If you have missed the story, please read the recap in the left handside column- Secrets of Zynpagua, Return of the Princess

As the bullock cart proceeded, Anika saw simpletons sitting in a group. Few men had their chest bare that flaunted a scorpion tattoo. Some wore stockings while the others were wearing ill fitting pants. Most of them flaunted golden chains on their neck. On moving ahead, Anika saw a group of men with turbans, preoccupied in weaving a cloth, few others were peeping from a shop like structure, set amidst the array of houses, selling metal artifacts.

Anika promptly asked Vivian “I cannot see any woman here!”

Vivian replied “They stay indoors”.

Anika was quiet for the rest of the journey. Most of her questions were answered.

The cart hurriedly crossed the market and reached the foothills.

Anika and Vivian got down and thanked the man. Hunger kicked Anika’s stomach but she maintained silence and ascended the mountain. When they were at the hill-top, Vivian pointed towards a small house made of mud with thatched roof that flaunted a creeper blooming with red flowers. It was the most appealing, petite and peaceful place which cajoled Anika to run inside and sleep in its arms. She dashed towards the door and opened it. There was a living room and on one of the walls, was a painting of Sussaina, Soto and little Vivian. One corner of the house had a tiny kitchen, and towards the other side a small room.

Fatigue had taken its toll on Anika and she looked pooped. Vivian seemed disturbed yet rushed to cook something for her. He lit the clay stove stacked with wooden twigs and made the most delicious porridge Anika had ever tasted.

Seeing Vivian’s state Anika asked “Do you know Sabrina?”

He told her “She is my friend. One of the most learned, brave and intelligent girls in Zynpagua. She excels at riding, good at fighting with bows and arrows, swords and poles. I don’t know what the punishment would befall on her. King Drudan is a vicious man. Under his heinous rule, people have become callous and inconsiderate.  I wish I could kill Drudan.” Vivian was livid with fury.

Anika murmured “We have to save Sabrina!”

Vivian’s countenance relaxed and he suggested “Anika we will think about this tomorrow. You are a deadbeat, please take some rest.”

Vivian laid two cots woven with coir outside his house for them to sleep. Anika could not get any sleep. The memory of Sabrina and what transpired in the morning continued to snag her……..

Vivian was surprised “Frederick? How do you know him? He was our uncle who disappeared.” Anika was perturbed “Frederick was our uncle? He is in Spain and speaks in a different language which I am able to understand.  In fact, I traveled there after drinking the pomegranate juice. He is in a place with high mountains. Once Frederick resurfaced from a Spanish chocolate and said- The Moon is calling. Read the stars! He also informed me that you were coming to take me” Vivian jumped with joy “Dear sister, our uncle is alive. One day we will find our father as well”. He voiced aloud.

“A day will come

When the Moon will be milky white

The Sun, Venus and Mars will be ready to fight

To destroy the shadow

And rescue our Mother.

You can do it, no other

Impress Sun, Venus and Mars

They are eager to use their powers

Our freedom lies in the hands of stars

They will shower their blessings like flowers”

Vivian then plucked a leaf from a nearby plant and applied its juice to Anika’s bleeding lips.

She again questioned Vivian “How are the trees and plants growing here without the rays of the Sun?”

Vivian replied “The trees and the plants loved our mother. They refused to leave Zynpagua with the Sun when she was captured. The Sun cannot let any innocent being die and therefore promised them to send invisible rays to form chlorophyll.”

Vivian suggested “Anika let us go home and relax”.

Anika gratefully nodded and followed Vivian. His house was located on the hill top. A peasant was passing on a Bullock cart and Vivian requested him for a ride. He readily agreed.

Anika questioned Vivian yet again “There are no cars here?”

Vivian replied “Dear Sister, remember I told you Zynpagua is a cursed land and as the years pass, we will get more primitive. We can only use bullock carts here”.

As the cart moved ahead, Anika saw little houses built of wood and mud bricks with walls of reed stuffed with straw. These petite brown structures were symmetrically arranged along the uneven road. At one of the crossroads, Anika saw a huge copper statue of a young boy with a sword.  He looked familiar and Anika guessed “Is this the statue of our Uncle Frederick?”

Vivian was thrilled “Yes this is the statue of our uncle Frederick.”

Anika was curious “How did he disappear?”

