‘But first, we need to deal with those who defend the evil Somras,’ said Sati.

‘That has already begun with the defeat of the Magadhans.’

‘Hmmm... that’s true, we can easily blockade the Ayodhyan navy, now that Magadh is firmly in our control. When will Ganesh and Kartik leave for Meluha?’

‘They have left already.’

‘And when do we leave for Mrittikavati?’

‘In a few days.’

Sati had learnt to recognise the resolute expression Shiva now wore and couldn’t help feeling a twinge of anxiety for her homeland. ‘For their own sake, I hope they surrender.’

‘I hope so too.’

Chapter 25: God or Country?

Chapter 25

God or Country?

‘By the great Lord Brahma!’ growled Bhrigu.

Bhrigu had finally reached Devagiri. He had been delayed on the recently-built road between Dharmakhet in Swadweep and Meluha, by the floodwaters of an overflowing Yamuna, which had submerged the pathway. While he was stuck in this no-man’s land between the Chandravanshi and Suryavanshi empires, Bhrigu availed of the facilities of the traveller’s guesthouse, built by the Meluhans alongside the road. Not that its comforts calmed him though, for he needed to be in Devagiri. What did alleviate his stress was the arrival of Parvateshwar, along with Anandmayi. They travelled together from there onwards, and Bhrigu used this opportunity to discuss battle strategy with him. The flooding of the Yamuna had transformed what should have been a quick journey of a few weeks, into many months.

Bhrigu, Daksha, Parvateshwar and Kanakhala conferred in the private royal office of Devagiri, examining the ramifications of the Neelkanth’s proclamation.

‘May I see the notice, Maharishiji?’ asked Parvateshwar.

Bhrigu handed over the stone tablet and then turned to Daksha and Kanakhala. ‘When were they put up?’

‘A few months ago, My Lord,’ said Daksha.

‘At all major temples in practically every city within the Empire,’ added Kanakhala.

‘And was this a simultaneous event, orchestrated on the same day?’ asked Parvateshwar, obviously impressed by the logistical feat.

‘Yes,’ said Kanakhala. ‘Only the Neelkanth could have organised this. But why would he do it? He loves Meluha and we worship him. We therefore assumed that it had to be someone else who was trying to slander the reputation of our Lord. Sadly, we still haven’t made any headway in our investigation and do not know who the real perpetrators are.’

‘Do you have traitors in your administration, Your Highness?’ asked Bhrigu.

Daksha bristled, but did not dare make his anger apparent. ‘Certainly not, My Lord. You can trust the Meluhans like you trust me.’

Bhrigu’s ironic smile did not leave much to the imagination. ‘What do you make of it, Lord Parvateshwar?’

‘I would have expected nothing less from the Neelkanth,’ said Parvateshwar.

Kanakhala was stunned by this revelation, but prudently chose silence.