LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 23

Briac curtailed the curses that were on his (breath) lips, lest he be exposed to the fool which he had been, and ran after her in hot pursuit. She was quite agile and in the darkness with sure footing she, all the same, managed to spread some distance between her and her ardent pursuer Briac.  Running down the hall in another direction, she pushed open the back door, quickly descended the set of stairs and after going through the dark tunnel, swiftly disappeared into the dark stables.

Hot on her trail, incensed Briac raced after this would be assailant and entered the stables that held many stalls with horses in it. Incensed, he was determined to extricate from her some answers, such as the identity of the real culprit behind it all.  

"Come back here, you are thieving harlot!"  Briac barked, scanning the dark perimeter.

Suddenly, however, five sinister-looking thugs armed with cudgels and axes emerged from their hiding places instead of her.  Too late, Briac realized his grave mistake.

01- RUFFIAN (GANGSTER)

"Ah, our distinguished guest has finally arrived." One of the ruffians (possibly the chief gangster) grinned venomously as he pulled the woman aside then signaled the rest to attack.

 Briac ducked, swerved, and jumped over the furious blows as he bellowed curses, threats and insults.

Frastos had just relieved himself around the corner of the stables, outside, when the entire hubbub (ruckus) reached his ears.

"Uh-oh!  The captain will have my hide," Frastos cursed as he quickly pulled up his pants.

With the chill threat of fear coursing (surging, running) down his spine, he then rushed towards the noise brandishing his sword.  Fortunately, the situation was not as grave as he had feared.

Though at first unarmed, Briac’d quickly gained a sword from one of the vanquished (beaten, bested) bandits and so armed, he had managed to keep them at bay.  Frastos’s appearance on the stage had further changed the odds and considerably alleviated (lessened, assuaged) Briac’s still dangerous predicament; hence, emboldened Briac now shifted from the defensive to the offensive, edging closer to the competent adversaries, to deliver some very effective strikes.

"Go on, there are only two of them.  Squash these darn cockroaches!" the burly leader urged the thugs on.

Frastos, however, was an accomplished fighter in his own right, and was armed as well.  The gang of five competent fighters as they were, soon found themselves in dire straits, completely out-matched, even though Frastos had only used the flat of his sword, and soon were scrambling to get away.

"Why aren't you pursuing them?" Briac turned on Frastos to bellow fiercely.

"Let’s go after them!  They're getting away!"

"What's the point?" Frastos stood on his ground and, laughing crudely, shrugged his shoulders.  "They're only some local hoodlums."

"Local hoodlums," Briac was nonplused.

"You've registered as Borkos Yenzic." Frastos glanced at him from the corner of his eye.  "I doubt if they have even heard of Fradel Rurik Korvald."

"How can you be so sure?" Briac insisted.

"Look!"  Frastos lost his patience.  "You were flaunting your wealth.  They thought you were a man of substance, and they marked you for an easy prey.  They had no intention of killing you.  They only wanted to rob you or kidnap you for the ransom."

"Only they underestimated my might." Briac finished the thought.

 "But that bitch tried to kill me!" he suddenly recalled the woman and looked about for her.  It was all too evident that, despite all, he still lusted after her.

02- FRASTOS  DEFEATS THE BANDTS- JP 18

"What a fool you are, Briac."  Frastos shook his head disdainfully, his face crinkling in momentary disgust before he turned and walked away.

Briac was rooted to the spot, his face darkening with anger as he stared at Frastos' diminishing form as it was swallowed up by the night. “Where does he get off, talking to me that way?” he fumed.

“Pity she turned out to be but a petty thief, I could have really enjoyed myself tonight.  She certainly was well-endowed.” But then some common-sense set in and he shook his head, inwardly chastising himself and letting out a loud sigh, “You are a total, complete dunderhead (dunce, numskull)!  And he's right, no denying it, you know he is”

 

Begrudgingly he trailed Frastos to the side door of the inn.

"Please let this be our secret." he implored Frastos back in the room.

"I'll compensate you well.  You know my family has the means and, next time, I'll let you have your way with the best beauty.  I'll make it worthwhile; you'll see.  Not a word of this to the captain or that scum, Tizan; All right?"

Frastos turned his back in disgust and grunted, "Go to sleep.  We've wasted a good part of this night's rest already."

Taking this as an affirmation, Briac thanked Frastos.  "You won't be sorry, you'll see."

Then he, too, climbed under the warm covers on the other side of the huge bed.

His adrenaline was still high after the exhilaration of the fight and try, as he might, sleep sadly averted him as many concerns persisted in haunting his thoughts.

Inhaling deeply, the lingering, sweet perfume she had left on the pillow which now taunted him with wild imaginings, he grunted and forcefully shut his eyelids.  Instead of sleep, however, he grew more dismayed at having missed the ecstasy that she had promised him.  He snuggled up to the pillows and quilt desperately seeking some solace; the remainder of the night however, he still turned and tossed, being kept awake, listening to Frastos' variable, sporadic snores.

