A voice called out behind them amid sudden whistling and shouting. “Rao! Aayu!”
Aayu knew that woman’s voice.
“Wait for me.”
He knew that woman’s voice.
“I’m coming.”
He knew … Narayani’s voice.
She walked toward them in that revealing green sari she loved. Every soldier around, thousands of them, ogled her.
I’ll kill every one of you if I have to, Aayu thought. Nice choice of dress, Narayani. The stone walls are probably staring at your breasts too.
Indrajit asked, “Is that … my daughter, Master Aayu?”
“Yes, sir.”
Indrajit’s tone betrayed his rising anger. “Why in death’s name is she here?”
Think fast.
Aayu scanned Rao’s face. Both were trying not to look surprised. Narayani walked up to them with a smile that said nothing could possibly be wrong, as if butterflies fluttered all around her and pink flowers bloomed at her feet.
“You should have waited for me. I told you I was right behind you.” Narayani knelt and touched Indrajit’s feet. “I’m honored to be in your presence, Father.” She stood again and turned to Devak. “My Rajah, I am Rao’s lady, Narayani. I’ve come to help, too. I am a healer.” She put her hands together in front of her heart and bowed before him, looking up at the giant with her long eyelashes.
Devak squinted and tightened his face even more.
“Uncle Indrajit, you told me to make sure she stayed safe. I couldn’t leave her alone in that city.” Now I’m just hoping you won’t notice these thousands of soldiers drooling over her.
“You bloody fool, are you insane?” Indrajit asked. Aayu remembered that Indrajit almost always managed to keep his voice cool and controlled. Here was an exception: “This is no place for a young woman, especially not her!” Meaning, the most beautiful woman most of these men had ever laid eyes on, a perfect fantasy at seventeen.
Aayu tried to respond, but Rao spoke over his words. “I fully agree with Aayu. General Indrajit, you must have loyal men you can trust to guard her. She can stay with me in the tower, so you won’t have to allocate more resources, except when I’m in the field. That is, assuming Aayu and I can stay.”
As Devak stomped toward Rao, the full power of the giant’s voice exploded. “You’ve insulted our general!”
Rao flinched and looked down and aside.
Aayu took a step toward Devak. “I must stand by my idea to bring Narayani here, my Rajah. I had to convince Rao, but I’m glad he’s come around. I know she will be safer here.” Now will anyone believe this?
Briraji smirked at all of them. Aayu decided the sage needed a heavy fist to correct his lopsided face.
“You are an idiot. A born idiot,” Indrajit said.
Narayani was nearly in tears. “I didn’t mean to cause any problems. My Rajah, I can help the wounded—”
“She’s right.” Aayu nodded. “She knows her medicines.”
Narayani wiped her nose. “If anything should happen to Rao or Aayu, I can give them the best possible care.”
Aayu was staring at Narayani’s blameless portrayal of herself, and shaking his head inwardly, when he heard the back of Devak’s hand smash against Rao’s jaw. Rao stumbled backward and fell.
Aayu instinctively stepped between Rao and his father, but had no time to defend himself against Briraji’s conjured force that slammed his shoulder into the compacted ground.
Before Aayu could think, he lunged at the little sage and pinned Briraji’s arms to the desert floor. Briraji’s eyes trembled as he began invoking another power.
Devak wrapped his arms under Aayu’s and pulled him off the sage and onto his feet. Aayu knew Rao’s father was holding back most of his strength.
Briraji stood and spit flew from his mouth. “You have no self-control. How can you be a sage?”
“Don’t question whether I am worthy of this uniform,” Aayu said. “I look out for those worth protecting.” Aayu glanced around at the many soldiers staring at them.
“I was protecting our Rajah. How dare you assault him?” Briraji asked.
“I wasn’t going to touch him! I was only—”
Indrajit’s stare froze Aayu. “You are an utter disgrace.”
Devak’s deep voice growled, “He was defending my son. You will not punish him for that, Indrajit.” Devak released Aayu from his hold. The Rajah’s face seemed inflexible as rock. “Aayu, apologize to Briraji.”
