Page 23 of The Burning Mountain
Shota made some rapid calculations. “Two months, almost.”
Veer rubbed the groove between his lip and chin. “The last thing I saw through the eyes of the rats was a green jewel fastened on the boy’s wrist.” He grimaced. “It seemed familiar, but the name escapes me.”
“Tell me more about the jewel. Maybe it’ll jog your memory.”
“It’s a dark green stone, almost black, except in the darkness, where it glowed green.” Veer rubbed his forehead, his frown deepening. “I know I’ve seen it before, but damn, I can’t remember what it’s called. If only Virat were here, he’d know. It has something to do with snakes. I think.”
Shota had no magic, and his knowledge of magical artifacts was close to zero. But something about the description tugged at his brain, as if he had recently come across something similar.
“By any chance, is it called thenagamani?” asked Shota hesitantly.
Veer pointed his index finger at him. “That’s it! But, how did you know that?”
“I was recently tasked to find aspatika linga,and I learned that in its natural state, thenagamaniis almost always found wrapped around one. I remember the description of the snake stone and made a guess.”
Veer cocked his head, a frown back in place. “Who asked you to find it?” he asked warily, as if already suspecting the answer.
“Sakaala, an advisor to Prince Ketuvahana. What is it?” he asked when his friend’s face turned even more dismayed.
“Thenagamaniis a rare, magical stone said to be revered by the snakes. They’re attracted by it and protect it, and, in turn, the stone gives them unimaginable powers. As you said, thenagamaniis never found alone, unless it’s wrapped around aspatika linga—because it’s the only way to neutralize its effects. This is bad.”
“Why is it bad?” asked Shota.
“Because the snakes that protect thenagamaniwill kill anyone who tries to approach it. If Aditya is wearing thenagamaniin a bracelet, that explains why he’s still alive.”
“So this means if Ketuvahana manages to find thespatika linga,” said Shota as the truth dawned on him, “he’d be able to remove thenagamani. And Aditya will die.”
They both pondered the dilemma for a while. “How was Aditya able to wear it in the first place?” asked Shota. “If thenagamanikills anyone who approaches, how was Aditya able to get it on?”
“It takes a while for the magical stone to activate. Someone must’ve slipped on the bracelet before Aditya could be killed.” Veer’s finger tapped a contemplative rhythm on the tree trunk he was leaning against. “But this would mean that someone wanted Aditya alive, and I can’t fathom the reason for it—unless it’s for the Lotus Key. Aditya has to be one of few who could operate it. I don’t like this. At all. But that poses a conundrum for us, because we can’t rescue Aditya without getting thenagamanioff either.”
Silence swelled again. Shota was thinking how complex the whole mess had become when Veer asked him a question.
“Were you able to find thespatika lingafor this Sakaala?”
Shota shook his head. “Not yet, but I have a lead, and the answer should be within my grasp in a few days. Why?”
“Perhaps we can plan this to our advantage.” Veer paused and sent Shota an oblique glance. “But something else just occurred to me…”
“What?”
“Is helping the previous royal family of Thianvelli even worth it? Maybe we’re not looking at the bigger picture here,” mused Veer, rubbing his chin.
“What do you mean by that?” asked Shota.
“The current ruler, Naga Bhairava, had extended a hand of friendship toward Rajgarh when he ascended the throne. He has done nothing against us since then, offering us no resistance. In sharp contrast to Harideva, the previous king. Why should we put this fragile alliance at risk by helping their enemy?”
“But…”
“Aditya is a dead man walking, Shota,” said Veer meaningfully as he slapped a hand to Shota’s shoulder. “You realize this, don’t you?”
Shota gaped at Veer in astonished silence. “I see your point, Veer,” he said slowly as his mind sifted rapidly through the various possibilities. “But what do you propose?” he asked cautiously.
Veer told him his plan.
“Did I shock you with my suggestion?” asked Veer later with a slight smile.
“Mostly miffed that it didn’t occur to me, to be honest,” replied Shota, a touch dryly. “These types of schemes are more my forte.” He gave an arched look. “You sure you want to go down this path? Might be hard to explain to that princess of yours.”
