13- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR - SECTION 8

From that day forth, now that they had shared a drop of blood, Tekuob’s and Koever’s covert friendship bond had progressed (evolved) into a special phase of kinship bind (tie); and, despite being two distinct species, in their heart and mind they became as one, akin to that of elder brother who was highly protective of his little sister. Astutely, however, they kept it all, including her ensued advantages, a closely guarded secret from everyone.

01- TEKUOB AND KOEVER - THE BOND (1) JP

Thenceforth, Tekuob looked forward to, when her big brother and indomitable mentor Koever was assigned all night long to lone (sole) sentry duty in the tower; for then forsaking sleep, she would vicariously experience the (via sign language) imparted info about the varied places, people, and things that existed on the island beyond the narrow confines of the tower.

 These times she, with fresh enthusiasm and delight assimilated (learned) every bit of the fostered erudition (knowledge) about this mysterious Island, which the extensive data as well specified (listed): the precise whereabouts of the underground water reservoirs; the ductile zones that supported rich soil for profitable farming; the territories that contained hefty deposits of various minerals beneath the surface layer; the locales of protective valleys and dense forests; the  exact number of high ridges (precipices) and the deep caverns that lay within the island and much more.

Tekuob, also learned to identify, through Koever’s diagrams (illustrations, drawings), of about hundred and twenty healing herbs, easily found in the mountainous regions, which he had diligently amassed (a composite list) and documented it in a private leather-bound notebook.

Koever, at some point, with his keen acumen (shrewdness) anticipating Tekuob’s future aim- of absconding from her captors-, subtly warned her about the prevalent dangers of the rough regions (wilds); hence, extrapolating on the existing predatory beasts and the hazardous topography, specifically the pockets of mire (quicksands, marsh) that she was advised to at all costs avoid trespassing on.

Koever, moreover, deducing (considering) her future need to aptly fend for herself, surreptitiously designed a special shield (armor) and a weapon akin (similar) to his, but one that could easily be wielded by her. He then called in a favor from a trusted colleague who was also a metalsmith (blacksmith) and generously paid (spent) five months wages, for the special project. Upon their construction (completion), one night he had shyly presented both items to her, which he did not need to caution she keep it a secret from everyone else.

“They are such a wonderous, thoughtful gifts! I shall treasure it forever and ever!” She had looked up at him with a loving gaze and stars in her eyes. Then bashfully smiled, and tried to gesticulate (gesture) her thanks, this time using more modest and appropriate sign language; however, Koever quickly held out his hand to stop her. Her meaning had been clear and he had understood well, her strange vernacular (dialect, argot) articulation.

Her delight, meanwhile, had suffused (filled) his heart with special warmth; nevertheless, he’d quickly next, with decorum (dignity), brushed aside her gratitude, indicating to her, that it was a mere trifle.

“But you should name your spear/sword, to make it sing to your soul.” Koever, next gestured his brotherly advice. “You may ponder on it, over the next couple of days.”

“No need; I already thought of a name: I shall call it ‘Blue Constellation’”. She gestured gleefully.

“It’s a fitting (apt, good) name!”  Koever, nodded approvingly, then smiled.

Koever, henceforth, on nights of his solitary sentry (guard) duty, breaking the rules and riding the winds, frequently whisked her away to a remote distant spot where they practiced (sparred) covertly, usually on some mountain top (summit, crest) without abandon, though they always returned just before dawn.

02 B- KOEVER  AND TEKUOB PAR WITH WEAPONS- -JP

Therefore, by degrees (little by little), Tekuob acquired new fighting aptitudes (talents, maneuvers) from her mentor Koever- as he, unwearyingly (meticulously) and unobtrusively instructed her on the varied, key (essential) combat techniques (knacks) that might one day prove useful in defense, or perhaps even save her life.

Tekuob, with her inexorable, indomitable zeal, and tenacious spirit, armed with this superior weapon “Blue Constellation”, thus was transformed in matter of seven months, to become virtually, (almost) an invincible warrior.

