King Dasharatha asked curiously.
Anand nodded.
"It is, Maharaja."
"Then I would very much like to see these objects."
Anand hesitated briefly before reaching into his bag.
He retrieved the torch and held it out.
"This is the device I mentioned. It produces light when I press this button."
Dasharatha leaned forward.
"Then let us see it."
Anand pressed the switch.
A brilliant white beam burst from the front of the torch, illuminating a section of the royal chamber.
The reaction was immediate.
Several courtiers gasped.
One of the guards shifted backward, his eyes widening as the beam swept across the stone floor.
A minister stared at the device as though he expected something to emerge from it.
Dasharatha's expression changed completely.
"By the heavens!"
He rose partway from his throne.
The beam illuminated a distant pillar with startling clarity, revealing the fine details of its carvings.
And then Anand simply switched it off.
Darkness returned to that section of the chamber.
The entire demonstration had taken only a few seconds.
Yet the effect lingered.
Dasharatha stared at the small object in Anand's hand.
"No flame. No oil. No wick."
He looked directly at Anand.
"And you control this light merely by moving your finger?"
"Yes, Maharaja."
"But how?"
Anand considered how to explain it.
"The device contains stored energy. When I press the switch, that energy is used to produce light."
He paused.
"It is a matter of craftsmanship and knowledge of how certain materials behave. There are no divine powers involved in its operation."
That last sentence drew several surprised looks.
Dasharatha studied the torch with even greater fascination.
"You mean to say that a man can create such a device through knowledge alone?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Though it requires the right materials and the means to construct it."
The king exchanged a glance with Vashistha.
The sage had remained silent throughout the demonstration, but his eyes now rested upon Anand with keen interest.
Dasharatha returned his attention to the young traveler.
"Fascinating. Truly fascinating."
He gestured toward the torch.
"Can you demonstrate your other objects as well?"
Anand's expression became slightly uncomfortable.
"Unfortunately, Maharaja, I cannot demonstrate everything at once."
"Why not?"
"The devices have certain limitations. I can demonstrate their functions only under particular circumstances, and some of them require time before they can be used again."
It was a convenient explanation, and not an entirely false one.
Dasharatha's enthusiasm dimmed slightly.
"So you cannot show me the other device today?"
"I'm afraid not, Maharaja. I can demonstrate it tomorrow."
The king leaned back, visibly disappointed.
Then his curiosity took over once more.
"Tell me, Anand. Would you be willing to part with the light-producing device?"
Anand blinked.
"Part with it?"
"Yes. I would be willing to offer you gold equal to twice the weight of the device itself."
For one brief moment, Anand's brain stopped functioning.
Twice its weight? In gold?
He looked at the torch.
Then at Dasharatha.
Then back at the torch.
Okay. Hold on.
Do you have any idea how much gold that is worth?
His imagination briefly supplied a very vivid picture of himself surrounded by mountains of gold coins.
A comfortable life.
An absurdly comfortable life.
No need to worry about food, shelter, or money ever again.
Then reality caught up with him.
Wait.
No.
Absolutely not.
He tightened his grip on the torch.
"Your Majesty, I am deeply honored by your offer, but I cannot accept it."
Dasharatha appeared surprised.
"You refuse even this?"
Anand swallowed.
"Yes, Maharaja. This device is a family heirloom. It has been passed down through my family, and I cannot bring myself to part with it."
Technically, he wasn't lying about its personal significance.
It was a possession from his own world, and in a place where everything familiar had been left behind, it was worth far more to him than its material value.
Dasharatha looked disappointed.
"Then perhaps I should offer more."
Anand's eyes widened.
Oh, no. Please don't.
"I could offer you gold worth three times its weight. Or four, if that would persuade you."
Anand shook his head quickly.
"I am grateful, Maharaja, but no amount of gold could make me part with it."
Dasharatha opened his mouth to respond, but Sage Vashistha raised his hand slightly.
"Perhaps, Maharaja, there is another arrangement that would satisfy both parties."
The king turned toward him.
"Speak, revered sage."
Vashistha looked at Anand.
"Since the young man is unwilling to part with the device, and since he has offered to demonstrate its functions again tomorrow, why not invite him to remain within the royal palace as an honored guest?"
Dasharatha considered the suggestion.
Vashistha continued.
"He may retain possession of his belongings while enjoying the protection and hospitality of Ayodhya. When he is ready to demonstrate the device again, he may do so in Your Majesty's presence. There is no need to deprive him of an object he clearly values."
Dasharatha's disappointment vanished almost immediately.
"A splendid suggestion!"
He turned toward Anand.
"Then it shall be so. Anand, I invite you to remain at my palace as a royal guest. You shall be provided with suitable lodging, food, and every comfort befitting a guest of Ayodhya. Tomorrow, if circumstances permit, you may demonstrate your device again."
Anand stared at him.
Wait. Seriously?
He had expected a difficult interrogation, perhaps even suspicion regarding his strange possessions.
Instead, he had somehow secured an invitation to stay in the royal palace.
I came here with no idea where I'd sleep tonight.
And now I'm being invited to stay in the palace of King Dasharatha.
What is my life?
He bowed deeply.
"I am honored by Your Majesty's generosity. I gratefully accept your invitation."
Then he glanced toward Narada.
"However, Maharaja, if it would not be an inconvenience, may I ask that my companion be permitted to stay as well?"
Dasharatha laughed.
"Of course! Why should a guest be separated from his companion? Revered Narada shall remain with you for as long as he wishes."
Narada bowed.
"Your hospitality is greatly appreciated, Maharaja."
"Excellent!"
Dasharatha turned toward one of his attendants.
"See to it that suitable quarters are prepared for our guests. They are to be treated with every courtesy, and they shall dine with me this evening."
The attendant bowed deeply.
"As Your Majesty commands."
He immediately departed, moving with haste to carry out the king's instructions.
Anand exchanged a brief glance with Narada.
The sage merely smiled.
Of course he's taking this in stride, Anand thought.
Meanwhile, I'm trying to convince myself that this isn't a dream.
But the conversation was far from over.