‘Dammit!’ said a frustrated Bhagirath. Nandi looked at the Prince of Ayodhya, alert for any new threat, sword drawn. Bhagirath shook his head and rose. ‘Thank you, Nandi. Lucky that you were around.’ ‘It wasn’t luck, Your Highness,’ said Nandi softly. ‘The Neelkanth has asked me to follow you for the duration of your father’s visit. I honestly thought the Lord was over-reacting. No father would make an attempt on his child’s life. I guess I was wrong.’ Bhagirath shook his head. ‘It’s not my father. At least not directly.’ ‘Not directly? What do you mean?’ ‘He doesn’t have the guts. But he makes it well–known that I am not in his favour. That obviously encourages rival claimants to the throne, people who travel in his court. All they have to do is take me out of the equation. Make it appear as if I died in an accident.’ ‘This,’ said Nandi, pointing to the dead assassins, ‘wouldn’t look like an accident.’ ‘I know. It just means that they’re getting desperate.’ ‘Why?’ ‘My father’s health is not good. I think they feel that they don’t have time. If he dies while I am alive, I will be crowned king.’ Nandi shook his head. Bhagirath patted Nandi. ‘I’m in your debt, my friend. Forever grateful. As long as I live.’ Nandi smiled. ‘And you will live a long life, Your Highness. Nothing will happen to you as long as I am around. I will stand between you and any man who dares to attack you. And there is a lot of me to cover you with!’
Bhagirath smiled at Nandi’s attempt at humour on his elephantine girth. ‘Did you get any names? Who sent them?’ ‘I don’t know, My Lord,’ said Bhagirath. ‘They died before I could get any answers.’ Shiva sighed. ‘The dead bodies?’ ‘Handed over to the Kashi police,’ said Bhagirath. ‘But I don’t expect that they will be able to gather any leads.’ ‘Hmm,’ said Shiva. ‘For the second time, I owe you my life, My Lord.’ ‘You owe me nothing,’ said Shiva, before turning towards Nandi. ‘Thank you, my friend. It is you who deserves credit.’ Nandi bowed low. ‘It’s my honour to serve you, My Lord.’ Shiva turned back to Bhagirath. ‘What are you going to tell Anandmayi?’ Bhagirath frowned. ‘Nothing. I don’t want her getting troubled unnecessarily. I am fine. There is no need for anyone to know.’ ‘Why?’ ‘Because I am sure that father will not even try to investigate this attack. Other nobles will see this as a sign of his tacit acceptance of a more aggressive attack on me rather than difficult-to-organise “accidents”. Letting this news become public will only encourage rival claimants further.’ ‘Are there so many nobles after you?’ ‘Half the court is related to my father, My Lord. All of them think that they have a right to the throne.’ Shiva breathed deeply. ‘Never stay alone while your father’s here. And you are coming with me on the voyage to Branga, far away from here.’ Bhagirath nodded. Shiva patted Bhagirath on his shoulder. ‘Make sure that you don’t get yourself killed. You are important to me.’