Part Two

Love is a strength and not a weakness. Love is a miracle that can perform miracles

Chapter Thirty-Five

A Twist in the Tale

An ally to a tyrant, whether he likes it or not, becomes a tyrant himself

Elisium

5L 21/19/5/20

"I just can't understand why it is so difficult for people to understand a simple thing? How many times I have to repeat to you that you must stay out of harm's way till your time comes?"

Adam, as everyone had already expected, was furious.

"Jennifer is following all your instructions. What more do you want me to do?"

"Just tell me, when did I instruct you to walk right into enemy's territory with just ten soldiers to protect you?"

"That was supposed to be a safe trip. Our men have been mining Star-Rocks from those fields for the last couple of cycles without any incident. How the hell enemies got tipped off about our movement on that particular day is anyone's guess. It could just be sheer bad luck. And for your information, Jennifer can't see the future. I had no way of knowing what was about to happen there."

"That is the exact reason I want you to stay away from trouble. You must not hop onto anything filled with uncertainties. That was a narrow escape."

Noah, as usual, cut off a rampaging Adam. "I think we should applaud the girl for the courage and skills she showed that day. She single-handedly took out a whole enemy company."

Jennifer gave a sheepish smile. "Grandpa Solomon's sandstorm tactic was a great help.".

Noah put out his chest. "Ask Solomon who taught him that trick."

It was hard to please David but he was also impressed. "That air shield you conjured was some sharp thinking on the feet. I thought your boyfriend was gone for all money before you suddenly came up with that shield."

Jennifer's cheeks turned a shade of pink. "He is not Jennifer's boyfriend." She quickly fired a question to divert everyone from that topic. "By the looks of it, you all seem to know everything about the fight. Were you all present there when this fight was happening?"

Adam narrowed his eyes. "I don't believe that you are still asking us this question? How can you forget we reside inside your brain and are attached to your soul. We see through your eyes and listen through your ears."

"And also get a taste of your food." Noah crinkled his nose. "And the food in the Refuge is horrible."

Everyone stared at Noah. "That was a joke. Just spare me those glares."

Abraham also boarded the praise wagon. "We all have to admit that Jennifer excelled under pressure. Training is a completely different thing, but to be able to execute her skills under such circumstances is truly commendable. In hindsight, I think we all should be happy that this incident happened because it gave us a good idea about Jennifer's capabilities."

Adam brought that wagon to a screeching halt. "We shouldn't get carried away. She did well, but if she has to win this war she will have to further develop her skills, as she might be facing thousands of enemies"

"You can never please our grandpa, no matter what you do." Noah was at his annoying best.

Adam just ignored him "Jennifer, I am telling you this because there is an interesting twist in the tale. Your enemy number one, whom you were getting ready to fight, has suddenly been replaced."

"Replaced means?" David asked.

"Julian is no more," Adam replied. "His son Marcus is the new king. So now there is a new enemy who I think is more ruthless than his predecessor."

Noah put his hand over his mouth. "Oh my God! Poor Julian. I was looking forward to taking him on. How did he die?"

"Just spare us your abysmal overacting. As per the official statement, he died in his sleep due to heart failure. But in reality, he was murdered by his wife."

"What!!" Everyone exclaimed in unison.

"But why would she do that?" Jennifer asked.

Adam looked down and averted eye contact. "Because he was about to do something which she didn't want him to do. I messed up Julian's brain by showing him some visions of the previous wars, rivers of blood, you becoming the savior and he was wrecked from within. I knew he was a man of conscience and at last, his conscience took over. He was about to reverse his decision of sending a large army to Elisium, but at the last moment, his wife intervened. I never thought she was capable of taking such a bold step. Her one move completely changed the dynamics of this game."

Noah got a golden opportunity to have a go at Adam. "I thought you just messed up with our minds, but now you are walking freely in other people's brains wreaking havoc. Poor Julian, I can imagine what a ruckus you would have created in his head. The old chap lost his wits and got killed because of you."

"I never thought this would take such an ugly turn. I was trying to solve this conflict without a bloody war, but I might have made things even worse."

Jennifer raised an eyebrow. "Worse? How?"

