7) Chapter

Vishnu makes his way through the winding pathways of the temple complex searching for Ereya and Ananta. The sound of music and laughter from the festival fades as he enters a quieter, more secluded section of the temple grounds.

"If Ananta truly got lost while looking for Ereya , then I'm going to have a long talk with him about priorities..."Vishnu muttered towards himself.

When he moved further, he noticed two dark shadows near the temple grounds.

"Wait Is that.." Vishnu said slowing his pace, recognizing the figures.

As he steps closer, and soon the shapes come into focus—it was  Ereya and General Dhananjaya, who were deep in conversation. Vishnu stops a respectful distance away, waiting for a moment before he interrupts.

"Ah, Vishnu. I wondered how long it would take for someone to find me. Are you on a royal mission to fetch your dear brother?"Ereya said while noticing his brother.

"Well, yes, Anna. Adithya and I thought perhaps you'd disappeared into the night! And I guess our cousin Ananta has been using you as an excuse to sneak off...to somewhere."Vishnu said while bowing his head then he glanced towards General Dhananjaya who was known as a great warrior. "It seems I've found not only you but our most brave general as well."

"Greeting young prince. It's rare enough to find a moment for peace around here. Our prince and I were just discussing some matters of the kingdom,and a bit about his upcoming marriage " Dhananjaya said while greeting towards Vishnu.

"Ah, yes, thats a tiresome subject. But you're not here to listen to us go on about that, are you, Vishnu?"Ereya asked.

"You know me too well, brother. Although, I admit, your upcoming marriage is the talk of the kingdom. They say the chosen bride is as graceful as she is wise."Vishnu said

"Graceful and wise, they say. I only hope we'll see eye to eye on a few things. I wouldn't want to disappoint Father or the council, of course."Ereya spelled.

"Anyway my lord may I please be excused? Dhanajaya asked.

"Of course you may Dhananjaya. Lets meet soon then.." Ereya said then Dhanajaya nodded and moved quickly.

As Dananjaya takes his leave,  Vishnu, noticed the oddity in his brother's words and  turns to him with a puzzled expression.

"Anna, why would you say you'll meet him soon. He will be at Camp near Narmada? Dananjaya is leading the camp on the front lines against Kalachuriis, isn't he?" Vishnu asked nervously.

"Yes, officially, that's where he'll be. Its good you are here.. We have to talk something Vishnu."Ereya spelled quietly.

"Tell me Anna why do you want me to be here?"Vishnu asked.

"Well it is long story Vishnu.. "Ereya said.

"Dont worry Anna i have plenty of time"Vishu said curiously.

"Hmm, great. I'm not sure how much you already know... so I'll start from the beginning," Ereya began.

"Do you know anything about the Kalachuris?" he asked.

"Hmm, I've heard plenty of them. They're the ones ruling over the Narmada River, right? and we both had lots of fights" Vishnu replied.

"Exactly. For a long time, we've had conflicts around the Narmada River valley and Vidarbha. They've been our enemies for years, and now they're standing firmly against us." Ereyas expression was sharped.

"I know of the battles led by Buddharaja," Vishnu said.

"Yes, Buddharaja. He's a dangerous enemy. We shouldn't underestimate him; he's capable of much more than we might think. He has spies all over Vatapi and even some of them are inside these royal wall. Dhanajaya and I were discussing the incident that happened late last evening in the market."Ereya asked with questionable look. "Maybe you're aware of it?"

"Are you talking about that spy and the murder, aren't you?"Vishnu asked

"Oh, you know about that! So you were there. You have no idea about your luck, Vishnu," Ereya said, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.

"What do you mean.."Vishnu asked.

"They were Kalachuri rebels waiting for you, expecting your royal parade and targeting it. But, by the grace of the gods, you refused to go ahead with the parade. Anyway that foolish decision ultimately saved your life, Vishnu."Ereya said with a serious look.

"No it cant be..."Vishnu said with surpised look.

"Hmm, the spy our soldiers captured was also attacked by one of them. You see how organized they are? They knew we had caught one of them, would reveal everything."Ereya spelled with a mindful look.

"But what can we do?" Vishnu asked.

"It's time to take a stand, Vishnu. I can't sit idle while these Kalachuri rebels gather near our borders. I've decided—I'll be leading the forces at the camp against them."Ereya said with a determination.

"You... you're going to lead the campaign yourself? But won't uncle and the council resist the idea? You're the crown prince, the future of the kingdom. The risk...."Vishnu said with a hesitant.

"The risk is mine to bear, Vishnu. And what kind of future ruler would I be if I hid behind palace walls while threats gathered so close to home? Our people deserve a leader who will defend them with everything he has."Ereya said while cutting him off with a steady look.

"I understand. But the Kalachuris are known for their ruthless tactics Anna,"Vishnu said nodding admiration was placed on his gaze.

"Which is why I'll need you here,I know you seeking adventures brother, now you can adventure with a purpose like a true warrior.  You need to deliver a letter to General Nanda. He's now at Mahishmati."Ereya said while looking at VIshnus eyes.

"Nanda... But how?  Mahishmati is the capital of the Kalachuris, isn't it?"Vishnu asked with a swaloowed voice.

"Don't worry, you'll find him there. You can leave after the wedding. After it you should return to vatapi as soon as possible, . I need someone I trust keeping an eye on things within the capital.  The Kalachuris have spies here.....who knows what they might attempt here in my absence."Ereya said.

"Then you can count on me. I'll make sure that everything is secure here and there. And if you need more forces, just send word. We'll be ready."Vishnu said.

"I never doubted your courage for a moment, Vishnu. Thank you. And don't worry—I'll return soon enough. Meet me tomorrow, I will give you the letter."Ereya said with a rare warmth breaking through his seriousness.

"Anyway Anna dont you have to report this to the empire"Vishnu asked.

"Hmm yes and , I look forward to hear our Ananta's grand story about searching for me. Let's return to the gathering before he finds us here and adds another chapter to his tale."Ereya said with a smile while looking at his brothers face.

Two brothers share a small laugh and make their way back toward the grand halls of the temple.