Be a lord in the world of Indian mythology

Chapter 48 1. Unaware

The normally docile and easily soothed steeds and camels were now all uneasy and extremely agitated.

They pawed at the ground incessantly, panting heavily, shaking their heads and tails, their ears perked up alertly, and occasionally letting out an uneasy hiss.

Even though the people rushing to catch them tried everything, gently soothing them and offering them their favorite salt cakes and sweet water, it had no effect.

The animals remained tense, their limbs trembling, their eyes filled with fear, as if something lurked around them that terrified them.

Gantan, who claimed to be fluent in animal language and able to communicate with livestock, trotted up to Vijay, Vilandra, and their purpose. His expression was grave, and his tone carried an undisguised unease: "Shiva, my lords, something is wrong. They are afraid, very afraid!"

Vijay frowned and looked around.

It was already half dark, and the surroundings were eerily quiet. There were no birdsong or insect chirps. All that could be seen were low, withered, and strangely shaped trees with twisted branches, grayish-white in color, and not a single leaf. The air was thick with a deathly stillness.

But the more calm there is on the surface, the more uneasy one feels.

"What good is fear?" Vilandra said in a deep voice. "It's already this late. We can't set off under the cover of night. This road is rugged and difficult to travel, and visibility is extremely poor at night. Even if we light torches, the danger is much greater than during the day. If the mules, horses, camels, or oxen sprain their legs, or if the vehicles overturn and the goods are damaged, it will only bring more trouble to the entire caravan and delay us even more! So tonight, no matter what, we can only rest here."

His words made a lot of sense, and everyone understood them, but the unease in their hearts did not diminish at all.

Vijay pondered for a moment and made arrangements: "In that case, move all the oxcarts and horse-drawn carts over here to form a sturdy ring around the perimeter. Place all livestock, personnel, and supplies inside the ring to strengthen defenses. Everyone, please take turns on duty tonight and stay vigilant."

"I will also chant Brahma's prayers for everyone to dispel evil spirits and calm their minds." As he spoke, his voice carried a unique calming power, which soothed the panicked hearts of the crowd.

Since things have come to this, this is the only way.

The group immediately took action, following Vijay's instructions, using the carriages and horses as a barrier to form a circle and protect the core area.

Someone lit a campfire, and the flames danced in the dark night, becoming the only light and warmth in this desolate valley.

His eyes hovered by the campfire as he softly chanted a prayer. A faint spiritual light emanated from him, enveloping the entire camp and bringing a sense of peace to everyone.

That night, no one dared to truly sleep.

The team was divided into three shifts, each with guards and servants armed and vigilantly patrolling the area around the camp.

The campfire burned brightly, the firewood crackling and scattering the darkness and cold, and also deterring unknown dangers to some extent.

As the head of the caravan, Vijay was not required to participate in guard duty according to his status, but he was filled with doubts and unease and could not fall asleep at all.

While Vilandra was arranging the guard duties and meditating with his eyes closed, Vijay quietly moved aside, avoiding everyone's gaze, and crept to the other side of the campfire.

Bim stood alone by the campfire, gently poking at the flames with a dry twig to keep the fierce mountain winds from extinguishing the last bit of light and heat.

In this desolate valley, these few campfires are the last sense of security for everyone.

No one knew that the core of this mysterious trade route to the East actually depended entirely on this seemingly inconspicuous and taciturn old servant.

Vijay walked up to Beam and stopped.

Bim noticed someone approaching, quickly looked up, saw it was Vijay, and immediately tried to get up to greet him.

Vijay quickly reached out and waved his hand gently, indicating that he didn't need to be so polite or make a sound. Then he sat down next to Bim by the campfire.

Once he was sure no one was paying attention to the corner, Vijay lowered his voice and fired off a barrage of questions at a volume only the two of them could hear. These were questions that had been nagging at him for a whole day.

"What's the situation in Mohenjo-daro? How does the young lord know about our Mittal family, and even the secret trade route to the east?"

"What exactly is the 'Ointment for the Dead'?"

"How much longer will it take to complete this journey?"

A barrage of questions followed, Vijay's eyes fixed on Bim, filled with eagerness and anticipation.

Bim was taken aback by the barrage of questions. He opened his mouth as if to answer, but in the end, he only showed an embarrassed and bewildered expression and slowly shook his head.

"By Brahma, my lord, forgive my ignorance, but I truly know nothing of these matters." Bim's tone was sincere, without any concealment. "In the past, when my master led his caravans, they always traveled along wide, flat roads, only passing through the territory of Mohenjo-daro. They never entered the city proper, nor did they ever stay there for a single night!"

"Neither the old master nor the young master seemed to like this city very much. Every time they passed by, they would try to leave as quickly as possible."

Vijay frowned slightly and continued to press, "So, when you passed through here again on your return journey, did you notice anything unusual? For example, did strangers quietly approach the caravan, or did my great-grandfather or grandfather have any secret contact or clandestine transactions with anyone?"

Bim lowered his head, closed his eyes, and tried hard to recall events from many years ago. His brows furrowed slightly, and his face showed a thoughtful expression. After a long while, he managed to recall some fragmented memories.

"When we went there, I didn't feel anything unusual, but on the way back, every time we passed the village near Mohenjo-daro, the old master would order that a market be opened in the village for a day or two so that we could exchange goods with the local merchants and villagers..."

Vijay nodded slightly, as if he had understood something.

Although there is no evidence, it is almost certain that his great-grandfather and grandfather did have some kind of secret agreement and deal with the lord of Mohenjo.

However, these matters were extremely secretive, and the older generation never mentioned them to outsiders. Even Bim, who followed them, did not know the specific details!

Thinking of this, Vijay sighed helplessly again.

It's understandable that your elders would do this, but you should at least pass down the secret!

Even the Kshatriyas (goddesses) passed this down in their families, and even an heir who hasn't yet ascended to a high position can talk about it...

A perfectly good skill has been lost in our own family!

What should I, as a descendant, do?