LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE WEDDING - SECTION 6

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC

THE WEDDING- SECTION 6

Proviso (if) Brandt had entertained any suspicions about Svein during his brief exchange at the Inn, it had all but dissipated by the time they had parted company.  After leaving the premises Brandt had made his way through a dark, deserted alleyway towards his lodgings, feeling discontented and a tad angry.  When he came upon a dog urinating in a dark corner, to vent his pent-up frustration he fiercely kicked the poor, unfortunate creature in the side of stomach, the force of which slammed the body hard against the brick wall.  Picking himself up from the ground, with a painful lame leg, and letting out cries of “yelp, yelp, yelp’ the poor thing scurried away to the best of his ability.  This amused Brandt and, temporarily, lightened his mood.  Snickering at the dog’s misery, he continued on his way.

Brandt, just then turning a corner, came face to face with Duan, who was also out for a stroll.  The latter’s sudden appearance almost startled Brandt.

Duan, well over seven feet in height, heavy in build with large bones and with a protruding large forehead which made him even more menacing in appearance, clearly was not a man to be trifled with.  He had long, thick, wavy hair that cascaded down his shoulders in an unkempt fashion, and his face was adorned with bushy eyebrows, auburn beard and mustache. In contrast Brandt, although formidable, looked meek and timid in his stance.  His hair was neatly kept in formal style and his clothes, although disguised to look ordinary, were still superior in tailoring and material.  Flushed, Brandt hastened to greet Duan, inquired after the latter’s aim, but, meeting no reply then asked to accompany him on his walk.

“Suit yourself;” came the uncaring, icy response.

As they both advanced through the poorly lit, deserted streets with their path illuminated only by the occasional scant light escaping from the slits of the window shutters, Brandt, finding the silence unbearable, for Duan was a man of few words, broke in and briefly told of his encounter with Audun Colden.  At the finish Duan abruptly halted (stayed) his steps and, turning, cast his dark, piercing eyes on Brandt.  Though he appeared to have something specific in mind, he made no attempt to communicate it to Brandt.  Instead, after this brief pause, whereupon he cast his gaze over the rooftops, he with a venomous wry grin shook his head and resumed his brisk walk.

At least I got his interest. Brandt mused.  Just then, he was momentarily distracted by a slight noise on the roof of one of the houses that flanked the street.  Seeing that it was nothing more than a stray cat, he turned to find Duan way ahead of him.  Rushing forward to catch up he then added, with a degree of arrogance, “But I’m certain that my suspicions were totally unfounded, or I would not have allowed him to get away so easily.  It was all but another false lead.” 

But he was airing these words into thin air, for Duan had long since stopped listening to what he considered, Brandt’s incessant blabbering, unworthy of any riposte.

Though these two had been together for a long time, there existed no regard, sentiment or trust between them.  Duan suspected the other of having an ulterior motive for wanting to tag along and, under the pretense of being worn down by the other’s persistence, had allowed Brandt to accompany him.  Seeing Brandt as nothing more than prey, a mouse that had wandered into the trap under his cat’s paw, Duan, with due patience, waited for him to slip up and reveal his real intent (true colors).  At present he was merely toying with his meek enemy.

DUAN

Duan was not a native born to this country and no one really knew where he had come from.  He had no home or family to speak of.  Traveling from place to place, accomplishing difficult tasks where others had failed (found it futile); he had spread his fame far and wide.  He excelled in arms and every form of combat.  His talents were immeasurable, and he had never met an adversary, however formidable, whom he had not subdued.  A boon to any general’s army, a credit to the staff of any noble or sovereign, he had been offered riches beyond anyone’s wildest imagination by the most grateful of patrons seeking his alliance, fidelity or plain old amity.  But, undaunted by the trappings of wealth, title or human emotions, he had sustained his solitary way of existence.

Keeping in stride, still agitated, Brandt vented, “Brother, I don’t mean to rile (vex) you, but we have stayed in this contemptible place far too long.  Forsaking my prior hunch (premonition), I say we should move on.  The Empire is vast, and we still have a lot of ground to cover.  Why should we waste any more of our time here?”

“Enough,” Duan glaring at Brandt ranted, “I’ll decide when it’s time to go. No one is holding you back; why don’t you just leave then, scram, if you are so impatient!”

Brandt’s small hairs rising in the back of his neck, he was silenced for good.  Though fuming inwardly he dared not say another word.  All right, it must be for some reason that he wanted to stay in this disdainful place longer, in the end he tried placating himself. Still, what clue is there that has escaped me and not him?  He could not dispute Duan’s superb ability at tracking the wanted men who had eluded the best bounty hunters in the country.  Only with his help could Brandt stand the slightest chance of getting his man.  Swallowing his resentment, he once more made his apologies, trying to smooth things between them.  Inwardly, however, he seethed with scorn and sheer unadulterated hatred for Duan.  Cursing and ranting, he wondered how much longer he would have to suffer such indignity, such humiliation at the hand of this uncouth boor.  How far away was that day, when he could finally at long last, hand (dispense) this arrogant fiend his just desserts?

                                                                                         ~

Svein, at the end of his night’s reconnaissance, meanwhile, in the small hours had returned to the inn, quietly climbed the stairs and threw himself on the bed.  He closed his eyes just to rest them, knowing his taut nerves would not permit him to sleep; as he lay there, his heart laden with inexplicable dread, the names Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon, Kochi, Brandt, as well, the glimpse of that formidable companion of Brandt’s, a noteworthy assassin- endlessly paraded before his mind’s eye.