"If there would have been too much loss of life during the war, Julian would have backed off. His conscience wouldn't have allowed him to go on and sooner or later, he would have sued for peace. But Marcus doesn't have any such inhibitions. I forayed into his mind and showed him the visions that I had shown his father, but he was barely affected by it. He didn't lose any sleep over them. I am sure that he is ready to go to any lengths, to bring both these worlds under his full control. He won't budge, no matter what happens."

"So basically, your silly little adventure in Julian's mind backfired spectacularly." Noah took another jibe.

"Yes." Adam nodded.

"Julian or Marcus, what difference does it make? We have to go to war in both scenarios."

"The difference is in their approach. Julian was reluctant to go to war, Marcus is looking forward to it. Secondly, most of the Adeners were against Julian and his decision to send troops to Elisium. Their sympathies were with Elisians. But through some hideous lies and canny manipulation, Marcus has turned the tide. Now he is not a king trying to save his throne, but a Savior, who is trying to defend his world from the wretched heir of Solomon and the powers of the cursed amulet. I was there when people were chanting his name at the riverfront. This may no more be just a fight between the heirs of Samuel and Malcolm, but this could now very well turn into a full-fledged war between the two worlds. I am afraid the two sisters might end their dance with an ugly fight."

"So, to restore the rights of the people of Elisium, we might have to wade through rivers of blood in Aden." Jennifer's voice was a little shaky when she spoke. "That day, when Jennifer cold-bloodedly shot those soldiers who were just following orders, Jennifer was thinking what was the difference between me and Julian. We both are the same. We both are killing innocent people to achieve our goals."

Abraham, the most learned amongst the Transitioners, sensed her dilemma. "My dear, your answer lies in your question itself. The difference lies in the goal. The motive. Your mission is to free and liberate people, whereas Julian's, and now Marcus's goal is to enslave and subjugate them."

"And how does Jennifer justify killing all those soldiers, who neither want to subjugate nor liberate people. They are just doing what they are told."

"An ally to a tyrant, whether he likes it or not, becomes a tyrant himself. That day, when you were cornered, didn't all those soldiers fire at you? Weren't they prepared to kill all of you, without even seeing your faces? The day they signed up for this army they became accomplices in these crimes. If their masters will order them, they will not hesitate in killing all the men, women, and even the innocent children of Elisium. If your conscience is stopping you from fighting these looters, then it is heavily misplaced. Don't let such emotions cloud your decisions."

Jennifer just slumped in her chair. She couldn't digest the fact that to safeguard the interests of her people, she will have to get her hands dirty.

Noah decided to lighten the mood. "Enough of these serious talks. Let us chat about something interesting. What do you all think about that young man, who tried to give up his life to save the Savior? He is head over heels for Jennifer."

Jennifer's cheeks instantly changed their color. "Jennifer doesn't feel anything for him."

Noah gave a mischievous smile. "Don't try and fool us. Don't forget we live inside your head. All the tingling sensations you feel, while you are near him, are felt by us as well." Everyone glared at Noah once again. "Well, they are felt by me at least. All the others are too old to feel emotions of a young heart."

Abraham walked over to Jennifer. "Love is a strength and not a weakness. In situations where everything seems lost, when there is no desire to go on, love, and only love, will push you forward. Don't turn your back on true love."

"Will he still love me when he will come to know that Jennifer won't be able to bear him any children? Will he love me after seeing this?" Jennifer showed Abraham the wrinkles at the back of her hand.

"I have already noticed those dark circles forming under your eyes and a couple of greying hairs. It is a reminder for you to use your powers wisely. But, my child, true love ascends all these physical barriers. You are a beautiful girl, with an even more beautiful soul. James won't be bothered by a few physical imperfections if he truly loves you. Don't just give up on him without giving him a chance."

Adam kissed Jennifer on the forehead. "Remember my child, when there is hope when there is a will, a miracle is always around the corner. And love is a miracle that can perform miracles."

Everyone raised their right hand to bless Jennifer and vanished from her sight.

Jennifer woke up with a sense of heavenly peace enveloping her heart. A pleasant breeze brought in the delightful scent of wet earth mixed with the fragrance of roses on her balcony. A soft drizzle cheered her up.

Love was in the air. And love was blossoming in her heart.