The times “Blue Constellation” was not in use, Tekuob had it carefully stored away- kept it well concealed at the very bottom of her ebony chest that contained few personal belongings: such as, three pairs of warm socks, two vests, some undergarments and two other appropriate dresses specially tailored (made) for her. There was also one pair of fur slippers, one additional leather footgear and of course a fur-coat to keep out the atypical icy chill winds that manifested without warning for at least four or five times every year, then swept through every surface region on the island lasting two or three weeks and leaving behind it, subzero (frozen) death and devastation.

 The ebony chest with its contents had been, prior, conjointly (jointly) gifted to Tekuob, shortly after she had won her captors, the Wolfarous guards’ covert acceptance and then high esteem. The chest had also contained few, banal (trite, prosaic) curiosity items: gewgaws (invaluable trinkets, pebbles, unusual rocks), that only carried sentimental value to her.

03-  KOEVER'S DIRECT WOLFGAROUS SUPERVISOR TYR,  (11)2

Of course, Koever’s astute, direct superior Tyr, had noticed the slight irregularity in Koever’s candid demeanor and usual breath; consequently, he suspected a breach.

However, because Tyr was genuinely fond of Koever, as he had since infancy watched Koever grow into a fine young warrior, Tyr chose to turn a blind eye to these perceived eccentricities and adolescent oddities (foibles), so long as it went unnoticed by his peers (elders, superior commander) and another sentry.

About this time Koever, now bit more mature, had also began noticing some innate (hereditary) changes in him: for instance, that he now was capable to shapeshifting into any form (species) so long as in his mind he envisioned (visualized) and keenly concentrated on the image, as he simultaneously, resolutely (tenaciously) willed himself to be it. Furthermore, he could attain invisibility at will, a trait that was quite rare, nonexistent even, in any other of his kind. But then he had always suspected that he was inimitable (unique) meld, an incomparable rarity from the rest of Wolfarous, though he did not know of the reason.

Koever had scant knowledge of his parents, for they had been lost to him when he was a two-year-old toddler, and he had no other living relations, whom he could approach and ask. Tyr, his foster(surrogate) uncle, one he had always looked up to and trusted more than the rest, was the closest being he had to kin. Even so, being perpetually circumspect (chary, circumspect) in nature, a characteristic which Tyr had ardently advocated and meticulously instilled in him from the age three- Koever hence, guarded (shielded) these current advantageous abilities (traits) and kept them well hidden from everyone, even Tyr and Tekuob, till he understood it better.

                                                                                    ~

 

One tedious (ordinary, mundane) night, when the tempestuous (stormy) weather kept Koever and Tekuob indoors, seated by the hearth (fireplace), the dreary atmosphere being apt, Tekuob was then informed (and subtly warned) of the existence of, rigorously monitored, though rarely curtailed (checked), pockets of remote, recalcitrant settlements on the island. The worst of it being the highly disciplined, well armed, carnivore/warrior/primate-species with superior intellect, known as Zotzors.

04- ZOTZORS -CARNIVOR SPECIES OF THE DENSE FOREST

Koever had then primed (informed) Tekuob, that these hostile and most powerful species had thick long white hairs which covered their entire bodies and face; they possessed long canine fangs, and razor-sharp talons (claws, nails); and that, they were adept (capable) of rotating their heads 180 degrees like an owl and, as well, capable of leaping over 60 times their own body length.

Tekuob was next more directly (explicitly) cautioned by Koever, about the combatant Zotzors, who dwelled in the densest part of the remote forests and periodically struck (in sporadic raids) with stealth and deadly precision, the remote settlements, chiefly to obtain coveted fresh meat. This militant (armed force of) Zotzors besides, infrequently captured and consumed any would be trespasser species, regardless of palatability, which breached into their terrain (precinct) or were simply unfortunate enough to by accident venture into their forbidden zones.

