The first snow of the new year flurried. The pale wintry sun dawned from behind the Sharad's palace, and the downtrodden land reeked with the threat of terror. The soft and chilly wind gusted in through the window, ruffling my hair. I hissed and stiffed a sneeze. Leaving the window open throughout the night was a terrible idea. It had woken me up, not that I had fallen into a sound sleep anyway. Been tossing and turning all night, struggling with my unquiet mind, ideas had been fizzing and bubbling. I just didn't know who to seek help from.

I reluctantly shut the window and sat down on the low cot similar to the one provided in the academy. I sighed and buried my face in my hands, recollecting my days spent in the academy that I'd started to consider as my new home. Irresistible memories began to flood, involving Doctor, Tyrell, and Celina. And then there was the Will, leading to confusion worse confounded. It took a moment to figure out where the pain was really coming from.

Feeling uncomfortable in this new place, I ran my hands through my hair and scrubbed my face. In the process, my palm prickled, as though numerous fiery needles digging into my skin. The acid burn was the last evening was still fresh and glossy, covered with pus-filled blisters. I wasn't healed yet. Weird.

"Hayden!"

I held in a wistful sigh. Feeling my muscles tired out, I moaned pushing myself to stagger out of my room. Pruthvi kept calling me until I sped up. I waded through the narrow carpet-laid walkway and reached the living room of the four-bedroom apartment rented for us. Not a remarkable one, but a cozy little slightly risen on the edge of the community provided for the ministers, advisers and other personnel of the kingdom.

"You've got a fancy fireplace!"

Dhanunjay walked through the door leading to the front porch. He was once again in his weirdo attire, loose green pants with imprints of yellow banana prints and navy blue long shirt beneath a brown fur coat. Can anyone give me one reason why an insensitive person like Pruthvi should resist making fun of him?

He came further inside checking the house thoroughly. He looked back at the fireplace that came with shiny stone hearth occupying most of the wall. The empty living room from the last night was now filled with a couple of armchairs and an oval-shaped table in the center. Leena sat down on her knees and rummaged through the refreshments that Dhanunjay must have brought with him. A few packets of cookies, a basket that constantly provided a variety of fruits, bagels, and muffins. A jar was placed on the table. It was the one that magically refilled with hot chocolate. That jogged a few cherished memories from the time spent in Parallel Universe.

"Don't be so jealous," Pruthvi said, ambling around and sitting on a chair, "You can move in here with us if you want."

"No, thank you," said Dhanunjay, "I prefer to stay with my loving family."

"Aren't you over twenty?" he asked, slightly grimacing, "And you still live with your mommy?"

"That's because we are not Americans!"

"Did mommy wake you up with early morning milk and cookies?"

His mouth dropped. "How do you know?!"

Pruthvi laughed.

"You two, just can't wait to lock horns with each other!" wheezed Leena, pulling out a bunch of grapes from the basket and popping one into her house, "Ooo, these are sweet as candy. Nazira is going to love them."

"What is it?" I asked, seeking Dhanunjay's attention.

"There you are!" he said, flinging his hand at me. "I am here to inform that the three of you are being summoned by King Aghasthya to join Ashwant Veer and Mrs.Ira Zutshi in a meeting held in the palace in order to discuss your upcoming duties."

Pruthvi, who was checking his unhealed burns from the last night, quickly sat alert. "What duties?"

"That is for the King to answer. I was asked to pass on the information and also given the liberty to yank you forcibly if you refuse to come."

"That won't be necessary," I said before Pruthvi could reprimand him, "We will be there in about fifteen minutes."

"Better hurry up!" he said, staring pointedly at Pruthvi, "Can't put Paramarashtra more in jeopardy. My father told me that the sudden entry of the Clan of Almourah has already elicited a turmoil in Panchayat. It's not even been a day and the conflicts among The High Clan are worse than ever." He suddenly frowned before turning around to speak directly with me. "Hey, aren't you the one representing Rawat? Why aren't you participating?"

"What do you mean?" I asked. "I thought a Samagraha cannot be a part of Panchayat."

Dhanunjay raised his eyebrows. "You are not just a Samagraha. You are meant to become a prominent member of Panchayat, just like how King Aghasthya from Sharad Dynasty is. You do know why I am saying it should be you, don't you?"

I thought about it for a moment, wondering if it was safe to ask. "You know about the Will?"

He laughed out loud at that. "Dude, it has become nationwide sensational news. Everybody's talking about it. And Harakara are working full time, without even caring about the lingering danger, to pass on the news to every corner of the country. Never ever in the history of Paramarashtra, a twenty-year-old boy must have become a King. See, you are famous."

