11- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - EVIL PERSONIFIED - SECTION 15

The newly decoded message unfortunately, had also confirmed that, Lord Shouzi Yozdek had failed to acquire (obtain) and destroy the letter, referred to as the 'prize', since he was still interested in its whereabouts. This latest bit hampered developments and, made Qarzten’s job of persecuting key culprits even more arduous: for without the incriminating object as evidence Lord Shouzi Yozdek could not be indicted and, since the letter was no longer in Egil Viggoaries's grasp, the Dark Eunuch escaped denunciation (condemnation) and charge of extortion and worse, treason, for his withholding vital information essential to National Security. 

01-SHOUZI YOZDEK - JP  11

  

Of course, Qarzten Caimund had typically guessed months ago the contents of, Shouzi Yozdek’s bane, cursed extortion letter. He was mildly amused pondering on the advantages, which could still be reaped by routing (fueling) these heightened animosities into damaging, outright altercations. All the same, Qarzten knew that it would not be an easy task, as each adversary's offenses were equally grave and, with their fates so intertwined, each would rather shield the ardent foe (rival) than expose him.

Qarzten Caimund’s thoughts reverting to Nijel Pinng, Qarzten inwardly queried:  How on earth could she have attained these facts? Just what kind of organization was she a part of? Qarzten was peeved and same time amazed, at the extent of Nijel's resourcefulness. Best not to underestimate this young filly in future. Still, the gleaned information from her smitten stool pigeon was, surely erroneous. Qarzten had of course in mind, the very Eunuch in Egil Viggoaries's employ, that she had been seen cavorting under questionable circumstances; unfortunately, this lead had also gone cold, as eunuch Kanbi, had since then, mysteriously, without a trace disappeared.   

For months now, no news of him could be had anywhere in the entire Kingdom. By the time the covert search had been called off by Qarzten, it had become evident that infatuated 'Kanbi' had been a stooge (exploited)spy, planted to deceive Nijel quite unwittingly, by yet unidentified, quiet proficient faction, that zealously opposed the Dark Eunuch Egil Viggoaries.

If only they had attained any lead on that courier before he too unfortunately, had disappeared without a trace. This was quite unacceptable; their elite trackers, hence, should be reassigned to manage this job. Having made a mental note, Qarzten Caimund turned his attention back to the decoded version of the second message which read: Plan A executed successfully. Desired results with Hare achieved. Plan B will commence after elimination of unforeseen danger from Crane. This time the use of mammal and bird names, for Prince Herleif and the respected Royal Tutor Worren Youkup, deemed impertinent, put a bad taste to Qarzten’s mouth. His sharp mind had grasped at once that this farcical attempt at a clumsy assassination had all along far deeper connotations for Shouzi Yozdek than anyone else had imagined.

Qarzten still had the means to run interference against Lord Shouzi’s plan, but he could conceive of no urgent reason for a hasty attempt; meanwhile, it had become patently obvious that it was not just Worren Youkup’s reputation but his very existence (life) that was deemed expendable (a sure forfeit, a sacrifice), in this dastardly scheme.

02 QARZTEN CAMUND (9)D jp 2

The implicit threat from Lord Shouzi Yozdek bent on vengeance, with the help of his strong affiliates firmly planted within the Court and throughout Capital however, warranted a more serious concern: The balance of power Qarzten had worked so hard to maintain, the stable nucleus of Government could be permanently offset (disrupted) if the corrective addendums to initial (preliminary) measures were not implemented at once.  It would require certain sacrifices, certain unorthodox measures but it had to be done. Qarzten Caimund took small comfort in knowing that as long as it was within the bounds of lawful activity the unavoidable repercussions could be kept to a minimum.

Dipping his brush to the ink, Qarzten summarily drafted demarcated (fixed) coded orders to be transferred via his assistant to the special branch later. He turned and nodded to his assistant; his adrenaline still pumping, then stood up and quickly went outside.    

Qarzten subsequently, had hastened (rushed his steps) to take care of one or two urgent matters that needed his delicate touch before his usual mid-morning audience with the Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek. Qarzten had hoped to broach the subject yet again this day with his Highness, after he took a detour to his private quarters first, where he could attain few hours of repose, bathe and then don a change of clothing. Since he rarely slept, he found he could get by on only two hours sleep, before waking (refreshed) revitalized and eager to go. And he never, ever, remembered his dreams.

                                                                                                 ~

Egil Viggoaries had at first been irate at the deemed trivial assignment (for he’d already had his hands full with other more pressing concerns); however, as he, in his discerning mind promptly deduced the culprit and her co-conspirators, he had quickly recognized the hidden potential of this case and the multitude of benefits that could be reaped from it.  Moreover, Viggoaries had always detested the sanctimonious Royal Tutor Worren Youkup and he was of course elated to learn the true extent of Tutor’s involvement in this debasing scheme.

A sinister smile enveloped his lips as he imagined the subsequent degradation of the Royal Tutor, when his being so artfully manipulated by nefarious Lady Sejon, would be made public. When Lady Sejon expectedly fell ill with an unknown malady so shortly after the unpleasantness with Worren Youkup and required the ministrations of a Royal Physician, Egil Viggoaries seized (grabbed) this opportunity to discreetly arrange for the special recruit young Enqui Rimeng, who was yet to undergo a surgery that would make him a eunuch, to be the only one available to attend to her needs.  Once this part of the ploy was implemented, he had only to leave the key players alone long enough for the predictable developments to take root.  

