13- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR - SECTION 4

 Lord Asger was warily (cautiously) concerned by the stranger’s unstable, irresolute  conduct particularly since it became quite evident from his sheer exasperation that some mystical force had overtaken control of his physical and mental faculties (free will). Asger therefore, quietly now considered moving the stranger, soon as he’s able (and his weaken state improved) to the barn, to ensure safety of his three charges (Tequob and the twins).

 

01- LORD ASGER THUXUR MARROG ZHON (173) - JP

Lord Asger had not been too far off in this assumption; actually, since before the stranger’s arrival at the cabin, his mental state, more specifically his soul, had been incessantly trapped (caught) in a dire, despondent struggle (battle) for dominance with a malevolent spirit bent on utter possession of his very being.  Now in his further enfeebled (debilitating) state because of the side-effects of the medicine coursing through his veins, even with his indomitable spirit, he had struggled hard but in vain, to override the combined effects of the evil potent force and the linctus (remedy)steadily depleting his resistance. His cognizance, his grasp on reality gradually abating (diminishing), he eventually was overpowered by it and subsequently, hopelessly, succumbed (capitulated) to its abysmal (execrable) control!

Asger, despite his misgivings, for the time being pushing it aside, had indulgently smiled then placed a gentle, conciliating (mollifying) hand on the stranger’s shoulder and kindly advised him: “Do not fret or fight the effects of the drug.  You are safe; best you conserve your physical energy for now and surrender (give in) to sleep! We can address your cognitive (mental) and spiritual, difficulties later (all in good time), never fear.”

Having so persuaded the patient to again lie down, Asger was about to head out the door when the stranger just then mechanically turning his head, ejected in a gurgling sound, “I’m parched (thirsty)…. T…”  His subsequent words unfortunately were too indiscernible (Incomprehensible).

“You wish to have some Tea?” Asger (turning around) reeled in surprise to question the stranger, to reaffirm what he had thought he had heard was in fact correct. (right)

“Yes please,” the stranger nodded, “and if you’d be so kind, Lord Zhon, I would be most honored (and obliged) indeed, if your Lordship were to join me!” The stranger had appeared quite lucid just then when he had uttered those words, before lapsing again into a state of apparent confusion.

Asger again momentarily brushing aside his trepidation and inner foreboding, nodded his ascent; but before exiting the room, he discreetly retrieved the miniature flagon (flask) containing a potent sleeping potion from his medicine bag.  

At outside, he shook his head to dispel his dark thoughts, knowing he would deal with whatever may come. Judging by the extent of the stranger’s injuries, the source of them, some not being elusive at all, Asger could accurately determine his past terrible ordeals, which offered at least in part, an explanation for the stranger’s deranged state of mind. The sword, meanwhile, was meant to reassure Asger of his trustworthiness. The stranger obviously held in his brain (been privy to) vital information yet to be communicated, this constraining Asger hence, to be both patient (tolerant) and tactful.

One thing was for certain however, while the stranger, presumed scholar, was in that weakened state with his chaotic mind affecting hazard (menace) to self and anyone else, he had to be somehow, at some point, confined (restrained).

Asger, with such ponderance, had walked over to the hearth (fireplace)and with a small protective cloth he reached for the iron pot’s (teapot) hot handle; the pot was already filled with boiling water with steeping tea leaves within it. This brewed fresh pot of tea was then further allocated (dispensed, shared out) into two different size porcelain carafes (vessels, decanters): the large one resting on the centre of the table and then the smaller pot alongside the three empty cups already positioned on the silver tray. Asger added the wooden spoons next to each of the three bowls filled to the brim with steaming porridge and then quickly took all of it straight into Tekuob’s room. As she and the children were still sounding asleep, not daring to disturb them, he quietly placed the tray on the night table and exited the serene premises by gently closing the door behind him.

 

02- THE SCHOLAR STRANGER - JP

He was surprised (shocked) to find the outlandish scholar this time seated at the table in the main hall, with no signs of past ordeal (no visible lacerations or bruises on face or body, hair perfectly combed, waring a different and spotless attire), brazenly having already helped himself to a cup of tea, from the larger pot on the table. The flask containing the sleeping potion, clearly untampered, in plain sight rested on the same table.

