The brave Princess Veera charged through the dense, dark forest looking for her personal maid-servant, Nehi and called out for her. Suddenly she overheard someone screaming in the forest and felt it was Nehi. She patted her horse to be quiet as she got off her horse and drew out her sword. She followed the faint, recurring screams into pitch-dark forest with barely any vision and finally reached an open area in the forest where the moon shone through the large trees revealing a violent Murzaan soldier forcing himself on Nehi! Princess Veera was not just a beautiful Princess but also a proficient warrior. She slithered without a sound towards the Murzaan soldier and stood tall behind his back and with one swift move, Princess Veera stabbed the Murzaan soldier to death! The Murzaan soldier screamed out in disbelief, with his grip loosening on Nehi, he collapsed on the ground and bled to his death. Nehi was shocked to find Princess Veera rescuing her all alone in a warrior-like state and she collapsed on the ground. Princess Veera held Nehi to comfort her, but Nehi cried out, "no my Lady, I am impure. Do not touch me… I cannot live with this humiliation… I must end my life…" Nehi begged Princess Veera to end her life with her sword right then and there, but Princess Veera put her sword aside and held Nehi in her arms, "no Nehi, you are not impure, the Murzaans are!!! Their entire race is!!! Their King is a monster!!!" Furious Princess Veera, seeing Nehi in this disheveled condition, held a fistful of soil in one hand, and her sword in another, overcome with emotions and bloodshot eyes, she pledged, "tonight, Goddess Indira bears witness to this injustice, this inhumane act of the Murzaans! And I, Princess of Chandraprava Dynasty, worshipper of Goddess Indira, pledge to behead the Emperor of Murzaan! Azael Aftaab Murzaan, I will not rest till I claim your head…!!!" Nehi couldn't believe the intensity of rage she saw that night in Princess Veera!
It was already the break of dawn and everyone at the Chandraprava Palace was frantically waiting for Princess Veera and her entourage to return. A missing Princess was a matter of serious concern not only for the Royal Family, but also for the Chandraprava State. Finally, Princess Veera returned to the Palace of Indira, with Nehi and the remaining soldiers of her entourage. They were bloodied and covered in dust and half in number, and this sight was not easy for the Royal Family. Concerned, everyone, including the King, the Queen, the three Princes, and Veera's younger sister, rushed to them at their arrival. Princess Veera's mother, the Queen, Rani Roopai, couldn't fathom her daughter's dilapidated condition and cried out, "all this dust and blood on you Veera? We have been so worried. Your father even sent a search unit for you. Where were you? What happened?" Rani Roopai caressed Princess Veera's face with her hand in worry. Princess Veera finally spoke and assured them that she was fine and began to explain the horrendous occurrence at the ancient Indira temple and what happened with Nehi but failed to complete as she got engulfed in emotions. When one of the soldiers stepped in and described how the Murzaan soldiers had attacked them at the ancient temple in the middle of their prayers. Raja Moti Chandraprava's face stiffened and he immediately called for an urgent meeting with his ministers and sons to discuss the matter at hand. Princess Veera and daasi Nehi are taken away by the queen and daasis ( a female servant/attendant in historical South Asian royal households, assigned to queens & princesses for personal care and daily chores. Trusted companions, they played important roles within the palace politics) for their recovery, as the Queen ordered, "prepare a turmeric bath for Veera."
Moments later, Veera was laid in a royal hammam ( a royal bathhouse used in South Asian palaces, a private space for cleansing, grooming, physical care and emotional comfort) filled with herbs, milk and honey by the Queen and the daasis. But Princess Veera was restless and she couldn't forget what had happened. She cried out as she clutched her mother's, Rani Roopai's silk outfit, "what kind of a King gives orders to destroy a temple maa (mother)? A real warrior would never…", she broke down. Rani Roopai consoled her child, "the Murzaans are a different breed Veera. Who knows what their gods teach them to be." Princess Veera felt a pang of guilt and cried, "and because of me, because of my stubbornness to wander at night, Nehi paid the price. They didn't even spare the Goddess Idol… they destroyed it all…" Princess Veera was unconsolable when Rani Roopai tried to lay her in the hammam, and she finally rested her head on the edge of the hammam. Rani Roopai saw how her daughter was drenched with blood and dirt that mixed with the scent of the hammam's concoction. Rani Roopai lent courage to her daughter, "Veera, you are not the one who is to be blamed here, and if it wasn't for your kindness, daasi Nehi would not be alive right now. You gave her strength, you accepted her. Don't lose heart my brave child. You have done no wrong…" Rani Roopai saw the color of the hammam changed to blood red as her daughter Veera rested in it.
