In his royal hunting armor with shields based at the knees and the chest Sahil came galloping towards Gauri's carriage blocking Omkara from further getting any closer. And by now Omkara knew that when it came to the Crown Prince it was best for him to return to his horse where Ranveer and Dandi was waiting.

"Sahil."

Turning his head to see that Gauri was very please with him Sahil smiled at his sister.

"Gauri I will ride along side you like always."

"Of course. Did you drink the morning tea I sent over?"

"Always."

"I've been adding more tonic for you. Can you feel the difference?"

"I knew it! No wonder my stamina has increased during training with father."

Gauri flinched every time Sahil would accidentally call Kali father in front of her and seeing his sister's eyes he knew he slipped up yet again.

"I'm sorry Gauri I know you have told me not to call him that in front of you."

"I know that you enjoy training with him Sahil but you should also never forget what kind of man he is."

"Yes."

Ranveer leans in to whisper "Your Majesty want me to distract that Crown Prince later?"

Omkara looks on as he sees the young man diligently escorting his sister "If you feel like playing with your life than go ahead."

Kicking up his two feet to slightly nudge his horse to move forward Omkara rode his horse on the other side of Gauri's carriage. The distance to the hunting grounds itself would take an hour because this was not just an ordinary place.

Omkara: Would the Princess care to tell me about the history of this hunting grounds in Ashen. I've heard bits and pieces through the years. I heard that it was once the very place where the Fountain of Healing use to be.

Gauri who was resting inside her carriage as the slight breeze would once in awhile blow through her window that was shielded with a light chiffon drape.

"The Fountain of Healing. My teacher has told me the story before. Even I wish to see it but unfortunately it was destroyed during Ashen's last hurricane 50 years ago."

"Since it's a rare opportunity for me to visit Ashen and we have a ways to go I would like to hear more."

Sahil was expecting Gauri to just brush the King of Mordis off but he knew how much his sister loved this story because it reminded her of the time spent with her teacher before he was sentence to death by their father.

Gauri closes her eyes as she recalls the night that she too was curious as to why the hunting grounds were surrounded by large tall gates to prevent people from entering.

Flashback roughly 12 years ago

Gauri who was just 14 at the time has just started traveling around the restricted area in Ashen to learn more about herbs and poison with the Grand Master Physician that she calls teacher.

"Teacher why are we only allowed to wander in certain areas here? Why are there such tall gates? Are there treasures inside Ashen's hunting forest?"

Stroking his long white beard as he looks at the pair of curious doe eyes.

"Those gates are not to prevent people from coming in Gauri but to prevent a treasure from going out."

"Treasure? Going Out?"

"I was just but a young boy then. Ashen was drowning in treasures sent by nearby kingdoms just because of the Fountain of Healing. Water that seeped through the rocks of Ashen filling a sizable pool with magical healing powers."

Gauri's eyes were shining bright "Magical powers?"

"Yes. You could soak for two nights and your illness or poison would be cured it even prolonged one's life. And because of the water The King of Ashen once ruled on the battle fields because of the White Tiger."

"White Tiger?"

"Once every 50 years the White Tiger in the forest will find it's way to drink from the fountain giving it strength as well as immortality. And to tame the beast the King of Ashen would have to make a binding blood contract in order to become it's master."

"So only the King of Ashen can tame it?"

"As long as the royal bloodline runs through their veins they can tame it."

"But you said the White Tiger would be immortal then where is it now?"

"Yes but when it's Master dies it will also die because of the blood contract. And since we can no longer find the Fountain of Healing within the hunting grounds it doesn't mean the water source is not leaking somewhere. That is why we have gates to ensure that every 50 years the King will have a chance to find the White Tiger and maybe it will lead us to the Fountain of Healing again. But I wish that it will remain lost forever."

"How come?"

"The Fountain of Healing is a blessing as well as a curse Gauri. The King would become greedy and used it daily and would end up not dying but outliving his children. Then hatred will blossom in his son's heart and that's when one would turn to killing in order to sit on the throne. I believe the Heavens punished us by sending the hurricane when the King had gotten too greedy and would only let those who could provide immense treasure to use the Fountain while leaving the poor people to die. Not only did the Fountain of Healing save lives but it can also heighten one's sexual experience if a man and woman soaks in it together. That was when the King of Ashen which is your dead grandfather took in many concubines resulting in sons who also wanted to have such power. Why else do you think your father has gotten rid of all his brothers? In 12 years the White Tiger will appear and your father will want to find it to rule over other kingdoms and I can only hope that he fails. Even without the Fountain of Healing your father has already displayed greed in his heart. Your little brother should be 2 years old right now Gauri. You need to watch over him and make sure he becomes a better King for the people of Ashen."

"But if the White Tiger doesn't appear till every 50 years why can't we go in deeper into the forest?"

Seeing her teacher smile made Gauri even more curious.

"Because I can not guarantee that we will find our way back. The trees within the forest can play tricks on you and you are too young for me to put at risk."

Gauri pouts as she looks towards the deeper part of the forest "But I will be careful."

"It is not you that I'm worried about because your heart is pure. It is I who may have darkness within me and the trees will sense that."

"Teacher you have a pure heart!"

"Remember Gauri greed is something that can sneak it's way in. I can't be sure that if I stumbled upon the Fountain of Healing that I would not hide it and use it for myself. Even I have royal blood running through my veins but since I am considered illegitimate I am still happy to have the title of Grand Master Physician of Ashen."

"Uncle..."

"No Gauri...call me Teacher. I like that better."

*****************************

As the story ended Gauri slowly opened her eyes as a tear rolled down her cheek.

Sahil: Gauri I promise I will find it today.

Gauri: You must.

Omkara who was trying to process the story he had just heard could not believe the rumors were true. Many years ago the land of Ashen ruled all because of the White Tiger. It was ferocious in the battle field for being able to kill hundreds of soldiers in minutes. But why did Kali want to bring so many people for something so important was mind boggling.

Gauri who could sense Omkara's worries wanted to make it more clear.

"Your Majesty is probably thinking why His Highness is allowing so many to enter the hunting grounds today."

Hooking up is lips as she could see the slight silhouette of her face through the chiffon drape.

"Yes I am curious why let so many see. Is he not afraid we would want the beast to ourselves?"

Gauri chuckles "Only the Ashen Royal bloodline can bind the White Tiger."

Gauri: You are here to bare witness to it so that if the White Tiger appears then you know what The King of Ashen will want to do next.

No longer smiling Omkara's tone sent chills to everyone close by.

"Silently declaring war."

"If he gets the White Tiger today do you think he will still need Uthon and Gopar? They are just his back up plan your Majesty. Once we step in and the gates close your lives are no longer guaranteed. This is a win-win situation for him."

Pulling the reigns on his horse to get closer to Gauri's carriage Omkara pulled the chiffon drape to the side. Her honey brown eyes were captivating but what he wanted to do most was pull down her green veil to see her face.

"Why are you telling me this?"

He could see her eyes smile at him cunningly "Isn't it obvious that you are my only ally today?"

Raising her hand to pull her chiffon drape back down "We are here."

**Hope you guys like where this is going. I had to add this in order for everything to make sense later. Do let me know your views because this is my first fantasy Story**