Tomboy and Jerrygirl
The second!
"Typical Merryland again!” sneered Mortaz. He was a man who liked to keep himself clean. He paid attention to every nook and corner of his appearance and strove to keep smudges out of his way and- especially in the midst of battle- this was a disadvantage. He kept his hair pulled back and wavy on the end. His eyes sparkled and gleamed with false glory and he wore a perfume that had the sweetest essence and was discernible. His flamboyant gait spoke of pretended fame and his strident voice emanated the message of a wishful outlook.
Mortaz was the descendant of a clan which was long recorded in history for its unwavering allegiance to the Brothers. It had helped to plan and execute the infamous conquest of Merryland by the Brothers, twenty-three years ago. In those days, this clan was headed by Kojkus, Mortaz’s father. After Merryland's invasion, Kojkus was designated the second-in-line to the throne of Merryland, after Benzor, the head of the Brothers. Benzor had held a trial between Tomboy and Jerrygirl against Godcent Trolley and Senorita. In this trial, Godcent Trolley and Senorita had emerged winners, not by any real fight, but by the loyalty and devotion that inundated the duo’s hearts. As promised, the king and queen were set free. This was the biggest mistake Benzor committed, and it was the sole reason for his downfall a year later. Godcent and Senorita, most miraculously and with a force of just a few hundred men, overthrew Benzor and drove away the Brothers from Merryland, the Land of the Smiling Faces.
Mortaz double-checked the maps of Merryland. Then he clapped his hands and asked for the subordinate officer to be brought to him.
“Yes, your highness?” asked Officer Frault.
“Frault, these maps tell me that Merryland still has unguarded walls, which I am ill-disposed to believe,” said Mortaz. There was a pause.
“Sir the maps are-”
“According to me, our spies have brought the wrong information. They have not looked well enough. The people of Merryland are not fools, even if they are thick-headed,” Mortaz said, cutting in Frault’s speech.
“The maps can be relie-”
“After the war twenty years ago, the people of Merryland realized what real cunning means. I tell you this, because I know how cunning Benzor was. I was a part of his plan. No soul in Merryland would be ready to leave his house unguarded after the brutal manner in which Benzor overran their country. I want these facts revised!”
Frault opened his lips to speak, but Mortaz interrupted again-
“And this time, send in reliable men. After my father’s death, many have turned against me. They bow in front of me but would be utterly pleased to have me removed from my throne. Their scorn shows on their faces.”
Frault did not speak this time. After a long pause, he said, “May I answer, sir?”
“Go ahead.”
“Sir, I will send my best men once again, though I do not hope we will come across any new findings,” Frault said.
Mortaz thought for some time. “Yes, that will do, you may go.”
Frault nodded and began upon his way.
“There is one more thing, Frault.”
Frault halted and turned. “Yes, sir?”
“You remember the battle between Godcent and Senorita’s men against Benzor and Kojkus’? With a handful of men, they defeated a large army of the most experienced warriors. Benzor and Kojkus were killed in that battle. That is how I came to command both the clans now. I suspect there was some supernatural force assisting them. It is not an ordinary thing for just a few of men to defeat such a large force. What I fear is that the myths are true. I know that there exist various theories and explanations to that unnatural historical event, but it may be, there is the slightest chance, that what I fear the most is true.” Morzat said, letting the last word slip and hang in the air. He signaled Frault to come closer as if afraid somebody else might hear what he was about to say. When Frault was sufficiently close, Morzat whispered- “The spirits of Tomboy and Jerrygirl are accompanying Merryland’s soldiers. I have heard they spread panic in the enemy’s camps at night. I have heard about strange disappearances in the battlefield, unexplained killings and corpses unaccounted for. I have heard that they overhear the opposition plans and whisper it to their comrades when they sleep at night.”
“Sir,” said Frault, straightening up, “I think we should not pay heed to such beliefs. I personally believe it was the skill and experience of Godcent and Senorita that helped those few people to overcome your father’s forces. The rest is all myth, created to unhinge determined aggressors who might challenge Merryland in the future, like us. I am giving the orders to get the men ready, sir.”
“Yes, do so.”
Frault left the camp. Morzat turned his attention back to his attire, but the misshapen figures of Tomboy and Jerrygirl still loitered in the mazes of his mind.