Vivian replied “No one knows”……

Vivian replied “Today is the Annual Chariot Race Festival. Drudan will reward the winner and give him a post in the army.  While the commoners are occupied in watching the Race, you change your guise here before anyone notices.” Vivian peeped straight in Anika’s eyes and murmured something. Her white frock transformed into a silver tunic. A Black band appeared in her short cropped hair, and her shoes were replaced by sturdy brown boots. Anika immediately checked the pockets and was satisfied to find the Spanish chocolate which she had carried with her .She was fascinated by her new look. A question popped out instantly “How did you do that?”  Vivian replied “Pajaro gifted me with her magical power before she died. They are equal and opposite to those of Drudan. He can use his magic only for doing evil and I can use mine only for the good of others”…. before Vivian could complete, a huge hullabaloo diverted his attention. When the two turned, the man with the white turban had won the race. The trumpets were being blown signaling the arrival of King Drudan. Two black horses came charging in, mounted by fierce looking warriors. They pushed the throng to the sides, clearing the pathway. Then a group of children came in running and sprinkled red flowers on the road. Two men walked in blowing the trumpets and then Drundan’s chariot arrived. He wore a colourful red gown flowing till his feet and a silken blue scarf. Anika strained her eyes to see Drudan. He was a tall man, with very fair complexion and no hair on his head. A star shaped diamond was studded on his forehead. There was an eerie calmness in his expressions. He walked towards the Podium and whispered in the minister’s ears. The minister shook his head and nervously announced the name of the winner.

As the victor approached closer, his white turban fell off. The people were stunned to see a gorgeous looking girl instead of the man.

Vivian gasped “Oh my God! This is the fisherman’s daughter- Sabrina.”  Drudan ordered his soldiers to arrest the lady. Vivian cried aloud “No!” Someone from the mob slapped him. Another one pulled Anika by the hand and took her to the King. Drudan roared “This lady Sabrina has the audacity to take part in a game meant only for Men. Such impudence by any woman has never been tolerated. She has challenged our moral system. Women are meant to be behind the four walls of domestic chores. Put her behind the bars. I am going for a visit to the seven kingdoms. Once I am back, I shall decide her fate.” The assembly cheered and then one soldier dragged Anika in King’s presence. He bellowed “Who are you?  Vivian hurriedly came forward and pleaded “My lord, this is Anika, my sister. We were simply passing by. Please grant forgiveness my Lord”. The King ordered one soldier to slap Vivian and Anika. It was such a hard blow that cut Anika’s lips and she began to bleed. Vivian fell on the ground. When the King had left, Anika stood up crying “How will I change this world. I am too young and fragile”.

Vivian hugged her “My little sister, don’t worry, you can do it. I know you can do it!

Anika said “How is Drudan alive for so many years?”

Vivian smirked “Black magic is making him live.”

Anika questioned him again “Why can women not participate in any games?”

Vivian said “That is because Zynpagua is known to give birth to miraculous women with extraordinary powers. Drudan fears one of them will bring his death.”

Anika sounded feeble “How will I destroy such a powerful man?”

Vivian unintentionally responded “By reading the stars!”

Anika stared at Vivian “You know Frederick?”

The last Indian Children Fiction bestseller that made echoing presence in International market was Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling. Mowgli has cast an inimitable impression in our minds for years.

Where are the authors who can create similar fiction for children in India?

Needless to say that they do exist but Indian Publishers are busy competing in the stereotyped adult romance genre.

Most of these publishers are busy pushing children fantasy books written by International authors in Indian market.

Barring Scholastic, I am not aware of any publishing company investing their efforts in increasing readership amongst children and encouraging Indian authors.

The attitude and indifference of publishing companies are appalling.  Why are they making life tougher for Indian authors in an already difficult market like India. A recent statement adopted by Random house/ Penguin books is worth the criticism. To making a  submission to them an auto reply comes that states that the submission has been received and in case the script has been accepted the author will be approached within 3 months otherwise it is understood that the script has not been accepted

This autoreply shows the culture that prevails in the Organization. A ridiculous callous attitude.

Does a rejected author not deserve a courtesy rejection email?

Why should Publishing companies contribute in frustrating the creative talent in India? I can only request them not to make India a dumping ground of International fiction but also DEVELOP creative talent in India.

Chapter 3 : Arrival in Zynpagua
(If you have missed the story, please read the story recap on the left hand panel)

The crowd was cheering aloud as they watched the chariots race with each other. The bullocks were fiercely charging towards the destination.  The man in the red chariot overtook the one on the yellow and the gathering burst out enthusiastically. The man riding the Yellow chariot was wearing dark blue stockings with a light blue shirt and a black jacket. Anika noticed that he had worn a white turban that covered his hair and face.

The racing chariots were blowing the dust that mighty breeze carried with it everywhere. The milieu was flooded with the encouraging uproar of the men and thundering sound of the drums signaling a celebration. Anika whispered to Vivian “Where are we?” He replied “We are in Zynpagua”. Anika noticed that the entire place was lit by huge lamps. She whispered to Vivian “Is it nighttime?” Vivian sadly replied “No, it is daytime. We have not seen the Sun since our mother was captured.  Look at the sky”

Anika looked up and was aghast to see a dark black sheet without any stars only a faint feeble Moon and smoky clouds speckled around it.

Anika enquired “What are the people celebrating?”