The Demon's Return

by Selva, SK

  “I have discussed this with Raja,” said Karnan. “He has assigned priority to finding Veeran. Because of his council seat offer, we cannot expect much help from the other clans.”

  “Even then,” said Yachana, “couldn’t he at least ask a few of his dragons to help us instead of using all his resources to find Veeran?”

  Karnan paused for a second and looked at Roshna, almost as though asking for permission. She nodded.

  “Why don’t want this information falling to the wrong creatures,” he said.

  “So we’re on our own?”

  “No,” said Roshna. “We have each other and the support of our clans.”

  “The unicorn clan seems to be supporting another cause, looks to me,” said the mermaid. “Balaraj has been rallying many to help him find this Veeran. The king himself has given him instruction to guard Kiramam Square while the dragons are searching for him.”

  “Support is not always from the loudest,” said Thalia, stepping up. “Trust me when I say our clan supports Roshna and Veeran.”

  Roshna laid an encouraging hand on Thalia’s shoulder.

  “Even so,” said the mermaid, “what do we do when they find Veeran?”

  “We can’t let that happen,” said Karnan. “I sent them away personally on a task that will take them several days, if not weeks. They are safe.”

  “Where did you send them?” asked a dwarf.

  “Do you really think he’ll tell you?” said one of the centaurs menacingly.

  Neither of the dwarves backed down, their own faces filled with outrage.

  “We have heard what you said,” said the mermaid. “Let us take this back and give us time to think about it. We may choose to not pick a side and concentrate on winning our competitions. We will remain quiet with the information you have shared.”

  They bowed their goodbyes and left as the dwarves immediately followed without a word.

  “Could you give us a few minutes?” Karnan asked his two centaurs. Without questioning their leader, they left the room, leaving Karnan, Yachana, Roshna, and Thalia alone.

  “Has it been bad here?” asked Roshna.

  “Terrible,” said Yachana. “It’s so crowded. They’re scared, but the games have them excited. Balaraj has everyone wrapped around his finger.”

  “He wants Veeran personally,” said Karnan. “I instructed him and Aaryav to stay in Poombuhar. I will meet up with them after and see what they’ve learned.”

  “Any other word on what might be causing the imbalance?” asked Yachana.

  Karnan looked up somberly, his wise eyes full of remorse. “You two are so young, so it’s hard to explain, but we think there’s a creature growing stronger with our magic. Ilemuria will not be able to defend against them.”

  “So there’s a creature out there getting stronger and stronger? And they think it’s Veeran?” asked Thalia.

  “Yes,” said Roshna, “and we need to hope Veeran stays safe until we find out more.”

  “If ever there was a priority over the games, this is it,” added Karnan.

  “What do you need us to do?” asked Yachana, peering behind the curtains of the only window.

  “I already have my most trusted centaurs on it,” said Karnan. “We need to spread word. We need people to be on the lookout for anything strange. We cannot have creatures buying in to Balaraj’s fear.”

  “Then you’re not going to like this.”

  They joined Yachana at the window, their eyes immediately traveling downward. What they saw made their hearts drop.

  CHAPTER 3 0

  ***

  B alaraj’s hooves marched onto the wooden platform as he surveyed the army before him. He could feel their hunger; an assortment of creatures not seen in many years was welcoming to his eyes. Several unicorns were dispersed amongst the crowd of trolls, ogres, and orcs as the griffins and pixies floated above them. Hemadri, Ubhay, and Charak stood by his side, never wavering in their acknowledgement of the army leader.

  “Loyal creatures of Ilemuria,” said Balaraj as he saw two dwarves suddenly join the crowd, “you have all joined our cause bravely. Your loyalty has not gone unnoticed. The king has entrusted me with protecting Kiramam Square, and we will ensure he hears all about your great service to the land.”

  They banged their clubs and swung their axes. Their swords were drawn and bows loaded. As their hands shot into the air, roaring their approval, Balaraj cheered loudest. He had them at his mercy, just how he wanted it.

