Book Excerpt: 'The Timingila' by Shon Mehta

Who is the hero of a story? The one who is brave and honourable, or the one who survives to tell the story?

Which is the more powerful weapon? The one that wins battles, or the one that wins the minds of people?

Set in the ancient land of Jivavarta, 'The Timingila' is the story of Trishala, a weak kingdom at the mercy of its neighbors, and Tasvak, the unwanted child of its king.

When a series of unexpected events put Trishala under a tyrant's control, Tasvak is forced into a web of deception as he struggles to resurrect Trishala's lost glory. Along the way, he has to deal with fanatics, assassins, victims, and reformers. Facing manipulation and betrayal at every step, will Tasvak succeed?

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Chapter: The Sage of Vanpore

Jaskar Dharman was cleaning his bedchamber. He was teaching his son Yashthi, standing by his side, that doing one's own work was a service to God Sarvabhu.

Jaskar Dharman never kept personal servants. He earned his livelihood by selling his paintings, and lived a pious, frugal life befitting a monk. He wore simple robes, slept on the floor, never touched money, and never ate meat. He followed the rules of his Tapasi faith strictly, and he expected others to do the same.

A palace guard was waiting at the door.

"What is the news?" asked Jaskar Dharman. His voice was deep and calm, and gently reassuring.

The guard bowed before the mighty king of Yashantika.

"A messenger has just arrived, my king." said the guard. "He brings news that King Vighasa of Trishala has died, and his son Nahusha has been declared the new king."

King Jaskar Dharman nodded, and kept cleaning.

"That drunk old fool." scoffed Prince Yashthi. "Good riddance."

Yashthi was Jaskar Dharman's elder son. Twenty years old, he was a good-looking young man with a proud face, and was always eager to impress his father.

The guard stood quietly.

"Anything else?" the king asked the guard. He had finished the cleaning, and was now preparing for his prayers.

"Yes, my king." replied the guard. "There is news that the Rongchas are marching towards Trishala."

"How dare they!" exclaimed Yashthi, looking at his father. "Rongchas can't be allowed to annex Trishala."

"Is King Dhanveer riding with them?" asked Jaskar Dharman, as he lighted the incense before the statue of Sarvabhu by his bedside.

"No, my king." replied the guard.

"Then who is commanding the Rongcha troops?" asked Jaskar Dharman, now looking directly at the guard.

"Nachiketa, his son-in-law." replied the guard.

"You may go now. Everything will be fine by Sarvabhu's grace." said Jaskar Dharman, as he closed his eyes and bowed before the statue.

After the guard had left, Jaskar Dharman turned towards Yashthi slowly.

"I have told you earlier, my son, and I tell you again." said Jaskar Dharman. "Never let your thoughts out before others."

His voice didn't have any trace of anger. But Yashthi's days of being fooled by his father's kind appearance were long gone. He had seen his father brutally kill men while looking calm, kind, and pious.

"Forgive me, father." said Yashthi. He was scared.

"Patience, my son." smiled Jaskar Dharman. "If Dhanveer is not riding with his troops, then he has no intention to annex Trishala. Let us wait and watch."

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Chapter: Bloodline

"I am grateful to you, my king, for bringing Jivak back." said Queen Dishadevi. She could not stop smiling.

She had just been informed that the Yashantika troops had brought back her son, his wife, and his child. She was beside herself with joy, and had rushed to her husband.

Jaskar Dharman wanted to live the celibate life of a monk when he was young. But after he ascended the throne, he had to concede to his divine duty of providing a heir. He had married Dishadevi, twenty years younger, when he was in his forties. Despite their difference in age, Dishadevi had been a devoted, dutiful, and loving wife.

"You can meet Jivak after his cleansing." said Jaskar Dharman. He was pleased to see his wife so happy after a long time.

"What about Jivak's wife and son?" asked Dishadevi.

"That mlechcha is not his wife." said Yashthi. He was repeating what his father had told him earlier.

"Where are they?" Dishadevi asked again, fearing the worst.

"The boy is long dead, and the mlechcha has been sent to Kalsajja." replied Yashthi. He had seen his father pronounce the sentence just a few moments back.

Kalsajja was a deep pit on the outskirts of Vanpore. It was meant for carrying out death sentences. The condemned were tied and thrown down the pit, where they died a dark, slow death in the company of corpses.

Dishadevi's heart sank.

"Don't do this, my king!" she begged.

"Father has already given the sentence, mother." said Yashthi, and walked away.

"How can be you so cruel?" Dishadevi asked her husband, trying to hold back her tears. She knew that nothing could be done now.

"We are a divine bloodline which has been kept pure for ages, by the grace of Sarvabhu." said Jaskar Dharman, trying to comfort his wife. "By bearing a child, mixing our blood with hers, the mlechcha had committed a crime against our traditions. She had insulted Sarvabhu, and deserved the harshest sentence."

"Think of your son." said Dishadevi, tears in her eyes. "Think of how difficult his life will be after this loss."

"Jivak will realize his mistake." assured Jaskar Dharman. "Life is not difficult, it is our desires that make life difficult."

Dishadevi sobbed silently as Jaskar Dharman stepped into his bedchamber, and closed the door. It was time for his evening prayers, and he had much to thank Sarvabhu for.

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'The Timingila' is a fast-paced fantasy thriller, available now on Amazon and Google Play.

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