---
The journey to the cave was long and winding. Bhishma, Vidura, and Arjun led the group through dense forests and rocky paths until they reached the mouth of a massive cave. Apsara glanced at her friends, uncertainty mirrored in their expressions, but they followed without a word.
As they stepped inside, the air grew cooler, and the faint sound of rushing water echoed through the dimly lit space. Torches lined the walls, their flames flickering against the jagged rock. The path led them deeper into the cave until they reached a vast underground chamber.
The sight left them stunned.
The cavern was enormous, its ceiling soaring high above them. A massive stream of water, clear and shimmering, rushed underneath, illuminated by an otherworldly glow. It felt alive, as though the Ganga herself flowed through the chamber. In the center of the expanse was a raised platform accessible only by a narrow bridge.
Arjun stepped forward and pulled a lever embedded in the stone wall. A low rumble echoed as a sturdy bridge descended over the water, connecting them to the platform. They crossed slowly, the sound of their footsteps mingling with the rhythmic flow of the water below.
At the heart of the platform stood seven pristine white pillars arranged in a circle. They gleamed under the faint light that filled the space. In the middle of the circle was a cylindrical device, glowing faintly with a white, pulsating light.
Bhishma's deep voice broke the silence. "This," he said, gesturing toward the structure, "is the Satyaprakashakah, the revealer of truth and light. It was constructed by the great sage Kakbhushundi, long before our time."
The group exchanged glances, unsure of what to expect.
Bhishma continued, his tone heavy with authority. "It has a singular purpose, to determine the nature of one's energy. At the dungeons, you displayed powers-extraordinary powers-but we do not know if they are divine or demonic. This revealer will show us the truth."
He walked closer to the pillars, his expression unreadable. "Each of you will place your hand on one of these pillars. When you do, the pillar will transfer your energy to the central radiator." He pointed to the glowing cylinder in the middle. "If the light turns red, it means your powers stem from darkness-demonic or black magic, perhaps even extraterrestrial. But if you are good, pure of heart and energy, the light will remain as it is for ten seconds."
A tense silence followed his words.
Vidura spoke next, his voice calmer, less stern. "This is not an accusation. It is a test-a way to clear the doubts that linger in everyone's mind. If you truly mean no harm, you have nothing to fear."
The cavern echoed with the sound of flowing water as Bhishma's commanding voice filled the space. "Step forward, each of you. Place your hand on the pillar. Let the Satyaprakashakah reveal your true nature."
Jiayi exchanged a look with Yohan, her expression firm. "I'll go first." She walked toward one of the pristine white pillars, her steps steady despite the tension in the air.
Apsara, Vasuda, and Maya exchanged uneasy glances, their hesitation palpable. They knew the truth-this machine could expose them, not just as outsiders, but as something far worse in the eyes of this world.
Jiayi placed her hand on the pillar without hesitation, and the room seemed to hold its breath. Moments later, Yohan followed, stepping up to the pillar beside Jiayi. The two stood side by side, their energy flowing through the machine.
The light sprang to life-a bright, brilliant stream that connected the pillars to the central radiator. Everyone watched in silence as the light moved toward the cylinder and held steady. The glowing white remained unchanged.
Bhishma nodded approvingly. "As expected. Your energy is pure. You are not beings of darkness."
He turned toward the others. "Now the rest of you."
Apsara froze. Her heart raced as she exchanged a glance with Maya and Vasuda. None of them moved.
Bhishma's tone grew sharper. "You heard me. Step forward."
They still hesitated, their fear too great to overcome. The soldiers, sensing their reluctance, stepped forward, their hands on their weapons. One of them barked, "Do not disobey General Bhishma."
Apsara clenched her fists as the soldiers approached, their hands forcing her and the others toward the remaining pillars. She caught Maya's eye, and in that instant, a silent understanding passed between them.
Reluctantly, they placed their hands on the pillars.
Apsara braced herself. This is it, she thought. This is the end.
The light surged again, threading its way from the pillars to the radiator. She expected the glow to change-to turn crimson and expose them for what they truly were.
But it didn't.
The light remained pure white, steady and unchanging.
Apsara's eyes darted toward Maya. Her friend stood with one hand on the pillar, her other hand hidden behind her back. Her fingers moved in subtle, intricate patterns, weaving an incantation.
Maya... Apsara realized, suppressing the urge to smile. She should have known. Maya wasn't called "Maya" for no reason-she was the daughter of Mayasura, the greatest illusionist of all time.
The soldiers stepped back, satisfied, as the test came to an end.
Bhishma's stern gaze softened, though only slightly. "It appears we owe you an apology. Your energy is not of darkness, but of light."
Vidura nodded in agreement. "Perhaps we misjudged you. Whatever your origins, you are not the threat we feared."
Apsara smirked faintly, her heart still racing. "I told you we weren't dark beings."
Arjun shot her a look, clearly unconvinced but unwilling to argue. "You've proven yourselves-for now."
As they left the cave, Apsara glanced at Maya, who returned her smirk with a small, knowing smile.
---
to be continued
YOU ARE READING
Liars, Deaths, Scales & The Sword Of Lanka
Historical Fiction"You can never alter time, no matter what change you make, what's done is done! There is no changing what has occured, Apsara" He said to the broken lady, who was on the black marble floor. "You thought, you could change the fate of the time....not...