“Nope… No use, I can’t sleep.”  Frustrated, Briac finally kicked off his covers in disdain and got up to lie, spread eagle on his back, on the cold floor, staring blankly up to the ceiling beams.

“Sure, the benefits are most enjoyable but I never, for the life of me, expected that the message I sent, would cause me to be targeted in place of Fradel Rurik Korvald.  I really set myself up this time.”  Screwing up his face, he picked himself up; going over to his side, he flopped face-down, back on the bed.

 “Oh, how can he sleep so soundly when I am in such a state? Lucky brute: doesn’t anything phase you?  Devils take you; I don't really know how much longer I can endure this suspense.  At every turn in the road my heart rushed into my mouth.”

Frastos not wishing to engage Briac, meanwhile, had pretended to be in deep slumber (forty winks) and so, disappointingly, still did not stir.

“What’s the good of all that gold if I don't live long enough to flaunt it?” Briac inhaled (heaved), with a deep sigh.

Suddenly however, fiery rage gripped his chest.   “This is all uncles’ fault, for cutting me off financially and, forcing me to these desperate means; all, over that silly little incident? Improper, my tunic!  I'm sure he's committed far worse crimes, only no one has ever been able to pin any of it on him.  But I proved them wrong, didn't I?  Ha!  For this last year, thanks to my affiliations, I’ve sustained a more luxurious lifestyle and more power than they could ever imagine.  But what about now; how can I escape this …. Present dire misfortune?”

Briac's face became taut, and he once more nervously rolled over on his side, fingers tapping on his hip.  Imagining all sorts of horrible fates, he sat up and, cupping his chin, deliberated.

“I must exercise utmost care and persist in keeping vigilant.  Tonight, I was lucky.  Had they been His Excellency's men,” he gave an involuntary shudder.

 “I wouldn't have had a prayer of a chance.  Running away is pure suicide.  Zunrogo or his lapdog Tizan would hunt me down within minutes and hack off my head for desertion.

“If only I can get to Jukurok in safety and make my contacts.  I may not know their faces, but the ruins of Guzor temple shouldn't be too hard to find.  Once I give the secret password, I can establish my identity and inform them of the change.”

“Now, how on earth can I lose Frastos for, long enough to establish contact?  The captain's ordered him to keep an eye on me every darned (blasted) moment, day, or night.  Now, if I can win him over.  Yes, that might work.  He could cover up for me then or come with me when the opportunity avails itself.  He does have a stubborn streak, though, and he's such a straight arrow.  Converting him to my way of thinking won't be easy.  I'll have to bribe him with something irresistible; but what?”  Finally, overcome by pure exhaustion, Briac drifted into fitful slumber.

                                                                                        ~

When the first rays of daylight struck his eyes, he, with a start, woke up.  Last night's concerns were still fresh in his mind, Briac’s eyes at once searched for Frastos but he was nowhere to be seen.  The smile on his face turned into a scowl of hatred.  He jumped up and began dressing. “Rats!  He's gone to squeal on me.  I'll fix him.  I’ll...”

Just then Frastos, fuming with rage, stormed into the room with curses on his lips.

"I suppose you rushed right over to deliver your exaggerated report of my slight indiscretions last night.” Briac, hands on his waist, angrily confronted Frastos.

“Tell me, what benefit, what rewards did you reap, to justify this despicable act of treachery?"

Frastos was in no mood to deal with Briac’s barmy gibberish (nonsense). He simply shook his head and tried to get past him.

“You couldn't wait, could you?" Briac barked, still blocking Frastos' path.

"What the hell are you raving about?"  Frastos shoved him aside, frowning fiercely as he went over to sink into the chair by the fire.  Still fuming inwardly, he cursed, "That villain!  …That vile, despicable cur!"

"Don't deny it; you've been to see the captain, haven't you?" Briac demanded.

"Yeah," Frastos glared back.  "This is entirely your fault!"  Leaning forward, he shook an accusing finger at Briac.  "If it weren't for that ..." seeing the look of incomprehension in Briac's face, he threw his head back and laughed scornfully.  "Why do I waste my breath?"  He shook his head and slumped back into the chair.  Through gritted teeth he ejected, "No, he was looking for just such an opening.  He's had it in for me ever since that Cheron incident when I could no longer stomach his brutality and spoke up against him to the captain.  That savage, arrogant beast!  Where does he get off talking to me that way?  I don't care who he is, that still doesn't give him the right to show such effrontery.  I don't have to put up with those kinds of insults from the likes of him… That ogre! “Suddenly Frastos sprang to his feet and, clenching his fists, began to angrily pace the floor.

03- FRASTOS  IS ANGRY- JP 02

 "Oh, I'd like to wring his neck!"

"My fault,” Briac, a little slow on the uptake, was thrown aback until he figured out the last sentences.  “Cheron incident…  Who’s the Ogre?  Tizan?" he asked hopefully.

"Yes Tizan; who else?" Frastos stopped his pacing to glare sharply at Briac.

