Above is my version of Princess Arya

Vajrateerta boarders, 2nd November 2005

That November had brought Snow with it. The gray skies had finally turned a chaste white and started to shed off flakes of transparent, fluffy, whiteness as if clouds themselves had decided to descend upon earth. The boarders, Vajrateerta shared with Kaldwaara, consisted of dense forest coverage. Most of those trees; the giant, ancient ones were stripped of their leaves, their bare branches coated with a thin sliver of snow. One of the guardian towers stood in the vicinity of the snow coated woods, rising over the mass of trees, its spiked roof visibly touching the silvery sky and overlooking the boarder like a giant watchman.

It had been in these same woods Sanskar and Kavita practiced fencing the other day. But now, from the top of the watch tower where she was allocated to, keeping an eye on the unmoving, boarders between the kingdoms, Kavita felt the memory rather faint for a recent one. They had received the news of the Vajra being gravely wounded the other day. For a while the news had created a buzz within their group, but the anxiously had died out with the lack of any further information. The guardians, trained to battle until the last of hope there was to hold on to, were not much talented when it came to gossiping or fabrications. They had casted the doubts, that would spread unnecessary panic within their ranks, off their minds immediately.

Her eyes wondered the landscape once more. These lands belonged to the Yuvraaj. It would be criminal to take his name inside the boarders of Vajrateerta, although often when they were along in each other's company Kavita tend to call him by his first name; Sanskar. Kavita was not too happy with her own thoughts that kept running back to him once a while. But at the moment she had a legit reason to worry about him. If the Vajra dies, as everyone was daring he would, Yuvraaj would be in a grave danger from the Anjanis who wants their king to ascend the title. It had been an Anjani king who passed the title to the current Vajra, instead of his son Pratula. Ever since, Pratula had been an enemy of the Vajras. When a man fights with that kind of bitter revenge pent up within his heart and soul; their battle would neither be pretty nor just.

Kavita leaned against the railing of the balcony; it was still snowing, in random flakes, floating through the cold sheets of air. Her nose felt like ice, and her cheeks burned in the chill. She should have been in the Agnidyut fortress, where the Yuvraaj might need her, not here. Since he had tried to confess his feelings, Kavita had taken up a mission of avoiding him. That had made her volunteer for the guard duties; but now it seemed she had chosen the worst possible time to be selfish.

Dreaming about someone?' A rough voice called her back to her surroundings. Drawing back from the railings, Kavita looked up at her guarding companion, Aryamaan. She was not much found of the man, who had a haughty air about him. He had the typical Vajra warrior look, with his heavy built and brownish skin, his eyes were deep set, dark in a cold, empty sort of way. Aryamaan used to be a minister, before his sister Annapurna married the king. It was the law of Vajrateerta; the extended royal family was banned from political affairs.

We guardians battle with realities Captain,' she assured him in a diplomatic tone. We have no time for dreams.'

Says the girl who's been receiving royal attentions from a time...' Aryamaan disagreed, with a sarcastic note to his voice. Kavita's eyes snapped to his, in a cold look of frustration.

I'm sure I misunderstood you captain, it sounded like you're accusing me and the heir apparent?'

Do I dare to accuse the heir apparent you mean?' He asked with an uneasy laugh which did not have enough power to reach his eyes. No, no, I was merely musing about your wonderful friendship.'

She had known it from a time. Perhaps Devi Nanda had too. It might have made her withdraw Aryamaan's position as a minister. The man was one of the Vajras who had qualms with a half Naga on their throne.

I see that you don't like Yuvraaj.'

I don't like Nagas in general. They are lazy cowards; whole lot of them.'

Captain, our queen is a Naga,' Kavita pointed out, Would you be insulting her then?'

Aryamaan sighed.

I see you have your opinion set against me. But let me give you a friendly advice my dear, Vajras favoring Nagas would be considered treason pretty soon, with your Naga queen departing from the world, I fear, your half Naga prince doesn't have what it takes to gain the power of the Vajra.'

Whatever you're hinting at?'

Pratula is coming. He wants to be the Vajra. So obviously he would challenge our new king to a dual right?'

And you're under the impression that I would fail your kingdom, Senani?'

Aryamaan and Kavita both turned very slowly; after all they did know who their present guest was.

Yuvraaj,' they both said in unison as they bowed. Sanskar raised his eyebrows but did not reply. I need a search party,' he said addressing Aryamaan and ignoring Kavita completely. Mohan left Agnidyut fortress earlier than I had intended him to, he is still passing through the woods. I need him found before he reaches Kaaldwaara.'

As you wish your highness,' Aryamaan hardly bowed before leaving in haste. Kavita shook her head and set to follow him.

