LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC – THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL – SECTION 12

 Nevetsecnuac cursed his tardiness under his breath.  He had arrived too late to ascertain the purpose of this meeting.  Now he was as much in the dark as ever.

Just then however, at a signal from Zaur Stugr, a side door opened, and a cloaked figure emerged from it.  He walked up to the dais, bowed low, and then quickly removed his hood to expose his face.  When he spoke the unmistakable tone of the voice and the familiar accent gave Nevetsecnuac quite a start, for the man was most definitely Deizvor; one of the two armed sentinels, (under the command of Egil Viggoaries,) guarding the Cyprecox Pass, at the time Nevetsecnuac had fallen into the pit and got the key.

01-DEIZVOR (KOZUR MEMBER)

But why be surprised, Nevetsecnuac musing, shrugged.  In this duplicitous ethos (culture), this sort of milieu (situation) -that any one group of conspirators would be conspiring with the other-was to be expected.   He was nonetheless tad annoyed, as he now passionately believed that the pseudo agreeable Minister of Ceremony Zaur Stugr, a highly respected official of the P.M. Lamont Gudaren’s, was in fact a hypocritical, shrewd (crafty) instigator, who all along had colluded with the Dark Eunuch Egil Viggoaries to undermine the P.M.

Nevetsecnuac was just then struck by the sudden, rapid change in Zaur's demeanor as the latter had listened on to Deizvor’s report; furthermore, the articulated contents must have been grave enough, for it had warranted Zaur's rapt attention. Unfortunately, Deizvor’s lowered tone made the rest of his exclamations inaudible from Nevetsecnuac's perched high point.  He could only just barely make out the ending, "both of them are now in custody, sir.  We shall not be hearing from Lieutenant Yennic again."

Could he be the same Lieutenant Yennic, who had been so familiar with the bearded Commander Zhadol?  Nevetsecnuac, though he already knew the answer, inwardly queried. His brow subsequently furrowed, recalling the time in not-too-distant past, when he’d accidentally chanced on the two at the Cyprecox Pass and listening in, learned that Commander Zhadol was in fact one of the twelve members of Egil Viggoaries’s Inner Circle of the Black Molochs. Nevetsecnuac sideways wondered as he edged closer to catch the rest, if Zaur Stugr had known all along of the lieutenant Yennic’s perfidious liaison with the Commander Zhadol. He did not have to wait long however, as the answer was revealed in Zaur Stugr’s contrite (somewhat penitent) response:

"Too bad; he was a good recruit with real potential.  Still, it is most fortunate that, during this probation period, we had kept him at arm’s length." 

Zaur subsequently fell silent for a spell, musing, and then shook his head.  This time it had been a close call; still the lengthy and rigorously monitored test (probation) period for neophytes had once more proven invaluable. 

As it were, for the last seven years Zaur had implemented a new recruiting policy, which stated that anyone, whose association numbered less than five years, received their instructions, and made their reports to an anonymous third party until they were fully initiated into the Kozur Brotherhood. The law (of brotherhood) stipulated that if before this time, any greenhorns (novices) discovered the identity of their contact, or failed to maintain an impeccable record, their life would immediately be terminated (forfeited).  In this way, when the unthinkable happened, as in this case with Lieutenant Yennic, there would be no direct link up to the Kozurs. In the worst-case scenario where the limited, ersatz (bogus) connection would be discovered, as it had been designed to do- which was to run directly through the Prime Minister's offices, the so-called link being unsubstantiated, would lead to dead end, as well, throw any would-be investigators hopelessly off track.

Suddenly Zaur Stugr impatiently halted Deizvor' report and (acting on a hunch,) signaled for the spy to follow him into an adjacent room. 

Nevetsecnuac deducing the position of their destination sought a different vantage point; finding a small oval window typical of this style of architecture just under another set of eaves, with some effort silently forced it open a crack and then, proceeded to eavesdrop on them.

"Sir, I spotted these two quite by accident, on the outskirts of Yesunban in one of the rarely frequented alleys, after I had just concluded my report to Zihoxy Ner." Deizvor, standing stiffly beside the desk behind which Zaur was now comfortably seated in a plush chair, in a serious tone presently recounted.  He coughed slightly for the dramatic effect and then, added: "Intrigued by their odd behavior, I covertly dogged them for some time till they’d reached their presumed destination, which happened to be an old, abandoned granary on Inklimer Street. They snuck into the back alley and, forced entry into premise after removing some rotten boards.  I pursued them to inside as soon as the coast was clear and quickly spotted them in the corner, partially hidden behind some crates, gabbing in some foreign (alien tongue) language.  As luck would have it, they then switched into an ancient dialect of Korionese and, having a passing familiarity with that, I was able to make some sense of what was being said."

Zaur Stugr did not need to be reminded of Deizvor’ skill in numerous, diverse vernaculars, or his perfect memory, “Of course", he nodded impatiently, "now I want you to relay everything exactly as you heard it, word for word, omitting not even the most insignificant grunt.  Leave nothing unreported, understand?"

