***
Mitra listened in amazement as the Falcons took turns bringing him up-to-date with their adventures. Indra told him about their strange encounter with the Pisachas. When they had woken up in the cave, each one had presumed that it had been a dream. They did not even speak to each other about it, fearing they would be made fun of. Only a chance remark by Soma had made them realise that they had all had a similar experience. When they had sat together and analysed what had happened, they realised that it had not been a dream at all.
Vayu and Agni then got up and began to have a fistfight. Their hands moved so fast, it was almost a blur. They ducked, weaved and swung out of the way of punches at a speed that baffled the eye. Varuna then went up to a big rock that was at least five times his own body weight. He picked it up almost effortlessly and flung it at them. Vayu and Agni moved in perfect synchronicity and turned to meet the missile with their fists. The boulder shattered into tiny fragments and showered Mitra with dust.
'As you can see, our bodies have changed. We are faster, stronger and more powerful than before.'
Mitra dusted himself as he listened to Indra.
'Well, that's putting it mildly. But wait, what about the Dvanda? You did not look very powerful there.'
'I was tempted to use my powers, but it would have served no purpose other than to spark fresh rumours about me being a demon.'
'I'm glad that along with power, you have been bestowed some wisdom. You were right in concealing your gift. But the stunt you pulled was dangerous, you could have been killed.'
Indra shook his head. 'No--he was much too slow.'
Mitra suddenly remembered Soma's wonder potion.
'What of this brew? How did you'll come by it, Soma?'
'Last night as I slept, I heard a voice in my head. It was one of the seven beings that we saw emerge from the Pillar of Light. When I opened my eyes, I was in a dark wood. A single shaft of moonlight came through the trees and illuminated a tiny plant in front of me. The voice told me to pick up the plant. Once I had done so, the moonbeam lit up another plant. Before long I had an assortment of plants and herbs with me. I made a potion with it and was instructed to give it to Indra after the challenge.'
Mitra was not sure what to say; but he was their teacher--he could not be at a loss for words.
Soma reached into his bag and pulled out an ampoule with a stopper.
'I have a little of it left if you would like to try it, Master.'
Mitra first shook his head, then his curiosity got the better of him.
'Maybe just a little.'
He put the ampoule to his lips and took a small sip. He shut his eyes as he swallowed the bitter liquid. When he opened them, he felt himself flying through a dark tunnel. Then he was cast out into what could only be described as a city of light. The structures, the beings, everything around seemed to be made of light beams that were constantly in motion. As one of the creatures approached, all the light beams crisscrossing its body began to turn a dark red. It had a grimace on its face as it raised its index finger at Mitra and wagged it in a clear gesture of denial. Then he heard Indra's voice. He opened his eyes and saw that he was clutching Indra's wrist tightly. Embarrassed, he let go.
'Are you all right?' Indra asked, concerned.
Mitra nodded, afraid to speak. He turned to Soma, who looked at him rather anxiously.
'I have still not perfected it. I have to figure out the exact proportions of all the ingredients and also reduce the concentration and improve the taste.'
Mitra gripped the boy by the shoulders.
'Listen to me carefully. This potion is meant for the five of you alone. Do you understand? Never give it to anybody else, regardless of the circumstances. Is that clear?'
'Yes, Master.'
'Good! Are there any more surprises you have in store for me?'
The Falcons looked at each other and smiled. Then Agni, Vayu and Varuna stood up and closed their eyes. They chanted a mantra under their breath; it was in a language Mitra could not understand. Then Agni opened his eyes and pointed at a dead tree, a fair distance away. A small fire started at its base. Then Vayu stepped up and blew gently. The flames rose, till soon the branches at the very top of the tree were on fire. The heat from the burning tree forced them to take a step backwards. Then Varuna opened his eyes and pointed towards a little stream. A jet of water sprang from it, high into the air. As it came down, it doused the flaming tree.
Mitra turned to Indra and raised his eyebrows.
'What about you? Don't you have a trick or two to show me?'
