Kama: Liberation(Vol-II)

Chapter 9. The Golden Villain

A king before. A saint now. A friend forever.

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"Hermes, give me the basket. I order."

Hermes was in no mood to listen to his master. The saints of this valley seldom allowed the big bird to fool around. Of course they would be fed up with his sudden disappearances. Like once he came back with another emu, a female, whom he had impregnated.

Even after becoming a father, Hermes behaved like a brat.

"Hermes," Khonsu approached the bird on stealthy feet, "give back the basket. You cannot–"

The emu ran for his life.

Khonsu sprinted after the naughty bird. It was oddly funny but also tiring. Even though magic and good weather had kept his vitals energetic, Khonsu couldn't stop every side effect of old age. Stumbling legs gave up and he stopped to take a breath. Panting, he slid down to rest under the shade of a tree. He would let Hermes have the basket and rather get a scolding from his wife for being unable to fetch it.

"She will understand. I can't make Hermes civilised."

What will his babies learn? Kids from every species mirrored their parents. Well, that was what his wife told. Hermes was being a stupid father.

"I need to collect flowers again."

"Why? Did someone ran away with it?"

"Yes." His nasal voice had a complaining undertone. "Hermes, the mischievous emu. Only the real Hermes can fix that dimwitted bird."

He crossed his arms and huffed. Hermes stole the flowers to eat, did he? Could an emu consume flowers? What if it was poisonous for him? That emu didn't have a brain or any instinct. If he died now, his wife would be so lonely. He really hated the idea of a lonely wife, or a lonely husband.

Bitter memories resurfaced, but Khonsu just smiled, knowing the worst was in the past.

"Hermes went off in the west, I guess."

"I think so–" Wait, who am I even speaking to?

It wasn't a voice inside his head. Those scary days were long gone. Now, he was mentally stable and sound, out of any damned possession by harrowing entities. And even if this was a voice...it was rather sweet. A little chirpy, but calm and collected too. He turned his head up and saw who was standing against the bark.

"You are really old," she whispered. "It took you enough time to realise someone was speaking to you."

He sprang to his feet. She craned her neck to stare at his ebony eyes, tears forming in her own sunny brown pair. Irises glistening and gleaming mirrored a love only the fortunate knew. Even to this day she was way shorter, hardly reaching his chest.

"Indu?" His voice dampened under the force of whirling winds.

"Yes," she croaked. "Rudra wanted to visit the Valley of Saints before setting off for Ishgar."

"Indu..." He spread his arms, a hearty smile adorning his face. Though he froze soon, arms hanging in the air as if lifeless. The saints had the news of their arrival, but Khonsu didn't expect Indumala to come and see him. The whole pack knew of her victory and valor.