The subsequent day Svein did run into Brandt on the main street; the latter was in the company of another but, fortunately for Svein, it was not Duan.  As both were predisposed to their brief, formal greetings were exchanged in passing, without either of them stopping to converse further.

I must conclude my business at the earliest possible time, before they are wizened to my guise. Svein mused as he entered a modest sized wine shop that specialized in quality wines.  Another customer, one called Souko Yeru who had the airs of an official, was being waited on by the disgruntled proprietor Nerazi.

NERAZI

This well-dressed client Souko, with his repeated references to the quantities of wine that he was proposing to buy, was arguing fervently against the already discounted price, insisting on receiving still more special consideration from the other.

The proprietor Nerazi, equally adamant in his stand, kept arguing the point that he had already made more than enough concessions, and that any lower he would be losing money instead of breaking even.

Unconvinced, Souko Yeru hotly jeered (heckled), “Why don’t you just skim a little more off your fat profit?  You can afford it by any means.  And don’t give me that smile and that polite talk; I’d rather take the wine instead.”

But again, the proprietor refused to budge, insisting that he was just breaking even.  “If you are dissatisfied, sir, you may take your business elsewhere.”, finally he, in his exasperation, dared the other. But no one was going anywhere.

Their haggling appeared most comical to Svein, for as the intensity of their argument grew, each shouted at the other, gesticulating as they did, with their feet furiously stamping the ground, their arms wildly waving about, their necks outstretched, almost pecking at each other with their words. Not minding the delay, Svein quietly stood to the side, prepared to watch with certain amusement, this comedy of life being played out before him.  He intended to buy only two jars of the recommended wine for the upcoming festivities, a mere trifle, a drop in the bucket compared to what the official was ordering. 

The proprietor, meanwhile, over his haggling had spotted Svein out of the corner of his eye and so contrived to free himself from the clutches of this pest, Souko Yeru.  By calling out to Luke, to leave what he was doing and come upstairs at once, he hoped to defer Souko’s order to his underling and serve a more agreeable looking customer.

But, when Luke  was a little late in his response the proprietor snapped, pointing a finger at Svein, “Now look here, Sir, I have other customers to serve, you know.  Please be reasonable, I really cannot reduce it any further without losing money.”

Souko Yeru, whose back was to Svein all this time, half turned, in readiness to scoff at this supposed customer.

SOUKO YERU

 What greeted his eyes however, the striking exquisiteness of this very attractive youth and his formidable bearing under that seemingly innocuous garment, simply took his breath away and temporarily dumfounded, he simply gawked at Svein.

 There was something in the manner of latter’s piercing gaze, that made the back of hairs on Svein’s neck stand on end.  Fortunately, at that point in time the proprietor of the store had timely interceded reverting back the official’s attention to the matter at hand.

 The miserly official was most adept at haggling and besides he was used to always getting his way; understanding this, the unhappy merchant in the end begrudgingly grumbled out his assent.  The assistant Luke, being the beneficiary of the disgruntled proprietor’s seething vent, now directed his two underlings to load the wares onto Souko Yeru’s sizeable cart hitched by a solitary horse. The stout servant of the official’s managed the rains of the horse and kept the animal at bay till swiftly the full load was transferred on board.  Only when the money had changed hands did the proprietor, careful to conceal it from the Official, heaved a deep sigh of relief. 

Souko Yeru, who inspected each jar carefully before it was loaded, had insisted on the owner’s presence and undivided attention.  When the laden cart finally pulled away with the Official sitting beside his groom furiously flailing the poor horse, the disgruntled proprietor then shaking his head and mumbling curse words under his breath, made his way back into the shop, with the help trailing close behind.

LUKE

In that mayhem, everyone, save for the astute clerk Luke had forgotten Svein’s presence. White the loading of the cart was going on outside, Luke respectfully asking Svein’s indulgence, he’d politely offered Svein a seat and a complimentary wine then gone back to tending his books.

Upon his entry to the shop and noting Svein, the proprietor Nerazi abruptly checked his tongue.  Quickly wiping away the excess perspiration from his forehead and palms, a congenial smile on his lips, he at once rushed to cordially extend his greetings to Svein and his apologies for the unavoidable delay.  When Svein reciprocated his greetings in turn and they were both after being served fresh choice wine, were comfortably seated across from each other, Narazi then, in an unhurried manner, asked Audun ’s (Svein’s) pleasure.  Since there were several varieties of wine recommended by Stark, Svein stated his requirement and politely deferred the choice to the owner.

Highly pleased and eager to boast of his extended knowledge, the proprietor Nerazi embarked on a lengthy list of his reserves, the distinct varieties and the particulars of taste, aroma and body for each wine, extrapolating the details to the point of boredom with an inexhaustible zeal.

 It took diplomacy on Svein’s part to hasten the proprietor’s speech to its conclusion without giving offense.  Concealing his annoyance, Svein thanked Nerazi for his trouble and gave his approval of the suggested choice.

“Very good…you’ve made a decidedly good choice indeed!  You’ll be pleased, just wait and see.” his face beaming, the proprietor Nerazi assured Svein, at the same time congratulating himself on his expertise.  Upon being quoted the price, Svein promptly produced the sum from his wallet and presented it to the owner.  Nerazi, used to his customers continually haggling over the price, for it was the accepted norm in this practice, was now shamed by Svein’s dignified and polite way of doing business and voluntarily reduced the amount. 

