THE DRAGON FROM THE NORTH

(ORIGINAL BOST FAIRY-TALE)

Once upon a time a young dragon seeking adventure, strayed far from the mythical lands of the north where his kind lived; a place of high altitude, a windswept, barren (sterile) region, where the surface was covered most of the year with snow and ice.

Flying over this southern land the adolescent dragon was angry, as well envious, seeing all the rapid flowing rivers that fed the fertile land. The area below was populated with bounty of animals, frolicking birds and amphibians, insects and human population, all happily coexisting in this moderate climate, all nurtured by the warm rays of the sunlight, which also fostered rich array of vegetation and forests. Plain and simple, it was Heaven on Earth!

Why should they be so fortunate, when his kind was barely existing in that harsh, unforgiving environment, often taking refuge from the harsh elements, months at a time, in gargantuan dark caverns. Consequently, the Dragon’s fury mounted with the unfairness of it all; and so, as he flew by, he let out his fiery breath in a stream, inundating (engulfing), devastating and charring the large portions of the land.

The King Frey, crown prince, the royal family, all the courtiers (aristocrats, nobles), scholars, military, ordinary citizens, artisans, farmers and merchants- they all ran in fright to safety, leaving their homes, mansions and castles; following months, they took shelter in caves and in subterranean tunnels, to escape the fiery onslaughts (attacks, assaults), this terrible catastrophe! Though temporarily safe, they mourned the loss of their beautiful lands and yearned for the life they once had (enjoyed). 

The King Frey had only one unmarried, beautiful daughter named Brenda, whom he loved most dearly; she was now of marriageable age and so, listening to his advisers, the desperate Sovereign announced it in an edict, that whoever killed this scourge, bane Dragon, he would be rewarded with marriage to princess Brenda, as well, be granted one third of his kingdom.

PRINCESS BRENDA

There was a myth, an ancient belief in this land, that there once existed a celestial magic ring (lost to an Immortal on his way to Heaven) which had the potency (power) of killing Dragons; therefore, many enterprising brave warriors had gone on expeditions, to discover this treasured item. Unfortunately, to present date, their efforts had all been in vain.

It so happened that there was a fearless young man called Cuyler, a hard working and intelligent handsome youth of about eighteen, who lived alone with his widowed mother, in a humble (abode) dwelling at the (outskirts of) periphery of the kingdom. The King’s edict, meanwhile, had been widely circulated and so even reached the attention of this fair youth when he was on his semi-annual trip to the market at the nearby town to buy some necessary supplies for his mother. About a week later, Cuyler one night had a quite (very) vivid dream, a sure premonition. Upon waking, Cuyler divulged to his mother, the specifics of the dream and she, interpreting it most favorably, encouraged her son to, one day when its feasible, try his luck at attaining (procuring) the ring.

GUYLER

Subsequently, rising at dawn, one cloudless, fine day, Cuyler set out on foot in the direction of his dream. After tree days of relentless travelling, he sought guidance from the eccentric recluse named Endre, who, after receiving a gratuity (the only prized possession of the youth - a beautifully crafted silver amulet his father had passed down to him) told Cuyler that the birds might aid him in his quest. Favoring the youth, Endre quickly made Cuyler a concoction (a bitter brew) and told him to consume it down to the last drop, saying this would enable him to understand the birds’ vernacular (dialect, language). Endre also told the youth that when he obtained the ring, he should bring it strait away to him, for he alone had the knowhow to interpret the inscription carved inside of it.

Cuyler travelled, for many a day, over difficult terrain to reach an area of rising, dense forest that was fortuitously was left untouched by the dreaded Dragon; true enough, he could now understand the birds’ lively chatter. He listened intently, while his feet travelled the narrow ascending paths, snaking through the forest. What is more, Cuyler was elated to hear a falcon’s message- when the falcon having procured himself a meal, was perched on a tree-branch- that there was a fairy-maiden (an elf, pixie) that lived little ways off in a dilapidated hut, who could aid him. Unfortunately, she and the hut were invisible, save for the time of apex (full) moon.

Guyler asked the falcon humbly to please aid him in his quest. The falcon studied this remarkable human for a time, his keen eyesight observing Cuyler’s handsome features; sensing Cuyler’s good heart and noting his noble character, the falcon acquiesced to give him assistance. He told Cuyler that he could find the Pyxie (fairy) at present, by the spring; opportunely for Cuyler, the moon was at its full phase (full moon).

Guyler bowing, gracious thanked the falcon; then at once set out to find the fairy-maiden. The Pyxie was offended, and angry at first, learning that the falcon had betrayed her trust, but after her scrutiny of the boy, noting his rare qualities, decided to forgo attack and instead, invited Guyler to her home. The youth upon his entry to the abode, heard a thin voice from an unknown source, warning him to never give her any blood. He understood at once from no reaction from the fairy, that oddly enough, only he’d heard that caveat (tipoff).  

