LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 21

 When dawn broke Zunrogo promptly knocked at Fradel Rurik Korvald's door.

Permission granted, he entered with a smile on his lips, carrying a bundle in his hand, trailed by the servant boy, burdened with a generous array of breakfast victuals on a tray.

Scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald had just finished his packing, having risen early in anticipation of this meeting.

01- ZUNROGO TUGO JP 4

After an exchange of polite greetings, "I took the liberty of ordering you a wholesome breakfast with local cuisine." Zunrogo grimaced, signaling the boy to put the tray on the table and to leave the room at once.

As soon as the door was closed behind him, Zunrogo advanced on Fradel and courteously presented him with the bundle, urging him to try it on.

"I thank you for your thoughtful gift but since I am already dressed…" Fradel could not resist teasing him.

Zunrogo abruptly halted his ready rebuke (and the persuasive argument on his tongue) when he noted the slight glint (twinkle) in Fradel's eyes and understood his jest.  Smiling, he evenly informed Fradel that his account had been settled in full and that, as soon as he was ready, they would depart.

Then, officiously declaring that he still needed to see some last-minute details, he headed out the door before Fradel could thank him for his troubles.

Back in his room, Zunrogo expediently wrapped up all the loose ends. The Innkeeper Kjeld Rosko, having received assurances from the captain himself that his captive family, including his adored infant son, would all be released the moment after their departure, nodded his head in gratitude and then contentedly left the room.

As Kjeld headed down the long hallway, however, a sudden concern clouded his face and he, abruptly for a spell, stayed his step; slight trepidation, almost a glint of fear, fleetingly registering in his pupils as he with lowered head deliberated on the Kozur’s viable rescue plan. “The captain, now there's someone to be reckoned with!”  Kjeld, nevertheless, could not hold back a shiver.

This business of the guard Tizan, however, staying behind to ensure that there was no disruption or deception, seemed reasonable yet; it still put Kjeld Rosko a bit on his unease. With each step, a kind of needling feeling that he could not rightly put a finger on, etched a deeper frown on Kjeld’s face.

“It nearly killed me to be so reticent (taciturn, aloof, quiet); but at least my disguise was effective. And when have the Kozurs ever failed me, or anyone? Now, stop all your needless worrying!” Kjeld admonished self.  Besides, he was certain they wouldn't dare try anything too drastic with Magistrate Liros there; but more importantly, fortuitously, he had the backing of Kozurs.

Kjeld’s fears, bit more assuaged (eased, lessened), he rushed his steps to meet the affiliate agent and possibly receive (acquiring) the long awaited, anticipated, good news, news that his family was safe and away from the perilous predicament. He would be joining them when this whole business was satisfactorily dealt with. Meanwhile, with the captain and his other brutes gone, this Tizan thug, then, could aptly be handled (properly deceived, duped) by the Kozurs. 

02- KJELD ROSKO WAITS FOR THE KOZUR AGENT

Having received secret notification, that the clandestine meeting would instead, take place in the (crypt) cellar, a covert room accessed only by a trap door well concealed behind the stacks of forte (specialty) wine barrels, Kjeld headed straight down there. As Kjeld in partial darkness waited for the agent to show up, seated at the table, his fingers nervously tapping the table, his wild imagination meanwhile carefully enumerated the last week’s odd events. Unbidden, one unsubstantiated fact suddenly snuck (stole) to mind and so, the worry lines once more got etched in his brow (forehead); nevertheless, he strove to ease his fears: “Besides, haven't I dealt with far worse situations and came out of it sailing?  In this line of business, it’s to be expected.  I just hope Leon makes good time, for then…” Kjeld looked at the door, nervous but still satisfied. “Yes, then I can still expect to be amply, if not well compensated for all my troubles and inconvenience. Pity, though, this place would be so destroyed!”

                                                                                 ~

Zunrogo was fastening his jeweled broadsword onto his waist when Tizan suddenly appeared at the door.  He beckoned the guard and signaled him to close the door.

 "Well, is everything all set?"