Kavi,' he called after her. A word please?'

Yes, Yuvraaj?' She stopped but refused to meet his eyes.

Will you accompany me for a walk, before we leave in search of Mohan?'

A walk your highness?'

Tonight is my coronation. So yes, a walk, the last walk in fact.' He watched her for a moment, observing the effect his words had on her features. Before our paths part forever...'

*

He had known her forever. But still, she would remain a mystery for him. As they walked side by side, their horses halted where the footpath ended, Sanskar wondered what she might be thinking. The snow, underneath their feet, mingled with the dry leaves of the fall, made a dumpy sort of rustle as they walked on. He had been there many a time, so the route was familiar.

I came here with father, last spring.' He recalled aloud, abruptly. Kavita turned to look at him, her expression curious.

So, we're moving towards a certain destination?'

Yes. We're going to visit the herz,' Sanskar replied leading her through that unknown pathway. Because there are things I would like to discuss with him.'

So he is...umm I mean the Vajra is...'

Alive. Dying, but still alive.'

And kuwar Lakshya?'

I've spoken with the queen mother and delayed his departure. With the threat of Anjanis roaming over our boarders it is not wise to send him off.'

So Captain was right? Your highness is planning to dual with the Anjani king?'

Sanskar took a moment to form his answer. The silence only tainted with their footfall, stretched between them.  They had reached a clearing between the thickets of ancient trees. It was a circular opening. The trees that edged it seemed to form a kind of a barrier which would block the place from view. The snow that covered the ground remained untainted; no one had stepped on its pristine layer. In the very center of the circle, a giant tree waited silently. Unlike the others surrounding it, this one was not affected by the winter or the fall. It still had leaves, dark green and contrasting against the backdrop of gray, brown and white it stood against. The trunk, large and irregular surface of wood was coated with a silvery glow; the leaves reflected the same soft, subtle gleam, as if coated in finely powdered silver.

The herz,' Kavita muttered softly.

The herz was the tree that stood requiring the revering position in front of them. As the word would mean in German tongue, the tree symbolized the heart of Vajra, the heart of their existence. The three races of Vajra, Naga and Anjani received their powers from the herz; the tree that would remain evergreen, watching over them, protecting them; just like the Vajra.

When we came here last time, father asked me to return, if I ever wondered what my next step should be. If he was not there to guide me, he said the herz would take his place.'

If he is still alive, the herz would connect his mind with yours right?'

Yes. And he will tell me what should be done next.'

Approaching the herz with cautious steps, Sanskar stretched out his hand. Kavita did not follow him; she simply stood at the edge of the clearing and watched. His fingertips touched the silvery glow, moved through the layer of their aura and finally rested on the rough trunk. The glow changed from subtle silver to dazzling gold as he closed his eyes, diving deeper in to his father's mind.

*

Akashanagara, June 1992         

Though many called them the tribal dances those people did not belong to a tribe. They did not have a home, a proper cast, a certain place somewhere they could always be seen. You cannot predict where you will meet a group of those kind, when and at what circumstances. But whenever they come many would join them. Just to spend a night outdoors, away from the problems of their daily life. Listen to the tribal songs and watch those pretty girls dance around the fire of their camp side.

            Tonight was one such day. The loud music of the harps and the wooden flutes were thick on the air just like a smoke rising from the wild, warm fire. Laughter rang though the place as people ate and drank nodding their heads or tapping their feet to the sound of the music. Groups of on lookers were huddled around the edges of the land where the tribal dances where camping for the night, watching their tricks, some sat with them around those warm fires occasionally joining in to a song or a dance.

            There was a sound of hooves over the merry sounds around them, a few heads turned as a rider appeared from the woods. As he approached the man lowered his speed, the horse made an obedient neigh before it went to a slow pace and the clip - clop stopped. As many would have hoped the horse did not bare the royal sign, alas, they had been waiting for more news about the battle. The week had been full of news, from the crowning of princess Arya to the king's death and the prince's capture of power. They were waiting to hear whether they found the princess or not. But as the rider lowered his hood and the fire light hit him their curiosity begun to burn once more.

            He was a man many recognized as the right hand of the late king. Though not a Anjani himself he was as good as one, many might say. This man, Mohan was his name, wasn't someone they saw every day. Lightly hopping down from his horse Mohan ran a hand through his dark mane of hairs nervously. He did not look his best that night. There were dark shadows beneath his eyes, a rigid composure in his face and a cold frozen look in his deep set eyes.

Hey lad!' some old man called over the whispers of the crowd, who did not seemed to have the courage to approach Mohan themselves. A night time stroll I suppose?'

