Chapter 4

The weapon

Valley of Vajras, 5th November 2005

Sanskar stood, unnaturally stiff, listening to the silence left behind by the raging storms. The night, descending upon Vajrateerta was dark, undisturbed by stars and untainted from any sound other than that of the snow crushing underneath his feet. Behind him, edging the vision, the tall and indestructible walls of Agnidyut fortress stood against the midnight blue curtains of the night, unlit and stony cold.

He wanted to be alone, like he had never wanted in his life before. The pain, crushing him underneath its iron weight of guilt and helplessness was too great, to allow him to project a fake strength even for the sake of others. In a short distance from where he stood the ground sloped, marking the beginning of a precipice. Beyond it, many feet bellow laid the city of Vajrateerta. There were no lights, shining in their battle against the night, there was no sound either. For a moment it seemed there was nothing down there, except the abyss of dinginess. The Vajra was no more; the city of Vajrateerta was grieving the loss of its leader.

And Sanskar; he had lost it all; parents, brother and Kavita, even his grandmother. Some had parted the world leaving him alone to fight his way through the battle and Lakshya...he was never to see him again and Devi Nanda had proven herself a traitor in the worst way possible. She had made him question his trust in people. The Nagas, his partial family; they had helped her in that deceitful game. It made him doubt his beliefs before he doubted his kin. Sanskar always considered the Nagas' ability to avoid war by initiating manipulative politics a quality worth appreciation, but now, seeing what they did to make sure the throne of Vajrateerta was his; made his insides churn with disgust.

He remembered seeing the ruby hanging around the neck of the elf who was about to kill Kavita. One of the remaining soldiers had fetched it and was examining it with concern. He looked up, to meet Sanskar's eye; they both knew what it was.

The Nagas had been controlling the attackers.' Someone said entering is vicinity. Sanskar turned around, to see Annapurna joining him. She was dressed in white, a shade that looked rather ivory against the pristine white of the snow she was standing on. Her hair, thick and free of her usual bindings was hanging in a sheet behind her. In her hand was a stone, similarly wine colored and hanging from a thick silver chain. They were controlled with this.'

Sanskar hung his head; he did not have the courage to face her anymore.

Your men found this from the girl's belongings; did they not Yuvraaj? You chased them yourself; still, Mohan escapes with his ward, still you let him go; may I know why?'

She is too young to plan something like that Ma, you know this!'

I also know that she is the eye,' Annapurna said in a viciously icy tone. The eye is never immature.'

The eye never goes against the Vajra!'

Annapurna's golden brown eyes snapped to hold his gaze. She looked at him cynically and pursed her lips.

May I know why you're defending her like this? What is she to you?'

Sanskar sighed. He knew the junior queen was livid, he was waiting to be questioned and blamed for the course of his actions. It was usual of Vajras to find shelter against pain in anger.

I had given Mohan my word Ma. I promised him that after the battle with Pratula, he can leave with the child.'

And for the sake of your word, you let a traitor escape? You put your brother's life in danger!'

Annapurna's small frame shook with the waves of frustration ringing through her words. She eyed the boy in front of her with a look of utter and pure disdain, still he stood firm on his ground, letting the waves of her hatred slam against him, his eyes lowered and hidden within the curtains of his heavy lashes, his fingers rolled in to fists.

Then Yuvraj, what becomes of the word your father gave to me, when I was made the junior queen? Aren't you supposed to protect me and your brother against any harm hurled at us? Your brother was banished, like some stinking criminal, for no fault on his part, my family lost everything for the sake of this crown and position handed to me. The politics of your royal court did this to me! I lost my husband and my son both in that one strike! Tell me Yuvraj, is this how you will replay for the sacrifices I've made? For treating you like a son?'

Sanskar bit his lip; her words still resonating against his eardrums.

You're the queen mother of Vajras now, Ma.' He said softly, kneeling at her feet. You have the right to ask for any price in return of your dedication; tell me, what you want, order me.'

Annapurna drew in a deep breath of the winter air, calming down her burning hatred.

I want war, Sanskar.' She stated.

Sanskar looked at her, hardly concealing his shocked expression.

I want Nagas to realize what a blunder they made by targeting my son in their dirty propaganda, using that so called "eye" as their puppet. I want Kaldwaara breached; I want the city of peace to burn in the fire they have lit in my heart. I want the eye, to be dragged back to Vajrateerta, to my feet. You will do this for me!

