‘But I must tell you that we responded well, My Lord,’ said Daksha to Bhrigu. ‘They were removed within a few days and were replaced with official notices stating that the earlier ones had been put up by a fraud and should not be believed.’

Kanakhala reeled from shock. She had inadvertently sinned when she put up the new notices that Daksha had asked her to, and become party to a lie. She considered resigning from her position. However, it was obvious that a war was imminent. And her war-time duties were clear: complete and unquestioning loyalty to the king and country. She had never faced a situation where her duties stood in direct conflict with her dharma. The confusion was bewildering.

‘So you see, My Lord, this particular problem has been handled,’ said Daksha. ‘We need to now focus on how to repel Shiva’s forces.’

Bhrigu gestured towards Daksha. ‘Not now, Your Highness. Let me first confer with General Parvateshwar in private.’

Kanakhala was still lost in the turmoil within her conscience, and did not notice the exchange.

‘The proclamation was made by the Lord Neelkanth. How can we go against his word? This is wrong. If the Lord says that the Somras is not to be used, then I don’t see how we can go against this diktat.’

Parvateshwar had accompanied Kanakhala to her office after the meeting. He could tell that she was very disturbed by the events of the morning.

‘I’ve already stopped using the Somras, Kanakhala.’

‘As will I, from this instant. But that is not what troubles me. The Neelkanth wants the whole of Meluha to stop using the Somras. And the consequences of ignoring his decision are very clear from his message: if we don’t, then we become his enemies.’

‘I’m aware of that. For all practical purposes, war has already been declared. His army is mobilising even as we speak.’

‘Meluha must stop using the Somras.’

‘Does the law allow either you or me to pass an order banning the Somras?’

‘No, only the Emperor can do that.’

‘And he hasn’t, has he? Also, the Emperor’s orders are unquestionable in times of war.’

‘Can’t we avoid a war in some way? Why don’t you speak to Maharishi Bhrigu? He respects you.’

‘The Maharishi is not convinced that the Somras has turned evil.’

‘Then we should approach the people directly.’

‘Kanakhala, you know better than that. It would mean breaking your oath as prime minister, since you would be directly going against the order of your Emperor.’

‘But why should I follow his orders? He made me lie to our own people!’

‘I assure you that nothing like that will happen again for as long as I’m alive and in Meluha.’

Kanakhala looked away as she struggled to get a grip over her raging emotions.