9. The Prince and the Wizard
The Attack on the Rebels
The hideout of the rebels was attacked by King Bhuvansingh’s army. The old Master, the leader of the rebels, died from burns and revealed that Badal was the rightful heir to the throne.
The Intrusion
One night, Badal entered the palace to kill King Bhuvansingh, the usurper’s son. He was soon discovered and found himself in a tense situation. Just outside Pratiba’s room, he made a gentle inquiry.
“O Princess, are you awake?” someone asked, making their voice as soft as possible. A dozen anxious yet suppressed voices buzzed behind the door. The princess stood unadorned, the window opposite the door open to the garden. A whiff of breeze disturbed the lamp, and in the flickering flame, she saw the intruder’s shadow fluctuate on the wall. For a moment, she was frightened, but as she looked closer, she recognized Badal standing like a statue, his eyes fixed on the floor.
Memories of Valor
This was the young man who had risked his life and fought a tiger for her safety. He had confronted Samser and his guards to restore the innocent people’s looted property. Could this brave and noble young man harm anyone? Her momentary fear dissolved like a puff of smoke, and as she reflected on Badal’s silence regarding her question about meeting her, she blushed.
A Plan of Escape
Determined, the princess decided on her course of action. “Can you escape through this window?” she whispered. “I can,” Badal replied enthusiastically, also in a whisper. But she cautioned, “I fear you cannot. The palace must have been surrounded by guards.”
Badal smiled and advanced towards the window. “Princess! Must I, who dared to enter the palace in this manner, fear a few stray guards? Once I’m in the open, I can be as swift as the free breeze! Please do me a favor and divert my pursuers’ attention.”
The Distraction
Badal brought out a length of black rope from under his belt and disappeared on the other side of the window. The princess opened the door, feigning a sleepy tone as she faced the guards holding torches high.
“What is the matter?” she demanded. The chief of the palace guards stepped forward and said, “Pardon this disturbance, O Princess. Someone has stealthily entered the palace with sinister motives. We have been trying to capture him. Your room was locked, and he could not have gone in, but we thought it proper to be sure.”
The Deception
The princess, standing on the door-sill, could see over the heads of the guards and servants. “There goes someone!” she exclaimed, pointing in the opposite direction. The guards immediately turned and ran after her indication.
However, the chief of the guards entered her room and rushed to the very window through which Badal had escaped. The princess held her breath as the guard leaned out and shouted, “Listen, those down there! Go over to the other side!” He then hurried out of the room, prompting her to sigh with relief.
Outside the Palace
The moon shone brightly, and the commotion had awakened many around the palace, including a wizard and his disciple. They watched as guards rushed along the balconies and terrace, swords and torches raised. It was evident that someone had intruded into the palace and an effort was underway to catch him.
A Friend’s Concern
Ramu, who loitered before an inn, observed the situation with growing anxiety. He was startled when the wizard approached him, patting him on the back. “I have seen you before, haven’t I?” queried the wizard with warmth. Ramu shrank back, causing the wizard to laugh. “Why are you so nervous? I would not be surprised if your brave friend is the one causing all this commotion!”
Ramu’s surprise was palpable. The wizard continued, “I praised your friend for his valor when he boldly locked up Samser the other day!” Ramu, now reassured, expressed his concern for Badal’s safety and implored the wizard to assist him.
The Wizard’s Promise
Feeling encouraged, the wizard agreed to meet Badal if he was on a particular mission. Ramu looked back at the palace, anxious about his friend’s fate. Just then, frustrated guards shouted, “The fellow has escaped. He jumped off the eastern parapet!”
“Did you hear that?” the wizard asked, shaking Ramu. “What helped him escape? Was it not my mantric power?” Eager to aid Badal, Ramu thanked the wizard and ran away, promising to meet him again soon.
Morning in the Palace
As usual, before sunrise, drummers and pipers filled the palace courtyard with music. Though the change of sentries and the sound of the temple gong heralded normalcy, the atmosphere was charged with tension. Groups of people discussed the audacious intruder who had escaped unharmed.
Samser’s Frustration
Mounted on a horse, Samser led a troop of cavalry around the palace, furious at the breach of security. When he passed by the inn, the wizard greeted him with, “Hail to the prince of princes, the heroic Samser!”
Samser, pleased by the compliment, paused and grinned. The wizard continued, “I was told His Majesty would like me to demonstrate my powers before him.”
A Show for the King
“But I’m afraid the king or you might not be in a mood for a show today!” said the wizard. Samser dismissed the idea, displaying a fakery of joviality. As the conversation continued, it became evident that the recent invasion had put a tarnish on their royal image.
Samser, eager to redeem himself, insisted on a demonstration before the king. He galloped away, leaving the wizard with his thoughts as the tension in the air lingered.
(To be continued)