Aarambh- final part page 9 - Page 3

Part 3

"Be reasonable, be rational, but remember you are Bhavi Rani of the greatest kingdom in creation. Her minister's voice hissed in her ear. Devsena nodded but remembered her father's words.

This isn't like talking to our provinces.

They have left everything behind to come here. They are a desperate, starving people, starving for land and safety. Keep that in mind.

Varundev's words also echoed.

To find a home. Isn't that what everybody wants? To come home.

Let me bring you home Varundev An insane part of her whispered, twirling through her mind in ever maddening circles.

Come to my home. Let me be your home. Be my home.

Be mine.

"Your Majesty. The purohit who seemed to be the leader bowed towards her, though the council arrayed behind him did not. Too busy gaping; it seemed to Devsena, looking at her as if she had come down on wings instead of riding on a horse.

Varundev caught her gaze, face impassive, though she could tell a smile was threatening the corner of his mouth.

How were his features already so familiar, his expressions so dear? She had only met him once, yet her soul felt as if it had been a relationship of a hundred years.

"Purohit. Devsena replied, wrenching her gaze away. "I am pleased you chose the right response A light shove by the minister behind her led to a hasty addition "For our people and yours.

The man smiled. Though his eyes were cold, there was no malice towards her in his gaze. Merely the practicality of a man who needed to see his people settled. It was comforting in its own way. Here was an enemy who had nothing personal against her. He was an enemy. Back in the Dravid Rajya, if Hahuma was correct, all the attacks were from people she trusted. There was a comfort in knowing that the men in front of would kill anyone who was in their way.

"When the Queen of a great Kingdom asks for a meeting, only a fool disobeys.

"And you are not a fool then? Devsena jested, mirth soaked in scorn. "Leaving your home and travelling untold distances to ravage another kingdom...is that not foolish?

"No, O' Queen that is not foolishness. Varundev interjected, striding ahead. The priest raised a brow, but let him answer. "It is desperation that drives us.

"And it is desperation which compels us. Devsena replied. "Desperation to protect what is ours.

"Just as we are desperate. To find a home.

"Varundev enough. One of the shaggy council men said, walking towards him. "Your Majesty, forgive his words. He is new to his post and so does not know how to speak.

"One the contrary. Devsena smiled. "I find his words and demeanor to be that of a seasoned diplomat. Ignoring the befuddled expression across the other man's face, she turned to the purohit again. "I care not for honey riddled with lies. So long as we are truthful to each other I see no obstacles in this assembly.

The purohit bowed his head again, motioning her to walk beside him. Devsena did so, waving her retainers away.

"Varundev join us. The priest said. "Abrook you as well.

"Come. Devsena motioned to her minister. "Let us go and speak of weighty matters.

XXX

"We are a moving nation. The purohit, Agnimitra said walking sedately, Varundev and Abrook behind him. Devsena walked by his side, though she could not help but peek at Varundev, who was busy talking to her minister.

"You get what you need from the land?

"No. We did not become nomads willingly O' Queen. Calamity drove us from our homes years ago. Warriors like Varundev have grown on the trails, and know nothing else. I am old enough to remember what it feels like to have one home.

"And you choose to invade a thriving nation to do so. Devsena stated coldly.

"The Sapt Sindu has been in our shastras since time immemorial. This is not the first time Aryans have come to your shores. We have tried to settle here before.

"But not in such numbers. Not as a nation.

"No, but our desperation was never such. Your Majesty, I did not come here with the express purpose of killing a people to settle mine. But if I have to do it I will do so. I swore to my father, to my ancestors that my people would find a home. We have wandered for decades, looking and dying while looking. Now that paradise looms before us, do you think we will falter? We will die but we will not leave.

"I swore to my father, and his father before him. Varundev's voice broke into the conversation before Devsena could respond. "I swore I would help establish Aryavrat. Our home. It is a promise etched into my soul.