Mohan just smiled and tapped the sward hanging from his belt. Not the best time for a stroll I assume' he said in his calm deep voice that did not suit a man in his frame. The crowd pushed each other to make way as Mohan went past them to join the old man sitting beside the fire.

I was not hoping to see you' the old man said after a moment sending a puff of smoke out of the corner of his mouth as he slowly lit his pipe once more. Not until the coronation of the prince.'

Now the crowd around them was getting restless to hear what Mohan had to say in reply. But their excitement ceased however when Mohan choose not to reply.

They've found the princess yet?' the old man shot another question at the silent young man beside him. It was then he realized that Mohan had not heard him previously. He had not heard him now either. As for the moment his eyes were fixed on a figure a few feet away carrying a tray laden with tankards. The many years the old man had spent as a general in the Anjani's army did not help him recognizing that figure. He could not think it was anyone other than a tribal girl, and was amazed at the fact that Mohan was interested in something so less worthy. He coughed loud enough to break Mohan's trance and repeated his question as Mohan shook his head.

No' Mohan said absent mindedly. And that reminds me, the new king sent for you' he said then his eyes narrowing at the far away figure as he uttered those words.

As if he wants an old man's advice' the man muttered under his breath.

For the sake of our common dislike I feel you ought to go' said Mohan in a wary tone. I don't think of him as a wise man either, but let us not underestimate him'

Bless your choice of words!' the old man exclaimed. One might behead you for that!'

Like I could care less,' Mohan said sighing to himself. The king himself knows that I'm no ally of his. It was his father whom I've served and he will remain the only king I've ever had'

Yet here you are carrying his messages around the kingdom like some pageboy'

When their conversation had reached this stage however the hooded figure Mohan was watching earlier approached them. By the near sight both could see that it was a woman, young but alas, tribal, the old man would have pointed out disappointedly.

Not interested' he said without as much as a glance at the tray. I know what kind of rubbish you people drink at the middle of the night!' He was not graced with a reply.

Mohan looked curiously at the hooded stranger who turned away without offering him any of the rubbish' drinks. In a swift movement he caught her wrist. Before she had even a second spared to protest he pulled out her forearm.

Nice tattoo' he said in a strange voice and looked up at the dark eyes that pierced him beneath the hood. Without another word he let go of her with a cold grin that the old man could not quite comprehend and took one of the tankards. The woman walked away, the fastest she could without breaking in to a run and disappeared among the merrily dancing crowds.

Well you managed to scare our hostess away,' sighed the old man.

Mm hmm' said Mohan sipping whatever he had been served. I don't think she was our hostess to begin with' he muttered and then rose rather hurriedly. Well then, I hope you will see the king first thing tomorrow morning and I have other duties which cannot be neglected any longer'

Farewell' the old general said absentmindedly raising his hand as a parting gesture.

*

Padmapeeta Palace, Akashanagara, 2nd November 2005

Pratula raised his head, in the darkness of the questioning chamber his face shone ghostly. It was astonishing, how the cost of a life can be a single memory and the penalty of a one misinterpreted memory could be the defeat of a lifetime. His henchmen still stood huddled around the frayed old man chained to the stone wall in front of them, their eyes were mincing and they were ready to apply more force at his command. But he knew, apart from the memory he just witnessed within the old man's mind, the man knew nothing of the night his sister escaped death for the first time.

It only meant he was looking for answers in the wrong place. He was still trying to decipher where he went wrong, what he had to do to reach his goal of becoming the Vajra. He was still wondering where and what the Vajra's eye was. Arya, had that answer. Arya refused to give him that answer and had decided to end his life instead. The old man did not know. The Vajra was beyond his reach. There was only more character left to the tale; Mohan.

*

Akashanagara, June 1992         

The fire had died out and so did the songs and the laughter. The camp side of the tribal dancers was hidden in a layer of silence and darkness. The warmth of the night was gone and so were the on lookers. There were signs of a forthcoming storm in the air. In regular intervals a lightning flashed across the sky and a thunder boomed in to the night.

            Slowly a sound of faint footsteps overtook the silence. The hooded woman approached the view moving stealthily across the camp side. She did not carry a torch, no source of light that would enlighten her way but met no obstacle until she reached the very last one of the tents. There she stood suddenly motionless, rigid as a stone not even in taking a breath. The next flash of lightening bounced off the silvery blade of the sword that was pointed at her heart. In a flash of a blink the woman pulled out a dagger as gleaming as the sword pointed to her and the swordsman knelt before her, his head bowed and his sword picking the ground.

            In the name of the spirits Mohan!' hissed the woman pushing the dagger back to its proper place in her belt. Stand up!'

