11- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - EVIL PERSONIFIED - SECTION 25

Qarzten Caimund thoughtfully sipped his tea, collecting his thoughts, before again resuming with (briefing and) his   frank disclosures.  

Lenny gradually had learned then, how Guangweit’s Sovereign after readily agreeing to lateral alliance, had additionally supplied arms and men to the dissident leaders. Furthermore, through adroit machinations, the pirates had been united under the flagship of the Chieftain Stokor Yinner.

01- CHIEFTAIN STOKOR YINNER (1)

Even Lenny Sukzor had heard of the notorious exploits of this, inscrutable Chieftain. He quietly nodded, understanding well, the reasons why, this most effective leader, infamous (notorious) for his overt, rapacious character, his bellicose, invincible martial ferocity had been singled out for this endeavor by the Guangweit’s Sovereign Arvid Mazdean. The enigmatic, ferocious Chieftain Stokor Yinner, who was also well-versed in stratagem, was the only one capable of uniting such predatory, raucous groups of brigands and Indigenous buccaneers under one flagship.   

But then, a proponent of strong discipline Stokor in an unprecedented move had forced a curtailment on five fundamental practices (habits) of the pirates' ill-gotten ways:  such as debauchery, sodomy or rape, liberal inebriation, gluttony (avidity) and willful devastation. In contrast to the local government's harsh, oppressive measures, the pirates had become by then relatively more liberal, righteous, and lenient; even with their kidnapped beings (living cargo) temporarily detained for a lucrative ransom.

Under Chieftain Stokor’s rule, there were also other positive changes; for instance, they no longer callously destroyed or disabled merchant ships, or willfully murdered or maimed the crew and passengers. In most cases the merchant ships had been taken whole (intact) and put back into service after the plunder; with this fascia (frontage), they steadily gained more vessels. The able-bodied crew or passengers at the time of capture were always given a choice of life over death and, in most cases whether forcefully or persuasively, recruited to swell their ranks; in this way each conquest simply fortified and augmented (enlarged) the pirates' flotilla (armada, fleet). Invincible at every confrontation with the provincial law-enforcement's forces/vessels, Chieftain Stokor Yinner had also exploited psychological warfare; for instance, a widely circulated adages, had fostered the propaganda belief that, part of the loot on at least three or four occasions had covertly gone to the destitute regions and to the oppressed families to, alleviate the government-imposed pain and suffering. Because of this sort tactics, the Provincial Government, and its forces, hence, had been fighting a losing battle. 

02- QARZTEN CAMUND (19)

Qarzten Caimund, through his vast network of spies had of course learned of these dangerous developments in Subai Province well before Zakehertan had assigned him to deal with this matter. In fact, Qarzten had earlier broached the subject with His Highness Zakhertan, soon as he had learned of the rising power of Chieftain Stokor Yinner; and more importantly, when he had affirmed Stokor’s moral rectitude and courage, strongly advocating prompt action to thwart the impending peril (threat).    

Zakhertan Yozdek’s slight bemused grimace followed by a stony glare had been an important clue that had awakened Qarzten Caimund to the possibility that His Highness had been well apprised of these facts long before but that his mind had been set on something more specific.    

Qarzten presently sipping his tea, ruminated further, how at first, he had not comprehended (grasp) the true reasons behind the purposeful postponement (delay) in the punitive action against Subain Province and, more specifically, on Guangweit Nation. It had become much clearer to him brief time later when other factors came into play; and now, he was compliantly instructing Lenny Sukzor on the finer points, but only in part, of the initial steps to that elaborate ploy.    

Qarzten Caimund had furthermore been furtively apprised of the privy information  that, after the elimination of the other potential candidates, Lenny Sukzor, surreptitiously for some time now, had been groomed for the position of Prime Minister by His Highness Zakhertan Yozdek; the rival candidates, irrespective of their long-time service, salient (noteworthy) competence and stanch loyalty, within the short timeframe of last six months, had one by one been ruthlessly discarded, demoted, or  altogether eradicated (disposed) by the Black Band Guard Regiment. It was imperative therefore that Lenny Sukzor fared remarkably well in this aslant (sideways) assignment in Subain Province.

