Chapter 4
It was in near midnight when Val saw two men come out of the forest and head towards the temple, there lantern making them easy to spot. He’d been expecting Dipak to come see him anytime now. Rahul had been missing for a day and half now after all. Val was a little surprised to see Yash with him, but then Dipak as getting older. He guessed his son had insisted on coming along to make sure his father got to the temple safely in the dark.
Val waited to get up from where he was ‘sitting’ on the sun heated stone above the entrance to the temple till the two men started to call into the temple for him. Not having expected him to have been up there both men startled at the sound of his decent. Yash had even moved to put himself between the possible danger and his father.
Val found it slightly amusing, and flicked out his tongue as the two relaxed. “I’m guessing you’ve come to ask me if I know where Rahul is.” Val asked, seeing no need to waste their time with pointless questions.
The two men nodded. “I take it you do know what happened to Rahul then. Is he here?” Dipak asked, trying to peer down into the temple for a moment with the lamp light before focusing back on the Naga.
“He is here.” Val acknowledged. “I accidently ran into him on the beach while hunting yesterday. It wasn’t the best way to run into each other and I think seeing me like that frightened him. He tried to run, so I did what I thought was best.” He ended simply.
“Is he hurt?” Vash asked, concern coloring his voice.
Val shook his head, “No, he is unharmed and I’ve been looking after him while he’s been here.”
“May we see him?” Dipak asked.
For a moment Val wondered if he didn’t believe his word, but after a moment of looking at the two decided it wasn’t that. Which made him consider the request. He wasn’t sure he wanted to show the two men where he was keeping Rahul, but it would likely put all three humans at ease in the end. And give Rahul more of a reason to believe he wasn’t an evil monster. In the end it was that that make up his mind on the matter.
“Follow me.” Turning Val led them to down into the temple. He looked back once to make sure that the two men were coming, and then led the way across the large circular pool room to the passage that lead to the cell. On the way he grabbed one of the unlit torches and took a moment to light it. He was sure by now the one he’d left in the hall leading to the small dungeon cell had burnt out. And opening the door leading to the hall showed he’d been right as no light come from down it.
Passing though the door he motioned again for the two humans to follow after him and slid down the hall. When he got to their destination Val peered between the doors iron bars. He spotted Rahul curled up with the blanket he’d given him along the right wall of the room. As he hadn’t looked towards the source of light yet he guessed the human must have been a sleep.
“Rahul!” He called into the room. The young man jumped awake, quickly sitting up and looking towards him. It took a moment for human to notice the two men with him, but when he did his face lit up. Moving back so Dipak and Yash could go to the door, Val placed the torch in a holder then leaned against the wall with his arms folded.
~~~
Rahul felt he’d only just managed to fall asleep when Valithsar’s shout woke him up with a start. Sitting up he looked towards the door with tired eyes wondering why the snakeman had woke him up. Had something happened? Movement next to the green naga caught his attention and his eyes widened in surprise at seeing the village elder and his son. They weren’t the two people he’d be happiest to see right now, but seeing them did bring him hope. Valithsar wouldn’t have let them see him if he had lied and had no intention of ever freeing him, would he?
Why where they here though? It didn’t look as if Valithsar was tossing them in the cell with him. Looking over at the green naga Rahul sent him a questioning look. “What’s going on?”
“They came to see if I know where you were.” Valithsar said, and then gestured for him to talk to the two men with this tail. It was slightly odd to see, but Rahul still got what it meant.
Looking towards the two men Rahul pushed aside his wonder at how the two knew Valithsar and seemed welcome here for the moment and instead decided to find out how bad his disappearance was affecting his family. Untangling himself for the blanket he got to his feet and walked up to the door. “How are my dad and sister?”
“They’re worried. They spent all day looking for you. Isha has practically turned the village upside. He looked all over the village then did his best to get everyone out searching the area around the village. It had been hard to convince your father to go home and sleep when it got dark.” Dipak told him.
Rahul nodded slowly. He’d expected to hear as much. He wished there was something they could tell his father and sister. Unfortunately there really wasn’t much that could be said right now. If Dipak or Yash hinted that they knew he was ok it would just make his dad want to know how they knew that. They didn’t need him thinking they were hiding something from him… Even though they were.