'I'm not sure, Master. But do you remember the little thunderstorm during the Dvanda this morning?
'Yes . . . unusual for this time of the year.'
'I think I made it happen.'
Mitra marvelled at the prowess of his pupils. Yet his pride was tinged with regret. His time as their teacher was nearing an end. His students were no longer men, but gods.
***
Unlike the funerals usually reserved for Deva warriors, the funeral ceremony for Vasu and Pusan was a solemn one. The manner of their passing, especially that of Vasu, had been too tragic for the customary celebration.
Mitra stood alone in a corner and mourned the passing of his friend. As they lit the funeral pyres, Madri tried to jump into the flames and join her husband. It took all of Mahisi's strength to hold her back. Sachi gently pulled her mother away and held her close as she watched the flames. Although her beautiful face was calm, a heavy cloud of grief hung over it, and this did not escape Mitra's notice. As the flames rose, her eyes met his but showed no sign of acknowledgement or recognition.
Indra sat on the bank of the Mara near the ashram, his mind occupied by thoughts of Sachi. It pained him that he couldn't be at her father's funeral--Mitra had strongly advised Indra and his companions against it. Tempers could flare up among Pusan's supporters if they saw Indra at the funeral looking hale and hearty. Maybe it was for the best that she would not see him there. What if she hated him? It would not be surprising. Even if she forgave him for killing her brother, could she ever forgive him for her father's death? Perhaps there was a way: he would be the best husband in the world to her. She would want for nothing: children, jewellery, kingdoms . . . he would lay the world at her feet. Then perhaps with the passing of time she would learn to forgive him.
'Indra, come quick! You cannot miss this.'
Soma's voice brought him back from his thoughts. He turned to his friend.
'You remember that big black bull that we used to be scared of as kids? Vayu is trying to wrestle with it.'
Before Indra could reply, something made him look up. He saw a big black mass flying across the river. It was the bull. The soft grass on the opposite bank cushioned its fall. It rolled a couple of times and got to its feet with a groan.
Indra shook his head and said, 'Maybe it's best if you'll stay away from Aryavarta for a little while.'
***
It was late by the time Mitra got back to the ashram. The whole day had gone in mingling with the nobility in Aryavarta. Mitra found politics tiresome, yet it was necessary. Indra's absence from Aryavarta had fuelled several rumours, including one that he had died from his wounds. The other, more dangerous rumour spread by Pusan's sympathisers, was that Vasu's death was not an accident, but murder. While no one openly questioned his right to the throne, Vasu's death had left a sour taste in the mouths of even Indra's most ardent supporters.
Now as he lay in bed, he was unable to sleep. He had not told Paras what he had learned from the boys. It was best nobody knew till the time was right. He knew now that all that was left for him to do was to teach the boys to handle their powers with responsibility. But how would he be able to hide their gifts from the citizens of Aryavarta? There was also the delicate matter of Indra's marriage: it was the only way to keep the Devas united. But would Sachi agree to marry the man who had killed her brother and was suspected of having murdered her father? Finally, his exhaust
ion got the better of him and he drifted into a deep sleep.
Mitra rose early, well before sunrise, and went down to the riverbank to perform his morning ablutions. As he rose from his customary dip, he heard a voice from the opposite bank.
'The air in Gandhar is heavy with the weight of your troubles, old friend.'
Mitra looked up and saw a familiar figure; in his hand was a staff with a crook. He bowed respectfully.
'Greetings, Master Bhrigu. It gladdens my heart to see you.'
Mitra watched with a smile as Bhrigu bounded across the river towards him, his feet barely causing a ripple as they skimmed over the surface of the deep, fast-flowing water. The two men embraced warmly. Mitra led him to his hut and offered him some fruit and a bowl of milk.
Mitra waited for the sage to finish his meal and then said, 'Your arrival is like a godsend to me. I am sorely in need of your counsel.'
'I'm afraid it is my own pressing need that has brought me here.'
