Thar's palace
Before their journey could start, one morning someone from the palace arrived to them with a letter which he handed over to Zen.
"I have come to take you to the royal palace" said the man "King Soor has summoned all of you"
Faces turned, looking at each other. Rooh whispered "How in the world did they know?"
Zen stared upon Hann who was standing pale yellow and suddenly everyone got their answer. They packed their bags as soon as they could and hit the way to the palace. There was no point in hiding any further.
It went almost noon as they reached to the huge walls again, from the front gate this time. Big royal doors made up of steel with beautiful engraving of dragons were opened for them to step in.
It started with a garden full of roses, leading up to huge buildings, placed one after another and eventually leading to the palace at the centre. It was a white marble palace bustling with royal guards who were waiting for their arrival. King Soor was sitting in his big velvet couch in the middle of the hall with some of his dukes and guards. Lady Arya was sitting next to him and staring at Rooh.
"Welcome! I have been waiting for you" said king Soor.
Zen moved forward "What business do you have with us? Your majesty…!"
"My business is with those two" Soor pointed towards Aditya and Rooh "Both of you were from Sitara, am I correct?"
"Yes, we are!" answered Aditya.
"Interesting…! I want you to tell us everything you know about Mahmood and kingdom Khatak and everything else you think I need to know"
Aditya looked at Rooh for a moment then stepped forward "Mahmood is a ruthless king of Zohar kingdom in the west of Sitara; after acquiring kingdom Khatak in the east, almost one and a half years ago, he attacked our village in which no one survived except us."
"What happened after that?" Soor asked listening keenly.
"We don't know! Other than that, I can only tell you that he has a special man called Rahim, our sworn enemy who conducts the attacks over nearby villages to extend their reach over different kingdoms… Both of us retreated after the attack on Sitara and found ourselves in this kingdom" Aditya ended the conversation.
King's men started to look at each other's faces. Lady Arya was still glaring at Rooh. King Soor leaned over the couch, folding his hands.
"So, the rumours were indeed true! Well, some of his troops were seen at the outskirts of our land a few days ago. Our sources tell us that they are planning to attack our kingdom now" said Soor, pausing a bit "What else can you tell me…."
"Their attacks are pre planned and sudden" Aditya kept on "They attack on a large scale to acquire some land then attack again after acquiring strength, one after another. They keep repeating this tactic until they win the entire kingdom and wherever they had to fight, they burn the place calling it a fire festival"
"They shouldn't be reaching here from the river side as it is covered all the way from thick forest and filled with wild animals" Rooh stood beside Aditya "But I am not sure as our people were annihilated after the forest".
"I see… maybe someone from your village was involved" Soor arrogantly looked at both of them.
Even a thought of there being a traitor in the village was a straight insult to both of them and those who had died. Aditya, filled with rage, glared at Soor with eyes that of blood but was way behind Rooh who almost reached her arrows.
Soldiers of the castle took their weapons forth facing the four of them. Zen came forward and stopped the boiling young ones and Soor raised his hand ordering all to lower their weapons.
"Emotion kills in the line of war" Soor continued.
"They were chased after" Aditya controlled himself "And that is all what happened …"
"I see…." Soor crossed his hands.
"We were able to cross because we're blessed and now none is left who can guide them into the forest" Aditya continued "...That's all I can tell you"
"You're still left" added Soor.
"King Soor!" Zen roared "You dare call us traitors"
"I am the king! King of Thar" Soor roared back "Not a priest of some old temple!"
"But we …." Hann tried to cut in.
"Silence!" Soor pointed towards them "I can capture all of you all right here and now if I want"
"Ohh really?" Rooh finally draw her bow out "Let's see how you do that"
"Don't be so naïve" Soor looked down on Rooh "A deer shouldn't challenge a lion"
"Exactly" Rooh glared back at Soor "lioness to be exact"
It was all heating up to the point of war but soon after, a certain silence took their attention. Zen and his disciples were strong and king had the numbers, everyone knew that. They also knew that it was pointless to battle against each other when they have a common enemy. Coming to a common understanding and joining hands together was a wise decision but pride was in their way.
Soor stood up, folding his hands and took a few steps around his couch then came back "Do you realise that you were living in a restricted area without my permission?"
"It's our home" argued Zen.
"No, it's not" Soor continued "You're in my kingdom"
"We already told you it's our home" Hann said from behind "And it's not a crime"
"I didn't ask your opinion" Soor continued "Reflect on your crimes"
"Ohh come on" Rooh interrupted "Just say what do you want from us and get over with it"
Lady Arya was still keenly watching Rooh, with more alertness now. Every other person in the hall started whispering the other. The hall was noisy enough for the king to silence them himself.
"It's obvious that you want us for something" Zen stood beside Aditya "otherwise you wouldn't waste your time at a time like this"
Standing blank, Hann shook his head watching everyone's face.
"We have a common enemy" said Aditya "We just want Rahim's head; the rest is up to you"
Soor thought for a while then continued "Well, well… it's this simple… do as I say and I'll let you join us in the battle. You can have Raheem or whatever I don't care much"
Aditya and the others looked at each other "what's the deal?" asked zen.
