LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 5

01-NEVETS ARRIVING AT  THE REMOTE CHECKPOINT

At sundown Nevetsecnuac without incidence crossed the remote border checkpoint and entered the Capital province of Holger. The nearby town still to be reached, at a secluded spot at the edge of a dense forest, he dismounted his horse and then donned his scholar's robes, afterwards he traveled at some speed at the main highway. That evening and few evenings after that he’d stayed at modest, respectable inns and hostels, chiefly to rest his mare, buy some supplies and to gather (pertinent) reconnaissance information from the seemingly friendly locals.

At first, unlike the other provinces, he’d found Holger to be prospering, with citizens contented and not lacking in comfort or being out of sorts; beneath the seemingly pervading peaceful order and opulent facade, however, he could sense that something sinister and evil lurked that bolted shut every dissident's mouth. And when he discretely and relentlessly delved deeper into internal matters and the existing facts, Nevetsecnuac uncovered, true enough, ugly manipulation, wide-spread corruption among the officials, appalling misery, and vast enslavement of the seemingly normal populous. 

02- MARKETPLACE AT SUBURB TOWN IN HOLGER PROV.2

Nevetsecnuac’s soul became further beset (burdened, tormented) with wearying (draining) despair, understanding the fact that even at this furthest periphery, the stranglehold of (Usurper Zakhertan Yozdek’s) stringent rules of law and the draconian penalties, all enforced under the (guise) masked miasma of propriety (aptness, decency), solidly dictated every facet of each citizen’s life. Enslaved by the eternal, numbing fear coursing through their veins, the unfortunate masses, even those rare would-be dissidents, consequently had their mouths permanently bolted shut, despite the fact that their subsistence were far worse than any imagined torture in Hell; moreover, Nevetsecnuac understood that he had to harden his heart for ahead, lay, a  portended, graver conditions, far worse villainy, and abominations.

                                                                                      ~

 Meanwhile, in response to his inquiry as to which course to take to reach the Capital City, the river route was pointed out to him, time and again, as being the most preferred and pleasurable of alternatives.

Though admittedly a bit slower, for the Yawjun River meandered widely and was subject to occasional storms, the magnificent scenery along its course fostered (cultivated, nourished) every scholar's, poet's and artist's soul and the comfortable lodgings provided by the charter boats more than compensated for this slight inconvenience.

 Nevetsecnuac, for the sake of expediency, opted instead for the faster land route and, late that afternoon, at the outskirts of town, at a secluded spot behind the hill, further down the road, he allowed the mare to graze briefly on the tall, lush grass, as he once more changed back into his regular traveling clothes then secured the scholar's garb in the luggage bundle behind his saddle.

03- NEVETSECNUAC

After two days journey, once more ignoring the last well-meaning innkeeper’s counsel, (a short, plump, middle aged man called Huisun, who had taken a liking to Nevetsecnuac and had genuinely tried his best to deter him from taking the hazardous course as this was the worst season for such a daring undertaking), Nevetsecnuac, digressed from the main highway, to continue (via) by way of short-cut route.

The direction he was headed traversed the most dangerous Yokono Mountains, a range of peaks of various heights, some of which towered to touch the Heavens, that stretched away far to the south-east. Eventually the trail would meet up with the more frequented, safer, and civilized roundabout route by the river.  By rights, Huisun's apprehension was well (founded) warranted for, even in a good season, the path was marred (marked) by the skeletal remains of those, however competent, which had chosen not to pay heed to the warnings and were never seen or heard from again.

Naturally the locals who lived in the shadows of the Yokono range firmly believed in the superstition of the evil, wayward mountain spirits that dwelt in the abundant caves and deep caverns.

These nefarious spirits supposedly perpetually preyed on the unsuspecting souls of travelers, driving them to madness then suicide, if they per chance, miraculously survived (avoided succumbing to) nature’s numerous lethal traps and the predatory beasts that in profusion, inhabited the mountain slopes.

 Accordingly, the Mountain God of the Yokono, Choron, received many offerings from those who lived at the edge of the foothills and was often called upon to preserve the inhabitants from various malefactions which they perceived may, at any time, descend upon them from the mountains to inflict injury and spread terror.

