Agni consoled her and asked her sleep while saying that they will discuss it when they will wake up the next day.  After that, even Agni felt that there is some indication in the dream regarding the impending war.  Then he too slept off.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Rakshatra

In the King's study chamber, Abhyuday was looking at the map of his Kingdom, set on the planning table which was placed in the middle of the room.  He kept some miniature ships on the western border of Rakshatra and kept thinking about the subsequent measures to be taken.  He looked up from the map and glanced towards the wall on the right, which is just a blank wall for others but a gateway for them.

Just then the doors of the study chamber was barged open and entered Arunaditya.  Aditya said, "Baba, I will also come with you".  Abhyuday looked at his younger son and sighed while saying, "No Aditya.  I have already announced in the court that I will lead the army to the war and you will look after the Kingdom.  And this is not any less than a war field.  Only difference is here the enemies will be in disguise and attack from behind whereas in Warfield, we fight face to face". 

Aditya stubbornly argued, "That's the very reason why I want to go to the Warfield.  You too know that I'm not good at identifying those kind of cunning people.  Please agree to my request".  At that time, the army General Parth entered the room and heard the last bit of conversation and understood the tension.  Aditya turned to him and said, "Mama ji, please tell something to Baba so that he changes his mind and take me along with him". 

Abhyuday shook his head in irritation and Parth understood his mind and told Aditya, "You go and look after the arrangements assigned to you.  I will talk to him".  Arunaditya sighed and went away knowing that his Mama ji won't go against his father although he is one of those few people whose advice his father would listen to.

Arunaditya reached his mother's chamber and straight away laid beside her on the couch, keeping his head on her lap.  Kalindi was surprised by his sudden entry but still caressed his head while keeping aside a new plant which she got.  He said, "Maa, please tell Baba to take me to the war as well".  She took a deep breath and said, "His decision is right Aditya".

Arunaditya sat up and looked at her while saying, "Maa, Bhai had given me the responsibility of this Kingdom as well as our family, until he returns back.  If I don't participate in the war and something goes wrong making it a critical situation for either our Kingdom or Father, I cannot face Bhai after he returns.  It is my responsibility to keep everyone safe until he comes back.  Then he will take upon his position and I will be relieved from all this responsibilities".

Kalindi had tears in her eyes thinking about her first born and said, "I can understand your turmoil, Adi.  But think from your father's perspective once.  He is already away from his one son and he doesn't want to put you also in danger.  I know that situation would have been different if Agneya was here.  Then probably all three of you would have gone to the war and remained as the strength of each other.  But situation is different now.  Let it be, Adi".

Aditya sighed and laid down again, thinking about the war which was about to commence after a month since their enemy had sent his Messenger with that message.  On the other side, Abhyuday too explained the same reason to Parth for not involving Arunaditya in the war.  They got involved in the strategies for the war thereafter.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Pranyakta

In the Library present in the Academy, three members were searching for something by searching up various scrolls stored in there.  They are Meghnath, Agni and Rashmi.  As Samrat suggested, they had come here to check some old handwritten scrolls to find some clue about how to destroy the Asuras.   Meghnath was reading one such scroll when he called them both to come over.

Now all three of them read the scroll which read, "The atrocities of Asuras grew stronger each passing day.  Finally the King of Pranyakta decided to take the extreme step of locking them in an unknown space away from this world.  King Parikshit performed a yagya (holy pyre) and invoked the Gods, to know the way to lock the asuras away from the world.

When the three Gods appeared infront of him, they said, "Parikshit, we knew that such a day will come when the Asuras will become unbearable.  That is why your bloodline is blessed with the power of immortal blood.  One person in every alternative generation will have this power.  All you need is this".

Saying so, the Gods presented him a sword with different patterns on it.  Then they said, "This is the weapon which can defeat them and lock them away from the world.  And the same can be used in a different way to destroy them forever".  King Parikshit was wondering what he wanted to do with the Asuras and replied that he wanted to just lock them away as he felt it to be a sin to destroy them forever.  After his reply the Gods disappeared from there, without telling the way to destroy them".

Meghnath seemed frustrated at the end and said, "If only King Parikshit had chosen to destroy them earlier then now we wouldn't face this problem.  And because of that we don't even know how to use the same weapon to destroy the Asuras".  Rashmi too sighed at his words and looked at Agneya who seemed to be in deep thinking.  She asked him, "What are you thinking?".  Agni replied, "I think there should be an other side of the story as well.  From Asuras side.  We should search for that".

Glossary:
Samrat - Emperor
Samragyi - Empress
Rajkumar - Prince
Bratashree - Brother
Bhabhishree - sister-in-law
Acharya - Master/Teacher
Mamashree - Uncle (Mother's Brother)
Mamishree - Aunt (Mother's brother's wife)
Bade - elder or big
Chote - younger or small

-----------------------------------------------------------

Precap:

Meghnath exclaimed, "So the scroll we found was not the original one?". 

-----------------------------------------------------------

Hi guys,

Sorry for the late update.  I slept off last night while writing the chapter.

Hope you like the chapter.  Do vote and comment.

Word count : 1100

Thanks,
SM.