LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC

 THE ORDEAL - (SECTION 5)

At mid-morning with all hands assembled on deck, the captain in an elaborate ceremony sacrificed to the Sea-God, Denizir; then toasted to the eventual success of their voyage. With the fair winds now in their favor, the sails unfurled in full, the First-mate Jon bellowed out in quick succession the dictates of the captain that set the ship on course towards the island of Luco.
Soon there was no sign of land mass anywhere for the day’s favorable winds had swiftly carried them off out into the vast open sea. In every direction lay a vast expanse of shimmering, undulating (rolling) silvery waves that tossed up snowy foam and caressed the floating images of sun and moon alternately.

 

That night Chenko Haken and Teuquob’s cabin echoed and re-echoed with the snores of exhausted sleepers, while a whale-oil lamp suspended from the ceiling shed a faint, flickering, darting light over their slumbering bodies.
“Are you all-right?” Suddenly a hushed, concerned, voice broke the sonority of the air.
Seeing it was useless to feign sleep, she sat up. Clutching her stomach she confessed in a meek voice, “I’m a bit queasy...it must be something I... ate.”
“No, it’s not that at all,” Chenko Haken countered, “it’s what’s known as seasickness. I’m sorry, but there is no cure for this affliction. Please try to bear it. But just in case you can’t,” he stopped long enough to fetch the small bucket and placed it next to her bedding. Smiling comfortingly, he then added, “And don’t be shy in using it. In a day or two your system will adjust to the motion, and I promise you, you’ll feel much better then.”
“Thank you, I shall bear that in mind.” She closed her eyes tight, fighting the urge to vomit, to empty her guts out; very much determined instead to get some sleep.
Mindful of how she must be suffering, Chenko Haken wished he could plainly nestle up to her and let his warm embrace ward off all her discomfort- but he did not dare. Instead, with his empathic gaze on her he reached out and squeezed her hand consolingly. She did not fight him and quietly submitted to the tender clasp of his hand. Subsequently soothed by his presence, her breathing eased in time and the tension slowly ebbed (abated) from all her muscles. Unfortunately, on his part an uninvited thought and desire had crept in (rather intruded,) to take hold of his heart and mind.
Gradually the touch of her warm, soft skin igniting the fires in his soul, threw him into raptures, deadening all shame! How could he resist loving this delicate flower? Clearly it was futile, for it was such an excruciating pain, a worst kind of torment being so close; yet he was bound by morality, being forced to curtail all the basic human urges that unbidden, swelled up within him. Subconsciously in a fit of passion, he’d gripped her hand tighter.
“What ails you, Elder Brother, are you, too, suffering from seasickness?” Opening her eyes, she gazed up at him in all naivetés and queried.
“Ha!” Chenko Haken was startled from his private reflections. Quite embarrassed, he felt the red-hot blood surging to his cheeks, and he abruptly (dropped,) let go of her hand. After few moments of awkward silence, he finally plucked up the courage to reply, “I was thinking of you.”
“But I’ll be all right.”
Her pristine, natural response doused him with inexplicable shame. How could I even think of tainting such an innocent, pure blossom! Strongly denouncing the emotions, he had been swept by just then, he silently rose to his feet and after making sure the others were fast asleep, he declared. “I need some fresh air.” Not waiting for her response, for he did not wish her to be in tow, he swiftly climbed the stairs and emerged outside.
It was out there, under the canopy of heavenly stars and the moon that he swore his solemn silent oath, to resist any impure temptations, to preserve her chastity and to be nothing other than a devoted flesh and blood brother to her. He returned to the cabin shortly after- not daring to leave her alone down there too long- with his heart cleansed of any sinful desire and quietly laid down his head now riddled with sobering thoughts, on the hard, makeshift pillow.

                                                                                ~


Mokak had just about enough fright with all that water, water everywhere!

 

He could not imagine a worse fate than being trapped in a precarious wooden craft amid that vast ocean.

