Chapter-3

Amanya walked out so fast that she reached the fort within minutes. Jatin and Dhruv literally had to run to catch up with her. She was waiting for them at the imperial garden. Whenever she felt stressed it was her habit to visit a garden to cool down.

"Amanya are you fine? don't stress out yourself"

"Yes Amanya. Even if they really have ill intentions, don't you have faith in serpents and hawks? "

"Hmmm." Amanya smiled but her face changed red instantly.

"Now since they forced us then I can only reassure my reputation as the cold blooded Serpent Queen " A demonic smirk flashed behind her smile.

"Ok jokes apart, now let's get down to business. Dhruv ask the cobras to report everything once in a week and immediately if they smell anything unusual. Focus more on Amai.  Especially keep a watch in their court and generals. I believe if they plan against Hiranga then it would be a big plan."

"Will be done commander."

"Jatin, ask pythons to help hawks in security as there will be a shortage of people in the coming days. Also keep a close watch in the north west of Hiranga. Whoever lingers there, should be arrested immediately for clarification. I will ask Jiva to issue a notice regarding this."

"Ahh, Our sleepless nights are coming" Dhruv cried.

"Don't jinx it Dhruv" Jiva said with a smile.

"Jiva, don't try to bring a forced smile. Your eyes have betrayed you" Dhruv replied.

They rested for a while and went back to their base camp. The squad was informed about the Commander's decision and was asked to inform all the snakes. Jiva was there waiting for his sister because he knew  it was really a gamble to let them near Hiranga. He needed to talk with her for a fault proof plan and deep down he knew she was not happy with his decision.

"Amanaya, my dear sister, I was waiting for you."

" I can see that". Her face blackened.

Jiva and Dhruv murmured to each other "Seems like the situation is going to be fierce."

"Jiva, Amanya we are taking our leave" and they dashed from the situation."

"Amanya are you still maddened with your brother?

I am sorry

It's my fault to oppose you but in that situation, I thought now since it is peaceful in Mekong we should be a little more flexible than in the past. Even if all the other countries unite with each other to go against us we still have an upper hand but won't we also suffer. Think about it dear. Please"

Her face gradiently changed from black to pink. She started laughing.

"Oh, my innocent brother, I was just teasing you. Why take it seriously? Mr. crowned prince, You should know I am a commander, a general who only knows to kill and to be wary of everything around me. I was taught to be prepared for the worst but you are the crowned prince, the future king of Hiranga. you should know …"

"To kill with one hand and to care with the other." he completed her words.

"You stinky brat, you still have the nerve to tease me ah, even in this situation."

She smiled at him innocently, more like retardedly.

"Amanya, we should plan further. "

"Hmm Jiva, I was going to that topic. Let's have a meeting tonight to discuss further steps. Inform your commander. You can decide the venue."

"Ok then. Let's meet here and ride to the North-west of Hiranga where this is going to end.

"Looks like a storm is nearing. I am thrilled".

The sky was ablaze with the setting sun. They set their horses to travel to the north west of Hiranga. Since the place mentioned was in the borders of Hiranga they had to travel about 3 hours from their camp. The sky had changed from raging fire to an ocean of stars. That place called the old Lexicon was a barren land. Hawks had already set their tents there. As she expected, Jiva arrived earlier.

"Commander of Hawks respect Commander general of Serpents"

"Forget the formalities Aram. Let's get down to the business"

"We have informed our decision to the committee of Decade conference." Jiva started the conversation. he continued

"Now we have two major goals, one is tight security both for our people and the guests. If someone among them is harmed then we will be in a tough spot and this place the Old Lexicon. This is a matter of Hiranga's dignity. We have to change this place's overall appearance."

"You mean hell to heaven?" Dhruv sighed.

"Yes exactly and that too in one month."

Amanya was pondering on their suggestions. A cool breeze touched her body and kissed her cheeks, tickling her. It came from somewhere suddenly with a mesmerizing scent. She heard a sweet but unclear voice. The voice became more and more clear and carried a sweet jasmine fragrance accompanied by the night shadows. Her eyes closed slowly and she started to bask in it. That voice gave her a sense of belonging. It started from a sweet melody to a sorrowful melancholy. She could feel hot tears dripping on her cold cheeks..

"Amanya

Amanya .."

"Ah " She suddenly woke up, opening her eyes to see three of them staring at her.

"Hey are you ok. Why are you crying?

were you  really sleeping?"

"No Jiva.  I was listening to that music. It was a bit emotional. I never thought hawks will arrange this."

"what?? You even dreamed while dozing; I am impressed commander."

"Dhruv I was focusing on your talks also"

"Really, then tell me where were we"

"You were talking about old Lexicon"

"Ahh.. That was half an hour ago" She suddenly felt it was weird.

"Wait.. so you are saying that there was no music played behind; impossible"

"Commander, how can that be possible. We only started our preparation today evening."

"No Aram. That jasmine scent.."

"Amanya, this is a barren land. How can there even be a jasmine plant." She was confused because it was the first time she was totally clueless.

"Ah.. whatever.

Let me conclude our stand as serpents. We will help in security of our people and guest ; and won't be part of this conference from start to end"

"Let's stop for today. I just remembered I have an important meeting with my father. Aram come with me." Jiva was behaving oddly. His face became pale suddenly. He left in a hurry.

"Aye.. what just happened now. He didn't even say anything about our decision regarding participation.

Something fishy." Dhruv said.

A breeze flowed through them.

"Amanya .."

"What now?"

"There is a strong scent coming from you. " Jatin looked at her.

"Ah?"

"Wait, let me check." Dhruv went to her and smelled her scarf .

"It's jasmine."

"What.."