22 The Grand Feast

A large stadium. The gallery was filled up with visitors from around the planet of Depcod. It was their first meeting in almost ten years. All the dukes and counts were present in the well built, massive stadium. That was the largest meeting ever held in the history of Depcod. A meeting of all the higher sections of the society along with the representatives of the commoners had not taken place till date. The seats closest to the master of the planet was given to the elite. Commoners had places way too far away from their almighty master.

The stadium was usually a battle arena where the warriors fought for their pride rather than money. The stadium was divided into several wings. Each wing was further divided into multiple steps. Today, it was the store house of happiness. A temporary happiness, that they didn't know, wouldn't last long. The smell of vine hung in the air. It was announced that, it would be a day of joy for all the citizens of Depcod. Near each step of the gallery were barrels of red vine. The smell of the alcohol was refreshing. Each seat had a table on which a vine glass and a lot of food was kept. They could eat anything. Drink everything.

The gallery and the stadium was further beautified by adding a combination gold and red which increased the aura of the event. The stadium was elegant. The normally dull looking gladiatorial stadium was turned into something so perfect. Servants were stationed near each wing of the gallery to give full attention to the visitors.

The aroma of the food and the fragrance of the vine lightened everyone's heart. Servants were stationed at every wing to serve food and vine to all the guests. Their king, their sire, their master had been so liberal about the food and vine. The stadium was so noisy as everyone was surprised to see their master's liberal way of conducting a meeting. Usually, everything was measured before being given to the people. May thet be grains, food, water or life. He had taken control over everything. He had made sure that no one got more than they require. But the fact is, many got less than what they need to survive.

Huda watched the noisy stadium in utter silence. She had left her children with Tania and had come here. She felt hatred seeing all the dukes and counts praise the master as if he was their God. 'Thay can praise all they want. It's not them who are suffering.' She said in her mind. Cold hatred was displayed on her face. If she could get away from this wretched planet forever she would have done that long ago. The master always says he is supporting the weak mages of the planet by offering them jobs in the palace. But that was far from the truth. He gained the support of the weak to ascend the throne. Then, offered them pity jobs in the palace and slums. The people are barely able to feed their families with what they get. That's was not the protection he had offered ten years ago.

Huda's chain of thoughts were broken by an order from a Duke to refill his vine glass. Huda picked up the jar and filled it with vine from the huge barrel before pouring it into the duke's glass. The duke, as she noticed, had no female companion. All the other duke's had brought their wives with them. She saw the duke's lustful eyes fall on her. Something irked in her. She felt a need to get out of that place. She turned to move and occupy her proper place when, she was caught on the waist by a strong hand.

"Where are you going?" She saw his lustful eyes gleaming.

She tried to break away from his grasp. But he was too strong for her. A smile broke out on lips as he tried to pull her closer to him. She tried to push him again. This time too she could not. Fear played in her eyes. Then a sudden thud and bang made the Duke freeze. The master's arrival!! He let Huda go. She broke out from his grasp and ran as fast as she could to the servants' chamber. She checked again to see whether he was following her. When she found that no one was following her, she leaned to the wall of the chamber and panted. A streak of tear flowed down from the corner of her eyes. Only if her husband was here... Other servants in the chamber saw Huda's behaviour and guessed what had happened.

They said nothing to console her. They knew that she could not be consoled by mere words. She wanted revenge. Revenge against the man whipo killed her husband. Only that could console her forever. Then they heard the announcement. They heard the beating of the drum. The announcement came with it.

DUM! DUM! DUM!

"THE MASTER OF MASTERS... THE MOST POWERFUL... THE STRONGEST MAGE ON DEPCOD... IS HERE....." DUM! DUM! DUM!

Huda ran out and took her place on the gallery in the place allotted to her to see what was happening. She could see the master arriving with his axe in one hand. The axe. The very axe with which he killed her husband. Huda's heart burned when she thought about her husband. It's been three months since her husband's death. For about three months, Tania has been hiding in her house. This man was the reason they were all in distress. She was hapoy to house Tania as she had known Tania for a long time. Tania's father was the best king they ever had. Ten years ago, it all changed with this demons arrival.

Huda watched as the master moved to the center of the stadium. He was wear his armour and cape as usual. The master suddenly raised his hands for the drum to stop. The beating of the drums stopped and he pointed towards the crowd.

"Today as you all know is a special day. I have arranged a meeting and a feast for all of you." He said loud enough for the whole gallery to hear.

A smile appeared on the corner of his lips.

"But, something makes it even more special. You all know about the attack we had planned on Earth. We couldn't achieve our ambition there. But, another door has opened before us now."

Huda could feel her heart beats raising. 'Were they going to attack Earth again?' She had heard the whole story from Tania. ' Did Tania know? How are they going to go there without her help?'

"That boy, Aster slipped out of our hands because of our carelessness. The people involved have served their punishments. But still, one traitor is hiding. All of you had the responsibility to find her for the palace of Depcod. I know that someone is protecting her as she cannot survive without help. That traitor whoever it maybe will be executed publicly." Murmurs rose and died down among the visitors.

Huda's heartbeat rose.

He walked to the seat arranged for him in the center of the stadium.

"Let it all pass. I told today is more special. We have someone to accompany us."

His dirty fingers pointed towards the entrance.

"Come in."

Everybody's gaze went to the direction of the entrance.