“All that infinite, abysmal water!” He shivered despite himself and quickly returned his attention, as measure of reprieve, back on Shutizan.
He was curious to know what befell her, expecting some delightfully riveting (gripping) details. Her registered trace, after several tries having been picked up, Mokak, sat on his posterior (buttocks), in a dark spot of the cave and, leaning his head and back against the cave’s wall, closed his eyes.
On solid landmass of Kontu, Shutizan, after having seen Teuquob off to safety, had successfully returned to her room without being seen, but once there her imagination unleashed, then fearing the dire consequences such as: What if when Teuquob’s absence came to light, herself cracking under torture, she could not help betraying her beloved lady, or worse, Chenko Haken? She’d, hence, rather than risk this, was resolved to end her life. Despite her advanced years, even Mokak had to agree, she had spunk and was quite a brazen individual.
Indeed, after quietly making the premise look like there’d been a struggle of sorts, with all the furniture strewn about, therefore throwing the suspicion onto abduction, she’d then stoically taken a potion (poison) that brought on a heart attack, and thus died. Her reasons for suicide had been clear; she’d hoped against hope that this would buy the runaways at least some time, as well, to spare the family from any possibility of persecution.
Her corpse was discovered the following morning when the alarmed servants gained forceful entry into the compound by (ridding the obstruction and) breaking down the barred door. As it was locked and barricaded from the inside, the authorities when called to the scene, had been puzzled to solve the irregularity in this investigation, the obvious dilemma- as to how the intruders had broken in and despite the signs of struggle, had carried Teuquob off in utter silence during the night. A strict search was made of the compounds gradually extending it to wider circumference, as well, roofs and the outlined walls were scrutinized (by the keen inspectors) for any sign of intrusion, but again to no avail. By that afternoon, however, the merchant ship had already left the harbor. A subsequent thorough search of the city, its boundaries and port therefore, proved fruitless. All avenues of exit blocked, the authorities went on board the stranded ships next, imposing a stricter search of the passengers, but since they were avidly looking for a captive young girl in her teens, the difficult trail to the merchant ship was not linked until much later. When things eventually came to light giving new, incriminating evidence against Shutizan, linking her to Chenko Haken, all the members of the family were immediately arrested, and two swift vessels were promptly launched in hot pursuit of the merchant ship. Fortunately, their target “Silver Dreams”, itself a fast boat (craft), enjoying good weather and most favorable winds for several days, had ultimately spread an insurmountable (great) distance between them.

                                                                                    ~

Mokak’s attention had again reverted to the young man Ckenko, who’d sacrificed his family, his future, all to rescue a damsel in distress. And laughable foible (quirk, twist of fate) as it were, despite his best intentions clearly smitten, after curtailing his urges, Chenko’d committed himself to a vow; an earnest pledge that now bound him insufferably to the mode of behavior of an elder sibling.
“How long would the fool last out?” Curiosity getting the better of Mokak, he fought his dread of water and turned to probing her memory once more, about the more private and intriguing adventures at sea. Interestingly enough, by then, Chenko Haken and Teuquob, through numerous adjustments and compromises had alleviated (resolved) most of their difficult circumstances; meanwhile, being ever so vigilant about the aforementioned seedy character, the two fugitives rarely exchanged conversation and certainly never partook of the revelry (the boisterous festivity or entertainment) with their fellow passengers or the crew.

 

