LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 27

One warm, starry night, when everyone had retired early, Fradel's keen senses awakened him to the intruder creeping into the stillness of his cabin.  Earlier, he had opened the porthole and drawn the curtains aside to take full advantage of the soft breeze.  The silvery moonlight streamed unobstructed into the tiny space, illuminating everything perfectly.  In the center of the room the long, narrow blade of the dagger (short sword) winked as the intruder, sensing danger, had halted, and glanced warily about. 

01- THE ASSASSIN

Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) waited with bated breath for him to recommence (continue, resume) his advance or, to be stopped altogether.  He did not wish to act at once and apprehend the intruder himself for he had noted that, some time prior to this, Tizan had crept into his room and concealed himself in a dark corner.  He would wait and see what Tizan would do first.

The intruder, having steadied his heart and regulated his breathing once again, stole further across the room, quietly making his way to the bed.  Fradel felt the slight pressure of the tip of the cold blade against his naked flesh and held his breath.

 What is Tizan waiting for?  At that instant he saw his assailant viciously yanked back by his hair and, simultaneously, another dagger appeared at the intruder's own throat.

"Drop your weapon!" Tizan's commanding voice hissed.  "I said drop it!"

Perhaps out of bravado or out of sheer fright the attacker hesitated.  Then the pressure of the blade against his own throat increased and he winced as its razor edge pricked the flesh beneath his chin.

"All right… All right" The Assailant groaned, as a single drop of blood trickled off his neck to fall on Fradel's cheek.

Fradel pretended to have been startled awake just then and froze, wide eyed and perfectly still, as if petrified by fright.

The assailant, grunting, let loose his grip and the dagger dropped; for he instinctively knew,  that had he held on to it for one second longer, it would have meant the termination of his life.  Before he could buy some more time and use his glib tongue to strike a bargain, however, he was viciously yanked free of Fradel and hurled across the cabin.

Then he was picked up once more by Tizan's single hand grabbing his collar (lapel) and shoved against the wall.  The dagger's tip was once more pressed threateningly to his throat.

"You wouldn't dare kill me." The assailant groaned.

Fradel recognized the voice.  Sitting up, he craned his neck to see the face.

"Don't be so sure, Doku." Tizan glowered as he broke the captain's skin with the blade.  "You were a fool to drop your sails and cast anchor in mid-stream.  Did you think that we wouldn't notice?"  Tizan laughed coldly and widened the cut he had made, making Doku wince (cringe).  Blood flowed freely down onto Doku's chest where it painted streaks of crimson on his shirt.

Doku's face twitched with anxiety and contempt.  He clenched his fists as his chest rose and fell.  “Who’d manage (steer) the vessel?  Besides, you won't get far if you kill me.  Release me at once!" He threatened as his eyes contemptuously trailed Fradel, who had gotten up from the bed to put some clothes on.

"Oh, you mean your accomplices Zuak and Yoru?  By now, they're fish-fodder." Tizan grinned venomously.

A small shudder passed through Doku as he resisted the complete surrender of all hope; subsequently, he misinterpreted Tizan's broad, disarming smile and became somewhat encouraged. Dropping his eyes, he said, "Can't we work something out, something mutually advantageous?"  

All the same, bitterness had tinged his voice, repudiating (contradicting) his sincerity. "I have been paid most handsomely.  I'll gladly share half of it with you."

02- TZAN JP

Tizan's face crinkled in an expression of utter disgust.  The threat was most implicit in his silence, then, baring his teeth in a snarl, he Yanked Doku up by the hair.  "Let's move, swine." he hissed.  “Captain Zunrogo wants a few words with you."

Doku gasped, closed his eyes, and resisted being moved.  In a shaking, but somewhat defiant voice he entreated.  "There must be something negotiable for…? All right, all right, you can have it all. “Subsequently, the sheer terror registering in Doku’s eyes, he just squealed, “No, I won't go… be done with me right here and now."

"Don't tempt me."  Tizan Yanked the blade away at the same instant he twisted Doku's arm to his back, straining it to the breaking point then fiercely pushed him outside.

Desperate to break free, Doku pretended to lose his footing, falling face down to the floor; meanwhile, his free hand swiftly removed a hook he had concealed in his belt, and he turned to viciously strike out at Tizen.  But Tizan had seen through this ruse and, with a swift kick at the hook, he catapulted it out of Doku's hand towards the ceiling, where it embedded itself securely in the wooden beam.  As he dodged the next kick, in one fluid motion, Tizen next threw a powerful punch, and Doku (almost senseless) fell back onto the deck.

