The Funeral Part - 2

The Funeral Part – 2

The Royal Public Gallery was jam packed with visitors; the Royal Gaurd was regulating the flow of people paying their last respects to Prince Srinivas, whose mortal remains had been placed for public view. Emperor Manoj, Empress Kavitha, Princess Satyabhama, Chief War General Kishore, Prince Kamal, Governors of all the provinces, ambassadors of allies and neutral worlds were all present. There was a pall of gloom all around; though no one had seen Prince Srinivas in person, they had heard of his exploits in war. He was a legend who many warriors wished to emulate.

Emperor Manoj was dressed in a white dhoti watching the proceedings impassively. A bier was being prepared on one side while hot coals were kept ready in an earthenware lid. An earthenware pot had been filled with water and kept ready. The royal state flags were flying at half mast.