HIS confines of the roots and branches released their hold over him. Propping himself up on his shoulders, he cracked his neck and knuckles. His body had become rather stiff. And then no sooner when he had turned to look upon his dear friends, was he suddenly caught in an embrace by the priestess whose tears stained his face and blood smeared his shirt. Dhīṇahi meanwhile poked his cheeks and laughed, and Nakthaḥm likewise laughed.
“Ah friends! It is good to see you once more, now that this wretched state has been done away,” he said with a deep sigh and a great smile. “My gratitude to you all! But what is this? The priestess who cries for me! Never had I thought such a day would come. But no more need have you to worry, my dear Aiṛth, for I have come back from a long sleep; thank you also for that wonderful lay you sang, though I cannot seem to remember the words.”
“You and your silly jests,” said Sanyhaḥmān, smacking his back, “but it’s good to have you back friend! Though your gratitude is better spent on Tūmbṃār and the one who guided him.”
He looked to Tūmbṃār and said, “Lūshhaḥ, I give the greatest of gratitude to you, for allowing this child, Tūmbṃār, to grant me another chance. Never shall I forget the debt I owe you, from the days of Yokṣhuah till now.”
His eyes then became heavy and he fell asleep. All save Tūmbṃār and Dhīṇahi were caught off-guard by those words, but words of Vūragam were confirmed: Nakthaḥm had indeed seen Lūshhaḥ. Many more questions did now arise in their minds, but for the moment they let him rest.
“I am sorry for not trusting you, Tūmbṃār,” said Bahṛigfar, “I have yet again shamed myself in my behavior. Forgive me!”
They were walking back to the palace now, and Bahṛigfar who was before dejected now sought solace. He had erred one to many times, coming upon a judgement that while not ill-founded was still nonetheless unbecoming of him. But even with all this, he still held suspicion toward Iḷēhaḥ who was now back to her cheerful self. Then without his noticing, a hard smack hit his back and Tūmbṃār laughed.
“It’s behind us, Nakthaḥm’s back and all is well!”
“He forgives very easily, prince,” said Nakthaḥm who awoke not long before and lay straddled on the wolf unable to move. “No need to torment yourself further on his account. Were I in your position, I surely would have let me die; this boy is surely the fool for placing so much trust in me, but regardless,” and he took a deep breath of air, “it is good to be alive!”
“One moment you speak of letting yourself die, and another you revel in living. There really is no consistency to be had with you, is there?” said Sanyhaḥmān shaking his head.
“I am consistent as I choose to be,” he said with a grin. “We Demons play both sides you know.”
Bahṛigfar sighed and rubbed his horns and antlers. “So be it, my gratitude to you Tūmbṃār. Your words have held true and the demon has been brought back alive with no injury to us—except for those wounds.”
The wounds he spoke of were not fully healed. They had as a group decided to leave it as such to let the scars form and be as a reminder to them for what they had done for Nakthaḥm. Aiṛth however made sure to fully heal Dhīṇahi’s gash to prevent any trace of scarring, much to the girl’s ire. She too wanted to have the mark and this along with many other things were quickly dealt with by the priestess who chided and berated Dhīṇahi for having acted so rashly.
Zvarañt however, stayed quiet the entire way. It seemed he had something on his mind and he would turn his head from side to side every so often as if keeping watch for something.
Bahṛigfar later mentioned to the group that the ship must have been set farther away, and that the Demons would have likewise moved themselves farther toward it. It would be worst outcome for them if the Demons destroyed it.
Zvarañt remained suspicious though, for while these Demons had masked their presence there was no reason that they could not strike as they were making their way back. They still had someways to go, and with the group having not only drained themselves of a good amount of their blood but also their powers, they were in a state unfit for battle. Were the Demons to attack them now, likely Zvarañt who would be preoccupied with fighting them, would be unable to protect the others. Yet it amazed him that they could walk on as if nothing happened; they did not even look the least bit weary: perhaps this was by the grace of Lūshhaḥ. He kept such thoughts to himself and continued to survey the area.
The warmth of the forest returned, and any coldness or ill will that was directed their way was now gone. It seemed even they were much delighted with Nakthaḥm’s revival, as the air became filled with dancing lights. Indeed the whole forest felt like it was in festivities, drawing the loose branches aside and whispering with the wind alongside the cries and shouts of the animals.
The day had passed to evening by the time they made it back to the bridge. The Mrigūhvha who worked below, were making their way back home from the fields and gardens, and Zvarañt and Vrihkhaḥ seemed rather anxious. They continuously kept looking back as the group made their way across. It seemed as if they were listening or paying attention to something.
“What’s wrong, Vrihkhaḥ?” asked Feyūnhaḥ.
The wolf did not respond having not heard her question. His attention was fixed to whatever was behind them. The princess did her best to try to listen to what was afar but when her focus directed toward her ears, she began to feel light-headed.
Vrihkhaḥ turned around and bore his fangs. And then his ears perked and he howled. Zvarañt immediately ran to the other side of the bridge and held his arms aloft. Then suddenly out of the forest, the bears under the King ran by and as soon as the last of them passed, Zvarañt issued a thin stream of light shining dimly under the sun.