04- MONSTERS AND MALEVOLENT SPIRITS

  ~

 

The first leg (part) of this journey was uneventful (without incidence), even tedious for Nevetsecnuac, then, with a drastic change in the weather, gale winds swept across the foothills as incessant, torrential rains lasting for weeks on end, drummed on his head; the deluge washing the slopes clean and creating mud traps and fatal rockslides.

Despite these (occurring) scores of obstacles in his path, Nevetsecnuac relentlessly pushed on, endeavoring to cover as much ground as possible on any given day. Subsequently he reached the segment where the towering range on both sides hastened the dusk. Here the overhead broad-leafed trees shielded Nevetsecnuac from most of the downpours, but this was a mixed blessing for they also enveloped him in an oppressive darkness in which the air increasingly grew stagnant.

In this eerie, foreboding atmosphere, due to copious annual precipitation, the soft rocks of the mountainside had been carved into grotesque shapes, while lush green vegetation habitually choked the already precarious paths.

Underneath, an abundance of creepy, crawly insects, legless, slippery reptiles with fangs and venomous amphibians (frogs) posed yet another sort of danger. Meanwhile, the multitude of dark caves, crevices slimy with moss, and the huge, forbidding caverns that held wild, predatory inhabitants frequently tested Nevetsecnuac's prowess when he had to contest with them for the night's shelter (accommodations), though by preference, he avoided inflicting on them any serious harm.

 Incredibly, after the next stretch, the topography, and the atmosphere both underwent a drastic change; there were now plenitude of gushing streams, abundant picturesque, roaring waterfalls crowned in mist, tingling, gurgling brooks in their plenitude intermingling with the drumming rain and obsessive wind.

Periodic streaks of sunlight brushed, the dancing, fleshy, provocative leaves, swaying, tempting branches in a lugubrious symphony enrapturing one in a magical air, delighting the senses to their fullest and giving one, in fact, a false sense of security and serenity.

The ever-present dangers from the majestic, possessive Yokono mountain peaks towering overhead, meanwhile, perpetually glowering, threatened to at any given moment to inflict havoc on the unsuspecting, lulled trespasser who dared to violate this sanctimonious ground.

With so many treacherous traps just waiting to claim him in a wink, could Nevetsecnuac be expected to escape them all, unscathed?  Hence, in one moment's inattention because of a spooked horse, Nevetsecnuac (while leading the horse), nearly did in fact succumb to the ravenous appetite of a precipitous drop.

 One catastrophe begetting another, that same instant the horse's hind left leg got trapped in a collapsed crevice, Nevetsecnuac losing his footing, had slipped on the moss covering the just then loosened rock and unavoidably went right over the edge. He managed to slow the speed of his descent and arrested (halted) his further plunge, by grasping at the roots and vines hanging from the top, till he eventually secured his footing on a protruding rock ledge. Tethered precariously (by still holding the roots), he looked down to (see) catch the accompanying mossy rocks and clumps of muddy earth, as well as the ridge, in a blink disappear into the hazy abyss.

Up above the spooked mare trotted and neighed uneasily as she tried to liberate her hind leg from the entrapment in the solid segment of the path, unwittingly however, creating an extra dire situation, by loosening (dislodging) still more earth and rock.

With the skill and agility of a monkey, Nevetsecnuac, in nick of time hauled himself up to safety to dispel the blindfolded mount's fears, before the beast did irrevocable damage to herself. 

A careful examination of the rescued leg revealed the mare's ankle bones to be intact, though the muscle and skin around it was slightly swollen from bruising and superficial lacerations. Nevetsecnuac tended to this best he could.

Later, as Nevetsecnuac and mare, ascended to greater heights, the unusually sweltering temperatures and torrential rains created a permanent miasma that, compounded with the thin air consistent with these high altitudes, further constrained the lungs to the degree of belaboring their advance.  Sorely missing the cold, refreshing temperatures, Nevetsecnuac looked up longingly to the summits in the hope of tracing the expected margin of snow, but his vision was obscured by the crowning mist that descended all the way down to converge with the rising fog and steam from the mantled valleys below.  Nevertheless, tirelessly advancing along the middle ground in this ambiance, if it was not for the stony, thorny path, Nevetsecnuac could have quite easily imagined that he was treading on clouds in mid-air.