 "That despicable, arrogant cad,” Stamping his foot on the floor he swore, "I'll get him!  I'll make him pay dearly for this if it’s the last thing I do.  He doesn't scare me none."

Briac was delighted to see the fury, the contempt Frastos now held for their common foe, Tizan.  “This makes the job of convincing him that much easier.  Yes, things are finally looking up, but what's this about the Cheron incident?  How was it, I was kept in the dark about their, particularly Tizan’s, involvement in that whole, messy affair?  And the missing funds?  It was, reportedly, a considerable sum.  Still, why burden Frastos with all questions about that now?  I'll worm-it- out-of-him eventually once I have his confidence; far better to concentrate on the matters at hand.”  Briac quietly counseled himself. 

Going over, he placed a sympathetic hand on Frastos' shoulder.  "I feel the same way you do, brother, but hey, calm down.  Remember, haste makes waste."

Frastos shrugged off the sympathy with disdain, "Don't humor me.  I'm in no mood for your nonsensical advice."  Glowering threateningly, he went back to sink once more into the chair.

"Who's humoring you?"  Undeterred, Briac sat in the chair opposite Frastos.  Though he was six years older than Frastos, their relationship had been on an equal footing from the start.  "No, I'm dead serious," he reasserted.

"As a friend, I must deter you from doing anything rash; that is, not just yet.  I know how much that cur Tizan can get under your skin until your blood begins to boil with rage and contempt but don't lose your head.  You know how shrewd, cunning, and ruthless he can be.  Besides, he's an able fighter.  Individually, he'd waste either of us in a flash.  However, if we bid our time and pool our resources to make a concerted effort and reasonable plan, we may just win the day.  What do you say to that?"

Frastos’s head down, he looked lost in thought.

Briac grinned in satisfaction. “Good, at least you're considering it.  Now, will you tell me what happened?"

“You would like that, wouldn't you?” Frastos raised his head to study Briac for a moment.  “You'd like to know all the sordid details of this humiliation so you can later on, for your own sadistic gain, turn it on me.”  Grinding his teeth, he instead continued to mumble insults against Tizan.  But then his face contorted into a snarling grin as he admitted to himself that cooperation might be exactly what was needed to bring about Tizan's downfall or better still, his demise. As things had progressed thus far, nothing less (then his ignominious assassination) would assuage his anger.

 "You were right about him, brother," he finally spoke.

"Yes, you've been right all along only I've been too blind to see it."  His amiable tone contrasted sharply with his hostile expression.

"I'm sorry I've not been more supportive of you in the past.  This is a terrible thing he did to you.  The scholar Fradel is already in perfect disguise, there was no reasons for this subterfuge, no need for you to impersonate Fradel and by doing so, plunk your life in peril." He added in all sincerity to purposefully deflect Briac's persistent questions.  In his mind he pondered his next course of action.

"Yes.  After all these years of loyal service, it seems that my life amounted to so very little for the captain that he, without a qualm, sanctioned Tizan's vile plan.  There's no doubt the wicked scheme was Tizan's idea. “Briac swallowed hard and looked away.

“The vermin Tzan concocted this preposterous measure to humiliate us, to pay me back for..."  Briac suddenly stopped and askance (sideways) looked at Frastos, before he prodded him again, attempting to get to the root of the problem. "But, brother, why do you evade my questions?  Don't you trust me enough to tell me what they did to spin you into such a fitful state?  Why am I to be blamed?  I will take real offense (slight) if you don't stop being so cryptic."

"I mean no affront (insult, slur), it’s just", Frastos drew a breath, his anger in part subsided.

 "Well, all right, I'll tell you this much.  You'll find out soon enough yourself when you go to see the captain.  It’s best that you go in, somewhat prepared, armed with plausible explanation for your defense.

"I was summoned first thing this morning.  You had such a rough time of it, last night; I took care not to wake you when I rushed to comply."

"That's very considerate of you, brother." Briac interrupted gratefully.

"Well, anyway, there was Tizan at the Captain's side.  I'd swear the devil never sleeps.”

04--TZAN JP

“I could see that the captain considered the whole matter too trivial to bother about, but it was Tizan, all right, who had instigated this trouble.  He magnified it to serve his own ill purposes.  Then I was subjected to the inquisition at length, about the events of last night."  Frastos paused to watch Briac's pantomime of outrage then, narrowing his eyes, continued, "When I attempted to cover up for you, since I didn't want to give the Lieutenant any satisfaction, Tizan accused me of conspiracy, asking all sorts of questions: “Why had we rendezvoused with the locals?”, ”What was the disagreement that resulted in the fight?”, “What part did the woman play in all of this?” 

“Anyhow, he went on and on.  He even had the audacity to accuse us of having secret, intimate relations together.  I cannot say more, other than it was a vile and bestial thought."

