Ineffable Conquest

Beckett's identity

There appeared a man who was in his early fifties. He was well dressed and had a crown on his head. Besides him was a young voluptuous woman. She was wearing a rather unusual attire with a tiara on her head. Normally women used wear bodice with a long skirt occasionally supported by corset but this woman had other plans.

(What is that unusual attire?)

As the chariot stopped before the Bhavan. Aditi screamed,

'Dad!!! Mother! What a pleasant surprise.'

(Mother! I thought she was her sister.)

'Namaste King Mahadev. Namaste Queen Swarada,' said Erica.

(How does Erica know them?)

'Salutations Empress Erica,' said Mahadev. 'Pleased to meet you.'

'Salutations Empress Erica,' said Swarada. 'It has been long time.'

They hugged each other. Brothers had no clue what had happened. Before this they had hardly seen any royalty before. They knew no royal etiquettes. Never before had they met any royalty. Confused they gazed their mother. Erica signalled Beckett to hug.

'Blessings son,' said Mahadev. 'Are you the eldest one?'

'Apologies king Mahadev,' said Beckett. 'We are new to royal customs. I am eldest son of Manu. My name is Beckett.'

'Fine. I am impressed by your modesty, Beckett.'

According to their order Beckett's brothers introduced themselves and took blessings of king Mahadev and queen Swarada. Mahadev was eyeing Dwayne.

He said, 'Dwayne are you as strong as you appear. Looks can be deceptive.'

'My lord, you are right, looks are deceptive. I am more stronger than I appear.'

'I appreciate your confidence. I look forward to test your strength.'

'My lord,' said Swarada sensuously. 'I think we should welcome them in the Bhavan.'

'Sure.'

They moved towards the Bhavan. They were taken directly to the dining room. Many dishes were already served. Erica's sons had never had such a feast. They enjoyed the dinner. Dwayne had taken a liking for a particular confectionery. After dinner was over, Aditi took along Erica and her sons to show them their stay. Dwayne enquired,

'That black ball was very delicious. I never had such a sweet dish.'

'It's pretty obvious brother Dwayne,' said Xander. 'You have ate 31 pieces of it.'

'Did you really count them Xander?' asked Xavier.

'Yes.'

'Even I like them Dwayne,' said, smiling Aditi. 'But I have never heard someone calling them black balls. They are called Gulaab Jamun.'

'Gulaab Jamun?' said Dwayne.

'Syrup of this confectionery has rose water,' said Aditi with a sweet smile on her face. 'Rose is called as Gulaab in our language. Jamun means black plum. Your black ball looks like a black plum. Thus this confectionery is called as Gulaab Jamun.'

'Great!' said Dwayne. 'I have alot to learn from Astralaya cuisine.'

Xander and Xavier were gaping at queen Swarada. Erica looked at them and questioned,

'What is this behaviour?'

Both of them were flushed with humiliation. Xander was the first one to answer.

'Mother we are sorry. But doesn't she look too young. She must be in her late twenties.'

Aditi said, 'My mother used to be ill very frequently. This had started after my birth. After a long fight with her illness she died few years back.'

Erica continued, 'Mahadev always hated Aditi. After her mother's death she was send to Southerland as a diplomat. He remarried. Swarada is younger sister of Sairendri.'

'Wait...does this mean Swarada....pardon queen Swarada is a Yoddha,' asked Anthony.

'No,' said Erica. 'First of all female Yoddha is called Yodha. Swarada is half human and half Yoddhas. She is stepsister of Sairendri. They have a common father.'

'This is so confusing,' said Dwayne.

(TRUE.)

'Mother the attire of queen Swarada is so different,' said Xavier. 'Could you tell us about her attire.'

'Sure,' said Erica. 'This attire is called as a Sari. It is the attire wore by Astralaya women. I will explain you how this attire is wore. One end of the cloth is tucked into the waistband of the petticoat. The cloth then is wrapped around the lower body once, then hand-gathered into even pleats below the navel. The pleats then are tucked into the waistband of the petticoat. After one more turn around the waist, the loose end is draped over shoulder. It is draped diagonally in front of the torso.'

Aditi continued, 'Though there are many ways to drape a sari. My beloved mother drapes it across her right hip to over her left shoulder, partly baring her midriff and revealing her navel.'

Erica said, 'Aditi!'

'What! Isn't it why Xander and Xavier were ogling at her.'

'Ahem,' said Erica.

Aditi continued,

'The loose end of sari is called pallu. It is hanging from the back of her shoulder. She always ensures it is intricately decorated. She always wears a waist chain which she thinks is attractive.'

Xander said, 'I could see two long decorative borders running the length of her sari.'

Aditi replied, 'Mother ensures that the border is ornamental with elaborate floral design over it. Specifically! These patterns are woven with gold thread. Specifically!! Sari has to be further decorated with embroidery. There must be pearls and precious stones stitched over the cloth. Only then...Only then she wears it.'

'Aditi cool down,' said Dwayne.

'That was quite a rant,' said Xavier.

'Silence!' said Erica. 'Aditi behave. You are the crown princess of Astralaya.'

'I never feel like a crown princess. I am not involved in the decisions of the kingdom. He only listens to that witch Swarada. He is not even talking to me properly.'

'Mother!' said Beckett. 'How do you know so much about Astralaya and its culture. You even seem to know the Yoddhas very well.'

'Quite,' said Erica.

'Ah! I see my daughter hasn't shown your rooms till now. She is becoming lazy.'

'Father! Don't....'

'No king Mahadev we were chitchatting with her,' said Erica.

'Empress if you don't mind can I have a chat with your sons Beckett and Dwayne.'

'Sure.'

'My lord if you don't mind I would like to ask you the reason for this chat,' said Dwayne.

'Prescience of Lord Savlin.'

