And Guruji had thought that would be the end of the matter. The secret of Meru would soon be out when it started showing signs of volcanic activity, Rajgarh would ask, and Amaravathi would offer help by sending Prince Bhupathi to complete the lotus key, and everything would go back to the way it should be.
Except he had underestimated Chandraketu’s cunning. And “the something else” did happen.
The sound of a door opening brought him out of his musings. Finally! he thought. He had been expecting company.
Chapter 35: The Games We Play
The well-oiled door to Guruji’s walled courtyard opened without a sound and Sameera stepped into the small, shaded area lined with several fruit trees. The scent of guavas and custard apple hung thick and sweet in the air. It was the autumn harvest season.
Her guards bowed before retiring to their place at the front of the house, leaving her alone with the prime minister of Amaravathi.
Guruji gave her an encouraging sort of smile but despite radiating sincerity and looking like someone’s great uncle, she never felt completely at ease in his presence.
Perhaps it was because he gave off an air of commiserating sympathy, a technique she herself used to put others at ease and make it easier to divulge their secrets. She knew a master when she saw one.
Or perhaps it was because she had played chess with him. Sameera used to think Shota was a master at the game, but Guruji could easily put him to shame. If he ever turned that scheming brain toward her or Rajgarh, she was sure they would fare worse.
It had been a blow to discover that, for all her vigilance, Guruji had uncovered her true identity, shortly after she made the princess’s acquaintance.
She still remembered the panic, and later, the confusion that went through her when he explained patiently that he was going to keep her secret and allow the friendship.
The excuses he had given her—that Chandra needed a friend as her family no longer spoke to her, and needed some serious support during her training or the yearly punishment she had to suffer—seemed just that, excuses.
Despite her best efforts all these years, she couldn’t find a suitable rationale that matched his crafty personality. It was only recently that she started believing cautiously, that maybe, just maybe, he might be telling the truth.
“I’m glad you’re here, Sameera. I was getting bored playing against myself.” He motioned for her to take a seat on the opposite side of the chessboard.
“Of course, Guruji, I don’t mind playing since I came to give my report.”
Guruji smiled. “Report to me? I’m not your employer, Sameera. More’s the pity, I’d have liked to have someone as intelligent as you in my employ. But I do appreciate your assistance in this matter.”
Sameera glanced down at the chessboard and took a moment to concentrate on the game played so far. She moved a piece, and they played in silence for a while.
“Thank you for going to meet Chandrasena, Sameera,” Guruji said. “How does the quest go?”
“They managed to get the key pieces from the caves and the temple,” said Sameera, making another move when Guruji played his turn, barely glancing at the board. “When I left, they were heading toward the Dandakaranya.”
“And how is the princess faring? Life on the road must be hard for a woman.”
Sameera relaxed slightly at the mention of her friend. Her smile turned more natural as she moved another token. “Chandra’s coping. She always does.”
She glanced up and found Guruji staring at her. A worried expression pinched his face, but it cleared at her questioning look.
“Chandrasena is fortunate to have a friend like you. I hope you consider your friendship more important than a task,” he said.
Sameera understood his cryptic message for once. Chandra wasn’t going to forgive her easily once the truth came out. Lately she had been sensing that Chandra was getting suspicious about her. She dreaded the day she would have to face her ire and preferred to tuck it away into a corner of her mind.
Sameera bent her head once again to the game and said, “I might be leaving soon, Guruji. My task here is done. When Chandra finishes her quest, she’ll be going to Rajgarh. I’m not needed here.”
Guruji became motionless. “Did your queen summon you back, Sameera?”
“No. Not yet. But it’s just a matter of time.”
“Then I’d like you to stay a little longer,” he said. “If it’s all right with you, of course,” he added.
“Why?” she asked with a puzzled frown.
“Because I may or may not have an important task for you,” he said enigmatically.
