Even wily parrots risk their lives for the gentle Aushadha Kumar, a shining example of right thinking and right living described in the Buddhist Jataka tales. Scheming rivals, foolish rulers and wicked courtiers leave him undaunted. He can organise king Vaideha's security, a network of spies and a royal wedding with equal flair. so, when a deadly plot is revealed, it is Aushadha who swings into action.