“Good idea,” Pyros said at once.
The Scavenger spoke, “The idea is compelling. If Osay is aware of our preparations here, he will be taken by surprise if we attack him in his lair. Moreover, we will be able to keep the humans safe, as Osay would not like to divert his resources to attack the Island.”
“This is a brilliant plan,” Thomas said. “In the last four weeks, our capabilities have increased manifold. We can keep a close watch on the three suspects.”
The Scavenger scratched his chin. “But wouldn’t the humans misunderstand our move as backstabbing? I mean, wouldn’t the people think that we are leaving them when an attack can happen anytime? Would it not be wise to wait for Osay, defeat him here and then go to the Cotton Village Master Library? Remember, Osay’s defeat also means freedom for the Kings of Necron, who are hiding in the protective chambers at the Castle of Fate.”
“Rest assured, my people would not take this otherwise,” Thomas replied. “They will be somewhat relieved to know that you will not confront Osay here. Some amount of selfishness is always there in humans, you see.”
“Also, waiting for Osay to strike could be an endless wait,” Pyros said. “Let’s take control of the situation by choosing to strike Osay.”
Everyone seemed to agree on the strategy. The environment in the room became cheerful as confusion had been warded off and clarity had emerged on the strategy.
“It’s final,” the Scavenger declared. “We move to the Cotton Village Library to combine the Pages of Destiny. Our suspects will be at the Island and they won’t know our moves and will not be able to alert Osay. Let’s be one step ahead of Osay.”
The Scavenger extended his hand. The others placed their hands on it one by one.
Next day, as part of their plan, in the presence of Skazen, Pyros declared that there was a fire emergency at his cave and he needed to leave. He also sought help from the Scavenger and the children, who readily agreed to go along with Pyros. They decided to come back in a day or two after handling the emergency. Thomas also played his part of the plan by offering them the newly constructed Chariot of Destruction, suggesting that this journey could serve as a trial run for the chariot. As planned earlier, they readily agreed to Thomas’s proposal. It was also decided that in case there was even the slightest hint of an attack on the Island, they would change their plans and come back.
“We will be leaving at once,” the Scavenger said. He walked up to Skazen and took him aside. “Look here, Skazen, I am counting on you. I need you to stay back and guard Cayden and Flor, as well as coordinate the defences. I need my trusted man here as I cannot leave everything to these humans. I hope you understand.”
Skazen agreed, or maybe he had no other choice.
A group of scientists did a final check of the chariot. The Scavenger waved his hand, bidding goodbye to everyone, as he, along with the children and Pyros, boarded the chariot.
Pyros and the Scavenger sat down in front of the control panel. The chariot jerked as they operated the controls. With a roar, the chariot moved – the sound of pulleys and levers clinking filled the air.
As the chariot rolled smoothly, everyone was excited. It was an exhilarating experience to ride in it.
People of the Island came out of their houses to view the massive chariot. The children had a regal feeling standing atop it. They waved back at the humans as the chariot sped by.
In a few minutes, the chariot had picked up speed. Emerging out of the forest, it smoothly landed on the seawater and cruised through.
The Scavenger put the chariot on the auto-drive mode and went into the central room, where a large map was laid out on the table. The children and Pyros were sitting around the table.
James spoke, “This map contains the layout of Cotton Village.”
“Wait!” Daniel interrupted. “When Osay had kidnapped us, Pyros had said that our prisons were an illusion. We believed at that time that Osay had taken us to his lair. So is Osay’s lair within the Cotton Village Master Library?”
“Good question, Daniel. Let me answer that,” Pyros said. “In the magic world, illusion plays an important role.” Pyros paused. “Osay’s lair is a form of illusion. It will require enormous magical powers to break into an illusion. I don’t think Osay created the illusion inside the Master Library. I believe Osay kidnapped and teleported us to the illusion that was his lair.”
“Why are we discussing something which is not important?” James questioned. “We have a straightforward task at hand. We have to enter the Master Library and find the ‘Book of the Universe’. Then, we have to open the Book to Page 498, place the two Pages of Destiny and close the Book. That’s all.”
“Daniel’s point is important, James,” Archer argued. “We all know it’s not going to be that straightforward. If Osay’s lair is within the Library, we cannot plan to enter it stealthily. However, if Osay lives somewhere else, at a far-off place, we can spring a surprise.”
James said, “You are right, Archer, but let’s not assume Osay to be so naive. Osay knows we have the two Pages of Destiny. Irrespective of where his lair is, he will not leave the Master Library, come what may.”
“Okay. The bottom line is, we need to plan our moves just around the Library,” the Scavenger concluded.
Everybody nodded in agreement.
“Coming to the plan,” Pyros said. “We agree that we cannot make a detailed plan. We can only make broad strategies.”
Archer said, “Let’s reach there first and camp at the outskirts. We will survey Cotton Village before entering it.”
“And then?” Daniel asked.
The Scavenger took a breath. “Listen, guys. This time, it will be my plan.”
Everyone glanced at him.
The
