LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE ASSASSINS- SECTION 8

 

LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE ASSASSINS - SECTION 8

Positioned near the brazier, cozy warm and with his wounds well-tended, Brandt’s face by degrees returned to a normal color.  Though conscious now Brandt, opting to play it safe, kept his eyes shut for a while longer and shallowly inhaled the familiar smell wafting to his nostrils. He stealthily noted the fact that his upper (garb) garments had been changed; his wounds were properly bandaged, but that he was securely bound. Nevertheless, this still boded (insinuated) well since they took this much trouble and did not simply end his life.  Brandt surreptitiously parted his eyelids and with his now regained focus he observed Asger Marrog Zhon seated off to the side, seemingly absorbed in deep thought, puffing his long-stemmed pipe.

When their eyes met Asger nodded then said somewhat reassuringly, "I hope you will not take offense, but I'd like to hear the rest of what you have to say and allow any airs of suspicion between us to entirely dissipate before I release you from your bonds.  I trust the cords are not too tight to cause you any discomfort?"

Brandt   smiled peevishly and thanked Asger for his consideration, adding that no offense was taken.  "Under the reversed circumstances, my Lord, I would be predisposed to do the same. However, I am trifle thirsty."

Svein, upon hearing this congenial exchange between his uncle and Brandt   as he was headed out the door, ground his teeth and shook his head as if in disbelief.

 How different he is from the way he acted in the tavern that day, Svein mused.  But uncle is a discerning man; I’ll have to trust him on this, he knows what he is doing.

Back in the main cabin, Teuquob anticipating the need and having just then prepared a fresh pot of tea and some cups, simply handed the secured bundle to her husband before he had time to air out his request.  Her subsequent inquiries about the stranger were delicately brushed aside however, as Svein was most eager to return.

 Upon his re-entry to the stables, Svein overheard Brandt’s claim, "Sir, my surname is Therkan; my true given name is Alec. I was…"

 Alec, is it now? Probably more fabrication, for he is (craftier) slyer than a slithering snake. Svein scoffed inwardly, as he came forward with his bundle.  I really hope uncle knows what he’s dealing with.

"May I inquire if you are in any way related to Minister Taok Therkan?” Stark (Asger) interjected, signaling Svein to a seat.

"He is my late father, my Lord.” came Alec's earnest reply, as he threw a cursory glance at the bundle that had been put aside.

Stark (Asger) had been certainly well acquainted with that name and, even though he had not the good fortune of meeting the worthy minister in person, Taok’s fame nonetheless had spread far and wide, to all parts of the Empire.  Moreover, Stark had chanced on an excellent portrait of Taok Therkan (when he was in his twenties) between the pages of a certain manuscript, when once visiting his good friend Lord Shonee Gulbrand. Currently, with a narrowed pointed glare Stark (Asger) judiciously scrutinized the facial features of this supposed offspring of this lord.

TAOK THERKAN

Stark next looking away quietly reflected on how from the moment the good minister had gained office, Taok Therkan had fought uncompromisingly against corruption and his subsequent political thoughts summarized in several brilliant literary works had been widely circulated among the elite scholars of the land.  Presently, Stark (Asger) was grieved to learn of this minister's passing.  But it was to be expected, he further mused, all good men ran the risk of eventually coming to harm at that tyrant's hand.  Why should an ardent opponent, albeit kin (relative), be exempt?

With this new development weighing heavily on Stark’s (Asger's) reflections (ponderings), he slightly shifted his body.  The person before him was shrewd and quite ingeniously persuasive with his elaboration of particulars, certain specifics and the slight blending of decided facts. If only it were that simple, that he could without qualm be ascertained of Alec's claim to this identity.

In the end he decided to forestall judgment till after he’d heard all there was to hear.  Hopefully by then he could with discernment weed out the false contents from the genuine data. 

Alec Therkan in due course, with the help of Svein, had been given some hot tea to quench his thirst.

"As you probably know, sir,” Alec getting somewhat comfortable, once more resumed his narrative, "my late father had offended the corrupt Minister of War, Geir, when, placing his own life at risk, he sent a memorial to the Court exposing the corruption in various government offices including that of Geir himself.  Summoned to court for an audience, my father further defended his position and, against the well-meaning   advice of friends, strongly advocated positive reforms to curtail the power of (certain) several military bigwigs, civil officials and some influential gentry. “

MINISTER OF WAR, LORD GEIR

“My father now deemed a serious bane, Geir used his powerful clique at Court to accuse father of a serious crime that would ensure his death, but His Royal Highness Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir favored my father's integrity and suspected a foul play.  Therefore, despite the overwhelming testimony brought forth against father, and the lack of proof to substantiate His Majesty's intuition, my father was only demoted by one rank and banished to the remote frontier province of Wuchi."

Yes, Stark (Asger) concurred with a nod, this tallies with what I had heard of this respected Minister's deeds and misfortunes.

