12- LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE PORTENDED PERIL - SECTION 4

01- PM LAMONT GUDAREN 14-JP

On the fifteenth day of the eighth month, three days prior to the summons, with the original documents duly filed in the archives by the Imperial Chancery and the copy (document bearing the list, the order of appearances in court etc.) was expediently dispatched at dawn from the offices of Qarzten Caimund -the Senior Grand Secretary’s deputy the Grand Secretary Ronguyen Kenny now temporarily  filling in for Qarzten- to the offices of Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren, who essentially was held responsible for Fradel Rurik Korvald  (his timely appearance, performance, conduct and so forth), since it had been His Excellency who had recommended the esteemed scholar in Royal Court.

In its wake, two hours later another letter of consequence had arrived at the P.M.’s offices, with a dictum from Ronterron Zuke, ordering Fradel Rurik Korvald the subsequent day at a specific time and place to be (mandatorily) present at the headquarters of the Black Band Regiment in the North Palace for the purposes of, resolving one or two security clearance issues and to be instructed on recent addendums (appendixes) pertaining to court protocol.

02- RONTERRON ZUKE

Ronterron Zuke who happened to be one of the key administrative officers of the Black Band Guard Regiment, was an extremely cruel and shrewd warrior/assassin; as well, an astute official (for nothing escaped his discernment) with considerable influence in military and one who was highly regarded by Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek. Therefore, the very mention of Ronterron Zuke was enough to sent hearts palpitating with fear. Though this odd precaution had given Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren a pause for concern, after few more minutes of contemplation however, he had quickly then brushed it aside, certain Ronterron would still not find any damaging or impeachable thread (evidence) against the Illustrious Scholar. Hence, this was deemed as Ronterron’s simply utilizing (flexing) his power, to instill further fear in the hearts of PM’s administrative staff. Two hours later, both letters with the added note (court instructions) attached to it, had been promptly, that same morning, was forwarded to Minister of Ceremony Zaur Stugr’s residence.

03- FRADEL RURIK CORVALD (NEVETSECNUAC) BATHES  (11)- JPG

Scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac), enjoying the hospitality of Zaur Stugr, had risen before the crack of dawn on that same day and indulged his weary tense muscles in a long, therapeutic (healing, beneficial) tepid bath; after which, seated at his private veranda, he greeted the sun’s first rays, as he breakfasted.

Neversecnuac, having seen to his other morning rituals and having the time then, he retrieved both correspondences (letters) resting on the silver tray, which had been prior placed at small end table by the fireplace for his perusal. Nevetsecnuac first picked up the leaner envelop which was from Ronterron Zuke and read it carefully. It was a formal letter ordering Fradel Rurik Korvald the subsequent day at a specific time and place to be (mandatorily) present at the headquarters of the Black Band Regiment in the North Palace for the purposes of, resolving one or two security clearance issues and to be instructed on recent addendums (appendixes) pertaining to court protocol. Nevetsecnuac knitted his brows with concern. He had heard of this powerful key administrative officer of the Black Band Guard Regiment from his host Zaur Stugr and knew that nothing escaped this much feared, extremely cruel, and shrewd warrior/assassin’s discerning scrutiny. Furthermore, he was an perspicacious official with considerable influence in military and one who was highly regarded by Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek. The abrupt (unexpected) appointment with Ronterron Zuke, though labelled, (cloaked) routine (ordinary), warranted caution; therefore, he made a mental note of this and then set the letter aside.

Nevetsecnuac next, picked up the larger envelope and removing the contents from its protective cover, he dispassionately began to read: “On the fifth day of the first month in the eighteenth year of His Royal Highness Zakhertan Yozdek’s reign, the Imperial Chancery having received this order ….”  Nevetsecnuac pensively looked away; after exhaling a slow breath, he then grudgingly perused the rest of it. “Since the time by the special favor of Heaven His August Majesty had succeeded to his rightful place of rule, His Imperial Highness, the most enlightened and benevolent ruler of all had…”

Nevetsecnuac at this point (juncture) bristled and angrily bit the corner of his lip, fuming over the reference as the ‘benevolent and Heaven Ordained Ruler,’ of this dastardly Usurper. But moment later he laughed at his naiveté and for expecting things to be any different; for consistently and throughout the ages, hadn’t the victors distorted or at times completely altered historical archives (records) in their favor? Majority ancient documents were full of such falsehoods.