"Find Vikram" said Soor "Of kingdom Luna"
"Are you serious?" Rooh was chuckled "You want us to find a king whose kingdom is literally next to you?"
"Bahahaha" king laughed aloud "If you can find him, I'll give you whatever you want, happy now?"
"Even if he's hiding somewhere" Aditya folded his hands "Wouldn't people of Luna know where their king is? How is it even possible?"
"Vikram is an unusual and unpredictable person. He never shows himself" said Soor "I have met him only once and we had agreed to stand by each other whenever the time comes as our kingdoms are just separated by a mere bridge and our people moves freely to each other's kingdom, but after that day, I have been searching him for ages but he is nowhere to be seen, nor his own people know here he is... If there is an attack, we both have to stand together otherwise we will fall together as well"
"How come he is so carefree about his own kingdom?" asked Zen "Does he even care about his own people?"
"Because of the holy river!" replied Soor "Since his entire kingdom is surrounded by the holy river, there is no way someone who wants to acquire or attack his kingdom can cross it! The only way to reach his kingdom is from the bridge of faith which is where our kingdom ends. So, if anyone want to attack him, they would have to defeat us first. That's why he is so carefree…"
"Greedy bastard!" Rooh tied her bow back.
"But how do you expect us to find him in such a little time when with all this manpower, you couldn't?" Aditya asked
"We have agreed that no one from the palace will cross borders but a messenger" said Soor "But whenever I have sent a messenger, he returns empty handed or get killed in the mountains by wild animals"
"Now I get the entire story" Rooh whispered.
"The two of you can pass the mountains easily. We are not certain about his exact whereabouts but he is somewhere in the mountains" Soor signalled his men to bring the agreement.
The hall got noisier again as one of the king's ministers came near him, had a little talk in private and after a while, took a letter out and handed over to the king.
"Find Vikram as soon as possible" Soor took the letter forward "This is the agreement signed by Vikram. He'll definitely remember this"
"We'll do it" Zen took the letter from Soor "Then we'll join you in the battlefield"
"Don't take too much time" said Soor.
"Don't worry" Answered Aditya "We'll not let our home and people suffer again"
"You just think about the villagers for now" said Rooh as she turns to the door "And don't get defeated before we come"
"There is no one who can defeat us!" Soor stood up conceitedly "We are the ones who defeat others and we will!"
"That's what we thought" added Aditya lowering his voice as they passed by the door.
It was not just about them, it was also about the village they lived in, the people they talked with and the temple they made memories with. So they moved to the new journey.
Bridge of faith
King Soor handed over the letter to Zen and the four of them left for kingdom Lona right away in search for King Vikram. They had been told not to tell anyone that they were from the palace. Only one messenger was allowed as per their pact. So, they had to be disguised as common villagers. Only a week was given by the king for them to find king Vikram and come back.
It took half a day of walk from palace to reach at the doorstep of Luna kingdom. A narrow bridge made out of wooden logs was jam-packed, people were entering and leaving at once. At the other side of the bridge was kingdom Luna. It was an overcrowded sight either way. They saw two towers at each side of the bridge as they passed through. Towers were crawling with guards who were there to protect and watch over the bridge. There was no checking. It seemed like the guards were just there because they were meant to, that's all. People could take anything with them at their own will.
"Seems like it won't be any problem passing by," said Hann "They're not even looking at anyone"
"Maybe because what Soor told us was indeed true" Aditya dropped his bag "It's impossible for an entire army to pass through that narrow bridge at once"
"Yeah, they can block the bridge anytime" Rooh joined the talk "But aren't they way too confident?"
The bridge passed by in a mere second as they crossed and now, they were in Kingdom Luna. People were no different than the village they were living in. Much crowded because of the junction and a lot fast paced in life.
"Why don't we start with the one's in front?" said Rooh "Guards are looking over friendly here"
"Sure, go on" Hann giggled "Who can deny such a pretty young lady"
Rooh stayed by the towers while others watched from a distance. The guards were roaming around in a pack of three. Rooh waited for one of them to be alone and after a while it happened. She came in front of a middle-aged guard out of nowhere. Watching such a wonderful girl, the guard became a little nervous.
"Excuse me sir!" said Rooh in a soothing voice "Can you help me?"
"Yes miss!" said the guard, dropping the wooden staff he was holding "What happened?"
"Actually, I want to go to the castle and meet the king" Rooh put her hands behind and smiled "I have heard that the king of this land is a great man! And he praises those with skills. I came from far away land to present my art in front of him. And I am excited to meet him!"
The guard looked at Rooh from foot to head and said "There is no such thing miss! Are you from Thar?"
"…Yes! I am!" Rooh gave a fake smile.
"Maybe someone lied to you!" said the guard "There is no way that's true. He doesn't show himself for some reason. Even I have seen him only once"
"Really?" Rooh made her eyes wide opened "Maybe your boss knows?"
