Recap:
Valli, a fortune teller, narrates the intertwined destinies of Narobha, a robber of divine origin, and Tara, forced to marry the tyrant Tungabhadra. Guided by the cunning Brahmin Narayana Bhattar, Narobha seeks power. At a religious gathering orchestrated by Tungabhadra and Mahakala, Narobha becomes obsessed with Queen Tara and plots to assassinate the king with a magical Keris. In his haste, Narobha murders the keris maker and steals the unfinished weapon, which is now cursed.
Chapter 11/26: Keris’s Hunger
Part 1/2 of the novella ‘The cursed keris of Taravati’
Valli poured water from the brass jug into a bamboo tumbler, drank, and exhaled a sigh.
“O, you with teeth of perfect grace, listen to this – there are different addictions for different people: land, gold, women. But the addiction that brings everything is the power to rule. The influence of power is all-encompassing. We saw this in the case of your husband, Tungabhadra.
A thug simply crushed a priest’s family as if it were his right. He married a young girl to boast of his conquest, never considering her feelings. Would she ever live happily with the man who abducted her, who murdered her father, and whose actions were cursed by her father? Yet, the power of ruling promises everything. When unchallenged, everything within reach becomes one’s own possession.
There was no one, dear queen, to lend an ear to your lament, to sit and console you, or even simply to listen to your pain. Your suffering yielded no solace. Your husband’s malevolence ultimately made you a survivor.”
Another man was consumed by the addiction to power. Narobha retrieved the half-forged keris and concealed it in his dwelling in Taravati.
Meanwhile, Narayana Bhattar and Narobha began to spread rumors about the existence of a magical Keris. In temples, monasteries, bars, and markets—everywhere—Narobha’s magical Keris became a subject of discussion. Various myths embellished the original tale.
“If the evil Narobha throws his keris, everyone says it will kill seven people before returning to him,” Kesi Mami, a resident of Taravati, confided to Janaki Mami, as they walked to the Manvi River for water.
Narayana Bhattar was pleased that the keris and Narobha had become the talk of the town. Meanwhile, news of this buzz reached the Palace. While Tungabhadra was preoccupied with supporting the Kaniyan Koothu festival, a celebration inherited from Tamil land, intended to appease the graveyard deity Sudalai Madan and thus the people, he remained unaware of the keris increasing popularity. Even if he had known, his reaction was uncertain – puppets are controlled and cannot think for themselves..
As everyone talked about keris, most of the residents wanted to touch and feel it, some of them wanted to possess it as well. Narobha’s friend, Nagalingam, fearing he would be left out of something significant, came to his hut to negotiate its purchase.
Valli observed, “People like Nagalingam are often the biggest losers. Tempt them, and they will be eager to be manipulated to spend their money, my queen! Ultimately, they become the architects of their own financial ruin.”
Narobha negotiated and rented the keris for a hefty fee. Nagalingam, pleased with his acquisition, took it everywhere, making sure to display it prominently.
It became yet another topic of town gossip. Janaki Mami was washing her vessels behind her house when Kesi Mami came to fetch water from the well. “Did you hear?” Kesi exclaimed. “Narobha is no longer all-powerful. His strength resided in that magical Keris, and now Nagalingam possesses it. He might even challenge the king!”
Still unclear about the excitement surrounding the keris, Janaki Mami vigorously scrubbed her brass vessel with tamarind. However, something turned up that night that even made Janaki Mami ponder the keris.
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Note:
- This fiction is a retelling of a mythology.
- Images generated with ImageFx of Google Gemini.
- Awkward sentences are removed by AI for a smoother reading experience.
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Wow, this chapter was an absolute rollercoaster! The way power and its allure are depicted through Narobha and Tungabhadra is both chilling and captivating. Valli’s narration adds such depth, making the reader feel the weight of Tara’s suffering and the town’s obsession with the keris. The transformation of the keris into a symbol of power and the ensuing gossip highlight how myths can shape reality. Nagalingam’s eagerness to possess the keris, only to become a pawn in the larger game, was both amusing and tragic. The societal commentary woven into the narrative is brilliant, reflecting on how people can be manipulated by rumors and desires. The dialogues between Kesi Mami and Janaki Mami provide a relatable touch, grounding the mythical elements in everyday life. The suspense built around the keris’s influence keeps me hooked, eager to see how it all unfolds. Your storytelling masterfully blends mythology with human psychology. Can’t wait to read the next installment and see where this tale leads! Keep up the fantastic work!
Thank you for your in-depth reading and insightful feedback on every aspect of this chapter. Your engagement with this series is truly appreciated. You mentioned about manipulation of groups – it certainly still occurs, perhaps through different means. The ability to gather and influence people creates a power center, and as Mr Spider man wisely said, “With great power comes great responsibility”, a lesson often forgotten. Nagalingam has a special place in my heart. I’ve often felt like him, a winged-termite flying towards a lamp light out of ecstasy! Thank you once again for your support, I’m grateful.
The Spider-Man quote hits home—such timeless wisdom, and so apt for the world you’re building in this series. I absolutely felt the weight and nuance of that theme while reading. And Nagalingam—what a beautifully tragic image, that of a winged termite chasing the light. He’s a character that lingers, and it’s no surprise he holds a special place in your heart. Thank you for crafting such layered storytelling. I’m looking forward to what comes next!
I am getting extremely disgusted by Narayana Bhattar’s character. Narobha continues to move towards his fate. This story gets more intriguing! Love your writing !
Those pulling the strings operate in shadows. Their pawns be blamed, but they will gain the advantages. Your comment is truly energizing. Thank you so much.
This chapter had such a strong emotional pull—Jarita’s conflicted loyalty and her silent act of defiance added so much depth. The contrast between the villagers’ growing fear and the unchecked power of the keris is building real tension. I also really liked how you showed the subtle shifts in control, especially with Rajan’s chilling transformation
Thank you for your insightful comment. I share your concerns about their actions. Their gradual push towards something, combined with the villagers’ excitement and the unchecked power of the Keris (though it was checked against Maran Sathan!), elevates the story to next stage. I hope you enjoyed it. Your comment is truly encouraging. Thank you.
Ok, what i do not understand is, if Narobha is to become the greatest why has he been provided with an evil mentor. Somehow i feel Narobha should, by now be doing something positive
Narayana is cunning, but not evil, from my perspective as a reader. Tungabhadra and Narobha are the truly evil ones. I’m glad your wish for Narobha to do good – let it come true. It’s clear you connect with the characters, and your concern shows that bond. You’ve read so deeply. Thank you.
Story is getting more interesting as each day goes by…images are just stunning…and no mind map today?
Thank you for your continued support. I just realized, thanks to your comment, that the mind map is missing. It seems there was a mistake.
Now the keris is becoming more popular and I think it has already become the talk of the town, thus bringing more attention to it and more conspiracies to take place soon.
Narayana believes influencing public opinion is crucial for Narobha’s success. In deed his efforts are gaining traction. Thank you for reading and commenting; your support is greatly appreciated.
Ah whatva strategy. I think I am anticipating something here but will wait till it unfolds on its own. Heading to the next now!
Strategy: Even today, nothing has changed. People are still being manipulated, and agents are paid to create and spread certain narratives. Ultimately, individuals like Nagalingam, Kesi, and Janani become the victims.
Your anticipation: I understand that to some extent. Hopefully, today’s post will clarify things. 🙂
Thanks a lot. Without support, A2Z completion is impossible.