11- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - EVIL PERSONIFIED - SECTION 3

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - EVIL PERSONIFIED - SECTION 3

 

“Was that it? Was that the end of it?”  Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek placed the last of the reports onto the stack and leaned back to stretch out his limbs. A slight nod brought his ever vigilant and trusted aide Neru forward at once to pick up the key and the stack that Zakhertan had set aside on his desk. Neru then took the documents to a large metal vault where they were locked up for future reference. The key was returned to His Highness to join the others dangling from the Sovereign's belt. 

The second stack by far the larger contained the reports that were deemed to be trivial, uninteresting, or expendable and it was on these that Neru next set to work, tearing them into fine bits and then feeding them to the flames within a large brazier, specifically designed to reduce any remnant to cinders.  

01-NERU

Each night’s routine was the same; at an unspecified hour Zakhertan Yozdek, pending no unforeseen crisis or upset, would set aside some time to peruse all the crucial documents submitted by The Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren, other officials, as well as the reports from Internal Security. Through his special branch of moles, Zakhertan had continually kept apace of the activities of his Ministers, Provincial Governors, Generals as well as his own personal retinue and family, within his realm. No one eluded, evaded, shunned, averted, or circumvented his scrutiny, not even hermits, or the recluse of scholars, such as Fradel Rurik Korvald. 

Zakhertan Yozdek had always lived by two unassailable adages: one was to be vigilant in concealing least sign of weakness from all; the second was to never rely on or place absolute confidence in anything or anyone. A measure of confidence could be shown outwardly but never acted on or believed inwardly. 

History was riddled with examples of Sovereigns ruined through treachery by the, oftentimes a most trusted vassals; Zakhertan Yozdek therefore had always endorsed the principle (criterion) that to persevere, no minister, priest, general or Prince of the realm should ever exceed, in the open or in secret, in any one of the areas of power, influence, acumen, awe and reverence, held in the person of the Sovereign.   

The two stacks swiftly dealt with, Zakhertan presently turned his attention to the third bundle and picked up the top envelope, broke open the seal, removed the document within, and read it carefully.  These detailed accounts were submitted by an indomitable, invisible Shadow Brigade (division of Black Band Guard Regiment), whose sole purpose was to monitor the Censors, informants and spies themselves. This dual system of surveillance had served Zakhertan Yozdek well thus far; hence, he had kept close tabs on all within his kingdom, and yet at the same time was afforded a measure of truth sufficient to appease his suspicious nature. As it were, the only cliques Zakhertan had allowed to exist in his dominion were those that he easily manipulated; and periodically, he did enjoy at being their puppeteer and making them do his bidding. 

Moreover, far from employing only the most servile of vassals, the civil and military courts had been staffed with men, all as ruthless as wolves or tigers and more cunning than vipers and foxes. These specially picked individuals acted like vultures, doing very much more than their duty prescribed, yet nevertheless they were very much cowed and succumbed to Zakhertan 's every whim. This effect had been achieved through incessant pressure, unrelenting fear, and artful manipulation; actually, he respected those most that had been the hardest to break. Individuals that posed the greatest menace were the ones he kept at closest proximity; constantly monitored, for any nuance (hint) of seditious activity; they were in the truest sense of the word, only a hairsbreadth away from the executioner's blade. Their already perilous existence was moreover tested by periodic rumors that accused one or the other of subversion against Sovereign or The Wenjenkun Nation. This was not done merely to keep them toeing the line or to incessantly feed Zakhertan’s rapacious sadistic nature but to accurately gauge the rest’s true disposition towards that individual or perceived incidence (occurrence). 

Unfortunately, too seldom for Zakhertan’s liking, one would advance an idea or theory he knew it to be unsound; akin to a beast toying with its prey before the killing stroke, Zakhertan would then pretend to be taken in, merely to see how far the dupe would go; he would subsequently, delight in making veritable mincemeat of the fool.   

Conversely, every so often he would refute a valid suggestion by, one of his generals, courtiers or other and, advance plausible yet purposefully flawed viewpoints. As these events occurred between long bouts of predictable stability, Sovereign Zakhertan was able to appear even to his liegemen, as elusive and cryptic. 

02-ZAKHERTAN YOZDEDK  (40) JP

Two decades now, he had maintained his unbounded, omnipotent rule; his subjects (firmly) believing that all under Heaven was his personal domain (including nations that were under his suzerainty) and that, all his decrees and proclamations were the mandates of Gods.  

After all this time, could he finally relax his vigilance? Could he dare be complacent? He absolutely could not; must not, not for a single moment. Zakhertan through clenched teeth quickly answered his inner query; his tight fist eased as anger slowly, gradually ebbed. Yes, he had maintained his iron hold on the realm (kingdom) thus far but in the deep recesses of his heart Zakhertan had of course known, the futility of it all.  

A Sovereign may subjugate most of his subjects with impunity, govern his vassal's bodies and outward acts, and even sway or manipulate their minds to some degree but there would always be one who would prove to be an exception to the rule who could slip through the controlling net, or escape it entirely.  There would emerge some renegade, a folk hero or martyr who would stoke the smoldering ashes of dissent into a spark that would ignite the searing flames that would scorch the whole Kingdom bare. If that is, he was not snuffed out, right at the start.  

Zakhertan inclined his head to stare absently out the window at the artificially illuminated garden, layer upon exquisite layer of floral beauty; his mind perfectly composed, his face wearing an emotionless mask of serenity. Misleadingly, he inwardly was in fact, taking meticulous stock of his most recent and severest measures, which as a rule incorporated further stringent laws and their equally brutal punishments, to determine if they would suffice to rout-out or curb the latest, anticipated, impending trouble.  