"In this remote province, my Lord, Taok Therkan served loyally for seven years, awaiting a reprieve which never came.  During these unsuspecting years my maternal Uncle Zakhertan  Yozdek, who was only a Field Marshall then, steadily grew in power through his alliance in marriage to Prime Minister Morvald's younger sister."

What's this? Svein fumed in silence, seated some ways back, He's related to that usurper, and he still expects us to trust him?  He glared at Alec with added misgivings.

Stark (Asger) construing (surmising) Svein’s thoughts, with a discreet glimpse apprised his nephew that he was aware of this fact already.

"You probably don’t know this sir,” Alec meanwhile had continued, “but my father had a serious falling out with my uncle shortly after his banishment, when at a private dinner with Zakhertan and his confident clique (faction), he’d refused to accede to their mutual censure (criticism) of His Royal Highness, Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir's waning power, warranting hence, apt resolution, their synonym for rebellion ."

Though this piece of news had escaped Stark (Asger), he did not let on.  As it were, in the absence of any reliable intelligence he had only once cogitated on the predicament of this outspoken, loyal patriot.

"When my father with his inherent prescience (foresight) deduced from certain indicators the initial stages of diabolical plot to overthrow His Royal Highness Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir,” Alec swallowed, “his subsequent attempts to block it or warn the Monarch, were all but rendered ineffective. His father Lu Therkan, you see, had surreptitiously intercepted each attempt.  Seeing no end to father's stubborn persistence, Grandfather Therkan then conceived of the drastic measure of incarcerating father in his own home for the duration.  Paternal Uncle Po was dispatched on this errand with explicit instructions to engage the assistance of the entire household in the successful confinement of Taok Therkan in his study and furthermore, have him excluded (barred, prohibited) from any outside contact until the danger had passed. “

“With his whole family turned against him, father beat his chest and lamented bitterly, via his writing brush, onto the innumerable pages.  Yet even these tomes bearing his grief were spirited away and burned.  The family acted under misconstrued notion that due to a temporary madness or some other such mental malady, he was rendered incapable of seeing sense or reason; therefore, the actions they took were for the noble purpose of protecting father from harming himself.”

"Now, while father was kept cloistered, the entire country as you well know underwent catastrophic changes, when Field Marshal Zakhertan  Yozdek with one bloody sweep, usurped the power of the throne.  Even though this news was kept from him, Taok's understanding of the facts led him to an accurate assessment of the situation.  His condition grew progressively worse with each passing day until one day, to the family's consternation, he stopped eating and taking any medication altogether.  The physician's summoned to his bedside, however competent, remained unable to cure him and Taok slowly began to (fade) waste away.  In anticipation of his approaching demise the immediate family under Uncle Po’s directive, began making preparations for the funeral.”

"Then one day, quite unexpectedly, my father received a visitor of such importance that the family dared not keep him away.  It was father's old friend, Lord Shonne Gulbrand.  His Lordship stayed at father's bedside for a very long time and, after his departure, to the utter delight of his family, my father now a transformed man, once more began taking in (consumed) nourishment and willingly ingested the prescribed medicine.  His subsequent recovery was swift and in no time at all he was back on his feet and writing again.”

“Father spent endless hours alone in his study inscribing (writing) most of the time; only now he painstakingly put down two versions of each and took particular care to conceal the copy concerning the truthful, pertinent depictions. Since he exhibited none of his previous adverse characteristics and even seemed to have quietly submitted to the idea of Zakhertan's rule, the restrictions on him were gradually withdrawn (lifted, rescinded) until they became non-existent.  The death of Grandfather Lu Therkan provided father with a further reason to abstain from official duties, travel or social functions and served well his self-imposed ostracism from the rest of the family.”

“After the period of mourning, on the second anniversary date of Zakhertan's inauguration as Emperor, father once more with a self-induced illness deliberately absented himself from court and the following festivities.  Subsequently, in an official letter, citing persistent ill health, father requested permission from then Monarch to be allowed to resign his assigned post and abjure any other posts thereafter.  In this way, by remaining in permanent retirement at Wuchi, father had sought to avoid serving the Yozdek regime.”

“During his conspicuous absence, his esteemed wife, Zakhertan Yozdek's second sister (by the same mother) Lady Kelda, striving to mend any ensuing harm, had persistently allotted bribes or pleaded with Zakhertan to overlook her husband's incompetence and inability to respond in his service.  Recalling to Zakhertan's memory the great services rendered by her brother-in-law and her late father-in-law, she implored Zakhertan to show tolerance and not interrupt her husband's line, since they were still by then without an offspring. I was conceived, you see, eight months later.”