"Yes sir.  I'll be joining you on the road after the successful conclusion of my task."

"It is imperative that those in question be eliminated without a trace.  None are to survive, understand?"

"You needn’t warn me of its importance, sir." Tizan responded without a shred of conscience.  "Please go with an easy mind.  It (sudden explosion resulting in fire) will be made to look like an accident, warranting no investigation at all.  However, if you wish, I could plant certain incriminating evidence to involve…”

"No, that will not be necessary." The captain cut him off.  "Don't deviate from the original plan."

                                                                                   ~

After breakfasting and having sent his luggage on ahead, Nevetsecnuac (Fradel), now disguised as one of the palace guards, retrieved the papers from their hiding place and secured them in the inner pocket of his garb (uniform) that were, in fact, more comfortable and more suitable for traveling than his cumbersome, restrictive scholar's attire.

After a cursory look around to see to it that nothing was left behind, he closed the door quietly behind him and quickly descended the stairs.  Meeting the Captain in the lobby ready and waiting, he was then (shepherded) lead to the outside where men and horses awaited in readiness of the departure.

03- NEVETSECNUAC IN IMPERIAL UNIFORM

Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac) had been forewarned to a certain degree that there would be two guards flanking him, along on the journey, with another to be joining them later, but these two who came to smart attention were not what he had expected.  One he had never seen before and the other.  His eyes rested on the figure of Briac, who had been disguised to look like scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald.

 "I went along with your suggestion of wearing these clothes, sir, but this, this is intolerable!" Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) burrowed his cold gaze on the captain, not flinching.

This unexpected, irate, moral indignation from the supercilious scholar put Zunrogo (for a spell,) at a complete loss for words.

As Captain of the Palace Guards, the most elite force in Channing, and the secret member of the ruthless Black Band Guard, which was Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek’s personal militia, Zunrogo was the fourth most feared, most powerful, invincible warrior/statesman in Wenjenkun; right after Sovereign, the Minister of Internal Security Egil Vigoaries and The Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren.  No other had ever been so brazened enough to stand up to or, been in, least defiance of Zunrogo and lived; more astonishingly still, Fradel (Nevetsecnuac), with his features set in firm defiance obdurately had demanded an explanation from Zunrogo.

“Are you goading (provoking) me; do you have a secret wish for death?”

"Sir, this is where I draw the line.” Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) undaunted by Zunrogo’s menacing glower, (look of daggers) obstinately grumbled. “I will not, in all good conscience, have another’s life be put in jeopardy on account of me!"

Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) was stanchly (resolutely) considering, rescinding their prior arrangement when the captain, with a curt gesture of his hand, silenced him and roughly pulled him aside. Pinning his face right into Fradel’s, Zunrogo, gritting his teeth, threatened: "You would have been instantly slayed, chopped down for this insubordination; now act like a proper soldier (guard) or else!”

But then, quickly curtailing his fiery temper, in a more moderate tone, Zunrogo reasoned: “I know how it looks, but I assure you, sir, it is necessary."  His cutting tone, nevertheless, was a warning to Fradel, to back off, that, if necessary, he would be carried off, trussed, and bound.

Bearing in mind that he was supposed to be an arrogant but a mild-mannered scholar, Nevetsecnuac (as Fradel), biting his lip, he now checked his derisive (scornful) rebuke.  At that juncture (point in time), a low murmur drew his attention to the side door of the inn.  Nevetsecnuac’s keen eyes caught a fleeting shadow just before the individual darted inside and completely disappeared.  He let it pass.

"I thought you said that there was no real danger," more composed now, Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) turned to address Zunrogo.

"Less for them than you," Zunrogo answered irritably, indicating Briac with his chin.  Raising his voice slightly, on pretext, he admonished Fradel, "Now, sir, I will not have you undermining my authority and demoralizing my men with all your questions."

Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac) checked his temper as well, understanding at once that the rebuke was more for the benefit of his double and that there was something graver at stake here.