Moreover, the ’Divide and conquer’ strategy had consistently proven to be a most effective policy. His thoughts veered (turned) to past recourse that warranted akin to action. He may employ it again: First, his subjects were led to believe that he, Zakhertan Yozdek, was (ostensibly) by far the most generous Sovereign, rewarding meretricious acts as handsomely as he was severe in his punishments. But then, Zakhertan mischievously grimaced, reflecting quietly on how, every now and then, he unexpectedly rewarded an individual or an official or two for no apparent reason, to sow discord, disconcert or perturb others.  

Eventually the targeted individuals became estranged from their friends, colleagues, and family. Thoroughly demoralized and seeking only to safeguard their own hide, the seeds of treachery would easily then be planted in them, to be harvested in future. Zakhertan by manipulating the most basic emotions of insecurity and mistrust, of any individual or a group, albeit powerful and influential, those pegged troublemakers were then, easily and without fail got purged (eradicated). 

In his youth Zakhertan Yozdek had avidly studied history and learned from its mistakes; subsequently, as a monarch, he had never failed to utilize timely measures and inject acute fear into the hearts and minds of all likely (budding) dissenters, way before trouble manifested. Through artful manipulation he had also fostered the belief in his subjects that he, their omnipotent Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek, was all seeing, all hearing. That nothing, however trivial or inconsequential, escaped his attention. One of the means with which Zakhertan had achieved this end was, by engaging Censors, which conducted semiannual tours of the countryside. The sole purpose of these mobile forces was to check on the performance of the Provincial and Military Governors and Magistrates, and Tribunes. Demotions, promotions, rewards, and reprisals were all dependent on the outcome of 

Censors’ report. Of course, the concept of Censorate had been created during the reign of 

Sovereign Zuronghan Therran Valamir. This Censorate predecessor was vastly different from Zakhertan’s incarnation however, for one thing the Censors of old Dynasty were appointed from the ranks of the Nobility, Military, Bureaucracy, or Intelligentsia equally. The sole purpose of the Censorate had been to keep all officials, high and low, under strict surveillance and report any wrongdoing or illicit activity to their Liege and in this capacity, Censors were empowered to criticize, if needs be, even the Sovereign. Although they had little direct political power, they were not constrained to divulge their sources of information even to the highest authority and, for their fifteen-year term, they were immune to criticism or punishment for their actions. The granting of these liberties, as well as their proximity to the ear of the ruler, had left ample room for corruption, and these posts invariably had left their holders wealthy and influential beyond measure. The deficiencies of this system were never given the chance to correct themselves before the overthrow of Sovereign Zuronghan Therran Valamir, and it was Zakhertan who took this branch of the bureaucracy and reshaped it into its present form. In the revised version, Censorate officials were now appointed solely by Zakhertan  Yozdek for seven year terms and, unlike their forerunners, they could be indicted, subjected to interrogation, including torture and, if found guilty, they and their families would be punished twice as harshly as anyone in a normal position.  

More importantly, they were prohibited from ever criticizing present Sovereign  

Zakhertan’s policies; memorials of this kind having been prohibited ever since Zakhertan Yozdek had assumed (usurped) the throne. On demand Censors were expected to produce their evidence, sources and all pertinent information to the Sovereign's special staff who would, in turn, present it for Zakhertan Yozdek’s final analysis and judgment. Meanwhile, the identities of these officials were kept a closely guarded secret, known only to the Emperor, the Shadow Brigade and one other, Senior Grand Secretary Qarzten Caimund. Each Censor was identified on the special documents only by a serial number which was assigned upon their appointment to the position. If they were ever exposed, they could expect no leniency; they would be summarily dismissed, and therefore subject to the reprisals of their victims, banished to a remote province, or summarily executed for violating the first duty of their office. Within the Censorate itself the officials would be moved about at randomly set intervals so that they could never grow complacent, relax their vigilance, acquire a sphere of influence, or establish cliques as had been the norm in the past. 

Of course, Zakhertan could not take full credit for these measures. “Let’s give some credit where credit is due,” Zakhertan throwing a furtive glance at Qarzten Caimund, who was seated at the far desk his head down overseeing some matters Zakhertan had allocated to him, donned a sinister smile. Indeed, some of it had been adapted from Qarzten's excellent proposals. 

Returning his gaze back to the garden, Zakhertan mused on another concern:   

Back then, when he had revised the legal statutes, he had assumed that he had left no room for those skillful manipulators of the letter of the law to contravene in it.   

He had the statutes so clearly worded and exactly defined that there had been nothing left in doubt; furthermore, he had been explicit, that all would be offenders, without fail, would be most rigorously prosecuted. Obviously even the best effort had its failing.  

Zakhertan shrugged, relieving the frustrations of those bygone days. Sure enough, it had looked good (sound) as written principles on the statute books, yet it had not been as effective, especially in the outlying areas, when constrained by the incredible number of legal restrictions, deception and corruption, turning it into new criterion (hallmark) and instigating dangerous discord (strife) between the different levels of Government.  Having learned to act swiftly and embrace change, Zakhertan had amended the laws in good enough time, eliminating these dangerous practices before they became the norm.  

“Pigs and fishes; one and all” Zakhertan inwardly jeered with utter disdain. In fact, a large part of his time had been taken up with constant monitoring of the usage of his laws within the Empire. 

“Virtue… Bah,” Zakhertan again inwardly scoffed. “Talk about an overrated, foolish concept.”   

 Back in the early days, the situation had been such that anyone uttering that word “virtue,” would have been scorned, accused of shirking his duty and then duly punished. Zakhertan Yozdek had always clung to the truth inherent in the ancient saying, "The man of inferior virtue clings to virtue and so has no virtue."   

