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The Golden Fountain

Page 20

by Zuheb Alep


  “I command you to take my son home safely! Protect him with your life! The Three Kings are with them. They should have left earlier; they were delayed by the unexpected arrival of the pharaoh and his army! Go now!”

  Sebastian looked at his superior officer.

  Heaving a deep breath, Supreme Commander Warrick saluted him farewell. When they would meet again, they did not know. Sebastian bowed his head at the king, nudged Prince Chamillion and moved towards the plane, placing his sword back into its sheath.

  Benjamin heart leapt with joy as he saw Sebastian approach. He had been given leave. He reached out his hand. His brother was close by and the plane was lifting, its altitude growing higher by the second. Soon it would take off with them all on board. The sun rose higher into the sky, blinding Benjamin with its rays. He raised his other arm to shield himself from the light. Sebastian was close enough now.

  BANG!

  A massive jolt shook them. Benjamin steadied himself as one of the three propellers exploded. He screamed. An Egyptian bullet shot past, carved in gold and as big as a cannonball. The left wing was destroyed. Raging fire protruded from it like a waving flag, leaving behind a tail of thick black smoke. Spitting sparks of red swirled into the air.

  At the same time as the explosion, a young feminine hand streaked past Benjamin. It was Kelindra; she hadn’t been holding on to anything, and the jolt had thrown her out of the tunnel.

  “No!” Benjamin lurched to seize her but she flew straight out and was gone.

  “Hamish!” called Musab as Hamish’s wrist slipped out of his friend’s hand. Benjamin leaned sideways to grab him, too, but missed. The two had fallen out, leaving Benjamin in tears of desperation. He started to wail.

  This cannot be happening!

  The two children disappeared into the battlefield.

  Benjamin wept. The others were holding each other with nothing but willpower to keep them inside the plane, but Kelindra and Hamish were gone.

  Benjamin watched in horror as the ground hurtled closer. Any second now, he would be in the underworld to join the dead. This was the end.

  Creak! It wasn’t a crash but a steadying jolt which tilted them backwards. The ground was further away. How had that happened when the left wing was broken? Benjamin looked up and saw a red-haired Tuaryan flying beneath the broken wing, supporting it in the air.

  It was Illoyids.

  His veins stood out with the strain as he consumed the ravaging fire for more strength. Wings beating strongly, he adjusted the soaring aircraft until it reached the correct height.

  “Illoyids!” shouted Benjamin, but the heaving Tuaryan took no notice of him.

  Then an elegant witch streaked past carrying two children, whom she tossed back into the tunnel.

  “It’ll take more than a bomb to kill us,” said Kelindra.

  The witch somersaulted into the air to help the fatigued Tuaryan who seemed on the point of collapse. Inhaling deeply, they lifted the plane together.

  The battle raged on and on like an interminable and bloody game of chess; combatants duelled and wrestled brutally, accepting death in exchange for their people’s freedom. A throaty cheer rose up. Benjamin looked west and saw the Egyptians retreating over the western hills with their camels and horses. The slaves and the armies of the Aradian Empire were driving them away. They believed that their pharaoh had been killed, rendering his supporters leaderless. Benjamin was sure it was true; glinting amidst the fallen on the battlefield was the pharaoh’s headdress, its golden cobra with emerald eyes splashed with blood.

  Benjamin tore away his gaze to look below. Sebastian and Prince Chamillion were racing against time, sprinting as fast as they could to catch up with the hovering aircraft that sailed above their heads. It was easy to run down here; they were no longer in the thronged battlefield but were running across the empty carpet of the Red Tents.

  The plane descended a few feet lower, zooming about an inch above the tents.

  “Jump!” Benjamin shouted for the last time, praying desperately for his brother. Prince Chamillion sprang, his legs soaring into the air; with a roar, he landed next to Benjamin and shook his fur. Sebastian dismounted from the snow tiger and thanked him, then checked that his family and their companions were all safe, which thankfully they were. Benjamin hugged him.