“How are you?” Yash asked looking at him then into the cell.
“I’ve been fine.” Rahul told them honestly. He would like to be out of this prison and be able to go home, but so far his stay hadn’t been horrible. His only complaints would be that sleeping on stone wasn’t the most comfortable and that it got a bit boring in here when he was alone.
“Alright, you’ve seen him and know he’s fine.” Valithsar suddenly said, moving away from the wall he’d been leaning against and motioned for Dipak and Yash to go.
The two men looked at Rahul for a moment longer before turning and following the Naga without protest. Rahul watched them leave, wondering how long it might be before he saw anyone again.
~~~
Val led Dipak and his son back out of the temple in silence. He was thinking about what he’d learned in the short interchange. “How dangerous is this becoming? How long do you think Isha is going to keep searching for Rahul?” Val asked once they were outside.
“I don’t know.” Dipak said sounding very tired. “Isha is upset and seems determined to find Rahul. I talked him into letting me lead the search of the jungle tomorrow, but I’m not sure how long he’ll go along if we don’t find any sign of Rahul.”
Val nodded and looked out at the jungle. From what he’d heard him tell Rahul he’d guess he’d get such an answer. Still if didn’t make deciding that to do any easier.
“Why not just let Rahul go?” Yash asked. “Wouldn’t that be simpler? Then the search would end.”
“No.” Turning to younger name Val shook his head. ”I’m not going to free him.”
“But-“ Dipak started, but was cut off.
“I said no.” He said firmly, hissing more and rising up a little to look down on the two men. Dipak fell silent immediately, and backed away a little along with his son. Closing his eyes, Val inwardly sighed. He’d not meant to scare them. ‘Deflating’ so he hopeful didn’t seem so intimidating Val said, “I don’t plan to keep him prisoner forever, I just don’t trust him yet with the secret. I have no way to know if he’d keep any promise to keep my existence secret once he’d left the island.”
He watched as the two nodded slowly. He wasn’t sure if they were just agreeing but decided not to care at the moment. He was just happy they didn’t feel like arguing with him about freeing Rahul.
“Can we come back to see him again?” Dipak asked, breaking the silence that had grown.
Val didn’t see the harm in them
seeing Rahul again, but wasn’t sure it they should be coming out here too often so shook his head. “I’d rather you not come out here a lot. It wouldn’t do for Isha to notice and wonder where you going. You should only come back if it’s important.”
“That wouldn’t be good...” Dipak agreed with a sigh.
“Be careful on your way back to the village.” Val told them. The two nodded and left. Val watched them go for a few moments before heading down into the temple once more. This time in search of his bed.
~~~
Dawn of the new day found Isha standing on the back porch of his father’s home, looking out at the jungle that no longer seemed beautiful to him. Now it was dark and sinister in to his eyes. It’s bright and cheerful outward appearance a lure to ensnare the unwary. He might be letting his emotions cloud his judgment, but Isha didn’t much care. He thought the forest held the secret of where his son was, but wasn’t willing to give it up.
It was the only place he could think his son could be. He’d spent all of yesterday searching in and around the small village and had turned up nothing. All he may have accomplished was irritating the villagers with his insistence they had to know
something that would be of help. It had taken his daughter to make him back off and cool his head so he could think straight after he’d gotten worked up.
’I probably should apologize…’ Isha thought. He been particularly demanding of one couple that had thought didn’t want to talk to him. Now he had to wonder if he’d just wanted to see them as being difficult when it was nothing so he’d have someone to direct his anger and fear at.
Something he still felt even now. He feared his son needed him, and he was letting him down, that he wouldn’t find him soon enough… Closing his eyes Isha ran a hand though his short blond hair and tried to get a hold of his emotions. He didn’t want to let it get out of hand again. He didn’t want to vent his anger at those that didn’t deserve it.
Isha heard the door behind him open but didn’t turn to look, though he did open his eyes again to gaze out at the jungle. A moment later Reina stood beside him, also looking out at the dark mass of green. “We’ll find him… wont we dad?” She asked in a low scratchy voice.
Turning his head, Isha gazed down at his daughter. Up till now she’d shown little sign of just how much her brother disappearing had upset her. She had been out there looking for Rahul just as much as he’d been. She might have not been glaring at everyone to look harder, but she’d not once taken a brake to rest either.
