The Demon's Return

by Selva, SK

  Aaryav grabbed the map from Karnan, studying it harder than any book he had ever held. He thought back to everything he had been told the night before and how Balaraj had dismissed him so easily that morning.

  “If all the creatures are out looking for Veeran, then wouldn’t that be a place they think he would go too?” he asked.

  “It’s been a long time since anyone has been there. Remember, all demon history was erased. Creatures have become too accustomed to the Yonder Gates, and now we see what knowledge we have lost.”

  “Like the way to get somewhere on foot,” said Veeran, suddenly realizing.

  “Even if the king remembers the way, it would take him a long time to find the only entrance. Be that as it may, we must act swiftly.”

  Karnan knew what he was doing was treason. Order and government were instilled into the land to ensure all creatures were treated fairly. But what happened when the order was not acting in favor of the land? Do the people stand up? Of course they do, but it started with their leaders.

  “Just tell us what to do,” said Aaryav.

  “They are after you too, young one,” said Karnan. “I thank you for the loyalty you have shown Roshna and especially Ilemuria. You are without a doubt a pride to the unicorn clan.”

  Veeran thought he could see Aaryav slightly tear up as he looked hurriedly away. He deserved every bit of praise.

  “You will need to travel to the gates as soon as possible. I hear you are the fastest in your clan. We’ll need that. Veeran, how are you with the demon mirakum?”

  His crestfallen look told the centaur everything he needed to know.

  “I haven’t really tried. The land hasn’t trusted me much with little magic. I don’t even know how to do it,” Veeran admitted.

  “Unfortunately, we do not have time to teach you right now. Aaryav, how good are you with a passenger?”

  “Not a problem.”

  Even though Veeran felt like he was letting Aaryav down, he could not believe what was happening. In his wildest dreams, he had not thought they would get this far. He had believed, or maybe even hoped a little, that someone would have found them by now.

  Instead, they had succeeded, but they were not done yet.

  “You will need to go by land,” said Karnan. “Fly low if you need to if you are in a forest, but once it gets to more open land, stay on the ground. Then when you get to Poombuhar, Veeran, you need to open the gates.”

  “How do I do that?”

  For the first time, Karnan was silent. “I don’t know,” he eventually admitted.

  Veeran gulped.

  “Aaryav, you will need to stand guard while Veeran explores the village, looking for whatever has been sending him messages.”

  “Wait,” said Aaryav. “What about you?”

  “I have no doubt that you have been spotted here, through no fault of your own,” said Karnan, seeing the look of indignation on Aaryav's face. “It’s only a matter of time before they come looking for you. I’ll need to throw them off your trail, and you’ll need all the time you can get. Once I get a chance, I’ll find you in Poombuhar, but you two need to stay there until I come. It won’t be safe otherwise.”

  Aaryav knew he was right, but it did not make him feel any less nervous.

  “This is our only lead. I’m counting on you two.”

  “Why are you helping us?” asked Veeran suddenly.

  “Because I should have stepped up and helped the demon clan all those years ago. I should have backed Samara. Ravanan was a worthy leader. And we need to know the truth.”

  Karnan’s normally deep and calming voice was filled with years of regret as he trembled. Even the strongest of warriors would never forget their early battles.

  “When do we leave?” asked Aaryav.

  “Right now.”

  Karnan knew he was entrusting the future of Ilemuria to two creatures he had just met.

  “Meet me in the forest,” he said, pointing through a window. “Near the face tree. You cannot miss it. I will be there shortly.”

  Aaryav and Veeran scrambled through a small back opening, ducking into the nearby forest. Karnan made a show of opening his front door and yawning loudly. The more creatures looking at him, the better for the other two. His keen ears picked up nearby conversation.

  “Yes, an honorary council seat for whoever brings the dragon the demon.”

  “To think, there was actually one here.”

  “Almost killed another unicorn, I heard.”

  “Hey, Karnan, have you heard any of this?”

  The centaur leader narrowed his eyes upon his clan members. “Yes,” he said. “Sad news indeed, but the dragons are on it. Concentrate on the games.”

  “But what if we get him back?” asked another centaur. “An honorary council seat? Two centaurs would be unprecedented.”

  “I’d rather the right creatures be on the council, regardless of clanship,” said Karnan, his voice resounding through the courtyard. “If you wish to search, please do, but the games are the priority. Report to me should you have any information.”

  “Yes, Karnan,” they said.

  “Also, keep the peace here. Just because there is a demon out free, we do not lose order with Kurunji, and especially the centaur clan.”

  “Understood.”

  Karnan slipped into the forest. It was not unusual, since he had been known to do his deepest thinking in peaceful solitude. Aaryav and Veeran let out long sighs of relief when he arrived.

  “Let’s see it,” said Karnan.

  Aaryav smiled, stepping back for more space. Calling upon the land for magic, he fell to his knees as his pegasus wings flourished, beautiful white plumage lighting up the dark forest. His arms thickened, resembling his powerful hind legs as his mane grew down his back, finishing off at his tail. He kicked out at a heavy log, snapping it in half.

