his men. “I dreamed that at the moment of my healing three weeks ago, a sacred fire ignited within me. In its molten center, Chandika took wondrous shape.” An eerie collective moan rose into the still air. “People of my heart,” Ushana continued hoarsely, “Chandika came to tell me she no longer thirsts for blood!”

The midget’s face warped with hatred. Suddenly he hurled his spear at Ushana. Without thinking, Ishvari threw herself at Ushana. They both fell to the ground as the spear whizzed harmlessly over their heads to pierce the trunk of a tree. Ivory sap flowed from the fresh wound. Only the boy’s retching sobs broke the stunned silence. Leaping to his feet, Ushana seized the midget’s neck with one massive hand. “Chandika warned me, Bodhav,” he announced, sha...

Please subscribe to keep reading.