‘Is this the person? You think I should break the rules for the Prince of Ayodhya?’ ‘This is very important, Major Uma,’ said Divodas. Uma, standing outside her office, sighed. Followed by Shiva, Parvateshwar, Bhagirath, Drapaku and Purvaka. The small cutter had just docked at the Branga office. ‘I’ll come back with the person who is more important than the Queen of the Nagas herself,’ said Divodas, turning to leave. An angry and bitter Uma, incapable of listening to reason. The snide pun on Kashi’s name convinced Divodas that he was facing a changed Uma. ‘I suggest you turn back and shine your supreme light somewhere else.’ ‘Kashi has really improved your sense of humour, Divodas,’ sneered Uma. ‘I’m carrying someone far more important than the Queen of the Nagas.’ ‘Unless you are carrying the Queen of the Nagas herself on one of your ships, I can’t see anything important enough to let you through!’ ‘Major Uma, it is very important that I meet the King. ‘Really? I guess the King has some important business dealings with Kashi, right?’ĭivodas breathed in deeply. ‘I have to meet the King on a matter of national importance.’

You suffer the consequences of your choice.’ĭivodas realised this was getting nowhere. ‘You think those who live in Branga don’t? You think we don’t love our children? Yet we choose to live in our own land. You know the risks to the life of my child in Branga.’ ‘Why would I need a reason to enter my own country?’

‘I can’t let you go back unless you give me a good reason.’

Shiva trilogy the secret of nagas