LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE ASSASSINS - SECTION 16

It had been some time since Prince Nevetsecnuac and Alec leading their mounts, had passed through that harrowing subterranean tunnel, thankfully unscathed. Even now, Alec shuddered at the mere thought of it. He had expected it to be less arduous the second time around; in contrast, the capricious horrific incidents and the ensued wearing experience, one in particular, to date had left Alec terribly traumatized and infinitely (markedly) on edge.

  Maddeningly, the Prince had sailed through it all, not in the least bit perturbed by the onslaught of catastrophic events, unleashed by none other than Alec’s steed, and the consequential near-death experiences.

They were trekking outside now braving the elements of a different kind; unfortunately, the precarious shortcut route proved as treacherous for it was the depth of winter at these high altitudes. The ingenious contraptions of footwear with good traction, one of Asger’s clever inventions similar to that of Duan’s, had preserved them, man and mount, from more than once sinking into the depths of snow, or sliding over the terrifying precipices.

 As the wind moaned in their ears, the dense, whirling flakes flailing against their faces, their backs bent to the wind, with their horses' hooves sinking a foot deep through the powdered top layer of snow and into the tightly packed underlying layer, Nevetsecnuac and Alec rarely exchanging a word, incessantly pushed on.

Day after day enduring great hardships and untold dangers while persistently being tested by the cruel, trying forces of nature, they had hurried on to cover great distances and descend a good portion of these dicey (risky, hazardous) high altitudes.

"Perhaps we should have delayed our departure a few more months.” Alec grumbled in a barely audible voice, knowing full well that was not an option.

Nevetsecnuac shook his head and tacitly ejected, “This weather will persist until mid-summer." 

Forcing a smile, Alec nodded and continued to blindly advance into the wall of dancing flakes.  Trailing behind Nevetsecnuac, just as he had once done with Duan, despite his stamina and layers of fur, his body, his limbs yet again became benumbed with ceaseless exertion and cold; he slapped and rubbed his limbs for warmth and pursed his lips to restrain his groans and curses. In an attempt to divert his attention away from the persistent pain Alec focused instead on gauging the extent of Nevetsecnuac’ strength and stamina that spared the prince this torment; as it were, the discovery of few surprising elements earlier on, had persuaded Alec to amend (and postpone) his original intent.

After a grueling month Alec had lost all track of time, with days and nights and ceaseless drudgery of this trek intermingling with the terror of being stalked by ravenous wolves or sporadically attacked by voracious predatory beasts, all blending into one. Competent as he was, being outside of his element, he would have been wasted by the harsh environment or been devoured long ago by the beasts that had persistently, relentlessly dogged (hounded) them. To his chagrin time and again he had been constrained to concede, this certain reliance for his survival, on this very resourceful youth and his feats.

"There is a fierce storm brewing.” Nevetsecnuac stayed his footing just then, (halting,) and after his brief examination of the sky, grunted. “A little while further perhaps then we can stop.” Nevetsecnuac looked at Alec askance (sideways). 

Alec nodded without raising his head. In truth he felt ill at ease, “Was his discomfort that obvious?”

"There is an abandoned cave up ahead in which we can take shelter for the night." 

Under the cloak of white all marks had vanished, meeting Alec's skeptical gaze, Nevetsecnuac grimaced. "Don’t forget, I grew up on these mountains.  As it is we are taking the shortest route possible and should be in the safety of the foothills before long.  Otherwise, it would have taken us until next autumn, to traverse this distance."

Arrogant Alec was inwardly livid, interpreting Nevetsecnuac’s sensible words as disguised mockery, choosing to ignore the actual length of time it had previously taken him and Duan to reach the peaks.

 Latter (prince) might have grown up in these mountains, but it paled next to his grueling combat training   in Capital. Brute force, enduring stamina were only one aspect of the basic requirements; with a certain smugness therefore, Alec dourly pushed forward to advance swiftly. 