02- DEISVOR  (KOZUR) REPORTING

Deizvor nodded briskly and continued, "One of them was called Hugen and his companion was addressed as Uyuk.  The conversation (exchange) started innocuously enough when the one called Hugen touched the other's shoulder and asked, "But hey, a while back there when the night sentry caught us unawares and demanded our identities, you gave a different name than that you were instructed to give.  Why did you call yourself Kundrick Dufo?  Where on earth did that name come from?"

"The one called Uyuk abruptly looked right past Hugen; after spell of brooding over a seeming deep resentment he, then threw his head back and laughed bitterly, "It was a joke? Yes, it was a joke, a cruel joke!"  Brief time later however, he turned to affix his harsh gaze back on Hugen; Uyuk’s face now shone with dark malice as he absently caressed the ugly scar on his left cheek and snarled: "The executioner was just about to swing his ax when…" He abruptly held his tongue and shook his head.  "Fortunately, I was too young ..." Uyuk, after a brief hesitation, grunted; he followed it with some derisive mumble, which unfortunately was audible only to him."

Deizvor caught by the momentum of his recollections, presently took to re-enacting the spontaneous dialogue, complete with gestures. "A joke…" Hugen snapped back, obviously not having caught the rest of Uyuk's meanderings.

"Yes", Uyuk reverted to his defiant stare, "A joke."

"In a pig's eye," Hugen scoffed disdainfully then shook his threatening index finger in the other's face while he growled, "I don't particularly care to know the motive, Uyuk, but you can't go on changing the procedure on the spur per your whim.  Understand!”

“I'm in charge here."  Hugen shrugged and went over to seat himself on a broken crate.  "What if he'd asked to see your papers?  Your carelessness could have jeopardized our mission!"

Hugen’s brow furrowing crossly, he now barked at Uyuk, "I warn you; I'll have no more of your shenanigans (tomfoolery).  You hear?  This is a serious business…It’s bad enough that ugly scar of yours attracts far too much unwarranted attention."  Despite the harsh words his tone towards the end of his say had grown more conciliatory, even affectionate.

"Yeah", Uyuk bitterly retorted, "but it also makes us inconspicuous in the slums where it counts most.  Isn't that the reason why, they paired us off on this mission to begin with?  You do well in posh circles and with other such upstanding citizens whereas I blend in better with the maimed dissidents of the gutters, where most of our contacts are made.  If you ask me, I'm the indispensable one here."

As Deizvor related this interchange word for word, Nevetsecnuac had noted the augmented intensity (increased tension) in the taut muscles of Zaur Stugr's face ever since the name “Kundrick Dufo” had been mentioned. 

Nevetsecnuac's brows knitted as he searched his memory:  Kundrick…. Kundrick Dufo... Hmm…. where had he heard that name before?  Suddenly certain facts rushed to his mind:  Why of course, wasn't he the son of Sorgun Dufo, favorite tutor of Lord Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon and furthermore, the very name that Heng Erling had chosen in his fabrication to give to the Commander-in-Chief of the fictitious insurgents?  Could it be a mere coincidence, or much more than that, Heng picked this name to give credence to his lie?  Was Kundrick Dufo really a conspirator, if he still existed, at all?  Even more interesting, how did a foreign spy get a hold of that name, and just where does Zaur Stugr fit in all of this?  Why should he be so clearly perturbed by the very mention of that person?  What immense (vast) significance did that name “Kundrick Dufo” held?

Nevetsecnuac's mind had further become inundated by an influx of queries as he studied more astutely now, Zaur Stugr’s present stone countenance.  He noted Zaur's sustained deliberate attempts to mask a raging inner conflict as he, instructed Deizvor to investigate the purpose (reason) for which Kundrick Dufo had been mentioned by the spy Uyuk.  The mounting complexity of his host's character further intrigued and same time exhilarated Nevetsecnuac.

Zaur Stugr had been utterly successful meanwhile, in concealing his range of emotions from Deizvor; while on the outset he pretended to be listening impassively to the laboriously detailed account, Zaur Stugr privately in fact had been mulling over, Nevetsecnuac’s akin (similar, alike) queries and concerns.  

Uyuk’s use of his (Zaur’s) true name, Kundrick Dufo…Could it be pure coincidence…  Hardly!  Zaur Stugr firmly refused that notion. Then out of the blue when the spy’s sentence: “A cruel joke,” also came to mind, the truth at that juncture became absolutely apparent.

03- UYUK  (1)JP

So, the boy Enkaz had survived the terrible ordeal (punishment) after all!  With such bad blood coursing through his veins, was it any wonder he had turned to espionage?  Now he had become a traitor to Wenjenkun, working for the destruction of the country that, in his distorted perception had forsaken him, which happened to be precisely the time when, at the tender age of three, he’d been forced into exile.  The burn on the left cheek that’d later turned into an ugly scar, where once Enkaz Dufo, son of Minakoz Dufo had been tattooed as part of his punishment, was the very proof (evidence) which validated this viewpoint?

Then again, all this could well have been a bizarre coincidence. Zaur Stugr in desperate attempt to allay his worse fears, musing, looked away.  And first and foremost, more comprehensive, and irrefutable evidence (proof) must be attained (secured).  Having decided thus, Zaur once again directed his full attention back to Deizvor.

"As anticipated, it was not long before their contact appeared on the scene.  He was an exceptionally tall man and sturdily built but the cloak and mask he wore for concealment and the fact that he spoke but sparingly, made identifying him difficult.  From the way he moved however, I don't know just how to put this, but there was something rather familiar about his gestures."  Deizvor mumbled the last part as he gesticulated (physically demonstrated) the movements.

