The Festival That Was Really a Trap

Akrura rode to Vrindavan with a stone in his chest and nothing showing on his face.

He had lived at Kamsa's court long enough to know exactly what this invitation was.

And he had loved the two boys he was riding toward long enough that carrying it hurt the whole way.

He said nothing.

He simply watched them, once he arrived - laughing and unhurried among their cattle and their friends, with no idea that the festival they were being summoned to had been built, floor to ceiling, around their deaths.

Why Kamsa changed tactics

Kamsa had spent years hunting for the eighth child, and it had already cost him seven of his sister's.

By now he slept badly most nights.