  “You all know why we are here. There is a great danger to us all. Most of you were not around during the terrible time of the demon tragedy. We had almost lost everything, but our army was able to save the land. Looking out right now, I see an army even stronger.”

  “If that demon shows up to ruin our games, we will show him!” shouted Drok. “We won’t let them hurt our land.”

  Hemadri could see the fierce loyalty the army had to Balaraj. Clearly, his outburst at the last meeting had the effect he wanted. It pained him to know Karnan was not on their side, but honor came before friendship.

  “My warriors, it is time for me to say why I gathered you all here today. My sources have informed me that the demon is on his way. He will be attempting to destroy the games.”

  Hemadri nearly stepped out of his line, astounded at what he had just heard. Where could Balaraj have obtained such information?

  “Keep true to the gates you are guarding,” shouted Balaraj. “We will make sure the games take place and the land stays balanced. Do not let others fool you with their lies about magic. The demon has already gotten to their minds.”

  Continue strong, Balaraj. I can feel their resolve strengthening. We will capture the demon boy.

  “Let history write our names as heroes. Let our actions pave way for a safer future.”

  Where crawlers and creatures never leave the land.

  His army had not stopped cheering.

  “Yes, he is coming. Along with the disgraced and treacherous unicorn, Aaryav. We will need you all available for their capture. We will save the games, the magic, and the land!”

  Forever.

  “For Ilemuria!” shouted Balaraj.

  “For the land!”

  *

  His back was aching and his legs cried out in pain with every step, but Aaryav pushed on. He had barely rested or eaten, but still he ran.

  Aaryav begged Ilemuria for wind.

  “I’m not getting as much magic from the land,” he shouted. “Something’s stealing it away.”

  They had not stopped moving since leaving Poombuhar. Veeran knew how much energy Aaryav had used the last few days.

  “Are we sure about this?” asked Aaryav, still sprinting forward. Doubt had been starting to creep in. “We’re racing into a trap. And Karnan told us to stay.”

  “We don’t have a choice,” said Veeran. “He needs to know what we found out, and Roshna is in danger.”

  Aaryav understood but still needed to vent. Veeran let him. His friend had gone through so much to save him. The least he could do was make him feel as comfortable as possible, no matter how hard the situation was.

  “So the fire told you Ravanan suspected that crawlers were real and they were coming for us?” asked Aaryav again. Each word helped distract him from how tired he was.

  “Yes,” said Veeran patiently.

  “And he wasn’t mad?”

  “Not at all. He was perfectly sane.”

  Veeran clenched his teeth as he held tighter to Aaryav. They had not only banished his clan, but also ridiculed his leader. The demons had been disgraced through no fault of their own.

  “Do you think we’ll make it before anything happens to Roshna?” asked Veeran.

  “I’ll get us there,” Aaryav reassured him. “Strap yourself in with the bands Karnan gave us. And get some sleep. I’m good for the next while. We’re going to need you.”

  Aaryav came to a stop to ensure Veeran was strapped on securely. He looked to the skies
one more time to gauge his direction and started to glide again, faster and faster, as though their lives depended on it.

  Because he knew they did.

  The sun had fallen and darkness had settled onto the land, but Aaryav continued. The blackness did not frighten him. He welcomed it.

  I need to get us back.

  *

  A harsh ray of sunlight hit Veeran in the face, waking him earlier than he had wanted. He groggily rose, not recognizing any of the trees they were passing.

  “Aaryav!” he shouted.

  The unicorn had been racing all night long, and it had finally caught up to him. His heavy legs had slowed to barely a walk, a struggle to take every step.

  “Must keep going,” he muttered.

  Veeran jumped off his back. “You didn’t stop?”

  Aaryav could barely shake his head.

  “Thank you,” said Veeran.

  Unable to hold the unicorn mirakum anymore, Aaryav shrank back to his usual form, falling onto Veeran’s shoulders.

  “If you can carry me all night, I got you.”