When Zaur Stugr knitted his brows, frowning in displeasure, a flustered Deizvor strove even harder, to identify the masked, tall, robust spy, as if his very life depended on it.  After a painful pause however, he had to confess, "Unfortunately, sir, it still eludes (escapes) me."

"Never mind, it will come to you sooner or later." Zaur cut him off.  "Continue with the events themselves."  In truth, the contact's impersonated (imitated) gestures, did evoke (conjured up) in Zaur’s mind a certain familiarity also, but just like Deizvor, he too, could not rightly place it.

"Anyhow", Deizvor politely coughed (covering his mouth with his hand) to clear his suddenly dry throat, "I eased myself closer to hear their conversation with perfect clarity only to have the contact switch, as if by innate caveat (instinctive caution), into that other, indecipherable dialect the two spies first used."

"Are you sure your presence had not been detected?  Could it be that they were (actually) feeding you misinformation?"  There was a solid note of concern in Zaur's stern voice.

Nevetsecnuac perceived just then a slight ripple of shudder that run through Deizvor as he, very much disconcerted, presently lowered his head to pause in thought.  After a brief spell, he shook his head and swallowing hard, answered: "No, there was no such indication.  Of that I am most definitely certain."

 

(END OF SECTION 12) 

LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC – THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL – SECTION 10 

Lenny Sukzor having eventually returned home bit inebriated (for he needed something to dull his senses), disheartened and exhausted, he had at once retired to his sleeping quarters.

Shortly after, under the cover of darkness the same premises (Under secretary’s residence) yielded one then, after a period another covert (disguised) figure, both emerging from the secret passageway to be swallowed up by the murky (shadowy) street.

The first cloaked figure, heading north, was soon admitted through the secret Iron-gate, and escorted by an armed sentinel, into the prohibited, Inner Palace. Brought before the head of Zakhertan Yozdek’s Special Security force, the spy bowed respectfully and submitted her detailed report.

The second figure took a different path, heading southeast. Hugging the shadows, he quickly made his way to an old section of the city dotted with ancient temples, crumbling warehouses and, an area riddled with secret catacombs known to but a few.  The clandestine meeting was to transpire under the fifth watchtower.

01-

"You are late!"  A figure jumped suddenly out of the shadows to block his path. "A few minutes more and I would have left."

The cloaked figure apologized for the (unavoidable) delay and immediately got right down to business at hand; after receiving the small parcel (containing specific documents) he forthwith gave his personal assurances that all had been arranged to his satisfaction. The lucrative posting was to be his for the asking. This part of the business concluded, he then assured Zunrogo that as per payment for the second item, the gold itself had been deposited in warehouse 56, hidden in a stack of rice sacks.  Holding out the key to the warehouse, and thus the possession of the fee, the cloaked figure then demanded the item in question be handed over forthwith.

"Not so fast!" Zunrogo held out his hand. "How do I know, that is, what guarantee do I have …"

"None.", the cloaked figure was annoyed.

 "If you want to back out because of your short-sighted reservations, then so be it. This meeting is terminated!"  He pocketed the key and abruptly turned his back to leave.

“You have guts, Qunen Yummer.” Zunrogo smiled venomously for, despite the disguise, he had identified (recognized) the voice. The other contingencies he had laid in place in case of future betrayal were at once dispensed with. They were now unnecessary. Qunen Yummer's identity was all the insurance he needed. That very first meeting, when he had been covertly assigned to this other, more important case, Zunrogo had discreetly followed the cloaked agent at the end of their clandestine meeting to find the source of his orders. When the agent had disappeared into the mansion of the Prime Minister, Zunrogo had assumed, with some measure of certainty, who had been his employer; same time comprehended the very nature of this delicate assignment and its grave political implications which had, understandably, warranted such extensive measures. On the point of turning and walking away from Lamont Gudaren’s residence he had witnessed the re-emergence of the selfsame agent.

02- ZUNROGO TUGO - JP 21

Heeding his intuition, Zunrogo had again pursued the cloaked figure through the shadows only to see him disappear for good this time into the fire ravaged residence of Lenny Sukzor. Even so, until this very moment, he had failed to, proof positive identity, his contact. Now that he had recognized the distinct voice, this nagging mystery had been satisfactorily resolved for Zunrogo Tugo.

Qunen Yummer was the assistant to the famed architect Yazune Koz, who was employed to oversee the reconstruction of the destroyed wings of the residence. Naturally, Qunen would reside at the job site as part of his obliged duty until the project was completed.

“How opportune for the Prime Minister, to have an excellent chance (prospect) to spy on the honest and incorruptible Lenny Sukzor just as he was fast gaining in prominence. Hmm…,” Zunrogo mused, “if the Prime Minister is using Qunen Yummer in this way, I should be mindful of the junior architect's future postings. I will have to keep close tabs on him, just in case.”

