Prythvii: the Forgotten Heirs

By Ali Hasanali

The boy remained silent as his uncle looked back down at him. The boy felt uncomfortable as he gazed into the green eyes of a man who had just been introduced as family. The uncles green eyes fell over the boys countenance and focused on the small gray statue that hung on a black string around the young boys neck. The statue was barely longer than an inch and had a mythical lizards tail ensnaring a deep red stone, as if the creature was protecting something sacred.

The man with green eyes looked up and smiled slyly at the young boy. Ahh How could I forget? I am in the presence of the youngest Zilsrion heir?

It was supposed to be a dream, not a recollection. It was supposed to be just a necklace, not a secret gift of an ancient royal family. He was supposed to be Nasser Salim, not a man without an identity. That was before meeting the eldest Elder.

Blessed and cursed by his Prythvii, Nasser must discover his purpose and understand his destiny if the man with the green eyes is ever to be stopped.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: May 25, 2011
• ISBN: 9781426970351

Ali Hasanali

Originally from Sugar Land, TX, Ali Hasanali currently attends Case Western Reserve University School of Law.

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© Copyright 2011 Ali Hasanali.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

Cover Art Illustrated by Brian Cirbus

Author Photo by Myles Nickolich

Printed in the United States of America.

isbn: 978-1-4269-7033-7 (sc)

isbn: 978-1-4269-7032-0 (hc)

isbn: 978-1-4269-7035-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011907887

Trafford rev.05/19/2011

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Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Dedication

For Bhakti,

Without my friend, no story could’ve been written

Chapter 1

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So this is Nero?

A man with deep green eyes knelt and stared into the quiet eyes of a boy who remained standing at the feet of a larger man, who had a light blue ring on his pinky finger. This father stood behind the boy as he placed his ring-adorned hand comfortingly on his son’s shoulder, before speaking with a hint of restrained anger at the man with green eyes. His name is…

The kneeling man looked up as he interrupted.

Yes, I know what my nephew’s name is. The man with the deep green eyes smiled brightly at his older brother. I just think Nero fits him better.

The boy remained silent as his uncle looked back down at him. The boy felt uncomfortable as he gazed into the green eyes of a man who had just been introduced as family. The uncle’s green eyes fell over the boy’s countenance and focused on the small gray statue that hung on a black string around the young boy’s neck. The statue was barely an inch tall and had a mythical lizard’s tail ensnaring a deep red stone, as if the creature was protecting something sacred.

The man with green eyes looked up and smiled slyly at the young boy. Ahh… How could I forget? I am in the presence of the youngest Zilsrion heir?

Startled, Nasser jumped awake in his seat as the cabin shook a little to signify the plane was beginning its descent towards the island. Although the dream was unnaturally vivid for a daytime nap, Nasser simply attributed the clarity of the vision to the exhaustion of travelling for an entire day. He thought over the images that had subconsciously played in his head, and concluded that the dream of a man with green eyes kneeling in front of a small boy was probably just a remnant of some television show or movie he had recently seen. After a few moments, he put it out of his mind.

Bright light flooded in as Nasser opened the plane window’s flap and squinted at the small island below. The beach glowed in the sun as sapphire waters and crystalline waves spilled endlessly over the island’s skin-like sand. No skyscrapers obstructed the island; instead, the terrain of the small island consisted of a dense, green canopy with orange roofs dotted amidst the trees. A few reefs and sand beds could be seen in the darker blue regions of the ocean as they descended upon paradise. The plane drifted lower and lower, but no land came below the passengers, as those aboard could still only see the shallow waters below. Not until the last few seconds did they pass over palm trees and touch the runway. Nasser sat still and looked at the greenery as the rest of the cabin erupted to gather their luggage and leave the cramped quarters. After twenty-five hours, he had finally landed in Bali.

Nasser filed out of the plane and into the small Indonesian airport and stared at the wooden entrances and carvings that greeted the new arrivals. The detailed and intricate designs that spanned the architecture made the building seem like more of a museum than a congested airport. The air was warm, and fans spun throughout the interior of the building, which made the whole place seem like an open café or restaurant on a hot summer day. Nasser waited with his parents and brother at the small carousel and collected their baggage.

Nasser watched as many of the Japanese aboard the plane from Tokyo retrieved surfboards, golf bags, and other oversized luggage from a separate carousel. He wondered how often they must come here for vacation.

His father was the first to spot his uncle and aunt when Nasser and his immediate family left the airport terminal. His dad ran and gave his aunt a huge hug. They all took turns laughing and greeting each other. When it was his turn, Nasser walked and gave his aunt a hug that nearly knocked her into the fountain behind her.

Now now, look at you! she yelled, letting him out of her embrace and looking him over. You’re still a stick! Come now, we must change that. Nasser just smiled and stepped aside, letting his brother step forward for his familial judgment.