  Their steps were barely inches long but still kept going. Forward they marched, outstripped by the gentle breeze. Veeran wanted to rest but could not. His hope slowly fading, he suddenly peered through a small gap in the trees to see a building not too far away.

  “It’s the Kurunji library!” he shouted.

  They were so close. Kurunji was not far from Kiramam Square.

  A low moan escaped Aaryav as he clutched at his stomach. He had raced across the land twice in two days and fought the possession of a shadow.

  “We’re going to Karnan’s hut. You need to rest,” said Veeran.

  “I’m fine,” said Aaryav, still not letting go of his friend.

  The trees began to spread out as the forest became less dense. Knowing their destination was near, Veeran hurried his pace, almost dragging Aaryav with him. They had reached the spot where they had started their journey.

  “It’s empty.”

  It was odd seeing a city as busy as Kurunji so desolate. Veeran half carried, half dragged Aaryav to Karnan’s hut. Luckily, it was open. Aaryav lay down on Karnan’s hay, barely taking up any space on the centaur leader’s bed.

  “Sleep,” Veeran said, but Aaryav had already knocked out.

  Veeran felt completely rested, and if he had counted his days correctly, the opening ceremonies to the games were tonight. He was happy they were back in Kurunji, but Kiramam Square may as well have been on the other side of Ilemuria for all it mattered now.

  If there was a council seat reward on his head, all the creatures were sure to be looking for him, Balaraj especially. They probably had guards at Kiramam Square, just to make sure he would not be able to get in. Roshna and Karnan had to be at the village, but how was he going to get to them? The shadow would surely not try to take Roshna when she was surrounded by other creatures. They had to warn her.

  Maybe he could try to find Balaraj instead and use whatever good grace he might have left for Aaryav to his advantage. Aaryav had been one of his best students at one point. Maybe he still had a little bit of affection for him. The story of an ancient clan stealing magic was not convincing coming from a demon, but Aaryav had seen it too. Karnan could help.

  Aaryav lay perfectly still as he slept, and Veeran did not dare disturb him. Luckily, Karnan had some food that Veeran devoured, making sure to leave some for his friend.

  Veeran lit one of the candles and stared into the flame intently. Ilemuria was lending him a little strength. Had Poombuhar convinced her he was worthy of more?

  Maybe I can try now, he thought.

  His hands shook as he stood, his unsteady legs barely able to hold him up. Veeran took several deep breaths to calm himself. He closed his eyes and begged the land for as much as possible. He could feel himself gripping the table tighter as he pleaded. Just a little bit more.

  He fell to the floor, sweat dripping from his brow. It had not worked.

  The demon mirakum was still out of his reach.

  The candle flickered as Veeran buried his face in his hands. The flame had been his one link to the demon world he had never known, and now he had nothing. He had finally felt a taste of home and had to leave it all behind.

  I can’t let this affect me.

  Aaryav begin to stir hours later. Veeran put a wooden bowl full of what looked like leaves in front of him.

  “Exactly what I needed,” he said, polishing off the bowl. “Any updates?”

  Veeran shook his head. “Maybe I should just turn myself in, and you can tell Roshna and Karnan.”

  “I’m asleep for several hours, and that’s all you can come up with?” said Aaryav. “I’m just as wanted. If they take you, I’m coming too.”

  “Fair. I think the opening ceremonies are going to start soon,” said Veeran.

  “That might distract any guards long enough for us to get in,” said Aaryav, clearly feeling better after his quick rest and meal. “We need to get closer. No point planning here when we don’t know how bad the situation is. Maybe there’s something at Kiramam Square that can help us.”

  Veeran helped Aaryav to his feet, grabbing his cloak as they stepped through the door. He raised his all too familiar hood as Aaryav’s unicorn mirakum stood waiting.

  “Hop on,” he said.

  Veeran stepped onto Aaryav's comforting back, and they flew low on the ground through Kurunji, where not a single creature remained.

  CHAPTER 3 1

  ***

  “W e’re going to miss the opening ceremonies,” grumbled Puli as he let a couple of leprechauns pass them into Kiramam Square.