                                            ~                                       

 Dealing with the ever-present persistent dangers from the roaming predatory beasts and slithering serpents (or poisonous reptilians underbrush) by day and nocturnal animals, birds (bats) and biting insects at night, eventually on a descending course, Nevetsecnuac trailed the narrow ledge that had been carved into the mountain with one side having the rising peaks decked with ancient, towering trees with huge, wide trunks with heights reaching up to the clouds while on the other side again a steep precipice dropping to a bottomless abyss.  Despite this, leading the blindfolded horse by the reins, he successfully negotiated these countless perilous turns this way and that, to reach the more favorable plateau.

Advancing at this more lenient segment, once on a rare cloudless day, in the absence of rain, mist and fog, Nevetsecnuac, with unobstructed vision, witnessed the unfolding glory of the most magnificent, panoramic, breathtaking view that had all along eluded him.  Looking beyond the frolicking, rainbow-colored birds; Nevetsecnuac elatedly then, had traced the now visible river Yawjun carving a snaking vein through a deep valley thousands of feet down.

The worst part of the journey finally behind them, in this more moderate climate, man and mount trailed in more leisured pace the stony pathway flanked by thick vegetation and strange, broad-leafed trees; thus enjoying, the branches bedecked with budding blossoms swaying gently in the breeze that fanned them. The delicate fragrant air softly caressing his face, Nevetsecnuac, delightfully lent an ear to the melodious thrilling of songbirds as they were busily building nests. Fully appreciating nature's exquisite beauty, which enchanted and enthralled his senses, he paused frequently to assimilate it all as his eyes observed in delight the industrious, buzzing bees happily converging on the pistils of blossoms, the flippant, fluttering, frail butterflies contesting in beauty with the host flowers, and the droning, intrusive insects encircling the air in peaceful coexistence with the furry, fuzzy, frolicking animals in full celebration of life.

In the ensuing days his heart burst in excitement, his head in fanciful clouds, Nevetsecnuac bounced his steps joyfully on the petal strewn pathway that gradually straightened, flattened, and widened as it converged with the more moderate route (trail, segment, road).

The undulated slopes surrounding this dell hemmed in by jagged peaks in parts were densely forested, portending still a multitude of concealed dangers.  However, this did not raise the least concern in Nevetsecnuac. Nearing the end of his dried rations, he scavenged for some delectable mushrooms, wild berries and dug up some edible roots for sustenance. Intoxicated with nature's beauty for the first time since he had embarked on this long, arduous journey, he had only now permitted himself the luxury of such serendipity.

 In that brief respite he had ceased to exist, the all-encompassing, enchanting nature possessed his soul and his weightless body floated on the warm, fragrant breeze.

07- NEVETSECNUAC

The colors, enhanced by the sun's brilliant rays, grew in intensity brighter and brighter still till he was almost blinded.  Indistinct patterns of all shapes and forms danced next, in front of his eyes as swirling lines created by swaying branches and the flight patterns of insects simultaneously drew iridescent, incoherent messages for him in the air.

 Dizziness overcoming him, he reclined spread eagle on the plush, wet, multicolored carpet and, for a moment, closed his eyes in repose.

But no sooner had he done so than he felt the cold, sharp edge of a blade pressed firmly against his bare throat.  Opening his eyes with a start, he saw before him the glaring face of Zonar.

"We've some unfinished business, you and I," he sneered icily, his one knee pressed firmly, squarely on Nevetsecnuac's chest.

"I said we'll be meeting again.  How is it you're still caught unaware?" he asked, mockingly and, throwing his head back, laughed uproariously before answering his own question…"But perhaps not this early, eh?"

 

(END OF SECTION 5) 

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 4

In truth the Immortal Zonar Kuntzu’s loss was only temporary; after an arduous effort, he would eventually regain (recover) all that he’d lost.   

Nevetsecnuac could not of course have imagined the extent of hazard he’d at present instigated, for the danger unleashed upon the world, albeit temporary, was very much real, as this amulet (that had housed the dangerous entity Cassar, who was called Mokak, later renamed, Jenor) was in fact more than Zonar’s family heirloom (a birthright article). The imprisoned entity within the amulet had once been bound to Zonar’s father Zandar Kuntzu’s genetic factor (DNA).

