Aryamaan makes an appearance above :-)

The conspirers

Vajrateerta borders, 3rd November 2005

A snow storm had started, by the time first light broke the dark walls of horizon. The group led by Sanskar was heading towards the temple of Agni. The dense forest, the uneven pathways had already slowed them down. The heavy snow fall was making it harder even more. Mohan shivered, as he fussed over Swara's cloak. The rest of the horsemen had moved ahead of them. The hooves of the horses spattering fresh snow away from the dump ground made no sound as they galloped away. The Vajras did not feel cold obviously, but Mohan was a Naga and Kaaldwara the city of Nagas did not have winters. He was more worried about the child, who had human blood. She was shivering too. Her cheeks were oddly rosy and her nose icy. He could hear her teeth clattering inside her mouth. Mohan's fingers had turned stiff with the chill; he was not sure how much further he will manage to ride in this temperature.

I think you should head back to Agnidyut before the wind freezes you over Mohan,' Sanskar said, his mare gliding through the endless white ground effortlessly and his cloak blowing after him as he joined them. Nagas and winters isn't a wonderful combination.'

If I go, Swara goes with me. I'm not going to hand her over to a bunch of -he gulped. Vajras' He said then.

It seemed Swara affirmed his words. Her grip on his arm tightened as Mohan said those words. Sanskar looked rather amused with Mohan's lack of respect.

Careful,' he said in a softer tone. It's your fortune that you weren't talking to a typical royal; for an example if the queen mother was here, she would have your head.'

Mohan brushed off his indirect threat and glared at him for a moment, as if reaching a conclusion.

What exactly are you planning?' He asked then. What is waiting for us in the temple of Agni?'

Nothing that concerns you,' Sanskar said shortly. - Or the safety of the lady under your responsibility...'

That's not as good as nothing.'

Mohan, I'm not an enemy.' His voice was calm yet insisting. I intend to keep my word, can't you trust me?'

I can't my lord, not when it concerns the safety of the girl who had your brother sentenced to banishment not many nights ago.'

Fine,' Sanskar pursed his lips in an irked manner. I was concerned about both you and the child. Freeze, if you're so interested in freezing,' he pulled the reins and turned away from them swiftly before adding. And please do hurry up; we don't have the whole day to chat around.'

Wait,' a small voice called after him. I'll come with you.'

Mohan gritted his teeth, not out of cold but bitterness. Manipulation; the key word in Vajra dictionary and the Yuvraaj is the first under the list of examples. Shaking his head he looked at Swara, who was watching him wide eyed and slightly shivering. She was concerned for him. After all, even a child could see how hard it was for Mohan to handle the cold. He was touched by her care, but this, was not the time.

Turning his head he looked at Sanskar, who was facing them again. Although this was his original plan, he looked a little taken aback himself. It seemed he had not hoped to find her tackled down so easily or to hold that much compassion for anyone; not after what she did to his brother.

She did not look at him for some reason. Instead her eyes were fixed on Mohan, trying to make him abide her decision silently. Sanskar watched their muted exchange, knowing Mohan would not be so easily convinced. Swara shivered again.

Very well,' said Sanskar. Leave for Agnidyut Mohan, you can manage the journey within an hour. It's not very far.'

From what Mohan knew of Swara, he knew that Arya had passed that one quality down to her daughter. Her decision was made, it was made, and that was it. There was no way, Mohan would be able to change it and standing here, arguing, while the temperature fall down rapidly would not be the best option. He looked at Sanskar again, still, frustrated with the way he played.

I will never forgive you if she is harmed.' He said then.

There was a pause, in which Swara watched from one horseman to another, her eyes fearfully wide. She was sure Mohan crossed a line this time. Sanskar blinked.

I would not forgive myself either.' He said plainly and putting his hands under her arms hoisted Swara off Mohan's horse and placed her on the back of his mare swiftly. Farewell Mohan, have a safe journey.' Without giving Mohan a chance to protest further, they rode off, bumping against the snowy ground.

The Vajra prince was a very good rider. Swara noted as the landscape flashed in to white nothingness. The winds were harsher now, as they gathered speed; it pushed them backwards, stinging against their skins like whips of fire. They caught up with the rest of the group almost immediately and Sanskar beckoned Kavita.