Aayu swallowed, trying to down his pride. It was so hard—almost impossible—to say it. “I apologize, Briraji.”
Rao was out of breath and on his feet again, rubbing his jaw. He tried to sound strong, but his pain came through in his voice. “I’m sorry to have upset you, Father. I understand your anger.”
Narayani stood beside Rao, her lips trembling.
If Indrajit was bothered by Rajah Devak’s rebuttal, it didn’t show. “Our warriors are leaving. We have wasted enough time. Briraji, take my daughter to the chambers below the rajah’s. For now, she will share the space with Prince Rao. Assign enough men to guard her. Be quick, then join me on the northern trail.”
Devak spoke in the same commanding voice as ever, as if nothing had happened. “You’ll need another sage to protect you in the meantime. Rao, go with General Indrajit. Indrajit, explain the recent developments to my son.”
The general hesitated, creating an uncomfortable silence. “My Rajah, he … I need a proven sage at my side.” Indrajit stood with the posture of a proud commander, even as he pleaded.
Devak stood even taller. “According to what your nephew said, Rao is ready. You can also take Aayu with you.”
Aayu glanced at Narayani. I’m not leaving her with Briraji. “My Rajah, I would like to stay here with Narayani, to make sure she is comfortable and safe.” Aayu looked at the little sage as he finished.
Devak nodded. Rao nodded too, giving Aayu an understanding look.
Briraji brushed more dirt off his uniform. “I will join you soon, Prince Rao. I’m sure you’ll find a live engagement a stirring experience. We’re taking the fight to our enemy.”
“What?” Rao asked. “That’s not in keeping with our tactics, is it?”
Briraji dismissed Rao with a brief laugh and a smirk. “It is until the Haizzem comes. We’ve decided to meet their full army with our own. Our arrows, spears, and sages will show the dogs the full fury of Pawelon.”
“You’re emptying the citadel? This isn’t how we fight them,” Rao said.
Devak spoke over Rao’s last few words. “It is for now.” He looked at Aayu. “Aayu and Briraji, I expect you to get along from now on.”
“Yes, my Rajah,” Aayu said, and Briraji echoed his words.
Devak stepped in front of Rao again. “Protect General Indrajit and support my army. Impress me.”
Rao clenched his fist in salute. “I will.”
Indrajit saluted before hurrying toward the columns of spearmen and archers.
Rao hugged Narayani, kissed her cheek, and whispered something in her ear. He slapped Aayu on the back and said, “Watch her,” then ran after the general.
After saluting, Aayu grabbed Narayani’s hand and pulled her along as the two followed Briraji to the legendary tower at the center of the courtyard. It loomed as the only structure inside the citadel higher than the curtain walls. The tower’s heavy stone construction rivaled the thick masonry of the fortifications, but unlike the outer walls, parts of the tower’s walls had crumbled and now functioned as windows.
“I am sorry.” Narayani’s sad eyes tried to sell her innocence as they walked. “I didn’t mean to get you into trouble.”
Aayu bit back his words and could only shake his head as he looked away from her. Your safety is my responsibility now, even more than before. What on Gallea am I going to do?
Halfway to the tower, Aayu turned his head. Rajah Devak stood in the same spot, watching Rao chase after Indrajit and the army. The old
man stood still with perfect posture, his face a pockmarked mystery.
At least he’s on our side.
Aayu looked at Rao once more, frustrated that Rao would soon be fighting without him. Good luck, bhai.
Chapter 10: Cranes in a Cloudy Sky, Obscured by Dust
RAO STRUGGLED TO REMAIN CENTERED in the midst of Pawelon’s forces as they marched into the valley. A well of emotional pain gushed within, aftershocks of his father’s blow. He breathed in and out in specific ratios, attempting to assert control over his feelings. In: One … two … three. Out: One … two … three … four … five … six.
In his current condition, he knew he’d be useless if General Indrajit, who walked beside him, needed him to access his powers. Effectiveness as a sage depended on acute presence of mind, detached observation of all internal and external phenomena. Both the inner and outer worlds were pummeling his awareness.
