by Selva, SK
“He would make a powerful enemy,” a quiet Ubhay added, suddenly speaking up.
“Or an ally,” said Karnan finally, his voice resonating almost as much as the king’s.
“I will never work with a demon,” said Balaraj.
“He’s more than just that,” said Roshna.
“And how would you be able to know that?” asked Hemadri.
Samara’s words were not something Roshna was about to share.
“We’ve presented our cases, Raja,” said Karnan. “However, I implore you to advise about the magic imbalance of my scales.”
“The elves have not noticed much of that,” said Charak. “But if there is any imbalance, it would surely be because of the demon boy.”
“On what research and figures do you make such an assertion?” demanded Karnan. “Do you usually place blame where it is easy instead of where you have substantial evidence?”
“If the balance is indeed tipping on your scale, it happened when the demon entered this world.”
“Insufficient. It happened when all creatures entered.”
It had always been a worry to Karnan that there was an extreme lack of leadership amongst some of the clans, but now he saw that this issue stretched to those on the council as well. Charak looked away, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
“Karnan,” started the king. “I do not believe there is any issue with the magic imbalance. The official scales are correct, from what I’ve seen. I have not heard from any other creature about this either. Perhaps your scales are wrong. What do you require from me or any other clan to investigate more?”
“Time, Raja.”
He knew what else he needed, but he was not going to ask here in front of everyone else. Karnan needed the gate to the demon village to be opened, and only the king could do so.
Or a demon.
But why wasn’t King Nahusha taking his request seriously? Karnan could not fathom any reason why this would not be the land’s top priority to investigate. The king had cut it down like he did not have a care at all.
“I can grant you time,” said the king. “As for the unicorn tribe, you will still be allowed to participate in the games, despite my previous warning. This is thanks to Balaraj’s bravery.”
“You are most just, Raja,” said Balaraj.
“As for Veeran himself, I have a ruling.”
Roshna had always admired the king, never questioning his motives and praising his ability to admit a mistake, but this was not sitting well with her. Nothing had made sense so far.
“Forgive me, Raja, but how can you have a ruling without a trial?” she asked.
King Nahusha would not look at her, his gaze never leaving Balaraj. “We have all the evidence we need,” he explained.
Impossible, thought Roshna.
“My previous decree was to have Veeran under the watchful eyes of the unicorn tribe, but I have not been satisfied with their care. I will send some of my dragon warriors to Marutam to bring him back here, to Tirakan, where he will await further judgment.”
“That’s preposterous, your Grace!” shouted Yachana.
Balaraj roared in approval.
“I am not an unjust ruler, Yachana,” said the king, “but do not speak out of turn at this table.”
The fairy leader had no issues talking back to other members of the council, but the king was different. She sat back down, looking smaller than she had before.
“He will stay in a select chamber here in the castle as the dragons watch over.”
“What kind of chambers?” asked Hemadri.
“The ones where we can keep a watchful eye on him.”
“You mean the dungeons?” asked Balaraj.
King Nahusha did not answer.
Roshna caught Karnan’s expression out of the corner of her eye. She knew they were both thinking the same thing.
“Why do you need your warriors to bring Veeran here?” asked Roshna. “I can do it.”
“You have proven to be sympathetic toward Veeran.”
“And Balaraj has not proven to be unjustly biased? If he has his way, he will hurt him.”
“Hence, my warriors will do this.”
But Roshna knew this plan would not work as she remembered the feather she received a few hours ago. Veeran and Aaryav were not home.
She had been furious with them for leaving, especially after what had happened the night before, but now she was not so sure. Maybe the safest place for Veeran wasn’t Marutam. Maybe it was where she and Karnan had discussed.
“I understand, Raja.”
A long pause followed, not a single council member willing to break the silence.
“We have our instructions and have reached a conclusion,” said the king. “Karnan, please report back to me about the magic imbalance, should you find anything.”
“I will, Raja.”
“I bid you all farewell. Good luck to your respective clans at the games.”
The sounds of chairs scraping were drowned out by the king’s rapid departure as the council stood to make their way outside. Hemadri and Balaraj walked ahead swiftly with a sycophantic Ubhay trailing closely. Charak disappeared after them.
“Tension is high in our village,” said Yachana. “Charak and I disagreeing is causing distrust, and I feel more of my fairies are going to side with the elves.”
“Why did you stop me from halting Balaraj’s speech?” Roshna asked, her eyes full of fury. “The king clearly believed every nauseating word he said.”
“Roshna,” said Karnan. “I am worried.”
Roshna was as well, and it was this that made her anger slowly start to subside.
“Raja did not take my magic imbalance request seriously. It was brushed off so that they could talk about Veeran. Anyone who is proficient in magic would know that any sign of an imbalance should be immediately seen to, even if his official scales are working. I called the meeting for that.”
“What are you saying?” asked Yachana.
“I, too, felt uneasy in there,” admitted Roshna. “Maybe Raja knows more than he is showing.”
“That is what frightens me,” said Karnan.
