11- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - EVIL PERSONIFIED - SECTION 27

11- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - EVIL PERSONIFIED - SECTION 27 - (BOOK 11- FINAL CHAPTER)

 

Indigo Owls,’ and The Shadow Brigades’ most recent concurrent reports however had revealed that radical elements and nonconformists had once again re-materialized, this time from the most unlikely quarter, though there had been no further activity since Lord Shouzi Yozdek’s dispatch (the now missing blackmail letter) which instigated a rebellion.

01-SHOUZI YOZDEK - JP - 4

The culprit Lord Shouzi's procrastination had nonetheless indicated that the planned uprising had been aborted or temporarily shelved. Latter being the stronger probability, and considering that Shouzi was no fool, nor would he undertake any action by halves, it meant that there was a far sinister ploy already in the works. This had warranted another prompt, stealthy (covert) incursion to quell the burgeoning trouble at the source; and so, Qarzten Caimund along with the small division of Black Band Guard Regiment had henceforth been swiftly dispatched to first secure irrefutable proof and then lawfully and permanently resolve this problem.  

Back in capital, Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek’s able agents from the Shadow Brigade meanwhile, had some time prior initiated the first part of the contingency plan by discreetly releasing certain information to Egil Viggoaries’s core team which in turn, had unleashed the anticipated, predictable set of events.

02- A ZAKHERTAN YOZDEDK  (49) JP

Zakhertan Yozdek showing atypical (uncharacteristic) patience in the interim, had bided his time for an apt revenge on the Lord Shouzi Yozdek; for the moment it was sufficient to set in motion certain undertakings to simply demoralize the Lord's supporters and, to make the Lord's life an insufferable, nightmarish Hell.  

                                                                                      ~

Zakhertan Yozdek, being always informed of all his key subjects’ whereabouts, he knew that Lord Shouzi Yozdek would decidedly be residing at this time of the year in his favorite, posh residence (chateau) built on the higher altitude and in midst of dense, forested region of Kunset Mountains.

03-LORD SHOUZI HUNTING GROUNDS (COLLAGE)

Two or three times a year Shouzi stayed at this mansion (which was deceptively, well guarded and built to withstand any hostile incursion), to indulge in his favorite pastime, hunting, as there was in that pristine woodland, ample abundant game.

Zakhertan Yozdek’s stern visage (features) gradually eased as he now pondered and envisioned in his mind's eye the anticipated reaction of Lord Shouzi when he received the special, anonymous box from Channing:   

At dusk Lord Shouzi Yozdek and his group of riders (with their mounts’ backs laden with game) returning from a typical hunting excursion, would pass through the heavily guarded front gate into the courtyard.

04- HUNTING PARTY AT GATE

The Chief Steward would at once rush out of the main building eager to assist his lordship in dismounting his chocolate brown stallion; solicitously, in a servile manner he would then trail Lord Shouzi and his selective group of friends (hunters), passing through the front foyer with an elaborate, three-story staircase and upper halls, then enter into the grandiose (rather ostentatious) reception hall.

Their mounts, meanwhile, would have been led to the stables, while the prize trophies: a deer, dozens (heaps) of hares, a wild boar or two, and the copious game birds (wild geese, turkey, ducks etc.), would have all been swiftly hauled, to the storage or to the kitchens, by the army of underlings. They would become the centerpieces of subsequent (succeeding) days’ feasts.

Lord Shouzi's smile would broaden as he temporarily (fleetingly) halting just inside the entrance of the huge drawing room, his approving (laudatory) gaze sweeps succinctly over (take in the picture of) his faithful guests, before subsequently extending his pithy (concise) felicitations to them.

Zakhertan at this point seditiously smirked,  envisioning the notable patricians, Lord Shouzi’s so called loyal friends: those who did not partake in the exercise of hunt, a frailer bunch nevertheless vital, erudite gentry, and the snobbish male or female coquettes (flirts) all decked out in their colourful brocade attire (garments, gowns) and adorned with gleaming gems-  leisurely lounging about, engaged either in board games or private conversations, some reading, some smoking a pipe, some pensively brooding while they listen to the delightful music; and, fewer still indulging their pallets (tastebuds) as they partake in rare morsels (artistically arranged, mounted on top silver ornate trays on the buffet table) , blending it with the small sips from golden goblets, Lord’s( private reserves of) vintage wines.  

Some pretend not to have noticed his presence; few of those however, those that are not too supercilious (haughty, egotistical), though prior engrossed (occupied, absorbed), for a moment they pause (halt) what they are doing and in way of nod and a slight smile, reciprocate their akin, customary polite greetings (salutations) to him.

05- LORD SHOUZI'S PARTY - JP  (17)

Subsequently, the Lord and his hunting party withdraw to their private quarters to be refreshed, washed (cleaned) and don (put on, change into) more appropriate attire (clothing); they would then return to (re-group at) the huge dining room, to partake in the sumptuous feast and merry making.

Seated at the head of the table Lord Shouzi would then, embellishing the details, recount (describe) to the captive audience, the day's hunt, while the scantily dressed servants bustle about to and for (trotting back and forth), serving them more wine or lager beer, hot from the oven spicy bread, varied braised or barbecued meat, some of it in rich stew with plenty of vegetables.  Next, topping their culinary delight, would come the diverse (mixt) pastries- blood-pudding deserts, pies, multi-layer cakes and, finally, exotic fruits.

06 THE FEAST- 3

At this juncture, unexpectedly just then a messenger from Channing would arrive at the gate; horse and rider would be drenched in sweat from days’ ceaseless riding, with the mount's hooves having churned up huge clouds of dust along the way. The courier covered in dust would nevertheless be allowed to mount the steps and be let into the atrium (vestibule), where which after a short wait he would present His Lordship the gold and gem inlaid gift box. Lord Shouzi would receive it graciously, grinning (beaming) from ear to ear, seeing that it was from the Capital and anticipating therefore, only the best tidings…But then comes the delicious scene!  

Zakhertan Yozdek had wished that he could have been there and witnessed firsthand the contemptible Lord's horror, reflected in every one of his attendants’ faces, as his gaze remained frozen upon the mutilated, though quite recognizable head of Nijel Pinng, his so-called invaluable agent, staring at him, that morbid face instantly dashing all hopes into bits and searing his heart with an inexplicable fear.