As Qarzten Caimund had quietly pondered on this concern, on the outset he had patiently listened to Lenny Sukzor’s justified reservations and then, dispensed his apt instructions along with well-intentioned advice to ensure latter’s success.    

Lenny Sukzor having noted all that, he subsequently thanked Qarzten Caimund for his trouble and then took his leave of Qarzten. Lenny went straight home to set his affairs in order and to pack; for he was to embark on this (relatively) dangerous mission the following morning. 

03- LENNY SUKZOR(119) jp

~    

 

It so happened that while all this trial business was going on in Channing, Brigadier General Norz Kan utilizing his untapped skills and after a surprise offensive, had brought the dire situation in Tanghui Province under control.

The dread of incurring Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek’s displeasure being the greatest motivation, Norz Kan had done this without any intervention or reinforcement from the Capital. The political situation having been ratified, the new Military Governor Ruobje Yoner not needing Qarzten Camund’s help, had left two days prior, with his personal entourage and small military contingent under the command of Captain Tizan, to assume his post in Tanghui Province.

Qarzten Caimund, now that his immediate duties in Channing had been discharged, was instead ordered to go to Bacaun Province where he was to oversee and resolve more pressing (grave) situation that could not be so easily rectified by any other. For this reason, the following morning Qarzten Caimund had also departed Channing on this profoundly serious government business, discreetly and, with the elite contingent of Zakhertan Yozdek’ invincible militia the Black Band Guard Regiment. The direction he took was opposite to that of Lenny Sukzor.

Part of Qarzten's orders had entailed, to first disband the ethnic tribes presently congregated under one rule and then quell the insurgency in Bacaun Province before it too became a serious threat to national security. But more importantly, Qarzten was to capture the enigmatic leader Danzek Zhadog Borym alive and then once incarcerated, in an iron cage and in chains, and under heavy guard, arrange Danzek’s safe transport, back to the Capital to stand trial on the charge of treason. As a deterrent, it was imperative that Danzek Zhadog Borym, be made an example of.

04-CHIEFTAIN DANZEK ZHADOG BORYM  (61)JP

Qarztan was secretly ambivalent about this assignment, for he had once, while in his teens had been rescued from the jaws of death by Danzek Zhadog Borym and he had lived amongst the tribe till he completely convalesced (recuperated) from his extensive injuries; during which time, he’d deeply fallen in love with Danzek’s beautiful sister Beatrice, a warrior princess of that tribe.

05-- BEATRICE BORYM  (25) HIS SISTER - JP

Alas, she’d already been promised in marriage, in childhood, to another powerful tribe’s crown prince, as means to cement (bolster, strengthen) a lasting alliance.

So much had happened since that time; and Qarztan was not the same naïve, romantic boy he’d once been, yet soon as Qarztan had learned of this assignment, flood of memories long buried, had resurfaced to again pain (exasperate, nettle) his soul. It had taken all his might (willpower), to appear normal and to conceal (hide, mask) this grave secret from Sovereign Zakhertan.

In truth Qarztan did not rightly know how he would handle this hidden, conflicting dilemma which the assignment entailed (caused, involved); part of him still loved his (sworn) blood-oath brother Danzek Zhadog Borym, despite the fact they had parted ways as lasting, cantankerous (belligerent, pugnacious) archenemies (foes, nemeses).

Qarztan, at this point had pensively looked down as he clenched his jaw; he’d so terribly missed his sworn brother! After a spell, Qarztan, however, vehemently shook his head to dispel all the ruminating (cogitating,) fond memories of exciting, exhilarating scenarios that had rushed to parade mercilessly, in front of his mind’s eye.

The corners of his mouth, nevertheless, slightly lifted in smile (smirk) thinking of their rumbunctious ways, two teenagers sneaking into taverns, to guzzle beer and stare at the voluptuous town’s women or waitresses serving drinks to the warriors. A deep sigh escaped Qarztan’s lips as he thought of Danzek’s innate (inherent) beauty: Oh, Danzek had such striking, penetrating eyes, one could simply get lost in those liquid pools of brilliant green-glowing stars!