"Yeah, I must be elected as the eighth wonder of the world."

Dhanunjay pouted.

"Isn't there a requirement to officially be the King to become a member of Panchayat?" Leena asked, her mouth full of grapes and ready to snack on muffins she held in both of her hands. I purposefully gazed at her palm. Her self-inflicted deep knife cut just left a jagged scar. She was almost healed.

"Of course," replied Dhanunjay with a shrug, "You are going to be the next king, aren't you? Otherwise, it would be the lamest decision if you throw away the opportunity to revive your dynasty."

"Now we are talking," Pruthvi muttered. He bent over to take a muffin from Leena. She hit him hard on his hand, irked. Everything's mine, don't touch!

I shook my head. "Go ahead. Tell King Aghasthya that we'll be there shortly. Thanks for the information."

Dhanunjay began to walk away. He stuck his tongue out at Pruthvi who threw a pun remark at him. An idea arose. An insane one indeed. Spending time with someone like Dhanunjay who grates on nerves, would be similar to crossing through a minefield. He could be such a tattletale and report everything to King Aghasthya. But in the current situation being mindful was more important. If I had to get back on track, I needed to take the risk.

Dhanunjay was one of those who were well versed in Paramarashtraian history and various other subjects concerning the political system of the country. If not Nazira, then it should be him. I felt slightly hopeful about finding the person who could help me figure a way out soon and master a new skill.

"Hey, Dhanunjay," I called him back for a quick discussion. "Would you mind spending an hour or two daily with me?"

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

We were sitting in the Sharad palace's private cabinet room. Well furnished with stacks of books and golden walls decorated with works of art. Lanterns heavily lit at the corners. Most of the space was occupied by the exquisite table, long and solid mahogany wood, with a runner spread over it. Front five chairs, out of many, were taken by Pruthvi, Leena and I sitting against Ashwant. The head seat was yet waiting for King Agasthya to join. Exactly in half an hour, my foot.

Ashwant, who was sitting directly in front of me, still looked nervous and depressed. He seemed to be a thorough reflection of myself, reminding me of those days when I'd first found out about the stone that made itself feel right at home in my pocket, shortly after my parents' death. He caught my eye and smiled warmly at me. I didn't return the smile and he understood why.

"I didn't rat on you guys yesterday," he explained. "He visited without prior notice to inform me personally about this meeting."

I nodded gently. But Pruthvi sitting beside me, whispered, "How nice of him."

The room suddenly filled with appetizing sweet aroma of baking. Ira Zutshi walked in pushing the large tray on wheels with morning breakfast, including freshly brewed strong coffee. Immediately after her, the King of Sharad entered. He slumped down quickly in the chair and let out a huge sigh. He was sitting bleary-eyed, seemed twice as exhausted as we all were. I doubted if he had even slept all night.

Ira served us breakfast with the food that entirely seemed non-American, but none of us were interested in it. Except for Leena. She ate without even knowing what was being served.

"Received a notice from Panchayat last evening," the King began, his voice so grating that it drew full attention at once. "to go according to the protocol until further developments are made. The situation is extremely appalling, as in two hundred men and women registered as tortured by the beasts. About a hundred dead, and twenty missing. This happened in one single night. If immediate steps are not taken, if Samagraha and the knights don't cooperate, then Panchayat fears that half of the country's population would be wiped out in no time."

We exchanged looks, eyes downcast and expression grim.

"How were things managed thirty years ago?" Ashwant asked. "And before that?"

"Their number wasn't as much as it is today," King Aghasthya replied. "They were similar to the street dogs, hidden in the corners of the street, besides the dumpsters and not aggressive either. One way to repel them, was to stay calm, to keep eyes down, and walk away. Just don't run, it will smell the fear and attack. Second- pour water at it. It likes to play and if you are lucky, it might melt and disappear. Let it be gone, save yourself first. And lastly, don't smell like a human. Try to conceal the smell of the blood, a dog can recognize a person with that particular kind of smell."

Pruthvi mumbled. "I'm trying my best not to get offended."

Leena chuckled.

"What was that?" King Agasthya asked, angered.

"Nothing. Sorry."

"How are we going to do that?" Leena asked, flustered, "How do we not smell like a human?"

It was Ira who replied. "Citrus. That will keep them away."

"They are afraid of lemons?" Pruthvi asked, eyes slightly widened. "That is what we were trying to find out last night."

"Which was not the right way," the King said, "And now you've got your answer. But I am not sure, nobody is, that these tricks will work on them anymore. They are flooding throughout the country with the thirty years worth of hunger. They are extremely aggressive and violent. They are hurting men as well. All they need is human blood. Absolutely nobody is safe. If we are not attentive, Almourah will surely gain a stranglehold on the country quite soon."