 And in the aftermath of it, when Lord Shouzi quickly regains his senses, he would most certainly point the finger of blame at the only likely culprit, who else but Egil Viggoaries, for the notorious Surgeon Lubin's apparent handiwork would be unmistakable.

Brief time later, the news of Lord’s precious sons Yukksel and Konnur’s simultaneously accidental, tragic demises should reach him. At this point Zakhertan absentmindedly nodded his head, as he’d already received confirmation and the details of it, from his Serpent Death Squad; whom, three weeks prior he’d covertly assigned (dispatched), a small contingent of highly skilled assassins from the SDS, that had orchestrated Yukksel and Konnur Yozdek’s certain (guaranteed, absolute) destructions.

Lord Shouzi’s son Yukksel’s tragic death from the bizarre hunting mishap and Konnur’s, from a drowning calamity when the boat he was travelling in was attacked by an unknown group of pirates and capsized.

Zakhertan’s heart, temporarily for the moment was angst (tormented), for over the years he’d watched those proficient, adroit warriors and strikingly handsome boys grow up; furthermore, he had liked his nephews!

07-SHOUZI YOZDEK'S SECOND SON YUKKSEL AND THIRD SON KONNUR-3 JP

Zakhertan, suddenly needing a breath of fresh air, he stepped quietly outside of his second story respite-room to stand by the railing of his private veranda (terrace). He, for several moments just wistfully stared into distance of pitch darkness of the mantled earth, finding it strangely soothing; and thus, his momentary lapse of guilt gradually abated (ended, passed). But irately, those momentous occasions of their feat (achievements, deeds) rushed back to parade before his mind’s eye and razor-sharp talons gripped his heart anew and wrenched it; therefore, his conscience yet again smarted (ached, stung) by mass ruminations (musings), he pensively (reflectively, sadly) lifted his eyes and stared at the brilliant array of stars in the sky.

After a time Zakhertan, succeeding in once more turning his heart to stone, simply shrugged his shoulders. It was, after all, a necessary evil.  Once the unconsolable (devastated, utterly distraught) Lord Shouzi obtained an apt, planted proof (through various means) of who had authorized their expiry, the Dark Eunuch, would permanently thence, be regarded as the Lord's arch nemesis. The consequential fierce reprisals (retaliations, sequels) should then, if it does not destroy one of them, it at least will for this crucial period in time, seriously thwart (impede, hinder or foil) both Lord Shouzi’s (backed by P.M Lamont Gudaren) and Egil Viggoaries’s lasting (enduring) ambitions.    

Zakhertan sporting a malevolent grin just then, imagined even allowing the patsy (pawn) victor, to temporarily (for short span) experience, to being the Sovereign of Wenjenkun and all that it entailed, before yanking the power away and initiating, the would-be usurper’s (and his supporters) traumatizing, utter annihilation (destruction, devastating ruin).

“And on that ‘Day of Reckoning,’ the champ (titleholder) can mount his bloody throne in Hell!”  Zakhertan Yozdek threw his head back and guffawed, cogitating on the delicious worst cruelty (harm) that had awaited all, particularly his detestable (hateful) kin Lord Shouzi Yozdek, the abhorrent Lamont Gudaren and the indubitably repugnant Dark Eunuch Egil Viggoaries, and finally, his most ardent foe Lord Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon, the bane of his life.

08- EGIL VIGGORIES 2- JP.jpg3

Zakhertan’s amusement had nevertheless as abruptly had again vanished, as another annoyance (more serious irritant) unexpectedly just then, intruded into his brain. Why hadn’t there been any word from the dispatched, presumably most competent assassin Duan; did the Demon Lord Asger Zhon yet again absconded along with the devil’s spawn Prince Nevetsecnuac, both surviving his perilous snares? Why was he perpetually surrounded by intolerable (reprehensible) sheer incompetence?

His restless mood once more flared up, Zakhertan Yozdek could no longer sit still.    

Blast! All this (documents needing his perusal and action) would have to wait. He needed to extinguish this searing fire engulfing his chest, before it consumed him; hence, he needed an outlet of some kind- preferably an intense combat, to release all that pent-up energy as well. If not, she would do in a pinch.

09- ZAKHERTAN YOZDEDK  (107)

Zakhertan hence, bolted to his feet and stormed downstairs and out the door. The grounds had once more reverted to being pitched dark as the whipping (punishing) high winds had congregated flotilla of clouds to obscure both the moon and the stars in the sky.

Even so, like a voracious, predacious beast, Zakhertan stalked the grounds of the North Palace in the dead of night from one end to the other (his personal guards hard pressed to keep up with his pace), even hoping to encounter an assassin. All the while unseen Palace sentinels stood on edge, for the Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek was habitually again on the prowl, looking for a victim, a worthy prey to (tear apart and) devour.    

Subsequent two hours Zakhertan ardently searched (looked) for something out of order, anything amiss, to unleash his fury on and to relieve this oppressive void sensation that seemed to have seeped into his bones and left him, his spirit, yet again restless and unsatisfied. Boredom was his arch nemesis, the worst kind of enemy!   

But his efforts were all in vain, for he was the victim of his own efficiency.

Zakhertan eventually gave a huff of derision and turned, his steps leading him to the stables; a brief time later having mounted his pure-bred black stallion Night Thunder, he rode like the wind, to reach the South Palace where more than two hundred heavenly beauties existed just for his pleasure. He knew that this was no substitute for a goring fight or a blood-curdling, killing-spree sport (for exhilaration, diversion) but for the time being it would have to do. His steps eventually led him to the private quarters of Lady Sejon, though in the dead of night, his sudden presence created such an upsurge of fear and vitality that the place churned with buzzing beehive activity.  

10- A ZAKHERTAN YOZDEDK  (10) JP2

Zakhertan had of course, first visited his son Magnian briefly then sought the company of his recent favorite Lady Sejon who would, he knew, perform just so to keep him amused and interested. The recent set of events and her deception had not impeded nor altered his attraction to her for it was only physical. As she was a cut above the others, he used her beauty, her body to satiate (satisfy) every now and then, that needy corner of his soul… 

Besides which, as far as he was concerned, she had acted predictably for one in her position. He expected nothing less so, she would do for now, until he tired of her. Meanwhile, so skilled was Lady Sejon in the arts of pleasure that she always managed to entertain him even at times like this. It secretly amused Zakhertan to see how she responded, believing she was favored above all others. Careful not to overstep her boundaries, Sejon, niece of P.M. Lamont  Gudaren thought she was gradually ingratiating herself with at least nine influential courtiers.    

