Chapter 55 – The Royal Mammoth

Meanwhile, Selena and Makara were nearing the castle entrance, their eyes sweeping over the open corridor stretching to the castle before them, quiet and empty like the calm before a storm. The owl glided down smoothly, landing just before the entrance. The two dismounted, and Makara gave the bird a gentle pat, signalling it to return to Shawn’s side. With a few strong beats of its wings, the owl lifted into the sky, soaring back toward the forest where Shawn lay in wait.

Approaching the door, Makara glanced around and murmured to Selena, “Princess, I don’t sense anyone—but stay sharp.” His body was coiled with tension, every step forward measured and deliberate.

Selena nodded silently as they neared the front door. Just then, a low creaking sound filled the air as the double doors opened on their own, echoing through the open corridor. Both instinctively reached for their weapons, ready for any sign of danger. But instead of a threat, a lone figure emerged—a tall, slender man, dressed in dark green, formal attire with a dignified bearing and an unreadable expression. His eyes were calm, glinting with a peculiar, unsettling clarity.

“Welcome to my master’s humble abode, fellow travellers,” he greeted in a smooth, controlled voice. “My name is Thane, loyal servant to Prince Enthril. I shall be your guide.”

Selena and Makara exchanged wary glances, each surprised by the man’s silent approach. Neither had sensed his presence until the door had opened, and the quiet grace of his arrival was enough to set them both on edge. Makara’s gaze lingered on Thane, assessing, watching the way he moved with a calm that was almost disconcerting.

From his perch high in the tree, Shawn’s eyes narrowed as he took in the scene below. He could see the shift in his friends’ posture, the way they subtly braced for the unexpected. Though Thane’s manner was polite, almost courteous, there was a precision to his movements, an aura that seemed to hint at a hidden threat, like the glint of a knife concealed behind a gentle smile.

Shawn held his position, gripping the branch tightly, ready to intervene at the first sign of danger.

Thane lifted a hand, his voice calm and measured. “No need for alarm,” he said. “If you’ll follow me, I will take you to Prince Enthril.”

Makara and Selena exchanged a look, their stances relaxing—if only slightly—as they followed Thane down a corridor and into the castle. The path opened into a series of wide, airy halls adorned with intricate tapestries and carvings that drew their gaze. The walls, floors, and even wooden pillars bore depictions of elephants in various powerful and graceful poses, each image a testament to their strength and majesty. There was a palpable reverence in every detail, as though the castle itself was a shrine dedicated to these magnificent creatures.

Selena’s eyes roamed over the designs, her curiosity piqued. “What’s with all the elephants? Are they some kind of royal symbol?”

Thane’s lips lifted in a small, almost amused smile. “Not quite a royal symbol, no. The prince holds a deep admiration for elephants. To him, they embody strength, wisdom, and loyalty—qualities he values above all else.”

Makara, eyeing the décor with interest, chimed in, “Ah, elephants—wise choice, truly noble creatures. Speaking of the prince, what kind of person is he? Does he enjoy a drink or two? Any other thing that we should know to make a good impression?”

Thane’s smile widened, though his tone remained formal. “Prince Enthril is a kind soul, respected by all who know him. He has a unique affinity for animals and commands them with respect rather than dominance. In fact, he is the only one in the East capable of commanding an entire army just comprised of a herd of elephants.” Thane’s gaze drifted ahead, a touch of pride evident in his expression. “He treats everyone as equals—kings, guards, commoners alike, so there’s nothing that would offend him.”

“Good to hear,” Makara replied, visibly relieved. “So, Thane, do you have any questions for us? Like, why are we here?”

Selena shot him a look, arching a brow in mild exasperation, but before she could say anything, Thane responded smoothly, “It’s not my place to inquire into my master’s guests’ affairs. He will ask what he wishes when he meets you.”

They continued through the corridors and stepped out into the open air, soon crossing an arched bridge that spanned a tranquil pond. Lily pads drifted across the surface, their broad green leaves reflecting the warm hues of the fading sunlight. From his hidden perch, Shawn spotted a trio emerging from the western side of the castle, his sharp eyes noting every detail. He saw his companions—Selena and Makara—following their enigmatic guide, Thane, as they made their way toward the castle’s southern wing. Suddenly, the big owl swooped down beside Shawn, startling him, before settling on a branch. It fixed him with wide, unblinking eyes, occasionally plucking at its feathers as if unbothered by his presence.

Finally, Thane led Selena and Makara through an open room that connected to a wide balcony. As they stepped out, the view before them took their breath away—a massive, circular arena sprawled beneath them, encircled by tall pillars that cast long shadows in the fading light. Thane gestured towards the sand pit below and pointed to a figure moving with breathtaking precision.

“That,” Thane intoned, “is my master, Prince Enthril.”

In the arena, Prince Enthril stood bare-chested, his muscular frame radiating strength, each muscle defined and coated in a fine layer of sand that clung to his skin, highlighting his powerful build. His chest rose and fell in rhythm with his controlled breaths, steady and measured, betraying no fear in the presence of the massive beasts surrounding him. Ashe moved through the sand, embodying the raw strength of a warrior yet exuding the poised grace of a dancer.