01- ZANDAR KUNTZU

Zandar, though later was considered a renegade Immortal, had once despite his youth, had held a prominent position within the ruling elite (of elders), of the ancient race of Karn. Upon Zandar’s demise, because of his specific genetic link to Zonar, this onerous responsibility of safekeeping the amulet, a lifelong sentence that could not be erased or shirked (evaded, dodged) whatever the circumstance, had then been (trussed, tethered) passed down to Zonar.  

Centuries earlier Cassars, a troublesome race had been the catalyst of a catastrophic dissention (discord) among existing ancient races; set against one another the irreconcilable differences and disparaging venom had resulted in the eventual destruction of the many primordial elite powers. Only the most resilient race of Karn (and few other races that had integrated within its modules) had triumphed; hence, decade later ending the cataclysmic wars and furthermore, conquering then imprisoning, the few remaining Cassars of this unruly (rowdy) race that had instigated (triggered) it all.  

02 -  CASSARS )

Adversarial elements of these Cassars properly contained, spanning several centuries now the armistice (truce and resulting concord) had lasted on Earh, as the dominant race of Karn, as well, few remaining subsidiary custodians of this world, had peacefully coexisted well hidden in the remotest corners (chiefly at the summits and at the icy peaks), result of having graciously allowed the species of men the sole dominion over (placid, more climatically favorable, more livable parts of the) Earth.  

It would have been far better for the world, if this troublesome race Cassars had been totally expunged; however, by consensus of the elders of Karn, Cassars had been subjugated (bested by the utilization of ice or water) though spared from total annihilation.  

03- (ELDERS OF KARN)

Elders of Karn had, moreover, additionally afforded mankind that definite measure of safety- by constraining, rather, indefinitely imprisoning few spared Cassars, in the protective water crystal amulet that selected members of Karn wore. It was a bane (burden) to be endured till the end of time. In the unlikely event the prior custodian would expire, the amulet would then be (transferred) bequeathed to the offspring sharing the same genetic factor.  Now under normal circumstances, Zonar’s immortal father would have discussed in detail the amulet’s range of powers and, even given his son some necessary, precise instructions (pointers) to maintain absolute control over the imprisoned entity; however, Zonar, sent away for his own safety at an early age to grow up among anonymous mortal family, had never been afforded this opportunity.  

Furthermore, the subsequent bizarre circumstances that elicited (caused) the premature, atypical (odd) demise of renegade Immortal Zandar Kuntzu, and hence, well before Zonar could master the amulet’s intransigent powers, Cassar entity called Mokak, with his resourcefulness had once, successfully affected its escape from captivity. (Check out: Legend of Nevetsecnuac, Book 2 titled The Ordeal, more precisely, Section 8, where Mokak is mentioned.)

At that time Zonar, wanting to know more about this amulet and the entity it contained, had avidly perused those veiled (oblique, coded) secret teachings his father Zandar Kunzu had left with him, but since the situation of escape (of any Cassar) had never once transpired  (occurred), not while the amulet had been in his father’s safekeeping, it had taken Zonar many more months of quest and sheer luck, to capture and re-enslave sly Mokak (later renamed Jekor ) in the crystal Amulet. Since then, Zonar on his own merit, through trial and error, utilizing his brilliant and discerning mind, had discovered few more facets of the amulet’s varied, multitude powers.  

04 - ZONAR KUNTZU

Currently,  during combat with Nevetsecnuac,  when the amulet broke in two this, despite Zonar’s stoic, stone countenance-  mindful of the now matured and at large entity’s, Jekor (Mokak)’s inherently grown prowess’s and the unimaginable, portended havoc he could unleash on the unsuspecting world and on both (mortal and immortal) realms- seriously troubled Zonar.  Anticipating the arduous task of, recapturing this willy, artful and now more potent menace, caused Zonar to, pensively (thoughtfully) but with unreadable expression,  glance away. 