That night in the cave, shielded from the elements and warmed by the small fire, they had passed the time in relative comfort and safety.  After ingesting a barely palatable repast Alec, forgoing further exchange and sullenly giving his back to Nevetsecnuac, reclined his head in supposed sleep. Far from it, while his active mind perused through his most viable options; suddenly a fleeting, sardonic (wry) smile dawned on Alec’s lips and soon after he was lost to the world.

 The next morning, Alec seemed more affable towards Nevetsecnuac. What’s more, the remainder of the trek being mindful of Nevetsecnuac’s diffidence and anticipating Nevetsecnuac’s certain misgivings about him, Alec strove to ingratiate himself into Prince’s good graces with his most upright and frank demeanor.  By his consistent sincerity, faithfulness, humility, glib tongue, unfailing generosity, stamina and occasional heroics, by degrees (gradually) he succeeded in winning   Nevetsecnuac over.

 Now an affable travelling companion, on occasion when survival wasn’t paramount, Alec had even regaled Nevetsecnuac with accounts of heroics, adventure and tall tales of intrigue from the capital and far off parts of the Empire, fueling Nevetsecnuac’s imagination with personification and wondrous representations of the quintessence (embodiment of) world he scants knew from books.

 As they conversed to while away the lonely hours of travel, the topic of conversation skimmed over various areas of interest but decidedly rested each time on combat styles and armaments used in battle.

During one such exchange, Alec so as not to be too obvious, declaring his admiration of Lord Asger, tactfully strove to learn the finer points of Lord Asger’s fighting style; assuming that Asger had perfected his skill in martial arts, that of which made him nearly invincible, and had painstakingly passed it on to Nevetsecnuac.  Coveting this rare gift, the ambitious Alec implored Nevetsecnuac to instruct him on the finer points, whenever they took time out to rest.

"It is my life's desire, my duty to my father, to Lord Shonne Gulbrand and to you, my Prince, to be the best I can be, so that when the day comes, I may better assist our cause in battle.", he reasoned.  "For this, you must not begrudge me the benefit of your instruction, your Highness.  I've waited too long, all my life to be exact, for the day of vengeance and justice."  A note of indignation never failed to be infused into these genuine sounding requests.

Already missing his morning   exercises with Asger, Nevetsecnuac eventually acquiesced to Alec's wishes.

The addition of intense martial exercises wedged (jammed) between the grueling duration of trek, made the days and weeks pass more quickly, until finally, they, leaving behind the snowcapped mountains, reached foothills where temperatures were more moderate. 

They rode on extended periods with more ease now, oftentimes spurring their steeds into full gallop and sporadically (occasionally) racing for sport, while covering great distances.  And even though Alec’s horse repeatedly came second in every competition with the spirited (feisty) Fiery Comet, Alec’s amicability, his buoyancy and ardor never faltered.  

On these more temperate grounds, with the more frequent cloud-filled azure skies, warmer temperatures and thawing ground, it all attested to the approaching of spring.  Patches of green or brown appeared here and there on the slopes. Even a few tiny buds could be seen peeking out from the crevices, wedged between the icicles on the rock’s face.

Once, at a brief respite, bending to pick up a frail, purple flower, Alec gave a brief, admiring gaze, took a whiff of its raw fragrance then grounded it mercilessly to a soggy pulp in his hand.  His fingers and palms, steeped in the wild perfume, were stained purple with the flower's blood. With a distant, strange expression Alec hissed incomprehensibly.

Nevetsecnuac could only make out the words, "father", and "the villain must die.” 

With an uneasy feeling Nevetsecnuac’s eyes trailed Alec’s slow progression till he disappeared behind some bushes, presumably to relieve himself. On his return, with a somber countenance Alec set himself across from Nevetsecnuac.

Presently Alec appeared to have something grave on his mind, an urgent plight that was being forcefully constrained; after a dismissive shrug however, he abruptly rose and went to check in on his horse. Always respectful of another’s privacy, Nevetsecnuac chose to overlook these rare vacillating moods of Alec’s, deeming them to be just apprehension and understandable angst and disquiet stemming from impatience of reaching their set destination in time.