Their troop created a menacing spectacle: fanged long spears and great bows raised high above thundering footsteps, death-lust in the warriors’ eyes. Hatred and fear blanketed the atmosphere, palpable to Rao’s keen senses. His years of training rescued him from being totally overwhelmed. He concentrated on breathing.
The desert felt increasingly oppressive as the sun climbed and they descended the sloping path. As Rao trod the baked earth, after five days of hiking from Kannauj, his sandals chafed his sore feet. Red cliffs enclosing the winding passage blocked most of the sky. Heavy clouds flew at a bizarre speed above them. Rao wiped the moisture from his face.
It’s too humid. This weather isn’t natural.
As he watched the scene around him, an image flashed in his mind. The army’s legs swung forward—right leg, left leg, right leg, left leg—kicking boulders down the path with each stride. His mind intuited the symbolism: The war’s momentum could not be reversed, stopped, or even slowed. Every person was merely a spectator of the unfolding drama.
No, he corrected his initial thoughts, this is as transient as anything else. It’s a fiction that will collapse if but one man can see it for what it is and speak the truth.
Rao’s emotions were still jagged. He’d held naive expectations for his reunion with his father, believing he’d be proud of him and thrilled to see a son he barely knew. So many uncontrolled emotions were completely inappropriate for a sage—and they indicated he was in real danger.
General Indrajit finally broke the silence. “There are only two ways down to the canyon, two ways for the dogs to climb to the citadel. Each day, we defend both routes with bowmen hidden in the cliffs, infantry at the base of the trails, and, further up, tight spear formations blocking the trails at their narrowest points. The Rezzians carry one throwing spear each, believing it is dishonorable to use more than one ranged weapon in any battle. They believe only cowards use bows. So determined to die, they keep coming in droves, year after year, and we keep killing them.”
If the general was still bitter about the confrontations from earlier that morning, Rao couldn’t detect any sign of it on Indrajit’s hard face.
The general spoke with professional detachment and kept his cold eyes trained far ahead. “The dogs have a grotesque pride that drives them directly into our defenses. They are always aggressive, even when it least serves them. Their blind faith renders them imbeciles. They believe their gods protect those who should live, and that men who die in battle are glorified in the afterlife. If they had any sense—”
“But we’re the aggressors today, General.” As Rao spoke, he felt his inner turmoil fueling his tone. He knew he was out of line.
Indrajit stared forward like an eagle, no reaction at all. “Prince Rao, we want them to come and battle us in the open field today. They have neither king nor Haizzem in the valley, men who command great powers. We must break their army’s spirit, perhaps even destroy their camp, before the king returns with his son. Striking them now gives us our greatest chance for victory.”
Rao couldn’t stop his words. “General, the Rezzians made the mistake of initiating this conflict. Aren’t we acting like them now, recklessly provoking such a large battle? This doesn’t seem like Pawelon’s way. It puts our survival at risk. All actions return to their sender. Karma is immutable”
“Once they began this war, it became ours to finish. The principle of reaction states they must face the repercussions of what they have done. We are enforcing the principle of karma.”
“I say this with respect, sir, but men cannot administer karma themselves. Karma is a natural law, beyond our ability to enforce. When we try to do that, we are entangled in the same sticky web, pulled into the same mire. The fruits of their actions will return to them inevitably. The natural balancing in the universe is far more powerful than any worldly army.” As he spoke, Rao saw a dour curling of Indrajit’s lips, but he continued, “They will meet the consequences of their actions if we refuse to become like them. If we adopt their principles, we could become lost in a perpetual cycle of violence.”
Indrajit’s voice grew louder. “Aren’t we already? Within days, a Rezzian with the power to rule the world will be here. And you would have us wait for him and let their forces rest? Did you come here to be passive, or to fight for Pawelon, my Prince? What karma would come to you for standing aside and watching your own nation fall?”
Rao's pride burned within. He knew his ego was too attached to the debate. “If we attack them in the open field, we’d be just as much at risk as they would be. Haven’t we kept them at bay all these years with proven tactics? Why expose our whole army to them?”
