The face of marshall was like the face of a warrior that fought many wars in his past lives.
His fierce body and his huge muscles. He is the commander of the army. Marshall is quite merciful and brutal. He led six warrior to segund to seize roddy and bring him back to hills.
They moved like the black marlin. The fire on their sticks moved with the wind as they ran past thick branches and huge trees. Vophsi's heart was beating mad fast. He found it difficult to breathe well,due to his speed.
He looked around and saw a river. A calling river,as the need to stop and take a drink grew in his mind. His throat was starting to dry. He needed water but the commander mean seriousness,they have to bring roddy to hills at all cost.
"What if we miss roddy because I stopped to drink?"
No. He thought.
"I have to continue running with them".
He really did try to continue running with them but it was evident that he could faint any moment from now.
"Just stop to drink, nobody will die if you do". The tiny voice inside him kept poking him. "Stop and drink vophsi".
"Commander ". Vophsi called.
They stopped at once.
"What is it vophsi?" Marshall asked with a fierce look.
"Did you see roddy?" He added.
"No,I did not see him. I want to have a drink, please".
Before marshall could say anything more, vophsi dashed for the river.
"Wait!.
One of the warrior said.
"Vophsi you cannot just drink from any water"
"This is the land of our enemies".
"Listen,this may be the land of our enemies but the water is not". Vophsi replied. I need to drink water,my throat is very dry.
"No, vophsi something tells me you should not drink from this river".
"Nonsense!...Did you want me to die on the way". Vophsi retorted.
"Vophsi, give heed too ige's word.
"Do not drink from the river. This is indeed the land of our adversary. If you die on the way we will make sure to bury you beside your fathers. Shall we proceed now". The commander said.
What ige said sounds right and pleasing to him.
"Shall we drink from the waters of our enemies. I would rather thirst to death". Marshall said. Let's go. We will not stop until we bring roddy back. He added.
Vophsi felt like stabbing ige's throat for saying such. Little did he know that the waters were poisoned with nakir's venoms. One gulp could kill him seven times. He was fuming but he must obey the voice of the commander. He continued with them.
*
They put out their torches as soon as they approached Segund.
The dawn was a little foggy and dark,they walked gently. They were able to locate roddy's house with the aid and direction of a charmed feather.Inside, roddy was preparing to leave Segund.
He didn't notice that nakir took the protection charm along with him that night. He stopped to drink water.
The seven guards from hills entered. He rushed to the place where he kept the protection charm but unfortunately for him it wasn't there.
"Curses... He said beneath his breath.Give up yourself now and expect less harsh treatment on the way to Hills. One of the guard said.
"Suffer me not to offer you what to eat and drink.He said cunningly.
"Seize him...The first guard commanded.So they ceased him and went away.They dragged him into the palace court.
"Your grace you have not dealt rightly with me...He said aloud.
"How do you suppose,roddy.
"I suppose you let me go in peace, like you said you would...
"Is it not vivid that you're wise in your own eyes.I did as I said I would,I let you go in peace. she said calmly.
"But you have them bring me back here...
"You should have chosen your words wisely. Bound him and throw him in the palace dungeon. She ordered.
"Your grace, permit me to speak.
"Permission not granted. Leave with him,now.She said in fury.
"Go.she pointed randomly at a guard.
"Tell the commander of the army to prepare fiercely for war.
He bowed his head and rushed out to deliver her message.
*** In Segund
The royal sorcerer made his way into the palace court.There was a long moment of dead silence that played as the royal sorcerer walked in.Every guard standing beside the pillars of the court had their head faced down to the earth,no one dared raise their head up.
"Long live the king...He said as he broke the silence.
"You're welcome. said the king.
"So tell us sirocco what happened to the waters.
"The waters in Segund!...
"Are we the only one with the problem? he asked.
"Yes,your highness. it was a poison from a snake,a rare kind, from the descendants of the protectors of the treasures in Hills.
He stopped and took a deep breath.
"I will give you all the information I have of him. It's goes thus:Name: Nakir.Colour:silverish black.From: Hills.
Whereabouts: Unknown.
Reason: Revenge for the death of the king of Hills.
"And that's all for now,your highness.
"Sirocco can you explain more about this so-called nakir.
"Your highness further investigation will be carried out after this meeting until then I have nothing more to add or explain".
He said and bowed his head and walked to his sit.
"Alright then.Kabir you may come forward and deliver your message. said the king.
"As you wish your majesty.
He said and stepped forward to speak.
"Your majesty, roddy has been taken away to hills and will be buried with the king on the seventh day. That's all,your majesty. He bowed his head.
"Perhaps the protective charm was not effective.Said the king and turned to sirocco.
"Pardon me your grace,he must have taken it off". He said firmly.
The king turned back to Kabir.
"I'm afraid that's all your majesty.He bowed and left".
"Who can suggest a solution to our problem.the king asked.
"I'm not sure. All the waters is contaminated and bad,I don't see a solution for now. Sirocco confessed.
"Is it possible to dig new wells.one of the elders suggested.
"That would be across the border of Kensia,we can subject them to agree... said sirocco.
"We would not be able to do that sirocco, hills would be preparing for war already,so facing two opponents will not be favorable to us...we shall go down to Kensia and ask reasonably.
"Now send words and gifts to them concerning this matter.the king concluded.
The king and the queen stand up to leave, everyone rose along. They made their way out.