The demon had set the Soul Copy in a position to defend the Temple if all hell broke loose. Nevertheless, Indrajit decided to rise from his bed, in spite of a slight hangover, courtesy of the previous night's escapades. He didn’t wish to disappoint the Head Priest, especially considering that the latter had expressed the desire to have tight security at the venue of the festival. After hurriedly devouring the breakfast that included simple rice and pulses with a dash of pickle, the masked individual rushed towards the Temple.

The Soul Copy had so far been successful, so Indrajit decided to remain invisible. The Spell-Vanish was proving to be quite useful for numerous reasons. The veil over his palace and the chariot had not been disturbed either. Indrajit found a quiet spot; a tiny hill situated right next to the Temple. With a single jump, he was able to reach the summit and sat comfortably. The illusionist then remembered his promise to the horse who had helped him out the previous day. He would send a separate Copy to hunt later in the day.

Indrajit: I didn’t expect the crowd to be this vast. It takes me back to the holy town of Varanasi.

Below stood at least a few hundred worshippers who had gathered to seek favors by pleasing Lord Shiva. The turnout was massive. The prayers had already begun, so Indrajit decided to perform Shiva Tandava Stotram.

The author of this particular composition was none other than the Demon King of Lanka. He had once traveled near Kailasha and realized that the mountain was in the way. After a rude confrontation involving Nandi the humanoid bull, Lankeshwara had steeled his resolve and tried his level best to uproot the holy mountain. Because of his colossal strength, the peak began shaking which scared Devi Parvati who embraced the Lord tightly. As a result of this action, Shiva was irritated and then use a single toe to put pressure on the Demon King’s back. The weight was too much for him to bear and the ten-headed King cried out, thus the name Ravana (The One Who Cried) came into effect. For over 9 centuries, the King kept singing hymns to praise Shiva’s insurmountable might, which was later called Shiva Tandava Stotram. When the Lord was pleased with his penance, he gifted the beloved devotee a magical sword which is what Indrajit wanted Fiona to replicate. The sword Chandrahas disappeared after the Demon King’s demise.

After completing the recitation of the entire Stotram, Shiva graced Indrajit with his presence.

Shiva: Yo! I haven’t heard that prayer from a Demon in thousands of years. After the extinction of your race and the arrival of Kali Yuga, humans have become possessed by sin in that world. Most don’t even learn Sanskrit anymore…

Indrajit: Is that why you refused to send me there, My Lord?

Shiva: Well, that and as an intimidating mage, you should be able to put your talent to better use.

Indrajit: This planet is a lot calmer than I anticipated. What purpose shall I serve here?

Shiva was irked by Indrajit’s last question.

Shiva: Do not doubt me. Brahma has warned me of a great apocalypse that will reshape this world. I cannot tell you who will be the perpetrator or intervene directly. But I want you to remain here to keep tabs on my many disciples.

Indrajit: Giving me another opportunity at life after my previous death isn’t considered an intervention? I assume Lord Vishnu gave you an earful.

Shiva: Still the smart-ass. You have received the Chariot of Death. Feed that horse some delicious snacks and Prasad (Offerings to the Lord which get distributed amongst followers) will you? I must clear out now or else Devi will be upset. It is an auspicious day after all.

The Lord yawned and departed, leaving Indrajit alone with his thoughts.

Indrajit: An apocalypse eh? No matter where I land, trouble always finds me even though I rarely look for it. But I shall please the Lord this time. I can’t risk being a failure, for the sake of all his worshippers and innocents.

The numbers at the Temple had begun to grow. It was time for him to make an offering in person and meet with Fiona.

Indrajit hastened down the mountain and materialized shortly before he hit the ground where the Soul Copy was lying in wait. Nobody noticed since all were focused on prayer. Without making much noise, Indrajit wriggled inside the Temple. His emergence led to attention being drawn toward him, but most of the devotees didn’t seem to mind.

The demon found Fiona near the altar. She was offering badam (peanut) milk to the Deity. Then he felt a soft hand on his left shoulder. He looked sideways and saw a familiar face.

“I wasn’t expecting to see you here after last night. Thought you would be in bed throughout the day.”, said Cassandra.

Indrajit: Good to finally hear you speak softly. I guess you have no other option at this moment. Faron is your uncle after all. What about the Duke? Shouldn’t he be here too, for the sake of the guardian deity?

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

Cassandra: My father will arrive by evening. He has some other matters to address. Our spies have reported that the neighboring kingdom of Horan is planning to attack our town in a week or so. So naturally, certain steps must be taken to ensure the safety of the residents.

Indrajit: What’s the deal with Horan? Is it a big threat?

Cassandra: Well, for one their Class 0 adventurer is a force to be reckoned with. They also have the largest force of soldiers amongst all Kingdoms, so we’re at a disadvantage. Father is engaging the Ambassador of the elves posted here so that the latter could rally some support. Most demihumans see us as friends, but politics has always been dirty no matter which side you are on.

Indrajit: Well, I plan on staying here for a month at the very least. So you need not feel uneasy.

Indrajit’s reassurance was enough for Cassandra. Plus, she was waiting to see him in action against Lazybones. Maybe then she would have a better idea about who the masked gentleman truly was.

