Beyond Great Darkness

Chapter 3 -The Adrika

"A few centuries of priestesses renewing the spells and adding their own layers of female magic to it would make for an impressive weapon." Bani added

Sapera baba- "We might never know the true origins of it. The Druhyus are considered to have been real, as far as in the middle-east – so it's possible – but we don't know. These are just assumptions and joining the stories based on what little information we can get through various texts and historical records."

Panditain continued. "Anyways, that was in the sixth century. It disappeared from view – although some have theories, and it reappeared in the hands of Berengaria – King Rishyasringa's wife. It was thought to have been given to her by her mother, who was a rather strong priestess herself, since Berengaria was to accompany King Rishyasringa to in wars. There's no evidence she ever used it, though. Berengaria retired to their family palace after Rishyasringa died.

I can bore you with lineage, but it was handed down to grand-daughters and great-grand-daughters. We then lost sight of it until 15th century and then it re-appears – although it isn't clear if it's our dagger. Several historians insist it was the Adrika dagger – but we don't have a real description and there is no tale of anyone doing anything.... magical or awe-inspiring with a dagger."

"Historians do tend to drag the most exciting thing into their accounts possible." Bani commented.

Veer- "But where is this dagger right now and how do we get it?"

Panditain- "Well about that....I have no idea."

Bani, Veer and Meera- "What!!!??"

Sapera baba-"The texts say that as per the Sarpa Satra treaty, it will be available to a deserving Naagin when required however the texts do not mention where it is or how to obtain it. I have asked for books from other temples also to see if we can find out about its location"

Bani- "Isn't it risky? Putting out our plans in open like this? We don't want our plans to reach unwanted ears.

Sapera baba- "Don't worry Aadinaagin, we have been discreet in asking about it. Also I wanted to tell you this as soon as possible so that we can start working on the elements."

Meera- "What elements?"

Panditain-" For that dagger to work, it will need blessing of the five elements."

Veer- "Which 5 elements?"

Panditain – "Five elements on which the universe is created. They are Wind, Water, Fire, Earth and Metal. Generally all 5 are not required to use Adrika and it can be used with fewer elements as well but Markaat has been blessed by Lord Shiva himself and to kill a being as powerful as her you will need all 5 elements."

Sapera baba - But you will have to be careful Aadi naagin because if the 5 elements are merged then the dagger will have the power to kill you as well if it falls in her hands. "

Veer- "They we will not use the dagger. I am not risking your life Bani."

Bani- "My life will be in danger as long as Markaat remains here Veeranshu. And our both families will be danger as well. I will have to face her one day and I would like it to be as soon as possible before she harms us anymore."

Veer- "We can try a safer way for it though. I would prefer you finding a way in which you are not in at least 20 feet radius of distance from her"

Bani- "Wish things were that easy. Right now we have a way, at least let's prepare for that we can look for alternatives in the meantime. Okay bye Veeranshu. I'll come home and talk to you." She cuts the call. "We will also take you leave now Panditain ji. Please let me know if you find something else on the Adrika dagger or its location." They bow to Lord Shiva and Panditain and Sapera baba and leave for home.

Same day evening, In Tapish's Room

A knock is heard on the door.
"It's me, Meera. Can I come in?"

"Ofcourse Meera you don't need to ask. You are always welcomed."

"Thank you. So how was your day at office?"

"It was good but tiring. Lots of work was pending since I went to office after quite few days, courtesy of my younger brother. You know the one who likes to get in trouble always, get kidnapped to the moon and stuff like that...? Yeah, the same one."

Meera couldn't help but let a few chuckles slip her lips. Tapish smiled seeing his Meera smile.

"Anyways tell me about your day, Meera."

The mood grew somber as she told him about all they had learnt at the temple today.

"Who are you and where is my Meera?" Tapish asks with a serious expression on his face.

"What!!??"

"I leave her alone for one day and my calm and shy Meera is making battle plans." He explained with a laugh.

"You...you..." She smacks him on his arm as they both dissolve into laughter.

"Anyways I came here to call you for dinner. I think Bani is right you Singhania men always distract us with your talks."

"I think you Sharma women are easily distracted because of our charming personalities." Tapish answered as they both moved out of the room for dinner.
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Author's Note- The dagger and its history are completely made up and there is no mention of it in our ancient texts as far as I know. Some names and places used in this chapter are from Indian mythology but it was used for creative purposes and not meant to offend anybody.

I know this chapter seems to be a bit of information dump but it had to be done in one go. It was not possible for me to split it up but I hope my readers will enjoy it nevertheless.

Also my fellow writers will agree on how much effort goes in creating a legend like this completely from bare bones and I really hope you guys will tell me what you think of it.

A note from Jai Mathur- Your author is still my hostage and I allowed her to write this chapter as I wanted to know what happens next, but more comments means I allow her more time to write. Author's says- Please Help!

PS- Just before posting this chapter, I saw on Instagram that Sharad and Surbhi are collaborating for another project. I am so happy to see them together on screen again.... Mein toh phuli nahi sama rahi.... Are you guys as excited as I am?

Published on- 03/03/2021