“Find him!” Veerata commanded his men. “He wanders about Satayu using his real name, and we know nothing? How dare he not fear my authority? He’s tried to kill two people now. Find Charaka! Dead or Alive!”

His words bounced off the office walls in a piercing echo while he paced the room. Sanjaya, Harita, and a team of twenty undercover warriors, wearing masks and camouflage attire, stood at attention before the young general. The young general's two personal guards waited at the back of the room. While everyone’s faces remained stoic, beads of perspiration gleamed on their brow. The two senior scribes watched the scene in awe from a corner.

Many days had passed since the incident at the new chemist store, yet Veerata’s stormy temper remained unabated. Last time he had felt this angry was when the ruler of Matsya deceived and slaughtered Satayu peace troops during the conquest of the continent.

Sanjaya, the captain, spoke once the echo died down. “Senapati,” he said, “we’ve searched the town and the forest. There’s no sign of him in these parts. He could’ve returned to Videha.”

“I know he’s somewhere close.” Veerata snapped. “He’s probably using dark magic to conceal himself. How else does he have the confidence to use his real name in Satayu? Have your priests been tracking all unauthorized fire portals like I ordered?”

“Yes, we covered all prohibited magical routes. There’s been no movement. I suggest we send Harita and his team back to Videha. It can’t hurt to verify his presence there.”

“Very well. Harita, take what weapons you need and return to Videha. Your entire team has my permission to kill on sight.”

“As you command, Senapati.” Harita bowed his head.

“Rest of you, keep your eyes and ears open at all times. If there’s a traitor in Satayu shielding him, we must bring them to Samrat. To work! Dismissed!”

The warriors filed out of the room one by one. Veerata stared after them.

It's all my fault. I’ve been blind and selfish. Satya was in danger all this time because she saved Anjalika. I should’ve been more vigilant. Marriage should’ve been the last thing on my mind.

On that unfortunate night, when his soldiers arrived at the store and found him cradling Satya in his arms, he had already determined to move her to the mayor’s palace. While Charaka remained at large, she wasn’t safe anywhere else. As per his orders, two soldiers left for the university hospital with the unconscious florist in an ox-cart. Two more left to locate Satya’s aunt and uncle, and get them to the palace within the hour. Since then, the family had stayed in the guest wing, under his direct protection. Although none blamed him or complained about his decision, he could not shake off his guilt. Only Charaka’s death would appease him and secure Satya’s safety.

Pushing aside his gloomy thoughts, he turned to the old scribe. “Pundit Ravi, you wanted to speak to me?”

“Yes, Senapati. We received a scroll from the palace approving the appointment of the new mayor of Satvikshila.”

“Most excellent news I’ve heard today. Is he ready to come on aboard?”

“Her name is Lavanya. She is on her way to the palace now, along with her family.”

“Lavanya?”

“Her husband used to work as a deputy mayor in this palace until he passed away last year. His name was Mihirasena. You might remember his case. He tried to expose the previous mayor’s nefarious activities and met an untimely end.”

Veerata nodded. “I remember now. His accidental death was the first incident to rouse our suspicions about the situation in Satvikshila. Samrat approved her appointment, so she must have exceptional qualifications.”

“Her application was truly unique. She claimed her late husband trained her in administrative work and she assisted him for neigh on ten years. I had my doubts, but she passed both the written test and the interview. She showed in depth working knowledge of every project executed in this office. She is raising four children and caring for his aged parents, with minimal support from family and friends. This appointment benefits her and the whole town.”

“I look forward to meeting her. Her first job shall be supervising my departure from Satvikshila. I would like to reach Vijayanagar in a fortnight.”

“Don’t worry, Senapati. Preparations are already underway. But what about Satya and her family? Will they remain in the mayor’s palace?”

“No, they shall travel with me and my troops to the capital city. I am responsible for their safety.”

The old scribe shot a tentative glance at his colleague. The younger one shrugged in confusion. 

Veerata noticed their silent exchange. “Is there a problem?”

“Pardon me, Senapati,” Ravi replied. “Have you spoken to them about it? Satya asked Atula for permission to resume her classes at the university.”

The storm on his face turned to embarrassment. Once again, he’d decided her future without consulting her. “But,” he reasoned, “I thought she’s still recuperating. Acharya approved her medical leave for three months, didn’t he? Why does she want to resume her classes so soon?”

Ravi’s perceiving smile embarrassed him even further.

“I’m sorry,” Veerata added. “I’ll speak to her right away.”