   

                                                                                ~   

   

During Lady Sejon's examination, when asked to bring forth Physician Rimeng's bag, Nijel harboring a sly aim of her own, had laid open the bag with the two specific flasks (blue in color) adjacent to others in various colors, visible in plain sight for her Ladyship to notice.   

Oblivious to this subtle coaching, Lady Sejon predictably conceived the gambit (scheme) in her mind, with her customary self-congratulation.

As it were, this medicine (a drug, in the form of a white powder) within the specific, cobalt flask was typically administered to an ailing patient, each time in small doses, as means (remedy) to strengthen a weak constitution. Caution dictated however, that in larger quantity it would cause the heart to adversely, uncontrollably palpitate and most certainly burst a major artery (blood vessel). Taken orally, it was odorless and tasteless especially when mixed with sweets. More importantly, it was undetectable in post-mortem examination, unless suspicion warranted the specific tests to be conducted immediately or, within the first two hours of death. Who would suspect the cause of sudden demise of a seventy-year-old, stout, industrious Royal Tutor, to be anything other than a heart attack? This ripe opportunity, hence, was not to be missed; therefore, after discreetly conveying her wishes to Nijel, Sejon had feigned dizziness and collapsed quite convincingly into the handsome young physician's arms.

Despite the compulsory professional decorum, the hot-blooded young physician’s senses were inescapably (unavoidably) swayed by her innate, intoxicatingly sensual perfume; moreover, absolutely besotted by her coquettish smile, Enqui’s face flushed crimson and his heart pounded so wildly that he thought it would simply burst right out of his chest.

03- YOUNG PHYSICIAN ENQUI RIMENG (1)

While Enqui Rimeng fought hard against the raging hormones stirred up by this effective diversion, Nijel Pinng had quickly pilfered (swiped, stolen) one of the cobalt (caerulean) flasks from the bag and shifted the rest around to disguise the gap it left.

 Enqui with a timorous (bashful, nervous) demeanor, promptly concluded his examination, made a hasty diagnosis, and then reached for the bag to dispense the appropriate prescription. Nijel's efforts at concealment proved unnecessary as young physician Enqui Rimeng was too ruffled to notice that anything was amiss.

Afterwards, he abruptly snapped the bag shut and practically ran out of Lady Sejon's chamber lest (in fear that), he would commit serious breach of propriety.  

Later that evening Nijel had completed (finalized) rest of Sejon’s explicit instructions, returning at night to report her triumph, unaware that patient spies had observed and documented her every move.

                                                                                          ~  

                                                                            

Minister of Internal Security Egil Viggoaries, for usual outlet, had often sported in private tournaments with the deadliest convicted criminals destined for the gallows. This late afternoon’s barbarian outlaw, a giant of a man (foreign lawbreaker) being a noteworthy adversary, before his inevitable demise had succeeded in inflicting a deep gash, a serious wound, in Egil Viggoaries’s left forearm. And so, this evening as Egil Viggoaries was being tended by his personal physician, Surgeon Mosek, who was busy patching up the cut in the most feared Eunuch’s forearm without the aid of sedative as it was Viggoaries’s way, Viggoaries (showing no indication of stress,) in his mind’s eye was actually re-living the most thrilling aspects of the prior combat, the likes of which he had not encountered in quite a long while.

An indistinct shudder of pleasure passed through him, every so often, as he recalled the key highlights, the five or six near-death experiences he had had: latest memorable one, at the precipice of the icy falls, when death’s breath fell on him during the lethal combat. The adversary in this case was a particularly agile one for one his size and, his skill in wielding his deadly weapon had been truly magnificent.

04- BARBARIAN OUTLAW 2- JP

Those hands, like bearpaws, solid muscle and powerful, the way they had gripped his neck at one point and, how impressive it had been, the way that weather worn face had twisted with pure unadulterated, murderous rage. The articulated (expressed) utter contempt…those menacing, flame-darting, ice-blue eyes…! Ahh, it was utterly glorious!

Even now, it sent ripples of (tingling) shivers down the Dark Eunuch’s spine and he got goosebumps, simply thinking of it: a bit more pressure and he could have torn out his esophagus (pharynx, throat). A longing sigh escaped Dark Eunuch’s taut (stretched), trembling lips, as he akin experienced the glorious, intoxicating dread.

At brink of death, such times he truly savored his own otherwise dreary (boring) life, his else tedious (dull) mortality; how thrilling it was to be so near to being extinguished by the talons of the swooping (looming) Death!

He knew it was a perverse sense, but Viggoaries had such an insatiable and intoxicating hunger rising in him then, wanting to devour, to absorb his nemesis’ soul, crunching on his bones then sending him straight to Hell, to be tormented and enslaved for all eternity.

But then, Egil Viggoaries dispassionately shrugged and grimaced menacingly, alas, how quickly it had all ended. He was bit angry with himself, for expecting it to be any different; predictably, even in that other unrelated incident, when the odds had been so stacked against him, hadn’t he still won? Life was getting too monotonous; for he always triumphed.   

