Page 20 of The Burning Mountain
Matangi thought she was doing it as a favor to Thianvelli and Chandra felt like a fraud, letting her form that opinion.
She craned her neck in the direction of Namata Devi’s quarters. Billadev and the other eunuch stood guard across the arched entrance. Despite his obvious discomfort, Billadev was striking in women’s clothing, but no doubt, it was an effective disguise. She and Matangi were able to get in, dressed as maids, with little difficulty once he vouched for them.
Chandra fingered one of the two amulets she was given. One was Queen Gauri Devi’s personal amulet, specific only to her, that she used whenever she wished to send personal messages.
And the other… Dhatri had given her a smallish square coin with the impression of five animals surrounding a tree.
“It’s a symbol of the Resistance, Princess. The elephant represents the grain merchants. The panther is for the loyalists among the military. The silk moth is for the textile industry. The peacock for the wealthy nobles, who secretly support us, and the fish is for the sea merchants, who recently joined us after it became apparent King Naga Bhairava wouldn’t hesitate to employ magic users for his own ends, causing unnatural weather patterns. Together we represent the major industries of Thianvelli.
“These animals are the same ones you would find on thepanch-pashuthrone—the throne of the truth. We, of the Resistance, have adapted this symbol to represent ourstruggles, to show our commitment to reinstating the rightful rulers to the Thianvelli throne.”
She had ended her speech with a request—to get a conclusive answer from Namata Devi regarding where she stood in this rebellion against the current rulers.
Chandra then asked Dhatri what the plans were, if Namata Devi refused to aid.
“Then she’ll be on her own. Either you stand with us, or you stand with the usurpers. There is no middle ground in this war. You don’t get to choose to sit by the sidelines.”
A call came from inside the chambers, interrupting her reverie. “Is there anyone who can deliver some refreshments? Namata Devi is thirsty.”
“You,” Billadev raised his voice and pointed at Chandra. “Go in and help,” he ordered.
“The Resistance usedto send better candidates,” said Namata Devi, watching Chandra from her reclining position on a settee. Her mouth was angled in a smirk. “You can’t even fetch me water without spilling it all over yourself.”
Chandra set her teeth. Anyone who was unaccustomed to such work would definitely spill, especially if the tumbler was asked to be filled to the brim. Namata Devi was particular about certain things. Chandra was made to repeat the process three times before Namata Devi finally lost her patience and asked the only other person in the room to fetch water instead.
Chandra realized she had deliberately sent this person out of the room in order to speak freely.
Chandra gazed at Namata Devi with interest. There were similarities with her sister, around the eyes and chin. But whereGauri Devi radiated tranquility, Namata Devi’s smile made her think of a viper.
Chandra was uncomfortably reminded of her stepmother, Rathi Devi.
“Oh, don’t be surprised,” said Namata Devi nonchalantly. “You weren’t the first, nor do I suspect you’ll be the last. I’ve given them my reply with my nonanswer and still they persist in contacting me. You’d think they would’ve known by now that I wouldn’t have anything to do with the Resistance.”
“Er, I’m supposed to give these to you,” said Chandra, reaching into her basket and extracting two pieces.
Namata Devi took them from her and examined them. She picked up the gold coin that Dhatri had given her. Her lips curled in disdain, showing her opinion in no uncertain terms. She picked up the other one.
“The royal amulet. My sister’s. Been wondering when she’d ask me for help.”
At Chandra’s puzzled frown, Namata Devi explained further. “When we were kids, we had promised to use these amulets only in times of extreme distress. Send the royal amulet with a message, then all bets are off. Help would be offered, no questions asked.”
Namata Devi tilted the royal amulet, Thianvelli’s symbol of the lotus bud entwined with the serpent caught the glow of the oil lamp and shone dull in her hand.
“Gauri used it exactly once before,” she said almost reflectively. “Perhaps that’s why, she declined to ask my help when Harideva died.” She gave a slight shake of her head, frowning. “There is no way she’d use it unless she had no choice.” Her eyes narrowed in concern as she threw a sharp glance at Chandra. “Tell me the message and then explain why a princess of Amaravathi would involve herself in the politics of another kingdom?”
Chandra gave a start of surprise. “You…know who I am?”
“You have very distinctive eyes, Princess,” said Namata Devi, with a touch of impatience. “I met you once when you came here for my nephew’s naming. And I never forget a face. And your disguise…” she said, running a brief but scornful glance at her attire. “I’d say, is not very well thought out. Merely changing clothes to that of a servant maid may fool someone. But not me.”
She set the tumbler to the side and lowered her legs, sitting up straight. “So tell me, Princess, what business do you have here? If I recall correctly, Amaravathi publicly rejected my sister’s plea for help.”
“If you know that, then you also know Amaravathi offered help.”
“Ah yes, a public refusal and a private hand of help.” Namata Devi rolled her eyes. “Gives Amaravathi the leeway to deny any future accusation—either of helping a refugee from Thianvelli, or of denying help to your own relatives. Right up Guruji’s alley.”
“Your sister refused.”
“Did she? I’m not surprised.”
