THE DRAGON LONGZE AND THE LOST DAUGHTER BERDIS - PART 2 (Original story By Bost 2025)

 THE DRAGON LONGZE AND THE LOST DAUGHTER BERDIS - PART 2

(ORIGINAL STROY BY BOST 2025)

 

Temuz’s feet was suddenly bolted to the ground and, with his arms fastened to either side of him like led weights, try as he might he could not move a single muscle, nor could he take a single step forward. That same instant, his mouth had contorted in pain, as the look in his eyes indicated dread, for he had just then grasped the gravity of his predicament (situation); ahh, but bit too late! 

01- TEMUZ (7)

Subsequently, the rising gale winds that had mercilessly thrashed him had also heralded the dark, ominous clouds overhead, instantly turning day into night. Then came the torrential downpours, a deluge, but it all fell only on him; Berdis few feet away remained totally dry. Angry skies repetitively thundered and shook the very ground which he stood; but worse was yet to come, a streak of lightening next finding its mark, Temuz’s body just then was set alight (busted into flames).

02- TEMUZ (HIT BY LIGHTENING)

 And promptly, he was reduced to a large heap of ash! Berdis, meanwhile, witnessing all this, in fright had collapsed suddenly on the moss-covered ground, unconscious yet breathing.

03- BERDIS (8)

When she came to, the shocking event suddenly recollected, her face turned ghostly white, but not a single alarming cry escaped her lips; instead, she had simply sat there on the ground, in numbed state, barely listening to Longze’s rationalizations (explanative) and urgent appeals (entreaties) ringing in her head. She had never seen anyone perish (die) in front of her before, let alone someone she knew, though detested.

Later that afternoon Berdis had quietly returned to her home and gone straight to her room. She had said nothing to her parents even though her pallid complexion had greatly alarmed her mother, Elin.  Berdis had obligingly ingested (swallowed, consumed) some chicken bouillon, a nourishing soup, and was allowed to retire early to bed that evening. Her ill health, and melancholy state did not dissipate following morning but rather, lasted for nearly a week.

The whole village, meanwhile, was cast in tumult, when Temuz and his bond servant’s sudden mysterious disappearances without a trace, was discovered. For weeks, dire speculations, unfounded accusations and unsolicited (unwelcome) ominous predictions wildly circulated, fingers pointing at likely culprits, all the while causing emotional soup of fear, grief, anger and foreboding, not only among his immediate family and wide network of friends but also, with countless others that had dealings (favorable or otherwise) with Temuz in the village. Some of Temuz’s closest friends, recalling Berdis’s demeaning (belittling) rejection of Temuz at the dance earlier on, now put their heads together in conspiratorial whispers against Berdis, suspecting that somehow, she must have begotten (caused) this trouble. Some even shunned her or spread nasty rumours about her, even deeming her unlucky and ill-fated.  All expanded efforts searching for Temuz, meanwhile, lasting for weeks and months, had all been in vain:  no resolution, no answer came forth despite the indebt investigation; this eventually forced the authorities to register the disappearances of both in official report, as unresolved, unexplained phenomenon.

Eventually, things in the village had quieted down and ordinary life seemingly returned to norm, especially since summer was nearing its end, and soon there would be the Autumn Harvest Festival. Subsequent days, the activity in the village was electric; the air was permeated with excitement as all neighbours congregated in the community hall, planning the future Autumn Harvest celebrations. 

Reluctantly, Alec and Elin had participated in some of the ongoing rush of events, even though their hearts were not in it. By then, also not wishing to worsen Berdis’s malady, Alec and Elin had temporarily postponed making any final decision about Berdis’s prospects (nuptial), which by the way, had been greatly diminished.  They were quite contented, meanwhile, because Berdis now a subdued, proper young lady, rarely went out lone on excursions, and even then, she never ventured too far. Even so, many of her friends had now kept their distance and furthermore, Berdis’s introverted traits being unusual- consistently sequestered in her room reading horticulture books and taking notes on medicinal herbs, and as oft she seemed, distracted, moody or unhappy- inaudibly concerned, her mother, Elin.

Back at the mountain cave, meanwhile, Dragon Longze had just finished paying for his past violation, when barely released from his chains, he was now informed of a new charge, having already been found guilty in absentia, of his breach (infringement), of yet another forbidden, stringent Heavenly rule. Any intimacy or love relations was strictly prohibited between divine(immortal) and the mortal beings. When he had hopelessly fallen in love with a mortal being, his transgression had condemned him.

05 -DRAGON LONGZE (10)

Longze hence, was summoned at once to Heaven’s court, to answer this charge and to submit to his dire punishment.  Even though some had pleaded on his behalf, he was still given the only recourse (option) as recompense sentence (verdict):  to either forever forsake his love, Berdis, and incinerate her, or suffer as penance (fine, punishment) the Hundred Heavenly Thunderbolts, an extreme chastisement which none had ever survived; and on the unlikely chance he did, he would  thereafter be deprived (stripped) of his immortality. Kneeling before the Heavenly Court, he had begged for the opportunity to first contact her, before he gave his final decision. Though reluctantly, he was given this singular chance.

06--DRAGON LONGZE (5)

That night he had appeared to her in his, almost-human form, in a dream and truthfully explained his reasons for his long abstinence. He had not forsaken her, far from it, he’d done his best to alter the course of their otherwise doomed relationship, the forbidden love and the inevitably consequential tragic fate (certain outcome,) that had awaited them both. He had then asked tentatively, if she still carried the flames of passion (love) for him in her heart. She had looked at him, unafraid and straight in the eye, hurt registering in her pupils temporarily for his doubting her affection, and then nodded in the affirmative.

 “Yes,” she had then declared resolutely and, with deep emotion in her voice, “I have never once, stopped loving you.”

His heart in ruptures, he had manifested (in absolute human form) in her room, and she also awakened, presently on her feet, for a moment they had simply stared at each other.  Then he smiled and drew near to passionately embraced her, afterwards, lowering his head, he tenderly kissed her rosy lips. But then quickly pulled away and shook his head. “First, however, you must be in the know…. “Longze hesitated, looking grim, then forcing calm to his voice he slowly, hence, began recounting (relaying) albeit grave consequences, of what their forbidden love entailed:

After his punishment of Heavenly thunderbolts (he’d purposely omitted the number hundred, insinuating instead that it would only be couple of bolts), he would then be stripped of all his innate (divine) powers of immortality and then be cast on earth, to live a single lifetime, with his beloved Berdis, if fortune favored them. He reiterated, making sure she understood the full implications, that he and she would be cast forlorn and helpless, him a mere mortal being, in some distant, foreign lands where they would have to rely only on their own devices, receiving no support or backing, from Heaven, relations or friends. She may suffer greatly from being segregated (separated) from her parents, the comforts of home, the routine life in the village, all that she had known, loved and cherished in her growing years. Together they would survive and perhaps even thrive, but at a cost to her, and this fact(ached) deeply pained his heart. Then, his voice strong and resolute, he avowed to love and protect her to the best of his abilities, to cherish and provide for her to the end of his mortal existence. Falling silent momentarily, however, he looked up at her to somberly confess, that he had no certain way of knowing or predicting what his future physical shape or abilities would be. He bit the corner of his lover  lip, as he silently considered his inner dread that after his punishment he could be disfigured or worse; then, forcing a smile to his lips, he had quietly asked, “When we meet again, I may appear far different from this current physical form; please consider this carefully, are you still willing to take this great risk, simply on a leap of fate, just to attain this singular chance at happiness with me?”

