“Let me also share with you that Osay’s ultimate goal is to free the Skull Warrior and get the Slayer. But the Skull Warrior is banished in a dimension that can only be opened after combining the powerful Pages of Destiny with the ‘Book of the Universe’ kept at the Master Library of Cotton Village. My friends, you may not be aware, but we possess both the Pages of Destiny. God willing, we will soon combine these Pages and open the dimension, get the Slayer and our friend Matt out of the dimension and permanently banish the Skull Warrior. By doing so, Osay will be rendered powerless for eternity. This is the only permanent solution in sight.”
“So, why don’t we go there and finish the job?” Thomas asked.
“Because,” the Scavenger paused, “the Master Library is in complete control of Osay who rules the Dark World now. We need to launch a full-scale war.”
There were gasps, shouts, screams, yells, and whatnot. A group of humans stood up and started protesting.
The Scavenger was not prepared for this. He remembered the brave and loyal Dark World warriors. But here he saw that humans were more concerned with their own welfare.
“No one is forcing you to enter a war., Thomas pitched in. “But you all need to think that the solution is not limited to the security of this Island alone. If you want to remain safe, Osay has to be defeated. And the only way is what the Scavenger has just mentioned.”
Thomas continued, “Dear fellow humans, do you think you have a choice? If we surrender, we are doomed for eternity. It is better to die fighting rather than becoming a prisoner for life.”
The humans seem to understand his logic. They appeared more receptive now.
Sensing the change in mood, Thomas continued, “We are fortunate that we have the prophesied children and the Scavenger with us. If I ask them to leave today, can we all alone handle the impending attack? Should I ask them to leave?”
“Nooooo.....” the crowd roared in negation.
Thomas was relieved on seeing the response of the humans.
The Scavenger spoke. “Thanks for your support. I am confident that together, we will defeat the enemy and save our homes.”
The meeting ended as the people dispersed with high hopes.
Thomas shook his head once the people left. “I am sorry on behalf of my fellow humans. Selfishness is a deep-rooted ingredient of human psychology. But not all humans are like that.”
“I know all humans are not like that.” The Scavenger turned towards the children and smiled. He turned back to Thomas. “Anyway, let’s plan the Island defences tomorrow early morning at your office. We have just about three weeks.”
Everyone dispersed for the day.
Next morning, at Thomas’s office, the Scavenger and the children were sitting around a large table.
Thomas introduced three persons from his team. “He is Arthur, my deputy; he is Ronal, the in-charge of guards and Ms Hilary is a scientist.” The Scavenger shook hands with each of them.
Thomas opened a map on the table, which showed every nook and corner of the Island. The next few hours were boring for the children as the Scavenger wracked his brains with Thomas and the others, understanding the Island’s geography.
The meeting went on till late evening. There were detailed discussions about setting up of traps, training of the guards, planning the weaponry, etc.
The Scavenger gave a blueprint of something to the scientists and asked if it was possible to construct it within two weeks. The scientists assured him of their best efforts in making it.
After the meeting, Archer, James and Daniel went for a stroll.
Seeing a Sports Complex, memories of Matt playing football with them sparked in their minds. Who knew how he was, fighting with the Skull Warrior in the trapped dimension? The children became emotional, and more determined than ever now.
The Island was abuzz with hectic activity. Every human had a task to contribute towards strengthening the defences of the Island. The Scavenger knew it was impossible to train the humans in the skills of war. However, he put in massive effort to train them in shooting arrows. Each passing day, the humans became more and more thankful to the Scavenger as they saw his commitment to protect them.
Two weeks passed in a flash. The Island had never seen such hectic activity before.
Meanwhile, Pyros arrived with a few allies. The Scavenger’s excitement knew no bounds.
The whole Island was on high alert. The scientists informed the Scavenger that they had successfully made the thing as per the blueprint.
The Scavenger, Pyros and the children went to the scientists’ headquarters. It was like a mini replica of the Brentinute.
“Welcome,” Ms Hilary said warmly as the group stepped into the building.
The Scavenger grinned. “I am eager to see what you have made out of the blueprint.”
“What is it?” Daniel asked.
The Scavenger said, “Wait till you see it.”
Hilary led them to a massive hall.
The children’s eyes widened.
Occupying most of the space in the hall was a giant black chariot.
The chariot reminded them of medieval times. Its outer plating was of hard black metal, and steel thorns protruded out from everywhere.
Ms Hilary started to speak. “Gentlemen, let me introduce to you the Chariot of Destruction. These thorns are made from highly resilient steel, which is alloyed with molybdenum. The wheels are made of magical wood. Its strength comes from the bronze and iron cast over it. The swords that you see can cut through anything. The thorns in the walls can effectively prevent the enemy from striking it. The weapons can be launched through the control panel. The chariot is also remote controlled. It can ride on road, air and water...”
Ms Hilary spent a long time explaining the functionalities of the chariot in detail.
“Can we go inside?” Pyros asked.
“Why not? But please be careful,” Hilary advised. “The thorns are covered with poison. If you touch them, you won’t wake up for at least two weeks.”
The