She may or may not expire before the purge. Like a cat watching a mouse Zakhertan had given her certain liberties that he knew would be her undoing before long. Till then as he tracked her predictable progress, he expected to at least be mildly diverted from his other qualms (fret).

 

(END OF SECTION 27- FINAL CHAPTER OF EVIL PERSONIFIED- NEXT POST WILL BE BOOK 12- THE PORTENDED PERIL)

 

                                                                                    ~                    

 

 

 11- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - EVIL PERSONIFIED - SECTION 24

Qarzten Caimund, had unceasingly for several minutes in an even tone, related the succinct, pertinent details (relevant to their assignment) to Lenny Sukzor.

 

01-QARZTEN CAMUND (10)

He paused for a spell to have some tea, and to marshal his subsequent thoughts; what Qarzten Caimund in a serious tone thence informed Lenny Sukzor of, were the latest findings coming out of the Subain Province:  

A supposed erroneous budget formula of the PM’s offices had indefinitely postponed the last shipment of allocated funds that were required for the increased policing effort, yet the authorities in Subain were still expected to resolve the situation regardless of difficulties, within the set deadlines. Already losing one-third of salt production to smugglers, the Provincial officials were constrained therefore, to report lower production figures and instead, diverted the money to the maintenance of the Coastal Patrol.

Making matters worse, about this time the Subain Province had suffered another serious setback; the endless torrential rains had broken the already neglected dikes, causing millions in damages to both life and property.

 

02-SURVIVING FLOODS  (7)JP

 The weary, disheartened officials, however, by then were reluctant to file reports and request the additional funds that were essential for the recovery; and so, instead of using salt funds to prop up the Coastal Policing effort, the money for the maintenance of the forts had to be utilized instead, to renew the dikes and repair the damage.    

The pirates with no curbs on their activities meanwhile, and searching for income to replace lost salt smuggling, had started a wholesale war against all merchant shipping along the coast, spilling over into the neighboring provinces and virtually taking over the coastal towns as bases of operation. The chief culprits here unfortunately, (other than PM’s greed or incompetence), had been the severe central government policies and the archaic system of provincial government that Zakhertan Yozdek had not seen fit to alter/change.    

The officials  had another good reason for suppressing the reports since the presence of Central Government bureaucrats (administrators) would have then revealed the true extent of the salt production destroyed ; moreover, it might uncover a far grievous breach that they had  hoped to suppress indefinitely, that of which the government’s  appropriation (commandeering)  of funds designated to building and maintaining warships and smaller patrolling vessels, had been instead,  directed to be utilized in the biggest cover-up scheme.

 

03- ILLIGAL ACTIVITY- BIG COVERUP

As it were, the responsibility and the blame for the increased criminal activity first and foremost fell on the Brigade Generals of the forts who were responsible for policing the high seas, then on the Provincial Commander, meanwhile, the inland waterways being the domain of the Prefects who had long ago succumbed to the pirates either through intimidation from above or bribery by the criminals themselves, soon everyone had a stake in covering up the true state of affairs in Subain Province.

Subsequently in Subain Province the hard-pressed authorities had resorted to, false accusations, arrests, and confiscation’s, in most cases arresting and executing the victimized civilians that were lucky, or unlucky enough to have escaped the pirates or floods, perpetuating the cover-up.

 The Subain Provincial administration had in fact became rotten to the core, as in the name of proficiency principles, law and order, justice and hundreds of innocent lives were all unscrupulously/unconscionably sacrificed, to fulfill the quota set by the Central Government in Channing. What the pirates did not pillage, provincial government officials confiscated to meet the deemed levies and set measures of production. Before long, the regional government had become a more feared, more detested enemy than the pirates themselves.

All the while the Provincial officials took exceptional care that all the damaging information was suppressed concealed absolutely from the Imperial Government's spies and Censors. Their fate hanging in the balance, their heads only inches from the chopping block, every official in the Subain Province, military or civil, was gradually ensnared.

 

04- OFFICIAL'S CORRUPTION WORSE THEN PIRATES

Increasingly more funds had to be siphoned away from vital reconstruction to perpetuate the rosy picture of a growing economy safe from smugglers and pirates that was necessary to keep Channing in the dark. During this period, each new official that was transferred to this region/or posted here, regardless of their prior moral rectitude, courage or resolve, succumbing to the all-pervasive pressures of facing serious repercussions either way, was constrained nevertheless to act in accordance and go along with the coverup.

The facts had only become known because of one conscientious, stoic official, Stean Baorak; a warrior that had recently been assigned to a lowly desk job because he had offended his superior, the grandee Don Kurig, by exposing his deceit at the annual frontier tournament. This had cost luminary (bigwig) Don the coveted prize and he, being a vindictive man, wanted Stean Baorak destroyed.  Stean, however, was a warrior too well liked, and Don could not openly act against him; therefore, biding his time till he conceived an apt plan, Don had arranged for Stean to be temporarily assigned to a lowly position of accounts clerk under the bigwig overseer Terzo Yon.

Stean Baorak, instead of atrophying (withering, deteriorating) by the constrictive and humdrum office politics and sheer volume of tedious (droning, monotonous) paperwork, however, within a week his astute mind had uncovered (decoded) the carefully concealed, discrepancies in the accounting books.

Never being one to shy away from trouble, as the saying goes, “Out of frying pan then into the fire,” he had thence bravely risked his life to submit a secret report, which included the validated copies of the doctored accounts exposing the widespread corruption in that province to Qarzten Caimund, who in turn, had brought it to the attention of His Royal Highness Zakhertan Yozdek.

 

05- STEAN BAORAK

Stean Baorak’s compiled proof and analysis, furthermore, had clearly showed the fundamental fault lay within the Imperial Government's funding policies, which had failed to provide the essential support in the fight against the pirates, meanwhile, allowing no leeway (flexibility) for an alternative course. This subtle criticism could have rebounded to Stean's detriment, had it not been for Qarzten Caimund’s persuasive arguments on his behalf, which in the end had convinced Sovereign Zakhertan to not only spare Stean Baorak from his terrible wrath, but instead, reward this honest official for his bravery (daring) and moral rectitude (uprightness and integrity).