Subsequent days, the rocky, uneven ground, the enchanting yet precarious topography with deadly traps, constrained them to once more advance on foot. Neither of them minded this too much, for it also gave them the chance to discuss, compare and to exchange various views. Presently, as the sun's unobstructed rays bathed them in a shimmering, golden light that warmly caressed their faces, sounds of the gurgling of brooks and rivulets of melted snow and ice came from seemingly everywhere, flooding their ears.

 It was a truly spectacular warm morning that would have gladdened the weariest of hearts; but then that afternoon without warning, the rising, gusting winds whipped up the dark clouds overhead.

 The sun now in hasty retreat, the earth became gloomy, and its former gay tunes were drowned by somber whimpers and ominous drums.  There was no room for mercy in the incessant downpour that followed: its thrashing winds and rolling thunder shook all the hills around them. In the shrouding mists and pelting, wind-driven rain, Nevetsecnuac and Alec soaked to the skin, plodded (trod) mechanically, along the muddy, slushy, winding paths.

 Stopping only at night fall at a makeshift shelter, they ate some dried rations, oftentimes slept standing snuggled up to their mount for warmth or slept sitting up backs propped against some rock or tree-trunk, and then at first daylight they resumed their journey. In this way they had ridden out the storm that had lasted on and off, with persistent winds and overcast skies, for several dismal days.

 

                                                                                    ~

 

It was quite some time before the sun’s rays had again graced the earth.  Anew, the hard ground invited Nevetsecnuac and Alec to ride in gallop. By then having reached the emerald, green flat plains, carpeted in flowers, their hearts filled with renewed anticipation, they spurred their horses to cover once more vast distances.  The incessant ride halted only when darkness enveloped the earth. As they were still far removed from the nearest dwelling, they made a camp at the edge of the densely wooded area skirting a good size lake. Finding a suitable spot, sheltered from the full fury of the elements, they tethered the horses, washed up, and then quickly consumed some sustenance.  Drained (exhausted) from the day’s strenuous ride, they propped their weary backs against sturdy trees and under the canopy of the moon and stars with the earth as their mat, they closed their eyes, finally, for that well-earned sleep.

In that dream state, Nevetsecnuac saw himself fetching some more firewood at dawn, which he promptly deposited inside the cabin, then went out to wash up by the creek. His uncle was there already, finishing up.

“You are being too remiss!” At once Stark (Lord Asger) sternly admonished him. “Danger abounds, you must remain at all times, on your guard!”

Suddenly he heard a wild ruckus coming from the stables, as there was an alarm raised by Fiery Comet, stomping and neighing. Dropping everything, in haste both, Svein (Nevetsecnuac) and Stark (Lord Asger) darted towards it to investigate.

At this juncture, Nevetsecnuac was awakened with a start and saw the blade of Alec Therkan poised over him in readiness to strike.  Reacting swiftly, Nevetsecnuac adroitly twisted to one side and the sword with a loud thwack clove the tree trunk instead.  Rolling over, Nevetsecnuac nimbly grabbed his sword just in time to dexterously block Alec's next deadly strike.

"Have you gone mad?” Nevetsecnuac shouted at him in bewilderment and sudden rage.  

Alec, his eyes glinting with murder, derisively jeered through his gritted teeth,

"Don't call me 'Alec'.  The traitor Taok Therkan died childless years ago at his own father's hand." 

 

(END OF SECTION 16)

 

(NEXT POST- SECTION 17- THE CONCLUSION OF THE ASSASSINS)

 

LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE FISHERMAN'S PRIZE (SECTION 13)

 

LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC

THE FISHERMAN’S PRIZE

(SECTION 13)

 

 Kaimu spent the rest of that night at the shed. The following morning, rising from his makeshift straw bedding before the crack of dawn, with disgruntled air he washed up, re-entered the cabin and without uttering so much as a word to anyone, plump sat himself at the table. After downing a sizable breakfast ‘as if nothing had happened’, his huge appetite not at all affected by the night's concerns, he then rose to leave for work.  All along he’d observed, on the sly, how his son Yoansu seething in ire, had hardly touched his food.