Of course, Egil Viggoaries could have attained indefinite pardon for the man, to be used and tortured repeatedly, after all his crime, gruesome as it had been, was nevertheless an act of self defense. However, the Dark Eunuch knew there would be others in this one’s wake, hopefully, more ferocious, and more deadly. That recently subjugated uncharted territory, populated by violent, proud race of Tunker, their whole existence revolving around warring and retribution, was just ripe for the picking; Egil Viggoaries could still have his ample supply to satisfy his innate craving for extreme barbarity and violent cruelty.

It was possible that one day, he might be pleasantly surprised. A searing pain from his arm shooting up to his brain just then, turned his attention back to the matters at hand. Egil Viggoaries looked down at the physician-surgeon who was bent on working furiously to complete the unpleasant task with beads of perspiration forming on his forehead.

 

05- EGIL VIGGORIES - THE DARK EUNUCH

"You are too damn slow!"  Egil snorted in disgust, knowing full well the meticulousness of the surgery being performed was most trying especially in these most unorthodox conditions. Ordinarily Surgeon Mosek would have had assistance and a plethora of equipment to fall back on.  

Mosek held (caught) his breath, as the blood in his veins turned to ice. At least the Dark Eunuch had not called him ‘incompetent.’    

 Mosek steeled himself, careful to maintain his abject, professional decorum, as he worked around the major arteries; he continued on with vigor and a certain diligence, pushing aside the terror that had gripped his heart, mindful of his predecessor's sudden, untimely cruel death under much the same circumstances, because, even after such a long, faithful service, he had been unlucky enough to have incurred Viggoaries's sudden displeasure (wrath).  A grunt, a complaining breath, and, in an instant his life too, would be forfeit just like Nevek; he was such a brilliant surgeon mentor too.

 

(END OF SECTION 15)

 

 

                                                                                     ~

 

 

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL - SECTION 15

"But hold on, how did you escape the second onslaught and the ensuing persecution?" Uyuk's pesky question broke the long silence. "Hadn't Minister Wushing's entire family been wiped out?  Friends, affiliates, even mere acquaintances; weren't they all hunted down and tortured to death, right down to the very last one?  Did you again flee?"

01-  HUGEN )jp

"I did escape, yes, with a vow to avenge my benefactor later." Hugen disdainfully scoffed.  "I am no coward, merely practical.  If I had died, then how could I repay the kindness Wushing had shown me?"

"All right, all right," Uyuk held up his hand, relenting.  "I was out of line."  This was the closest Uyuk came to apologizing.  Seeing that Hugen was pacified, Uyuk then urged him to recount the more explicit details of how the Minister of the Interior Wushing had saved the nation from catastrophic extermination during the first round of warfare.  Hugen, somewhat reticent, nevertheless obliged.

"Hmm...As I said before, His Highness Anguan Binchan was adamant; more than ready to fight Zakhertan Yozdek to the bitter end, but it was Minister Wushing who argued a more effective course.  Wushing advised that it was better for His Highness to buy some time in which Korion could recoup losses and prepare for a proper vengeance later on.  Zakhertan Yozdek at that time commanded an invincible army of one billion men, still flushed with victory and carrying superior arms.  Though the gallant warriors of Korion were all determined to fight to the bitter end, a course which would still inflict great havoc upon Zakhertan's forces, the effort would still not be enough to save our country.”

02- WUSHING, THE MINISTER OF INTERIOR

“Wushing then had summed up his argument with these akin (similar)words: As things stand today, restraint is key, we are well fortressed here in Zujug and have enough rations to withstand a siege of more than two years.  Zakhertan Yozdek knows this and will undoubtedly seek to draw us out to hasty engagement in battle; and, he is unfortunately, quite adept (expert, practiced) in doing just that. Without a shrewd (wily) recourse (strategy) therefore, our certain offensive, will be like that of amassed force/moths, propelled to a flame.  Furthermore, to effectively invalidate (weaken) Zakhertan’s command of that sort of indomitable army, we need to strike and effectively siphon (nullify, erode) his power (control) at the very root (source), in other words, at the base of Zakhertan’s staunch (steadfast) support, amidst the ruling elite of Wenjenkun. Thus, Wushing persuaded the King to send him as a strategic envoy to the Court of Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir, purportedly to sue for peace. 

03- PRIME MINISTER MORVALD (19) JP

Wushing, being a resourceful minister understood Prime Minister Morvald of Wenjenkun, the father-in-law of Zakhertan Yozdek, was a pompous, licentious and rapacious (avaricious) lord. More importantly, Morvald and Minister Xitor both exerted great influence on the Sovereign of Wenjenkun and it was by offering great bribes and beautiful women to both these officials, that they were influenced into doing Korion's bidding.  Through their influence, Minister Wushing was granted a timely audience with Sovereign Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir."

Hugen left his narrative to offer a small digression, "The present government of Zakhertan Yozdek is rigidly controlled and fear of their Sovereign is far too great for employment of this sort of tactic now; hence, other avenues (contravening measures) need be utilized."

"Yes, we saw just how far Kontu got when they offered bribes." Uyuk sneered.

"Are you daft?" Hugen shook his head in exasperation.

