by Selva, SK
“But haven’t there been some creatures that have done incredible things?” asked the other student. “Don’t you use magic during the Vlatta Potti?”
“Creatures that have been coming here for decades do have more trust with Ilemuria. It’s almost natural for them. Your rings borrow energy to translate our language. She trusts those that speak fluent Agastya. She also doesn’t forget and knows that those who tried to protect her over the years are worthy of great energy.”
“Is that the same for all creatures?” asked Puli. Veeran could almost feel the contempt in his voice and knew he was indirectly asking about him.
“Not necessarily,” said Thalia. “You see, we refer to the land as one being, but she has many different elements. The merpeople draw better from water than any other creature. We are more accustomed to the forest and earth, which is why we built Marutam here. Centaurs draw energy from the stars and skies, if you believe it.”
It was all so captivating to Veeran. He had become accustomed to the land pulsing underneath him and even the slight pull from his ring, but the thought of being able to do so much more enticed him.
But hadn’t he already? Was it not magic he used when he translated the books? Maybe the land already trusted him.
“Excellent,” said Thalia loudly when there were no more questions. “Let’s try to see how much the land helps you now.”
Veeran tapped his hooves nervously, digging a small hole into the ground, ignoring the obvious look of annoyance from Puli. It was all going a little too quickly for him. The branch Thalia had just laid in front of him looked like any other stick but felt like a world of pressure.
“Remember, this isn’t magic like you know in the human world. Think of how the different elements can help you achieve the task you are about to receive. Step one is to thank the land. Ilemuria has graciously given us food, shelter, and a place to be our true selves. We must make sure she knows we appreciate her.”
Feeling a little foolish, Veeran muttered “thank you” under his breath. Nothing happened.
“Like you mean it,” said Thalia exasperatedly.
Veeran took another deep breath and thought about everything that had happened since he arrived. It hadn’t all been good, but he had never felt so amazed at what he didn’t know. He was thankful for the opportunity to make his grandma proud.
A sudden warmth began to pull at his fingers as his hooves tapped even quicker. As swiftly as it appeared, it was gone. He looked at the other unicorns, wondering if they had felt anything too.
“That’s progress,” said Thalia. “The next step will be to ask the land to move the branch from where I placed it to you. Remember, what is the simplest way for the land to help? The less energy required, the easier the magic will be.”
Veeran thought about it for a second. Maybe he could ask for a small gust of wind to blow the branch over? Or perhaps the blades of grass could lift it and bring it closer? Was that how this worked?
He closed his eyes and thanked the land again, concentrating harder than ever before. The warmth in his fingers grew hotter as it spread up his arms. He asked for wind.
A great breeze blew into their clearing as Veeran fell over his bench. The other students had stumbled as well.
“Think you asked for too much,” said Thalia.
Veeran struggled to get his breath back, feeling as though he had just finished a marathon.
“At least the branch moved,” he said to himself.
It had, but as he reached over to pick it up, he realized how much easier it would have been to just grab it. He now understood what Thalia had meant when she said knowing when to ask for energy was just as important as how to use it.
“Well done,” she said. “Took a little out of the land but a lot out of you. You’ll have to work on your concentration and endurance.”
“Got it,” said Veeran.
A sudden cheer came from beside them. Puli had the branch fly into his hands.
“Good job,” said Thalia.
“If the land trusts him, then it shouldn’t be that hard,” he said.
Veeran gritted his teeth and glared at him. “What do you mean by ‘him’?”
Puli did not flinch. “Exactly what you think.”
Veeran took a bold step forward, stomping a new hole into the fresh earth.
“That’s enough,” said Thalia. “Back to your branches.”
“Yeah, wouldn’t want to cause trouble. The king might ban us from the games,” taunted Puli.
His heart thundering loudly, Veeran saw his other classmates watching intently, huddled together and whispering. He did not care. At that moment, he wanted nothing more than to teach this smug unicorn a lesson.
A sudden tug at his hooves tore his attention away from the class. He looked down. The same feeling was now in his fingers.
Is Ilemuria talking to me?
Veeran shut his eyes as he slowed his breathing, patiently waiting for his heart to start beating normally.
“All right,” said Thalia suddenly. “The basics are done for today. You can all go. Just remember to thank the land and take care of her. Same time tomorrow.”
Puli was out of sight before Thalia was done talking, the other two following quickly, clearly wanting to be away from Veeran as soon as possible. Thalia laid a comforting hand on Veeran’s shoulder.
“Sorry,” he said softly, not wanting to look at her.
“Don’t be,” she said. This made Veeran comfortable enough to look up.
“Roshna explained a lot to me last night,” she said. “Puli is not going to be the only one like that, here or any other clan. They are all driven by fear of what they don’t know, what they’ve been told.”
“I noticed it already,” said Veeran, thinking of his morning walk. “Maybe it would be easier if I just went somewhere else.”
“Just because it’s easier doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do. There are those who support you. Let their voices be the loudest in your head.”
“What can I do? I’m not a unicorn.”