Mitra was surprised. What need could a sage of Bhrigu's prowess have of him?
'My problem can wait. Please tell me how I may assist you.'
'Since we last met all those years ago, a great deal has changed in my life. I have a wife now and four children. I . . . I had four children, now I have three.'
His voice cracked with emotion and Mitra waited patiently for him to continue.
'I lost a son, my first-born, ten days ago. He was still a boy, seventeen years old. He was struck on the head with a wooden club. His head was cracked open like a nut . . .'
The old sage began to weep, unable to continue. Mitra put his arm on the man's shoulder in a gesture of consolation.
'Do you know where we can find the people who did it?'
The sage composed himself and nodded.
'We are a small community of a hundred people who live at the foot of Mount Mandara, five days march to the north of here. We live off the land, farming, rearing some sheep and a few cattle. Last year our peaceful existence was shattered by the arrival of another tribe. They live on the slopes of the mountain and send raiding parties to attack us. They steal our grain, livestock and women. Our men are not warriors; they possess courage but lack the skill to defend themselves. My son tried to get the men together and build an effective force against them, but he lost his life in the last raid.'
Mitra thought quickly. This could present a solution to his immediate problem. Indra had to take charge of the throne and Soma was needed to help him with his duties. But the others he could send with Bhrigu. This would suit his purpose well. Firstly, he would not have to worry about the boys' powers being discovered by the Devas. Secondly, they could only benefit from being around a man of Bhrigu's wisdom. He made up his mind.
'I have the solution to your problem, rather three solutions. How soon do you require to leave?'
'I have travelled night and day to get here. I'm ready to leave immediately, as every moment's delay only increases the danger my people are in.'
The noise outside told him the boys were awake. He excused himself and went to fetch them.
As he entered the hut of the Falcons, a loud argument greeted him. It was the usual suspects, Agni and Soma. Agni had a handful of what looked like mushrooms in his hand. He held them out towards Mitra.
'Look, Master! Bad enough he spends all morning sifting through cow dung picking these things up. But he insists on bringing this filth into our hut. I woke up this morning with the smell of shit in the air.'
'Give that back to me, you stupid oaf. Stop meddling in things that do not concern you.'
'All right that's enough, you two,' Mitra said. 'Agni, Varuna and Vayu, get your things together. You'll are going on a little trip.'
The boys jumped up in excitement.
'What trip, Master? Where are we going?'
'You'll are going to live with the sage Bhrigu at his ashram for a little while. Now hurry, it is not wise to keep the sage waiting. Where is Indra?'
'He has not returned from his bath. Is he going away as well?' Soma asked, worried he was going to be left all alone.
'No. Ask him to come to my hut when he returns. By the way, do find some other place to keep your stuff Soma, it does stink in here.'
'Yes, Master.'
Mitra went back to his hut where Bhrigu was pacing about impatiently. Mitra took the opportunity to tell him about the adventure the boys had just had. Bhrigu listened in silence, fascinated.
'These beings they saw. Did they tell you how many of them were there?'
'Indra mentioned there were seven of them.'
Bhrigu's grief-stricken eyes now shone with excitement.
'The Saptarishis! Many sages including myself have awaited their arrival for years now. What we saw all those years ago in the stars is finally coming to pass.'
Bhrigu saw Mitra's confused expression and realised that he had been mumbling to himself.
'Forgive me, my friend, and allow me to explain. The Saptarishis or the Seven Seers are creatures of light, the physical embodiments of the Supreme force, Brahman. From which the entire universe was created. It was foretold that they would arm the One who unites the sons of Aditi.'
Realisation began to dawn on Mitra. He piped in, excited as a child, 'Then it is true. Indra is the One, from the prophecy.'
Mitra suddenly realised that, in his excitement, he had interrupted Bhrigu. A conduct that was quite unbecoming of a seer.
'Forgive me, Master. Please continue.'