*

Kaldwaara, 20th February 2015

(Beyond the shield)

A veil silvery frost lay over the dark moor. A single golden line stretched over it, in a pale ash sky. At dawn there was no place more beautiful than the Kaaldwara on earth. The folklore said the time itself was caught in its spell and forgotten to move forward once it had entered the enchanted city of Kaaldwara. Those words were acute in some aspects; it was a place where the past and the future mingled with the present; where seers were born. It was the city of Nagas the famous clan of elves who had the gift of long life. They had lived through all the dark ages of elf history; participated in every war, joined in every celebration and kept the records of all the knowledge the different races passed on from generation to generation. Thus the Kaaldwara was called the city of wisdom. As centuries passed in the outside world Kaaldwara didn't change the slightest. The wars and treachery couldn't creep in to its soil. The dirty politics and royal plots didn't torment anyone there, anyone except one.

Since Swara wasn't a Naga, those ten years had changed her appearance as well as her persona. She was no longer the child with the short bob-cut and a strange power, who considered Mohan some sort of a hero, who had made a powerful enemy the first time she entered this world. She had grown taller, her figure willowy and her skin fairer. Long gone was the bob-cut replaced by dark luxuriant hair that fell to her waist. Her eyes were black, glittering deep brown in the rising sun as she sat on her favorite spot at the end of a rock face overlooking the city that lay below her. She wasn't breathtakingly beautiful, but something about her was alluring. It was still cold and she had her knees drawn back towards her body, her hands wrapped around them, making her curl in to a ball. There were dark circles under her eyes, telling the tragedy of another night's lack of sleep. She wasn't sure when she came there. But distinctly remembered seeing a transparent moon over the moor, it might have been a night time. Dreams of battles and blood disturbed her sleep. Once or twice she had witnessed her own murder. Swara wasn't a fan of staying in dark, and she wished today Mohan would send her some message, information about the battle.

If she could help it, Swara would avoid the subject about the battle. It made her feel guilty. After all if it wasn't for her Devi Annapurna had no qualms with the peaceful race of Nagas. The walls of Kaaldwara still protected her from the wrath of that woman. But she wasn't sure how long the shield will continue to hold. As if from an extraordinary instinct she sensed soon she would be meeting the Vajra queen, and it wasn't a great feeling. Even after ten years of training as a seer she wasn't ready to predict all the deaths she foresaw every day. It took all her will power to keep herself from submitting to the Vajras just for the sake of stopping the destruction. But she couldn't do that. She couldn't let Mohan down. The rising sun emitted a faint glow as her thoughts turned towards Mohan. He had been her guardian for many years now. Sometimes she still wondered why he did it.

The sun was fully out by then; it was the time for the morning prayers. Swara stood up to leave. The Nagas had a Gurukul at the river bank below where Swara sat previously. It was where all the forms of art were taught; the place where Swara lived when it was safe for her to remain in the elven lands. The rest of her time spent in the human world was free from worries of any kind. When she reached many had already started their morning prayers to the sun, the giver of wisdom as they believed. The flow of water was mild, yet the water itself was ice cold. Slowly Swara dipped one foot in water, the hairs on the back of her neck stood up instantly. Biting her lip she stepped in to the stream and walked slowly in to the center. The water rose gracefully as she walked in to its embrace; first at her ankles, then her waist and finally reached her shoulders. Her lips trembled with cold as she clasped her hands, mumbling some unheard prayer as she dipped in to the waves completely. The rushing sound of water filled her ears, wet hair plastered to her face and water burned in her eyes as she reopened them. As she rose surprise over took her, the water had previously made her deaf to the sounds surrounding her. Now that she was out of it, screams filled her ears. For a moment she was shocked and then she looked around, trying to determine what had caused the screams.

The water of the river had turned scarlet, deep red just like blood.

Slowly as the impact of the view around her started to sink in the screams also became clearer.

What's happening?'

Everybody get out of there!'

IS that blood?'

Who's hurt?'

Everyone who was nearer to the shore had reached the safety of the land. Rest of them in the center of the stream was looking around curiously. Uttara who was closer to Swara turned to look at her.

Do you think it's the Vajras attacking us?' she said anxiously.

Swara shook her head. Strangely, even in the middle of all the panic and confusion she felt an odd power, closing in on her, grasping her in a tight hold, calling out to her. Unconsciously, she had started to walk, away from the group up the stream.

Jiji!' she heard a scream. Where are you going?'

The red water flow violently against her, as if trying to push past her and join the sea. Slowly the color was shrinking in to a tiny stream.

That's our shield line, don't go past it!'

It was then Swara realized that the water had already reached her neck and she could no longer stand still against its flow.

Jiji!'

Swara!'