Slightly amused, Nasser watched Salman get hugged and gently mocked by their aunt in that subtle way that only family can do. Whereas he was considered a stick by his aunt, Salman was lovingly described as the trunk of the tree. Nasser just shook his head. Even after growing up he still never understood the elderly female fascination for how much food every family member should be consuming. If he had learned anything from watching his mom prepare parties or attend social functions, it was that at the end of the day, any event, whether it is a wedding or house party, will be remembered and judged by the food that had been served.

The six of them eventually walked into the parking lot, although Nasser stayed a step behind, pausing for a moment and closing his eyes to enjoy the warm island breeze and the scent of salty air and banana trees. When they reached the car, he helped his uncle put the last of the luggage in the back of the small van and then squeezed in the back next to his brother.

As his family talked loudly about old times and the new gossip, Nasser often found his interest waning and began to gaze at the roadside, slightly hypnotized by the island’s magic. Small stores and buildings lined the street with people moving in every direction, and Nasser was amazed by the native women who gracefully and easily carried large amounts of food or other items in giant baskets that were carried on the women’s heads. Motorcycles, though smaller than cars, impressively commanded the streets by weaving through traffic, occasionally streaking past his aunt’s car. He quickly noticed that lanes, although painted on the pavement, were in practice non-existent as he watched his uncle navigate under a completely different set of road etiquette than Nasser was used to back home in the United States.

His passive gaze on the surroundings faded as he felt the seatbelt buckle jam into his hip while his brother readjusted himself. Hey, said Nasser poking his brother in the side.

What? said Salman squirming and releasing the pressure of the seatbelt.

You’re fat, replied Nasser, poking him in the side again and pushing the buckle in between the seats. His brother ignored him and began to talk with their uncle, while Nasser simply shook his head and looked back out of the window. He knew this vacation was causing his family to already be on each other’s last nerve. The four of them hadn’t traveled together since he was in high school nearly six years earlier, and it didn’t help that he treated his twenty-two year old younger brother like he was still only twelve.

Their aunt had a large house near the beach, but the building in which they lived was also part of a series of buildings that lined a market street. There was a fairly large textile shop on the first floor with three stories of living space above, and the six of them took an alleyway to reach the back entrance and climbed two flights of stairs to their grand hall of his aunt’s home.

The grand hall was simply an open room with no furniture, except for a rocking chair where Nasser’s paternal grandmother sat. Instead of couches or chairs, hard pillows lined the walls and a soft carpet covered the floor. The rest of their other relatives from both India and America rested on the ground chatting. Since many of the cousins were growing older and were on the verge of having independent lives, a meeting had been arranged between the families with his aunt and uncle in Bali playing host. Nasser’s family was the last one to arrive, and so upon seeing the last arrivals enter, the room of extended family members exploded with hugs and greetings. Everyone talked loudly and laughed as the joy of rekindling lost relationships erupted around the room.

Nasser went through the ceremonial greeting of his family members before sitting with his paternal grandmother, who was entertaining the younger cousins and even some of Nasser’s nieces and nephews with stories of their parents’ infamous youth. After some time when the supposedly responsible children, like Nasser’s uncles and aunts, settled down, a large cake was brought forth. It was chocolate with chocolate icing and a variety of pineapples, coconuts, oranges, and other fruits on top.

My parents told me to get the cake, whispered Taher, the eldest son of the hosts, to Nasser. They won’t make that mistake again.

Family: The one thing we can’t choose was written in dark green frosting diagonally across the cake. Most of the room laughed, but his aunt was clearly not amused. She began pointing and yelling at Taher in Balinese, while Taher stood smiling and professing how much he loved his mother.

With everyone’s help, Taher eventually calmed his mother down, and the cake was cut by their grandmother. After eating, they all sat and talked into the night as the younger kids slowly drooped off one by one and fell asleep in the hall.

So Nasser, said his aunt as everyone turned to look at him. What plans do you have now? Your mother hints at medical school. Nasser paused for a moment to hide his frustration. Despite never liking medicine or natural sciences, his parents had always held out hope that their eldest son would become a doctor. After all, it seems to be a dream of most South Asian parents for their kids to be doctors. Although, most eventually settle for their kids to be engineers if being a healthcare professional is out of the question.

My mom hints at a lot of things, said Nasser smiling back. I got my Masters so I wouldn’t have to go to med school. I have a couple job interviews lined up at home, so I’ll be entering the work force in a month or so hopefully. If not, then I guess there is always the option of more school.

Tsk tsk, said Nasser’s aunt shaking her head. But it’s so much easier to find a girl for you when you’re a doctor. The crowd chuckled as she continued, I know this one girl from New York. You should meet her. She is quite attractive and very modern like you.

Nasser noticed the conversation turn against him as his other aunts began to discuss respectable girls and families. Faiji, faiji, yelled Nasser trying to get his aunt’s attention. As much as I appreciate your concern, let us not forget that my cousin, your son, is a couple years older than me and is still alone as well. Perhaps effort is better spent on him.

Nasser, Taher is already being taken care of I assure you, replied his aunt cunningly which caused Nasser to look over and see Taher bury his head in his heads. You’re almost twenty-five now, and all the good girls are being taken. You must start looking.