It could be said that Qarzten Caimund had never practiced virtue. Zakhertan thoughtfully reflected as his eye caught a bird in the garden, wrestling an insect out of a tree trunk. Yet, Zakhertan had long suspected that Qarzten was the most virtuous of men. Or was that only another facade of his?  

03-QARZTEN CAMUND (5)

Zakhertan turned his stealth, suspicious gaze back onto Qarzten Caimund, studying him with penetrating eyes until a cold smile brushed his lips and he dismissed these speculations peremptorily. 

Zakhertan reached for a blank sheet of parchment, picked up his brush, and loaded it with the ink that Neru had prepared earlier and began to write. Once the first set of orders had been quickly dispensed, Zakhertan applied his crimson seal to the bottom, folded it into three, and wrote its destination on the back then sealed it with, wax from a purple taper and the impression of his signet ring. Before the molten wax around the ring could set, his mind had returned to the past. Once the amendments to the laws had been put in place and rigorously enforced, he had gotten the situation under control, except for, in the furthest regions of the Kingdom.   

Wellnigh unchecked, the situation there (in such a short span) had grown extremely volatile and at the most inopportune of times as well. The bulk of Zakhertan’s militia had been engaged in a difficult and demanding campaign in Korion and the remainder of his forces had been reserved for the police actions against the northern nomads, to end their persistent incursions into Wenjenkun's territory.  

Zakhertan Yozdek had been strapped, caught short handed hence, in effectively bringing a swift resolution to this far region. What he had needed at that time, short of another army appearing from thin air, an able vassal, one most ruthless and cunning, who could conduct this challenging task with the minimum of arms and workforce. That man appeared in the person of Qarzten Caimund, who had been an unknown minor official until then.  

“Oh, but you were a sly one right from the start, Qarzten Caimund,” Zakhertan mused. 

 “Imagine getting none other than Egil Viggoaries to recommend you for service when in fact you were the proponent of Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren the whole time.”  This very fact had intrigued Zakhertan Yozdek right from the start and had won Qarzten Caimund the certain singular distinction he rightly deserved.  

During the entire interview Qarzten Caimund had admirably withstood the grueling mental tightrope and impressed by Qarzten's astute rationalism, his vast knowledge of the legal statutes, his courage, wit, and martial ability among a multitude of other talents, Zakhertan Yozdek had allowed himself to overlook those minor flaws, the prejudices, and biases barely discernible in Qarzten’s character, and had appointed (assigned) him to the unenviable post.  

Rising the challenge to complete the subjugation of the north in a set time upon peril of his life, Qarzten had requisitioned and received Zakhertan Yozdek’s approval for a free hand in rectifying the situation. Qarzten Caimund’s subsequent, steady progress had read like a textbook case, but what had really interested Zakhertan Yozdek, was the ingenious, though unorthodox measures the new commander had taken. While appearing lenient, Qarzten had been, from the very beginning, selectively ruthless. As good as his word, he had laid stress on severe implementation of the full rigors of the law, even to the Royal relations who had grown too overbearing and daring away from the prying eyes of Zakhertan. Given free reign

Qarzten had killed men summarily, tortured suspects until they confessed or died and practiced other most effective measures to spell out his message to one and all.  He had personally cut off quite a few of the heads of convicted officials and had made mincemeat of several (not a few) formerly lofty citizens.  

In a noticeably short spell, Qarzten Caimund had brought all within his authority(jurisdiction) under his absolute control. Once law and order were restored, he moved on to the next region and then the next; his reputation preceded him until all areas were pacified. Qarzten Caimund’s savage reputation for adapting bold, ruthless tactics, had naturally won him Zakhertan's favor, especially since every step, every victory, was secured well within the established time. 

04-QARZTEN CAMUND (16)

Of course, there had been copious amount of (flood of) litigations and hundreds of indictments from these regions, which had to be passed over to the Chief Justice due to their importance and, despite the increased amount of nightmarish paperwork that had to wind its way through the sluggish bureaucracy.  Zakhertan had taken no action against Qarzten; in fact, been secretly pleased deeming these as proof, of his appointed vassal’s competency. Fortunately for Zakhertan, Qarzten’s beloved wife Bren had died just then from a bizarre accident leaving Qarzten free to marry. As it was Zakhertan’s way, after the appropriate time for the mourning had passed, Zakhertan’d proposed, more like dictating a propitious marriage between Zakhertan’s distant relative’s (cousin’s) beautiful second daughter Kelda and Qarzten Caimund.

 Qarzten Caimund, competent as he had been in everything that mattered; he had never been, fortunate in matters of love, family, or marriage. To date, a well-kept secret, especially from Zakhertan, this arrangement unfortunately had been a loveless marriage from the start, as Kelda had already been secretly betrothed to a young warrior Adrian Kenzor, whom she had been infatuated with since childhood.   

In fact, Kelda’d been secretly impregnated by Adrian at the time her family forced this marriage with Qarzten Caimund on her. Qarzten was of course no fool and had quickly found out about this; nevertheless, taking pity on her had kept his silence and when a healthy, infant son (named Stokner Tchort Caimund) was born, he had pretended that he (Qarzten) was the natural father. This happenstance had suited Qarzten Caimund well; for in childhood Qarzten had had a terrible accident that had destroyed any chance of him to ever propagate (reproduce, breed) later in adult life. This had been a closely guarded secret that no one, not even Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek, knew at that time. 

When a son, Stokner Tchort Caimund, was born to him, Qarzten playing the part of a dutiful father had provided the boy, with every available means of education; however, from earlier on, he had been disappointed about the boy’s aptitude and innate character. Not liking what he saw, he gradually distanced himself from his son Stokner and quickly packed off his estranged wife Keida and son Stokner to a distant province where Qarzten Caimund had a vast estate.

