Amrendra

AMRENDRA

More Tales of the Southern Kingdoms

by Barbara G. Tarn

***

Barbara G.Tarn copyright © 2014

electronic edition by Unicorn Productions

July 2014

***

Table of Contents

The Northern Warrior

The Jesters

Twin Royalty

The Conspiracy

***

The Northern Warrior

Welcome back, oh Mighty Prince Heir!

Shut up, Ajay! Rohit chuckled and locked his cousin in a bear hug. Missed your irony...

It's called wits, dear Rohit. Since this kingdom has two heirs, one has to be smarter, Ajay replied, patting his back.

Rohit let him go to glare at him. One day... he threatened.

What? Ajay asked with his most innocent smile. I'm one day older than you, pity my father was born after yours!

Rohit dismissed the claim with a shrug. Amrendra mostly followed the southern traditions and culture but differed from the others for two main things: it was blessed with four seasons – instead of three led by monsoon rains – and with twin royals, so there were often two interchangeable kings.

At the moment the reigning monarch was Daruka Dahana – Daruka being Rohit's father, and Ajay's father, Dahana, identical twins who'd had their firstborn one day apart, which made the cousins almost twins.

So, what happened at the palace while I was gone? Rohit asked. Did you manage to seduce Chandra?

Ah, yes. Ajay looked in the distance with a blissful expression. Worth every minute, every hour... He focused on his cousin again. But you're the one who went hunting for a bride. How are the other southern courts?

Walk with me. Rohit grabbed his cousin's arm, and as they strolled through the stately corridors of the royal palace, the prince told of his trip to the other kingdoms that had kept him away from his father's palace for nearly three months.

Soon Ajay would leave for his own tour, since Amrendra had officially two prince heirs in need of a bride, but Rohit would always be the main heir, much like his father was the main king. Rohit's firstborn – twins, he hoped – would inherit the Amrendran throne.

Rohit had met the princesses of Gajendra, Akkora, Arquon, Rajendra and the neighboring kingdom, Lakeshi.

I can tell you I don't like Prem of Gajendra, he confided to Ajay. His sister has lovely golden hair, but the thought of such a haughty brother-in-law... He shivered in disgust. All of the princesses were smitten with him, but he obviously didn't consider any of them.

Yes, he came here, and wasn't impressed with Kareena or my sisters, either, Ajay said as they crossed a sunny courtyard. So did you travel with him or...?

I reached the Lakeshian court at the same time as him. For me it was the last stop of the tour, for him the second, but he left the morning after. Rohit shrugged. So I had time to talk to the princesses. I like Laxmi, and she liked me enough after haughty Prem's rejection, so...

You found your bride! Ajay enthused. What about her sister, is she still available?

Uh, no, I'm afraid she'll be sent to Arquon. When I left, Prince Suresh had showed up. Maybe one of the Akkoran princesses is still available. Jaya would make for wild nights – but I'd be worried she would soon tire of me and goes looking for some other sport. Soraya... maybe.

And Rajendra?

Ashrita is blind, but her sister Nisha is lovely.

I guess I'll see for myself soon... Ajay sighed. Where are we going?

I've missed Master Hiro's lessons. Rohit grinned as they passed through a porticoed building that led to the courtyard where the foreign sword-master exercised every day. I bet you skipped all his lessons while I was away.

I'd rather use my wits than my sword-arm, Ajay retorted. I'm your sparring partner, but if you're not here, I don't see why I should exert myself.

Rohit chuckled as they entered the courtyard and stopped. Blades clung and it took them a moment to find the duelists. Rohit saw his almond-eyed sword teacher but didn't recognize his sparring partner.

Who is that? he asked Ajay, frowning in the sun and observing the sword dance of the two men who waltzed around each other with grace.

Someone who came here and asked for him a couple of months ago, Ajay replied. Saved me from my exercises since Master Hiro had a new sparring partner.

Rohit glared at him. You're a lazy bum! You could have used that time to become more proficient!

And then what, beat you, oh Mighty Prince Heir? Ajay teased. I know you didn't have time to practice – and I didn't want to humiliate you when you came back.

Rohit rolled his eyes and went back to watching the duel. It was almost over, though, and the sparring partners bowed at each other before heading for the two elegant young men.

Welcome back, Prince Rohit, Hiro said. Was your journey productive?

I found what I was looking for, Rohit answered with a curt bow to his teacher. Did you take on a new student?

This is Gaia, who came here to discuss my wretched cousin and then stayed to learn a few new tricks.

I know something about wretched cousins. Rohit said with a glance at Ajay who chuckled, then nodded at Gaia. The foreigner must be young since he didn't need to shave. He had long, light-brown hair like most barbarians from the north. Rohit knew Hiro had a half-blood cousin who lived in the neighboring Gallian Kingdom, and assumed the young sparring partner must come from the same place. There weren't many blue-eyed people in the southern kingdoms – except Gajendra.

Welcome, Gaia. Will you be staying long?

No, I leave now if you want, Gaia answered. Definitely a boy's voice, but he'd looked quite good with his straight sword. Even against Hiro's curved blade. Sorry, not good at your language yet.

Not bad after two months. Hiro smiled fondly at Gaia. It's easier than the Islands Empire's language.

Still much different from Gallian, Gaia insisted.

I think you're doing fine, Rohit said. I have never bothered learning the northern languages, since there is no communication or trade between us.

It's because you think they're barbarians and they think the same of you, Hiro said with a smile.

"What? But they are barbarians! Rohit protested. Long hair, long beards, no bath chambers, ugly, dirty towns – your words..."

Much harsher climate, much colder winters, much more hostile environment. Yes, yes, Hiro continued.

"So why do they consider us barbarians?"

Not barbarians, but weak and lascivious, Gaia said.

Rohit stared at him shocked, then frowned. Would you like to try my weakness in battle?

I not speak for me, but for my people, Gaia replied. I'm here to learn. Can I stay?

Rohit glared at him, but the boy simply grinned.

Well, show me you haven't forgotten what I taught you, Hiro said. Fight with Gaia.

Why would I fight a boy half my age? Rohit protested.

Hiro raised his eyebrows and Rohit knew better than argue with his sword-teacher. He snorted and unsheathed his saber.

Gaia unsheathed his sword and bowed. Rohit attacked, but Gaia parried and then fought back. The boy might be young, but he definitely knew how to handle his northern blade. Rohit was impressed by the boy's prowess.

Ajay, you take Gaia's place, Hiro ordered. You both need a lot of practice.

Ajay moaned, but obeyed. Rohit felt more confident with his usual sparring partner and the mock duel ended quickly with Ajay's defeat.

***

"So, what do you think of