images from his mind.

"I heard that the ancient city Romkun, before Zakhertan Yozdek razed it, was a marvel to behold." Uyuk hastily interjected to draw Hugen out of his self-destructive absorption. 

Uyuk needed to know these things, and this was a rare opportunity he was determined not to pass up.   "More spectacular than any other city in the world, I understand." He further prodded.

"It certainly was." Hugen finally affirmed, grateful for the chance to be composed.  "You cannot imagine a more magnificent place.  The ingenious construction alone, stones fitted together without mortar, was a sure testament to our culture's greatness; more spectacular were the fountains, exquisite gardens with their variety of rare plants and flowers of all kinds, populated by colourful pullets that are now, unfortunately quite extinct. The sculpted reliefs on the stone bridges, the monumental buildings and belltowers with their golden cupolas in the clouds…  It was a paradise, I tell you, paradise!"

"It sounds magical, like no place on Earth." Uyuk nodded thoughtfully.

"Nothing comparable," Hugen confirmed, fires of memory blazing in his eyes.

"You are fortunate to have seen it."  In a brief afterthought, Uyuk pursed his lips and thought, but then, again, you have also endured the pain of having lost it all.”

"Oh, and the greatest library of all times," Hugen’s pupils flared as he suddenly recalled, “a magnificent structure several stories high it was, perched on a hill; thousand marble steps led up to the imposing carved ebony and iron door, flanked by giant, fearsome statues of mystical door gods. inside were the tall chambers and magnificent marble halls, illuminated with  crystal chandeliers that hung from high ceilings; walls decked with ancient paintings, tall tapestries with historical royal insignias (emblems, crests, badges) beside obsidian columns; and more importantly, wall to wall rosewood bookshelves, row upon row,  preserving stacks and stacks of irreplaceable scrolls, the accumulated volumes of the sages, world renowned works of the scholars and kings of bygone days and the amassed records of all religious doctrines.” Hugen, highly agitated now, chewed the corner of his lip.

A deep gasp and a longing sigh escaped Uyuk, as he with his imagination, envisioned the magnificent library in the ancient city of Romkun which unfortunately was now forever lost to posterity.

04- - ANCIENT  CITY ROMKUN,  IN KORION(52)jp

“Centuries of records, all incinerated, reduced to ashes and dust in the blink of an eye.” Hugen disregarding Uyuk, sullenly (morosely) lowered his head. “Though the city and the library have been rebuilt since, it can never measure up to its old glory."  Hugen looked away and grimly shook his head.  "How could it happen?  The ancient relics, the remarkable edifices are all gone for good.  Future generations are eternally cheated (deprived) from all that wealth of experience. Zakhertan Yozdek maliciously stripped (robbed) our land of its heritage and wickedly stole our glorious past.  There can be no greater sacrilege than that!  Damn him!  Damn him and his barbaric legions all to Hell!"  Seething in anger, Hugen pounded his bare fist on the wall, and then quickly drew it back as part of the decayed brickwork crumbled outwards to let the frigid night wind rush in.

"Hold on there, before you pull this hovel down around our ears." Uyuk hastened to calm him.  "We still have to spend the night here you know; and I don't relish the idea of sleeping in a drafty place and have my body whipped by those furious blasts of gale winds."  In a plaintive voice Uyuk grumbled, "I wish you'd learn to restrain that destructive temper of yours.  Or is this another devious means to force us to sleep outside?"  He winced (scowled) and thrust the jug back into Hugen's hand to curb the other’s pending angry retort.

Hugen was rather fond of wine, and Uyuk knew this.  What's more, he encouraged it.  Still, he was yet to see Hugen totally inebriated.  Unlike ordinary men, Hugen went through the first stages of intoxication like he was now but then, as he continued to consume more, he would gradually regain his senses and in a bizarre (twist) inverse state be, completely sober.  This inexplicable phenomenon intrigued, and at the same time challenged Uyuk's logical, scientific sensibility; and so, yet again he strove to alter the typical (usual) outcome.