“We can discuss that later, though,” said Roshna now that she knew they were alone. “Karnan, Veeran is not in Marutam.”
“What do you mean?”
“He and Aaryav have gone to Kurunji. I told them about your book and the map to Poombuhar. I think they are planning on stealing it and going.”
Karnan did not blink as he looked at Roshna incredulously.
“I have to stop them,” he said. “If the dragons find out he’s escaped and get to him before me, they’ll both be sent to the dungeons.”
“Karnan, you did not mention to the king that going to Poombuhar could help us with the magic imbalance,” said Roshna, “but you know you can do it with Veeran.”
The centaur leader rushed outside, racing toward the Yonder Gate. With each passing beat of his heart, he knew valuable seconds were wasting away.
He ran faster, not breaking stride through the gate. He had never forgotten what had happened years ago.
Excitement had swept throughout the land. The war had just been won, and the demons were being shepherded from the forest where they were hiding to Tirakan to await trial. Karnan could feel his face fall with each dejected demon that passed him.
What have we done?
The line moved robotically, never breaking stride. They knew they had lost. The frailest at the back fell behind, tripping over the rocky path. Karnan did not move as one grabbed his arm.
“Please,” she begged. “This is our home. Please don’t do this.”
But she was pulled away as the dragon warriors kept the demons to their lines. Karnan fought to keep his face stern. Hemadri and Balaraj stared down every demon with loathing as they passed.
Another demon fell from the line, blood flowing from her shirt as she struggled to sit up. Balaraj picked her up bodily and threw her back in line as the other
demons helped her stand.
“You will all pay for her,” he roared. “It’s your fault she’s not here anymore.”
Samara was tending to Sonia’s body, ensuring she would be able to return her to Marutam and tell her little sister, who was waiting at his chambers. Karnan was disgusted with Balaraj but loathed himself. How could he just stand there and watch as Balaraj raged?
He watched as the last of the demons were placed into cages, tears streaming down their faces as the dragons flew them away. The king himself stayed behind and turned to the village entrance. He began to chant. A fog engulfed the only way in. He turned to face everyone once done.
“From this moment on, the demon village will be closed and their history vanquished after I banish them!”
Karnan was shocked as a giant roar of approval shook the air from the army. Should that not be decided after a trial? Were they such an unjust society? He stepped forward bravely.
“Is there something you wish to address, Karnan?” asked the king.
All eyes turned on the centaur. He was such a young leader, and his early years on the council had taken a heavy toll on him.
“No, Raja,” he said. “Long live Ilemuria.”
It was all too familiar to Karnan. The king was making irrational decisions without a trial. There was no justice in that. He had not stepped up last time because he was afraid. This time, he had a plan. Kurunji in his sights, he ran faster.
If I need to go against the king’s word to save the land, then that is exactly what I’m going to do.
CHAPTER 2 3
***
T he curtains billowed ever so softly as a single feather floated through and landed on Thalia’s lap. Her usually steady hands closed her room door softly, ensuring no one could see as she eagerly grasped the end of the feather.
“Dragons are coming to get Veeran. Do not let them find out where he went with Aaryav.”
There was a sense of urgency in Roshna’s voice that Thalia had never heard before. Not particularly caring that her hair was amiss and eyes dreary, Thalia sprinted out of her home, jumping at the mighty roar resonating from the Yonder Gate. Three powerful dragons had just announced their arrival.
The ground trembled with each step they took, Thalia planting her feet firmly to stay balanced. Not a single unicorn moved. Drawing the ire of a dragon, especially those following a direct order from the king, came with consequences.
“You there,” said a particularly nasty-looking one, pointing at the closest villager. “Where is the demon boy staying?”
He let out a small yelp, head turning to anyone for help. As the dragon came closer, he dropped his bushel of crops, eyes firmly shut, not wanting to see what was going to happen.
“If you don’t tell me…”
“He’s over here!” shouted another voice.
Maran was waving his hands frantically, his flattering cry echoing through the village.
“He is with you?” asked one of the dragons.
“Of course, we’ve been guarding him. He’s right in here. Let me get him for you.”
Maran disappeared into the house. Each passing minute grew more tense as the dragons tapped their scaly legs, running out of patience as they waited outside.
“Um, Jagan,” Maran suddenly called out. “Can you come inside for a minute?”
Jagan gave an exasperated sigh as he entered the hut. A not so silent and very audible argument could be heard coming from between them.
“Where is he?”
“I don’t know. You were supposed to be watching him.”
“And you weren’t?”
“Those dragons are going to be angry.”
“Enough!”
A heavy fist pounded on the stone, breaking away at the once proud wall. The dragons had run out of patience. The biggest of them all made his way inside, his bulky frame breaking apart where the door used to be.
The crack of broken wood and feeble yelps from Maran and Jagan were terrifying. None of the other unicorns dared to go closer. Thalia let out a gasp as she saw Jagan race outside, trying to put as much distance between him and the angry dragon as possible.