05- (MOKAK- ALSO KNOWN AS JEKOR)

Sensing only an inkling of the magnitude (scope) of the dire circumstance, Nevetsecnuac knitted his brows, and covertly pinned his questioning gaze on Zonar; as he, same time fought the ominous foreboding that had suddenly vice-griped his heart. “Had he inadvertently, seriously harmed his benefactor Zonar by damaging the (potent)amulet, in the course of it, ending any chance of his enlisting Zonar future guidance?”  

Nevetsecnuac now hastened to ask the latter’s forgiveness but Zonar, after his fleeting icy, contemptuous glare, simply snorted and again looked away. But then in afterthought, he’d quickly passed it off as fate and dispassionately shrugged his shoulders; determined not to let this rare opportunity (of further testing his nephew) be wasted, he just unfastened the clasp and removed the chain, with the broken amulet ( crack in the middle now emitting no light) still precariously hanging from it, from around his neck, then walking to the edge of a high precipice, hurled it into river.  He watched its descent, it being swallowed by the fast-flowing waters then, with a changed, resigned expression on his face, inclined (turned) his head to grimace wryly at Nevetsecnuac. 

Afterwards he simply walked back with large strides and halting few inches away from Nevetsecnuac, cooly proposed that they might as well continue the combat. When Nevetsecnuac showed some reluctance to engage him, his short temper flared, and he roared in fury: “You dare to insult me?” And then in lightening speed launched his murderous assault.

Forsaking his reserve, Nevetsecnuac fought back, at first on the defensive but soon shifting to the offense.  

06- NEVETSECNUAC FIGHTS ZONAR

The two combatants consequently, as one successive blur to the naked eye endlessly fought on in a dizzying whirlwind, or, in unrelenting fierce deadlock, back and forth, well into the night. The Earth rumbled incessantly at their extraordinary might while Heaven knew no peace from the sheer intensity of their powerful strikes. Once, as if in protest, a mounting flotilla of dark clouds congregated to shroud the moon and the stars, following it with angry rumbling and streaks of lighting miring (marking) the sky; meanwhile, quaking ground underfoot at times shook the soil (earth), debree and boulders loose, uprooting trees, creating gashes or deep chasms, to enforce termination of the relentless, vigorous combat. But still undaunted, the battle had raged on without ceasing in intensity.  And when the first rays of dawn finally broke from hurrying (sailing) clouds, for Heaven had had enough, the rising gale winds punishingly swept across the Earth. Thunder and lightning more repetitiously now crashed about them and alight trees threatened to scorch them and reduce them to cinders. Subsequently, the torrential rains changed into hailstones, pounded mercilessly on their heads and turned the ground underfoot into muddy rivers.

Their persistence prevailing over Heaven’s will, eventually, by about noon of the third day, the skies cleared up. The brilliant sun’s golden rays bathed the drenched Earth and enveloped the brave warriors in sweltering heat as they still fought on.

07- ZONAR FIGHTS NEVETS (15)

Suddenly however, Zonar, in mid blow, stayed his hand and leapt out of the circle of combat once more.  

“Enough, I see now that a thousand more rounds will not engender your defeat. I therefore salute you sir, as a true and unequivocal equal.  Despite your age, you bear the singular mark of a great warrior.”

Throwing back his head, he laughed uproariously.  “Ha!  Ha!  This is what I needed most to shake myself out of my complacency.  I thank you, sir, for this most invaluable lesson.”  Assuming a more serious expression, he then bowed low to Nevetsecnuac (his nephew) in deep respect.

Bowing also, Nevetsecnuac reciprocated the courtesy.

“The honor is mine, sir, to have even met by half measure your outstanding abilities.”

 He next voiced his heart felt desire to become Zonar’s tyro (novice, trainee, acolyte, follower, student).

“Though a feasible consideration, it’s not convenient for me to accede at this time.” Clenching his fist and musing, Zonar looked away in silence.

 Zonar was in fact beginning to worry, having lingered in one spot (and time zone) far too long; therefore, risking being discovered by his ardent nemesis bent on his destruction.

 Stealing a glance at Nevetsecnuac from the corner of his eye, he further mused, “Yes in many ways, you remind me of Tuko.  Had my mortal younger brother, survived the massacre he may have turned out exactly like you.  But no!  It’s not time yet… And furthermore, with so much at stake, I can ill afford the indolence of sentiment, hence, jeopardy (risk, hazard).”  Nevertheless, he felt constrained to give Nevetsecnuac, a palpable (tangible, convincing) excuse.