  “Magnificent,” remarked Karnan. “This will be a long journey, and I’m hoping you get there by nightfall. Take the map with you. Do you understand?”

  Aaryav nodded as Veeran stuffed the map into his cloak. From what he had gathered, the race game was not just about speed but also the ability to read a map and interpret directions readily. If there was anyone who was ready for this, it was Aaryav.

  “Remember to stay there. I don’t know when I can get away, maybe not until after the games, but I will come find you. No messages either. They will be tracking you two now.”

  “Got it,” said Aaryav.

  “Good luck.”

  Karnan watched as Veeran grabbed Aaryav's back, and they sped away through the forest. He was not a religious man, but he found himself praying. Not just for the two young creatures he had just sent away on a fool’s mission, but for all of Ilemuria.

  *

  Roshna lifted her long dress, carefully watching her step, as she came through the Yonder Gate. Marutam had been through a lot the last day, and she wanted to ensure there was at least a little peace before the games.

  The dragons that were already there roaming around would not help.

  “Thank god you’re back,” said a young villager, running up to Roshna. “The demon’s escaped. What if he’s still in the village and attacks one of us?”

  His eyes looked as though he hadn’t slept all night as he clung tightly to Roshna’s arm, his body trembling an unwavering rhythm.

  “Hush, it’s okay,” she said, bringing him in and embracing him. “We are taking care of it.”

  “And if you find him, you are to hand him over to us.”

  Several dragons had forced their way to the front of the crowd.

  “You do not have authority here over me,” said Roshna firmly. She was not about to get ordered around in her own village. “Marutam is still under my rule, as are its inhabitants, Veeran included. Should he be found, I will take him to the king.”

  “You may have rule according to law,” said one of the dragons, “but when the land is in danger, we are forced to act. Those are our order
s.”

  Orders and rules are what got us into this mess in the first place, thought Roshna. She could feel her fists clenching and teeth grinding, but she turned away. With such a delicate balance in her village, now was not the time to lose control. She needed some peace and quiet, and her chambers was the only place she would get it. With incredible grace, she made her way to the library. The few unicorns that had braved out of their huts were waiting at the embassy.

  “Is he still here? Do we know?”

  “We need to make sure everyone is safe.”

  “We are still with you, no matter what.”

  “We’re not.”

  There was a venom in that voice that Roshna could not ignore as she turned around. Karnan’s battle students had arrived.

  “Watch your tongue, Vadish,” one unicorn said.

  “I will not,” he retorted. “Our leader here was the one that brought the demon into this world. She’s the one that even kept him in our village, and look where that led us. We almost lost one of our own. I’m glad the dragons are here. Maybe we can see what real leadership looks like.”

  “Roshna is the best clan leader we could’ve asked for,” argued another. “We do not need these dragons here, disturbing our peace.”

  Roshna could feel her body grow rigid as the arguments began to get louder and angrier. The villagers were getting closer and closer to each other. Vadish began to arm his bow.

  “That will do!” she demanded, stepping between the two groups. “I will not have a village divided, and it will not help us to argue who is right in this moment. In times like this we need to show unity, regardless of our views. The dragons will guard our village, but if Veeran is found, he is to be brought to me immediately. Do I make myself clear?”

  Vadish looked as though he wanted to argue but thought better of it and simply nodded.

  “Good, now back to training. The games are coming up, and we need to ensure we retain our council seat.”

  Maran and Jagan saw the entire ordeal from their hiding spot in the forest, trying to keep their arguing voices down.

  “If we find Aaryav, we find the demon,” said Jagan.

  “We just have to keep watching the house to see when he comes back from training.”

  “He’s not training. How many times do I have to tell you?”

  “Well, we’re not telling anyone that. Last thing we need is for people to know he tricked us.”

  Roshna had not heard the hurried exchange, nor did she particularly care. Making sure the two groups of villagers were safely on their separate ways, she hurried to her chambers, slamming the door firmly behind her. She slid to the floor, not even making it to her bed, as her hands covered her face. The usually composed unicorn leader did not want to look around her room. There were too many memories of those she missed the most.

  “Now, that will not do at all,” said a soothing voice that gave Roshna enough strength to sit up. The door stood slightly ajar, a familiar face looking in.

  “Are you all right?” asked Poorvi.

  “No,” said Roshna.

  Poorvi sat down beside her leader, her arm around her shoulders, providing the comfort she so desperately needed.

  “I’ve been watching from the temple, waiting for you to come back.”

  “You’ve always been so good to me, Poorvi. I know you and Samara were good friends. But please, am I doing the right thing? I’ve gone against the king and divided our clan. There are dragons here. Here, in Marutam. The villagers want Balaraj to lead instead of me.”

  “No,” said Poorvi. “And you listen here. There are those that support Balaraj, but a great deal more are loyal to you. A true leader is one that admits their mistakes. It helps when the villagers understand their plight. They saw the abuse Balaraj put Veeran through. They’ve also seen Veeran in the temple, silently helping.”

  “And that’s been enough?”

  “It is more what we do that defines us than what is said.”

  Poorvi’s words lit the smallest beacon of hope in Roshna’s heart.