05 - QARZTEN'S UNFILIAL WIFE KELDA AND HER LOVER ADRIAN KENZOR -JP (78)

 

Alas, when Qarzten Caimund’s learned that his wife had secretly renewed her old liaison (relationship) with Adrian Kenzor, enraged Qarzten had Kelda, Adrian Kenzor and anyone who knew of this, at various times of course, murdered. Five perished because of a terrible accident; three swiftly passed away from ingesting poison while few others expired from a fatal illness. Only his son Stokner’s life was spared. Meanwhile Qarzten Caimund playing the role of a mournful (grieving) twice widowed, unlucky in love official, vowed never to remarry and from then on gave his undivided attention instead, to state matters and, to his official duties in Capital that had markedly increased by then.  

Sovereing Zakhertan Yozdek’s focus (concentration) at the time had been totally taken (preoccupied) by the difficult governance of Wenjenkun and the renewed foreign aggression; as a result, he relied heavily on Qarzten’s brilliance and ruthless efficiency and to date, he had not been disappointed. Unfortunately, at the right time Qarzten Caimund had created so much enmity, especially among the prominent nobility that thirty-five grievous slanders grew around him, though to no avail. Naturally, having foreseen this outgrowth of his work, Qarzten Caimund had kept meticulous records and had not shared any of the vices that had caused the downfall of so many of his predecessors. Though Qarzten was a person of diverse interests, he had neither any real attachment nor damaging aversions; he had no sexual perversions, took no bribes, did not drink to excess, and curbed any ambition or greed, through cerebral forte (strong suit) and a healthy caution. To date Qarzten Caimund had upheld a modest lifestyle and kept a Spartan house in Capital. While he could be the most unassuming of pacifists, one could also meet with dire woe should one incur his anger or cross his wishes. Zakhertan understood Qarzten held long grudges and was intolerant of stupidity that misrepresented itself.  

It often amused Zakhertan to observe the way Qarzten struck back with such pernicious (spiteful) precision, at the foe that dared to cross or encumber him.  Caught off guard, the adversary invariably succumbed to whatever weapon was chosen: the deadly strike of the sword, or a severe tongue-lashing from Qarzten Caimund. Yet, overall Qarzten advocated peace and perseverance; it could even be said he was deeply religious. He detested liars, yet when and where warranted he was not above acting the hypocrite to get the more vital job done.  Yes, by employing his many unconventional methods Qarzten had, within that specific time, checked all crime and restored the complete rule of law and order to the far (rebellious) regions. In other words, Qarzten Caimund succeeded where others had failed miserably. Impressed by these results, his unrelenting zeal, boundless energy, no-nonsense attitude, and impartiality where it counted most, Zakhertan had steadily promoted Qarzten Caimund in a brief three years' time to the position of Chief Justice to Military Tribune of the Capital Region then to the exalted posting as Senior Grand Secretary.  No other Civil Minister could boast of such a feat. What was more, his unmarred efficiency and impeccable record to date had given Zakhertan absolutely no cause for complaint.  Still, even though Zakhertan Yozdek relied on Qarzten a great deal more than the others, the truth was that Qarzten Caimund’s position was neither more nor less precarious than any of the others.  

                                                                              …..  

 

 

(END OF SECTION 3)

LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL - SECTION 20

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC -THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL - SECTION 20

(REVISED 2026-04-20)

Only a handful of Elders of Karn and His Eminence Olavingemar had been privy to Aegeus’s secret, that Chandor (Zandar Kuntzu) and his offspring (twin son) Zonar, were both related to Aegeus by blood, and now it seemed, through his carelessness, the secret had been revealed to ambitious Sthetor as well. Aegeus put this concern aside and directed his attention instead, on the matter at hand.

01- AEGEUS  (1)B JP

What made Zonar even more hazardous, was the fact that his blood also carried the mixed gene (although it was dormant) from his Immortal mother Tekubzan. She, the only daughter of His Eminence Olavingemar, had the rare phoenix chromosome, which had, once in every aeon, passed down to female genera of Kongrul. Zonar’s twin sister Arnora (also known as Ingrit) had died young, well before it could be determined whether she had the gene or not. The rare Phoenix genetic material (chromosome, DNA) once manifested at maturity, at about thirty-five, from then on would enable the immortal female to transform, at will, into a phoenix or into a phoenix/human hybrid. Such a being also, via the blue flames, would possess immense regenerative healing powers. They could utilize their power to heal or harm anyone, even Immortals.

Elder Aegeus had learned quite by chance, through divination, that Nevetsecnuac had also twins born to him some time prior; and one being female, she could carry that gene. He had kept this secret from all, while he decided on what this would entail and if it warranted any future action. He did not know why but an innate caution deep within, had kept him weary of Sthetor, and decidedly silent on this matter as he wish to keep Sthetor in the dark about this.

The ancient race of Kongruls, despite the immeasurable distance, once had a kinship (alliance, special link), with the race of Karn. Unfortunately, the revered race of Kongruls had virtually been annihilated during the cataclysmic wars, save for the three (that Aegeus knew of): His Eminence Olavingemar, his precious daughter Tekubzan, and of course,

Sthetor. All three-surviving Kongruls, had been readily and without prejudice (generously) accepted into the main fold of, Karn race. Moreover, in a noticeably abbreviated time, both, benevolent Oavingemar and (problematic) Sthetor had achieved prominent positions.