Nasser just grinned and shook his head as he waited for some new topic other than marriage to seize the general family discussion. Eventually the conversation did shift once again, but soon time had caught up with everyone and sometime before dawn the rest of them joined the already sleeping children and fell into slumber.

The next day, the adults stayed in and talked some more while Taher, Salman, and Nasser were advised to take the younger kids to the beach. It was a five-minute walk along a small path from the alley behind the house, and the three of them taunted their younger relatives into chasing Nasser, Salman, and Taher towards the beach.

Everyone dove into the water and enjoyed the waves, but it wasn’t long before they stopped due to the horrible taste of salt water in their mouths. Taher instead began a sand castle competition. He explained how the small grains of sand were soft and wet and was ideal for sand castle construction since the sand would pack well.

Although everyone participated, most of the younger kids’ attempts looked more like lumps than castles. Taher and Nasser decided to join forces and construct the best one, while Salman worked with their twin sixteen year old cousins from India, Zain and Mo. Nasser and Taher formed three castles, each with a tower and ramparts, and joined them with bridges. The main castle was larger with an arched gateway as it was surrounded by a moat and exterior walls. While they made it, the younger kids gave up their creations and came to admire the two castles that were being created by the two sets of elder cousins. The little ones who were eager to help were told to simply get sand or make mountains nearby, and soon a battalion armed with plastic shovels and pails was hard at work. Adam, one of the younger cousins, found a small dead fish and showed it to Taher.

After chasing his shrieking female cousins, Adam gave the fish to Taher who graciously accepted the gift and threw it into their moat. It took three and a half hours to complete, but at last they had finished the sand castle. Taher and Nasser stood up brushing the sand off their hands and admired their castle complex, naming it ‘Turtle Island’. They scanned it over, ensuring the ramparts, shell flags, bridges, gateways, and even the fish in the moat, were intact.

Are you enjoying it here Nasser? asked Taher as the two elder cousins sat next to their sand castle and took a break.

Nasser smiled and nodded fervently. Of course, man. This place is absolutely beautiful. I would love to be able to live just a five-minute walk from the beach.

Eh, I guess, replied Taher. You get used to it I suppose. It’s too slow here for me. After going to school in the States, I just wish for a little more excitement, you know?

Most of the younger cousins had engaged in a rousing, large-scale game of tag. Makes sense, said Nasser as he watched Adam chase Lamya in circles. But you have an awesome cook. The food alone is reason enough to stay here.

Yeah, it’s good, replied Taher softly, but you do need to understand my mom is making our cook work overtime and is pulling out all the stops to impress you guys.

But still… said Nasser trailing off and turning his head to watch the waves continuously roll onto the beach towards them. Can you imagine us all being together like this? I mean I haven’t seen you in like four years and that was for like a week during Christmas break. I haven’t seen Zain and Mo, or anyone else really from India in like six years when I was in high school, and we went to visit them.

It has been a long time.

Even your sisters have kids for crying out loud!

Taher laughed. I know, I know. But they are girls and are like five years older than me. You have no idea how much pressure my parents are putting on me to find a girl. That’s all Daadi talks about too.

It was now Nasser’s turn to laugh as he imagined their grandma’s conversation with his cousin. Nasser loved Daadi, but even from his own experience he knew his grandma was concerned with three things when it came to her grandkids: marriage, great grandchildren, and food. In that order too, it seemed.

It’s so nice though, mentioned Nasser reflectively as he watched his brother still working on his sand castle with Zain and Mo. I was going to kill my family on the way here, but now that we’re all together, I really must admit I’m having a blast. I mean, let’s face it. There’s a good chance the next time everyone will be back together like this will be when either you or I get married. Even then, who knows who will actually be able to make it.

Now, now Nasser, replied Taher. Stop being depressing. We are all here now, so let’s enjoy it. C’mon, let’s get up and do something. Let’s run into the ocean and see who can stand up longest without getting knock down by the waves.

Nasser smiled and stood up before holding his hand out to help his cousin up off the ground. You know Taher. Five years or ten years, it still feels like I’ve been around you my entire life.

Same, replied Taher while laughing. We’re family. No matter how far away we are from each other, we are together where it counts. Taher playfully pointed to a spot on the left side of his chest and winked.

The two of them ran into the water for a little bit laughing and daring each other to stand further and further in the ocean. Waves kept rolling in every ten seconds or so, and it didn’t take long before a particularly large one knocked them both down and back towards the shore. The younger cousins crowded them, wanting to do something new.

After taking pictures of the cousins and castle masterpieces, the little ones began the very important project of burying people in sand. Nasser volunteered first while Taher supervised the burial. Everyone raced along the beach getting more sand, while Taher and Salman dug the pit. Nasser laid in it and had piles of sand heaped upon him. It wasn’t long before only his head remained visible. The sand was moist and heavy, and every time Nasser laughed cracks appeared on the mound of sand above his body. His brother yelled not to laugh, but that only caused Nasser to laugh even more. Nasser stared at the clouds to pass the time, while sand was poured onto his body. He watched and debated whether some clouds seemed more like boats or spaceships.