As for the letter itself, when Zunrogo had first conceived of its true importance he had immediately considered the other avenues open to him for greater gain. He now regretted that decision. Setting those aside, he should have acted on retrieving it that very night after he had seduced (courier) Disaidun Agripe; alas, because of his short-sightedness, it had slipped through his hands and got replaced by the pseudo letter that would have brought about his sure demise. “At least I had avoided that catastrophe; better to admit failure than walk into a sure trap.”  He shrugged. 

"Don’t be so affronted,” Zunrogo now rushed over and hastily grabbed Qunen’s arm, to stop him. “I meant no disrespect.”  After a short apology he explained his real reasons for not accepting the key at this time.  He reluctantly (grudgingly) confessed to his abject failure in recovering the letter; succinctly stated the varied events, excluded (kept out) from the official report, which had transpired on the vessel (boat) and same time laid claim that, he’d been misinformed about the courier Disaidun Agripe.  That she had been duplicitous and same time the stooge, a false lead, but as he had other more promising leads, he presently forwarded his verbal request to his employer, through (via) Quenen, to be allowed bit more time to recover the actual letter.

“What are you really up to?” Qunen Yummer , inwardly scoffed; clearly angry for having wasted his time, he shook his head and then quickly departed the scene.

Zunrogo leered after him, relieved that he had bought (himself) some valuable time till he could figure out his next recourse (option). In truth he had no such sure leads on the letter’s whereabouts, only hunches. Zunrogo with a grim expression, stared thoughtfully for a time in the direction of the disappeared cloaked figure, then he too, advancing in a different direction, was quickly swallowed up by the darkness.

                                                                          ~

 

That same night another cloaked agent, one carrying the actual letter, had detoured to some small measure, backtracking to ascertain that he was not pursued, dogged as he had been few blocks prior.  Assured that he was in the clear he had then taken a decisively abrupt turn and, hugging the shadows as he veered this way and that, finally arrived at his destination.

Stopped by the stout and intimidating (menacing) armed guard at the gate, he at once uttered (pronounced) a seemingly ordinary salutation word, that was in fact (in actuality) the secret password, which allowed him apt (ready) admittance to the inside.

The cloaked agent swiftly advanced through the long, dark hallway which eventually led to a dim room where a clandestine meeting was already (been held) in progress. He quietly removed his cloak (cape) and uncovered his head; standing on attention now, he waited with due patience for his turn to speak.

When Zaur looked at him and slightly nodded his head, he briskly stepped forward and at this close proximity, he promptly presented the letter to the leader of the Sacred Brotherhood of the Kozurs.

"Was there any variation (inconsistency) I should know about?" Zaur Stugr in a low voice asked sternly.

"None to report, sir; It all went according to plan." Kaelan answered respectfully.

03- KAELAN  ( OR CREWMAN ZACK)

Zaur, detecting the ever so slight quaver in Kaelan’s voice, had sensed that Kaelan was holding something back but chose not to dwell on it at present.

From the start Zaur’d been quietly impressed by Kaelan’s courage, integrity, and tenacity.  Relying on these demonstrated abilities Zaur had, for the first time ever, gone against his firm policy of not involving an unseasoned member in matters of serious magnitude; and thus far, he had not been disappointed. He was confident therefore that, whatever was troubling Kaelan, at an appropriate time he would own up to it (make a clean breast of it).  

Turning his back to the assembly Zaur briskly strode to the desk and deposited the letter temporarily into his locked drawer.  Later it would be transferred to a safer home in the vault of the secret room.

Returning to listen to another’s report, Zaur Stugr continued to study Kaelan from the corner of his eye, as he same time, reflected on how hitherto, exceeded all expectations, invaluable this recent recruit been to their organization.

Unexpectedly just then Zaur was reminded of another outstanding recruit, a double agent no less, who had achieved a remarkable feat in a noticeably short while, won the Prime Minister's confidence sufficiently well enough, to be assigned to reporting on the actions of Lenny Sukzor.  His instructions had been to, by any means procure vital facts concerning this highly respected minister that could be of some use for future extortion or, to be merely employed (in some underhanded scheme) simply to be degraded (sullied, brought down) a notch or two when he got too powerful. And so, over the course of the ensuing weeks and months Qunen Yummer had dutifully fed the Prime Minister with profitable, juicy, and slightly harmful bits of data.  The items of real significance and those that were most damaging however, had been covertly and in regular intervals furnished to Zaur.

04- QUNEN YUMMER (15)JP

The final pay-off had come when Qunen had stumbled onto Lenny Sukzor’s secret identity as a Black Molochs and his involvement in this business of the Lord's extortion. Moreover, by his determining the last whereabouts of the (source) extortion-letter, Qunen had provided the Kozurs with the trump-card they had been waiting for.  Acting on this information at once, Zaur had conceived of the plan to involve Zunrogo Tugo. The summons of the scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald had been Heaven-sent, for it had also provided Kaelan (the strategically positioned mariner in that vessel) with the plausible cover to effectively conduct his key covert mission.

 Considering the result, Zunrogo's terms of payment had by no means been unreasonable or objectionable.  The Kozurs had been able to settle an old score by discreetly disposing of a corrupt and incompetent official, leaving his coveted post open for the promotion of one such as Zunrogo Tugo. Part of Zaur’s vice-ministerial duties involved selecting top candidates and their placement in apt (suitable) official posts.  As the final decision rested with the Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren, Zunrogo had been furnished with the needed qualifications, and then presented as the best option (candidate) to fill the vacant post.  The Prime Minister had already been favorably disposed towards Zunrogo and quite impressed by the captain’s abilities, was only too willing to give his approval of the appointment. 

