by Yajat Sharma
“And smelly,” Archer added.
“And yuck,” James said. “But we have to eat it, or else the portal won’t open.”
James went straight towards the table and picked up one plate. He turned towards the others. “Who knows? Maybe this tastes delicious.” And he shovelled the glop into his mouth.
Immediately, James started coughing and spluttering. He rolled onto the ground, yelling in disgust.
The others came near the table too. Daniel didn’t wait, because the more he waited, the more he hesitated. He swallowed the food. Somehow, Daniel forced down the urge to vomit. Everyone else did the same. Matt however couldn’t control himself and he vomited. Everyone backed away from him.
A second later, the dark portal turned grey. Everyone jumped into it.
They emerged into a well-decorated big hall.
At the far end of the room were steps leading to a golden throne and on it sat the Warhead.
The Warhead was dressed entirely in black. A hood covered his face, and he carried two curved swords. He stood up.
Welcome. The Warhead then said, I have tested each one of you and can say that you are almost worthy of getting the Poison.
The Scavenger cleared his throat. “So now you -”
I haven’t finished. I said ‘almost’.
The Warhead walked down the steps and beckoned with his swords. Fight and lose or surrender and lose. What do you choose?
In reply, the Scavenger pulled out his Lightning Sword and charged the Warhead with a diagonal cut. The Warhead bent to his right and dodged the attack. The Scavenger kept on with a flurry of strikes, but the Warhead weaved around them expertly. As the Scavenger stopped for a breath, the Warhead kicked forward and sent the Scavenger flying. Recovering quickly, the Scavenger leapt at the Warhead again, but the Warhead dodged all attacks. It was as if the Warhead was seeing the Scavenger’s every move before it even happened.
You are weak, the Warhead said.
The Scavenger came at him again and attacked.
Daniel watched with growing concern. The Warhead was tiring out the Scavenger, and although the Scavenger was a great warrior, there was a limit to his energy levels and stamina.
Suddenly, James said behind him, “Oh no, we forgot. We have to harness the scroll’s energies.”
“Oh no, what a silly slip of the mind,” the Scavenger said. “Lynx has given me a spell to harness the powers of the scroll.”
The Scavenger stepped forward, the scroll in his hand. He closed his eyes and chanted a spell.
Almost at once, the scroll flew and appeared above the Warhead’s head. Strange creatures with sharp claws dropped out from the scroll. Shrieking in a nasty voice, they swarmed the Warhead and started tearing him. The Warhead was utterly taken by surprise. Taking advantage, the Scavenger moved forward and plunged his sword towards the Warhead.
The Warhead’s swords flashed in a blur as he parried the creatures and the Scavenger. The Warhead appeared to dominate.
Suddenly, the scroll transformed into a giant caterpillar that swamped the Warhead’s head and covered his entire face. Before the Warhead could react, the Scavenger plunged his sword into the Warhead. The Warhead shrieked and flew into the air. He whirled around and then burst into dust.
A bottle with red liquid appeared at the spot where the Warhead had disappeared, which was...
Twenty feet into the air.
It didn’t take a Sherlock Holmes to figure out that it was the Poison. But it was falling. If it broke, then all the challenges and hard work would be in vain.
The Scavenger sat up and leapt for the bottle. But Daniel knew that the Scavenger wouldn’t be able to reach it. He was too far.
Everyone was too far.
The children ran as fast as they could, but the bottle was falling. Fast...
Daniel yelled and extended his hands forward in a final attempt. Pain exploded in his fingers, but he didn’t see what caused it.
He landed with a thump on the ground. The Scavenger was clapping with joy. Daniel had managed to catch the bottle just in time.
Daniel gave the Poison to the Scavenger. As soon as it touched the Scavenger’s hands, it disappeared.
“Where’s it gone?” James asked.
