The Journey and the Jolt

Vikram era:-6 Shraavana 1626 (15 JULY 1569),?????

Siddharth again woke to a sudden jolt, an unexpected movement that made him feel a slight, constant swaying he couldn't control. As he oriented himself, he wondered why he had fallen asleep last time so fast. Could it be due to his low stamina as a fetus? As he pondered this, his info system chimed in, providing an unexpected explanation.

"Since the system basically operates parasitically, it utilizes residual energy from digestion, respiration, and other bodily processes to charge," the system explained. "Currently, it's fully charged, though the recharge rate is quite low. It can operate continuously for up to 200 days under current conditions."

Amazed by this revelation, Siddharth began exploring the capabilities of his information system. To his surprise, it was capable of holographic and augmented reality projections on a very small scale, up to 5 square meters. 

The system was equipped with an astonishing array of information that felt almost like cheating—it included everything from how to invent numbers to crafting a computer without electricity, smelting techniques, and even detailed schematics and technological progressions ranging from making a simple glass pane to creating a smartphone.

With all this knowledge at his beck and call, Siddharth felt a mix of excitement and overwhelm. He contemplated the immense potential that lay before him, then closed the interface of the info system with a mere thought and opened his minimap to ascertain his current location.

As he examined the minimap, he realized he was part of a procession or caravan, likely a royal entourage, given the number of wagons and palanquins surrounding him, along with a sizable contingent of armed individuals, presumably royal guards. Siddharth wondered about their destination when it struck him—this could be the old custom where a wife returns to her maternal home for the birth of her first child.

While he was contemplating this, he noticed that he could also hear sounds from outside, though muffled. Though he could still not understand the language of the voices, he could infer that , There was some female grumbling nearby, another gentle voice which seemed to be of his mother who seemed to be consoling that person, and the sounds of laughter and banter at a distance. Observing this, Siddharth smiled, reassured that he would be in good hands once he was born.

Just as he was about to close the minimap interface, a sudden shift caught his attention. To his horror, he saw a large number of crimson red dots appearing at the edge of the minimap's range. This climactic reveal hinted at an impending threat, casting a shadow over the festive atmosphere of the procession.

Frozen with the startling discovery, Siddharth watched anxiously as the red dots began to move closer, signaling danger. As the dots converged towards the caravan, he realized the gravity of the situation unfolding. This wasn't just any threat; it appeared to be a planned attack.

The royal caravan had been traveling for half a day, making its way through the dense forests and winding paths that led to Patliputra. The sun was high in the sky, casting dappled light through the canopy above. Nayana Pala Gupta, the queen, rested in her carriage, feeling the occasional sway as the driver carefully navigated the uneven terrain. Her handmaid and closest aide, Sonakshi, sat beside her, stifling a yawn.

Sonakshi peered out of the carriage, the monotonous journey having taken its toll on her patience. "I can't believe we're only halfway there," she sighed, leaning back. Her eyes fell on Vardhaman, the royal vice commander, who rode alongside them on horseback, his posture alert and vigilant.

Deciding to alleviate her boredom, Sonakshi called out, "Vardhaman! How is it up there? Must be more exciting than being stuck in here."

Vardhaman glanced over, a smile touching his lips. "It's not too bad, Lady Sonakshi. But I wouldn't say it's exciting either. Just keeping an eye out for any trouble."

"Why isn't the commander here?" she asked, her tone light but with a hint of genuine curiosity. "Shouldn't he be the one guarding the queen directly?"

Vardhaman's smile turned into a smirk. "The commander feels he's too important to babysit a bunch of ladies. He believes it's beneath him. So, the duty falls to me."

Sonakshi rolled her eyes. "Shantaghna is always full of himself. It's a wonder he hasn't tripped over his own ego yet."

Vardhaman chuckled. "Indeed. But it's no matter. I'm honored to serve her majesty and ensure her safety."

Sonakshi's curiosity was piqued. "Vardhaman, I've known you for years, yet I know so little about you. How did you end up here, in the queen's service?"

Vardhaman's expression softened. "It's a long story. I come from a humble background, a poor family with little to our name. I was determined to change my fate, so I trained hard, both in swordsmanship and administration. My efforts didn't go unnoticed, and under the king's regime, I was given the position of Samantavratadhara. It's an honorary title, non-inheriting, but it's a significant position for someone of my standing."

Sonakshi's eyes widened. "That's impressive, Vardhaman. Truly. I've always admired your dedication and skill."

Vardhaman nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Lady Sonakshi. And what about you? How did you come to be at the queen's side?"

A nostalgic smile crossed Sonakshi's face. "I was an orphan, picked up by the queen herself. She found me when I had nothing and no one. She took me in, gave me a home, and I've been by her side ever since. I owe her everything."

As they talked, the queen listened with a contented smile, her eyes closed as she rested. She was relieved to hear Sonakshi engaged in pleasant conversation, as her handmaid's constant complaints of boredom had worn thin.

"It sounds like we both owe a lot to her majesty," Vardhaman remarked. "She has a way of seeing potential in people and lifting them up."

Sonakshi nodded. "She does. I just hope I can repay her kindness by serving her well."

"You already do, Sonakshi. Your loyalty and dedication are evident to everyone," Vardhaman assured her.

They continued their conversation, exchanging stories and learning more about each other. The sun began to lower in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the landscape. The sounds of the forest accompanied their journey, creating a serene backdrop for their exchange.

Suddenly, the carriage hit a bump, causing it to jolt violently. Sonakshi, caught off guard, nearly fell out of the carriage, but Vardhaman was quick to react. He reached out and caught her, steadying her before she could fall.

"Careful!" Vardhaman exclaimed, his voice filled with concern as he gently helped Sonakshi back into her seat. "Are you alright?"

Sonakshi nodded, a little shaken but grateful. "Yes, thank you, Vardhaman. That was close."

Vardhaman turned his attention to the driver, his expression stern. "Watch where you're going! We cannot afford such carelessness with the queen and her handmaid on board."

The driver nodded vigorously, muttering apologies as he tried to navigate the rough terrain more carefully.

Nayana, listening to their exchange, felt a warmth in her heart. She was glad Sonakshi had found someone she could converse with freely, someone who could keep her spirits high during the long journey. She hoped this connection would blossom into something more, bringing happiness to both their lives.

As they neared the final leg of their journey to Patliputra, the mood in the caravan was light, filled with laughter and the comfort of newfound friendships. But little did they know, a threat loomed at the edges of their peaceful march, ready to shatter their tranquility.