 

                                                                                        …

 

At present there was another dangerous precedence (factors), a dire situation developing in Subain Province- other than the oppressed citizens of Subain colluding with the pirates and being on the verge (brink) of plotting a major scale rebellion to overthrow the corrupt regional government - which needed to be immediately and effectively addressed. The denizen leaders of Subain had secretly sought to form a lateral alliance and subsequently enlist covert support from the neighboring state of Guangweit. 

 

06- INSURGENTS ASSISTED BY GUANGWEIT (57)2

Guangweit was one of the few remaining strong and resilient nations that had, despite the years of devastating wars, resisted being annexed by Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek.

A near decade now, Guangweit had remained an independent sovereign state because they had allied themselves with Wenjenkun through a Royal marriage (Late Princess Shayen, who happened to be the third daughter of the   Sovereign Arvid Mazdean of Guangweit), and furthermore, willingly contributed a hefty annual tribute to Wenjenkun.

Meanwhile, as Qarzten Caimund suspected, and this bit (of info) he kept to himself, Wenjenkun’s arch nemesis Sovereign Arvid Mazdean, aside from closely monitoring the promising yet volatile developments in both Korion and Kontu, resolutely had bid his time to revamp their once indomitable force, for that inevitable future confrontation with Wenjenkun.

 

07-ARVID MAZDEAN OF GUANGWEIT

“And now, recent intel has revealed that, Guangweit’s Sovereign Arvid Mazdean, for well over a year, had covertly fostered the advancement of Pirates and the seditious (subversive) activities of the denizens, to seriously undermine Subain Province.”   

Qarzten Caimund at this point thoughtfully nodded, and enigmatically smiled, seeing Lenny’s not too well concealed amazement.

Qarzten, leaned back and called for a fresh pot of tea; when it arrived, he then dismissing the aid, unceremoniously reached out to fill two cups with fragrant hot infusion and offered one to Lenny.

 

 

(END OF SECTION 24) 

 11- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - EVIL PERSONIFIED - SECTION 6

Subsequently, long after his firstborn's ignominious death, Zakhertan had thoroughly investigated all happenstances from varied perspectives and scrutinized even the remotest incidents (episodes) that could have given rise to his son’s shocking defiance; meanwhile, seeking any explanation to forgive his son and to absolve himself from least blame. He had even considered the possibility that his beloved son had gone temporarily insane, had suffered a medical mental affliction (episode) or injury that had resulted in his irrational, deplorable behavior.

Nevertheless, Qijerrik consequent unfilial breach could not be minimized (disputed) or denied; after considering this at present once more, Zakhertan shook his head and again hardened his heart. Qijerrik when captured and brought in chains before him (Zakhertan) to account for his crimes, though altered in personality, had been perfectly resolute and of sound mind. Zakhertan recalled with perfect clarity each nuance and subtlety of affectation, moreover, every brazen discord (articulated dissent) of that day when Qijerrik stood adamantly defiant despite his obvious grave injuries.

01- -QIJERRIK YOZDEK IN CHAINS

 Zakhertan gritted his teeth while the muscles on his face went taut (rigid, tense, tightened), just as it had done then, his heart in the throes of extreme emotional turmoil- observing (witnessing) his son’s  stoic bravely, hearing his son’s defiant responses to his culpable (accusatory), damning analyses and sadistic demands, never giving an inch, shackled and seriously wounded as he were beneath his armour (breastplate, chainmail), result of his prior gallant skirmish with the elite force!

Incredibly, even after all this time, despite all that had passed (transpired), Zakhertan still held deep affection for his firstborn son and he still yearned deep within the crevices of his soul, to have Qijerrik standing by him, as he had once done. Zakhertan had given him the single, unheard of until then, chance to repent, to explain his actions and to beg absolution from him (his Sovereign father). Though, Zakhertan had known all too well, that the offer of leniency was wasted on the son after his own heart. Predictably, Qijerrik had remained unrelenting and defiant until the bitter- end.

"I gladly welcome death (be freed by death) and decent into the debts of Hell than intake another breath and persist (live) under the noxious grid (net) of your tyrannical rule!"

 Those caustic words, then to present, were forever etched in (scarred, burned in) Zakhertan Yozdek’s heart and still pained him. At the time seeing red (enraged), Zakhertan’s fury had just exploded.

"Your death shall not come that easy."  In a blinding rage (not seeing his son), he had descended upon the insolent, shackled prisoner and, drawing his sword severed, in lightning strike, Qijerrik’s right arm above the elbow; but with incredible self-control he had stayed his blade, desisting the urge of cutting Qijerrik’s throat and in a sweeping motion amputating both of his (son’s) legs above the knee.  

02-ZAKHERTAN YOZDEDK  (68)

Qijerrik for a moment or two had fought hard to remain conscious as the stump of his severed arm, the severed artery, sprayed blood all over Zakhertan’s chest and on the guards who flanked him. Nevertheless, fuelled by indignation, for he possessed the same fiery temperament as Zakhertan, Qijerrik’s voice thence, thundered with his wrathful curses directed at his father, till his strength gradually but assuredly waned.

Zakhertan, his fury only satiated by the spilling of blood, consequently, in lightening speed sheathing his sword and then simultaneously withdrawing his dagger from his inner garment, grabbed the tongue of his son and cut out the offensive organ at the root.

His son, by this act, would be silenced forever, so he had thought. But those eyes, those hateful, burrowing eyes spoke louder than any battle cry. The look had extricated (wrenched) Zakhertan’s soul out from his body, then inexplicably plunged (plummeted, drawn) into the debts of those blazing blue eyes of Qijerrik’s; Zakhertan thus helplessly mesmerized, held captive (caged) by the force of it, had endured Qijerrik’s heaped on silent recriminations-making Zakhertan feel like an abhorred monster and worse, making him suffer (experience) the effects of his actions had had on others.

Zakhertan could have well tolerated (stomached, endured) all blame and that penetrating glare of loathing; but then his son’s eyes had unexpectedly softened and had insufferably next, got suffused with a deep, profound pity for Zakhertan, before Qijerrik succumbed to loss of blood and his eyelids dropped! That did it!