A gust of wind just then blew the shutter back from the boarded-over window, letting in a (tongue of) lashing chilling wind.  Observing Uyuk's involuntary shiver, Hugen roared with laughter, slapping his thigh then reaching again for the jug to gulp more wine.  Just as Uyuk continued to test his capacity for spirits, Hugen enjoyed driving his partner's stamina to the edge of endurance.  "You are getting too soft in your old age." He snorted and wiped his mouth with the back of his sleeve.  "Perhaps you should quit this line of work, find yourself a simpleton wife and stay in your farm, using your energies, to copulate.”

“Ha, ha!  I can see it now: a dozen half-naked brats, each one with your ugly face, crawling, squealing about the straw floor of your hovel!"  Hugen gave a mock shiver, "What a sight…… haa, ha!"

This time Uyuk could barely constrain his angry retort.  In the past it would have taken much less than this to cause him to fly off the handle, but it would hinder his (purpose) experiment if he were to now launch (initiate) a row.  Instead, he let Hugen's foul mouth run amok.  Gradually Hugen simmered down, having failed to provoke a fight.  Then he grew silent, and his eyelids dropped.

"So, what happened after your daring escape?"  Uyuk reached forward and put his hand on Hugen's shoulder.

"Daring escape?" Hugen shrugged off the hand with annoyance, but the jerking motion was too much for him.  He swayed, and his head began to swim.  Steadying himself against a pillar, he laughed wryly.  "Daring escape, indeed; but, for an eight-year-old I suppose it was." he shrugged.

"Well once clear of the city gates, I ran and ran, trying to get as fast and as far away, from it all. It was grim, I tell you.  There were still some pockets of residual fighting, death and destruction still going on, so during my flight I strove to be invisible.  But however far I ran, endlessly, the akin cruel vistas (scenes) stretched out before me: the maimed, mutilated, disemboweled, and contorted corpses lay about, littering the grounds like streamers after a parade had passed.  The earth was drenched in rivulets of dark crimson blood.  I don't know how many corpses I’d stumbled over during my flight…  And that stench!  The sickening stench was unbearable." Hugen swallowed hard and shuddered.

05- CARNAGE AT END OF WAR

"Eventually I was picked up by a scout and brought before His Highness' presence to give my account.  I did not hold back anything.  I related every gruesome detail, every ghastly event my young eyes had seen.  The act of putting it into words seemed to purge (cleanse) my heart and I told it all.  Later on, my report was corroborated by those few who’d been lucky enough to have escaped this ferocious persecution.  I can still remember the details of that day; this I came to know later still, how His Highness upon hearing the same horrific tales told by different individuals about their loved ones, had in private, shed copious tears over those profuse tragic losses.  He’d resolved right there and then, to resist Zakhertan Yozdek, 'that vindictive upstart', he'd called him, to the bitter end."

"But that didn't happen.  I mean, how could he resist?" Uyuk hastily interjected.

"Ignorant fool," Hugen fumed. "You presume too much!  Things are never what they seem.  I was there; I paid witness to it all.  I'll tell you what (actually) happened, how the great disaster was averted, albeit only temporarily.”

“Fortunately, the Minister of the Interior, Keko Wushing, had been so impressed by my determination and bearing before His Highness that, he took me under his wing.  I became an adopted son to him, unofficially, of course.  But then I digress” Hugen paused to relieve his parched throat and, from the corner of his eye, scrutinized Uyuk.

 “Why this sudden curiosity about past events (history); it surely cannot be merely to relieve the boredom of the night.  What do you hope to gain by all of this?  What dire motives do you harbor?”

Theirs was a strange and strained relationship at best.  Before undertaking the journey to Wenjenkun, Hugen had Uyuk completely checked out to confirm his reliability.  He cared little for the long, unblemished official record; he wanted his own facts, his own affirmation about the man himself.  Typically, his own sources had been more thorough than the Department's and had soon uncovered all there was to know about Uyuk, for instance, fact that he was born in Wenjenkun as Enkaz Dufo, and much more.  He saw no reason to dispose of agent Uyuk for his duplicity since his many talents, if properly handled, could still render valuable service to Korion (their nation).  He had argued this case, in fact, with the Department-head Nein Rejon, the only other operative to be let in on the secret and, eventually secured (won) his permission, in allowing Uyuk to carry on as before.