 LADY KELDA

“Fortuitously also for father, Zakhertan's main concerns at the time rested in his consolidation of power over all aspects of the government, the pacification of the land, and confronting the growing threat of the Alvacons in the north-eastern territories.  In the end, persuaded by his sister and the other relatives' entreaties, Zakhertan Yozdek perfunctorily dismissed the spiteful, deemed malicious whispered slanders from father’s professed enemies in Court, and granted father an early retirement with modest stipend, in Wuchi province. This would have been the end to my father's troubles, had he remained in obscurity as he had been ordered to, but far from it.  Covertly, he began assisting loyal patriots of the late monarch who had flocked to him in secret to gain his guidance and protection.  In addition, being the prolific writer that he was, he initiated an underground resistance by wielding his brush to produce literary works in a brilliant symbolic form, exposing the existing corruption, the hypocritical rule and the evil aspects of the present regime. Consequently, in a very short time his small initial following grew too significant enough numbers to give serious challenge to the bastions of authority in various provinces."

"Indeed, the minister was most worthy of praise.” Stark (Asger) interjected thoughtfully.  "Truly a remarkable individual, a true patriot, the way he rose above private gain and the personal concerns of his family to place his deposed Sovereign's and his nation's interests first in importance.  This tells of his great understanding of loyalty and filial piety."

“Not unlike yourself, my Lord.  Your son languishes in...”

“My son is dead!” Stark (Asger), deliberately ignoring Svein’s questioning   gaze, curtly interrupted Alec.  “I thank you not to digress.”  Stark’s (Asger’s) words were cordial but his tone more a command, it bode no argument.

“As you wish my Lord,” Alec readily, circumspectly acquiesced; prudently eyeing Svein in a side-glance.  Excellent; I finally have the confirmation I sought. Hah, I will make good use of this later, to effectively disarm either him or both. 

"But unfortunately, my Lord, while the resistance movement was still in its infancy, some of my father’s works, despite all the care taken, still fell into the wrong hands and they were brought to the attention of Lord Geir.  The despicable traitor, who had from the start ardently supported Zakhertan’s ambition to seize power, because of his invaluable service, now held the coveted position of ‘Senior Minister of Transmission of the Inner Chancery.”

Stark (Asger) threw a transitory side-glance at Svein and noting that Svein recollected well this part of his lessons (that “Office of Transmission: One of the boards of the Inner Chancery responsible for accepting memorials from the officials and petitioners.”), turned his attention back on Alec who’d continued on without interruption.

 “Only he had dared to go behind the Prime Minister's back to submit this incriminating evidence to the attention of Zakhertan Yozdek.”

"The end result was the immediate dispatch of the palace guards, to arrest and bring father in chains back to the capital to account for his treasonous crimes. Lord Geir had a longstanding personal grudge against father you see, and torture and debasing would be the least of father’s expected woes before the gruesome, ignoble public execution.  Fortunately receiving an advance warning from a sympathizer in Court, father was able to commit all the incriminating documents and papers to the flames and by sending word, also spared his covert affiliates from the similar predicament. Why hadn’t he simply fled, you may ask? In truth he was ailing and besides, his desire to revile Zakhertan Yozdek to his face was an irresistible draw, that made father forsook safety, knowing also that the solidly entrenched resistance movement would still thrive through me, his only son.  Entrusting me to his assistant and confidant, Kai, he gave instructions to take me under concealment to the residence of Lord Gulbrand.  His last words to me on the night of my departure were, 'Now you must grow up fast.  From this time onward you are to look to Lord Gulbrand as your only family.  Obey him explicitly, with all the rights that are due to a father and assist the Lord in his determination to set right all the wrongs of this country.'  With tears in his eyes, he then embraced me one last time and whispered into my ear, 'Mark my words well, son, and rid our ancestors of this shame.  It is now up to you with the actions you take to restore honor and credit to our family name.' "

Alec bit the corner of his lip to quell (refrain) the surge of emotions swelling his chest and looked away. After a momentary silence in which his vacant gaze was pinned to the flickering tongues of the fire, he forced a smile to his lips and, once more, resumed his story, "I gave my solemn promise to do my utmost and, without really understanding the meaning   of my words, since I was only five years in age, I vowed to return (reestablish) justice and peace to this land.  It was not until much later that I fully grasped the course of my appointed task: that of assisting Lord Shonne Gulbrand in raising an insurrectionist army to overthrow the Yozdek regime and reinstating the rightful Prince then at large, back into power.  'Only then,' as my late father had once asserted in a letter to Lord Shonne Gulbrand, 'could the dark, oppressive clouds which are shrouding the brilliance of the sun and are casting the earth into darkness and despair be lifted for the good of all.'"

"It is my understanding," Svein felt impelled to interrupt, "that Zakhertan Yozdek held absolute power of rule in the years following his usurpation of the throne and had successfully eliminated the least opposition to himself and to his regime.  How was it then Lord Shonne Gulbrand was able to raise an insurrection army?"  But before Alec could respond, Svein answered his own question, "Unless he too had kinship ties with Zakhertan Yozdek, benefiting hence from the usurper's only weakness."