In fact, having gotten nowhere with his mother the night before, Yoansu was determined to have, if necessary, a violent confrontation with his father when they were both out at sea. Barring all else, he would threaten the old bastard in blatant terms and demand that he lay off his mother, to stop hurting her, or else!

 As father and son both earlier than usual headed out the door, Kaimu suddenly breaking the ice half-turned his head and grumbled his stern instructions to his wife. “We will be returning earlier today, get the supper ready, after which I plan to go see Zianko.”

 He’d detected a faint (dim) light at Zianko’s place couple of night’s prior and again late last night. This telltale sign had assured Kaimu of Zianko’s return. Hmm, but for reasons known only to him, he’s still lying low. Kaimu now mused.

Zianko, he’s back? Fine, the mongrel dog is defiant… For that I shall enjoy killing that churlish fiend in a special, slow way! Yoansu scowled inwardly, guessing only half the reason for his parent’s present discord (dissension).

Ensa meanwhile, with a hung head had remained unresponsive, silent, as though lost in her own private revere.

“Fine have it your way!” Kaimu’s disgruntled words had again fallen on deft ears.

She dejectedly looked up to see Kaimu with indifference shrugging his shoulders and then briskly giving his back to her. Her blank, dispassionate gaze followed the two, with Yoansu in tow, hastening their steps down the slope towards the crevice where the boat was moored (fastened). With a hateful snort she then turned and slammed the door shut behind her.

After the craft was brought out of the protective cove, Yoansu and Kaimu with coordinated effort was about to push it into the water when Kaimu, noting (sighting) from the corner of his eye through the thick morning mist at some distance Zianko’s vigorous advance, abruptly stayed his hand. Yoansu half turned his head to see what had momentarily distracted his father.

This is serendipitous. Things couldn’t have worked out any better than if I’d planned it myself! Kaimu musing beamed, his eyes glued on Zianko.

Zianko’s heart meanwhile had skipped a beat when he’d suddenly looked up straight on ahead and spotted at the far distance Yoansu’s dark countenance bent over working alongside his father. The difficult illicit deal had satisfactorily been completed late last night. At this pre-dawn hour expecting no chance encounter, Zianko had planned to retrieve a well-concealed vital bit of incriminating evidence from the cabin of his boat.  Ceasing this appropriate time he meant to destroy this crucible item; afterwards he’d (intended on) contrived to becoming scarce for another extended period, as he in the interim initiated yet another criminal but unlawfully profitable act. This unwelcome chance meeting left him in a terrible quandary (bind), for he was not yet ready for the dire confrontation with Yoansu; therefore, pretending he’d forgotten something, he’d abruptly turned about face and started heading in the opposite direction towards his dwelling.

You’re not getting away that easily! Kaimu bent on seizing this opportunity however devilishly grinned. “Greetings old mate!” Waving a hand, he bellowed after his pseudo friend, as he threw a side-glance at Yoansu.

Blast! Zianko cursed under his breath.  “Greetings,” Came next, his reluctant loud response. Facing unto the challenge, as Zianko stoically came forward, he threw a cautionary glimpse at Yoansu. “I see your son’s visiting you.”

“And he’s brought with him a wife.” Kaimu jubilantly blabbed (burst).

“You don’t say! Well congratulations!” Zianko feigned joy and gleefully nodded to Yoansu.  Yoansu chewed the corner of his lower lip to constrain his scorn; he was utterly disgusted by this ludicrously amicable, farce exchange.

“But seriously, how have you been, old friend?” Kaimu queried, goading both. “And it’s been so long since we shared a drink last? I was beginning to get tad worried about your prolonged absence?”

“I’m afraid, a queer, bad incidence kept me away.” Zianko with a dark countenance shrugged, purposely avoiding Yoansu’s burning gazes upon him.

