The messenger arrived at the dead of the night. King Chirjeevi's servant shook him roughly from his dreamless slumber and gave him the news of the man waiting outside his tent. It took the king a few moments to bring his mind to the here and now of his dark tent. He then hastily changed into his regal attire and rushed outside. The rider came from King Indra's camp, the sigil of blue lightning emblazoned on his liver, with a letter clutched in his hand.
"What news do you bring?" Chirjeevi asked hurriedly, with little patience, to open and read the message.
The messenger bowed low and presented the letter to Chirjeevi, deciding to hold his silence to the question. Chirjeevi gave him a sharp look before accepting the letter. The messenger bowed once more, jumped back on his horse, and then set off, kicking up a flurry of dust.