“Frault, these maps tell me that Merryland still has unguarded walls, which I am ill-disposed to believe,” said Mortaz. There was a pause.
“Sir the maps are-”
“According to me, our spies have brought the wrong information. They have not looked well enough. The people of Merryland are not fools, even if they are thick-headed,” Mortaz said, cutting in Frault’s speech.
“The maps can be relie-”
“After the war twenty years ago, the people of Merryland realized what real cunning means. I tell you this, because I know how cunning Benzor was. I was a part of his plan. No soul in Merryland would be ready to leave his house unguarded after the brutal manner in which Benzor overran their country. I want these facts revised!”
Frault opened his lips to speak, but Mortaz interrupted again-
“And this time, send in reliable men. After my father’s death, many have turned against me. They bow in front of me but would be utterly pleased to have me removed from my throne. Their scorn shows on their faces.”
Frault did not speak this time. After a long pause, he said, “May I answer, sir?”
“Go ahead.”
“Sir, I will send my best men once again, though I do not hope we will come across any new findings,” Frault said.
Mortaz thought for some time. “Yes, that will do, you may go.”
Frault nodded and began upon his way.
“There is one more thing, Frault.”
Frault halted and turned. “Yes, sir?”
“You remember the battle between Godcent and Senorita’s men against Benzor and Kojkus’? With a handful of men, they defeated a large army of the most experienced warriors. Benzor and Kojkus were killed in that battle. That is how I came to command both the clans now. I suspect there was some supernatural force assisting them. It is not an ordinary thing for just a few of men to defeat such a large force. What I fear is that the myths are true. I know that there exist various theories and explanations to that unnatural historical event, but it may be, there is the slightest chance, that what I fear the most is true.” Morzat said, letting the last word slip and hang in the air. He signaled Frault to come closer as if afraid somebody else might hear what he was about to say. When Frault was sufficiently close, Morzat whispered- “The spirits of Tomboy and Jerrygirl are accompanying Merryland’s soldiers. I have heard they spread panic in the enemy’s camps at night. I have heard about strange disappearances in the battlefield, unexplained killings and corpses unaccounted for. I have heard that they overhear the opposition plans and whisper it to their comrades when they sleep at night.”
“Sir,” said Frault, straightening up, “I think we should not pay heed to such beliefs. I personally believe it was the skill and experience of Godcent and Senorita that helped those few people to overcome your father’s forces. The rest is all myth, created to unhinge determined aggressors who might challenge Merryland in the future, like us. I am giving the orders to get the men ready, sir.”
“Yes, do so.”
Frault left the camp. Morzat turned his attention back to his attire, but the misshapen figures of Tomboy and Jerrygirl still loitered in the mazes of his mind.
"Upholding popular belief, Merryland has a circular boundary. The king's palace is in the shape of a semi-circle about the middle of the country. Our target remains the palace," Morzat dictated to the three commanders under him, including Frault. Morzat had taken sufficient time out of his schedule for arranging this meeting to discuss the assault. Though they were as far from Merryland as they could possibly be, but, as Morzat put it, the spies were 'spirits', and Morzat was more than ready to take as many precautions as was possible. He had told no living soul about the meeting; had changed the location twice and had ultimately chosen as isolated a place as he could think of- his personal bedroom. He had stationed his personal guards at the ends of the corridor that led to his bedroom and given them strict orders not to let a soul, living or dead, to sneak past them. Lastly, he had heavily curtained the windows and door to muffle the sounds- so much for not allowing a pair of spirits to overhear his plan!
“Divide the army into four equal troops. Early at dawn, I will lead the first one and attack from the southern end. Frault will attack an hour later from the eastern end, and you two will follow after an interval of an hour each and attack from the other two ends. This will not allow our hidden enemies to have any advantage over us. I don’t know what they are expecting, but I am sure they are not assuming a battle on all the four fronts,” Morzat whispered with a watchful eye.
“Remember, our target is the palace, exclusively. I don’t care what sort of creatures will try to stop you from getting there, but I want all four of us present there when I behead Godcent Trolley. Tell your men; tell them, that victory lies in the palace, not in the city and its people. Once we get hold of the palace, the people will panic. When the people start panicking, we must understand that it is the signal for us to start pillaging. If all goes well, the foolish people of Merryland will be tricked once again. They are proud of their righteousness, and they do not realize that it boomerangs and hits their shins, crippling them. Their pride is our ride, gentlemen!”