Long after the perused contents (of both letters) had been, as per requested, returned to Minister Zaur Stugr’s safekeeping, finally alone and spared from the prying eyes and ears of the serving staff, Nevetsecnuac with his head down, had paced to and for in his room.

04- THE MOUNTS IN COUNTRYSIDE

Those mounts dotting the countryside filled with thousands and thousands of innocents and, to date the eternal pain and suffering of those left behind still fresh in his mind, Nevetsecnuac had found it particularly hard to bear this farce of central government’s volte-face (change of heart) and the sham benevolence of the Imperial politics…  After countless years of persecution of the literate (erudite), the Sovereign now laying claim to be relentlessly seeking to grace His Royal Court with talented young men from all corners of the Celestial Kingdom. The last part of the writ (directive) had seemed innocuous enough: “In recognition of his worth, the distinguished scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald, who has been recommended by the Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren, is hereby summoned to appear in an audience at Court, on the eighteenth day of the eighth month of the twentieth year of His Highness Zakhertan Yozdek’s benevolent rule.”   

Nevetsecnuac was of course not too far off in his qualms and, would have been rather remiss to disregard his acuity that, beneath all the mundane layers of rhetoric of the summons and the abrupt appointment with Ronterron Zuke, though couched in standard (criterion) protocol (procedure), had nevertheless, a sly and dire inference (connotation). He was certain, his disguise had not been blown, which meant that the Scholar Fradel was the target of another dastardly evil ploy. But what other recourse had he, being Zakhertan and Ronterron’s determined prey, other than fearlessly walk into this multifaceted trap? Regardless of the outcome, he was in fact relieved, that the anticipated duel (combat, fight) with Zakhertan, might be sooner, even by a day.

Heeding his intuition, meanwhile, he decided on, before his appointment tomorrow with Ronterron Zuke, to at least be armed with the Immortal Zonar’s gift (the writing brush).

                                                                                            ~

Nevetsecnuac, abruptly halting by the window just then, he pensively, with a blank stare, gazed at the enchanting garden that stretched out endlessly with all its winding pathways, bridges, and ponds. This architectural marvel had been designed to, with the harmonious colors and shapes, illusions of depth and vastness, populated with frolicking rare birds and exotic animals, to bring tranquillity (solace) to one’s soul. Nature was so beautiful, peaceful, and serene; humans however, had never known lasting peace. They were an incessant blight in the natural order of things, with their insatiable wanton greed for power.

05- FRADEL RURIK KORVALD  (NEVETSECNUAC) JP 1

Nevetsecnuac, now addressed the serious dilemma that had long been plaguing his mind: The accrued info and all his experiences in Chapital Channing during these last few months in the end, like a parasitic growth germinating into doubts and then having taken permanent root, unfortunately swayed (derailed) his heart from his prior, most steadfast objective.

In his sheer exasperation he virtually (almost) clawed the air as he same time gaged (judged) the same nagging concerns (issues):  

What held the higher precedence: filial piety, duty to Ancestors, (as liegeman) loyalty to one’s sovereign, obligation of retribution for the aggrieved or the paramount tenet of Nation’s welfare?

 Once he had held in his heart the certainty that they were all one and the same under the pennant (ensign, banner) of loyalty; but his discerned ongoing political power struggles (agendas) in capital and, Wenjenkun precariously resting in the cusp of at least two that he knew of, portentous (threatening) nations- vacillated his sound (solid) cognitive logic of the present reality (truth) which put National security and the welfare of the State (overriding all) paramount in importance and forced him to reassess (review) his ardent, lifetime’s aspiration (goal, ambition).

Nevetsecnuac thoughts had, subsequently, turned to another vexing concern and one that had of late perpetually haunted his peace. His culminated experiences and understanding (from all that he’d heard, read and observed) thus far had revealed that Zakhertan Yozdek’s grip on the Nation though odiously fierce, with so many powerful factions vying for power, he was the necessary glue, if Wenjenkun was to triumph over (trounce/ vanquish) the joint invincible armies of both Kontu and Korion in the impending Great War. Hence, on the brink of this imminent and decisive war Nevetsecnuac was to succeed in his aim, Wenjenkun nation robbed of its vital, key element, the factional infighting in the Capital in conjunction with the provincial insurgences, would certainly cast the nation in utter turmoil, resulting in the eventual, catastrophic decimation of Wenjenkun’s once peerless defenses. After the ensued copious bloodshed and violence on an unprecedented scale, the remnant resistance force along with the citizens, would be made to suffer a lifetime of servitude and ultimate debasement at the hands of foreign aggression.

