The sun’s rays struck our eyes as we continued climbing and discussing everything. It took us a long time, and the sun was nearly down to the horizon when we finally sat at the peak of the tall mountain.
I extended my hand, and Eklavya handed me the glasses that allowed me to see objects clearly, even from a distance.
Because of the changing weather, my breathing had become heavier, so I stretched the long tube with the lens to my eyes, keeping one closed.
Everything blurred momentarily, and then I focused on the translucent image of black tents spread over acres of land.
My heart raced, and I looked at Eklavya.
I quickly placed the lens back in front of my eyes, and the view swept the mountain beneath my feet.
“Fuck! Motherfuckers!” The curses slipped out unintentionally, and I heard Eklavya ask,“What happened? Is everything alright?”
I glanced at him and handed him the golden object.
He held it up to his eyes.
“It’s huge,” he remarked, and I nodded.
“Not just huge, but close to us,” I said, noticing his face pale.
“We have little time. We should tell Ranaji about this,” he insisted, but I shook my head.
“No, he will be a father in a few days. I can’t do that,” I said, taking the object and looking again. The tents were enormous, and something caught my eye.
“I don’t understand one thing. There are three powerful kingdoms in southern Indira and many princely states, all united by Bhai-sa and King Abhinandan’s efforts over the last three years. We have over two hundred thousand soldiers and resources, while they have only about fifty thousand. They will wear out from all this travelling, and our soldiers will be ready to take their hearts out. Why are they even trying?” I said.
Suddenly, Eklavya exclaimed,“Or maybe there’s a bigger picture we’re missing.”
I lowered the lens and looked at him.“Like Mehrangarh as their ally?” I shook my head slowly.
“Mehrangarh is rich in wealth, but it lacks powerful leadership. Soldiers don’t kill kings; kings kill kings,” I asserted, and we both stared at each other in contemplation.
Suddenly, something struck me.
“Explosives.” My heart raced, and I stared at him in disbelief.“Eklavya, Mehrangarh is going to help that army with that powder. That’s why they have piles of that black and yellow stone and soil; the powder burns differently. It creates sparks and turns flames blue and orange,” I explained, and he furrowed his brow.
“But how can that spark kill someone? I mean, how is it different from actual fire?” he asked, and I shook my head.
“That’s the one thing I don’t know,” I replied.“We need to figure out what they are making and how. Otherwise, we’re done for.”
He nodded.“But right now, we should head back. It’s getting dark,”
I glanced at the sky, which was slowly turning a deeper shade of dark blue, adorned with layers of twinkling stars.
“We won’t make it in time. It’s far,” I replied, as he touched my shoulder.
“There’s a temple nearby. We should wait there,” he suggested, and we both began walking down the mountain.
The trees surrounded us; it was dark, and the scent of wet soil filled the air. The sounds of insects and lurking predators echoed not far away.
“There,” Eklavya said, and I looked at the small cave carved into the mountain.
We both quickened our pace toward it. By the time we entered the cave, it had grown dark.
Thankfully, fire torches illuminated the space, and we inhaled deeply, trying to fight the dropping temperature as we walked deeper inside.
A priest sat with long, matted hair cascading down to the floor. He faced away from us, and I watched him chant prayers to the Shivling16.