“And what of Tomboy and Jerrygirl? Our men are so terrorized that they will fly out of their skins at the slightest sign of demon work!” said one of the officials.
“Now let us not talk ghosts and demons. I will rather have them in our jokes when we bask leisurely under the shade of Godcent’s prized palace.”
“Divide the army into four equal troops. Early at dawn, I will lead the first one and attack from the southern end. Frault will attack an hour later from the eastern end, and you two will follow after an interval of an hour each and attack from the other two ends. This will not allow our hidden enemies to have any advantage over us. I don’t know what they are expecting, but I am sure they are not assuming a battle on all the four fronts,” Morzat whispered with a watchful eye.
“Remember, our target is the palace, exclusively. I don’t care what sort of creatures will try to stop you from getting there, but I want all four of us present there when I behead Godcent Trolley. Tell your men; tell them, that victory lies in the palace, not in the city and its people. Once we get hold of the palace, the people will panic. When the people start panicking, we must understand that it is the signal for us to start pillaging. If all goes well, the foolish people of Merryland will be tricked once again. They are proud of their righteousness, and they do not realize that it boomerangs and hits their shins, crippling them. Their pride is our ride, gentlemen!”
“And what of Tomboy and Jerrygirl? Our men are so terrorized that they will fly out of their skins at the slightest sign of demon work!” said one of the officials.
“Now let us not talk ghosts and demons. I will rather have them in our jokes when we bask leisurely under the shade of Godcent’s prized palace.”
Two of Morzat’s soldiers were having a hushed talk under the moon at night. The army was yet to be divided into four parts and the battle was to begin three days later. Everybody was getting more apprehensive as they neared the Land of the Smiling Faces. All of them knew facing Godcent Trolley and Senorita in a war was a feat few would dare to undertake. If anything lifted their spirits, it was that they had a huge army, and that they were being led by Morzat, who was a cherished warrior.
“Aren’t you afraid, brother?” asked one of the warriors who had a bushy beard that ran up his cheeks and mingled with his hair.
“Afraid? The whole army is frightened. Yet Morzat intends to carry on with his plan. I do not think he realizes the implications of this war,” said his comrade.
“Yes, he is being reckless. Who are we that we might stop the war? War is something between the elite, either they gain or they lose. We are common soldiers, we have nothing to gain and yet we put all at stake,” he said.
There was a common silence after this. Both the soldiers pondering for a while how devastating this foolishness could be.
“By the way, do you believe in the story of Tomboy and Jerrygirl?” asked the soldier with the thick beard.
“Oh, yes,” said the other, flinching at the question, “they were the greatest warriors ever, and the best of friends who ever lived on earth. They are the gem of Merryland. Their story is tragic, truly, one to be remembered forever.”
“I meant to ask whether you believe that the ghosts of Tom and Jerry are alive?” the other stated again.
This time, the other warrior looked around quickly. He dropped his voice and said “Of course, who doesn’t? That is why most of the army was reluctant to join this war. But you have seen how dogged Morzat is; I do not think he lets any of these lies impede him. Though I would much prefer this story to be a lie, yet the facts bear the story out. Believe it or not, I am not going to continue with this madness if the spirits turn up.”
“Nor will I care to go on after that. It is suicide. Yet I don’t think we will be troubled by them as long as we don’t engage in war. We are very heavily guarded on all sides of our camp. Not a speck of dust can come in unnoticed. It seems Morzat is as terrorized as we are.” the warrior said.
“Spirits are much less than specks of dust, brother.”
“Aren’t you afraid, brother?” asked one of the warriors who had a bushy beard that ran up his cheeks and mingled with his hair.
“Afraid? The whole army is frightened. Yet Morzat intends to carry on with his plan. I do not think he realizes the implications of this war,” said his comrade.
“Yes, he is being reckless. Who are we that we might stop the war? War is something between the elite, either they gain or they lose. We are common soldiers, we have nothing to gain and yet we put all at stake,” he said.
There was a common silence after this. Both the soldiers pondering for a while how devastating this foolishness could be.
“By the way, do you believe in the story of Tomboy and Jerrygirl?” asked the soldier with the thick beard.
