As they wandered into the markets, Tara's eyes shone with excitement. She saw things she had never seen. The feather hats, the bead bags, the red dye for lips, the nose powder, bangles that glittered made with lac and mirror, everything seemed so beautiful and so human!
Jātved said, "I know the local language, so let me speak around and try to get some temple who'll accept us for the night. Please stay on this road, do not get lost. We'll meet in an hour's time."
Akira nodded brightly. "Is there anything you want?"
Jātved rolled his eyes, "Sister, none of us have money, we can't afford to want anything."
Akira giggled." I forgot. Okay, we'll try to get the city feel. Let's meet in an hour."
As soon as Jātved disappeard from sight, Akira nodded, "Let's get into the palace."
Karki consented, "I am pretty sure he has an audience with the kingsmen now. Before he spins some tale on how we are scheming to do something we shouldn't be doing, it's best to pull one over him."
They almost ran towards the palace. Tara, still clueless, blindly followed."
Right outside the palace, Akira approached the guard. "Tell the king, we need audience with him, this is urgent."
The guard looked surprised. "The king is in Malīnī."
Akira shook her head. "I am a seer, tell him this is important. We don't have much time. We have a message from Shambala."
The guard looked surprised, but it was not only the guard, Tara and Karki both looked surprised.
The guard asked them to wait as he went inside to discuss with the chief.
As they stood outside, Karki whispered, "Shambala?"
Akira replied, "Do you think the tale we have is any believable? Shambala is the only source that can't be verified. Anywhere else, we are doomed."
Karki mumbled, "May the force of Vāsu be with us."
A few minutes later, the guard came back with cuff. He carefully placed it on their wrist. "This will neutralise all magic, no spell will work. The king will allow audience with you, on some conditions. You will not look at him while you speak. You will not interrupt him while he speaks, and lastly, should he choose to imprison you or serve any punishment to you based on his judgement of your story, you will be obedient. It is still not late, you may leave, if you choose too."
Akira scoffed. Leave? The moment they did that, they'd likely be beheaded for proving their guilt for nonexistent treason.
Karki responded. "We shall abide by the rules, you may tell the king."
They followed the guard into the palace, and to the hall where the king sat. Before they could enter the room, their eyes were gagged.
They were welcomed by a pleasant voice.
"I have been hearing a lot about you from our knowledgeable priest, I did not expect to have you walk in directly. Seeing the courage you have, I will offer you one chance. State your reason for coming to my land."
His words proved their suspicions along along.
"Iki, what do we do?"
"Go with the flow. Don't tell him everything, tell him about the blood moon prophecy and the expedition."
She mentally nodded, and cleared her throat.
"King Jara, I am Akira, a six hundred year old Oracle. The purpose of my existence have come to light. I have travelled all the way to Ang, to seek your support."
There was no sound.
Akira held her breath, did the king change his mind?