Page 22 of Sumanika

"Yes, I know that," I smiled.

When the door opened, I saw the attendees walking in with lunch plates. They set the lunch before us, and I turned to her.

“I’m starving,” I said, and she looked at me, slightly furrowing her brows.

“So, what's her name?” A subtle smile that I didn’t understand appeared on my face.

“I wouldn’t know.” I tried to explain,“I never asked,” but she looked at me in disbelief.

“Didn’t you hear anyone call her name?” she asked, and I frowned.

“Where’s the jealousy? Act like you’re going to be my wife,” I teased, and she chuckled, nudging me.“You wish.”

I laughed a little, focusing on my lunch.

After meeting Rashmika, I left the Mehrangarh Castle with Eklavya. We climbed the mountain to see what was happening on the other side.

“I don’t understand how we will get the black stone for the same powder?” Eklavya asked as I pushed aside the tall, wild grass to take another step forward.

“The soil of Mehrangarh has black stones underneath, and they have been exporting that for many years with no one’s knowledge. How did a small princely state become so wealthy under the same king’s rule in five decades, especially without support?” I explained.

The forest was dense, and we both wanted to get through it before sunset; otherwise, we wouldn’t make it back.

“I believe they’re hiding something important,” Eklavya said, and I looked at him.

“Not just one thing, but many. They are exploiting the mountain ranges, and Mehrangarh is the kingdom from where people hear that something is wrong with the borders and that someone is trying to attack us,” I said.

He lowered his gaze for a moment before saying,“That could mean two things: either they are completely right, or they are using this to distract attention from themselves,” he said, and I nodded.

“Yes, I believe there may also be a third possibility.”

“What?” he asked.

I took a deep breath, moving the grass aside and climbing higher up the mountain.“Mehrangarh has allied with them and is reinforcing their position. If any attack occurs, it will probably be closest to the enemies. This could endanger all the northern Hind. They haven’t always been this friendly toward us,” I said. He immediately replied,“We should inform Ranaji about this.”

I quickly whiffed.“No, we can’t. Ranisa is pregnant, and we’re still recovering from our year-old debts and destruction. He would want to handle the situation with war, which would put everything at stake. Once there’s a slight rift between us, Mehrangarh will become alert. They should think we’re foolish about everything,” I explained.

“But how can we, just the two of us, stop it?” he asked, and I smiled at him.“Just wait and see.”

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 really 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, returning 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 Hind and many princely states, all linked by Bhaisa and King Abhinandan’s efforts over the last three years. We have over two hundred thousand soldiers and resources, while they only have about fifty thousand. They will wear out from all this traveling, and our soldiers will be ready to take their hearts out. Why are they even trying?” I said, and suddenly Eklavya chimed in,“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 they lack powerful leaders. 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 dark orange,” I explained, and he furrowed his brow.

“But how can that spark kill someone? I mean, how is it different from real fire?” he asked, and I shook my head.“That’s the one thing I don’t know. We need to figure out what they are making and how. Otherwise, we’re done for,” I replied, and he nodded.

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