“Oh, yes,” said the other, flinching at the question, “they were the greatest warriors ever, and the best of friends who ever lived on earth. They are the gem of Merryland. Their story is tragic, truly, one to be remembered forever.”
“I meant to ask whether you believe that the ghosts of Tom and Jerry are alive?” the other stated again.
This time, the other warrior looked around quickly. He dropped his voice and said “Of course, who doesn’t? That is why most of the army was reluctant to join this war. But you have seen how dogged Morzat is; I do not think he lets any of these lies impede him. Though I would much prefer this story to be a lie, yet the facts bear the story out. Believe it or not, I am not going to continue with this madness if the spirits turn up.”
“Nor will I care to go on after that. It is suicide. Yet I don’t think we will be troubled by them as long as we don’t engage in war. We are very heavily guarded on all sides of our camp. Not a speck of dust can come in unnoticed. It seems Morzat is as terrorized as we are.” the warrior said.
“Spirits are much less than specks of dust, brother.”
Frault was unable to sleep that night. It was too hot and humid. As he rolled on his bed trying to get some sleep, he thought over and over how Morzat was going to trick Merryland, and not just Merryland, Morzat was going to trick his own officers. To say once again, Morzat was more than ready to take as many precautions as was possible. Right after the plan was decided upon; the officers had taken their leave. As Frault was heading for his tent, he was surprised to see one of the king’s guards hailing him. “Sir, King Morzat wants to see you immediately!” “But I have just been to see him,” Frault replied, bewildered. “I know that, yet he wants to see you again!”
“Frault, my trusted officer! Come here and have a seat,” exclaimed Morzat as Frault re-entered the chamber he had just come from. Morzat noticed a shadow flit across Frault’s face. He was looking unusually confused, as if this unexpected call had left him completely dismantled. “Are you okay?” asked Morzat as they took their seats. “Yes,” Frault said, quickly regaining his confidence. “I was just not expecting this,” he said. “It is okay,” Morzat replied. “Now, Frault, you probably know how important it is for me to win this war.” Frault nodded.
“Revenge has to be taken, no matter how. Merryland’s king killed my father. It is time I undo what has been wrongly done. That is why I have made all these plans. This war is my honor, my glory. In this war lies my future. In fact, the future of our clan rests on this war. Do you realize that?”
“Yes, sir, absolutely.” Frault said, unsure where Morzat was heading to.
“Good. Now you must listen closely. Understand this, that I cannot trust all my officers. They have not been long with me, and their loyalties may be divided or very weak. I am afraid they will forsake me.”
“No, sir. That-”
“Listen, I know my officers very well. If my plan doesn’t work, they are going to leave me in the middle of the battle,” Morzat was speaking assertively. Frault sat back and heard him out in silence-
“I am not going to let this war run on the whims and fancies of my subordinates and I am certainly not going to lose it just because of a pair of invisible beasts throng my army’s minds. That is why I have made another plan. Let this plan be known to you, me and a few others I have chosen. I and my five most trusted and experienced men will enter Merryland the day before the battle begins. We will be dressed as tradesmen. We will spend the night at any hotel or lodge, meaning to start early the next morning. Now, as we will start on our journey back from Merryland, we will pretend as if we have seen an army advancing. At once, we will turn back and rush towards the palace intending to warn the king of the coming danger. I have a man placed at the gates of the palace who is on our side. He will let us inside. Once we are within, we will secure the gates of the palace. A small but handy group of warriors will be waiting outside incognito. With their help, I am sure I will be able to overcome Godcent and his guards. So, the palace will be mine. Now here is your part in the plan- as soon as you enter Merryland, take a large part of your army and head straight towards the palace. You are my failure dealing mechanism. In case I should fail or get caught, you must directly launch an attack no matter what the circumstances. The other officers will not notice anything going astray until they reach the palace. After that I can decide at will who is on my side and who isn’t.”
Frault was awed. It was a great plan. Of course there were many areas that required a more detailed approach, but if the plan worked successfully, it would mean Merryland’s defeat.
Frault’s train of thought was disturbed by voices outside his tent. After some time, they died down. Frault went back to thinking over the plan. He just hoped all would go well. He knew how important this war was for Morzat.