“I am tempted, sir. But I fear that such, is out of the question!” Zonar finally spoke in a restrained, somber voice.

He bit his lip, “To befriend you, my sworn enemy? Wenjenkun and Korion, two strong adversary nations, will not do; for long exists the lethal animosity, toxic rivalry between (our countrymen) both.” 

 He knit his brows and with clenched fists, he simply looked away.

 “Ney; for it would mean violating every fabric of my…. and forsaking loyalty to my Sovereign.  How can I then, face my countrymen with dignity?”

08- NEVETSECNUAC DISSAPPOINTED

As Nevetsecnuac, eyeing him curiously, remained lost for words, Zonar forced a smile onto his pallid lips then, as if in an afterthought, faced Nevetsecnuac and inclined his head gallantly.  

“My name, sir, in all confidence, is Zonar Kuntzu.  I’m a native of Korion, born thirty-two years ago.  That much I will divulge, for you have well earned the right to know it.  We will be meeting again, though under what circumstances I cannot rightly predict.  I pray, however, that when that happens you will not judge me too harshly.  Each of us must follow the bidding of our loyal heart.  Remember well my parting words: ‘Even if I fail, I will not fail.’ “

Nevetsecnuac bowed to him in gratitude for the civil negation (rejection, snub) but, when he lifted his eyes to confess his own true name, the words froze on his tongue for, once more, Zonar had vanished into thin air without a trace.

Nevetsecnuac nodded his head in deep understanding.

“Yes, we are kindred spirits and, it is evident we share similar fate. Zonar Kuntzu, bound by duty, you are also headed for that uncertain future (prospects)! Existing briefly perhaps on this Earth, though more certainly me, we stive hard to accomplish that vital and arduous task, for which only we are destined to do.”

“Till we meet again my friend; I am Nevetsecnuac Alric Therran Valamir.” Nevetsecnuac whispered after Zonar, his eyes brimmed with tears.  

“I wish you well and, bid you fond farewell, my esteemed, elder brother.”

 Nevetsecnuac subsequently retrieved the gift, the sword, and after wiping the blade clean and sheathing it (placing it back in its scabbard), inwardly invoked the word: Lomelak. The magnificent sword (with its casing) instantly shrunk and reverted to an ordinary writing brush. Nevetsecnuac was ecstatic; he’d never owned a magical sword before. Desiring to test it again, he this time inwardly uttered (articulated) the word: Lohcnilik. Lo and behold, the writing brush instantly became the magnificent, sheathed sword again. And when it was again transformed into a writing brush, jubilant (thrilled) Nevetsecnuac secured it on his person. He then quickly gathered up his belongings and, not looking back, catapulted onto his horse, and raced towards the Capital, the mare’s hooves churning up a cloud of dust behind him.

                                                                                 ~

(End of Section 4)                                                                     

 

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITAL - SECTION 3

 The two combatants first bowed to each other in respect then assumed their combat positions.  Zonar formally reissued his challenge and, Nevetsecnuac with the understanding that this may precipitate his swift end, formally accepted it.

01- FIGHT BETWEEEN NEVETSECNUAC AND ZONAR

Preliminaries over, without another word, in lightning speed both simultaneously launched their deadly assaults.  The fearsome battle that followed displayed the most brilliant feats of arms. Earth and the heavens quaked at each encounter as clear blue lightning shot upwards at every meeting of their blades.  So swift were their moves that only a shimmering iridescence betrayed the presence of the swords, and the air throbbed to the beat of their whirling blades.  The death-defying attacks, and counter attacks continued without end; back and forth they moved as they ceaselessly fought innumerable rounds while the sun took its slow, lazy journey across the sky.

In Zonar's lifetime none, however competent, had survived the first encounter, the first clash with him.  He had commanded great armies, vanquished many seemingly invincible foes yet Nevetsecnuac, with his gentle disposition, could not be kept at bay, let alone be bested. Zonar was secretly elated that his nephew (who bore some likeness to his dead sister) showed such promise. Nevertheless, he’d quickly curtailed his wishful hope knowing the terrible odds, the ultimate challenges outside of mortal realms, Nevetsecnuac would one day face!