At that moment, unbridled fury had again exploded in Zakhertan for, “how dare his son, so abjectly pity him?”  Anew his heart turned to stone; Zakhertan had barked his orders to the guards to get the traitor Qijerrik out of his sight at once. His death, however, would not be so swift.

03- INFURIATED ZAKHERTAN YOZDEDK  (16) JP

The guards understanding Zakhertan’s unspoken command, had hauled Prince Qijerrik to the darkest of dungeons, had his wounds cauterized, and then had the prince chained to the far wall. Once a day Qijerrik was force-fed to keep him alive, for Zakhertan still demanded repentance from his son and if necessary, it would be extracted by torture. Subsequent days, the rebellious forces bereft of his leadership, had been one by one, swiftly, and methodically rooted out and vanquished; and in less than two months every whimper of rebellion had been crushed.  

Every generation of Scholars’ families down to the extended members, servants, associates as well as, all other suspected sympathizers were one and all, rounded up and publicly executed throughout the Kingdom. Many villages and rural towns which had lent support to the Scholar rebels had been raised, incinerated and every life within them snuffed out of existence. Their severed, blood-soaked heads were hoisted on pikes over city gates or in village squares where the eyes were picked clean by crows and the empty sockets formed nests for maggots. Left there indefinitely to rot and stink, they served as a grim reminder, a deterrent, and a warning to all dissidents.  

Each day for well over a month, Prince Qijerrik chained and immobile, had spent long, agonizing hours, being kept appraised of the most recent atrocious and ghastly reprisals exacted (meted out) on his once compatriots.  

 Zakhertan had hoped that the self-recrimination alone, at all the suffering Prince had caused, would force Qijerrik to see the error of his ways and beg, by whatever means he could, Zakhertan's forgiveness. Only then swift death would be bestowed on the prince, along with the granting of full funerary rights. The alternative, Zakhertan let Qijerrik know, was to be kept in the dungeon indefinitely, to undergo sporadic tortures then be left to rot until his corpse would be tossed into the moat below like that of a common criminal. Qijerrik, defiant to the end, had, however still found a way to cheat Zakhertan of the pleasure of his demise (death). At the beginning of the second month of his incarceration, after eating normally for two days to build his strength and lull the guard's suspicions, he had taken advantage of the brief period when the shift changed and, gathering all his bodily strength, had swung his skull backwards with all his force against the wall he was shackled to.  Prince Qijerrik had always been a stalwart (strapping) young man and even in this weakened state, it had taken only one attempt to shatter his skull and therefore end his existence.

Both shifts of guards, finding out what had happened and fearing Zakhertan’s wrath, fell upon their swords and immediately ended their life. The news of his son's suicide had at first infuriated Zakhertan Yozdek, but the more he thought about it, the more he admired his son's resolve and courage despite himself. Though misguided, his son’s stubborn defiance right up to the end had earned Qijerrik, Zakhertan’s lasting esteem and deep eternal love, for being such a true warrior. Breaking his own rule of law, Zakhertan had taken Qijerrik’s remains and had them buried beside those of his mother Lady Elin, in the Royal Tombs; however, the corpse of Prince Qijerrik still received no funerary rites.

04-ZAKHERTAN YOZDEK 78

Zakhertan’s heart from then on had grown even colder still, for he had after all, lost the only person who had mattered to him in life. He had since then been, figuratively speaking, dead to the world. He had allowed himself no attachments and had taken solace only in wars, with murder and mayhem (pandemonium, havoc) being his constant companions; however, none of that had satiated his voracious, predatory soul’s gripe (or lament). His heart, already turned to chunk of ice and caged in an iron chest, had only last year, though hesitantly, had begun to thaw. Zakhertan’s thoughts at present reluctantly turned to Crown Prince Herleif, he speculated whether he had unfairly shunned his second son, born three years after Qijerrik to the same mother Lady Elin.

The two Princes could not have been more different. Prince Herleif was so vastly inferior to the firstborn, that it was hard for Zakhertan to believe Qijerrik shared the (same chromosome, gene pool,) same gene (genetic factor, DNA, RNA) with such a sorry specimen. Lately however, Zakhertan’s feelings about Herleif had been mixed and his heart at times had been tinged with small measure of guilt, for he knew deep down in the crux of his conscience being that he was partly to be blamed for those ill-gotten results. Hadn't he after all desired this outcome in Herleif, this weakling, the bane of his life, and took corresponding (apt) measures all along to perpetuate it? Yes, over the years he had followed his son's failings and his sorry progress, assured that no danger would arise from him but, unlike Yoshikan Sousing Nokuzuk Binchan of Korion, Herleif had not faked his incompetence.

05- YOSHIKAN SOUSING NOKUZUK BINCHAN   (44)JP

Zakhertan thence (from that time on) having changed his mind had subjected his second son to rigorous (arduous) training; try as he might however, after numerous failings and some physical injuries, Prince Herleif had proven absolutely that he had no knack for civil or military calling. He was a dismal failure and a bitter disappointment for one such as Zakhertan Yozdek. Unlike his late elder brother Qijerrik, Prince Herleif was not agile enough, lacked zeal, lacked compassion and benevolence, lacked stamina, courage, wisdom, and skill. Even the most stringent, rigorous training that would have otherwise transformed an ordinary being into a semi-competent commander or an acceptable soldier (warrior), missed its mark in Herleif; he was, at best, a mediocre fighter, and a dismally incompetent supervisor. Nor was this his only failing, prince Herleif was miserly and lacked imagination and foresight; he had failed to apply his extensive schooling in strategy into practice and so was also a failure as a tactical commander in the field. Sovereign Zakhertan had learned this lesson at cost of thousands of good fighting men and a near loss of a province; fortunately, the timely intervention from Prince Herleif’s replacement, a much abler Commander Zifel, had rectified the situation and secured the province. Zakhertan had never been able to forgive his second son Herleif for this terrible blunder and disgrace. Even after his banishment to a remotest province as Governor, much more suffering had been readied for him. In fact, it was only due to the sudden demise of Zakhertan’s third son, Prince Kendar that Herleif's life had been spared at all.  

Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek robbed of any other adolescent male heirs, had reluctantly recalled (summoned) Prince Herleif back to the Capital Channing. This was of course a temporary measure, as Zakhertan had estimated that now Crown Prince Herleif might last just long enough till a pegged, more capable offspring was born to him (Zakhertan). For some time unfortunately, fate had denied Zakhertan this fundamental right; after the accidental death of Prince Turin Yozdek at the age of three (born to Lady Idona Yozdek), then the sudden demises at infancy of both the Prince Chucek (born to Lady Shayen Yozdek) and Prince Kureing (born to Lady Yinnis), Zakhertan had furtively next hung all his hopes on Prince Magnian, who’d fortunately had survived and was presently, five years old. Zakhertan fists had momentarily clenched then let go, as he had thought how opportunely, fate had given him one more chance to redeem his mistakes. This time he would take care not to repeat Qijerrik’s morose ending, Zakhertan inwardly vowed. He would, furthermore, ascertain that no undue or adverse influences be thrust upon Magnian in an unguarded moment and that, his training and education be far stricter and all encompassing. Though Prince Magnian was just five years old, he had been already showing signs of a great promise, much like Qijerrik.

06- ZAKHERTAN YOZDEDK  (91) AND LADY SEJON

Lady Sejon, as the mother of Prince Magnian, at present enjoyed Zakhertan’s special favors; she was after all, voluptuous, well endowed, beautiful young girl of twenty-two years of age, with honey-colored eyes and long, wavy, raven black hair. Besides being astute and quite ambitious, she was also the beloved niece of Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren; Zakhertan would therefore, tolerate her just a little while longer, while same time, keep an eye to make sure of curbing her influence. And then, Zakhertan grinned venomously, knowing the fate, regardless of circumstance, that awaited his lovely consort.

Zakhertan’s deliberations were interrupted just then by a cheerful chorus of chirps from the shallow pool in the garden outside his window. He absently watched, as the pair of songbirds drank, dipped their bodies into the water and then, flapped their wings to shake off the excess moisture. Zakhertan elucidated (interpreted) their ablutions (ritual cleansing) as a utilitarian exercise, much like the troops bathing after a long march (and before a victorious battle); turning, he glimpsed at the guard waiting woodenly all this time for his command.

"Very well, have him come in."   

The guard responded sharply and within seconds the expendable Crown Prince Herleif was ushered into the room.

 

                                                                                            ~

 

(END OF SECTION 6) 

 11- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - EVIL PERSONIFIED - SECTION 5

    

Zakhertan, turning his attention back on the task at hand, glowered (looked daggers) at the fourth stack of documents on his desk needing his perusal, he impatiently tapped his fingers on the desk and hissed. “Always the same… “    

Reluctant to begin, Zakhertan with disdain briefly watched the dancing flames of the brazier as Neru typically feed them, before reflecting on Lenny Sukzor’s latest submitted report on the covert and highly illegal activities of Egil Viggoaries. The slight discrepancy between Lenny’s and the subsequent information tendered by Juyin, the lovely wife of Lenny Sukzor’s, on her husband's activities, caused Zakhertan to frown.

01- JUYIN SUKZOR (3)JP

 The two statements varied slightly on one minute detail; an irregularity so feeble that another in his stead might have entirely missed it. Should he be concerned with such a trivial contradiction (incongruity)? Was it an oversight? No! He must not leave anything, no matter how slight, to chance.    

Zakhertan’s mouth formed into a snarl as he drew another blank parchment before him and issued a set of specific orders to have the matter more thoroughly investigated.  

 “I’ll wait and see where this leads to,” Zakhertan briefly pondered, after which he quickly sealed the envelope, containing specific order, with his Imperial seal. A single logo (motif) drawn on the envelope and explicit sequence of numbers registered underneath, indicated the precise department and agent that it was to be handed to; this too was summarily put aside along with the rest in that growing pile.

Then there is still that other matter, Zakhertan Yozdek irritatedly drummed his fingers on the desk. No! There was no need to review it again. Why was he even debating that issue still?  

Such ambivalence angered him; the one thing he had always taken pride in was his decisiveness and exceptionally retentive memory. One glance at anything, any detail however insignificant or minute, and it would be permanently embedded in his mind. Now tapping that innate advantage, Zakhertan recalled with perfect clarity a certain trivial observation hidden in the report the Royal Courier had submitted upon the completion of his mission. This obtuse remark did not tally with the recently, thoroughly compiled accounts by The Shadow Brigade men on the activities of the newcomer, Fradel Rurik Korvald.    

Ordinarily such a minuscule discrepancy would not have elicited any concern from Zakhertan.  Reflecting additionally on the independent reports of Zyerne Stewor and Tizan, who had also curiously enough, raised doubts about the Scholar and considering the recent happenings, Zakhertan decided to delve deeper into the otherwise innocuous matter concerning Fradel Rurik Korvald.

02- FRADEL (NEVETSECNUAC) JP 7

    

He might well have inadvertently transported trouble right to the Capital. This farfetched notion now gripped his heart anew with a certain inexplicable foreboding, for far too many had already come-in-contact with the illustrious scholar. Zakhertan imagined the wide scope this investigation would entail, the deployment of manpower it would take to, either get at the simple truth or, expose all the subversives if his hunch proved correct. As it were, the scholars had again been gaining one third measure of their former prominence and along with it, their sphere of influence had expediently grown. In any event a quick confirmation of these nagging concerns was warranted; he must question the couriers Canbir Nonng and Cais Honger further, on the one minor irregularity in their report. Zakhertan had always insisted on complete and accurate assessments and, if this was the result of incompetence, sacrificing accuracy for expedience, then the couriers would have to answer for it with their lives. Quickly he dispatched another written order, this one to order the couriers to hand over their mission to the one who would be sent in their stead and return in post haste to the Capital.   

That was the end of it. Finally, Zakhertan leaned back and stretched out his limbs.

Grand Secretary Qarzten Caimund having concluded his assigned task expediently a short time earlier, had been waiting patiently for Zakhertan to finish his; he now came forward on the slight indication of Zakhertan Yozdek, to receive his verbal instructions in an ingenious code so secret that it was known only to the two.  Afterwards, Qarzten routinely picked up the order packets and, after bowing respectfully, hurried out the door to distribute them to the various department heads. All were required to work longer hours than the Sovereign.