After posing for a few sand-themed ‘glamour shots’, Nasser rose from his grave and washed himself in the ocean before helping bury Adam and Taher. Once exhaustion had set in among most of the children, Taher decided to head back towards the house. On the short walk back, Taher and Nasser lingered in the back of the line and chatted.

We are the sand-castle kings, proclaimed Taher. King Taher Salim and King Nasser Salim!

We certainly are the best, replied Nasser, flexing and laughing.

Oh, but I am the reason you are a king. No one knows the ways of the beach like I do.

Then, said Nasser putting his hand on Taher’s shoulder. I knight you supreme advisor. In charge of making sure I don’t do too many stupid things.

Why? he laughed back. Would your highness be interested in doing something a bit stupid? Even dangerous some would say… Taher brought his voice down to a whisper.

Depends, said Nasser bringing his voice down to a whisper as well. Why? What exactly would we be doing?

Taher glanced up, making sure the rest of the pack were already far ahead of them. I’ll show you places even natives of the island haven’t seen.

Like what? said Nasser, slowing down his pace a little.

Like exploring some caves. Taher grinned while Nasser turned to see if anyone else was around them as his cousin continued, I was with some friends last time I was home at the end of last semester in the mountains when we were camping, and we found some caves. We couldn’t explore them because we found them too late and had to go home. I called the guys to see if they ever went back and checked it out, but they hadn’t. To be honest, they were a bit intimidated by them.

Their pace had slowed even more, and Nasser thought about the offer as his sandals scraped along the gravel path. Just consider it an opportunity for an adventure, continued Taher. You don’t want to regret it do you?

Nasser sighed. "Why do I feel like I digress in age every time I’m around you? You’re still egging me on like we’re seven.

Is that a no?

Nasser sighed. No, dammit. Fine I’ll go. Just make sure I’m not missing anything else.

Great! said Taher grinning. We can go the day after tomorrow, so sleep early tomorrow. I’ll take care of the folks, and just don’t tell anyone else because I can only take one other person on the bike. I don’t want your brother or anyone else being like ‘why can’t I go too?’

Nasser nodded, and they caught up to the group ahead of them as they were about to enter the house. Lamya, their ten-year old niece, along with some other girls, showed off some of the shells they had found, while the boys told them about the sandcastle and the waves. That night, they again ate well as Taher’s mother displayed the talents of her brilliant cook, who had made plates and plates of Balinese food for the reunion. Nasser ravenously ate the Sa-te and by the end of the meal must’ve eaten at least twenty pieces by himself. After dinner, the family gathered once more to talk late into in the night. It was late before everyone fell asleep, although Nasser succumbed to sleep sooner than he would have otherwise due to his food coma.

Chapter 2

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The next day the whole family toured Denpasar, and Nasser found himself keeping quiet most of the time, since he found Kuta Beach a bit boring. As far as he was concerned, Kuta was dirty and unappealing, since tourists covered the hotspot and there was an abundance of litter in the sand and waves. The main drag included the usual bunch of Gap, Nike, Hard Rock Café, and the like that could be seen in any country’s tourist traps.

Eventually, Nasser and Taher excused themselves and retreated back to the house to prepare for their excursion the following day. With no one but the servants and them in the house, Nasser and Taher were alone to plan and gather supplies for their trip. They packed rope, two flashlights, a lighter, a box of matches, a pocket knife, and some snacks and placed them into a large hiking backpack that Nasser had brought with him on the trip. Taher then hid the bag on the top shelf of his closet so that it would be out of the reach of the younger children.

After packing, the two boys sat on Taher’s bed and watched the television. A couple of channels had subtitles or were in English, but those networks were mostly boring. The two boys were much more interested in a local station’s show about the island’s legends and mythology. Bursts of lights and fights continuously broke out as the characters in blue body paint pointed and yelled at each other in a language Nasser couldn’t understand. Nasser fell asleep during the show, and awoke to find that his entire family had returned. Nasser ate some food his parents had brought to the house before joining everyone else in the grand hall.

The rest of the family gossiped about people and places that Nasser was not familiar with. Uninterested in the conversation, he asked Shabnam, who was Taher’s eldest sister, if he could play with her six month-old daughter Lubaina.

His niece was absolutely adorable. Nasser dangled keys and toys in front of her as she stared wide-eyed and made little grasps for the objects, babbling unintelligibly until something was placed in her hands. After an hour or so, Lubaina started to fall asleep, so Nasser picked her up and held her as he eavesdropped on his family discussion about what someone should and more importantly shouldn’t do when holding a wedding function.

Nasser shook his head, amazed at how much conversation revolved around weddings and food whenever his family or his parents’ friends came together. Taher and Nasser continually looked at each other and the clock as they realized that the night was passing quickly and that they should be getting to sleep soon.

Umm, Mom, said Nasser after Taher motioned to his watch. Taher has invited me to go see the mountains on his motorcycle tomorrow. We’re leaving pretty early, so I’m going to head off to bed.

Why don’t you take your brother? she replied, a little upset. She always hated how her eldest never included his younger brother in what he was doing. Doesn’t Salman want to go?