Qarztan was perpetually, even now (to date), remained quite envious of those orbs (eyeballs), and Danzek’s raven (black) locks of braids (manes, tresses, curls, strands) cascading down his broad athletic shoulders, his flawless skin, full lips, chiselled features and chin. Undeniably, his sworn brother Danzek had a breathtakingly beautiful face and noble countenance (visage).

06- DANZEK ZHADOG BRYM (19) JP. WOWW

Danzek, with his rather strikingly handsome attributes, naturally got all the attention, but Qarztan did not mind it at all, for secretly he too was captivated (obsessed), infatuated even, by this very fetching young warrior, though he would never act on it. Besides, his heart was already besotted (love-struck, quite smitten) by Beatrice.

Qarztan, purposefully directed his musings (cogitation) back on the assignment:

The Bacaun Province, besides being strategically important because of its natural defenses and its proximity to Korion, was particularly vital also since a good portion of the gold mines were situated there. Unfortunately, the area was populated overall by widely diversified, fiercely independent, recalcitrant mountain tribes that had to be at a great expense and effort subdued (bludgeoned) into obedience and subjugation. Their strong stamina and exceptional abilities to work under grueling, most perilous conditions in the mines were what had saved them thus far from the extinction that had befallen five other (indigenous) minority groups in Wenjenkun. The Military Governor, Shunget Honen, being tireless in his efforts, after the initiated severe measures that had culminated in a mass execution of the ringleaders, had obtained for a period at least, a lasting stability in this otherwise troublesome region. The ensuing years of increased productivity and the resulting economic prosperity/boom, akin the situation in Subain Province, had inevitably lulled many government officials into a false sense of security, except for one, Qarzten Caimund.    

Right from the start certain (seemingly) innocuous events had alerted Qarzten to the portended dangers, though he’d kept this to himself. It had, expectantly, centered on one individual: a fearless leader born into the Turkeon tribe, one of the fiercest, ethnic tribes existing in the remotest mountainous region of Bacaun Province, his secret sworn brother Danzek Zhadog Borym. Qarzten, could not help but wonder, how Danzek must look now, after all he’d gone through.

07- QARZTEN CAMUND (9)

After Qarzten and Danzek had parted ways, of about a decade prior, while still in his rebellious, mid-teen years, Danzek, had volunteered to be an archer/scout in Wenjenkun Cavalry and then distinguished himself, in the eyes of the Wenjenkun’s Illustrious general Kenso and the defense minister Harken, by his rendering of heroic, invaluable service during the difficult Neobe campaign against the Shirenzo Nation. Danzek, single handily and under disguise, had then lured the detestable Sovereign of Shirenzo, His Highness Amur Xgaro, into a trap, causing his inevitable downfall. After the annexation of Shirenzo into a vassal state, Danzek had been handsomely rewarded and was in addition given support, enabling him therefore to achieve his goal a year later, when the death of the Turkeon tribal chieftain (his father) precipitated a power struggle between the three able contenders (princes, siblings from different mothers) all vying for the same position.    

The new Turkeon chieftain Danzek had continued to act subserviently and accepted State honors from Wenjenkun for his subsequent, meritorious deeds. Certain irregularities in his convictions, minuscule/minute aversions and inconsistencies in his actions however, overlooked by other officials in Wenjenkun’s government, had nevertheless, alerted keen observant Qarzten Caimund to Danzek Zhadog Borym’s ulterior motives. Unfortunately, the bond of blood-oath brotherhood was still strong and it superseded national security; it had tugged at the loyalty cords (threads, loyalty twines) of his heart and, Qarzten had thus constrained, checked (held back) his staunch (steadfast)onus, his duty (to his office), to raise an alarm and timely warn Sovereign Zakhertan, or the members of the council (legislature, parliament) of the impending (looming) danger from Danzek.