“Briac, the guard chosen to impersonate you, is the one best suited for this.  His selection was made only after serious consideration."  Zunrogo shifted his body slightly, shielding his face from the view of the guards.  He looked meaningfully at Fradel Rurik Korvald, his gaze and fierce eyes speaking the words that could not be freely uttered, darkness, treachery; furthermore, it warned, stay out of what does not concern you; this turncoat (collaborator) will soon get just his desserts.

Comprehending, Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) turned and looked at Briac with an impassive, blank expression. The guard's face completely ashen, his’s eyes at first looked strangely pained and grave then got filled with loathing when they met Fradel's, after which, he lowered his head abjectly.

Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) returned his expressionless gaze back to Zunrogo, who’d this entire period scrutinized him like a hawk with the cruel half-smile plastered on his lips.  Behind the Captain's seemingly stern mask, his eyes betrayed a profound, impenetrable darkness carrying a brutal, implicit threat not only for Briac but also for Fradel.

04- FRADEL RURIK KORVALD (NEVETSECNUAC) IN ARMY UNIFORM

Unflinching, Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) affably (genially) smiled at Zunrogo and he, relenting, perfunctorily smiled back. But underneath the seeming cordiality, Zunrogo pondered. “Yes, you are more than what you seem.  You are no ordinary scholar.  Your aim is much higher. I will therefore watch you, watch you very carefully, Fradel Rurik Korvald, or whatever your real name may be.  It bothers me greatly when I can see that you are not afraid of death, but I will find out the reason why, before this expedition concludes.”

Outwardly tranquil, as if his prior ambiguity had allayed (dispelled), Zunrogo nodded, "I'm glad we finally understand each other; now we can quickly put all this unpleasantness behind us and amicably proceed; as I am most anxious to get started on this trip."

Turning, Zunrogo signaled (cued) the groom to bring forth Briac’s strong steed, inclined his head politely and invited (disguised) Fradel Rurik Korvald to mount up.

 Alternately, Briac was helped by one of the grooms, to mount Scholar Fradel’s relatively inferior mare.

 

                                                                                   ~

(END OF SECTION 21)

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE STATE OF THINGS - SECTION 30

The subsequent day at daybreak, at the city-square in Denor city, many who’d secretly held Yenis Luko in contempt because of her hauteur airs (superciliousness), witnessed in delight her prompt, swift execution.

That same afternoon after a brief visit with the Luko family, the Prefect Micen Do had returned to his office to wrap up some pertinent official concerns.  Not stirring from his desk till dusk, Micen then had studiously poured over every key document to effectively suppress (censor) all loose ends.  Moreover, mindful of Zonar’s threat, Micen had deliberately shunned going home and instead, had kept busy in his heavily guarded office, to purge his mind of the persistent, unwelcome, frightful thoughts that lay just beneath the surface of his consciousness (subconscious mind).

01- MICEN AT OFFICE

Calling in his secretary Micen instructed him to make two copies of certain key documents by the following day and also that, to promptly relay a verbal message to a specific person.  As soon as he was dismissed, Micen laid (aside)down his writing implements, leaned back in his chair and stretched out his limbs.  Rubbing his temples to bring some relief, he then closed his eyes in a brief, weary respite from all that work.

A slight, creaking sound just then, however, nearly startled his spirit out of his body; sitting upright with rapt attention, Micen held his breath and glued his apprehensive gaze to the source of the noise.  From the passageway, now revealed behind the bookcase, a familiar form emerged.  Tall, cloaked completely in dark attire, face wrapped in an intricate  leather mask and carrying the noted stiletto (dagger) at his waist, the visitor stepped forward.

"Good, you're here." Micen steadied his heart to accost the other in slight annoyance.  "What kept you?"

"I responded to your bidding as soon as I was able to, Your Honor.", the cloaked figure ejected with a bow.  "The building is secured tighter than a drum, sir.  It took some time to get past the double sentry and arrive here without being seen."

 Micen was immensely pleased and felt somewhat more assured, more invincible.

 "In fact, I had arrived here sometime prior but, hearing voices in the room, I stayed concealed until I could ensure that Your Honor was alone.  I thought that this caution was warranted."