Nasser glanced at his brother, who wasn’t even paying attention, before responding. Salman said he was tired. Besides, only one other person can fit on Taher’s motorcycle.

All right then, goodnight. His mom dismissed him and his father nodded in approval. Having gained permission, Nasser and Taher began the fairly long process of saying goodnight to everyone.

Nasser paused for a moment as he reached the stairs and smiled at the sight of almost his entire family sitting together and talking. He turned around and ascended the marble staircase to Taher’s room and slept on his surprisingly comfortable red couch.

Although Nasser’s eyes were closed, Taher’s voice rang out in the dark room. It feels so good to see everyone again.

Yeah, yawned Nasser as he opened his eyes and stared at the fan. It’s been years since I’ve seen some of them. Everyone’s so happy. You know I’m starting to think this really is paradise.

Yeah, said Taher slightly chuckling. To be honest I didn’t think I’d miss my family much while I was studying in America. I always wanted to get away, and be on my own. I loved doing whatever I wanted when I wanted, and to be honest I think I thrived. But… he sighed, There is nothing like seeing a familiar face again.

I completely agree, said Nasser as he thought about how his college was across the country from his parents. To a certain degree, though, they still treat me the same. It’s not much, but it’s enough to where it bothers me a little. I did miss home, but for me, I needed to get away.

Yup, said Taher quietly back. A car honked outside and Nasser tried to settle a little bit more into his blanket. Nasser, what do you want most in life? questioned Taher sleepily.

Nasser rolled over onto his side and thought about his cousin’s question. Greatness, I suppose. Not fame or fortune. I don’t care much for money or if anyone else knows about what I actually do. But just to be able to do something that will define me as a person throughout history. He paused. What about you?

Taher laughed a little. I’m not as driven as you, Nasser. All I want is what everyone essentially desires. To be happy. I don’t mind being a bystander in life or forgotten in history. Greatness is a little over-rated in my opinion.

Nasser smiled and laughed. To be honest, I kind of agree with you, but this damn ambition of mine always makes me want more. It’s hard to change, even if you know better.

Don’t we know it, said Taher as he turned in his bed. Shabbir Uncle told me today how we may have descended from royalty in Yemen centuries ago. He paused as he turned in his bed again. Who knows, maybe greatness is in your blood after all… Taher’s voice began to trail off. Good night, Nasser…

Sweet dreams Taher, said Nasser as he turned over and closed his eyes. The balcony door had been left open, so the city’s pale lights shined in through the window and the sounds of the city night traffic carried into the room as the two of them fell asleep.

The next morning, Taher nudged Nasser reluctantly awake. After yawning and putting away his blanket and pillow in the closet, Nasser and Taher quietly gathered the backpack, before descending down the stairs. Taher left a note with the maids and then left with Nasser through the back door. They left on the motorcycle, exiting through the bumpy alley way and onto the road.

It was a fairly cool morning with the sun having barely risen on the horizon as the two of them raced down the street. Air gushed by like rushing water and nearly knocked Nasser’s helmet off. The bike’s engine kept grumbling, limiting the conversation between the cousins during their trip. Nasser watched the island capital become smaller behind them as they curved up the mountain side. The view of roadside street vendors and shops turned into flooded rice paddies and tall banana trees.

Nasser couldn’t help but smile as the air rushed over his body and he enjoyed the first motorcycle ride of his life. There was something about this small island that seemed utterly magical in its creation. There was always a constant breeze and the temperature never dipped below seventy degrees or rose above ninety. If it ever came close to those high temperatures, as it seemed it would nearly every afternoon, then the clouds began to rumble and release their reservoirs of water to help lower the temperature once again.

This place is amazing! yelled Nasser at the top of his lungs in a vain hope that Taher would be able to hear him over the sound of the motorcycle’s roaring engine and the rush of air sweeping past them.

Taher lifted his hand off the handle bar and made a thumbs up signal. When he placed his hand back onto the handlebar, he revved the engine a little more. The thrust kicked in and Nasser and Taher sped up the mountain road at a quicker pace. Nasser squeezed his cousin a little harder and began to laugh out loud. He couldn’t remember the last time he had felt so alive.

In an hour, they reached a small crater lake surrounded by forested mountains. They parked the bike in a local town, where Taher led Nasser to a shop to buy snacks and water. When they were paying, Nasser opened the front pocket of the backpack to find his family’s money, credit cards, and passports still in the bag.

Taher! Nasser showed his cousin the wallet. Why didn’t you take this out? My parents will kill me if they find out I took this.

Taher shrugged. I never opened that pocket. I put everything in the main part of the backpack. Calm down. Just don’t lose it, and you’ll be fine. They won’t even know it is missing. Nasser was about to yell some more, but instead frustratingly shook his head and put the pouch back into the backpack with the food and water.

They walked out of the small shop and walked down towards the edge of a lake that was nestled up in the mountains of the island. The gravel path was fairly wide since it was the main path from the parking lot to the tourist part of the lakeshore. As they walked, Nasser saw a giant red parasail floating above the trees and water. When they reached the lakeshore, they sat and watched as people lined up one by one on the shore for their turn to go parasailing.

