Nine: Vengeance of the Warrior (23 page)

Raakin contemplated his next move. There was no choice. If the Three had been discovered, then the Kala Yogis, the Kalingan’s army, must have been mobilized on an international level.

A burgundy-robed monk stopped in front of Raakin. His round bald head partially blocked the sunlight. It created an aura not unlike the halos seen in the saintly images of religious icons. The elderly monk bowed and sat next to him. ‘We have a problem, Raakin. The Senior Six said this time the Kalingan has powered up.’

The monk had never addressed him by his first name before this.

‘I see,’ Raakin said.

‘The spirit has returned. But we don’t know who it is. We will know soon.’

‘The Three are on their way to the Barabar Hills. The Kala Yogis have already made contact and warned them.’

‘Raakin, you will guide the Three after they have been empowered. Tara, Zubin and Akash will need training. They are familiar with the Kalingan spirit. They did well the last time … the way they faced the negative power and destroyed him in Angkor. In this era, it seems face-to-face attacks are the norm. The Three must be as courageous as they were the last time.’

‘Agreed. Times are such that we have to be even more discreet. What of the Chintamani? Should we move it to another location? If we are being watched, then moving the Chintamani fragments now will almost be like serving them up to the Kala Yogis on a platter. What do we do?’

The monk shook his head. ‘We have to wait and watch. The Kalingan will initiate contact. Unless we know the host, there is no way we can make a decision. The Three must stay in a city in India. Their powers are far more powerful together.’

Raakin agreed. ‘I will instruct them to stay in Mumbai in Tara’s house. They will need time to assimilate the powers, to understand their use. It is not easy this time. The negatives are superior and challenging. They are channelling black magic. We have to mobilize more of our protectors. The Three will need more than just their knowledge to protect themselves.’

‘They have great potential. In time, their powers will expand to suit the situation. Every era brings out the balance. If the negative energy is strong, then there will be a positive force of equal or greater strength. The Nine have not faced this kind of overt opposition in the past centuries. But this time, with the increase in strife and negativity, black magic and powerful evil tantriks, the spirit has become more powerful than it has ever been.’

‘It will be a shame if the faith is lost …’ Raakin said pessimistically.

‘There is nothing to fear. We are in the yuga where change happens in a split second. One moment there is pain and the next there is pleasure. Time is speeding up. The Three are destined for bigger things—they will show courage, maturity and capacity for sacrifice.’

Raakin was captivated by the simplicity of the monk’s words and the brilliance in his eyes. They were ancient, almost like he was over a hundred years old. Raakin felt a sense of calm spread over him. It was almost as if the monk understood his fears. ‘They will survive,’ he said with a placating smile. ‘You must not attach yourselves to them or to their destiny.’

Raakin looked away. ‘I am not attached. I am simply doing my job. We have to protect these youngsters and the legacy. It is a heavy burden to place on such young shoulders. As their warden I feel responsible for their well-being. My seniors have been successful. This will be the second time within my term that the Kalingan has surfaced. It is rare.’

‘The universe tests those who are capable of handling challenges. You are stronger than you think.’

They sat there silently for a while, both gazing at the lake before them. Mothers with their babies in strollers watched the ducks swimming towards chunks of bread tossed in their direction. Elderly people sat on the benches, indulgently watching the children play. Their voices filled the air with genuine optimism that life must go on.

‘The world is a beautiful place. It would be a shame if anything happened to ruin this innocent beauty,’ the monk said as he stood up and turned to Raakin. ‘Our blessings are with you. The Three are on their way to the Barabar Hills to gain their knowledge. They will survive this. Be strong. When we identify the Kalingan host, we shall meet.’

28

The Three

Barabar Hills

Tara, Akash and Zubin were lost in thought. Their morose expressions ranged from distracted to irritable. But underlying their discomfort was a sense of impending doom. The honour of being part of the Nine had turned into a test of strength. For generations, the powerful, invincible Nine had survived anonymously with their honour intact. They had upheld the basic tenets of the legacy. But within a short span—less than twenty years—the Nine had suddenly become vulnerable. The Three felt the burden weigh down on them.

