In a small forest town called Mawardi, deep within the country of Hindu, people are busy gathering their goods at the local market as the day ends. The entire population of this town is less than 300, and nearly all of them — men and women — are hunters. Hunting is not just a job here, it’s their life. Every day, someone is chosen to go deep into the forest, and whatever they catch is sold in the big city. That person gets the biggest share of the profits.
The Mawardi people are a special tribe in Hindu. They’re lucky in trade and famous for selling wild animal skins, bones, and parts used in medicine or magic. In just under a year, their town becomes a booming trade center — attracting merchants and building wealth rapidly.
The ruler of Mawardi is a young king under 40. He has one wife, Rasina, and a daughter, Lashmin, who’s known across the land for her bravery. By the time she was 7, she could hunt alone for days in the deep forest, returning safely with animals she killed herself. Her father, amazed by her courage, decides to follow her on a hunt with her mother — to see her skills firsthand.
Meanwhile, in Hindu’s main city, the king, Sarki Dambola, is feared across the nation. He is cruel, greedy, and takes anything he wants — especially beautiful women. He’s known for collecting 163 wives, though only one, Shanina, has ever given birth to his child. Her beauty once captured his heart when they were young lovers.
The story sets the stage for a clash between innocent courage and royal corruption.