07-DRAGON LONGZE (12)

She had nodded without hesitation and stanchly (steadfastly) said, “Yes.”  Then went on to add that life’s uncertainties (unpredictability) had never frightened her, however, possibility of loosing his love did. She would willingly go through fire, literally, to be with him. 

He was so touched, tears pricked his eyes, and he reached out to gently hold (grip) her hand; turning it over, he raised it to his lips and tenderly kissed the palm of her hand, which was a symbolic gesture, a pledge of his deep, eternal love for her.

And all this was observed in Heaven, not just by his supporters but all, even those ardent opponents (critics) who by having witnessed this rare fervour (zeal), courage, this unequivocal(undeniable) deep affection (love) and unwavering devotion (dedication, fidelity), resultantly hence, had wavered (faltered) in their staunch resolve.

Meanwhile back on earth, from that night on, anticipation of joy, hope and love along with melancholy and worry (chiefly for him), in continuous emotion, though alternately (by turns) had existed in Berdis’s heart. That was partially the reason for her solitude and oft manifest mixed emotions: as her heart habitually palpitated, basking (delighting in,) in Longze’s deep professed love, while her mind considered all that she would be leavening behind, and the myriad (innumerable) possibilities their future entailed. Additionally, her mind also was beset with silent worry about the outcome of his impending (looming) punishment; knowing his nature, she had guessed (supposed) he had not fully disclosed to her, the full gravity (extent) of his sentence (penalty).

                                                                                          ~

In the village, the Autumn Harvest Festival celebrations, which lasted for a week, was now in full swing. During one such event in which all the eligible young people had obligingly participated in symbolic harvesting the terraces, a small measure of the strips of ripened wheat fields that had been purposely left untouched- they had not been long at it when one of the girls, one called Helga, coincidentally one noted for her beauty, joyfully cried aloud having found a specific purple flower.

08- HELGA

 Everyone hurried over to at once congratulate her for this, artfully implanted, though purportedly (ostensibly) rare and most fortunate find, which foretold that a brave admirer would soon be on his way to her father’s dwelling to claim her hand in marriage.  The girl blushing crimson, quickly tucking the trophy to her bosom, awkwardly intoned her thanks to all the well wishers and then rushed off to home to relate this good knows to her parents.

That same instant, one of the young men (a distant cousin of Temuz) who happened to be the local blacksmith (the metalworker) and more importantly a malevolent person well-known in the community for his prophetic, ominous predictions, supernatural powers, had noted Berdis’s unease as she had stood aloof off to the side. Langu looking more intently, spied in Berdis’s hand before she could conceal it, impromptu (unplanned, yet genuine), another specific purple wildflower: though this one had two purple blossoms, a much rarer find, more importantly, it had an ominous red stem and leaves.

09-  BERDIS (29)

Excitement bursting in his chest, “Dragon comes!” At once an alarmed cry rang out from Langu.  “The ominous blossoms exist, check out the mark of the red stalk and leaves that is in her grasp!” He insisted in an urgent shout, drawing unwarranted attention to Berdis, and this time his accusatory finger pointed directly at Berdis’s hand, causing everyone gathered to take an intake of deep, fearful breath. All eyes mechanically next, turned to the sky, in search of, predicted, wrathful, baneful Dragon; for the sky had just then suddenly, ominously darkened, as the abruptly rising winds heralded the flotilla of clouds overhead, swiftly concealing the sun behind it.

Berdis subsequently had striven to run away, but Langu persisting with his dire warnings, “Beware all! Watch out for the sure signs...” he, same time, had maneuvered his body to effectively block her way and prevent her escape (flight). “The vengeful dragon, will soon emerge from the cave and seek his revenge on us all!” Langu had continued in his exaggerated tones (unaware of the danger he might beget self), accompanying his ardent words with the mimicked action of many facets of death.  “Run, run for your lives.” 

10-LANGU

He turned abruptly and burrowed his hard, suspicious, contemptuous eyes on Berdis. “You! You are in league with that dragon! You are also responsible for my cousin’s disappearance, and perhaps, untimely demise, I know it!” In a venomous whisper, he hissed (murmured). “I will expose you; you wait and see! “

Berdis stockily met Langu’s accusatory glare and simply shrugged.  Her eyes next, with an unreadable expression regarded the purple flower with red stem and red leaves. Inwardly however, she was fighting to steady her heart and to contain her surging inner elation (joy), knowing what her find meant. She had been subtly given the answer, of the Heaven’s merciful verdict.  He’d survived his ordeal, his mated punishment, and soon, very soon, she would be reunited with her beloved Longze.

Langu’s eyes (popped)opened wide, as if he’d just then read her thoughts, as he loudly this time, (reiterated) screeched, “Berdis, she is in league with the Dragon!”

Some among the crowd of onlookers that had gathered, shook their head as if to say, this was bit too much… Suddenly, rounds of laughter erupted spontaneously in waves, as everyone thought that Langu was playing a prank on them, a cruel one at that, just to frighten them and to augment the excitement of the festivities.

Berdis ceasing this opportunity, hastily tugged the precious find into her pocket and darted away, this time successfully.

Of course, no Dragon manifested; furthermore, Langu’s dramatics lost its effect entirely when just then the sudden downpours had everyone running for cover. And, before long all that hype was forgotten, save for Langu who had menacingly and doggedly from then on kept a surreptitious eye on Berdis.

Some things are never put off, even though the numerous events and festivities had many villager’s schedules hectic, and multitudes franticly engaged. Surprisingly at dawn one day, a representative matchmaker of Overseer (supervisor) Kendo Ren, who was from another prominent family, laden with gifts, had formally called at Alec and Elis’s home, to put forward this time a more persuasive proposal for Berdis’s hand in marriage. Supervisor Kendo Ren was way older than Berdis, but he enjoyed such renown (fame) for his aptitude, dexterity and courage especially in the last skirmish (scuffle, fray, fight)  that had secured the highways, including the one leading to their village, from relentless highwaymen, permanently eliminating threat from the notorious White Hawk Gang, that Berdis’s parents accepted him readily at once as an apt suitor for their daughter.  They had long suspected the cause of Berdis’s malady being her secret infatuation of a malevolent spirit; hence, Alec and Elin’s decision had been based on the dire hope that Kendo Ren, with his proficiency as a warrior, would ultimately rescue Berdis from the clutches of that harmful, phantom spirit.