"I can understand your desperation. Devsena replied, turning towards him and ignoring Agnimitra. While she and Varundev missed the expression on the purohit's face, Abrook did not. Neither did the minister.

"But I too swore an oath when I was a child. To protect my people. To protect the Dravid Rajya.

"But do the goals need to be mutually exclusive? Can we...can we not find a way to co-exist?

"Aryans have ever tried to breach our borders. The minister interjected.

"Only because the Dravid's have never opened them up. Abrook refuted. "I remember stories about how you dammed up a portion of the river to keep us away.

"Such topics are not resolved in one conversation. Devsena spoke, turning back to Agnimitra. "I would not expect this to change today. But you are amenable to the thirty day truce?

"Yes, your Majesty.

"Both our clans have reasons to welcome such a thing, Priest. After all, we are both waiting for reinforcements are we not? Devsena smiled at the surprised look on the man's face. "But I would like to speak with you more. I want to learn more about your clan. And do not fear from my end. She turned to Varundev, eyes locking onto his as she spoke.

"When we fight, I would fight an honest foe rather than a deceitful friend. Do you agree?

"Yes Your Majesty. Varundev breathed. "I agree.

XXX

"Varundev I have never seen you look upon a woman in all our years. Shivum said, grunting as their swords impacted. "Now you choose to long for the enemy Queen? Have you addled your wits?

"I'm not mooing. Varundev spoke, hands twirling the sword. "I am...admiring. She is a warrior, but delicate. Resolute, but beautiful. Her eyes speak so much when her lips don't say a word...I...

"Never mind. Shivum panted, dropping his sword and lying down. "You aren't mooning, you are in love.

"In love? Varundev blinked in surprise. "I'm not...that isn't possible Shivum.

"For you or for her?

"I can only speak to myself. Despite this truce she is still our enemy. There is hatred between our clans.

"Yes, between the clans. I don't see you spewing venom. Varundev...when she rode in the look on your face was such...

"She looked like a nymph. Like one of our stories come to life. And I wasn't the only one looking Shivum.

"No my friend you were not. But, you blind idiot, didn't you notice? You were the only one she was looking back at.

"Your chatty friend speaks the truth Varundev. Abrook's voice rang through the clearing. "I hesitated standing between you and her, so intense were the stares.

"I met her before. Varundev admitted. "She was the woman who was in the clearing with the King.

"Ah, so it is an old relationship. Abrook jested. "But your friend is right. You found no other woman?

"No, I was wrong. Shivum spoke, standing up and brushing the dirt off his clothes. "I think this Dravid queen is not Varunev's infatuation but Varundev' atmasangini.

"Have you lost your wits? Abrook's voice lost its joking tone. "Varnundev's soulmate would be a Dravid? Foolish.

"It's not. Shivum argued back, looking at a lost in thought Varundev. "Our texts speak of how you can meet your soulmate at any time. Be it friend or foe. Have you ever seen Varundev connect so quickly and intensely with someone Abrook? And the way she looked at him it was not one-sided. A connection such as this? It isn't normal.

"Don't equate lust with...

"Don't call it lust. Varundev's voice was solemn. "I do not know what I feel, but I know it isn't lust. I do not want her body in my bed.

"No. Shivum grinned, getting ready to run. "You just want her to push you down on one...!

"Shivum you! Varundev made to chase his friend, but Abrook stopped him.

"He is a fool, but his eyes don't miss much. Abrook's eyes searched Varundev's, frowning as the other man turned away. "Is what he says true?

"I don't know about love. Varundev admitted. "But I have never felt like this before.

Abrook swore. If he knew the reaction across the river, in the Queen's tent, he would have felt better.

He wasn't the only one dealing with a confused love-stricken warrior.

XXX

"I've never met someone like this before. Devsena spoke to the Priestess, lying down on the divan. Her tent was at the center of their tent city, and lavishly decorated. Yet her mind was not appreciating the luxury surrounding her. Rather it was dwelling, yet again, on that warrior.