Now though she looked as if she’d been crying. Her bushy brown hair framed her face but he could still see that it was blotchy and that her eyes and nose were red. She was still even wearing her pajamas. A pair of silky pants that were an odd swirl of pink and orange and a matching sleeveless top. Looking at her Isha wondered if she’d gotten much sleep the past couple nights. He knew he hadn’t. How could he sleep when his son had been missing for two days now?
“We will.” He told her as he wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders. She leaned into the embrace and he squeezed her shoulder a little. “Even if we have to cut down the jungle to do it, will find him.” He promised. At the moment he disliked the overgrown trees enough he wouldn’t mind seeing them all felled, even if it was impractical and beyond his means to do. Still at the moment he’d do it in a heartbeat if he knew it would bring Rahul safely home.
“Thanks.” Reina whispered after a bit. Reaching up she rubbed a little at her eyes. “Are we going to start looking deeper into the jungle today?” She asked tilting her head to look up at her father. Yesterday they’d looked in the outskirts of the forest around the village before it had gotten to dark, but had turned up nothing.
“That’s the plan.” He nodded. “Dipak told me last night that he should be able to get the village men to help.” Something he was thankful for. After dealing with his frustration the past day and a half he wouldn’t be surprised if they’d rather not have to be around him today.
’I’ll have to show them I’m grateful once this is all over.’ He thought.
“I’ll go get ready then.” Reina said turning back to the house. She paused for a moment in the door to look back. “Have you eaten anything yet? I know you hardly ate a thing yesterday.” When silence was her only answer she shook her head. Grabbing her father’s arm she tugged him towards the house. “Eat something while I get ready.”
Turning to look at his daughter Isha saw the look she was giving him, one that said she’d keep at him tell he did as she wanted, and gave in. He’d just waste time if he didn’t. “Alright, I’ll get some cereal.” He said following her into the house.
~~~
After they’d both eaten something Isha and Reina headed to meet up with Dipak before heading out into the Jungle. They were to meet in the center of the village. When they arrived Isha didn’t see the older man yet, but a few of the village men were there. He nodded to them before looking in the direction of Dipak’s house. He felt impatient to get going.
Thankfully he didn’t need to wait long. The old man showed up a minute later with his son. A few others arrived too but Isha only gave them a brief glance before looking back at Dipak. “Is this every one?” he asked. There were about 15 total gathered. Not as many as he’d like to have out looking, but he also wasn’t feeling like waiting around for more either.
“For now.” Dipak nodded as he looked at those that where here. “A few more people should join later in the day, but we can get started.” Dipak then started to divide the group up into small groups of two or three. He and his daughter were joined by Jayant, a taller fisherman with very tanned skin and short chopped black hair. He remembered the man from yesterday. He’d been more helpful and hadn’t seemed to let Isha’s attitude get to him. Isha wondered if that was why he’d been asked to team up with him and Reina.
“Thanks for helping.”
Jayant shock his head, “We all want to see your son safe, so no thanks is needed.”
Nodding Isha let it be. All that mattered was that he was helping.
After everyone was grouped up Dipak pulled a rolled up map out of a bamboo case he’d not noticed the man had with him till now. Coming over to his side Isha saw it appeared to an old hand drawn map of the island. He didn’t know accurate the map would be, but it was better than nothing and it looked well done for how old it appeared to be. Dipak glanced over at him as he studied the map over his shoulder but didn’t say anything. He just went on telling everyone where to go, and motioning at areas on the map.
Isha was only half listening to most of it till Dipak addressed him. “I think it’d be best if you and you daughter search along the shore.” Isha shook his head and opened his mouth to disagree but Dipak cut him off. “Neither of you are used to the jungle. You don’t know what to look out for in there. You’ll not help Rahul any if you get hurt or lost too.”
Isha gave Dipak an angry look. “We did just fine yesterday.” He argued.
Dipak didn’t back down though, “Only because we are often in the jungle near the village and keep the area relatively safe. Deeper in it’s not like that. The undergrowth isn’t cut back and there’s no clear path to follow. If that was all I was worried about though I’d have no problem letting you come with, but it’s not. There are a great many plants and animals to keep an eye out for as well as insects and spiders that are poisonous. You’d not know them on sight so Jayant would have to send his time looking after you and Reina instead of looking for Rahul.”