11- KENDO REN

Berdis, when informed of her parent’s decision, did not express any objections to the suitor’s age or give any other plausible reason; she simply shook her head in the negative, clearly rejecting the marriage proposal. Her parents spent the entire night arguing the point between them. By the following day, with their mind set, ascribing the young daughter’s hesitancy to maidenly fear, they went ahead anyway and fixed the date for the upcoming nuptials. Elin, despite her intuitive worry, for Berdis had remained adamant despite pressure, that she would never acquiesce to this match, chose instead, to busy herself for the next couple of weeks with the customary preparations. The wedding date was fast approaching and on the fifth of November, three days after Berdis’s sixteenth birthday hence, the Overseer (supervisor) Kendo Ren would present himself in person, in full regalia, with pomp and ceremony, with a contingent (delegation) of mounted men, at their door, to collect his bride. The wedding celebrations would then take place in his residence, lasting, at least four weeks, owing to his importance.

Alec and Elin had no way of knowing of course that, on the day Berdis had found that two purple blooms on a single red stem, in her heart of hearts she’d understanding its message. Subsequently, she had covertly visited the  forbidden zone one last time, and in front of then sealed cave’s entrance, sitting on a rock, under that broad-topped young pine whose leaves whispered in the gentle murmur of the air in the evening hours when the twilight steals by with night on its heels, she had declared openly , her voice resonating in  the air, her affirmed, avowed fidelity to Longze. 

12- BERDIS

                                           ~                                       

Two days prior, to the day November 5^th, that was to be her marriage date, she donned her best garments, arranged her hair according to the tradition of her village and wore all her maiden ornaments in beautiful array.  With a smile, she then came forth just before dusk and presented herself to her parents.

“I am sorry to have caused you so much worry,” She said, “It is time for me to now, take my leave of you. My place is with my intended, future husband, Longze, who is patiently waiting for me at this moment, to whisk me away.”

Her face was radiant with joy, and the parents, thinking what she had said was a fanciful way of expressing her acquiescence to their plans, and that Longze was a nickname she’d given to her intended, nodded their ready acquiescence (consent). They had of course expected her to now, to go forth and have that clandestine meeting with her intended suitor Kendo Ren, as this was the accepted norm, before the actual wedding day. 

Her father Alec had stood at the doorway and wished his precious daughter Berdis plentiful good fortune in her anticipated, happy meeting with her soon to be husband, and then briskly turned on his heels and went inside, not wishing for his daughter to witness fresh tears just then brimming in his eyes. Her mother Elin had accompanied Berdis, part of the way.

"I leave you with some trepidation in my heart," Berdis said finally, in a somber tone, when they had halted their steps; from thence, they would part.  "Joyful as this event is, my heart is beset with sadness for I am going from one who has loved and nurtured me since my infancy; one who has guarded my youth; who has given me medicine when I was sick and taught me to cook and sew.” Turning to take one last teary-eyed look at her childhood home, she added. “I am going from a father who diligently kept us safe from all danger, as he oft has ranged the forest to procure the choicest meat and furs, and liberally had his home supplied with food and warmth.  I am going from a place which has been my shelter from the harsh storms of winter, and my shield from the heat of summer. My gratitude is boundless for all that you’ve both done for me. I love you both dearly; but now I must leave you. Farewell, my beloved mother,” Berdis looked at her home one last time and mouthed the words, “farewell also, my respected father, farewell!"

And then, she sped faster than any could follow to the periphery (margin, edge) of the fairy wood, and in a moment, she was lost to sight.

That night Alec and Elin seated by the fire, with mixed emotions had patiently awaited till small hours for her safe return. Subsequent day was the waiting day, which all would rest, reflect and pray, just one day before the big day, the joyful event that would unite their precious Berdis with Kendo Ren formally (legally) before the assembled key witnesses and officials, in an anticipated, blissful matrimonial ceremony.

Time passed.  Hour followed yet another hour, as the clouds of evening rolled up in the west; darkness faded eventually and, the first daylight was about to be manifest in the east, yet Berdis had still not returned. 

They jumped from their seat at a loud knock on the door at down, and with pounding hearts, rushed to open it. But instead of Berdis, they came face to face with the forlorn and decidedly angry face of the bridegroom to be, who demanded an explanation for this insult.

13- ANGRY KENDO REN

He had gone through a lot of trouble the night before, with magnificent preparations (arrangements), to woo (court, flatter) Berdis with words of passion, sonnets, gifts of food, wine, music and personal tokens of love, ancestral jewellery to be bestowed on her. He’d patiently waited all night long at the rendezvous point for hours on end, his steps (boots) to and for wearing out the ground and ultimately, his patience, but she had failed to show up. He demanded an explanation for this great breach of etiquette and time-honoured custom (tradition, ritual).

Alec and Elin were mystified and bit horrified at this unimagined outcome; they were of course beset with silent worry thinking some grave mishap must have befallen her. They carefully, meticulously enumerated, the last night’s spoken words and events, in their head, still disbelieving their senses, instead, seeking any plausible explanation for this unexpected outcome.

Kendo Ren had great influence and power not just in the village but in the entire region; and because of his prominence, soon, many armed men were dispatched (rounded up) , utilized, spread about, some on horseback, searching the byways, steep hills, the periphery shoreline of the lake, wilderness and whereabouts, even trespassing into the forbidden zone, in an exhaustive, thorough search of Berdis. The all-encompassing search had lasted all day and night; at night with torches lit, they (examined) still investigated every dark recess of the mountain, probed each and every chasm (crevice), combed every leafy brush, examined every disturbance on the ground (tracks belonging to wildlife or men), still it had been in vain. The huge cave entrance meanwhile had been sealed, it was solidified into a mountain, and the cavern existed no more. Nor did they care. They hoped it had sealed and imprisoned the dreaded Dragon there permanently. At least that was something to be thankful for.

14- KENDO REN

Kendo Ren’s rage could not be so easily assuaged; though he concealed his innate nature well, he was in truth an arrogant, possessive, cruel and spiteful warrior who’d always gotten his way. Moreover, Kendo Ren had, for a long time secretly lusted (hankered) after Berdis, and when Temuz’s proposal of marriage had been accepted, incensed Kendo Ren had then made certain arrangements to bring about Temuz’s accidental, premature demise (death). But before this was to happen, Temuz had gone missing, robbing Kendo of the satisfaction of personally illuminating his rival. Now after the extensive search, having failed to yet again possess Berdis, he’d now sought to utterly destroy her parents Alec and Elin, for his unrequited lust and, as scant satisfaction, of his need for revenge.

It took some doing but eventually Kendo Ren was persuaded by the influential officials from his village, to instead, merry Helga. She was vein true, but also well endowed; moreover, on her seventeenth birthday, just shy of three months, she would be bequeathed with an additional wealth, a sizeable inheritance left to her by her only uncle, an enigmatic adventurer, who had never married or sired any known children. Joining her in matrimony will enhance his wealth and power, and so he had opportunely altered his (nuptial) plans and thought of Berdis no more.