At the same time, in a not so far away land, at the capital of the Murzaan Empire, Shesh-a-baad, the ancient Goddess's Idol stood tall in front of the Chief of Army of Murzaan. He glared at it, "very well done…" The soldier informed him of how they outnumbered the Chandraprava soldiers and how easy it was for them to destroy the temple, but hesitantly sounded him of how the eldest Princess who had been there, escaped. The Chief of Army, Quila Kahan smirked and said "it would have been nice to have her here too." The soldier took the cue and added, 'my Great General, the eldest princess indeed would be a beautiful addition to our King's harem." Quila Kahan's eyes shone and he said 'maybe soon, but for now, let no one speak of this to the King. I will personally deliver the news and this idol to the Emperor." The soldiers saluted and left Kahan and the goddess's idol alone. Kahan's face stiffened as he glared at the ancient idol of Goddess Indira.
Moments later, Quila Kahan was with the Emperor, Azael Aftaab Murzaan in his private meeting chambers, where Kahan delivered a lie, "my King, Chandraprava, a mere Kingdom has tried to disrespect us, our religion, our gods… and you…" Emperor Aftaab was not pleased to hear of this, "what do you mean?" Quila Kahan hesitantly shared, "they were trying to build a temple of the Moon Goddess, Indira, on our lands last night, hiding and cheating in the middle of the night." He pointed at the ancient Goddess Idol that was now placed in front of Aftaab. Aftaab was displeased to see the sight. Quila Kahan added, "it seems that they are unaware of how intolerant we are when it comes to our religion and our lands. It is time, we must set an example that sends ripples across the borders, that reminds everyone of who the Murzaans are, and how any act of revolt will not be tolerated." Emperor Aftaab in anger interrupted, "Kahan Baba… it is time for my visit to the Fire gods." Kahan was taken aback and retreated "forgive me, my King, for keeping you." Emperor Aftaab took one last look at the Goddess Indira's idol and left and Quila Kahan wondered what was going on in Aftaab's unpredictable mind.
A short while later, Emperor Aftaab sat before the godsmen in the Fire God's Sacred Hall, as he took blessings for the new year. The Murzaan Dynasty prayed to the Fire Gods. Fierce and strong, the gods themselves spoke volumes of their belief system. And Emperor Aftaab's intimidating entourage of hundreds of guards, many ministers, and a ferocious Chief of Army, Quila Kahan depicted exactly that! When Emperor Aftaab finished his prayers, he stepped out and noticed his jutti (a traditional flat footwear made of leather from North India and Pakistan, with no left or right foot shape, decorated with colorful embroidery and metallic thread) were missing! Furious, he yelled out, "Who dared to steal the King's juttis?" Emperor Aftaab recalled his morning conversation with Quila Kahan and felt it may be time to remind the people how vicious he could be. He ordered his men to cordon off the sacred hall and the surrounding area, and to gather everyone in sight on the open ground. Everyone was petrified as the orders were followed. Emperor Aftaab, then, walked among the assembled common men, women, and children. Aftaab spoke like a madman and said, "I know my juttis are studded with gemstones and are really gorgeous, but to steal from me, the Emperor? It's like snatching a chunk of meat from a tiger's mouth. Who would be so foolish?" Everyone trembled in fear, but Emperor Aftaab took notice of a man from the corner of his eye, who was well composed and not fearful, unlike the rest. He walked up to him, stopped and glared at him, yet the man saluted him with a smile, as if the Emperor, Aftaab, was his dear friend. Aftaab smiled back like a maniac, and asked "prove that you are a resident of Murzaan." The man explained himself calmly, "I am a traveller, my Lord of Murzaan, I belong to the Indira Dynasty." Emperor Aftaab's eyes shone as he heard this and he mocked "the land where goddesses are above the Kings?" Aftaab's