"Varundev. She breathed.

"And he is the man you met when you snuck away from Mahishi Devi's Pooja?

Just like Hahuma Devsena thought resentfully. So obstinate and judgement! Mahishi Devi speaks to all!

"Yes. He is. She replied instead.

"And what makes you so... The priestess trailed off, unable to find a word.

"He is a noble warrior. Devsena repeated. "He keeps his word and to his customs. I have never met a man with such firm beliefs who isn't a blowhard. Varundev has a quiet dignity to him that...

"He is your enemy, Princess. The reply was gentle.

"Not for the next thirty days he is not. Devsena smirked back, delighting in the widening of eyes she received.

"Your Majesty. The messenger barged into the tent, panting. Devsena sat up, wondering at the urgency.

"What is it? She asked, alarmed. "Is Appa all right?

"The King is well, Majesty. I only sought to tell you that he and Hahuma say you must stay here for the next thirty days, and not enter the city. Their investigation is bearing fruit, but they do not wish for you to enter the palace and be victim to a conspiracy.

"I will obey them both only so long as they are safe.' Devsena replied, clutching the devan cloth in her hands. "Convey that to them.

"Majesty. The messenger bowed, gulped at the water given to him and exited the tent.

"It would seem that I have to stay here. Devsena smiled at the priestess, who signed. "I would say Mahishi Devi is giving us a sign, would you not?

"It is not up to you to interpret the signs on the goddess, Princess.

"Why not? You are human for all your powers. You have biases. Why can't your judgement not be skewed? In any case, I am not going to argue with you. Call a messenger. I want them to go to the Aryans. I want to speak with them more.

It had been strange, Devsena mused as the priestess left the tent in a huff. She had never thought of arguing against a Priestess. Let alone thinking such things. But she had woken up feeling emboldened.

Last night, for the first time she had dreamt of her mother as she had been. Alive and laughing. Not dead and on a bier.

Actually her laughter was almost triumphant. Devsena furrowed her brow. She was laughing as if she had won something.

What a strange dream.

XXX

"We should have Varundev show her around. Kaldev's voice did not hide his mirth. Angdev scoffed in response.

"I thought the purpose was to speak to her of our people. No stare at her as if he had no voice.

"He spoke to her just fine, Angdev. Abrook's rebuke was mild. "Quite eloquently. She was impressed.

"I don't think his words were what impressed her. Don't you realize how shameless these Dravid women are? Like har...

"Angdev! Varundev snapped, stopping the man before he insulted Devsena. "Do not forget that she is a Queen. Her blood is royal and you cannot speak of a valiant warrior thus!

"That woman is the biggest obstacle in fulfilling our dream. Angdev snarled back. "And you pant after her like a dog pants after a bone!

"Enough Angdev. Agnimitra said. "To speak up in defense of a gallant foe does not make Varundev a traitor. And you betray your childishness by speaking thus. Calm yourself. He continued as Angdev subsided. "This is the first Dravid queen who has been in our sphere. She is the first who has expressed interest in speaking to us. It would behoove us to take advantage of this and show her that we are not the barbarians that her advisors are telling her we are. I do not relish the thought of sending more of our men to heaven. Not if we can prevent it.

"You wish to convert foe to friend? Abrook asked, surprised.

"If nothing else, if she sees us as human she might hesitate to strike a blow. Agnimitra's voice was practical. "I shall take all the advantages I can get at this point. Abrook you shall escort her. Your history of spying makes you ideal for showing her what she needs to see and making sure she see's nothing else.

"Yes Purohit.

"Varundev.

"Yes Purohit?

"If you wish you may accompany Abrook.

"Thank you Purohit. Varundev bowed.

XXX

"And why do you wear such light armor? It gives you no protection. Devsena asked, walking through the encampment, Abrook and Varundev on either side. Her retinue trailed behind her, looking like hunted animals. Only she was confident, striding as if all before her were her subjects.