At the conclusion of the transaction, as Svein made his way out of the door, Nerazi shook his head and heaved a deep sigh then aired his wish to clerk Luke, “How I wish that all my customers were like that young man Audun.  How much easier and more pleasurable my transactions would be.  Oh, then I could truly enjoy this profession.”

“Imagine; he wants to skin people and do it with ease, too!” Luke indignantly grumbled under his breath.

 As quirk of fate would have it, Souko Yeru was lodged in the same posh inn as that of Brandt and Duan.  Fortunately for Souko, however, the two had been kept far too busy up till now to dine at the same hour as him and so they had never met.  However paradoxically, while Svein was having an uneventful dinner at his modest lodgings on this night’s eve, these three were converged to have repasts at the same locale. 

Both Brandt and Duan seated at the far corner were in a foul mood, having failed to turn up any leads, and they ate and drank in morose silence.  Dour Duan contemplated leaving this town perhaps as early as the following morning.

Souko Yeru, at another table and having consumed more than his share of wine, began being rowdy as usual and was causing quite a disturbance.  Seething in hatred over one named Zianko, he talked incessantly in his grating, sometimes high-pitched voice about the so-called extortion feats he had been forced to bear.  As Souko Yeru became more intoxicated his mood turned sourer and he began pouring out his grievance so vehemently it soured the wine in Brandt’s throat. It was not clear how Duan felt, his expression had not changed.

Souko was in the company of a great many friends and associates. Law enforcement officials all in his pay had affronted him familiar sense of security and ultimately resultant brazen conduct. Subsequently as he dawned still more wine, Souko’s mood had mellowed, but then whenever one of his companions drawing close cracked an uncouth joke or some other vulgar piece of tidbit news, he uproariously laughed as he pounded his fist on the table with reckless abandon.  Further affront to common decency, his companions would turn a blind eye to his occasional shameless groupings under the table of the fair youth seated by his side. 

“What a beauty he was, too!” Souko Yeru ‘s tongue loosened, he began narrating loutishly the boorish details of his latest lewd escapade with an unlikely detainee, in the course of his supposed official business. Licking his chops, he grinned at his captive audience.  “Young and tender he was!!!!”  Goaded on by those sharing his table, he then began describing the gory details that had in the end resulted in the other’s suicide.

 “Pity, pity it was too…” He pretended remorse, “I ask you why he would go on and do such a stupid thing?” 

His vulgar speech and crass descriptions had annoyed Brandt immensely.  Still asking for trouble, intoxicated Souko next left his own table and moseyed across the room to the table next to Brandt and Duan’s, making it more difficult still for them to ignore his obnoxious presence. 

From where he was seated Souko Yeru raised his cup to them in greeting but met with only a cold regard.  Not accustomed to such rude rebuff, unwisely Souko began nursing a hatred for the two strangers.  Instead of minding his own business, he dared, as the saying goes: “to pull the tiger’s whiskers”.  Paying scant attention to the advice of his fellow diners, he kept snipping away at the two behind a cowardly facade of aimless swearing and dared to vent his anger and save face.

When the well-meaning associates cautioned him to lower his voice and choose his words circumspectly, he peevishly retorted, “Is this not a public place?  Those who don’t like the sound of my voice can scram!”

This last insolence had sealed Souko’s fate.  Duan’s face darkened a shade and those less inebriated or more perceptive felt a sudden malevolent chill in the air sweeping over them as same time morbid, dire misgivings stirred within their innards.  Dark, foreboding sentiment loomed over the room and even those formidable law enforcement officers quivered to the marrow of their bones as if a blood curdling venomous reptile had slithered up against their skin.

But it was Duan’s hand slowly steering towards his sword that alerted Brandt to the gravest imminent danger.  Wishing to avoid yet another carnage, he quickly placed his own hand over Duan’s and in a (placating,) conciliatory voice, whispered, “Later, brother, later.” 

Duan threw a murderous look at Brandt then jumped irately up from his seat, his face red with fury.

This action caused quite a stir.  Many froze in their seats, held their breath and waited for the blow to fall.  Others, ordinary folk finding their feet, jostled towards the door.  Waiters began clearing tables of plates and cups and other breakables despite the protests of several robust, competent law enforcement officers excelling in arms, who erroneously assumed, striking jointly they would be up to the challenge.

Poised for assault, they began rising from their seat; nevertheless, a cursory glance from Duan was enough to purge all courage and send their terrified souls to flight.  Duan’s subsequent menacing gaze now affixed on Souko Yeru, the latter seeing the end of his life flash before him, his jaw dropped, his hair and bones went stiff involuntarily, and he tumbled off his seat onto the ground.

An insidious sliver of a smile briefly grazed Duan’s features and he gave a dry, mirthless laugh.  Then, in just a few steps he exited the room, scattering those in his path to either side.  This had caused another sort of debacle, as jugs, chairs and even tables were overturned by those attempting to clear the way by throwing themselves over furniture and others indiscriminately.

Complaints from all corners rose in Duan’s absence; “Hey, watch out!”, “Watch where you’re going!”, “Get off my foot!”, “Look what you’ve done, clumsy fool!”, “You owe me a drink!”, “You stained my robe!”, “Why did you push me?”, “It was an accident!”  Yet others protested; “I didn’t mean to push you.”, “Sure you didn’t!”, “I’m not paying for that!”, “Where is that blasted waiter?”, “Where did our jug go, it was still full?”