                                                                        ~

 

 

(END OF SECTION 23)

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 22

01- MOUNTED ZUNROGO TUGO  LEAVING THE INN BEHIND

After leaving the Inn area, at first the road (thoroughfare) they journeyed on, thronged with countless travelers from all diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds, coming and going, bearing their goods and materials to and from the outlying provinces of the Empire.  The friendly banter of the merchants mingled with the creak of wheels and clapping of the horse's hooves as they pulled the buggies, carriages and loaded carts towards the Capital.

After quarter of a day’s ride, the ongoing stream gradually thinned out as the main road branched out onto many side roads, leading in all directions to the outlying market towns and farming villages (rural communities) that flanked the thoroughfare as it cut through the vast, fertile plain that provided this section of the province with much of its fresh forage (fodder, foodstuff).

Later, these arteries would again converge, Zunrogo informed Fradel, to swell the main highway which the company was on, as the produce of the region was transported to the insatiable consumers in Channing.

“The travelers would then be intermixed, with idle, vacationing degenerate gentry on pleasure excursions, covert, religious zealots seeking absolution, profligate (wasteful) scholars supposedly there for indulging in nature’s beauty and, countless dissolute court officials with varied political rank, all of them, in desperate need of respite and regeneration… all, with their hidden perverse agendas looking to escape their tedium and discharge their exacerbated angst!” Zunrogo stole Fradel a sly glance and grimaced sourly.

02- FRADEL (NEVETSECNUAC) AS IMPERIAL GUARD  JP 11

“What, no reaction… What does it take to ruffle those pristine feathers of yours?”

“As I was saying,” Zunrogo dispassionately continued. “These renowned, panoramic topography (scenery), as well, magnificent falls, hot springs, naturally fostered countless, leisure, recreational facilities. They had mushroomed, (built up) within just last decade, to perpetuate more currency, funds needed for military expeditions and more. Strangely enough, from these supposed places of refuge…all the while, the secretly sanctioned criminal elements…”

"Look, Captain!  Look!" The urgency in Frastos' voice and his pointing finger suddenly just then drew their attention to the far distant spot, where the Inn had been.  All heads turned to see the coiling, black smoke billowing up and darkening the sky.  Briac's face fell as a cold shudder passed through him.

"I wonder how it got started."  The adolescent boy's naive query drew the other traveler’s attention.

"Keep on walking; it’s none of our business!" The stern voice of an elderly man scolded the youth as he passed a fearful eye over the surrounding sea of curious faces.

Some had put their heads together to whisper then, eyes glued to the fire, shook their heads in apprehension and dismay.  Others showed fleeting signs of outrage or anger before a habitual resignation registered on their features.

 In all the spectators’ pupils (eyes) registered the akin caution, as the common sense of the old man's words rang true.  None of them could afford to get involved in the messy investigation, the ugly conspiracy or the legal entanglements that would certainly ensue.

Subsequently ditching their curiosity, with lowered heads, the majority hastened (picked up) their pace, whipping up their horses and steering their carts ahead, as most were anxious to spread as much distance as possible between themselves and the disaster.

The unfortunate few grave-faced travelers, who were headed towards the fire, purposefully dawdled, dug in their heels, and malingered to reduce their speed.

03- FRADEL RURIK KORVALD (NEVETSECNUAC ) GAZES FURIOUSLY AT THE CAPTAIN JP 38

Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac) threw a furious look at Captain Zunrogo, with clear implication (as if to say), “I know you are behind this catastrophe.”

 Zunrogo plainly ignored this, however, and finding the varied responses of the travelers rather, most amusing, grinned sadistically and cruelly. Moreover, not wishing for another unnecessary confrontation with this upstart, righteous and irate scholar, deliberately ignored Fradel's continued, cold, admonishing glare, and just spurred his horse on ahead.

They traveled at this faster pace until dusk. Briac was somewhat comforted to be riding amid a protective semicircle; flanked by Frastos and Fradel Rurik Korvald on either side, while the captain rode in the lead.  He knew that, if he was hemmed in on all three sides and there were other travelers sharing the road, there would be a serious deterrent to any would be assassination attempt.  He coolly reminded himself that he would be a far easier target at any of the Inns they might be staying at, or if he strayed from the group. 

Just as Briac’s taut nerves were starting to loosen, a single arrow, of unknown origin, whistled through the air, grazed Frastos’'s ear, and lodged itself in Briac's high scholar's cap.

"What in the world?  Oh no!"  In his fright, drenched in sudden sweat, Briac nearly fell from his horse.  Only a quick reaction by Fradel Rurik Korvald steadied him in the saddle again.

Shaking like a leaf, he did not thank Fradel but cursed his dire predicament and considered how he could best break free of what seemed now to be a tight cordon of death trap and make good his escape. Quickly Briac decided on the best recourse left open to him and he purposefully reared the mare.  His hand next, grasped at the wig to tear it from his head (scalp) and same time his mouth opened wide to shout out loud his vehement denial and declaration: that he was but an imposter and not the cursed Fradel Rurik Korvald.  His eye just then however, catching (noticing) the captain's ephemeral, lethal, hard glare, Briac’s hand (on the wig), as well the words at the tip of his tongue, abruptly stayed (froze, came to a dead stop).