“I sent it into a magic Compartment.” Seeing the confused looks on the others’ faces, the Scavenger explained further, “It is a small box-like thing in the air. It is advantageous because no one can enter another’s magic Compartment. Only the ridiculously powerful sorcerers can. And they can only enter it if they know the exact coordinates of it. So it’s virtually impregnable.”
The Scavenger then grinned and congratulated everyone. “Great job! We got the Poison. The scroll served its purpose. It’s time to go back to Lynx.” A portal appeared in front of them, and they all entered it.
They appeared in Lynx’s cave and found Lynx visibly disturbed. In front of him was a table on which Aronicle lay unconscious. As they entered, Lynx looked at them with a grim expression.
“Hey!” the Scavenger said. “Is everything fine?”
Lynx shook his head. “I am not able to figure out who is controlling Aronicle. Very ancient, thick and impenetrable magic is in place. I tried everything I could, but in vain. The only thing I can say is that it is not the Skull Warrior. That is certain.”
“How can you be so sure?” Archer asked.
“There is no trace of evil. I mean, although too much dark energy has been used in the magic, there are no traces of evil. The Skull Warrior’s evil is so strong that he can’t control it. I can tell if his magic had a role to play in this. It does not.”
“It’s good that you have confirmed what the real Aronicle said to me, but what about our Elemental Powers? Could you find a way to make Aronicle give us our powers back?” Matt asked Lynx.
Lynx shook his head sadly. “Nope. How can I? Unless I free Aronicle from whoever controls him.”
“So you mean to say that bringing all these things and Aronicle from the Isle of the Beast was all a monumental time waste!” Matt remarked.
Lynx sighed. “No effort is ever wasted.”
“Don’t worry. Be positive,” the Scavenger said. “Cheer up. We got the Poison.”
Lynx’s eyes brightened. “Oh wow! This news has made my day. Let’s get this Aronicle thing out of our minds for a moment and celebrate this achievement. Most importantly, let’s plan the next move – to get the Bolt.”
After a deep breath, Lynx continued. “The Bolt is with Hellfire, one of the most dangerous persons in the Dark World.”
“Where do we find him?” the Scavenger asked.
“There is a dacoit who goes by the name Knight, with a ‘K’ at the start of the name. Knight and his army of thieves and bandits attack and loot other kingdoms. It’s difficult to locate him as he is continuously moving.”
“So how does it help us?” asked the Scavenger.
“There’s a man named Huro in the village Shimo who might know about Hellfire’s location. He was in the Knight’s army. I can create a portal for you to reach Shimo. The portal would take you thirty miles South of Shimo, from where you need to walk through a dense forest. When do you plan to go?”
The Scavenger looked at the ready faces of the children and then looked at Lynx. “Now.”
The portal dumped them in a dense forest. The Scavenger led the way, cutting through shrubs and undergrowth. They had walked for only a few minutes when there was a loud explosion. The Scavenger yelled, “DOWN!” and pushed the children to the ground.
A barrage of arrows ripped past the bushes towards them. The Scavenger cut down every arrow by the Lightning Sword with unbelievable speed and accuracy.
Then there was a rustle in the bushes, and a man emerged.
He was dressed in full armour, a visor covering his head. He was carrying two swords, but his left arm hung limp. He was severely injured.
Nine more men emerged, dressed in armour too. They were chasing the injured man. They stoppe
d when they saw the Scavenger and the others.
One of the men pointed his sword at the Scavenger. “Leave, stranger.” His voice came out muffled from the visor he was wearing. “This is not your fight.”
“I don’t think so,” the Scavenger replied. “You should leave, or you will face my wrath.”
“We will see about that.” The man charged at the Scavenger, waving his sword at him.
The Scavenger sidestepped him and hit the warrior on the head with the pommel of his sword, leaving him unconscious.
Before the men knew what was happening, the Scavenger whirled among them, disarming and quickly rendering all of them on the ground breathless. In a few seconds, the fight was over.
The injured man who had come out first sat on the ground with a sigh. He turned to the Scavenger. “Thank you, warrior.” He pulled out his visor.