Suddenly, when Frault was pondering how they had planned to evade the guards at the gates of the palace, a huge roar rang out. Frault hastily scrambled into his trousers and went outside to check things out. There was chaos everywhere.
“Frault, my trusted officer! Come here and have a seat,” exclaimed Morzat as Frault re-entered the chamber he had just come from. Morzat noticed a shadow flit across Frault’s face. He was looking unusually confused, as if this unexpected call had left him completely dismantled. “Are you okay?” asked Morzat as they took their seats. “Yes,” Frault said, quickly regaining his confidence. “I was just not expecting this,” he said. “It is okay,” Morzat replied. “Now, Frault, you probably know how important it is for me to win this war.” Frault nodded.
“Revenge has to be taken, no matter how. Merryland’s king killed my father. It is time I undo what has been wrongly done. That is why I have made all these plans. This war is my honor, my glory. In this war lies my future. In fact, the future of our clan rests on this war. Do you realize that?”
“Yes, sir, absolutely.” Frault said, unsure where Morzat was heading to.
“Good. Now you must listen closely. Understand this, that I cannot trust all my officers. They have not been long with me, and their loyalties may be divided or very weak. I am afraid they will forsake me.”
“No, sir. That-”
“Listen, I know my officers very well. If my plan doesn’t work, they are going to leave me in the middle of the battle,” Morzat was speaking assertively. Frault sat back and heard him out in silence-
“I am not going to let this war run on the whims and fancies of my subordinates and I am certainly not going to lose it just because of a pair of invisible beasts throng my army’s minds. That is why I have made another plan. Let this plan be known to you, me and a few others I have chosen. I and my five most trusted and experienced men will enter Merryland the day before the battle begins. We will be dressed as tradesmen. We will spend the night at any hotel or lodge, meaning to start early the next morning. Now, as we will start on our journey back from Merryland, we will pretend as if we have seen an army advancing. At once, we will turn back and rush towards the palace intending to warn the king of the coming danger. I have a man placed at the gates of the palace who is on our side. He will let us inside. Once we are within, we will secure the gates of the palace. A small but handy group of warriors will be waiting outside incognito. With their help, I am sure I will be able to overcome Godcent and his guards. So, the palace will be mine. Now here is your part in the plan- as soon as you enter Merryland, take a large part of your army and head straight towards the palace. You are my failure dealing mechanism. In case I should fail or get caught, you must directly launch an attack no matter what the circumstances. The other officers will not notice anything going astray until they reach the palace. After that I can decide at will who is on my side and who isn’t.”
Frault was awed. It was a great plan. Of course there were many areas that required a more detailed approach, but if the plan worked successfully, it would mean Merryland’s defeat.
Frault’s train of thought was disturbed by voices outside his tent. After some time, they died down. Frault went back to thinking over the plan. He just hoped all would go well. He knew how important this war was for Morzat.
Suddenly, when Frault was pondering how they had planned to evade the guards at the gates of the palace, a huge roar rang out. Frault hastily scrambled into his trousers and went outside to check things out. There was chaos everywhere.
“What is that noise I hear?” asked the bearded soldier, springing up suddenly. A chaotic noise was rising from the far side of the camp and travelling to them. The other soldier listened too. “It sounds trouble, come, let us go and check things out!” said the other soldier.
Both the warriors sprinted towards the noise. At first, they could not make anything of the cacophony. Slowly, as they neared the commotion, they saw the smoke billowing out above their heads. “That is a whole lot of trouble!” the bearded soldier exclaimed when he saw the red flames rapidly engulfing the tents. Soldiers were running helter-skelter. A few of them were trying to fight the fire. The bearded soldier ran into a guard. “What is happening?” he demanded as he caught hold of the falling person. “They are here! Like we feared, this is a warning! Clear out before it is too late!” The soldier let the man go. The fires were now rising, swallowing more and more tents. People were running out to see what the disarray was about. “The fire is spreading! We need to escape!” cried the bearded soldier. “No! We can control it!”said his companion, looking to go and help the others fight the flames. “Look, brother. I saw the guard’s eyes. I have seen the truth in them. Fire or not, we are going to die anyway. It is foolish to continue. Take my word, and flee. We are not destined to die at the hands of the dead! Come with me away from this imprudence,” the hairy warrior explained to his companion. His companion nodded, and they made their way back to their tents to collect their belongings.
