The two akachimas who had been dragged in the forest by the Zo’s ferocious whirlwind came running. The three who were burned also stood.
“You’ll have to kill them all,” shouted Arkon as he brought his sword crashing down on
Sylvia’s arm as she tried to reach for Leo once more. She sprang away before he could hack off her hand. Flipping backwards, she stood along the rest of her companions. Two of them were still battling Zo’s whirlwind, but the battered and bruised eight stood by her side.
Arkon was right. Her energy was winding down. She could no longer afford to distract or detain the women; if they were to escape unscathed, she would have to start killing them. Raising her hands, she prepared herself for a powerful spell.
Before she could mutter an incantation, a lance of light hit Sylvia on her leg, and at the same time, a flesh-eating plant sprang forth from the dry earth. Before the akachima could assess the danger, the wide maw of the purple flower opened and ripped off her head. The akachimas scattered. In the resulting confusion, Zo managed to ensnare two more in her whirlwinds as she looked for her protectors. Three mages appeared from the forest. Two of them hurled bolts of firelight at the akachimas. One woman was hit in the chest, another on the arm. The smell of burning flesh permeated the clearing.
One mage levitated a rock and hurled it at an akachima. The rock hit her squarely on her temple. She fell on the hard floor, blood gushing out from the gash. The earth mage conjured vines that ensnared two women, trapping them to the floor. The remaining akachimas bolted, one of them clutching her burned arm.
Zo stared at the mages, breathing hard. Were these friends or foes?
She no longer had the energy to fight.
Two of the mages were women, and one was a young man who ran a hand over his bald head as he surveyed the scene.
Everyone stared at each other, tense until the young man smiled. “You’re safe with us. We are from the resistance movement,” he said.
Zo exchanged a glance with Arkon. Was this a ruse to get them to relax? Were these people from the king’s army? Or another group altogether?
Zo didn’t drop her guard; neither did she remove the shields from her companions. “Who are you?”
“We are from the rebel army, mobilized against the tyrannical rule of King Vindha. Who are you?”
Zo narrowed her eyes. She’d never heard news of an army working against Vindha. “We are from Iram, traveling on a personal errand. Why did you help us?”
He lifted his shoulder. “You’re no friend of Vindha. No mage from the king’s army would travel with non-magic people. What’s more, the akachimas wouldn’t be stupid enough to bring his wrath upon them by attacking his people. They have already suffered enough at his hand. And anyone who is not allied with Vindha is our friend.”
Was he telling the truth, or was this just an excuse to bring down their guard? “How did you find us?”
“We live in the forest, and the noise was enough to bring the closest army charging in,” he said. “Come, follow us.”
“Why?”
“Our camp’s nearby and our leader wants to meet you.”
"What about them?" She pointed at the two akachimas who were still trapped in vines.
He grinned. "Their companions might come back to rescue them. Or not. It's not our problem."
Zo rubbed her forehead. She was exhausted. If the akachimas came back, she had no more strength to fight them. Also, they needed to replenish their supplies. She cast a last glance at the trapped women. “We’ll go with you. Is your camp far?”
“It’s nearby. Follow us.” He led them off into the forest.
“Is this a good idea?” Arkon whispered as he walked by her side.
Zo noticed he still had the sword in his hand. Clearly, he didn’t trust the new arrivals. Neither did Zo, but they had no other choice. The mages were not forcing them, but if it came to a fight, she didn’t think she had enough power left to defeat all three of them. For now, it seemed like a good idea to go with their protectors. Possibly they were telling the truth and were indeed a part of a rebellion group against king Vindha.
They walked fast and hard. Soon, they entered a large clearing. Tents dotted the land. Fires burned bright in various spots, and people milled about, going about their tasks with no apparent haste. No one paid much attention to them as the man led them towards the center of the clearing. The female mages disappeared in the depths of the camp, leaving them in the company of the male guide.
“Stay here,” he told them as they neared a white cotton tent. The tent had seen better days. It was patched in places, the cloth worn thin - but magic protected it. She detected a strong invisible shield around it. It was the work of a master mage.
