LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE STATE OF THINGS - SECTION 4

Lu, unaware of Nevetsecnuac’s inner query, took another sip of water from the cup and then continued on with his recounting (relating) the past, tragic set of events: "Her husband, Kenneth Birger, though a man of mild nature, in fact quite timid, was still so outraged, so incensed that, with the letter still clutched in his hand, he took his grievance straight to Lord Shonne Gulbrand, not much caring for the consequences.  I suppose he had really loved her.”

01- KENNETH BIRGER

“Dwenng denied the charges for all he was worth; even producing witnesses to lie about his whereabouts saying he was instead attending another function. Dwenng validated this bogus facade through sham testimonies of others who repeated falsehoods all in all to slander her good name and to drag it through unimaginable filth in order to establish her as a wanton hussy.  He even went so far as to frame another man, who resembled him, to justify his supposed innocence and establish a claim of mistaken identity.  Had it not been for the Lord's discernment, good judgment and his ability to trick a confession out of Dwenng in the court under oath, justice would never have been served, and another innocent fellow would have instead suffered the consequences.  As it was the framed man was cleared and released with a small stipend from Dwenng's estate to ease his suffering.”

02-LORD SHONNE GULBRAND (7)

“Lord Shonne Gulbrand was relentless in his pursuit of truth. When all came to light, Dwenng was charged with attempted rape, trespassing and extortion. His sentence was prescribed by law. He was severely beaten until his flesh hung in tatters, and he was branded with the mark of the adulterer.  No one foresaw that, before his transfer to the provincial prison to serve his incarceration for twenty years, Dwenng would bribe the guards and effect (prompt, make)) his escape.  Lusting for vengeance, armed with the incriminating documents of Lord Shonne Gulbrand's intended rebellion, he made straight for the Capital and in close court presented them to Zakhertan Yozdek.”

"Though Zakhertan Yozdek was infuriated, he nevertheless knew of Lord Shonne Gulbrand’s moral might and influence.  Not wishing for an all-out, open rebellion at this juncture or to give the least provocation for swift retaliation from such a powerful Lord, Zakhertan opted instead to entrap the prey and eliminate all trouble at the root.  And so, Zakhertan’s subterfuge was to suppress this incriminating evidence and detain the villainous nephew, Dwenng, until the Anniversary date of Zakhertan’s coronation.  At which time an elaborate ceremony was planned, compelling all important aristocrats and notables of the Empire to attend with customary gifts, to profess or renew their vow of allegiance to His Majesty in person.  Lord Shonne Gulbrand, his beautiful wife Lady Bergdis and other close family members would be among the attendees.”

“On that faithful day, all through the ceremony and the ensuing celebrations nothing untoward was said or done to alarm the prey.  But at the conclusion of the festivities the Lord and his immediate family were promptly rounded up and brought before Zakhertan Yozdek to be formally charged with treason. During their brief incarceration, even before the commencement of the trial, the vast elite force, waiting in the wings in a neighboring province, on cue invaded Lord Shonne Gulbrand's lands in Moulon and decimated all that stood in their way. Thousands were slaughtered indiscriminately, land scorched, and historical structures wantonly pulled down. After this killing spree, nearly all livestock and crops were laid to waste.” 

“Back at the Capital, where the rule of law could not be so easily ignored, Lord Shonne, after a brief show trial, was secretly offered leniency in his punishment and, more importantly the (permanence) endurance of his bloodline, if he divulged the present whereabouts of Lord Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon and the infant Prince. When Lord Shonne adamantly refused, however, his Lordship’s persecution took on a brutish turn. Lord Shonne chained to a wall in the imperial dungeon, was subjected to endless hideous tortures in order to wring the location from him, but no word escaped his Lordship’s noble lips. Since they failed to break his resolve, Zakhertan next targeted Lord Shonne’s beloved family. Before his very eyes his precious son and daughter were choked to death with a silken rope.  Lord Shonne's elderly maternal uncle, meanwhile, was dashed against a hedge of swords.”

