Safe the Kingdom

Safe The Kingdom: Chapter 9: Seeds of Trust and Doubt

The next day begins with Agnimukh and Avyukt on horseback, riding away from the village. They are en route to execute the first stage of the plan, leaving Hitesh behind to train the loyal soldiers and prepare the villagers. In the village, Hitesh diligently focuses on his tasks—training the recruits, learning new techniques himself, and writing down notes for the next phase of their mission.

On the Road

As they travel, Avyukt breaks the silence.

AVYUKT
"The boy has potential, no doubt. But you shouldn't place so much faith in him. What if he betrays us?"

Agnimukh remains silent for a moment, his eyes fixed on the path ahead.

AGNIMUKH
"I've seen his emotions, Avyukt. I can relate to them. His intentions aren't bad. That said... I don't fully trust him yet."

Avyukt raises an eyebrow, unconvinced.

AVYUKT
"Then why did you say that this planet might be saved because of him? You're inflating his ego, Agnimukh. He'll start thinking too highly of himself."

Agnimukh glances at Avyukt, a faint smile on his face.

AGNIMUKH
"Don't worry. I know him well enough to say that he's not that kind of person. I said those words to motivate him, to keep him focused on the mission."

Avyukt studies Agnimukh carefully before speaking again.

AVYUKT
"Be honest with me—don't you see a little of yourself in him? Is that why you connect with him so easily?"

Agnimukh exhales, unsure of his own answer.

AGNIMUKH
"I don't know. But there's something about him... something that draws me to him."

Avyukt chuckles lightly, shaking his head.

AVYUKT
"In all these years, I've never seen you act this way toward anyone. If you feel this strongly, then the boy must truly be something special."

Back in the Village

In the heart of the village, Hitesh stands with a determined expression. He trains a group of villagers, correcting their stances and guiding them through basic drills. Sweat trickles down his brow as he takes a break to jot down notes in his journal.

HITESH
(thinking) "If I want to go home... I have to work hard. There's no other way."

He flips back to a page detailing the second meeting's plans.

HITESH
(thinking) "I've mapped everything out—what, when, and how. Everything should work perfectly. So why do I feel uneasy about all of this?"

Suddenly, Anasuya approaches, her tone curt as usual.

ANASUYA
"Mr. Hitesh, the arrangements you asked for have been made."

Hitesh glances up, nodding briefly.

HITESH
"Good. I'll head outside to check."

He starts to walk past her without another word.

ANASUYA
(thinking, annoyed) "What kind of person doesn't even say thank you? Arrogant jerk. If Father hadn't ordered me to help him, I wouldn't even look at him. Honestly, if I could, I'd beat him senseless until he learned some manners. And anyway, does he really think he can pull this off? This isn't child's play."

She watches him leave, her irritation evident, but she doesn't say anything more.

On the Road Again

As Agnimukh and Avyukt ride on, Avyukt's earlier doubts linger in his mind.

AVYUKT
"Do you really think that boy will accomplish what he's supposed to?"

Agnimukh nods, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.

AGNIMUKH
"I don't know why, but I trust that he will."

A Shadow in the Distance

Unbeknownst to them, a mysterious man crouches in the underbrush nearby, listening intently to every word of their conversation. The man is eerily skilled at remaining hidden; even Agnimukh and Avyukt fail to sense his presence.

MYSTERIOUS MAN
"Hmm... interesting. So, Hitesh is at the center of their plans, is he? I'll need to keep a close eye on him. And anyway... I have my orders from the clan head. Hitesh must be captured."

He smirks, his dark eyes gleaming with dangerous intent, before slipping deeper into the forest, vanishing without a trace.

Back in the Village

Hitesh, still unaware of the lurking threat, continues his preparations, his unease gnawing at him. Meanwhile, Anasuya watches from a distance, her thoughts conflicted.

ANASUYA
(thinking) "What is it about this boy that makes everyone believe in him? And why can't I shake the feeling that he's going to prove me wrong...?"

TO BE CONTINUED...