 

The scholar, furthermore, having quite unabashedly helped himself to an ancient manuscript and, appearing very much at home, was presently pouring over the segment of the scroll.  Asger’s prized possession sprawled all over the kitchen table lay dangerously close to the hot carafes and the clay jug that was filled to the brim with honey.  

Asger, naturally was taken back, nevertheless masking his unease he politely inquired: “Your astounding recovery afforded me some ease (comfort); however, you have me at a disadvantage sir, may I now know your name?”

 

The scholar with an unhurried manner rose to his feet, and then reverently prostrated himself before Lord Zhon.  His subsequent apologies quickly dispensed with; he formally introduced himself as the noted Scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald.  He followed it with his deep appreciation for the care he had received from Lord Asger Zhon, giving Asger full credit for his miraculous recovery. His subsequent brief account of his background (credentials) dispensed with; he was about to mention Nevetsecnuac when on second thought, he curtailed his tongue. He remained silent for a time, as though he was lost for words.  

 

Asger feigned being satisfied, signaled for scholar to take a seat and then with certain decorum (composure) sat down across from Fradel. Before he could question Fradel on how he came by Lord Zhon’s ancestor sword, or more importantly, about the wellbeing of Nevetsecnuac, right at this point Fradel interrupting him, sprung to his feet.

 

After Fradel’s exaggerated, respectful bow, and words, “Please forgive my presumption, Lord Zhon.” He quickly rolled up the rare manuscript and, going over, placed it back on the top shelf of the bookcase that was by the far wall. On his return, grimacing sheepishly then wryly, his eyes briefly had stayed at Tekoub’s door, then swept over the flask, before apologetically sitting down and then, helping himself to yet another cupful of steaming tea.

Asger, though he did not show it, was infuriated with himself for not detecting the underlying thread and letting in this danger inside; now he would have to exert (labour)much harder feat (act) to fix (resolve) this breach and prevent the anticipated sure peril. The fact that the Scholar Fradel had bypassed the security and the spun spell that had guarded the premise from malevolent forces up till then, had secretly both alarmed and confounded (perplexed) Asger; meanwhile, overlooking Fradel’s purposely diverting, brazen audacity and seemingly inane erratic conduct, Asger had striven all this while to determine, without much success, the scholar’s perceived, hidden agenda.

 

03- LORD ASGER THUXUR MARROG ZHON   (90)JP

 

Fradel Rurik Korvald, after pensively consuming several sips of tea from his cup, raised his head only once, to address Asger with forced polite demeanor and to express his appreciation: “I must compliment you sir, on the excellent infusion!”

 It is the best I have had in a while. This rare brew is reserved for the exclusive use of Royalty; it must be imported from Kontu at exorbitant expense and trouble. The Scholar nevertheless masking these thoughts stole a quick glance at his host and then turned his attention back on the superb landscape scroll mounted at the far wall. An ancient masterpiece adorns his walls, as well; rare manuscripts, and this most exquisite tea, you lack nothing, do you? Fradel snorted; his head lowered.

 

The uneasy curtain of silence meanwhile had descended on them both for about three minutes as each had considered their subsequent moves. The tense atmosphere within was further compounded by the thrashing winds and pelting rain outside, as it drummed impatiently, incessantly on the cabin walls and on the roof.

 

Thankfully, Tekuob and the twins were still fast asleep. If only he had paid heed to Fiery Comet’s warning and to his innate intuition! What a complacent fool he had been!

Asger knew however that he had precious few minutes before he could swiftly and decisively affect (shape, modify) his plan to check this present, dire danger (circumstance). In his ponderance, Asger had distractedly poured himself a steaming cup of tea and then raised it to his lips.  

Oh no! He had detected the odd odor too late, after he had absentmindedly swallowed a mouthful and put the cup down. Throwing an angry, cursory glance at Fradel, Asger bolted from his seat just as the effects of poison were taking root and hastened to his room to validate his suspicion. He at once reached for his medicine bag and, retrieving it, he was about to rummage through the contents quickly when…

 

“You are looking for these?”  Fradel Rurik Korvald just then appeared at the door, hissed in a sinister voice as he held out the two slightly different dark grey miniature flasks for Asger to see. The darker grey flask contained the dreaded poison; the lighter shade one held the rare antidote for it.