  “If Samara was here, she would have done the same thing.”

  The old unicorn that sat upon Roshna’s lone table meant more to her now than ever before.

  “We’re going to need your leadership. What do we do next?” asked Poorvi.

  Roshna remembered back to what had just happened at the emergency meeting. She thought of Balaraj’s actions and how he had been for all these years. She thought of Karnan and his unwavering support. But most of all, she remembered Samara and what she had said.

  “We need to help the demons.”

  “The games are fast approaching,” said Roshna, suddenly standing up. “We cannot represent ourselves well with the village in disarray. Those who are frightened of Veeran can come talk to me. I will console them. We cannot let Balaraj sway more to his side. We need everyone to know that just because the dragons are here, there is no need to fear.”

  Poorvi could feel her lips curve into the smile she loved to wear. “You know, I don’t think anyone could have led us better than you since Samara left. You’ve done our clan proud.”

  “Thank you, Poorvi,” said Roshna. “I don’t know how much longer I can hold council or lead this village.”

  “From what I gather, there might be something more important we will need you for.”

  She was right, and Roshna knew it. Marutam would always stand, but Ilemuria needed her now, more than ever. Her priorities would have to shift.

  Roshna really hoped that Karnan had found Veeran and Aaryav and that they were on their way to Poombuhar. They needed Veeran to find out the truth. They had to save Ilemuria.

  Even if their own king was against them.

  CHAPTER 2 5

  ***

  “N o! No! Let me go!”

  Balaraj woke up shouting, his bed drenched in sweat. He looked around frantically, trying to figure out what was happening. It was only a few moments later that he realized he was in his own room.

  He felt as though someone had taken a club to his head. Ever so gently, he went to his small water basin, letting the liquid fill the bowl. He splashed as much as he could on his face and looked at his reflection in the water.

  It winked at him.

  Balaraj jumped back.

  No, I must have imagined that.

  He stepped forward and warily looked again. All was normal. Perhaps his hair was a little darker, but that was it. His broad shoulder leaned against the closest wall, steadying his body enough to calm his mind. From what he could remember, Veeran had escaped and a council seat was on the line for his capture. If his last class taught him anything, it was that his students were not ready to defend the village from the demon boy. He doubted even he himself could do it.

  We’ll need more training, especially me.

  The darkness was strangely welcoming, a rather unfamiliar sensation. Needing fresh air, Balaraj trudged outside, feeling heavier than before. Surprisingly, several dragons were roaming the village, the little moonlight doing nothing to deter their pacing.

  The training grounds had always been his escape. To his immense shock, all his students were there, warming up. Balaraj hadn’t even realized that his lesson was about to start. How long had he been asleep?

  “Maran! Jagan!” he called.

  Their slow trickle over annoyed Balaraj greatly. He did not have time for this, his head still spinning.

  “What happened?”

  “They escaped. Must’ve used powerful magic. We were watching them the whole time,” said Jagan.

  Balaraj could barely concentrate. It took several moments before their words registered to him. “When did I get back?”

  Maran turned to Jagan, puzzled looks on both their faces.

  “Several hours ago. The dragons tried to talk to you, but you ignored them and went to your quarters,” said Jagan.

  “You looked furious,” Maran added.

  I don’t remember any of that, thought Balaraj. He could no
t even remember leaving Tirakan.

  “Where’s Aaryav?” asked Balaraj.

  “We haven’t seen him since he helped the demon escape,” said Jagan.

  Wherever Aaryav was, the demon would not be too far. If the dragons were going to be patrolling Marutam, there was no way they would return.

  Maybe it would be best to let the dragons handle this. The safety of his villagers mattered most.

  “Fine,” said Balaraj. “Let’s start our lesson then.”

  The games were still on, and if the demon boy were to suddenly appear, Balaraj would need an army of his most trusted warriors to be ready. Their training was more important now than ever.

  “Everyone, face your partner!” instructed Balaraj as he pulled a heavy wooden mannequin out of their storage. It was the same one he used for demonstration purposes. “We will be practicing our lift and thrust.

  “You first make sure you obtain leverage, like this!” he shouted, now holding the mannequin high in the air. “And now you thrust their body away, like this!”

  The practice dummy took its final hit, exploding into pieces as it was slammed into the ground. The students shielded their eyes from the flying splinters, still trying to peek at what had just happened. The debris that was left showed no signs of the training dummy that had stood for decades.

  “How did you do that?” one of the students asked.

  I don’t know, thought Balaraj.

  Ilemuria had entrusted him with energy for his battles ever since he started training. It had always been so natural for him, a warrior that would always protect his clan. But now it felt different. He stood up straighter, no longer feeling the pain that forced his slouch. His walk was undeterred because his knees did not ache. The land was giving him more energy than he had ever asked for, had ever needed. And yet he was not scared.

  He was in complete control.

  “Line up more training mannequins,” he instructed.

  The practice dummies were shepherded from their storage, lined up as though on trial for their crimes. Older than Balaraj himself, they bore only scratches from some of the strongest warriors in Marutam’s history, having been made to last forever.