 In this mayhem and hubbub all but a few had overlooked Brandt, still seated in the corner and blending into the shadows.

He was debating for a moment just what to say to Duan once he’d caught up with him.  When he rose, it was enough to, once more, cast the room into silence.  All froze where they stood, but the path was instantly made clear for him, again with much scurrying and trampling over others, as they got out of his way to the door.

After the storm gradually abated, and the sounds once more returned to normal in the dining hall, the intrepid innkeeper emerged from hiding and once more began directing his underlings to set the place in order.

 Souko Yeru, finding new courage in the pair’s absence, pursed his lips, angrily stamped his feet, and, cursing, made the attempt to go after them.  Hastily many rushed to block his way.

“Have you lost your mind?  Already you’ve had one brush with death.  Are you so sick of living that you would tempt fate twice?”

But Souko Yeru was too complacent to see anything wrong with his earlier diatribe.  “He had no right to threaten me!” he shouted indignantly.

“But you did provoke them.” Another disagreed and more of them nodded their heads and sounded their agreement in unison. 

“Did you see how formidable they were… the likes of which not seen in these parts? You were lucky, we were all lucky, they forwent any engagement; and particularly, did not strike you down.” another commented.

At this point Souko Yeru lashed out at him and others furiously, cursing them all in most vile language. “I’m not afraid of the likes of them!” He, having expanded his energies, eventually huffed. “All of you are just a bunch of yellow-bellied dandies, and you call yourselves law enforcement officers…Bahh! Why, you should all be sacked! A good reprimand is what you all will be receiving, if I had my way, instead of payroll.  You should be ashamed of yourselves.  Are you men or mice?”

“Sure,” one stout official that held higher rank than Souko, wrinkled his nose and snorted,

“Is that why you so bravely fell off your seat?”  “Perhaps the chair’s leg gave way.” 

A roar of laughter resounded through the room and set Souko Yeru’s blood to boiling.

“You ungrateful wretches!” Shaking a finger at those beneficiaries of his bribes, he bellowed.  His voice was getting hoarser, and he absentmindedly rubbed his throat.

“And after all those times I’ve treated you to drinks!”  He turned his face to still others.

The innkeeper and his hefty helpers at this point rushed out to bring things under control and to placate Souko Yeru.

“Now, now, calm yourself, sir, before you make yourself ill. They spoke as they did because they care about you.  We are all friends here, and friends should not quarrel.  Now, have a drink on me and patch things up.  Waiter, bring a jug here!  It’s on the house.  Now, drink up, gentlemen.”

 Outside, meanwhile, Brandt had caught up to Duan.

“Why did you stop me?’ angrily Duan bellowed at him.  “Why do you care if that miserable wretch or his accomplices lived or died?”

“Brother, forgive me, but you can’t go on leaving corpses behind you just because someone offends your sensibilities. Those wretches were all beside themselves with drink, this being the end to the celebratory week. And on top of that, it would not have been a fair contest now, would it? Why it would be like slaughtering sheep, what thrill is in that?”

 “No thrill; but less annoyance and little more peace in the region!”  Duan scoffed. 

 “Do you expect sense from these people, especially at this far outpost?” Brandt added, encouraged by Duan’s uncharacteristic, soft banter. “Brother, last time you killed a man because he dared to put his hand on your shoulder; another one before that because he accidentally bumped into you; and another because he refused to give way.  And that’s not counting the number of one-armed corpses you’ve piled up behind us.  Now I’ve no love for any of these wretches, but I’m getting worried at the number of corpses we are leaving in our trail.  The local officials are no problem, but suppose this was brought to the attention of the ministry, how could we then account for these acts and escape punishment?”

 “As I said earlier, if you don’t like it and are afraid, you are free to leave.  How dare you assume such airs and presume to teach me sense?  Who endowed you with such courage?” 

Duan delivered these words with such an icy finality that Brandt left pursuit of the matter to some future date and hung his head low in silence as he followed Duan to the gambling hall.

 

                                                                                    ~

 (END OF SECTION 6)

LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC- THE WEDDING - SECTION 5

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC

THE WEDDING - SECTION 5

The vivid recollection of that first ride’s thrill and joy to date still stirred (fired) Svein’s soul and brought prompt smile to his lips.  At present (currently) on route to town Karene, the added (bonus) excitement and delight stemming from his expected union with Teuquob bursting his heart, Svein urged Fiery Comet to equate that first time’s speed till they felt as if they were riding on air, goaded on by the wind, with the horse’s hooves hardly touching the ground.

 After several days’ ride when Svein reached Karene by mid-afternoon, he and the horse were both parched by the all-consuming heat.  Though the wind had picked up during the last hour or so and white clouds now sailed on by across the sky in speed, it still did not offer the earth any real respite.

Svein led the horse through the wind-swept streets, straight to the familiar inn, located at the far western edge of town.  The middle-aged, stout innkeeper, being notified of Svein’s approach well in advance, hurried down the steps with his hands clasped obsequiously to personally welcome Svein and invite him into the inn. 

After Svein returned his greetings with similar humility he obligingly followed alongside the innkeeper up the stairs.

Meanwhile Fiery Comet was led around to the back stables by the stable hands to be washed and fed, in short, to be well looked after.  They worked diligently, begrudging the horse nothing, knowing their efforts would be well met by a generous tip from Svein in the end.

