‘Please have the manifest of my ship state that I am going to Prayag. Bhagirath still has friends in Ayodhya. I don’t want him to know that I’m leaving for Kashi. Is that clear?’

‘Of course, My Lord. I will have Siamantak take care of this immediately.’

Chapter 15: The Magadhan Issue

Chapter 15

The Magadhan Issue

Shiva, Sati and Gopal had just been led into the guest chambers of Surapadman’s royal palace by Andhak, the Magadhan minister for ports.

Gopal waited for him to leave and then remarked, ‘It’s interesting that we are being housed in Surapadman’s private residence and not King Mahendra’s palace.’

‘Surapadman wants to serve as the exclusive channel of information between us and his father,’ said Sati. ‘Being the sole intermediary also allows him the discretion of passing on things selectively. It actually makes me more hopeful of success.’

‘I am far less hopeful,’ countered Shiva. ‘No doubt it is actually Surapadman’s writ that runs large in Magadh. Besides being the prince, he is also the keeper of the king’s seal. But even he would be wary of his father’s reaction following the killing of Prince Ugrasen. Perhaps that is why he wants to talk to us in private here.’

‘Perhaps,’ said Gopal. ‘Maybe that’s the reason why we were received in Magadh by Andhak and not King Mahendra’s prime minister.’

‘Yes,’ said Shiva. ‘I believe Andhak is loyal to Surapadman.’

‘Let’s hope for the best,’ said Sati.

As Shiva, Sati and Gopal entered the prince’s court, Surapadman rose from his ceremonial chair. He walked up to the Neelkanth and then went down on his knees. Surapadman placed his head on Shiva’s feet. ‘Bless me, great Neelkanth.’

‘Sukhinah bhav,’ said Shiva, placing his hand on Surapadman’s head, blessing him with happiness.

Surapadman looked up at Shiva. ‘I hope by the time this conversation ends, My Lord, you will find it in your heart to bless me with victory along with happiness.’

Shiva smiled and placed his hands on Surapadman’s shoulders as he rose. ‘Please allow me to introduce my companions, Prince Surapadman. This is my wife, Sati.’

Surapadman bowed low towards Sati. She politely returned Surapadman’s greeting.

‘And this is my close friend and the chief of the Vasudevs, Gopal,’ said Shiva.

Surapadman’s hands came together in a respectful Namaste as his eyes widened with surprise. ‘Lord Ram, be merciful!’

‘Pray to him,’ said Gopal, ‘and he will be.’

Surapadman smiled. ‘My apologies, Gopalji. My informants have always assured me that the legendary Vasudevs are for real. But I believed they would not interfere with worldly affairs unless an existential crisis was upon us.’

‘Such a time is upon us, Surapadman,’ said Gopal. ‘And all the true followers of Lord Ram must align themselves with the Neelkanth.’

Surapadman remained silent.

‘Let us make ourselves comfortable, brave Prince of Magadh,’ said Shiva.