Notwithstanding their different prior status in Kongrul Race, for Olavingemar had been a venerated, intellectual aristocrat whereas Sthetor had been an ordinary, (rigid, obdurate) intransigent warrior and a seir (diviner). The two had outwardly been congenial (affable) towards each other and, often cooperated on pressing matters; but underneath it all, Aegeus had sensed (detected)from the very beginning, the enduring (lifelong, unwavering) hostility between Olavingemar and Sthetor. They were, moreover, as different as day and night. This aggression had reached its zenith once, when in a private meeting between the three honoured Elders of Karn, Aegeus, Olavingemar and Sthetor, audacious Sthetor (who was Olavingemar’s age but didn’t show it) had proposed to wed Tekubzan when she had reached the age of maturity, to perpetuate their race. She was no more than (earth-years of) four at the time.

02-- STHETOR IMMORTAL (16)JP

Olavingemar barely able to contain his ire (indignation, wrath), he had simply bolted from his seat and, without a word, left the meeting. Things were supposed to have been smoothed later, but Aegeus had remained doubtful of the validity of that claim. Furthermore, from then on Olavingemar had remained guarded against Sthetor. Aegeus, nevertheless, not wishing to pry (meddle), had not broached the subject with either of them.

Then hundred years later, 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, assisted by Sthetor , had disclosed then manifest 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 (eradication). To prevent this from ever happening, by a majority vote, she had been in a fortnight, condemned to death.

His Eminence Olavigemar, nevertheless, privately that night had reconsulted the Heavens and, achieving a different interpretation as well, an alternative to the execution, she had been instead, sentenced to a much crueler fate of being imprisoned for life at a secret location, behind an impenetrable one piece of solid rock, where which its thickness muted all sound, inside one of the divisions (tunnels) of the deepest recesses of the Cave. There she was left to live, the rest of her long life, in solitary confinement and in pitch darkness.

Secrecy being paramount, Olavigemar and Aegeus had been the sole ones that knew the whereabouts of her prison. At least she would be alive. Elders of Karn being habitually indifferent (apathetic), they had all agreed to this, save for Sthetor. Aegeus had seen his ugly side then, especially when latter’s arguments had been superseded (overridden). More importantly, Aegeus had detected just for a spell before Sthetor had supplanted it (replaced, masked), the hint of his unease in his eye- the almost feeling of foreboding or fear- at his inability to affect her immediate demise.

03-HIS EMINENCE OLAVINGEMAR  (2)JP

Olavigemar meanwhile, though relieved, from then on had been unusually tight-lipped and he had never mentioned or reminisced about his beloved daughter; furthermore, he had avoided, all communication (clairvoyantly) telepathically or otherwise with her. But despite the great passage of time, he had not, not once, forsaken Tekubzan.

This Aegeous had known for certain and chosen to remain silent. Aegeus likewise discerned, that Olavigemar had kept her life-stone along with his, in a secret compartment, somewhere in his room. Life-stones had been an essential part of life in Kongrus. One year after birth, each Kongrus received a singular, unique small stone (the kind only found in Kongrus’s homeland, Tarkon), which, in a specific ceremony, on the second full moon of the year, their drop of blood was absorbed by the stone, turning it into luminescent celadon color. So long as it glowed celadon, the individual was believed to be still among the living. Since her imprisonment, Olavigemar each night before going to sleep, without fail, had checked his daughter’s life-stone.

Elder Sthetor meanwhile, keeping in mind the harsh environment she had been imprisoned in, had secretly anticipated, moreover delighted, in the probability of her early demise. But the rare Phoenix chromosome had enabled Tekubzan to survive her terrible ordeal and exacting circumstance, to eventually reach maturity. It had been the innate advantage, for her surviving in those frigid temperatures of the cave during her captivity all those years. Fluke of fate, she was destined to meet and fall in love with Chandor.

                                                                                       ~

On typically ordinary late night, warned of her death by the Life-stone, Aegeus and Olavigemar had rushed over at once to investigate and discovered, to their great dismay, the breach, and the resulting clear devastation at that part of the Cave.

Olavigemar had evoked the spell, so did Aegeus, to discover the truth about what had transpired there. Both Elders had picked up Chandor’s and Tekubzan’s residues, but even then, they had failed to unlock the mystery of what sort of calamity had occurred there; and more importantly, who the evil perpetrator had been, that so brazenly violated at least two of their sacred laws.

Additionally, both had understood, that an unknown incantation, far more powerful spell, had been cast to hide the truth from both Elders of Karn. But the cave had disclosed five or six clues nevertheless, that there had been number of happy events there, that must have culminated in two young immortals eventually falling in love and becoming a couple.

04- CHANDOR AND TEKUBZAN

Aegeus had never cogitated the possibility of a union between (two varied species) a Karn and a Kongrus; he was shocked, as everyone else, when the secret liaison between the condemned Tekubzan and Chandor became known. The esteemed elders, Aegeus and Olavigemar moreover, secretly been elated and amazed, at the discovery of traces that revealed the existence of an offspring grandchildren, more specifically twins, born to the loving couple.

The spotted (noted, discerned) indicators had revealed next, of a violent intrusion and the subsequent dire (catastrophic) struggle, obviously, between Tekubzan and the evil perpetrator.

In the end she had perished in the fire, as her charred remains had been found 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.

05- THE RESIDUE IN CAVE

Fortunately, Tekubzan had successfully hidden her newborn twins well before her devastating engagement (fight, struggle) with the indomitable foe, for the infants (boy and girl) whom she had named Zonar and Arnora, had remained unharmed through it all. She had achieved this, by transferring a great deal of her powers to the babies, at the time of the twins’ birth; this unfortunately had left her vulnerable, and far less able to thwart (offset, counter) the perpetrator’s assaults.

