CHAPTER 9 (KIMNARA) First Story

Kimnara belongs to the elite class of woman warriors who inhabits the desert. They are primary responsible for protecting the caravans of the desert merchants. She was as statuesque like a man that was tempered by her radiant beauty and extraordinary strength.

She was never perceived as a weak and delicate woman. In fact, she had never met a man who could match her brawns. No one could tame her wild side and make her feel ladylike. She once saved a monk she was escorting in the desert from a sudden attack by a Mara.

The hapless monk was assaulted by the Mara and lay wounded in the desert. Kimnara took pity on the poor monk and she slain the Mara and nonchalantly went on her way.

She was hesitant to carry the wounded monk for he would just be another burden. The journey back was long and her provisions were enough for one person only.

She hadn’t traveled far when she decided to carry the monk on her back. He possessed an eerie resemblance to her brother who was killed by the Mara’s during their childhood days.

Kimnara carried the unconscious monk for several days across the unforgiving desert. He was already getting weak.

“Where could have this monk came from?” she wandered to herself.

Kimnara was beginning to feel exhausted and frustrated. Finally, the monk regained consciousness. She was glad that she was about to get rid of the monk. The monk started to speak:

“Can you spare me some of your water?”

She obliged. The monk then asked:

“Do you have some food too?”

“You are shameless and a weakling!”

Kimnara was getting annoyed but still gave him the food.

He was becoming an excess baggage for Kimnara. She later learned that his name was Basishuta.

“Why are you aimlessly wandering alone in the desert? Are you running away from something?” she inquired

“Yes. I was scared.” he replied

“Scared of what?” she asked.

“The voice of god!”

He went on to claim that he was chosen by god but he was too afraid to heed his voice. The monk was on the run from that moment on.

“I am not a fighter and neither do I possess the power of Mantra. I’m just a plain monk who prays and comforts others. I am puzzled why God has chosen me.”

His story seemed farfetched to Kimnara. She couldn’t believe that god would choose a pathetic monk to carry out his will.

She decided to bring the monk along for the long journey ahead. His colorful stories would serve as a worthwhile fanfare. It was risky to have a stranger for a companion but she had complete faith in her powers and she didn’t view him as a threat.

CHAPTER 10 (KIMNARA) Second Story

All throughout their journey, they were under constant attack from the Maras. Fortunately, they didn’t come in droves so Kimnara was able to repulse their repeated assaults. She was starting to have a strange feeling about the Maras continued pursuit. It seems that they were really after the monk all along. She was compelled to protect him.

“The Maras want me because I am the chosen one. They can smell my blood. If not for, I would have been dead already”. The monk spoke in a somber tone.

“Stop your nonsense!” You’re out of your mind. God will not choose a weakling like you!” she shouted back.

“God works in mysterious ways” he answered softly.

The Maras grew in numbers everyday and Kimnara was losing strength from the unceasing attack of the monsters. The desert was already soaked with blood from their battles. She was wounded from one of the encounters, forcing her to lapse into unconsciousness. Deadly poison was circulating throughout her body.

The monk tried to help Kimnara.

“Don’t worry. Just leave me, I’ll be fine” she said.

“No, I won’t leave you here by yourself” the monk was adamant.

Summoning all their reserve strength, they made their way to an oasis. The monk helped Kimnara replenish her thirst.

“I need to draw them away from you. Try to hang on Kimnara. I will face this battle alone” was his final words.

His voice trailing off, Kimnara fell into unconsciousness.

“No, stay with me Basishuta” she cried out.

But the words didn’t seem to come out of her mouth.

CHAPTER 11 (KIMNARA) Third Story

It was already dark when she awoke. She noticed that something was behind her ears. Looking down on her reflection, she saw a flower. It was the monk’s parting gift and it reminded her of the flowers her brother used to give. Kimnara immediately followed after the footprints of Basishuta.

When she found him, he was already lying wounded on the ground and surrounded by the Maras. She went on a violent rampage and annihilated all the Maras in sight. Kimnara hurriedly rushed to his side, tears streaming down her face. He was clinging on to the very last threads of his life. Yet, his face was a picture of calm and contentment which Kimnara found strangely puzzling. Looking up to the sky, he spoke to Kimnara:

“Now I finally understand Kimnara. God was calling out to me but I only realized it when it was already too late” he lamented.