The Secrets of the Elements

Chapter 23: Kings and Queens

Maya walked towards the stone table in the secret underground room. She looked at her reflection in

the water of the golden glass bowl.

"The sound isn't coming from the water," said Advika and rubbed the sand off the stone table.

Zarna touched the music syllables engraved on the stone table. Soft music escaped from the

engravings.

"What does this music mean?" wondered Ray and looked around the room.

Tej picked up a rather odd-looking book and dusted the dirt off it.

"There's something with you and books I believe," said Maya and walked towards him.

"It's locked," he said as he held the small silver lock attached to the book.

"The key," said Ray as he picked up a small circular shaped object lying on the ground.

Tej took it from Ray and pursed his lips. "No bro, this ain't the key. At least not of this lock."

"Hmmm," said Ray and kept the key in his pocket.

Advika looked into the glass bowl.

"Advika," said Maya. "Are you planning on-"

"Yes," said Advika and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath in.

"Planning what?" asked Tej and took a step towards her.

"Legend has it. This water can answer your questions, almost all questions," revealed Maya. "We got

this info from books of course. We've been doing a lot of research lately."

Ray looked up at the sliding door above them. Zarna nudged him. "Nothing, just making sure we're not

trapped again," he said.

"Hey, I lost my favourite headband, can the water tell me where it is?" asked Ray and pouted. Tej

smiled and tilted his head.

"Seriously, Ray, we're in the middle of something serious," said Maya and nodded her head.

"Tell me, O Holy Water, where does the secret to the-"

The flashlights of their phones flickered. The rope caught fire.

"Move," said Zarna and pulled Ray behind.

Advika opened her eyes and swivelled.

"No, no, Advika, complete the question," said Maya and spread her arms in the air. "We'll handle this."

"Tell me, O Holy Water, what is the secret of the elements?"

The water in the golden bowl moved in a circular motion, forming a whirlwind within. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Advika stepped back at once. She kept her hand on her chest and took a deep breath. "Relax, relax,

everything is fine," she murmured.

Maya spun her hands in a circular motion making an invisible ball, gathering air within it and directed it

towards the rope. The fire went off.

Tej grabbed the rope. Ray followed.

"No, Ray," said Tej and looked at his friend.

"Ouch!" cried Ray leaving the rope.

"Tej is fire, Ray. Hot things cannot harm him, but they can harm you," said Maya.

"Understood," said Ray and removed a handkerchief from his pocket. He covered his palm with it and

grabbed the rope. Both the boys started to climb up through the rope.

"That's us, the five of us," said Zarna as she peeped in the golden bowl.

Tej wore a bejewelled crown, sitting on a throne surrounded by four other thrones. On his left, sat

Advika, her crown made from pearls and opals. On his right, was Ray, smiling bright, fidgetting with his

golden crown.

Maya was seated next to Ray. She wore a silver Diadem. Zarna, on the other hand, wore a crown

made up of fresh flowers and some gems.

They were seated in what looked like a massive hall.

"Why are we dressed like Kings and Queens?" wondered Zarna.

"How does this picture answer my question?" quizzed Advika.

"Girls," called Maya holding the rope. "We need to get out of here asap," she said and started to climb

up with the help of the rope.

Zarna rushed towards the rope and grabbed it. "Advika, quick," she said as she pushed herself up the

rope.

Advika nodded her head and gave a last look to the picture in the bowl, smiling.

~~~~~

Daksh squeezed Rutuja's hand as she wiped her tears sitting beside Rishi. His body covered in

bandages.

"Would you care to tell me how did you reach there?" asked Indra as he stood in front of the small cot

on which the children sat.

Daksh and Rutuja exchanged a glance.

"So, you were the one who sent that ring of fire?" asked Daksh.

"That's not the answer to my question," said Indra.

"Where's Dai Ma?" asked Rutuja.

"She's busy preparing medicine for Rishi," answered Indra and looked at Rishi. "Who attacked you?"

"Wolves," said Rutuja. "We were going through books on the second floor of the library."

"And?" said Indra.

"The portal. It started emitting some kind of light. The next thing we knew we were into it and

transported to someplace," she lied and clutched Rishi's hand.

"You weren't supposed to step out in the first place," said Indra.

"Sorry Master Indra, I know, but we just wanted to-"

"It was my idea," said Daksh.

"Well, of course, that doesn't need to be told," said Indra.

Dai Ma entered the room with a bowl full of some liquid.

Rutuja kept her hand on Rishi's head. "He isn't awake yet," she said.

"He'll be fine. I've given him an injection," said Dai Ma and handed the bowl to Rutuja.

~~~~~