THE CHALLENGE
"So where do I have to go on a conquest?" asked Meenakshi
"I will tell you that tomorrow, in the royal court, in front of everybody" replied the old man.
"Fair enough" replied Meenakshi, "Anyway I will have to consult my military commanders"
By the next day, the whole town was abuzz with the news of the old man's audacious proposal and his challenge. The royal court was packed with all the ministers, officials and chiefs. Even the seating area reserved for the common people was overflowing with people. Every one wanted to know how their queen was going to react to the challenge.
Meenakshi was seated on the throne, grand and majestic, her head held high, looking like a veritable goddess. The guards announced the old man's presence.
Spoke the queen in a measured voice, "We had entered into a deal yesterday. If I succeed in the task set by you, I will not be required to honour my mother's word to you. You wanted me to return victorious from a conquest. Speak- where do you want me to go on a conquest?" The queen's voice was calm and confident.
"Any place that is far and difficult to reach" answered the old man.
"Perhaps, to the north of Madurai? Where Kaveri meets the ocean?
"Bah'that's next door to you. What is remotely difficult in defeating the Chola ruler? Is that all you can aim, O Queen?"
The courtiers were incensed. Was he doubting their queen's martial abilities?
Meenakshi was unruffled though. "Then we shall go further north. Crossing the Dandaka forests, we shall conquer the Andhraka country through which the great Godhavari and Krishnaveni rivers flow." She raised her fist in the air.
All the courtiers shouted their approval.
Raising his hand, the old man called for silence. "Is that all, O Queen? Are the Andhrakas the most formidable enemy you can meet in battle? Can't you go higher still?
"Higher?" wondered Meenakshi. North of Andhraka, if they followed the sea coast, lay the Utkala and the Kalinga kingdoms, and on the way they would have to encounter savage man eating tribes. If they veered westwards, they would have to cross the Vindhya mountains- a territory they had never been to before. Could she risk it?
"Yes", replied Meenakshi. "We shall march across the Vindhya mountains. Though that region is unknown to us, we shall conquer it and plant the matsya dhwaja there"
Edited by varaali - 12 years ago
Ganesh Kartikeya
CID
Anupamaa