 "Get up, swine!" Tzen grunted as he landed Doku with a fierce kick to the side; then, grasping Doku’s neck with one hand, he hauled him up onto his feet and pinning his own face less than an inch from Doku, threatened. "You try another stunt like that, and I'll slice you up into mincemeat.  You get me?"  His warning (intimidation) was wasted, however, on the insensate (numbed, inert) Doku.  Grasping once more the limp body with the hair, Tzen dragged it down the hall to Zunrogo's cabin.

Revived to face Zunrogo's fierce, menacing stare, Doku swallowed dryly and dropped to his knees at once.  Fear had tightened his stomach into a hard knot and his head throbbed terribly.  None the less, he was a survivor.  Clenching his fists to stop his shivering, he finally managed to whisper his plea, "Spare me, good sir.  You are law abiding, Imperial Officer; famed for your apt command (supervision, control).  You would not kill an innocent man without first hearing out the circumstances by which he was force into committing this criminal infraction.  May the God of the River strike me dead if I'm lying?  Never have I strayed from the path of truth and righteousness.  Truly, I was forced into it."

His lips trembled, slurring his words, "They are holding my beloved father and son hostage, threatening to chop them into a thousand pieces if I do not do their bidding.  I had no other choice.  My poor wife was already lost to me because of the fever that swept through the region after the floods.  Oh, what will my aged, senile mother do if I am lost too?  Who will take care of her?  Take pity on me, sir.  Spare me so that I can assist you in avenging this terrible wrongdoing.  Give me this one chance to make amends for my mistake."

"Shut up!"  Tizan had lost his patience and, with the pommel of his dagger, delivered a fierce blow to Doku's mouth.  "You miserable wretch, how dare you insult us with your cliché-ridden tirade!"

Spitting out his broken teeth, Doku looked up to entreat the Imperial captain.

"Who?" Zunrogo dourly barked.

Seeing the baffled look on Doku's face Tizan bellowed, "Who hired you to kill the scholar, you stupid shit?"

"I'm not sure." Doku answered then raised the back of a trembling hand to lessen the impact on his face from Tizan's next fierce blow.

Zunrogo waved Tizan away.  "If you do not cooperate fully, I cannot guarantee your safety." He threw a meaningful glance at Tizan and then addressed Doku sternly but with softer tone.  "Now before I lose my patience, I shall ask you this just once more: Who?"

"I don't know!  I honestly don't know!" Doku cried out as he hugged his knees.  "Please, sir, the man who engaged me remained anonymous.  He told me that he was acting on behalf of someone very important and he offered me so much money that I dared not refuse.  He said I had best go along with their wishes, but he did not divulge his name, any names.  He assured me that the scholar was someone of no consequence.  He said it was just a personal vendetta.  That's what I was led to believe.  I'll gladly relinquish all the gold to you, sir.  The entire sum is locked inside the wooden chest, in my cabin.  Take it, take it all.  Just spare my life."

"How dare you insult the captain with your feeble bribe?"  Infuriated, Tizan brutally yanked the prisoner to his feet and hurled him into the corner.  "You think we care anything at all about a paltry pittance that could buy a scum like you?  Think again.  You've had your chance." spitting out the words, Tizan lumbered threateningly towards the broken husk in the corner.

Doku discovered, to his great dismay, that he could not move his left leg at all and that his right arm, unnaturally positioned, twitched a little, yet throbbed with agonizing pain.  Stars danced Infront of his eyes and his head hammered (pounded) something fierce; moreover, his temple (forehead) bearing a huge lump, was sore to his slightest touch.  Fear and adrenaline alone kept him from losing consciousness.  As Tizan bent over him, Doku's face was torn in sheer terror and his eyes moved frantically about in their sockets.  He knew that he would be done for if he did not confess immediately.

"All right,” he wrenched the words out, stuttering through his broken teeth, "it was L...L... Lance Dios...Diostin’s man w... who..."

“Lance Diostin?"  Tizan turned to look slyly at Zunrogo.  "You are not telling us anything we do not already know, Doku." he snarled, his eyes burning into the man's face.

Doku's eyes filled with incomprehension.  "Then...what...what do you want me to say?"

"How many?” Zunrogo, turning, curtly demanded, his expression unchanged.

“How many,” Doku sounded the words, utterly stupefied (confused).