She pushed back her hood revealing a fine sheet of dark hair that fell down as a thick curtain behind her and a young, pale face that shone in the starlight. Her dark eyes were narrowed and had a cold look in them as Mohan stood up and pushed his sword away.

Have you been following me ever since?' she asked in a lower tone raising her eyebrows.

I had my suspicions' Mohan admitted. But you should have done something about that tattoo, which indeed is a dead give away!'

In case you failed to notice I do not display my forearm publicly.'

Mohan grinned lightly and shook his head. Even without it you were too polite for a tribal girl my queen' he said then. There was a silence, one that was too bitter to tolerate. With a watery gleam in her eyes Arya turned away.

Would you address someone who had lost everything in her life a queen Mohan?' she said in a broken voice. Mohan did not reply as if he could not decide whether he should argue or soothe her. There is no need to follow me anymore,' saying so Arya took a few steps ahead leaving Mohan to comprehend what she had just said.

But I promised your father to protect you' Mohan called behind her. Arya turned around and swiftly smiled though the smile did not reach her eyes, which stayed cold and unemotional.

Promises made to dead men have no value Mohan, I thought you knew better'

So did I' said Mohan in his strange calm tone. I thought a man really dies when no one alive remembers his name'

No, a man really dies when no one heeds to his words, when no one respects his decisions and especially when one of his children murders him'

I know you hate Pratula but...'

Hate him?' Arya gave a shallow laugh which sounded like a ghost of her true laughter. I don't hate him; he does not deserve my hatred'

Princess you don't know what he is capable of...'

Oh, yes, he is capable of sending my childhood friend to kill me! I know'

Mohan turned white. He said nothing but looked at her helplessly. Arya took a step closer watching her reflection in his dark eyes.

Did you think, I did not know? That I could not see it in your eyes? Do you think I am a fool Mohan? After all these years haven't you learned that I can read your mind?'

Still Mohan had not said a thing.

I have seen death Mohan, I've seen it approaching. I've seen it take many things I've treasured. I had known for a while now that the wrath of my brother is going to take that form. Now there is only one question can you do it?'

Slowly but steadily Mohan took her hands looking in to the depths of those glossy dark eyes. Read my mind' he said in a whisper. Let me see if you could see anything other than, respect, care and love'

See how restless I was till I found you, how worried I was about you...and how I feared he might find you before I did. Even after all these things if you still want to hear it from my own lips, then, no my queen, I cannot kill you'

Dropping his hands Arya turned away. She never wore her emotions on her sleeve as Mohan did. Neither did she approve of doing so. Those words were true, she had seen his mind herself and those words had indeed touched her heart but Mohan was far better off not knowing the impact he had on her.

But you cannot return unless the orders are obeyed' she said in a firm voice that did not betray her state of mind. Which means you have a plan,' she turned back to Mohan.

I'm coming with you, wherever you're thinking of going, once I am certain you're out of any danger, I'm going to the Vajra and shall remain there.'

Arya nodded without an argument. What happened to that admirable horse you rode earlier?' she asked then.

He'll know where to find me' said Mohan carelessly. I told him my companion would not find me interesting if I had such a charming creature with me'

That charming creature would have alerted me on your arrival' Arya said thoughtfully. Your strategies have been improved'

They walked across the woods silently listening to the tiny sounds of twigs braking under their feet until Arya spoke again.

Tell me about the palace, how is everyone?'

Well the battle died out almost as the word spread that you've fled and Pratula was ascended to the throne'

King' Arya corrected him mildly. It's a sin to take the king's name'

My only king is dead' said Mohan flatly. I have no other king'

Such loyalties' Sighed Arya. Father might have been happy. You were there when he died weren't you? I heard the tribal people gossiping about it.'

Your father died a hero's death. It's auspicious to die in combat'

One might mistake you to be a Vajra, Mohan; you surly do speak like one'

Nineteen years working as an agent between the two kingdoms my queen I'm bond to capture the gist'

She smiled at that.

One is fortunate to have a friend like you Mohan. And I use that friendship in the most selfish manner.'

You have a right to my queen.' He replied lightly.

*

Boarders of Vajrateerta, 2nd November 2005

The rustling leaves, the dump woody smell in the air and the little companion riding with him, looking a tiny replica of her mother, brought that memory to the surface of Mohan's mind. He had made sure Arya reached the human realms safely that night; he would do the same for Swara and protect her from anyone who is chasing the Vajra's eye, as Arya had asked him to.