Wanna go? asked Taher.

Nasser smiled and nodded. You know me too well.

Not really, replied Taher with a chuckle. I thought you were afraid of heights. Last time I was in the States with you, we went to that amusement park. Six Flags something or another.

Astroworld, replied Nasser laughing a little bit. So what about it?

Well if I remember correctly, you refused to go on the tower drop ride. You absolutely hated anything that went up too high.

I was ten, so cut me some slack, replied Nasser dismissively. Besides, even if I am a little scared of heights, I do love climbing higher. It’s the way down that I’m not too fond of.

Fair enough, fair enough, said Taher chuckling. C’mon then. Let’s get in line. This one’s on me.

They went to stand in line, and Nasser anxiously watched how parasailing actually worked, since he had never done it before. He was about the tenth person in line, but when it was his turn, he would be harnessed to a red parachute and rope that was directly tied to the back end of a speedboat. Once fastened in, the speedboat would charge off across the lake and the sudden drag inflated the parachute and would send Nasser into the air.

This lake is actually just a huge crater in the middle of these few mountains, explained Taher as he pointed out different features around the lake. It rains nearly every afternoon, so over time the crater filled up with the fresh water.

Nasser nodded simply as he admired the scenery. It was about an hour before noon, but up here away from sea level and in the middle of the mountains, the air was much cooler. Clouds continually passed overhead and blocked the sun, providing the entire lake with shade. A few orange rooftops could be seen in the surrounding mountainsides, but overall the mountain slopes were covered with thick green foliage.

Where are we heading? asked Nasser as he continued to survey the lake surroundings.

Over there, said Taher as he pointed across the lake to a spot a little below the middle of a mountainside on the left side of the lake. When you go up, tell me if you see a cave.

Nasser nodded as he noticed a man motioning him to come forward. The Balinese man spoke in broken English. Yu nekt?

Yes, replied Nasser as he took the harness and slid his body into the loops. He fastened one belt around his waist and another one across his chest before tightening the straps. Once secured, Nasser was checked over by the Balinese man, who gave a thumbs up to signal that Nasser was ready. Nasser walked a little closer to the shore and waited as a pale teenage girl landed on the beach amidst the yells and cheers of her family. Once she landed, Nasser was motioned forward and quickly fastened to the red parachute in her place.

Nasser stood on the beach and watched as the speedboat pulled away from the dock. As the rope began to tighten, his heart raced and muscles tensed. Within ten seconds, the rope tightened completely and he was pulled forward towards the water. The parachute caught almost immediately and before he knew it, Nasser was being lifted into the air, screaming and laughing in delight.

Nasser looked across the water and saw the boat a hundred feet or so below him, before looking back up and admiring the lake from an entirely new vantage point. The small lake seemed tiny from above, yet Nasser felt overwhelmed by everything he could now see. He could peer in great detail over a couple peaks and see the ocean on the horizon as well as the lush, green slopes surrounding the lake.

As the boat turned around to drop him back onto the shore, Nasser looked down and saw Taher waving and pointing to somewhere across the lake. Nasser nodded and remembered that he was supposed to try and spot a cave somewhere in the greenery. Although he tried, he couldn’t find anything resembling a cave. All he could see were trees. Lots and lots of trees.

Enjoying the last sensations of floating in the air, Nasser dangled his legs some more as he descended back towards land. When he neared the beach, two of the Balinese workers ran to help assist him gently onto the shore. Nasser thanked them as they unfastened him and hooked the next person in line in his place.

How was it? asked Taher as he rushed to his friend’s side.

Breathtaking… said Nasser slowly as he took a couple deep breaths and unfastened himself from the harness. You really should have gone.

Nah, it’s no big deal, replied Taher. I live here. I could do this whenever I want.

Doesn’t matter, said Nasser shaking his head. Any chance you get to feel like you’re flying is a chance you need to take.

Flying is overrated, said Taher chuckling. "Besides, we best get started on the hike if we intend to make it to the cave with enough time to make it back here before dark.

How long will it take to get there?

Oh, it’s a good hour and a half hike I guess, replied Taher as he handed Nasser his backpack. C’mon let’s get started.

Taher led them back towards the main road before turning off and down onto a trail towards the camping spot. The island impressed Nasser more and more with each step he took in the forest. The ground was soft, moist and a deep rich brown. The plants were mostly ferns along the ground, but trees of every height and width provided a vast canopy to give ample shade from the sky. The breeze was much different, too. On the beach there was a salty sting to the taste of the air, but up in the mountains the wind was refreshing.

It was a long hike, but Nasser found himself just a step behind Taher, who charged ahead while Nasser stopped often to pick or smell the many different flowers in the bushes and hanging from the trees. One flower blossoming on a tree had five white petals that turned yellow near the center, where a long stigma stuck out. Nasser plucked and sniffed the flower, which smelled like paradise to him. Instantly, the flower became his favorite of the entire island.

