The princess of Ethar

The empire of Ethar was divided into 5 states which. The capital of the empire where the Emperor and the Royal family resided was naturally protected by High snow-capped mountains in the North, Desert on the West and Dense forest on the East. Large ocean bodies protected it from the south.

Horses, camels and Water Vessels were used to travel to the different parts of the world from the Capital. It was a tradition that the emperor, once he ascended to the throne had to travel to the different states. Vayuvijay knew that once the naming ceremony of his little girl was completed, he needed to embark on his voyage around Ethar and meet the people and the heads of the different states.

It would take him atleast four years to complete his voyage around Ethar. Zaidee and Zayden were the farthest from the Capital. The two states were exactly on the opposite part of the world and had large oceans on their east and west. They were joined to each other by a narrow strip of land. Zaidee was in the north and Zayden was a V-shaped landmass on the south. Zaidee had developed comparatively faster than the other states. The mild climate and level topography made most of the people flock to this state. Zaidee had the highest numbers of Brahmins. Zaidee had produced three Emperors and two prime ministers already, lagging only behind Kaivalya and the Capitol itself. Zayden on the other hand was still developing. Major part of the state was covered by dense rain forest around the widest river of Ethar. The state was developing and Vayu knew that he needed to aid Zayden more since Zaidee was already nearly equal to Capital in terms of development.

Vayu had decided that he shall visit Zayden first then travel to Zaidee. Then he would cross the cold ocean and reach Nazan. Similiar to Zaidee, Nazan had also developed at a striking rate. The population of Nazan had more Kshatriyas and Vaishyas than the Capital. However the Brahmins were very few, and they preferred to live in the small inverted T-shaped island located to the north of Nazan. The Brahmins of Nazan were disliked by the rest because of their pompous and arrogant nature. Vayu often felt that since his father in law had stayed for nearly five years in Nazan he had unknowingly adopted their Brahmin demeanour.

After Nazan he had planned to visit Kaanan. Kaanan was also located on the east of the cold ocean and to the south of Nazan. The population of Kaanan had a permanent hindrance in the form of the huge rain forest. The rain forest was the main cause of the different disease that had evolved and his health preserver friends were always complaining about it. Kaanan was the only other state that Vayu had visited. He had wanted to become a health preserver and therefore he and Parikshit had been sent to carry out some research in Kaanan. He had realized then that Kaanan needed advance technology and sanitary upgradation to liberate its people from the clasp of disease and malnutrition.

He had therefore decided that he shall stay in Kaanan and Zayden for six months each and assign Zaidee and Nazan three each. His council of ministers, except for his prime minister were shocked at his decision. The council of ministers along with the advisor were supposed to accompany the emperor in his voyage around Ethar. The prime minister was to take over the functions of the Emperor during such period of his absence.

Manyata knew why her husband wanted to stay for so long at Kaanan and Zayden. Unlike the rest, who preferred staying in the lavish and comfortable states of Zaidee and Nazan and relax, enjoying the treats offered to them, her husband wanted to improve the condition of Zayden and Kaanan. Vayuvijay had understood that unless he spent a longer period in those states, he wouldn't understand the plights of its people. Manyata respected his decision and felt proud of him, but somewhere as a wife it bothered her. Kaanan and Zayden had the highest mortality rate. Kaanan was known for being the birth place of most diseases and Zayden had a very high crime rate. She was worried about her husband's safety, but decided not express it.

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The little baby it seemed, had brought limitless merriment and happiness in the castle. The castle was always ringing with laughter as her antiques drove everyone mad yet, they loved the little child.

"She is quite a handful," Vayu's mother huffed, as she tried to make the baby sit in one place. The child was now four months old but had already started to crawl. She had already crawled out of the room once because of the careless maid.

"That she is," replied Shantipriya. Vayu's mother Shakuntala was known to be a very dominating and stubborn woman, whereas his father Dharmeshnath was a very calm and docile individual. Shantipriya, Shivashakti, Shakuntala and Dharmeshnath were all in the baby's room. They loved spending time with their mischievous granddaughter.

"Dharmeshji may I have a word with you," said Shiva.

"Yes, ofcourse brother." Replied Dharmeshnath.

The two gentleman walked outside the room to the large corridor. The corridor was lined with the residing chambers of the royal family on one side and on the other side it had huge arch openings which lead to the balcony overlooking the beautiful garden. The gentlemen walked to the balcony and Shakti made sure nobody was nearby to eavesdrop in their conversation.

"They are still unaware of the prophecy," Shiva told Dharmesh "Don't you think it would be prudent to tell them. Surely you have also noticed that this child is gifted."

"I have sensed it, yes." Dharmesh replied pensively, "the child possess immense strength and her growth is faster than any normal baby," he continued "but I donot want to destroy her childhood by telling them the prophecy." "I want her to growup like the rest of the children."

"You surely don't expect that, Vayu will not do anything to prevent the prophecy from coming true even if it means risking his own life." Shiva asked challengingly.

"Yes, he will. He will want her to have a full life, but if we disclose the truth to him then he will do anything in his power to curb all her activities." Replied Dharmesh. He knew his son was a good man, rather a great man, but he also knew that his son would not let anything come in between him and his daughter. Vayu had already jokingly said once that if anybody even raises a finger at his daughter he will break it. He didn't want his son to become paranoid which, he knew would affect his administration. The people of Ethar had started seeing her as the worthy successor to the throne once Vayu retired. After all she was the child of the two most intelligent Brahmins that walked Ethar ever. But if the prophecy ever was disclosed then she may not get a chance to know her strengths and weakness.