"No," I said. "I don't bring anything with me except my satchel and a drawing pad. And my father isn't a god. He's an archeologist."
"An archeologist?" this time Sambo said. "I have never heard of this profession before."
"Well, he digs up dirt to find old remains and then studies them."
They looked at each other, not knowing what to say.
"That sounds quite interesting," Sambo said at last. "Now, how about you come with me to the armory? Maybe we can fetch something that suits you."
As we left for the armory, I noticed a huge open-air pavilion. It looked like it was for spectators. From a distance, I spotted Kesar and the other Kennars sitting there. Then we saw a small parade coming through the Gopura entrance. All I could see was a series of radiant sunshades and maidens.
"The Queens are here," Tusita said as we watched them getting inside the pavilion. And among them was a small elegant figure that I would recognize anywhere on earth. A smile formed on my face without me knowing it. Amarisa was also with them.
"That's strange," Tusita said. "Princess Amarisa has never visited the military base before."
The avatars turned their faces to me.
Tusita's eyes narrowed as she said. "Oh well, something's changed."
CHAPTER 13
"Nikita, we must go," she said. I had to tear my gaze away from where Amarisa was. Hopefully, I would get to see her again.
As we walked away, Tusita kept staring at me with a weird look as if she could sniff something naughty in me. I pretended not to notice.
Along the way, a group of people glided around in the shimmering light. They dressed in long flowing sumptuous costumes and golden headdresses. Some of them even walked straight out of the trees. I would have been scared and gone crazy, but I seemed to get used to all the bizarre things now.
"Are they ghosts?" I asked Tepi.
"No, they are the Devatas, minor gods," Tepi explained. "They guard palaces, temples, forests and other sacred grounds. They serve the Devas, the chief gods."
We arrived at a wide stone path leading to a high platform. The terrace was obviously named for the raised carvings of the famous parade of elephants with their mahouts. The middle section was decorated with life-size Garuda and lions. There were five outworks extending towards the Central Square. The soldiers stood out front with their spears and shields. They kneeled down as we approached.
"Here's our armory," the Guru said. I looked around but there was no building except the high platform before us.
"Where?" I said.
Sambo smiled and stepped towards one of the elephant figures. He pushed a block of stone on the elephant head and it slid inward. A moment later, the ground began to shake under our feet.
Then a large square of the stone floor slid open, revealing a set of stairs that led down to an underground structure.
"Wow!" I breathed.
"Come, children," Sambo motioned for us to follow him. He and the guards went in first. We were about to follow them when a high pitch voice called out to us.
"Wait!"
We turned and saw the girl I had seen last night running forward.
"Long time no see!" Atith greeted her. "You look fiercer, Vorac."
"So do you." She grinned back.
"I fancy you miss me too?" Tusita said to her.
But Vorac shot her a piercing look. She turned to look at me. Her silver eyes traveled from my head down to my toes. I felt a little uneasy under her gaze.
"Are you truly the one that my holy father told me about?" she asked.
"I'm sorry?" I said, blinking.
"Father told me about the Chosen Child," she went on. "When he came down from heavens, he spoke of the child he had marked."
"Marked?" I said. "Who is your father anyway?"
"Lord Chandra," the young maiden replied. "God of the Moon."
I started to get a familiar inkling in my gut.
"I don't know anything about being marked, but Chandra is my middle name," I said. "It's also my mother's maiden name. A mere coincidence, maybe."
"Maybe not," Vorac said solemnly. "A child of such importance naturally hides secret talents. There is one way to prove it, but I do hope it's not you."
I was confused but didn't know what to respond.
The armory was like an underground museum of weapons. It was cold and filled with metallic scent. The stone walls were lit all around by flame torches. Weapons were displayed on the ranges. Spears, swords, shields, javelins, axes, and maces were made of iron, bronze, and even gold. We saw armors of all shapes and sizes. Every corner of this place sparkled from their reflections.
"It must have cost a fortune to make all these weapons," I said.