“Earlier still, Zakhertan Yozdek had arranged for a private audience with his younger sister Lady Ingrit and tried to persuade her Ladyship to turn against her husband. Zakhertan even tried to coax (cajole, inveigle) her into divulging the whereabouts of the missing price, to spare her husband the ultimate pain and torture. But her ladyship’s deep affection and loyalty towards her husband was unwavering; her staunch resolve infuriated Zakhertan and so, Lord Shonne’s beautiful wife, Lady Ingrit, was dragged into the dungeon (like a common criminal) and cruelly beaten to death before him with iron rods and clubs. Courageously, to her last breath she had cursed her brother Zakhertan and encouraged her beloved husband to not give in.  After all that, plus other unspeakable atrocities, when Lord Shonne still would not give them what they sought, he too was severely beaten until all his bones were broken and then publicly executed.  They hung his decapitated head at the main gate as a lesson to all would be rebels.”

“Zakhertan Yozdek was so incensed that he ordered the total extinction(obliteration) of Lord Shonne Gulbrand’s clan, down to the last member. Even the servants were killed.” 

Cupping his face in his hands, Lu gave way to a storm of tears until his sorrow was spent.  Then, drying his eyes, he added, "Yes, the Lord's perfect countenance we have just witnessed testifies to the mercy of Heaven and attests to the truth of that old saying, 'Benevolence in Life brings Beauty in the afterlife'.  The traitor Zakhertan Yozdek will not be so lucky.  If only someone could succeed in killing that, Demon!  Countless have tried, but to no avail.”

"As for Dwenng, the wretch, at least he paid for his treachery with his ignominious end.  May he rot forever in Hell!  Oh, how he squirmed like a pig, impaled on a spear in the City’s marketplace, but some would say, including me, even that was too lenient a punishment for one so vile as he.  The cursed swine!  Did he really think he could get away with what he had done?"  Knitting his brows and raising a clenched fist, Lu spat on the floor.

"Our small contingent, upon returning from the mission, witnessed too late the evidence of Zakhertan's wrath. But we avenged ourselves on the garrison commander of Zakhertan's forces in this province.  After leaving his head stuck to a sow in a pigsty outside his camp, we parted company forever.  I, myself, retraced my steps to where I had parted with Your Majesty and Lord Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon in the hopes of offering His Lordship my services once more, but it was to no avail.  Now you are here, let me offer you my fealty, my Prince."  Lu's eyes burned with rekindled fire.  "I realize I'm not as nimble as I used to be, but I still have a few good years of service left in me.  I can still fight.  I will follow you faithfully, Your Highness, to the ends of the world, not fearing death.  Please allow me this chance."

Not wishing to fatigue the old man any further with reasons as to why he must stay put, Nevetsecnuac pretended to agree to let Lu accompany him to the Capital. 

Then, noting the old soldier's drooping eyelids, he encouraged him to recline on the bed once more and get some rest.

"All right", Lu consented, "I'll lie down for just a bit, but I will not sleep.  There is so much I still want to tell you. So much we must do in preparation for…."  His words drifted off to an inaudible mumble, his eyes closed and soon with his shallow breathing it became clear that he was lost to all-encompassing slumber.  Nevetsecnuac rose, affectionately covered Lu with a quilt then with pensive eyes watched Lu sleep for some time.

Borrowing Lu's meager writing implements, he composed a brief letter telling of his gratitude to this old warrior, giving his reasons for not allowing Lu to accompany him and asking his forgiveness. To foster hope, Nevetsecnuac then urged Lu to keep in good form in ready anticipation of that future time when, once Nevetsecnuac had achieved his goal, he would send for him.  He then bade his fond farewell to the old soldier.  He withdrew his money pouch from his sash and left a goodly portion of the contents beside Lu's bed wrapped in the letter.

Before dawn the rain tapered off then, at the first light of day, stopped altogether.  Appearing only as a shadowy figure, Nevetsecnuac snuck out of the city gates and, reaching the Inn where he’d checked in earlier, ordered a small breakfast, quickly settled his account then had Fiery Comet saddled.  He rode back to the small, wooded area outside the gates where he had buried Lord Asger's sword.  Again, with the sword slung on his back and concealed under the cape, he vaulted back onto Fiery Comet and fell into a canter towards the Capital.

