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

Emperor Dilipa. This is someone of far greater importance, intelligence and resource. And, one who is clever enough to conceal his identity.’

    ‘Return to Meluha?!’ asked Veerbhadra.
    Veerbhadra and Krittika were in Shiva’s private chambers. Kali and Sati were also present.
    ‘Yes, Bhadra,’ said Shiva. ‘It was the Meluhans and the Ayodhyans who attacked us together.’
    ‘Are you sure Meluha is involved?’ asked Veerbhadra.
    ‘Parvateshwar has himself confirmed it.’
    ‘And now you are worried about our people.’
    ‘Yes,’ said Shiva. ‘I’m worried the Gunas will be arrested and held hostage as leverage over us. Before they do so, I want you to slip into Meluha quietly and take our people to Kashi. I will meet you there.’
    ‘My scouts will guide Krittika and you through a secret route,’ said Kali. ‘Using our fastest horses and speediest boats, my people can get you close to Maika in two weeks. After that, you are on your own.’
    ‘Meluha is a safe country to travel in,’ said Krittika. ‘We can hire fast horses up to the mouth of the Saraswati. After that we can travel on boats plying on the river. It’s an easy route. With luck, we will reach Devagiri in another two weeks. The Gunas are in a small village not far from there.’
    ‘Perfect,’ said Shiva. ‘Time is of the essence. Go now.’
    ‘Yes Shiva,’ said Veerbhadra as he turned to leave with his wife.
    ‘And Bhadra...’ said Shiva.
    Veerbhadra and Krittika turned around.
    ‘Don’t try to be brave,’ said Shiva. ‘If the Gunas have been arrested already, leave Meluha quickly and wait for me at Kashi.’
    Veerbhadra’s mother was with the Gunas. Shiva knew Veerbhadra would not abandon her to her fate so easily.
    ‘Shiva...’ whispered Veerbhadra.
    Shiva got up and held Veerbhadra’s shoulder. ‘Bhadra, promise me.’
    Veerbhadra remained quiet.
    ‘If you try to release them by yourself, you will be killed. You will be of no use to your mother if you are dead, Bhadra.’
    Veerbhadra stayed silent.
    ‘I promise you, nothing will happen to the Gunas. If you cannot get them out, I will. But do not do anything rash. Promise me.’
    Veerbhadra placed his hand on Shiva’s shoulder. ‘There is something you aren’t telling me. What have you discovered here? Why are you so afraid suddenly? Is there going to be a war? Is Meluha going to become our enemy?’
    ‘I’m not sure, Bhadra. I haven’t made up my mind as yet.’
    ‘Then tell me what you do know.’
    It was Shiva’s turn to remain silent now.
    ‘I’m going back to Meluha, Shiva. Had you asked me a month back, I would have said this would be the safest journey possible. A lot has changed since then. You have to tell me the truth. I deserve that.’
    Shiva sat them down and revealed everything he had discovered during the course of the last few days.

    ‘And you killed the rhino all by yourself?’ asked an impressed Anandmayi, her face suffused with a broad smile.
    ‘Yes, Your Highness,’ said Kartik, stoic and expressionless as usual.
    Anandmayi, Ayurvati and Kartik were settled comfortably on soft cushions in the dining room. Kshatriya in word and deed, Anandmayi and Kartik partook of the delicious rhinoceros meat. The Brahmin Ayurvati restricted herself to roti , dal and vegetables.
    ‘Have you decided to stop smiling altogether?’ asked Anandmayi. ‘Or is this just temporary?’
    Kartik looked up at Anandmayi, a hint of a smile on his face. ‘Smiling takes more effort than it’s worth, Your Highness.’
    Ayurvati shook her head. ‘You are just a child, Kartik. Don’t trouble yourself so much. You need to enjoy your childhood.’
    Kartik turned to the Meluhan chief physician. ‘My brother Ganesh is a great man, Ayurvati ji . He has so much to contribute to society, to the country. And yet, he was almost eaten alive by dumb beasts because he was trying to save me.’
    Ayurvati reached across and patted Kartik.
    ‘I will never be so helpless