Year 63, Kali yuga Present day Kumudhan’s blood-stained silk angavastram lay draped over the large golden throne, and his gem-studded crown on the seat. Aranvendhan took his place at the side, with the rest of the War Council. He gripped the dagger on his waistband tightly, his knuckles drained of colour. Anger and grief filled his chest, but his face betrayed none of it as he watched the nobles and citizens slowly filter into the courtroom. News of the Emperor’s murder had spread, and people had thronged to the capital to witness the trial of those accused in this brazen act of treason.