It was mid-morning when Lu woke with a start.  His eyes eagerly searched for the prince but there was no trace of him. Understanding what had happened he cursed himself endlessly for eating and drinking so much the night before.  Consequently, the deep slumber had robbed him of the chance of a lifetime. With a sinking heart he scrambled to his feet.

Lu shook his head and stamped his foot thinking, now it would be far too late to track his Liege.  Then his eyes fell on the small bundle on the table, he unraveled it.

Tears coursed down his cheeks like rain onto the page he was reading, smudging some of the writing but, when he reached the last line, hope sprang up once again in his heart and he quickly wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. Thankfully he raised the note to his lips, and then as caution dictated, he went over to the fire and reluctantly fed the paper to the flames. 

Another kind of fire burned in Lu now and he paced the room to and for with his heart pounding as he mumbled, "I must get in shape.  I must get in shape."  Finally halting for breath, he threw his arms up into the air and shouted in a resounding voice, "Oh, blessed Heaven, I'm alive again!"

 

(END OF SECTION 4)

 

THE ASSASSINS - SECTION 11

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE ASSASSINS - SECTION 11

 

Lord Wutenzar Thuxur Marrog Zhon, true to his word, in the ensuing months had spared no expense in the effort of exonerating Sorgun Dufo.

Before long the news reached them that Lord Wutenzar’s able men, through their persistence and prodding, through bribes dispensed covertly, and despite the fact that Lord Wutenzar Thuxur Marrog Zhon had no jurisdiction or influence in Fukken province, had brought down the barriers of stiff opposition to finally uncover the hidden facts (evidence) pertaining to this case.  What's more they had managed to procure irrefutable proof of Sorgun's innocence and used this to force the local authorities to reopen the investigation.

It so happened that Sorgun's father, Kerek, in his shame, had indeed forced his daughter-in-law Linnsar to commit suicide then, after writing a letter of confession and begging forgiveness from Sorgun which he left in his study to be discovered, had taken his own life with one cut to the throat.

 Fortunately for Sorgun the trusted Steward Alec, who had discovered the bodies when Minakos came to call the next day, managed through his quick wit and sharp eye, to sneak a peek at the contents of the letter over Minakos’s shoulder as latter broke the seal and read it.

The Steward Alec had been constrained however, perhaps out of fear, to keep his tongue when Minakos with his false exclamation (shriek), declared that the content had pertained to him and that it had only been about an insignificant, trivial matter- then crumbled it and cast it into the fire.

 

01- ESQUIRE MINAKOS VIDART

The ambitious Minakos, seizing this rare, golden opportunity, from then on had conspired to buttress an ironclad case against his own nephew Sorgun, who had disappeared, to convict him of many grievous crimes, foremost being patricide.

 With his suspicious nature Minakos had kept the steward in line with his close scrutiny and insinuated threats as he spread damaging rumors (hearsay) and bogus accusations same time planted incriminating evidence to support his fabricated version of the events leading up to the now perceived case of multiple murders and abduction.

Rumors fanned by Minakos' hirelings spread quickly far and wide, that Sorgun in a jealous rage, had killed them both and kidnapped his own son, legitimate next beneficiary, as a hostage to be used if he was threatened.

At the corrupted inquest Minakos' testimony directing all blame towards Sorgun was corroborated by others who he had surreptitiously bribed or intimidated.  As they dragged Sorgun's name through the mud he quickly became the most hated, despised criminal in the history of the Fukken province.

 Leaving nothing to chance, Minakos bribed many of the key officials to exert influence on the Magistrate Kokos to pronounce the appropriate guilty verdict despite the absence of the accused. 

02- MAGISTRATE KEKOS

Aside from covertly hiring a number of experienced thugs to comb the province and assassinate his nephew, Minakos Vidart so far as to lavish rare gifts on the provincial Governor Toku, under the pretext of asking, as the future head of the Dufo clan, his invaluable help in quickly putting an end to this shameful, scandalous episode.