  They were the last to board. Now all was well. As the plane soared higher into the vast sky, Benjamin’s heartbeat slowed as the adrenaline ceased pumping through his veins. He wept tears of happiness.

  They were going home.

  Chapter 20

  Eidoncheirs

  Gliding east, Benjamin watched the plane pass the Egyptian border as they flew over the shimmering sea. It wouldn’t be long before they reached their own country, Aradia. The thought of going back home was heart-warming; Benjamin had had enough of this place. He longed to be back in his own bed, his kitchen, living room, garden and even his own bathroom. When he’d been brought to Egypta as a slave, he had feared he’d never see his homeland again, but now he was free.

  Illoyids and the helpful witch, Volva, continued to hold up the broken wing. It had been an hour or two since they had left the Red Tents, and they were starting to show signs of tiredness. Benjamin wished he had wings so that he could take turns with them to relieve their fatigue.

  Illoyids called out, “We’re nearly there!” and Volva smiled with relief. Benjamin peered around the edge of the tunnel and saw the huge city of Springhaven draw close. Prince Adam’s royal palace lay prominent in the centre. It was a welcome sight.

  *

  They landed with a screech, leaving everyone slightly dazed. Hands clasped and whispering prayers to the Almighty, the adults and children were granted a safe arrival in Springhaven airport. Several guards came over, asking to see their papers and landing permit, but Prince Adam intervened.

  “This is my private plane,” he said untruthfully. “Call for some taxis to take us all back to our homes, and be on your way.”

  Benjamin was taken aback by the guards’ acquiescence. They did as Prince Adam wished, a few guards remaining to assist them into the building. Benjamin looked back once to wave and was waved at in return. He still didn’t know the identity of the mysterious trio, but they had been of great assistance and even saved their lives.

  Outside the airport they took separate taxis, bidding farewell to one another. Kaileena and Prince Adam went with Benjamin and his family. As for Volva, Illoyids and Chamillion, they waited near the western docks for their clans to return from Egypta.

  It was noon when they arrived at their house. Benjamin opened the front door, expecting to see Mama and Papa. He searched the bedrooms, the living room and the kitchen more than once. He searched and searched, ignoring the hard truth that he didn’t want to face; he even looked in the garden and on the roof, but they weren’t there. Benjamin could think of nothing else but his parents.

  “Mama! Papa!” he called repetitively.

  Sebastian stood in the doorway, watching Benjamin as he dashed back and forth through the corridor; once or twice should have been enough for the message to get through. As Benjamin was about to climb the stairs to look in the bedrooms for the umpteenth time, Sebastian seized his arms.

  “Benjamin, stop this!” he said.

  Benjamin felt his throat tighten; tears started to leak out and he tried to fight them back. He pushed at Sebastian, but he was too strong. Benjamin stopped resisting.

  “They’re never coming back, are they?” he said sadly, closing his eyes at the thought.

  Sebastian held him tightly and said nothing as Benjamin’s wet cheek brushed against his.

  *

  Night had fallen as the family ate together in the living room. Nadine and Jordanna had happily cooked a feast to celebrate their brothers’ return. They had cried with joy at the sight of them when they’d returned from Kaile
ena’s house. Sebastian had embraced Uncle Merin gratefully because he had kept the girls safe.

  Only Benjamin stayed in his room. He cried many salty tears into his pillow, disappointed by Mama’s and Papa’s ongoing absence.

  The Unique Compass lay on the desk next to the long knife, temporarily forgotten.

  *

  Tired and upset because of his parents’ absence, Benjamin became moody. The next morning, he woke up to the sound of plates clattering noisily on the dining table downstairs. The aroma of honeyed toast and scrambled eggs filled his room. Benjamin heard his family chattering and laughing loudly and headed down to join them. Prince Adam, his friends and his band were there, feasting and making merry. Abel, Jama and Anouk came over to hug him.

