The Marakese

Wait

Ilkir caught hold a small reptile that was creeping through. He looked around to show it to his friends. But they were all asleep. He sighed and threw the reptile away. There was a snarl in the corner. And there were sounds of chewing in the corner. Ilkir became alert to the situation. There were growls and prancing, as Ilkir looked for Buskar. Buskar too was asleep. There emerged a large animal from the darkness. It was a large bear that came with its claws and teeth shining. "Buskar, Buskar" tried waking up the sleeping dwarf. What is it? asked an annoyed Buskar. There is an animal, he said. What ? asked Buskar. There is a large animal to kill us, shouted Ilkir. Buskar got up and saw the bear staring at him. Here, take the sword, said Buskar and tossed the sword to Ilkir. What do I do now? asked Ilkir. Nothing, hold it, he said to him. Buksr quickly lit the fire and walked in front of the bear. The dwarf stood in front of the large bear trying to threaten it with the fire he held with him. The bear was the least bit threatened and tried to prance the dwarf with his sharp claws. Buskar fell down on the ground and the fire fell away from him. Ilkir got hold of the sword and tried to do the same as the dwarf had done. The bear came swinging at him with the claws. This time it was Ilkir who had fallen on the ground, but he held the fire on his hands. Buskar and Ilkir stood up with the sword in their hands trying to scare the bear away. It was certainly not working as the bear came at them with its claws. They tried to dodge it , and that is all they could. "Toss me the fire kid" said Buskar. Ilkir tossed him the fire. Buskar took a a few steps in front and the bear put him back to the ground. What now? asked Ilkir to the dwarf.

From the corridors of the cave, came through a nimble yet strong dwarf. He had a thick beard and long hair. He was much older than Buskar and you could tell much wiser. "Bokir" said Buskar who was happy to see his friend. Bokir came charging at the bear and sat upon it, moving it as per his will. The bear did throw him a few times, but Bokir was relentless. The bear finally gave up sensing the danger that lurked in front of it. "It finally gave up and ran away". Too many of these come in nowadays, said Bokir. "How are you my friend?" asked Buskar. Well, my friend. and how are you? asked Bokir. Good, said Bokir. Who are these children? asked Bokir. And Buskar again recited the whole tale. Oh! there was a gasp by Bokir. Why do you all not stay here? asked Bokir. Here ? asked Buskar. Yes, here! said Bokir after all this is your home!

What is here Bokir, these ruins are all that is left? said Buskar. Bokir stroked his beard. He looked at the children. There is no way through here, said Borkir. There is no place that these caves lead through. You know that Borkir! said Buskar. I know Borkir, I just wanted to keep these children safe until I figure out the next move. Wrong! said Borkir. You were scared and you had come here for strength. Buskar looked down. Ilkir took the fire in his hands. " We can find our way out of here" he said to Borkir. No, none of that shall happen! replied Borkir. You are all to stay here! he said. "You will be eaten alive outside" he said coming face to face with Ilkir. Ilkir backed down. Huskar, the oldest of them all. Came with a walking stick. He could barely see in one eye and was surely blind in the other. " We will provide them with food and comfort" he said. Comfort, scoffed Ilkir. Yes comfort, with all that we can provide. Do not take us for peasants, young man. If you had known what we once were, you would not look at us in mockery! We can help you light up these walls! said the children. There is no need for that, said Huskar. Yes, we shall make sure the fire keeps burning in these caves, said the children. Buskar smiled under his breath. So be it, said Borkir. He stood by Huskar as was happy to see Buskar here. Ilkir tossed the sword back to the dwarf. "First we will have some food" said Huskar. Yes, the children replied