Follow Mohan,' he added in an undertone. Make sure he doesn't change his mind in midway and come after us.'

Kavita watched him for a moment, her eyes slightly narrowed. Then with a swift nod she turned and rode away in to the whiteness.

*

Agnidyut fortress, noon, 3rd November 2005

The storm was circling Vajrateerta again and even the guards on the main entrance had rushed to find cover against the harshest of the winds. As the wind howled, weeping against the stone walls around Agnidyut, a shadow slipped out, covered in a hooded cloak and arms folded it made its way through the swirls of snow towards the prayer chambers of the fortress.

No one noticed its progress through the sandy whiteness of snow as it reached the outer entrance to the prayer chambers. There under the huge stone pillars that supported the ornate roof, a horse was neighing against the howls of wind softly. The figure lowered its hood and a smile curled her lips as Annapurna greeted her brother; Aryamaan.

He was not very amused to see her. Not in this state at least. Annapurna looked rather forlorn, her face pale and there were prominent dark circles underneath her eyes. Aryamaan on the other hand was not an elf known for his compassion but for his cold cruelty. People who feared him didn't know half the facts there was to fear about; for Aryamaan was the personal assassin of devi Nanda before he became a minister. Many who discovered this truth only had a few more moments of their lives before they had received a full demonstration of Aryamaan's wreath. He wasn't a giant of a man that had a murderous look in him. On the earth, he was quite pleasant featured. Aryamaan was a man of brawny medium built and muscular arms still in his late youth. His face was bronze and his jaw deeply set. His eyes were tiny and glittered strangely hiding whatsoever expression he had. For someone who hadn't witnessed him at his worst deeds or haven't heard of his murderous ways he had an alluring air around him.

With a sigh of relief and desperation Annapurna hugged her brother. He put one of his arms around her for a brief moment and pattered her head with the other.

Didn't I tell you, Vajras always pay for sacrifices with betrayal?' He asked then, holding her at his arm's length and scanning her face. What else are you ready to sacrifice for the sake of these traitors sister?'

Please brother,' she said after a moment. We need to stop them from banishing my son.'

Aryamaan looked at her thoughtfully for a moment.

Stopping them here won't do you or your son any good my dear.' He said then. We need to save him in the long run.'

What do you mean?'

Do you think Devi Nanda would let the threat to her crown prince's life slip by, doing nothing? This banishment is a namesake punishment; she will have him killed in secret.'

Annapurna clapped her hand to her lips, her eyes wide.

No, she wouldn't do that!'

You're telling me; the man who had committed so many crimes on that lady's behalf, what she can and can't do?'

No,' Annapurna muttered again. Not my child, no!'

Aryamaan grabbed her shoulders, shaking his sister out of her, self imposed trance.

Kuwar Lakshya will never be safe as long as devi Nanda and Yuvraaj is alive.'

Annapurna shook off his hold on her, glaring at him disbelievingly.

What have you done with yourself brother? You were never a traitor, how can you speak in this manner?'

Anu, the times change and so does people. You just have to decide which life is more important to you, son's or step son's?'

Sanskar is our future king; I cannot and will not harm him.' Annapurna said in a firm tone. Neither should you encourage any such scheme brother!'

The storm has already knocked your threshold Anu, let's see how long your dream castle will hold on.'

With a final bow done out of sarcasm at his sister, Aryamaan strode off towards his horse and rode away in to the swirling whiteness, the sound of galloping vanishing among the cries of wind.

*

Evening, the temple of Agni, 3rd November, 2005

The lamentation of wind was cut short by the stone walls that stood proudly at the edge of the snowy woods. The roof, ornate and grayish was already buried underneath many blankets of snow and the pillars holding it up, like giants curved of stone with heads of elephants, their trunks raised in pride and tusks sharply outlined. A set of stone steps lead to the temple of Agni, already coated with a fine layer of smooth ice. They were slippery as Pratula made his way toward the enormous entrance of the temple. At the entrance he paused for a moment and looked over his shoulder at the forest waiting silently in the background. His guards were lingering at the foot of the staircase and the guards of the Vajra prince remained mounted on their horse further back; ready to defend their leader if a situation of need arises. Pratula smiled in his mind. The boy had some nerve to think he could take up the king of Anjanis with a handful of guardians. Pratula was all set to crush his ego forever. His men were strewn all over the forest, waiting for his command to engage in battle. He would issue that command the moment the Vajra dies and it is time for him to challenge the prince to his last dual. On the same time, his armies hidden within the forest, so close to the borders of Vajrateerta, would plunder upon the unguarded, unprepared city. He would claim both the title and the throne within a matter of hours.