“How…Why?” Was all that Asger (could manage) managed to eject (cry out) before the anticipated paralysis of the body set in. He remained, hence, as he was, speechless, unable to move a single muscle. In his catatonic state, because his cognitive function, the only one, had remained unaffected (not hindered or debilitated); his eyes showed the anxiety and rage that had swelled up from deep within him.

The scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald meanwhile smiling smugly, had closed the door behind him, then going over. He comfortably seated himself in the chair.

“How indeed!” He shrugged. Then suddenly his face turned hard, and with a venomous, contemptuous glare, he gritted his teeth. “I laced (tainted, spiked) the inside bottom of your empty cup with the poison, a single drop that was all it was needed; the potful of tea was quite safe.” He grinned maliciously.

 

04- SCHOLAR FRADEL  JP 5

Now in answer to your second query, “Why?”  He derisively ejected and then huffed. “I should be asking you that very same question! Why? Why have you betrayed me? For what? Duty? Misplaced loyalty? Honor? For that Princeling?” he growled.

“Have you any idea what you put me through my whole life?” Fradel’s voice now thundered with rage; that could not be assuaged.

“God damn you!” He hurled the poison flask smashing it to Smithereens on the floor, as the same time bolted from his seat. Going over next Fradel uncorked the lighter shade flask containing the antidote and, with a venomous sneer, he deliberately emptied the entire contents onto the floor. He coolly (coldheartedly) watched as the parched wooden planks thirstily absorbed (lapped it up) the last drop of hope and salvation for Asger.

“All gone!”  The incredulous tone of the contemptuous Fradel, infuriated Asger.

His defiant, threatening glare (eyes) however, further unleashed the scholar’s pent-up rage; Fradel squatting, his scowling face inches from Asger’s, he hissed venomously then hit him hard right across, with the back of his hand, bloodying Asger’s nose.  

 

 “I alone have the right to indignation, not you!”  Fradel barked.

 

The subsequent blows of his fist to Asger’s face turned Asger’s swollen face range of deep purple; there was such terrible ringing in his ears now, his head swam and, from the cuts and lacerations in face, as well the split lip, copious blood oozed onto his chin and neck then down.

 

The brutal pressure of Fradel’s knee crushing (pressing) down on his chest meanwhile, had constrained Asger’s lungs in his bruised chest cavity, and he had labored for that precious intake of (breath) air! Ruthlessly constrained from retaliating, Asger became even more fearful for the welfare of Tekuob and the children.

This deranged lunatic; this vile, raving brute had to be stopped at all costs before he affected (brought) serious harm to them!  But how?

Asger indifferent to hurled insults and inflicted pain, had wracked his brain for an apt solution; however, despite his strong will, he had failed (been unsuccessful) to alter his dire circumstance (predicament). All he had managed thus far to do was to move his eyelids.

But Asger was not one to give up so easily; closing his eyes and according to ancient principles mastering his circumstance hence, he summoned his vital energy source from deep within him. Before he could utilize (direct) it, however, “Snap out of it!” A vicious kick followed by a sharp, searing pain across his chest just then, interrupted Asger’s revival and fitting retaliation.

The villainous Scholar, meanwhile, on second thought, had restrained (constrained) his urge to break every bone in Asger’s ribcage. Then his sinister gaze for a second fell on the Asger’s ancestral sword that had not yet been put away.  

 

“Patience!” Fradel pursing his lips, sneered. This singular pleasure will have to wait, as he needed this dastardly fiend alive for now!  

 

“Oh, but in the meantime, I shall enjoy tormenting your sanctimonious mind, and later, ….!” Chewing on the last set of words, he rancorously promised. “Shame will eat you up alive as you perish by slow degrees!”

 

Fradel’s subsequent sinister laughter made the hairs on the back of Asger’s neck stand on end and rage swelled within him anew. Nevertheless, Asger with a blank stare, turned his attention inward once more and focused on purging his heart (soul) of all human sentiment. Afterwards, to gain time, he would direct his will to slow down the effects of poison coursing through his vitals.