06-DEPARTMENT -HEAD NEIN REJON (2)

His superior Nein Rejon had conceded that Uyuk's rare talents and resourcefulness in those areas where it counted the most could not be underestimated and had therefore given Hugen full permission to use him. Additionally, Hugen had been entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that Uyuk did not defect and, if that were to happen, he was further tasked with the responsibility of taking swift and decisive measures to limit the damage.  Hugen was to terminate the problem the instant before it occurred.  Hugen had noted then in Rejon's cold, blue eyes that extreme prejudice, and had understood that instant, how now that Uyuk's birthplace was known to the department, Uyuk from then on would have to overcome great obstacles just to maintain his present position.  He would always be considered an expendable outsider and one of the first to be a suspect, no matter how much he’d proven his worth and no matter the measure of his accrued successes.  In a way Hugen had almost pitied Uyuk but quickly hardened his heart and replaced it instead, with absolute impartiality (detachment) for in his line of work he could not well afford the luxury of attachments or emotions.  This was why Hugen had no close friends to speak of no family through which he could be undermined or wounded.  He had absolutely no special being, no vulnerability outside of his cold, formal working relationships.  Fiercely loyal, he lived and breathed only for the welfare of Korion, and one day he expected to forfeit his life for his Monarch as well. His thoughts once more reverted to Uyuk and he narrowed his eyes as he considered how, during (the course of) this mission he had succeeded in gradually worming his way deeper and deeper into Uyuk's confidence, all done with utmost care and cunning so as not to arouse Uyuk's suspicious nature.

Hugen had played right along, tolerating Uyuks’ eccentricities, it being sufficient to exploit Uyuk's stored up resentment, his prejudices and burning desire for vengeance; he’d also allowed Uyuk to believe that he was pretty much in control of his own destiny and that his most ambitious goal was indeed attainable in the not-too-distant future. Uyuk’s self-confidence was further bolstered as he firmly believed that he was the one tugging at the strings in this affiliation, instead of in fact being the one who was being underhandedly manipulated and toyed; till that is, the inevitable, ultimate lethal outcome to his existence. Uyuk being deemed a nuisance and an arrogant fool, putting up with him had not been by any means easy for Hugen, but so long as Uyuk remained above board, Hugen restrained his fury and remained equitable and deferred exterminating the annoying pest from Wenjenkun. Hugen knew, in the months ahead, Uyuk would be undertaking many other such perilous missions now that he’d been deemed expendable, and in most instances, he would be paired up with Hugen.  In time he would come to rely heavily and trust absolutely the partner who, always, held his life on a balance in his hand.

“How ironic…” Hugen looked down.

 

 

(END OF SECTION 14) 

LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC – THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL – SECTION 7 

The beast that was Dwengzur, shrieking as if to deafen the dead, transformed into a giant python and then coiled around Fradel’s (Nevetsecnuac's) body, squeezing, and squeezing, restricting his breathing, and threatening to crush every bone. Yet, once more, Fradel (Nevetsecnuac's) imagination fought the spell and won the battle. Reluctantly, the python eased his grip, only to open its mouth wide, intending to swallow Fradel whole.

 

01-MONSTER SERPENT

Maddeningly, the unfazed Scholar now chortled in mystical serpent’s face. "Haven't you eaten enough already; I’d think twice about that if I, were you! You know full well I'm not going to perish, and I can do lot more harm in your gut than I can out here."

His bluff worked. The numinous python recoiled and instantly vanished in a puff of smoke and light. Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) found himself once more seated back at the table across from disgruntled (peeved) Dwengzur, as if non of that had happened.

Glaring at him over the rim of his cup, Dwengzur finished his sip then, shaking his head, ejected coldly, "You are indeed an exceptional being. For a human you are quite remarkable if I should say so myself. I can see now what qualities Zonar saw in you. I would like to indulge you some more, but I am rather pressed for time."  He glanced down for a brief second then returned his icy gaze to Scholar Fradel.

"I am going to ask you just one more time, and that is only because such a remarkable iron-willpower has earned you a measure of my respect; will you voluntarily submit to, my probing of your mind?"

“I’ll not now nor ever, oblige you in this unreasonable request." Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) responded resolutely because his distrust of Dwengzur had now reached its zenith. He would hence, come-what-may, be defiant and guard his secret.