The funds Zunrogo had requested were but a trifling sum, considering the vastness of the reserves contained in the Kozur's vault; meanwhile another covert undertaking was to, decidedly seal, Zunrogo’s fate.

Not long after the anticipated word had reached Zaur that Kaelan, executing the plan flawlessly, had retrieved the coveted prize and then replaced it with the pseudo one. As Zaur Stugr had waited for the delivery of the letter itself, Zaur had weighed his options carefully and in the end had settled on the best recourse:  For the time being he would postpone any direct action and instead, utilize his competent agent Kanbi Dayu who was strategically positioned in the palace.

Posing as one of Egil Viggoaries's underlings, Kanbi as per instructed had discreetly contacted the maid Nijel Ping, Lord Shouzi's spy in the Palace, and then passed on in a seemingly involuntary manner the secret news that the Dark Eunuch was no longer in possession of, the blackmail letter.  For reasons of security, Kanbi had since then been reassigned to a more distant post (a different taskforce, team) in a maritime province, where their (Kozur’s) smuggling operations demanded closer scrutiny.

“Let the tigers turn on each other.” Zaur at the time had gloated, thinking of the future developments that would soon be manifesting between Egil Viggoaries and Lord Shouzi.

“Blackmail...?”  Well, that consideration was last on his extensive list of options. As it were, Zaur’s mind had already been set on the precise, most tactically opportune point in time where which to expose the Lord and his powerful affiliates. 

After Egil Viggoaries’s efforts were curbed or utterly frustrated Zaur, working through a third party would then win Lord Shouzi's confidence and, by colluding and tapping into his Lordship's resources, weaken the central government and consequently erode some of Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek’s iron grip.

05- ZAKHERTAN YOZDEDK  (42) JP2

For some time now Zaur Stugr had been the surreptitious, real force (power) behind most of Lamont Gudaren’s ingenious machinations; nevertheless, it’d suited Zaur’s purpose well to have His Excellency claim full credit since it also lulled the P.M. into a false sense of security. 

“This most recent, sordid business with his nephew Yekov…” Zaur's mind had just then strayed, as he’d listened to Xifon Therrang's long, boring report.  “I cannot rely on those clumsy minions of Lamont’s to successfully carry out such an important task.  There is no room here for even the slightest margin of error; therefore, I must see to it at once that this business with Yekov is promptly and efficiently squared off (away).  Egil Viggoaries had already made (attained) great strides in his attempts to ensnare Lamont Gudaren with that business of the fire at Lenny Sukzor’s residence.”  Zaur Stugr waved his hand to stay Xifon’s report.  He had heard enough. Xifon Therrang bowing quietly stepped back.

Zaur now turning to the specific group in the room, he curtly dispensed his orders, "I want the word passed on to Koniko and Satoro that Yekov Gudaren is to meet with an unexpected accident within the fortnight. All evidence incriminating the Prime Minister is either to be destroyed or discredited."

Xifon Therrang’s tedious (tiresome) report had been the last one on the list; this night’s meeting hence, had presently come to a natural conclusion. Zaur was about to dismiss all when Kaelan again pressed forward decisively and bowed deeply.  He was now resolved to unburden himself, even if it meant his death.

"Something else," Zaur asked sharply impatiently turning to face Kaelan.

Unflinchingly, Kaelan looked Zaur straight in the eye and resolutely responded, “Sir, my mission was not entirely successful. There was another covert agent on the vassal whom I fought but could not defeat (best), so I fled with the letter. I also suspect that it was he who had fought and vanquished indomitable Lance Diostin, not Zunrogo Tugo. The cur took the credit for it nevertheless.” Kaelan swallowed hard. “He must have also at one point discovered the letter, which he had retrieved from secret courier Disaidun Agripe (Miss Jepipi)’s body, was false and disposed of it; hence, escaping dire repercussions from P.M. Lamont Gudaren. Zunrogo Tugo’s presence in capital is proof of that. For these irregularities, I therefore, respectfully ask to be punished."  Head bowed; with intrepid resignation he awaited the dire verdict (consequence).

Zaur grimaced (frowned), studying Kaelan for a long while, and then nodded.  "Your failure in this instance can be forgiven."

06- ZAUR STUGR JP (4)

Zaur Stugr, seeing the puzzled expression on Kaelan’s eyes, he elaborated. "It may have actually worked out for our benefit.  Zunrogo will now believe with impunity that he has superior fighting ability, far more than he has.  Besides, he will be too wary of reprisals from the Black Molocks for killing one of their own, Lance Diostin. Faced with disappointing P.M and danger from Black Molocks, he may choose to flee.  If he does, he can much easier be disposed. “

“Either way we are well rid of him. So as far as I’m concerned, the matter has been satisfactorily resolved.  In the unlikely event that matters may go awry and take an adverse turn, then I would expect you to do the right thing.  Until then we are in need of your services."

Kaelan bowed in gratitude and thanked Zaur with unfaltering devotion for the chance to serve the Brotherhood once more.

Meeting dissolved, Zaur Stugr had stayed behind a while longer to ponder on a concern. 

