‘There’s more,’ said a worried Kanakhala. ‘The courier also said that the army that besieged Ayodhya and attacked Magadh was led by Ganesh, Kartik, Bhagirath and Chandraketu.’

‘Then where is the Lord Neelkanth?’

‘Exactly!’ said Kanakhala. ‘Where is the Lord Neelkanth?’

Just then an aide rushed into Kanakhala’s office. ‘My Lord, My Lady, please come at once to His Highness’ office. Lord Bhrigu has asked that the both of you come immediately.’

As Kanakhala and Parvateshwar rushed out of the office, another aide approached them with a message for the Meluhan general. From the stamp, it was clear that the message was from Vidyunmali. Parvateshwar broke the seal, intending to read the letter on the way to the emperor’s office.

Chapter 28: Meluha Stunned

Chapter 28

Meluha Stunned

‘What is it, Parvateshwar?’ asked Kanakhala.

She had seen the Meluhan general’s face turn white as he read Vidyunmali’s message. Before Parvateshwar could answer, they found themselves at the door of Daksha’s office.

No sooner had Parvateshwar and Kanakhala entered the emperor’s chamber, than Daksha unleashed his fury. ‘Parvateshwar! Are you in control of the army or not? What in Lord Ram’s name have you been up to?’

Parvateshwar knew what the emperor was talking about. He also knew that speaking with the emperor on this topic was a waste of time. He wisely kept silent, saluting the emperor with a short bow of his head and his hands folded in a Namaste.

‘Bad news, General,’ spoke Bhrigu. ‘Mrittikavati has been attacked and conquered by Shiva.’

‘What?’ asked a stunned Kanakhala. ‘How did they even reach Mrittikavati? How could they get through the defences of Lothal?’

Lothal was an exceptionally well-designed sea fortress. Its defences were so solid that an attacker would have to fight overwhelming odds to have any hope of conquering it. It was also known that Lothal was the gateway to south-eastern Meluha, and an attacking army would have to cross this city to be able to march up to Mrittikavati.

Bhrigu raised five sheets of papyrus. ‘This is from the governor of Mrittikavati. Apparently Chenardhwaj has pledged loyalty to Shiva. The traitor!’

‘That swine!’ growled Daksha. ‘I knew I should never have trusted him!’

‘Then why did you appoint him governor of Lothal, Your Highness?’ asked Bhrigu.

Daksha lapsed into a sulk.

Bhrigu turned to Parvateshwar. ‘Your suspicions about Lothal were correct, Lord Parvateshwar. I should apologise for not having listened to you earlier. Had we perhaps sent Vidyunmali to Lothal promptly with a strong force we would still be in control of that city.’

‘We cannot undo what has happened, My Lord,’ said Parvateshwar. ‘Let’s concentrate on what we can do now. I’ve received a message from Vidyunmali.’

Bhrigu looked at the letter in Parvateshwar’s hand. ‘What does the Brigadier say?’