"This is unlike any mortal wars, my dear," Sambo's voice echoed from the front as we moved through the hall. "The demons can only be killed by celestial weapons. Everything you use in the battle must be sacred, blessed by the priest, or given by the gods. Each avatar must possess an astra by his or her side."
The Guru picked up a golden mace and examined it admiringly. Then he did a test swing. Atith and Tusita had to dodge it before he smashed their heads to pieces.
"Twastar, the divine engineer of the gods, made most of these heavenly astras. He forged the Virajyudh, the Lightning Bolt, for Lord Indra, so that he could slay the demon Vritra, who couldn't be slain by metal, wood or stone."
"Who's Indra?"
"King of the Gods, my holy father," Tusita said. "He is the god of lightning, thunder, storms, rains and river flows."
“The King of Gods?” I looked at her wide eyes.
"Indeed, I am the incarnation of his seven daughters," Tusita said with a shrug. "What makes you think I can wield the mightiest bow if I'm not special?"
Vorac pretended to gag.
"Nothing compared to the three indestructible weapons that ever created by the gods," the Guru went on with his monologue. "Lord Shiva wields the Trishula, the mighty trident, which is used to destroy the three worlds: the physical world, the world of the past, and the world of the mind. Lord Vishnu slays his enemy with his Chakra, the hundred serrated edges discus that could destroy the universe."
Vorac looked like she couldn't bear with his long speech anymore. She went up to the Guru and whispered something in his large elephant ear. She was probably telling him about the mystery of my existence and how to put her theory to test. They turned to me again.
"Alright, Child of the Prophecy," Sambo began. "Seeing that you are in need of an astra, Vorac suggested that you go see the one we have been keeping for you."
"You have a weapon made for me?"
"It's not made by the hand of mortals," he said. "It's given by the Great Lord himself. Now come with me, holy pumpkin."
~*~
We followed the Guru into another hall. A bright light came from a burning brazier at the center. There were more carvings of some important Hindu gods on the wall. I saw several stones altars around the chamber. But all altars were empty, except one. It hosted a long curved golden sword. The weapon froze vertically in midair. Its blade seemed to glow with inner light and looked as if it was alive, vibrating with immense energy.
"This is Chandrahas, the Moonsword," Sambo said. "If you can wield it, you are the rightful owner of this mighty astra."
"Oh? Is that so?" I said.
"But be mindful of its origin, young one," the Guru said and then stepped aside. "The Moon blade is a legendary weapon created by Lord Shiva, the Ultimate God of Destruction. Shiva warned if it was used for an unjust cause, the sword would return to him, and the wielder's end would be near."
"So it is a cursed blade?" I asked.
"It used to belong to someone in the past," he said. "Someone who had fallen from grace. Someone invincible that someday you might face."
The Guru's words confused me.
"Nikita, you should go and try your luck now," Tusita urged.
I took a deep breath and stepped towards the altar. My hand extended t
owards the glowing blade. Everyone stood looking at me with curious eyes.
My nerves started to rage inside my veins. What if something happens to me when I lift the sword? Chandrahas and Chandramoki Moni, my name and my mother's, they all seemed to be connected.
Did these things bind my destiny to this realm? I had done the same with the Moonstone — one touch and I got plunged into this fantasy world. Who knew what would happen if I touched the Moonsword, too? My hand trembled as I reached out to grab hold of its golden hilt.
"No, wait!" Tepi said and then turned to the Guru. "I don't think she's ready to handle it yet."
"What do you mean, Tepi?" Vorac said. "No one is able to wield it anyway. Even I myself had tried! Why don't we let her try it?"
My hand was only a few inches away from the Moonsword, but I already felt the heat tingling in my palm.
"Very well then," Sambo decided after a moment of thinking. "You know your friend better than I. Mayhap, we shall give the holy one some more time. Now let us get back."
“Nikita,” Tepi called out to me. I withdrew my hand and straightened myself back with a sigh.