"Precisely,” Stark (Asger) thoughtfully intervened.  “Harboring ambitions to usurp the throne, Zakhertan Yozdek prior did methodically seek to align him via marriages with the old established and powerful families, including that of Lord Shonne Gulbrand's.  Just two years preceding his perfidious deed, he had in fact arranged for his youngest sister to marry Lord Shonne Gulbrand.  It is regrettable that at the time no one foresaw or grasped the scope of Zakhertan's ambition."  This said Stark (Asger) lapsed into further brooding.

"But then, my Lord, when things came to such a pass," Alec interjected, "as the brother-in-law of Zakhertan Yozdek, Lord Shonne Gulbrand remained above suspicion.”

Did he, now! Stark sardonically pondering, turned his (skeptical,) questioning gaze back on Alec.  

 “Though perhaps not as much as Zakhertan's blood kin,” Alec relented. “It was however enough justification to give Lord Shonne Gulbrand the advantage over others who sought to lead the underground resistance campaign.  Zakhertan's rise to power was too swift for anyone to forestall (thwart), but he had underestimated the stanch loyalty of the people to the late Sovereign and the resulting resistance to the new order.”

"His Lordship Shonne Gulbrand, his bloodline besides being from the most illustrious line of old kings, was most fortunate still in another aspect.  Because he had won over the heart of his beautiful wife Lady Bergdis, so completely, he was able to carry out his plans without fear of being exposed by her.”

 LADY BERGDIS

 “Since Zakhertan Yozdek doggedly relies on blood kin to stay informed of irregularities and true intent while upholding his innate distrust of anyone else, need I say more?"

Both Stark (Asger) and Svein concurred with a nod. As they exchanged a meaningful quick glance, a certain understanding had just then passed between them.  Stark (Asger) was very intrigued indeed with the scope (degree, amount) of information Alec had in his possession. Aside from the question of validity, what concerned Stark (Asger) most were the source and the means by which Alec had come by it all.

Stark hence inwardly pondered. With what other tactical advantages has this supposed Alec Therkan, been furnished?

Hmm, two can play this game. Stark (Asger) feigned that he had seemingly heard enough. 

Anticipating Alec’s nourishment needs by about now, Stark (Asger) whispered his instructions to Svein and sent him along to fetch a new pot of tea and some sustenance.

 Stark (Asger) then as if in an afterthought, going over, personally untied Alec's bonds and removed them.  As he did this, he, with sincerity in his voice, apologized for the inconvenience and the precautions.

When Svein returned, Alec was invited to partake of the food and though Alec craved wine, for he was spent with all that discourse, he quaffed (consumed) several cups of tea after chomping on the rather surprisingly delicious morsels. His immediate hunger satiated; his face flushed when he realized his impropriety. After brief muttering of recriminations against himself, "Please overlook my rude indiscretion.” shamefaced Alec humbly asked their pardon, "for I’m afraid, I have unwittingly adopted some coarse mannerisms of Duan's during our long term together.  I ask most humbly for your Lordship's indulgence and forgiveness."

"Apologies are quite unnecessary,” Stark (Asger) cordially (affably) responded.

  "In a remote dwelling such as this, sir, you are not required to stand at a ceremony.  Please be at your ease and treat us instead as just old acquaintances."

"You are too kind, my Lord,” Alec replied, rising to bow to Asger, "but I would not dare to be so presumptuous." Only after much persuasion did Alec finally accede to Stark’s (Asger's) wishes.

Afterward, Alec without reserve ate his fill, even though he’d detected a certain taste in some of the delectable edibles, mushroom of sorts that was associated with a mild sedative.  Inwardly he grinned, somewhat amused by this sustained (incessant) astute precaution on Asger’s part.

 As they consumed more cups of the strong brewed tea, Stark (Asger) asked to learn more of the country's current political and economic state, and then more specifically asked after Lord Shonne Gulbrand's alleged activities.  He listened to Alec's relayed news with rapt attention, hanging on to his every word.

Sitting up the rest of the night, Alec told how at one point in time, while the major portion of the country was cast into ceaseless turmoil and widespread discontent resulting from catastrophic natural events, the factional strife between the Yozdek relatives entrenched in powerful positions, surmounting the political disturbances and instability, had seriously weakened the seemingly sound central government to the very core.  With indignation he next elaborated on how while many countrymen suffered under the tyrannical rule of the oppressive regime- burdened with heavy taxation and ruthless exploitation or pressed into hard military service: the aristocratic gentry enjoyed many of life’s luxuries scheming or vying the whole time for even more power.

 “Consequently hitherto (until now), in various sectors there’s been violent eruptions or to put it plainly, sporadic pockets of rebellion, furthering the nation’s instability.” Alec took in a breather and leaned back.

"Rebellions, insurrectionist skirmishes," again Svein interposed to ask skeptically, "how is it that we have not heard or experienced any such feat in this region?"