Tizan grasping Doku by the collar yanked Doku up to hold him two feet above the floor.  He could hear the shattered bones and muscle shift back into place and saw Doku's eyes roll back as the wave of pain hit.  “You heard the captain, how many?" Tizan barked into Doku’s face.

03- ZUNROGO TUGO - JP 24

"Let him be."  Zunrogo’s stern order was promptly obeyed as Doku’s broken(beaten) body was instantly dropped to crash (smash) against the hard floor.

"Speak frankly and I may spare you."  The captain rose and sauntered to the porthole, his back towards the prisoner.

"I don't know.  How can I?  All right, all right.  Just keep him away from me.", Doku shrunk back from Tizan in pure fear.  "I'll speak."

At Zunrogo's signal, Tizan took a step back then began to slowly pace back and forth in front of Doku.

"He said something about a platoon, eight or twelve maybe." Doku started to volunteer.  In a matter of minutes, on just perceived threat from Tizan, the rest poured out (gushed) from the mortified, badly bruised Doku’s mouth.

 When Doku had finished telling him all he knew, Zunrogo turned and nodded to Tizan, then went back to sit down once more.

Tizan halted his pacing and turned menacingly to Doku, "Do you know what the apt (fitting) punishment for treasonous curs like you are?"

Doku's eyes bulged out in fright as Tizan spat out the word, "Impalement."

Horrified, he turned to implore Zunrogo, "But sir, you promised to spare me if I told you everything. Ayii…"  His pleas were muffled (stifled, muted) as the strong left hand of Tizan gripping his neck (throat) and lifted him up high, Doku’s feet thence (thereafter), dangling like a puppet in the air.

"Don't bother Captain Zunrogo.  You're dealing with me, now."  Tizan tightened his grip, looking into Doku's eyes with a sinister grin.

Doku squirmed in pain as his eyes implored, "Please… For Heaven’s sake, no!"

"Oh, you are so pale.  Did you think that I was about to finish you off?  Yet you must be spared.  The captain promised you that and the captain's orders must be obeyed; I'm bound by that.  So, I must spare you for attempting to kill the scholar.  You will not die for that crime."  For a second, Tizan looked perplexed, as if wanting to kill Doku yet unable to do so.

New hope flourished once more in Doku's heart, as well, tears of relief and gratitude manifested (formed) in the corners of his eyes, anticipating the release from the vice of Tizan's grip.

"Yes, spared…Spared of the extreme death penalty!” Tizan’s icy, sinister tone quickly dashed all hope.  “Still, you did betray your master after taking his gold, and we cannot let that go unpunished, can we?"  Tizan's pupils suddenly hardened as he threw his head back and laughed.  The next instant, a savage glint flashed in Tizan’s eyes, and his right hand at lightning speed thrust the long blade of the dagger into Doku's chest (into upper abdomen) just below the ribcage; left hand’s grasp now released, Doku was hauled up, suspended solely on the dagger’s blade.

Tizan, with a contemptuous grin, in one fluid motion yanked the blade out and allowed the lifeless body to collapse at his feet.

"You've had your fun, now get rid of that mess." Zunrogo's icy tone cut short Tizan's gloating.

"Yes, sir," he responded smartly (briskly) then, grinning, he shouldered the corpse and headed towards the door to throw the body overboard.

Just then the door swung open and Fradel Rurik Korvald, now fully dressed, strode in.  Witnessing the pitiful state of Doku's mangled corpse, Fradel's teeth clenched in anger and his eyes filled with loathing.  He'd had just about enough of Tizan's brutality.

Glaring at Tizan, he nevertheless curtailed his wrath and halted his yen, to strike (pin) down this vile beast with one blow.

Zunrogo, the familiar, cruel half smile on his lips, noted with amusement how Fradel Rurik Korvald's face had fleetingly said what could not be uttered in words.  The stand-off ended abruptly when, Fradel seemingly deciding Tizan was not worth the effort, pushed disdainfully past him.

Putting on a slight grin, Zunrogo rose to his feet to greet the scholar congenially.

Fradel sternly asked, "Was this slaughter (murder) necessary?”

Fradel Rurik Korvald's stare was unflinching, his features set and defiant. “Or is it simply that you reap measure of satisfaction seeing men suffer at the hand of your lapdog?”  He turned to look contemptuously at Tizan.

Tizan, in his raw response, gripped his dagger tighter and took a menacing step towards Fradel Rurik Korvald then, meeting the captain's stern look, stayed his advance.

