The Knight

"Mom said yes," said Advika as she entered the bedroom and sat on a brown bean bag kept opposite the bed. "Great! It means you can help me with dinner," said Ray and winked. Tej smiled and put his arms around Ray's shoulders almost squeezing his neck.

                                                                             ~~~~~~~~

The winds blew violently as he waved his sword in a circular motion in the air, keeping a close eye on the six wolves surrounding him. He wore a suit of armour and had tied his short hair into a ponytail. The wind whipped his loose hair strands back from his face.

He took a few steps back and switched the sword to his other hand in a split second, attacking two wolves in one go.

The wolves plunged on him, landing on the rugged ground beneath. The man had vanished into oblivion the second they leapt.

                                                                           ~~~~~~~

"I know you won't argue with her," whispered Tej as he helped Advika arrange the dishes on the dining table. Advika glanced at Maya who was busy clicking pictures with Zarna and Ray. "Don't worry, I won't do anything that'll bring this mission in trouble," she assured.

"Dinner time guys," called Advika as Tej took his seat. Advika sat beside him, with Zarna and Maya sitting opposite to her. Ray sat on the other side of Tej.

Zarna started with the hot tomato soup prepared by Ray. Maya took a bite of the Manchurian. "I must say, Ray, you're a great cook," she said. Ray smiled. "Thanks," he beamed.

                                                                         ~~~~~~

"Saved yourself from the wolves then," said an old woman as she handed a man a cup of hot liquid. "Yes," he said and took a sip of the liquid. He pursed his lips and closed his eyes. "Is this necessary?" he asked as the old woman sat in front of him on a small cot. "Yes, don't expect medicine to be delicious, it's for your wounds."

"I had got a clue about the book," he said as he took another sip of the liquid. "And...?"

"The book transported itself somewhere, to hide from our enemies," revealed the man.

"The book should not get into..."

"I know, I know," interrupted the man. "But, Dai Ma, the book knows how to protect itself."

"I hope the book finds a righteous master," said Dai ma. "Indra, you need to hurry up. Ask Daksh for help if you-"

"Daksh is too young for this mission," replied Indra keeping the cup on the ground. "No, he isn't," opposed Dai ma and sighed. "It's your call. But it's high time he is told the truth."

                                                                      ~~~~~~~

It was pouring outside; the weather gloomy.

Advika stared at the night sky standing in the balcony as Tej walked up to her with two cups of hot chocolate. "Thanks," she said taking the cup. 

Ray, Maya, and Zarna were sitting on the creme colour sofa in the huge hall, scanning the internet on books related to the occult. 

"Why occult?" asked Tej and took a sip. "It will help us understand things better," replied Advika. "I hope it does, otherwise, I'll be forever-"

"Tej," interrupted Advika and turned to face him. "We've discussed this before."

"Hey, Adu, Tej, come look at this," called Zarna as Ray adjusted the screen of the laptop.

"There's this library, on the outskirts of the city, behind this temple," said Ray. 

There was a picture of an ancient temple. An orange flag hoisted on the top of the temple. Few steps led to the spacious entrance porch of the temple. 

"Looks like ruined by time," said Maya. "Yes, this temple is a beauty, but not taken care of," added Zarna. "Should we go here?" quizzed Ray and looked at his friends. "Yes, we should go," beamed Maya and rubbed her palms. "It will be risky," added Advika as she sat on the mat. "Yes, but it's worth it," said Maya looking at the screen.

"Okay, then, let's decide a day and-"

"Get set go," Ray interrupted Tej and high fived Zarna.

"Why don't we go now?" wondered Maya and turned around to look at Tej.  

This girl is crazy, thought Advika and shut her eyes sighing.

"Yes, we might not get this chance again," added Zarna. 

"Get ready then," said Tej and kept the cup on the table. Advika crossed her arms giving Tej a disapproving look. He nodded his head and took a step closer to her. "She's right," he said. "I know you're against breaking rules, but, we should take this chance," persuaded Tej and kept his hand on her shoulder. "Okay," she agreed.

"Woohoo! Finally some adventure," Ray almost screamed. "Ray, where are the car keys, we should leave soon," added Maya trying to tie her curly hair into a bun. 

"Tej, we don't know anything about this place. Are you understanding how dangerous this can be guys?" Advika questioned. 

"But we're going there so that we can know the place," opposed Maya.

Advika nodded her head. "At this time of the night," she said pointing at the wall clock hung above the LED TV across the sofa. 

11:00 p.m., it said.

Tej scratched his neck. "Let's do one thing," he suggested. "Let's go there and see, we'll not get out of the car if we sense any danger. We'll visit in the morning... early morning then."

"I agree, we'll do that," said Ray. "I'll get the car keys."

Maya slightly smiled and lowered her gaze. 

Zarna tied her hair into a high bun walking towards Advika. "Girls," she chirped. "Let's go," she said as she pulled Advika and Maya with her, strolling towards the door.