'Do not be troubled, my friend, the occasion demands such excitement,' Bhrigu said with a smile and continued. 'This man will be a great king. He will establish a great empire and restore the balance of power in the world. Another Arya will then appear in this world and spread the light of knowledge through it. This boy of yours will finally help accomplish what your common ancestor Kasyapa, the first Arya, was sent here to do.'
Mitra remained quiet, the pieces of the puzzle coming together in his head. Bhrigu interrupted with a warning.
'This power that they have received must be handled with care. Indiscriminate usage can deplete their prana or life force greatly enough to kill them. I will give them exercises to strengthen their bodies as well as their minds. I suggest you do the same for Indra and Soma.'
Just then Indra's voice interrupted them.
'May I enter, Master Mitra?'
When Mitra nodded, Indra walked in, first bowing to his master and then to Bhrigu.
'My companions have just informed me about their good fortune. I regret that the affairs of my people keep me from being of service to you. I would love to have come and lived with you and imbibed some of your great wisdom. But right now, I will have to be content with your blessings, great sage.'
Bhrigu studied the warrior with interest and then, laughing heartily, said, 'You already have that. I must say, Mitra, your young warrior wields words as well as he wields a sword. He will make a great king.'
Just then, excited voices could be heard outside the hut. The three walked out to see Varuna, Vayu and Agni busy saddling their horses.
'You will have no use for those animals where we are going. We will travel on foot,' Bhrigu said.
The boys groaned as they digested that piece of information. Like all good cavalrymen, they hated the prospect of travelling on foot. Bhrigu and the boys then said their goodbyes to Indra and Mitra. Just as they turned to leave, the sage remembered something.
'By the way, I saw a big black bull on the other side of the river. I think he is one of yours.'
Mitra looked at the boys in surprise. Indra, Varuna and Agni burst out laughing; Vayu could not hide his guilt.
'It is a fine breeding bull, Master. Let us take it with us. He will sire many fine calves for Master Bhrigu.'
9
Indra's coronation was a subdued affair. Much as the Sabha and his companions tried to convince him to have it otherwise, Indra would not agree. The death of Vasu still hung heavy on his conscience, and he did not want any celebrations.
The Sabha was convened, and after the ceremonial dip in the river, Mitra draped around him the scarlet robe of kingship. The members of the Sabha raised their voices in unison and saluted their new raja.
After the ceremony, General Kanak addressed the gathering. The general was a legend in the tribe. He had distinguished himself during the siege of Ur. Mitra remembered him as a peerless archer who had lost his arm in that battle. The unfortunate incident had cut short his brilliant military career.
Since then he had made his name as a great weapons instructor. It was Kanak who had mentored both Vasu and Pusan to the championship in the Spardha. Although a permanent member of the Sabha, he now led a rather reclusive, retired life, not concerning himself with the administrative affairs of the land. He had been an ardent supporter of the late regent, and there were quite a few apprehensive faces amongst Indra's supporters as he now stood up to address the gathering.
'Devas, the dark clouds of sorrow have finally lifted from Aryavarta. The time has come for us to rally as one behind our new king. A lot of talk has been going around about the circumstances that led to the death of the regent. I was there and bore witness to the tragedy, as did many of you. Vasu was like a son to me, no one was more saddened by his death than I. But he broke the rules of the Dvanda and paid for it with his life. This is the way I see it. If anybody here sees it differently, let them speak now.'
The general paused; there was pin-drop silence in the hall as everyone looked around to see if any of the rumourmongers would rise up now to bell the cat. But nobody said a word.
'Good, we are all in agreement then. If I hear any more loose talk about murder or treachery, I would like to remind everyone of you'll that I still have an arm left, and it has not forgotten how to wield a sword.'
He let the threat hang in the air for a moment. When he spoke again his tone was much softer.
'I would now like to take the liberty of being the first to pledge my loyalty to Raja Indra. I was privileged to fight alongside his father when he was about his son's age. I see Daeyus' fire and strength in him. May he live long and spread the glory of our tribe across the far corners of the world.'
Rajiv Menon -- ThunderGod Page 18