  “It’s nothing special,” said Vadish to the young unicorn. “Most clans just do some dance. Never saw the appeal.”

  “My first time, that’s all.”

  Vadish put a supportive hand on Puli’s shoulder. “You’ll have plenty of games to see them after we get rid of the demon. You’ll be the youngest hero in the land, helping us to two council seats.”

  A loud grunt from the third guard interrupted their conversation.

  “Is there a problem, Drok?” asked Vadish.

  The ogre towered over Vadish, his sneer not intimidating his guard mate.

  “We ogres have been following Balaraj’s orders. Why would unicorns deserve an extra council seat if we do all the dirty work?”

  “If you want a seat so bad, go and win one. It’s been, what? Eighty years since your clan has been on the council.”

  Puli covered his ears as Drok roared, shaking the leaves off the nearby trees. Those waiting in the queue to get in scampered back, staying out of reach of the ogre’s flailing club. Vadish’s smirk grew bigger.

  “I will not be spoken to with such disrespect!” Drok thundered.

  “Go ahead and hit me,” Vadish taunted. “Let’s see how Balaraj feels about that.”

  The look on Drok’s face was of absolute loathing as his club came smashing down in the dirt, creating a crater big enough to bury his guard mates.

  Vadish and Puli raised their bows before Drok had time for a second swing. Armed and ready, their aim was not just a scare shot.

  “Try it,” taunted Drok. “Shoot me.”

  Vadish pulled his arrow back farther. “Don’t tempt me,” he whispered.

  Puli’s arms trembled as he held his bow at the ready, making sure to hold on as long as possible.

  Suddenly, his fingers gave way, and he could only watch in horror as the arrow sank deep into Drok’s shoulder.

  It was a howl that could be heard throughout the village as the ogre writhed in pain. He raised his club and swung down on Puli, who was just barely pulled out of the way by Vadish. Drok swung again, with more anger as the blood flowed from his wound.

  “Everyone inside! Quickly!” shouted Vadish as those left in the queue scurried in, fleeing the angry ogre.

  Drok swung again, his club shattering into pieces as it collided with Kiramam Square’s walls. He yanked the arro
w out of his shoulder and trudged away, walloping the village barrier as he marched.

  “Let him go,” said Vadish as Puli stood rooted to the ground, terrified. “He needs to cool off. We’re going to be ordered to close the gate soon. If he doesn’t make it back by then, his loss.”

  Their near miss had to be kept a secret. Balaraj would never let him lead again if he could not control an ogre. At least now there was no line of creatures he had to check before going in.

  Lucky, too, as Aaryav and Veeran had been part of the crowd that panicked into the village.

  *

  Balaraj paced back and forth across his room, occasionally glancing outside and seeing the droves of spectators making their way to Vattapi Arena.

  A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Annoyed that anyone would disturb him at this time, he reluctantly walked to the door.

  “Who is it?” he asked.

  “Hemadri,” responded the knocker.

  Balaraj let in the troll leader.

  “Anything to report?” he asked.

  “Now see here, Balaraj,” said Hemadri. “You may be in charge of this army and organizing the guard, but I am still on the council. I will not be spoken to as one of your soldiers. I hope that makes things clear.”

  This one displeases me.

  “I am doing everything for the land, as the king has instructed,” said Balaraj. “I would have thought if anyone understood, it would be you.”

  “I understand that there are no friends in war, but I would appreciate it if you took my counsel seriously. Do not forget, I was also at the demon tragedy.”

  Get him out of our sight.

  “You are correct, old friend. I hope I did not offend. Please tell me how the guards are stationed and what you recommend,” said Balaraj.

  This seemed to please Hemadri.

  “The doors have just been closed at every entrance to our village. No one can get in unless they fly. Ubhay has his griffins patrolling the air, but they seem just as lost as their fool of a leader. No organization. Regardless, our guards are stationed at Vattapi Arena now. Hopefully the opening ceremonies go off without any incident.”