Besides which, back then having not yet attained his present powerful position and, as a minor official, Qarzten’s petitions in Court would have been rendered fruitless, if not blocked by the (implanted moles) staunch supporters of Danzek Zhadog Borym.

Furthermore, in absence of concrete incriminating proof- for Danzek had been extremely proficient in covering up his tracks with all his clandestine, illicit activities, as well, being quite enigmatic in his variable transactions (dealings and contact)- Qarzten Caimund, despite the entailed danger (of withholding vital info) had in the end forwent his obligation to his Sovereign and remained silent. Then again, expectantly, Danzek Zhadog Borym had bided his time also, and for a decade the Wenjenkun’s government had no cause (reason) to be wary of this border chieftain.

08- DANZEK ZHADOG BRYM (22)JP

Danzek during his fifth and sixth year as Turkeon Tribal Chieftain however, had surreptitiously exerted a profound influence on the other tribes in that region and his agile, formidable forces in midst of two consecutive winters, having engaged in seven minor and two major skirmishes, had subjugated, and then immersed four principal (main) tribes into Turkeon Tribe. Danzek, had also forged solid alliances (by way of) through three advantageous marriages (polygamy being an accepted norm), to bind all the different ethnic tribes solidly together under one rule. During these last few months, he had moreover, covertly rallied the disgruntled Wenjenkun dissidents and suppressed masses with an unprecedented speed and efficiency, to achieve his ultimate purpose, which was the creation of a humane, powerful, and new independent state.

Danzek’s covert negotiations with Emperor Hedenko had additionally, borne fruit within the last month and, with Kontu's superior armament and a heavier arsenal backing him, Danzek’s cavalry had become a force to be reckoned. His agile mounted troops (archers) rumored to be a hundred thousand strong and virtually unstoppable, had swept (cut) across Bacaun Province and, according to recent reports, was encamped in the environs of the province’s capital, Tizanbbai. In that same report it was also stated that recent situation was dire (critical), especially since Military Governor Shunget Honen’s army, after suffering heavy losses in their last engagement with Danzek Zhadog Borym’s forces, was presently running out of strategic supplies (armament, food rations and fodder). Forced into a defensive mode, they had requested military assistance (aid and reinforcements) before they could re-engage the enemy. The requested reinforcements had already been, in accordance with Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek’s dictate, redirected (diverted) from the adjacent Province of Wantherran.

09- DANZEK ZHADOG BORYM-  (51)JP

In view of the difficulties of the terrain/topography and the onset of winter however, even with a continuous forced march they could not be expected to arrive there in less than a month. Qarzten Caimund had therefore been dispatched post haste, to proceed to Tizanbbai and once there, to steal valuable time until the reinforcements had arrived. Then, by taking charge (command) of the situation, he was to permanently resolve this problem of the (amassed) culminative forces of Turkeon Tribe for the last time. His orders had been explicit, and he was given unlimited power in that Province with even higher authority than that of the Governor General to bring about (to effect) this decisive outcome. 

Qarzten Caimund had eagerly accepted this assignment knowing only he could resolve it with favorable outcome for his sworn brother and as well, complete it, with minimal bloodshed.

Danzek, from that unfortunate time when Qarzten had so regrettably, erroneously betrayed him- since then, his heart turned to stone, had harboured intense ire and animosity (hated) towards Qarzten and permanently severed all kinship ties with Qarzten. Once his mind was made up, he could not be (reached or) reasoned with; Danzek was as stubborn as a mule in that way and thus, nothing Qarzten had said or done, wavered him from his resolve.  Qarzten Caimund however, had seen the error of his ways, and deeply regrated his past actions; he’d thence, had sworn an inner oath, come what may, to make amends (set things right) and to win his sworn brother’s trust back. Qarzten had equally stubborn innate nature and so, he’d remained relentless in his determination, undaunted by all obstacles, to win Danzek back.  