06- IMPENDING WARS WENJENKUN WILL BE IN

In the end, after the day of reckoning when all was said and done, would his actions liberate the wronged, would it free their tormented souls, or cast them into furtherance abysmal, eternal lamentations… Judged and condemned as he and they (those who supported his cause, the loyalists, the patriots) might all be, if the result was catastrophic or inimical (detrimental), by all the future generations?

At this point Nevetsecnuac in a perturbed (agitated) state sat down and closed his eyes; for he knew eventually he would, still bound by loyalty and filial obligation, go through with the assassination. He could not in good conscience forsake those multitudes, among which were Lord Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon, Lord Shonne Gulbrand and the beggar, who had suffered incalculable hardships and torment on his behalf to enable him, this singular chance! A task unfortunately, only he alone could attain (manage, make it happen). How could he do otherwise, and dash (shatter) all their hopes, that for so long had (hung,) rested on his shoulders?

Thus, Nevetsecnuac, was resolved to stockily bear (carry) the entire burden of guilt while his conscience had incessantly wrested with his heart, emotions, mind, and reasoning, casting his soul in utter turmoil, for he no longer was certain his aim (his future action) would be in accordance with Heaven’s will.

Nevetsecnuac was beset, moreover, with burgeoning shame, shame at his very questioning of the validity of his role (part) in all of this! And so, in deep vexation Nevetsecnuac had again started to endlessly, like a caged tiger, to pace the room back and forth, at times (occasionally) stamping his foot in fury and shaking his fist into the air as he muttered indecipherable words (to himself), or relenting, swore in silence an oath of vengeance on behalf of all his ancestors and the countless thousands of others who had been so grievously wronged all these years by this tyrannical, unconscionable fiend Zakhertan Yozdek.

 

 

(END OF SECTION 4)                                                                       ~

 

 

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 2

Nevetsecnuac’s sleep from then on were persistently harangued by an unusual and oftentimes luridly grotesque dream manifestations supplemented with heterogenous (varied) vernacular sounds and noises.

01-NEVETSECNUAC'S NIGHTMARE

Sometimes during slumber his physical form was unremittingly (repeatedly) touched, jabbed, tapped or stroked by an unearthly entity, which erstwhile (at some point) took on the form of a giant, hairy, slimy (creepy-crawly) caterpillar or insect. As these dreadful nightmares increasingly grew worse, Nevetsecnuac in dream state was (literally) actually attacked (assaulted), or periodically and figuratively chased, by these varied, gruesome, ghastly apparitions.

02- NEVETSECNUAC'S NIGHTMARE

Nevetsecnuac each time had intrepidly, however, stood his ground and fought to counter and even vanquish, these rapacious monsters. Furthermore, every morning he awoke with only minor lacerations (cuts, slashes, scratches), with no strain on his psyche, fully refreshed and in sound grip of his faculties.

                                                                                       ~

The ensuing week, as he rode on, having elected to follow a short-cut route through the desert region, he was abruptly anew, and this time during daylight hours, not once but thrice assailed by the repetitive, whirling dust storms that suddenly erupted out of nowhere (always with such intensity that it threatened to promptly bury both man and horse), only to cease just as swiftly, when it failed to elicit least alarm, or perturbance, from  Nevetsecnuac. (This is not to say, Nevetsecnuac hadn’t quietly wondered about the reasons for this persistent assessment of his innate aptitudes.)

03-NEVETSECNUAC

Subsequent days and weeks many other hair-raising measures were thrust upon Nevetsecnuac but he, possessing nerves of steel had nevertheless remained truly fearless and unperturbed even when encountering spine-tingling myriad onslaughts from incalculable supernatural phenomenon. Nevetsecnuac, with his resolute manner (stance, attitude) hence, robbed Zonar of any satisfactory, perhaps perverse (wicked) appeasement, but when in contrast, the real danger struck, he acted adroitly to eliminate it, incurring a secret awe and a deep respect from his presumed pernicious adversary.