Equally obdurate (obstinate), Dwengzur regretted that which he must do next; for he needed to uncover the extent of damage Zonar had done then deal with the problem accordingly. This last refusal afforded him the perfect excuse and means of absolution for the outrage he must now commit.

 "Very well, then." he shook his head dismally, "You’ve left me no other choice. You have only yourself to blame if things go awry and you are reduced to…” Dwengzur checked his tongue abruptly; but the grave threat implicit in his tone, gave Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) cause for concern and he pondered for a spell, on potential future consequence.

 

02-  FRADEL (NEVETSECNUAC)

Dwengzur in the interim had also paused, hopeful that Fradel would relent, yet no change was forthcoming.

"Fool! With your own obstinacy you have signed your own death warrant or perhaps even a fate worse than that."  Dwengzur shrugged off his irritation and looked away. “And thence, I will not be held accountable for the probable consequences." He muttered as if to reassure himself.

In truth (actuality), Dwengzur would rather not have resorted to that extreme measure, for to do so would be a mark of failure, admittance that he had been unsuccessful in mastering this situation, in besting this primitive life form.

Again, looking away, Dwengzur took mental inventory of the probable damage that Fradel Rurik Korvald might suffer, because of the “Tashork” spell:  First, there was a good chance that Fradel would come out of it dull-witted (stupid, slow) or even brain dead. Dwengzur had seen it happen before and it was not a pretty sight. Second, if this human still had significant contributions to make in his lifetime, his zombie state would seriously impede (hinder) or even alter providence (the course of destiny); then being held accountable, he (Dwengzur) would suffer the ultimate (extreme) punishment.

“Blasted, obstinate human; since you are forcing my hand, you should be held solely responsible for any dire outcome, not I; then again,” he paused to consider this: Regardless of circumstance, had his master ever shown any mercy, afforded him any sort of leeway? Dwengzur grumbled, fearing the worse.

Having run out of options, Dwengzur now uttered the incantation: “Tashork”, its power second only to that spell which raised the dead.

 Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) watched in wonder as the immortal Dwengzur changed his physical form and he became something entirely different. His eyes glowed and then blazed crimson and harsher, until they reached an incredible brightness in intensity; subsequently, an ancient cryptogram (symbol) manifested on his bare chest as the several streams of surging (electric) energy swirled about his body.

 

03- DWENGZUR ALTERING HIS APPARENCE

Try as he might, Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) could neither look away nor close his eyelids. Suddenly two blinding bolts of white light shot out from Dwengzur's burning orbs to, sear through Fradel’s (Nevetsecnuac’s corneas) irises, to eventually attach themselves like shackles to the back of his eyes. Subsequently that part too, painfully melted away as the piercing light penetrated to the centre his brain.

Mesmerized, Nevetsecnuac was rendered powerless to prevent the steady infringement which permeated next, deep into the very recesses, the very core of his (soul) being.  Unable to resist this most potent of magic, in his frozen state Nevetsecnuac, with eyes wide open, was forced to endure being terribly violated (breached) till such a time when he sank into a deep, vacant stupor.

In few minutes Dwengzur had retrieved the information he needed and much, much more.

Dwengzu had, meanwhile, severed the link and hence, once more reverted to his old form (appearance). He sat back pondering on all that amassed knowledge; all that he, through clairvoyant (psychic, telepathic) means, had learned about the recent past, and the immediate future yet to unfold. His gaze affixed on this remarkable, though enigmatic (mysterious), heroic Prince, he studied him long and hard, cataloging the intriguing facts and accidental fluctuations, into proper apertures (slots) in his brain.  He smiled, having now fully grasped, just what it was that had made Fradel Rurik Korvald, rather, Prince Nevetsecnuac Alric Therran Valamir, (also known by so many other, assumed names, Svein, Audun Codenz, Tonng Yennik,) such a remarkable, worthy individual; why he had stood out so tall above the rest of the rabble around him; furthermore,  how he could have earned Zonar's lasting respect and finally, despite all of his bigoted protestations, secured his (Dwengzur’s) lasting admiration.

