Mohan above, minus the dark hair ;-)

Chapter five

The Daughter's Bane

Lake Taupo, New Zealand, 20thFebruary 2015.

From fire, gold gains its luster and steel its strength. Similarly, from pain some gain power and some persona. Does it make him a masochist if he had started enjoying the dull ache in his soul for the decade that passed for the outer world? Even if it does, Sanskar could care less. This world, in its innocent glamour was never his, to begin with. But it was thousand folds better than what belonged to him. There was peace here, silence and still a trace of untainted innocence. Here, he was simply a part of everything, there it was vice versa. As always he enjoyed the insignificance he felt in this world, far away from the throne and the war waiting for him in his own.

Here there were hopes, dreams of thousand humans. This was their world.

Fifteen thousand feet, he was fifteen thousand feet above them; still the pleasant vibes of their thoughts reached him. It was like a hum, a faint buzzing that made him aware of being in vicinity of them. None of those thoughts were clear, unless he chooses to focus on a particular thought, but they continued to whisper against his ever alert senses.

Holding the handle in a grip tight enough to control against the vibration, Sanskar pulled the exit open, the aircraft had already done its job, by taking him to the heights he wished to reach, and he would dive from here.

The jumpsuit tugged with his equipment hugged his lean frame, contrasting his muscular arms and outlining the hard planes of his chest. The wind now rushing in from the opening, almost pushing him backwards with its power rustled through the cluster of his short hair, before he pulled on the cap and goggles. Lazily, he rechecked his equipment, harnessed them to his chest and waited at the opening for another second.

Beneath him, the world laid waiting, in a tranquil bluish haze that melted in to turquoise, then fainted in to emerald and finally merged in to whitish hues. It reminded him of a color platter, getting disturbed by the breeze, the shades poured in closer vicinity to each other mixing up.

It was a good distraction for a while. The view beneath him almost sketched out a dreamy sense of peace, a promise he knew it never fulfilled. But, as always he would end up believing his eyes. He would make a move of reaching the unreachable. Between the dream laying fifteen thousand feet below him and the aircraft vibrating with the power that fueled his intentions, was a one minute of a journey, one minute of insanely deadly thrill, adrenaline rush...pumping heartbeats, one whole minute of life.

To feel alive again, even for a one short minute, he would jump thousand times.

Taking a deep breath that he would hold on to for several seconds Sanskar dived in to the rushing air and nothingness. Over the years in which he had mastered the skill of freeflyingthe speed and the rushing swirl of colors never managed to hyper him. It was the elven sense of control, he reasoned with himself. He knew the fall, no matter how fast it came, would not kill him. It made him hunt for thrill, cross the lines of danger in pursuit of distraction. The acceleration his perfect jump gave would not fulfill that purpose.

He knew in freeflying a continuous position would be dangerous. He should be transiting his position while the speed increased. Within seconds that stretched like ages he moved to back flying and resumed his favorite, the head down.

It made him feel like a bird, soaring in the air with a flashing speed. Instead of the usual feeling of having everything in his control, he felt his body being controlled by the wind, the speed and the pull of gravity. That, uncertainty, that unruliness was the thrill he wanted. Stretching his arms, gaining more speed he flopped back to the original position. The insane freefall was over; it was time for the deployment of his parachute.

The tug went unheard in the rush of air as his canopy developed itself, feeding on his acceleration and his speed dropped. The swirl of heavenly colors around him started to make sense. The whiteness collected itself to snowy caps of mountains, their perfect structures vanishing against the skies as he dropped, the turquoise and cerulean deepened to the glossy water body beneath him, spreading its embrace wide to accept his approaching figure.

The tips of his toes touched the shimmering surface, creating tiny, faint ripples as he swooped over the edge of the lake reaching the ground in a graceful landing. The canopy lowered itself behind him, shrinking in to a bubble off fabric and wind, until it collapsed on the ground and Sanskar unbuckled it. There was a distant clapping from the people enjoying the summer in shade, confining themselves to the lake deck and watching his swoop. He might have made quite a sight, Sanskar knew, as he proceeded to take off his head cover. He pulled his wrist bands and the goggles off unmindful to the admiring glances thrown by the on lookers, as another figure approached him.

Hari was another young man, as brownish as Sanskar was fair and his rather long dark hair a tint brownish and unkempt. He had a hard lined figure, brawny arms that in the elven lands would have categorized him as a Vajra. His eyes were black, gleaming at the moment with admiration as he approached Sanskar, running a hand through his rumpled hair nervously.