Most were aptly deterred by Chenko and his younger sibling Sunse’s cold, aloof manner and eccentric behavior; only intellectually acute (keen) Beko and his newfound friend Ytuke who was a busybody merchant, broke down the barriers and imposed their company from time to time, on the two young brothers. Meanwhile, Beko still felt somewhat indebted to Chenko Haken for bailing him out of the dire predicament he’d found himself in Kontu.
Beko and Ytuke, although from different parts of the world, almost from the beginning of the journey had become fast friends, as both had similar temperaments, many things in common and corresponding backgrounds. Besides, both shared a curious nature and loved a good mystery which presently, Chenko Haken and his supposed younger brother presented. These two deemed safe merchants- with Beko taking his lead from sly Ytuke and opting to believing in Chenko Haken’s fabricated tale and his subsequent design to find fame and fortune in foreign lands- boasted openly of their own incredible adventures, embellished riches and some attainable opportunities that lay in wait in Luco and the adjacent, well populated, cluster of smaller islands. As worldly men, they also imparted valuable pointers (info) about the hidden (obscure) aspects of law, customs and beliefs that were entrapments for embezzling naïve, unsophisticated foreigners in that part of the world. With their outright, faithful manner, they had done all they could to further win Chenko Haken’s confidence; unfortunately, the latter remained guarded and close-lipped on the private concerns, giving only ambivalent answers to their subtle queries. The silent younger sibling Sunse, a supposed shy introvert, always under the protective, watchful gaze of his elder sibling, had proven even more difficult to reach, let alone break. Despite the temporary annoyance (a snag), it’d nevertheless confirmed Beko and Ytuke’s suspicion about the seriousness of Chenko Haken’s plight. Fortunately, when another development concerning an insubordinate sailor called Tupov drew their attention, for the time being at least, they’d opted to letting things slide with Chenko Haken; after all, they had the luxury of time on this tedious, (tiresomely long) voyage.
The captain’s thorough investigation subsequently had uncovered an undesirable, flourishing, illegal drug trade on board and the vile criminal activity of the mastermind, repugnant Tupov. He was found to moreover, maliciously and spitefully poison the junior navigator, his co-conspirator, after having suspected him of skimming some of the profits. Tupov, the burly sailor in question, defiant to the bitter end, did not go down without a fight.

 

After an intensive struggle, he’d been cornered and captured alive; then as the only appropriate punishment for his crimes, he’d been subjected to humiliating rounds of abuse, publicly flogged and been made to walk the plank.

 

This invigorating episode had alleviated Beko and Ytuke’s boredom for a time but not for long. Once more they seemed restless and sought to gain fresh scandal.
During the subsequent days at sea, Beko discreetly observed a devoted elder brother Chenko Haken, to the best of his ability protecting and solicitously tending to all his younger brother’s needs. He diligently kept Sunse from harm’s way- a difficult feat, as Sunse was extremely attractive, even sensuous in his looks; and shielded the innocence of the young sibling from the corollary rude acts, the verbal exchange (conversation) when the other merchants or sailors engaged in coarse, vile language- oftentimes reminiscing about their sexual exploits, to relieve the humdrum phase of the journey.
Inseparable as the two fugitives had become, gradually Teuquob had grown quite fond of Chenko Haken, the intensity of her feelings reaching above and beyond that of gratitude. But Chenko Haken’s moral behavior was beyond reproach. He’d put up so many barriers that none, not even Teuquob could transcend it.

Until that is, the day the prevailing winds of fate had shifted!

(END OF SECTION 5)

   

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE ORDEAL  (SECTION 3)

LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC – THE ORDEAL (SECTION 3)

 

 

Ensuing days traveling alongside him Teuquob felt comforted and surer in reaching her objective. There was however one characteristic foible (small idiosyncrasy) that from the beginning had undeniably perturbed her. Despite his subtle claim of being sworn celibate, his piercing, (almost licentious, hungry) impious gazes on her when he thought she was not looking, and the astute way he studied her every move, every nuance, every gesture; this, compounded with the other inconsistencies, again had disquieted (disturbed) her. At these times as his religious convictions seemed to be wavering, she’d felt inexplicably threatened; nevertheless, she’d fought to dispel her angst in the absence of any concrete, outward transgressions or willful acts of improprieties. Furthermore, as he’d continued being the most valuable companion in protecting, sustaining and entertaining her, all her reservations and inhibitions in due course again lapsed back into the deep recesses of her subconscious mind to eventually be eliminated.

At night-time when they bedded down at of course respectable distance from each other in the protective cove or a cave, overcome with sheer exhaustion she could and often did render herself in safe and happy abandon in sleep. She had no way of knowing of course that her companion, who called himself Mokak, never closed his eyes in like fashion, for he had no need of it. Instead, he would pass the night endlessly, restlessly pacing the floor to and for. Periodically, he would pause at length to size her up, to hover over her, before in abrupt haste taking off for the outside. He would always return, however, just before sunrise, with a bounty of food and wake her up.