Zunrogo, obviously disappointed, grimaced wryly and sheathed his sword. He then turned and looked away in the far direction; where which just then, the solitary figure of Tizan had appeared from behind a rising hilltop and began swiftly descending towards them.

“So, this was your handy work.” Briac inwardly scoffed. “You couldn’t resist, yet again, to taunt me.”

The captain was more concerned how Tizan had managed to catch up to them so quickly and, meeting Tizan halfway, at once interrogated the Lieutenant.

"I took the short cut through Yennicroc pass." Tizan smirked (grinned) and shrugged his shoulders.

04- TZAN JP

Considering the nature of the treacherous terrain, the captain was impressed and nodded his approval.  "Still, I see you are none the worst, for wear."

Still grinning, Tizan threw a scornful look at Briac.  "You mistake me again, sir, for his likes."  His eyes filled with loathing as he indicated the pale impostor (Briac) with his chin.

Tizan’s words struck a raw nerve in Briac, and it was only with great difficulty that he forced some constraint on his seething rage. Gritting his teeth, Briac pulled out (grasped) the arrow that had lodged firmly in scholar’s cap, snapped it in two and disdainfully threw it to the ground.

The empty threat implicit in Briac's action greatly amused Tizan, who threw his head back and laughed uproariously.  Briac was about to say something more provocative to infuriate Tizan when Zunrogo interceded.

"Tizan, you and Fradel Rurik Korvald have not been properly introduced.  May I introduce you, sir, to my Lieutenant, Tizan Lout."

"We have already met." Fradel grimaced, returning Tizan's polite nod.

"Why, of course you have," the captain smiled, recalling the brief episode back at the Inn, when Fradel Rurik Korvald had raised difficulties with his first accommodation (alloted, assigned room).

As they talked, Tizan's eloquent tongue and pseudo fine mannerisms, affected solely for the sake of impressing the captain, grated on Briac's nerves.

Scoffing at this sycophantic (fawning) spectacle, he rode the mare on ahead, temporarily forgetting the constant danger to him.  When the Captain and Tizan took the lead, he fell back to sulk in the center of the group once again.

"Any unforeseen problems," Zunrogo suddenly questioned Tizan.

"None, Captain…As always none." Tizan answered smartly then, unhindered by the least shred of conscience, looked away, smiling smugly. Tizan had no way of knowing of course that he had been properly duped, as his malign plans were aptly undermined by the intrepid Kozur affiliates who had a (monopoly) personal stake in that region.

                                                                                    ~

After a restful night's stay at a roadside Inn, Briac awoke at cock's crow to another nasty shock.  Finding the scalp to be uncomfortably hot, he had taken it off before retiring and laid it on the night table, yet now it rested squarely atop his head once more.  Worse still, when he went to remove it to wash his face and scalp, for it itched terribly; he discovered that it was permanently fastened somehow to his own skin.

"What's wrong?" Frastos, who had just finished washing his own face and dressed already, noting the frustrated anger and dismay on Briac's face, asked.

05-FRASTOS - JP 17

"It won't come off.  It won't budge."  Briac tugged once more at the hair.

"Stop fooling around," Frastos came over and brusquely yanked the wig not expecting to find any resistance.

"Aiyhhh," Briac screamed in pain.  "What are you trying to do, scalp me?"

"You mean it’s for real?  That's impossible!"  Frastos' words were barely spoken when Tizan knocked and immediately stepped in.

"What?  You two aren't dressed yet?  You'll have to forfeit your breakfast then.  The captain wants both of you downstairs, immediately.  We're ready to leave.  Now!" he bellowed at them and turned to go.

Briac nimbly rushed to block his way.  "Are you responsible for this?" he pointed to the wig.

"What about it?" Tizan glared.  "It’s done in accordance with the captain's orders.  Do you want to make something of it?"

Briac inwardly dismayed, backed away from the challenge.  "Why?" A complaintive whimper escaped his lips, before he could stop it.

"You need to ask?" Tizan scoffed, his cold eyes pinned on Briac.  "He saw the stunt you almost pulled when my arrow pierced your cap.  Well, it’s to prevent you from repeating it again, and to keep you from disobeying orders.  Count yourself lucky you were spared from harsher reprimand.  I would not have been so lenient if I had been in charge."

“Well, thank Heaven you're not.” Frastos inwardly scoffed.

Frastos blanched and lowered his head, catching the hostile glower from Tizan (as if latter had read his thought), just as the lieutenant was exiting the room.

"Don't worry," Tizan ejected coldly, as he rushed his steps down the hallway, "the adhesive will wear off in a month or so."  He grinned venomously as he turned and headed down the stairs.  "That is, if you live that long."