"Well, I don't think anyone knows. Anyways, even if you find him, I doubt that he would meet you face to face. Although you're such a beauty… I mean… I am sorry, I don't think I can be of any help in this matter"
"I think you're right" said Rooh "But while I am here, at least I can roam around and check out this beautiful place!"
"You must!" guard smiled "And if you want, I can show you around, my duty is almost over!"
Rooh glared at him with cold eyes "At least watch your age" she murmured.
"Ohh did you say something?" guard smiled again "maybe spending more time with you will be nice for these old ears… ha-ha…. Your voice is so magical"
"My fists are magical too, bastard" and she vanished somewhere in the crowd before he could even react.
Everyone laughed as Rooh came, embarrassed and annoyed. The entire day went by talking to some officials and a lot of locals, they found out what Soor had said was true, Vikram's palace was somewhere in between the mountains. They could see a wide range of mountains far away from where they stood. But finding a castle among such vast mountains was like finding a pin in grass. All went different places searching for a lead.
"I am with my crew and we're new in the village, can you help us sir?" said Zen to a guy relaxing outside a small store.
"Sure!" the man answered as he opened his eyes his eyes "How can I help you?'
"We have some business with the palace. We are artists and we wish to show our art to the king"
"Ohh, I see. But I believe I can't help you with that"
"If you please give us some directions, we'll be grateful. People here keep telling us that they don't know where the king is. How is that possible?"
"Well, to be honest, it's true. Crazy, isn't it?"
"Is there no way?"
"well, there is a way"
"Please tell me!"
"Every month, a person comes by from the castle to pass the word of the king to all the working bodies. But there is a problem"
"Problem? What kind of problem?"
"Yes, every time, the official is different and the date is not decided. Just one thing is certain that they come once every month without prior notice"
"Is there any particular place he visits?"
"I am afraid that you just missed him, sir. Just two days ago a person from the castle visited"
"Well, thank you. But we can't wait that long" Zen thanked the gentleman and vanished in the crowd again.
With some further investigation, they found out that king Vikram webbed the entire kingdom in such a way that no one could find him. To wait for the castle representative was an option but they didn't have much time to wait for him. So, they continued to search for any clue. But night fell again and the first day passed in a flash, with zero progress.
The next day, they decided to split up again and collect any kind of information from anyone. Doing a goose chase was a dumb option having known that they had limited time. The plan was to look for a clue, because it was clear that governing an entire kingdom without his men at places was impossible. All four of them went four directions in search of some hints, deciding to meet again in evening at the place where they stayed at.
It was almost noon when Aditya came across a less crowded flea market, asking about the king where someone from behind, pressed the edge of a knife at his back hiding under the coat. The guy came near and spoke in his ears "Come with me or I might kill you"
"Sure" replied Aditya.
The guy took him a little away from the market in a deserted place where some other of his partners stood. They encircled Aditya, taking out their knives. "I see you're too much interested in the king" said a guy in front.
"Well, that's true" said Aditya, clam "Please if you know anything about him, tell me, it will be a big help"
"Sure! Once your hands are chopped off! We will!" and the guy attacked Aditya suddenly.
With one stroke of his palm, Aditya made him unconsciously fall to the ground before he could do anything. Three of the others came rushing but still couldn't touch Aditya who had been playing with their knife play all the time. Another three strokes knocked them all down. Aditya was no normal person to the ones still standing, terrified. Remaining of them dropped their weapons and kneed down to the ground.
"We will show you the way!" a boy said "We don't know where the palace is but we know the route from where all the royal officials come…. Just leave us alone after that"
"Alright, show me then" Aditya put his hands inside pockets and went along with them to see the way himself.
Evening fell and the others came empty handed. They had rented a room where they could spend the night. All stood with a down face, discussing about their findings. Aditya sat silently at one corner.
"I asked a hundred but found nothing" said Rooh, dropping her bag "How come they don't know anything about their own king?"
"Maybe the king is a shy man!" Hann looked at everyone "So shy that he can't even face his own people. Maybe if we start a commotion somewhere…. He might summon us?"
"We cannot revel our identities… Hann…" said Zen "We have to go to another village I believe. Maybe the ones near the mountains"
"No need of that anymore, I know the way!" Aditya broke his silence.
Heads turned at him, appalled. "Then why the hell were you silent all this time?!" Hann shouted in a funny way, amazed.
"Ohh, didn't I tell you that?" Aditya saw Hann with a blank face "Hmm… maybe I wanted to surprise you all, look, it worked"
"You're totally lying…! And don't make that face like you planned anything! That's my job!"
"They said that some mysterious animals live in the mountains who only kills those who are not from palace"
"Hey! Are you even listening?"
Rooh and Zen laughed, preparing their beds. Hann sat at corner grinning.
Aditya told them everything about had happened earlier and the way that boy had shown him from where they probably could reach the palace.
They decided to leave early morning the next day. Only five days were left to return to their kingdom according to Soor but they knew that the clock was already ticking much faster than his timeline.