Per their agreement he entered the temple of Agini alone. His personal guard stopped at the entrance, bracing himself to intervene if something goes wrong inside. Pratula's footsteps echoed as he entered the vast hall, that was dimly lit by the oil lamps burning along the steps rising in front of him, to the stage at the far end of the hall. On the stage raising until it touched the smooth golden ceiling was a giant statue of the elven god Agni.

The idol was so enormous that it casted a dark shadow over the square hall beneath its gaze. In the middle of the hall, running the whole length of the place was a pool filled of clear and still water. Its surface was dark and reflected a starlit sky. Pratula's eyes remained upon the tiny sparkling light a moment more before he remembered it was neither night, nor the sky was clear like it was reflected in the water. Then again, the pool did not lie underneath the sky, but a ceiling of painted decorations. It might be the part of the elven charms that were casted upon the building. The pool might reflect the current position of the stars, for anyone with the knowledge of deciphering them.

The black water rippled faintly as footsteps approached. Pratula raised his head a little and his eyes captured the Vajra prince standing on the high stage, at the feet of the statue of Agni. Even from the distance his different profile was distinguishable. Unlike the Vajras he was tall and lean, fair than most of the warrior clan and his eyes pleasantly hazel brown. Pratula sneered slightly. He was so young, so, very, very inexperienced.

I thought at least you might have inherited your father's valor.' He said looking at the prince. And honoring him you will fight me, but no, your mother's traits are far too powerful; even in the darkest of times you're looking for a truce.'

And I take it; you are interested in forming a truce?'

Let us not kid ourselves my dear,' Pratula smiled a little, his voice haughty. An agreement is formed between two equal parties. Here I hold all the trump cards and you have none. If you want peace that has to be acquired on my terms.'

Sanskar said nothing, as he descended the lamp lit steps in to the shadowed darkness. He and Pratula stood on the both ends of the pool gleaming in soft starlight, their gazed held unblinkingly.

Says the man who used to think Vajra's eye is an object until I decided to enlighten him.' Sanskar laughed softly. Your ignorance, surprises me at times.'

If Pratula was shocked, he was very skilled in masking it. His eyes narrowed in to slits in his face and their hazel color turned glossy like a serpent's. A vein at his throat started to throb.

So that's it?' He said calmly. You will give me the eye in exchange of peace?'

No.' Sanskar said shortly. You can't have the eye. She is not a political object but a child who deserves to be protected by her family.'

Then what was the point of sharing this knowledge with me?'

I wanted to bring you here and that was my bait of winning your trust.' Sanskar said calmly. The truce will be peace in exchange of peace nothing else.'

The gleam of Pratula's eyes turned mocking shade of gray. Age, does have an impact on decisions. He smirked slightly.

Do you honestly think that just because I am away from my own realms, in a place you command, I can be lured in to any kind of agreement?' He asked smoothly.

I'm offering you a chance.'

Well thank you. Let me offer you one in return.'

The guard who had stopped at the entrance letting Pratula proceed further now entered with another of his companions. He was pulling along with him a struggling figure.

I've heard you're very compassionate when it comes to your guardian?' Pratula continued in an unaffected tone. Sanskar narrowed his eyes, looking at Kavita. She held his gaze for a moment, still trying to free herself from the Anjani warrior's grip. She was found in a wrong place at a wrong time, to compress a long story short. So,' Pratula clapped his hands together, his eyes gleaming wickedly. How about a new truce; the eye in exchange of her life?'

Kavita closed her eyes. This was the outcome she had always predicted for their friendship. She had failed her duty highly. She was supposed to protect the prince, not to become his weakness. Sanskar closed his eyes the same moment. It seemed his father was right; some people do not deserve peace. Pratula laughed openly now.