The door quickly closed behind the Senior Grand Secretary, Zakhertan Yozdek watched with an uninterested blank stare Neru’s progress, then sat motionless in deep contemplative silence, dark clouds of thought swirling through his head and his guards only a whisper away.

    

                                                                                 ~    

    

Hastening out of the vestibule leading from the Imperial Chambers, the Senior Grand Secretary Qarzten Caimund’s head was full of the multiplicity of orders, arrangements, and duties that he must complete before the day’s session was over. So entangled was Qarzten Caimund in these thoughts that he did not see and nearly run into (collided with) a similarly distracted Crown Prince Herleif, as Prince rushed in the opposite direction armed with a stack of ancient scrolls and star charts.   

"On yet another urgent errand; are we, Master Caimund?"    

Prince Herleif’s tone, beneath that remark, grated on Qarzten Caimund’s nerves as it always did. The Senior Grand Secretary’s face tightened, and he averted his eyes for a moment, “You are such a barefaced weasel; still suckling your mother's milk after twenty-three years. Your derision is still palpable under that semblance of sarcasm.”  Qarzten Caimund looked squarely at the prince Herleif now and nodded tersely.

03- -QARZTEN CAMUND (16)Bjp

"I gather His Highness is free now."  The Crown Prince, with typical arrogance, had completely ignored Qarzten's response to his barb and spoke now in the icy tone he used for the servants. "You will step aside to let me pass."    

“This hall will fit five armored guards marching abreast. Did you expect me to acknowledge this childish attempt to flaunt your authority? Let us see just how far your authority will get you.” Qarzten Caimund mocked the prince inwardly.

 

 "By all means." Qarzten smiled tightly as he half turned and shot a knowing glance towards the guards at the chamber doors, moving as slow as he could to antagonize prince Herleif.

"I would like to mention however, that this time may not be appropriate for an unannounced visit."  Qarzten Caimund informed the prince, in his even tone. "Perhaps, you should defer your objective of seeing His Highness this very evening unless, of course, it is a matter of the utmost importance." Qarzten tautly grimaced; but kept the words, “particularly the way you are clad; did you just leave one of your debauched (decadent, base) bashes?” and derisively (scathingly, sarcastically) looked away.

"Impudent wretch, how dare you treat me like an imbecile (dullard) child.” The Prince Herleif's protruding earlobes had turned beet red, as he, seething in contempt, violently shoved the Senior Grand Secretary aside. "Wait until I am your Sovereign, you arrogant dog!"  His face suffused with anger and a stream of abuse gushing off inwardly, he strode quickly forward to cross the vestibule in only a second.  

Caught unaware by this outburst of temper, the Senior Grand Secretary Qarzten Caimund had dropped one of the sealed envelopes onto the marble floor. Anger smoldered in his breast as he stooped to pick it up and his face distorted with contempt. Half-turning his head, he witnessed the Prince Herleif’s way being barred by the two stout guards who had crossed pikes in front of the door to the Imperial Chambers.  

Herleif’s face reddened by rage and pressed menacingly against the senior guard’s, the prince growled, "Are you going to announce me or not? Fine! Step aside, for I mean to walk in immediately and report your insolence myself." 

04-PRINCE HERLEIF YOZDEK (2)

“Go ahead and slither in, you miserable worm, but you won't, will you?” Qarzten Caimund drew in a breath through his teeth then, catching the guard's eye, gave him a simple nod. He had proven his point.  

"I shall inform His Highness of your presence immediately." The stone-faced guard, not in the least perturbed, responded mechanically. "Please wait here, Prince Herleif."  Turning smartly, he stepped up to the door and knocked. After receiving begrudging consent, he opened the door and abjectly entered. After crossing half of the room and bowing briskly, he announced Price Herleif’s presence outside and his request to see the Sovereign.

 "What does that fool want now?' Zakhertan Yozdek snorted impatiently, expecting no answer, and turned his back to the guard to stare out at the serene scenery.   

 Awaiting orders, the guard had stood silently at attention, while at outside, under the transitory (brief) amused gaze of the departing Qarzten Caimund, Prince Herleif had for a spell simmered at his father's disdainful words. Then, he took in a slow breath and composed himself; subsequently, his hand reached inside his pocket, withdrew a rolled-up document, and waited.

 

                                                                                            ~

 

Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek with a blank expression, meanwhile, had continued to stare outside at the placid (tranquil) garden; his stern gaze next, focusing on the oblivious bird, taking in a drink or two from the fountain. Different troubling thoughts however, grievously (incorrigibly) and unbidden, anew robbed him of the peace he sought.

“If only Qijerrik had not turned on me.”  Zakhertan’s cold eyes blinked, filled with a deep hurt as he hissed out a long breath and shook his head. “If only my firstborn had lived instead of this wretched spawn.”  The grievous loss, the events of those days long gone, rushed in to crowd his mind again, searing his heart and soul with self-recrimination and regret. When the stabbing constriction in his chest became too overwhelming, Zakhertan summoned his will to push it aside and concentrated instead, on the positive attributes of his late son.

Zakhertan recollected fondly now with perfect clarity his proudest moments of Qijerrik. From the start, he’d been an offspring worthy of his sire. Not only Prince Qijerrik was most handsome warrior, as he was tall and athletic, though bit more handsome than him; but he had also been endowed with the same temperament, the same wits, tactical brilliance, and akin (parallel) martial ability (prowess) to Zakhertan at a corresponding age.

Zakhertan had hung great many hopes on his son Qijerrik’s shoulders after noting the potential in the boy, especially after, at age fifteen Prince Qijerrik had become, under his strict tutelage (guidance), an accomplished and indomitable warrior. What was more, Prince Qijerrik thrived on dangerous military campaigns just as Zakhertan did. The more perilous the task or more challenging the combat action the greater the thrill, the deeper the sensation the young Prince would derive from it. This feeling was one only Zakhertan would understand and, they were not just father and son but kindred spirits.  

05- QIJERRIK YOZDEK  (4)JP

But then cruel, capricious fate had instigated, on that fateful seventeenth’ year of his son's life, those infamous chain of events that had led up to his son’s betrayal, all of which were now permanently etched in Zakhertan 's memory by the same cursed talent that served him so well in his bureaucratic duties. Consistently every evening, as soon as he had time to himself, they had surfaced despite his best efforts to quash them and, fiercely, obsessively haunted his peace and tormented his soul.     