“Our gamble is wise given the circumstances. Their decision to meet us is not. They should wait for their king and Haizzem, but since the king left they’ve been too proud for that.”
This debate has its own momentum. I can’t stop it. “I find it strange that one reckless strategy can be so right, and the other so wrong.”
“Because you are not seeing anything in context. We are seizing our best chance to send the dogs home.” Indrajit tightened his jaw, and a few teeth showed through his snarl.
“We've held them off for nearly a decade. We’ve perfected our defenses. Why take such a risk? We could throw everything away guessing about a new development we don’t understand yet. Patience is a valid tactic in war, isn’t it? And observation? Who knows what the Haizzem will do?”
Indrajit’s cutting eyes shot toward Rao. “War doesn’t always afford us the luxury of contemplation, sage.”
“Should we become just like them?” Rao heard his voice wavering with insecurity. “Change ourselves because they pushed us? Haven't we lost already then?” I sound like a starry-eyed juvenile.
“The arrogant cannot be defeated with flowers or meditation. Only force can stop fanatics.” Indrajit pointed a finger at Rao. The general’s arm shook as he paused. “My Prince, you have no experience to back up your platitudes, but you mouth your tripe as if you’re wiser than a man three times your age. Join me in the real world if you have the stomach for it. Your father does.”
Rao’s gut turned over, but his convictions spewed out. “I can help you today, General. I'm sure of that. But I didn’t come here to be the aggressor. I came here to defend our people and our territory, not to bring the fight to our enemy. I'll do my part to ensure our soldiers return safely today. If their Haizzem leads them into battle, I will adjust. But I will never throw the first spear.”
“They have thrown the first spear for nine long years. Now, while they are without their spiritual leaders, we can push them back. If we don’t stop them here, our way of life may soon be over. Your royal line could be snuffed out. Our people could be their slaves. Could you live with that karma?”
“A man must act on his conscience. I would rather die than live by no greater principle than my own survival.”
Indrajit glared sideways. “Be careful what you ask for. A spiritual prodigy should understand the power of his own words.”
They rounded the edge of a red cliff wall, and the great val
ley opened up before them. “Look, Prince Rao. The dogs are coming to meet us.”
Spanning across most of the horizon, the Rezzian army advanced from the east. Behind them, their dust cloud turned the blue sky ochre.
“We are going to fight them. If you're determined to be gutless, then don’t help us drive them back to the hells.” The general looked up at the suddenly brooding sky. “No wonder your father thinks so little of you. You are weak. Less than his shadow.”
“You’re right, General.” The voice of the sage Briraji came as a surprise.
“Welcome, Briraji,” Rao said, “we were just—”
“Engaging in an adolescent’s debate,” Briraji quipped. “General, I can relieve Rao from his duty and protect you now.”
“Then do so, master sage,” Indrajit said. “Prince Rao, I have no use for you on this day.” Indrajit’s eyes bored into Rao once more. “Officers!” The general strode ahead and began giving his men directions for the coming battle.
Rao slowed and stayed behind the commotion, but remained close enough to observe the general.
Briraji kept pace with Rao. “You will see us using some truly amazing powers today. I have a deadly surprise for their leadership. Watch for it. It will come from the heavens.” Briraji recoiled as crackling lightning illuminated swift, dark clouds over the valley.
The goddess Ysa, Rao realized. This storm means the royal daughter is here.
Rao maintained a respectful tone, as his training dictated with a high-ranking sage. “I will observe your powers, Briraji, and hope to learn of them from you, when you deem me worthy enough to teach.”
Brijaji only narrowed his eyes.
Indrajit yelled at Rao from a dozen paces away, “I go now to defend Pawelon.”
Rao yelled back, “I can’t sanction your aggression, but I will protect our men. This storm is from their goddess Ysa. The royal daughter must be here. She will have her own powers.”
“Then she will be my target,” Briraji said, beside him.
More lightning flashed between the darkening clouds.
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