Awakened at down one morning, somewhat groggy because of past night’s disturbed sleep under the stars and the usual, plummeted temperatures of the nighttime in the desert- Nevetsecnuac, eager to resume his journey, had quickly led his steps through the tall grass, to the edge of a small pond (tarn), a rare water source in the desert oasis.  Squatting, he was about to proceed with his morning’s ritual (routine) of washing (cleansing) his face, when his attention momentarily was gripped (riveted) by the transformed image of self. Nevetsecnuac somewhat pensively studied the altered reflection on the placid surface of the pond: gone were the long locks of white, blond hair, his tapered blond beard and mustache. Now instead, a mixt (varied) hue(tint) of blond saturated those strands. But far from being disconcerted (shocked, unsettled), he instead simply smiled, in approval (gayly) nodded his head, then quickly resumed with his washing up. Subsequently, he rose to his feet and respectfully bowed; then, in a resounding voice addressed the air: “Thank you for your pre-emptive (proactive) favor, for this is a much better disguise for me when I enter the capital city of Channing.”

Indeed, for some time now this had been a silent concern for Nevetsecnuac.

 

“You are exasperatingly Cheeky!” The air trembled with his roaring laughter. “This altered color may or may not last; if it does however, lest you worry… on the day you fulfill your destiny, every strand of your hair shall revert back to its innate hue. Farewell, till we meet again.” Then after a succession of lightning strikes and thunder, Zonar’s invisible (felt) presence was unequivocally (absolutely) gone.

04- ZONAR KUNTZU

                                           ~                               

 The arid topography (land) successfully traversed, Nevetsecnuac presently opting for speed and wishing to recoup some lost time (in Denor) incessantly galloped his charger, the strong cavalry horse that had once belonged to Mouro Kerr, into the distance.

Subsequent weeks, Nevetsecnuac nevertheless prudently (sensibly) had elected to stay away from any human habitation (village, town, or city) and despite periodic, topographic or climatic hindrances (encumbrances), they’d still covered vast expanse. Of late the unusual dry spell and hot temperatures had resulted in much discomfort and hardship, especially for the mount; when their arduous journey of the past two days, the meandering precarious path eventually led them to an undulated forested region, Nevetsecnuac acceded to, them taking a brief noon respite. 

Nevetsecnuac retrieved some dry rations and shaded from the scorching midday sun under a huge elm tree, began reluctantly nibbling on these wild roots, berries and recently acquired (game) raw meat, while keeping a close eye on his contented mount grazing on some taller grass little ways off, under another cluster of ancient trees.

But there would be no lasting reprieve for the weary.

Out of the blue, a thunderbolt from the cloudless sky suddenly struck setting the grass ablaze around Nevetsecnuac’s immediate perimeter.  His horse, grazing outside of the ring of fire, whinnied, and bolted in fright but, strangely enough, did not run very far away. Despite being walled by the raging flames shooting up to the Heavens, Nevetsecnuac unperturbed remained seated and donned a broad smile; then provocatively he thrust the meat skewered on the end of a stick, into the crackling, smoldering flames and exclaimed with delight:

 "Your merits (traits) were sorely missed. It's very good of you, sir, providing this cooking fire, but you needn’t have gone to all that trouble."

Instantaneously black clouds congregated overhead and, within seconds, Nevetsecnuac was drenched to the bone by torrential rains.

"A shower, too, to wash off the grease and clear off the smoke from the air." Nevetsecnuac good-naturedly chortled.

 "Really, sir, you are too kind."  Then, rising to his feet, he gallantly bowed low in thanks.

Zonar’s roaring laughter reverberated through the earth and the limitless sky; then as abruptly, the deluge (downpour) ceased, and the clouds simply vanished.

As only verification, Nevetsecnuac stood mired (stuck) in a knee-deep pool of water, whereas the ground few feet away remained perfectly dry and parched as before.

The stupefied mare, overcoming his fright, now wearily advanced to slake her thirst.

“Zonar… Yes, you do possess remarkable abilities.” Nevetsecnuac concurred inwardly, a hint of smile (grin) brushing his lips. Next, with an agile leap, he landed on a hillock; as he a proceeded to wring the moisture out of his clothes, he further pondered: “Hmm, he’s so like immortals of ancient parables, possesses such powers to summon at will, nature’s forces.  Indeed, I am most fortunate to have encountered him.  Perhaps he can be persuaded to impart some of that unique knowledge to me, for it will certainly prove beneficial in the furthering of my aim.”

