There were five leaders of the Panchayat sitting under the old banyan tree, while a crowd had gathered around to see what was happening. Some looked confused, others concerned about the outcome of this sudden Panchayat session. The air was filled with murmurs and gossip.
Crowd Person 1: What's this sudden Panchayat meeting for?Crowd Person 2: I heard we're going to be forced to live here forever.Crowd Person 1: What are we supposed to do now?Crowd Person 3: No, no—you're wrong! I heard that a top state official herself has come to town to help us!Crowd Person 2: What if her decision only makes things worse? She doesn't even know our town properly!
The crowd's chattering grew louder and louder. Nearby, two wealthy merchants stood beside the people, watching with evil, greedy smiles. Their names were Dhanraj Seth and Rajendra Vora. They seemed to share a dark secret and a hidden plan.
Tara could hear the whispers about her—people mocking her because she wasn't from the town, and because she was a young woman trying to solve such a serious problem.
One of the Panchayat leaders noticed her frustration and quickly shouted for silence.
Panchayat Leader 1: SILENCE! The Panchayat is starting now!
The crowd fell silent.
Tuo stepped forward and asked,
Tuo: What's the reason everyone is leaving this town? And why are no travelers or guests visiting anymore?
Everyone remained silent, until one of the leaders finally spoke.
Panchayat Leader 2: I might get into trouble for saying this, but… there's a demon called Brahmarakshas haunting our town. It's been terrorizing us for several months. Many have lost their lives, and those who survived either die later or go insane. Travelers who come here encounter the demon, and because of that, no one visits anymore. Our local businesses are dying fast.
📜 About Brahmarakshas:
A Brahmarakshas is a powerful, demonic spirit of a learned Brahmin who has committed evil deeds or misused their knowledge. The word combines "Brahma" (referring to the Brahmin caste) and "Rakshasa" (a type of demon). Such spirits suffer after death and are sometimes cursed to perform duties like imparting knowledge, even in their cursed form.
Tuo's thoughts:
A Brahmarakshas? A demon in this town? How's that even possible? I've never seen a demon in my life. I don't really believe in black magic or spirits… but so many people claim they've seen it. Hm… what should I do? I have to return to the palace for festival preparations, but I can't just leave these people behind. If I tell them I'll come back after the festival, the whole town might be gone by then…
Tuo sighed to herself, exhausted.
I guess I'll have to stay here for a day and see this demon myself.
Tara then stood up and made an announcement.
Tara: I've decided to stay in this town for one day—to witness this demon myself and find out whether it's real or just a story.
The crowd gasped in shock. Sudden shouting erupted.
"How can a young girl face a demon?""She's not even from our town, yet she's risking her life for us!""What if she dies? The emperor will execute us for not stopping her!""We must stop her now!"
Just as panic spread, the son of one of the Panchayat leaders entered—the young man named Pravar. Calmly, he raised his hand, silencing the frightened crowd.
Pravar: A young woman from the state itself is willing to face this demon alone? We, the people of this town, should accompany her.
Tuo: I'm not alone… my guards are with me. Right, guards?
Guards (nervously): Y-Yes, Ma'am…
Tuo thought to herself:
So they believe in these ghost stories too? Really? Royal guards trained to protect anyone till their last breath—scared of ghosts?!
Pravar: Don't worry, my lady. I, along with the brave young men of this town, will help you. But first—you must be tired. You don't have anywhere to stay tonight, do you? Would you honor my home with your presence until nightfall?
Tuo hesitated, thinking:
I don't even know this man… is he being kind, or does he have some other motive?
Tuo: Well… I suppose. I haven't found a place to stay yet.
Pravar (smiling): Excellent! Then I shall take that as a yes. You'll stay at my house tonight.
Tuo: …Yeah.