“I won’t pry by asking what incidence, but now that you are here… I mean to ask you something.” Kaimu turning a blind eye to the blatant hostility between the other two, as if in afterthought, excitedly injected (put in).  Zianko held his breath in anticipation and waited while Kaimu cleared his throat with a phony cough.

I’m thoroughly enjoying this. Kaimu inwardly laughed. Look at him sweat, in dreaded fear that I would break the news now, in front of that cursed son of mine.

  “You see, I’d detected a light at your abode late last night and so, I’d planned to pay you a courtesy visit at the day’s end. I wished to confer with you further on the matter of our mutual interest, but hey, why don't you come by our place instead for as well, a sumptuous meal this evening. You’ll then have the opportunity to also meet my new daughter-in-law and make her acquaintance. She is a delightful sort. You’d certainly get along. And this time, thanks to Yoansu’s generous gift, I’ll be treating you to a choice brew…Ha, ha, ha.  Yes, do come, for we will certainly have an occasion to toast and celebrate after dinner!”

Yoansu looked away, inwardly fuming at the despicable charade being played out in front of him.

“Don't tell me there is a cause for an added celebration already?” Zianko smirked wryly, emboldened by the seeming sincerity of Kaimu.

   “Not one, but two.” Kaimu promised, as he for emphasis simultaneously held out two fingers before Zianko's face. “The matter of Souko might also be resolved.”

“I suppose I have to suffer the suspense till then.” Zianko tensing answered tautly. His eyes chancing on Yoansu’s, quickly averted those (them) - for that same moment an inexplicable fear and dread had clenched (gripped) his heart and very soul.

In the thralls (throes) of danger, he’d just then had noted that unmistakable ‘murderous craze’ in Yoansu’s pupils … That infamous look he knew all too well! That alone had conclusively now resolved his prior quandary. Without a serious means of support, why should he stick around to be brutally maimed and butchered? As for Jiense, well that delicacy could wait, till this more pressing matter had been indefinitely resolved!

I’ll doubt he’ll show up for the supper. Good riddance to bad rubbish! Kaimu mused again observing the hostile exchange on the sly and grimaced coldly.

“It’s settled then!” He reached over and (conclusively) elatedly padded Zianko on the shoulder; then having nothing further to say, he turned his attention back on his craft. Hopefully, Yoansu’s influence still carried some weight and no one dared intercept! …Anyhow, the dye (colorant) was cast; fate would now determine the rest.

     Observing for a spell Zianko’s hasty retreat, “Who the devil is Souko?”  Yoansu then abruptly turning- curtly demanded an answer from Kaimu. His question, however, went unheeded by his stubborn old father, who busied himself with the craft.

You can’t intimidate me, curd! Kaimu halted only, to in a grumble ask his son to belay the change of plan to Ensa.

“Do I look like your errand boy?” Yoansu scowled at Kaimu.

“Never mind then,” Kaimu shrugged, “she’ll manage.” And he looked away to hide the satisfactory grin on his lips.

    You’ll get yours all in good time old man! Yoansu inwardly seethed burrowing his contemptuous look (scornful ire) on his father’s back.  Meanwhile I’ll let you fatten the pig, just before the slaughter! Yoansu’s, venomous side-glance before boarding the craft, targeted the diminishing figure of Zianko. Despite the distance, (lengthy span,) it still sent icy chills down Zianko’s (latter’s) spine, and an involuntary shiver passed through him.

 ~

Ensa knew all too well that the men would not be back before the dusk fell upon the earth, which gave her the added advantage of time.  For once, she was thankful that her meddling daughter-in-law Tufan would not be rising before mid-morning. She was further relieved to see Zianko on horseback galloping into distance towards town not long after, with the amount of baggage enunciating (indicating, telltale sign, divulging) an extended leave. This, more than anything else, reaffirmed her belief that (‘fate’) ‘Heaven’ was on her side (and what’s more, favorably disposed to her willful aim).

