the Kingdom

Chapter 2: Fleadh agus Failte

Major Bhama guided his horse onto the bridge, leading Aryan and Rushi. On both the banks of the river, wooden platforms elevated the suspension bridge to prevent it from touching the water. However, the ingenious craftsmanship was somewhat diminished by the myriad droplets of splashing creek. Pillars flanked the higher platform on either side, with tall ones near the bank supporting the bridge and its travelers. These were connected to the ropes sustaining the bridge. On the far side, shorter pillars acted as additional supports, enhancing stability and strength. While the bridge's mechanism was undoubtedly remarkable for an abandoned village, the river water had taken its toll on the wooden plates, rendering them damp and fragile. Moreover, the bridge appeared noticeably aged, and for men mounted on horses, it was wiser to cross the suspension structure one at a time than to test the strength of the ancient construction.

"Come along, boys!" declared Major Bhama as he dismounted his horse and began crossing the bridge. The horse, led by its reins, followed closely behind him, while the two young men patiently awaited their turns.

There was a sudden movement on the other side of the river. A hooded figure materialized unexpectedly and sprinted towards the forest. The subdued light of dusk rendered it impossible to discern the person, but the abrupt appearance and the quick disappearance passed a chill down the spines of our men. Aryan turned to Rushi, "Did you see that?"

"Of course, I did. Was that one of the intruders? Perhaps a mercenary?" whispered an anxious Rushi. "How is it that our enemies know about this place? He's already on the other side; might have set up his traps by now. What should we do? Should we retreat? Who knows what foreign weapons he might carry!"

"Keep it together boys, there's no need to let your imaginations run wild." Said Bhama. "We'll press forward, be alert not afraid." Bhama by the time had reached the other side of the bridge. He signaled for Aryan to follow and cast a glance at Rushi, indicating the need to stay vigilant.

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Night had fallen by the time the trio arrived at their friend's residence. Bhama knocked at the door and a man welcomed them inside. After the formal introductions, they took their seats on recently crafted cots. "We nearly believed you wouldn't make it today. This location is quite a distance from your village," the homeowner remarked. "You should have set out earlier. Traveling late with young lads, these routes are not meant to be traversed at night." he added.

"We needed to wrap up some business before our departure. You know how my sister, the kids' mother, always places these last-minute orders," Bhama explained, unsure if their friend would buy the explanation. However, the friend seemed uncomplicated. An elderly man with a round face, a thick mustache, and a hearty smile, he lacked any inclination or need to harbor doubt towards Bhama.

The old men reminisced about days when their lives were a bit more carefree. Soon the lady of the house arrived with a feast of homemade food. Our group shared a generous dinner with the small family. Everything was merry until the son inquired, "Uncle, what's the news from the castle? There are rumors circulating about recent attacks. Being close to the king, you must have information about these intrusions."

Bhama choked on his food at the sudden mention of attacks, while Aryan and Rushi exchanged astonished glances. "What do you know about the attacks?" asked Aryan.

"I've only heard some rumors, about intrusions in the castle and the King's family being attacked. Can that even be true? We always believed the King's private section of the castle is the most heavily secured area in the entire Kingdom."

"That's enough, Manu!" the elderly man perceived the discomfort in Bhama's eyes. "We can't possibly know everything that transpires in the depths of the castle; it's not our concern."

"No, that's alright, Shree," sighed Bhama. "I'm afraid there's some truth to the rumors. The intruders have reached as far as the inner capital. It was not easy getting a leave at this time, but one needs to spend time with one's family, don't we?"

"Yes, yes, family is important. Family is very important," Shree affirmed as he rose to assist his guests in washing their hands. Aryan and Rushi followed suit, cleaned up, and then headed with Manu to their beds. Bhama lingered, catching up with his old friend. Soon the night fell heavily over our men, the tiredness adding up to the somnolence, lulling everyone into a deep sleep. The moon ascended high in the black sky, casting a soothing glow of moonlight on the faces of the villagers. The hamlet grew quiet, with only the distant hum of night cicadas and the rustling of leaves in the forest audible. Prince Aryan and his companions slept soundly, succumbing to the embrace of lady slumber.

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