WARLOCK'S INTERNS

Chapter 26: Permitted

Hakim Ajmal Sahib walked towards the Palace again. The King has summoned him seeking another advice. Ajmal Sahib was worried about these secret meetings, least his own King of Sampada may not learn about this. Although these meetings were supposed to very secretive, he was afraid that words might travel from mouth to mouth and reach the King of Sampada.

Ajmal Sahib knew that the King of Sampada was looking for a reason to war again in spite of signing the Peace treaty with the King of Swarnapuri. He himself has conceded that with Hakim Ajmal Sahib and that worried him too much. He knew this was a right opportunity for Sampada King, as he was well informed about the things happening at Swarnapuri.

With hundreds of thoughts Ajmal sahib walked into the Palace. He entered the Princess chamber unchecked. For a moment he was surprised by this, for he thought the King Maheepati is really off guard now, he seemed not to care about anything else save Princess Illness. Silently he bowed to the King and stood in silence.

“Hakim Ajmal Sahib, I am very confused.” King Maheepati walked towards him and opened his statement in a very weak tone.

“I understand your concern, Oh! King. But it is wise to send them.” Hakim Ajmal Sahib knew that the King was talking about the request of wanderers of forest. They too indeed had consulted him in that matter.

“The Warlock has warned me not to send anyone.” Maheepati revealed his meetings with Mahapitha. Ajmal sahib knew the King of Swarnapuri acted upon the advice of old Warlock.

“Let me tell you something Oh King! Saba and Baba, the great wanderers of the forest are far more capable than you think.” Ajmal sahib replied very smoothly. He did not wish to challenge the old Warlock’s wiseness, but he knew Saba and Baba could come in handy. 

“I do not doubt their capability.” King Maheepati persisted. He wanted Ajmal Sahib to know that he cared for all his subjects, no matter who it is. He just did not wish to put their life in danger.

“I know a truth.” Hakim Smiled at the King gently.

“And what is that?”

“They cannot cross the mountain for sure, but perhaps in the process they might be a great help to someone who could really cross the mountains.” Ajmal sahib explained the King. In fact he himself was willing to go to the Seven Mountains but the factor ‘curse’, had made to change his mind. Ajmal Sahib was also not sure whether the King Maheepati knew that real gender factor about the twin wanderers of the forest. They were not men! They were not women! But he did not want the King to know that through his mouth. Whatever they are! Hakim Ajmal sahib Respected them.

“Let me consult Mahapitha, before I take decision.” King Maheepati still could not make his decision.

“As you wish my Lord.” Hakim knew the Warlock would certainly know the things and would help in taking right decision.

**

It was third time since last three day that King Maheepati visited the old Warlock’s hut. But the old Man did not seem to mind that. He welcomed the King as he always did. 

“I am in a dilemma, my dear friend.” Maheepati was eager to clear out his mind.

“So am I. I myself have read the stars again.” Mahapitha had some news to King as well. He himself had carefully read the signs of stars and he too was surprised by what it said.

“And what does that say?” King Maheepati eagerly questioned, he highly respected the old Warlock’s reading skills and indeed it had come true in almost all occasions.

“It seems Princess has life, a long and happy life indeed, but I am very much puzzled.” Mahapitha looked at him carefully; he did not wish to convey the wrong message.

“Perhaps Saba and Baba, the wanderers of the forest, would bring the Savior plant.” Maheepati expressed his own thought looking very happy, this seemed too good to be true, but he was also delighted to know the positive words of old Warlock’s star reading. It seemed more than a coincide to him.

“Too ambitious.” Old Warlock laughed at the King thought and continued, “I sense they cannot cross it although they are neither Men nor Women!”

King Maheepati was astonished at the new revelation.  At the same time, this news seemed to work for them somehow.

“I didn’t know about that! However, both are adamant and seeking my permission.” Maheepati briefed him about their wish and greatness in willing to sacrifice their dear life for a noble cause.

Mahapitha closed his eyes for a long time and began to visualize the forest of wanderers in his inner mind; it surprised him as he could not see their future, however he sensed that they were intended to be a part of a greater goodness in their life and it seemed to him that saving Princess is one such greater goodness. He opened his eyes slowly and smiled at King Maheepati. 

“Although I cannot see their future, I see that they are going to play a vital role in his. Perhaps, they would help in some way or other way in the purpose.”

**

Saba and Baba walked out of the Palace very cheerfully. Finally the King had permitted them to go to the great Seven Mountains. They were completely aware of the danger ahead, but that did not bother them least. They knew they had about twenty six days of time; they have to return before that with the plant to save the Princess. If they fail in returning before month’s time certainly Princess would be dead.

With all the factors in mind, they did not wanted to waste any time once they got the approval of the King. Hence they had set out immediately.

“Good thing, we are going, isn’t it BA?” Saba smiled at his brother.

“Indeed, let us hope we shall come back with the savior plant SA.” Baba smiled back.

“Greetings! Aren’t you the wanderers of the forest?” Atma stopped them at the edge of the forest. Saba and Baba looked at the two young boys, they had seen them once before.

“Aha! We are, and you are the Priest’s offspring, isn’t it?” Saba made a guess.

“We are, and who is Saba and who is Baba among you?” Bakula smiled at the two, they almost looked alike. It was very difficult to find a difference save their cloths.

“I am BA, and he is SA.” Baba pointed his hands and cleared Bakula’s doubt with a broad smile. They had heard a lot about Vaachaspati’s offsprings.

“People say you can read stars! I would love to see that sometime.” Saba looked at Atma; in fact they were happy to meet them. They knew the young boys had great affiliation with Princess and Palace.

“I am not sure about my star reading skills. Did you get permission to go to the great mountains?” Atma smiled at them, he liked the twin wanderers of the forest. At the same time he was eager to know the permission of the King.

“Yes, and we are on the way.” Baba was taken aback for a moment, how did these boys know all about this? He soon relaxed after thinking about their father Vaachaspati; indeed he too had good relationship with the King.

“Could we go with you by any chance?” Bakula asked them earnestly. He would have been very delighted if they agreed to take him with them.

“No, no please. It would be not wise at all.” Saba shook his head and looked at his twin brother.

“We know about the curse too. And as per it, you two cannot cross it.” Atma countered, he too wanted to convince them secretly so they could travel together.

“All the same, we are going.” Saba began to walk nudging his brother; they understood the intention of two boys at once and did not wish to encourage it.

“We wish you all the luck.” Atma and Bakula weaved them luck and smiled at them. They watched the two twins walk away hurriedly. Once they were out of earshot Atma looked at Bakula.

“I did try.” Bakula shrugged with a wide grin on his face.

****