Chapter-2

In the dayspring houses were busy making their morning tea and preparing for today. Shopkeepers were setting their stalls and some were purchasing. The streets were full of hustle and bustle. Loud neighing of horses were coming from the end of the street . As people turned they could see three big horses galloping and were approaching the streets at the speed of wind. They immediately paved the way for their commander as they could instantly recognize the mighty mascot and its master. The horses were followed by a squad of pythons. As she passed, her long hair with the scarf was waving in the wind leaving her majestic aura in the air.

They could see the flag waving in the clouds high,  piercing through the air. They slowed their pace and the horses reared on reaching the gates of imperial court .

"Respect to the commander " the soldiers guarding court gates bowed and welcomed them.

They went through the fort and the pythons stopped and assembled at the fort .

"Are we the last to reach?" Jatin asked them, staring at the big iron doors of the conference hall .

"Not really"

"I am the last to arrive". The sound was from behind them.

"Jiva ,you are here. I thought you were in". Amanya's face had a smile in a flash.

"Generals bow in respect to the crowned prince" Dhruv and Jatin placed their hands on their hearts and bowed.

" I was waiting for my little sister here." He waved at them.

"  Jiva, what's the situation now?" Amanya was anxious.

"Well last night father and I discussed it. I think we might have to yield.

Aye! didn't Jatin inform you? He was also with me in the meeting with my father."

"Amanya, prince called me yesterday and after the meeting I searched for you but you weren't in the camp so.." Jatin answered even before she could react to it.

"Ayoo, stop the chatting guys. Let's go inside. Meeting will start within five minutes" Dhruv breaked in.

"Report. The Crown prince, commander and generals of the serpent are here" she told the guard.

Drums clapped rhythmically "Crowned prince, commander and generals arrived".

The big door opened before them.

They stood before the majesty, knocked their chest with right hand striking the armor resulting in a loud clapping voice that echoed in the conference hall, accelerating intensity of the atmosphere ;

"The Serpents respect your majesty" and they bowed their heads.

"Now, since all are here. Let's start then." King Mahendra stood up from his throne and walked towards them and a servant bought his chair and placed it among them forming a circle if the door was also included.

The voting team included the voting ministers of Hiranga who had the power to both accept and reject a proposal. Any important decisions, laws whether new or old to be reformed has to be passed in this committee with majority. The majority is decided by voting in using their power points given to them according to hierarchy. That is, his majesty has the highest power point followed by crown prince and commander with equal points. And further by commander of hawks and prime minister ,general of serpents and then the ministers of court.

"Dharam, read today's topic"

"Yes my lord" Dharam stood from his chair.

"As the minister of information I hereby welcome the majesty and all the voting ministers to this committee. We called this committee to discuss the upcoming  Decade Mekong conference. The present situation is that all the other members of Mekong have unilaterally requested to reconsider our former decision of rejection. So what's next? That is the question before us."

"Vinay, as the minister of external affairs, what is your opinion?"

"Replying to my lord I think we should consider it since the Decade conference is held once in ten years and we had sent our representatives before. Also only once in a century, a country can host it so if we reject it now won't it be disrespectful."

"Good. now any against view?"

Amanya was sitting with a sore face. Even though she knew Vinay was right she still decided to stand against.

" I agree with Vinay; it would be a bit disrespectful; but My lord the security and peace that hiranga is enjoying today are the blood and sweat of snakes and hawks, their sacrifices and the rules that are as solid as rock. Don't you know what they want and their real intensions behind this request?"

Dhruv supported her "Yes my lord they just want to cultivate their spies in Hiranga by this conference. A request huh! so sincere of them." He mocked at them sarcastically.

"Ok. Since there is an against view any other comments?

Jiva what is your opinion"

"Father, I agree with both of them; though they are contradicting but it coincides at a point. that is the security of Hiranga. I think we should consider it both"

"How? do you have any solution?"

"Father since the rules prohibits entry for non Hirangans why don't we hold conference outside Hiranga?"

"You mean?'

"I mean the north west of Hiranga; the barren land used for training of soldiers occasionally. It is a land outside official boundaries of Hiranga but totally under our control after the war with Lexicons."

"Good. I liked your suggestion. I am in favor. What about others? Any better idea or favoring it?"

All the ministers waved in favor but Amanya didn't raised her hand. She was silent and was not satisfied with the conference. Dhruv and Jatin was waiting for her response.

"I am supporting Jiva's idea as it is the best possible way now but against this conference. Dhruv, Jatin"

They both immediately stood up knocked hands in chest "Yes commander, waiting for your order."

She turned towards the majesty and said in a deep voice "I Amanya as the commander of serpents hereby declare that we the serpents won't take part in the Decade Mekong conference in any form."

The iron doors opened; they turned and walked out .

"Now the heat is on" Jiva smiled.

In the hall The majesty was seated in his high throne and all the voting ministers were seated in