“But you are an Ilemurian,” said Thalia. “To me, that makes you a part of this village, any other village, and above all else, the land.”
Veeran silently thanked the land. He felt nothing and slumped his shoulders. It was clear that she did not trust him for now, after he just almost lost his cool.
“Will you be attending the battle lesson tonight?” she asked, quickly changing the topic.
“I don’t want to be in the same village as Balaraj, let alone in his sight.”
“Roshna usually comes by. She’ll make sure he doesn’t step out of line. And besides, he’s one of the greatest warriors of our generation. He’s single-handedly gained enough points to keep our council seat for so long. Might be great for you to learn from him.”
“If we’re such a peaceful land, why would I need to learn how to fight?”
“The battle games are the allure of Vlatta Potti,” explained Thalia. “It’s the last event of the games and worth the most points. Those who win it are etched in our legends. Balaraj is our best hope.”
“I’m not a fighter,” said Veeran.
Thalia shrugged. “Besides, and this might sound crazy, but the land does tend to lend energy to those she deems to be the strongest warriors of mind, body, and soul.”
If she ever trusts me again, thought Veeran.
He thanked Thalia and made his way back to Aaryav's hut. Even though the sun still shone bright, he was exhausted. He looked at the clock perched atop the embassy and vowed to learn how to tell time. Aaryav returned not too long after, huffing and puffing, sweat dripping onto the floor.
“You look like you’re taking your training seriously,” remarked Veeran.
“It’s not enough to be the best unicorn,” said Aaryav. “You need to be the best creature.”
He’s not wrong, thought Veeran. He sat down and looked at the bowl of food Aaryav left out for him. He was starving and wolfed it down, not par
ticularly satisfied.
“Sorry,” said Aaryav, seeing his face. “I’m not actually sure what demons like to eat.”
“It’s fine. It’s enough to hold me.”
Aaryav asked Veeran about his day, and he happily talked about the library and magic class with Thalia.
“Trust me,” said Aaryav. “It took me until my second or third trip before I felt Ilemuria actually trusted me. I’m still learning new things every day. It’s why senior clan members like Roshna and Balaraj know so much.”
Aaryav quickly gulped down his second plate.
“You sure you don’t want to come to the battle training?” he asked one last time.
Veeran thought about how easily Balaraj had raged at the thought of a demon. He also remembered how Puli had reacted to him and if he could handle more unicorns like that.
“I think I’m going to pass for now,” said Veeran. “Let me know how it goes.”
CHAPTER 13
***
R oshna had always been confident in her decisions when it came to the well-being of Marutam. Aaryav had been doing an excellent job watching over Veeran, and having Thalia on board was a real help. As long as they made sure he kept out of trouble, the unicorns could continue enjoying the land peacefully.
Seeing all her villagers back and hard at work as though they had never left brought a smile to her face. Marutam was known for its agriculture, providing crops to all creatures in the land.
Her daily morning stroll through the village helped keep her mind at ease as she made sure to greet each unicorn individually.
“Of course, Eshan, we can ensure better use of the harvest this year so that we have enough food until the games begin.”
“That was a wonderful dance piece, Fara. We’ll be sure to make a splash at the opening ceremonies.”
“Yes, there is a demon in our village, and we are carefully monitoring the situation. Please understand.”
It was inevitable. There would be those that asked about Veeran. They referred to him as “the demon,” and Roshna made sure to inform them that he had a name.
The questions kept coming, and Roshna patiently answered. So far, everything had gone as well as she could have hoped, but King Nahusha’s visit last night still did not sit right with her. True, she had allowed Karnan to send the message that a demon had returned, but she had not expected him to come racing out so quickly.
She really needed to discuss this with someone. As she stepped into her quarters, finally escaping all the questions, a familiar lock of hair was sitting on her table. Smiling, Roshna picked it up and heard a voice.
“Dinner in Kurunji this evening? I’d like to know how you are holding up,” it said, the voice clearly belonging to Karnan.
The lock of hair, having served its purpose, was no longer hot to hold. Roshna picked up one of her many feathers on her bedside table. She whispered softly to it.
“I’d be delighted.”
Roshna watched as the feather flew gracefully from her hand, through the window and into the sky on its way to Karnan.
She looked down at the unicorn horn that had belonged to Samara. Pandian had long since gone, and she had been unable to give it back to him. All the better. She remembered what it had told her before she stepped out of the shadow to reveal herself to Veeran.
Trust the demon boy. We need his help to save the land.
But from what? Roshna wondered.
*
Roshna left an excellent battle class that night and strolled to the Yonder Gate. Balaraj certainly seemed more dedicated and inspired to teach his new students this year. Veeran had not been in attendance.
Though Kurunji was a wonderful trip by flight, Roshna wanted to travel quickly. It had been a long few days, and she did not want to waste too much energy. Who knew what Karnan wanted to talk about?
Her hooves left delicate prints in the soil as Roshna reached the Yonder Gate. Stepping through, Kurunji was a welcome site. The Iron Village looked as lively as ever. The orcs and ogres were busy smithing weapons, and the trolls eyed those entering the village with untrusting eyes.
