Chapter 3

The trumpets and bugles played loudly as every guest settled inside the arena where the yajna was being held.

At the same time the announcer yelled loudly, " Here comes Maharaj Dayananda and Maharani Shambhavi of Karusha, following them are Rajkumar Devadatt and Rajkumari Swarnalata!"

Maharaj Dayananda and Maharani Shambhavi walked inside the arena, side by side, smiling and greeting the guests and fellow citizens who had arrived to see the yajna. The citizens of Karusha looked in awe towards their King and Queen. If Shiva and Shakti were to come down to Earth, then they would look like the Maharaj and Maharani. The palace maids showered flowers on the Maharaj and Maharani and their children as they stepped up to the yajna where Acharya and Guru Vashishta were waiting to start the ceremony.

"Acharya, Guru Vashishta we are blessed with your presence during this auspicious moment.", said Maharaj Dayananda.

"Maharaj, we are only your family guru, it is our duty to bless you and to guide you to the best of our abilities. You are following the kshatriya (warrior) code by protecting your citizens and leading this country, and this yajna shall only add to your glory.", said Guru Vashishta.

"Then why the wait Gurudev? Let us start the ceremony now with the blessings of the Gods.", said Maharani Shambhavi.

Maharah Dayananda and Maharani Shambhavi sat in front of the yajna fire with their hands folded in front of them praying to Agni Dev and Lord Indra before the ceremony would start, while Acharya and Guru Vashishta started chanting mantras and started pouring oil into the fire. Rajkumar Devadatt and Rajkumari Swarnalata sat near their parents and folded their hands to offer their prayers but their minds were only on the games and feast that was to follow once the yajna was over. Swarnalata looked at all the people who had gathered at the arena, watching the yajna take place.

"Brother, why is everyone so interested in seeing this yajna? What is so great about the Ashwamedha Yajna?", whispered Swarnalata, afraid her mother would hear her and scold her for talking in the middle of the prayers and offerings.

"By completing this yajna successfully, father will be acknowledged as one of the greatest kings allowing numerous alliances with neighbouring kingdoms. Even though there are many kings and kingdoms, one must be extremely wealthy and prosperous to even think of conducting such a yajna. Father is doing this to secure the future of Karusha.", said Devadatt.

"Oh, that is why they are all here for this yajna! They all want to build alliances with father. That is really good for us isn't it?", said Swarnalata.

"Not really Swarna. Not everyone has good intentions. After the offerings are made, the horse that was brought in for this yajna will be decorated and worshipped. After that the horse will be released. The horse will make a trip around the country and will have to come back to Karusha in a years time. However, if the horse happens to enter another kingdom and if it is attacked and killed in that kingdom, then it is as equal as waging war on us. A lot of Maharajas are here to identify the weaknesses of Karusha and father, so if the horse were to enter their kingdom and if they choose to kill it, they can wage war on us without any issue.", said Devadatt.

"Father shouldn't have arranged this yajna. What if we get attacked? He is inviting the enemies into our kingdom and they are sitting here with evil intentions.", said Swarnalata.

"Are you scared Swarna, don't be. I am here for you and besides, father isn't that naive. He is well aware of these issues and is well prepared. Don't you worry."

Swarnalata smiled as she looked at Devadatt. No matter how much they quarrelled and argued over the smallest of issues, no matter how jealous she was of Devadatt, Swarnalata really loved her elder brother. He was her life long enemy and support, and she looked up to him and knew that she could depend on him.

"I will protect you too when you get scared and pee your pants on the battlefield.", said Swarnalata as she giggled while Devadatt flicked her forhead, changing her smile to a scowl.

"Maharaj, please bring in the horse for the ceremony.", said Acharya.

Maharaj Dayananda ordered for his guard to bring in the black and white horse from the stable as Maharani Shambhavi took the plate of aarti and walked down the arena to worship and decorate the horse before it would be released.

"Swarnalata, follow me. I want you to see how this is conducted, in case you have to do it yourself in the future.", said Maharani Shambhavi.

Swarnalata nodded as she hurried behind her mother, down the steps and into the middle of the arena where the horse was being held. Her mother had started worshipping the horse with aarti and was applying tilak, a mixture of turmeric and vermillion on the horse. She then decorated the horse with various kinds of gold and held out a saddle towards Swarnalata.

"Do you want to help me put it on the horse?", asked Maharani Shambhavi.

Swarnalata eagerly nodded as Maharani Shambhavi lifted her up to help Swarnalata place the saddle on top of the horse.

"It is about time we let go of the horse, Maharaj. Pray to the gods that this horse comes back safe and sound in a years time.", said Guru Vashishta.

Swarnalata whimpered and took a slight step towards the horse when Maharani Shambhavi held her hand gave a look of disapproval.

Maharaj Dayananda stood in front if the horse and pet its mane for the last time before he ordered his soldier to release the horse into the woods, bringing an end to the ceremony.

The guests started leaving the arena and were told to enter the palace to rest before the festivities were to begin for the evening. Maharani Shambhavi still held on to Swarnalata's hand as she watched everyone leave the arena.

"Mother, what if the horse doesn't return?", said Swarnalata, her voice laced with worry.

Maharani Shambhavi looked down to see her daughter and gave a faint smile.

"It will return. I put my trust in the gods. I put my trust in the Devi (Goddess). Just as she has always faithfully served Mahadev and her children, I have and will always be there for my husband and children. The Goddess must look after this child and devotee of hers. She won't fail me. The horse will return Swarna, it must return."