“Most of the inhabitants of the island, thus, assiduously (incessantly) avoids the cannibal Zotzors and their regions.” Koever pensively methodically gestured, summing up the deemed necessary caveat (warning), his focus still affixed (pinned) at the dancing flames in the hearth.

Sensing (noting) just then, however, that she was perturbed, even frightened by the conjured, vivid images of Zotzors in her mind’s eye- Koever quickly changed the subject to a more insipid (bland, anodyne, banal) topic:

Tekuob, was consecutively (sequentially) and succinctly enlightened thence, instead, on Wolfarous’ relevant, jaundiced (cynical, dreary) history and politics; the existing, complex hierarchy; and finally, the meaning behind each symbol (emblems, insignias, logos) engrained on every sentry’s armor.

05- KOEVER WOLFGAROUS (10) JP

Afterwards, to enliven the mood, Koever, had modestly (timidly, reservedly) relayed to Tekuob, Wolfarous’ classified, though very much intriguing (fascinating), ancient custom pertaining to matrimony (nuptials, wedlock), which were extensive in application (presentation, relevance). Though Koever was still incredibly young, Tyr had made sure he had attained (learned) these facts; Koever unstinting with his knowledge, currently passed it onto Tekuob.

06-  SUNTAROK AND TEREKONS JP

Lastly, Tekuob was enlightened a bit about the apostolic segregated group Terekons; and even though Koever had gone over the info tersely and laconically, she’d still detected (picked up) Koever’s intense dislike of these new masters (ruling elite), specifically one that was named Suntarok, but chose not to press… She trusted him to unburden himself another time when he was ready. Koever appreciated her sensitivity and tact and loved her even more for it.

                                                                                    ~                                                                       

Subsequent nights, Tekuob, learned of the vast reservoir of the bizarre complexities of Wolfarous’ beliefs, rules and regulations that were stringently followed. She had eagerly absorbed all these facts, because one, she always had an insatiable thirst for knowledge, and second, it helped bear her otherwise intolerable solitary (forced) confinement and longing (yearning) or worrying about the welfare of her twins, Nevetsecnuac and Lord Asger.

Nevertheless, all this unreservedly gained (liberally procured) knowledge would one day in future be a tremendous (immeasurable) help to her.

                                                                                             ~

The intrepid Wolfarous, Koever, meanwhile, had also greatly benefited from these exhilarating reciprocal times of erudition (knowledge) and cerebral repartee.

At each night’s sentry duty at the Tower, he looked forward to seeing Tekuob’s smiley face and assimilating ( processing) the vibrations of her soothing, melodical tone; particularly those times, when she forgetting herself, spontaneously, vociferously articulated (rattled on, enunciated) the details of her vastly different, wonderous world, that Koever nevertheless grasped, and from thereon, these vicarious, vivid imaginings danced in his mind, besides being eternally preserved his in memory.

Nor did Koever once considered the notion (inkling) that, Tekuob’s homesickness might have variegated (enhanced, calicoed) her already bias version, which was far from reality.

Koever, thus lured (enticed), was hopelessly (drawn) entranced by the fascinating accounts of the envisaged beauty of mother nature and noble beings, the elaborate customs (ethnicity, habits, and traditions) of the vastly diverse cultures occupying the peripheral (fringe) world, beyond the island. Some of it he naturally had trouble comprehending or envisioning (visualizing), specifically the irrational, yet stringently enforced, complex moral codes of social interactions of the multitudes (plebians) and the supercilious (haughty) demands or bizarre quirks (idiosyncrasies) of aristocracy; nevertheless, he gave it the best interpretation that he could muster or, visualized an akin representation (picture) that made sense to him, then filed it away in the coffers (chests) of his prized memory archives.

Koever’s young, enthusiastic imagination meantime, had ignited and fostered in him the spontaneous yen to (seek out) explore the strange new worlds beyond. Two distinct species yet they were now of one heart- shared the same ardent, zealous secret aim- to escape the confines of the island.