She knew her clan was soon going to rest for the night, but many centaurs were just arising. Karnan had always told her how he slept in the same quarters as the first centaur leader. All the creatures of Kurunji took pride in their craftsmanship and their village, ensuring that their buildings and roads would last forever. It had a very similar look to Kiramam Square, which, of course, they had help build. A peaceful community, they still trained some of the best battle hardened warriors.
Roshna had visited several times, but it had been a few returns. Karnan, ever the gentleman, was waiting for her at the front gates.
“Thank you for coming,” he said, helping her up the steps and past the troll guards.
Roshna smiled as they walked through the village to the centaur area. She looked up at the sky and smiled at how open and clear it was. The centaurs made sure never to build structures that would block their view. Karnan’s chambers came into sight, near the forest, and they stepped inside.
It looked as though he had clearly been busy researching something. There were many charts and maps of stars and planets littered across the floor. Open books were piled on the different tables. Little gadgets she did not recognize were constantly fidgeting.
“Your message seemed a bit urgent,” said Roshna, sitting down in the chair Karnan offered her. “Is everything all right?”
“I’m not sure,” said Karnan. “I was going to ask you. How is Veeran? How are you doing?”
Roshna sighed as she gratefully accepted a cup of tea. She told the attentive centaur leader about King Nahusha’s visit and the ultimatum he had left them. She talked about Balaraj’s fury and how she was not sure if she would be able to hold him off much longer.
“It’s only been a few days, but he’s been such a good boy. Attended a few magic classes and visited the library reading up on Ilemuria’s history. All of the clan members have heard about him, but few have actually seen him. They can’t even tell he’s there so far. But there are those who still ask me. I don’t know, Karnan. He’s such an innocent young man, but I’m not sure if we can make it to the Vlatta Potti without incident.”
Karnan listened without interrupting, ensuring Roshna got all of her emotions out. He waited until he knew she was done. “Do you remember the last time you were here?” he asked.
“You mean in Kurunji? I believe I visited the library…”
“No. I mean, in these chambers.”
Roshna gulped. “I could never forget. You made me wait here during the demon tragedy to make sure I was safe. Then you and Samara came and told me…”
Roshna’s voice suddenly trailed off.
Karnan nodded solemnly. “Yes,” he said. “And I hoped that I would never have to give you news that terrible ever again.”
Roshna looked up as her shaking hands struggled not to spill her tea. Karnan pointed her to a scale. She gasped out loud.
“Yes,” said Karnan. “The balance is dangerously close to tipping.”
“But I don’t understand,” said Roshna. “King Nahusha’s scale was perfectly balanced. As were all the ones at the embassy in Kiramam Square. Even my own looked fine.”
“I know, but did I ever tell you the story of this set?”
Roshna shook her head.
“It was the first ever made. The dragons built the one in their castle based off this one and made theirs the official balance for the land. This was centuries ago. We centaurs did not mind. Eventually all creatures were given a replica scale, and then they were even sold in Kiramam Square, but this one remained the first. I doubt even the dragons remember or even care, to be honest.”
“Why is it tipping so?”
“I have been trying to find out. Once I returned a few days ago, I noticed this. All these books I’ve gone through, trying to figure out the case, but as you can tell from the mess, nothing.”
“You don’t think t
his has anything to do with Veeran?”
“I cannot say, but it is a very strong possibility.”
Roshna could feel her shoulders slump, unable to look at the centaur.
“However,” began Karnan, as Roshna looked up hopefully, “I do not think that he is the only cause.”
“What do you mean?”
“Ilemuria always balanced itself naturally and ecologically. It has been doing so for many centuries. She was able to balance without the demons for the last forty years, but how about before that? When we were young and first arriving. We’ve fallen into such a natural cycle that everyone just assumes the balance is organic. How did we balance without the demons? No creature had ever been banished before.”
“I don’t understand,” said Roshna. “Wouldn’t that mean because Veeran is here, the land is stronger? The demons would help restore the original balance, or keep it longer, I would think.”
“Supposedly, or it could mean that him being here is disturbing what has been balancing the land in place of the demons.”
“That’s terrifying. I thought all creatures worked together, though, to organically heal Ilemuria.”
“It is terrifying, but the demon tragedy is not the first war. It’s just the first that banned a creature clan. We were always able to heal and mend relationships for the good of the land, but maybe she’s angry with us. I always wondered if this is why Raja wanted to bring demons back. Maybe he sensed our land needed them.”
“But then you think something has been balancing us inorganically without the demons?”
Karnan did not answer right away. “It’s a possibility,” he finally said.
“What are we going to do?” Roshna asked. This was not the news she was expecting when Karnan invited her over.
“My research is still continuing. I have not trusted this information to anyone except you. However, if the scale starts to tip more, it is my duty to Kurunji and Ilemuria to tell the king. We cannot compromise the safety of all creatures.”
“They cannot blame this on Veeran, though,” argued Roshna. “Is there anyone else that can help? Yachana and the fairies are adept at magic. Maybe Charak and the elves can finally take a side and show their loyalty.”