And that’s when the children got the shock of their life.
The man had five eyes.
Two of them were in the usual place and the other three were on the forehead. The middle eye on the forehead was closed and the other two surveyed the children.
“What is your name?” the Scavenger asked.
The man shook his head. “My name is No One.”
The Scavenger said, “Well, strange name. So why were these people chasing you?”
“They looted my kingdom and were chasing me as I fled from my castle,” No One explained.
The Scavenger said, “But tell me, who are these people?”
“They are thieves, bandits and rogues led by a dacoit named the Knight,” No One said.
“What?” the Scavenger exclaimed. “With a K at the beginning?”
“Yes.”
“Can you lead us to him?” The Scavenger was excited.
“Why?” No One asked. “Why do you want to meet him?”
“We have to,” the Scavenger said. “You can join us and take revenge on him when we meet him. Do you know where he is going next?”
“No,” No One said. “But it is not that difficult to search for him. Of late, he has become so powerful that he sends messages to the villages before attacking them.”
The Scavenger grinned. “Come on then. I know a place.”
“Where?” No One asked.
“Shimo.”
9
The village of Shimo was a beautiful place, with big houses and gardens. There were shops selling weapons, armours, food and drinks. The place was full of vigour and activity.
The Scavenger approached a stranger who was carrying a pot and asked him, “Can you tell me where Huro is?”
The man pointed to a drinks shop. “He’s sitting there. But he’s busy.”
“Why?”
The man looked at the Scavenger as if he was stupid. “Haven’t you heard? The Knight is coming.”
The Scavenger rushed towards Huro, who was surrounded by creatures to whom he was giving weapons and food. The Scavenger tapped him on the shoulder.
“Yes?” Huro asked.
“Are you Huro?” the Scavenger asked.
“Yes.”
“We have to discuss something important.” The Scavenger leaned towards Huro and whispered, “About the Knight.”
Huro’s face filled with interest. “I see. One moment.” He delegated his tasks to another person, whispering some instructions to him.
“Come with me.” Huro took the Scavenger and the children to another room.
“What is it?” Huro asked.
“We know that the Knight is coming,” the Scavenger said.
“Yes. Earlier he used to do surprise raids. He has now become too powerful. He warns people beforehand and expects everyone to surrender. The Knight is expected tomorrow morning. He will take away all our food, weapons and drinks. We are just planning to save whatever we can. But who are you and why are you asking all this?”
“I have a plan to end the Knight’s reign of terror once and for all.” The Scavenger fixed Huro with a stare. “We need to fight together.”
“No,” Huro said at once. “We would be massacred. It’s about... fifty of us against thousands. We stand no chance.”
“Are there any friendly villages close by.”
“Two. One is about ten miles from here. Fuelon. And the other, Shil, should be about fifteen miles.”
“We can seek their help and fight together. It will end the Knight’s reign of terror for all times to come. Trust me.”
Huro shook his head. “But who are you, anyway?”
The Scavenger pulled back the hood covering his face, and Huro gasped audibly. “The Scavenger,” he whispered in awe.
His attitude changed completely, and he said, “What a pleasant surprise. As you say, my Lord. We trust you.”
“Good.” The Scavenger rubbed his hands. “Now...” the Scavenger said, “send half of your men to Shil, and the other half to Fuelon with a message that the Scavenger and the four Elemental children have arrived to rescue them from the Knight. Summon their armies by today midnight. Meanwhile, we will prepare traps. I need heavy logs of wood. Send these logs to the entrance of Shimo. The Knight is going to wish he never came here. Come on. Let’s go.”
Huro gave instructions to his men. They all went to the village entrance. The Scavenger scanned the area and selected two trees that were about twenty feet apart. Using ropes, he tied the branches and the bases of the two trees with each other in a way that the ropes were taut.
Next, he took pieces of wood and plunged small, sharp and lethal knives into them. He made several such wooden boards and placed them at certain angles.