“You let him escape!” shouted the dragon as he stormed outside, dragging a helpless Maran with him.
The look of fear on their faces told everyone what they already knew. They had let down Balaraj’s orders.
“Go back and tell the king,” the main dragon instructed one of his partners.
He raced to the Yonder Gate and disappeared swiftly. The remaining two warriors faced the unicorn clan.
“If anyone has any information as to where the boy is, now is the time to speak.”
There were few villagers still present, most of them having run away. Thalia noticed Fara and Poorvi amongst those who hadn’t fled, silent as the calm wind.
“If no one’s going to talk, then we’ll be staying until we find him.”
A few began to step forward, bravely joined by some others. The clan divided in fear, some beginning to talk to the dragons, telling them everything they knew. Thalia could not help but glower as Puli recounted his story, a pathetic limp in his step.
“We will not leave until we find him,” the dragon reassured him. “Get me whatever information you can.”
Some of the villagers seemed relieved by this, but Thalia was not.
What am I supposed to do without Roshna?
*
Karnan had raced through the Yonder Gate with three dragon warriors not too far behind. Many leaders, though, chose to remain in Tirakan, gossiping about what had happened. Balaraj could not take his eyes off the gate. He was counting the seconds until they brought the demon boy back. He wanted to see the proof with his very own eyes.
He had saved the land again. Once this demon was punished by the king, he would discuss his ascension as unicorn clan leader. Roshna’s rashness and stubborn decision-making was not best for their clan or Ilemuria. Still, she was a proud unicorn and he did not want her to be embarrassed. He should be gracious in how he took on the leadership.
“Go home, Roshna,” said Balaraj, attempting to be protective when he noticed her and the fairy leader had not left yet either. “You do not want to see what happens when he comes.”
“He deserves to see me first,” she said, not meeting his gaze. “I brought him here, and only I can convince him to follow the king’s lead.”
Balaraj accepted her stance and walked away. Maybe it was best just to let her be. If Roshna could still not see what a danger this demon was after everything that had happened, then she might never be convinced otherwise.
Balaraj threw his hands over his ears, covering the roar that had filled the air. One of the dragons had returned, but why was he alone? A great burst of flame flew from his snout as Balaraj shielded his eyes. The other creatures toppled over backward, attempting to get away from the furious dragon. He did not stop until King Nahusha walked through the castle doors and into the courtyard.
“Raja!” shouted the dragon warrior. “The demon boy was not home. He’s escaped.”
Fear rushed through the crowd. Balaraj turned to Roshna, enraged.
“You!” he shouted. The ground seemed to shake as he raced toward her. “What have you done?”
“Come now, Balaraj,” said Hemadri, holding back his friend. “She’s been here the whole time. Be reasonable.”
King Nahusha held on to a small fountain for support. He looked weary.
“Raja, this is unacceptable!” shouted Balaraj. “We need to organize a full search for the boy. Cancel the games if we have to. This is of utmost importance.”
“The games will not be cancelled!” thundered the king.
Unable to hold himself up anymore, the mighty dragon fell to a knee. Immediately, several dragon disciples were at their king’s side, holding him steady.
“Are you all right, Raja?” asked Yachana, tension etched across her brow.
“I expect everyone to be training for the Vlatta Potti,” th
e king said as he bravely held off help and rose elegantly.
“You should rest, my king,” said Hemadri.
“No,” said the dragon. “You must hear this.”
Balaraj had never known the king to show any weakness, and it frightened him.
“I will reward the clan that finds the demon with an honorary seat on the Council of Elders.”
The impact of the king’s words erased any worry they had about his health. A chance at a council seat without having to participate in the games was unprecedented. The creatures all began to disperse through the portal and the air, determined to gather the reinforcements needed.
Very few remained behind.
“I wish for you all to leave, except for Balaraj. Please get your clans ready for the games. Those are my instructions, and I expect them to be followed.”
Ubhay and Charak were the first to leave. Roshna and Yachana yearned to stay but bowed their goodbyes. Hemadri grabbed on to Balaraj and gave him a stern nod. The unicorn had lost his tongue several times today with the king himself.
“Control yourself,” he whispered.
Balaraj was frightened but determined. He nodded back, his heart pounding as Hemadri disappeared from view.
He was alone with the king.
“Do you need my support, Raja?”
“No, I will manage.”
Balaraj was not sure how old the king actually was. He himself was old enough to be a father to a father, but King Nahusha was clearly beyond his years. One of the things he was most grateful to the land was the energy it lent his old body to feel youthful. The thought that even the king could succumb to frailty was terrifying.
“Do not be frightened, Balaraj. I’ve always admired you. Ever since we defeated the demons all those years ago. Did you know that?” said the king.
“I appreciate that, Raja,” said Balaraj. “I apologize for my rash behavior earlier. The demon tragedy affected me greatly.”
“And am I correct in assuming you would do anything for the land?”
It was such a strange question, not one Balaraj had been expecting. He could feel the long gray hairs on his arms stand on edge, unable to place his sudden dread.