Abide With Me

Under the Mango tree

A/N: The characters Wei Ying and Lan Zhan belong to their author MDZS. All other characters are a product of my imagination and bear no resemblance to anyone living or dead.

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SaMi and Wei Ying zipped through the tunnels in silence. Suibian powered ahead, sure of his direction and purpose. He seemed to be tracking something tangible, there was no hesitation at any fork in the tunnels nor any doubts when dropping past multiple levels. The six Li went by in bare minutes. Suibian decelerated and descended, allowing the duo to alight. Wei Ying signed to SaMi to keep silent as they stepped warily out of the tunnel into a huge grotto that was gloomy and malodorous.

The sight that made their eyes was one that sent Wei Ying's blood roaring into his eyes and ears. He really wished SaMi did not have to witness such a scene. HRH Prince Chengse de Yanjing lay doubled on the rocks and pebbles that bordered the foul river that traversed the grotto. He appeared to be in a dead faint. Pranith, looking totally unfazed, stood with his arms on his hips, glaring at Jeyawardena Mama and his guards.

Barely half a Li ahead, just across the width of the river were the missing miners. Gaunt faces, emaciated bodies, soulless eyes. Bodies reduced to skin and bones, cruelly manacled and chained to each other. Most of them sat listlessly staring into the darkening void. A few managed to drag themselves to the water's edge and were trying to clean themselves and the rags that covered their bodies. Many bore bruises and injuries that were clearly unrelated to mining.

In spite of a strong suppressive effort from Wei Ying, his demonic core lit up with rage on behalf of the miserable souls in front of him. His eyes went red and soft tendrils of black smoke began emanating from his body. The Yiling Patriarch signalled to SaMi to step back from the mouth of the tunnel. Instead of obeying, SaMi shook her head stubbornly, pointing to the Royal DaNi collapsed on the floor. She whispered, "You'll need me if you want to help him." The Yiling Patriarch nodded agreement but placed himself in front of her as they edged along the perimeter of the Grotto.

There seemed to be some commotion a little upstream, miners seemed to be standing up and walking away from the water, their chains clanking and echoing in the Grotto. A wave of energy seem to ripple through the group, and cries of 'Food' and 'Lori' could be heard.

There was a mad scramble as two guards handed out bowls made of coconut shells with a small amount of rice and some curry. The starving miners gulped down the scanty offerings and waited patiently. Soon the guards were seen pouring small amounts of water into those same bowls. The miners, long past caring, drank the water and then licked their bowls dry!

The black smoke around Wei Ying's robes grew thicker and more noticeable. Taking advantage of the bustle, Jeyawardena and his companions melted into the crowd and disappeared. They were not eager to meet Lori!

Pranith meanwhile maneuvered himself back into the Prince's vicinity. He quickly wet his hands and swiped them underfoot. He then carefully smeared his face, arms and clothes with the reeking mud from the river and also messed up his hair. Satisfied that he could pass for a worker at a glance, Pranith mentally marked Lori's position.

He then gradually approached the big DaNi lying listlessly half in and half out of the water. Seeing the DaNi's hand clutched at his chest, Pranith feared the worst and whispered, "DaNi Mama, are you injured?" No response. No movement, even his breathing was barely visible. As Pranith leaned forward to check his breathing, the DaNi's eyes snapped open. "Bring Lori to me!" he said clearly, before appearing to collapse again.

Pranith jumped a foot high with shock as the DaNi spoke so suddenly to him! Crossing his hands over his thudding heart he looked around but it seemed there were no witnesses to what had just happened. Pranith set to work, thinking of a plausible story to draw Lori here to the unconscious DaNi.