WARLOCK'S INTERNS

Chapter 21: The Snake Charmer

Atma and Bakula walked along the path of the forest. Bakula was too intrigued by Atma’s behavior that morning. Atma looked very restless since he woke up. He behaved as if something bad is going to happen very soon. After the morning meal he whispered Bakula to follow him secretly to the forest.

“Atma, I don’t see the use of wandering in the forest, now.”

“Yes, I know. But I have a strong urge to be here.” Atma on the other hand could not express himself about his mental urge. He felt dreadful since the last night. He had dreamt of crawling serpents all the night. Further he had heard the constant hissing sound of the serpents in his head.

“The damage is already done Atma, we can’t do anything now.” Bakula was angry now, he was not sure what is happening in Atma’s mind, however it irritated him.

“I know Baku, but believe me; we are here for another purpose.” Atma did not know how to convince his brother. He himself was not sure about the meaning of his dreams and the constant hissing sound in his head. He strongly believed something is happening in the forest and had a strong urge to be in the forest.

“And what is that?” Bakula could only tease him now.

“I too don’t know, but my mind strongly feels the presence of something dangerous, here -” Atma stopped at once and began to feel the earth below. He sensed they were near to a place which smelled of danger.

**

The forest was in dead silence. The green leaves of a small plant brushed gently against each other as if they are whispering something. The wind was not too gusty. A small rat snake began to slither on the ground flicking its tongue to smell its prey, a rat. It was unaware of the danger behind it. It certainly did not sense the two pairs of black eyes looking at it with silent interest completely hidden in the nearby bush. And that was a Cobra, a black King Cobra indeed. The King Cobra, too, was waiting for the right opportunity to pounce on its prize - rat snake. It threw its tongue in the air and flicked it for a long moment to learn the exact position of the rat snake.    

Ironically the King Cobra did not know the danger that itself faced. Another set of small eyes were watching its movement behind. King Cobra slowly moved towards the rat snake carefully trying not to make any sound. In turn, a strong pairs of hands moved closer towards the King Cobra behind without making any noise whatsoever too. The Cobra was about to pounce on the rat snake, when suddenly it felt a strong pair of hands grasp his head and tail at once.

“Aren’t you the wonderful creature on earth?” Hakim Ajmal Sahib lifted the King Cobra and smiled to himself unaware of the fact that he just has saved the life of a small rat snake.

“Certainly they are, and you are their greatest charmer.” Ajmal Hakim Sahib was taken aback for a moment and turned sharply towards the voice. He saw Nazir and Wazir standing behind him.

“Praise is what I despise, and you two know it very well.” Ajmal Sahib spoke with irritation. He knew not to trust people who praised him, be it his own blood.

“We do uncle, but the fact is; you deserve it all the same.” Wazir dared to take a step further. He knew his uncle’s greatness and he was very proud of it.

“What has brought my nephews to me? Remember, you are not welcome in Sampada?” Hakim Ajmal Sahib looked at them with surprise. He did not want them feel good about meeting him. He knew very well that his King despised people who deserted him after the Great War.

“We know uncle; we are here seeking your help, isn’t it Bhai Wazir?” Nazir looked at Wazir for assistance.

“Yes, Bhai Nazir. Uncle you are to help Swarnapuri King.” Wazir carefully added.

“Why should I? You know very well that we loathe Swarnapuri and its people; including you.” Hakim Ajmal sahib laughed exhibiting his cruelty. But in his very mind he loved the guts of his two twin nephews who dared to leave Sampada and who took refuge under the truthful King of Swarnapuri. Nonetheless, he never wanted to admit that openly for he always feared his closeness to the King of Sampada would hurt his nephews. 

“It was you, oh! Uncle, who taught us to help the distressed; no matter whether they are friends or foes.” Nazir cleverly tried to recall the things. He knew that is where his uncle’s week spot lies. 

“Hmm, now - who is distressed?” Hakim Ajmal Sahib was now defeated.

“It is Princess Chitrakshi, she has been poised.” Wazir informed him. He knew very well that his uncle always adored the truth path but since he was too close to the King of Sampada he always acted differently, at least to show to the outer world.

“Friend or foe, helping a child is always a godly deed uncle, and you know it well.” Nazir bowed his head as if to beg.

“I am willing to help, but my King may not permit.” Ajmal Sahib walked across near the thick bush still holding the King Cobra in his hands. He looked at it for a long moment and knelt down and let it go gently and walked back towards his nephews.

“Sorry to offend you dear uncle, but it was you again who taught us to listen to our souls.” Wazir tried using one of his tactics knowing well that his uncle always listened to his heart then others.

“And you two are the most cunning nephews that I despise with love.” Hakim Ajmal Sahib looked at them intently for a long time and slowly smiled at them. He knew he did not have the heart to deny the help. However, he was also worried about his own King.

“So be it, I shall help, but mind you no one shall know about this.” After a long thought Hakim Ajmal Sahib nodded his head towards his twin nephews and smiled.

****