As the elder declared the result, the crowd erupted in a roar of excitement. Cheers shook the whole arena, people started to enjoy the celebration, as the annual festival was a joyous occasion for all the villagers.
Vayu, exhausted and bloodied, sank down onto the ground, his chest heaving. Three men rushed into the arena, two from the infirmary carrying a stretcher, and the third was Aspen's grandfather, his face grim and furious.
"You cheated" the old man roared not being able to hold his anger anymore, crouching near Aspen he quickly helped the healer to get him on the stretcher, after that he pointed his finger at Vayu and continued "That weapon is not allowed inside the arena, I will get you disqualified, you cheater you have no honor".
But his words were swallowed by the roar of the festival around them. No one heard the third elder except himself. The healers lifted Aspen's unconscious body while the crowd continued celebrating.
By nightfall, as the fires of celebration burned across the village, as Vayu started walking back home, his father met him in front of their home "I'm proud of you, son," he said lifting him in air like a little kid, his eyes shining with pride.
Inside, his mother waited for him. As soon as he enter, she came near to inspect him, she touched his swollen face, her eyes scanning his injuries—the two fresh cuts across his chest, but she was not much worried as he was still conscious, still standing that's all mattered to her.
After dinner, Vayu retreated to his room. His body aching, for the first time in many nights, his mind was calm. That night, he drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep.
On the other side of the arena, after sending Aspen to the infirmary and giving strict instructions to the doctor, the Third Elder wasted no time. He stormed toward the First Elder's office, his steps quick and his face twisted with anger.
He knocked on the wooden door.
The First Elder, who was writing something, lifted her head. "What brings you here, Third Elder?" she asked calmly.
"May I have a word with you?" he said in hoarse voice
She gave a small nod, and he entered, standing beside her desk his torse a little bent.
"That boy, Vayu" he came directly on point "he cheated in the fight".
First elder's brows arched. "How so, may I ask?, because I was present there too and no misconduct happened according to me"
"The weapon he used, it is not the one approved by the elders" the Third Elder said, his voice firm. "Nor did he notify us about it before the match. This is clearly cheating, He should be disqualified, and Aspen should be declared as the winner".
The First Elder's gaze grew colder "You are being biased, Third Elder"
"Then let us not rely on my word alone" he pressed. "Call for a meeting, this must be decided by votes"
The First Elder looked at him for a long moment, then finally called for her attendants "Notify the other three elders at once" she ordered "Tell them it is an emergency".
The attendants bowed and hurried off, leaving the office quickly as per the orders they went out in the search of the other three elders "please sit third elder" she signaled with her hand as she offered him the seat, soon more seats were added by other attendants.
Within minutes, the chamber was filled, each elder taking their place quickly and quietly. The last to arrive was the Second Elder, his robes trailing as he closed the heavy door behind him.
As the door closed fourth elder spoke in a hurry, leaning forward anxiously "What's the emergency, First Elder? Is it an invasion from outside?".
"Silence," the First Elder cut him short. Her tone was cold, after a pause, she too a deep breathe and continued "The Third Elder believes that boy, Vayu cheated in the finals"
"Cheated?" The Second Elder turned his head sharply, eyes narrowing "And why is that, Third Elder?"
"That boy used a weapon that was never approved" the Third Elder replied firmly.
"Approved?" The Second Elder scoffed. "There is no rule requiring approval of weapons, the only rule we have is that no one should be killed, And the boy did not kill and if we look at the rules your grandson, he seemed eager to kill that boy".
"Yes, the Second Elder is right," the Fifth Elder added, nodding.
"What do you think, First Elder?" asked the Second Elder, now looking toward her.
"I think the boy won fair and square," she said evenly.
"But—" the Third Elder tried to press, only to be cut off.
"There are no more 'buts' Third Elder" said the First elder's, with anger in her voice "Your grandson lost. Is it truly so hard to accept?"
The Third Elder rose partway from his seat, his voice louder. "Forgive me First Elder, but I cannot accept your decision!".
The First Elder's eyes hardened. "The competition comes under my wing too, But if you still insist, let it be decided by votes as you had suggested".
She raised her hand. "Who stands with the Third Elder?"
No one moved. The chamber was silent except for a single rustle of robes, only the Third Elder's hand was raised.
"Who stands in favor that the boy won the match fairly?" she asked next.
Four hands rose immediately, including her own.
"Then it is decided" the First Elder said firmly "There will be no changes in the result, The boy Vayu will be recognized as the winner"
The Third Elder got up from his seat and left the room swiftly, his jaw clenched. His eyes burned with anger, but he could do nothing.
The next day, when Vayu finally woke, the sun was already high. Streaks of light poured through the cracks of his window. He stretched lazily, then got out of his bed slowly.
As he came out of his room, he called for his mother after not finding his mother inside, he hurried out searching for his mother. She was in the back yard, hanging wet clothes to dry on tree branches, her hair gently swaying in the breeze.
"Mother, why didn't you wake me up?" Vayu asked, still rubbing his eyes.
She glanced at him, smiling softly. "You looked so peaceful in your sleep, I couldn't bring myself to wake you up, So I let you rest"
Vayu nodded and went toward the well to splash his face with cold water. He felt refreshed as the cold water washed up against his face, as it was daytime no was here, But when he turned back, he froze.
A group of children stood there, it was the same gang of little ones he had met few days ago. Their eyes sparkled as they looked at him.
"What are you all doing here?" Vayu asked, surprised.
"Nice fight!" one of them blurted out.
"I want to be like you one day!" another piped in, fists clenched with determination.
And a third leaned forward curiously, asking "What was that weapon you used at the end?"
Vayu chuckled, shaking his head. He didn't answer, only laughed at their innocent questions. To him, they were like little bunnies hopping around, their energy pure and bright.
When he turned to walk back home, they trailed after him without hesitation, following in a neat line. Vayu smirked, if someone had looked from afar, they looked like ducklings chasing after their mother duck.
Vayu's mother was still outside when she noticed Vayu approaching, a cluster of little children clinging to his sides. The sight softened her heart. For the first time in a long while, her son looked truly carefree.
She smiled and waved them in "Come inside, all of you," she said warmly. Soon, the children were sitting cross-legged on the floor as she placed bowls of fruits and food before them. Their eyes lit up, and giggles filled the house as they ate.
Vayu sat among them, watching with a grin. Seeing his son like this, his mother's heart brimmed with joy. When they had finished eating, Vayu walked with the children back toward the central area. From there, the little ones scattered, running off to their homes, still chattering about him.
Vayu stood for a moment, watching them go, with a small smile on his lips.