Many suns rose and set, and in time all forgot the existence of Berdis, save for her parents. They had endlessly, in lamentation oft at night called out her name, but she answered not.  Nevermore in their light did the bereaved parent’s eyes behold the lost form of their beloved child. Soon they had to come to grips with a harsh reality: their beloved daughter had been lost to them forever. Wherever she had vanished, it was to a place no mortal eyes could see, and no mortal tongue could tell.

15-DRAGON LONGZE (8)

Essentially, when the Dragon Longze was first freed from his chains and  emerged from the cave: before his going to Heaven to answer for the new charges, it had been him that with his magic breath that had permanently sealed the entrance of the cave, forming an impenetrable, solid, charred rockface, so that no other would ever be held captive there ever again.

Afterwards, he had gone to Heaven and had suffered the extreme punishment of 100 Heavenly thunderbolts. He had endured the unimaginable torment and furthermore, survived just so he could be with his beloved Berdis. He could not allow himself to expire, not when he was so close to fulfilling his heart’s desire. His love had sustained him through the searing flames slicing, carving deep lines in his flesh and bones, the agonizing, soul shattering bolts that threatened to unhinge his mind.

He remained most grateful to his friends that had unstintingly cared for him after the fact, tended to his wounds and soon as the danger had passed and he was able, though a deep scar on his right cheek now marred his beautiful face and his left arm was permanently debilitated (hindered, encumbered), he had not with resentment but with humility, knelt before the Heavenly Mighty God and accepted, his just, final verdict.

Heaven being (lenient) merciful, he was manifested back at the mortal realm, in perfect health, as the same handsome young man of twenty with long, cascading blond hair and grey blue eyes, the same image he’d assumed in his last encounter with Berdis. 

16- DRAGON LONGZE WAITING FOR BERDIS

He had patiently waited that night, there under the canopy of infinite no of stars and moonlit sky, at the mouth of the old cave, for her to come to him. She did not disappoint his trust; and joyfully reunited with her, the two then embraced and closed their eyes; instantly they were cast (transported) to a distant land, but not an inhospitable one, for Heaven was compassionate and forbearing (tolerant, forgiving).

Longze and Berdis settled down in a modest dwelling, perched on the remote, however picturesque, segment of the majestic mountain, with cascading waterfalls and breathtaking scenery.  These mountain rages and the surrounding area, being at the periphery, was still under the jurisdiction, therefore apt protection of a just kingdom.

They mostly kept to themselves, though the monastery and the two towns nearby, still at some distance, provided Longze and Berdis with the necessary, annual provisions they could not otherwise attain. There, in their humble dwelling they lived happily ever after in perfect, blissful existence, Longze earning a living through hunting with abundant game on this high elevation (not altogether hostile topography, beside the densely forested mountain range); and Berdis, contributing to their livelihood, by being a healer, as she had some knowledge of the healing herbs.  She often gathered wild herbs that was found sometimes only on the mountain slopes (gradient, incline, hill), and categorized these accordingly, using them as treatment for myriad (innumerable) afflictions. And so, they lived peacefully ever after, till their hair turned grey, surrounded by three beautiful children, and two boys and a girl and many grandchildren.

The End.

 

THE DRAGON LONGZE AND THE LOST DAUGHTER BERDIS (PART 1)

 THE DRAGON LONGZE AND THE LOST DAUGHTER BERDIS 

(Original story By Bost 2025)

 

Part 1

A long time ago a mighty hunter called Alec, and his family lived in a modest dwelling alongside the lake near the base of the lofty mountain called DROGA. His only daughter, named Berdis (meaning spirit protection), was a beautiful girl with golden blond hair and blue eyes who from the earliest age seemed sensitive, thoughtful, and highly imaginative. Being rather introverted, she unfortunately, passed most of her time in solitude, and preferring nature and the company of plants, birds and animals to that of humans.

BERDIS

When Berdis was still very young, at night her mother Elin, on Berdis’s urgings, for plain old bedtime stories would never do, always lulled her to sleep with fantastic yarns, or thrilling verbal accounts of old legends passed down through generations. Berdis’s favorite fables always revolved around the mysterious tales that transpired in the forbidden zone known as the unhallowed (desecrated) ground, whom she’d been warned repeatedly, to never go near; and so, in her young years being a sweet obedient child, she’d obeyed, totally shunning that vicinity… A dense forested region, a narrow strip of land which spanned from mid elevation of the mountain down to the sandy shore of the lake. Mortals always fear what they do not understand. Anyhow, trespassers, she was told, without fail would fall under the spell of mystical, hazardous elves, minions (gofers, underlings) of evil spirits, wolf pyxies or fox dryads that dwelt in that unholy region.   Furthermore, tree and wild plant fairies lusted after naïve souls (hence, stole, collected them), as they consistently frolicked in mischievous, mesmerizing revelry; but worst of all, was the mighty, fierce Dragon that lived in a deep cave close to the summit (zenith) of the mountain.  According to old legends, some warriors had dared to enter the mouth of the cave, only to be instantly incinerated by the Dragon’s fiery breath; and since no one came back to recant (disavow, deny) or attest to its truth, this hearsay (and belief) had propagated (promulgated) intense fear and dread since time immemorial.

So fearful were the common folks of that desecrated region   that, whenever they came to close proximity, they always left behind an offering or a token to appease any ill will and ward off malevolence from the supernatural entities.

When Berdis got little older, being sensible but also curious and an idealist (dreamer), doubted the validity of such beliefs; and so, she’d stealthily visited this forbidden segment, yet despite the numerous times she’d trespassed into that area, she had never once experienced (encountered) any threat or adversity. Far from it, everything seemed to instead, welcome her and always made her feel as though she belonged.  Guarding this secret well, meanwhile, she often went missing longer and longer periods, basking, savouring her time in that forbidden zone, exploring in depth every nook and cranny, cluster of trees, bushes or flowers. Young as she was, she appreciated beauty and untamed nature and would sometimes gather strange, wildflowers and plants and upon her safe return, presented these delightful gleanings to her parents along with intriguing, ambiguous (obstruse) accounts of all her adventures that had transpired in her rambles.

Although her parents harbored some suspicion about her trekked venues (sites, places, spots), they were unwilling to prohibit her dubious escapades. She’d always been very gentle and delicate in temperament and nature; therefore, they could not openly articulate their opposition for fear of making her sick; and since she always returned in safety, her furtive visits to this enchanting place had persisted till she grew up in years to her early teens.

Each passing day, gradually growing more adventurous Berdis, ultimately sought the furthest remotest parts of the prohibited area, even ascending to the grater elevations of mountain.  This particular day, as she pensively trudged (trekked) through the barely feasible narrow strip, delving deeper into another unknown section of the region, she had suddenly recollected that old ballad which had alluded to an invisible trail that would rarely and mysteriously manifest for the chosen one, leading her/him eventually to the deep cavern where a fierce Dragon dwelled. She heaved a deep sigh and shook her head, knowing she was not that special, therefore, that would not happen to her.