Its imperative to note at this point, that Wolfarous elders (chieftains) had long ago abandoned the idea of absconding from the magic island, in search of better horizons. Their species had for two decades hence, had markedly evolved, though being complacent, non had ever made the least effort to, raise the question or, via flight, try mastering (commandeering) the magnetic forces and the swift air currents that perpetually engulfed the higher atmosphere, in order to secede (break away) and explore (seek-out) the extant outside world.

 

07- WOLFGAROUS MAGIC ISLAND (13)jp

 ~

 

                                                                               

The Immortal Sthetor’s deeply ingrained (rooted) prejudice against the Wolfarous, meanwhile, had detrimentally blinded him to all the recent, deliberately concealed, cumulative congenital prowess, superior adroitness, Wolfarous’ amassed military force, and finally, the rising significance of Koever.

For one thing, Wolfarous by and large (generally) possessed the ancient genome, which made them impervious (resistant, invulnerable) to any dragon fire. More importantly, this last decade, an infrequent (rare) number of Wofarous, Koever being one, now carried the extra chromosome in the corpuses of the blood, a key detrimental genetic material (deadly toxin gene), which could kill an otherwise invincible alien race, the Kongruls, which Sthetor was one, (one of the three surviving Kongruls) prior to his admittance into the race of Karn.

A single drop was sufficient- penetrating through an open orifice or, absorbed by the skin via a shallow scratch or a laceration of a Kongrul’s body- to within half a day obliterate (wipe-out, destroy) all Kongrul (Sthetor)’s composite atoms (founding cells). And there was no antidote, no remedy to curtail (curb) or reverse the ultimate devastating effect.

As mentioned, prior, Immortal Sthetor, had always kept Wolfarous species in contempt; therefore, he had also then imprudently (recklessly) spurned (snubbed) the apparent amity between two distinct species (yet of two kindred souls), human Tekuob and Wolfarous Koever, as insignificant folly (foolishness).

The consequence of Tekuob’s abduction and the ensuing (successive) subtle overriding of Sthetor’s original purpose- of rendering her powerless and also demoralized, so as to wield her later as a pawn, an abject tool, to manipulate Nevetsecnuac and Zonar- had instead enabled (provided) Tekuob, the key advantages, that in future, would undermine or even utterly decimate, Sthetor’s carefully devised strategies.

The hidden dangerous variant, Wolfarous Koever’s shared drop of blood, concurrently coursing through Tekuob’s veins, even though she showed no visible difference at the outside, inwardly it had slightly altered her human constitution (internal structure, anatomy), enough that presently it had extended her lifespan and enhanced her senses (visual, hearing, taste etc.); thus, she now posed a varied integer (number) of hidden menaces (peril, hazard) to Sthetor, one in particular that would be manifest in a certain future engagement. This would then perpetually (evermore) hunt hapless (doomed and skulking) interned (caged) soul of Sthetor.

08- STHETOR IMMORTAL (13)JP

Had Immortal (Kongrul) Sthetor possessing omnipotent powers, at this point in time guesstimated (conjectured) this, he would have quickly acted on it to expunge, to at once eliminate Koever and Tekuob, then swiftly arrange for the absolute extermination of Wofarous race.

Fortunately, he did not; chiefly because most Wofarous (except for Koever) had been kept completely ignorant of this nascent evolutionary progression (inherent traits) in several (fifty to seventy) Wolfarous species. Moreover, when twelve ruling elders, two years prior, had noted these subtle, burgeoning (budding) transformations in some Wolfarous, wisely in a covert meeting, they had decided to categorically (firmly) suppress it, till they understood it fully and, in the meantime, marked (measured, tallied up) the full future connotations (implications, effects) of it on Wolfarous race.

As it were, the quirk of fate, the already advanced group, the Terekons, who possessed vatic powers and the ones Sthetor preferred negotiating with, had been totally excluded from these recent evolutionary boons (benefits) of Wofarous.

 

                                                                                         ~

 

 (END OF SECTION 8)