The snow had left the earth dump and the breeze cold. The clouds still hung about in the sky, giving no space for the moon to cast its glow on the motionless Vajrateerta boarder line below. It was the forest, in which Kavita and Sanskar had been practicing fencing. Now in the dead of the night and under the starlight it looked far more mysterious. The breeze stopped at the thinnest cluster of trees, inside it made no sound. The trees standing so close to each other, their branches interweaved in a loving embrace seemed to be whispering to each other.

Mohan was urging his stallion to run faster, glancing back continuously to make sure he was putting enough space between him and the capital city. Clutching in to two handfuls of his cloak and, shutting her eyes as tightly as she could was Swara, sitting behind him on the horseback.

As they entered the denser part of the forest, the whispering grew louder. Mohan pulled back the reins, making the stallion neigh in objection. It seemed to love the speed they were galloping off and was refusing to slow down. Lowering their speed Mohan looked around, the whispering seemed to bother him.

Isn't it the wind?' Swara asked him as she noticed him listening to his surroundings with undivided attention. The breeze brushing against the branches?'

Don't say anything,' Mohan whispered. He might be listening.'

Who?'

He took a moment to make sure she was well covered in her cloak. Swara held tighter as they started to dash through the trees. The overlarge cloak she was wrapped in, blowing after them. It obstructed her vision and so did the darkness. The surrounding trees had a different air about them. They were too large. If she was a little older, Swara would have estimated them to be several centuries old at least. The entire place looked hallowed, demanding a certain level of submission from anyone who dared to set foot within their lands. The trees, seemed to watch them pass by, the trees were - breathing.

They are whispering, aren't they?'

Yes,' Mohan said passively. We need to move out of this area as soon as possible. Or he might find us.'

Who?' She asked again.

The prince,' he answered softly. These lands belong to him. The prince of Vajrateerta. It seems he has connected himself to the herz.'

Where are we going?' Swara asked after a pause. She darted her eyes away from the awe - inspiring trees. They were whispering louder now. In a bewildered moment she wondered what the trees were discussing among themselves. They were not running away, they had every right to travel through the woods. Then why would the whispers sound so irritated with them?

It's better if we don't discuss our travel plans here.' His eyes travelled around the landscape again. I'm afraid he is around here somewhere.'

Swara gasped after a moment.

What is that?' She asked stretching out her arm to point. The cloak shifted uncovering her face as she did so.

It was a source of light, other than moon light that lit their path and a thin golden line appeared on the ground ahead of them. It was Shinning, as if burning with warm flames. The stallion took a backward spring, neighing loudly. There was a sound of broken twig and Mohan turned around, his long mane of hair whipping around his face.

From the darkness another horseman appeared. His black mare glittering proudly he entered their patch of yellowish light. The closer he came, the clearer his features become and the wider the Swara's eyes turned. Silently, she hid herself behind the horsemen she was clinging in to.

Yuvraj sa,' Mohan bowed lower. The prince acknowledged the gesture with a nod and pattered his mare, calming its speed. Now in the vividness the yellowish light from the border line offered he was revealed to be a teenage boy.

Didn't you realize we were following you Mohan?' Sanskar said, casually.

I thought your court allowed us to leave Yuvraj sa, since they don't believe she is the eye,' Mohan explained.

They have changed their mind,' Sanskar said shortly. He looked around and his face darkened a little. The queen mother ordered me to bring her back; both of you are to go back with me,'

At this Mohan looked uneasy.

I don't think that is possible, Yuvraj sa,' he said slowly but determinedly. Her protection is my responsibility and I don't think her best interest lies with the Vajras,'

That was not a request,' said Sanskar firmly, and from the edges of the forest other horsemen appeared. The eye belongs to the Vajra. Since he is unable to decide at the moment I will decide what shall be done with her. Knowing me Mohan, you will not seek a fight.' He added the last part in a firm unassailable tone.

The Nagas are the keepers of wisdom. She belongs to them,' argued Mohan. She's a child Sanskar. You're scaring her,'

Sanskar said nothing for a moment. His eyes travelled from Mohan's glare to the white faced, wide eyed girl. Still he was silent.

You're not going to take her to Nagas are you Mohan?' He asked then. You're going to use the port in Kaaldwaara to take her back.'

I don't want her dragged in to some kind of a political game and you know full well that is exactly what is going on at the capital this moment. Tell me, who would protect her if one day her gift turns against her own life? This is not what her mother wanted for her when she gave away her responsibility.'

Fine,' said Sanskar, clearly torn between his judgment and duty. Once I deal with the Anjani king you can take her to the Nagas. Once the battle is done with...She can leave forever, I give you my word I shall protect her.'

Only the breeze rustled past, as the horses changed their course and wordlessly they headed back towards Vajrateerta.

*