Without turning around to answer the not so important calls she started to swim, that unknown pull still guiding her. The water that entered her mouth tasted salty, blood like. As she swam past the violent stream the water level dropped again. She could stand up on the uneven river bottom. It was true, now that she was in her senses. She had never seen that site of the river. She was well past the shield's protective boundaries. The river drained down slowly, beneath her feet through the maze made by large, round rocks. She could no longer feel the pull. It was where the blood stream started. Swara looked around and instantly her eyes spotted the source of the blood stream.

A few feet away from her a figure was sprawled on one of the largest rocks with arms and legs sticking out of odd angles. It was a young man from what she could make out, dump with both water and blood. One of his hands dipped in water; that was where the bloody stream started. Stepping fast but carefully from marble to marble she reached him and stretched out a hand to turn him over. When her fingers were inches from him, she stopped and winced.

Whoever this man was he was gravely injured. Whatever he had experienced might not be nice. Whenever Swara touched someone she could see every incident that person went through, feel all the emotions. No matter how compassionate she was, she wasn't ready to go through his pain; not while she was well away from protection in the middle of a world where she was always unwelcome. Instead of touching him she closely examined the body. He was still breathing. Sure enough he'll hold up until she went back and get some help. She turned away, took a step and stopped.

What if he dies before she comes back? What if whoever attacked him was still lingering around, ready to strike once more? What if it was the Vajras that attacked him and this man was one of Naga spies?

Arrrg!' she said to herself, closed her eyes tight and grabbed his shoulder.

Whatever pain she had imagined, it did not come. No flashes struck her vision, no pictures formed in her mind and no information came. It seemed the stranger really was strange, even for Swara. She reopened her eyes and keeping a tight hold on his upper arm pulled him into a seating position.

Dear lord,' she sighed to herself. Couldn't you find anyone smaller?'

She pulled that arm she was holding around her neck and hunch- backed with the weight heaved over her, dragged him to the river bank. It wasn't easy taking him all the way down to Kaaldwara, but the others had come halfway up; almost to the point where Swara had crossed the protection line. They huddled around Swara the moment she stepped back in and she let go of the arm she was holding as a few boys came up to help. They took hold of the lifeless lad and laid him on the ground. Uttara rushed to Swara's side.

What happened?' she asked.

Shaking her head Swara looked down at herself and let out a low cry. Her white clothes were no longer white; they were spoiled with both mud and blood. That would make up her day.

Is he dead?' someone from the lot kneeling around the supposedly dead guy asked.

He wasn't when I found him,' said Swara pushing them aside and kneeling as well. Uttara who looked excited followed her. We need to take him up to the city,' she said then. The others nodded in agreement. I'm not going to pull him all the way up,' she added getting to her feet.

She didn't have to. There were many people for the job. Watching them carrying the victim Swara thought they actually looked adventurous, maybe even jubilant. Uttara dragged her back, holding her apart from the crowd as they legged behind the party.

Who is he?' she asked curiously.

I don't know,' said Swara briskly.

Uttara raised her eyebrows and clicked her tongue.

Come off it!' she said exasperatedly. You brought him, you touched him!'

Swara could see what she was implying. She shook her head again and stated to squeeze her hair to remove the excess water.

I didn't see anything,' she said quietly. Uttara opened her mouth. I know that's weird. But still, I think he's some blank bloke.'

Well let's hope the blank bloke will regain his consciousness soon,' said Uttara as the city gates opened in welcome.

*

Shamashikara citadel, Kaldwaara, 20th February 2015

Uttara's brother Adarsh was the most serious person on earth; at least both Uttara and Swara thought so. Presenting him a half dead guy as soon as he wakes up certainly wasn't a good idea. Maybe because he was sleepy or perhaps he had a very good dream while he slept the lecture they expected didn't come as soon as he saw them. In fact he said nothing for a long while. Swara who didn't believe in her luck much thought it was because Adarsh needed all the concentration he could master in healing the boy, since he was in severe condition than anything she had ever seen them healing. To add to the problem all the senior healers were already away in the battle field, treating the soldiers.

Healing was one of the powers that caused Nagas long life. They could self heal, and heal others as well. The only thing that seemed impossible for them in that matter was raising the dead. Swara had heard of weapons that made injuries the Nagas could not heal; thankfully this was no such injury. Adarsh didn't say anything yet. Uttara ran back and forth bringing anything his team asked for; Swara simply kept pacing, her mind troubled from more personal worries. This was the first time she found someone who made her totally blind. She watched as skin reattached in one of the deep gashes in his chest. Adarsh's power was working on him, then why wasn't hers? Though Swara thought Uttara was helping her brother; that wasn't all she was doing. Uttara was trying to find out who the blank bloke was. After she found some sufficient information she separated from the healers huddled around him and went to Swara.

