On A New Road

The atmosphere was intoxicated by happiness, smiles, and cackles, as everyone enjoyed their first small accomplishment inside Chief Kamal Khan's house. After being highly praised by Elder Ravi, Kamal Khan threw a small party at his house and invited all the elders and Danish and his company.

A lavish spread adorned the expansive table, featuring an array of dishes including salads, meats, and drinks. A tantalizing scent filled the air, intoxicating the atmosphere of the guestroom.

Chief Kamaml Khan, All the elders, and Danish and all of his friends sat around a huge table enjoying the delicacies spread on the table.

"I am happy for the kids, they have done outstanding by during their week-long adventure in the forest. It is not easy to face the strong Sylvan Bears and those cunning Foxes," Kamal Khan bore a huge smile on his face. "I am so proud of you all."

"And, this shows how capable you guys are," Elder Majid stopped to take a sip from his drink, "which is proof enough for us to allow you to take all responsibilities for the village's prosperity. Starting today, you will be given the special authority of being directly subordinates to elders due to the special powers you guys have at hand."

Danish and his friends felt proud and happy at being of such help. The friends looked at each other nodded and toasted silently.

The conversation took a more serious tone as their topic changed to the future that awaited them ahead. 

"During the absence, Elder Ravi, we secured an agreement with the Brookside town on trading in each other markets." Added Elder Amina. " What are your thoughts on the topic?"

"Yes, I was briefed by Abdul. I am not an expert on the subject but I assure you that our village is capable of securing and carrying the trade on its own."

"We believe the same, Elder," responded Kamal Khan.

"Elder Amina has already prepared a guarding unit that would escort the caravan on the way. We discussed earlier that you and Elder Jeremiah should accompany them."

"That's fine for me."

"And, just recently, I talked with Chief to let Malik and his friends company along."

"It is going to be a journey of a week at the least, and I think they should stay behind and focus on their training. Once they reach a bottleneck in their training they should head out to clear their minds, like we did this time. What do you guys think, Kaito?" Elder Ravi spoke his thoughts.

"I agree with you elder. I am staying behind and train in the formation. But then Elder Majid is also right about the experience part."

"My thoughts are the same. I would like to stay behind, chief. I think Danish and Turan should accompany the caravan. They can be of great assistance in case any fighting occurs." Malik's deductions won nods from the elders.

"Like father like son," Kamal Khan complimented and praised Elder Majid for raising such a good son.

What about you Leila?" 

"I don't know, Elder,"

"Elder Amina, Leila is going to assist us in managing the greater demands from the new markets. After all, she is the child of nature," Malik suggested while complimenting Leila's ability.

"That's a good idea, Malik. Then it is decided. You, Leila, and I will work managing the market and commerce." Elder Amina was happy to have them on her side.

"We will then leave the training of the elite troops to you, Kaito," Elder Ravi said with a smile.

"I am very much pleased to have you on board," Abdul looked at Danish and Turan.

"It is settled then." Kamal Khan was glad to see the final arrangements.

//////////

"Here it comes, the beast!" a soldier shouted from the crow's nest.

"Furl the sail!" shouted Captain Darius, and handed the helm to another man and took a higher position on the raised platform. "Prepare to engage!"

The soldiers pulled the livers on the harpoons, adjusting their aims on the incoming Kraken, "Hurry! Bring the spare arrows." The seven ships took a crescent formation, encircling the Kraken from all three sides.

"Signal them," Captain Darius ordered his subordinate. Following his orders a soldier blew a war trumpet.

Two medium ships set sail after receiving the signals. The ships had two extra large sails that boosted extraordinary speed. Additionally, the ships were empty, there was nothing on it. The only things strange about the ships were the extra large sails and pointed sharp rams on the front that worked like bayonets.

A large white-grayish beast sped in the direction of the ships, water splattered as the Kraken began to surface. Large amounts of water sprayed into the air as the Kraken appeared on the surface. It traveled very fast approaching the ships in a few minutes.

"Everyone, listen carefully, there is no need to panic or feel fear. We have made it this far, no Kraken or beast can stop us." Capt. Darius gave a brief speech, boosting the morals and energy of his men.

The Kraken went straight for a ship in the center of the huge crescent formation. It was a small bait ship that was meant to pin the Kraken in one position. 

"The poison has been applied, Captain. The harpoons are in position." Multiple subordinates reported as the Kraken smashed with the bait ship, splattering and spraying fountains in the air.

As the vision at the scene cleared, large tentacles wreaked havoc on the ship, destroying the ship from inside out. The ship heaved up and down, as water splattered in the battle between the Kraken and the bait ship. One of the tentacles came down on the sail, wrapping around it, it enrooted the entire sail from the ship. It lifted the sails and then threw it in the distance.

In a matter of minutes, the ship was completely destroyed.

A few more seconds and the ship was about to be done with when Capt. Darius ordered to fire.

"Shoooot!"

A rain of large poisoned arrows came down on the defenseless Kraken, piercing in his skin. Capt. Darius waited for the exact moment when the Kraken was wrapped around the ship and could not escape into the sea like the last time. The Kraken roared from the pain. Enraged the Kraken lifted the entire ship and smacked it on the water, with a huge bang the ship creaked and cried as the old wood could not bear the burden and succumbed to the Kraken, sinking to the bottom of the sea.

'Let's see if you run or fight us this time.' Capt. Darius wore an expressionless emotion.

"I hope the irritation medicine works, Captain," the second to his command, Sami, added, hoping for the Kraken to fight them.