"You are so very far removed from the capital, sir,” came Alec's impatient, sardonic response with his bemused smile, "or any civilization for that matter.  In this God and government forsaken sector of the Empire, in this barren region where there is so little economic gain to be had, where law and order is rarely enforced, with the populace left to fend for themselves like wild beasts and where only daily survival is paramount in importance, how then do you, sir, expect to be drawn into the rest of the country's concerns?”

"Of course, your perceptions are apt, sir, but was there any requisite for such a protracted, sarcastic diatribe (homily)?” Stark (Asger) timely intervened in an icy tone, thus curbing Svein's hot retort.

 You are shrewd, I give you that… You’d rather play ignorant and volunteer nothing; very well, no goading for now.

"I offer my most humble apologies to your Lordship and your nephew", Alec quickly backed off, "for my negligent, careless words and manner." 

Things on the outset duly pacified, Alec then went on to describe in detail how the rest of the country at present was being transformed by the gradual, sweeping tide of revolution.  "Lord Shonne Gulbrand, the only one in a position to do so, my Lord, has all along secretly lent his invaluable support to the various insurgent rebel forces and adapting gorilla welfare tactics, aided them in successfully engaging the government troops in countless serious confrontations, chiefly at the lucrative southwestern border regions.  In these newly secured territories, the insurgents’ combining   force with the (indigenous) foreigners has, time and again, been a bane and a serious contender, forcing the central government inevitably to further deplete its treasury."

If only that were true, Asger looked away, musing. 

 

(END OF SECTION 8)

 

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE ASSASSINS- SECTION 7

 

 Unarmed Brandt intrepidly faced Stark and then pointing to Duan's corpse, tersely exclaimed, "Incriminating as this may seem, it affected the desired purpose. Heretofore I had to go along, to earn his trust, knowing he would lead me to you both.  And I had to make it look good during the fight so as to disarm him and gain such an opportunity to assist your Lordship, Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon?”

On saying this Brandt   gave another respectful, though a bit more flamboyant bow to Stark.

Svein, taken by surprise, turned his questioning, hurtful eyes on his uncle:  Asger?  Asger Thuxur Marrog Zhon?  Is that who you really are? If so, why have you seen fit to keep this from me in all this time and after all we’ve been through? 

SVEIN

Mindful of Svein's stare, Asger's cold, stanch gaze remained affixed on Brandt.

"If my words prove to be false or misleading, my Lord, you may then consign me to the sword, and I will not cry out of any injustice."  Brandt   paused to cough lightly, clearing his throat, and then continued, "My Lord, I would like to first declare my undying loyalty and allegiance to our late sovereign, Zuronghan Alric Therran Valamir and his supporters.  I solemnly swear on my honor and on my ancestor’s grave, to the validity of my claim.”

 In his heart of hearts Brandt   hoped his father and his ancestors would forgive him of this very necessary falsehood! As it were, it had taken all his willpower not to have (choked) gagged on his asserted (avowed), sham oath.  His eyes did not blink staring straight at Lord Asger’s, nor did his earnest tone waver, when he next explained, "I had not chosen to accompany this notorious assassin by (accident) chance, my Lord.”

He paused and then smiled disarmingly, desiring to elicit suspense.  “I was entrusted with this task and pursued this difficult course at the urging of Lord Shonne Gulbrand, when His Lordship had received word from the capital that proper authorities clandestinely had enlisted this assassin Duan to track and murder, your esteemed self. Up until then, the precursors of Duan had presented no real danger and had required no such course of action (drastic recourse)."

Brandt’s reference to Lord Shonne Gulbrand would have easily been dismissed by Svein, had it not been for the slight change in Stark’s (Asger’s) coloration that instigated (incurred) his curiosity.

Perhaps this was unperceived or simply overlooked by Brandt who’d unceasingly continued with his accounts, “I’d pursued Duan covertly for day and a half, until one evening I fell into his adroit ambush.  At sword point I was forced to concoct a convincing tale, chiefly that I too, was dispatched by the authorities, to observe and if need be, fight alongside him for this mission’s success. Lord Shonne Gulbrand with his foresight and seeing to every detail had fortunately furnished me with official looking forgeries. Duan was outraged and threatened to kill me at first, but on a moment's reflection, he stayed his sword poised to strike at my throat and asked to see my credentials plus these so-called instructions.  After brief scrutiny he was ascertained of their authenticity and begrudgingly consented to my company. For reasons known only to him however, he kept the documents on him, in the inner pocket of his upper garment. If you fetch them, these false documents at least will verify part of my story.”

Brandt   had altered the truth only slightly, in fact both Duan and he had been from the very start secretly dispatched from the capital by Lady Lingrace.  She had seen to every possible contingency and provided Brandt   with the documents.  Neither Emperor nor Lord Shonne Gulbrand had anything to do with it.  Her ladyship had insisted Brandt   accompany Duan on this task, and Duan after demanding more payment to compensate for this weak link, had reluctantly agreed to it.