 The underlying motives of this request had positively confirmed the Governor's suspicions about this case, but he pretended to consider the matter further to extract more benefit from Minakos.  In fact, Toku had carefully weighed the untold rewards he could reap from granting the incumbent Esquire his wish against the unlikely repercussions of enacting such an irregular procedure.

 In the end, when he deemed, he had wrung enough out of Minakos, he had reluctantly agreed to turn a blind eye to justice and pressured Magistrate Kokos to forgo the normal procedures and expeditiously wrap up the case.

The indignant steward Alec, having served the clan practically all his days, out of fear for his life and with nowhere else to go had swallowed this great injustice done to the rightful heir of Esquire Kerek Dufo and, painful as it was, maintained his silence.

03 -STEWARD ALEC

 At the inquest Alec was further   constrained to mechanically parrot the slanderous, erroneous accounts leading up to multiple murders, as dictated to him by Minakos.  He'd sporadically choked on the words but delivered them just the same, then Minakos Vidart on to serving his new, shrewd master, who had readily seized all power and had assumed the title of Esquire even before the case was settled.

 The steward's fear of Minakos was so great that it took a great deal of persuading and reasoning   by Lord Wutenzar Thuxur Marrog Zhon's agents to get at the truth.  When Sorgun surrendered and was placed in custody, Alec had retracted his former testimony at the retrial under Magistrate Kokos and moreover confessing to his impropriety (misconduct), revealed the true contents of the letter Minakos had destroyed.

This, however, instead of clearing Sorgun, was quickly overturned as it had been the case with other submitted irrefutable evidence as dubious dispositions. Esquire Minakos' supporters arguing the case successfully had the steward's testimony thrown out, discredited as hearsay from a presumably deranged mind, overwrought as he was proclaimed to have been by the tragic loss of his former master.

 On top of that, Alec was accused of now maligning   his present master because of his recent chastisement over a rather despicable, of course fabricated, incident.  The Magistrate, however, had seemingly shown leniency in view of the steward's insanity and passed a sentence of only ninety hard strokes for Alec’s false deposition in court and had him sent away.  Shortly afterwards, the steward's sudden, suicidal death was pronounced as a matter-of-factly at court as just recrimination.

Meanwhile, Lord Wutenzar Thuxur Marrog Zhon on his way to the Capital Channing, was apprised of the developments in Fukken province through his fast couriers and able spies.  Reaching the Capital, the Lord's first initiative had been to directly petition the Metropolitan Censorate to appoint an independent commission to oversee Sorgun Dufo's case, pointing out the irregularities and the gross miscarriages of justice in its handling.  Being bogged down with more pressing issues, however, the Censorate underestimated the depth of the corruption, summarily ordered the Provincial Governor Toku Neron, to investigate the case once more.

04- PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR TOKU NERON

 The Governor Toku Neron, who had pressed for the previous judgment even in the absence of the accused, simply went through the motions instructing the Yeko Prefecture to conduct a new investigation.  On the sly, Toku lost no time in informing Esquire Minakos of the pesky interference of Lord Wutenzar Thuxur Marrog Zhon and demanded the Esquire use his ample resources and part of the vast fortune now at his disposal to do a more thorough job on the (conspiracy) cover-up.  Meanwhile, in view of the petition and newly presented evidence, the death sentence on Sorgun was temporarily postponed until the successful conclusion of this third judicial inquiry.

Esquire Minakos' sources in (Imperial Capital) Channing had all independently confirmed these dangerous developments; furthermore, they had unilaterally reported the Lord's unyielding persistence and his relentless stand on this issue.  Every avenue had been exhausted, they claimed, but Lord Wutenzar Thuxur Marrog Zhon could neither be bribed nor intimidated. 

Esquire Minakos' tentacles reached far and wide, right into the very jail in which Sorgun languished.  Still, he could do very little to harm the scholar, let alone stage another suicide, as Sorgun had been, from the first, closely guarded by the Lord's competent men.  Neither could Minakos, despite his best efforts, reach the child Kundrick to inflict injury or kidnap him to hold as hostage to break Sorgun's defiant will.

