Ghost Monkey, стр. 31

Chapter ThirteenThe Exiled Ghost Monkey

Age of Men 808

Commander Fateh heard rumors of a demon monkey running amok through the serpent pits. Interrogated Fangs called him the Feral Ghost, the Ghost Monkey, the Demon of Demons. Originally, Humbari sent Fateh and his men to check in on Madhav's group, but it turned up strange myths. The commander continued with the efforts to harass the Fangs. He destroyed numerous pits. With no sign of Ravasha, the rumors of demons rising up again to strike against the Jaya Kingdom faded. Aside from the one demonic monkey. General Humbari was able to bring back two kingdoms to the war efforts due to the tireless advance. Even Prince Anka renewed his blessing for the assaults, claiming his decree to recall Humbari was written down erroneously.

Fateh slid down a tree branch to see another fallen pit. Fang bodies, both snake and man, were desecrated well after they were killed. It was like a ritual took place. It could only be Sugriva, his mind cracked beyond repair. The killing machine served its purpose, and as the vanguard neared where the feral monkey called home, it was time to put him down. A hawk ahead squawked and raced back. "There's a monkey covered in ash. He's chasing after survivors."

"Is it him?"

“It’s a blood thirsty monkey covered in ash slaughtering Fangs. See that often?” The hawk rolled his eyes.

"Kill him. It will be a mercy." Fateh readied his spear. It was the purpose of the spear, and the tip was ordained by the spirits, each one heaping a blessing on it so the monkey would be struck by all four elements when it pierced his flesh.

The hawk shook his head. "We should subdue him and bring him back." Fateh didn't understand the hawk and several of the other men. They looked up to Sugriva and his lost soul. They nearly worshiped him in place of the Ashtadash. They called him a spirit of war. But Fateh knew the monkey for the threat he was: a dangerous weapon which needed to be shattered upon the knee and discarded, for Jaya would not be able to properly wield him.

The hawk continued, "Poison him in his sleep. Pits cannot slow him down. How will we be a match? We’ll just piss him off and point him toward Jaya."

"Fine." It was likely true. If they failed, Jaya would face a single foe far worse than all the Fangs. "When the monkey slates his blood lust, I will petition him for peace and ask him to come with us." Then he could wash his hands of it, avoiding the disgrace in front of his men. It could be Humbari's problem.

Commander Fateh waited until night, when the monkey paused in his slaughter. He said, "Sugriva, I am Commander Fateh. General Humbari sent me to see who struck fear into the hearts of the Fangs, and here we find you, quite alive. Come with us."

However, the hawk was shiftier than the commander, and Fateh was bait. Sugriva howled and lunged after the commander. Before the monkey could strike, he was struck on the head with a branch. Commander Fateh shouted, "He tried to kill me! I’m going to kill him here and now!"

The hawk quipped, "No. We’ll take him to General Humbari."

SUGRIVA BLINKED AND looked around the court. He never stood in the Jayan palace, but there he was. Rosewood stairs circled up to a marble platform. The marble, as if one piece, lifted up into a backrest. Ivory, masterfully carved, sat on the top of the backrest. The carvings told of battles fought by Jaya, the ivory arcs ever reaching for the ceiling with every passing century. Two elephant statues were set on either side of the elevated platform, each gilded. One had eyes of emeralds and the other of sapphires, depicting water and earth.

Prince Anka sat on cushions placed in front of the backrest. He wore a crown of gold which flared in the front, as if golden feathers were placed in the band. His vest was crimson with gold tassels hanging from the bottom, and his pants were the color of turmeric. It was a man of plenty, and a king of peace. Sugriva wondered how long he had fought in the jungle and if the Venomoid Wars ended.

General Humbari, in his bear janaav form, stood next to the prince, since it was a military matter. The other advisers all stood at the foot of the throne. Sugriva took in the rest of the hall, the massive stone walls with gold and ivory plating. People watched and whispered. Metal bit into Sugriva's wrists.

"Why am I here?" he muttered.

Realization stuck him: he was immensely corrupt. Execution was the only path for him, the trial a formality to appease the spirits. To keep everyone on their rightful path.

Sugriva scoffed.

"Good afternoon, Sugriva." Prince Anka started the execution. Often times they were private, but the kingdom liked to make a show of what corruption begot. Sugriva would lose his head in the city center.

"We are here today to discuss you."

Sugriva opened his mouth to speak. Only a black smoke came out, the briefest puff. It dissipated, but not before eliciting a gasp from the crowd. He forgot how to talk, and this infuriated him.

"You were feral when we found you. The Ashtadash saw fit to bless you, soaking you in blood and snake skins. We surrounded Ravasha and burned down his final pit. He got away, but we put an end to the demon's army. We find the spirits were kind in taking away your memory from those years, as we cannot imagine the horrors you suffered to ensure our victory."

They didn't know. He searched the crowd and saw a mixture of fear and respect. It felt uncomfortable. Sugriva found his voice, and it came out raspy. "What?"

General Humbari cut