The original "Ramayana"--a classic tale of war between absolute Good and Evil--was written 3,000 years ago by Valmiki, a reformed thief-turned-sage. Now, with breathtaking imagination, Indian novelist Ashok K. Banker has recreated this epic tale for modern readers everywhere. Rama has quelled the demon invasion and thwarted Ravana, and he has wed the enchanting Sita. But the prince's problems are far from over. For Rama has been challenged by Parshurama--a fabled warrior who has never been defeated. And should he survive, a greater crisis awaits him. With Sita and his brother Lakshman, the prince must travel into the dread forest of Dandaka-van, where he will be pitted against the survivors of Ravana's rakshasa hordes. And in the outlaw settlement of Chitrakut, surrounded by bloodthirsty demons, he must face 14 years of exile.