 

                                                                                   ~

 

When the group stayed at an Inn on the outskirts of town for the night, Briac, in his (masquerading) pseudo role of a scholar found, the special treatment by the manager and help that his new status begets, very much to his liking.  Moreover, he was now a magnet to delightful ladies and gentry and taking advantage of this boon, shamelessly indulged in heavy drinking and licentious behavior long after Tizan, Fradel Rurik Korvald and Zunrogo had retired to their respective rooms.

When eventually Briac took his favorite up to their room, Frastos as his assigned bodyguard, with his back to them, was forced to be privy to all Briac’s passionate moaning and grunts, as he pawed her; hence, this adding smoldering jealousy to Frastos’s mounting list of resentments. But as the night progressed, despite his conscientious effort of vigilance (alertness), the hard days ride taking its toll, Frastos’s eyelids dropped, and he very nearly drifted off to sleep.

The beauty Briac was still shamelessly fondling chose this precise moment, to whisper a suggestion into his ear.  Finding this most agreeable, Briac rose to his feet and abruptly announced to Frastos, shocking him into full wakefulness (alertness), that he would retire now and that, temporarily, the guard's services would not be needed.

This subtly instructed Frastos, “to give him (Briac) a few hours ‘leeway to complete his amorous business, before Frastos returned to their shared room.”

“Why should I?”  Frastos was of half a mind to make things difficult for the impostor scholar but, on second thought relenting, shrugged his shoulders and rose.

His hand was about to turn the nob of the door, when, "What audacity!" he, with his back to them, heard her exclaim indignantly in her amorous voice.  "He should be reprimanded, if not punished, for such rudeness."

06- BEAUTY SEDUCING  BRIAC

Frastos could only guess at the lies Briac whispered behind him, as the latter (Briac) quietly sipped his drink.  In fact, Frastos was hoping for the slightest provocation, having had enough, to put Briac in his proper place.

Halting his grasp, “Go on, I dare you to reprimand me!” he hissed and then half turning his head, he glared at Briac.

He waited but since no such castigation (rebuke) happened; disappointed, he simply shook his head and quickly darted outside.

He did not stray too far from the door, musing, “Where am I supposed to go in this ungodly hour?”

"Oh, how sweet, how tolerant you are," he heard the woman's beguiling voice inside the room say, instead, as it drifted to pleasurable chuckles and moans (groan). 

"Oh, can't you be patient?" the muted whining came next, and the subsequent giggling.  "Oh, you are way too shameless!"

Then he heard Briac, with his heavy footing walking up to fasten the lock on the door.

“You got to be kidding me.” Frastos moaned.

"Oh, you mustn't do that.  Please leave the door unlocked."  The seductive intonation of her voice lured Briac into complying with her wishes. Or maybe Briac thought better of it, mindful of the possible repercussions from the captain, for disobeying orders.

“What a complete, utter fool you are.” Frastos shook his head with scorn. Totally disgusted at the outside, he quickened his steps to walk away and to spread as much distance as he could between him and this contemptible moron.

 Briac, on the inside, had waited and listened by the door till he was assured that Frastos, in quick succession, had descended those steps at the end of the hallway.

“He’s finally gone.” He turned, only to find her reclining provocatively on his bed, beckoning him to come into her embrace.

Grinning from ear to ear, like a hungry beast about to pounce on his prey, Briac rushed across the room and flung his body clumsily atop her, only to grasp the pillow instead as she agilely shifted to the other side.

 His loins were on fire.  "Come to me, my sweet dove.  I promise to be gentle." he purred as he leaned forward to hold her in a tight, passionate embrace.

"Is that any way for a gentleman to behave?  Oh, you are so strong you take my breath away."  She pushed him away coyly to fall back seductively among the heap of embroidered, plush cushions.

A log splitting in the fire, momentarily took his attention away.  He turned back to gently admonish her, "You mustn't toy with my affections."

07 - BEAUTIY (OR THE ASSASSIN)

The words, however, simply froze on his lips and his eyes widened with sudden fear.  In that scant lighting, in her hand, a dagger’s blade had flashed (catching the light of the lit candles) and the next instant, she launched it targeting his heart with murderous intent.

He was a seasoned soldier so at lightning speed he first swerved to avoid her deadly strike then lurched forward, his hand intending to grasp her wrist, to gain control of the dagger. Nevertheless, escaping his grasp, she, with one fluid motion jumped off the bed and then turned to, unafraid, squarely, still seductively, gaze at him.

“Was she merely toying with me?” Briac queried inwardly, as he noted the clear absence of malice and no implicit threat in those crystal, clear blue eyes of hers.

She, with unreadable emotion, meanwhile, unwarily gazed at him for a spell, seemingly assessing his next move, then simply let the dagger drop to the floor; after which, nimble as a cat, darted out the door.

 

(END OF SECTION 22)                                                                                                   ~

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 21

 When dawn broke Zunrogo promptly knocked at Fradel Rurik Korvald's door.

Permission granted, he entered with a smile on his lips, carrying a bundle in his hand, trailed by the servant boy, burdened with a generous array of breakfast victuals on a tray.

Scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald had just finished his packing, having risen early in anticipation of this meeting.

01- ZUNROGO TUGO JP 4

After an exchange of polite greetings, "I took the liberty of ordering you a wholesome breakfast with local cuisine." Zunrogo grimaced, signaling the boy to put the tray on the table and to leave the room at once.

As soon as the door was closed behind him, Zunrogo advanced on Fradel and courteously presented him with the bundle, urging him to try it on.

"I thank you for your thoughtful gift but since I am already dressed…" Fradel could not resist teasing him.

Zunrogo abruptly halted his ready rebuke (and the persuasive argument on his tongue) when he noted the slight glint (twinkle) in Fradel's eyes and understood his jest.  Smiling, he evenly informed Fradel that his account had been settled in full and that, as soon as he was ready, they would depart.

Then, officiously declaring that he still needed to see some last-minute details, he headed out the door before Fradel could thank him for his troubles.

Back in his room, Zunrogo expediently wrapped up all the loose ends. The Innkeeper Kjeld Rosko, having received assurances from the captain himself that his captive family, including his adored infant son, would all be released the moment after their departure, nodded his head in gratitude and then contentedly left the room.

As Kjeld headed down the long hallway, however, a sudden concern clouded his face and he, abruptly for a spell, stayed his step; slight trepidation, almost a glint of fear, fleetingly registering in his pupils as he with lowered head deliberated on the Kozur’s viable rescue plan. “The captain, now there's someone to be reckoned with!”  Kjeld, nevertheless, could not hold back a shiver.

This business of the guard Tizan, however, staying behind to ensure that there was no disruption or deception, seemed reasonable yet; it still put Kjeld Rosko a bit on his unease. With each step, a kind of needling feeling that he could not rightly put a finger on, etched a deeper frown on Kjeld’s face.

“It nearly killed me to be so reticent (taciturn, aloof, quiet); but at least my disguise was effective. And when have the Kozurs ever failed me, or anyone? Now, stop all your needless worrying!” Kjeld admonished self.  Besides, he was certain they wouldn't dare try anything too drastic with Magistrate Liros there; but more importantly, fortuitously, he had the backing of Kozurs.

Kjeld’s fears, bit more assuaged (eased, lessened), he rushed his steps to meet the affiliate agent and possibly receive (acquiring) the long awaited, anticipated, good news, news that his family was safe and away from the perilous predicament. He would be joining them when this whole business was satisfactorily dealt with. Meanwhile, with the captain and his other brutes gone, this Tizan thug, then, could aptly be handled (properly deceived, duped) by the Kozurs. 

02- KJELD ROSKO WAITS FOR THE KOZUR AGENT

Having received secret notification, that the clandestine meeting would instead, take place in the (crypt) cellar, a covert room accessed only by a trap door well concealed behind the stacks of forte (specialty) wine barrels, Kjeld headed straight down there. As Kjeld in partial darkness waited for the agent to show up, seated at the table, his fingers nervously tapping the table, his wild imagination meanwhile carefully enumerated the last week’s odd events. Unbidden, one unsubstantiated fact suddenly snuck (stole) to mind and so, the worry lines once more got etched in his brow (forehead); nevertheless, he strove to ease his fears: “Besides, haven't I dealt with far worse situations and came out of it sailing?  In this line of business, it’s to be expected.  I just hope Leon makes good time, for then…” Kjeld looked at the door, nervous but still satisfied. “Yes, then I can still expect to be amply, if not well compensated for all my troubles and inconvenience. Pity, though, this place would be so destroyed!”

                                                                                 ~

Zunrogo was fastening his jeweled broadsword onto his waist when Tizan suddenly appeared at the door.  He beckoned the guard and signaled him to close the door.

 "Well, is everything all set?"

"Yes sir.  I'll be joining you on the road after the successful conclusion of my task."

"It is imperative that those in question be eliminated without a trace.  None are to survive, understand?"

"You needn’t warn me of its importance, sir." Tizan responded without a shred of conscience.  "Please go with an easy mind.  It (sudden explosion resulting in fire) will be made to look like an accident, warranting no investigation at all.  However, if you wish, I could plant certain incriminating evidence to involve…”

"No, that will not be necessary." The captain cut him off.  "Don't deviate from the original plan."

                                                                                   ~

After breakfasting and having sent his luggage on ahead, Nevetsecnuac (Fradel), now disguised as one of the palace guards, retrieved the papers from their hiding place and secured them in the inner pocket of his garb (uniform) that were, in fact, more comfortable and more suitable for traveling than his cumbersome, restrictive scholar's attire.

After a cursory look around to see to it that nothing was left behind, he closed the door quietly behind him and quickly descended the stairs.  Meeting the Captain in the lobby ready and waiting, he was then (shepherded) lead to the outside where men and horses awaited in readiness of the departure.