Biting his lip Isha looked away for a moment. Part of him wanted to yell he didn’t care about any of that. He just wanted to be where he felt he’d do the most help. But the part of his mind thinking clearly told him he’d be of no help to anyone if he just rushed into the jungle.
“Looking along the beach is a good idea.” Reina said coming closer. “Rahul knows better than going into the jungle alone. I think it’s more likely he’s on the beach somewhere.”
Looking at his daughter Isha nodded his head. Reina was right in that. “Alright we’ll go along the beach.
Smiling Dipak placed his hand on Isha’s arm. “Don’t worry, I’m sure he’s safe. I bet he just got himself stuck somewhere and is waiting for someone to find him. Here are a few places on the beach that look safe but can be deceptive.” Something about how he said it made Isha think Dipak wasn’t just saying it. That he believe his own words.
“I hope so.”Isha said quietly as he turned and walked towards the shore, Jayant and Reina following after him.
~~~
They’d been walking down the beach for hours. The sun was high above and baking them. Reina would love to be back at the village where she could have something cool to drink and have sand free shoes. She wasn’t about to complain about the heat or sand though. Not when Rahul could be suffering worse than her. At least she had a few water bottles in her backpack as well as some food for when they took a break.
She had a feeling the break to eat wouldn’t be soon though. Her father seemed intent on going nonstop like yesterday. Reina shook her head but didn’t blame him for it. She wanted to find Rahul as soon as possible as well.
So she didn’t say anything about stopping to take a break yet and keep walking. Looking at the shore. Her father and Jayant where looking in tree’s along the shore. She left them to it as she felt she’d be more help with what she was doing. She didn’t think she’d notice anything helpful if she was looking around the trees and bushes. She wasn’t sure her dad was either but she wasn’t about to say that out loud. It helped him feel more useful to be looking with Jayant then searching sand only.
They’d gone a lot farther then she’d thought Rahul would have gone on his own by now though with no sign of him having been here. It worried her. Rahul really wasn’t stupid when it came to nature walks and hiking. She knew that maybe he’d walked the other way along the beach, and one of the other groups would find him, but still she was worried something had happened. More than him just getting stuck as Dipak had suggested. She just didn’t know what that something could possibly be…
The beach started to become rock ahead of them and Reina slowed down and turned to look towards Jayant. He and her father come over and looked at the terrain before them as well.
“Just a little farther ahead the sandy beach gets replaced by a rocky cliff face. I’d hoped we’d have found him before getting here.” Jayant sighed as he gazed up ahead.
“Why?” Her father questioned, looking at Jayant.
“Because it’d mean he’d have to have gone through the jungle to keep going around the islands perimeter. There’s no way to keep going along the water.”
“I don’t think he’d have done that.” Reina said with a frown. “I don’t even see why he’d have come this far out in the first place.” Her father nodded in agreement with her but keep silent. Instead he just gazed on ahead.
“What do you want to do then?” Jayant questioned her father.
“Let keep going a little farther. See if there is any sigh Rahul did come here.” Isha said after a few moments.
Jayant nodded and lead the way. They keep looking for Rahul as they went but soon were at the edge of the cliffs slope. Where they stood they could see the way the land rose up for the sea and how the waves lapped at the rocks. At the moment the tide was low so it wasn’t as impressive as it could otherwise be.
Looking around though, Reina couldn’t see anything that hinted at Rahul having been here. Not that she’d really expected to find anything. She really could see why he’d go this far out for the village in the first place.
After looking longer than necessary her father seemed to come to the concussion Rahul hadn’t been here as well. “I guess we should head back then. Maybe there will be better news when we get back.” He told them and started back. From the way he moved she could tell he was upset coming out here had turned up nothing though.
“We’ll find him.” She said catching up and walking at his side, repeating his words from this morning.
~~~
AN- I'm glad to see the stories being read, even if I'm not getting many reviews.I am happy for the one I've got from EdensPassing. I'm glad you share my liking of Nagas lol.
I do hope a few more people would tell me if they like it as well lol