Next early dawn, they packed their bags and walked a few miles away from the village passing through tiny mountain ranges packed with trees as Aditya showed the way. After a while of walking and listening to Hann's stories, they reached to a passage going all the way between two huge mountains. According to what that boy had said, the castle was nearby.
All the way, they had seen some animals but none were qualified enough to kill someone. Also, they hadn't even seen the mysterious animal that man had talked about. It was quite all the way. But, after a while of going up the hill, something ahead shook their grounds.
"What the hell…!" Screamed Hann looking forward "Get down… I mean… No! No! we can't…Just save me! I 'm going to die!"
Suddenly, all looked up the slide and saw some wooden logs rolling down their way. In haste, Zen came in front of Hann and started knocking the logs away whichever rolled down on him.
There was a huge pile of logs at the top of the mountain from where some people were throwing at them. Aditya signalled Rooh and she quickly loaded a Trishool, Aditya came forth and started knocking the logs in her way.
Finding a narrow gap between falling rocks, Rooh shot two of the biggest piles at the top with Trishool and destroyed their platforms. Horrified with the blast, people started running away. Aditya quickly ran towards them, clearing the logs in their path.
Soon as they reached the top of the slide, they found some royal guards pointing their spears at them.
"We came to talk to king Vikram" shouted Zen, he knew that there was no other way to talk "There is an emergency! We need to hand over this letter to king Vikram at the earliest. This letter is from king Soor!"
Guards looked at each other and told them to come along. Pointing their spears at them the entire way, they took them down the hill. As they advanced, they could clearly see two huge towers sitting at the centre and below which was an entire village.
With huge green ploughed fields equipped with some unknown machines, a pond connected by a waterfall and vegetation all around, it looked like a prosperous land that didn't need any intervention from outside, another explanation why king didn't need to come out very often. King's men and their family lived in the village and the royal family in the towers.
Passing through houses, they were taken to the first tower, straight to the king.
"I have been told that king Soor had sent you" said king Vikram "Did he forgot the pact between the two of our kingdoms?"
Vikram was much younger than Soor. Short hairs, wearing long red shiny clothes with a big golden crown in his head, much bigger than his head; he looked much fancier than king Soor.
"He looks weird" whispered Hann…
"Shhh… Idiot!" Zen glared at him angrily.
"If the chat is so funny, please share it with me as well, gentlemen; I'd love to laugh" Vikram was glaring upon them.
"We came from Thar kingdom, straight from the palace" said Zen taking out the letter "There is a potential war that might break out soon, from the east king Mahmood. King Soor wants your help in the same"
"Hmm… interesting!" Vikram walked towards his royal wooden carved chair placed at a certain height "But why should I bother joining forces with him and fight which we might lose? ….. when I can just block the bridge and prevent my kingdom from any attack?"
"But you promised…" Hann came forward taking the agreement out.
"Promises are meant to be broken" Vikram took the agreement and tear it down "I have no issues with king Soor but I am also not interested in fighting a war. King Soor can fight all he wants but I am not a bit interested!"
"You're betraying on your words?"
"I can tell you a hundred of things that I might lose in a war. So, you tell me, what will I gain from a war?"
"Belief of a friend, trust of many people and pride of your land," said Aditya.
"Those are just for talk. A war brings destruction only, nothing else" Vikram sat on his chair, leaning his back.
"Destruction for those who lose but peace and prosperity for those who win" Rooh stood beside Aditya.
"I won't let my kingdom fall for someone else's war" Vikram said, in a bit anger "However, I liked the way the two of you talk, and I appreciate your thoughts as well, but no!"
"So, you're chickening out?" argued Rooh.
"What did you say?"
"Chickening out!" Rooh sat on the floor "And here we thought you were some brave king"
"Thinking about my people first doesn't make me weak" Vikram crossed his legs "I am loyal to my people"
"Your loyalty means nothing" Zen sat beside Rooh "When you cannot keep promises"
"It takes too much to be loyal" Aditya sat as well "If your pride allows you to betray someone, you're no brave nor loyal"
Hann wanted to say something as well but couldn't think of any punchline so he sat looking everyone.
"We aren't going anywhere until you fulfil your promise," said Zen.
What they were saying was true, they knew it and probably Vikram too.
"Well, let me think… ummm… I might not fight directly but I can send some aid to Soor" Vikram spoke again after being lost in his thoughts for a while "I'll even allow his people to hide here"
"Anything would be fine as long as we win!" said Hann from behind.
It was clear that it was the best it was going to get. There was no point in asking for more any further. After having a little chat with his mates, Zen stood up.
"Not so fast" Vikram continued "I didn't say I would do it for free"
"What do you mean?" Aditya stood up as well with the others.
"Entertainment!"
"There is a war ahead" Aditya was a bit angry "Many innocent lives are at stake"
"That's why you should hurry, shouldn't you?"
"What a jerk…." Rooh whispered.
"After what you all said about me…." Vikram stared at them, excited "I give you two days, count the number of animals in my kingdom! If you can tell me how many are there, I will send the aid in form of latest weapons that I have created, food, horses and also, I'll give permission to the refugees of Thar to migrate to my kingdom!"