This assignment had provided him the golden opportunity, to do just that; though, this contrasting recourse (his amended/altered implementation of the original orders)- that entailed a most dangerous stratagem, perhaps a foolish gambit (scheme, tactic) wrapped in scant hope- if it should it go awry, could certainly end his career (risk all he’d worked to achieve) and possibly, terminate (forfeit) his life. Despite the grave risk, he’d remained nevertheless adamant, to maneuver, to carve an ingenious path through his divided loyalties and to execute the impossible feat; thus, spare his sworn brother’s life, instead of, typically and without question, obey Zakhertan’s stern command. Would he succeed? Well, that depended on many variables, some of it being outside of his control; consequently, at present, his heart palpitated wildly with both anxiety and hope, threatening to burst out of his (chest) ribcage.

Afterwards, hopefully at the successful conclusion of this matter in Bacaun Province, and still in good graces of Sovereign Zakhertan, he would then forthwith realize (fulfill) the subsequent order of ‘the pacification of Subain Province’.  Thereupon would remain the singular third command, which required Qarzten utilizing his ruthless efficiency and negotiating abilities for him to accomplish it; moreover, it would have to be done with utmost discretion since it involved a member of the Royal Clan.

                                                                                        ~

Before that could happen however, the capricious (varying) fate had already set in motion, an altered, inconceivable, nonetheless propitious (auspicious) future; one where both Qarzten Caimund and Danzok Zhadog Borym’s distinctive attributes (characteristics) would bring them both fame and fortune.

   

                                                                             ~   

(END OF SECTION 25)

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 23

Briac curtailed the curses that were on his (breath) lips, lest he be exposed to the fool which he had been, and ran after her in hot pursuit. She was quite agile and in the darkness with sure footing she, all the same, managed to spread some distance between her and her ardent pursuer Briac.  Running down the hall in another direction, she pushed open the back door, quickly descended the set of stairs and after going through the dark tunnel, swiftly disappeared into the dark stables.

Hot on her trail, incensed Briac raced after this would be assailant and entered the stables that held many stalls with horses in it. Incensed, he was determined to extricate from her some answers, such as the identity of the real culprit behind it all.  

"Come back here, you are thieving harlot!"  Briac barked, scanning the dark perimeter.

Suddenly, however, five sinister-looking thugs armed with cudgels and axes emerged from their hiding places instead of her.  Too late, Briac realized his grave mistake.

01- RUFFIAN (GANGSTER)

"Ah, our distinguished guest has finally arrived." One of the ruffians (possibly the chief gangster) grinned venomously as he pulled the woman aside then signaled the rest to attack.

 Briac ducked, swerved, and jumped over the furious blows as he bellowed curses, threats and insults.

Frastos had just relieved himself around the corner of the stables, outside, when the entire hubbub (ruckus) reached his ears.

"Uh-oh!  The captain will have my hide," Frastos cursed as he quickly pulled up his pants.

With the chill threat of fear coursing (surging, running) down his spine, he then rushed towards the noise brandishing his sword.  Fortunately, the situation was not as grave as he had feared.

Though at first unarmed, Briac’d quickly gained a sword from one of the vanquished (beaten, bested) bandits and so armed, he had managed to keep them at bay.  Frastos’s appearance on the stage had further changed the odds and considerably alleviated (lessened, assuaged) Briac’s still dangerous predicament; hence, emboldened Briac now shifted from the defensive to the offensive, edging closer to the competent adversaries, to deliver some very effective strikes.

"Go on, there are only two of them.  Squash these darn cockroaches!" the burly leader urged the thugs on.

Frastos, however, was an accomplished fighter in his own right, and was armed as well.  The gang of five competent fighters as they were, soon found themselves in dire straits, completely out-matched, even though Frastos had only used the flat of his sword, and soon were scrambling to get away.

"Why aren't you pursuing them?" Briac turned on Frastos to bellow fiercely.

"Let’s go after them!  They're getting away!"

"What's the point?" Frastos stood on his ground and, laughing crudely, shrugged his shoulders.  "They're only some local hoodlums."

"Local hoodlums," Briac was nonplused.

"You've registered as Borkos Yenzic." Frastos glanced at him from the corner of his eye.  "I doubt if they have even heard of Fradel Rurik Korvald."

