The Oath of The Vayuputras by Amish Read Free Book Online Page A

is he mistaken? This decision of yours can change the course of history. What you do now will have repercussions for generations to come. It is a momentous occasion, a big battle. You have to be completely sure.’
    ‘I must speak with the Vasudevs.’
    ‘Yes, you must.’
    ‘But that is not all you wanted to say to me, is it?’
    ‘I think there is another aspect to be considered. What made Brahaspati ji disappear for over five years? What was he doing in Panchavati all this while? I feel this is an important question; perhaps linked to the back-up manufacturing facility for the Somras that father had told me about.’
    ‘Yes, I didn’t give it much importance then. But if the Somras is Evil, that facility is the key.’
    ‘Actually, the Saraswati is the key. A manufacturing facility can always be rebuilt. But wherever it is built, it will always need the Saraswati waters. Kali told me at Icchawar that her people attacked Meluhan temples and Brahmins only if they were directly harming the Nagas. Maybe those temples were production centres that used the powder from Mount Mandar to manufacture the Somras drink for the locals. She also said that a final solution would emerge from the Saraswati. That the Nagas were working on it. I don’t know what that cryptic statement meant. We need to find out.’
    ‘You did not tell me about your conversation with Kali.’
    ‘Shiva, this is the first honest conversation we are having about Kali and Ganesh since you met my son at Kashi.’
    Shiva became quiet.
    ‘I’m not blaming you,’ continued Sati. ‘I understood your anger. You thought that Ganesh had killed Brahaspati ji . Now that the truth has emerged, you are willing to listen.’
    Shiva smiled and embraced Sati.

    ‘Are you sure?’ asked Shiva.
    It was late the next morning, four hours into the second prahar. Shiva sat with Sati at his side in his private chambers. Parvateshwar and Bhagirath stood in front, holding a plank. The Meluhan general and the Ayodhyan prince had just returned after surveying the destroyed battleships.
    ‘Yes, My Lord. The evidence is indisputable,’ said Bhagirath.
    ‘Show me.’
    Bhagirath stepped forward. ‘The rivets on these planks are clearly Meluhan. Lord Parvateshwar has identified them.’
    Parvateshwar nodded in agreement.
    ‘And the casing,’ continued Bhagirath, ‘that improves the water-proofing is clearly Ayodhyan.’
    ‘Are you suggesting that Emperor Daksha and Emperor Dilipa have formed an alliance against us?’ Shiva asked softly.
    ‘They’ve used the best technologies available in both our lands. These ships had navigated through a lot of sea water, judging by the molluscs on them. They needed the best to be able to make the journey quickly.’
    Shiva breathed deeply, lost in thought.
    ‘My Lord,’ said Bhagirath. ‘For all his faults, I cannot imagine my father would be capable of leading a conspiracy such as this. He simply does not have the capability. He is just a follower in this plot. You have to target him, of course. But don’t make the mistake of thinking that he is the main conspirator. He is not.’
    Sati leaned towards Shiva. ‘Do you think my father can do this?’
    Shiva shook his head. ‘No. Emperor Daksha too is incapable of leading this conspiracy.’
    Parvateshwar, still shame-faced at the dishonour brought upon his empire, said quietly, ‘The Meluhan code enjoins upon us to follow the rules, My Lord. Our rules bid us to carry out our king’s orders. In the hands of a lesser king, this can lead to a lot of wrong.’
    ‘Emperor Daksha may have issued the orders, Parvateshwar,’ said Shiva. ‘But he didn’t dream them up. There is a master who has brought the royalty of Meluha and Swadweep together. Someone who also managed to procure the feared daivi astras . Heaven alone knows if he has any more divine weapons . It was a brilliant plan. By Lord Ram’s grace, we were saved by the skin of our teeth. It cannot be Emperor Daksha or