Just then however, as if in answer, in the periphery of her vision, she noted the suddenly manifested trajectory (route, track) off to the side, inviting her to traverse it.  She placed her hand over her heart to steady her bursting excitement, meanwhile, her feet as though pulled by an irresistible draw, had already delved into the thick foliage and, after many hours of ascending the narrow goat’s path and then subsequently clearing the last obstacle of a  thorny, dense bushes that had obligingly parted to allow her passage, she’d delightedly (chanced upon) encountered an enormous gaping mouth of the huge cavern (grotto).

There was and irresistible pull for her to enter; inexplicably however, she desisted the urge (temptation), and instead, sat in lonely reverie there upon some high promontory of rock near the entrance of the deep cavern (grotto). Positioned amid all the leafy haunts of forest pines but quite close to the cliff’s edge, her eyes next trailed the snaking, downward track which led to the narrow strip of shoreline of the pristine lake.  Despite the distance, her acute hearing just then picked up the harmonious, melodious ripples of the waves lapping against the open shore. Of course, when she returned home just before dusk, this venture was too, added to the pages of her cherished private memory.

She had covertly returned to the mouth of the cave many more times (since) after that day, since the path always manifested, as if a welcome draw (lure, incentive) and, always allowed her a safe passage effortlessly through. Meanwhile, in all that time it had been the mighty Dragon (wielding his innate willpower), who had (checked) prevented her from entering the cave, for had she done so, he would have been (and not by choice,) forced to incinerate her (turn her into ash) with his fiery breath. As testament to this fact, there were vestiges (remnants) of charred bone fragments in several large heaps of ashes positioned only few steps withing the mouth of the cave.

Oh, but she never minded sitting in her favorite spot with her face turned upwards, gazing at the sky and observing the clouds that sailed on by. Sometimes she offhandedly (calmly) noted the smooth flight patterns of the eagles circling the sky; other times she slightly turned her head to gaze with keen eyesight at the languid, shimmering ripples on the lake’s surface far below. Oftentimes, with the gentle breeze caressing her cheeks, her thoughts would linger in lengthy contemplation, as though in communion with the spirit of an unknown force cold and distant, yet curious and fair.

Gradually this ethereal (otherworldly, enigmatic) force thawed, as at the same time elusive, yet almost sympathetic, arcane vernacular encroached (impinged, intruded) her mind. She embraced this with certain fascination, her heart alternately soothed or pulsated, by these most engaging stanzas, ancient limericks and thrilling chronicles, those he chose to share. Emboldened, she at times sought its divine guidance and solace, wanting to lighten her soul and alleviate the melancholy that seemed of late to grip her heart.

Then came the day which she affirmed her innate intuition, that she was indeed all that time, had been conversing with the Dragon that inhabited the cave; moreover, she now learned of his name: Longzi.

05- DRAGON LONGZE (1)

Once, when her father Alec remained afar on the hunt later than usual, and it was feared that he could be overwhelmed by a tempest, or encountered some misfortune, Berdis had surreptitiously, in her room lit a candle, knelt on the side of her bed and, palms held together in supplication,  called onto her Dragon friend Longze in prayer for his help, knowing despite his confinement in the cave, he could still direct (order)  the nature’s elements, as well, engage his minions and  spirits’ help to speed her father’s safe return. He had not disappointed her.

 By then, her initial inhibition had given way to genuine fondness of this noble, wise Dragon, whom she lately called, a dear old friend; furthermore, all during the long snowy winter, where it had been inadvisable for anyone to venture out into wilderness, she secretly yearned to go see him, disregarding the portended (expected) dangers. Strangely enough, it was Longze that each time discouraged her from this foolish aim, asking her to be patient a little while longer instead, when her trek would be safer during the more moderate temperatures, and later still, he promised to be with her (he did not say how,) when she reached the age of consent, which in her mountain village, was sixteen.

To alleviate her persistent concerns, he often kept in touch with her during her sleep, but always in vernacular (language, dialect, lingo) and never in an image (appearance, likeness). Perhaps he did not wish to frighten her.

Progressively, as their souls touched (feeling and thinking same), they had become little more than good friends and eventually he’d allowed himself to implicitly trust and feel unwavering affection (love) for this mortal girl. Though he had never outwardly professed (declared) it, in his heart and soul, he had already chosen her to be his eternal love.

On her subsequent visit which the warmer temperatures had allowed it, Longze imparted to her via scant details, gently as he could, the reasons for his execrable confinement. He had done this (as he’d been forbidden to do) with guarded, wary and indirect words, using references to enigmatic lyrics, cagy verses, tender dirges (laments). She had learned then, through insinuation and guesswork, the gist of his harrowing sentence, years of sorrowful plight (ordeal, torment), which came about because he had once pitied the offender, had failed to punish (destroy) and so, breached (violated) the ironclad Heavenly Law. For his disobedience, he’d been imprisoned in that cave, chained to the wall, for over three thousand years.

06- DRAGON LONGZE (2)

 As Berdis had listened to the voice in her head, her heart was so wrenched that, she’d shed quiet tears in deep sympathy of his endured pain. He loved her all the more for this, though next he did his best to lighten her mood. There was another concern, a secret that had long prayed on his mind, but this one he chose not to divulge, as the outcome pended on an unforeseen circumstance; instead, he communicated to her that, fortuitously, his sentence was nearing an end, about the time when she reaches the age of consent (16 years old), choosing to steer (guide) her thoughts in the direction of hope.  

A week later, again stealing away to the mouth of the cave and while reclining pensively against the young pine-tree, she’d fancied that she had heard Longze’s voice sweetly addressing her. At first it had been scarcely more than a sigh, but gradually it had grown more pronounced: 

"Sweet maiden,” said the melodious whisper. “Pray think of me not just a Dragon; but as one who is fond to be with thee; I, with my tall and scaly strength, with my bright fire red eyes, a nodding star high up in the night’s sky, one that every evening sparkles above thee. Thou art having captured my heart, Berdis; before you retire to bed, (and succumb to sleep), walk to the window and cast your gaze up to the sky, to heavens and be at peace. Fly from men who are false and cruel, and quit the tumult of their dusty strife and instead embrace this quiet, gentle regard (honour, affection). Rest over thy head on my chest, and I will carry you up to the stars. I will breathe a perfume like that of flowers over thy happy evening rest. I'll waft thee o'er the waters of the sky-blue lake. I will deck the folds of thy mantle with the sun's last rays. Come in spirit, as often as you desire, and we’ll soar over the mountain free, riding the gentle (clouds) winds, together in the land of the stars."