05- ZONAR KUNTZU -

“We’ll see first, if you are worthy.” Amazingly enough, an answer reverberated just then, in thin air.

                                                                                       ~

After this last incident, however, Zonar's presence was sorely missed for quite a while; during which time, Nevetsecnuac periodically wondered what twist of fate kept Zonar away. Meanwhile in anticipation of their next impending encounter, Nevetsecnuac tended to his wounds and lacerations by utilizing natural herbal medicines; hunted wild game and dug up roots for sustenance; as well, kept up with his daily routine of martial exercises. His recovery was phenomenal in its swiftness. Subsequently, having recouped his prior strength and stamina, he opted to traversing the wild and dangerous terrain at increasingly greater speed. 

After a length of time with no serious incidence that would warrant any mention, one morning, at the first light of day, Nevetsecnuac senses alerted him (to a strange hissing sound) to wakeful state to confront a monstrous, most venomous viper with Its large, protruding fangs dripped with paralyzing toxin (that would render the victim comatose until the long, tortured, agonizing end), rearing its ugly head in readiness to strike. Quickly determining that this was not another of Zonar’s phantasms, Nevetsecnuac boldly fixed his gaze on the snake till it was mesmerized.  Then, in lightning speed grasping its enormous neck and tail, hurled it away to a safe distance, all done with perfect ease.  His calm demeanor unchanged in the slightest, Nevetsecnuac then yawned and stood up to stretch his limbs.

Suddenly, bolting out of the blue sky, Zonar planted his feet squarely on the ground in front of Nevetsecnuac. “Well done.”

Seeing who it was, Nevetsecnuac smiled and bowed cordially, "I've been looking forward to our meeting, sir. “

In a favorable mood, Zonar returned the greeting and confessed, "I, too sir, have been eagerly anticipating this reunion.  I trust your wounds are completely healed?"

"They have been for quite some time now, thank you for asking." Nevetsecnuac nodded.  "Though there really was no real reason for the delay."

"For the true test there was." Zonar countered, grimacing coldly.

 "Your countrymen are unworthy of my consideration, save for the one I will soon kill.  Yes, it has been my intention from our first meeting to challenge you in combat.  Your skills are superb, even though you disguise them well under that seemingly passive, gentle exterior."

"I only hope I may prove worthy of your high praises and prove not to be too much of a disappointment to you." Nevetsecnuac smiled modestly.

"You have not disappointed me yet." Zonar smiled icily.

 "But enough of these pleasantries; now sir, I ask you formally, where and when do you wish to enter into combat with me?  You may have until noon to reach your decision."

"Why postpone the inevitable?  This is as good a time and place as any."  Nevetsecnuac bowed courteously to initiate the combat.

"Not so fast!" Zonar held up his hand to stay the fight.

 "I, sir, prefer combat with swords, as I suspect you do too; therefore, I have taken pains to construct a blade for you of equal quality to my own. If you are worthy, the first time you use it the blade, it will for a spell, glow iridescent blue. It is a magical sword which will, when not in use, shrink, and transform into shape of a writing brush. When you inwardly invoke the word: Lohcnilik it will instantly transform into a sword which is now before you. To summon it back to the state of writing brush, you simply cogitate (reflect) on the word: Lomelak.”  Zonar paused at this point to cast Nevetsecnuac a broad, daring smile. 

06- ZONAR KUNTZU - 2 (13)

“If you survive your combat with me, you may consider it an advance gift. And always keep it on your person; one day it will be of use to you when you confront your arch nemesis. Now let’s see how well you’ll fare in contest (of swordfight) with me.” As he said this, he’d just then hurled (in lightning speed) the second sword, still stuck in its scabbard, to Nevetsecnuac.

 It shot up into the air like a lightning bolt riding the wind.

Nevetsecnuac reached up and grabbed the hilt, letting the scabbard sail past.  Studying the blade carefully, he nodded in approval, "Remarkable construction."

Zonar was pleased to see the blade’ flashing for a spell, iridescent blue. What he’d left out in his speech earlier was that, if Nevetsecnuac had not been deemed worthy, the blade would have turned instantly red-hot and singed (scorched) not just the hand but the entire body (of the mortal) to a crisp.

Zonar nodded and grinning, replied: “Quite right, it’s decades far along your country's technology; furthermore, this durable blade will cut through solid rock as if it was but tender flesh."

“Now let us begin.”

 

(END OF SECTION 2)