"All right," Micen conceded. "But, for Heaven's sake, take off that mask.  I feel as if I'm talking to some hoodlum.  Besides, you look utterly ridiculous in it."

"I beg to differ, sir.  I think it’s best I keep it on, in case someone barges in unannounced.  I am supposed to be elsewhere at this moment."

"None would dare.  Very well, have it your way." Micen conceded with a wave of his hand then drummed his fingers impatiently on his desk.  "Well?  You've wasted enough of my time.  Has everything been taken care of?"

"Perfectly, your Honor, all done according to your specifications down to the very last detail.  I can therefore foresee no complications.  After all, if I may be permitted to comment, your plan was most ingenious, sir.  There was one trifling exception which I took the liberty of covering up."

02- THE SPY

The cloaked figure drawing close, leaned to whisper the details into Micen's ear.  "Do I have your final approval on it, sir?"

"Affirmative…  The course you took was appropriate.  Right you are." Micen beamed in pleasure as the figure whispered more of the report to him.

 "Well, it seems you've covered every angle, even some I haven't thought of… Funny how I could have overlooked that one?  Yes, it could very well have spoiled everything.  As for the other problem you mentioned, you are being over-zealous, as usual."  Micen grimaced wryly and stroked his chin in thought.

 "I told you to leave that alone.  It's but a minor problem, not worth your bother.  In the unlikely event that it gets to be too much I can deal with it myself as easily as swatting a fly caught on a honeyed bun.  You can just concern yourself with your end."  The Prefect rose and, walking over, removed a small bundle from his locked wooden chest and handed it to the cloaked figure.  "You should be finding everything you'll need in here."

The other appeared hesitant.  "Don't worry; you'll be compensated for this later." Micen ejected coldly.

"Thank you, sir, but I was not suggesting payment.  Only that I wish there was an alternative.  Must he be destroyed as well?"

"Yes, we've discussed this earlier.  You know that no other course is available.  I'm well aware of your feelings in this matter, but I trust they won't hamper the success of your mission.  I expect positive results and tolerate nothing less.  Now go, you still have much to do before night is over."  With a wave of his hand, Micen dismissed the figure who swiftly disappeared back behind the same bookcase.

Just then a guard barged in, brandishing his sword.

"What's the meaning of this outrage?  How dare you rush in and startle me like that?" Micen exploded.

"Begging your pardon, Your Honor, but I thought I heard voices here and feared for your (safety) life.  You may have been in danger, because your orderly (personal Stuart) was with me, and I knew your secretary had already left the building."

"It’s most comforting to know you are on the alert and not asleep at your post."  Micen forced a smile to his lips as he reeled around his desk and sat himself in his chair.

 "However, as your own eyes can attest, sergeant, there is no intruder here, nor is my life in any danger."  Picking up a document he added, as if to himself, "I may have absentmindedly read out loud some passages to myself to check their construction, and that's what you’ve heard."  He raised his head and ordered, "You may return to your post now."

As the guard, apologizing for his intrusion, turned on his heels to leave at once, another appeared at the door.

"May I come in, sir?"

"What is it now?"  Angrily Micen slammed the document he was holding down on the desk and glowered at the Head Bailiff.  "I thought I'd left strict instructions not to be disturbed.  You had better have a good reason for this, Hecun.  Why have you left your post?  Who's supervising the prisoner's guards in your absence?"

"Mouro, sir, and it’s on his directive, that I've been sent here to obtain your permission to recall the off-duty men, in anticipation of an attack by Zonar, when he attempts to free the prisoner."

"What of the men that you have already?  Are they all incapable of stopping one lone wolf?  Besides, the prison compound is impenetrable.  It’s more likely that the attempt will be made while on route to the Capital.  Tell Mouro to stop wasting my time.  You have your orders, Captain."

03- HEAD BAILIFF HECUN

 As Hecun was about to take his leave, Micen called him back.  "Still, it wouldn't hurt to take added precautions.  All right, you have my permission to increase the contingent and tell Mouro that, since he's so concerned, he may as well lock Fradel Rurik Korvald up in the mobile iron cage from tonight on.  But first, go fetch the physician Sullen so he can treat the prisoner's wounds; it would not do to have Fradel Rurik Korvald prematurely expire in transit."