"You mean?"  Uyuk's mouth fell open for a second in amazement as he quickly grasped the picture.

Hugen hid the smirk that stole onto his lips and dismissively (impatiently) waved his hand. Fire coursing through his veins, he animatedly continued with his narrating the history: "Wushing made supplications to the Imperial Court of Wenjenkun, beseeching the Royal Highness Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir to grant us peace.  At the same time, he relayed, with certain eloquence, the apologies of our Sovereign Anguan Binchan for the offense that had been inadvertently given and, our Monarch's willingness to return (revert) to the previous status of an ally, a tutelary (protective) state, when all present unwarranted hostilities ceased.”

04- JURONGHAN ALRIC THERRAN VALAMIR JP (4)

"As was the usual case, Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir took the matter to private counsel before rendering a decision, only to have both Prime Minister Morvald and the Minister Xitor both speak favorably of the peace accord, this initiative, overriding (superseding) Zakhertan Yozdek’s adamant (insistent) petitions to be given time and supplies to completely exterminate the opposition before proceeding to the border of the Rheox region to subdue the unruly Nehor tribesmen. By this time, you see, rapacious Zakhertan Yozdek had made several advances in the face of our fierce opposition and had by then brought the peripheral areas of Zujug under his control as well as the strategic Kenquan Pass to the north-west of the city.  Building up strong earthworks and ramparts he had encamped around Zujug and laid in an all-out siege.  As you know, the city was particularly built for defense on the banks of the Quito River with rings of impregnable fortifications and a standing force of 9000 men to which had been added 7000 of Anguan Binchan's army.  Wushing had indeed insured that the position would be safe if they would but stay inside.” 

05-ZAKHERTAN YOZDEDK  (8) JP 2

“Zakhertan Yozdek mounted vigorous attacks both day and night yet, after a month he still had failed to gain any advantage.  This lack of success coupled with the diplomatic offensive Wushing had launched back in capital Channing of Wenjenkun could have caused a less determined man to waiver, unable to bide the time until the defenders of Zujug ran out of supplies and capitulated. As luck would have it, the courier bearing a progress report from Wushing to His Grace Anguan Binchan was intercepted by a detail of Zakhertan Yozdek’s reconnaissance men. The report itself contained nothing which could be used to incriminate Wushing back in Channing; however, Zakhertan Yozdek still was able to use it to devise an ingenious ruse to lure the forces of Korion out of the stronghold.”

“He had the report ingeniously forged to state instead that, Wushing had utterly failed in his task and presently imprisoned, was awaiting torture and execution.  The altered report demanded Korion's total capitulation, payment of a huge tribute and the immediate surrender of His Royal Majesty Anguan Binchan in person to Marshall Zakhertan Yozdek.”

 “Zakhertan of course knew that, even though Sovereign Anguan would be demoralized by this news, his Grace would rather fight than concede to these demands.  A spy disguised as the original courier then delivered the forged report to Zujug.”

“To complete the deception, Zakhertan planted rumors that there had been a large force of reinforcements dispatched from Wenjenkun as soon as Wushing was imprisoned. Acting on these reports and believing there was no other recourse, His Royal Highness Anguan Binchan himself led 7000 crack troops out of the stronghold in the early dawn hours and arrayed them in battle formation on the west bank of the Quito River.”

06-ANGUAN BINCHAN KORION KING (31)JP

“The Korion’s force of 9000 left inside the city was ordered not to interfere in the ensuing battle. Zakhertan of course, had as well anticipated this outcome and two days beforehand had secreted about one third of his infantry in the woods, presently flanking His Grace's position. Zakhertan Yozdek and his invincible cavalry, followed by the remaining two thirds infantry now arrayed themselves across the river.  At his command the portion of the cavalry charged forward, fording the river at specific points and a pitched battle ensued. Our forces not only stood their ground but, aided by the difficulty Zakhertan's cavalry had in fording the river, were able to turn this murderous assault around.  By about mid-morning it appeared to Sovereign Anguan Binchan that the battle was going his way; for part of Zakhertan's infantry left on the other side of the Quito River seemingly demoralized, was breaking ranks and part of it (in small groups) already started to move to the rear. Then Zakhertan Yozdek’s impersonator sounded the retreat.  An elite cavalry contingent which was the suicide group along with Zakhertan’s double, that had prior fiercely engaged Sovereign Anguan Binchan’s key forces, now turned (hightailed) and plunged back into the river hotly pursued by Anguan’s cavalrymen. Completing the deception, rest of the infantry on the far bank had also broken ranks; they run seemingly helter-skelter (in disorder), to disappear behind a wall of tall bushes.”

“Sovereign Anguan, believing he could seize this moment, ordered his men to continue pursuing Zakhertan and the enemy through the waist-deep river.  The trap totally unseen had already been set in this mid-portion of the river they were coached to trespass. Sometime prior you see, during the cover of night, specifically designed vessels had secretly dumped, great quantities of boulders, broken rocks, crockery, and other such sharp metal spikes in mid-stream, not enough to obstruct the flow of the river but to create hazardous course and to inflict injury and cuts to the anticipated cavalry horse’s feet and legs. “

“Korion's cavalry contingent was about halfway across the river when the full scope of Zakhertan's plan became apparent.  Sovereign Anguan Binchan’s cavalry along with their suicide cavalry contingent were all bogged down in midstream (current) by these destructive elements. The (shrill) high-pitched whistle just then commanded the infantry regiment, armed with long bows and quivers, which had taken cover behind tall bushes, to at once emerge and to re-form in precise rows at the shoreline. All highly skilled archers they took aim, a clear shot, and then let loose volley of arrows (that darkened the sky).”