After Svein was refreshed and had a change of clothing, he came down and was shown to a seat and promptly served a complimentary tea, the innkeeper politely inquired after his health then asked to learn of his requirements.  Once these were imparted and some funds changed hands he then rushed off at once to see to the details.  Not daring to waste any more time, Svein, forgoing lunch, left the premises and went off into the main marketplace to acquire his purchases.

In the past, keeping a low profile, Svein had always concluded his business and had departed town the following day, without any adventures to speak of.  His formidable bearing had discouraged local hooligans from accosting or assaulting him, while his quietly reserved nature had kept him from becoming the object of idle gossip among the locals who droned the gambling halls and whorehouses.  As a result, he had always wandered in and out of town without touching anyone’s lives or making a single friend or foe.  This time, however, his list was longer than usual and contained some (unusual) odd and specialty items and he could not conclude his business all in one go.

The innkeeper, with delight, had prepared for Svein’s lengthier stay upon being so informed.  Himself a respectable and quiet man, the innkeeper had curbed his curiosity all these years and had allowed Svein his right to privacy and secrecy.  Though he knew practically nothing of Svein’s background other than the false name, Audun Colden, which Svein had invented for his outside excursions, still, over the years he had developed a special fondness and respect for the youth, appreciating greatly his virtues of politeness, honesty, and the manner of speech that had marked Audun as learned literati.

After securing the day’s purchases in his room, at dusk Svein came downstairs to consume some supper.  He was led at once to a clean table in the far corner of the room, and tea and food were then punctually served to him.  It was towards the conclusion of this last course when Svein’s attention was suddenly drawn to an ornate sword handle and its sheath worn by a stranger who had just then appeared at the doorway (entrance).  By now the place was crowded by a large boisterous crowd that kept the waiters on their toes rushing to and for with orders.

From where he stood the stranger first surveyed the room, ignoring the waiter who had rushed over to invite him to an available table.  Wrinkling his nose, his narrowed eyes telling of his disdain for this place, he then somewhat reluctantly made his way over to an empty table of his own choosing by the window and sat himself down.  The stranger next impatiently threw down several gold coins onto the table and voiced his requirements. The apologetic waiter nodded, and then snatching the gold at once hurried off to fetch a jug of the best wine of the establishment, that were typically kept in the cellar, under lock and key.

As the stranger again looked contemptuously about him, his eyes full of daring suddenly fell on Svein; latter on his part not wishing to incur any undue curiosity seemingly pensive, kept his focus pinned on the plate in front of him. Subsequently the stranger’s gaze moved on to a more interesting target, the clustered heads with hushed wagging tongues that appeared to be scheming some conspiratorial, unsavory plan.

Towering well over six feet in height, with a bearing so formidable, the stranger’s intimidating presence had discouraged even the rowdy group of law enforcement officials seated next to his table from accosting him; in fact, they’d swiftly moved on further away to a new table that had just then become available.  With a continuing frown on his lips the stranger downed cup after cup of the wine, losing his temper at the slightest delay in the next supply which was kept steady to his table.  But, despite the amount of wine he had consumed, he’d remained quite unaffected and not the slightest bit inebriated.

By now most of the customers had moseyed on to elsewhere to pass the night- for no one took in sleep in this heat, leaving the dining-room half empty.  The wind had long ago subsided and had allowed the heat to increase to still greater, more intolerable levels. 

With many of the regulars (patrons) pouring outdoors for relief they crowded the streets, more so than during the daytime.  The stranger continued with his drink, his expression changing only slightly to register boredom.  He had noted Svein’s brief but interested look at his sword at the time of his entry to the premises.  Recalling that fact, he again stole a sidelong glance at Svein, who was thoughtfully sipping his tea, his void stare affixed to his cup.

“I can simply take my leave; never knowing more…Hmm. Then again, what harm is there in casual conversation…?”  When the waiter just then brought over a fresh pot of tea, Svein discreetly made his inquiries about the specific stranger.

The waiter, concealing his surprise for Svein, had never shown such interest in anyone, drawing close, imparted to Svein what little he knew about the arrogant stranger.  He told of how only twice before the stranger had wandered in to consume a meal and large quantities of their best wine, behaving with consistent haughtiness and condescension.

“Furthermore, he seemed to have an endless supply of funds, an abundant gold in his possession.” The waiter then as if just been reminded, added quickly in a hushed voice: “But both those other times he was in the company of another and from the looks of him, a foreigner also.  They are not from these parts, I’m sure of it.  Do you wish to make his acquaintance?  Perhaps I can be of some service.”

No, no,” Svein rejoined hastily, “Thank you, but that won’t be necessary… A passing curiosity, that’s all.”

A pair of other waiters, who happened to be close by, noting this exchange, craned their necks and picked up their ears to overhear the conversation.  The innkeeper suddenly appeared on the scene, boxed the ears of the one farthest back; then scolding them both, sent them scurrying back to their tasks.

“Anything else I can get for you, sir?  How about some sweet buns, a specialty of the house, to go with your fresh pot of tea?” the waiter tending Svein, clearing the spare dishes, now asked.

“Nothing further thank you; the tea is quite sufficient.”  With that Svein promptly paid the waiter the amount owed, slipping in something extra for his trouble.  Delighted, the waiter thanked Svein and turned to tend to his other customers.