They had converged at the appointed time and waited at the exact location, facing a massive jagged wall of rock. There was no one else around. The Barabar Hills never failed to amaze Tara. From a distance, it appeared like a sleeping giant. But up close, she could see ugly scars that cut through the beautiful rock face. Illegal mining had resulted in visible cracks on the smooth surface of this great legacy of Ashoka’s. Tara squeezed her eyes shut, feeling a rising sense of rage at the sight of this insult to a heritage site. Turning away, she recalled the first time she had entered the caves. There had been a profound silence and the flickering light of the lamps had given the interior of the cave a ghostly look. She remembered in particular the distinct echoes that had reverberated in it—an otherworldly resonance—as though hundreds of people were chanting together. It must have served well for monks.

‘Damn, it feels great to be back,’ Akash said. ‘Tara, you’re looking as hot as ever.’

She gave him a hug. ‘You haven’t changed a bit.’

He rose in the air and then came back down. ‘Of course not. I still like to fly.’

Zubin smiled. ‘You’re a real nutcase.’ They did a half-handshake, half-hug.

‘Yeah, you nerds are a joy to be with,’ Akash said with a grin. ‘If it weren’t for me, you guys would die of boredom. Hey Zubin, you got a girlfriend?’

‘No time.’ Zubin leaned against the rock face, hands in his pockets.

‘Jeez man, you can’t live like a saint, especially in La La Land! Heard the chicks are really hot out there.’

‘The dead take up too much time, my friend,’ Zubin retorted.

‘And you, Tara? Got any boyfriends? Mumbai is a happening place these days. All those Bollywood stars coming to you for help.’

‘Yes, Akash, people with mental disorders consult me. But rule of thumb—can’t date my patients. And it’s hard to date a guy whose mind is an open book to me. What to do?’ She grinned.

‘Shucks!’ Akash said. ‘Are you reading us now?’

‘Na. I’ve learned to switch off.’

‘Both of you lead such boring lives. I got me a string of ladies. Hot and happening. And right now, they are missing me and must have sent me a dozen messages on my phone, which we are not allowed to have.’

‘Yeah, you don’t want to attract the black-magic Yogis, do you?’ Zubin said. ‘Our phones will send out signals.’

They waited. ‘Where are we supposed to go?’ Akash called out impatiently. ‘Anybody home?’ He rose a few feet and knocked on the rock face.

‘Shhh,’ Tara hissed. ‘You shouldn’t be so disrespectful.’

Zubin felt the surface, searching for a way in. The rock wall offered no clue that a cave existed within it. ‘For a man of science, this is frustrating. This whole Kala Yogis, black magic and evil spirits thing … It’s very barbaric.’

‘The Seniors have explained that science and the spiritual world are connected. They are guiding us and we should have faith. If we cannot see something, that doesn’t mean it is non-existent. We can perceive more than what our senses can experience. In ancient times, we were wired on instinct. But in the modern world, logic and scientific research have taken over. The world is full of illusions; you never know what’s out there until your belief brings it into existence,’ Tara said.

‘That’s why we are all here,’ Zubin said, still searching the length of the rocky surface. ‘I don’t disbelieve. I find it hard to accept paranormal activity—like ghosts or evil spirits existing from thousands of years ago … All that is not scientifically proven.’

‘Yes, well, it is happening and we have superhuman abilities, so it’s high time you accepted this. The world has evolved, and so must mankind,’ Akash said.

‘Wow, that’s really deep!’ Tara exclaimed. ‘Looks like you’re turning into a philosopher.’

‘Raakin informed you about this location?’ Zubin asked.

They both nodded.

‘The protectors guided us to this particular location,’ Tara said.