“Concurrently, behind Sovereign Anguan's forces the Zakhertan Yozdek’s one third portion of infantry also poured out of the woods from the high ground to take up the defenses Anguan had abandoned, cutting of his possible retreat.”

“These marksmen (competent) archers as well, in sync (as one) taking up positions, joined in on the onslaught (massacre), each arrow piercing through leather’ armor and finding their deadly mark, near decimated the cavalry ensnared (trapped) in midstream of the river.  The situation was most dire for both our forces and their suicide squadron as many cruelly were pierced, heartlessly cut down or drowned. But all was not lost; Heaven taking pity sent forth just then a dense fog, which totally obscured all visibility. Our valiant heroes flanking our sovereign fought the elements as well as the impenetrable forces of Zakhertan and brought our Sovereign back on the banks of the river and to safety. Then using their shields as cover, our Sovereign, and those gallants, fighting desperately, made their way slowly and painfully back upstream to the battlements of Zujug where they finally received some covering fire from the defenders inside.  By the time His Grace Anguan Binchan had led the last of his expeditionary force through the gate, there were approximately 6500 men left dead and dying, washed up on the banks of the Quito River. His forces considerably demoralized and reduced in number, Anguan reviewed his options, of which surrender was (definitely) not one.  Down to the last officer and infantryman, all the defenders of Zujug vowed to face impalement on their own swords rather than the disgrace of defeat at the hands of Zakhertan Yozdek.  This mass suicide was distressingly near (close) when accurate word arrived from Wushing.  With great foresight the Minister had taken due precautions and had sent a backup report shortly after dispatching the first unfortunate courier.”

07-WUSHING, AS AN ENVOY

"Zakhertan Yozdek meanwhile, had been apprised of the dangerous developments in Channing by his informants in court and hoping to intervene in time, forwarded a strongly termed memorandum to His Imperial Highness Zuronghan Therran Valamir, in which he professed his loyalty and enumerated the serious threat His Grace Anguan Binchan posed to Wenjenkun.”

“This contention was substantiated by the irrefutable reports of the current battle and the steadfast (staunch, dogged) resistance of the defenders of Zujug. Zakhertan further warned his Sovereign, rightly so, that Anguan still commanded the (enviable) love and unfaltering fealty (allegiance) of his subjects and led a still formidable fighting force despite the most recent humiliating campaign (war).  ‘A wounded tiger must be finished off entirely before it portends more trouble.’  Zakhertan Yozdek had advised and, ‘A blighted crop must be burned to the root to prevent re-growth.'” Hugen swallowed hard then nodded. “I swear there’s no embellishment here.  These were the (precise) very words he used."

Hugen grimaced (scowled), seeing the skepticism in Uyuk's eyes.  "You see, Wushing had obtained a copy of this very memorandum.  I told you he was resourceful. There was also in it, the expected warning against Wushing, who was accused of deception and purposefully misleading Zuronghan Therran Valamir about the peace prospects in-order-to buy time for Korion’s reclamation (recovery).  Zakhertan Yozdek urged his Sovereign to put Wushing to the sword at once.”

“Fortunately for Korian, Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir paid no heed to these warnings and all of Zakhertan’s subsequent memorandums were either intercepted, re-edited by Prime Minister Morvald or simply fell on deaf ears.”

08- PRIME MINISTER MORVALD

“More so at about this time Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir had begun to lend an ear to those old adversaries of Zakhertan Yozdek, who had seized this opportunity while Field Marshall was away, to band together to malign and denounce Zakhertan.  Successfully arguing their point, they were quick to present (demonstrate) evidence of the costliness of these unwarranted, self-serving punitive campaigns, which had been in fact, a castigatory measure of the Field Marshall Zakhertan Yozdek's, fulfilling his aspiration to settle an old vendetta (quite a few aristocrats and military personnel) in Korion. This heavy toll on Wenkenkun, more insidiously had also fostered Zakhertan’s other long term high ambition, slyly hinting therefore, at Zakhertan’s long term goal of, usurping absolute power.”

At this juncture Hugen had paused to remind Uyuk, "Remember, while still a lowly Lieutenant under Commander Linder, Zakhertan Yozdek had once been taken prisoner by our Sovereign, then Prince Anguan Binchan, after a crushing defeat at the Battle of Xteak and Zidney.  Who’s to say, as a prisoner, what this future Emperor had felt was the unbearable blight or humiliation he’d been subjected to? Probably it was nothing more than the standard treatment for all prisoners. It could have been a mere dressing down by a punctilious guard, or perhaps the assignment to some of the menial duties normally given to low-ranking prisoners such as swabbing out the stables or cleaning the latrines (toilet, especially a communal one on a military base).  To date no one knows what manner of insult it had been at the root which had so inflamed Zakhertan Yozdek; so much so that, he’d sustained and nurtured the voracious, fervent seed of revenge, till nothing, nothing short of the complete annihilation of our Nation would appease him?"  Hugen shrugged.