He returned, and lifted the flap of the tent. “Come inside all of you.”
Zo followed him, but not before she shielded her companions from any sudden attack. Who knew whom they were meeting?
Inside, on an old woven mat, sat three mages.
“Welcome,” said one of them, his voice cautious as he stared at them. Zo saw his eyebrows rise as he detected the shield on her companions. His beard was white, and his face lined with wrinkles, but power and intelligence shone in his eyes. “If you are not Vindha’s mages, you have nothing to fear from us. My name is Ibad. You are my guests. Sit.” He gestured with his hand.
“Thank you.” Zo, Arkon and Leo joined him on the mat.
He was the leader, Zo realized. The others looked at him differentially.
“Isa, please ask someone to bring some refreshments for our guests,” he addressed the mage who had brought them here.
“Perhaps we ought to check if they indeed are not from the army. I found them fighting the akachimas but who knows? It could have been a ruse to find our location,” Isa said.
“Don’t be silly, boy!” He glared at the mage. “Please forgive my son,” he told Zo. “He’s naturally suspicious of everyone. Not that I blame him. Most mages we meet are in service of the king, and can’t be trusted.”
“If he didn’t trust us, why did he bring us here then?”
Ibad gestured for his son to leave the tent. “I sent a scouting party to see what the commotion was all about. Few people venture into the forest. Most are wary of the akachimas. I told him to save whoever was fighting with them and bring them here. It’s seldom we get visitors from outside. Who are you, and why did you enter the forest?”
Zo shared a glance with Arkon, wondering how much to tell Ibad. In the end, she decided they had nothing to lose. An enemy of Vindha could only be their friend. She told him everything. By the time her story finished, Isa retuned with the food.
Ibad rubbed a hand over his face once Zo stopped talking. “It’s a strange tale you tell us.”
“It’s the truth,” she said and put her hand on Leo’s shoulder as he leaned towards the bowls of hot stew.
“Please serve the boy. He looks hungry.” Amusement lurked in Ibad’s voice.
Zo muttered an incantation, checking the food for any containment or poison. Nothing shone out. Picking up a bowl she handed it to Leo. After giving one to Arkon, she took one for herself. It was nice to eat hot food after such a long time. For a moment, she was lost in the joy of it.
“What are you all doing here?” she said after taking a few satisfying mouthfuls. Leo gobbled the fare quickly, eating the stew along with bread and cheese.
Ibad smiled at the boy’s enthusiasm. “I’m one of the king’s advisors…or indeed, I was, fifteen years ago. After leaving his service, I retreated to my native village but Vindha doesn’t tolerate deserters. He sent mages to persuade me to come back, or failing that, to kill me. Instead, I killed two of his men and escaped with my wife and sons to the forest. Over the years, I was joined by many mages. There are still some who don’t agree with Vindha's methods or vision. He started experimenting with dark magic that even his own father knew enough to leave alone…” Ibad ran a hand over his forehead, wiping the sweat off. “I�
�ve heard rumors he has infused his elite mages with special powers…powers that should not be conquered. This elite force is called the durkhas.”
“I’ve heard that name before. Demon mages, some call them?” Zo frowned, not sure if she was willing to believe what he was saying. Magic was a force of its own. A mage had to be careful not to go beyond its normal limitations. What Ibad was describing was monstrous. Was Vindha so power-hungry that he was creating a new species of mages by imbuing them with forbidden magic?
A demon mage had no conscience, no logic, and no reasoning. It knew only the lust of blood, and served to please its creator. However, no one would be foolish enough to unleash demons upon the world. Legend said that the demons didn’t just kill…they took pleasure in maiming, hurting and torturing people. Images of people hanged from trees, razed villages and Erob’s burned body flashed through Zo’s head. It couldn’t be. No, she refused to believe that was the work of demons.
But if it was true, Vindha was playing with fire. Forbidden magic was a force once unleashed upon the land would take on a life of its own. It couldn’t be controlled forever.
