THE LIBERATION

The golden hues of the sunset cast a warm glow over the horizon as the king approached a modest hut near the riverbank. This humble abode stood out with its beautiful garden teeming with medicinal herbs and colorful flowers, a testament to the care and dedication. In one corner of the garden, a teenage girl, no older than sixteen or seventeen, tended to the plants, watering them and drying herbs under the fading sunlight. Beyond the garden, bamboo and palm trees swayed gently in the breeze, and a variety of fruits and vegetables thrived in neat rows, their freshness adding vibrancy to the scene.

Nearby, in the bamboo grove, a young man of about twenty was engrossed in practicing his martial skills. With his sword in hand, he executed each move with precision and grace, his focus unwavering. Beside the warehouse stood an array of war equipment and canons, suggesting a readiness for combat. The boy's striking appearance and evident talent caught the king's attention. The emperor watched silently, admiring the boy's mastery, until the young man, sensing someone's presence, turned abruptly. His sword swung defensively before he froze, recognizing the royal emblem on the king's chest. He quickly dropped to his knees.

"Your Royal Highness," the boy said, bowing deeply. "I apologize for not recognizing you. How may I serve you?" The king smiled gently. "Rise, my child. I have come to speak with you. Your skills are remarkable, and I have a proposition for you."

The boy, whose name was Rudra, led the king to a wooden bench, where they sat. The king recounted the tragic tale of their shared history—the death of Rudra's father and the king's regret over past events. He revealed his intention to adopt Rudra and his sister, Smitha, and spoke of a greater purpose: finding the treasure cave and strengthening the kingdom's army.

Rudra listened intently, his face a mix of surprise and curiosity. "Your Majesty, I have always wondered about my origins. The old man who raised us provided training but little affection. Perhaps through you, I might learn more about my past. I am willing to help you, but first, you must meet my sister."

They approached Smitha, who was startled by the sight of the king. She hurriedly fetched water and began preparing dinner, her movements hurried and cautious. The king noticed the bruises on her delicate hands and neck, marks that told a story of suffering.

The boy said," Your Royal Highness It's my fault for not recognizing you, I am sorry, How can I help you? The emperor told him to get up made him sit on a bench, and told the whole story about their father's death also told him that he wanted to adopt both of them.

The king said," I know it is not acceptable for you both but I accept that it's my fault, but you both can only help me to find the treasure cave. I also need you to control the army. The boy said," I never knew about my biological parents, the old man adopted us but I was never happy because he could not consider me as his son, he only told me to train, and the expected love I needed was not received. But now I feel that maybe I can find details about him through you, also I will not be blaming you for what you did. Kindly come with me, and see my sister.

What your name my child, the emperor asked. The boy replied, my name is Rudra. They went to her sister and the king was shocked to see so many bruises on her beautiful neck and hands, The face of the girl is very beautiful, "The emperor introduced, himself and also asked her name, "She said in a fearful voice that," My name is Smitha. She went inside to get some water for both and also started preparing dinner. The king moved towards the boy and asked why your sister was so frightened, and also what are the marks on her hands.

Rudra made a low face, he said," The old man you killed was given those marks as a punishment for small mistakes, he burned her hand with the firewood for burning the fish once, and she was not given food for two days. All the marks in her hand were all the punishment. Tears rolled on King's face, but he controlled it. From that day onwards she is afraid of all the aged men. The emperor told them I will calm her down. First Rudra went to the kitchen and explained things to her.

The emperor saw some medicines on the table and understood that those were the medicines for burns and injuries. The emperor took the medicine and went inside the kitchen and made Rudra sit on the couch of the kitchen and put ointment on the injuries, his whole body was filled with injuries, and the emperor asked him to come with him. He said," My son I want you both to be the next hirer of my clan. Your future is bright and beautiful. I am not having a hire, that was because of the curse your biological father bestows on me. I sent many people to find you both after the war but I was never able to find anyone. Your life was tiring and hard, if you come with me, you will be my prince and princess. I will leave tomorrow if you decide then come with me tomorrow or decide and come according to your wish, this place will be under my supervision, if you want to come you both can come for a break also my family will accompany you.

Turning to Rudra, the king inquired, "Why is your sister so frightened? What caused these marks?" Rudra's expression darkened. "The old man who raised us was cruel to her. He punished her for minor mistakes—burning her hands for a spilled meal, denying her food for days. These scars are a testament to her resilience. She fears men because of him."

The king's eyes welled with tears, but he composed himself. "I will ensure she feels safe from now on." He called Smitha to him, his tone gentle. Carefully, he applied an ointment to her wounds, and to her astonishment, the injuries began to heal. For the first time, she felt the kindness and care of a father figure, and her fear began to dissipate.

That night, after dinner, Rudra offered his room to the king and prepared to sleep outside. The king stopped him. "My son, there is no need for such formality. Stay here with me. Let us bond as father and son." Though hesitant, Rudra eventually lay beside the king. For the first time, he experienced the warmth and security of a father's embrace. He drifted to sleep, feeling a sense of belonging he had never known before.

After reading the story Rudra thought about his sister, his aunt's daughter who is in Pune now, he felt like visiting him because he knew that she was researching the paranormal frequency, and today what he realized was not a dream. Tracy's resume was in the file given by Nathan but Rudra does not feel like seeing it because he is very tired and wants to sleep, it's already noon.

Meanwhile, Smitha lay in her modest room, reflecting on the day's events. "If all fathers were like him," she thought, "every child would grow up in a world full of love and compassion." The next morning, as the sun rose, the king prepared to leave. "You are free to decide," he told Rudra and Smitha. "Join me when you are ready. Your future is bright, and I will always be here for you."Rudra first time realized the fatherly love from a great person like the emperor. He holds him and sleeps like a five-year-old boy who is yearning to get love from his father

The siblings watched as the king departed, their hearts heavy with gratitude and newfound hope. They began packing their belongings, determined to embrace the opportunities that awaited them.

Far away, in a dark and desolate forest, a sinister scene unfolded. The trees, ancient and gnarled, loomed like silent sentinels. Their bark, stained with poison, gleamed ominously. Trolls skulked in the shadows, their grotesque faces smeared with blood. Spiders spun webs of steel-like silk, their eyes glowing with hunger.

In the heart of this foreboding place stood a small, decrepit house. Inside, a man clutched a bottle of red liquid—blood—as he addressed another. "Master," the second man, Kapil, pleaded. "The God of the Devil is not answering our prayers. Our rituals have failed thrice. Alexander's daughter possesses the map to the cave where the God of Love and Peace is trapped. If she releases him, we will lose control."

The master's eyes burned with malice. "We must act swiftly. The balance of power must remain in our favor. Gather our forces and prepare for battle. This cannot be allowed to happen."

Back in the royal palace, Rudra and Smitha arrived, greeted warmly by the king's family. They quickly adapted to their new roles, proving their worth in various ways. Rudra's martial skills and strategic mind made him a valuable asset to the kingdom, while Smitha's knowledge of medicinal herbs brought healing and prosperity to the people.

As they settled into their new lives, the siblings uncovered more about their past. Old scrolls and artifacts revealed the truth about their lineage and the sacrifices their parents had made. The treasure cave, a symbol of their heritage, became a shared mission for the family. Together, they embarked on a journey to protect the kingdom and restore harmony.

But danger loomed in the shadows, as the forces of darkness plotted their next move. The battle between light and dark was far from over, and the siblings knew their journey was just beginning.