Circumstances being ripe, she had to act now, and act decisively and swiftly… Or else, all would be lost!

Ensa without further due busied herself in the kitchen and quietly made a bundle containing necessary provisions, such as dried rations, baked buns, a pair of straw sandals, some medicinal herbs, a small (earthen) jug of water and anything else she deemed (determined) it would be useful.

Jiense in the interim had been entrusted with the cleanup of dishes and other such tidying up chores. At the conclusion of which, Ensa communicated her desire to Jiense that she should change back into a man’s attire. The feminine garment once neatly folded- was also added to the bundle.

With all the preparations done, Ensa with Jiense then in tow quietly left the cabin. Going to the shed- that was also the makeshift stables, Ensa using sign language first ascertained herself of the fact that Jiense could ride the horse. Ensa knew the loss of a mount would further enrage her husband and her son; but Jiense had to be given all the advantages, if she was to make good her escape.

In a somber mood she carefully fastened the bundle on the harness. The two leading the horse by the bridle then quietly left the premise.

  ~

   

It so happened, in a previous night’s premonitory dream, Ensa’s ‘spirit guide’ had directed (instructed) her onto a precise path. Driven to desperation, but trusting absolutely in ‘Heaven’s protection’, Ensa with resolute steps now led the way.

Of course, Ensa and Jiense’s flight was covertly observed for quite a while by the ever watchful, unseen eyes of spies; meanwhile, Yoansu’s exceptional steed, procured at very high cost, was well known to all. However, such had been the notoriety of Yoansu, that friend or foe, even the contending rival gang members complied without question all these years to the standing order to lay off Ensa and Kaimu. Therefore, on this occasion despite the seeming oddity, though it had baffled many minds, no one dared to intercept her designated course.

Blissfully unaware of this fact, after quickly traversing the vast open, rather vulnerable span, by mid-morning Ensa and Jiense had reached the uneven, rocky, sparsely forested topography. At a specific point, they managed the safe crossing of the tributary of a thunderous, fast flowing river that eventually emptied into the sea, and ascended the section of a steep hill that had been recently stripped bare by a ferocious fire that had started by a lightening. Thankfully, the ensuing relentless rains of the last couple of months had well cooled the grounds. Nevertheless, the stifling air and the number of debris cluttering the uneven ground still took its toll on human and beast’s limbs, forcing their heart and lungs to further labor under the heavy strain. After a somewhat perilous decent, the stout pair reached a clearing whereupon following subsequent period of rest, that night taking advantage of the full-moon and the cloudless sky, they made good progress with their swift ride on a horseback.  At dawn when their path converged with open fields, Ensa from thereon took a particular care for them not to be detected by any prying, unseen eyes. At one point they even strayed from the regular paths and despite the prevalent danger of being permanently lost, guided by her hunches, they followed through instead, the maze of nature born (not man-made), lengthy, winding crevices and seemingly endless gorges that scarred the expansive landscape. This, in order to escape the anticipated invisible army of spies, messengers, carriers, smugglers, bootleggers or highwayman that, (she knew of from hearsay) as she’d been told, periodically thronged the other safer routes regardless of time of day/night or seasons.

At dusk, having successfully emerged from the dangerous labyrinth, they again rode for a while on horseback, the strong beast carrying them both through small-forested region till they reached a clearing.

This would be the parting point; from here on their path would diverge.