04- TZAN JP

"My, oh my, put a sheep in a lion's pelt and watch how he bleats." Tizan hissed through clenched teeth as he turned back to the door and briskly walked outside before Zunrogo could reprimand him.

 In truth, from the very start, Tizan’s interaction (dealings) with Fradel Rurik Korvald had been strained, finding it extremely hard to be so congenial or diplomatic in any sort of exchange.

Despite repeated admonitions from the Captain, Tizan’s resentment, of Fradel Rurik Korvald in fact, of his pampered, privileged literati sort, had been such that it shone through his every word and action, despite his efforts to conceal it.

Zunrogo's face had darkened in fury, witnessing this, not so subtle retort from Tizan; nevertheless, constraining himself, he offered Fradel Rurik Korvald his abject apologies for Tizan's insubordination, promised future dire reprimand then, with seemingly infinite patience, invited the scholar to be seated.  When Fradel (somewhat reluctantly) complied, Zunrogo expressed his further regret for the unavoidable, unpleasant experience that the scholar had had suffered this very night, which had obviously traumatized him.  The underlying tone implicit in his words, however, made it clear that he would overlook Fradel's disruptive behavior this once, and this once only, out of consideration for Fradel Rurik Korvald's delicate constitution.  Further interruptions would not be tolerated, despite the scholar's importance.

 Zunrogo's decorum and his conciliatory (mollifying, assuaging) words nevertheless, at the outset had constrained Fradel to adopt akin peaceful (calmer) composure, one more in keeping with the manners of his pseudo identity, and, in turn, he extended his apologies for his outburst and thanked Zunrogo for his tolerance and due vigilance.

Placated, Zunrogo leaned back in his seat, drew a long breath then firmly explained in a measured tone, "In accordance with military law, Doku had to be caught red-handed before we could prosecute then, swiftly penalize him.  I assure you, sir, at no time were you in any danger from him or from his accomplices.  As you well know, your safety is of prime importance to me.  You called this (method of investigation), a vigilante act but, in fact, I have been more than tolerant (charitable, lenient, patient)."  He held up his hand to stay Fradel's response, smiling wryly, and then continued, "As you are well aware, we have been tailed by a certain vessel for a period of time now.  I had suspected but have only now irrefutably confirmed that this vessel is commanded by Lance Diostin who, by all accounts, is not one to be taken lightly.  You see, he has a strong backing; he has also an unblemished reputation for being impeccable in strategy and, even in his youth, being invincible in hand-to-hand combat.  Moreover, his skill with the sword is second only to His Excellency Egil Viggoaries.  I had hoped that, to spare you undue anxiety, we would outrun him until we could enlist some more help.  Alas, Captain Doku, by casting anchor here, where the current is weaker and the river shallower, has forced our hand.”

Without strong winds we have no means of putting (gaining) some distance between us and our pursuer; hence, we have been left with no other choice but to meet his challenge head on."

“Why do you persist in this charade?”  Fradel masked his annoyance under a polite smile.  “You wish me to believe otherwise but, in truth, and without Doku's ever knowing it, you have sanctioned his every move since we came aboard this boat.”

"Your acumen (tact, judgment, prudence) is most commendable, Captain, it is always advisable never to underestimate one's opponent, however competent one may be.  Yet in the case of Captain Doku, surely nothing would have escaped your scrutiny." 

The slight admonishment in Fradel's tone made his underlying message clear: “I am offended sir that you should choose, once more, not to be forthright with me.”

"You flatter me, sir." Zunrogo smiled sheepishly and relented.  "To be frank, we were forewarned from the start of Doku's objective, but I allowed him certain leeway in order to gain a strategic advantage.  You see, despite my hopes, a confrontation with Lance Diostin was inevitable and it was best that it occurred in mid-stream, under more manageable circumstances, rather than some busy port ahead.  In this way I could minimize the danger to you, cut Lance Diostin off from any reinforcements he might have had hidden in the next port, and thirdly, minimize the unavoidable loss of innocents ‘life that might be caught in the fray.”

"It’s most considerate of you." Fradel concurred.  "Yet I am amazed at the extent of effort put forth by those who oppose us.  It is hard for me to believe that a simple poet and a recluse scholar such as I would warrant this considerable investment of arms and attention."

Seizing this opportunity, Fradel next steered the conversation to the hidden reason for Zunrogo's presence there, hinting also at that particular concern which Zunrogo fought so hard to keep under wraps. A subsequent, pointed question, poised at the right moment, almost forced Captain Zunrogo to make a clean breast of it (own up to it) but, again with remarkable cunning, he sprang free from the trap and led the topic instead, to more abstract, harmless avenue.