A nod from Stark (Asger) sent Svein over to Duan’s corpse; his upper garment had been discarded during the intense fight, some time prior to his eventual death.  After a brief search, Svein returned with the waxed leather case and handed it over to his uncle. Svein (Asger) kept a close eye on Brandt, as he, after removing the airtight outer casing, briefly examined (perused) the contents of it. Somewhat satisfied, Stark (Asger) simply tucked them away in his side-pocket.

 “You may continue.”  He next commanded Brandt, with still cold indifference.

Brandt   had only guessed where Duan had kept the papers.  Fortunately, they had survived destruction from the slashes of the intense fighting earlier on.

"For over two years, my Lord,” Brandt   pleased with the outcome, continued in earnest.  “I remained undaunted by countless obstacles and hardships that villain had put me through. He left a bloody trail behind of unimaginable horrors. All the while, he took such perverse pleasure at my sufferings.” He closed his eyes fleetingly then shook his head as if to purge dreaded images from his mind.

“I had to adapt my Lord, had to be more like him, till eventually, I gained his confidence and thereafter I gleaned through observance or from whatever few civil words he cast my way, some insight into his strengths and weaknesses.  Do not judge me too harshly my Lord; for had I not timely interceded, albeit in perceived treasonous manner, I'm afraid that competent as you both are, hmm.” Brandt   hesitated for a moment, before putting it more delicately.

 “Let us say, Your Lordship had not yet seen his utmost capacity. He was only toying, biding his time till he unleashed his worst on you both.  Had he chosen to flee…?” Brandt   shook his head dourly.  “Oh, I’ve seen him (in a flash) instantaneously disappear into thin air.  Had he done that and then descended upon your Lordship and company later, the inexorable dire consequences would have indeed weighed heavily on my conscience.  My Lord, he could move like the devil's wind on treetops or through earth, sand and snow leaving no tracks to follow him by.” He looked up squarely at Asger.

"Surely now, your lordship can understand the necessity for all my prior deceit and alleged, dishonorable conduct."

Stark (Asger) was not at all swayed by this remarkable performance; moreover, he suspected Brandt of being far shrewder and wilier an adversary than he led on.

“Hmm, the gravity of our situation (precarious existence) is further burgeoned by the fact that these two has done the impossible; they have succeeded in where that Usurper with all his resources and manpower has failed to do in twenty years.  And why Lord Shonne Gulbrand, why pick him?”   With a stone face, Stark (Asger) inwardly pondered.

STARK (ASGER)

As it were, Lord Shonne Gulbrand, because of the scrutiny from Capital lasting till present, for both their sakes, had remained quite out of touch with Asger or any other existing insurgent groups.

“Yet now he would risk all, undertaking such a perilous feat?” Stark further mused.

His eyes piercing Brandt’s, hmm, he may or may not have accomplices. Stark studied Brandt, while on the outset seemingly taken in, assiduously listened to the rest of latter’s yarn.

This close call had nevertheless, warranted caution and in order to obtain further pertinent data, Stark (Asger) needed time to at length interrogate (grill, probe) this albeit cunning and definitely sly adversary.  Well before this undertaking, however, he needed first to clarify a few more specifics.

"I am inclined to believe you sir. “Stark (Asger), breaking his silence, injected thoughtfully.  "Still, what further proof can you present to win my confidence?"

"That has already been arranged, my Lord.” Brandt   complied respectfully and bluffed.  "After Lord Shonne Gulbrand had assisted your esteemed self's escape, he had, with due discretion, dispensed the necessary funds and manpower to procure the other of your twin swords before it fell into the enemy hands.” Inwardly elated Brandt   congratulated himself, for his quick thinking and postulation (conjecture).  

Lack of any reaction, adverse or otherwise, on Asger’s part had reaffirmed Brandt’s longstanding hypothesis. So, Lord Shonne Gulbrand had a definite hand in Asger’s escape after all!   

Outwardly, meanwhile, Brandt maintained an even tone and continued without cessation.  “His Lordship had done this, with the utmost confidence that one day when the time was ripe; he would present it to your Lordship, perhaps upon your next meeting.” He halted his narrative with a barely discernible hint of a query in his tone.

No? No reaction, none? So, there has been no contact with Lord Shonee Gulbrand since then. Good!

With confidence now, Brandt added. “When it became necessary to send me on this errand however, he entrusted it to me as a means of winning your Lordship's confidence.”

That’s highly unlikely! Stark mused, while pretending to acquiesce.

 “Please examine the sword that now lies on the ground.  I dare not make a move to procure it, lest you’re Lordship and your respected nephew here suspects me of a ruse."  Having said this, he looked directly at Svein with a certain glint in his eyes, a slight semblance of a dare, as he artlessly donned an infuriating, bemused smile.

"There is no need to examine it”, came Stark’s (Asger's) icy response.