The young Prince’s past combats alone were enough to stir his (Dwengzur’s) essence to the very core. In that brief instant, Dwengzur had drunk deep of this most intoxicating wealth of human emotions: the boundless, infinite love, the uncompromising sense of duty, intense loyalty, supreme sacrifices, the filial piety, and the remarkable courage not only of Nevetsecnuac’s, but also of the rest (contacts, his associates). So passionately intense these overpowering emotions had been that it had pierced his, (figuratively speaking,) stone heart and shaken him to the very root, altering his lifelong attitude (estimation), as well, eradicating all his prior prejudices against humans.

Dwengzur additionally sympathized with Nevetsecnuac’s past endured hardships, and he appreciated akin rebellious defiant acts, towards his oppressors. Dwengzur, meanwhile, had glimpsed at the immediate future, within a month, events beyond that were hidden to him; and so, he glanced towards Zaur Stugr, seated at the side, little ways off, and then shook his head.

“Pity, that outcome could have been altered significantly if it were not for the pervasive mistrust imbued in every facet of their beings. However, he could not see providence too far ahead; so perhaps the outcome could still be different.”

Dwengzur did have it within his means to change this, but the law forbade interference in fate (providence), and that law could never be broken. “Perhaps if I put forward an appeal to my master and through him to Elder Aegeus?”  He looked down grimly and shook his head, knowing the uselessness of such an attempt.

Draconian laws…Shame of it all. For there could be no exception to those irrevocable rules.

But just as abruptly the feeling of dishonor (shame), a newly acquired strange notion, now gnawed at him. Having lived through Nevetsecnuac’s experiences, his innate selfish, sadistic, vile, crass, and vindictive nature had been, albeit temporarily, altered. Dwengzur at present, moreover, felt compassion and mercy also invading his heart for the first time ever. With this strange, alien concept, suddenly, goodness was born in him, and he desired to be benevolent. He will start by helping this prince; there must be a way to circumvent, at least some of that dire portended peril, and so, he raked (combed) his brains for doable succor (assistance, support).

Oh, but wait, there was still more! …  

Dwengzur’s innate powers had suddenly detected this, surprising (unbidden), telepathic divulgence (acknowledgement, transmission) emanating from Prince Nevetsecnuac’s subconscious mind. This part had been prior hidden from Dwengzur, because Prince Nevetsecnuac was entirely ignorant of it as well. 

04- THE UNEXPECTED REVELATION

What was that?!  The updated information that was, unpredictably forthcoming, revealed to Dwengzur now- because of his rare, outstanding clairvoyant abilities, to see the past events, not in entirety but sometimes in erratic glimpses, manifestations, and this had been one such glitch- was most extraordinary revelation to assimilate. An electrifyingly startling fact that it was, it temporarily halted (paused)his breath and interrupted Dwengzur’s core being (his vital essence).

Even so, taking hold of his senses, Dwengzur accepted the full measure of this streaming account, and now he became indubitably aware of these starkly dangerous revelations that had rushed to compound his worry: Prince Nevetsecnuac’s actual lineage was…. This new revelation shocked Dwengzur to the core; he could not believe what he was learning…Nevetsecnuac’s mother was … The revelation was astounding! … Now he knew that this young man was related to… Zonar…. Zonar had actually been his uncle. And furthermore, he carried the ancient bloodline, akin Elder Aegeus…Oh my!

Dwengzur had considered it, however only for a spell, to readily let his master acquire this knowledge at the time of his inevitable capture; the shock of it, might spare him from the severest part of his punishment, the dreaded chastisement, result of his audacious feat, his absconding (escaping) from his prison.

Dwengzur, shook his head dismally, knowing all too well of his master’s temperament, aware (understanding) also that nothing would lessen his certain, horrific reprimand (penalty).

In truth, Dwengzur hated his master, for his long borne (endured) cruel enslavement…. His master was entirely devoid of any feeling or mercy; besides which, Dwengzur suspected, his master (more a warden), his everlasting tormentor, was more ambitious than he led on, and that he for a long while had had a secret agenda…. If his master acquired (learned, absorbed) any of these facts, this remarkable being’s life would be forfeit…he would be hunted down and eliminated instantly…but the prophesy…Dwengzu wanted that to happen... He wanted the Elders of Karn destroyed. Here was a rare chance for retribution (payback, reconning).  Hence, his master must not know any of this knowledge he now possessed!