The Scavenger explained his trap to Huro. “When the enemy comes rushing in, they will trip over this rope.” He pointed to the ropes at the base of the ground. “The boards will flip and the knives will shoot off on the enemy. Let’s try.”
The Scavenger jumped over the rope at the tree base.
The boards flipped and knives came straight towards the Scavenger’s head. He ducked and rolled away.
“See,” the Scavenger said to Huro, who was standing with his mouth open in admiration. “It will work.”
Huro nodded.
The messengers that the Scavenger had sent to call the other villages came running.
“What is it?” the Scavenger asked them. “Did you convey the message to the villages?”
One of the men stepped forward. “The village of Shil is coming. But Fuelon refused. They said that they couldn’t risk losing their people.”
The Scavenger swore. “These selfish people will meet their end and when they do, no one will help them back. But never mind. We will manage things on our own.”
He turned to Huro. “I need more wood. And steel too. Get me some grease, oil, glue, rope, spikes, bamboo and, of course, bottles.” He looked around. “Why are you waiting? Just move!”
Huro and his men quickly scattered and after a few minutes, the Scavenger got all that he wanted.
The Scavenger spent the next few hours constructing tricky traps. The children couldn’t understand even half of them. They just watched and assisted the Scavenger.
The Scavenger finally stopped and surveyed his work. “Ta-da! Look at my genius traps!”
Matt was curious. “But I don’t see any traps.”
The Scavenger grinned at him. “That’s the point. If the enemy can’t see the trap, then they won’t be able to avoid it.”
Suddenly, they heard people cheering and shouting in the village square. Huro turned and ran, the others in tow.
A large procession of warriors with weapons was coming – the ones from Shil. The Scavenger and Huro greeted them.
“We are very thankful to you for coming to our help,” Huro said to their leader – a man with a grim expression and a battle-worn face.
“Please don’t mention it. Our village has had enough of the Knight’s torturous rule.” As he spoke, the man’s eyes turned from Huro to the Scavenger, eyeing both of them. He bowed to the Scavenger.
The Scaveng
er bowed back and asked, “What is your name?”
“I am Crimson,” the man said. He gestured to a skinny man standing on his left. “He is Fat.” Then he turned to a gigantic man to his right. “And he is Tiny. Both are my guards.”
Ironic, the Scavenger thought to himself. “Welcome. The Knight is expected tomorrow, and we don’t have much time. Are you ready?”
Crimson nodded. “I was born ready. What do we do now?”
The Scavenger looked at the sky. “It’s almost evening. I suggest you rest. Tomorrow will be a busy day.”
The Scavenger turned towards the children. “Rest well. There is a big battle ahead.” The children proceeded to the resting area.
Next morning, they were all ready for the Knight. The children wore their armours, procured their weapons and came outside. All the other warriors were standing there in a tense mood. Urrax and the wolf – Thunder – were already there with the Scavenger, along with No One, Huro, Fat, Tiny and Crimson.
The Scavenger turned to the children. “You stay out of the fight, at the very back. We can’t risk you getting hurt.”
Matt groaned but was secretly relieved. Without his Elemental Power, he was pretty much useless.
He and the others walked to the back with Urrax and waited impatiently. The Scavenger laid out the battlefield. He sent some warriors with bows and arrows to hide on the rooftops.
It was about half an hour later when the sound of rushing footsteps and the familiar clinking of armour and weapons reached the village.
Then the Knight appeared in sight.
The Knight was dressed completely in black, except for a red mask that covered his face. With him walked several rough-looking men with weapons. As the Knight saw the warriors with weapons at the village entrance, he laughed.
“What is this?” he said mockingly.
The Scavenger shouted back, “We have had enough of your fear. Today, we will end your rule once and for all.”
The Knight laughed again. “You fools. You think that you can defeat me with your little army. Well, never mind. Let your suffering begin.” The Knight raised his hand and with a roar, his army charged forward.