  “I hope you’re okay,” said Abel. “If I’d known in time, I’d have come with Kaileena to rescue you in Egypta.”

  The other two said the same, but Benjamin shook his head. “It was safer for you not to come,” he said.

  “Benjamin, come and eat. I’ve made some breakfast.” Sebastian wore a flowery apron which belonged to Mama, and in his hand was a tray of baked raspberry pie. Benjamin’s mood lifted slightly as he took a bite.

  When the long morning had turned to late afternoon, with food scattered all over the table and the smell of a barbecue wafting through the garden, Sebastian took everyone up to the roof.

  “Look,” he said calmly, pointing to the western gate. They narrowed their eyes and saw eight ships docking at the harbour beyond; the gangways were laid out for the Aradian soldiers who disembarked with their companions, the Orellions and the birds. Following them were the dwarves, elves, Spartans, witches and Tuaryans. The eight armies of the Aradian Empire emerged into the huge city; watching, Benjamin saw people scrambling onto their roofs to get a better glimpse. Cheers and shouts greeted the returning warriors. The victorious soldiers in their colourful armour walked together through the bustling roads, receiving a warm welcome.

  Then Sebastian turned Benjamin around to face the south. He drew in a sharp breath. Another army marched there, a larger one: the army of the elephant clan. Blue, grey and brown beasts with gold garments on their backs marched along from the south, their tusks decorated with silver bangles and rubies.

  They joined the other armies on Silver Street, which led up to the royal palace. The royal leaders of each army were granted a warm welcome by King Baruji when he marched up the steps of his palace on his arrival, and he announced to the world that this gathering of armies was called the Aradian Alliance.

  *

  “What’s going to happen to Egypta now?”

  Benjamin fidgeted with the sleeves of his jumper. Sebastian had just brought in a tray of herbal teas. All their friends had gone home.

  “The pharaoh is dead.” Sebastian wiped his hand with a cloth and sighed. “His eldest son has succeeded him as monarch,” he continued. “He has begun to set up refugee camps for the slaves who have lost their homes, and the others have gone back to their families. The children that the pharaoh had been sending over to the Halamaband of the Far South every month are on their way home too. It might take years for the whole country to be rebuilt, but it’s a good start.”

  Benjamin was glad to hear this. “And now are we going to rescue the children from the north?” he asked.

  Uncle Merin, Edgar and Herman, who were reading newspapers, leant forward to listen. They took a keen interest in this discussion. Jordanna and Nadine hurried in from the kitchen, and even Kevin and Alby tore their gaze from the television. They all looked at Sebastian, waiting for him to answer.

  Sebastian cleared his throat. “Well, the government is quite busy at the moment with everything that’s going on, but we plan to leave as soon as possible. We’re gathering forces from all over the world, as you saw today; this means we need to accommodate them. In fact, we’re waiting for more ships to arrive in order to hold them all for our expedition.”

  Benjamin nodded, conscious that this was a hard task. It might take some time.

  “Don’t worry,” continued Sebastian. “We have a few people in Brytannia already, preparing an investigation into the missing children in the Far North.”

  “When you say ‘we plan to leave as soon as possible’, do you mean the army, all our family, or just a few of us?” asked Edgar.

  “That remains to be seen,” said Sebastian. “My colleagues and I think it would be wise if we all went together, including Benjamin and his band; but from a personal point of view, I’m worried about your safety.”

  Benjamin looked at his siblings who exchanged glances, but no one said a word. “Why don’t we all go with you?” he said, breaking the prolonged silence. “We won’t fight in any battles. That way, you know we’re safe. We can just help out here and there.”

  Nadine joined in in support. “Mama and Papa left you in charge of us, so please don’t leave us behind. We were separated for long enough when the slavers kidnapped you. Take us all with you.”

  Edgar, Jordanna and Herman smiled.

  “She’s right.”

  “Better to be together than apart.”

  “Don’t go alone,” they said, one after another.

  Sebastian sighed and turned to look at Kevin and Alby. “What’s your opinion?” he asked.