Vikram stood up and vanished somewhere, laughing aloud and four of them came back to the village, staring at each other blankly and reached at the rented house with their brains ragged. Sitting in a circle now they were having their discussion.
"That bastard…" Rooh unpacked the food "He never intended to help us"
"I should have punched him in his face" said Hann, dropping the plates "It's a good thing he went away before I got mad!"
"For someone who has been hiding from his own people for lifetime…." Said Aditya "We should have known"
"Now what do we do?"
"We have two options" replied Zen "Either we play his game or he head back to thar…"
"We can't go back empty handed" Aditya interrupted "Soor will be disappointed in us and might not let us join"
"So, what next?" asked Rooh "Does anyone have any idea of… how to count something impossible?"
"There is always an answer to the impossible, just that we have to find it!" answered Zen "But this one is a bit …"
"It is not impossible!" said Hann with his eyes closed, in deep thoughts.
All looked at him with a dead silence for a moment without a movement. "I mean, we just have to mark every animal in this kingdom and count them!"
Completely ignoring him, all went to bed again after dinner. The third day ended with a question without any answer.
The next morning, they actually thought of lying to the king, assuming that even he wouldn't know the answer. But they didn't know how to back it up and satisfy the reasoning behind it. All roamed around the village, desperately searching for the answer but couldn't find any. Hann actually started counting the animals, starting with the village but just the village, as nobody came along with him in the jungle to count them.
Next morning went with audible throbs in their chests. It was a race against time, war could have broken out any moment and here they were playing Vikram's nonsense games. Hann kept counting animals, Rooh and Zen were separately in their own zone of thoughts. But Aditya, who had been sitting silently for a while, keenly watching the orange shining holy river, came up with a different approach. In between the calmness of the view and coldness of the wind, the nature took his eyes and finally he stood up with an answer.
Night fell again and the final day came along. At the exact same time as decided, they came to the same place in front of king Vikram again.
"I hope you have counted well" said Vikram "Let me have my answer now"
Hann started listing "732 hens, 58 pigs…"
"Hannnn….!!!" Zen interrupted, glaring at him.
"There are seventy-one thousand eight hundred and ninety-two animals in your kingdom" answered Aditya.
Heads turned, all looked at Aditya, amazed.
"Well, and… how did you reached to that figure?" Vikram sat with an alerted pose "There is no way to count them! It's impossible!"
"I have!" Aditya's confidence took everyone's eyes "What makes you believe that I am incorrect?"
Vikram, being confused and speechless for a while, asked "What if we have more animals? Or maybe less?"
"Oh, if there are more, then some animals must have visited here from the other kingdoms and if there are less, then some animals might have gone to visit the other kingdoms" Aditya calmly stood with a smile "The holy river doesn't restrict animals but humans only, isn't it?"
He left everyone stunned with his approach. Smiles with a sense of satisfaction filled the arena. They all silently appreciated his great sense of humour and wit. King Vikram smiled as well and sent them back with a promise to fulfil.
They couldn't convince the king to fight the war with them but still they left with a great sense of victory as they could see a subtle change in Vikram's heart. A little more sensible, a little more kind and a little more like a king, Vikram promised to aid Thar.
Saying goodbye to the bridge of faith again, they happily went straight to the kingdom and soon after, found it all burning from far away. The fire festival had come again.
Final lesson
It was taking the young warriors back to where it all had started as they rushed towards the palace. Ravaging fumes painted the walls red, same suffocation choked their voices again and screams were no different than before. Devious night of the fire festival was endeavouring the palace of Thar this time.
Bodies flooding the ground had replaced the essence of the roses with pungent smell of blood and flesh. The delightful garden had burned to ashes. Heat splashing their faces told them that it had been burning for quite a while.
The army of king Soor had almost finished and there was no certainty of him being alive either. They had lost the battle even before it had started, yet again.
Voices got louder as they walked through the burning hell. A huge army was standing scattered at the other side of palace with Rahim at the front, rooting for their victory over Thar kingdom.
Hearts crushed once more; the hope was lost even before they could realise something. Even after passing the human limits, here they were standing aghast. All they could do was to hide and watch from a distance. There was no point in fighting when there was nobody left to fight with or fight for, there was no point in staying there either. Their enemy had already won. Thar had lost.
Zen looked at Aditya and Rooh who had been glaring at Rahim with eyes of predator ever since.
"We need to get to the village soon and help them evacuate" said Zen "We can't waste any more time, we have to reach there before them"
"Let's go" Hann moved back "If we run, we can make it in time"
"I know what you're thinking" Zen put his hands over their shoulders "But always remember that humanity prevails honour"
Chewing their anger, both of the young warriors decided to leave the palace and save the lives of the people in the village.
It was almost mid night as they reached to their home village and It was already a chaos. The word had already spread like fire to the villagers, 'We lost the war'. People were all strewn, some had already run towards kingdom Lona, some were still stuck, some didn't want to leave and some lost the sight of their family. Zen and the others quickly took the lead and helped those who needed and started guiding them to Lona kingdom.