If only he had acted more swiftly and without qualm to stem the divergent tide earlier.    

 As it was Zakhertan had been preoccupied with obliteration of resurgent rebel forces at 

Wenjenkun’s western borders, while same time he was constrained to adopt far more severe, more brutal measures to eradicate the infestation the serious unrest by the rising literati (intellectuals or educated class) within Capital Province Holger. Unfortunately, while he was otherwise engaged, the contrary seed had been planted and had germinated in the one Zakhertan had least expected. That single oversight had cost him his firstborn son. When he became aware of this fact, of course by then he could not have altered the outcome, not in the slightest.   

Again, considering his then options in hindsight, Zakhertan shrugged with a certain resignation, admitting to himself that he could not have done otherwise for, on that cursed day when the dark flotilla of clouds congregated ominously on the horizon atop the rising sun, his beloved son Qijerrik, had insisted on, and unfortunately received, his permission to lead vanguard in the attack against the rebel scholars.  After all, Zakhertan had no reason to doubt his son's competence.     

The campaign had gone well enough, with the Imperial forces emerging victorious as expected; after which came the punitive action that wreaked total devastation on the entire populous which had aided and shielded the defiant scholars. Unfortunately, something had gone awry, something else quite unforeseen had transpired either on the battlefield or in aftermath, which had forever altered his beloved son Prince Qijerrik.      

The rebel army had fought gallantly and employed brilliant tactics right up until the bitter end, but that would not have brought about that kind of change in Qijerrik, for he had bested gallant foes before. Was it the gruesome mass suicide of the rebel forces when all hope had been lost? Or was it the subsequent events, the countrywide hunt for and the extreme persecution of the many sympathizers? Could it have been the madness of the pillaging, the extensive carnage and mass extermination of the scholar class? Or was it simply the proliferation (creation) of the earthen mounds that had contained within it, countless living bodies of men, women, and children? Could any of these or all, have been the contributing factors?

“No! Absolutely not! Qijerrik was no weakling coward. “Zakhertan once more vehemently denied that hurtful notion. It had to have been something entirely different, something inconceivable and one day he (Zakhertan) would surely pinpoint the real cause. Zakhertan yet again lied to himself. Technically that had been the day he had lost his firstborn son for, from that day forth Prince Qijerrik had undergone a drastic change in heart, mind, and character. He had become increasingly unruly and finally, downright disobedient.  

“If only my son had been a fallen casualty in war.” Zakhertan mulled over, though he surmised that, in a sense, Qijerrik had been just that.  

“Could the fault have been partly his? He should have listened to his son more?”    

“If only he’d paid more attention and timely intervened with apt measures to protect and isolate Qijerrik from those damaging influences, instead of reacting in anger and ostracizing his son for being contrary and too outspoken?” Zakhertan once more pondered on the nagging concerns, with his empty gaze affixed on the swaying trees (that seemed to be bowing obsequiously), for the wind had just then picked up in the garden.  

 “Had he been too stringent? Had he pushed his son too hard, too soon? No, that was not it either.” Zakhertan scowled. Whatever he might have done wrong, one thing was for certain: he had never been lax in Qijerrik’s upbringing or discipline. In fact, up until that time, Zakhertan had taken an active interest and taken great care in ensuring that Qijerrik had received proper, well-rounded education in both civil and military.   

“Then, how could he have failed to instill in the boy, the most important filial virtue, right alongside loyalty and honor?”  Zakhertan was angry and remained at a loss to find reasons for that drastic change in Qijerrik and the subsequent, catastrophic series of events. Searing fury rose in him anew as he recalled the distressing incident in Council when his son sharply stood up in front of all assembled, to openly oppose him. Admittedly, it was over a minor issue, but the act was still one of open, brazen defiance; a legitimate move under the law but it harbored graver undercurrents which would expose Zakhertan’s single weakness and challenge his overall authority in Imperial Court.

 Zakhertan Yozdek regretted now not using right there and then the provisions in the law which would have allowed him to exercise his option to incarcerate Qijerrik summarily. If only he had imprisoned him, indefinitely or even executed him, instead of banishing him?

Zakhertan had repeated the same haunting question thousands of times and each time the same regret, recrimination, hurt, disappointment, furious rage, and bitterness gripped his heart, in that merciless, wrenching grip. Had he done that, he would have spared himself the mortifying, wounding torment of knowing that his beloved son, his own flesh, and blood, was capable of such treachery against him and all he stood for.

There was one other in the family, his youngest sister, who had likewise betrayed him; but Zakhertan had understood and eventually forgiven her for her misplaced loyalty, for she’d from the first, been deeply infatuated (besotted) with her husband, Lord Shonne Gulbrand. But to be so betrayed by his once beloved son was something Zakhertan had never expected or imagined as a possibility. Each time that memory surfaced, the same fierce indignation and fury welled up from the depths of his soul and he suffered that akin, bittersweet sensation of bile rising to his mouth, as the day Prince Qijerrik’s war slogans had reached his ears.

06- QIJERRIK YOZDEK  (3)JP

Zakhertan’s eyes had burned with intense heat from reading those seditious adages posted for all to see in the towns’ squares, which rallied the populous restive and ripe, for an all-out rebellion. Those contemptible words (like gnawing parasites) were permanently etched (engraved) in his brain. One of those had said: “Arise good people who has suffered for so long under the severity of despotic Zakhertan Yozdek's oppressive regime, time to oppose his repressive laws and demand reckoning for the wrongs that had never been redressed; unite and take up arms, for yours is the righteous cause!”    

“My son, my most beloved son; how deeply you’d injured me!”  Zakhertan’s mouth presently, creased into a grimace of pain for each one of those seditious words had been a stiletto in Zakhertan’s heart and the damage hence, had been irreparable.

Zakhertan would have judged Qijerrik more leniently, had all this been done because of high ambition, Prince wanting to seize the throne for himself; that Zakhertan could have lived with, but Qijerrik had taken on the mantle of a liberator.     

This had been unforgivable, and it had unleashed the culmination of all that unbridled fury Zakhertan Yozdek had amassed in him; consequently, he had acted swiftly and more savagely than ever before to bring about total devastation of innumerable (myriad) Wenjenkuners.

 

(END OF SECTION 5)