That was a spectacular dive,' he said in a loud voice that the wind carried away, while they clapped each other in a short hug. Parting Sanskar smiled at him and they begun to walk away from the deck and the on lookers, leaving the lighthearted selves behind as they did so.

I hope you brought news?' His face serious and tone lower Sanskar asked Hari who messed up his hair again.

I think the Nagas aren't aware that their message did not manage to reach Devi Annapurna.' He replied in a very respectful tone unlike to his earlier cheerful one.

Good,' Sanskar nodded. They don't have to know that as for yet.'

But sire, if the queen mother comes to know kuwar Lakshya is under the mercy of the Nagas she will...'

Things she doesn't know won't hurt her.' Sanskar said slowly. She must remain oblivious.'

But, we have to take an action to ensure his safety.'

They aren't going to hurt him,' Sanskar said dismissively starting to pack his gear. He is their shield. They won't pierce him.'

And in the meanwhile what are we going to do?'

That's what I was thinking about.' Sanskar agreed and Hari watched him as he continued to pack. He had known the crown prince for almost a decade. That skydive was supposed to help him build his strategy against the Nagas, to clear his mind. And now, he waited silently as the prince shared his plan in his low calculative tone.

I never wanted to pull this battle in to this level, where we would be fighting against sentiments. I never wanted it to be personal. But they have started it and now I will end it.'

What do you mean sire?'

Nagas think a stolen weapon can ensure their victory; we will show them that even in their hands the weapon would be ours.'

He finished packing and zipped his bag.

Send a word, we attack by nightfall.'

*

Night, Padmapeeta Palace, Akashanagara, 3rd November 2005

It was a circular room, lit from all directions with torches burning in handsome ember flames. The polished floor, carved pillars and drapes of emerald color adding to the grandeur. In the corner on an elaborate throne like seat of gold; with jewels set shimmering on it; the dainty girl child sat; she was the princess of Anjanis; Suvanna.

She looked like a doll, her cheeks rosy and her kohled eyes deep, wide and dark; sparkling in excitement. She wore red as it was customary for Anjani royals and her soft palms and feet had designs of lotuses and leaves painted in elegant red.

Suvanna clapped merrily as her maids played out a story for her. They had dressed up for the evening playing the favorite story of their beloved princess. On the corner sat another maid, playing the harp, and another Tablas, as the rest danced out the story, which narrated a tale of a princess who went to spy on an enemy camp disguised as a male warrior.

The maids where delighted to see their princess happy. As they knew, she was ever hardly treated lovingly by her father. The Anjani king did not appreciate the daughter he was blessed with. His wife was ill; with an element they did not recognize and was certain to bear no more children. The blame was landed upon Suvanna, who the king never loved or cared for. He wanted a prince, to rule after him, who would bring him victories and the princess was reduced to a beautifully dressed show piece in his palace.

But the princess, being the optimistic girl she was, never gave up trying to gain her father's affections. In the process she had learned to master the bow and arrows and was a very skilled archer for her age.

Suvanna leaned back in her throne, closing her eyes as the music swept off her. It was a gloriously happy occasion; her father would be returning the victorious Vajra tonight. Suddenly, the song was cut short; the harp and the drum beat died a moment later and there were sounds of metal clanking together as Suvanna's eyes snapped open.

Soldiers bearing her father's sign marched in, in two neat rows and stood side by side facing her. The maids backed away as the armed men filled inside the chamber and Suvanna watched them wide eyed.

The solider in front of her, knelt, his sword sticking the ground and his head bowed.

My lady, the king, requires an audience with you.' His voice, polite yet firm, banished any doubt in their minds. The last thing anyone hoped was a pleasant conversation or a shared meal, the king was upset and as usual has called for his favorite stress relieving object, to vent out his frustration.

However, Suvanna seemed not to have worked the absolute truth out. She leaped to her feet, slightly, tangling herself in her long, costly robe and nodded.

Lead the way,' she said happily.

The soldiers gathered around her, as the first to speak up led her towards the court room. The passageways they passed were also merrily lit, the glamour bouncing off the portraits of their ancestors and vanishing over the emerald drapes. Their footsteps muffled against the smooth floors they walked on. In no time they were in front of the double doors to the Anjani court, the soldiers again stopped there and formed a neat row, at the entrance. The doors opened.

Taking a deep breath, the princess entered the darkened court room. The doors shut behind her.

The light issuing from the pale moon somewhere out there shimmered from the high plain glassed windows, capturing the tall figure of her father in a pool of silvery light. He was alone; standing with his back to her, his long hair shadowing his features and is arms crossed across his chest. His rigid posture revealed he was angry, for a reason unfathomable to her.