After we left the armory, I spent time listening to a string of introductions of everything. For the rest of the afternoon, we just walked around the encampment.
Afterward, we reached a large wooden building under a nascent Bo tree. But before we even stepped through the threshold, we heard the groans from the inside.
"What is this place?" I asked, looking around.
"The Aswin House," Tepi said. "Our access to health care."
"And why are we here?"
"Well, I just want to show the nearest hospital you can find," Sambo said. "We have the finest medicine and the best healers here. If you're injured, which is highly likely, the twin brothers shall tend to you."
We entered the large house. It was cozy inside. Buckets of plants, herbs and flowers were set on the window sills. Silk curtains flicked gently in the humid breeze.
A large bronze pot filled with water and flowers set in the middle. Two rows of beddings for patients. The smell of the place was thick with natural herbs. We saw a few soldiers sleeping while the nurses were tending to them.
Then the two young boys came running towards us.
"Has anybody gotten their head busted already?" one of the twins asked almost in excitement. They wore white tunics with gleaming crests on their breasts. The crests were two snakes curled around ivy flowers —a symbol of medicine. Each of the twins carried large silk bags dangling over their shoulders, and they also smelled of sweet herbs.
"No, boys," the Guru said. "I brought our new friend over to see the place just in case."
The twins looked at each other then laughed.
"Welcome here, anytime and any day," one of the boys said.
"Hope it's not soon," the other added. Sambo turned to us.
"These two young lads, Romany and Romanir, avatars of the twin gods, are the ones in charge of the Aswins House. Feel free to have all sorts of treatment whenever you like."
I still had trouble telling the brothers apart.
"Let us examine the stranger one of these days," one of the twins said, "to learn if she is skilled in games and can show us any feats. She is not any sense ill-built, just a bit pale in complexion."
"Yes, that would be wise, thank you," Sambo said. "Before I leave you, children, I have prepared our newcomer's training schedule." He handed me a scroll made of cow skin. "Any question you might harbor, you shall ask your friends. Now I must go and attend the meeting with the Queens."
The Guru left. I held the scroll up to unroll it. I realized I was actually illiterate.
"I don't understand it."
"No worries," Tepi said and took the scroll from me. "You are going to train with us."
"I'm starving," Atith said. "It's almost time our lunch is served."
"Well, I have a few errands that need my attention, I shall see you soon after," Vorac said and then turned to leave, too.
"Wait, Vorac," Tusita said, catching the girl's hand. "You know the holy game is coming our way. Would you do me a favor and join our team?"
"I must think it over," she said, "but it depends on my mood."
"How about I help you think fast and hard?"
Vorac glared at her then turned away again, but before she left, their eyes met briefly. The two girls seemed to have some sort of hidden relation although they kept their act. Tusita followed suit.
"Don't wait for me!" Tusita said to us and went after Vorac.
Tepi groaned. "Every time they meet, it's like bunnies in a full moon.”
"Only they would call it 'honeymoon'," Atith chuckled. "I believe Tusita has some good diplomacy, so let her be."
~*~
We left the Aswin House when it was lunchtime. The bell rang as we ran through the causeway. Our feet thumped against the stone path that led to another big open-air building. The building had beautiful roofing and wraparound porch.
After climbing up the wooden stairs, we finally entered what they called the Pochani Pavilion. It was where the avatars' meals were served. Several maidens came to welcome us inside. The buzzing noises from chattering people died down the moment I showed up. My presence was still something to be pondering about.
I tried not to make eye contact with anyone in the hall, but my heart still skipped a little. Morokot and Issarak were already there. The sea god's son, Samudra, walked in afterward. He sat down next to another girl from last night. She seemed quiet and there was an air of mystery about her. Her face showed no trace of emotions.
We sat down at our assigned tables. A bunch of shimmering Devatas appeared through the walls and glided down the hall. They each held golden platters of food and goblets of Soma drink. Tepi told me it was their habits to serve the children of their lords. But it surprised me when a Devata placed a set of plates on my table, too.