No. She could not, would not, believe that. No one could be that stupid.
Ibad, perhaps, sensed her thoughts. “I could be wrong, of course. I have only heard and not seen any actual evidence. We are far from his realm. This forest is our sanctuary. So far, he is concentrating his energy on conquering the neighboring kingdoms.”
“You pose no threat to him.” Zo thrust aside her concerns and concentrated on the present. “His army is huge. We've seen it.”
“Yes, that’s true. Still, lately there have been two attempts on my life. Hence, we are cautious. It seems he has decided to use cunning instead of direct force to eliminate all thorns in his side, including your sibling.”
Zo contemplated his words. There was a hidden meaning there. “You mean to say that he attacked my brother. Was he also a thorn in his side? But why? Seve has never opposed him. Nor can he. Vindha’s army is monstrously big. No one can oppose it. In any case, we’re too far away for the mainland.”
“Your brother has a direct claim to the throne of Jiambra,” said Ibad. “Moreover, Vindha would turn his attention to Iram once he fulfills his long-term plan to unite the mainland. Surely you don’t believe he would allow you your freedom once he is emperor of the mainland?”
Silence fell in the tent. It was hard for Zo to marshal her thoughts. Too much was happening
all over the land. It was impossible to get a clear picture.
“Iram is not involved in this war,” said Arkon.
“And we have no intention of being involved,” Zo worded her sentiments.
Ibad lifted his eyebrow. “No one can stay away from the greed of Vindha’s ambitions, no matter how hard they try. His lust for power is a disease that will slowly but surely touch every living creature. You will find out about that soon enough.”
Zo chose to hold her tongue. For now, her main concerns were Seve and Alicia. Anything else would have to wait until her siblings were safe once more.
Arkon pushed his plate away. “Thank you for your hospitality. We should go now.”
Ibad scratched his cheek. “I would suggest you stay with us tonight. The akachimas are not known to give up so easily. I’m sure they are still prowling the forest, looking for you. Stay with us tonight. Before dawn tomorrow, my son will take you through a safe and shorter way to the path you seek. You’re welcome to replenish your supplies from our camp.”
Zo stood. She hated to waste any more time, but it was obvious that it would take them an entire day to climb the mountain. If they started now, they would have to spend the night up there, and the akachimas could easily catch up to them. It would be harder to fight on the mountain trail. What Ibad said made sense. She gazed at the leader of the opposition. Why was he being so helpful though?
“You’re being awfully kind.” Suspicion laced her words.
Ibad guffawed. “You’ve run into too many enemies, princess. Rest assured we pose no threat to you. Time will prove that we’re meant to be allies.”
“I appreciate your help, but can’t offer the same in return. Iram is a kingdom apart from this mayhem.”
Ibad stretched his lips in a mock smile. “No kingdom can dare to stand apart for long, princess. Whoever does so will see defeat. Our strength lies in unity. Sooner or later, you’ll need us…just as we need you.”
Zo shrugged, not wishing to alienate him when he was offering them so much help. “We’ll see.” She had no intention of embroiling her people in an unnecessary fight, and she was sure Seve and Alicia would agree with her.
Isa led them out of the tent. Without saying anything, he took them to a tent, smaller in size, but neat and clean, that stood not far from his father’s abode. “You can rest here today. Leave your things, and come with me to the supply tent. We’ll see what else you need.”
“You both stay here. I’ll go with him.” Arkon put his pack inside and went with Isa. Zo sat with Leo. A woman brought a big pot of clean water, and they used it to wash the grime off their bodies as best as they could. Later, they sat outside, watching the activity in the camp as people mended or made things, cooked food, or went about their business. Zo estimated that nearly seven or eight hundred people lived here, and most of them were non-magic.
Arkon came back with cloth bags loaded with food and other necessary items. After stowing everything, Zo sat with Arkon outside the tent while Leo slept inside. Dusk fell upon the forest. Zo pulled at the edge of her sleeves as she stared at the fires that burned brighter in the dark.
