Liars, Deaths, Scales & The Sword Of Lanka

4• Suspicion

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The carrier jolted forward, and soon, the dense forest path began to give way to something grander-bustling roads, grand marketplaces, and the majestic Hastinapura city. Apsara and her friends couldn't help but stare in awe as the ancient city unfolded before them. Towering buildings with intricate stonework lined the streets, bustling merchants called out, selling exotic wares, and children chased each other through the crowds. The fragrance of incense mingled with the fresh aroma of flowers, and everywhere they looked, people were adorned in vibrant silks and ornate jewelry.

The streets grew busier as they drew closer to the palace gates. Towering above them, the massive metal doors stood open, their surface covered in elaborate carvings of celestial beings, fierce lions, and sacred symbols. Arjun guided them forward, and they passed through not one but two grand gates, both opened wide in respect to the Pandava prince.

As they crossed into the palace grounds, Apsara felt her breath catch. The palace was breathtaking-a masterpiece of carved stone pillars, each decorated with floral motifs and scenes from ancient legends. Intricate designs were etched into the marble floors, reflecting soft, warm light that filled the halls. Yohan glanced at the soaring ceiling, mouth agape, while Maya looked like she might faint from excitement.

"Is this even real?" Jiayi whispered, her eyes wide with amazement.

But just as they were soaking in the magnificence of the place, their path shifted. Arjun led them down a narrow corridor away from the opulent halls. The light grew dimmer, and the smell of earth and damp stone replaced the fragrances they had smelled in the city. Apsara's sense of unease began to grow with each step. As they turned into a dark hallway leading downstairs, her stomach dropped. Something didn't feel right.

A sudden, rough shove jolted them forward as soldiers closed in around them. Apsara and the others barely had time to react before they were gripped tightly by armored hands. She tried to pull away, but the soldiers' holds were unyielding. Her friends struggled too, but the soldiers shoved them down the stairs, each step echoing ominously in the confined space.

"Wait-what's happening?!" Vasuda yelled, trying to wrestle free.

Without warning, they were thrust into a dimly lit room with iron bars-a dungeon. Heavy chains clinked, the heavy iron gate slammed shut with a resounding clang, echoing through the cold, damp stone walls of the dungeon. Apsara and her friends barely had time to process what had just happened-they were trapped. Soldiers stood guard outside, their faces stern and unyielding. But it was Arjun's expression that unnerved Apsara the most. His gaze held a fierce intensity, as if he were staring down a band of enemies instead of five bewildered strangers.

Arjun stepped closer to the iron bars. With his sharp eyes and voice, he questioned. "What sort of black magic were you practicing out there?"

Apsara opened her mouth to protest, but he cut her off, his voice growing colder.
"Do you take me for a fool? I saw the sky ablaze with red light-a sight I've never witnessed before. And then, the river... it thrashed and raged as though the waters themselves were possessed."

She swallowed, glancing at her friends. "There... there was no black magic," she managed, her voice trembling slightly. "We didn't mean for any of that to happen."

Arjun narrowed his eyes. "Then what was it? I saw the remnants of your spell-the strange symbols on the ground, the red glow illuminating the forest. How do you explain that if it wasn't magic?"

The others exchanged nervous glances, but Apsara squared her shoulders, choosing her words carefully. "We were... trying to reach a specific point in time. It was supposed to be a controlled spell, nothing that would cause harm. But something went wrong, and... we ended up here."