Beyond Horizon

The Book

" This book is making me dizzy yaar." Shruti commented.

At that moment we were sprawling on my bed with the book in the middle. Yesterday, when we held it, there were some writings. They were still there, but currently all the letters were dancing, causing our headaches to grow.

"Yeah, and it's making me feel hungry too. It seems like we are wasting our time." Rishi whined.

"Wait a minute!" An idea came to my mind. " The riddle! Does it have anything to do with the book?"

"Right!" Neel clapped. "What was it? 'Trust is given...'?"

" Five is strength, One is lone.
Make it rain, Seeds have sown.
Trust is hold, Trust is given.
Find a link, Make it happen."

I recalled it perfectly, for last night when it had repeated itself again and again.

" Five is strength." Mithi said, "I think it's refering to us."

"Yes, and none of us can do it separately. Whatever the process is, we need to do it jointly." Shruti added.

Tapping his chin thoughtfully, Neel said, " Now we have to find a link to make it happen."

"Trust is hold, trust is given." My mind was racing, eager to decipher the meaning. " I think, there is no process. All we have to do, is trust. Trust in each other, and, trust in this absurd situation."

My sister nodded in agreement, "We have to trust that we can read this damn book together."

We interlinked our hands and closed our eyes. Then, taking a deep breath we opened them in unison, and - SCREAMED !!!

....

- "What the heck? "

- "Where are we? "

- "Will we die now ?"

- "Hello, anybody home ?"

- "Mommy ---"

- "Oh no ! I'm gonna faint !"

- "Is this magic ?"

We were rambling. Too scared and confused to stop. The first thing we saw was that we were no longer in my bed room. Instead, we were in a dimly lit room with stonewalls. There were lots of scrolls, books and loose papers around us. At the centre, there was a stone table, with some parchments, an ink pot and quil on it.

"Welcome." An echoing voice boomed. "Welcome to the book, the Enchantment of Bajrahansak."

"What ! You mean, right now we are within the book ?" Rishi exclaimed.

"Yes child, you are right. Now, the first part." The invisible voice continued, "Introduction. I am the book, in essence. You five have been selected to help in creation of a new era. In this journey, I shall be your guide. "

Talking books, new journey, magic... Gods ! What is happening ?

I shivered. Mithi clutched my hand tightly, while all of us huddled together.

"Now, be attentive, because, I am going to give you the gist. After your briefing, you shall be transported back to your realm to make the necessary arrangements for your upcoming journey.

There is a competition. One, which gets held in every 500 years. All the seven realms participate in this challenge. From each realm, only one team can take part in this event. You are here to represent your realm. Master Achintya has choose you personally by his outstanding soul searching power. With the next riddle you shall receive your next tusk.
T

hrough courage and brilliance, you have to pave your path. Together, you shall make the difference."

.....

"Was I dreaming ?" Neel was the first to comment.

Opening my eyes, I found ourselves back at my house. The ancient book was sitting innocently on its previous place.

"Guys look, the letters are stable now." Mithi pointed out.

I looked at the book and my brows furrowed in confusion. There in bold letters four words were written -

The Quest Has Begun

I turned over the page and in the next one found another riddle.

"Look. There is the second riddle. It says..."

"Stop ! I don't want to hear it. I have had enough." Shruti cried out in desperation. " For God's sake guys ! Have you lost your mind ? Why are we involving ourselves in this - this sorcery ? It's dangerous !"

"She has a point," Rishi said. " We should not do this. We can't leave our lives and go for a magic quest. It's not rational. Besides, it still could be an elaborate prank."

" It's not a prank. That I am totally sure of. But yes, you are right. We should not do this." I told to my wary friends.

"Yeah, well, it's getting dark. We should leave then. Neel are you coming ?" Shruti asked.

"Umm... Yes, let's go. Sorry Megha, bye." Neel dropped the book back on the table and got up.

"Bye guys."

One by one our friends left the room. I sat on the chair and put my head on the table.

"It's ok sis." Mithi wrapped her arms around me. I could feel her breath in my neck. She too was exhausted.

"Go. Take a nap. Don't worry, I'll do the same." I said.

"Ok." She smiled and left for her room.

I took the book in my hand to throw it away. Then my eyes found the new writings that were appearing rapidly, and, a chill ran down my veins. There was no escape.

No one can fly, there is no gate.
All are bound by the string of fate.
Try, you can, if you must.
Keep in mind, it won't last.
The Quest has begun, now is the time.
Hold your breath and listen to the chime.

****