King Vikram, after hearing what had happened, for the first time, came forward and stood by the bridge of faith himself. He came along with his men to ensure that no enemy could enter his kingdom but he also assured that he would live up to his promise and allow all the villagers to enter the kingdom.
He had moved his men all over the bridge so that he could destroy it at will. Lighting fire torches all around the entrance, his men stood in high alert. Huge catapults were called by him to counter any harm along with all the weapons of mass destruction.
Vikram stood there, waiting. Waiting for every last survivor to come. For the first time, he had been looking up to something, keenly watching every person entering his kingdom through a torch, somewhere his eyes were looking for the four of them among those faces.
At the other side, after Aditya and the others ensured every last villager's safety, decided to leave at once. And as all four heads turned towards kingdom Luna, with a step taken forward, a voice stopped them. A familiar voice shook the grounds of the two warriors.
"Ahhh… look at you two" a middle-aged man descended his horse from behind "You have grown so much"
"Who is he?" asked Hann, looking at both of their pale stunned faces "Is he an enemy?"
"Mas…." Rooh was in shock.
"What beauty have you become, my dear" said the man coming down his horse "And Aditya….."
Aditya was no better than Rooh. His numbed thoughts couldn't speak to him. He stood straight without moving. Rooh moved to tears as she came to her senses again. Hann and Zen stood confused at a distance.
"Master… Asahi…." Rooh walked towards him, wiping her tears "Where were you …"
With wide opened arms, Asahi welcomed Rooh "It's been a long time… isn't it?"
She couldn't take this feeling that overwhelmed her heart and ran towards Asahi, hugging him. She held Asahi as tight as she could like a child and started crying her heart out.
"Master…."
"My child, you don't have to worry anymore"
"Master where were you…."
"I was always with you my dear" Asahi took out a dagger from behind "But you should have been with your family"
In a flash, Asahi stabbed Rooh but couldn't finish her off as Aditya held Asahi's hand and pulled Rooh over.
"Come back to your senses, Rooh!" Aditya draw his sword "He is the one who betrayed us! He is the reason of everything! He is the only one responsible of all the miseries we have, open your eyes and see!"
Zen quickly pulled Rooh up and checked her wound. It was deep but Rooh could stand on her own. Pain of her emotions were far worse than her injury.
"Go on ahead" Said Aditya, staring at Asahi with eyes that of a wild animal "I have something to finish here"
Asahi draw his sword as well. Hann and Zen took Rooh and ran towards Luna. Leaving behind Aditya.
Swords clashed. Black clouds, darker than night filled the sky. Army of Rahim was coming closer every minute, Villagers were still on their way and Vikram was eagerly waiting to close the bridge.
Thunderstorm carried all the cries and screams of the people who died and started bursting the sky and gruesome blowing wind started picking up the pace as the villagers ran.
With the first drop of rain of the season, Asahi swung his swords "Don't be a fool and move out of my way"
"Why did you betray us?" Aditya patiently kept dodging his attacks "Why…!"
"Shut up!" Asahi tried hard to connect a hit "… And …Just die!"
"I'll ask you again" Aditya withdraw his swords and hit Asahi's hands, making his sword fall to the ground "Why did you betray us…..!!"
"Shut up! Worm!" Asahi lost it in anger and showered his fists on Aditya "Just die!.....You!!"
"I see…." Aditya hit Asahi's hands so hard that it broke his limbs "you're no longer someone I used to know"
"….Bastard!!" Asahi screamed in pain "You'll die, you'll die! You'll die just like your moth…."
With one slash of his sword, Aditya cut Asahi in half "My mother was a warrior… Even the dirt on her feet was purer than you"
Aditya stood for a while as rain started to wash away the blood Asahi's slitted body had to offer. Aditya turned, "I don't know why you betrayed us, I don't know how much hate you carried within, I don't even know how to think anymore. But rest in peace now, master"
The troops started to move faster, towards the village. Aditya knew the villagers won't make it in time, Rahim would catch them eventually even before they could reach half way. So, he decided to stay behind and think of something to stop the marching army.
Heavy rainfall started to hail his mind and after a while of being lost in thoughts, Aditya went straight to their home and stormed Rooh's room. Opening the old wooden almirah placed at one corner, 'I'm sorry Rooh, but I have to take some of your Trishools with me'.
All he wanted was to stop the army long enough for villagers to reach the kingdom. As Aditya took the arrows, the sound of marching horses started to prevail.
Troops were already in the Village, all lined up and moving slowly. Rahim was not in sight; nobody was leading the troops. Aditya figured that they had come to take over the village by force. Rain had stopped and only wind was left. Rahim had scattered his army in small troops to reach every village of Thar to capture.
He quickly lit one arrow and thew it as far as he could near them. The arrow exploded in front of the enemy and scared the horses. Aditya's plan was simple, 'stop them until the villagers are out of their reach'
Aditya started to lit and throw the arrows one after another. It was like the god's wrath upon them, as thought by the enemy. It was the first time they were watching massive explosions like that. Some horses pushed back, leaving the horseman down to the ground. Some stayed but scared. Troops were trying to control their horses but Aditya kept showering hell from the other side.