Affixing his gaze outside the window, “now where have I seen that design before?” Svein inwardly queried, his thoughts reverting to the insignia, the crested eagle design on the sheath and the pommel of the sword’s handle. 

“I know I’ve seen it somewhere before, perhaps another likeness, but why is it I cannot recollect just where?” Absentmindedly he again glanced back up at the stranger and their eyes met in a mute clash.

 It was too late to turn away!  Svein smiled and nodded his head in polite greeting, which was reciprocated by the other. It might have ended there, except the stranger, after exchanging a few words with his waiter, next rose from his seat and, with bold steps, advanced towards Svein’s table.

 A momentary silence seized the room, as all present, suspected trouble as the only likely outcome from one such as him.  But, to their great chagrin, the stranger carrying a formal manner and with courteous words, duly introduced himself as Brandt Dustin then stated his wish to make other’s acquaintance, upon which he waited patiently to be asked to take a seat.

Obliged to respond favorably, Svein at once rose to his feet and, after delivering the formal customary greeting, stated his own name as Audun Colden and invited the stranger to be seated. 

BRANDT DUSTIN

Brandt Dustin expressed his thanks and took the seat across from Audun (Svein).  All those who had witnessed Brandt’s lack of deference and almost hostile manner now rubbed their eyes in disbelief, and at safe distance, huddled their heads together to exchange views and nosh rumors.

Svein was about to call for the waiter for some wine for his guest when a second waiter suddenly appeared behind him carrying a sealed jug of the best wine and two cups.

“I hope you don’t think me too presumptuous”, Brandt apologized, “but I took the liberty of ordering it before.  Please join me in a drink to mark our meeting.”  Then, without waiting for Svein’s response, he broke the seal and emptied wine into a cup, after which he, with both hands, offered it to Svein (Audun Colden). 

This being a gesture of respect and friendship, Svein felt constrained to accept it.  Thanking Brandt, he took the cup (with both hands also) and had the customary three sips before returning the courtesy to Brandt.

“Now, with the formalities out of the way, let us drink as brothers and talk without reserve.” Brandt proposed.

Svein’s polite upbringing would not allow him to show rudeness and refuse the next drink or the next after that.  In this way coerced into consuming several cups Svein deeply buried his feeling of guilt which had again arisen from this defiance of his uncle’s rule. 

Brandt, ignoring Svein’s subsequent protests and claims that he was not a drinker- pressed on Svein to consume still more.

 Though Brandt, on Svein’s insistence, drained thrice the number of cups as Svein did he showed no ill effects.  Svein, meanwhile, became aware of his own state of slight intoxication.  Afraid that he would lose control, he took smaller sips and ultimately longer and longer time to empty each cup.

 Brandt, a consummate drinker, after draining several more cups, had in the interim carefully steered the topic of conversation to the martial arsenals, then to the priceless, famed swords that were passed on to posterity through successive generations.

“Take this sword, for example,” fondling it affectionately while pretending to be slightly inebriated, he boasted, “it’s an heirloom, a priceless treasure also, with a story all its own.

 As one of a pair, it once belonged to Lord Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon” 

He paused to gauge Audun Colden’s reaction, when none was forthcoming, bit peeved, he nevertheless continued, “Of course, you would be far too young to know of that traitor’s name.”

He again, took several more sips, a deliberate hiatus (break), and then quickly added, “But I digress, after the fall of the last dynasty, when our illustrious Sovereign gained his rightful place on the throne, the priceless pair of swords was presented to my master Haskell as a gift, amid other favors, for his rendered valuable services to the throne.”

Svein with his ardent discipline had curtailed his shock and surprise with admirable zeal; on the surface his demeanor appearing perfectly placid and well composed.  His expression had remained unchanged as he continued to listen to the strange accounts of Brandt.  Inwardly, however his soul had been set alight, after hearing the name Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon.

 “Was that not the name on his uncle’s list before it had been so completely erased, during their recent stay at the ‘Heaven’s Gate Spiritual temple’?  What did all this mean?  Had his uncle once served under this vilified Lord?” 

Oblivious to Svein’s inner turmoil, Brandt meanwhile had continued, “My master treasured these twin swords above everything else he owned, and he took them out frequently to admire them and to demonstrate lessons with them.  Since, however, master agile as he was, excelled in fighting with only one sword, often during these special demonstrations he entrusted the other sword to his most prized pupil, Kochi.

“My master had no kin and no offspring to speak of; now trusting and being particularly fond of Kochi, he later adopted him as his own son.  That was why he was especially devastated when Kochi, without conscience, betrayed him.  When one of the gemstones on the handle of the sword was loosened, master wishing to have it repaired right after dinner, had left it outside of its locked cabinet.  How was he to know his adopted son, claiming illness, would excuse himself from the dining area early and, stealing into his room like a common criminal during those few hours, would run away with the treasured sword, never to be seen again.”  Brandt, grinding his teeth with contempt, again reached for the cup and downed its contents all at one go.

 “My master had taught him everything he knew, thinking that Kochi would one day succeed him.  That error in judgment, plus his advanced age, stopped him in the end from recovering his prized possession and avenging the wrong that was done to him.”

“None of his other pupils were of any use.  In his disillusioned state he dismissed them all and withdrew into seclusion.  After some years, finally giving in to my persistence, he took me on as his next pupil on the condition; however, that one day, when I had mastered the skill, I would seek out this villain, avenge my master, and recover the sword so that my master could be buried with the pair.  Now taken ill, he is lying in bed on the brink of death.  Since I have never seen Kochi, and the swords were the only link, my master with some reluctance, allowed me to take the second sword from his side.”

