The Secrets of the Elements novel Chapter 30

"Then what did the kings and queens do?" quizzed Rishi.

"They battled him, against his enormous army of pure evil," revealed Indra.

"And lost?" asked Rutuja.

"Not really," said Indra. "Yes, they lost their lives but only after successfully destroying almost all his army. They just couldn't destroy him."

"Destroy?" said Rishi. "You mean to kill?"

"No, I mean to destroy," said Indra.

Rutuja and Rishi exchanged a confused glance.

Daksh, on the other hand, was now almost lying on the grass, closing his eyes, taking deep breaths, somehow not bothered about the story his father was telling.

"Azazel is dead, technically, so you can't destroy him," revealed Indra and looked at Dai Ma.

"What do you mean?" asked Rutuja and straightened her back.

"He did die in the battle against the kings and queens, but they did not kill him," said Dai Ma. "Nobody knows how he died, but, he resurrected, nobody knows how."

"I don't get it," said Rishi. "We all are protecting a self-sufficient book. I mean it has the powers of all kings and queens."

"Exactly, son," said Indra.

Daksh opened his eyes to look at his father and then shifted his gaze to Rishi who was somewhat smiling. He rolled his eyes and sat up straight, stretching his arms and turning his neck from the right to the left.

Rutuja looked at him and gave him a 'were you actually sleeping?' look.

"The powers in the book can be earned," said Indra. "Either if the book chooses you, or, forcefully, that's what we expect Azazel to do."

"Forcefully," Daksh finally spoke. "How? Dad."

Rutuja could not understand the need for Daksh stressing on the last word.

"Azazel holds some exceptional powers which we aren't aware of, yet," replied Indra. "If he gets his hands on the book, he can bewitch it, control Grantha, and snatch those powers, or worse, make her his slave."

~~~~~~~

"On the count of three," said Maya as she moved her hands in a circular motion, as though making a ball. "One, two, three!"

Advika stomped her foot on the ground closing her eyes; Maya threw the invisible ball of energy towards the cupboard.

BANG!

There was a loud crack and lightning. The hut was filled with a deafening sound, a blinding light, and dust.

Advika coughed and sat on her knees keeping her hand on her chest.

"Advika! Are you fine?" said Maya. The dust blocking her vision. She waved it off and took a few steps towards the cupboard which was now split in half.

"Zarna!" she screamed and picked her up in her arms. "Advika, where are you?"

She put her down on the floor and removed a small water bottle from her bag. She sprinkled some water on Zarna's face. "Zarna, please open your eyes," said Maya patting her cheeks.

Zarna's face looked lifeless, her hair and clothes all covered with mud.

Maya removed yet another small glass veil from her bag and filled her hand with the transparent liquid.

"Let the past be the present. Let time heal all wounds. Let all the harm be undone. With the power of the water, so mote it be!"

Zarna opened her eyes as a few drops of the liquid fell on her face. She took a few deep breaths, looking around, her eyes searching for her friends. She could see two outlines hovering over her face.

"Maya, we need to get out of here asap," said Advika and helped Zarna get on her feet.

~~~~~

"So now?" asked Rutuja.

"Our next step will be building an army," said Dai Ma.

"Wait! What?" said Daksh. "Who will join us? Nobody dares to stand against him."

"That's why we are here," said Indra. "Near our people, near the people who were and will remain on our side."

"I do not see anybody here," said Daksh.