‘The Syamantaka, of course.’

‘What do you mean?’

Krishna pointed to the black wall behind Satyaki. Some form of ancient writing was etched on it, the writing ruined by decay, algae and erosion. Only a few of the letters were still visible. They were in High Sanskrit. Satyaki read, Sy-aman-taka. He turned sharply to Krishna. ‘I don’t understand.’

Krishna exchanged a sly look with Jambavan, enjoying the moment. ‘Syamantaka is not a jewel. It is a Daeva Ship.’

IV

And once again Krishna used Satyaki as a sort of rat from an apothecary workshop to predict how normal people would react to the Syamantaka. So, when Satyaki was told the Syamantaka Jewel was actually the ruins of a Daeva ship, rather than an actual jewel, and how its enormous reserves of alchemical gold had funded all of Krishna’s campaigns, his consequent collapse was a helpful indicator.

Satyaki finally regained consciousness when Jambavan threatened to give him a hairy kiss of life. There ensued a series of explanations about how they had stumbled upon the ruins of this ship; how they had kept the secret hidden from the world; how it had funded Krishna’s ventures, and so on. ‘Satyabhama’s father, a lowly soldier then, found these halls,’ Krishna said quietly. ‘I was Kans’ Private Secretary when he arrived with the news of a discovery. Suffice to say, the news never reached the King. I had already met Jambavan in my travels and enlisted his aid. The rest, as they say, is history. Secret history.’

Satyaki gulped. ‘So…’ he said nervously, after his short education in the Syamantaka was complete, ‘this…this ship used gold as a candle uses wax.’

‘Aye, gold and some form of lightning. The Rikshas have found a way to safely extract the gold from the Daeva oil, in return for unhampered freedom to tinker with its secrets, and a handsome salary of course,’ Krishna said.

‘And now,’ Jambavan added sadly, the tufts of his ears drooped outward. ‘since all the gold has been extracted…’

‘The Syamantaka ceases to be the jewel it once was. Storm,’ Krishna turned to the Silver Wolf, ‘…you’ve said nothing.’

Storm shrugged. ‘Either way, I don’t give a shit. I’m just here to make sure your head remains on your shoulders.’

‘Charming.’

‘I don’t…believe it.’ Satyaki was shivering. ‘Daevas do exist then. I guess I was happy not knowing.’

Krishna held Satyaki’s shoulders. ‘Not everyone has the privilege of choosing ignorance, Satyaki. We are the future, remember. The same goes for you, Storm. Satyabhama sent you here because she thinks you are her brightest cadet. Will you disappoint her? Where is your curiosity?’

Storm groaned. ‘Fine… But I know nothing of what you speak. Who are these Daevas? What is this place? And if this is a ship that crashed, why is it so empty? It must have been carrying something.’

‘Shall I treat her to the big reveal?’ Jambavan asked, a happy grin on his face.

‘By all means.’