‘I do,’ said Parvateshwar. ‘But I will have the good fortune of dying at his hands.’

Ayurvati breathed deeply and patted Parvateshwar on his shoulder. ‘I will miss you, my friend.’

‘I will miss you too.’

Parvateshwar scanned the room quickly. ‘Where’s Anandmayi?’

‘She’s waiting for you at the port,’ said Bhagirath, ‘beside the ship that will take you away.’

Parvateshwar nodded. He looked back one last time at Shiva and then walked out.

The harbour master came up to him just as Parvateshwar reached the Assi Ghat. ‘General, your ship is berthed in that direction.’

He began walking in the direction indicated. Parvateshwar saw Anandmayi by the gangplank of a small vessel, obviously a merchant ship.

‘Did you know that I would be allowed to leave honourably?’ asked a smiling Parvateshwar as soon he reached her.

‘When they told me this morning to arrange a ship to sail up the Ganga,’ said Anandmayi, ‘I could surmise it was not to carry your corpse all the way to Meluha and display it to the Suryavanshis.’

Parvateshwar laughed.

‘Also, I never lost faith in the Neelkanth,’ said Anandmayi.

‘Yes,’ said Parvateshwar. ‘He’s the finest man born since Lord Ram.’

Anandmayi looked at the ship. ‘It’s not much, I admit. It will not be comfortable, but it’s quick.’

Parvateshwar suddenly stepped forward and embraced Anandmayi. It took a surprised Anandmayi a moment to respond. Parvateshwar was not a man given to public displays of affection. She knew that it was deeply uncomfortable for him so she never tried to embrace him in public.

Anandmayi smiled warmly and caressed his back. ‘It’s all over now.’

Parvateshwar pulled back a little, but kept his arms around his wife. ‘I will miss you.’

‘Miss me?’ asked Anandmayi.

‘You have been the best thing that ever happened to me,’ said an emotional Parvateshwar, tears in his eyes.

Anandmayi raised her eyebrows and laughed. ‘And I will continue to happen to you. Let’s go.’

‘Let’s go?’

‘Yes.’

‘Where?’

‘Meluha.’

‘You’re coming to Meluha?’

‘Yes.’

Parvateshwar stepped back. ‘Anandmayi, the path ahead is dangerous. I honestly don’t think that Meluha can win.’

‘So?’

‘I cannot permit you to put your life in danger.’

‘Did I seek your permission?’

‘Anandmayi, you cannot...’

Parvateshwar stopped speaking as Anandmayi held his hand, turned around and started walking up the gangplank. Parvateshwar followed quietly with a smile on his face and tears in his eyes.

Chapter 19: Proclamation of the Blue Lord

Chapter 19

Proclamation of the Blue Lord

‘I have a brilliant plan,’ said Daksha.

Daksha and Veerini were dining at the royal palace in Devagiri. A wary Veerini put the morsel of roti and vegetables back on her plate. She stole a quick glance towards the attendants standing guard at the door.

‘What plan?’ asked Veerini.

‘Believe me,’ said an excited Daksha. ‘If we can implement it, the war will be over even before it has begun.’

‘But, Lord Bhrigu...’