 

“Look at me!”  Fradel Rurik Korvald’s bark, however, once again interrupted Asger’s concentration. Fradel subsequently pressed his seething face right into Lord Asger Zhon’s and demanded (commanded), “I said, look at me! You cannot deny my existence any longer, maggot! I am here to make you answer for your crimes!”

 

 

 

  (END OF SECTION 4)

 

 

 

                                                                                            ~

 

 11- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - EVIL PERSONIFIED - SECTION 24

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

 

01-QARZTEN CAMUND (10)

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

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

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

 

02-SURVIVING FLOODS  (7)JP

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

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

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

 

03- ILLIGAL ACTIVITY- BIG COVERUP

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

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

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

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

 

04- OFFICIAL'S CORRUPTION WORSE THEN PIRATES

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

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

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

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

 

05- STEAN BAORAK

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

 

                                                                                        …

 

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

 

06- INSURGENTS ASSISTED BY GUANGWEIT (57)2

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

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

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

 

07-ARVID MAZDEAN OF GUANGWEIT

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

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

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

 

 

(END OF SECTION 24) 

LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC- THE STATE OF THINGS - SECTION 19

As predicted, it did not take very long before the unconscious scholar stirred.  Stifling a cough, Yagu sat erect, waiting with bated breath for the young man (Nevetsecnuac) to open his eyes.

The Scholar’s (Nevetsecnuac's) lips moved, but no sound ushered forth.  His eyes cracked open then, suddenly recalling his last moments (memories), he sat bolt upright.

"Take it easy, son." a friendly voice stopped him from jumping off of the bed.  "You might have had a concussion after that fall."

01- NEVETSECNUAC

Fortunately, Nevetsecnuac having just then regained his focus, turned his head in the direction of the voice and saw the old farmer whom he instantly recognized.  "How is it that you came to be here, sir?" He asked respectfully despite his surprise.  Then, feeling a gripping pain in the back of his head, he raised his hand absentmindedly to touch it; there was a big lump there, that correspondingly stained his fingers with a crimson hue.

Yagu Dorka, hummed and hemmed, as he arranged his thoughts and the consistent facts that would tally (correspond, parallel) with the yarn he was about to weave (knit, plait); but even before Yagu responded, Svein (Nevetsecnuac) had already grasped the situation and the reason why he had been spared, from an otherwise, certain doom.

Nevetsecnuac now discretely observed how Yagu’s difficult life had etched a few more lines on his face already scored with wrinkles. Despite his apparent ailment however, which anew threw the old man into another violent fit of coughing, he was still a hardy peasant and, not easily sapped of his strength.

Eventually, when Yagu's coughing subsided, “So, it is you! I thought as much." his eyes smarting, the old man forced a smile to his quivering lips and nodded.

 “Heaven be praised! Sir, you gave us such a scare when you fainted."  He pounded at his chest to relieve the congestion.

"Fainted? No.", Svein's voice was incredulous. “I was drugged,” he wanted to say more, but he stilled his tongue, for fear of further aggravating Yagu’s condition.

"Yes, yes, you're right, of course. You passed out, but it was not done on purpose, you know."  Yagu groped for words, then grimaced slightly, leaning back to explain in a sincere tone.  "You see, at my advanced age, I'm always beset with ailments of one kind or another.  I won't bore you with lengthy explanations of them all.  Only that, well, one of my medications, it was my fault, really for leaving it on the kitchen counter after I'd used it, and wouldn't you know it?  It was mistakenly, when I was absent, it was used by Kenny, my cousin’s, the Innkeeper’s youngest son, when he made your tea.  You see, the ingredients of this prescription bear an uncanny resemblance to the tea leaves we use, and the pots are of the same sort.  It's understandable that he could make that mistake.  I'm so very sorry."

Yagu spread his hands comically.

Likely story: you must think of me as a fool.  Nevetsecnuac was peeved; still not letting on, with outward calm equanimity, he listened on to the absurd (bizarre) explanation.