When they finally reached the campsite, Nasser gratefully took off the backpack and sat on the ground to catch his breath and stretch his legs. It had been a fairly uphill climb for the last half hour, and Nasser was more out of shape than he’d care to admit.

Don’t get too comfortable, said Taher as he went towards the trees looking for kindle. We’re only taking a break.

Then why are you collecting wood to make a campfire? asked Nasser as he removed some of the trail mix from his backpack.

Don’t ask stupid questions Nasser, replied Taher aggressively. I do what I want.

Nasser laughed and ate while his cousin momentarily disappeared into the trees. The sky started to rumble, and Nasser squinted into the sky as drops of rain began to fall. Taher rushed back into the camp and began to curse, while Nasser leaned back and laughed. It usually never rains this early in the afternoon, began Taher, There won’t be dry pieces of wood anywhere close by. Stupid rai—

Oh, just relax Taher, said Nasser still laughing. The rain water was warm, and although he was getting soaked at least his backpack was waterproof so that everything important within was safe and dry. I have to admit, I can’t remember the last time I was outside in the rain. It’s quite wonderful, don’t you think?

Yeah, yeah, I guess it is, replied Taher still mumbling. I forgot how much of a stupid romantic you could be about these kinds of things.

Nasser tilted his head back and let the droplets dance on his face and body. It was comforting, and Nasser was enjoying himself tremendously. He yelled out loud for the sake of yelling, and once he was done he started to laugh out loud again. This place is absolutely amazing! screamed Nasser.

Oh yeah, said Taher who was still annoyed by the rain. What’s so amazing about this place?

Don’t you feel it, said Nasser sitting back up. It’s like… like this whole place is filled with something magical. Something that touches your soul.

Taher just shook his head. Cousin. It saddens me to be the one to tell you this, but I think you’ve gone crazy.

Nasser just laughed and continued to enjoy the rain, which only lasted for about more fifteen minutes. Once the water stopped falling, Taher went back into the woods to find some dry wood. In about another five minutes, he returned with two large sticks.

What are those for? asked Nasser.

To make torches, replied Taher. It’s too wet to make a campfire right now, so we might as well just head off towards the caves.

Taher took the two meter-long branches and removed a shirt out of the backpack. He ripped the shirt in half and tied each piece on the end of each stick. He handed one to Nasser, and the two of them left for the cave.

How far is it from here? asked Nasser.

Taher looked back at Nasser and playfully winked. Our clothes should be pretty dry by the time we reach.

Chapter 3

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They trekked down the trail, deep into the forest, and Nasser found out very quickly that a wet shirt is a lot heavier than a dry one. True to Taher’s promise, their clothes had gone from soaking wet to mildly damp by the time they spotted the entrance to the cave under a thick, vine-covered rock precipice. Ivy and other plants hung in front of the cave entrance like dangling strains of curly green hair. Taher found the lighter and lit both torches. You first, said Taher while tossing Nasser a torch.

Wait, why aren’t we using the flashlights? asked Nasser remembering all the supplies he had been carrying in the backpack.

Style, said Taher smiling. I’ve always wanted to do this. It’s an adventure, so always in style. Now hurry up and go in.

Why me? asked Nasser. You go first.

Um, no, you can do it. You’re the guest.

Oh, I see how it is, replied Nasser. "You’re a little coward. Is baby scared of a little rock hole?"

As Nasser slowly came closer to the entrance, though, each step became slower and each breath became a little deeper. Nasser now understood the hesitation of Taher’s friends at the idea of going in. The place gave an eerie feeling and felt cold even as the sun rose higher into the sky. He lowered the torch and reluctantly entered the cave, the dim torchlight creating longer and more flickering shadows on the wall. Neither of them spoke as they focused ahead.

A fork soon appeared in the tunnel.

Which way should we go? asked Nasser stopping and waving the torch over both pathways.

Let’s go left, replied Taher decisively.

You sure? hesitated Nasser. He waved the torch over both paths and felt something was wrong. The paths didn’t seem natural; they seemed designed. The paths were the perfect height and width for a couple people to travel comfortably through.

Taher, I think—

Stop standing around and let’s get a move on, said Taher, charging past Nasser. He stepped in front of Nasser and took a step toward the left tunnel.

A small pebble fell on Nasser’s head, and he looked up and noticed the ceiling shake. Several more rocks fell from the crumbling ceiling.

Taher didn’t notice. Hurry up, Nasser, he said, stopping a few feet into the left tunnel.

Nasser’s heart raced as he instinctively reached forward and grabbed Taher by the backpack. You idio—

Larger rocks fell as both of them screamed. Nasser pulled Taher backwards towards him, causing them to tumble backwards into a pile on the floor of the cave. Nasser closed his eyes tightly and buried his face against the backpack. Rocks plummeted from the ceiling, and both boys waited for the avalanche to stop. Soon it did, and Nasser took a deep breath, although he heard his cousin swearing profusely.

You all right? asked Nasser, coughing a little.

No! replied Taher between curses. A rock fell on my leg. I think it’s broken. Taher continued to curse violently as he clenched his leg.