I think he's human,' she whispered in her ear. Swara stopped for a moment and then started pacing again. Uttara retraced her steps muttering in her ear. He looks like one. Short hair, leather jacket, he's even wearing boots!' Swara stopped pacing and glared at Uttara.

Can't be,' she said. If he's human how is he immune to my power?'

Maybe,' said Uttara thoughtfully. Your power only works on elves,' she winced as she said the word. I mean you didn't know you were a seer when you were in their world right? Maybe your power don't work on them,'

There was a pause as they watched the healers hurrying in and out of the room. They couldn't see Adarsh anymore. Swara thought of the possibility. Maybe Uttara was right. In a way her argument was right. She didn't know she was a seer until Mohan came. Maybe her powers didn't work on everyone. Unknowingly she sighed away the breath she had been holding. She was worrying for no reason. She was sure Uttara was right now. But then, there was another question.

What was he doing here then?' she hissed. I thought the humans think there's nothing but oceans here.'

Uttara took her time answering.

Maybe he's a spy,'

He looks too young to be working for someone,' said Swara seriously. I mean even for a spy...'

What do you think, spies have spy written across their chests?' said Uttara sarcastically. Maybe humans think if they send someone who looks...' she stretched her neck to look at the boy over the huddle of healers. Innocent we might take him in,'

We did,' said Swara solemnly. Who attacked him then?'

Maybe they did themselves to gain our sympathy?' suggested Uttara. Or maybe the Vajras did, they hate humans,'

Adarsh stood up suddenly from the patient's bedside he was sitting. He had been checking his pulse.

He's stable,' He said exhaustedly. All of you can leave now,'

Their mother was the governor of Kaaldwara, also the chief healer. Whenever she was away Adarsh took the responsibility. His voice held that commanding tone now. The healers bowed to him and left the room one by one, Uttara slipped as well. Swara followed her when Adarsh called out.

Swara, a word please,' He didn't sound angry but a little bit annoyed.

She stopped at the doorway, as he came out. Together they walked down the corridor which was empty then. Swara was hoping the lecture; about rules and security what she didn't expect was Adarsh's next few words.

Are you alright?'

She watched him opened mouthed. Why would not she be alright?'

You do know what you're doing right?' he asked as she didn't answer the previous question. However this didn't seem Swara's dream conversation about responsibilities.

Have I done something that I don't know I've done?' she said blankly as they stood at the entrance. Adarsh raised his eyebrows at her.

I thought you know him or something,' he said shrugging.

What do you mean I know him?' demanded Swara. Adarsh looked uncomfortable suddenly. He looked around for a word and opened a mouth a few times with no proper words. For a serious man like Adarsh this seems to be nerves.

Wait,' said Swara after a moment. You thought- You thought I like him or something?'

Well,' mumbled Adarsh. For me it seemed the only reason for someone to...'

To what?' said Swara who was irritated now; first Uttara now Adarsh, why was everyone suspecting her good intentions?

Bring an enemy inside the walls,'

At the moment Adarsh seemed to be the stupidest person Swara had ever seen. So Uttara was right. That guy was human. Swara waved her hands hopelessly and sat on the stairs that descended down. In the front yard young Nagas were playing a rather noisy ball game. Adarsh sat on the other end of the stair and looked at her.

I couldn't just let him die. I mean so did you. We have that oath of saving lives and all that right?' Adarsh just sighed watching the ball game not giving a reply. As soon as he recovers you can ask him to leave,' added Swara also watching the game's progress. If you're not sure enough erase his memory so he won't go blabbering about the mystical city he had seen,'

I wish it was that easy,' said Adarsh.

Seriously what are you afraid of, he might wake up and murder someone?'

He might for all I know,' muttered Adarsh. The ball those kids were playing with; hit Adarsh straight in chest he threw it back at them. Swara looked at him sharply, trying to catch something that gave away the prank. But Adarsh seemed deadly somber. He was behaving as if she was the guiltiest person in Kaaldwara.

Oh, don't tell me you can't hold him off,' she said flatly.

I'm a healer,' said Adarsh standing up to leave. And he's a filthy...,' he descended the rest of the steps and looked back at her from the bottom of the stairs swallowing the rest of his sentence. She looked at him blankly He shrugged and added. Fat chance!' Swara was so confused that she didn't even flinch when the ball hit her above the left ear and bounced off.