"How can you be so sure?" Briac insisted.

"Look!"  Frastos lost his patience.  "You were flaunting your wealth.  They thought you were a man of substance, and they marked you for an easy prey.  They had no intention of killing you.  They only wanted to rob you or kidnap you for the ransom."

"Only they underestimated my might." Briac finished the thought.

 "But that bitch tried to kill me!" he suddenly recalled the woman and looked about for her.  It was all too evident that, despite all, he still lusted after her.

02- FRASTOS  DEFEATS THE BANDTS- JP 18

"What a fool you are, Briac."  Frastos shook his head disdainfully, his face crinkling in momentary disgust before he turned and walked away.

Briac was rooted to the spot, his face darkening with anger as he stared at Frastos' diminishing form as it was swallowed up by the night. “Where does he get off, talking to me that way?” he fumed.

“Pity she turned out to be but a petty thief, I could have really enjoyed myself tonight.  She certainly was well-endowed.” But then some common-sense set in and he shook his head, inwardly chastising himself and letting out a loud sigh, “You are a total, complete dunderhead (dunce, numskull)!  And he's right, no denying it, you know he is”

 

Begrudgingly he trailed Frastos to the side door of the inn.

"Please let this be our secret." he implored Frastos back in the room.

"I'll compensate you well.  You know my family has the means and, next time, I'll let you have your way with the best beauty.  I'll make it worthwhile; you'll see.  Not a word of this to the captain or that scum, Tizan; All right?"

Frastos turned his back in disgust and grunted, "Go to sleep.  We've wasted a good part of this night's rest already."

Taking this as an affirmation, Briac thanked Frastos.  "You won't be sorry, you'll see."

Then he, too, climbed under the warm covers on the other side of the huge bed.

His adrenaline was still high after the exhilaration of the fight and try, as he might, sleep sadly averted him as many concerns persisted in haunting his thoughts.

Inhaling deeply, the lingering, sweet perfume she had left on the pillow which now taunted him with wild imaginings, he grunted and forcefully shut his eyelids.  Instead of sleep, however, he grew more dismayed at having missed the ecstasy that she had promised him.  He snuggled up to the pillows and quilt desperately seeking some solace; the remainder of the night however, he still turned and tossed, being kept awake, listening to Frastos' variable, sporadic snores.

“Nope… No use, I can’t sleep.”  Frustrated, Briac finally kicked off his covers in disdain and got up to lie, spread eagle on his back, on the cold floor, staring blankly up to the ceiling beams.

“Sure, the benefits are most enjoyable but I never, for the life of me, expected that the message I sent, would cause me to be targeted in place of Fradel Rurik Korvald.  I really set myself up this time.”  Screwing up his face, he picked himself up; going over to his side, he flopped face-down, back on the bed.

 “Oh, how can he sleep so soundly when I am in such a state? Lucky brute: doesn’t anything phase you?  Devils take you; I don't really know how much longer I can endure this suspense.  At every turn in the road my heart rushed into my mouth.”

Frastos not wishing to engage Briac, meanwhile, had pretended to be in deep slumber (forty winks) and so, disappointingly, still did not stir.

“What’s the good of all that gold if I don't live long enough to flaunt it?” Briac inhaled (heaved), with a deep sigh.

Suddenly however, fiery rage gripped his chest.   “This is all uncles’ fault, for cutting me off financially and, forcing me to these desperate means; all, over that silly little incident? Improper, my tunic!  I'm sure he's committed far worse crimes, only no one has ever been able to pin any of it on him.  But I proved them wrong, didn't I?  Ha!  For this last year, thanks to my affiliations, I’ve sustained a more luxurious lifestyle and more power than they could ever imagine.  But what about now; how can I escape this …. Present dire misfortune?”

Briac's face became taut, and he once more nervously rolled over on his side, fingers tapping on his hip.  Imagining all sorts of horrible fates, he sat up and, cupping his chin, deliberated.

“I must exercise utmost care and persist in keeping vigilant.  Tonight, I was lucky.  Had they been His Excellency's men,” he gave an involuntary shudder.

