Chapter 25.

PART 1.

Dhanraj has taken over the family's responsibility in the absence of his father. Already, sharks in the family are circling around, looking for weaknesses to take over positions for themselves. He considered killing his unresponsive father, and solidifying control under himself. But he quickly discarded the idea.

That old man knows too many secrets of the family. He’ll need his help to ward off the sharks.

Currently, he is overlooking the repair of their destroyed house and their wards, while preparing for the response of the king. ‘That Porus, he won’t let it slide. Father went too far this time.’

‘What if there are more mages like him under the king’s employ?’ He shuttered at that thought. He can still remember the pressure of Zeko’s magic, how, despite not focusing on him, it stifled him. He wouldn’t want to face a monster like him any time, soon, or ever in his life.

PART 2.

“Due to their defiance of the royal authority, bestowed upon me by this throne, I declare Joshi family as isolated. No one is going to do business with them; no one is going to supply them with military equipment. Anyone found doing so will be put to death, and if they are connected to a family, that family will be stripped of its resources for defying the authority of the throne.” Declared Porus.

The silence descends on the court. Isolation is a type of sanction where despite having all of your resources, you essentially become untouchable… in a negative way. No family would do any business with the one who is declared isolated. If this rule is broken, the king decides the punishment. Usually, it is fatal for the person who broke the rule, and ruinous for the family of that person.

The sanction has not been used for the last 300 years. Thus, the sudden use of it by Porus shocked the court. “Your Majesty, isn’t that a bit harsh?” protested one noble, who quailed under the glare of Porus.

“You seem to have formed the opinion that Porus is a pushover. You can do anything under his nose, and get away with it, and if you get caught, just get a slap on the wrist because of your wealth and political connections.” Said Porus to the court. “But I sit on this throne, not because I am the most feared, or the strongest. I sit on this throne, because it approves of me. You all have seen the historical examples of those who have tried to claim this throne without its approval.”

“But if you dispute my claim, then you are free to challenge me in single combat. I am ready to put this throne up as a price if you win."

No one moved. They did not want to face Porus in any kind of combat, much less one-on-one single combat for the throne. They all cursed Josh is for their impulsive actions once again. First, the plot last year, and now this. They would need to be much smarter if they wished to survive the crisis caused by one noble family.

PART 3.

Zeko meets with the healer, to hear the report about Hatori’s health. The boy is currently enjoying the company of his two friends in his room, after he was released from the castle’s infirmary. Porus didn’t want to send the boy to a hospital outside, so he summoned some healers and got his health checked out right in the castle.

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The healer flips through the report. “His physical condition will recover in a month, though it is advised that his body should not be strained in any shape during that time. Far more concerning is his mental condition.” The healer flips through the report once more. “He suffered complete isolation for three days; wasn’t given any food during that time; was chased and forced to use his magic, straining his mind in the process, and suffered some minor damage during that chase. The psyche of children is fragile. No telling what kind of effects his mind might suffer, as a result of these experiences.”

“So, he should not strain himself mentally or physically for a month?” asked Zeko.

“He must not strain his body for a month. Mentally, it is harder to assess. You have worked with children before; you will spot if anything is wrong with him. But I do suggest you contact a healer instead of trying to solve the problem yourself.” Zeko nodded.

Taking a copy of the report with him, he leaves for his room, leaving Hatori to relax for now. He will meet with him tomorrow. He suspects that his student would be full of questions.

PART 4.

Hatori finds Zeko next to himself in his room, sitting on a chair waiting for him to wake up. He feels rested from the sleep he has gotten, but the body still aches as if he has gone on a marathon while trying to play chess or solving math problems at the same time.

Gingerly, he moves from his bed. Before he could step on the floor, Zeko was on his side, helping him. After his morning ablutions were done, Hatori asks Zeko while eating his breakfast in his room. “So, why did that guy call me the key of the future, or something like that?” he asked, while swallowing his food.

“First, slow down. You wouldn’t want to choke on your food, would you?” Said Zeko. Hatori slows down in response. “Second, I didn’t realize you were listening.”

“I was. I also remember feeling your magic. It was…” Hatori is lost for words. He does not know how to describe that feeling.

“My goal is to train you to the same level, or beyond.” Hatori couldn’t believe what he had just heard. What kind of magic existed beyond Zeko’s level?

“To answer your question, you remember you were brought here because of a prophecy?” At Hatori’s nod, Zeko continues. “It has to do with that. Some people think that by controlling you, they can control the future, and come out on top.”

“Why hasn’t anyone told me the prophecy?” asked Hatori.

“Because no one knows aside from the heads of the family and the king. True, people know that there is a prophecy. But the details are only known to these people.” Said Zeko. “To be honest kid, if I could have my way, I would prefer if no one knows about the details, let alone a prophecy that exists. Each time prophecies have appeared in human history; they have been more trouble than they were worth. We would have been better off without knowing them.”

“I have a question of my own.” Said Zeko, while Hatori drinks his orange juice. “Why didn’t you obey Yograj? You must be terrified. And yet, you refused him.” Asked Zeko. He learned about Hatori’s refusal yesterday from him, before he went to sleep. He also deduced from the fact that Hatori actually ran away from Joshi family’s manner.

“Because if I would have agreed with him, he would have just used me as a tool. What would happen to me once my use has run out?” Said Hatori. “I didn’t like his pitch either.”

Zeko couldn’t help but laugh after hearing the last statement. “Maybe I will tell him to improve his sales pitch in the next life if I ever met him.” Said Zeko.

Because he won’t leave him alive to improve it in his current life.

(End.)