02- PORTENDED FUTURE BATTLES WITHIN THE RALSMS OF IMMORTALS

Zonar  Kuntzu shook his head to purge the unsolicited parade of somber images from his mind, reminding himself that he’d already defied many sure prophesies; and he inwardly pledged self (swore an oath) to face this danger alongside his nephew, as well, to do all that he can to aid (assist) Nevetsecnuac, in fulfilling his rightful destiny. Meanwhile, on the outset, Zonar had fought Nevetsecnuac ceaselessly, still evaluating his nephew’s fighting prowess (competency, proficiency) and, taking stock of the areas of deficits (shortfalls, lacks) that may hinder his progress or his (future) eventual sure success.

 Incredibly, even after more than hundred bouts (rounds, sessions) of fighting neither of them fared any the worse or gained the advantage, for they were adeptly matched (despite disparate age and experience) in both skill and ability. Zonar made a mental note to one day thank Lord Asger for his excellent tutelage (expert coaching and guidance) of Nevetsecnuac.

Just then, in the thick of the battle, nonetheless, the unthinkable had happened.  Zonar's blade, meeting a calculated force at an angle, flew out of his hand and sliced across the sky to land far in the distance. Swiftly Zonar swerved to escape the path of Nevetsecnuac's sword and somersaulted out of the circle of combat. Zonar then literally shot up into the air as if catapulted, to land squarely on the crest of the hill.  His left hand clasped the just then exposed amulet (hanging from a chain around his neck) as the strange blue-green light emanating from the talisman which had then engulfed the frame of Zonar, momentarily blinded Nevetsecnuac.

03- ZONAR'S AMULET IS EXPOSED

When Nevetsecnuac’s vision was restored, he witnessed in amazement the light, now partially dimmed, still shooting across Zonar's chest to the tips of his right hand, which stretched upwards to the sky.  White vapor made luminous by the amulet's light trailed Zonar's hand as he sewed strange designs in the air, muttering an incantation.

When this time he shouted, "Commence!" a sinister black mist rolled from behind him, dimming the sun and mantling the earth and sky in oppressive darkness.  The evil miasma was driven by a strange, biting gale that raced down the hill and swept over the open field to strike Nevetsecnuac. Dust, churned up debris and sand flew at him, thrashing at his face while the quaking ground uprooted trees and sent stones and rocks of incredible size rolling over the ground.

 Nevetsecnuac's tethered, mortified horse whinnied and bolted, straining her reins to the choking point.  From the swirling clouds of dust, debris and sand emerged savage, fearsome beasts, monsters, and giant venomous vipers, some with human heads and other parts.  Rather than retreating in alarm, Nevetsecnuac hacked away at them fiercely, trying to carve himself an opening to reach Zonar who, having summoned his sword back to his hand, was now parachuting down from the hill, his dark countenance making him appear like a demigod.

Nevetsecnuac, wielding his whirling blade, effortlessly brought down a multitude of these manifestations.

04- NEVETSECNUAC COUNTERING ZONAR KUNTZU

 As soon as they touched the ground, however, they instantly reverted back to their original forms, twigs, dried leaves and plants and lifeless insects and worms.  Despite the mounting wall of debris growing to surround Nevetsecnuac, there appeared to be no end to Zonar's intense onslaught.

"That's enough!"  Nevetsecnuac cast aside the sword with disdain and sat down, his back straight as an arrow, cross-legged on the ground.

"This is no measure of a man's strength and skill."  Clenching his fist in the air, blinded to anything beyond the thick curtain of supernatural beings, he indiscriminately shouted his dare, "Zonar, I know you can hear me!  Do your worst but be warned that when you've exhausted your puerile games you will meet your utter, humiliating defeat at my hands!  I have no charms or devilish devices.  My strength is born from within."  Clasping his hands together and riveting his eyes shut he entered a deep trance amid the chaos as the turmoil about him intensified to a fever pitch.