03- NEVETSECNUAC IN IMPERIAL UNIFORM

Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac) had been forewarned to a certain degree that there would be two guards flanking him, along on the journey, with another to be joining them later, but these two who came to smart attention were not what he had expected.  One he had never seen before and the other.  His eyes rested on the figure of Briac, who had been disguised to look like scholar Fradel Rurik Korvald.

 "I went along with your suggestion of wearing these clothes, sir, but this, this is intolerable!" Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) burrowed his cold gaze on the captain, not flinching.

This unexpected, irate, moral indignation from the supercilious scholar put Zunrogo (for a spell,) at a complete loss for words.

As Captain of the Palace Guards, the most elite force in Channing, and the secret member of the ruthless Black Band Guard, which was Sovereign Zakhertan Yozdek’s personal militia, Zunrogo was the fourth most feared, most powerful, invincible warrior/statesman in Wenjenkun; right after Sovereign, the Minister of Internal Security Egil Vigoaries and The Prime Minister Lamont Gudaren.  No other had ever been so brazened enough to stand up to or, been in, least defiance of Zunrogo and lived; more astonishingly still, Fradel (Nevetsecnuac), with his features set in firm defiance obdurately had demanded an explanation from Zunrogo.

“Are you goading (provoking) me; do you have a secret wish for death?”

"Sir, this is where I draw the line.” Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) undaunted by Zunrogo’s menacing glower, (look of daggers) obstinately grumbled. “I will not, in all good conscience, have another’s life be put in jeopardy on account of me!"

Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) was stanchly (resolutely) considering, rescinding their prior arrangement when the captain, with a curt gesture of his hand, silenced him and roughly pulled him aside. Pinning his face right into Fradel’s, Zunrogo, gritting his teeth, threatened: "You would have been instantly slayed, chopped down for this insubordination; now act like a proper soldier (guard) or else!”

But then, quickly curtailing his fiery temper, in a more moderate tone, Zunrogo reasoned: “I know how it looks, but I assure you, sir, it is necessary."  His cutting tone, nevertheless, was a warning to Fradel, to back off, that, if necessary, he would be carried off, trussed, and bound.

Bearing in mind that he was supposed to be an arrogant but a mild-mannered scholar, Nevetsecnuac (as Fradel), biting his lip, he now checked his derisive (scornful) rebuke.  At that juncture (point in time), a low murmur drew his attention to the side door of the inn.  Nevetsecnuac’s keen eyes caught a fleeting shadow just before the individual darted inside and completely disappeared.  He let it pass.

"I thought you said that there was no real danger," more composed now, Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) turned to address Zunrogo.

"Less for them than you," Zunrogo answered irritably, indicating Briac with his chin.  Raising his voice slightly, on pretext, he admonished Fradel, "Now, sir, I will not have you undermining my authority and demoralizing my men with all your questions."

Fradel Rurik Korvald (Nevetsecnuac) checked his temper as well, understanding at once that the rebuke was more for the benefit of his double and that there was something graver at stake here.

“Briac, the guard chosen to impersonate you, is the one best suited for this.  His selection was made only after serious consideration."  Zunrogo shifted his body slightly, shielding his face from the view of the guards.  He looked meaningfully at Fradel Rurik Korvald, his gaze and fierce eyes speaking the words that could not be freely uttered, darkness, treachery; furthermore, it warned, stay out of what does not concern you; this turncoat (collaborator) will soon get just his desserts.

Comprehending, Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) turned and looked at Briac with an impassive, blank expression. The guard's face completely ashen, his’s eyes at first looked strangely pained and grave then got filled with loathing when they met Fradel's, after which, he lowered his head abjectly.

Nevetsecnuac (Fradel) returned his expressionless gaze back to Zunrogo, who’d this entire period scrutinized him like a hawk with the cruel half-smile plastered on his lips.  Behind the Captain's seemingly stern mask, his eyes betrayed a profound, impenetrable darkness carrying a brutal, implicit threat not only for Briac but also for Fradel.

04- FRADEL RURIK KORVALD (NEVETSECNUAC) IN ARMY UNIFORM

Unflinching, Fradel (Nevetsecnuac) affably (genially) smiled at Zunrogo and he, relenting, perfunctorily smiled back. But underneath the seeming cordiality, Zunrogo pondered. “Yes, you are more than what you seem.  You are no ordinary scholar.  Your aim is much higher. I will therefore watch you, watch you very carefully, Fradel Rurik Korvald, or whatever your real name may be.  It bothers me greatly when I can see that you are not afraid of death, but I will find out the reason why, before this expedition concludes.”

Outwardly tranquil, as if his prior ambiguity had allayed (dispelled), Zunrogo nodded, "I'm glad we finally understand each other; now we can quickly put all this unpleasantness behind us and amicably proceed; as I am most anxious to get started on this trip."

Turning, Zunrogo signaled (cued) the groom to bring forth Briac’s strong steed, inclined his head politely and invited (disguised) Fradel Rurik Korvald to mount up.

 Alternately, Briac was helped by one of the grooms, to mount Scholar Fradel’s relatively inferior mare.

 

                                                                                   ~

(END OF SECTION 21)