Dead or alive

The next day everyone was ready to leave the hunter village and Zesiro was missing. They went in search exploring whole village but he was no where to be found.

Everyone was worried but Karnak was anxious to find Zesiro. The way he was moving continuously felt as if he is afraid of getting caught by Zesiro. Like he has some dreadful deed hidden under his sweet gestures that would bring menace to his life.

Neihar was doubtful about the behaviour of Karnak ever since they arrived at the village. At night when Zesiro told about the incidence of Kalaya, he could not believe. As a kid Kalaya and Neihar were not fond of one another and always annoyed with the other's presence. Still unknowingly they had a deep bond of care and love. Neihar was embedded in the past thoughts.

"Zesiro!"

"Brother!", deep breath of relief.

Seeing Zesiro come out of a room with a bow and arrow that did not belong to him made Karnak lose his mind. He was profusely sweating, his breath hitched, eyes popping out with shock and throat swallowing saliva with much difficulty.

"Where did you find them? I searched for it as it was a token of remembrance of both Atohi and Kalaya"

Zesiro did not mind answering and moved forward to leave the place at once. Abruptly a hand grabbed him out of fear.

Turning to face the owner of that hand, giving a death glare into his soul, a deep voice left the larynx of Zesiro striking eardrums of the nearby people.

"Do you have a death wish Karnak? I guess you have so you dared to do that to the one I loved. Tell me all at once and I will spare your worthless life."

No one round had the clue of what was going on. Villagers gathering around due to the chaos.

Ferocious Zesiro stood with a sharp edged poisoned arrow pointed straight at the heart of Karnak, ready to vent his anger by piercing the heart of the person in his sight.

He was ready to launch the poisoned arrow but had to divert its direction as the wife of the village head intervened in between pleading for the life of Karnak.

Unwilling to kill an innocent woman, Zesiro decided to give Karnak a last chance of living.

"Explain what did you do with Kalaya and I will leave you"

Karnak elaborated, I have devoted my whole life to this village expecting the position of village head after Atohi. But Kalaya bought Neihar and you. No doubt in a very short time you and your brother won over the villagers. Especially you were the biggest hurdle of my goal.

Luckily, after the demise of Atohi, you left the village. I thought to get back the confidence of villagers soon. I was almost successful in doing so, but she never stopped searching for you. She was determined to bring you back. Your come back means I will lose my power and position.

So in order to make sure you don't return, I needed to end her. That day she left the village I followed her to the forest. I…..

"I what? Speak", Zesiro yelled bursting out in rage.

I kidnapped her and sold her as slave in the streets of Madai.

"Streets of Madai!", Three of their ears was alarmed. Orzala thief of Madai, Serpent Queen, Saisha and Yathin prince of Madai. They were well aware of the length and breadths of their kingdom's streets.

Zesiro was relieved to hear that she is not dead but he is not confirmed of her being safe.

"How did everyone believe you?!", Neihar questioned.

I arranged a female body with the same body proportions of Kalaya and let the trained beast attack her body misleading the villagers.

"Who did you sell her too?"

I don't know but I remember their appearance. They were in an all red robe with hood covering their faces and a wine red rose in the hand of a lady.

"Are you sure she was a lady?", Yathin questioned

Yes. I am certain because of her body structure and black long hair that I witnessed from afar.

"Well than we know who it might be", all the three protectors of Madai spoke in confidence.

Orzala spoke, "She is dangerous"

Saisha: "This time you are right. Since I met her I know her place"

Yathin: "I know her capabilities and who she works for. Getting out a slave of her would be easy unless.."

Neihar: "Unless?!"

"Unless she is her favorite. She is not cruel with her slaves but no one can leave her sight without her approval."

Orzala: "Don't forget to mention that she is sweet but a crazy bitch! I had a hard time dealing with her"

Both Saisha and Yathin: "Hmmm. Agree"

Zesiro confidently uttered "Lead me the way. I will get her back even if I have to bring down a whole damn city"

Everyone nodded and their next destination was Madai.