“I’ve journeyed far and wide, spared no effort in trying to apprehend Kochi, yet all traces of that villain or the sword have eluded me.  Now and again, I fear that some great misfortune might have befallen him, and that he might have been buried under earthen debris or he’s in some watery grave along with the sword; but I cannot allow myself to think of such an end.  I have taken a vow not to return till I have completed my task, and my master has given me his word to hang on to life until the day of my safe return.”  At this point Brandt fell into silence, his face showing a mixture of frustration and despair, plus something else that Svein could not clearly discern.

Just then, like a lightning bolt, it struck Svein just where, precisely, he had seen this sword’s twin.  Of course! He now recalled. 

He was no more than six years of age at the time.  While his uncle had been away on a hunting trip he had mischievously gone through his uncle’s personal belongings, then his chest.  Groping about, he had hoped to find something of interest to while away the lonely and boring hours.  To his great delight and thrill, he had then discovered this fine sword at the very bottom, carefully enshrined in several layers of silk.  He could still recall vividly the resulting fury in Stark’s face when, upon his early return, he had caught him (little Svein) red handed, playing with this magnificent sword in his room.  Barely able to lift the sword, Svein was dragging it on the floor, pretending to be a mighty warrior, vanquishing all his enemies and dispensing justice to all. 

As Svein reflected such, he’d assumed the mask of indifference, mindful of Brandt’s scrutiny, latter seeking least sign, anything to substantiate his initial suspicion.  Why else would he have bothered to share a drink and as a gesture of trust, unburden himself so elaborately to a perfect stranger?

Meanwhile Svein had played his part so remarkably well that Brandt presently doubted his prior misgivings about Audun (Svein); moreover, Brandt’s inner frustration mirrored his professed outward words.

 “I’ve even offered a great reward for any information, however slight, that would lead me to achieve my purpose, again to no avail.  No one has seen the twin of this sword or its bearer.  It’s as though they have both vanished from this world.” He shook his head, refusing to call it quits, not after he’d invested so much of his time. 

Brandt suddenly growing serious and in the most direct manner, burrowing his pupils in Audun (Svein), asked, “I will not insult you, sir, by offering you the reward money but, out of compassion and due respect for my dying master, won’t you tell me why you had shown a slight, a glint of interest in my sword earlier at the point of my entry to these premises?  Can I hope, perhaps, that you have seen the likeness of it somewhere before?”

“Now comes the truth; a brazen move” Svein’s face donned a nonplussed (puzzled) look, as if he’d not heard Brandt right.

“I would be most obliged upon receiving any information that you may have, however trivial.” Brandt obdurately (pig-headedly) insisted.

“I am deeply sorry to have caused you any false hope.” Seven, feigning regret, shook his head.

“In truth, I was drawn to it for its striking quality of workmanship, nothing more.  The crested eagle design alone is done to perfection.  I profess to know something about these arts, and it was my appreciation of it which, in this case, drew my attention.  The weapon itself, I’m afraid, is of little consequence to me, since I lack any ability in swordsmanship.”

“Surely you are too modest.” Brandt sham rebuked Svein’s claim of limited knowledge of martial arts and arms.  “Why your physical bearing alone tells of your competence and no doubt, formidable skill.”

“You do me too much honor, sir.” Svein blushed with due humility.  “I do daily exercises to keep fit and, besides my other chores, I cut wood and, on occasion, scale the mountains or hunt for game.  That is all.”

“By your words, you profess to know archery at least.” Brandt grinned.

When pressed further by Brandt to give some account of his years and background, Svein had wisely hinted at an age at least four more years older than his own and purported to be the third or fourth son of some local official somewhere, undetermined region.  He had supposedly gained some formal education from private tutors and even this bit of useless info had been relayed as insinuation, hint or suppositions under the guise of plain humility (all without the benefit of real facts or details).

He is far too clever to cave. Brandt huffed.  Though inebriated he is still exercising caution, not giving anything away.  All night long his answers to my questions have been evasive.  I know nothing further, nothing tangible about him, than when I first took this seat at his table. 

“All right, perhaps I was mistaken.”  This time Brandt did not insist.  Surely this Audun Colden has private reasons of his own for his ambiguity and professed ignorance.  Perhaps he is afraid of meeting a challenge from me.  Perhaps he is but a coward after all.

 “Then perhaps you can still be of some assistance to me.  During your journeys to and from this town, have you ever encountered a stranger, an elderly gentleman with only one arm?”

Svein’s suspicions further escalated, on the outset he made a pretense of jogging his memory, then smiling, shook his head in the negative once more.

“That is most unfortunate.” With a despondent look on his face, Brandt sighed. 

After downing another cup, he dejectedly leaned back in his chair then explained further, “I had neglected to mention it earlier, but Kochi, because of an accident he’d suffered shortly before his evil deed, had his right arm severed at the elbow.  This description was given to me as my only other way of identifying him.”  His eyes once more burrowed deep into Svein, persistent on receiving a response from the other.

“I regret that I am still unable to offer you any hope, despite my sincerest wish to do so.”, came Svein’s standard, unruffled, genuine reply.

“I was just hoping.” Brandt pursed his lips, in feigned dismay. “Unfortunately, like so many, in this god-forsaken town not a single clue has surfaced to give me scant hope.  At least in other towns, other cities, we were led to people bearing some resemblance to Kochi, to some renegade cripples with one arm.”