*

It was almost midnight and the governor of Nagas was back. First she was fuming at Adarsh for calling her back urgently but now she sat in their discussion hall watching Adarsh mildly interested.

Just say the word,' said Adarsh impatiently. So we could just get this over with,'

The governor didn't answer him right away instead she got to her feet and walked to the window. From the discussion room they could see the city walls lit with fires.

There was a time when I didn't believe in fate,' she said slowly. That was before I met Swara,' she turned to Adarsh and smiled at him. She taught me all is uncertain; except one it seems at the moment,' She came to Adarsh and clapped his shoulder. Our defeat,' Adarsh looked at her perplexed. We Nagas are no warriors against the Vajras that was the whole point of the peace oath,'

They can't kill us,' Adarsh began furiously,

Yes but the walls would fall soon; the shield will be broken,'

Is that why you didn't want to come back?'

The governor nodded. We have no chance against the Vajra prince. The spies said he had vowed not to sit on the throne until he drags the seer back to Vajrateerta, to Annapurna's feet.'

We can't let them...'

There is a little we can do against Devi Annapurna. She's fully controlling the battle at the moment and she hates Swara more than anything else,'

Adarsh paced the room stressed.

But the Prince,' he said after a moment. He's a part Naga; he wouldn't possibly take down his mother's family!'

He was brought up by Annapurna and that woman hates us,' answered his mother. He being a part Naga worsens the things. Being a Naga he has all the time in the world to fight until we fall,'

How are we going to stop them?' insisted Adarsh.

Right now we have something else Annapurna would be more interested in,'

Adarsh looked at her surprised and then understanding dawned. He looked furious.

You planned this!' he accused his mother smiled slightly.

Even Mohan admits I'm a good strategist,' she said bowing. And he was with Vajras half his life.'

But how did you manage to find him?'

It wasn't the harder part, bringing him here certainly was. You won't believe how protected he was,'

But he's dangerous. He could kill anyone. And Swara, she would think we betrayed her!'

What Swara doesn't know won't hurt her,' said the governor briskly. That is all I order you at the moment. Whatever story comes up, move with it. Swara don't have to know things that won't do her any good.'

*

It was clearer this time. The dream Swara had dreamed dozen times before. Ever since she left the Vajras' court room that dream haunted her. Only it was a blurred, smidgen looking dream until now. Tonight the dream was high definition, with every shadow sharp and every strap of moon light bright and vivid. She was flat against the wall held motionless by the blade at her throat. It was silvery, shining in moonlight. She could feel its sharp edge brushing against her skin, in an ice cold touch that sent shivers down her spine. The shadow that held the sword loomed over her, hatred radiating from it even from distance.

You've been deceiving me,' it said slowly. It was a soft, young male voice. One that sounded familiar. Makes me the fool who's been protecting the one who unleashed this curse upon my family,'

This was the first time she heard words in that dream. Though she knew what came at the end the words made her slightly curious.

You don't have to do this,' Swara said slowly. She was surprised at the sound of her own voice. It sounded almost pleading. The blade moved down her throat it was pointing at her heart now.

How foolish it is to tell you to choose between loyalty and love. Seemingly they are both the same.'

Even you love him,' she pointed out.

I do,' the shadow said simply. But I love you more,'

And then came, the pain- the striking white hot pain as soon as the blade ran though her abdomen. She could feel the warm stream of blood that was draining from her body where the sword had punctured her as she slid down the wall, her vision blurring. A pair of sliver eyes started at her as the dream slowly melted away.

Swara's eyes snapped open. It was raining. The droplets of water made a sound on her roof and windows. She lay still on her bed comprehending the dream. This was the first time that dream didn't frighten her. Partly it was because she had seen it so many times that its heat was starting wear off. Partly it was because now that she had heard their conversation it had given her a whole new scope of imagination. Who was that nutter? She thought irritated. Who loved her and wanted her dead at the same time? And those silver eyes. It was the only clue in that whole dream. Swara knew her history. She knew who the sliver eyed elves were. They were the Vajra royals. She could think of only one Vajra royal who would be after her blood. The prince whose life she had unknowingly ruined; Devi Annapurna's son; Kuwar Lakshya...

Swara jumped off the bed and started pacing. The prospect of falling in love with someone she always imagined as a murderer was alarming. No; she shook her head. In dream she said she loved someone else. That was right! It was he who was in love with her. She seemed to be the more intelligent one. Then who was this other person? Swara smacked her head hard. It was a dream. She could almost laugh with relief. There was no way he would fell for her. She went back to bed and smirked to herself as she thought what Devi Annapurna would say if her son was in love with her.

*