Unwilling to concede defeat, Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) adopted an even shrewder tactic which hard pressed Zunrogo, for a time, to aptly respond.

 Yet once more the captain rising to the challenge countered it with a most plausible explanation, calculated to discourage Fradel Rurik Korvald from ever pursuing the topic again.

 Impressed, Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) conceded with due practicality.

05-NEVETSECNUAC IN CAPITAL (2)

This intense exchange had passed under the guise of seemingly innocuous congeniality, yet Zunrogo was relieved that Fradel had been deterred from pursuing the subject any further

“Uncanny,” Zunrogo looking away, pondered. “Fradel’s last hypothesis was dead on; so dangerously on a par with the truth.”

Zunrogo made a mental note never to allow Fradel a similar chance again.  He leaned forward in his seat.  "Yes, in anticipation of your next question, Captain Doku's skills are expendable.  Tizan is perfectly adept at manning a craft of this size. It was with this outcome in mind that, by design, I selected Tizan to accompany me on this trip.  He may be a trifle hot headed, I know, but in the end, he is an able and reliable subordinate. Besides, once you know how to harness his multitude of unique talents, you can make good use of them.  He's indispensable in that respect.  Smiling smugly, he sat back.  "As for your humanitarian concerns, Tizan is, at this moment, locking them all up in their respective cabins so as to keep them, other passengers, all out of harm's way when this inevitable confrontation occurs."

"Then, after the battle, you will release them unharmed and your henchman, Tizan, will not be permitted to lay a hand on them?"  Fradel, with this last question, sought to gain a definite commitment from the captain.

"Under the circumstances, I think that I am extremely generous." Zunrogo, hiding his irritation at this upstart scholar, nodded.  Outwardly he was making every effort to be congenial but under the mask of calm and composure he seethed in anger and resentment.  He had intended on disposing of them, one and all; so as not to leave behind any loose ends.  Now he was bound by his words to Fradel Rurik Korvald not to taint either his or Tizan's hand with their blood.  He did not appreciate Fradel's tricks.  Still there is that old proverb, 'A dog can lose its skin in many ways.' 

"Actually, I've been looking forward to the challenge of this duel with my nemesis Lance Diostin." fearing exposure, Zunrogo steered the conversation away to a more interesting topic.  "There's no denying that he is competent, but he has never before clashed swords with me.  Confidentially, I have been an ardent student of his fighting techniques for quite some time now and, though I do not wish to seem boastful, I have now mastered these skills one and all.  Furthermore, the combined efforts of me and Tizan’s should amply suffice to defeat him, don't you think?"  Looking away, Zunrogo mumbled. “Besides, it’s high time, Lance Diostin’s insufferable arrogance was curbed.”

"Most commendable," Fradel decided to go along.  "I see now that I have no cause for fear.  You, sir, with your keen foresight and ability, will surely succeed in vanquishing Lance Diostin and his forces."

Zunrogo grimaced in satisfaction and nodded, yet something else, some entirely different matter, had just then intruded in his thoughts; Fradel had of course, immediately noticed the slight change in him, how he now seemed anxious to end this polite, trivial conversation.  When Zunrogo turned his attention back on the present issue, he smiled to cover up his thoughts.  "Tonight, since we are keeping up the ruse, our pursuers will be allowed to catch up to us.  Even though the wind has dropped considerably, even during the time we have been here conversing, I expect they will put their men to good use on the oars in order to maintain their swift pace.  Their lightweight vessel is well suited to such a use, but then that, too, I have taken into consideration."

"It is admirable how you have managed to manipulate the outcome you desired." Once more Fradel feigned awe.

"As soon as this fog lifts…"

"Which should be by noon, tomorrow," Fradel injected somberly.

“Was that just a good guess?  How on earth could he anticipate that outcome, so precisely?”  "Exactly," Zunrogo masked his amazement with a nod as he briefly scrutinized Fradel.

 "Yes, it will be then that they will descend on us in force.  Fortunately, the rain will be a good deterrent for any fire attack."  Succinctly then, Zunrogo revealed part of his intended counter measures.

“Oh gods, he's good.  He's so masterful at mind control.”  Zunrogo, awakened bit too late, to what he had just let slip and, disappointed, looked away. “How subtly he primed me to reveal even that much and no doubt, he will fill in the rest.  His artful manipulation is quite astounding, to say the least.  Yet, why does he pursue this course?  Could it be that, under his flattery, he is still suspects me, or, still unsure of my abilities to defend him?”