We?...  Svein nevertheless, curbed his inquiry. 

Was Brandt’s other companion, the one the waiter told of earlier, also in pursuit of his uncle?  For, no mistaking it, it was Stark they were after.  These facts, the twin sword, the right arm severed at the elbow all tallied perfectly. Then again, it was inconceivable that Stark would have ever consented to being the pupil of a master who was once an advocate of the usurper Sovereign.  The subsequent accounts were equally implausible and thoroughly contrary to Stark’s nature!

Svein for a brief spell had mulled over the validity of Brandt’s claims and the alleged ignominy; this lapsed judgment and the unpardonable slur, undeserved dishonor to Stark’s integrity, both angered and at the same time shamed Svein.

 Curtailing these negative emotions however, he stole a discreet glance at Brandt. 

Oh, he is shrewdly deceptive.  Even his bearing does not correspond to what he claims.  Despite this disguise of plain clothes, he looks to have grown up amidst affluent surroundings. I would venture a guess: an aristocrat perhaps?  But why concoct such an elaborate story to slander Uncle’s good name and to entrap him? Surely this was more than an expanded attempt to recover a sword or settle an old (score) vendetta.  What was Brandt after? 

Svein could not shake the ominous feeling that there were far graver consequences at stake here.  He quickly estimated the time: “Uncle has lived in seclusion for at least the course of my life, some 20 years and Brandt was, according to him, only four years my senior.  How could one so young bear such contempt for Uncle and be seeking him to exact revenge?”

For there was no mistaking it, there had been that pure, unadulterated hatred and lust for vengeance disclosed in Brandt’s eyes at every mention of Kochi- clearly a fabricated name for Stark?

Though Svein wished to pry further into this matter to learn this stranger’s true aim in seeking out Stark, he abstained in favor of caution.  He was obliged nevertheless, in carrying out this charade to its natural conclusion and though this deceptive game sickened him at heart, he intoned his sympathies and understanding for the other’s plight, adding that no offense was taken to Brandt’s persistence.

From the start, Brandt had this nagging gut feeling that, at long last, he’d been poised at the heels of his allusive prey, a good solid whiff perhaps and he would uncover him- but nothing untoward had happened to substantiate this prior hunch. Subsequently, observing the sincerity of Svein’s tone and manner, Brandt had to concede that once more, he had followed a false instinct. 

 “Why, this man before me is no more knowledgeable or formidable than the local thug (ruffian).  Now, if only Audun here was some years younger, then I may have some slight cause to persist”. Brandt nodded absentmindedly, “but he is clearly a good four years older than the one I seek!”

Suddenly tiredness weighed heavily on Brandt.  Lapsing into brooding, he reflected impatiently and indignantly on how much time he had wasted questioning all manner of denizens of this and other such detestable outposts at the far fringes of the Empire, how he had searched every city, town, district or settlement all to no avail! 

As he downed several more cups in swift succession however, his expression changed momentarily, and his lips drew a most sinister smile.  Brandt’s thoughts had reverted back to Duan, the cold, unfeeling assassin who was his accomplice, his so-called companion. 

Had he been with him at this time, this so-called Audun Colden would not have lived to see another day? 

Looking away, again his lips parted in that venomous wry grin, uncovering perfect teeth as a fleeting picture of the cut up, maimed bodies of those who were merely suspected of knowing something flashed before his mind’s eye.

 “So, what if they had proven to be a false lead?” Duan had argued the point coldly, “In the end had it not been better to have snuffed out their miserable existence than, on the off chance, let the real one escape?”

 Of the two of them, Brandt was the one better natured; Duan, totally at odds with everyone, seemed to thrive on bloodshed and pain.  Unfortunate were those who crossed paths with him.  Indeed, Duan was incapable of feeling remorse or compassion, but Brandt needed him and without him he could not realize his wish.  For that reason, Brandt had put up with a lot and had always given in to the other’s whims and incessant demands.

Svein had persisted with this discourse, hoping in all that time to uncover the truth about Brandt and his accomplice; however, Brandt was quite adept at this game of deception, and had not let on any useful info; furthermore, increasingly seen as a dangerous adversary, Svein decided now to swiftly end this fruitless exchange.

Coincidentally just then, the innkeeper came to his rescue. “Gentlemen, now please,” he said plaintively, gesticulating in part as he approached them somewhat timidly, fearful of an angry response from Brandt, “Begging your pardon sirs, but please finish your drinks.  We are way past our closing time.  See, everyone else is already gone.”

Startled from his dismal contemplation, Brandt did not take this intrusion too kindly and threw a threatening glance at the innkeeper, which sent the annoyed proprietor, nevertheless, with lowered head, scurrying away to a safe distance.

 Cursing under his breath at this wasted time, Brandt, with a wry smile, turned to address Svein and, after some perfunctory words of farewell and other such, rose to his feet and, ignoring the waiters who rushed to get out of his way, exited the Inn.

Svein, following suit, rose from his seat and went outside, for supposedly a solitary walk to clear his head, deliberately choosing the opposite direction than Brandt.

Soon he was swallowed up by the dark, moonless night. A change in weather, and the sweeping, cooling winds had blanketed the sky with ominous clouds.  Using this to his advantage, he moved stealthily, with the agility of a cat, far above the ground.

 

(END OF SECTION 5)