WARLOCK'S INTERNS

Chapter 36: The Withheld Priest

“Never trust your enemy, however sweet they seem to be; yes this is my second lesson to you all. In your venture you will come across many creatures, things or even humans who or which may seem or act friendly to you, but remember, never trust them for they are deceitful inside.” Mahapitha looked at the three; he wanted to make sure they understood each word of his lessons. He knew very well that his wise lessons could certainly make a big difference in their venture.

“But how do we recognize who are enemies and who are friends?” Vasundari at once spelled out her doubts, she was indeed a daring girl, and she never kept any things in her mind.    

“Good thing you asked that Vasundari,” Mahapitha smiled at her and continued, “Knowing your enemy beforehand always has a great advantage. In fact, your own instinct of inner mind will help to recognize them once you learn all my lessons.”

“My third lesson is very important; listen to it very carefully,” Mahapitha wanted to make sure they are all ears, he looked at each in turn and after satisfying himself he continued, “Your minds should always be in your control, never allow others to take possession of your mind.”

“Why would anyone want to take control of our minds?” Bakula asked showing his amusement, for some reason it seemed to him as a very funny thing.

“Bakula, you are all going to meet many unknown creatures in your venture, some of them are extremely good in capturing your minds rather than your physical body, hence never allow them to take control of your own mind. If allowed, they might manipulate you all.”   

Bakula looked very convinced with what he had heard; this was all very new to them and they loved to take in all the lessons from the old Warlock. Atma at once understood that mind strength matters a lot rather than physical strength and hence the old Warlock was very keen on teaching them all these things.

“Please teach the fourth lessons, Mahapitha.” Vasundari was eager for more.

I will my dear child, I will.” Mahapitha smiled at her for her eagerness before continuing, “Enemies are just enemies, never ever try to compromise with them, they may lure you into something sweet, but trust your inner instinct and you should not ‘COMPROMISE’ with them at any cost. Don’t allow greed, desire or selfishness to take control your inner mind.” Mahapitha said highlighting the word ‘compromise’.

“What if we cannot defeat them physically? After all we are only young kids.” Bakula was anxious about their weak spot - physical strength.

Suddenly Mahapitha looked serious and stern, he knew it very well that the kids are very enthusiastic, eager and selfless. However, they were very vulnerable with their physical strength as there were too young.

“Never let that thought cross your mind again, use your mental strength to defeat your enemy if you cannot do it with physical force. But mind you never show your weakness to your enemy, you will understand all this yourself once you are amid in your venture.”

Atma suddenly felt as he is being troubled by something. He looked at Vasundari and Bakula. Mahapitha understood at once. It is time for them to return home, their father, Vaachaspati could be back soon.  Mahapitha slowly got up.

“We shall meet here again tomorrow morning and mean while hone your armor using skills. Also don’t forget to memorize the lessons that I have taught.” Without another glance Mahapitha slowly walked away.     

Vasundari and Bakula too got up and gave their armors to Atma to hide it away safely on the thick branch of the nearby tree. Vasundari collected the washed clothes and started first and began to walk towards her home thinking about the things that Mahapitha had taught them.

**

Vaachaspati walked home with a black face, for the first time the King had f*******n him from entering into the Palace. He began to think of the incident earlier, he have never felt so embarrassed before. When he had walked into the Princess chamber, there was already another Vaachaspati with a vial in his hand. And, he was about to drop its content into the mouth of Princess Chitrakshi.

“Stop,” Vaachaspati had screamed at once.

King, Queen and other guards looked at him with astonishment. They could not understand what is happening for a moment, they all felt helplessly spell bounded. That moment gave enough time for the fake Vaachaspati - the elder Witch to throw her dark powder around and vanish instantly. The mountain Witch had played the same old game, but this time using the Priest as bait.

Vaachaspati had understood how dangerous they could be. Perhaps, they were trying to kill Princess Chitrakshi with some other dangerous dark potion which could make the deadly poison work faster. Luckily he had just gone in time, or else the Princess would have been in grave danger.

Once the Witch vanished, the King Maheepati had requested him not to visit the Palace again until things are settled. King had been worried about the dark game played by mountain Witches, it were very confusing. The King further narrated him about how badly he wished to send his numerous guards to search the hiding place of Witches in Mountain. However, he had restrained himself after recalling the wise advice of old Warlock.

Further, the King had ordered no entry to all save royal family into the Princess chamber. The incident made him very suspicious and hence he had requested Vaachaspati, the high Priest not to enter the Palace unless he is called for.

Vaachaspati walked into his home and saw his three kids chatting very animatedly. They seemed to be excited about something and this is the first time he had seen some smile on their faces since Princess Chitrakshi had been poisoned. As soon as he entered they stopped and hushed something among themselves, but Vaachaspati was in no mood to give it a second thought.

Next morning the three could not go out early since their father was still at home. At last, when Vaachaspati walked towards temple all the three scrambled up and started walking hurriedly towards the river bank.

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