 "Any way, it’s one of its medicinal properties that it puts me to sleep."  Stifling a cough, he shook his head, "Yes, that stupid boy gave you my medicine by mistake but don't worry, it won't harm you none.  Not a big boy like you.  Or should I say "man" now?" 

Yagu started to chuckle, partly due to his attempt at humor, partly in relief, as he saw that Svein raised no objections to his fabrication.

 "You are married by now, are you not?"  He paused to note Svein's nod.  "You must tell me all about it later.  After all we've shared, we're practically kinsmen, are we not?"

 Yagu smiled sheepishly while taking such liberties.

 "I'm afraid all I've gotten is older, although I've picked up a little learning, thanks to my educated cousin here….”

"Well, anyway, you should have seen the commotion when you fainted, passed out, rather.  You gave us such a scare," Yagu slapped his knee jovially, "that is, until we found out what had happened to you.  I came in just as you passed out, you see."

Nevetsecnuac (Svein), now that the danger had passed, was both amused and entertained by Yagu's description of the supposed antics of the innkeeper's family.  He knew it was all invented, but Yagu had the individual's characteristics all in place, and embellished it with such detail, thinking, no doubt, that he was covering all angles.

"And if you're wondering how, it is you revived so quickly, well, that's easily enough explained," Yagu concluded, "we gave you another medicine, one I use to keep me on my toes.  You see, I tire so easily and there's so much to be done around here.  Yes sir, it did the trick and brought you around in a jiffy.  Luckily you had not drunk so much tea to begin with and you're such a healthy young man.  Well, I mustn't disturb you any longer.", slapping his knee, Yagu rose to go just as a tray of food was brought in by the grinning Aguda, who parroted the same story as the old man, even using the same turns of phrase Yagu had used except for the minor difference of substituting the word 'wine' for 'tea'.

"We'll talk at length tomorrow."  Yagu tugged at Aguda's sleeve, steering him towards the door to cut short his prattling.  "Yes, yes, and we'll introduce you to everyone tomorrow too, especially my grandson Lerty, he’s such a good boy and you are his benefactor, he must thank you personally! We both owe you so much.” Yagu affectionately smiled at Svein.

02- LERTY

“Yes, you’ll meet him tomorrow, because it’s too late now.” Yagu continued. “And besides, you should eat before your meal gets cold, and rest.  But don't hesitate to call out if you need anything else, son.  My room is right next to yours."  He pushed (shoved) his cousin Aguda the innkeeper outside and closed the door after them.

"What's the matter with you?"  Once outside, the old man wiped the beads of perspiration off of his forehead and looked scornfully at Aguda.  "You know, you really talk too much!  You nearly spoiled everything.  Didn't you eavesdrop on what I was telling him?"  Grumbling, he kept up the reproach as he led the way to the kitchen.

"I spoil everything.  You're completely without fault, I suppose?" Aguda gestured sarcastically then, closing the kitchen door to sneer spitefully.

"What?  What did I do that was so wrong?" Yagu jumped back down the other's throat with his questioning gaze.

Aguda glared back, resisting the urge to bellow, "How come you couldn't think of a better excuse than that one you gave?  You gave me dreadful fear back there."

"And what was wrong with it?  He bought it, didn't he?  I thought I was rather clever cooking up such a convincing story."

"Clever, perhaps," Aguda laughed coldly, "except that he drank no tea."

"NO TEA?"

"Shh!!!  Quiet!  You want him to hear you?" Aguda warned hotly.

"Then what was the teapot doing there on the table?" Yagu demanded angrily in a quieter voice.  "I know you're too cheap to spoil the wine or the food."

"Well, for your information, we'd spiked all three.  And no, he partook of no tea; it was too coarse for his liking."  Aguda snorted, wrinkling his nose.  "It was half a cup of wine, if that? But for certain, it was the spiked vittles that did the job."

"No tea?  No tea!  Yet he...  augh, Gods preserve me!" Yagu clutched at his chest, stymied, totally missing Aguda's ugly grimace.

 "Oh, I feel so ashamed!" he meekly ejected, looking to his cousin for some sympathy, some understanding.  "He knew all along that I was lying, yet..."

"Yet he allowed you to maintain your dignity." Aguda nodded coldly.  "Such finesse!"