Earlier this night, another, a valuable double agent known as Qunen Yummer, had expressed certain irregularity, a part failure, in his assigned task and, had as well, asked to be punished.  His guilt being that he had failed to obtain the letter which he then, would have presented to P.M. Lamont Gudaren and brought about Zunrogo’s ignoble death. But Zunrogo discovering letter’s falsehood had destroyed it; choosing to instead, admit (disclose) his failure as well, forego the payment. More importantly, during this clandestine meeting, Qunen had been, because of his cadence (voice), identified by Zunrogo.  Since part of his cover had been blown, and he’d been identified as P.M.’s secret agent, he’d asked to be duly (accordingly) punished or sent away. At the time this had seemed critically (disapprovingly) serious, as it had limited the agent’s efficacy (effectiveness); nevertheless, Zaur had provisionally (with reservations) postponed his final judgement on this matter. In view of Kaelan’s bold disclosure (confession, admission), Zaur at present was relieved to know, that he would not have to resort to drastic measures after all.

 

                                                                          ~   

(END OF SECTION 10) 

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 24

“He is a shrewd villain; if he had witnessed the whole thing, what sinister reason did have in falsifying, his report to the captain?" Briac interjected, nonplused, as he cupped his chin in his hand and wondered out loud.

"And in such a way that, in the end, he came out of it totally blameless himself," Frastos added wryly. “Furthermore, imagine the captain, chalking his report up to a misinterpretation of obvious signs… Misinterpretation my pew!  It was unadulterated malice, nothing less.” Frastos shook his head; then with fresh concern, knit his brows.

01- FRASTOS - JP 05

“But what persuaded, our most discerning captain, to readily accept Tizan’s incongruous (absurd) version?  So long as I've known him, Zunrogo’s always been a stickler for exactitude in reports; this is quite uncharacteristic of him.  Why would he…"

"Don't you get it?”  Briac interrupted disdainfully.  "The captain is much shrewder than Tizan, and the Lieutenant is, far too cunning to try deceiving Zunrogo.  If you ask me, this slander was a slip-up, an act of desperation."

"What desperation?"

Briac ignored the question.  "Yes, it shows that Tizan's weakening, running out of time and patience, hard pressed as he is, to discredit me in Captain's eye.  No, you're not the one who is being targeted here, not really.  I know for certain now that he's planning to harm me yes, but more importantly, and during this assignment, he aims (intends) to permanently replace me."

"What?"  Frastos looked up sharply.  "How on earth could you, from this, deduce that?"

"You see," Briac smiled tightly, "there's a lot more involved here than you can imagine. He means to do away with me, all right.  He's made a go at it once before, and I don't mean this wig, or this getup."  Meeting Frastos' baffled gaze, he grimaced sourly and dismissed it with a wave of his hand, "Never mind.  It will take too long to explain (tell).”

“As for your unpleasant experience of this morning, I suspect his motive was to make you squirm for the sake of pure amusement.  You see, his cruel nature craves, demands it every now and then.  He thrives on others' humiliation and misery, even if they did nothing to incur his animosity."

Briac continued with a dull voice, "I'm certain the Cheron incident played no part in this, for if it had, you would have had a taste of his real malice (wickedness) long before this day.  You know that patience is not one of his winning qualities.  The Cheron incident happened quite some time ago, two and a half months have passed, I believe.  Still, be warned just the same and watch your back from now on for, once Tizan turns on you, regardless of the reason, your life may well be forfeit."

After some pause for thought, Briac continued, "However, I think I can make a safe guess as to the reason for his recent animosity towards you since, through no fault of my own I, too, have incurred that animosity.  Ambitious as he is, he seeks to inveigle himself significantly more into the captain's good graces and confidence, with my ignominy and trashing my long-term loyal service. “

“Since I've been most careful so far to give him no leeway, his subtle campaign of psychological warfare has been kept in check, though not rendered ineffective.  I'm not as crude or simple minded as I may seem at the outset. “Briac looked intently at Frastos.

“That's a protective facade I find most useful in fending off aggression."  He then grimaced magnanimously, "I'm being frank with you now because I'm sympathetic towards you and I trust you implicitly.  You are a forthright fellow with a no-nonsense attitude, characteristics that I very much admire in a man."

"I guess I'm as guilty as the rest, for underestimating you." Frastos apologized.

"I sure was taken in by your pretense.  In fact, your discerning thoughts are exceedingly deep."

“And shrewd and calculating.” he wanted to add but proposed instead, "I hope you overlook my past offenses and will consider me as your good and loyal friend."

"I always have." Briac smiled.  "I judge a man by what is in his heart.  There is no need to apologize.  However, putting all this aside, I'd like to caution you to be wary.  You see, you've been with me a lot lately and your attempts to shield me from injustice have, no doubt, confirmed Tizan's suspicions that we are in cahoots, to say the least, and are plotting his denigration.  That is why he acted first to emasculate us.  That way, when he accuses us sometime in the future of some grievous, phantom crime, our attempts to exonerate ourselves will avail us nothing.”

“Do not underestimate the danger you are in.” Briac added gravely and nodded. “That would be the worst mistake you could make.  And don't think that he can be dealt with easily, for I've witnessed countless others who have tried to undermine him only to perish as easily as if he had swatted a fly.”

