CHAPTER 22

Empire of Evil

‘This is the military formation I think ideal for the battle,’ said Parvateshwar.
Vraka and Parvateshwar were sitting in the general’s private office. The formation was that
of a bow. The soldiers would be arranged in a wide semi-circular pattern. The slower corps,
like the tortoises, would be placed at the centre. The flanks would comprise quicker units such
as the light infantry. The cavalry would be at both the ends of the bow, ready to be quickly
deployed anywhere on the front or to ride along the sides of the bow for protection. The bow
formation was ideal for a smaller army. It provided flexibility without sacrificing strength.
‘It is ideal, my Lord,’ said Vraka. ‘What does the Mahadev have to say?’
‘Shiva thinks it suits our requirements perfectly’
Vraka did not like it when Parvateshwar referred to the Neelkanth by his name. But who was
he to correct his general? ‘I agree, my Lord.’
‘I will lead the left flank,’ said Parvateshwar. ‘And you will lead the right. That is why I need
your opinion on some things.’
‘Me, my Lord?’ asked an astonished Vraka. ‘I thought the Mahadev would lead the other
flank.’
‘Shiva? No, I don’t think he would be fighting this war, Vraka.’
Vraka looked up in surprise. But he remained silent.
Parvateshwar probably felt the need to explain, for he continued speaking. ‘He is a good and
capable man, no doubt. But the uppermost desire in his mind is retribution, not justice for
Meluha. We will help him wreak vengeance when we throw the guilty Naga at his feet. He won’t
be putting his own life at risk in a war just to find one Naga.’
Vraka kept his eyes low, lest they betray the fact that he disagreed with his chief.
‘To be fair,’ said Parvateshwar. ‘We can’t impose on him just because he has a blue throat. I
respect him a lot. But I don’t expect him to fight. What reason would there be for him to do
that?’
Vraka looked up for a brief instant at Parvateshwar ’s eyes. Why was his general refusing to
accept what was so obvious to everyone? Was he so attached to Lord Ram that he couldn’t
believe that another saviour had arrived on earth? Did he actually believe that Lord Ram could
be the only one? Hadn’t Lord Ram himself said that he is replaceable, only dharma is
irreplaceable?
‘Furthermore,’ continued Parvateshwar, ‘he is married now. He is obviously in love. He is not
going to risk Sati being bereaved again. Why should he? It’s unfair of us to demand this of him.’
‘Vraka thought, not daring to voice his opinion. The Mahadev will fight for all of us, General.
He will battle to protect us. Why? Because that is what Mahadevs do.’
Vraka was not aware that Parvateshwar was hoping something similar in his mind. He too