 "I confess, I don't have least clue, and frankly, I don't think there is anyone left alive who does. One thing is for certain however, Zakhertan's vindictive nature is all too well known; furthermore, he was, and he still is today, an arrogant beast.  Anguan would have done better to have disposed of this pesky prisoner at the moment of his capture; this sort deserves no clemency (no leniency) at all. "

"I quite agree." Uyuk interjected hotly.

Hugen nodded, "But then, it’s easier to determine the right course and lay blame, in hindsight.”

“How could anyone has predicted then, the way Zakhertan would, by such an ingenious ruse, affect his escape…Or that, concealing his even higher aspirations, after his return to Wenjenkun in such a short period he would raise to such prominence to be Field Marshall?  Oh, but I digress."  He waved a dismissive hand and cleared his throat.

"Yes, well, eventually Wushing succeeded in his aim, if it could be called that, considering the enormous annual tribute which is siphoned off to Wenjenkun every year in exchange for this precarious peace.  This and the abjectly humiliating verbal retraction and remorse, demanded of our Sovereign.  What more could they ask? “

“Oh well, as expected, Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir took the bait."  Hugen winked, "He pardoned our Sovereign Anguan Binchan and, Korion from then on became the seventh subsidiary state of the ravenous Wenjenkun.”

“When after a lengthy inquiry of an independent Royal Commission had substantiated Wushing's allegations of genocide and horrendous atrocities committed by Zakhertan Yozdek’s forces in Korion, the Sovereign of Wenjenkun, being a righteous king, had of course, was appalled.  Whatever his other faults may be, one thing was for certain Late Sovereign Zuronghan Therran Valamir had always tried to rule with benevolence.  Outraged by the liberties Zakhertan had taken, and perhaps wary of his growing influence and the size of the army under his command, Zuronghan Therran Valamir recalled Zakhertan Yozdek to Channing at once. A special tribunal was set up to have him answer to these serious allegations and to be duly chastised. His replacement, a decorated general in the Imperial force, named Litham Fazhor, who had served Sovereign of Wenjenkun for many years with valor, was dispatched immediately with Imperial edict (decree), commanding him to lift the siege at Zujug and take that great army into Hangou State to annex them before proceeding into the Rheox region to subdue the unruly Nehor tribesmen.” Hugen swallowed hard. “Except that, Zakhertan Yozdek returning to Channing (without his army), so ably and successfully argued his case that, in the end, he’d not only escaped severe reprimand but as well, retained his lofty position."

"Hah!  That was their Sovereign's fatal mistake." Uyuk, caught up in the momentum, excitedly slapped his thigh.

09- HUGEN (61)jp

"Well, despite that, for the moment it appeared as though Korion was out of danger." Hugen continued after a gesture of acknowledgment toward Uyuk.  "In actual fact, all that brought us was a temporary respite (break, postponement), though not nearly enough time for the reconstruction and rebuilding of our defenses.  Unfortunately, before we could attain this aim, the political winds in Wenjenkun had shifted and a new, more destructive course had been charted for our Country's history. Every citizen of Korion was nonetheless prepared to endure even lengthier period of submission so that one day; after achieving strong, bilateral allies and covertly mobilizing an invincible army, we could then launch a successful all-out offensive against Wenjenkun.”

"Prudently meanwhile, Wushing anticipating Zakhertan Yozdek’s unpredictability, his ultimate ambition and taking into account the fickle fate, had already implemented (initiated) key measures to strengthen our state and defensive capabilities.”

“This prescience (insight) may have been what spared us from total annihilation."  Hugen shrugged, and then continued, “Unfortunately the real gremlins that foiled his plans were the twin failures of insufficient time and insufficient funds.  Remember, we were burdened with a hefty annual tribute to Wenjenkun aside from any projects of reconstruction and defense.  Yet it was most ironic to witness the resulting devastation in Wenjenkun itself when it became ripped apart by its own bloody civil war, in which those loyalists who resisted Zakhertan Yozdek paid a terrible price.”

"Yes.", he nodded thoughtfully, "Hmm!  Imagine him inflicting these same horrors on his own countrymen!  That goes to show you, doesn't it, the kind of man, or rather a monster, he is.  Millions upon millions were needlessly slaughtered on a grand scale unimaginable, too horrendous to describe."  Hugen ground his teeth in disgust.

"But then, the greater the civilization the more despicable, the more savage, the more barbaric would be its inevitable devastating downfall and ruin." Uyuk interjected scornfully.

"But wait, worst was yet to come." Hugen impatiently held out his hand. “Be patient with him.” he inwardly admonished self, for he knew Uyuk was, after all, just spurting out rhetoric in vain attempt to mask his ignorance and to appear somewhat knowledgeable.

 

(END OF SECTION  15)

 

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE RENEGADE IMMORTAL - SECTION 13

Zaur Stugr remained pensively silent for a time; moreover, there was a marked skepticism in his narrowed, hard eyes that showed he was hitherto unconvinced.