Once, during an unusually warm, sunny day, on his initiative she’d even embarked on a whimsical adventure with him. It was an experience to be had.

 

By taking their cue from wild macaques that had singularly appeared on the scene, in a playful imitation they had rolled on the moss-covered ground, trounced around rocks, swung from the high branches and laughed till their lungs would burst. Then, needing sustenance, they’d indulged their appetite on the rare, exotic fruits from the tall ancient trees and experienced much to their delight, quite an extraordinary state of wellbeing and vitality. Intoxicated by the rich fare, they had then danced and made merry all day long.

She’d awakened the following morning only to realize that this delightful episode had been but a vivid dream; nevertheless, she remained grateful long after for this joyful reprieve amid the persistent harsh realities of their journey!

Things back on track, on another relatively insignificant night quite exhausted from the day’s grueling climb, in the depths of a huge cavern no sooner had she nestled to a corner and laid her head down, that typically, she’d collapsed instantaneously into a deep slumber. Same could not be said about Mokak however, who appeared intensely agitated, particularly more so than usual. For shortly after midnight the weather had taken an abrupt turn for the worse; by then howling winds having given way to thunder and lightning, it’d what seemed to be in an endless cycle of violence, persistently ripped open the skies.

He could attest to it without having to go outside that within that wide perimeter all hell was breaking loose. The raging storm, the worst kind yet, was ferociously tearing everything asunder. Nor was it hard for him to fathom that the trashing winds in conjunction with other violent forces of nature had already waylaid much of the weaker habitation to waste as it methodically uprooted young trees and tore-apart ancient trunks or branches.

 Akin to his master’s temper, he could almost hear the indifferent explanation of his; it was nature’s way you see, of keeping order/ sort of housekeeping. Meanwhile the persistent downpour had been so intense that the sheets of rainwater resembling iron bars, or a saw tooth of a dreaded predator had in similar fashion, unwittingly imprisoned Mokak inside. Feeling insufferably pent up and asphyxiated, he’d therefore for quite a spell now nervously paced to and for; then going over to the far corner, he squatted down and nervously hugged his knees close to his chest. With lowered head he cursed into the air, his inexplicable fear of water that had yet again gripped his entire being in such a vice. “Blast! Nights are unbearably long as it is!” He hissed, raising his head to glance in her direction.

Look at her, how is it, she can sleep so blissfully…? But he knew the answer to it already; for placed under such a spell, nothing short of divine intervention would wake her up, till the first rays of daylight were manifest.

Oh, I’m terrified and bored… Bored beyond existence! Drat, such a waste! In his irritated mode, he chewed on his upper lip. It was all he could do from pouncing on his prey. 

No, you must be patient, remember the ancient recount: ‘Perseverance Furthers.’  He shook his head. You’ve invested too much time in it already. You can’t effort to blow this opportunity; not when there’s a real good chance of it working this time! As it were, it’d been quite by chance that he’d stumbled onto this resolution, this secret; unfortunately, it was the only way of escaping his fate, what persecuted and enslaved him. He’d been luckier than the rest of his kind who stood at no chance of escaping. For centuries now they’d endured this humiliating captivity. The renegade Karn (immortal) had availed Mokak this rare opportunity. Once at the outside, he’d sought and through trickery gained his albeit temporary freedom. Time was of the essence however, requisite blending with a human, any human would give him substance and make him imperceptible to detection- evermore, if memory served him right, quite invincible! So, grinding his teeth, he again inwardly admonished himself to persevere.

Mokak after avidly watching her for a good while longer from where he was slouched, he slowly rose to his feet and with deliberate strides approached (walked right up to) her. A wry grimace donned on his features as he stood idly over her. Then again, there was another, relatively harmless way to while away the time.

He snorted: Why the heck not? She would not be the wiser. And besides, it might even give him an added insight into her guarded nature for more effective manipulation. Resolute, he sat cross-legged beside her now and touching her forehead at the temples with his extended middle-fingers, focused his mind on penetrating hers.

