Zenak by George S. Pappas Page A

stables,” Zenak said.
    The stables were on the west side of the palace and it took only a few minutes to reach them. Gam was ready and waiting impatiently. It was as if the powerful war mark had a sixth sense that made him cognizant of an impending errand of great importance that he and his master were em­barking upon. Sharp, new razors had been installed in his hooves and his hair had been quickly but expertly groomed. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind, nor in Gam’s mind, that he was a magnificent war mark. Zenak looked at Gam in loving admiration and then patted the warm hairy nose and said, “You are a fine mark, my good friend.” Then he lightly mounted Gam and looked down upon Habor.
    â€œGood times, my friend,” Zenak said. His face was stern and grim.
    â€œGood times to you, Zenak,” Habor said.
    They both stared intently at each other and then Zenak and Gam bolted away. Habor watched Zenak ride through the palace gate. He could not help but think what a spectacular sight Zenak and Gam made as Gam lightly trotted out of the Palace. Habor felt sure that no foe, no matter how formidable, could ever stand up against such a pair.
    Zenak’s swift ride through the city aroused much commotion and emotion. The people knew by Zenak’s dress that their king was riding to avenge the abduction of his beloved wife. Many people stopped what they were doing and stared at Zenak as he swiftly rode by. Some of the people called out to Zenak wishing him good times in his quest for revenge. Zenak never even slightly acknowledged the well-wishers. His grim, swarthy countenance and frowning brow bespoke of a man lost in thought. The people, however, did not begrudge Zenak for his lack of social manners by not answering their cries of good times. The people knew that Zenak was really a wild ani­mal: self-tamed for the purpose of social amenities and the ruling of a country. But when a great crisis arose, the tameness was left to drift back into the recesses of the brain and the untamed animal was allowed to rear its savage head, causing Zenak to move toward the settlement of a great crisis with unerring fortitude.
    Many of the citizens could not control their emotions when just outside the city gates Zenak stopped Gam abruptly and turned around to look at his adopted home. Some of the inhabitants insisted it was only a glance but others insisted that their king stared longingly at the gates and that tears came to his eyes. Even if the time span was disagreed upon, all agreed that Zenak’s action was a terrible premonition of future atrocities that would befall not only Deparne but also the entire Island. The city was never again its joyous self.

Chapter 9
    When Vokar melted the guards, Famad did not leave the area quickly enough to tell the captain of the guards of the “abduction.” Consequently Mara and Vokar were not questioned when they ordered the stableman to get two riding marks. If Deparne had had the bureaucratic bewilderment of its neighbor­ing country, Vespu, Mara and Vokar would have had a much more difficult time obtaining the marks. Papers would have had to have been signed, officials would have had to be called, and most likely there would have been a waiting list. Deparne, however, was simpler and on the whole her more simple system of life and government was much appreciated by all, even though someone as evil as Vokar was allowed to escape,
    It wasn’t until Mara and Vokar had secured their marks that the captain was alerted by Famad, but the captain was in time for the city gate guards to be alerted. A series of blasts from three great horns on top of the palace indicated to the gate guards that the gates were to be shut. So when Vokar and Mara arrived at the eastern gate, ten guards with swords in hand awaited them.
    â€œOpen the gates. Vokar the High Priest orders it,” Vokar bellowed. Mara sat very quietly. The prince was asleep.
    The gatekeeper