Well then, we should be leaving. We're great full to your hospitality.'

He turned to leave, with his guard dragging Kavita along. The exchange will happen in some other place.

You haven't seen the full length of my hospitality yet.' Sanskar spoke after a pause, his tone cold. With a thud that echoed in the empty hall, the double doors of the entrance closed themselves. This is my assembly and it is I who decide when one is to leave it.'

*

Nightfall, the Agnidyut fortress, 3rd November, 2005

The night dark and silent after the stormy day, descended like a blessing upon Vajrateerta. However inside the chambers of the east wing, where devi Annapurna was tending her sick child the atmosphere was tensed and wordless. There was a cracking sound as the door opened and Devi Nanda walked in, with a couple of maids following her swishing dress. One of them carried a silver tray, leaden with a goblet full of dark, thick potion.

Annapurna shambled to her feet as the queen mother approached. The old lady, lending a hand on her shoulder, peered in to the feverish face of her younger grandson.

The recent events must have scared him,' she said then. I am sorry for behaving in the crude manner I did earlier.'

Annapurna clasped her hands in respect.

You took the right decision your highness. I harbor no ill feelings for you, it is just I'm too worried to part with my child at the moment.'

That's so sweet of you.' Nanda smiled before turning to the maid. Here, I brought yet another dose of my special brew for the prince; it will put him at ease.' She said picking up the goblet from the tray and handing it to Annapurna.

Thank you, your highness.' She said, as she sat back, beside Lakshya to feed him the medicine. The door was thrown open once more. Aryamaan thundered in, still in his travelling cloak and snow falling in flakes from his hair. He seemed to have been riding all the while through the storm.

Do not feed him that poison again sister!'

*

Evening, the temple of Agni, 3rd November, 2005

What kind of impudence is this?' Pratula asked in a dangerous tone.

Same as yours; when you brought your army in to our borders...'

Sanskar moved a lazy hand over the glossy, black surface of the pool as he approached the Anjani king, noting the sudden stillness of his features.

I conversed with my father through the herz and he thinks one's strength lies in homeland. You're standing on my lands your majesty, or to be more precise your army is.'

The reflection of stars in the black surface of water changed and was replaced by a moving white mass of snowy winds. As the vision cleared Pratula could see the forest in the border line reflected in the pool, the tree tops heavy with snow, the wind crackling against their branches and the soldiers he had stationed within the wood. How foolish had he been! The trees were whispering when they had ridden through them earlier that day, they had dismissed the sound as the wind; but carelessness is lethal, Pratula of all people should have known that. As Sanskar's fingers moved the black water rippled, on the outside, inside the forest the ground tumbled like a stroke of an earthquake passed through it. Pratula's men shared befuddled glances.

Keeping his hand in the previous position Sanskar's eyes snapped to hold the gaze of Pratula's personal guard.

Was the demonstration enough to let her go Captain?'

The elf stumbled backwards, releasing Kavita as he went. Pratula clutched his fists and Sanskar looked at him.

Now you see the trump card I hold. Now you see why being in my lands compels you to be lured in to any kind of agreement. These are my lands; I command the very soil of it, the air, the trees, even the storm.'

The ground of the forest trembled again. Cracks appeared in the white snowy surface and deepened in to craters. The Anjani army collapsed on the shaking ground, some holding in to the trees, some already hanging from the edges of the craters.

Now; how about that old truce? Peace in exchange of peace?'

This is deceit, a shameful act. You're supposed to dual with me, on a land that belongs to none of us; where none of us will have this advantage over the other!'

Correction; we are supposed to dual when my father dies. He is not dead yet. If you're so interested in our dual your highness, we shall dual. But here, today, you will lose your army and when you return with the rumors of how your hastiness in decision making lost so many lives, you will lose your respect and political image as well. Think again, will one dual help you regaining all these things? You don't need the eye to predict that.'

Pratula gritted his teeth. His features contorted.

I may not have inherited my father's bravery, but I have his steel will, with my mother's intelligence. Every time you recall that I am a half Naga remind yourself that I am a half Vajra as well, and let me assure you; it is a dangerous combination.'

