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Copyright text Kevin Missal
2017 First published in India by Kalamos Literary Services LLP.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either product of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual person, living or dead, events or locales is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise (except for mentions in reviews or edited excerpts in the media) without the written permission of the publisher.
ISBN: 978 93 8836 930 5
To every writer who has inspired me
NOTE TO THE READER
First and foremost, before you begin reading this book, I would urge you to read this note first. Itll take you less than five minutes and you will understand in what frame of mind this book was written.
This is not a historical or a modern re-adaptation of the Kalki Purana. This is a grounded fantasy book that takes inspiration from the life of Kalki, the idea of Kaliyug and other Mahabharata and Ramayan references. But it is an absolute work of fiction.
This is also a tribute to the stories and movies that I have read and seen like Star Wars, Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones. They have inspired and made me realize its not about how epic the book is, but how epic the characters in the story should be.
Thank you. You may turn the page now.
Kalki Hari sat facing the impending cold winds of the north, legs crossed together, as he prayed to Lord Vishnus idol. The wind blew harshly, whipping his wavy hair over his scarred face.
He looked up at the grandeur of the stone statue, the tall twenty feet marvel; it had four arms emanating from the muscular torso. One arm held a conch, while the others held a chakra, a mace and a lotus. The statue had a serene face; one youd think had a determined look about it.
Kalki was dwarfed in front of it, but he didnt care. He would always be small in front of Lord Vishnu. He chanted, closing his eyes. Cold didnt seep into him; didnt set off tremors deep inside his marrow, like it would to another person. He had the patience and drive for it. He had the power of Lord Vishnu in him.
Be with me.
And then he opened his eyes.
He stood up on his feet, brushing the snow from his feet, as a parrot casually landed on his bruised shoulder. He patted the bird, lightly scratching its neck. Then he reached out for the Ratna Maru sword, impaled in the frozen glacier. He pulled it out and studied the inscriptions over it. Aside from the obvious mysterious symbols on it, there was something enchanting about it. He sheathed the sword and then went for his horse, mounting it. Patting its head, he firmly grasped the reins and lightly nudged the creatures flanks. The horse was none other than Devadatta, named after a man he once knew.
The forelimbs of the horse rose up, momentarily blocking out the shape of the rising sun.
He was ready.
Fear now, for he was coming.
In the midst of the raging desert heat, Kali could see the approaching army.
Their formation was large in size and circular, almost moving like a swarm of locusts. They were systematic, as if each step was calculated in terms of advanced military strategies. For now, his spyglass was affording only a very limited degree of vision. He could see the soldiers holding shields and spears at the outer flanks of the formation, wearing heavy helmets and metal pads over their entire bodies.
How will I do this?
Thousands of plans raced in his mind, to defeat his rivals retinue of soldiers, but he lowered his spyglass, handed it over to his general Koko, and made his way to the tent. He passed the dozens of bulls he had brought over from the north to aid in his battle, but he was yet to figure out how.
The mahogany table inside the tent was placed in the centre, with maps and figures crowding the top of it. The lamp overhead burnt brightly, giving him the much needed light. He was kneeling close and studying the map intently when he heard the voice of his general.
They are here, my lord.
Damn, Kali cursed under his breath.
Has Vikoko returned?
Not yet, Koko answered placidly.
Kali wasnt astonished that despite sending over Kokos sister out in the dangerous fields to study the enemys methods and plans, Koko didnt show any signs of hesitance. They were bound by blood oath to Kali and whatever he commanded would be executed by them even if it meant risking their lives.
The tent flaps opened and he saw Vasukithe blue-eyed tribal princewith Kuvera, an obese man with a hairy mongoose wrapped around his neck, and Raktapa, with ferocious physical proportions and a bad set of teeth.
Im quite surprised you all entered together in my humble abode; given you dont have a civilized history together.
Raktapa began, Dont piss around with us, Kali. You promised us the government of Indragarh. We dont see that.
Kuvera, meanwhile, walked over to the wine glasses, near the fruit baskets, where he poured himself a drink. Im certain our dear ally doesnt want to disappoint us, since his promises have been fulfilled thus far. But I am also certain that if we lose this, there might come a time when I think, hmmm why did my people and I aid you?
Kali grinned. I dont lose.
Vasuki had a blue robe, matching his eyes. Vedantas army is reaching our base. And your people havent even mounted their horses. Ive told my men to depart instantly.
So you have come here to bid me farewell? Im sure youll miss a pretty sight if you leave early.
Im not joking, man. They are coming. And we will all be dead.