It took no great imagination to envision Chandor’s frustration, his ire (rage, fury), self-blame, then ultimately, his inconsolable grief, to have arrived there too late and well after the devastating fight. Intrepid Tekubzan, anticipating his return had nevertheless managed to leave a message for him, therefore, following her (telepathic) instructions, he had discovered the unharmed, hidden twins, his son Zonar and daughter Arnora. Then, according to her wishes, for the evil perpetrator had been bent on destroying their precious offsprings, Chandor had absconded the mountain along with the twins, to permanently disappear (take refuge) somewhere in the vast mortal world of Humans.

06- CHANDOR DISSAPEARS IN THE MORTAL WORLD

Aegeus from the start had innately mistrusted Sthetor; but he had all the same, still passively stood by and let Sthetor with dogged determination, rallying support from the

Elders of Karn and utilizing their ancient laws, to set forth and to destroy Chandor (Zandar Kuntzu). At the time, Aegeus had deeply resented being put in such a predicament and blamed his renegade son Chandor (Zandar), for not being capable enough to triumph against all odds.

Even though this great mystery about the identity of the evil perpetrator had never been satisfactorily resolved, Aegeus had his own suppositions, which in absence of solid proof, to date he had kept to himself. He reflected on the fact that, Stheltor at that time, on the pretext of having fallen gravely ill, had timely (absconded) gone on a surreptitious retreat to supposedly convalesce, well before the detection of Chandor’s absence, and the finding of Tekubzan’s breached prison. On his return, he had taken to always wearing gloves. The reasons for this idiosyncrasy had been successfully explained to all, except for Aegeus. Additionally, Sthetor, had been the one strong component, behind the dogged persecution, the hunting and eventual capture of Chandor. Back then, Aegeus had assumed, vindictive Sthetor had intensely (dourly) hated Chandor for attaining the love of Tekubzan, whom Sthetor coveted since her age (earth years) four and, regarded (pegged) her as his owed prize. She had been the configured, essential part of his high ambition (and sinister reasons), which he had hid behind a noble claim, of wanting to perpetuate Kongrul Race, within Karn. That was why venerable Olavigemar, from then on, had remained on his guard. In the end Sthetor had still got her, and then, exacted his ultimate revenge on Chandor.

In hindsight, Aegeus anticipated that there had been a far sinister reason behind it all; unfortunately, to present, he had failed to resolve this enigmatic quandary (perplexing dilemma).

But Sthetor was now (single mindedly) targeting to destroy his grandson Zonar. Aegeus, despite his seeming indifference, was nevertheless caught in a bind. He knew all fate can be altered; he just had not conceived yet, how to achieve alternate means. His granddaughter Arnora was already lost to him; part of him secretly wanted to preserve Zonar’s life as he saw enormous potential in his grandson. 

07- ZONAR - IMMORTAL (42)JP

On the other hand, at present, Zonar posed the greatest threat to Karn Race’s welfare and lasting existence; for along with the prophesy, Zonar, was the possessor of the combination of both dragon and, albeit dormant, rare, mutated phoenix- YBXchromosome (DNA, genes). As the preservation, (safeguarding) of Karn Race had always been the paramount, (predominant) importance over everything in Aegeous’s life, he therefore anew, hardened his heart.

And so, Aegeus after his brief ponder, simply nodded, dispassionately acquiescing to Sthetor’s current, principal request; then, at the apt moment, he also gave Sthetor permission to enlighten the others, but only on the scant (limited), pertinent details.

Sthetor’s mind subsequently open to all, he checked his glee, and then looked about him for a spell, his inexpressive, (emotionless) soulless grey eyes sweeping the rapt faces.

“Indeed, it was a Divine Providence that interceded in sparing and extending Zonar's life, so that he may play a vital (most fundamental) role in determining the course of, mortal world's history.”

“Are we to do nothing, then?” All eyes asked.

“No, that's not what I meant at all.” Sthetor continued evenly, mutely. “Zonar should be apprehended at the appropriate time and accordingly dealt with; to do otherwise, would be irresponsible. But beware; it shall be a much harder task to accomplish, than we had originally anticipated. I would have thought it inconceivable but here we stand. There is no denying the fact that the renegade Immortal Chandor or Zandar Kuntzu, had somehow acquired the most ancient, taboo spell and innately passed it solely onto his progeny (offspring) Zonar; and he, in well enough time, must have learned to safely utilize it.”

“The proof lies before us. As things now stand, Zonar Kuntzu is far more resourceful than we originally anticipated. He is now a force to be reckoned with. Furthermore, if he knows this spell, which is a mere derivative, he must also be acquainted with the prohibited primordial Kekok Enchantment.”

“What!”  There was a quick exchange of looks and baffled thoughts. “But we have never heard of any Kekok Enchantment.”

“Of course, not… The very notion of its existence has been forbidden knowledge long ago. Believe me; you are all better off for not knowing it. It is the most dangerous; most volatile spell there is for, once evoked, there is no certainty of the results. In as much as it can grant you what you want, it can also, quite unpredictably and with one stroke, negate (undo, cancel out) the very Universe itself. All reality as we know it could cease to exist.”

“Zonar was by far the most fortunate being in that it worked exactly the way he wanted it to, with no serious (consequences) repercussions.”  

All this while Elder Aegeus, with his head down had remained in pensive silence; now suddenly terminating (breaking off) his pondering, he looked straight at Dwengzur.  A dour voice loudly intoned in Dwengzu’s head: “There is no getting around it. You must be armed with the same knowledge, rather, be imparted (bestowed) a superior edification, if you are to succeed. Even then it may not be sure guarantee, judging by the …. Hmm…But before you respond, stand warned that there is a dire cost for this information, a sure consequence, most grievous and unalterable one. Furthermore, once you have assimilated the Kekok Enchantment along with the rest of Ultimate Supreme Elder Yokanotek’s acumen and expertise, you may no longer be allowed to associate as before with others of the Karn. You will be given only one chance, one chance only, to accomplish your mission and, upon your return you will again meet with the Ultimate Supreme Elder Yokanotek. At that precise moment of your meeting you will become the new Ultimate Supreme Elder and be given a new name; the previous Ultimate Supreme Elder Yokanotek, will then be relieved of any and all obligation to race of Karn; he will of course ascend (rise) to the higher realm, transforming into pure energy and, as an iridescent light, roam or be part of the Cosmic Universe.”  