Father?' she curtsied bowing her head lower.

There were fireworks, in the skies tonight.' Pratula said slowly. Musicians playing, flower arrangements, decorations, celebrations, which I believe you arranged for...' his voice was low, cold and dangerous. Mocking me as I returned empty handed, people gossiping behind my back, you made a display out of my defeat, why, WHY?'

He turned to face her, his tone rising in demand and his eyes burning in the fire of his anger. Suvanna took a step back unintentionally. Her face was going paler as she held her father's deadly glare.

I...I thought, I thought you'd be happy to celebrate your victory against the Vajras.'

Didn't I send a message stating that I did not WIN?'

Father, I did not get any...'

Of cause! You might have been floating in your dream world to receive my word. Or...' he bored in to her eyes. You did this knowingly, and are faking oblivion now to escape the blame of mocking me.'

I did not know!' Suvanna objected. I seriously wanted to be a part of your victory father, I wanted to share your happiness!'

Someone who did not share my struggle has no right to share my happiness either!' Pratula barked.

But I...'

If you can't celebrate my victory you should at least stop reminding me of my defeat! And you...' He pointed a rigid finger towards her. Are the biggest reminder of my short comings!'

Silent tears, large and warm, started to roll down her cheeks. Suvanna bit her lip, shivering as her father's voice thundered over her.

If I had a son, he would one day bring me the head of that insolent prince of Vajras! I would have been avenged! My pride restored! But no. The gods of ancients would not grant me that contentment...I would forever burn in the fires of this insult!'

Father...' she said in a small voice. Would you love me then...if I bring the Vajra king to your feet, his pride shattered and power lost, so that you can behead him and restore your pride?'

You can never do that.'

If I do,' she asked again, her tone firm and hopeful. Would you love me?'

Perhaps,' breathed Pratula. Perhaps...!'

*

Night, Shamashikara mountains, Kaldwaara borders, 24th June, 2010

The bold mountains, cut in to their smooth structures by the harsh winds stood against the darkened purple sky, like dark silhouettes. A path, half overrun by weeds and thorny bushes lay around the mountains. It gleamed in a silvery glow in the light of the first stars of the summer night.

There was a sound of distant galloping and horses came to down the silvery path tearing the darkness as they went. For a moment they stopped in the shade of the largest of the Shamashikara mountains (which gave name to the citadel of Nagas) the mountain called Jaya and watched the glimpse of Kaldwaara visible in the valley beneath.

The city seemed to be struggling through a burning night, its towers were lit and warning bells crying through the rough winds.

The Vajras are attacking them.' A woman from the horse riders lowered her hood. It's been five years now, they never breached the shield.'

A victory delayed is also a defeat.' Princess Suvanna, now a teenage girl lowered her hood, her glossy eyes reflecting the fires from Kaldwaara. And each defeat of the Vajra prince is sweet to me.'

We should make haste my lady and ride to the banks, if not we might run in to Vajra armies.'

Suvanna said nothing as she looked up at the faint stars.

Yes.' She said unemotionally then. Tonight isn't the night I see him.' She twisted the reins in her hand and urged the horse to resume its pace. I will see him when I have the thing he values most under my control.'

It won't be easy princess,' the woman who followed her close by replied. The prince of Vajras protect his loved ones very well.'

That's why it needs proper planning Sudha,' Suvanna insisted. And I have done nothing but plan for the years passed.'

They went down the twisting path around the sloping mountains and sloping land. The sound of howling wind was cut short by the loud giggles of the river they approached. The bank far from the shield of Kaldwaara and the Vajra forces; was silent and lost in mild, bluish darkness.

The horse riders stopped there once more and lady Suvanna turned to her companions.

I have to cross the water alone.' She said finitely knowing they were to object. From here onwards lies my battle.'

But princess...'

It took me five years.' She told them. To master the power required for this task. To call the spirits of the ancients to lead me...now I must go, when it is my chance.'

She dismounted the horse gracefully as the rest of her party watched. Her dark cloak sweeping the dump grass behind her she went to the edge of the river bank. A mist, thin and silvery first and then dense and white floated between them, curtaining the princess from her protectors. Suvanna held out her arms, feeling the mist curling in to her fingers and the wind whipping her face and closed her eyes, whispering in an ancient tongue, calling forth the spirits to guide her.