Dwengzur nodded in the affirmative, absentmindedly, knowing the high stakes, convinced that this anomaly (incongruity), this young prince endowed (gifted) with such remarkable prowess, one with such ancient and rare bloodline (origin, gemology), he solely had the potential, a unique variance to alter even his (Dwengzur’s) doomed existence, and for that Dwengzur wished to protect him… Nevetsecnuac must live on to accomplish what he was destined to do.

Dwengzur hence, was determined to keep this secret, this dangerous fact which he now possessed, everlastingly, from his master and from the Elders of Karn. A deep concern furrowed his brow for he did not know how best to stop his master from acquiring this data the instant (moment) Dwengzur was captured and claimed, and this inevitability was only a matter of time. Long before this, he’d resigned himself to the anticipated tenfold hellish torment for his already committed breach; so why not compound his deemed felonious acts, with just one more: That’s right, there was that!

He smiled. There was only one way to keep all the pertinent data about Nevetsecnuac’s true origin (ancestry), as well, the info about the magic brush/sword, from ever being disclosed; he would permanently erase, purge it entirely, from both his conscious and subconscious mind, by way of “Expunging (purging) Hex”.

This recently acquired unusual incantation (spell) had once before, enabled him to escape certain repercussions from his master. That memory being removed, he could not recall what blunder (fault) had been which needed erased, what it was about, except that it had something to do with being duped by Egil Viggoaries …. what? Why was he thinking of …. shapeshifting? No matter…. Dwengzur shrugged, and focusing instead, on the present dilemma, he disdainfully (scornfully) grunted.  Hmm, unfortunately, he’d paid a hefty consequence (price) after invoking that Spell! 

That awful repercussion being still so fresh in his memory, that excruciating pain… he was naturally reluctant to repeat it. But feeling genuine remorse for what he had done to this fine prince, also for selfish reasons, wanting to get back at his master and wanting to beget willful harm to Elders of Karn- Dwengzur, first isolating and then concentrating (focusing) on the specific memories- he hastily invoked “Expunging Hex”, before he had a chance to change his mind.

05- DWENGZUR  PERFORMING -EXPUNGING HEX

After it was all over, what he wished to forget completely expunged from memory and, thankfully his suffering had assuaged, the present mistake coming to mind, though beset with trepidation, he turned and apologetically stared (gazed, took a good long look) at Nevetsecnuac.

“Your cause is just. You must have had the protection of Gods all along. That is what’s need now.”  Dwengzur moaned; he hesitated for a moment, fearing the possible dreaded outcome of using the neutralizing “Ne-Tashork” spell, on Nevetsecnuac. Then, bracing self, Dwenzur intoned (chanted, hummed) the counter spell to and afterwards, blew a breath onto Nevetsecnuac's face.

As he waited, he inwardly prayed for the prince to emerge unscathed from that violent intrusion. For a second, feeling like an eternity, nothing had changed in those blank eyes then, to Dwengzur’s great relief, he saw the rekindled (embers,) smoldering fires of anger, increasing in intensity in Nevetsecnuac's pupils.

Instantly, Nevetsecnuac knew his secret had been betrayed. "Now that you know, just what are your intentions?"  Livid with rage, he was prepared to die if needed be, in the attempt to stop Dwengzur.

Unexpectedly, Dwengzur smiled and bowed to Nevetsecnuac respectfully. His voice filled with unmistakable remorse; he apologized for his presumption and quickly reminded the prince of the policy of noninterference.

"You have grievously misjudged me," he added in a hurtful tone. "I truly meant you no real harm. Besides, all this could have been avoided had you instead of goading (provoking), exhibited least bit of faith (trust) in me. Naturally, I had consulted the stars and already knew the fated outcome before I warned Egil Viggories about Fradel Rurik Korvald, or rather yourself.  I knew even then that none of the Dark Eunuch’s actions would alter anything, and they didn't, had they? You are here safe, are you not?"

Nevetsecnuac was about to respond when he was cut short by a sudden mounting sound of an angry thunder overhead that shook the building to its foundations. To his amazement he noted the undisguised fear in Dwengzur's eyes.

 

 “What…  Is he trembling?” 

 

                                                                                 ~

  

(END OF SECTION 7)