The city was burning, people were screaming and the wind was whipping around Chitra, it was a crazy scene.

She looked down at her burning homeland from her balcony. Her cheeks streaked with tears.

She had been shut in the highest tower along with her mother and all the women of the Palace for safety. The castle was under seize.

"Chitra come inside! There are arrows."

Kalavati pulled her in just in time before a rain of arrows struck the door.

"Mother" Chitra cried and hugged her mother.

This had never happened before. Castles were never attacked directly. But it was not a normal war. It was a seize. The kind of seizes she had heard from her father and tutors.

Navsarika had been attacked by a group of savage tribes from the west. The warrior tribes who followed no rules killed everyone mercilessly and captured women and children as slaves.

"Oh, Shiv! I don't know if I will ever see you again." She thought sadly.

*******

A few hours previously -

Maansing was worried. He had got some very disturbing information and he has to see Raja Kirtiveer soon.

Raja Kiritveer had retired to his chamber for the night. He was reading his book when the attendant arrived.

"What is it Arjun?" He asked the attendant.

"Prime minister Mansingh wants to see you immediately Your Majesty. He says it's urgent."

"Ok show him in."

He kept away his book and waited.

" Your Majesty! We are being attacked!" Maansing blurted out as soon as he entered his chambers.

"What!" Kiritveer got up from his seat surprised.

"The Turks...They have entered the city gates. They would arrive at the palace soon. We need to hurry!"

"What are you waiting for. Call in all the generals to command the army. Where are the reinforcements from Patan? Vikram was supposed to send them?"

Maansing looked down," they didn't arrive your majesty."

Kiritveer's face hardened.

"Declare an emergency, get all women and children to safety. We are going to war."

The castle was in an uproar. The regiments were getting ready. Palace servants and courtiers, we're being shaken from their slumber and put into their duty.

Chitra ran out of her chambers confused.

"What's happening?" She asked one of the guards.

"Your Highness you can't be here. You must hide!"

"Why? What's going on?"

"We have been attacked, your highness by the warrior tribes of Turks."

Chitra's eyes grew wide with fear.

"I must see my father."

"He is getting prepared for the war, your highness." The guard said.

"That makes it even more important."

She didn't wait for his answer. She just ran towards the Barracks.

Raja Kiritveer had dressed up in his battle finery. He was busy commanding his generals.

"Father take me with you" Chitra suddenly appeared in front of him.

"Chitra! What are you doing here? You have to be inside."

"I can't sit idle while the city is under attack father. Take me along, please. You know I can fight."

"You can't fight these barbarians! They don't follow our rules or laws. They don't fight honourably. Please go inside Chitra you have to be safe."

"Father..."

He cut short her arguments.

"There is no time Chitra."

He looked at 2 of the guards and said to them.

"Escort the princess inside. Follow the safety rules and lock up all women and children in the tower."

Tears flowed from her eyes as she saw her father leave.

*******

Now -

Chitervously in the large circular room. There were fear and nervousness among everyone present.

"We can't sit like this mother. We must do something."

"Be quiet Chitra. If something happens to you we won't be able to face your husband and in-laws. Just pray that we win."

The screams and billowing smoke coming from outside said otherwise.

*******

2 days ago -

Vikram was in a camp. He wrinkled his nose at the smell of rotting flesh.

A group of soldiers who looked like they had not bathed in days was busy torturing what looked like a slave.

There were cages full of men, girls even children.

He ignored all the unsightly things and went straight into the biggest tent which belonged to the chief.

"Welcome your majesty."

A huge man wearing a big turban welcomed him. He was the famous Ghori the Turk. He was very tall and built like an ox. He had skin like parchment with a flowing beard. Black beady eyes stared at Vikram.

A big platter of different foods and fruits was laid in front of him.

2 scantily clad slave girls we're serving him.

Vikram nodded uneasily. He would have never come to meet such low-level nomads but right now he needed help.

" As discussed I am here for the deal."

"Of course! Your majesty, please have a seat and some food. I am honoured to offer you my hospitality."

Vikram looked at everything with disgust but took the seat.

"I am not hungry. Let's finish up with it as soon as possible." Vikram said.

That man gave him an oily smile.

"What do you want me to do, My Lord?"

"It's simple. Attack Navsarika. Kill and plunder whatever you want and get someone for me."

Ghori smirked.

"I am surprised why would a mighty king like you need my help to plunder his state?"

"That's not important. I want you to do exactly what I say. Destroy the city and capture princess Chitrangada. Deliver her to me. That is all."

Ghori sat up straight looking interested.

"And who is this princess Chitrangada?"

"Crown princess of Navsarika, and the wife of my sworn enemy The Chalukya Prince Shivaditya."

Ghori folded his hands under his chin and stared at Vikram.

"So you want your enemy's woman. Why can't you do it yourself ?"

"I can't, Navsarika is my vassal state. I cannot attack my state. It would be against the law and ruin our reputation." Vikram said impatiently, it was hard to explain laws to barbarians who didnt follow any.

"So you want me to do the dirty deed for you? What's in it for me?"

"The riches of Navsarika.Its main export is Diamonds." Vikram smirked.

Ghori got a glint in his eyes.

"Deal." Ghori declared.

"But no one touches the princess except me. If she is harmed consider the deal revoked." Vikram added.

Ghori looked at Vikram curiously. He couldn't fathom why so much trouble for one woman. They were nothing more than disposable toys for him.

Anyway, it was a rare occasion when one of the Kings was inviting him to assault a rich city. Otherwise, they could only raid small villages on the outskirts of the Indian subcontinent. The mighty empires made sure they could never cross their boundaries. He couldn't let this opportunity go.

"Fine, your majesty 2 days later we'll attack Navsarika. But I am curious. If you just want the princess you can simply abduct her why burn an entire city?"

Vikram's face hardened.

"They humiliated me! They hid her love affair and paramour from me. Even though she was engaged to me. They all will have to pay!"

"Interesting! I accept the deal, My lord." The leader replied.

Vikram gave a smug smile.

"I will ruin you Chitranagada and wipe the smile off that Shivaditya's face!" He thought.

To be continued.....