The next evening, King Virendra Singh sat in his tent, discussing matters concerning Rohtasgarh. Pandit Badrinath, Bhairon Singh, Tara Singh, Jyotishiji, Kunwar...

Anandsingh and Tejsingh were seated nearby. Each, in their own manner, recounted the events of the underground chamber of Rohtasgarh, and at last, the conversation turned to Virendra Singh.

Virendra Singh: What should we do now regarding Rohtasgarh?

Tejsingh: There is no doubt that you have now become the master of Rohtasgarh! When both the king and the minister are in your custody, what else remains to be done? Yes, now we must consider what treatment should be given to King Digvijay Singh.

Virendra Singh: And what arrangements should be made for Kishori?

Tejsingh: Yes, these are the two matters at hand. As for Kishori, I cannot say anything just yet, but regarding King Digvijay Singh, I would first like to hear your opinion.

Virendra Singh: My opinion is that if he sincerely accepts subordination, then we should impose tribute (revenue) on Rohtasgarh and let him go.

Tejsingh: That is my opinion as well.

Bhaironsingh: But what if, after accepting now, he later resorts to treachery?

Tejsingh: I do not expect that to happen. From all I have heard, he is known to be honest, sincere, and brave. God forbid, even if his intentions change after some time, we need not concern ourselves with it.

Virendra Singh: How far can one consider such possibilities! (Looking towards Tarasingh) Go, bring Digvijay Singh here, but do not bring him before me in shackles or chains.

"At your command," said Tarasingh, and went to bring Digvijay Singh. In a short while, he returned, bringing him along. Meanwhile, they had been conversing about other matters.

Digvijay Singh respectfully saluted King Virendra Singh and stood before him with folded hands.

Virendra Singh: Tell me, what are your intentions now?

Digvijay Singh: My intention is to remain with you all my life and serve you faithfully.

Virendra Singh: There is no change in your intentions, is there?

Digvijay Singh: Only a complete fool would harbor ill will against such a mighty king as yourself. Only a true idiot would hope to defeat you in any way. There is no doubt that each of your ayyars has the power to destroy ten kingdoms. I had great faith in the strength of this Rohtasgarh fort, but now I am convinced that it was my mistake. You could conquer any kingdom you wish without a fight. My mind cannot comprehend what has happened, nor can I understand what...

What a spectacle the ayyars have created! For hundreds of years, the secret of that underground chamber had been kept hidden, and in truth, even I did not know its exact nature until now. Yet, in the blink of an eye, your ayyars have taken possession of that very chamber—if this is not a miracle, then what is! Surely, the grace of God is upon you, and all this is the result of your sincere devotion. To bear enmity with you is as good as cutting off one's own head.

Hearing Digvijay Singh's words, King Virendra Singh smiled and looked at him. There was a ring of truth in the manner in which Digvijay Singh spoke. Virendra Singh was greatly pleased, and seating Digvijay Singh beside him, he said—

Virendra Singh: Listen, Digvijay Singh, I set you free and, on my behalf, place you upon the throne of Rohtasgarh. But on one condition: that you always consider yourself my subordinate and pay a certain tribute as revenue.

Digvijay Singh: I already consider myself your loyal servant—what more is there to understand? As for the throne of Rohtasgarh, I do not accept it. Please appoint another deputy for that post and command me to remain with you.

Virendra Singh: I see no one more suitable than you to be the deputy of Rohtasgarh.

Digvijay Singh (folding his hands): Please, show me your mercy. I can no longer bear the burdens of rule.

For half an hour, this debate continued. Virendra Singh wished, with his own hand, to seat Digvijay Singh upon the throne of Rohtasgarh, while Digvijay Singh kept refusing. But at last, having no other choice, Digvijay Singh had to accept Virendra Singh's command. However, at the same time, he made Virendra Singh promise that for a month, he would remain his guest and stay in Rohtasgarh for that duration.

Virendra Singh gladly accepted this, for he was eager to learn more about the secrets of the underground chamber of Rohtasgarh. Both Virendra Singh and Tej Singh were convinced that the chamber was indeed some sort of tilism.

King Digvijay Singh folded his hands, looked towards Tej Singh, and said, "Please, have mercy and explain to me what you and your subordinate ayyars have done in Rohtasgarh. My mind is still bewildered."

Tej Singh recounted everything in detail. Hearing the account of Diwan Ramanand, Digvijay Singh laughed heartily, even laughing at his own foolishness, and said, "Nothing is hidden from you people." After this, Diwan Ramanand was summoned to that very place and handed over to Digvijay Singh, and Digvijay Singh's son, Kunwar...

Several men were also dispatched to Chunar Fort to bring Kalyan Singh.

After these matters were settled, the conversation turned to Lali. Tejsingh asked Digvijay Singh, "Who is Lali, and since when has she been here with you?"

In response, Digvijay Singh said, "I do not know Lali very well. It has not been more than a month—perhaps four or five days more or less—since Lali and Kundan, two young women, arrived at my place. From their manner and attire, I gathered that they belonged to a respectable family. When I inquired, both of them declared themselves to be daughters of a noble house and said that they wished to spend two or three months here to escape their troubles. Out of compassion, I allowed them to stay here with all due respect. Beyond this, I know nothing more."

Tejsingh said, "Undoubtedly, there is some mystery