The morning prayers ended after some time. The followers began honoring Lord Kit (Shiva) with many gifts.

Fiona took notice of Indrajit and Cassandra and waved at them. They waved back.

______

Scene Shift- At the Central Palace of Avaron

Duke Charon: This is a matter of security. You know Ambassador how strategically important our town is to all creatures, big and small. We provide them refuge when most kingdoms would turn them away.

The Ambassador was a tall elf who had been around for over two centuries. Thus, he had a wealth of experience in matters pertaining to the battlefield and away from it. He has seen his closest allies being torn apart, and the trauma of losing them never left him. Lothek had to keep in mind one thing: the current King of Horan took after his villainous father. He wouldn’t hesitate to target the Elves if he was aware that they were interfering during the upcoming battle.

Ambassador Lothek: What incentive can you provide to us, Sir Charon? As an Elf my primary responsibilities lie with my people. You remember what happened to the Dwarven Kingdom when it allied itself with the Demon King during the last war right?

Charon’s expression hardened. The point raised by the Ambassador was a major cause for concern; so he closed his eyes and began contemplating a way out of the mess. A few seconds later, he flung them open.

Duke Charon: How about this? I will give you 1/5th of our fresh produce for a single year? You know we have the best crops; perhaps that is the reason the leader of Horan wants to come after us. In return, all I’m asking for are 200 elven mages willing to defend the town. If history has proven anything, it is that mages can turn the tide during any war.

Ambassador Lothek: I assume that you are referring to the Angel of Acrantis? He was unique, I cannot promise any of my soldiers will be half the man that he was. If only he was alive today…

Charon bowed his head low.

Duke Charon: Please, Sir Lothek. Help us out of this conundrum, and I shall remain forever indebted to you.

The Ambassador couldn’t possibly reject the Duke. They had been friends for two over two decades, and the latter was indeed a just ruler.

Ambassador Lothek: Alright. I still have to speak with my King. If he is willing to accept your terms, you shall have 200 mages to keep the enemy in check. But I strongly suggest you keep a Plan B in mind. If all else fails, the prospect of evacuation will save many lives.

Duke Charon: You are right sir. That plan is already in motion.

Ambassador Lothek: Fine then, I will make myself scarce immediately. Every moment lost is a life forfeit.

Duke Charon: I sincerely hope you can convince King Dreadneck.

The meeting was over. The Duke had plans to visit the temple in the evening and offer his salutations to Lord Kit. Perhaps only God who is a Friend to All and an Enemy to None could rescue his people.

Chief Attendant: Come along, sir. It is time for lunch.

Duke Charon: No Brendan. I have to fast during the day remember?

CA Brendan: My apologies sir. It must have slipped my mind.

Duke Charon: Don’t forget to go down to the Temple and offer respects to the Lord. This time, we desperately need his blessing.

_______

The sun was setting when the Duke’s carriage set out. Near the entrance of the town, Charon descended from his vehicle and a girl hugged him tightly which rendered him breathless.

Cassandra: How come you came so early, Father? I thought you would be here a few hours later…

Duke Charon: I missed you too kiddo. You are getting stronger with every passing day.

Cassandra began flexing her biceps which made her companion burst into laughter. The girl elbowed him and put him in a headlock.

Cassandra: Here is the guy I told you about yesterday. This fellow goes by the sobriquet Indrajit. Say hi to my father, mate.

The Duke was a fair judge of character. Even though he wasn’t particularly skilled in the field of magic, he could always analyze the strength (physical and otherwise) of a person by peering at them. But the masked chap struck him as uncanny. He couldn’t sense anything about him at all. It was as if the lad was shielding his abilities using some unknown technique.

Duke Charon: Tell me son, where is your hometown?

Indrajit: Lanka. It is a place far from here. Even you wouldn’t be aware of it.

Charon: I presume that my daughter has filled you in about the upcoming tsunami headed our way…

Indrajit: Of course, sir. I will serve your townsfolk, no questions asked.

Charon: Thank you, my dear man. We need all the help we can get. Let’s go towards the altar. And Cassandra, don’t tell any civilian just yet. The details will spread like wildfire, and panic is poison.

Cassandra: Oh father, I’m not retarded. I only informed this geezer because he is a good mate of mine. You can trust him too.

Inside the temple, Charon poured the sweet curd into the vessel kept adjacent to the idol. Then he finally broke his fast by consuming a piece of millet bread.

Duke: Let the feast commence! Let us rejoice even though we lack in poise.

This comment was met with great approval from the audience.

______

Scene Shift - The Kingdom of Horan

Lazybones: After all this time, why haven’t you found me a hotshot warrior yet, Your Highness?

King Cris: That rage fermenting within you is destructive. Keep it at bay for now. You can unleash mayhem in Avaron very soon.

Lazybones: The girl there is no good. I need someone more suitable to practice against. If I’m bored once more, I will slaughter all enemies in sight.

“Now that’s something I can be on board with.”, the King said, with a wry smile.

Glossary:

Stotram: A collection of hymns associated with a deity.

Chandrahas: A magic sword that is invincible

Horan: A Kingdom inhabited by humans. Enemy of Avaron.