LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC
THE ORDEAL (SECTION 7)
The scene of devastation next morning outside of the cave that greeted their eyes, when they’d emerged from the cavern, took Teuquob’s breath away. Mokak inwardly laughed at her naiveté and anticipated surprise; outwardly however, he played along, expressing similar shock and even dismay.
The protective spell being
overused of late had started having lapses in its effectiveness. On one such
instance, they’d happened on a pack of wolves encircling, devouring chunks of
the fresh carcass, a recent kill.
For Mokak, it was an
exhilarating sight to behold: the giant canine teeth dripping with blood
savagely tearing at the flesh, some of the wolves ripping off huge chunks of
the raw meat from the unfortunate prey while others gorging on the bones with
such gusto and fervor! How
thrilling!
However, during this sporadic lapse, just then being detectable (visible), the Alpha Wolf had suddenly stopped, though only for a spell, looked straight at them with intense glaring eyes, showed his blood dripping fangs and (snarled) growled his dire warning to keep away or else (lest) they would be next on the menu.
“You can’t have her, she’s mine!” Teuquob was stunned (shocked) at hearing Mokak’s barely audible words grumbled between the gnashing of his teeth, and growling .
But when she looked up, her questioning gaze was met with his wry, disarming smile, leading her to believe in the end that she’d imagined hearing it.
Of course, Mokak could
have easily met the challenge of the Alpha Wolf and his entire pack, it might
have even been a sport of fun, but not wishing to show his hand too
prematurely, he’d responded the only way a typical human would and, albeit
reluctantly, forwent the fight in supposed consideration for her safety.
~
Days passing in swift
succession, by and by their considerably long arduous trek had eventually led
them to a densely forested, far steeper gradient (incline, slope) of the
foothills. In due course Mokak’s unnatural unease, his clear apprehension of
the water - whether it be threat of an impending rain, or an encounter with a
cascading fall, a brook or a stream- indubitably became manifest. Those
instances his anxiety had been so pronounced in fact that the procurement of
water from thence became Teuquob’s sole responsibility.
As he clearly never bathed but was nevertheless always immaculate in body and free from any objectionable bodily odors; curiosity getting the better of her, she’d delicately broached the subject of hygiene with him. But his response had been to simply glare at her with an icy, almost hateful scorn.
He had other means of
cleansing himself; water was not the only alternative source.
Later still, having
thought better of it, he’d tried to make amends, but his explanation had fallen
far short of any credible excuse. Especially since she’d now become acutely
aware of, despite the resolute guise, his total lack of intake of water. Subsequently,
his erratic temperament, compounding other such inconsistencies, had once more
raised her innate suspicions.
This setback infuriated
Mokak and he became more adamant in implementing sly steps for the speedier
execution of this frustratingly resistant yet delectable conquest.
At long last he’d thought
he’d chosen a worthy mate that through the means of merging (encapsulation)
could render him invulnerable and resistant to capture/enslavement. Truly this
was the most desirable feat (option) – such as, her womb being used as a husk
(pod) to allow his birth, a supposed human baby but one that would mature
instantly. Maddeningly however, despite all his cunning judiciousness, she’d
persisted in seeing him nothing more than a friend, a traveling companion… and
loved him not, as a mate! He’d striven hard to break down her barriers, must he
resort to force?
But then the blending of
the two would not be as gratifying or as complete. Instead, with the lacking
key ingredient, her free-willingness to submit to their union, soon after the
coerced consummation or to put it bluntly, assault- instead of being pregnant,
she would perish (be incinerated) and so would his implanted rudiment, much
like before!
Fortunately for her, he felt secure in this
sanctified region and therefore could indulge in that rare trait, patience.
His modified characteristics and forbearance were not to last however, for Mokak’s manifest irregularities before long, again, reinstated her innate misgivings. Mokak, now a broiling cauldron within, all the same strove hard to keep his temper in check. On the outset he maintained his placid composure and appeared most compliant. His marked sincerity, on many other feats as well, by degrees bore fruit and, he eventually succeeded in regaining her complete trust. Moreover, his constant, unstinting efforts to indulge her every whim, always making amends while employing charming, witty ways to lighten their mood, his altruistic, solicitous behavior, slowly, methodically in due course endeared him to Teuquob.
~
They continued to hike each day covering immeasurable terrain; despite the traversed distance however, Teuquob soon become acutely aware that they had been, figuratively speaking, traveling in circles. Notwithstanding this realization, on her insistence, guided by her intuition, they presently pressed on in an entirely new direction of her choosing; but akin to being caught in a treadmill, the subsequent days of tireless trek showing minimal result, had only brought them to the lower gradient (slopes) of the majestic mountain. The rampant foliage of the next plateau proved even more hazardous for Teuquob, for the rank, fetid air strained and, at times seriously encumbered (debilitated) her lungs. Each step taken with ever increasing difficulty, she now gasped for breath and frequently halted for that much needed respite.
It was hard to gage
Mokak’s stamina; Teuquob could never be entirely certain of his physical traits
(attributes, vigor).
Fortunately for her, she did not easily
succumb to vertigo and fall off the precarious trail that snaked along the
narrow ridges that lined the high precipices, and so doing, succumbed to the
perils of the deep. For the gorges
descended so far down that the darkened bottoms greeted the very gates of
hell. Adding to this danger was now the
constant, all-pervasive clamor or roaring of the wild beasts. But as if they
were invisible, and you can be sure that they were, not one winged predator or
land-based carnivore came forth to endanger their life or devour them!
This afforded her scant relief from the heightened senses of preservation monopolized in war with this pseudo-reality. Meanwhile her mind had gradually become clouded as the manifest reality with meshed imagery receded into convoluted, deceptive state. Her head swooned and her focus often became erratic in clarity. As though cast under the spell of some miasmic world, she fought hard to bar (prevent, block, desist) intrusive bizarre thoughts, strong urges and the mesmerizing hallucinations.
