Pkkad, Vijayanagara Empire.


    The sun was setting in the distance as two people trekked through the lush forest area of Pkkad along the waterfall towards a small vige. The old tree stood tall in the greenery, giving much-needed shade and food for birds and animals.


    The water sshes dimmed the faint noises of critters and rustling of leaves as the duo trekked through to find the vige.


    It was Bhairava and Vikrama Rama who had set out to find the daughter of Vikrama that was lost in a flood years ago.


    Bhairava had informed Harsha of his mission. He did reject the offer of security as the path was arduous and they would scare the vigers as well.


    "Your Highness. Are you sure this is the right ce?" Vikrama asked, huffing heavily as he was not used to physically challenging activities.


    "I told you not to address me like that. I am not a prince anymore. Just call me by my name." Bhairava responded, waving his wooden prosthetic hand.


    "This is the right path to that vige. Damn!! It is built in the middle of this huge forest."


    "I see," Vikrama said, trailing behind and breathing heavily.


    "Do you want me to carry you? Or should we take a break?"


    Bhairava was just built like an athlete. This was nothing but a cakewalk for him. He was going slowly due to Vikrama''s physical condition. He was carrying all the baggage necessary on his shoulders because he didn''t want Vikrama to tire himself down.


    "Let''s... Ta-Take... A break."


    "Ok."


    Bhairava put down his bags as Vikrama slumped down a rock to rest his legs. He went to fetch and refill some water for the trip. The sun was setting in the distance. The night was about to fall, and they had to reach the vige, or else they had to spend another night in the forest.


    Bhairava passed the leather bag of water.


    "Here, drink some water and cool yourself."


    He looked around as Vikrama rested.


    "We have to move quickly. The vige is close by."


    "Yes, Your Highness," he responded.


    After a while of resting, they resumed their journey to the vige. The path converged away from the waterfall through a small trail.


    There was a pit in their path.


    Bhairava looked around.


    "Look there. That''s the bridge." He pointed at the fallen tree that acted as the bridge. The carefully made their way to the other end of the pit.


    The sun set and the darkness was settling in the sky as they walked through the jungle. They finally saw the faint light in the distance.


    Bhairava squinted his eyes to check. His hand resting on the hilt of the sword, looking out for danger.


    "That''s the vige." He said, ncing back at the tired Vikrama.


    Finally, they had made it to the vige. They made their way to the vige slowly and saw some guards standing close to the entrance.


    They looked at Bhairava and gasped. The guards exchanged nces and readied their crude weapons.


    Bhairava raised his hand in the air and spoke in theirnguage.


    "Ie in peace. Calm down."


    They scruntized his posture and rxed as he didn''t seem hostile.


    One of the guards looked at him. "What is your business here?"


    "We are looking for someone. We heard they are in this vige."


    Just then Vikrama stumbled from the forest and fell. The guards readied their weapons at the sudden noise.


    "Wait wait. He is with me." Bhairava quickly said as he helped Vikrama stand up.


    One guard murmured something to the other one.


    "We will call the vige chief. He will decide." They said.


    A middle-aged man wearing a dhoti appeared with the guard after a while. He was muscr and had a thick beard. He looked pretty strong. His long hair was streaked with a bit of gray.


    "Hello, travellers. My name is Bhuvesh, the vige chief. How can I help you?" He greeted Bhairava and Vikrama. His eyes were scanning both of them.


    ''The young man is well-built and has a sword. The dress seems of high quality, simr to the other man. They seem to be of high status.'' He thought.


    "We are looking for someone." Bhairava repeated.


    "Hoo… So deep in the forest?" He asked, tilting his head.


    "Yes! We got some information that they are here!."


    Bhuvesh ran his hand through his beard in contemtion.


    "Hmm!!! We can certainly help. What does the person look like?"


    "It''s a youngdy." Bhairava said and turned to Vikrama to ask. "How old is she??"


    "She should be 24 years old, right now."


    "We have a couple ofdies that age in the vige." Bhuvesh said.


    "Then.."


    "That said, we cannot allow strangers into the vige."


    Bhairava looked disappointed.


    Vikrama spoke up, taking a deep breath.


    "Please, can you make an exception this time? She means a lot to me."


    Bhuvesh thought for a second.


    "We cannot allow you into the vige at this time. If you are willing to wait till the morning. I can arrange something." He stated.


    "What are you saying?" Bhairava began. He was quickly cut off by Vikrama.


    "Yes, Yes. We will wait till the morning."


    Bhairava nced at the vige chief. He was pretty upset at the unwee treatment. He calmed himself down, as he didn''t want to cause trouble for Vikrama.


    Vikrama continued, keeping his gaze fixed on Bhuvesh.


    "Is it okay? If we set up camp close to the vige for the night. Of course, we will ensure the guards can see us."


    "Yes, you may. We shall meet in the morning then." Bhuvesh walked back into the vige.


    Vikrama looked past the Bhuvesh inside the vige to see a youngdy walking across to the other side of the vige.


    He squinted and blinked to get a better view, but she was gone.


    ''Shraddha, my daughter. Hope I can see you again.'' He silently prayed.


    "Ugh! What was the use of straining ourselves to stay the night in the forest?" muttered Bhairava, propping up a makeshift tent.


    "Thank you, Your Highness," mumbled Vikrama.


    "Eh!! Did you say something?" Bhairava asked, ncing back at him.


    He smiled warmly at Bhairava.


    "Nothing, Your Highness."