01 A ZAUR STUGR JP (5)

Deizvor had been deemed until then, a mastermind linguist of the known world’s vernacular, and had furthermore, excelled in deciphering the most remote and varied indigenous groups’ sign-languages. This strange dialect which confounded (mystified) him, had to have been a most recent, ingeniously devised means of communication; if so, this warranted a prompt, in-depth (thorough) investigation into this matter. Kozurs’ linguistic team, soon put to the task, must decipher (decode) and then pass it on to their most trusted agents in Korion (and other foreign lands), before the predictable consequences could be amplified.

Zaur nevertheless curtailing his impatience sternly motioned for Deizvor to carry on with his report.

"Despite my exasperation I was reluctant to leave and stood my ground so as to note their every action.  At one point they received what looked to be a set of written instructions from him, one can only presume that it was, directive for their next assignment.  Unfortunately, after reading the contents and nodding their acceptance, they tore it in half and consumed it.  Then, at the apparent conclusion of their business, the contact thrust a money pouch (for future expenditures) into Hugen’s hand and summarily took his leave.  I debated, of course, whether to pursue this newcomer or to persist with the surveillance on those two birds (spies) who had their heads together and looked to be hatching more plots.  Also, I wanted to see where they would finally end up and if need be, arrange to have a backup to continue on with the shadowing, while I promptly returned to relay my report. "

"And this was done?"

"Yes, sir," Deizvor hastily imparted their present whereabouts.  "Even though their contact could not be traced, we had these two fully covered, sir.  They ‘ll be dogged wherever they go from now on."

Zaur looked down to hide the anger in his eyes.  “Fool!  They’d already found you out… They were playing you.”

“What a waste. You should have gone for reinforcements the moment they made contact and apprehended all three.”  But then, Zaur did not encourage that kind of initiative.  Deizvor, after all, had done exactly as he’d supposed to.

"When they switched back to Korionese what they said took me by complete surprise." Catching Deizvor ' excitement, Zaur Stugr looked up.

02- DEISVOR

Deizvor was shaking his head and had begun to whisper in a barely audible voice, "Now I know for certain the identity of the assassin.  The Kontu emissaries were grievously wronged.  It was all a diabolical deception concocted by no less than KeTizan, Chief Minister of our formerly trustworthy ally, Xexos."

"Xexos is it then?"  Zaur exclaimed in an incredulous voice, frowning; he was fast losing his patience. “It’s a pity your presence was detected.”  Relations between the subjugated Korion and Wenjenkun's catspaw, Xexos, had always been strained.  Zaur had already deduced that Korion was behind the plot and the lengths to which their spies went to feed the patently false information about Xexos only strengthened his suspicion.

"Yes, sir, Xexos …  They were behind it all.  Who would have thought it?  Nevertheless, we now have sure confirmation of that fact."  Deizvor checking his rising doubt, nevertheless, went on to repeat, word for word, the ingeniously implanted evidence the spies had fed him.  "These Korion spies, I later learned through discreet investigation of the sources they alluded to in their conversation, were part of an independent body of observers and couriers.  Wizened to the plot against Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek, they had been sent on to obtain a firsthand report of the developments in our country."

“At best it is more likely that they were sent here to get an independent view of the actions taken by Korion's emissaries and relay it back to their King without delay.  In the worst-case scenario, they probably had orders to assassinate those same emissaries should things go awry.” Zaur Stugr inwardly scoffed.  “Xexos, indeed…  As if we would be so gullible; so easily be duped into fighting their border wars for them.  Would they never learn?”  Zaur continued to listen with remarkable restraint to Deizvor s' specifics about the supposed conspiracy, mildly amused at times, by the tale they’d spun.  Once Deizvor had finished Zaur promptly dismissed him without comment and had just finished preparing for a return to his office when the arrival of a special courier was announced.

This night had been particularly long, too long.  Zaur’s temples throbbed, and he rubbed them absentmindedly to relieve the pressure building up then looked up to acquiesce sternly, "All right, bring him in."

The courier was briskly ushered in.  He advanced smartly all the way in, to abrupt halt before the desk.  He bowed respectfully then, reaching into his inner pocket, withdrew an envelope which he presented to Zaur.

Zaur Stugr briefly examined the familiar seal for tampering and smiled.  It was from one of his best recruits.  "How is he?" he asked the courier, studying the man's reaction from the top of his downcast eyes.

"He anticipated your question, sir, and bade me to tell you that he is faring handsomely, having made great strides.  He hopes to furnish you with more proof in the coming days that is if his proposal goes through smoothly, without undue hindrance from the one he said you would know."

Zaur Stugr appeared pleased with this cryptic message and, with a closed smile, relayed an equally esoteric (arcane) reply of his own before he dismissed the courier.  When he was sure he was alone he broke open the seal, took out the letter from its covering (envelope) and unfolding it, avidly devoured its contents.

“Confound it!”  The smile of a moment ago quickly turned into a frown.  His hunches, it seemed, had been right on.  Zaur had hoped that, for the first time, he might have been proven wrong, but the letter had only confirmed his suspicions.  With a furrowed brow, Zaur Stugr took his angry stare away from the page.

This is quite serious, indeed.  He shook his head.  Why, in all this time, with all the spies they had planted in that region, why hadn’t one of them detected anything till now?  How could such a competent group simply miss out on an event of this magnitude?  This was not something that happened overnight.  An army was being raised, for Heaven's sake!  How could such a thing remain undetected, furthermore, so completely hidden for that length of time?

