THE ANCIENT HUNT

CHAPTER THREE *SELECTED*

(RECRUITMENT CENTER)

The person in charge of recruitment registration is already packing up the paper and ink as the sun sets signaling the end of registration after a long day, he was about pulling the door close after stretching his body to warm up when he heard footsteps and shouts calling for his attention

"hey don’t pack yet, we want to register" Ahiga shouted panting hard

"why are you so late? Coming this time? I want to lock the door" Registrar said giving them a hard look

"we are sorry, some things came up, can you please include our names?" Ahiga said clamping his hands together to beg

"what’s the name?" Registrar asked sitting down and opens the book

AHIGA

ADITSAN

"come to the palace by 10pm tonight, you must not be late if you want your heads to still be on your neck" the Registrar warns and writes their names down on the paper

"yes, thank you" Aditsan & Ahiga chorused and both turns to leave

(At the riverside)

"the river has really taken a great turn" Shael remarked wowing at the magnificent sight

"I know right, so beautiful" Mica supported

"Mica, get me my Erhu" Shael requested and inhales the air while closing her eyes

"yes miss, here it is" Mica said handling it over

Shael sits on the blanket and starts playing

"miss, I’m afraid I will have to excuse to relieve myself" Mica said holding her belly

Shael nods in approval with her eyes closed while Mica runs off

“You are such an excellent player” said a voice from behind which made Shael’s eyes fly open

"you play so well, the music comforts me so well but I can feel you miss something" Ahiga said moving closer

"what do you know about Erhu to tell me so?"

"I don’t know much but I can tell you play it rashly, forcing your mood into it like you want your message be heard in a go" Ahiga replied with a shrug

"I will take that as compliment" Shael said with forcing a smile

"well you can work it and improve" he said and continue his walking

"what is the name?" she asked before Ahiga disappeared completely

"I don’t tell strangers my name but since your song lifted my mood, I will make it an exception, my name is AHIGA!"

"Ahiga?"

"Yes, Ahiga" he confirmed and turns and leave

Shael whispers to memorize it "Ahiga"

"are you talking to me?" Mica asked dusting her gown

Shael hands her the Erhu and stands up "let’s go, this place is boring"

Mica takes it and runs to follow Shael not sure what she meant

(Maga Temple)

Incense is burning from every corner as Argan rings the small bell so hard in intense prayer

woosshhhh jabilka turanshuka, where went the scroll and rings the bell harder each time he utters the chant

This continues for about five minutes with Lebby watching closely by the door

"why is it so silent? Why can’t I hear anything?" This frustrating Argan groaned and falls to the ground

"My Lord! Your food is ready" Lebby announced to get his attention

"I will be there shortly" Argan replied struggling for breath

"yes my Lord" Lebby bows and leave

(At orphanage)

Ahiga and Adistan had done all that was required of them all evening and stayed still in their rooms till everyone is asleep so they could sneak to the palace for the recruitment. Immediately Ahiga heard the snore of Alona and Aylen, he quickly taps Adistan to alert him of their departure

"Aditsan hey wake up, it’s time" he whispers shaking him hard

"how are going to pass the gate?" Aditsan asked standing up

"I took the key earlier" Ahiga replied dipping his hand into his pocket and brings out the key

"woah! That’s cool but why are we even passing through all this trouble?" Aditsan asked rubbing sleep off his eyes

"I will make sure to find the scroll, be the second highest man and adopt Morgan back" Ahiga replied with all seriousness

"you might probably die before that though" Aditsan remarked struggling to get up

"are you going or not?" Ahiga fired getting impatient

"well I should go try out my luck too" Aditsan stretching himself

They both sneaks out and run towards the palace

(AT THE PALACE)

Liam is in his Military uniform with other guards standing at their position while the new recruits marches in in there uniform, Ahiga and Aditsan is seen among them in their new attire as they line up to greet the minister

"We are the new recruits!!! " They all chorused as soon as they were set in line

"Good! I hope you know you are here today because you want to work for the king, palace and nation; I want you to give it your all and make sure you follow all rules obediently, your training starts tomorrow at 5am, have a good dinner and sleep, let’s meet here by 5am" Liam addressed

"Yes Lord Liam!" They all bowed and chorused

"you are dismissed!" Liam said and takes his leave

"so this is how the palace is?" Aditsan blurts out looking around

"I heard this is one of the less attractive places in the palace" Ahiga whispers in amazement

Aditsan covers his mouth with his hand to show his amazement "and it’s as gorgeous as this?

it’s another world entirely" Ahiga replied giving a thin smile

"this will be so interesting"

"I know right" supported and walks fast out of the compound let’s move faster he said motioning to Adistan.