For a long time they sat in silence.
“Are you worried about king Seve?”
Zo nodded. Her allotted time was nearly up, and she hadn’t even reached her goal. How would she get back in time to save her siblings?
“We will save him,” said Arkon.
She debated about telling him about the binding spell. If she was late, she risked losing both her siblings. And yet she hesitated. Why add to his worry?
“I hope so,” she said.
A woman walked past them, carrying two empty pots. Two small children were walking behind her, almost running to keep up with her fast pace. One of them, a nearly four year old girl, was carrying a doll. She held it against her chest as if scared to lose her toy.
What was the future for these children in this strange world where men and mages were killing each other indiscriminately? How would they survive?
“It’s not going to last forever,” said Arkon as if sensing her thoughts.
Zo picked up a stray twig. “How do you know? How can anyone of us predict the end of this war? Vindha has amassed a huge army. He will defeat kingdom after kingdom until there is no one left to oppose him.”
Arkon nodded. “And once he has brought the whole world under his domain you can be sure he will start setting his own rules. I’ve heard that the subjects of the kingdoms whom he has defeated are required to pay a monthly tax, not to mention heavy levies for many other things.”
“This is just the beginning.” Zo mused. “He will not be satisfied with anything less than absolute control. An individual’s free will would become an obsolete idea under his rule.”
A coyote howled in the far distance. The predators were out in the jungle. For a moment Zo felt happy that she was sitting out of harm’s way amidst members of her own kind. But for how long? Sooner or later, none of them would remain safe in the new world that Vindha was building.
For a long while they sat outside as the activity around them slowed. Everyone was getting ready to sleep.
Thin beams of golden light that were slicing through the dense canopy overhead turned silvery. Fires burned even brighter. Someone brought them food. They ate, and soon were asleep – ready to resume their journey at the first light of dawn the next day.
Chapter Fifteen
The sun was no more than a pale orange streak in the distant horizon when Zo emerged from her tent. A
fter yesterday’s delay, she was eager to resume their journey and reach the pinnacle of their mission as soon as possible. Time was a fistful of sand, quietly but quickly, slipping through her fingers. Already they were behind schedule.
Praying fervently that the delay would not cause her the lives of her family, she walked towards the nearest stream to wash. When she came back, Leo and Arkon were both up and having a hot breakfast of fresh bread, butter, and goat milk. Isa was sitting with them.
“We’ve a hundred and twelve mages and five hundred non-magic people with us already.” He broke off a chunk of bread and dipped it in the pot of butter. “More keep pouring in. We’ve a system in place to guide the refugees if they wish to join our numbers. Earlier, many of them fled to the kingdoms on the other side of the mountains, but now that way is blocked by the army. What’s more, those kingdoms are not going to be safe for long. So most of these people are coming here.”
“Why do they join you? They have houses, farms, and families…” Zo sat and picked up a cup of goat’s milk. It was fresh and warm.
Isa passed her the bread. “Many of them have suffered losses. They have lost brothers, sisters, wives, husbands or children to the army or to senseless killings. The fire of revenge burns deep within their guts. Those who want to fight are being trained, in one way or another. We could do with more mages though.” He glanced at Zo.
Zo slathered her bread with a generous amount of butter. The aromatic smell made her mouth water. It reminded her of home, of the oven-fresh bread in the morning, the easy camaraderie when the three of them, Seve, Alicia and her, carved out time to have breakfast together. Seve loved cinnamon bread. For a moment, she was back with her siblings.
A loud wail cut across the clearing, bringing her back to reality. Springing up, they ran, heading in the direction of the noise. Someone was screaming and crying. Zo saw a crowd gather outside a tent. Isa pushed his way in, and she followed. Inside a boy of no more than twelve lay on a thin mattress, his body battered and bruised with big purple marks. A woman lay half-way across him, her hands clutching his reed-thin body. She was screaming and weeping. Isa sat next to her. He placed his hand on her shoulder. She turned and started crying in his arms.
The Demon Mages (The Power of Three Book 1) Page 18