I leaned back, steepled my hands together as my mind raced. Was trapping them for all those years in their territory the right way to stop Almourah?

"But," Ira said, "We are still going to try in the similar fashion. I'm going to provide you with citrus juice every day. Spray it on yourself as perfume before you go patrolling."

"Patrolling?" Leena asked, alarmed. "Again?!"

"Eeeh!" Pruthvi inwardly expressed his loathe for this idea.

"Yes," said the King, "That is the main reason why we are having this meeting today. We need a plan. Our main priority is to save the woman. Knights of respective kingdoms are already in the fields guarding the villagers but they need supernatural support. We have the four of you here..."

"Eight." I interrupted.

"Sorry?"

"Our Constellia can help us too."

He nodded his acceptance and in satisfaction. "Great. I haven't thought of that. So more power to us."

"Why are we patrolling?" Pruthvi drawled, "Why are we always patrolling?"

"Panchayat's orders," King replied at once. "Like it or not, we have to act according to the law."

Leena and Pruthvi shared a glance but refrained to comment further.

King Aghasthya continued, "The two kings of Madhyakshetra rejected to seek help from a Samagraha. So we can eliminate the capital province from the list. But Purvachand, Paschimgarh and Dakshinpur are your responsibility."

"Can I say something?"Ashwant said, "Your Majesty, do you think it's a good idea to rely on me? Considering it's not even a week since I..."

"Ashwant you need to spread your wings," said the King curtly, "I understand the pressure is enormous but you are not a cook at my palace anymore. You are officially relieved. Come and fetch your pay later. But you have done a tremendous job running your clan alone. Now that you own the diamond, you have to understand that you need to look after all the clans of Paramarashtra alike."

He cleared his throat before he said, "I'm a Matsyasvi."

"Panchayat is not in a condition to see that as a matter of importance or concern. They need the owner of the Diamond. The High King needs one. This is off the record, but even he can't retract you from the position and the power you have in your hands right now. So relax."

Ashwant shot a quick glance at me. I waggled my brow and smiled. Told ya!

"Moving ahead. I was asked to assign the three of you a province each to patrol every day. Hayden, Dakshinpur. Pruthvi, Puravachand and Leena, Paschimgarh. Ashwant will keep transferring his presence from one province to the other every twenty-four hours. You will have to quickly master your Formations, Ashwant. And Ira will keep opening Gates for you to travel and provide you with the timely nourishment."

"The whole province?" Leena asked. "That's highly impossible."

"Make it possible. Figure it out. Keep your eyes open even at the back of your head. Take the help of your Constellia. Just do anything. We have a scarcity of Samagraha right now, so work double shifts. Panchayat has agreed to pay you twice the money, so don't you worry about that. And don't forget, knights will be on duty round the clock. Kings are extending their own security forces to keep the province safe. All kinds of support will be provided to you by all means. Anymore concerns?"

"Dakshinpur," I said, in a low tone. "Do you mean just the Sharad and the Clan of Vaquero and Matsyasvi?"

The way he stared at me, and the way the corners of his lips curled, somehow it indicated his twisted intention to have me walk all around the Dynasty. "They exist, Hayden," he said, answering my unspoken thoughts. "Just watch out and patrol. Understand?"

I fidgeted, trying my best to suppress this urge to ask. But I couldn't. "Where are they? I thought Shashi destroyed the whole main village. Atleast that's what I was told."

"They don't want to be seen. They are afraid of Shashi even today. And want to remain hidden, so I let them be. Because wherever they are now, I know they are safe."

He kept staring until I felt a bit uneasy and dropped my eyes to my wringing hands. I refrained from questioning regarding this matter. Had I asked, there was a grave possibility of giving away an idea of me taking an interest in the Will. I couldn't risk it, not until I got past the danger of being clueless regarding the fundamental laws of the country.

Thanks to Leena for speaking up to change the topic. "Who is going to look for Celina? Who is going to bring Tyrell back?"

"I'm worried about them too," said the King. "But for now we need to make sure that the Clan of Almourah stays under control. Also, I am pretty sure Tyrell in the form of Rahu will strike back. You, especially you, Leena, you need to watch out for him because he and Jyran live in Paschimgarh."

"Understood," she said with regal confidence, the type of confidence that made her entirely different from her twin sister.

"And as to Celina," he said finally, "I am betting she has already taken Uttarameer under her care. But I will have to talk to Panchayat. Whatever she is doing, it has to be legal. Otherwise, all of us will be in trouble. You guys get on with your duties and I'll do mine. And before you leave, eat the damn breakfast. It's getting cold."