All faces regarded Dwengzur now with another strange, mixed emotion, blending of envy and abject pity, which had intrusively and suddenly resurged. As it was, they understood fully how, Zonar Kuntzu had the sure advantage over Dwengzur, to warrant such measure. Zonar endowed with unusual and not yet fully comprehended powers, would be able to coexist indefinitely (hundreds, if not thousands of years) with the creatures at the outside world. It was also clear to all that unlike Zonar, Dwengzur’s time at the outside world, after he had assimilated the Kekok Enchantment, would be provisional; he only had comparatively (limited,) shorter span, with which to fulfill his mission and return before his innate powers indubitably were sapped. If he failed, as consequence, he would then either became a mortal being with no memory of past or, if he were lucky, it brought about his immediate and dreadful end, which meant that he would simply cease to exist, no residue energy, no light, nothing.

08- DWENGZUR (8)JP

“Even so, I am resolute!” Dwengzur vociferously declared.

Elder Aegeus with an unreadable expression simply stared at Dwengzur for a long time.

“Very well then, after you take a moment or two, to bid your farewells, you may then follow me to the interior to receive the highly classified instructions from Ultimate Supreme Elder Yokanotek, for only he can impart to you the knowledge you will require.”  

The Elder Aegeus rose slowly from his seat and now waited until Dwengzur made his brief and unemotional farewells to those present then came to stand beside him. When Dwengzur was in position, Elder Aegeus mumbled the secret incantation. Instantly he and Dwengzur, were both reduced to two glowing, flickering balls of light that shot through the air towards the far cavern wall and passing through it, promptly disappeared.

 

(END OF SECTION 20)

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC – THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL – SECTION 4

Dwengzur, continued on with his narration of Zonar’s immortal father’s daring escape from the icy peaks, carrying with him his infant twins; consequently, his ensued (succeeded) disappearance into the mortal realms.

01- THE ICY PEAKS

“The renegade immortal Chando (Zandar Kuntzu) along with his infant son Zonar and daughter Arnora for a time settled down in a remote, obscure part, at the edge of a border town in Korion; experiencing firsthand, all the intriguing and bizarre characteristics and emotional turmoil, which was so prevalent at the mortal realms.”

“Earth years went by quickly; in all that time, Zandar had brilliantly (most effectively) concealed his true essence for well over a decade, during which time, to perfect his disguise, he had even taken a (also red-haired) mortal female  as his nuptial mate and sired (conceiving with her) two additional offspring, a boy, and a girl.”

02- ZANDAR AND HIS MORTAL WIFE

“During this period, Zandar’s extraordinary metamorphosis had been so complete that he had remained successfully covert (hidden) until the day of reckoning when he had finally been, hunted down by yours truly and Sthetor, and then, along with his mortal wife and children, properly disposed.”

“But I’m getting well ahead of myself; anyhow, well before this, and well before Zandar Kuntzu’s demise, anticipating this outcome, Zandar had entrusted the Immortal toddlers, Zonar and Arnora, to the care of others. Zandar had competently ensured twin’s safety, first by choosing an old, frail go-between mortal female who had died soon afterwards and, by purposefully remaining ignorant of the identities of the subsequent, two different foster families that were destined to raise his son and daughter.”

“Every infant Immortal born to the Karn Race, existed alike a mortal human being, until the age of adulthood (of about thirty earth years); hence, untraceable in that period. After maturity, it was of course a different story. Before Zonar and Arnora had been given-away, as an added protective measure, Zandar Kuntzu had also, astutely implanted a magical command in the children’s subconscious minds which had prevented his son and daughter, even after they had reached adulthood, from ever utilizing their powers. This held true for Arnora but, for inexplicable (mysterious) reasons, not for Zonar ; nevertheless, Zonar’d remained mortal all the while he was living in Korion.”

“At the time I’d (Dwengzur) been assigned to this task of, tracking and disposing of the vermin renegade Immortal Chando (Zandar Kuntzu) and his Immortal offsprings -  to ensure my success, I’d been previously instructed by the most ancient elder Aegeus, on this taboo knowledge and, given the skill and the means with which to hunt down and slay another Immortal. To alleviate your curiosity, I will tell you this much. When an Immortal’s congenital (inherited) and varied powers are fully restored at maturity, from then on, every time he used his innate powers, it would leave a subtle subatomic residue (trace) which could easily then, be picked up by those who knew how.”

“Ironically, it had been those very incantations (spells) Chando (Zandar) had invoked when Zonar and Arnora were still a toddler, which had left a faint filtrate (residue), that had then enabled Sthetor (the one who’d  left the mountain and accompanied me, to render me invaluable guidance) and  me, to track the whereabouts of Zandar and to eradicate (destroy) him and his mortal family. Nevertheless, the success of my assignment was rendered incomplete by Chando’s prior taken action; hence, Zonar and Arnora, living incognito (disguised) in well enough distance, survived. My superior Sthetor was furious and for a very long time, refused to give up the rigorous search; despite all expended effort, however, Immortal twins remained well hidden from our radar. What I am about to reveal now, the intriguing course of their fate, was acquired much later on. First let me state briefly, first the tale of Anora then Zonar. “

03 a- ANORA

 “Arnora, at young age was abducted by an ardent enemy of her foster father, which in turn smuggled her into Wenjenkun. There, her abductor was of mind to sell her to a brothel, to mitigate his wrath and to get apt retribution (payback, vengeance). On route to the capital however, they were attacked by a well-organized group of bandits. During the scuffle, the abductor and his servants and guards were all slain; meanwhile, the frightened child, pursued by one of the bandits, driven to the precipice off a high jagged cliff  and unfortunately loosing her footing, fell into the abysmal void. No one could have survived that fall; hence (as she was presumed to be dead), no further search was conducted.”