 “I wouldn't have had a prayer of a chance.  Running away is pure suicide.  Zunrogo or his lapdog Tizan would hunt me down within minutes and hack off my head for desertion.

“If only I can get to Jukurok in safety and make my contacts.  I may not know their faces, but the ruins of Guzor temple shouldn't be too hard to find.  Once I give the secret password, I can establish my identity and inform them of the change.”

“Now, how on earth can I lose Frastos for, long enough to establish contact?  The captain's ordered him to keep an eye on me every darned (blasted) moment, day, or night.  Now, if I can win him over.  Yes, that might work.  He could cover up for me then or come with me when the opportunity avails itself.  He does have a stubborn streak, though, and he's such a straight arrow.  Converting him to my way of thinking won't be easy.  I'll have to bribe him with something irresistible; but what?”  Finally, overcome by pure exhaustion, Briac drifted into fitful slumber.

                                                                                        ~

When the first rays of daylight struck his eyes, he, with a start, woke up.  Last night's concerns were still fresh in his mind, Briac’s eyes at once searched for Frastos but he was nowhere to be seen.  The smile on his face turned into a scowl of hatred.  He jumped up and began dressing. “Rats!  He's gone to squeal on me.  I'll fix him.  I’ll...”

Just then Frastos, fuming with rage, stormed into the room with curses on his lips.

"I suppose you rushed right over to deliver your exaggerated report of my slight indiscretions last night.” Briac, hands on his waist, angrily confronted Frastos.

“Tell me, what benefit, what rewards did you reap, to justify this despicable act of treachery?"

Frastos was in no mood to deal with Briac’s barmy gibberish (nonsense). He simply shook his head and tried to get past him.

“You couldn't wait, could you?" Briac barked, still blocking Frastos' path.

"What the hell are you raving about?"  Frastos shoved him aside, frowning fiercely as he went over to sink into the chair by the fire.  Still fuming inwardly, he cursed, "That villain!  …That vile, despicable cur!"

"Don't deny it; you've been to see the captain, haven't you?" Briac demanded.

"Yeah," Frastos glared back.  "This is entirely your fault!"  Leaning forward, he shook an accusing finger at Briac.  "If it weren't for that ..." seeing the look of incomprehension in Briac's face, he threw his head back and laughed scornfully.  "Why do I waste my breath?"  He shook his head and slumped back into the chair.  Through gritted teeth he ejected, "No, he was looking for just such an opening.  He's had it in for me ever since that Cheron incident when I could no longer stomach his brutality and spoke up against him to the captain.  That savage, arrogant beast!  Where does he get off talking to me that way?  I don't care who he is, that still doesn't give him the right to show such effrontery.  I don't have to put up with those kinds of insults from the likes of him… That ogre! “Suddenly Frastos sprang to his feet and, clenching his fists, began to angrily pace the floor.

03- FRASTOS  IS ANGRY- JP 02

 "Oh, I'd like to wring his neck!"

"My fault,” Briac, a little slow on the uptake, was thrown aback until he figured out the last sentences.  “Cheron incident…  Who’s the Ogre?  Tizan?" he asked hopefully.

"Yes Tizan; who else?" Frastos stopped his pacing to glare sharply at Briac.

 "That despicable, arrogant cad,” Stamping his foot on the floor he swore, "I'll get him!  I'll make him pay dearly for this if it’s the last thing I do.  He doesn't scare me none."

Briac was delighted to see the fury, the contempt Frastos now held for their common foe, Tizan.  “This makes the job of convincing him that much easier.  Yes, things are finally looking up, but what's this about the Cheron incident?  How was it, I was kept in the dark about their, particularly Tizan’s, involvement in that whole, messy affair?  And the missing funds?  It was, reportedly, a considerable sum.  Still, why burden Frastos with all questions about that now?  I'll worm-it- out-of-him eventually once I have his confidence; far better to concentrate on the matters at hand.”  Briac quietly counseled himself. 

Going over, he placed a sympathetic hand on Frastos' shoulder.  "I feel the same way you do, brother, but hey, calm down.  Remember, haste makes waste."