What do you want?'

An oath of peace, in the hallowed halls of Agni would be enough.'

*

Borders of Kaaldwaara, Dawn, 4th November 2005

He was going too fast. The sound of snow getting crushed underneath the hooves of his mare, or the rush of wind filling in his ears, the first light illuminating in a reddish glow over the heaps of snow was  not enough to distract Sanskar. He was riding faster yet as the memories of the previous night, the visuals of courtroom flashed across his mind.

If this was how rule is going to be, he would prefer himself the furthest possible from the throne.

It started with Aryamaan accusing the queen mother of poisoning Lakshya. The lady was livid and Mother Annapurna was shivering as she gave him an account of the memory.

Then Aryamaan's brooding voice, full of venom had cut across.

Of cause, she would do anything to protect the life of the crowned prince!'

Why would I poison him?' Devi Nanda yelled. If I wanted him dead, I would have...'

It all comes down to the same thing...is there poison in this goblet or not. Because the healer had confirmed Kuwar Lakshya was poisoned, and the venom came from the human realms. Your henchman and the eye returned from human realms recently.

The eye was with me, the entire time,' Sanskar told them.

But Mohan was not.'

Is this a matter of my loyalty?' Kavita intervened. Forgive me for interrupting my lord. But I was supposed to keep an eye on Mohan that makes this a question of my ability.'

It does not.' Aryamaan pointed out. You were captured by the Anjani forces, were you not guardian?'

Sanskar clenched his jaw, urging the faithful mare to increase her speed. He needed these memories flushed out of his mind before his temper reaches a breaking point.

He recalled the eye, keeping her hand on the goblet and saying there was no poison in the liquid it contained and again Aryamaan's irksome tone.

Of cause she would lie when Mohan's name is involved!'

What would you trust if you don't trust the eye captain?' Sanskar was trying hard to maintain his composure. Do you want me to drink this and assure you?'

Aryamaan said nothing that would stop him. It seemed somewhere along the argument this was the conclusion he wanted to reach. If Sanskar wished to prove his grandmother innocent he would have to take the risk.

How dare he suggest something of the sort?' Nanda barked. The Yuvraaj has no reason to prove anything!'

Why are you so against him taking a slip if the potion is as safe as you claim lady?' Aryamaan shot back.

There,' said Kavita making all the eyes snap back to her. She had the goblet in her hand and as they watched, blank minded by the suddenness of her act, she took another long sip. It's bitter. Other than that, there's nothing wrong in it!'

Kavita who was chasing after Sanskar caught up by then.

Yuvraaj!' She called after him, increasing her own speed. Yuvraaj!'

He was not going to listen to her again.

Sanskar!'

She grabbed the hem of his robe and they rode together a while before Sanskar finally slowed down his speed.

I hate you!' He said, his hazel eyes burning as they fixed upon her darker ones. How dare you pull up such a stunt?'

If I did not,' Kavita said calmly. You would have been tempted to drink it, just to prove Aryamaan wrong. I did what as a guardian I should be doing! That elf is not worth risking your life for!'

That's exactly what I'm saying! You don't have to die for me Kavi, promise me you won't do it again. Promise me!'

I can't,' she said in a different tone. Because I know I will do it again.'

She brushed her hair off her face and pulled them in to a knot at the top of her head.

Your brother is leaving. You should bid him good bye before anything else.'

Why do you think I came here?' Sanskar asked her, as they started to gallop slowly towards the city gates of Kaaldwaara. I don't think Lakshya should be leaving now. But after the fiasco last night, I know there's no point in talking with the queen mother.'

Oh, so even in anger, you were taking sensible decisions?'

I've been trained to.'

I'm glad about that.'

There was a commendable silence for a few moments as they reached the city gates. The sight that greeted them however was far from the peace they had shared a minute ago. The party from Vajrateerta was attacked.

They had no idea how the fight broke out, or who was attacking whom. But the fight was intense and the pristine whiteness of snow was tainted with patches of red, as blades drew blood along their unforgivable strokes.

Lakshya!' Both Kavita and Sanskar said in unison before leaping from their respective mounts and bouncing towards the fight. This was the last thing one would expect on the threshold of the city of peace.