Esquire MInakos did the next best thing and, by once more underhandedly dispensing generous bribes, had gotten Nuer of Yeko prefecture to collude with the Magistrate Kokos.  They both simultaneously submitted another detailed report stating that no injustice had been done; in fact, there were no irregularities whatsoever in the case under review.  Furthermore, pretending that it had just been obtained, they had furnished their report with more indisputable proof and had asked that, without any further delay, the Magistrate to be allowed to mete out justice to the guilty party.

When word reached the Lord through a good friend that the Censorate was now considering overturning   the Lord's protests, Lord Lord Wutenzar Thuxur Marrog Zhon at once wielded his power and influence to secure an audience with, and promptly memorialized, the Throne. 

This time, armed with all the proof exposing the most recent dirty dealings of Esquire Minakos, the Governor General, Provincial Governor Toku, Prefect Nuer and Magistrate Kokos and the whole host of others, he proposed that the Board of Punishments intervene directly.  His proposal was accepted.

Chinzo Doken, the Minister of Punishments, took personal charge of this most grievous matter.  After reviewing all the documents and submitted pertinent evidence, old and new, Chinzo Doken became duly concerned at the apparent widespread corruption in Fukken Province.

 It so happened that the central government had been for some time considering the appointment of a Commission to expose the bad elements which were sapping, crippling the strength of the nation. 

The courtiers advocating change jumped at the opportunity to exploit this case and pushed for more severe measures and tighter controls to make the border provinces more accountable to the central government.

 All involved were, without exception, summoned to the Imperial Capital to be interrogated at length by the Grand Council with the cooperation of the Board of Punishments.

Since murder was at the root of this matter, it was decided that, in order to get at the true facts, the only alternative was an autopsy on the deceased. 

So, after an internment of nearly four years, the corpses of Esquire Kerek Dufo and his daughter-in-law Linnsar Dufo were exhumed and brought to Capital Channing for a second, more thorough, examination.

Fortunately, due to the arid, cold climate of Fukken Province, the bodies were remarkably well preserved.

05- MINISTER OF PUNISHMENT, CHINZO DOKEN

The autopsy was conducted under the watchful gaze of Minister Chinzo Doken and his competent assistants.  A careful, rather fastidious examination by the coroners took into consideration the angle of the cuts as well as the previously overlooked minor lacerations, bruises and internal injuries.  Their findings tallied perfectly with the facts as related by Sorgun.  Their report concluded that Esquire Kerek Dufo and his daughter-in-law Linnsar Dufo's deaths were both due to self-inflicted wounds, therefore a suicide.  Sorgun's innocence was established once and for all.

When the Grand Council and the officials on the Board of Punishments cross examined Esquire Minakos Dufo, Governor Toku, Prefect Nuer, Magistrate Kokos and the rest they all, after being subjected to torture and interrogated at length, one by one pleaded guilty and confessed to their part in this grievous conspiracy. 

All were severely punished, jailed for life, demoted, stripped of office or exiled after confiscation of their property according to the degree of their involvement in the crime.  This, in one stroke, rooted out (purged, eradicated) the long existing corruption in Fukken Province.

Minakos, for tampering with evidence, and murder of the steward Alec as well as his purposeful manipulation and misdirecting of the facts, perjury, intimidation, extortion, bribery and corruption of government officers among a host of charges, received extreme due punishment.

In the public square of Fukken Province he was quartered by four oxen.  His immediate family, consisting of his wife, Dijek, daughter Mirek aged seven, and son Enkaz aged three years were stripped of all wealth and power, given the tattoo of the criminal on their left cheek, then, with only the clothes on their back and a bag of dry grain, were driven out of Fukken Province then Wenjenkun forever.

Soon after being entirely exonerated, Sorgun was re- installed in his rightful position in Fukken Province.

                                                                                  ~

 

(END OF SECTION 11)