Zaur Stugr had absolute confidence in his men; he knew they could not be bought, threatened, or coaxed into shirking their duty.  This meant that at some prior point this group’s cover had been blown and, besides being kept in the dark, they too had methodically been fed misinformation.  Infuriated by this temporary setback, Zaur wearily leaned his back into the plush chair and closed his eyes in deep contemplation; after a spell, his attention back on the letter, he picked it up and perused (more meticulously) every minutest detail, seeking to uncover well disguised, subtle nuances. Zaur’s elation was short lived, and his expression grew even more solemn as he reflected on the specific, supposed happenstances of the last six months. The letter had affirmed his suspicions of Korion’s ultimate hidden agenda (objective) with its long-term implications.  In the months to come, Wenjenkun would become inexorably drawn into deepening conflict with Kontu with ever widening consequences.  Korion would do its best to see to that.

“All right.” in the end he nodded self-consciously as he committed the letter to the embers of an incense burner kept close by for just such a purpose.  “I can't just deal with this matter on my own, not when the nation's security is in jeopardy. I must find a subtle, an ingenious way to broach the subject and inform Lamont Gudaren of this dangerous development.”

Leaning back, he again closed his eyes and pondered on the concern: whether Wenjenkun would withstand a lengthy and costly war of attrition with an equally determined and decidedly warlike state such as Kontu. Moreover, Kontu had access to ample rich resources in the well fortified northern islands and was now bent on extending its horizons onto the main body of the continent.

03-DENG HEDENKO (27)

Zaur was all too familiar with the unsurpassed tactics of Hedenko's past conquests: his brilliantly executed strategies, his diplomatic manoeuvrings, and his ingenious offensive campaigns.  Zaur had kept himself apprised of Kontu's recent status of an emerging imperial nation, and the fact that its economic power and military prowess, in a short while would reach its zenith. Their political stability was another consideration in comparison to Wenjenkun. Emperor Deng Hedenko was a competent, strong, and quite ruthless leader, much like Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek.  Once a rapacious ruler sets his sights on a verdant objective, he would be virtually unstoppable.  It was a foregone conclusion that any targeted nation would be swallowed into the raging forge of their conquered domains or wiped entirely from the very face of History.

Zaur could not, of course, underestimate Wenjenkun's resilience and equally predatory Zakhertan Yozdek’s resourcefulness; but the Nation (State) and the Imperial family’s interests at present had detrimental rifts. To boot, there were strong factions entrenched in the core government, who would seize this golden opportunity to make a short-sighted deal with the new devil to attain (gain) more power. 

What concerned Zaur most, however, was the superiority of Kontu's armaments, the recent technological advances they had made in metallurgy and weaponry.

Rising to his feet, with his hands clasped behind him, Zaur Stugr paced the room then, wheeling about suddenly and with bold strides marched right out the door. 

Perched on the roof Nevetsecnuac, had eyed Zaur's obvious inner turmoil, with perplexity.  Noting the fact that the first light of the new day would be upon them soon, he abandoned the idea of following Zaur from his offices and instead headed directly back to his own sleeping quarters.

                                                                        ~

 

Zaur Stugr’s speculations about Hugen and Uyuk meanwhile had been right on the mark (dead right).  Having discerned earlier on, the presence of the eavesdropper, the two spies had safeguarded their actions and deliberately imparted misinformation to throw the snoop Deizvor entirely off course.  Moreover, both being masters of disguise and possessing superb stamina and martial prowess, they had also successfully shaken off their latent ardent pursuers and were now headed, unencumbered, once more in the direction of Korion.

Despite an intense countrified alert for the two spies, Hugen and Uyuk had eluded capture simply by journeying in the broad daylight and passing through endless checkpoints perfectly disguised as a merchant couple (as man and wife).  But the disguise carried its own drawbacks as, more times than Uyuk cared to remember, he had been hit upon (sexually manhandled) by the licentious guards. It took great restraint on his part not to pulverize these offending sentries; they were instead mollified, by dispensing bribes along with the hint of future compliance. 

Then came a period when, in the interest of making good time, they had opted for the shortcut routes of Hugen’s choosing and traversed through isolated, especially rough and perilous terrain; where which they had more than once, encountered, not only wild, carnivores’ beasts but also marauding bandits who had them pegged for an easy prey.  After locking horns with these two undercover agents the bandits, however, were the ones who were disarmed, disgraced, and then robbed of what little valuables they carried.  The bested and badly wounded brigands scurried off in fear of their lives like the rats they were, tail tugged between their hind-legs, morbidly ashamed to ever recount of the encounter.

04- HUGEN (45)jp

Being adept at surviving under the harshest conditions, Hugen deemed (considered) all these arduous, hair-raising experiences as trifling adventures.  For him the journey was a breeze, it was going off without a hitch and through it all he hummed a tune of some song.

Uyuk, on the other hand, held a much different opinion. His strong constitution weathered the hardships with ease all right, but these were seen by him as an unnecessary imposition.  He was a pragmatist and valued his comfort whenever he could get it; hence, he increasingly became resentful of Hugen’s obstinate eccentricities.   

 

(END OF SECTION 13)