“I can't stress this point enough.  That is why, for the time being, I'm advocating patience.” Briac, for a time, lowered his head in weighty (reflective) silence.

"I suppose he forced every detail of the truth out of you?"  Receiving a nod from Frastos, Briac continued, "Then he had this fun at our expense."

Disdain tinged Briac’ voice: “That should satiate him for the time being, until he craves for more."

Seeing the anger building up anew in Frastos, Briac consoled him, "Oh, don't blame yourself.  Believe me, there's very little else you could have done.  I know full well how persuasive he can be.  He has few equals in that respect.  Concentrate now on sweet revenge, on devising a strategy to curb or eliminate his next cruel ploy (devilish scheme) before it renders irreversible damage. I can't help feeling responsible, however, that I've somewhat inadvertently dragged you into this peril.  I should have exercised more discretion and never asked you to make that promise to me."

“What promise?” Frastos looked up, astonished, but on second thought decided to say, to deny nothing.

 “Let him go on believing what he must; he's partially right, therefore, we should work in unison to alleviate this dangerous circumstance (fix, situation).  Besides, he's been at this a lot longer than I have and I should utilize his knowledge and resources.  Who knows, he may have some plausible recourse up his sleeve that will turn out to be beneficial.  All that matters is, the end-result and I don't care who I must team up with to achieve it.

 "I'm afraid you're next." Frastos fixed his eyes on Briac and ended the prolonged silence.  "Any minute now the captain will be sending for you.  He was a bit displeased with your indiscretions anyhow and now he's been fueled up to reprimand you.  I suspect he'll chastise you well and good and then order you to behave from now on with the decorum befitting the illustrious scholar, Fradel Rurik Korvald.  But that's the least of your worries.  Eh?"

Briac nodded, "Yeah, the least of my worries."

                                                                              ~

After this episode Briac trusted Frastos more and more until Frastos had won Briac's complete confidence.  This led them to become bosom buddies, whereupon Briac began confessing to Frastos his innermost secrets bit by bit every night until there was nothing left unsaid.  Recruited into Briac's cause, Frastos schemed with him by lamplight on, how best to contact the agents of His Excellency Egil Viggoaries once they'd reached Jukurok.

Since several checkpoints, in effect strongholds, lay ahead, Fradel Rurik Korvald's papers, along with the others', were entrusted to the captain for safekeeping. After passing the last checkpoint at Zakoz they had already gone on some measure when four or five guards had emerged from the gate to race after them at top speed.

"I wonder what this is all about." Tizan grumbled as he looked back at them.

"It should be obvious."  Zunrogo grimaced wryly and ordered the group to a halt.

Meeting up with them, the Lieutenant from the checkpoint dismounted and, prostrating himself, greeted the captain.

02- GURARD

Kneeling on one knee, he then greeted Briac, believing him to be Fradel Rurik Korvald, and delivered his message directly to him. "Our Garrison Commander Taicor apologizes profusely for having missed your illustrious visit and respectfully invites Fradel Rurik Korvald and the Captain of his party to be his honored guests at a feast.  If the honored sirs will deign to come with me, I will escort you back to Commander Taicor's private offices and offer you all the hospitality that is at his disposal."

Briac froze in his saddle, not knowing how to respond.

"Please convey my sincerest apologies to Garrison Commander Taicor." Zunrogo rode forward to reply.  "We are pressed for time and Fradel Rurik Korvald regretfully declines his gracious offer."

"Sir," the Lieutenant looked up, flustered, to address the captain, "The Commander will be very displeased with me.  Can I not, in any way, persuade you to…?"

Zunrogo's stern look cut him off short, "I'm afraid that it’s totally out of the question, Lieutenant.  We cannot make allowances in the least.  I'm sure that Commander Taicor will not wish to incur a delay in the illustrious Fradel Rurik Korvald's adherence to the summons from His Royal Highness."

"May I offer a thousand apologies for my oversight; Captain."  The Lieutenant bowed his head (in resignation).

"However, you may relay to the Commander that Fradel Rurik Korvald will be more able to oblige him on his return trip, when there will be no pressing engagements."  Zunrogo Tugo's tone was softer and more amiable and the Lieutenant, satisfied at having at least some good news to relay, wished them a safe journey on behalf of his Commander, mounted his horse and rode back to the checkpoint.

Briac, watching the men raising a cloud of dust in their wake, was relieved and, in part, disappointed.

Later, the Captain took some time to explain his reasoning to the real scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald, "I declined that offer on your behalf, sir, for good reason.  That Garrison Commander, Taicor, is well known to be a grasping opportunist and not at all trustworthy; I advise you to avoid him on your return journey as well."

Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac) thanked the captain graciously for his protection and sound advice.

Briac, witnessing this uncharacteristically polite exchange by the captain, twisted his mouth and looked away in disdain. “As if he'd be in any danger!” he huffed.

 “It’s my neck that's on the line, not his. But the Captain Zunrogo doesn't seem to have any confidence in my ability, to pull it off; as if it takes any special talent to be him.”  He stole a scornful look at Fradel Rurik Korvald.

