10. Departure of The Two

“It has been five days since they left.”, Zimon addressed to the four men in the Great Hall. Peter avoided filling the empty chair besides Fred and instead sat on to Marco’s right. Marvelo Roy remained erect on his chair like a statue gazing into emptiness.

“It is time for us to leave,”, Zimon continued, “Perhaps day after tomorrow.”

“They must be crossing the Mounts of Crypto by now.”, said Marco, “Indeed, it would be a good time to make a move.”

Marvelo agreed by nodding and asked, “What have you decided on the protection of our city?”

“Farwohm is sending his troops. By tomorrow, they will be at the gates.”, said Zimon, “Though we have our guards on the post, I wanted to ensure extra protection.”

“Fred...”, Zimon called out, “You’ll be armed with the fire arrow shooter. You will master its use by the time we leave. Collect it after this meeting.”

“Yes my lord.”, Fred said firmly.

Zimon looked at Marco and said, “I presume you still use the sword I gave to you.”

Marco raised an eyebrow and smiled, “Does it look like I won’t make use of the sword so magnificent?”

Zimon smiled while Marco looked at his fellow warriors and said, “Legend has it that this sword has been forged with the combined efforts of Heaven and Earth.” He gripped the tilt of his sword while stating.

Marvelo pulled out his sword from underneath the table and exclaimed, “Well mine was surely forged in Hell then!”

Every one burst into laughter including Zimon.

Zimon groaned as his tummy hurt due to laughter and he turned to Peter and said, “Ofcourse, you are a magician on the horse, Peter?”

“A wizard, my lord; A wizard on a horse.”, Marco added while beaming at Peter.

Peter chucked and realised that Fred was staring at him.

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The next morning was a bit uneasy. Albert had hardly slept when he was awaken by the noises outside. He found Marco passing through his house lane.

“Sir! What’s the fuss about?”, he shouted.

“The troops have arrived.”, Marco said.

“Is the king arranging a shelter for them?”, Albert asked scratching his head.

“Arranged already! The king has built barracks near the Gateway; around five hundred of the men to live in.”

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The trainings had at last halted. A break was allowed so that the army men would wake up fresh to start the journey next morning. People were all over the city. They were buying goods and stocks well in advance because the rates were going to jump higher in the coming days. As a precautionary measure, trades from outer cities are restricted. Even trade from Hul and Elgenim were bought to a standstill. Moreover, no one is allowed to leave the city nor enter.

Zimon had already poured the rest of the magical water into the large reservoir for the army. Each and every soldier rushed to fill their bottles and pack their foods.

Discussions between Farwohm’s top officials and Zimon took place during the afternoon. Meanwhile, others spent their time with their families.

“Marco?”, Peter called out, “Coming to my home? Let’s have a peaceful lunch together.”

Marco considered this a very good idea. “Sure.”

While passing through a large house, a middle aged man shouted, “Hey you!”

They turned and saw the man walking down his porch towards them.

“Look now Marco.”, the man grunted, “You’re a man from nowhere. I’m not going to care even if you a commander.”

Peter stepped front, “Get lost Mister before I smack your face black and blue.”

Marco pulled Peter back gently and said, “Let him speak.”

The man glared at Peter and then turned to Marco saying, “I don’t feel you are the right guy but because there is no chance to replace you, I want you to take care of your batch really well.” The man speeded up his talk when he saw Peter starting to interrupt, “... because unfortunately, my son is serving in your batch and I don’t like the idea of an outsider dominating a Legendian, got it?”

Marco did not react. He had already been abused a dozen of times. He instead smiled and said, “You’re going to receive a greater shock very soon. Just wait and watch. Come Peter.”

Peter realised the man is going to regret what he just said when Marco becomes the king. And as they were having a laugh about this, they finally reached Peter’s cottage.

Peter’s cottage was small yet cosy, very neatly maintained by his elder sister and only family member, Julie Lim. Someone else was sitting on the couch besides Julie. Marco was startled to see Emma Humy, a girl of twenty one, in Peter’s house.

“Oops, Marco... your fairy is here.”, Peter said in a cracked up cough.

“Shut up!”, Marco whispered and elbowed Peter.

Marco had always liked Emma since forever. Due to the busy schedule of Marco’s trainings, they never got the chance to spend time together.

“Hi Peter... Marco! Great of you guys to turn up for lunch. Emma will join us too.”, Julie snapped.

“Yeah, just thought of...”, Marco started when he ran out of words when he saw Emma staring at him. Her beautiful blond hair was flying madly due to the wind blowing through the open window.

“Yeah, let me get the lunch.”, Julie said, “Peter, don’t just sulk around. I need your help.”

Peter gave Julie a salute and said out aloud, “Yes, my lady!”, and followed her into the kitchen.

Marco sat opposite to Emma. “Hi Marco.”, came Emma’s soft voice.

“Hi. How are you?”, Marco said firmly trying to cover his shakiness.

“I’m great. What’s going on with you? You must be very busy lately. I really want you to perform the best amongst all.”

“Really?”, Marco said delightfully. “Yes, I’ll keep up to your expectations. And well yes I am very busy, now that we are due to leave by tomorrow for the battle.”

“Oh my.”, Emma exclaimed, making a sorry looking face. Marco noticed the sleek eyes staring the floor, adding up to the innocence of her beautiful face.

