The man let out a cruel laugh which gave goosebumps to Tanisi. She didn't know what to do. He said, "I know you wouldn't want to lie with me. But if you co-operate you can escape unhurt. Otherwise I will have you here and scar you for life. Nobody would want to marry a woman whose face has a cruel scar! So the only way for you is to let me do whatever I want to do with you. If this is your first time, then I can even make you my wife. But its a hard bargain you see. Just to sleep with you once, other men can think of killing me. I am not from Nishantha, I am from Kaingitya. Men there are full of virality unlike men of Nishantha who believe in letting the woman choose. Men in my city won't hesitate to hunt down a woman who is a mother of kids if they lay their eyes on her. Keep quiet and serve me. I am planning to settle in Nishantha for your sake!" "And why do you think Nishantha would allow a criminal like you to settle here?" boomed a voice. The man slightly panick

The days passed quickly with Samudra training Tanisi rigorously. To his satisfaction and pride she was a quick learner. Her body got stronger day by day due to the rigorous training coupled with the care she received from the Vaidya(doctor). Soon it was time for Samudra to set out for the council of kings meet. He didn't look forward to this journey at all. The time they spent with each other in Grishma Bhavana had become a memory he would cherish forever.There were only two days left for Samudra to leave Grishma Bhavana for his onward journey. He met Tanisi that day and asked her to accompany him into the forest nearby. He wanted to spend enough time in the wilderness with her.After lunch they set out on their horses. He showed her beautiful places nearby. He also taught her to recognize wild but useful plants.They were following what appeared to be a small tributary. It acted as water source for them. Soon it was dusk. Before they decided to return to the P

The entourage left the Grishma Bhavana and reached Naksha's place. She was expecting Tanisi and was elated at the sight of the woman.Tanisi laughed seeing an excited Naksha and before Naksha could say anything, Tanisi suddenly screamed, "Careful you are pregnant!". All the people around Tanisi laughed and Naksha turned crimson.As soon as she got close to Tanisi she pinched her hard and said, "You embarassed me!"Tanisi said matter-of-factly: "Its better to embarass you than to keep quiet and watch you jumping up and down..."Naksha smiled seeing concern in her eyes. She had only three more months before delivery.Vishwa and Prapta were busy with some serious discussion. Prapta appeared concerned. Vishwa summoned Naksha and Tanisi.By that time Prapta had already told Naksha about the spies killed by Samudra. Vishwa requested the ladies to remain low-key. He was afraid that the news of Tanisi being here would spread around endangering her a

The bands of people who had left returned slowly. Tanisi's act of bravery was spreading amongst them like wildfire. Padma was angry at things taking a turn like this.Bhavabhooti's band came in at last. She found him and told of what she had heard of. Bhavabhooti was shocked. Unable to accept that a woman could do this, he came out with another explanation. He told Padma this must be a decoy to gain respect of people here. How can a woman like her can kill so many men. Having trained in warfare less than an year it was impossible for her to be so good. Since none knew of the exclusive training she had got from the Emperor and having never seen her fight before, slowly this news gained momentum.Those who were jealous of Tanisi wilfully ignored the fact that Naksha who was a trained warrior herself was witness to all this. They instead chose to believe this new explanation where Tanisi was to be blamed not celebrated. Tanisi was unaffected by the praise or the brickbats

After lunch Tanisi came to the place where Samudra was sitting.Tanisi: "Your Highness, do you need anything?"Samudra: "No Tanisi, I am good. Please have a seat. I need to talk to you".Tanisi nodded and sat down in front of him waiting for him to speak.Samudra sighed and began, "Tanisi, you asked me about this injury. It happened while fending off an attack which took place at Grishma Bhavana during my return journey". Tanisi was shocked. She looked at him not knowing how to react while he continued.Samudra: "Vishwa's intuition to take you away from there was indeed a very good move. It would have been very dangerous for you there. Soon after you left an old man joined the kitchens as a help to the royal cook. The enemy had his granddaughter as hostage thereby forcing him to act as an informer. Since he joined the palace after your departure he thought the decoy, a well dressed woman was the one the enemy was looking for. I reached the Palace h