 "Svein, please be good enough to retrieve it for me."

"Don't trust him, Uncle.” Svein murmured a warning as he, (recovering it,) handed over the sword.

 Stark (Asger) merely grunted his concurrence then, oblivious to the raging snowstorm, continued to interrogate Brandt further with more penetrating questions. After a time, Asger, seemingly satisfied with Brandt’s responses, appeared by degrees more accepting of Brandt.

 In this entire time, obliging as Brandt was with his answers, not being as hardy (resilient) as Stark and Svein, he had gradually succumbed to the effects of fatigue and cold.

BRANDT

At first, Brandt’s complexion progressively paled; the next instant, in mid-sentence his face gone completely ashen, he’d faltered, swayed on his feet and simply collapsed face down onto the ground already cushioned with thick layer of fresh snow.

 Svein darted over to Brandt’s side. Crouching over the body, he turned Brandt   over and brushed off the snow before examining   Brandt’s vital signs.  Brandt   was clearly unconscious, however still suspecting a ruse; he guardedly examined Brandt’s apparent injuries.  He did have a few serious bruises, lacerations, slight frostbite in fingers and a big bulge, sort of swelling (lump) on top of the head, underneath that mop of hair.

“I suppose the combat, contusion, the strain of inquiry and the elements were all in all too much for him!”  Svein with an air of disdain concluded his findings. 

Stark’s (Asger’s) cursory examination of Brandt’s discarded stiletto (dagger) meanwhile had revealed that the blade had predictably been laced with a rare but very potent poison. Asger’s mind had at once recalled another such incident where this poison had been used with equally dire consequences. 

Concealing his unease however, Stark (Asger) simply nodded; then on his directive, Svein hauled Brandt   over his back and followed his uncle to the stables.

There, they found a comfortable spot for Brandt   to lie, well away from the horse, where they had kept some of the (non-essential) winter supplies. They lit a brazier and stacked it with wood to make sure it would last out the night, then fetching the medicine and such, Asger with due diligence tended to Brandt’s wounds, while Svein at the outside secured both Brandt and Duan’s horses and after a cursory scrub housed them also in the stables alongside Fiery Comet. 

Stark (Asger) had scant reaction to Svein’s subsequent news, that judging by the obvious tracks, Duan’s corpse had already been swiftly carted away by pack of wolves (if not some hungry predatory beast); therefore, negating any necessity of a proper burial or pursuit of the remains. 

                                                                                                            

                                                                      ~

 

(END OF SECTION 7)

 

LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC - THE ASSASSINS - SECTION 6

 LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC

THE ASSASSINS - SECTION 6

Outside the cabin the ongoing combat by degrees had further intensified. Now they had as well the sudden snowstorm to contend with. The blinding swirls in part aided Svein and Stark who were adept at fighting in all kinds of weather.

SVEIN

 Unfortunately for Brandt, already impeded by the erupting gusts of wind and snow, he failed to intercept a lightning   strike from the side and so was catapulted off his feet.

With Brandt’s sword flying from his hand, his body next in a headlong thrust was projected through the air straight at the thick trunk of an ancient tree. The severity of the hit immediately rendered him unconscious.   After a spell when he came to, the fighting had fortuitously steered well away from his position. 

Everyone being too preoccupied with the deadly struggle, none had noted his regaining   consciousness. Seizing this opportunity, as his head throbbed anyhow and stars still danced before his eyes, besides which his body having taken quite a beating ached all over- Brandt   closed his eyes and remained perfectly still where he lay. His intent was to purloin (pilfer) some time to consider his options while he regained his full faculties and strength. 

Brandt’s subsequent stealthy observance revealed that Duan ‘s discarded sword with a broken blade lay to the side as Duan presently was using Brandt’s own sword.

Blue streaks of icy light flashed from the fierce clashes of the twin swords, engaged by opposite forces.  On each turn one blocked the other's assaults effortlessly.

 Brandt   seethed in contemptuous rage as he noted how despite Stark’s apparent impediment- fresh blood from the previous wounds being ripped apart, in conjunction with the newly incurred ones increasingly soaking the bandages- latter still fought with incessant (relentless, constant), enduring strength, skill and agility.  Meanwhile the young one’s prowess was something akin to legendary warriors. Periodically the three would be locked in such a fierce, deadly combat of such dizzying speed, that the assaults and defensives became barely visible to the naked eye in that whirling wall of wind, blades, snow and debris.

Oh, such a feat, a truly spectacular (outstanding) sight! Witnessing these near fatal clashes and murderous charges, Brandt   despite himself, for a spell, had remained in awe of their brilliant magnificence.

SVEIN

His abhorrence of the nemesis was such, however, that all too quickly his face darkened, when he rebounded from this temporary sense of wonderment. 

