Sun Moon & Stars Volume III Curse Of The Third-Eye

Chapter 67

The three peaks when looked at from the other side of the lake seemed very close to each other. But standing at the long path that led to Ina's tower they could see each of the peaks were at least four kilometres apart.

As they kept walking Prani explained about the intersecting bridges, the time of the morning prayer, the great dinner at the forest and petty lunches that were mostly held at the respective towers. 

"I should again remind you, that the last meal of the day is very important, as per Magri traditions. We all join at the spectrum," she pointed to a rectangular structure amidst the forest on the left, "around six in the evening."

"Who eats dinner at six?" Oishi looked baffled at the idea.

"We do, and that has been followed in Tritwa Shikhar since the third century," Prani added, a bit sternly at Oishi's intrusion. 

Behind them, Mini and Ela were quickly alarmed, for Oishi didn't like taking orders or being spoken in such a tone.

"Not a word, Oishi, I beg you," Mini whispered moving towards her.

"Don't worry, I have a better idea," Oishi's crooked smile was enough to make her sisters nervous, but before they could stop her, the damage was done.

"Hey, Prani, who decides the entrants of the towers?" Oishi asked.

"Each of the kin decides whom to grant permission to enter the respective tower," Prani took a step forward and was thrown back immediately.

She gasped quickly holding her hand and panted. She was about to enter Ina's tower when she felt a sudden burn on her hand and was jolted away.

"Oishi!" Aditya tried to intervene but Oishi didn't listen. She walked past him and stood before the main gate glaring at Prani.

"If they cannot enter your tower, you cannot enter my tower," Oishi stated. 

"Oishi, don't do this – " Aditya tried to protest but was cut off.

Oishi looked at her brother with a disapproving glance and said, "You might be an Ina's son, but I am the Ina here. I decide who enters my tower." She turned towards Prani and ordered, "Take your guards along with you, they have no work here." She took a sharp turn and strode straight in. Within seconds four men were thrown out of the tower as they came flying out of the main gate.

They looked shocked and were trembling as the aftereffect of the sudden burn.

"Prani, I think, I'll be able to show Shomak, Ragnik and Girish their rooms, why don't you help Ela and Mini find their way...,"

"Huh? Oh! Okay but what happened to Oishani?" Prani asked with deep concern.

"I'll explain in the way," Ela offered, "and you could tell Mahamaya that Oishi would directly join us at dinner."

Prani nodded. For a second she looked to be in a mess but quickly composed herself putting back her charming smile. 

She turned towards Shomak and asked, "I know I shouldn't be asking you this, but every Onkh who steps into our land needs to be tested. I would require a small vial of your blood to run some tests."

She had a pouch attached to her waist. Digging into it she took out a tiny glass vial and a sharp but ridiculously thin needle.

Shomak sighed extending his hand and pulling up the sleeve, "How exactly are you going to take the blood with that needle? Don't tell me you will be squeezing the life out of me!"

Prani smiled, "A Jayu knows three hundred different ways to use a needle as thin as this one. But I won't be drawing out your blood, I'll let Ela do it." She handed the needle over to Ela who hesitatingly took it. "I feel you will be more conformable."