He discreetly studied Fradel once more but then dismissed the notion. “No, that's not it at all.  It’s his arrogance if anything.  That's it.  On the eve of the battle, he does not much like the idea of blindly entrusting one’s fate to another.  With all that wit, brilliance, and some measure of courage at his disposal, our scholar, being so inept at defending himself, feels utterly helpless and frustrated.  So, he tries to impress upon me his...” Zunjugo quickly hid the look of condescension in his eyes.  “Yes, I imagine it would.”

Fradel, smiling inwardly, in the interim, had nodded tersely then, in earnest sincerity, asked if there was anything, however trivial, that he could do to render Zunrogo assistance either before or during the coming battle.

“Don't be absurd!  What can you do?  You can't write your way out of this mess; this is a real- life struggle.”  Zunrogo, however, masked his amusement; then in a measured tone, choosing his words carefully so as not to offend Fradel Rurik Korvald, he declined the scholar’s kind offer. "It is most gracious of you, sir, but everything is pretty much under control.  However, we would fight better, in fact with an easier mind if you were kept safe and out of harm's way.  Considering, perhaps an unforeseen danger, I must insist that you, along with the rest of the passengers, remain locked up in your cabins, until the danger has passed.  I must beg your indulgence in this.  Please accept my apologies in advance for any inconvenience and rest assured that I will do all I can to minimize your discomfort.  But now I fear I may have done you a disservice, being remiss in keeping you up so late from your sleep."  He stood up briskly, quite impatient to end this polite, tiresome exchange.

"So, if there is nothing further you wish to discuss, I must now beg you to excuse me, for there are still a few minor details that require a brief perusal."

At this point Zunrogo turned, to look over Fradel Rurik Korvald's head at Tizan, who had just then returned.  Motioning the Lieutenant to come forward, Zunrogo commanded him in a stern voice to apologize to Fradel Rurik Korvald for his earlier, inexcusable impudence.

After Tizan begrudgingly complied, Zunrogo asked, "Any problems?"  Receiving the expected, sharp reply, Tizan was then instructed to escort Fradel Rurik Korvald back to his cabin and ensure that all provisions for his comfortable stay were provided for, before he was to immediately report back.  Catching the Captain's meaningful, fleeting look, Tizan nodded in affirmation then patiently waited for the scholar to walk ahead.

 

(END OF SECTION 27)

LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 26

                  

Because the official who had originally chartered the dispatch boat was most eager to reach his destination, soon as Zunrogo's party stepped onto the deck, the anchor was hauled up and the craft immediately headed out.

01- AN OFFICIAL  LUVET

The same official had remained cloistered in his cramped cabin (private quarters) for the remainder of the journey, with always his head buried deep in documents. The crew went about their business efficiently but edgily in that tense, pervading (all encompassing) atmosphere.

Earlier Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac) had been told that, for security reasons, his true identity had not been disclosed to anyone on board, it seemed to Nevetsecnuac; thus, Zunrogo’s presence alone was sufficient grounds to put everyone on their unease (tenterhooks), including the official, with his self-imposed confinement. Nevertheless, for the next several days their journey passed uneventfully, as both the river current, and the wind sped them downstream until, at the crack of dawn on one overcast day, the government craft safely moored at the designated slip in Kenzor harbor. Had it not been for the vessel's urgent need for repairs, Zunrogo, without a moment's hesitation, would have confiscated the craft for the rest of the voyage and pressed on.  Instead, by the time it took Fradel and Zunrogo to consume a satisfying hot breakfast at one of the prospering tea houses, Tizan had expeditiously booked another passenger boat and had their luggage transferred aboard, ready for their prompt (summary) departure.

Later that same morning, when they set off for the Capital, there were only few other boats sharing their course (headed the same way).  By noon the fair-weather-wind, rolling down the river valley from the north had again picked up momentum (speed). To take full advantage, their swift, modern craft at once hoisted its triangular sails and, instantly picking up speed, in no time at all put a considerable distance between them and the rest of the riverboats, save one.  This one seemed to be persistently keeping up the pace.

On the subsequent days this same north wind brought down drizzling rain and fog so dense that the riverbanks became virtually invisible. Then the blustery weather picking up force, out of nowhere herded in, a dark mass of clouds that turned midday into dusk.  The river water, churned by the tempest wind speed, broke up into rolling, silvery waves that tossed snowy foam onto the deck, perpetually rocking the craft until the dowels and bindings that held the craft together were strained to the breaking point.

