“In the meantime,” Nayan said, “the scholars continue to research potential solutions to the garuda threat.”

“And how goes that?” asked the nagaraja.

“Work continues apace, Your Majesty.” Nayan was the essence of equanimity, a boulder untouched by the turbulent waves all around. “I remain certain a breakthrough is imminent. We must but cultivate patience.”

In contrast to his calm, the mutters grew in intensity. “You, former insurgent, who were once against the crown, believe we are to heed you?”

Venkat blenched, but Nayan nodded. “It is better to put speculation to rest, is it not? You have all heard the rumors—so permit me to tell you a story.” He glanced from the nagaraja to the nagarani. “With your leave, that is.”

“Certainly,” said King Vasuki.

Nayan rose and circled the table, surveying each member of the council. His clothes were crisp and finely tailored; the gold circlet on his forehead gleamed as richly as his firm stare. “The young always imagine they have all the answers, and that the old are fools who have forgotten to care. It is endemic among societies. I was no different.”

He smiled at Venkat, rueful.

“I was a firebrand among firebrands, keen to prove myself. After all, was I not King Takshaka’s youngest nephew, desperate to break free of his all-encompassing shadow? Takshaka, the reckless warrior. Takshaka, the mighty ruler. It took little to light me up—a single spark too often resulted in a bonfire.”

Venkat tried to reconcile the meticulous advisor he knew with the headstrong boy Nayan was describing. They felt like two different people.

“In my single-minded conviction, I saw no reason why the nagas should limit our dominion to Nagalok. Why not found an empire in the manner of the mortals?” Nayan shook his head. “Fool that I was, I declared war on the throne.”

The courtiers gasped, Venkat loudest of all. He’d never heard this part.

“Indeed you did,” Queen Naga Yakshi said, mildly mocking, “and how swiftly we put you down.”

“Fortunately for my wayward nephew,” King Vasuki said with a chuckle, “rather than exile him outright, I approached a mortal sage who had strayed from his duties with a bargain he had no option but to accept.”

“The rishi was as overjoyed about this as you might imagine,” said the nagarani, “yet the terms were clear: either the world would learn he indulged in drink, spent time with women not his wife, and gambled away his money . . . or he would take Nayan into his tutelage.” She grinned, impish. “I suppose they became clearer still once we promised him a boon in return for his ‘freely rendered’ services.”