And the Aryan soldiers stared. They had never seen such a bold woman, let alone such a beautiful one. Several men had tripped while staring at her, and one lost consciousness as he lost concentration while sparring and missed his opponent's spear.

"It enables us to move faster. Varundev replied, preempting Abrook, who sighed in exasperation. "As you know, speed if our primary weapon Your Majesty.

"Call me Devsena. She said spontaneously. Varundev blinked in surprise, but Devsena soldiered on. "I don't believe in formalities really. I even eat with my troops when I can.

"We too try to eat with our men. Varundev agreed. "Though, of course the difference between the Sabhasads and the men is not a matter of blood, but a matter of skill.

"Are you saying it is only my blood that distinguishes me?

"No Maje...Devsena, He amended the address at her glare. "Only that for Aryans there isn't a royal family truly. Even I am only a new Sabhasad.

"Yes, you said that. Devsena told Abrook, who blinked in surprise at being addressed. "How did Varundev become Sabhasad?

"He completed a series of trials. First Sabhasad who has no scars. His father was very proud.

"You spoke of him before when you said you swore a vow to him. I remember. Devsena smiled at Varundev's surprise. "Where is he now? Your father? she asked, curious. Both men stiffened.

"He is dead Your Majesty. Varundev replied after a pause. Abrook frowned, and elaborated.

"He was killed by a Dravid commander. She tortured and murdered him. Varundev has sworn to avenge him.

Devsena blinked. "I did not know you were the ones who had been caught spying in our kingdom. She replied. Abrook frowned and looked away.

Looking at Varundev until he met her eyes, Devsena continued. "I know the pain of losing a parent, and I grieve with you Varundev. Though I cannot regret that a spy against my kingdom was executed, I am sorry that he was tortured. Such things are...they do not suit a culture as great as ours.

"Had he been killed there would be no enmity from my end, Devsena. Varundev responded, holding her gaze. "We Aryans are warriors. Death walks with us, and we do not fear Yama. But he was tortured to death. That is no fit death for a warrior.

"Torture is useless. Devsena nodded. "It never yields the answers you need; only the answers you want. I do not know how to help you in this. I cannot punish my commander for doing their duty, but I cannot agree with the method used. I will only say that if you meet in battle, I shall ensure that no one interferes with your duel.

Varundev turned towards Abrook, who nodded, giving a description. Devsena listened intently, and then started in surprise.

"The person you speak sounds like Thamgan, my aunt's attendant. She as always been a bit...enthusiastic about her duties. Far too brash. Varundev, as Bhavi Rani I cannot give her to you, however, I disagree with her actions. But, I promise you again, should you meet her in battle, no one will interfere.

"Thank you Devsena. Varundev impulsively took hold of her hand. Both looked down at their clasped fingers, surprised yet again at the electricity that arched through them. The squawking of Devsena's retinue and Abrook's headshake of annoyance was ignored.

"Would you ask to duel? Devsena blurted out. Abrook's head snapped up, and the squawking of her retinue increased.

"A duel? Though his tone for the most part was even, Devsena could make out the excitement hidden beneath. Once again, she wondered how she had gotten to understand the nuances of this man so well. This man that she had only met a few times. And yet...

"I want to see if I can best the warrior that defeated my father.

"Devsena. Varundev bowed, bringing their clasped hands closer to his heart. "There is nothing I would like more.

Abrook signed, looking at the Dravidian retinue. To his shock they wore the same expressions.

Love-stricken fools He grumbled to himself. What game is fate playing with us?

Oh Mahishi Devi The head priestess thought, looking at Devsena and Varundev gazing intently at one another. Their hands remained clasped, and it seemed that they had forgotten to let go. What are you allowing to come to pass? Could it be that the flame of Queen Chamundi's love has ignited in Devsena's heart?

And if that is the case, what will Hahuma do?