smile disappeared and his face stiffened. But the man still kept his composure and explained himself, "I have all my permits, my King, I only came here to sell my spices." Emperor Aftaab grabbed that man by his neck, "...and to steal my juttis!" The man pleaded, "no my Lord, I could never". But Aftaab explained himself, "you might have even gotten away with it, had you not tried so hard to stay calm in this dire situation, hah… that was a mistake my friend." Emperor Aftaab threw him on the ground and his juttis fell out of the folds of the man's outfit that had been hidden. The common man was rattled and now had begun begging in fear, "My King, forgive me, I was foolish to think I could get away with it. My son is a newborn and I have nothing to feed him. Please, find it in your heart to forgive me." Aftaab glared at him and said, "your reason is strong and understandable, so I shall make an exception once." Everyone was stunned to hear that, as Emperor Aftaab was not known for his forgiveness. Aftaab stated, "you can have my juttis." The common man dropped to his knees with gratitude, but Aftaab smirked and added, "but… I will take your feet away." Shock and gasps rippled through the crowd as soldiers seized the poor common man. Aftaab ordered his soldiers, "chop his feet away right now and give him a job outside the Fire God's Sacred Hall. He will now guard everyone's juttis left at the entrance, till he earns enough for his newborn son." The common man was horrified and pleaded for forgiveness as the Murzaan guards took him, dragging him through the dirt. Aftaab smirked at him, and said while blushing, "you are welcome!" Quila Kahan was proud of The Emperor's ways, and had a look of approval on his face. Aftaab walked away with his entourage as the common man's feet were chopped off in the background.
That afternoon, the halls of Chandraprava Palace echoed with Raja Moti Chandraprava's fury as he gathered his three sons and ministers to confront the looming danger of the Murzaan King, whose threat had now reached their very doorstep. The fact that the Murzaans had dared to attack their Goddess's temple, especially when the eldest Princess, Veera, was present, spoke volumes about their future intentions. The ministers pointed out the obvious- they neither had the funds nor the manpower to wage a war against the Murzaans' extravagant Army. The wisest minister added "the best we can do right now, for the people of Indira is seek protection." The Queen, Rani Roopai and her trusted daasi eavesdropped from the jharokha (a traditional overhanging balcony in Indian palaces and forts, enclosed with decorative lattice work that allowed royal women to observe official political meetings without being seen, as in those times, women were not allowed to be a part of such discussions). Raja Moti Chandraprava was lost in thought, while the ministers and the Chandraprava Princes argued. Amid the commotion, Raja Moti Chandraprava finally broke his silence and suggested that there was only one way to handle the crisis- if they could find a King, an Empire, a Dynasty from nearby or far lands, willing to join forces and take on the Murzaan Emperor and his undefeated Army. The ministers argued that it was a difficult task, as no one wanted to lock horns with the Murzaans' notorious Emperor Azael Aftaab, "Who would dare such a thing?" Raja Moti Chandraprava explained himself, "only an alliance through marriage can solidify such a support system for us. I will marry my eldest daughter, Princess Veera to the strongest, most capable King who is willing to stand against Aftaab, but we have to be discreet in doing so. The Murzaans mustn't get a hint of this alliance." He then announced a celebration for an upcoming Harvest festival, that they would simply invite Kings and Princes from nearby and far lands, and in disguise of the festivities and celebration, they would find an alliance, a protector, in the garb of a groom. The Queen, Rani Roopai at the jharokha, couldn't believe her husband's words and seemed deeply anxious with the announcement.