  “We want to stay with you, Seb,” said Kevin

  “We want the family to stay together,” agreed Alby.

  Benjamin added, “If Mama and Papa aren’t here to keep us together, then I’d rather you did it.”

  Sebastian nodded and made his decision. As he opened his mouth to express his gratitude for their confidence in him, he was interrupted by a flash of golden light flickering past the front window. Benjamin threw up his head, alert. There was another flash and then another.

  Benjamin rushed to the window and pulled the curtains apart. The whole sky was engulfed in gold clouds, floating everywhere like a bright storm. Falling from the clouds was, not rain, but thin streams of illuminated dust swimming towards the city. Curious to find out what it was, Benjamin dashed out to join his neighbours on the road, all craning their necks to look up. No one was afraid; they felt in their hearts that this was no threat.

  “What could it be?” wondered Sebastian.

  “It’s beautiful,” said Jordanna, smiling.

  Suddenly the golden stream divided to wrap itself around each person, then something magical happened; it transformed into animals of various different kinds. Benjamin’s took the shape of a silver tabby cat.

  “I’m your Eidoncheir, your guide,” said the glowing cat. “The future is uncertain, and I will lead you on the right path. This is a new change for everyone: the change of Heidoloncheir.”

  As Benjamin was hearing this speech from his Eidoncheir, others heard the same from theirs.

  “My name is Banayanaha,” the cat continued as its glow faded. “You must be Benjamin.”

  Benjamin was surprised to hear that it knew his name.

  “I know this because I was appointed as your Eidoncheir by the inhabitants of the realm of light. I can come and go whenever we both like, but I will always be by your side in your hour of greatest need.”

  “I’ll call you Bana for short, if that’s okay,” said Benjamin, thinking that it would be easier to pronounce. Strangely enough, Benjamin felt as if he’d known this Eidoncheir all his life. A special bond was formed between the two that united them. When Benjamin looked around, the sight warmed his heart; other people were being affectionate to their Eidoncheirs, playing and laughing with them, especially the children.

  “Is this happening everywhere?” he asked.

  Bana turned into a red sparrow and flew over to sit on his human’s shoulder. “It’s happening to every human in the world,” he said, “not to the animals or creatures of any kind. All around the world, each human has an Eidoncheir, the bad and the good.


  Benjamin didn’t know why this was happening, but he had a suspicion that it was related to the mysterious prophecy.

  Chapter 21

  The Great Feast

  Benjamin became much closer to Bana than he had ever been to anyone, even Kaileena. The two were thick as thieves, playing in and out of the narrow alleyways during their free time. The Eidoncheir was a good listener, too. Whenever Benjamin wanted to relax under the shade of a tree in one of the parks or on his roof, he would talk to Bana about all sorts of things. He told him about his life, his friends, his family and the current problems he was having. Most of all, they discussed the disappearance of his parents.

  “I love them, but I’m upset too,” Benjamin said once as he picked at the grass. “They left us, you know.”

  Bana sat there, dignified as a king, and listened. His favourite form was a silver tabby cat; the other shapes he took were temporary and designed to help him achieve some purpose.

  Looking around the city revealed huge changes; it bore little resemblance to the way it had been before. It was like a free zoo, with animals all over the place, trotting or walking beside their humans.

  It was the last week of school when Benjamin returned. Time had passed quickly. The three-week school break would begin soon at the end of October.

  “You missed a lot, Benjamin,” Anouk said to him during lunch in the canteen.

  “You missed the Summoning,” Jama added.

  “Yeah! Aquib gave us sweets to celebrate the return of the children. Oh, and you also missed –” Abel was smiling as he sucked in a strand of noodle, but he stopped.

  “I had more important things to do; unexpected things.” Benjamin looked down in disappointment before wiping his mouth.

  “Sorry,” said Jama. “It must have been hard for you when you were kidnapped by the Egyptians. The situation with your parents must be difficult, too. You still don’t know where they are?”

 

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