The business magnates and merchants, who, with the power of money and with the diplomacy and patronage of Prestha, had obtained seats in the Council and the right to raise armed forces, were, overnight, stripped of their rights. With the exception of the Brahmins, all other classes were deprived of the right to revenue from landed estates. The landed property of the Buddhist monasteries was expropriated. The monks, often seen on the roads and in the lanes and bylanes with their shaven heads shining in the sun, had almost disappeared from view. Their voice, which so loudly brought solace to the people of low caste, was virtually silenced.

Prestha’s palace and family were destroyed in the all-consuming fire. In place of large mansions guarded by armed soldiers, stood the bare skeleton of Prestha’s palace, in black ruins, licked by the tongue of fire, amid a waste of ashes that spread on all sides. Prestha and other Greek nobles, who had shown sympathy for the Buddhist faith, were deprived of their landed estates and military rights. The President, stricken with paralysis, lay on his deathbed, listening without comprehension to the unfamiliar utterances of the Buddha, and waiting for Nirvana.

The soldiers of Acharya Rudradhir had combed every lane and bylane and palace grounds of Sagal, but had not been able to trace Prithusen. With Prithusen still alive, Rudradhir had no peace. After killing the serpent, if its young are spared, then in due course they too become full-grown snakes.

Shelter was granted to Prithusen in the Buddhist monastery. He spent the whole day in the dark meditation cell of Cheebuk, lost in thought, without eating a morsel of food. After midnight, he sought the permission of the monk to leave the monastery.

‘Why do you want to go out, Arya?’ the monk asked, his characteristic smile playing about his lips. He had guessed Prithusen’s purpose.

‘Honoured sir, how long can I go on hiding here like a frightened mouse, in fear of my life?’ replied Prithusen. ‘When I returned victorious from the battlefield, you were so kind as to treat my wounds and bring me back to health. Today, by giving me shelter when I am persecuted by my enemies, you have granted me my life a second time. I am beholden to you for two lives that you have given me. Permit me, sir, to go out into the dark and look for an opportunity to face my foes. I shall either vanquish them, or lay down my life in the attempt. I cannot destroy myself in humiliation.’

Cheebuk beckoned to him to come closer. ‘Arya, it is not commendable to destroy oneself in humiliation. It is proper to think of defeating an enemy, but how can the enemy be defeated in the dark of night? In order to conquer the enemy, you must be able to recognize him.’

‘I shall be able to recognize the enemy, reverend sir.’ Feeling doubtful about the monk’s meaning, Prithusen looked into his eyes.