With fluid, practised motions, he twisted and wove through the space between the three towering elephants. His steps were light, each movement deliberate as he sidestepped and pivoted in perfect synchrony with the elephants’ shifts and turns. His dark, medium-length hair hung loose, dampened by sweat, brushing lightly against his shoulders as he spun, leapt, and dodged, creating a striking contrast to the sharpness of his actions. His hair whipped with each rapid shift, adding a wild elegance to his already captivating form, as though he were part of the elements around him—sand, sweat, and shadow blending into one seamless figure.

He moved with an agility that seemed to defy human limits, slipping through narrow spaces between the elephants’ trunks and tusks with ease, as though anticipating their every motion. One moment, he ducked low to avoid the heavy swing of a trunk; the next, he lunged to the side, a mere inch from a powerful, ivory tusk. His hands brushed against the elephants’ thick skin as he manoeuvred, not in aggression but in a way that conveyed familiarity and trust, as though they were partners in a carefully choreographed dance. His feet barely touched the ground as he moved, almost floating across the sand, his bare soles kicking up small clouds of dust with each swift step.

His gaze remained steady, unwavering, his eyes fixed on the elephants with a quiet intensity, reading their every step and shift. His expression, focused yet calm, hinted at a profound connection to the creatures around him, his silent respect for their power apparent in the way he navigated their massive forms without fear, only an unspoken understanding that pulsed between them.

One of the elephants suddenly lowered its head, thrusting its tusks forward in a feint. Prince Enthril responded in an instant, his hands gripping each tusk with a surprising gentleness. Bracing himself against the earth, he pushed outward, halting the elephant’s advance as he held his ground, his body a powerful anchor. His eyes gleamed with a focused intensity, yet there was a subtle kindness in his gaze as he stared into the elephant’s eyes, as if he were communicating beyond words.

Selena and Makara watched, their awe evident as they took in the display of sheer strength and trust. Prince Enthril breathed heavily but with an easy smile, standing tall against the tusks of the massive creature, holding it in place. He wore only a simple white cloth draped at his waist, weathered and stained from the arena’s sands. The cloth, though humble, seemed almost regal, its ruggedness in harmony with the raw strength of the prince and his surroundings.

The two other elephants, sensing an opening, began charging towards the prince, their large forms lumbering in unison. Selena and Makara, standing on the edge of the balcony, tensed as they witnessed the impending impact, yet Thane remained entirely composed, his gaze steady.

Just as the elephants neared, they stopped suddenly, and the pillars surrounding the arena ignited with bright, flickering flames that illuminated the space. The flames cast a warm, golden glow over the arena and extended to the very edges of the balcony where Makara and Selena stood. The setting sun finally dipped below the horizon, and in its absence, the light from the flames filled the arena, creating an almost ritualistic ambience.

The elephant pushing against Prince Enthril eased off and let out a subtle sound. Prince Enthril patted its trunk with a quiet affection, and it backed away, joining the others in a line before him. One by one, they bowed their heads toward him, then turned to retreat through the wooden gate beneath the balcony.

As they departed, one elephant paused, lifting its trunk to trumpet, the call echoing through the arena. At the centre of the pit, Prince Enthril stood poised, giving a swift roll of his shoulders to shake off the sand clinging to his skin. The low rumble of the elephants’ calls caught his attention, and he turned to watch them retreat into their shelter. Then, sensing a presence above, he lifted his gaze to the balcony, where Selena and Makara stood beside Thane. With a subtle nod, he signalled Thane to escort their guests to the throne room.

Thane, understanding the signal from his master, turned to Selena and Makara with a slight bow. “Please, follow me to the waiting room. The prince will join you shortly.”

Guiding them through the open halls, Thane led them to a large, serene room and left. At one end, a raised platform stood, resembling a throne, though it was crafted low to the ground, with an elegant simplicity. The walls were partially open to the night air, allowing a view of the lake outside. In the moonlight, ripples danced across the water, casting gentle reflections on the stone floor. A bamboo water fountain tapped rhythmically, filling the space with a calm, steady sound as it rose and fell with each drop.

Hours slipped by, with the moon rising higher in the sky. Makara began to shift restlessly, glancing at the open doorway, his patience starting to thin. Selena, however, remained composed, her gaze focused and thoughtful, as if absorbing every detail of the foreign surroundings.

Finally, the sound of footsteps echoed from the adjoining chamber. The wooden sliding door opened, and Thane entered, followed by Prince Enthril—no longer the warrior they had seen in the arena, but a figure of regal poise. He wore a flowing crimson robe adorned with delicate gold embroidery, his hair combed back and secured with an ornate clasp. The raw strength he once embodied was now tempered by an air of elegance as he moved with effortless grace to the throne and took his seat.

Thane, ever attentive, stepped forward and set a low table before them. Spread across it were twelve exquisite dishes, each more vibrant and artfully prepared than the last. An elegant ceramic jug of sake rested alongside, with cups set for each of them. Makara’s eyes brightened at the sight, his mouth practically watering, but his excitement was held in check as Prince Enthril’s voice filled the room. “Greetings, my honoured guests.”