The Enlightened Few - The Journey Begins

Trapped

Edan couldn't believe his eyes, they were finally here and this was the place where he would be found out. There was only one thing they could do with him, kill him for tricking them.

"Here we are, it's time for you to do me the honour of using your powers." King Mohan was not a patient man. They crossed the first half of the bridge and were standing on the landing.

"Come on Aden, we don't have all day. Walk and take us with you or die trying."

"I can't do this! I haven't done this before and I don't think I can take any of you with me." Edan had decided that he would be better off jumping and dying from the fall rather than being torturously butchered by the Mohan.

He stopped to look up at the sun and sky, he felt the breeze brushing his face and hair. He looked down and could see waters far below. He thought to himself at least this was a beautiful place to die. He, like Aden was petrified of heights.

He closed himself in his mind only concentrating on Aden, "My friend, this is the end for me. I miss you. Be safe and know your brother has loved you enough to die for you this day. Be good to your father. Goodbye." Tiers ran down his slender cheeks.

Edan held his breath and stepped forward fearlessly. He plummeted down with his eyes closed. He thought he would hit the rapids down below and drown on impact below, the moist air swivelled around him. He could feel the gravity pulling him down, as if he had rocks tied to his feet.

It felt like he had been falling an eternity and he was expecting to hit the cold hard water. He should have tried to convince the King to go first, why hadn't he been wiser, he thought to himself.

In that same moment, King Mohan turned to his people and thought about his travels. Would they question his leadership if this didn't work out the way he had planned, for having led them here only to fail?

Edan couldn't understand why he had not yet hit the bottom, as he suddenly only felt like he was suspended in the air. He opened his eyes one by one, slowly. In his wildest dreams he wouldn't have imagined what was about to happen next.

Aden was staring into Edan's eyes, "Hello there, brother".

Edan remained in disbelief, "Am I dead? Are you dead?"

"No I am not, so listen up quickly or we will end up dead."

"Tell me." They couldn't resist giving each other an embrace out of relief.

"I know what predicament you are in Edan, and I need you to follow my instructions. I know it's hard to imagine and you deserve to know everything, but we just don't have the time. I've got you, so you won't fall anymore. Keep on pretending to be me, lead the Mohan to the edge of Kirjuri. Tell them that you can only carry two at a time, send the other two to fetch the rest of the troops. I will be able to do this on my own for you, just don't let them turn around or they will see me."

"Yes, Sire"

"Some things don't change. The weirdest thing is that I am seeing myself saying Sire, that is something I would have never anticipated happening. Although I must say, I am rather dashing."

"You mean, I am." Edan chuckled.

"You are truly stronger than I gave you credit for and I am sorry for not taking you with me the first time around."

"Aden, for you I give my life."

" I saw that."

Aden lifted Edan with his SoverI power. King Mohan had stood perplexed with worry, but was happy to see that he would not have to even think of being disappointed.

"Finally, you show me that you do indeed possess some wisdom and power."

"As you can see, King Mohan, I can only just manage to carry myself over, now I could probably carry you across also. However, I would not be able to do more."

"Come on then boy, you will then need to do quite a few more trips. Surely, you not really that useless at this are you?"

"I am happy to try, at the risk of losing your people."

"Don't even think you can escape me, I will shoot you where you are. The element of surprise will pass if we don't hurry and you have a lot of work to do."

"Can you ask your dogs to put down their bows and go and gather more troops instead then?"

"That's a good boy. Finally, being more proactive! Bring 10 more strong warriors now!" Mohan was too blinded by his excitement that he didn't even consider that he was being played. He was not expecting any resistance at Kirjuri apart from a few silly children, who needed a strong "father" like him.

They drifted toward the city. King Mohan was feeling uncomfortable due to having to hover at such a height above the crashing waters below and the vast space all around him. He was far away from his protected and dense forest that gave him a sense of grandeur. He held his bow aimed at Edan's head; if Edan decided to change his mind at any moment then they would die together.

The King however for once, was vulnerable and far from being in control. He did not see who was waiting for him on the other side. A group of SoverI had gathered around ready to pacify the captive.

As King Mohan approached the landing of Kirjuri, he quickly realised he had been plotted against.

"You scheming little boy! You think your little friends can protect you here? None of you know how to fight. You will all die by my hand."

"No one is dying here today!" Edan replied, unless you decide not to cooperate, in which case I may make an exception.

King Mohan was held afloat just a few steps from the landing while facing the group of SoverI, who had been led by Selena.

"At least I know I can take down one of you." He stood firmly.

"We hope that it will not come to that. Even that, we are prepared to sacrifice given the war you want to wage upon us", added Selena.

"What do you want from me then?" King Mohan screamed.

"What we want is justice and we will receive it!" Selena replied.

"I have not done anything so far, what should I be punished for?" King Mohan replied.

"You should be punished for your intentions and for your willingness to sacrifice the peace for your own greed."

"That is hearsay, I merely came to ask a few questions!"

"You don't know much about SoverI do you? I suppose not many are born to your tribe and if they are, they are swiftly taken away. Your temperament and that of your people make you highly untrustworthy and that is a fact." Selena kept her cool demeanour.

She seemed profoundly more upset than anyone else though. Deep inside, something didn't feel quite right.

"If you came to ask a few questions then why did you force my hand, why did you bring so many troops? Admit that all you really wanted to do was overthrow Kirjuri. Admit it or be a coward and die a coward. I won't bother holding you up any more."

There was a long silence while King Mohan contemplated his next move.