Sanket stood on the cliff opposite to the capital city of Suryarath, watching as hordes of citizens rushed towards the Palace for the mourning of their beloved Prince. He was clad in his armour, his sword strapped to his back. His lean, muscular figure leaned a bit towards his capital. His eyes betrayed his heart's desire to return to his city. Yet, he knew, it was not what he or his father planned for.
A leopard, stirred as he smelled the man approach them. As he readied himself to pounce on the newcomer, Sanket put a hand over his head. "We might need to see the end of this", Sanket said with a smile. He seemed to sense his friend's caution. He still remained in a crouched. His muscles tensed, his intelligent eyes fixed in the direction of the new comers way. His elegant fur, that usually glinted like a golden armour when bathed with the light of the Twilight sun, melded perfectly with the thick grass. Sanket fixed his gaze in the direction from which they were expecting the guest.
A short, pot bellied man emerge from the shrubs. His belly swayed as he walked. He had a round face with a double chin, small brown eyes and a beaky nose. His baldy head with a small tuft of a hair tied in a knot. He was out of breath due to the hard trek along with his huge body framework and a bag. He was left speechless when he saw Sanket. "Your Highness!", he exclaimed as he dropped to his knees.
The leopard went forth to take a sniff of this man, who had fallen on his knees. The man appeared scared but chose to stay put. The leopard saw Sanket walk towards him and pull him on his feet. Sensing that he was a friend, he went back to his spot and closed his eyes, trying to enjoy a nap.
"Please Raju Kaka, you know I was never good with these kind of formalities", Sanket smiled as he pulled Raju to his feet.
"You are our Prince, your highness, and given the consequences of the recent wars,our Future-King as well", Rajveer replied. "I am no Prince, Raju kaka.You should know that better than anyone.", Sanket said. "I cannot possibly understand why you think so, your highness!!! Is that the reason why you are here with that wretched beast, instead of being at the funeral of your brother? To make the people believe that you are not worthy?", Raju scowled. "Often, we don't get what we deserve.", Sanket said with a sad smile on his face. "Please my Prince. I don't see where these games lead. Return with me Let your people have the comfort of knowing that one of the Princes is alive and well.", Raju pleaded.
Sanket held his gaze. His deep brown eyes bore through Raju's very soul. "What do you see here, Raju kaka?", Sanket asked pointing towards Suryarath. Raju came to stand besides Sanket. Raju had been in service of the Royal family of Suryarath since long time. As far as he knew, his family had been serving the Royal family ever since the Kingdom itself was established. To him, both the princes were like his own children. Even the king trusted them with him. As a result, Raju would accompany them for various expeditions and travels. Once, Raju had brought the Princes on this very place and asked them the very question that Sanket had asked him.
The high and mighty city of Suryarath spawned in front of them. It's walls engulfing the entire city. The whole city was designed as a bird's-eye view of a chariot. The outer gates of the city opened to a small path that could be used to traverse the deep valley. Between the outer and inner walls were the farmlands and pastures that provided food for citizens and cattles alike. At the very end, stood the palace carved into the cliff, with the cliff hanging like an umbrella. The river flowing through the cliff over the palace, that was divided into two distributaries using a brilliant engineering marvels, acted as source of water for the city. Each distributary flowed through the side of the outer wall acting as a moat. The water brought in the city by means of channels and stored in open tanks that could harvest rainwater as well. The natural slope of the region made sure that the flow of water during heavy rains would sweep through the city and avoid floods. A guard walked past the walls every hour, patrolling the perimeter. The city, therefore, was planned with military as well as citizen welfare in mind.
As always, the view took the breath out from Raju. He looked at Sanket and said, "Since you are assuming my role, should I assume yours?" Sanket merely smiled. "Just humor me Raju kaka", he said. "As always, it is beautiful", Raju replied honestly. "And who am I to this land?", Sanket asked again. "The should-be-prince of the country?", Rajveer mused. "In theory, yes. But with the name of my forefathers, I bear a mantle as well as a duty. I bear the mantle of people's trust and it is my duty to guard them.", Sanket answered calmly. "Then stay here, and perform your duties to your people. Be their leader, be their guide. They need a king like you, son." "And my duties need me away from my home. Do not worry Raju kaka, I will return one day. But before I leave, I must entrust you with a burden and bind you with an oath.", Sanket said. Raju knew that his audience with Sanket was ending. Tears were freely flowing through his eyes now. "Anything you say, my Prince", he said. "I know that this is going to hurt you and my family more than anyone else but you must swear to me on everything you hold dear, that you will keep this meeting a secret. No one should know about me being here. ", Sanket commanded. "How long till I keep your secret?", Raju wondered. "That is not something I can say. But I will try, not to be away for long", Sanket smiled. "What else do you want?", Rajveer sobbed. "Take care of my family, especially my father. He may be too stubborn to admit it, but he is growing old. Take care of him while I am gone." "I will do as you ask. But in return you must promise me something.", Rajveer said. "Whatever you ask, kaka", Sanket said cheerfully. "Come back alive."
Sanket smiled, this time it wasn't just a polite mask. He knew this man cared for him just as much as his father. "I promise to you on Lord Ram's name that I will see you here with the crowned King of Suryarath.", Sanket announced. Raju smiled. "Here, your father has sent a gift along with his blessings." He pulled out a beautifully crafted dagger from his bag. It's hilt was made of gold and a small ruby was attached at the end of the hilt. The blade was made of tempered iron. It glinted as rays light bounced from its surface. It's sheath was made from crocodile's skin and had belts to strap the weapon to the back, just below his sword. "Just as I prefer it.", Sanket smiled. "Be careful, my Prince.", Raju bowed one last time. Sanket acknowledged his bow and turned to leave. He remembered the lines his father had read to him once. Without turning back, he said in fluent ancient Sanskrit , "Ram Rajya vaasi tvam, Prochayswa te Shiram"
The leopard gave a mighty roar as he walked beside Prince Sanket. Fumes could be seen rising from within the city, signifying that the last rites of Prince Kartik were completed.
With his head held high, Rajveer watched as Sanket walked away from the city into the horizon, with a leopard by his side. He smiled, fighting hard against his tears. For it was his young Prince's order. Hold your head high, you are now a citizen of Ram's kingdom.