In a previous night’s dream all these steps, well cloaked in symbolism, had been prophesized to Ensa. Recognizing at once the specific topographical features, right down to the tree, she halted their advance. They sat in the alcove of a rock beside an ancient tree for a well-earned rest and an intake of food. Ahead lay, a vast span (band) of level ground with tall grass that endlessly stretched out before them; and then beyond it, there would be gently undulated hills that were sparsely populated with trees. Well sheltered from the elements, they spent the second night there. At dawn following morning, after breakfasting on their meager rations, with the aid of a stick Ensa drew a diagram, a sort of a map, conveying the following message to Jiense:

A small conciliation, Jiense at least, for the rest of the way, could proceed in full gallop on horseback, cutting across the fields, a sort of shortcut, without any serious hindrance from unlawful sorts, till she met up with the major thoroughfare. This well-traveled bustling route eventually would lead the way to more prosperous town of Reaog. It was a highly profitable commerce center wherewith reputedly, at least under the scrutiny of government officials, some measure of law and order was (observed) adhered. Perhaps chancing on kindhearted, civilized folks, Jiense would fare better than the other lawless towns’ closer by.  It was imperative however that Jiense steered the course to the left at the major junction, for straying to the right or even north might land her on a more dangerous, more treacherous course… that at some point led to the dreaded “Five brothers” foothills.

 Ensa then with sorrowful, tearful (tearstained) eyes, using sign language, as well as being vocal- tried to relay the rest of her intentions to Jiense.

“My dearest daughter,” she sobbed, “I’m being forced to abandon you at this desolate spot (stretch). Unfortunately, the time has come for us to part. I know that you stayed on with us out of perhaps misguided love and obligation to my especially undeserving husband. Oh, how I had hoped that you would be with us till the day I closed my eyes for the final time, but alas this was not to be.” She heaved a deep sigh. “This may seem a cruel recourse to you, but believe me, the precarious fate waiting for you back at home is far worse.  So please do not misjudge me by misinterpreting my well-intentioned reasons and think that I turned you out from lack of love or out of displeasure. Nothing could be further from the truth!”

Then after thoughtfully nodding, she added: “It's fortunate for us that you did not understand the basis of our row (quarrel) last night, for you would have hated us, perhaps even hated me, for I am powerless to stop my stubborn husband's selfish aim. He’s not a bad sort really; but sometimes he gets into his head such strange notions!”

She wiped away the tears cascading down her cheeks onto her sleeve and took in a deep breath, for she was too choked up to speak. Swallowing she tried to desist, the subsequent onrush of tears, then with the aid of serious of hand gestures continued in her mournful tone: “The journey ahead of you may prove perilous; still you are young and pliant, and you have survived comparable, even equivalent ordeal.  I am hopeful that ‘Heaven’ pitying you, would deliver you to a more propitious life.  May your ‘guiding spirit’ show you the way! I’m confident; an immaculate, pure, sweet being such as you will always have strong spiritual protection. Now, go with my blessings dearest and the blessings of ‘Heaven’.  It’s imperative you make good use of the remaining daylight. Spread a good distance between you and would-be pursuers. You must leave me now. I’ll do my best to cover your tracks. Go without delay!”

She urged Jiense thus, tears the size of pearls streaming down her cheeks.  She was soon overcome with grief.  She cupped her face and sobbed uncontrollably.  Jiense, also in tears, hugged Ensa back, which she loved like a real mother, for the last time!

Eventually, prying herself free from Jiense's tight embrace, Ensa helped Jiense mount the horse, and then struck the rump of the beast to make him go. As the steed galloped into the distance, she with a choking voice cried after Jiense.

 “May the ‘Nature spirits’ stand guard over you also my precious… go now and don't look back. I shall pray for you always! I shall always keep you close to my heart! I shall never, ever forget you!”

Ensa had remained rooted to the spot for an undetermined span with her gaze glued to the distance trailing the lone mounted figure appearing then disappearing amidst the thicket of tall, undulating vegetation. She’d looked on with sorrowful eyes and an anxious heart, until Jiense had appeared as little more than a speck on the horizon; then that too had disappeared behind a relatively, minor ridge.

                                                   

 ~

                                                          

 

(THIS CONCLUDES CHAPTER ONE- THE FISHERMAN’S PRIZE, OF THE LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC.  STAY TUNED FOR THE SUBSEQUENT CHAPTER TWO - THE ORDEAL; WHEREWHICH, POSTS WILL RECOUNT THE MANFOLD, EXCITING ADVENTURES.)