The captain of the vessel, Ortusz Doku, responding to the petitions of his other, sickened passengers and, the insistence of his crew, bent on his knees before Zunrogo to obtain his permission to steer the craft into a safe harbor before the boat was battered apart by the storm.

Neither Zunrogo nor Tizan were affected in the least bit by the incessant rocking of the boat.  Frowning and cursing, Zunrogo denigrated Ortusz with his cutting words until the captain, his pride sorely bruised, made to leave.  But then Zunrogo (on second thought) relented and gave his consent.  Soon after the vessel was expertly steered through the blinding rain into a bend in the river where the anchor was cast, and the ship moored fast by strong ropes to huge trees onshore. Just in time too, for suddenly strong, gale force winds sprang up as the worst of the storm hit. The vessel, safely moored, still was violently, unmercifully rocked, like it was but a toy.  The waves beat against the shore in an angry uproar as torrential, pelting rains drenched everything to the core.  Thankfully, the precautions they had just taken enabled the boat to ride out the storm and sustain only minimal damage.

During this grueling episode, akin (like) other passengers, Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) had fought off the terrible motion sickness; but then, under the watchful eye of Zunrogo Tugo, reluctantly had taken some medicated wine at Tugo’s insistence, which in fact aside from some troubling side-effects, had alleviated (assuaged) his discomfort.  In this partially vulnerable state, chiefly to get his mind off his ailment, he had, moreover, dashed off a few lines of verse about boats and storms.  The brilliance of poetry composed in such dire straits won him Zunrogo’s great admiration and, in due course, eliminated the Captain of the Palace Guard's last (ounce) residue of suspicion. 

Finally (on the third day), when the storm abated, the boat was made ready, with improvised improvements to, just before noon, cast off.

As the journey continued it appeared to an observer, looking only at the deceptive shroud of congeniality spread by Fradel Rurik Korvald and Zunrogo that they were conversing frankly, without the least inhibition.  Yet, after hours of conversation, Zunrogo had to admit that he found this stimulating intellectual sparring more exhilarating, more closely akin to combating a powerful foe on the battlefield and, he began to crave more of it.

Nevetsecnuac’s assumed, present identity had seriously constrained (curtailed) his abilities, forcing him to adapt to more shrewd and indirect means; and so, while seemingly obliging Captain Zunrogo, he used this opportunity instead, to explore (delve deeper into) Captain's innate nature and, extracted from Zunrogo, few, well-guarded detrimental weaknesses and flaws.  Once this was accomplished Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) relaxed his vigil, as he much preferred fighting any formidable foe directly, by way of (via) tangible (physical) combat.

As both Nevtsecnuac and Zunrogo possessed remarkable staying powers, the ensued lively exchange utilizing acumen, wits, and stratagem (subterfuge), had continued well into the night, with no possibility of satisfactory cessation.  There came a time, however, upon discussing a particular concern, after several fruitless turns and diversionary strategies, Zunrogo (the undefeated champion) was forced to, for a spell, capitulate Fradel's point of view.

04- - CAPTAIN ZUNROGO TUGO JP 2

And though Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) at present, incurred deep respect for his brilliance from Zunrogo, captain not being one to cede, with renewed zeal (fervor) he quickly revised his stance (estimation, viewpoint) and retaliated.  His irrefutable logic (analysis) gave him the added edge and, following this up with an all-out offensive, he achieved his absolute victory.  Fradel could have still challenged some of the seemingly unequivocal deductions, but with due practicality, he instead, gracefully conceded to defeat.

Fradel's mind, meanwhile, had been all along distracted by other matters, one of which was their pursuer.  Even though the ensuing (following) vessel had been temporarily lost to sight in the storm, Fradel hypothesized that it would again catch up to them in a day or two after the weather abated.

Several times Fradel, having concluded that it was Lance Diostin; he had wanted to drop that name casually in conversation, to observe Zunrogo’s reaction.  Each time however deciding otherwise, he’d held his tongue in check.

For what possible reason could he give for even knowing the name Lance Diostin?  More importantly, there had been this nagging feeling that he had harbored since they boarded this vessel.  There was more at stake here than what met the eye, more vital and sinister than the threat to his life.  What it was, unfortunately, he had not yet ascertained, and its nature kept eluding him.

 On this particular concern, Fradel's otherwise foolproof methods of inquiry had met an impenetrable wall erected by Zunrogo.  Even after Fradel had yielded the argument to drop latter’s guard, Zunrogo had held on fast to this secret with unusual grit and tenacity.  Fradel could gain no grasp of the actual situation and was left, in the end, with only his unsubstantiated intuition.