That evening, the Pyxie by then having transformed into an enchanting beauty, at the conclusion of their plain repast (meal), she quietly asked him to marry her. He was quite taken with her looks, and swayed as he was, taking control of his emotions, he first stated that he would not wish to offend her, then went on to mention briefly his obligation to his widowed mother and politely asked hence, some time for him to consider this. Pursing her lips, in an enticing voice she next informed him that, of course she would offer him the magic's ring he sought as his dowry, but that he would have to give her in return, three drops of his blood. Guyler was elated to learn that she was in fact, in possession of the magic ring, but recalling the friendly warning (upon his entering the premise), he remained reluctant to concede to her wish. Later that night, before settling down to sleep, as means of winning his further confidence, she had also enumerated (divulged) the powers of the magic ring.  

Guyler, constrained to be her guest, stayed there the subsequent three or four days; feeling rather impatient at the conclusion of the fourth night’s repast (meal) however, he confessed to her that he did not quite believe she had the magic ring in her possession. This way cajoled (coaxed, goaded), the fairy at once stood up and going over, fetched the ring from its secret hiding place, then showed it to him. Moreover, when he requested it, she let him try it on. As this was too good a chance to miss, soon as the ring was on his finger, using his wits, he utilized the ring’s powers of invisibility and flight, and made good his escape.

Loosing no time, Guyler directly went to the recluse Endre, who interpreted the inscriptions on the inside of the magic ring and gave him subsequent directions on how best to kill the dragon.

Guyler travelled back to the kingdom’s capital, and it took some doing but, in the end, he secured an audience with the King.  The relentless Dragon, in Guyler’s absence, had done even more damage to the region, and since countless heroes had been turned to ash, the King was in desperate straits. Impressed by the youth’s courage and honest demeanor, The King ordered his royal smiths (metalworkers) of the artillery (weaponry), to construct the precise iron shield and spear Endre had directed Guyler to have.

Armed with these, at daybreak, behind the scorched hills and in an open field, Guyler valiantly (boldly) confronted the fierce dragon.  He meticulously carried Endre’s instructions, changing the ring from finger to finger as needed, while he fought on with the dragon. Eventually Guyler succeeded in severely wounding the dragon, however, when it came down to dealing him the final fatal blow, he could not do it and stayed his hand. His mercy touched the young dragon’s heart, and he promised to leave this region, never to return.  Before his final departure, the dragon first instructed Guyler on what to say to the King upon his return; moreover, as proof of his supposed demise, the young dragon tore loose one of his scales and presented (gave) it to Guyler.

Guyler returned to the palace, and declared to the King, his alleged victory. Everyone believed his account, because of the solid proof and because there’d been no further sightings of the dreaded dragon.

Princess Brenda was among those who’d been overjoyed, seeing how handsome he was; and shortly after in an elaborate ceremony, Guyler was married off to the beautiful princess. Subsequently, Guyler, Princess Brenda and Guyler’s mother, settled happily in their lush residence that had been hastily built for them within the confines (segment, area) of the Palace.

In his happiness, Guyler had entirely forgotten about the fairy-maiden, nor did he expect her to be bold enough to seek vengeance when he resided in his new abode within the confines (limits) of the heavily safeguarded (walled, secured) Palace. Subsequent months Guyler, even participated in the activity of riding and hunting at the Royal Preserve (sanctuary, game reserve), alongside some enterprising, intrepid courtiers (aristocrats and nobles). On one such hunting trip, while galloping way ahead of the group, he fell prey to the fairy-maiden’s attack (as she’d been bent on revenge and retrieving the magic ring):  she, in the form of an eagle, suddenly swooping down from the sky, had pounced on Guyler, digging her talons into his flesh, and then swiftly carting (hauling) him away into the distance.

She chained Prince Guyler in a cave and cruelly left him there to die; afterwards, she went far, far away, never to return. As it was not his fate to perish, he manifested in the dream of the recluse Endre, who’d had been rather fond of this youth.  The recluse Endre, hence, set out at once to seek a private audience with the Princess Brenda.

The king had been downcast (saddened) for some while, as the search for Prince Guyler had been rendered fruitless, as well, because of his beloved daughter’s heartbreak, for she’d been with child when her beloved husband had gone missing. Now the child, king’s grandson, had come into the world without the affections of his father, as Guyler’s whereabouts remained unknown.  Endre injected new hope into princess Brenda’s heart, and she happily dispatched Endre on this mission, laden with many gifts. 

RECLUSE ENDRE

Steadfast Endre guided by the birds, quickly found and rescued Guyler, who’d become very thin by then; so instead of returning him to Palace, he took Guyler to his humble abode and nursed him back to health. Guyler while he convalesced, had plenty of time to reflect on the harm he’d done to the pyxie; therefore, being remorseful, soon as he was fully recovered, he left Endre’s side and bravely sought to find the fairy, to seek absolution (forgiveness).  

Failing in that, Guyler went back to his wife Princess Brenda, son and mother, and all three lived happily ever after. Neither the magic ring, nor the fairy was ever seen again. The young dragon, meanwhile, having learned his lesson well, kept his promise and never ventured south again.

The End

 

 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)