The Demon's Return by Selva SK

Author:Selva, SK
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-07-16T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 19

***

“D idn’t you say Sammelanam Karoti hasn’t been called since the demon tragedy?” asked Aaryav.

“It hasn’t,” said Roshna, “until now.”

“And Karnan called it?” asked Thalia.

“It’s got to be about Veeran,” said Aaryav.

“Not necessarily,” said Roshna, her already light skin growing even paler. “Karnan addressed some concerns with me a few days ago about the balance of the land.”

Thalia was not sure she understood. “I haven’t felt anything different.”

“Neither have I,” said Roshna.

She rose to her feet, the dragon scales clanking to the floor, and pulled the tattered curtains aside. The village was still.

“Did any of you know that the dragon balance scale is not the first in the land?” she asked.

Thalia gasped. “I thought it was!”

“No,” said Roshna. “The centaurs created the first one, centuries ago. They gifted the dragons the one in their castle but kept the original. Karnan has it.”

“Does that really matter, though?” asked Aaryav.

“It does. It has been dangerously tipping, the only one. He’s been attempting to figure out why ever since we returned.”

The room became colder, despite the warm night, as Veeran gathered his thoughts.

“But if the scales are dangerously tipping, it either means the land is running out of magic…”

“Or she is not happy with us,” finished Roshna.

She prayed this was the reason why Karnan had called the emergency meeting, but in her heart she knew it was not. Why else would the king have sent the second scale warning her about Veeran?

“So what should we do?” asked Veeran.

Roshna did not turn back from the window, basking in the few moments her village was still, at peace even. What she would give to just have a few moments of serenity.

“I have my instructions from the king,” she said abruptly, “but now I am giving you each yours. Veeran, you are not to leave this home. Aaryav, you are to make sure of this and give Thalia regular reports.”

“But how am I supposed to get the map and go to Poombuhar?”

Veeran had been so daring not too long ago, even questioning his leader. His fingernails dug deep as he grabbed his knees, hoping to capitalize on his adrenaline.

“You are not to do so yet,” said Roshna. “You will give me and Karnan time to sort everything out. Once we understand what is happening, we’ll see if we need to go. The king has given his orders. We cannot risk our entrance into the games.”

“But Roshna,” argued Veeran, taking a step forward, “if the original scales are tipping, and I keep hearing this voice, then maybe there’s something in Poombuhar that I’m supposed to find. What if we need that to restore balance to the land? I don’t care what the king said!”

“The king has spoken!”

It was the first time she had raised her voice. Even Aaryav and Thalia had never seen her like this. Roshna had not led the unicorn tribe for many decades without her fair share of villagers disagreeing with her, Balaraj especially.

Veeran immediately knew he had crossed a line. As quickly as his bravery had come, it left him, seeping away into the very night.

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