These riveting, enchanting words were drunk in with an eager ear by Berdis, and in time the tiny buds of love in her heart transformed into full blossoms, her mind made up she’d sworn thence, to forsake all other. Returning to the spot time after time, she’d listen with intent to hear more akin declarations of love, but the voice thereafter had become only an inaudible murmur and then, it had ceased altogether. Though alarmed, in her heart the hope persisted and flourished with a sure conviction that on her sixteenth birthday, whatever tribulation that beset (affected, plagued) him, it would be satisfactorily resolved.

07- BERDIS IN HER MID TEENS

In the meantime, now that she was in her mid-teens (15 years old), she’d grown into an exquisite beauty, and many young men in the village was secretly smitten with her.  Springtime, being sign for renewal, they sought to win her attention, akin bees drawn to an exquisite flower for pollination. She paid no heed to any of them however and continued to secretly frequent the fairy grounds at greater length; then on her return, became even more introverted. Disenchanted by all the mundane, trivial, hollow mortal pursuits, Berdis would oftentimes sit vacantly (indifferently) when she was cajoled (coaxed) into partaking with the many springtime festive occasions, celebrations and communal events; sometimes, she even feebly made the effort to join, just to appease her parents, though her heart was never in it. Increasingly detesting these irksome obligations, she walked among her people with detached air, her heart suffused in melancholy, as though she was a passing spirit not belonging to that world anymore.

In fact, gradually with the passing of each day her secret communions with the phantom Dragon had so intensified that it had captivated her heart entirely.  Meanwhile, her growing strange detachment from the accepted norm now alarmed her parents who began suspecting that some evil spirit had enticed her into its clutches and had cast upon her a charm which she had not the power to resist.

08- ALEC AND ELIN (BERDIS'S PARENTS)

In private conversations late one night before going to bed, her father and mother had even considered those amassed marriage proposals that had been subtly offered but carefully put aside (for future consideration); an acceptance of one, could provide the means to ground Berdis in reality and rescue her from her furtive (secret), dire, obsession.

Among the considered suitors was a handsome, but rather conceited young man, three years older than Berdis, called Tamuz; and being the only son of an affluent merchant, he never lacked for anything. With such a propitious marriage, she would be well provided for. What Alec and Elin did not know however, during one of the spring festive events, Temuz had brazenly approached her, so sure he was of his charms, inviting her to be his partner for the finale (climax) group dance; however, the unthinkable had happened when she had flatly rejected him, choosing to partner instead, with the timid young man called Kenny, that stood beside him. From that moment on, with his vindictive nature unleashed, she had been marked for conquest, to be subdued and tormented by his hand, under the banner of matrimony, in months to come. As his parents had patiently awaited the response to the recent marriage proposal put forth to Alec, Temuz meanwhile, taking matters into his own hands, had stealthily engaged his bond servant to discreetly monitor Berdis’s comings and goings, looking for key opportunity to sully her reputation, hence to succinctly, even earlier, achieve his diabolical aim.  

09-TEMUZ

He did not have to wait for long, when one day at crack of down, Berdis was seen secretly leaving her home and heading into the woods. Informed thus, Temuz, was soon in hot pursuit.  Quickly overcoming his innate fear, Temuz, had unseen followed Berdis into the depths of the forbidden zone and subsequently, concealed by a huge trunk, he had overheard Berdis, quietly seated at a rock, by the side of the Cavern’s opening, murmuring to some phantom companion, her entreaties (appeals) just then: “Oh, my dear, dear friend!” Berdis had whispered, her heart palpitating with intense emotion for gradually, though she’d never laid eyes on him, Dragon Longze’s gentle, wise, noble ways had captivated her heart and made her fall deeply in love with him. “Dear, sweet and gentle master of the skies and the foaming lake do not forsake me now, but visit thou my nightly pillow once more, shedding over its silver dreams of mountain brook and pebbly rivulets. Spirit of the starry night; lead my footprints to the blushing, burning passionflower that shines with a carmine hue. Why have you been silent these last few months, speak to me, I entreat you,” she’d pleaded, looking away from the beautiful young pines which lightly swayed their green leafy limbs over her head and gently brushing her face, to cast her passionate gaze at the entrance of the cave. “I am here my love. Embrace me, your Berdis, with thy powerful mind, liken to the ones spring unfolds from its sweetest flowers, or hearts that to each other show their inmost adoration. Soon, my dear, when your chains are no more, we shall be together, never to part.”

“Ahahh!!! I caught you now, you wanton (lustful) harlot! How long have you been having these immoral rendezvous?” Temuz stepped forward from his hiding place, threateningly shaking his fist. “To think we all believed you were so pure, so pious!  Hah!”  With his ugly, hateful visage, he advanced menacingly towards her, to grab her arm and drag her back, so as to denounce her publicly in the centre of the village.  

End of Part 1

                                                                                          ~                                                    

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE STATE OF THINGS - SECTION 23

 

The mayhem (great pandemonium) of the crowds, meanwhile, kept on going long after they had gushed outside; running, running, until they collapsed or found refuge at the nearby food stands or teahouses where they (with tongues wagging) then began to spread the fantastic, hair-raising stories about the stranger Zonar and their brush with death.  By noon, Zonar's name and accompanying rumors had spread like wildfire to the farthest corners of the Prefecture.

The account of this fiery red-haired giant was tattooed on everyone's tongue and, by then, his features had become greatly exaggerated.  He was described as being well over fifteen feet in height instead of just seven, endowed with flaming, snakelike hair, flashing eyes and having a red reptilian tongue; he was also said to have the jagged, sharp teeth of a predator protruding from his purple lips, and all of this was framed (held) by a demonic dark azure (cerulean, cobalt) face.

01- Zonar's exaggerated image

Many claimed he possessed the supernatural power to command thunder, lightning and fire, and many also attested that he had the combined strength of a thousand men.  His single, menacing gaze had turned the bailiffs sent to apprehend him and everyone else in the courtroom to stone.  He had cast an evil spell which prevented people from moving a single muscle, or even blinking an eyelid, until he had had his say, then had called down a bolt of lightning which threatened to reduce the Prefect's court to cinders and, riding away upon it, had disappeared without a trace.  This was truly a supernatural phenomenon. 

They uttered gratitude to their protective deities at this point for having escaped such a catastrophe, hoping, praying that they would never lay eyes on such a monster or his like ever again.  They swore with subsequent conviction that the accused Fradel Rurik Korvald was in league with the evil forces and, therefore, was the one responsible for conjuring up this demon to scare the prefect into dismissing the case just when things had gone the worse for him.

"I hope His Honor won't be dissuaded from passing proper judgment on this villain." one of them sounded out his concern above the general hubbub.

"But first", another chimed in, "he had best call up the priests to properly exorcise the courtroom and rid the place of all evil influences before rendering the death sentence on this culprit, Fradel what's-his-name."  All nodded in concurrence.