Both the warriors sprinted towards the noise. At first, they could not make anything of the cacophony. Slowly, as they neared the commotion, they saw the smoke billowing out above their heads. “That is a whole lot of trouble!” the bearded soldier exclaimed when he saw the red flames rapidly engulfing the tents. Soldiers were running helter-skelter. A few of them were trying to fight the fire. The bearded soldier ran into a guard. “What is happening?” he demanded as he caught hold of the falling person. “They are here! Like we feared, this is a warning! Clear out before it is too late!” The soldier let the man go. The fires were now rising, swallowing more and more tents. People were running out to see what the disarray was about. “The fire is spreading! We need to escape!” cried the bearded soldier. “No! We can control it!”said his companion, looking to go and help the others fight the flames. “Look, brother. I saw the guard’s eyes. I have seen the truth in them. Fire or not, we are going to die anyway. It is foolish to continue. Take my word, and flee. We are not destined to die at the hands of the dead! Come with me away from this imprudence,” the hairy warrior explained to his companion. His companion nodded, and they made their way back to their tents to collect their belongings.
Morzat didn’t want to look good that day. Standing in front of his mirror, he could see only the marks of age showing prominently on his face. His forehead had deep black creases, and his eyes looked badly worn out. He tried to force a smile, but that spoiled his image further. Sighing, he turned away from the mirror. Half my army has run away. He thought. Nobody entered the camp at night. Then who caused the fire? The worst has happened. They are here, the mythical spirits. Here to snatch me my destiny, here to take away my revenge. But this is for my father. I cannot give up. Why, they will call me a fool, to have come this far and then to have turned away because of some mischievous activity. I will continue, and so will the rest of my army. Frault will explain it to them, I know he will.
Thus making up his mind, he sent his guard after Frault.
Thus making up his mind, he sent his guard after Frault.
Frault had succeeded in moving his comrades to war. The army had grudgingly admitted that they still outnumbered Merryland’s soldiers ten to one. Frault ordered them to be reasonable, and not to believe in “things-that-might-just-not-be-what-they-seem-to-be.”
The day of the battle finally arrived. Tensed warriors geared up for a heated day. The tension was running very high, particularly because of the mysterious death of the best general in the army just the night ago. The news of the death was suppressed, but it leaked out anyway. There were many stories floating around- “The general was so possessed by the devils, that he choked himself to death!”Or “His guards heard a scream. When they ran in, they found him suspended in the air, hanging in an invisible noose.” Some attributed his death to the fact that he had spoken ill of the spirits when he was drunk. “He was under the influence of spirits and he spoke against them. The spirits just took revenge,” had become a very common joke. Frault had dismissed all the myths. In his speech just before the battle, he said “His death was an unfortunate event.” The other three troops knew nothing about this mysterious death. But it wouldn’t remain a mystery for long.
The day of the battle finally arrived. Tensed warriors geared up for a heated day. The tension was running very high, particularly because of the mysterious death of the best general in the army just the night ago. The news of the death was suppressed, but it leaked out anyway. There were many stories floating around- “The general was so possessed by the devils, that he choked himself to death!”Or “His guards heard a scream. When they ran in, they found him suspended in the air, hanging in an invisible noose.” Some attributed his death to the fact that he had spoken ill of the spirits when he was drunk. “He was under the influence of spirits and he spoke against them. The spirits just took revenge,” had become a very common joke. Frault had dismissed all the myths. In his speech just before the battle, he said “His death was an unfortunate event.” The other three troops knew nothing about this mysterious death. But it wouldn’t remain a mystery for long.
The sun had just broken in the east. “A hundred feet!” shouted the warrior at the head. The clash was about to take place. Only, there was no opposing army, just a wall a hundred feet high waiting to be scaled. Slowly and gradually, the warriors climbed the wall, and jumped to the other side. The outskirts of the country were unnaturally vacant. That didn’t stop Frault’s men from running headlong into the buildings. It began raining boiling oil and bloody knives.
“To the palace!” commanded the tradesman who was leading the pack. Everyone spurred their horses towards the palace.