Suddenly, three great piles of dirt erupted into the air, and flames that stood many feet high towering above the trees, set ablaze the entirety of the far section of the forest. And as if directed toward them, the flames surged toward the bridge and were deflected to the sides and above by the light.
“What’s happening!” shouted Tūmbṃār.
“Recall the Demons I spoke of, Tūmbṃār!” said Zvarañt. “They are here!”
The flames then pulled back, and quieted into embers until they were at last extinguished. Smoke rose with great billows, but the trees were rather resilient, having been only slightly burnt. The animals came rushing out as soon as the fires had died and from behind them a dreadful voice resounded:
Harken O foolish animals! This forest belongs to us, as does your ship! Our brothers and sisters shall soon invade these lands to acquire all that was once ours. Take flight miserable Ṃārhaḥn, for you stand no match to our will. Disregard our words and seek battle with us and your fate shall match those whom we have devoured!
A host of dismembered bodies were flung into the air, falling on the other side of the bridge and even as far as they city. Rotting corpses, and half-eaten flesh on all parts. And the bears shuddered in fear. Among the dead were Zvarañt’s men and hundreds of Mrigūhvha soldiers. But there was also one other, and they were the Mānuzhhaḥ, though hard it was to tell with them having been even more thoroughly devoured than the others. They became sick at this sight and Bahṛigfar became distraught. He ran to the bodies, and wailed upon beholding the fallen.
Nakthaḥm out of all them, remained calm, and slowly walked to the bodies to inspect them. He sighed and said, “To think they would put to waste their bodies for the sole purpose of inciting fear. While this is a rare occurrence, it is unusual among us, though I find it quite detestable.”
“Be silent, demon!” shouted Bahṛigfar. “Do not speak of the dead as food for yourself!”
“I apologize for my words, prince,” Nakthaḥm said bowing, “but this act poses quite the problem. The fact that they did not wholly devour them, means there is a bit of control they possess. And given my current state, it shall prove to be quite the difficult fight. I could not even sense them, nor even those fleeing. I suppose not even the blood I have drunk has helped much in strengthening my waning powers.
“Friends! let us make quickly to the regents of this domain and inform them of the matter. These kin of mine are not to be taken light, and I fear they are even more dangerous than the Abomination.”
They became worried over those words and made haste through the fallen bodies into the city.
At the palace, they took the same route the night before, toward the main hall but made straight instead of descending. A large floor was before them, with smooth polished tiles that reflected them clearly, and a great dome above with the oculus illuminating the hall in golden light.
But they could not take in the beauty, for what looked like many aristocrats, soldiers, and servants were in a frenzy as to what should be done. Along the entire perimeter of the floor were set platforms that descended and ascended erratically. Mrigūhvha quickly went high and low and in a matter of moments the group was swamped by the rush of the folk that rushed past them. Like wading through heavy waters, they pushed through the folk till they could make to one of the platforms. And with Bahṛigfar’s powers they ascended along the long tunnel.
When the platform had come to a halt, they came to a smaller room, that had similar design to the one below and quickly made out. Several bridges were before them, all leading to a central platform. Water streamed and cascaded from the central point, and a great many lotuses and fish swam in the waters.
All along the bridges were many resolute soldiers posted, or so it seemed for Nakthaḥm could sense their fright; the soldiers tried to mask their quivering but the demon could tell right away what it was that afeared them. He made fast onto the bridge with the prince and the others followed behind. Aiṛth worried over what was to happen, for she sensed something different about Nakthaḥm. A hint of desperation. She feared he might plan to do something rash.
They crossed the bridge onto the central platform, walking around the rim of the waters, and then came to a long series of steps. Nakthaḥm and Bahṛigfar cycled the air about their fingers and levitated the group. Then a great gust pushed them to flight and they soared past the staircase.
Now at the apex of the palace, they saw the many soldiers kneeling, and their object of deference who sat upon their marble thrones matted with kusha grass. The King and Queen of the Mrigūhvha, were without a sign of worry or fear. In fact they stood still like statues with their backs erect and their faces held forward. The prominent horns of the King and the majestic antlers of the Queen stood tall and pointed, with silver diadems resting upon their foreheads. And upon the King’s lap laid a long polished stick, lined with both gold and silver. They lowered their human-like faces slowly toward the group and Bahṛigfar stepped forth to meet them.
He bowed and said, “I bring the group to you at last father and mother! They have assented to helping us fell the Demons.”
Iḷēhaḥ was about to step forth to discuss with them, but Nakthaḥm kept her back and instead went in front. He knelt and said, “We have come O Regents seeking your people’s aid against the Yavhaḥṃār. Many forces are at work attending to their arrival, and you have no doubt seen the destruction they have already caused here. But we know, that you shall not assent so easily, and so we offer our service in exchange for us felling these three Demons that assail your people. Yet first we would ask of time to prepare, for these are no foes to be dealt with easily.”
As soon as he finished speaking, the King immediately stood from his seat grabbed the stick, and swung it toward Nakthaḥm. The stick elongated in its arc, and the very end struck against Nakthaḥm’s temple! And following through in its motion, it brought the demon smashing into the floor, and the ground underneath cracked.