"Where is Tusita?" Tepi said, looking around the Pavilion. "She shouldn't be late. The Queens are coming soon."
Atith just shrugged. I looked at the view beyond the porch. A row of royal carriages parked at the end of the Main Square. But then I spotted one in particular that stood aloof under a big mango tree. It appeared to be rocking back and forth.
"Nikita, what are you looking at?" Tepi asked me then followed my gaze outside. Before I could say anything, we saw Vorac and Tusita emerged from the carriage.
"Oh, for Buddha's sake!" Tepi gasped.
The two girls adjusted their crumpled tunics and smoothed back their slightly disheveled hair. When Vorac turned to go, Tusita grabbed her back by the waist, pulling her into her arms in adoration. Tusita whispered something into Vorac's ear and started nuzzling her slender neck as if she still hadn't had enough of her. Vorac tried to put on a half-hearted protest, but it was just out of decency.
"Ladies, what are you two looki—" Atith said but then gasped in shock. "Oh, holy father!"
Tepi quickly covered his mouth with her hand.
"Shut your mouth and keep it shut," she muttered to him.
Then we tried to act normal again. It was quite awkward still.
More people entered the Lunch Pavilion. The twin brothers showed up and took their seats. A moment later, Vorac appeared with a blushed face, following shortly by Tusita, who had a slight smirk dancing on her perfect lips. Vorac went straight to her own place as if to avoid being noticed.
Tusita came and sat down with us.
"Guess what?" she announced with a victorious smile. "Vorac has agreed to pledge herself to our side."
Atith just grinned back stupidly while Tepi looked disgusted.
"What?" Tusita shrugged quizzically. To save her from Tepi's scorn, I decided to change the subject.
"Tell me, why are you so eager to gain her favor?" I asked.
"Vorac might not seem it among us," Atith said. "But her being the daughter of the Moon God, she has the same formidable power to influence people's mind and emotions. If she stands by our side, soo
ner or later the others will follow. Besides she is an excellent archer."
"Second to me, of course," Tusita said. "Just my kind of lady. Also, you haven't seen her when it's the full moon yet. Makes my heart tingle thinking about it."
"Every lovely maiden on earth makes your heart tingle, Tusita," Tepi scoffed and rolled her eyes.
Then the sound of horns echoed from a distance, signaling the royals' arrival. My heart started racing. I was going to see Amarisa again.
First, we saw a troop of palace maids pouring into the hall. Then the Kennars and the Mohoris and Mohoras. Among them was my own handmaiden, Kesar. She smiled at me, and I smiled back.
A short while later, the two Queens appeared, accompanied by our green-skinned Hora and the elephant-headed Guru. Queen Jayara gave me a soft smile when she saw me. Her smile always warmed my heart. I grinned and bowed my head in return, which earned myself a few grimaces from Issarak and Morokot. I ignored them.
But there was still no sight of the princess. After a moment later, my nose caught a whiff of that pleasant scent, which once made my heart pound with untamed joy.
Then she walked in, wearing her multi-layers of long glittery silks. It was folded out front and fastened by a flower-shaped golden belt. On her head was a pair of gold pins that looked like the wings of a swan. They held back her beautiful jet-black hair behind her ears. Her flowing lock shone like raven feathers.
As she walked, the fragrant scent emitted from her radiant skin like jasmines. Amarisa looked utterly stunning in the daytime as she was at night. I felt as if something in me died of longing every time I saw her, and I had just met her. Her beauty was like the way the sun rises and the moon shines.
Then the princess lifted her eyes to me. I froze as her piercing dark eyes entwined with mine. A jolt raged through my bones. My heart beat all the way up to my throat. I thought I was hyperventilating. Suddenly, a huge bright silhouette leaped out of the glaring sunlight.
The first things I saw were those big orange eyes and a mighty jaw with impossibly long dagger-shaped teeth.
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