Nasser slid out part of his body from underneath Taher, causing his cousin to shriek even louder. Relax, Taher. Let me see how bad it is. Nasser retrieved the torch, which was still burning a few feet away. Just breathe.

Taher clenched his teeth as Nasser examined him. A sizeable avalanche of stone had fallen, blocking the left path and burying Taher’s leg underneath the rubble. Nasser lifted the moveable rocks around him to excavate his cousin’s leg. It looks fine, said Nasser. Nothing is bent or sticking out.

Then why does it hurt like a—

Relax. Just breathe, said Nasser. Taher complied, and drew in long, deep breathes, which caused him to calm down. So Taher, here’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to feel your leg and see if something is broken or not. Okay?

Taher nodded, and Nasser slowly felt from the knee of his cousin’s left leg down to the foot and noticed his cousin wince about midway down the leg. I don’t think it’s broken, concluded Nasser as he went and brought the backpack over. I think you might just have a fracture.

Nasser removed the flashlight from his bag and clicked it on, then put out the torch and broke it in half. He placed the piece of wood along Taher’s lower right leg and tied them together with another shirt they had brought. Why thank you Doctor Salim, said Taher sarcastically. Maybe you’re mom was right after all, maybe you should go to medical school.

Oh shut up, said Nasser throwing him a water bottle and the bottle of ibuprofen. Smiling, Taher opened the bottle and poured at least five or six pills into his hand and popped them into his mouth, before taking a huge swig of water. I can’t wait until these kick in, laughed Taher.

Yeah, I bet, said Nasser as he helped his cousin sit up against a wall. When Nasser sat down, the two of them took deep breaths in silence. Nasser couldn’t believe what had just happened, and he was relieved nothing worse had occurred.

Thanks for saving my life, said Taher, breaking the long silence. I seriously owe you.

Think nothing of it, said Nasser. I was just lucky.

Whatever you want to call it, I owe you.

Nasser paused and smiled. Let me drive the motorcycle back, and we can call it even.

Deal. Taher mustered a small chuckle. Although, I don’t really think I have a choice about that.

I see you’ve got your humor back a little, said Nasser.

Well, I think I lost my right to complain after running ahead into the tunnel like that, replied Taher. Besides, I don’t want you to get annoyed with me and just leave me here.

I’m not going to lie, said Nasser. I did think about it.

Shut up, said Taher with a chuckle. I will punch you. In the face. Don’t think I won’t just because you saved my life. I will do it.

How you feeling? asked Nasser laughing.

Taher looked over and grinned. Great. Nasser laughed as he realized the medicine must have finally started kicking in.

They were about to get ready to leave the cave, when something caught Taher’s attention. Did you see that? There’s something down the tunnel.

Nasser turned around and saw a slight flicker of light. They waited several moments, but it never came back.

Did you see it? asked Taher.

I think so, said Nasser staring down the other tunnel. Maybe I just imagined it though.

Follow the light.

Nasser shivered. An impulsive thought had fluttered through his mind. There was a pause and they both stared into the tunnel for another flicker of light. We got this far without dying, said Taher softly. Want to try and go a bit farther?

Nasser glanced at his cousin’s leg before looking at him as if he was crazy. You serious? You’re just hopped up on meds, said Nasser hesitantly. You don’t know what you’re saying.

No man, I’m serious. It’s at least an hour walk back to the nearest road. If there really was light down the tunnel than that means there could be someone else down there who may be able to help us.

Follow.

Nasser thought it over and realized it did make sense. He should follow. Okay, said Nasser hesitantly. I’ll go ahead and see if anyone is there, and you wait here until I get back.

Hell no! said Taher forcefully. I’m coming with you. I can’t risk anymore avalanches with you not being here.

But your leg, said Nasser.

Taher shook his head. Forget my leg. Like you said, it’s probably a fracture at worst. With the medicine, I don’t even feel it that much. C’mon, help me up.

Reluctantly, Nasser helped Taher onto his foot, letting him lean against the wall first, before he could his shift his weight to Nasser. Taher hobbled forward on his one good leg. You good? asked Nasser.

Yup, said Taher. Let’s do it.

Nasser sighed and shook his head. If you say so. They carefully took a step ahead, while staring at the ceiling for loosening rocks. When neither of them spotted any stone or sediment fall, they continued forward into the right tunnel. Since the torches were out, Nasser had taken out a flashlight from his backpack and shined it onto the walls ahead of them. Strangely, they also began to notice carvings on the walls. Not pictures, but symbols.

Ever seen those markings before? asked Nasser.

Nope, said Taher shaking his head. No clue. The light ahead was becoming bigger and brighter. Sunlight, whispered Taher.

Instead of reaching the outside as anticipated, they reached a room. What the hell… whispered Taher disappointedly. Where are we?

On the right side of the room was a table with some small boxes on it. On the left was a small wooden bed, and in the center was an old man sitting in a large chair staring at them. He wore a brown robe with the hood off, revealing a head of white hair reaching down to his shoulders. Wrinkles filled his pale face as if he hadn’t seen the light of day in years. Upon