Though it’d held some interest at first- experiencing events from a different angle, strange point of view- he soon got tired of probing her recent escapades, thoughts and dreams.

Delving deeper still into the recesses of her subconscious part of the brain, he picked her very personal, logged memory….

Aha, there’s something more colorful for the amusement!  He therefore focused on the entire event. Eyes closed; he delighted in the unfolding scene in his mind’s eye. The picture expanded till it engulfed him entirely. Now he experienced everything firsthand as if he was there.  But then in actuality, he was there! His prolific (productive, fertile) senses had picked up every nuance of experience, every scent, every gradational word and richer still, everyone’s inner thoughts, fears, desires and hopes:

“Hurry up child!”  The old nurse tugged at the girl’s sleeve, urging her to keep in step.

The earth was mantled in velvet darkness on this starless night, and most of the lamps had, one by one, been extinguished as many had already settled into deep slumber.  Two cloaked figures quietly glided through the servants’ quarters then made their way through the gate to outside.  Hugging the shadows, as they rushed down the deserted alleyways the biting, howling wind pummeled their sleeves.

“Oh, what a night to be out! “, the plaintive cry of the old lady rang out after they had reached some measure of safety.

The beautiful girl Teuquob just smiled complacently and picked up the pace.  After having been cloistered in private restrictive quarters nearly all her life, everything on the outside world now seen for the first time, had flooded her senses in an inexplicable burst of rapture. She could barely contain her joyful exuberance as she with insatiable thirst assimilated (absorbed) all the strange sights, sounds and smells along the way; meanwhile, remaining quite oblivious to the throbbing pain in her delicate shins and soles cased in luxuriously plush footwear, as it trod with some difficulty or negotiated certain hindrances of the descending, uneven cobble stoned streets.

“All has been arranged.” Suddenly the old nurse’s (Shutizan’s) cautious murmur brought her out of revere to present reality.  “It’s just a little way farther dear.” 

Subsequently they veered around a corner and entered a quieter, more leveled street where towering, sturdy outer stone-walls and locked iron-gates of pre-eminent mansions flanking both sides discouraged any (wayward) arbitrary visitors.  Stopping abruptly before the back-gate of a modest-sized compound, the old nurse lifted the door clapper to announce their arrival, but it fell with a hollow thud as the door suddenly creaked open and a young man’s face peered outside to invite them in.

Following the lead of the youth to the end of a long passageway that bypassed the servants’ quarters and the stables, they then entered a well-groomed courtyard encompassing ingenious miniature landscapes and mountains. Delightful fountains of various sizes amidst rare and exotic vegetation and monumental guardian sculptures that evoked in one both dread and awe dominated the scene.

Reluctant to leave this tranquil scene, they nevertheless followed the anxious youth through many archways and hallways to eventually end up at the private living quarters of the main household.

 It was then that the two ladies entered a spacious but dimly lit room which served as the family parlor.  Here they were ushered into comfortable seats close to a warm fire.

I do hope your journey here was devoid of incident, Auntie.”  The young man, bowing to the old lady inquired politely, and then offered them some tea from an elaborate silver service set by the mantle.

“Yes, fortunately all went well.” The old lady, catching her breath, responded.  “Now, having delivered her safely to your hands, I must return to the compound before I’m missed, so I will have to decline your kind offer of tea, son.”

Then turning to Teuquob, she managed to give an encouraging smile. “Now, child, without further ado, I would like to introduce my nephew Chenko Haken, to you.  I’ve entrusted him with the responsibility of your safety and wellbeing.  Young as he is, he’s unequalled in both courage and integrity. He will see to all your needs from now on.

“Chenko Haken, you may now bow to the young lady in greeting...”

“I’m your devoted servant, ma’am,” the young man slightly flushed from that unexpected high praise, in ready compliance bowed to Teuquob.

Protesting this courtesy, Teuquob stood up and bowed to return his greeting, thanked him for his kindness, then asked him to regard himself as her Elder Brother instead.

“I wouldn’t presume such an honor, my lady.” blushing, Chenko Haken again bowed to her.  “I’m satisfied with just being one of your loyal servants.”

