Lakshmana’s Last Stand

Book excerpt: Aryavarta, the land of Ancient India – 1300 BCE Rama has ruled for over two decades, a period that has seen remarkable prosperity and social stability in all of Aryavarta. But not for long. Rama has a premonition of a danger lurking. He has been betrayed of a long-standing peace agreement by The Chyavanas. Their cunning leader is using the Chyavanas’ wealth, weapons, and worship to further his interests. And he is also responsible for causing a brief split between Rama and Lakshmana, resulting in the latter’s exile. Meanwhile, an important visitor arrives in the capital, alerting Rama of an impending threat from foreign shores. This time it is from the highly trained renegade pirates of Ravana’s followers. This unit, The Kuberasena is already responsible for causing havoc among the ancient foreign kingdoms of Egypt, Greece, and Hittite, and has now set its sights on controlling the lucrative sea trade with Aryavarta. Kuberasena and the Chyavanas both claim common lineage from the ancient, dreaded clan of Nagvanshis. Lakshmana and Rama plan to outwit these Nagvanshis forces. But before that, Rama must find a worthy successor to his throne. Can he keep his restless scions happy? Can he overcome the Nagvanshis and defend his kingdom?