LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 25
Once outside, Frastos and Briac’s path led them hurriedly through bustling streets, intersections, and busy marketplaces. Turning eventually into the side streets, then alleys followed winding pathways that skirted the more dangerous neighborhoods until they eventually halted before the awesome gate of Guzor Temple.
 |
| 01- FRASTOS - JP 10 |
Frastos with some effort pushed open the creaking bronze gate that was flanked by two giant (menacing looking, fierce) marble door Gods and then stepped aside to allow Briac to enter the temple grounds first. Once inside, Briac, with an uneasy, unapplicable feeling suddenly gripping his chest cavity (certain trepidation suddenly gripping his chest) halted his step (stayed his footing) and then with vigilant (wary) eyes surveyed the dilapidated, totally devoid of soul (empty, deserted) courtyard. Suddenly, however, both Frastos and Briac had instantly found themselves facing an imposing veteran warrior (in his forties) wielding a cudgel; one who was far stronger and more agile than he let on, having manifested god knows from where, on the very scene.
"This area is
forbidden to all." He glared at
Frastos and Briac with equal hostility, as he stood firm menacingly blocking
their way. "Trespassing is
punishable by death. Heed my advice and
turn back at once then no harm shall befall you."
"Good sir, we are law
abiding citizens." Briac bowed
gallantly, "Of course we shall do as you say."
"As soon as we are
allowed to see the: “Plum blossoms that adorn the beauty passing under
them." Frastos hastily interjected
(cut in).
The warrior narrowed his
eyes and with the stern visage scrutinized (eyed) them both suspiciously for a
brief spell; subsequently, a curious wry smile registering fleetingly on his
lips, as he turned to address Frastos.
"Why didn't you say
so in the first place," he ejected in his strong, husky voice, nodding.
His effort at being
congenial clashed terribly with his fiery, hostile gaze.
 |
| 02 - WARRIOR GUARD |
"I suppose there is no harm in letting you take a peek. Please follow me, gentlemen," with a gesture of his hand he led them to the interior.
"I must ask you to
keep quiet next time. Let me do the
talking." Briac whispered, tugging on Frastos' sleeve as they were led in
tow.
They had passed under
several archways, had taken what seemed like a thousand turns, until they had
lost all sense of direction. After
descending an endless set of stone stairs, they suddenly found themselves in a
huge underground hall. Brilliant
frescoes adorned the walls. Scenes
depicted deities and sacrificial rites, so painfully detailed, so lifelike that
both Briac and Frastos cringed visibly despite themselves.
The warrior guard bade them wait in the center
of this great hall then disappeared swiftly behind one of a set of six great
doors.
He reemerged a moment
later with ten stout armed men in tow who swiftly surrounded Briac and
Frastos. "What business do you say
you have with us?" one, who looked to be their leader, stepped forward to
demand.
Again, Frastos jumped in
before Briac had the chance to speak, "I, Briac, have delivered here to
you, sir, the scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald himself, for just and due
elimination." He pointed at Briac.
The blood in Briac's veins
froze in fright. Understanding the
treachery, his face darkened in anger.
"You…" Before Briac had the chance to utter another
word, however, all ten stepped forward towards him and, in a choreographed
dance of steel, instantly cut him down to pieces, right where he stood, he was
dead before he could have another intake of breath (or exhale).
When it was promptly over,
"We thank you." their leader bowed to Frastos.
 |
| 03- LEADER |
"We've been monitoring your advance closely since the checkpoint at Zakoz and were on the point of launching a fool proof assault tonight. Now, instead, we will feast to our easy success since you so brilliantly spared us the trouble. I hope that you will enlighten us during our celebrations on how you successfully lured Fradel Rurik Korvald away from captain Zunrogo's protective custody and delivered him right into our lair.”
Frastos had, in fact,
hoped to leave immediately but he could see no way out.
He graciously consented,
though he knew that this meant his life would be forfeited. He had, however, accepted this assignment
despite the likelihood of this very outcome, so he trailed the Chief through
the six great doors to the banquet hall where the feast was to be held in his
honor.
He was quickly ushered to
a seat next to the Chief, which was a mark of privilege and, an apt tribute for
his rendered service tonight. The table was already set with mountain of meat,
all kinds of local delicacies, towering exotic fruit and countless jugs and
cups, all filled to the brim with variety of alcoholic brew (beverages).
 |
| 04- FRASTOS - JP 09 |
Frastos ate his fill and drank merrily; knowing that soon the news of the captain and two guards booking passage then sailing off on a riverboat would reach them and expose his deception. By then, however, Fradel Rurik Korvald would be safely away from their murderous reach, and he would have done his duty. All he could hope for now was an honorable and glorious, swift death. Looking around him, he sized up the opposition and contemplated which ones he could dispatch into the nether world before his own fatality.
An unseen eye of a Kozur affiliate
(cloaked in dark attire), known as simply Tenzo, perched on a roof, however, carefully
studied this courageous youth that had been so callously sacrificed by Captain
Zunrogo. Kozurs could use such a valiant, highly skilled warrior; in fact,
Frastos had been for some time now under their radar, a surveillance, and owing
to the favorable report, Tenzo had already sent a message (written word through
carrier pigeon) requesting backup, for his planned rescue. Hidden by the
shadows, he now waited for the apt opportunity, as he contemplated on the steps
he would take, for that successful execution of his most daring plan.
JP.jpg) |
| 05-TENZO (KOZUR AFFILIATE)JP |
~
Making every effort to be
congenial, he smiled, "The inconvenience will be for a short duration
only. Once in Kenzor we stand a better chance at obtaining swifter, more
suitable transportation to Channing.
Taking this roundabout route may also deter any pursuit from those who
wish us harm."
"What about Frastos
and Briac; are they to be left behind?” Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) inquired.
“Their services are no
longer required?" The captain
ejected curtly.
Fradel looked away
uneasily, "Briac I understand, but Frastos?"
Zunrogo had ceased to be
surprised by Fradel's keen insight.
"It could not be helped." He said coldly, keeping up the fast
pace.
"At least Frastos
witnessed the ten thousand cuts on…" Tizan, walking on Fradel's other
side, had started to say when he was abruptly silenced by an icy glare from
Zunrogo.
Still that partial phrase
had been enough for Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) to grasp the unhappy outcome.
 |
| 06-NEVETSECNUAC JP 3 |
“So, that had been the fate of the traitor, Briac? But what of Frastos; had he been sacrificed merely to give them this small leeway?” Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) was dismayed by the thought. Though he had little to do with Frastos, since the time at the first Inn where they had made eye contact through the hole in the tapestry, he was, nevertheless, being a good judge of man's character, had deemed Frastos as an upright, courageous and a loyal subordinate, yet his death obviously mattered so little to Zunrogo and Tizan.
“What kind of hardhearted monsters are you?” Nevetsecnuac
(Fradel) stole a discreet, contemptuous look at them both.
Zunrogo grinned coolly and
looked away as if he’d just then read Fradel’s mind.
~
(END OF SECTION 25)