Bahṛigfar leaped back in surprise and the others rushed toward Nakthaḥm, but the soldiers at the moment halted their advance, pointing their weapons at both the group and the demon who remained still on the floor as the stick pressed hard against his head.
“King Tı̄ṛvana!” shouted Zvarañt. “Why do you do this? Do you wish to make an enemy of the Gods as well? These Agents have come before seeking and giving aid. Is it not right that you listen to them?”
“Silence, bear!” shouted Tı̄ṛvana with a bellowing voice that shook the platform. “You would side with a fool against the one who summoned you for aid! And a pathetic display your men have shown in the face of the enemy. Is this all your forces could muster: to be no more than sport and food and playthings to these wretched beings? And you would be played hither and now against this one, of whom you said was lying unconscious just yesterday! Where has the might of the Ṛkṣhaḥn gone in this age, I wonder.” Zvarañt stepped back and hung his head low. The King turned his attention back to Nakthaḥm, and pressed the stick harder against his temple. He cried, “You dare make a request to which you have no right!”
Aiṛth tried to move through but she was forced back.
“I know what it is you plot, demon! I see it as no mere coincidence that you should tread the path through the forest to reach our abode, just around the same time your kin had arrived. To think the Gods would have laid their trust in you, and this group that conspires with you. As for your mission, we shall speak of it no more until it is you have rid the forest of their presence! Perhaps then, I should be willing to listen, but I think little of your abilities even if you were to fell them. Were the Gods to not have sent you, I would have lopped your head right this moment.”
He raised the stick as he moved back into his seat, and the stick shrunk until it was its original size. The soldiers then sheathed their weapons and stood at the sides. Nakthaḥm shook his head and then brought himself up with a sigh. Then in the corner of his eye he saw a body on fire flying toward the King. He ran toward him, but then stopped for the body had dissolved and became as dust before it could even touch the King. The King gave a sharp look Nakthaḥm’s way before closing his eyes and resting his hands on his lap.
The Queen then looked to her son and said, “Go with them son, and fell the Demons who would destroy our home. You have laid their trust in them, now let us see if it should be warranted. May the blessings of the Spirit Vūragam be upon you all!”
Bahṛigfar rose and bowed again. He went to Nakthaḥm’s side and they walked back to the group.
“We shall have to proceed much farther into the forest,” said Bahṛigfar, “I can sense the Demons from afar and them moving ever farther away; where they stop is most likely where we shall find the ship.”
“Let us make our way toward the forest, friends,” said Nakthaḥm. “We shall have to earn his parents’ trust in this regard. I can only wonder what should have happened were the maiden to have stepped forth.”
And she gulped at those words, thinking back to the pain she suffered on account of Zvarañt.
“Is it not best you stay behind Nakthaḥm?” asked Aiṛth, as the group walked out of the city.
Though the city was in flames, the Servants quickly gathered and with their powers pooled together, summoned rain clouds that extinguished the flames.
“You have only just awoken, and I know you to be weak! It is not right that you should have to fight now.”
“You would have me rest, but would that not make me the bigger fool?” said Nakthaḥm. “No trust is given my way, as should be the case, and I have traveled with you all to fulfill my mission and earn the trust of the people of this land. I have kept quiet on the matter till now, but it was not just the Lord Daryurhaḥ who sent me here, but my Gruvhō as well.”
“A Gruvhō!” said Iḷēhaḥ. “In the Lower Realms? I did not think that such a thing were possible.”
“And yet I tell you it is, and I stand as proof of it. Have you never wondered why it was I could stave my hunger as well as I had? I had for a good deal of my life, performed penances under his tutelage, and acquired great powers and self-control in turn. But I suppose it was not enough, for even with all my restrictions I should have been able to defeat the Abomination. And yet I could not, and have greatly caused trouble to you all, attempting to even devour you.” And after a long time since, he showed a sad face. He looked to Aiṛth and said, “Worry not, Aiṛth, for the will of the child shall be what decides my fate. And I know he shall make the right choice.”
And for all the trust placed on Tūmbṃār, the boy could not help but feel overwhelmed. He could not tell what Nakthaḥm meant to do, or rather what he had in mind, but whatever it was, it did not seem all that good to him.
“Well far be it from the demon, having to fell his kin, I alone should be able to snuff all three of them!” said Zvarañt. “I shall not let the death of my soldiers go in vain!”
“Yet how powerful are you without the use of your higher powers?” asked Nakthaḥm who seemed to look down on the bear-king. “These are foes you cannot match against without the highest use of your powers. Though were you to use them here, I suspect were you to go into a rage, you would destroy not only this section of the forest but even this realm.”
“Hah! So you were able to see our fight after all,” said Zvarañt, laughing. “I shall show you how strong I am even without those powers. The boy had put up as well a fight, but I only took to using my powers as such in a fit of rage. The battle could have persisted longer but I would have come out victorious regardless!”
“Yes, keep my words in mind,” said Nakthaḥm now rather seriously.