"Such manners too, don't forget.  He's a most remarkable young man, isn't he?"  Yagu’s sigh rumbled in his chest like thunder.

03- YAGU DORKA

 "Oh, how I wish I'd had a son like him.  That boy will go far."  Again, he began to cough.  "You know, your boys can learn a lot from him."

"And what's wrong with my boys?" Aguda's eyes blazed with anger as he retorted hotly.

"Nothing…  No need to get so huffy about it.  I merely suggested that they take some lessons from this young man.", Yagu was cowed.  "You said yourself; he has such finesse.  Respect, isn't that what you meant by it?"

I said 'finesse', you fool! Aguda swore inwardly yet nodded his head in concurrence.  It's pointless to argue intelligently with this ignoramus.

"Yes, your boys do show respect to you, but not much to anyone else, certainly not to their stepmother Fiona."  Yagu threw a quick pitying glance at Aguda's young wife, toiling quietly in the corner then busied himself with the preparation of his own nightly potion.

Aguda's stern eyes scrutinized his wife briefly as a sinister, ugly smile played fleetingly across his face.  Deciding not to make an issue of it, he snorted and returned his attention back to Yagu. 

"It's your own fault if they show no respect to you, old buzzard. Aguda jumped in, not giving the other a chance to speak. “For, in all cases you must earn their respect first.” 

“All right, whatever you say...” Yagu was tired of constantly fighting Aguda, and as usual, let things slide.

 “Well then, so long as you see the error of your ways, “Aguda having won this round as well, softened. “Though now, I think I'd better go and lock up." Gloating in self-satisfaction, Aguda jumped to his feet. 

"You're going to be all right with that?" he asked his wife rhetorically as he headed out the door.

"Yes, yes, you go on ahead." she answered automatically.  "I'll secure the back door after I'm done here and dumped the..."  She saw he was gone.

04-FIONA (AGUDA'S YOUNG WIFE)

"You'd better go to bed, too, sweet child." Yagu said to Fiona kindly, once Aguda was absent.  "It'll wait until tomorrow."

"I've kept your supper warm, Uncle," the young woman assented, "shall I dish it out for you now?"

"No, no, dear.  You just go on ahead.  You must be exhausted, toiling all day without rest.  I'll serve myself."

When she'd left Yagu prepared himself a platter, careful to add an extra helping for his grandson, in case the poor boy had, once again, missed his dinner.

 

                                                                                     ~

After proper introductions at dawn of the following day, Svein informed Yagu of his wish to depart at mid-morning, even though the downpour had not ceased.  Of course, his host would not hear of it and, gaining reinforcement from the innkeeper and his brood, prevailed upon Svein all morning to delay his departure for at least a day or two.  The false, forced sincerity, however, made Svein long all the more to escape this den-of-deceit.

After having readied his luggage, he breakfasted in the large dining hall.  Yagu was still pestering him not to go when Kenny, the youngest boy, burst in, dripping wet to announce that he'd spotted another traveler headed in their direction.

Elatedly just then Aguda let it slip to Svein, how good fortune had smiled on them thrice this week that, this was their third customer in as many days, a rare occurrence indeed.  Seated across the table from Svein, Yagu sat with a lowered head, (chewing his lip and) hiding the serious concern that had suddenly registered on his pupils.

Presently Svein witnessed first-hand the stir, the commotion from within the inn as they prepared to welcome yet another potential (prey) customer.

Sometime later, Aguda, having seen every detail, beaming from ear to ear took up his position by the door and waited anxiously, all the while wringing his sweaty hands.

 As soon as the traveler made his appearance at the door, Aguda greeted him with the same, patented felicitations that Svein had received earlier on; but when, after the sweeping bow which Aguda typically used to accompany his congenial inquiry of the stranger's name- the larger than life,  fierce newcomer, had instead, fastening (pinning) his cold, disdainful eyes on the innkeeper had simply snorted:

"You may address me as 'Sir'."

Nevetsecnuac could not shake the sudden, foreboding feeling that their puny lives were no more than a mere annoyance to this superior being; as at same moment a deadly, oppressive shadow had instantly engulfed the entire premise, chilling everyone within, to the marrow.  This was no ordinary traveler; there was something potent, something so very lethal about him.