The clunks of metal on metal, the dump sound of blades against flesh and raw agony clad whines filled her ears as Kavita moved through the crowd of fighters. Someone had planned an attack on the prince who was supposed to leave their world forever. The child was not in his best health, he may not survive any wounds at the moment. Her sword bared, ready to cut across anything that came in her way she navigated herself through the bloodshed, looking for the young prince.

Sanskar had switched off his reasoning. His mind desperately needed to find some logic to this insane attack but his heart told him that can wait. He had to make sure his brother was alright. His blade, swift in its movements and sharp in both its edges cut through the unknown enemies, as his eyes strained themselves, trying to seek his brother amidst the chaos.

Lakshya, meantime was tumbling. He had never been to a battle field in his entire life and now, seeing the way those hideous weapons, the wounds, the bleeding; he realized it was not as heroic as it sounded in those tales his mother used to narrate every night. These people might kill him. He backed away as far as he could as he saw a warrior approach him, his blade pointing his heart and his eyes gleaming like a demons. That elf wanted to kill him.

Bhai!' He called out, pale and scared. He was sure his brother would be here, defending him against the enemy.

Kavita ran her blade through the attacker who dared to approach the prince. As he fell she saw the terror reflected in the child's eye.

Kavi!' He stammered pointing out. Watch out!'

Shoving the prince out of the center of danger Kavita turned towards the attackers now approaching them. It seemed she had analyzed it correctly. Those were after Kuwar Lakshya, no one else.

She had been trained to far more gruesome situations. The stinging blows of blades against skin, the kicks or punches did not mean much when it came to her. One warrior fell, yet his mates continued the attack. They had comprehended she would not let them reach their target; so instead of the prince; they were aiming her now.

Clunk! Her sword was locked; the elf smirked at her, pushing her against the tree with the force he channeled at their locked swords. Kavita kicked him, throwing him away with the sheer force and caught his sword that came towards her flying through the air.

You need a lot more stamina if you want to beat a Vajra.' She told him, feinting again.

The elf looked around. He was the only one left now. Over Kavita's shoulder he could see the child he was supposed to finish off. But no, handling her was far more important. With a quick glance around he picked up a sword from one of the dead soldiers and trotted towards her, locking their blades again.

Their fight went from brutal to gruesome, from deadly to fatal, yet neither was giving up. Each blow had found their mark; each blow was rewarded with a painful groan or a streak of blood. Each blade was blood soaked and both of them were supporting several deep cuts.

As she ducked another lethal blow sent her away, suddenly, it happened.

Kavita felt her vision going hazy. The noises of the battle that ran in her ears went mute suddenly. She blinked, standing up and blocking a blow. Then blinked again. Some colors were sharp, while some went blended with others. Her vision was whiter one moment and darker in the next. The blade of the opponent cut across her shoulder deeply and he kicked her sword arm, sending the sword clattering away.

Her mouth suddenly tasted metallic.

Sanskar!' She choked the first name that popped in to her mind.

She was losing. It was expected with no blade in her hand. But the theory her mind worked out was far more terrible than this one battle.

Just before the sword of the opponent would punch through her, Sanskar managed to reach them. Running his blade through the unsuspecting elf, making him collapse on his knees, he reached her. He had summoned more forces, which circled them now, making sure neither of the royals was further harmed.

Kavi?'

She did not feel his arms around her. Instead, surprisingly she felt cold. It was a strange feeling, like water had replaced blood in her veins. She was a Vajra. Vajras never felt cold.

I'm cold,' she announced the now brooding silence. Sanskar said something that she did not hear. He was shaking her. So, this once Aryamaan was right.' She choked again. There was poison in that goblet.'

The edges of her vision turned black. Some flakes of snow, landed on her cheeks. It was snowing again. Kavita shivered slightly. Sanskar placed his forehead against hers, his clear hazel eyes brimming with a green shine. Beautiful...like a divine being. Too pure to be held in her grasp.

Did the eye lie?' She wondered out loud, before her voice was lost and darkness descended. Down...down...down...into that bottomless, soundless pitch darkness. Then there was light, blinding, and brilliant light. Then there was nothing, nothing at all.

*