Beckett said, 'King Mahadev please tell us about it.'

'He says you will be the emperor of Sech.'

'My lord, I don't see myself as emperor. I don't even know whether the people of Southerland will even accept me.'

'Beckett, don't panic. You are the future of Southerland.'

'Could you tell me about my father,' said Beckett.

'Your father was a good friend of mine. When he ascended the throne I was very happy. But then suddenly he vacated the throne. I don't know the reason but your mother surely knows it.'

'What happened after my father vacated the throne?' asked Dwayne.

'Thereafter nothing has been going well in Sech. Economy has fallen. Poverty has increased. Agriculture has declined. War tension has increased.'

'Who is the current emperor of Sech? What is he doing to counter this situation?' asked Beckett curiously.

'It is still your father. His elder brother Chevolt is caretaker king of Southerland. Your father had banished himself for 25 years. I don't know the reason but he didn't renounce the throne.'

'Technically speaking uncle Chevolt is the current emperor,' said Anthony.

'Maybe,' said Mahadev.

'Mother please tell about this scenario. Now that father has died who will become the emperor?' said Dwayne.

'I don't know dear. We have to ask Uncle Charlie.'

'Who is this Charlie guy now?' said Xavier.

'Xavier!!' exclaimed Erica. 'He is your grandfather. We will meet him in Southerland. Maybe, then we can decide about the future of Sech.'

'Okay, so we will get information of father in Southerland only. You won't disclose anything,' said Dwayne angrily.

'I shouldn't disclose it. Your father has told me I shouldn't tell you anything about his past until we reach Southerland.'

'Oh! Great,' said Dwayne.

'This great confusion clears only in Southerland,' said, giggling Xander.

'King Mahadev, what about the prescience?' said Beckett.

'Beckett, it is said that Sech is destined to be ruled by each race. First by Forgs followed by Mandhas and then Yoddhas ruled Sech.'

'You mean humans are the last race to rule Sech.'

'Yes Beckett. The cycle doesn't reset. I fear this is the end of Sech.'

'What do you mean by reset? How am I linked to this,' asked, panicked Beckett.

'If humans rule declines, it will be the end of Sech. Each and every race will become extinct unless....'

'Brother Beckett becomes the emperor,' said Xavier.

'Yes,' said Mahadev. 'Lord Savlin, the Chief of Forgs says that their texts have predicted that the end is near. Only you can save us Beckett. ONLY YOU.'

'You trust the Forgs,' said Beckett.

'Forgs never lie son,' said Erica.

'How did he identify me? Is it because I am eldest son of Manu.'

'Maybe. Lord Savlin must know,' said Mahadev. Maybe you should meet him.'

'Now we have to travel to Nort kingdom,' said Anthony.

'No,' said Erica. 'They live right here in Astralaya.'

'When did this happen?' said Xavier 'Father had told me Forgs only live in Nort.'

'A small thread of Forgs know as Karma family stays in Astralaya,' said Mahadev. 'Only royal families of Astralaya and Southerland know about it.'

'Okay,' said Beckett. 'I look forward to meet lord Savlin. When can I meet him.'

'I will notify you,' said Mahadev. 'Don't disclose about this discussion with anyone. This must stay between nine of us.'

'Of course father,' said Aditi.

'Dear, this increase in war tension has increased our prosperity,' said Swarada. 'Isn't it? Our weapons are in demand. They are sold like hot cakes. We should milk this situation.'

Xander murmured, 'She is so sensuous.'

Xavier replied, 'Her choice of words is so tempting. Isn't it, Xander.'

'Mhmmm....Hot and milk denotes her body aptly,' whispered Xander.

(Perverts. Hasn't anyone heard them.)

'Mother!!!' shouted Aditi. 'Is this what you advise the king of Astralaya. Have you forgotten about our motto.'

'Aditi!!!' yelled Mahadev. 'Is this how you talk to your mother. Apologise to her.'

'But father....'

'RIGHT NOW.'

'Dear,' said Swarada. 'She is still a little child. I have apologised her.'

'You witch!!' cursed Aditi. 'Don't forget that I am older than you.'

'ENOUGH,' yelled Mahadev. 'Aditi leave us alone. Go back to your room. NOW.'

'You will regret,' sobbed Aditi.

Aditi left.

(What just happened!!?)

'You are lucky,' smirked Dwayne. 'They didn't hear you rabbits.'

'We are sorry,' said Xander and Xavier simultaneously.

'We will take your leave empress. If you need anything then please do tell Aditi. She is staying in the Bhavan. We will meet soon Beckett. I hope I could test your strength Dwayne.'

'Sure king Mahadev,' said Beckett and Dwayne in unison. 'It was a pleasure to meet you. Namaste,' said Erica.

'Namaste,' said king Mahadev.

'Namaste.'

(Why did king Mahadev yell at Aditi?)

'You are right Daara,' said a husky voice. 'He shouldn't have yelled at her.'

'How did you read my mind,' said Daara.

'All the three of us can read your mind Daara,' said female voice.

'Okay. But don't you think it was inappropriate that Mahadev yelled at Aditi. She was giving the right advice.'

'Love is blind,' said a heavy masculine voice. 'He was mesmerized by Swarada.'

'Now what do you think Daara?' said a hoarse voice.

'Was Beckett really a saviour? Did lord Savlin say the truth? Why did Aditi say that Mahadev will regret?

Why did Mahadev marry a woman younger than her daughter?'

'Lord Savlin must be truthful as Erica has mentioned Forgs don't lie. Beckett is the saviour. Last two questions are connected. I think this a trap. I don't know who is the mastermind. But it has to be someone from Astralaya royal family. There may be an attack on Erica and her sons.'

'We are impressed,' said the a heavy masculine voice. 'I will continue the narration.'