 “He's only an overrated scholar.  Anyone can recite some lines and look arrogant.  But was that a deliberate mistake (I saw the captain make,) the captain made at that last checkpoint, when he’d introduced Fradel Rurik Korvald as Frastos and Frastos as me?”

“Ah, Briac, you're being far too paranoid; after all, we were in a rush.”  Briac dismissed the thought and spurred his horse forward to align himself with Frastos where he could spend his time gossiping and complaining to a sympathetic ear.

                                                                             ~

"This may be our only opportunity."  Frastos had anxiously sought out Briac everywhere throughout the Inn to tell him, "I've just come from the captain.  Tizan has been dispatched on an errand, probably to book our passage on a riverboat.  Because he insists on departing early tomorrow morning, the captain has taken the scholar to show him some beauty spots Jukurok harbor is famous for.  They won't be back for hours."

"Right, this is it." Briac concurred, springing to his feet.  "We've been waiting for this chance all along.  Maybe you should stay back, though, in case they return earlier than expected and you can cover up for me."

"Nothing doing, I’m coming with you.  If we are together, I can't be accused of disobeying orders.  Even if they come back prematurely, we could certainly offer some reasonable excuse for our absence from this Inn.  Besides," Frastos smiled mischievously, "you may need my assistance should you be assailed (attacked) by beautiful women again on the way."

"You are right of course brother, but I can hardly go out like this, not in this garb.  Disguised as him, I'll be risking danger at every turn.  We need to first…”

"I'm way ahead of you, brother." Frastos held up his hand, smugly interrupting him.

 "It’s all been taken care of and, there's a bundle of apparel (clothes) in our room already for you to change into.  I'm afraid there was nothing much we can do about the wig, except hide it under the broad brimmed hat I also procured for you."  Frastos winked and smiled.

 

"It seems you've thought of everything.  You are truly an indispensable ally.  I'm indebted to you, brother." Briac thanked Frastos as he headed hastily back to the room.

"We'll sneak out the back way to avoid any curiosity." Frastos coolly suggested after cautiously closing the door behind them.

"Now, hurry up and change."

As Briac complied he asked nonchalantly, "Do you still remember the password? Oops!"  Briac'd inadvertently let out another secret.

"Of course, who could forget?  'Plum blossoms adorn the beauty passing under them.'” Frastos coolly answered. 

“I must have accidentally disclosed (blabbed) it, last time I was totally (intoxicated) inebriated. Oh well, he would have eventually heard of it anyway.”  Briac shrugged his shoulders and, wiping the worry lines from his face, smiled sheepishly at Frastos.

Originally Briac had intended on leaving Frastos outside the temple gates to keep watch since there was no need yet for him to be privy to everything.

“Frasto’s integration into the Do-ki spy network should be gradual.” Briac’d told himself.  In truth his caution had stemmed from pure greed and, in his reluctance to share the anticipated reward money.

Frastos, when he had been informed of this plan, had pretended not to notice this blatant insult to his character.  “So, he still distrusts me after all the great lengths I've gone to cover for him.  You would leave me out in the cold, wouldn't you?  No doubt you'd also discard me the minute I've outlived my usefulness.  Your loyalty is only to gold, and you can drown in it for all I care.”

03-FRASTOS - JP 19

"Right, well, aren't you finished yet?"  Suppressing his inner animosity, Frastos nervously paced the floor.

"Almost,” Briac finished tying on the belt.

"Well, how do I look?"  He spread his hands and twirled like a bridegroom in his finery.

"Like a beauty who's about to pass under some plum blossoms." Frastos grimaced wryly.

"Yeah, right; and are you, my beloved?" Briac responded in cold sarcasm.

"Touché.", Frastos relented.

 As they were passing through the door, Frastos turned to ask, “Why plum blossoms?"

"Imagine if you will this incredible, exhilarating scene in historical era: A time before the most crucial (decisive) battle, the legendary divisions (regiments) getting ready for the surprise vanguard attack.  It’s springtime and the crisp, morning air is rocked by the thundering drums, the stamping of the horse's hooves and the marching feet, as they all prepare for the most dangerous undertaking.  Subsequently, as they march through the gate, they pass under the canopy of plum blossoms, the tall, ancient trees lining the road, fully bedecked as they are with these fragrant pristine white blooms…. The vibrations of their progression, begetting torrents of blossoms, the same blossoms that adorn the Heavenly courtyard, begin to rain down upon them like tears.  Lingering at the gate are their loved ones, (old man, women and children, beautiful young girls) all, looking longingly with dismay after them, their painful hearts not noticing how they, too, are being bedecked by these same blossoms."

"I think that playing the scholar, Fradel Rurik Korvald, has finally gone to your head; it has turned you into a hopelessly romantic’ lyricist." Frastos with a wide grin, teased Briac.

Then looking away, he disdainfully (derisively) grunted, "It’s more likely that they selected that comparison line because every temple in these parts has planted plum trees in their courtyard and one can use that analogy to make the contact without arousing any suspicion from onlookers."

"That's one thing that I quite dislike about you, Frastos." Briac frowned.  "You always take such a straight, dim view of everything, almost to the point of being completely drab.  Lighten up!  Life has color."

"So now you're an artist as well."  Frastos' mockery ended the exchange on a sour note.

 

                                                                                   ~

 

(END OF SECTION 24)