‘I guess we just have to wait,’ Akash said and shrugged. They leaned against the wall. The sky was sprinkled with stars. The moon was a perfect circle, beautiful, like a child’s drawing. The optimism in the night sky brought hope to their confused minds.

‘You know, what’s odd is that we don’t even know the identity of the Kalingan. Yet it is so powerful that it has got its goons, the Kala Yogis, to threaten us. So, this spirit is already tracking us,’ Zubin reflected.

‘It’s crazy,’ Akash responded. ‘He could have easily killed us. Why didn’t he?’

‘I suspect he wants to face us. Warriors must face the enemy head on,’ Tara explained.

‘This time we have to destroy the Kalingan in a place where he will never rise again,’ Akash added.

‘And no human contact,’ Zubin agreed.

‘True.’

‘Did you feel that?’ Akash said, touching his ears.

‘Yes, mine feels like it’s on fire,’ Zubin said.

‘Same here,’ Tara said, pressing her hand against her ear.

Abruptly, a section of the rocky wall slid open silently as if it moved on oiled grooves.

‘Guess it’s time,’ Akash muttered. They entered cautiously. The scooped-out, smooth interior was as breathtaking as it was the last time. Akash’s ‘wow’ echoed in the calm atmosphere. The cool air was suffused with the subtle aroma of incense. They walked further inside and waited for the monk to appear. The stillness was complete. There was no lamp lighting up the cave, but the subdued moonlight enhanced the large shadows on the walls. There was a distinct lack of organic earthiness; in fact, the walls appeared to have a metallic sheen, as if they were in a spaceship. Above them, the ceiling disappeared in the darkness.

The monk was suddenly visible on the small flat surface of a rock ledge. He sat cross-legged, with a serene expression on his face. He had a child’s body and his head was clean-shaven. He wore a burgundy robe; one shoulder and an arm were bare. ‘Come. Sit,’ he said.

‘It has been a long journey … No food or drink?’ Akash asked.

Tara and Zubin glared at Akash.

The monk smiled kindly. ‘You have strong courageous souls. You have survived the test that destiny has bestowed upon you. But your karmic debts are still incomplete.’ His skin was baby smooth but he didn’t have a childlike face; in fact, he looked like he was old, almost ancient. ‘You three have served the legacy well. But there is more to do.’ He raised his hands and closed his eyes.

‘Come closer,’ the monk instructed. They approached and knelt in front of him.

‘There is so much to face …’ Tara said.

‘It is as it should be,’ the monk responded. ‘Do not be afraid, for everything has happened as it should. And will happen as it must.’

‘How do we face this spirit so that it will never return?’ Akash asked.

‘The answer will come in time. Your minds are connected in a uniquely powerful way. The power of the three of you combined is timeless, perfect.’

Zubin did not say a word. Still, the monk gazed at him. ‘Do not be afraid of that which you do not understand,’ he said. ‘The powers you will receive are immense. We know you will put them to good use.’

‘Is there a major change approaching?’ Zubin asked cautiously.

‘Change is permanent. More will happen in a short period of time. Do not cling to its effects. Let the cause and effect glide over you. Do what you must. Listen to your heart, it speaks the truth.’

‘What will become of the Nine?’ Akash asked.

‘Whatever is meant to be, will come to be. You are the active ones. The ones with physical strength. The seniors are your intellectual power. They are also guiding you. Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future—concentrate the mind on the present moment. The Nine will survive. The ancient knowledge will continue to exist. No one can destroy it.’

‘But the legacy of King Ashoka has never been this vulnerable,’ Tara dared to say.

‘You have sensed correctly. This era is rife with negative energies. They have become potent; the mind of the people has become weak, it is focused on the harmful, with easy access to sensory pleasure,’ the wise one spoke in a calm voice. He then waved his hand in front of them as if to wipe away a smokescreen. ‘But where there is black, there will be white, and where the energies dwell on the negative, there will be an equal and opposite …’ He let his words die with the unspoken message of purity and positivity.