There was a sound of splashing water and a boat floated creating elegant ripples along its way; only to stop at the hem of her wet skirts soaked with the streaming river water. Gathering her cloak around her and still singing in the ancient tongue, Suvanna stepped in to the boat and settled herself inside, where there was space sufficient only for her. As she sat, the boat started to sail deep in to the mist and away from the riders who stood blinded by the chilly whiteness around them, oblivious to her departure. Finally her journey away from home and towards her revenge had begun.

*

Night, Shamashikara citadel, Kaldwaara, 24th June 2010

Mohan dragged the struggling figure of Swara along with him and shoving her inside the empty shrine closed the door behind them. He still carried a blood soaked sword in his hand and Swara shivered.

You have to leave, right now!'

No, Mohan! How can I?' she said at once. These people are dying because of me, how can I leave them and...'

Mohan grabbed her shoulders, shaking her and boring in to her eyes.

These people are Nagas Swara. They can heal themselves, you cannot! You will leave through the portal right now!'

No. If I just surrender everything will...'

Oh shut up you silly girl!' Mohan barked, gripping her hand and pulling it. He placed her hand on his head. Swear on me, that you won't do anything stupid. Do it! NOW!'

I can't!'

You're under my oath Swara, you will leave and stay hidden until I come to collect you. Say it, say IT!'

O...Okay.' She stammered.

Mohan let her go. Very well.' He said, pushing her towards the pool of clear water ahead of them. Go on now.'

Someone was banging the door and they exchanged a dark look as Swara stepped in to the water. There were raised voices and before she could know what was happening, the black water rippled around her and swirled, opening at her feet and she was sucked in to darkness of the world waiting for her beyond the portal.

It took her moment to master her energy and the darkness pressed her from all sides. After a second when her eyes split open, the pillars and Mohan was gone. She was standing in the middle of a deserted road. Her bare feet could feel the cold ground that was soaked with rain water. Only the same stars glared at her from the above. Then there was a sound before her mind started to work and a brilliant blinding light. A sparking pain ran through her veins and Swara was thrown back in to the mind - numbing darkens.

*

Mumbai, 24th June, 2010

Ragini cuddled her Huggy Bear in the back seat. Many people would say at fifteen she was over grown for soft toys, but she always found solace in their smooth comfort. The Huggy Bear was her friend for so many years now.

In the front seat her parents were relatively silent. They had nothing to talk with her as usual. The road was dark and there was not much of a view outside to distract her. Sighing to herself, Ragini clutched the Huggy Bear and closed her eyes.

After a split second of darkness, she was back in the stage of her father's magic show, thousands of eyes following her. She was many feet above them, in a place they usually would not spot her, her eyes widened in fear.

There were flames below, rising and falling dangerously in a deadly dance as Ragini desperately held in to the hand of her twin sister, Janki.

Jaanu don't let go, hold on please, hold on.'

I can't Raagu,' panted Janki. Your hand's sweaty, my grip is slipping.'

Ragini looked around frantically.

Help!' she screamed. Please, someone! Help! Help!'

Some of her fingers slipped, she tried to hold on, Janki shook her head.

There was a violent jerk and the pole Ragini was holding to wiggled, making her lose her balance.

The car bumped, making her eyes snap open.

Ragini looked at her hand, now tightly gripping Huggy Bear, even in the semi darkness the burn marks were visible. She considered it her punishment for being unsuccessful in saving her sister. Those flames had licked her skin then, but she had not felt their stinging, instead she felt her soul being crushed as her ears filled with cries of her sister.

She closed her eyes again. This time the darkness did not fill with visions. Instead voices boomed in her mind.

Bring my child back, I need my Jaanu back!' It was her mother, crying hysterically.

We've lost everything along with our child,' it was her father's disappointed tone. We'll have to leave this city soon, move back to Kolkata for few years at least, back to my mother's.'

At least Ragini was saved.'

Yes,' her father sighed. But Ragini is nothing without Janki, I need both of them...'

Ragini opened her eyes again. It had always been Janki who was the princess of her parents. And now; she knew the rest to that incomplete sentence. I need both of them...or neither. Ragini is nothing...she is nothing...'

She saw it a minute before it happened. There was a figure on the road, right ahead of them, just collecting themselves off the ground. Ragini's eyes widened in fear and her voice was lost. There was a "thud" as they crashed and a girl screamed.

Ragini felt the noise fading in to silence as the silence followed the sound of breaking glass. The car had toppled over, in her father's attempt to save the girl on the road. As she lay, crumpled inside the metal junk, she felt warm blood tickling down her ears and nose. Her vision darkened and ears rang. Then a voice spoke in a whisper.

Ragini...Ragini...!'

*