"Too bad His Excellency, Provincial Governor Shuri, is indisposed," two, better informed, rabble (Arland and Bryner) whispered among themselves, off to the side of the crowd.  "Until the new Governor is installed in the post, Prefect Micen Do must bear the full burden of his final decision himself, bereft of guidance and protection from his superior."

"That could still take several months.  I certainly do not envy him now," the better dressed of the two, Arland, commented wryly.  "Just the same, I hope for my own sake that he proves up to the task."

"What do you have to worry about?  You're only related to him by a distant marriage," his close confident Bryner countered.  "Even if he fouls it up, your family won't be involved."

"That may be, but Micen's gotten in too deep with the Lukos.  If there is ever an investigation..."

"I hear what you are saying.  Their tentacles have spread exceedingly far.  Secret blather (rumor, natter) has it, even in this matter with Yenis; they lost no time sending their agents off to the Prefecture to dispense gold among our various officials and functionaries.  It's virtually assured that the prefect will arrive at the desired guilty verdict of Yenis and this scholar Fradel.  I understand his conviction, after all he is an alleged murderer, but why do you suppose the Lukos are so intent on ridding themselves of her?  Unless, unless they're trying to cover up something even more sinister."

"You're not hinting at that malicious gossip (hearsay) of a supposed illicit affair between Yenis and Shuri, are you?  I thought that matter had been settled (suitably resolved) long ago. Besides, weren’t they both exonerated from all suspicion and blame?"

"Who said so?" Bryner gave a meaningful smile.

"What is it that you know?"  Their natter (chat, gossip) had taken them away from the main crowd.

"Why don't you fill me in on those salacious details over a drink?" the Micen Do's relative Arland grinned, as he tapped his friend on the shoulder.

"Why not…  Just who am I protecting anyway?  Besides, all this talk has made me rather thirsty."

02-   ARLAND AND BRYNER

"What say you, we, stroll over to Tries Lane and ride those fillies in the Zhexi Tea-House, while you tell me all about it then?  It will be entirely my treat."

"You're too generous.  But you must allow me to pick first this time, you always get the best looking one for yourself."

"It's not my fault that I'm more handsome than you…Ha, ha."

"More handsome… the weight of your purse has nothing to do with it, I suppose., Ha, ha haa!"

As Arland and Byner’s forms gradually retreated into the distance, the (amassed) crowd was still engaged in a heated discussion.

The question of Fradel's guilt or innocence was of no consequence to anyone now, especially since the matter had been dwarfed by this new, supernatural threat.  Even those exceptional, intelligent few that, prior to Zonar's appearance, had decided on Fradel's innocence and had favored his release were now being swept up by the momentum of the crowd's ugly sentiments.

At safe distance from court, as the size of the congregated crowd swelled, many anxious to show off their particular expertise in this matter, embraced the chance (in lively animation) to elaborate on the various ways of disposing the evil corpse: the most expedient way of doing it, after decapitation, is by digging out the entrails of headless corpse before committing both to fire ( incineration), or, by some other specific methods ( of discarding Fradel's remains according to the Ancient Ways: The segregated parts of the body, the flesh, bones, entrails and head must all be consumed by holy fires under proper religious supervision before the accused’s’ ashes be cast into various cesspools for the eternal damnation.) This would permanently eliminate any future threat from the perchance(possibly) resurrected evil corpse.

                                                                               ~

Meanwhile, back in his private quarters, Prefect Micen Do, in a foul mood, had for hours paced the floor nervously back and forth, all the while neglecting to take tea or lunch and refusing to see anyone before he finally settled down to review Fradel's case documents.

Unlike the ignoramuses in the crowd, however, he did not believe in this superstitious nonsense even though, in collusion with the local priests, he had often enough encouraged them in the populous in order to reap the benefits of their ignorance.  Rather, his anxiety was born from the clear understanding that Fradel Rurik Korvald was now under the protection of an able assassin, perhaps even a coconspirator that had thus far eluded his guards.

As things stood now, Micen found himself on the horns of a terrible dilemma; on the one hand, there was the powerful Luko family, insisting on justice and pressuring him to settle this case quickly, on the other was this serious threat to his own life from that formidable stranger and his deadline of three days to free Fradel Rurik Korvald.

Prefect Micen felt constrained to appease the Luko Clan since he had graciously, perhaps unwisely, accepted their substantial donations and gifts but, as in the past, he could no longer shield himself under Shuri's arbitrary decisions, which he could always manipulate into accordance with his own.

Micen Do again nervously paced the floor to and for.

He knew all too well, even if he was to do Zonar's bidding he must do it in a most underhanded way.  In order to preserve his prestige, he could not afford to appear intimidated by just one stranger, or even by a hundred like him.

“Things were sure a lot easier when I worked hand-in-glove with Shuri, but he had to go and offend the Censorate Hagu.  And I warned him about Hagu, too!”   Micen, abruptly stayed his footing as he reflected, and dismally shook his head.

“Who knows what kind of person this new Governor is?  Zuyi?  Zuyi?  I know practically nothing about him.  I suppose I'll have to wait and see when he gets here, then I can feel him out good and proper, till I know just what makes him tick.”

He had upsent mindedly stopped by the window to gaze distractedly at the view outside.  The inner courtyard was virtually barren with the exception of a few, sickly Scholar Trees beside an impressive man-made mountain and a cluster of flowers newly planted off to the side of the stone bridge. The flowers had all bent their heads, wilting pathetically, which depressed Micen still more.

 He had taken great pains to have this garden constructed just right but nothing seemed to grow, let alone thrive, in that cursed soil.  He had hired and fired so many gardeners and horticulturists he had lost count.

His eyes just then rested on the small pond by the bridge.  Oh well, at least the carp are thriving.  With a shrug of his shoulders, he went over and plumped himself into his well-padded chair. 

First and foremost, he knew he had to ascertain his subordinate, Ashrath's, claim about Fradel Rurik Korvald.

"Now, where are the devils of those papers?"  He frantically searched through the pile, digging them up from the bottom, and examined them, this time with greater care.  Taking the trouble now to unfasten the envelope containing Fradel's summons before the emperor, what he read there drained all the color from his face and caused his heart to skip a beat.

 “So, he was telling the truth after all.  I thought he was merely boasting.” 

Micen inwardly cursed that cowardly Magistrate for not perfunctorily resolving this sticky situation and having Fradel murdered in transport then blaming it on the renegade bandits.

As he perused over Fradel's sworn disposition, Micen was forced to concede the scholar's brilliance.

 Again, reviewing the recorded testimonies and the case documents, he now saw to his greater dismay that, other than the knife found at the scene, there was no real, solid evidence on which to convict Fradel of murder and robbery.  The adulterous affair with Yenis and his collusion with her in the murder were all pure conjecture and solely based on the testimony of the woman, an established liar.

“I suppose I'll have to have these contradictory statements of Latham and Hacket patched up before they're sent on to the Capital.  Still, I'm rather baffled.” He frowned.