Only few were left, Aditya would throw an arrow if they started advancing again to buy as much time as he could. But it didn't last long and after a whole round of air strikes, only one was left. Aditya lit the last arrow, threw it and ran to the horse he had roped at a little distance. By the time, enemies gathered again, calmed the horses that had left and tried to advance, Aditya had already gone ahead, as fast as his horse could run.
It was almost dawn, the villagers had reached Luna safely, Rooh and the others ensured all had entered the kingdom as they reached.
"I am glad you came…" said Zen crossing the bridge "….King Vikram"
"Where is your friend?" Vikram looked around "We need to close this bridge as soon as possible"
"But wouldn't it cut us all from the outside world?" asked Rooh, standing with a support of a wall.
"That's true" said Vikram looking, as his eyes moved forward to the bridge again "We have more things to worry about right now"
"Do you know how to connect from the outside world again?" asked Hann, hoofing aloud "This is not the only way… right?"
Vikram stood still without saying a word, looking forward.
"Destroy the bridge!" a man watching from the highest point shouted "Destroy the bridge now!"
"What do you see?" shouted Vikram.
"Sir… they're coming! We have to destroy the bridge!"
All looked at front and saw dust flying all over the land, coming closer. A huge army was heading towards them.
"Destroy the bridge now!" voices started to raise.
"No! Aditya is still there" shouted Rooh trying to stand straight.
"Look there!" Vikram pointed forward. Someone was left behind, much ahead of the army and close to the bridge. It was a girl, running towards them.
"Lady…" Hann shouted aloud "That's… That's lady Arya!"
Everyone started looking at each other. Vikram ordered catapults to activate and his men to stand by. Soon after lady Arya; Aditya was visible, riding horse and the army was behind them.
"Get your men inside, King Vikram!" Said Rooh moving forward.
"But…" Vikram was confused "Why?"
"Just do it" Rooh lit and fired a Trishool far away in the sky at the enemy which exploded with a sound superior to thunder.
"Abandon the bridge now!" yelled Vikram to his men.
All ran inside in a hurry. Aditya caught Arya on the way and crossed the bridge. Vikram signalled the catapults and it started raining stones over the enemies.
Horses tumbled over, enemies started crumbling and falling apart. It was all coming down to an end.
As Rooh took another arrow and aimed at the other side of the bridge, everything went in silent.
This side of the bridge carried life without home and the other side had their home but death awaiting. Zen and Hann stood by the villagers and all eyes were at Rooh now who released the arrow straight at the other side, destroying the bridge of faith forever.
Hopes and miseries
The day of destruction ended and with a new dawn, king Vikram ordered a survey. About a hundred survivors were identified. Most of them had lost their families and rest were traumatised to say anything. It was a devastating sight; they had almost lost their souls.
Vikram had provided the villagers with food and shelter for the time being. A huge camp was placed near the bridge for them to stay. But a decision was yet to be made, for the future of the few left people of Thar.
Villagers were still frightened. It was too early for them to move on. The burden of losing everything in a flash was simply too heavy. They didn't know if their loved ones were killed or spared. And if they were still alive, they didn't know if they could meet them ever, they only knew one thing, that they were trapped in a place they couldn't call their home.
It was a massive blow for the young warriors as well. It all drifted away again in one night. All of their memories, all of their anger and everything they dedicated their life for, was left behind at the other side of the bridge.
They were also silently worried about the future of their destiny but for the time being, along with Vikram's men, they were focusing on the villagers, helping them as much as they could.
An entire week had passed and King Vikram had arranged some necessary items and ordered to dispense among villagers. Rooh, while distributing some blankets to the villagers, found Arya sitting in some corner of the big tent folding her legs and arms with a down face. It was like she wanted to hide somewhere but there was no place left.
"Are you alright?" Rooh put a blanket over Arya "Here, this will help"
"I…" Arya was nervous, watching Rooh standing close to her. For a little while she looked at her but suddenly moved her eyes away "I am … ok"
"I know what you're feeling right now" Rooh stood up holding a pile of blankets and started moving away "But be brave… this shall pass too"
Arya's eyes moved to Rooh again. Watching her going away slowly, A memory flashes before her eyes. Rooh was slowly moving away just like her late mother that day, when she was little. Before dying in an accident, her mother had told her to be a brave just like Rooh.
A little by little, Rooh's steps started howling into her ears and suddenly, she snatched her hand from behind and started looking into Rooh's eyes blankly.
"Do you need something?" Rooh could hear her throbs clearly.
For a few moments, Arya stood blank without expressing a word but eventually talked "Do… Does it hurt?"
"What do you mean?"
"Your back" Arya stood up as well "I… I saw you that day, you were bleeding badly"
"I am okay" Rooh smiled "What you're bearing right now is far worse than my wound"
Arya released her hand and stood blank again. It was visible to Rooh that she was lonely and soulless. She didn't know what to say or do. She had lost her everything in one night, her home, her family and everything else she called her own. She was same as her from a long time ago. Rooh was not soft hearted but she certainly felt empathy for the young princess.
