The Hum Dr. Chaithra pressed her fingers hard against the handle of her chair, tense. She took a few deep, silent breaths as she looked around the large meeting room in the basement of the palace. The attendees included Ashura, with his five squad leaders standing at a distance behind him, Sabo, Yodhika, and Adhrivan.…

An Unexpected Ally Rudhra walked through the streets of Avantaveera after training with Yodhika, earlier than usual. It was the fifteenth day since they had hatched their plan to save the Amirthyas. He glanced to his right. Mr. Raghav from Building C was buying meat from the town’s only meat vendor, Mr. Veda. The two…

Rudhra’s Hesitance Rudhra tore a piece of idli from his plate, dipped it into the tangy sambar his mother had prepared, and put it into his mouth. He glanced at the time. He had two more hours before he needed to be at Site A for training with Yodhika. For the past ten days, he…

A Vague Plan Rudhra paced impatiently around Site A, his hands clasped behind his back. His sword trembled at his side, echoing the unease running through his body. Yodhika finally stepped into Site A, her footsteps slow and measured. “Where were you?” Rudhra asked, worry sharp in his voice. “I needed more time,” Yodhika replied,…

Bitter Truth “Where are we going?” Rudhra asked as Yodhika led him out through the palace gates. She had covered her face with a black kerchief. “Just keep quiet and follow me.” Rudhra did as told, confusion etched across his face. “Do you know why Akira—your past King—trusted the Pranvars?” Yodhika asked as they walked.…

Close to Peace The leaders of the various factions of the Pranvar clan had gathered in the immaculate, richly decorated palace courtroom, accompanied by their families. Among the attendees were Ashura, head of the Avantaveera military and chief of external affairs, along with his five squad leaders; Elder Jeron and his new wife, the twenty-one-year-old…