“What earthly reason would these two have for giving false evidence, I wonder?  What is it that they are trying to cover up?  Oh, never mind.”  After a moment's pause, he dismissed the thought.  “I can clear this up later, when I can be discreet.  If I do it right, I may even be able to curry still extra favors from them.  That would be more profitable than just exposing them.  They can certainly afford it.” He wrung his hands imagining these riches already in his grasp.

Next reviewing Yenis's confession from beginning to end, he again paused.

“I find this most puzzling.  Why, at death's door, would she have to gain, what is her motive, for framing Fradel Rurik Korvald?  Surely, it's not because she still wishes to protect the identity of her real lover; not after he, so heartlessly abandoned her?  Or did he?  What grudge could she possibly bear this scholar that she insists on spinning such tales in order to snare him in a capital offense?”  Stroking his beard, Micen mused.

“Had the two encountered Fradel in their flight and Fradel, disposing of her lover, had later, as she claimed, forced his violent attentions upon her?  That certainly could be one plausible explanation for it.  Still, this Fradel hardly strikes me as one who could become infatuated with her.  I can't pinpoint it, but there is something definitely odd about him.  It’s as if he's come from another time.  Perhaps it’s his indifference to pain, to life, to law?  Whatever it is, it totally escapes me.  When I examined him during the trial, what was it I detected in his eyes?  Yes, indifference, perhaps contempt and curiously, pity… yes, pity?  This is most peculiar and irregular, but not a shred of lust.  It's unfortunate that his servants, as he claimed, were lost during that sudden storm while crossing the Mulor River, that I can believe, I know how treacherous those waters can be.” Micen shifted in his seat.

03- YENIS

“I'd rather not inflict torture on one as beautiful as she, Yenis… unfortunately, as things stand; she's my only means of getting at the truth. Hmm, as for Fradel Rurik Korvald, good riddance to him, I say!" Micen scoffed, already having resolved to absolve the scholar of both the charges of murder and robbery once the woman's confession was wrung from her by torture.  “That certainly would be a lot less trouble than explaining why I convicted him. 

Of course, this means I'll have to produce the real culprit or, preferably, his corpse in order to wrap up the case.”

“Confound it!” his face darkening; Micen slammed his fist on the desk. “He's still guilty of the trespassing law!  This charge won't be so easy to dispose of, since it has already been disclosed to that imbecile of a Magistrate Turo, his entire staff and half the population of this Prefecture.” 

Fingering the indictment papers and documents from Turo he pondered, “For once the cursed fool has done a proper job of it, too.  The proof is indisputable.”

“Great; I'm sunk either way.” Micen again squirmed on his chair, nervously scratching his head to relieve the sudden tightness of his scalp. This fresh quandary unleashed a throbbing headache that could not be so easily rid.

“The punishment set for trespassing is decreed by His Royal Highness Zakhertan Yozdek and can only be rescinded by His Majesty.  The death verdict, then, it must be.  Yet, even if I double my guards and ensure my safety from this threat by the assassin, how can I put to death one that is expected for an audience at the Imperial Court, and carries a warrant of (regardless) safe passage from His Majesty?“ Micen let his gaze linger on the summons, placed just to the side.

“While upholding one ruling, I'll be forced to violate another!” 

The feeling of dread mounted in his heart compounded his urgent dilemma (sticky situation); in a state of intense agitation, he suddenly sprang to his feet and began pacing to and fro.  As he did this, he deliberated on his options, while animatedly sawing (cutting) the air with his hand.

“The importance of this prisoner, alone, still constrains me, in the absence of the Governor, to consult with the Legal Office of the Board of Punishments before rendering a final decision.  Yet, waiting for instructions could prove detrimental, even disastrous, since the lack of time precludes my waiting during any such action.  I must act responsibly at once.  What to do?  What to do?”

Prefect Micen Do (for hours on end) continued to wear down the carpet in serious contemplation until, spreading his hands out before him, helplessly, he (arrived at) reached the only plausible option (resolve):

“Fradel Rurik Korvald, (with suspended or pending guilty sentence,) under heavily armed guards’ custody, in all due haste, must be transported to the Capital Channing. Of course, with the official letter of explanation and all the amended trial documents accompanying him, Fradel could then be tried in Capital by the Legal Office itself, after the scholar's mandatory audience with His Majesty.

There remained only one snag (hindrance) to this otherwise perfect resolve:

 On route, should the prisoner escape custody because of interference from that formidable, red-haired devil-assassin or, band of ruffians, Micen could then be accused of incompetence in addition to his brutal treatment of the accused while the scholar was held in custody under his jurisdiction.

“Could I make amends by fairer treatment of him now?  Not likely,” MIcen shook his head.

“Everyone knows how these pampered literati sort, carry lasting grudges over slightest indiscretions. After my mistreatment of him, I am certain not to be spared of his wrath.

It’s certain that, once in Capital Channing, Fradel Rurik Korvald would use his influence on first secure pardon from His Majesty, after all, being a stranger to these parts, why wouldn’t such a valuable literate be absolved, for his ignorance, of a twenty-year-old trespassing law? This attained, he would then devise the means to beget (effect) my downfall.  In light of this, if I were to enable him a safe passage to Channing, wouldn’t I be hastening my own destruction or, at best, live the rest of my life in fear of the impending reprisals (retaliation) from his elite, powerful associates?”

“Hmm….  I would be much better off if this Fradel were to expire on the route to the Capital and... Fail to... meet... his... summons.  Yes!  Why the hell not!  Especially if he were to meet his demise after crossing into Tenzo Province…Ha!  His death would then become their problem. “

Prefect Micen gloated in self-satisfaction, sitting down once more to lean back confidently in his seat.

Success was dependent however on cunning strategy to effectively curtail or prevent any interference from the fiery red-haired menace.

Infuriatingly, another encumbrance (hitch) just then came to mind and Micen impatiently drummed his fingers on the desk, until he satisfactorily resolved (dealt with) this aspect. Even so, he was bit antsy about taking Mouro, (the best candidate for the job), into his confidence but unfortunately, both Zuko and Ro had suddenly expired last month, leaving Micen bit short of competent confidants.

04- MOURO KERR

“I wonder…can he be entirely trusted?  He has proven invaluable to me in the past, still; the gravity of this case constrains me to exercise utmost caution.  After all, I can't be too careful. I'll screen him first. “Micen made a mental note to allay (dispel) his fears.

Having resolved this hurdle also, he relaxed and lazily stretched his arms; his appetite regained, he called out to his orderly to bring him some tea and pastries.

 "Oh, and send a word to Mouro that I wish to see him at once." Micen, in afterthought, ordered. The orderly nodded in compliance and quickly withdrew.

 Micen Do rose confidently and strode over to the window.  Casting his gaze onto the withering Scholar trees he mused aloud, "I should have chopped them down and replaced them.  Perhaps some common poplars would be better?"   A sinister smile (smirk) visibly just then smeared his lips.

 

                                                                                       ~

(END OF SECTION 23)