"Yes, sir, but as I was leaving to come here, I heard Mouro dispatching someone, to bring back the physician, already."

That wouldn't surprise me, at all, if Mouro had conceived of the precaution I'm now considering.  It’s just like him to pre-empt my next move. Micen grumbled under his breath, cupping his chin as he pondered further.

 Looking up, he said, "Tell Mouro that, as soon as the prisoner is secured, he's to report to me for further instruction.  And, Captain, instead of Yoki, I've decided that you should be the officer in charge of the transport of the prisoner to Tenzo Province tomorrow.  When you return, turn over your duties to sergeant Cuinn and get yourself some well-earned rest.  I want to see you in my office at sunrise.  You're dismissed."

"Yes, sir…  Thank you, sir."  Hecun promptly left the room, his heart filled with misgivings.

That night the entire law enforcement (police) men remained on full alert, awaiting the expected assault from Zonar.

 Much to their relief this did not manifest and by daybreak many questioned aloud, while stretching their limbs, the veracity of the stranger's threat.  Fradel Rurik Korvald, already locked up in the well-guarded, restrictive mobile iron cage, was given absolutely no chance to escape.                                                                                  

                                                                                           ~

 

In the small hours of the night, by Micen's orders, Mouro and two able assistants were dispatched ahead of time to ride on ahead and reach Tenzo Province post haste.

Mouro was instructed to see Magistrate Rue of Cheabirger Prefecture and entrust him with the official papers of indictment, Prefect Micen Do's letter in which he laid out the delicacies of this case and asked his full cooperation, and a sealed envelope in which he was told were contained Fradel Rurik Korvald's identity papers and the Imperial Summons. Of course, Mouro also carried the key to the cage's lock.  After overseeing the successful transfer of the prisoner to Magistrate Rue's jurisdiction and further transport towards the Capital, Mouro was to make haste to report back to Micen Do.

This precaution was deemed necessary by the Prefect in the unlikely event that the escort group and prisoner were intercepted by Zonar along the less-traveled route they were to take.  Even if Zonar was to be successful in securing (gaining) Fradel's freedom, the prisoner could not enter the capital without the papers.  A delay on the Scholar’s part in responding to the summons would incur the wrath of His Highness and, wherever he was, Fradel Rurik Korvald would certainly be made to suffer the consequences of his freedom.

If there was no trouble from Zonar on the road, the means of transport itself would provide Micen with his next most viable alternative.  Fradel's grave wounds and the rough action of the cage on the road would ascertain his demise just after he was transferred into custody of Magistrate Rue.  It would become the problem of the other prefecture.  Micen could hardly be faulted for his precautions in view of the threats that Zonar had issued before all in court that day.

 On the other hand, if Magistrate Rue contested Micen's precautions and averted assuming full responsibility for the prisoner's demise, then Hecun could easily be sacrificed as the scapegoat.  All blame could rest with him, and he would be charged for his negligence in the transport of the prisoner.

Though Head Bailiff Hecun was seen by Micen as a thorn in his flesh, easily expandable, Hecun, properly deceived, had been led to believe that he had been selected for this task because of his impeccable record and invaluable skills. Furthermore, he had been assured that a promotion awaited him on the successful completion of this duty.

Hecun had accepted the package of documents he was given, in blind faith, as the originals and truly believed that Fradel's identity papers and summons were in his safe keeping on the journey.

 Ignorant of the conspiracy set against him, Hecun had expressed gratitude to Mouro, when latter (the other) feigning friendship, had secretly confided to the bailiff about his separate dispatch on another urgent, highly confidential errand, the delivery of the cage's key to Magistrate Rue and the briefing of the official on the details of the case.  And instead of being alarmed, Hecun had, approving of this precautionary measure, thanked Mouro for his candor and promised to repay his kindness (favor) at a later opportunity.

                                                                                      ~

 (END OF SECTION 30)