Dawn had just set in. The streets were empty and the riders were headed straight to the center. The riders were oblivious to the occasional eyes peeking at them through the windows of the houses. “Halt! Who goes there?” waved the soldier at the gates of the palace. “We are tradesmen. We have important news for the king!” shouted Morzat, signaling with his hand. The soldier nodded, and opened the gates. Morzat and his men rushed inside into complete darkness.
Dawn had just set in. The streets were empty and the riders were headed straight to the center. The riders were oblivious to the occasional eyes peeking at them through the windows of the houses. “Halt! Who goes there?” waved the soldier at the gates of the palace. “We are tradesmen. We have important news for the king!” shouted Morzat, signaling with his hand. The soldier nodded, and opened the gates. Morzat and his men rushed inside into complete darkness.
They know. A dread spread through Frault as he realized the mistake they had just made. It was too late now. His men were already getting boiled under the impact of the steaming water. Many had become victims of the raining knives. The others were either running for their dear lives, or diving into whatever little shelters they could find. The problem was that their enemy was well concealed. “Hide!” he shouted over the din, as he himself ducked behind a barrel.
Although he had given orders, his army was in total disarray. They had expected a head-to-head combat, not something of a hide-and-seek fight. Another fact that deflated their confidence was that Merryland knew this was forthcoming. How they came to be informed about the battle was a mystery, and mysteries were unwelcomed, for they boded ill, they boded of ghosts, and nobody wanted to fight ghosts.
Although he had given orders, his army was in total disarray. They had expected a head-to-head combat, not something of a hide-and-seek fight. Another fact that deflated their confidence was that Merryland knew this was forthcoming. How they came to be informed about the battle was a mystery, and mysteries were unwelcomed, for they boded ill, they boded of ghosts, and nobody wanted to fight ghosts.
Morzat halted. Something was amiss. They weren’t supposed to be in a dark chamber. They were supposed to be in an alley that would lead them to the main gates of the palace. Had he got something wrong? “Where are we?” he whispered to the man on his right. “I don’t have the slightest clue. Should we continue forward?” the man replied.
“I am afraid you won’t find anything of use here. However, welcome to Merryland!” emanated a voice from the dark.
After that the torches were lighted, and Morzat could see the smiling face of the person he hated most, Godcent Trolley.
“I am afraid you won’t find anything of use here. However, welcome to Merryland!” emanated a voice from the dark.
After that the torches were lighted, and Morzat could see the smiling face of the person he hated most, Godcent Trolley.
After two hours of Frault’s attack, the last troop entered Merryland. But the people there were no less prepared than the people everywhere else. The soldiers were greeted with boulders here. This was the most uninviting welcoming that the Land of the Smiling Faces had ever given their guests.
Godcent Trolley was smiling, and Morzat was burning. This is the person who killed my father. He thought. Morzat was bewildered at first, but his anger against Godcent overpowered his senses. “You have made a mistake, Morzat, by underestimating us. You should listen properly to what people around you speak.” Godcent said.
“I know they are lies, Godcent, you cannot fool me.” Morzat said, all the time looking for a way to escape. But there was none. They were completely trapped in that chamber. His words had no effect on the king whatsoever. He kept smiling in his offhanded way and said- “You have seen the truth with your eyes. They come in my dreams, they do. Tomboy and Jerrygirl are not myths, the earlier you understand this, the better for you.” Morzat could not reply. No matter how much he wanted, he could not ignore the fact that unexplained things had occurred. His only hope now was Frault. All he had to do was buy some time.
“Godcent let us face the facts. You killed my father. I deserve to get a chance of direct combat with you. I have come this far, and I will not go back without my revenge!” saying this, Morzat sprung at Godcent with his sword. Godcent was expecting it, for he swiftly drew his own sword and engaged Morzat in combat. The warriors who had been guarding Godcent drew their own swords and attacked the remaining of Morzat’s men. The chamber reverberated with the sound of the clanking of metal. Godcent was proficient at his swordsmanship but so was Morzat. They parried each others’ blows easily but none could inflict any serious injury on the other.
Though Morzat was deeply possessed with his vengeance, he knew that he could not hold out much longer. Frault should have been here by now. I have to find some way to stay alive.
Then he spotted it. As he was ducking a blow from the hilt of Godcent’s sword, he saw a passage on the other end of the chamber where it was dark. He smacked Godcent on his knee with his sword, making him to bend over. Quickly stepping aside, and making a somersault on the ground, Morzat headed straight towards the passage. Godcent had barely the time to turn around when he saw Morzat’s white cape vanish into the darkness.