“Remarkably, though she was badly injured, she still lived long enough to be discovered and rescued by Lord Wutenzar Thuxur Marrog Zhon, during one of his hunting trips. Arnora was nursed back to good health, but having suffered amnesia, Lord Zhon and his wife Anselma (who happened to be the elder sister of 7^th Prince Shon), who only had one son Asger, and could not have another because of her Ladyship difficult birth, adapted her to be their second child and she was given a new name Ingrit.”

04- INGRIT (AT 17) 2

“Ingrit grew up to be an enchanting beauty and at the age of seventeen, caught the eye of His Highness The 7^th Prince- Shon Alric Therran Valamir. As it were, after the death of his beloved wife, Prince Shon had remained single and grief-stricken for well over five years. “Now smitten anew with new love, despite the age difference the two, only after only six months of courtship, were duly married. I believe they had a baby boy born to them shortly thereafter; and I think the offspring’s name was Nevetsecnuac.”

INGRIT (ANORA) AND 7TH PRINCE SHON ALRIC THERRAN VALAMIR  (32)

This revelation had shocked Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) to the core; nevertheless, he had competently and most remarkably masked this from Dwengzur. The oblivious immortal, therefore, had nonstop (ceaseless) continued with his narration.  “The funny thing, the spell that Zandar Kuntzu had placed on her had remained intact in all that time, and so she never knew of her inherent powers, that could have actually saved her and so many others.”

“But I am getting way ahead of myself.  Now let me tell you bit about the more interesting life of the twin male offspring of Zandar Kuntzu, Zonar:  His early childhood spent in Korion, was relatively uneventful at first. Zonar, growing up as he did, as a mere mortal boy with three elder siblings and under the loving, tender care of his foster parents, his childhood I venture to guess, had been rather a happy one. His adolescence years (puberty, teenage years) however, contrastingly was rocked by turbulent and harsh circumstances. He suffered, like so many others had, result of Zakhertan Yozdek’s violent and viciously brutal, unremitting, vengeful campaigns against Korion. And after witnessing the gruesome deaths of his foster parents and his three mortal siblings, Zonar swore, at that early age of thirteen, to avenge the wrong done to his family and Country. Filled with human patriotism, he, lying about his age, enlisted in the clandestine army of the King of Korion, and then rapidly rose to, the rank of a General.”

06- ZONAR AS TEENAGER

“At the time I was left on my own to hunt for Zonar, as Aegeus had ordered Sthetor, pronto, back to the mountain.  Years later and fortuitously for me, the protective spell that had all that time concealed Zonar’s whereabouts, for an inexplicable (enigmatic) reason, was suddenly lifted the instant Zonar set foot in Wenjenkun. Subsequently of course, the rest of his innate special powers gradually manifested (re-emerged), along with vague recollections about his Immortal mother and father. Self-taught, each time he (utilized) implemented those powers, including those encounters with you Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac), he had unknowingly however, had left behind a traceable imprint, which then, easily got picked up by yours truly. Accurately predicting Zonar’s latest aim and so, strategically well in advance positioned in Channing, with due persistence and implanted suggestions, I had even convinced Zakhertan Yozdek to leave the handling of the matter entirely to me. Moreover, armed with certain knowledge Zonar had lacked, from this vantage point (advantageous position) when Zonar had little or no means of escape, I was finally able to confront him and rid the world of this blight.”

According to Dwengzur, with the elimination of Zonar, now all was set right in the world. Zonar deemed culpable (guilty) for violating their most sacred rules, his attempting to change the destiny of the mortal world, had righteously afforded Dwengzur, the moral justification to end Zonar’s existence. In his admission to Fradel (Nevetsecnuac), Dwengzur had used this reasoning, for his protracted enjoyment concerning the chase and his gloat over its successful conclusion, terming it, “the roach had been squashed (under my foot) and its hollow (corpse) shell so fittingly, burned to a crisp.”

But Dwengzur's cold-blooded recounting of Zonar's (the once mighty warrior’s) death had instead, both grieved and infuriated Nevetsecnuac. The image of that wretched, scorched corpse hanging from the gibbet in the Square, even before Nevetsecnuac had learning that it was his uncle, had all along persisted in haunting Fradel’s (Nevetsecnuac’s) thoughts; to have Dwengzur now show no remorse, instead, to wallow in self-satisfaction, made Nevetsecnuac, livid.

07 - FRADEL (NEVETSECNUAC) GOADS DWENGZUR

Nevetsecnuac with his iron-will nevertheless, contained his bursting retort and furthermore, composed his thoughts into a series of random images to trick Dwengzur into revealing, at least in part, the events of that singular combat between the two Immortals. Using the Immortal’s prejudices against humans, Nevetsecnuac hence, played him.

Dwengzur had felt especially wily (clever) portraying the scene in such a dramatic fashion, to draw Fradel’s intense interest; but the scholar not only did not respond in anticipated fashion, but he had furthermore, yawned, affronting Dwengzur’s bloated pride.

Dwengzur tricked by Fradel’s (Nevetsecnuac”s) pitched bait (angled lure), rose impatiently and growled:  "Here, I'll show you exactly what had happened so your feeble mind can comprehend (grasp) the true wonder of it."

 

 

(END OF SECTION 4)

 

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