The red-faced Aguda, mumbling nonsense, looked about him, as if seeking a hole to crawl into, only to see the amused Yagu turning his face to the wall as the old man stifled a chuckle.

From his odd attire the stranger could be any number of things: a warrior ranger, a military guard, perhaps an advanced scout, or a lone messenger.  He was formidable enough, his large, framed body towered well over six feet in height and his fiery red hair and grizzled beard framed a pair of ice-cold blue gray eyes.

Shoving aside the glib tongued Aguda, who was intent on ushering him to a seat, he strode boldly over to a table of his own choosing by the rear window and squarely sat himself down. 

As he placed his impressive sword down on the table, he looked across his shoulder at Svein.  Their eyes briefly met.  He grimaced coldly, gave a brief nod of greeting then turned his gaze ahead once more.  He then withdrew a pouch, obviously full of cash, and laid it on the table beside the sword's scabbard.  In a non-nonsense manner, he demanded wine at once and some meat for breakfast.

Aguda hurried Kenny off to the kitchen to start his wife cooking the meat, then attempted, as he had so many times before, to impose himself on his guest.  Unlike other times, the innkeeper was severely rebuked and had to make a hasty retreat to the kitchen after his son.

“Greed makes people courageous, they say.”  Yagu succumbed to additional chuckles.

Aguda emerged shortly with a small jug of wine, not unlike the one Svein had been served, and all in smiles, approached the stranger once more.

"What is this, you dolt?" the stranger thundered.  "Are you hard of hearing or just stupid?

 I asked for a flagon."  With a sudden sweep of his hand, he almost knocked the wine and Aguda with it, to the ground.

 Aguda, with incredible agility, righted himself, managing to spill only a bit of it on his dark clothing.

"It was I who ordered the jug." Svein loudly interposed.  "Please bring it here."

"Oh, yours is coming, sir." Aguda forced a smile to his quivering lips.

 "This is but a complimentary draught for this gentleman while my son fetches his flagon.

"Don't insult our guest!" Yagu felt he must intercede and rushed over to grab the jug from Aguda's hand just before he was about to pour it into the stranger's cup.  He made a pretense of sniffing it. "This is too coarse…our apologies, sir."

 Turning to Aguda he glared, "This is only fit for us, not for such fine gentlemen as our guests.  I'll take it away."

The son then made a timely appearance on the scene with the flagon.  Seeing the seal was unbroken, Yagu relaxed and let the boy pass.  I don't know why I'd worried.  That tightwad would never taint that much wine.

Svein (Nevetsecnuac) disdainfully observed the exchange of looks between the two men, as Aguda held the kitchen door for Yagu.  Nevetsecnuac surmised how; once they were hidden from view, both would be locked in a heated row, with Yagu again obstinately opposing Aguda's diabolical attempt to claim yet another victim.  It was apparent that even his substantial gift to Yagu earlier had not alleviated Aguda's greed enough to deter him from more (acts of) murders.

Meanwhile, the stranger, indifferently, or perhaps unaware of the peril he was in, downed one cup after another in succession, his eyes fixed steadily outside the window.  Only when the flagon was emptied, he angrily pounded the table and howled like a wolf for more.  At once another flagon and the hot meal were rushed to him to calm him down before he brought the whole inn down around him.

Svein delayed his departure, captivated by this most intriguing stranger and, never doubting his prowess, wishing to see how he would deal with this danger.  Naturally Aguda could do little to affect his fiendish plan (scheme) and so, after the safe departure of the stranger, Nevetsecnuac bid his farewells and resumed his lonely trek towards the Capital.

Once more, deliberately choosing the remote, cross-country routes, he relentlessly, for old habits die hard, pushed onwards, taxing the steed's strength to cover great distances. This time, however, an odd sensation of being tracked persistently gnawed at him; yet, each time he looked around, taking the pains to avidly survey his surroundings, he detected nothing (zilch, nil, zero,) out of the ordinary to warrant extra caution.

                                                                                         ~

 

 

(END OF SECTION 19)