“Well spoken!” the old nurse approved, nodding her head, and then smiling warmly added, “Perhaps in the interest of expediency, however, we could dispense with such formalities.  Now Chenko Haken, I hope, barring all unforeseen adversities, you will take good care of her Ladyship.  And I hope by Heaven’s special favor, despite all the daunting odds that may lie ahead on your path, you will still emerge triumphant. Meanwhile I have every confidence in you my boy, that you will get her through to safety and then devote the rest of your life to serving her well!”

“As one undeserving of such high honor, I shall give you my solemn promise Auntie that I shall not fail in my responsibilities.” Chenko Haken promptly replied, “I shall guard her ladyship’s life with my own.” But then suddenly concern clouded his face and after a momentary pause he meekly injected, “I don’t mean to be disrespectful to your wishes, Auntie, but could I not persuade you to come with us?  I would rest so much easier in mind if you just consented to join us on this journey!”

“No.  No, that’s out of the question!” The old lady held out a restraining hand in protest.  “I must go back… Go back immediately! As it is, you are taking on such an immense risk.  I’m advanced in years and in my feeble condition, I’ll only hinder your escape. Besides, I can be of more use here.  I’ll stall the ‘would be pursuers’ to enable you two both with bit more time to get away.  So, speak no more of my joining you.  My mind is made up!”  With a stern stance, she adamantly pursed her lips. Catching a glimpse of Teuquob’s concerned look, “Now look how your careless talk has frightened the young lady!” Shaking an index finger, she affectionately chastised her young nephew.

 “Don’t pay any heed to him, my child, I’ll be all right.”  She then turned to reassure Teuquob and tenderly wiped away the girl’s tears with her handkerchief.  “I still have a few tricks up my sleeve.  They won’t harm a hair on my head; nor will they be given the slightest chance.” Shunning the somber, questioning gaze of Chenko Haken, she reached forward and cupped Teuquob’s delicate chin into her hand; looking directly into Teuquob’s eyes, she then advised (counseled) her. “Now be mindful of all strangers, exercise due caution, for spies are plentiful and as you well know DFOCA are planted throughout. Remember well all that I’ve told you.  However little a measure, the evildoings, the scourging, the afflictions of that villain must somewhat be checked. You can mourn for your mother later, there’s nothing to be gained by you sacrificing your life; it’s imperative you get away first to safety in order to make the appropriate offerings, now you owe her that.”

In obedience the girl assented. “Good child, now dry your eyes completely and preserve your strength for the task at hand; and who knows, maybe, just maybe propitious adventures may lie ahead.” After her hopeful rhetoric, the old nurse impatiently then struck her knees with her palms and stood up.  “I must be off.  Don’t bother to see me out Chenko Haken, just take good care of her ladyship; she is not used to the outside world, as she’s led such a sheltered life.” Choking back the tears, the old nurse quickly darted out of the room, before the girl could see her grief, and disappeared instantly into the dimly lit hallway. 

In truth her heart quaked in fear for their safety. It was a long shot that they will get away… Longer still, that they will survive the hostile world! But perhaps, with Heaven’s help, the unlikely feat would come to pass. She had to try… Try to alter the course of Teuquob’s tragic fate, that of which it would surely come to pass, had she stayed there. She had to pry her from the clutches of her dire, cruel predicament so that she would not suffer her mother’s calamitous end!

How brave and selfless her young nephew was! She was forfeiting (sacrificing) him also by casting him into this perilous role. But perhaps it would not be all in vain. Miracles did happen from time to time. She had to try. Now the rest was up to Heaven.

“May Gods be merciful?” She’d murmured a soft prayer as she hastened her steps away.

 

(END OF SECTION 3)

(WHAT WILL BECAME OF THE BRAVE OLD NURSE SHUTIZEN? MEANWHILE, MORE ADVANTUES AWAIT HER LADYSHIP TEUQUOB AND HEROIC YOUNG NEPHEW CHENKO HAKEN IN THE NEXT POST OF THE ORDEAL -SECTION 4)