                                                                                       ~

Later that night, Fradel fortuitously happened on a confidential conversation between Zunrogo and Tizan and caught a singular reference being made to Lance Diostin's martial prowess.  Fradel was intrigued, to say the least, by Zunrogo’s respectful references to his adversary.

Was Lance Diostin such a competent foe that he cast a doubt in Zunrogo’s heart?  Keeping his hand poised above the door's handle, Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) eavesdropped for a longer spell.

From the disjointed, coded then decoded fragments that were being discussed Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) deduced that Tizan had previously sighted Lance Diostin at Kenzor harbor and Zunrogo had arrived at a similar conclusion as his (Nevetsecnuac),

That Lance Diostin’s craft was indeed trailing them.

Nevetsecnuac further suspected that once the storm had abated the enemy vessel (craft) would swiftly descend upon them for that decisive fray. Despite his readiness however, his intuition (the gnawing feeling in the pit of his stomach) forewarned him that there was far more at stake here than Zunrogo let on.

Zunrogo was about to instruct Tizan on the finer points of the strategic defenses, that were to be utilized against Lance Diostin’s impending assaults, when Fradel Rurik Korvald's sudden knock at the door startled them both. 

Fradel quickly dispensing with the polite preliminaries took the seat offered to him across from the captain.  Getting right to the point and feigning ignorance, he then confessed to overhearing the name of Lance Diostin as he was about to knock on the door and, audaciously, inquired after the information associated with that name.

Zunrogo's reluctant and evasive answers further piqued Nevetsecnuac’s (Fradel's) curiosity; he, nevertheless, letting it go, pretended to have been satisfied with Captain's makeshift explanations.  Fradel quickly stated what he had originally come to say, and then abruptly rose to bade them good night and then hastily withdrew.

Back in his cabin, with many concerns praying on his mind, Nevetsecnuac did not (immediately) go to bed, instead, he set down in comfortable chair and reflected on the past exchange between Zhadol and Yennic.  As far as he could tell, there were three reasons to account for Lance Diostin's pursuit: a feud between the two factions; Dwengzu's prediction that, should Fradel Rurik Korvald be allowed to reach Channing, it would bring about Egil Viggoaries’s premature death (or, serious downfall); and some third reason which still eluded him.  His thoughts then reverted to Yennic’s (blatant) unabashed approval, when he was informed that Lance Diostin would be guarding the river route.

Thinking of the upcoming confrontation between Zunrogo and Lance Diostin, Fradel grinned wryly.  “That should prove rather interesting, though I doubt that I, Fradel Rurik Korvald, will be allowed to witness this remarkable combat. Yet, what if both Zunrogo and Tizan, despite their combined effort, can’t…? “He lowered his eyes thoughtfully and tersely drummed his fingers on the chair arm.

05- NEVETSECNUAC  JP 23

“It is conceivable that they might not measure up to the task.  What then?”  Nevetsecnuac reflected short time later, recalling Zunrogo's apparent anxiety when he had casually mentioned Lance Diostin’s name, to him. “What if they did indeed succumb to the prowess of this formidable foe?  If that is the case, I'll be constrained to fend for myself and then eliminate all who witnessed the fighting.  More slaughter!”  He shifted uneasily into the chair.

Aside from the vessel's Captain, Doku, and his crew and their own party, there were four other passengers on board: a young couple with an infant son and a reserved, semi-retired official.  The rest had good fortune to leave the river boat after the storm and preceded the rest of their way on land.  The remaining passengers kept very much to themselves and, for the most part, stayed in their cabins.

“If the circumstances dictate it, would I have the heart?” He knew he would not.

 “There was only one option, the only alternative choice, for him to take; yes,” he nodded decisively.                          

                                                                                      ~

 

The last remnants of the storm had finally abated at dawn, leaving the river a bit more swollen and the currents in the center a touch faster.

As Zunrogo and Fradel had (independently) forecasted, two days later the sail of the pursuing craft was spotted for a split second, bearing swiftly down on them from the distance, just before the river turned to hide them once more.  Accepting Zunrogo's reluctance to discuss the matter, Fradel, acting as though he had seen nothing, occupied himself with the typical scholarly concerns of reading and composing while discreetly noting the flurry of activity among the deck hands. 

They did not see the vessel again for some time after that.

 

 

(END OF SECTION 26)