Unlike his prior experiences, Nevetsecnuac was exposed to deep cuts, bites, bruises, internal and external lacerations and burns beyond endurance.  However, he remained totally inert and gradually the spell, which fed on fear, reaction and resistance, weakened.  His wounds healed and the horrendous monsters, phantoms and hideous creatures of man's worst nightmares backed away and each in turn, with piercing shrieks, shriveled up, became transparent and reverted to their original, inert forms or turned to smoke and altogether ceased to exist.

 The gale reversed direction and blew back from whence it came.  Nevetsecnuac opened his eyes to witness the last speck of dust settling and the fog rolling back to expose his temporarily, a much younger self, standing before the blood-curdling form of Zonar, larger than life glowering at him, before he broodingly looked away.

05- NEVETSECNUAC AND, ZONAR IN HIS GROTESQUE FORM

 Subsequently, as Nevetsecnuac reverted to his present self, Zonar's form now diminished, at first with an unreadable expression on his face almost akin to an affection, he with a glint of hope in his eye, turned to squarely gaze at his remarkable nephew. He was not through with his assessment however, and so, "Since our first encounter you have evoked my curiosity." Zonar added sternly, having decided to maintain secrecy a little while longer.

"I see now that I had not underestimated your prowess.  With your resilience and remarkable willpower, you, sir, have succeeded as none had before."  He lowered his weapon and tried to smile.

"Hence, I congratulate you, young warrior, on being the first, to have ever overcome the potency of my invincible magic.  Indubitably you are a worthy opponent, though I would like to see how much further (extent of) your acuity, dexterity and martial aptitude excel. Shall we resume where we had left off?"

Acquiescing, Nevetsecnuac rose to his feet.

"You will do well to maintain this advantage."  Zonar snapped his right fingers, his left hand clasping the concealed amulet, and the sword that had been cast aside suddenly rose out of the debris and flew directly into Nevetsecnuac's hand.

"Thank you, but let’s contest now by another means."  Nevetsecnuac cast the blade aside once more and riveted his defiant, provocative (confrontational) gaze on Zonar.

"You've got gall!"  Throwing his head back, Zonar laughed uproariously.  He was starting to develop a definite, deep affinity for this very remarkable young warrior.

 "Very well, let us try combat without them."  Meeting this challenge happily,

Zonar then returned his own sword to its scabbard and discarded it, not once taking his eyes off Nevetsecnuac.

06- ZONAR DISCARDS HIS SWORD ALSO.

So astounding was the ensuing (hand to hand combat) pitched battle that mere words could not give a just, apt description to it; moreover, the contest lasted an additional day and a half and, after countless rounds more, it still did not, not for a spell, falter in its intensity.

Subsequently, at one point unfortunately for Zonar, in the thick of combat charged as Nevetsecnuac was, his one decisive blow to Zonar's chest, spelled the dire consequence for the latter. The impact of this singular blow was such that, it had cracked the water crystal amulet he’d always worn, into two perfect halves.  As one half fell to the ground, a stunned but unharmed Zonar suddenly leaped out of the combat circle and, staying his hand, shouted a temporary halt to their fighting.

 A mixture of surprise, dismay and anger registered in Zonar’s piercing eyes as they avidly searched the churned ground.  Spotting the fallen piece, he summarily matched it to the other severed half and muttered some incomprehensible incantations to test its power.  Disillusionment and dismay briefly registered in his pupils when he failed to attain the satisfactory affirmation.  The power and the entity within, that he had endured for so long, was no more.

 

(END OF SECTION 3) 

                                                                                             ~

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

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

01-NEVETSECNUAC'S NIGHTMARE

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

02- NEVETSECNUAC'S NIGHTMARE

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

                                                                                       ~

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

03-NEVETSECNUAC

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

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

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

 

“You are exasperatingly Cheeky!” The air trembled with his roaring laughter. “Lest you worry… on the day you fulfill your destiny, every strand of your hair shall revert back to its innate hue. Farewell, till we meet again.” Then after a succession of lightning strikes and thunder, Zonar’s invisible (felt) presence was unequivocally (absolutely) gone.

04- ZONAR KUNTZU

                                           ~                               

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

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

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

But there would be no lasting reprieve for the weary.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

05- ZONAR KUNTZU -

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

                                                                                       ~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

06- ZONAR KUNTZU - 2 (13)

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

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

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

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

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

“Now let us begin.”

 

(END OF SECTION 2)