Then one day, after
rounding a steep hill, they had suddenly happened on an escalating number of
stone steps etched into the mountain that were partially obscured by the
overgrown wild vegetation. When pursued, it had eventually led to a tall
structure encased in natural rock walls with its steeples raising behind it
that looked to be of a religious nature, a sanctuary of sorts. Ascending the
remainder steps swiftly as they could, they had eagerly used the door-clapper
and pronto, after some inquiry and shuffling of feet to and for, they were
politely led in by one of the senior young acolytes that’d been guarding the
gate.
The interior grounds were deceptively large, with well-groomed trees lining the snaking pathways, open courtyards with benches for reflecting on the displayed exquisite forms of rocks or the pockets of rare flowering plants and tiny brooks- the entire structure quite immaculate and rather serene. Shown to their respective rooms by an on-duty monk, they’d been succinctly provided with the necessary requirements of comfort, clothing and sustenance. After a restful period, she and Mokak had been ushered before the reserved, pious Abbot Koe, to state their individual requirements. Even though Teuquob had no preconceived ideas about the Abbot, contrasting sharply from the resident monks, with his elongated snow-white hair and beard, cloaked in pristine white garments, the abbot presented a most striking, saintly, dignified devout figure. And when he spoke, his enunciation of words was like symphony of melodious tones, putting all present, including Teuquob’s heart, instantaneously at ease.
“No matter which path one
takes, all religious denominations or ecclesiastical beliefs eventually lead to
the same route”. Abbot Koe, a most understanding figure, after patiently
listening to Teuquob, to her relief, nodded in the affirmative then without
prejudice made certain arrangements to accommodate even her varied religious
persuasions (beliefs). Subsequently, after few day’s preparations, spiritual
cleansing and apt prayers, she’d been given the key opportunity to perform all
the requisite sacrifices to her dearly departed mother. Furthermore, Abbot Koe,
a most gracious host, had extended his invitation to her, despite the obvious
absence of other female worshippers in the sanctum, to stay at the retreat as
long as she wished. When she’d expressed her desire to stay for a while till,
she’d regained her strength, Mokak’s expression had been unreadable. He’d for a
time in silence with a blank face had simply stared at her, then turned and
left without uttering a word. He was absent thereafter, but she hardly missed
him as her assigned light duties kept her both interested and busy. She soon
lost all track of time as this was the most beautiful, serene place, with an
extensive library and a custodian elderly monk that was more than willing to
educate her during her free hours.
Then one day, visited by
Mokak, she was told of his private requirement. Seeking religious solitude, to
fulfill his obligations, he would be enabled hence, to see or speak to her
(remain in non-communication) for number of days. She was assured nevertheless,
that she would be in good hands under the protective guidance of the Abbot Koe.
She could be recruited into the ranks of acolytes or monks full time rather
than temporary resident guest, if she so desired and from hence devote herself
to religious studies. However, if this was not to her liking, she was at
liberty to leave with him when he had fulfilled his religious obligations and
undertook the next leg of the journey in life.
This gave her a lot to
think about. As much as she liked it here, would she fit in permanently? Should
she forsake her inherent (intrinsic, innate) need to see and experience what
the rest of the world offered or remain here in safety and absolute bliss? For
an apt decision she needed more time to consider all aspects. Meanwhile she
would continue to partake in this austere nevertheless complacent religious
lifestyle that combined prayers and ordinary chores regardless of one’s prior
standing in life, for within the walls of sanctuary all was considered equal.
~
On the second night,
however, shortly after all candle lights had been extinguished and everyone
settled in a blissful sleep, she had had a visitor that proved to be Chenko
Haken. She could hardly believe her eyes. For one thing he appeared so
different with his short hair and austere plain garments of a monk. She’d stood
there, quite dumbfounded, staring at his face till the true recognition set in.
Yes, it was Chenko Haken,
the lush, wavy, resplendent hair that had made him so attractive was cut short (and
tapered) but his handsome features, those beautiful eyes were the same.
“Oh, Chenko Haken, I’d
missed you so. I thought you’d perished in the storm (swallowed by the sea). I
feared I’d never see you again!” Her eyes brimming with joyful tears, her heart
bursting with emotion, forgetting herself, she’d wrapped her arms around him in
a tight squeeze.
She closed her eyes with blissful happiness absorbing the warmth of his body and listening to the familiar rhythmic beatings of his excited heart. For a time nothing mattered, as if the outside world had ceased to exist with all her hopes and dreams encapsulated in this loving, endearing embrace.
“Now that I’ve found you,
I shall never, ever let you go.” His assertion echoed her sentiments and
thoughts. “Yes, from hereon we shall never part.” She whispered her promise in
return.
Cupping her cheeks, he
pinned his loving gaze into hers and same time, it had happened quite
voluntarily without thought, when his tender lips met hers.
“I’m sorry.” Reality taking hold, he abruptly stepped back. “I have no right to…”
“Hush!” She placed her
fingers over his lips to silence him.
“No, this is no way to
behave, I beg your pardon, please forgive this transgression.” He nevertheless
insisted with those hurtful eyes, which clearly waged a private war of emotions
torn between morality, duty and the natural instincts of a loving being. He
lowered his head abjectly and turned on his heels next to leaving, but Teuquob
barring his way pleaded with him to stay. Furthermore, she insisted on knowing
how he’d survived the disaster at sea, how he happened to be here and why he
hadn’t come forth earlier?
(END OF SECTION 7)
(STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT POST, THE CONCLUSION OF THE ORDEAL - SECTION 8)
~