He hastily surveyed the chamber and found that his men had floundered Morzat’s.
“I know they are lies, Godcent, you cannot fool me.” Morzat said, all the time looking for a way to escape. But there was none. They were completely trapped in that chamber. His words had no effect on the king whatsoever. He kept smiling in his offhanded way and said- “You have seen the truth with your eyes. They come in my dreams, they do. Tomboy and Jerrygirl are not myths, the earlier you understand this, the better for you.” Morzat could not reply. No matter how much he wanted, he could not ignore the fact that unexplained things had occurred. His only hope now was Frault. All he had to do was buy some time.
“Godcent let us face the facts. You killed my father. I deserve to get a chance of direct combat with you. I have come this far, and I will not go back without my revenge!” saying this, Morzat sprung at Godcent with his sword. Godcent was expecting it, for he swiftly drew his own sword and engaged Morzat in combat. The warriors who had been guarding Godcent drew their own swords and attacked the remaining of Morzat’s men. The chamber reverberated with the sound of the clanking of metal. Godcent was proficient at his swordsmanship but so was Morzat. They parried each others’ blows easily but none could inflict any serious injury on the other.
Though Morzat was deeply possessed with his vengeance, he knew that he could not hold out much longer. Frault should have been here by now. I have to find some way to stay alive.
Then he spotted it. As he was ducking a blow from the hilt of Godcent’s sword, he saw a passage on the other end of the chamber where it was dark. He smacked Godcent on his knee with his sword, making him to bend over. Quickly stepping aside, and making a somersault on the ground, Morzat headed straight towards the passage. Godcent had barely the time to turn around when he saw Morzat’s white cape vanish into the darkness.
He hastily surveyed the chamber and found that his men had floundered Morzat’s.
Morzat ran on into the darkness, unsure whether he was heading towards some safe haven. He was just hoping that the way would lead him outside the palace and then he could go and join his forces. All his precautions had failed. However, he did not have time to think over that for the time-being. He was concentrated on finding a way out. He passed a patch of sunlit ground, and then into blackness again. Frault, come to my rescue! He yearned. Just then, a thought struck him.
Godcent followed the sound of Morzat’s footsteps, though he still couldn’t see him. Then, all of a sudden, the footsteps died down. He stopped and listened hard, but he could hear nothing. He continued on for some time but realized he had come too far. Morzat couldn’t have come this far. As he returned, the whereabouts of Morzat dawned on him.
Morzat held on for dear life. The patch of sunlight that he had passed was coming from an open balcony. Now he was hanging down from the ledge of the balcony, waiting for his pursuers to be deceived. It was very difficult clinging on like that. If he slipped, he would break a few bones and maybe smash his skull. He dismissed the thought of it. He begged for Frault to come. But his failure dealing mechanism had failed him. Instead of Frault, it was Godcent who showed up over the edge of the balcony.
“Having a good time, are we?” he waved, smiling.
Morzat gulped and his hands slipped.
“Having a good time, are we?” he waved, smiling.
Morzat gulped and his hands slipped.
Three days later, Godcent and Senorita were having tea with a visitor.
“Do you like this country, Officer?” Godcent asked the visitor.
“Yes, save for that it could have been a bit more hospitable,” replied Frault with a grin on his face.
All of them had a good laugh over it.
“Do you like this country, Officer?” Godcent asked the visitor.
“Yes, save for that it could have been a bit more hospitable,” replied Frault with a grin on his face.
All of them had a good laugh over it.
So, the spirits had nothing to do with the battle. Frault had appointed two of his own men to light the fire. He had poisoned his own general’s food. He had communicated Morzat’s plans to Godcent so he could be ready.
There was one thing in which Frault had no role to play. He did not tell Godcent that Morzat was hanging down from the balcony. He didn’t know about it. It was Morzat’s perfume which betrayed him. Unfortunately, it had a discernible smell to it.
There was one thing in which Frault had no role to play. He did not tell Godcent that Morzat was hanging down from the balcony. He didn’t know about it. It was Morzat’s perfume which betrayed him. Unfortunately, it had a discernible smell to it.