The following morning, Rani Roopai restlessly waited for a peculiar guest in her private quarters. She instructed her confidant daasi for no one to interrupt or know of this meeting, and asked her to stand guard outside her quarter. A strange, witch-like woman entered with her long, grey frazzled hair, her back hunched, and her lips moving in eerie chants. Her presence was unsettling and her mind clearly unstable. The queen greeted her with nervous respect, "welcome, Mayaila, I hope your journey wasn't too troublesome." A troubled glare of Mayaila as she mocked the Queen, "I have a feeling you're in trouble. The way you're showing me so much respect. It's not your usual tone, Rani Roopai. What is the matter?" Rani Roopai tried to brush it off, "why are you teasing me, Mayaila? I've always been fond of you." Mayaila interrupted, "enough games, Rani Roopai. Tell me, what do you wish to know today?" Rani Roopai stiffened and hesitantly spoke, "it's about my Veera, my eldest daughter, the Princess? The King has decided upon her marriage. And I just want to know if Veera will find a good man. Will Princess Veera be happy with this marriage?" A tear escaped Rani Roopai's eye and Mayaila took notice of it and reached into a tattered cotton bag tied across her chest. She pulled out a fistful of shells and threw them into the air. They scattered and fell across the carpet of the Queen's boudoir. Both women stared at them in silence. Mayaila asked Rani Roopai, "do you see it? Your daughter's husband? Her love?" Rani Roopai grew impatient, "what is it, Mayaila? Please tell me!" Mayaila pointed at the shells as she read them, "Princess Veera is not going to be an ordinary Queen. She will not only rule her husband's heart, but will rule the entire continent!" Rani Roopai let out a sigh of relief when Mayaila added, "she is going to marry the strongest Murzaan! She will bridge the gap between faiths with love." Rani Roopai froze in shock and yelled at Mayaila, "what nonsense is this? Have you forgotten you are in Chandraprava's palace? How dare you?" Mayaila let out a wild laugh, and explained herself to the Queen, "I dare nothing. You are the one who dares to deny what is already written. Princess Veera is meant to rule with the Murzaans!" Rani Roopai snapped at Mayaila, "get out!!! Just get out of here!!!" The daasi rushed in, alarmed by the queen's raised voice. Rani Roopai in anger ordered, "send Mayaila away…Now!" The daasi escorted her out, while Mayaila laughed out, "you cannot change what has already been written, Rani Roopai. Their journey has already begun". The daasi dragged Mayaila away. Frantic, Rani Roopai kicked the fallen shells across the carpet and muttered to herself, "I will not let this happen to my Veera! Princess Veera is a Chandraprava and she can never marry a Murzaan!!!"
Over the following weeks, the ministers of Chandraprava prepared for the Harvest festival and sent out invitations to prestigious and potential Kings and Kingdoms, and Rani Roopai's worry for her daughter, Princess Veera and her marriage of alliance grew heavier.
And back at Murzaan Empire, at Shesh-a-baad's magnificent Palace, Emperor Aftaab was in his weaponry workshop where he personally overlooked the designs, tested the metals and sharpened his own weapons. It was the mark of a true warrior, and Emperor Aftaab took pride in doing so. As he examined the edge of his sword, unsatisfied with its sharpness, he used a large rock and began to sharpen it himself, with sparks flying with every stroke. He was interrupted by Zulfi, his trusted confidant and closest aide, "My King, Raja Moti Chandraprava at Indira, from the Northern Lands has sent invitations to several Kings and Kingdoms for their upcoming Harvest festivities." Aftaab continued sharpening and mocked in a friendly tone, "...and you are telling this, because you want to join them in their festivities?" Zulfi huffed with pride, "there is nothing in that entire Kingdom that can entertain me, but my King, I found it odd that they celebrate this festival every year. But this is the first time they have sent out invites to so many Kings and Princes. Makes me wonder if there is more to this than what meets the eye." Emperor Aftaab rose and took a fighter's stance while checking his sword, "I must commend you Zulfi! Your mind is as sharp as the blade of this sword!" Zulfi tried to not blush with the compliment. Aftaab asked "what do you suggest we should do?" Zulfi offered, "I could go and find out what the matter truly is my lord". Aftaab was thoughtful and said, "it has been long since we had one of our expeditions." Zulfi was hesitant, when Aftaab added, "Indira! Maybe it is time I myself pay a visit and see it for myself." Zulfi retorted "my king, why would you bother yourself with this mere matter? It might steer everything out of proportion." Emperor Aftaab enjoyed every bit of the chaos, and interrupted him, "that's what excites me the most about this visit, Zulfi!" He smirked like a maniac, and ordered "prepare for Indira…we leave tonight!" Zulfi was shocked to hear this and wondered what he had done. The Emperor of Murzaan couldn't just march into Indira for no reason.