As long as the star of Mrinalini’s happiness was setting, so too was the moon of fortune of the land of Gauda treading that same path. The one who could have saved Gauda, he, rare as Urnanabha, sat in seclusion, casting his net to bind his ill-fated motherland.

In the stillness of midnight, sitting in secret, Pashupati, the religious authority, was rebuking his right-hand man, Shantashila:

“Shantashila! The news you brought this morning is but a sign of your incompetence. I have no wish to entrust you with any further responsibility.”

Shantashila replied, “What is impossible, I could not accomplish. Assign me to some other task.”

Pashupati: What instructions have been given to the soldiers?

Shantashila: That none shall arm themselves without our command.

Pashupati: And what instructions have been given to the border guards and the keepers of the fortresses?

Shantashila: I have told them that soon, several Yavana envoys will arrive, bearing tribute from the Yavana emperor. They are not to impede their passage.

Pashupati: Has Damodar Sharma acted according to instructions?

Shantashila: He has carried out his task with great cunning.

Pashupati: In what manner?

Shantashila: He altered a page of an old manuscript and inserted his own poems in its place. This morning, he read it aloud to the king and spoke much ill of Madhavacharya. P. The poet has described in detail the appearance of the future conqueror of Gauda. Did His Majesty make any inquiries regarding this?

Sha. He did. The news that Madansen has recently returned from Kashi is known to His Majesty. Having heard the description of the future conqueror of Gauda in the poem, the king sent for him. When Madansen appeared, the king asked, “Well, have you seen the Yavana king’s representative in Magadha?” He replied, “I have.” The king then commanded, “Describe what he looks like.” Thereupon, Madansen described the exact appearance of Bakhtiyar Khilji as he had seen him. The same was described in the poem as well. Thus, the king understood that the conquest of Gauda and the ruin of his kingdom were certain.

P. And then?

Sha. The king then began to weep. He said, “What shall I do in this old age? I see that I and my family shall perish at the hands of the Yavanas!” Then Damodar, following the teachings of the scriptures, said, “Your Majesty! The best course is that, while there is still time, you should go on a pilgrimage with your family. Entrust the affairs of the kingdom to the chief priest. In that way, your life will be saved. Later, if the scriptures are not false, you will regain your kingdom.” The king, satisfied with this advice, ordered preparations for boats to be made. Soon he will depart on pilgrimage with his family.

P. Damodar is a noble soul. You are noble too. Now I see hope for the fulfillment of my heart’s desire. If I cannot be an independent king, at the very least I shall be the Yavana king’s representative. If the matter succeeds, you know well I shall not fail to reward you both to the best of my ability. Now take your leave. Let the boats be ready for the pilgrimage by tomorrow morning.

Shantashil departed.