Urnabhih: A Mauryan Tale of Espionage, Adventure and Seduction by Sumedha Verma Ojha

Author:Sumedha Verma Ojha [Ojha, Sumedha Verma]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9789351940524
Published: 2014-10-14T05:00:00+00:00

Siddharthak and Misrakesi met the next day to compare notes. Misrakesi was reasonably sure that the warehouse that Devakanta had sold to Ugrasala had not been examined, it had not figured in the list Sumant had shared with her. It had also been kept a secret by Ugrasala. Coincidentally, Siddharthak had also picked up the same piece of information, that a warehouse had changed hands between Devakanta and Ugrasala.

Misrakesi was a step ahead of him and also knew the location, roughly if not exactly. They discussed the significance of this without arriving at any conclusion but they agreed that it should at least be investigated. So they decided to give the information to Sumant who was looking after that part of the case. Neither was willing to give up the initiative to the other so they went off together although at a discreet distance from each other to the Nagarik SurakshaVibhag headquarters.

The headquarters was such a beehive of activity with all kinds of people being summoned on a variety of pretexts that two more entrants attracted scant attention. Neither Pushyamitra nor Sumant were there but there was a message waiting for Siddharthak. He was asked to bring Misrakesi and Chandramukhi to a destination on the Rajagriha road which would be shown to them by Vrishni. Misrakesi pricked up her ears when she heard the destination. This could not be a coincidence.

In as much time as it took to locate Chandramukhi, the three of them were riding down the Rajmarga to Rajgriha with Vrishni leading the way.

‘I believe the Naga chief’s son, Kumaril Naga has been of great help to the investigation. You have already seen him, haven’t you? You will see him again wherever it is we are headed I am sure,’ remarked Siddharthak idly as they were trotting on at a steady pace.

Misrakesi shook her head disparagingly, ‘See him! You mean see his remains such as they might be. Your vibhaga would have left very little of him intact.’

‘I do not think so. I met him yesterday and he seemed to be not only in possession of all his limbs and faculties but also in full command of his contingent of Nagas who were busy helping Pushyamitra and his people.’

Misrakesi turned her head to look at him disbelievingly, ‘You mean Arya Pushyamitra has won him over without the use of force and torture?’

‘Yes, why not? Pushyamitra is highly skilled in the art of persuasion and negotiation. He always uses force as only a last resort. Of course some of his men get carried away but you know Pushyamitra enough to understand that now.’

‘His reputation is very different,’ said Misrakesi shaking her head.

‘Reputations can be based on untruths and exaggerations. You, of all people should realize that,’ said Siddharthak enigmatically.

When Misrakesi looked uncomprehending he changed the subject back to the case at hand. Very soon Vrishni turned into a narrow track off the road and they came upon Pushyamitra and his men, and they were indeed accompanied by the same

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