Blast him! Brandt   presently bit his lip and cursed under his breath, as his covert focus once again was affixed on Stark.  Wounded and old, yet the fiend still fights with the strength of a hundred men.  No doubt he is aided by demons! Hmmm…This remarkable youth and he, together they represented an invincible (unbeatable) force; but perhaps individually, he inwardly concurred: yes, individually they could be bested.

It was at this point, recalling an old axiom about the two fighting tigers, that the very solution hit (struck) Brandt: his would be subsequent course of action, the only plausible option. Brandt’s heart more at peace now, he closed his eyes in respite. He would wait out the fighting tigers till they wore each other out.

Furiously however, it had continued seemingly endlessly, with the same vigor (dynamism, energy) and intensity. Though the contenders had by then divested themselves of most of their garments which now lay scattered about on the ground, and the biting winds had picked up to form rime (hoarfrost) on their hair, rivulets of sweat still ran down their foreheads, cheeks and over their bare chests.

Brandt   while remaining   perfectly still and, waiting for this stalemate to end, with hypnotic force of his mind had effectively blocked out the ravages of the cold from affecting his body.  But another sort of danger was creeping in, for the scent of warm blood fresh from the combatants’ wounds intermingling with sweat had attracted countless glowing eyes in the thick bushes around the clearing.  Saliva dripping from their mouths the hungry pack of wolves waited patiently for a chance to strike (and devour the resulting, wounded prey).

Brandt felt as though he would burst stealthily observing how Duan breathed hot, venomous vapors from his nostrils as he wielded his sword with colossal (enormous) lethal force; yet each strike was deflected with such maddening   equanimity.  With no visible signs of strain or slowing down, both Svein and Stark kept up with their consistent fighting and superb assault and offensives. 

Blast! Brandt   seethed (fumed) considering this chink (unexpected turn) in his otherwise plausible plan.  Duan should have bested them by then or at least weakened them, but the fiend had finally met his match.

                                                                   ~

 

Stark had detected (been aware) the precise moment Brandt had regained consciousness (lucid state) then later still, noted latter’s subsequent deception (the façade). Mulling over the possible reasons Stark had kept a furtive eye on Brandt while he fought on then, deferring this concern for the more impending ploy, at a specific point in time drawing near to Svein, Stark shouted out a foreign sounding word to him.

 Following Svein’s barely discernible nod (his acquiescence) the swift coordinated assaults executed with such brilliant exactitude, once more forced Duan to shift to the defensive. Whilst he was being kept at bay, at an opportune moment at lightning speed Svein and Stark exchanged their weapons.

Presently, with his innate agility and speed, wielding the ancestor sword, Svein became even more indomitable (invincible).  Temporarily cast in dire straits, Duan summoned his most intrinsic powers and incredible zeal, however, to just barely stand his ground.

                          ~                                        

 All this time while remaining perfectly motionless, Brandt, his intense loathing of Stark fueling his resolve racked his brains till, he finally (hatched) arrived at the only plausible way to bring about a swift resolution to this maddening impasse. Mindful of the two poisoned stilettos concealed in the seams of his leather boots, he then biding his time, waited for an apt opportunity.

When the fighting eventually drew closer in proximity to Brandt, taking advantage of the fact that Duan’s total attention was focused on fending Svein and Stark’s synchronized, choreographed attacks, Brandt   nimbly sprung to his feet and rushed forth to with a lightening   thrust bury his stiletto (blade) deep into and up Duan's back.

"Damn your treachery!” Duan’s rancorous side glance pinpointing Brandt, he gasped.  “You’ll pay for this!” he licked the blood trickling from the corner of his mouth; but his malicious intent was interrupted when Brandt   nimbly veered, and instead, Svein’s deadly strike finding its mark, cut a line clear across (sliced right through) Duan’s chest and stomach.  Duan staggered on his feet for a second, then fell to the ground lifeless, his eyes bulging open and his mouth gaping with curses still frozen on his lips.  Covered in blood, his innards dangling, he looked (represented) a most gruesome sight. 

Brandt   with his bloody stiletto still poised to strike, in a surprise move just then, had adroitly jumped back way clear of the circle of combat and stood there defensively facing Svein.

"What's the meaning of this?” Stark raged at Brandt, effectively blocking Svein’s scathing rebuke.

"Let me finish him off, Uncle; his ruse is too obvious."” Svein glared at Brandt.  I’ve met him before, on my last trip to town, and trust me on this; he is no friend but a foe.”

"Sir, I beseech you.  Hear what I have to say, before condemning me." Brandt   interposed in a respectful, yet forceful tone, facing Stark while monitoring Svein from the corner of his eye. His conciliatory gesture of throwing his weapon aside at odds with his wry grin, he now grumbled. "Please allow me this opportunity to explain."

"Speak up, then!” Stark shouted sternly (austerely).

With a great show, Brandt bowed then crossed his clenched fists across his chest in show of humility, knowing that Stark, an honorable man by reputation, would not harm or allow another (Svein) to bring harm to an unarmed man.

 

(END OF SECTION 6)