Page 61 of The Burning Mountain
Veer leaned across the balcony’s stone railing, slanting his head to let the sea breeze sweep through the strands of his hair.
Large and airy, the royal palace partially encircled the city-state of Sumedh on its seaward side. Made of a dark stone, it seemed to reflect the ever-changing moods of the sea, shifting its hue from gray blue to dark green. The palace was shaped like a crescent moon, hugging the bulk of the city. At the central part, which housed the royal quarters, the structure was reinforced by a thick, squat column that had an offshoot spearing into the ocean.
This narrow piece of land rose above sea level like a plateau with crenellations built on either side, the surface smoothened by paved stone. The promontory resembled a spearhead that made Veer wonder if it was man-made.
The sea king was holding court there. Unlike the elaborately decorated, long halls that made up the royal courts of the other kingdoms, this was simple, less ostentatious, and certainly less formal.
A long table was set on the terrace with various chairs occupied by members of the court and sea captains. Goblets of wine, dishes piled with exotic meats, and a weird type of green leaf on platters were scattered alongside an artful arrangement of flowers and fruit, resembling more a gathering place of friends and acquaintances than an actualdurbar.
An occurrence reinforced by the fact that virtually anyone could speak to the sea king about whatever matter they wished. There were no complicated rituals or introductions to announce his presence. It was unlike any monarchy that Veer knew of.
But then, Sumedh didn’t follow any linear succession of royal births. Samudra kings were appointed, just like any other government official.
Veer spotted Chouda among the group and judging by the proximity of his chair to Samudra’s, he must be high up in social standing. It was curious and didn’t escape Veer’s notice that earlier, Chouda had tried to hide Samudra’s origins as a shipwright.
Veer wondered about that. Among other things. There was something about Samudra that hinted at deeper secrets. Halfway through explaining the reason for his visit, Veer realized it was pointless to keep things hidden from the astute king. And with the Meru’s explosion drawing near, it was becoming increasingly apparent to everyone that there was something amiss in Rajgarh. When even the merchants involved in trade noticed this, then the enemies of Rajgarh must not be far behind.
Once Veer had finished his explanation, Samudra mellowed toward him and agreed to give him theGajagamini. But Veer remembered his grave tone when he had said, “The ocean in this stretch of the coast is swarming with monsters. The one you seek is called the Makara, a very ancient, powerful beast. Its scales are immune to magic. Defeating it won’t be easy. It carries a highhead count, and we have lost many ships and good men to its insatiable appetite over centuries. I don’t envy your task one bit.
“But I will agree to your request, provided I get something of equal value in return. I built theGajagaminiwith my own hands, and it’s precious to me, so the price of my help won’t be cheap.”
Samudra’s demand was…not unusual, but Veer hadn’t expected such a request from the king who presented an open and approachable visage to the world. He had no idea that he harbored such ambitions.
“Veer?” came a voice behind him. “You asked for me?” said Shota, joining him at the balcony. “I was about to accompany Billadev in his expedition.” Shota rolled his eyes. “He found something delicious in the marketplace and was about make a run for it. Thought he might need a sane head around wine.”
Veer considered his friend for a long moment. “Do you still have the judicial amulet?”
Shota’s brows rose. “Of course, I’m supposed to always have it with me. Though I haven’t had a chance to use it all that much. I’ve been carrying it ever since…” Shota faltered to a stop, his eyes narrowed in sudden realization. “Why are you asking me about the amulet?”
Veer stared reflectively into the distance. Shota came to stand beside him.
Something caught Veer’s eye. A well, set almost at the tip of the promontory. Blue-green foamy waters floated inside, and strange symbols were carved into the stone surrounding the well. Judging by the way the area was kept scrupulously clean, it seemed to be of some importance. Something about it rippled across Veer’s instinct.
“I need you to deliver a verdict on something,” said Veer, dragging his attention from the well. “Virat’s back.”
There was a ringing silence and when Veer turned his head, he found his friend petrified, his mouth hanging open in shock.
“I hope you’re joking,” Shota whispered from bloodless lips.
“I wish I were,” said Veer seriously. He rested his head on the stone balustrade for a moment. It felt too heavy for his shoulders and a searing guilt sat in the pit of his stomach like a hunk of coal.
“But how?” asked Shota in a hushed voice. “You burned his body. I was there. How could he come back?”
His friend’s words made his mind drift to that last day in Thianvelli, when he had decided to pay Ketuvahana a visit.
“Who are you?”Veer asked, his sword level with the wizard’s neck. The thunderstorm had exhausted itself, sending random gusts of wind instead. No one could be out in that weather without trembling from the cold, but Veer’s hand was rock steady.
After incapacitating Ketuvahana, they had moved their conversation outside to a nearby banana plantation. Veer’s hand didn’t budge from the pommel of his sword all the way there.
The wizard glanced at the blade and cocked his head to the side. “Do we really have to do this? You know who I am. You recognized me.”
Veer shook his head slightly, his tone still suspicious. “Virat is dead. I burned his body myself in a funeral pyre seven years ago.”
“My physical body is dead,” said the wizard. “But my soul survived and came back. I am Virat.”
“So you are just his soul, then?” asked Veer with a hint of derision. “A ghost. Anatma.”
“Apreta atma, rather. I’m unique…can’t be sure what I’ve turned into.” Virat tilted his head slightly, his mouth curving in an approximation of a smile, while he stared wide-eyed ahead. “You could call me anything else, if it makes you more comfortable.”
