The Rise of Sivagami (Baahubali: Before the Beginning, #1)

by Anand Neelakantan

‘We are a race that gains wisdom only after disaster strikes us. For us, security is an inconvenience.

That was the truth, for it had been repeated time and time again. Bhutaraya saw the confusion on Kattappa’s face and leaned forward. ‘I understand, this is difficult for you to comprehend. The victor’s stories tend to be powerful. They have the capability to erase everything that does not suit their narrative. We are the losers of history.’

When bad luck comes, it never comes alone. It brings its bloody uncles, cousins, and their whores.

The magical light would glow three times from the top of Gauriparvat to mark the beginning of celebrations. The commonfolk believed the light was lit by gods. Those who mattered, like Thimma, knew it was lit by the dwarves of the mines. It was so easy to sell anything to the common people, if one could add an element of magic and some religion into it.

In her profession, a promise well kept was an investment well made for the future.

‘Courage is neither in the show of power Nor is it in the absence of fear Courage may be shown in a war against others What use is it, if in the war against self it withers? Enemy is not the one to hate, But enmity and the cause for it Courage is not in slaying man or beast War creates nothing but a vulture’s feast Eyes should neither have fire or fear, But the sight to see all that God holds dear.’