Meanwhile Peter and Julie returned with pots in their hands. They ate and talked joyfully for the rest of the time.

“Take care, Marco.”, Emma said when Marco began to leave. “All the best.”

“You too.”, Marco said softly.

Marco headed for his house. His mother was relaxing on a wooden chair. When he approached her, Nancy sprung up to hug Marco.

“My son! I am really scared. Heard that you will depart tomorrow!”

“Nothing will happen to this king, Mama.”

Nancy looked up at Marco’s face, confused, “What are you saying, Marco?”

“Please sit down, mom.”

They sat down.

“There’s nothing to fear mom. I always wanted to tell you but I never got the chance.”

“What my son? Speak up.”, Nancy mumbled.

“Why did you hide the fact that Father and you were Irasians?”, Marco said looking into the tearful eyes.

“Zimon told you?”, Nancy gasped awestruck.

“Everything.”

Nancy wept harder.

“It’s alright mom. I’m infact proud of both of you. You’ve done so much for me and struggled this hard. My respects for both of you have risen even more.”, Marco said and hugged his mother.

“Forgive me son for hiding this truth.”

Marco hushed her and informed her about Zimon’s decision on Marco as the successor. Nancy was flushed with pride.

“Generous human that William Zimon!”, she remarked and smiled heartily.

“I will set things right when I go to Irasy. I promise you mama.”, Marco said.

Nancy moved away and looked at him and raised her voice a bit, “You will not do anything as such. Leave Olgreg out of this. Bygones are bygones. You and I have a new life.”

“No mama, things are not fine. Leave that to me. Just trust me.”, Marco said calmly.

She did not argue. She said, “Promise me son, you’ll be alright. This is not an ordinary... It’s ... It’s that filthy Dark Lord!”

“I promise, mom ... as long as you are with me, no harm can fall upon me.”

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“Remarkable Infrastructure... remarkable!”, the highest official of Farwohm’s men stated. He had thin eyebrows and had a slim body. He was admiring the structure of the Great Castle. He followed the beautiful golden sculptures across the huge walls.

“People die to see this beautiful city. It’s an honour to stand in this castle, your highness.”

Zimon was starting to get bored by the official’s overacting now.

“It’s not ordinarily built, I presume, right?”, the man continued, staring at the huge silver dome above.

“Ofcourse not.”, Zimon replied, “Magic! We used spells and casts to create it, the Castle, the Great Wall of Legendia and all the important structures. No man can break or destroy such structures easily.”

“Ofcourse! Truly magnificent... indeed!”, the man exclaimed and turned to the king.

“Thank you for letting me wander around. Now I must get back to business. I’ve placed my men as you have ordered so now I guess everything’s quite ready to leave the city matters behind and start the great journey.”

Zimon nodded and said, “Indeed... ready by dawn and we shall fly away.”

Zimon let a huge sigh of relief when the boring man went away. He ordered to seal the castle gates for a while and went to his large bedroom. He could see his busy city from the veranda. It was sunset time which imparted an orange colouration to the sky. He closed all the doors and windows like he did the last time and used the similar words to open the treasure’s entrance again. The cupboard descended and he ran inside hastily.

“Zulfain! Zulfain!”, Zimon shouted as he ran past the fire blazers.

The silver winged horse appeared at the end of the cave.

“Good that you came. Else, I had to run all the way down to you.”, Zimon said breathlessly.

Zulfain stood on his hind legs, neighing, half excited �" half confused.

“Come to my room.”

Zulfain hesitated. He was not often asked to step out of the cave although he loved to. The last time he was out of the cave was seven years ago.

“I’ll tell you everything... come!”, Zimon said, as he started to run again.

The horse was glad to breathe the fresh air coming from the window. Zimon had opened the doors again.

“Ok. Fine.”, Zimon started undertone. He sat on the spongy bed facing Zulfain.

“I don’t want you to be left alone here... without my watch on you.”, he said.

Zulfain nodded joyfully.

“No. I’m not taking you to the war... Ofcourse, you know where your destination lies...”, Zimon paused, “The Grol Gardens... ok?”

The Grol Gardens was the only place where Zulfain was allowed to live other than the cave. Many people travel to see this magical place situated in the north, four hundred leagues away from Mount Mayre. Grol Gardens leaves an enchanting effect on the onlookers. It has the most beautiful greenery ever seen. Some say that nature’s magic affects some particular places. Zulfain was allowed to habitat in one such place, the heart of Grol Gardens, where no ordinary man can enter. The spell cast here only allows magical creatures, wizards and sorcerers to enter. The special thing about this place is that, once someone enters this place in Grol Gardens, he can communicate with anyone in any part of the world. That is how Zimon and Zulfain kept in touch with each other during Zulfain’s stay in The Grol Gardens.

As soon as the sky was dark, Zimon stood up. “You need to fly away now.”, Zimon said, “If at all you are required, I will call you.”

“Look now my dear, you’ll have to be very careful while flying. Do not intercept any troop’s or traveller’s path. Fly at a great height, far away from anyone’s vision. Got it?”, Zimon said as he looked into the horse’ eyes.

Zulfain followed Zimon into the veranda.

“You’ll get good company with other birds and animals that reside in Grol Gardens... happy aren’t you?”

Zulfain neighed in joy.

“FLY!”

The horse shot up like a shooting star and disappeared into the moon in not more than ten heart beats.

“One gone! Now it’s my turn!”