7. The Prince and the Wizard
The Wizard: The tyrant Samser plunders an innocent crowd that had gathered behind the palace to enjoy a performance by a troupe of street-singers. Badal, a mysterious young man, locks up Samser and his soldiers, restoring the lost property to the people. The incident shocks King Bhuvansingh, who realizes that the cruel actions of Samser must not go unpunished.
The Night of Conspiracy
It was midnight. The hills and the forest lay enchanted under the pale moon. Occasionally, the cry of a creature preyed upon by a bigger beast pierced the silence. Around a cluster of huts and caves sheltering rebel young men, preparations were underway to avenge the murders of their fathers and grandfathers at the hands of King Bhuyansingh’s father, Raghaysingh.
A Call to Arms
“Badal, Badal, do you hear?” Ramu shook him awake. Badal sat up in his bed, groggy. “What is the matter?” he asked idly. “Our guard dog barked loudly, but after a piercing cry, it fell silent. Isn’t that unnatural?” Ramu replied, fear in his voice.
The Coming Assault
“It is!” said Badal, springing up and grabbing his sword. “There is only one explanation: the dog has been killed. The question remains, was it a beast or a man?” he observed, peering out of the window. The moment of uncertainty soon ended when a rough voice yelled out, “I am the king’s commander. Listen, you bandits! My soldiers have surrounded your hiding. Come out without your arms and surrender!”
Prepared for Battle
“What do we do?” asked a dozen anxious youths pressed into Badal’s hut. “We must try to avoid an encounter with the enemy, unprepared as we are,” he replied. “Then do we surrender?” one demanded. “Never!” shouted Badal, raising his sword. “You know the tunnels and ravines of this region better than they do. You can escape for now.”
Fight to the Finish
“But they are numerous and have surrounded us. What if we face them?” questioned a young man. “Fight unto death!” Badal replied grimly. At once, they dispersed to carry out their plans. “The bandits are escaping!” shouted a few soldiers. “Cut them down!” commanded their leader.
The Clash of Swords
The tranquility of the forest shattered as cries, shouts, and the clash of swords filled the air. Despite their efforts, the king’s soldiers could not prevent the young men from escaping; instead, they set fire to the huts in desperation. Badal observed, and with an awe-inspiring cry, leaped into their midst. His moving sword flashed like lightning in the light of the burning huts, causing the panic-stricken soldiers to retreat.
The Rescue
“This one is the leader! Capture him for the reward!” the commander rallied his troops. “Here is your reward!” Badal shouted back, charging with his sword. The commander fell, silencing moments of horror among the soldiers as their morale crumbled. “Badal, Badal! That hut is on fire! It’s Master’s!” cried Ramu, worried.
The Fiery Escape
“Help me chase these dogs away! I need to check on Master!” Badal yelled, moving toward the hut. A portion of it collapsed in flames as he searched frantically. Hearing a moan trapped inside, he took a moment for silent prayer before rushing in to rescue the old man.
The Fateful Revelation
“Ramu! Meet me near the spring after you’ve handled these enemies!” Badal shouted while emerging from the burning structure, the old man on his shoulder. As he descended to safety, two soldiers attempted to capture him, unaware of the steep slope’s danger. Dodging them, he sent the soldiers plummeting to the lake below.
A Sad Discovery
Carefully climbing down, he found a stone slab beside a spring and laid the old man down. “Master!” he called softly, but there was no response. Searching for healing plants in the dark proved futile. Ramu soon arrived, bringing grim news about their losses.
The Final Words
“Master, do not leave us!” Badal cried out, despair evident in his voice. “Not yet,” whispered the old man weakly. “Badal, do not rest until your mission is complete. You must know who you are: King Veersingh’s grandson.” As the truth settled in, the old man’s voice grew weaker, and despite Ramu’s efforts, he succumbed.
Hope Amid Despair
Badal sat in silence, the weight of the revelation heavy in the air, as the howls of jackals filled the distance, marking a bittersweet end to a tumultuous night.