The earth trembled. The sky was dark, hidden under a blanket of smoke. The people of the Swarya kingdom stood paralyzed, gazing at the sky with awe. The loud shrill voice of a creature was heard a few moments ago after which the world was engulfed in darkness. Maya laid unconscious on her mother’s lap, breathing heavily and screaming for life. The loud voice had seized her brain, putting her off to a long sleep. The villagers and doctors rushed around her, putting in all their knowledge to bring the 17-year-old girl back to life. Though she was breathing and screaming, her heart had stopped beating mysteriously. The doctor detected no pulse movement. She had died they thought. But her long breaths were a sign for them not to give up so soon.
Her father stood in the corner of the dark hut, staring at his daughter. His heart was praying for her life.
“Maharaj!!!” rushed the royal secretary.
“Take a breath Rayan” said the king, extending a glass of water. to the secretary who was sweating profusely.
“The sky. The creatures’ call. The prophecy Maharaj. It has come true” he said, hastily drinking the water and recording the king’s reaction.
“I know. I always knew the day would come. The dragon would rise.” replied the old king. He turned and walked towards the balcony, moving his hands through his long white beard. Rayan followed, bowing his head in dismay.
“Maharaj, aren’t you worried?” he asked, fearing his courage would hurt the king of Swarya.
“I am Rayan. I am.” nodded the king with a soft smile. He took a deep breath and asked “Who did the fire dragon call?”
“The men have been sent searching for any unusual happening in the village. They will return by tomorrow evening. But there is news of a young girl falling unconscious after the loud voice was heard. I believe it is her.” Rayan replied, his eyes lowered.
“Ahh! The prophecy is true then. Rise of the fire princess. The chosen one who would kill adharma.” he looked up into the dark sky and said with a smirk ” Kill her. Before she wakes up into consciousness again, kill her. I want her to be dead. For if she wakes and captures the call of the dragon, no one of us would live. She will kill each one of us as prophecized. Send your best assassinator, and let the deed be done today night. I wish to wake up to fresh air and a clear sky tomorrow morning. The darkness should pass. The girl and the dragon must be gone”