Frastos shrugged off the sympathy with disdain, "Don't humor me.  I'm in no mood for your nonsensical advice."  Glowering threateningly, he went back to sink once more into the chair.

"Who's humoring you?"  Undeterred, Briac sat in the chair opposite Frastos.  Though he was six years older than Frastos, their relationship had been on an equal footing from the start.  "No, I'm dead serious," he reasserted.

"As a friend, I must deter you from doing anything rash; that is, not just yet.  I know how much that cur Tizan can get under your skin until your blood begins to boil with rage and contempt but don't lose your head.  You know how shrewd, cunning, and ruthless he can be.  Besides, he's an able fighter.  Individually, he'd waste either of us in a flash.  However, if we bid our time and pool our resources to make a concerted effort and reasonable plan, we may just win the day.  What do you say to that?"

Frastos’s head down, he looked lost in thought.

Briac grinned in satisfaction. “Good, at least you're considering it.  Now, will you tell me what happened?"

“You would like that, wouldn't you?” Frastos raised his head to study Briac for a moment.  “You'd like to know all the sordid details of this humiliation so you can later on, for your own sadistic gain, turn it on me.”  Grinding his teeth, he instead continued to mumble insults against Tizan.  But then his face contorted into a snarling grin as he admitted to himself that cooperation might be exactly what was needed to bring about Tizan's downfall or better still, his demise. As things had progressed thus far, nothing less (then his ignominious assassination) would assuage his anger.

 "You were right about him, brother," he finally spoke.

"Yes, you've been right all along only I've been too blind to see it."  His amiable tone contrasted sharply with his hostile expression.

"I'm sorry I've not been more supportive of you in the past.  This is a terrible thing he did to you.  The scholar Fradel is already in perfect disguise, there was no reasons for this subterfuge, no need for you to impersonate Fradel and by doing so, plunk your life in peril." He added in all sincerity to purposefully deflect Briac's persistent questions.  In his mind he pondered his next course of action.

"Yes.  After all these years of loyal service, it seems that my life amounted to so very little for the captain that he, without a qualm, sanctioned Tizan's vile plan.  There's no doubt the wicked scheme was Tizan's idea. “Briac swallowed hard and looked away.

“The vermin Tzan concocted this preposterous measure to humiliate us, to pay me back for..."  Briac suddenly stopped and askance (sideways) looked at Frastos, before he prodded him again, attempting to get to the root of the problem. "But, brother, why do you evade my questions?  Don't you trust me enough to tell me what they did to spin you into such a fitful state?  Why am I to be blamed?  I will take real offense (slight) if you don't stop being so cryptic."

"I mean no affront (insult, slur), it’s just", Frastos drew a breath, his anger in part subsided.

 "Well, all right, I'll tell you this much.  You'll find out soon enough yourself when you go to see the captain.  It’s best that you go in, somewhat prepared, armed with plausible explanation for your defense.

"I was summoned first thing this morning.  You had such a rough time of it, last night; I took care not to wake you when I rushed to comply."

"That's very considerate of you, brother." Briac interrupted gratefully.

"Well, anyway, there was Tizan at the Captain's side.  I'd swear the devil never sleeps.”

04--TZAN JP

“I could see that the captain considered the whole matter too trivial to bother about, but it was Tizan, all right, who had instigated this trouble.  He magnified it to serve his own ill purposes.  Then I was subjected to the inquisition at length, about the events of last night."  Frastos paused to watch Briac's pantomime of outrage then, narrowing his eyes, continued, "When I attempted to cover up for you, since I didn't want to give the Lieutenant any satisfaction, Tizan accused me of conspiracy, asking all sorts of questions: “Why had we rendezvoused with the locals?”, ”What was the disagreement that resulted in the fight?”, “What part did the woman play in all of this?” 

“Anyhow, he went on and on.  He even had the audacity to accuse us of having secret, intimate relations together.  I cannot say more, other than it was a vile and bestial thought."

                                                                        ~

 

 

(END OF SECTION 23)