Princess Athmika

Athmika, the 23-year-old heroine of our story and youngest of King Veerenda's children, is a sword. An ornate sword worn by the gentle nobility for state occasions, but one which still is sharp and deadly when the need arises. She is a cheerful, kind girl, who is happiest when she plays with her pet hawk or snakes-and-ladders with her sister. During the year when terrible events occur due to an old curse, the innocent and playful girl transforms into a woman of fire and steel.

Ancient Vindara

 

Kingdom of Vindhara, and its capital Ninyastala. King Veerandra rules over this place.

Varsha Ritu – The Monsoon

Trumpeting elephants charge and roar,

In the darkening fields of the sky,

Their silver tusks flash and light

Both tower and hovel alike.

The crows flee to their nests,

The startled infant howls until

He can silently sip on her nipple,

The shutters rattle; the rain pours.

All work ceases except in the kitchens,

Chess is forgotten and the steaming

Bowls of rice and roasted fowl beckon,

The year’s harvest is promised too.

The lady stares through dripping windows,

Lovers are soldiers somewhere else,

The king from his lonely tower,

Waits for news and the rains to cease.

Peafowls celebrate their mating season,

Bullfrogs sing their usual song,

The serpent seeks protection within,

And careless prey that stray that way.

Amulets

 

King Veerendra

 

King Veerendra on his Sarpasana (Snake throne) .
The pencils are done by Danilo Guida and colors by Sumit Roy.
The Serpent in the shadow of the throne