Chapter 26 The Invaders

• 1st Century, 57 BCE: Forest area near Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India
• Suddenly, horse hoofs could be heard from within the forest. A man was found: head ensconced in helmet, red metal coat draped around his body, sword dangling from the waist. He was dressed differently from the other soldiers of the regiment. As the man neared them Vikram gestured the other soldiers to move away. The stranger got down from his horse and saluted the chief, then whispered something into his ear. Soon the regiment was following the man back into the forest. They found it hard to believe that they were negotiating the same trails, bends around trees which they had been doing a little ago. Every nook and corner of the forest appeared new. It seemed the forest had got transformed and it appeared to be enchanting now instead of being fearsome.
• After riding for sometime which appeared like eternity the soldier made a sign to halt before a cave which seemed to have suddenly sprung up. There was a large boulder closing it's entrance. The man chanted something and drew some imaginary shape in the air with his hands. The boulder moved away to a side revealing a dark tunnel inside. 'I'm going inside. You lead the men in defending the creatures' Vikram instructed the brigadier' 'But won't it be too risky Sir? We don't know where this tunnel leads to .. how many soldiers are stationed inside the fort. Moreover, the place seems to be under spell. Who knows what dangers are lurking in the darkness ahead?'. The man vent out his insecurities. 'But if the undead army suddenly finds our entire regiment to have disappeared it can raise suspicion for the enemy'. Watching the brigadier's worried face Vikram reassured him. 'Don't worry the spells won't have effect on me. I'll be back soon. And by the grace of Lord Vishnu I'm sure you'll be able to gain victory over the creatures. We meet at Pataliputra, then general' Without waiting for his reaction Vikram disappeared into the tunnel. He knew this secret passage led to the Shaka king's secret chamber. This path was hidden from common eyes using magic and was to be utilized only by the spies.