"Umm…" Rooh unloaded some blankets from her shoulder "Would you like to help me distributing these?"
Those words didn't mean much but for Arya, were the prettiest of words she had heard. With a frail smile on her lips and eyes that shined in hope, she nodded "Yes! I will"
A few days flew by and they all started engaging more with the villagers. The villagers had started relying more on themselves starting with making their own food, wood carved items and much more. They made themselves a huge family in no time. They might not have enough and they might had lost their real families but they certainly had each other.
As things were getting at its pace, king Vikram visited again.
"How are they doing now" Vikram sat down on a bench shaped stone placed near the tent "And the four of you?"
"Everything seems to be a little alright now" Zen answered "All thanks to you"
"I did what I promised, that's all to it"
"And we're all grateful for that… you helped a lot"
Vikram's eyes moved to the tent "But, Thar is way bigger than this tent…. isn't it, Zen?"
Although they managed to save some people from a village nearby, it was still a pinch in a ground full of salt. Even many from the same village were missing.
"People say they were separated from their families in the mob" Aditya came out of tent with Hann "They don't know where they went after all that commotion and hustle happening at the same time"
"They went to the temple of Angtok, their home" said Rooh pointing at Arya behind her "…She told me this a long time ago"
"To the abandoned village?" Hann was shocked "But we didn't saw anyone on our way"
"They must have taken the long route to the temple" Zen sat down "So, finally they chose to come home"
"Can they survive there somehow?" asked Vikram.
"I am afraid they won't. There is nothing other than rocks there and the enemy will eventually find out"
"I still don't understand why they didn't come here"
"I think I know why" Zen looked up into the sky "I won't say that I am happy about it and it may seem foolish too but I can tell that they listened to their hearts, finally"
"Maybe they thought that if we closed the bridge, won't be any place to return to"
"Might be true, but I still believe the other way"
Vikram saw Arya, she was standing behind Rooh with hands tied to her back "What happened back there? And why are you the only one from the palace, can you tell us… Lady Arya?"
"I…. I was told to leave the palace by father as soon as he heard about the enemy's arrival" Arya came near Rooh "Then he went out with everyone and I …. couldn't …"
Arya didn't know much beyond the huge walls; it was visible to everyone as she spoke. She was told to leave the palace right away as Soor got the hunch of what would happen. A guide was appointed for her to reach safely to Luna but for some reasons, she was left alone in a mid of nowhere but somehow, she found her way to kingdom Luna.
After her mother, she was close to her father. She had cried in agony for nights as she had lost her father as well. She didn't know anything what happened after she left the kingdom; all she know was that she was alone.
Aditya stood at a corner, silent just like Rooh. Zen kept watching at the dark brown sky. Eyes were at Arya, whose emotions were quite transparent. Everybody started reflecting their own image in her eyes. They knew what she was thinking, things they were afraid of.
Their conversation went on to the people behind the tent. Season was at its pace; wind was blowing away their attires and dark heavy clouds started meeting around.
One after another, the villagers started to come out and gather around them. They knew their future was going to be decided that moment. They knew what was going to happen and they knew what their hearts wanted. It was probably the last time they were seeing king Vikram and get any further help.
Their loved ones, maybe dead, maybe alive, but they existed somewhere after that broken bridge. A bridge above the river that's uncrossable.
After a long pause, Vikram stood up "It has been a while since that day. I know how must you all be feeling right now but it is the truth that we have to face and…."
"I appreciate your concern, king Vikram" Zen stood up as wind started to growl "But we have already decided our future"
Raging winds were howling but still there was a silence in the ground. All eyes moved to Zen as he walks away slowly, towards the uphill
"We, are the children of our land, and our land is calling for us once again" Zen removed the shawl he was wearing in the air, uncovering his finely built muscles.
With wide opened eyes, Aditya and Rooh could only watch their master, walking to the top, speechless.
"For every last person who carries a hope within…" Zen stood by at the top of the uphill "we have to go…"
Burning a candle of hope in their hearts, villagers started following Zen's footsteps little by little, storming the uphill.
"We will defeat them…. And reclaim what is ours…."
Rain along with wind started to wash away any despair that was left in everybody's hearts.
"And if we can't cross the river…."
Rooh and Aditya, came along with the villagers as their master guided the way.
"Then we will go…..."
Tears of joy and unspoken words of happiness prevailed the sound lightening from the heavens as Zen growled to the showering sky, pointing away….
"To the sea…...!"
About the author
Hello,
He is not a professional but he would love to improve further. He writes in a simple language and he writes because he likes it and is always open to ideas. He enjoyed the process of making it and hopes that you enjoy reading it.
Thank you!
"Your Life Is Your Own Making
Make Sure to weave it perfectly"
Are you an Introvert?
Do you also believe that there is a demon hiding behind your quietness?
Copyright © 2021 All rights reserved.
Abhishek Bakshi
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