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Originally posted by: shailusri1983
How do you manage to do it every time? The way you brought out the contrast between Keechak, the warrior gone wrong and turning into a tyrant and Bindusaar, the king who lives up to the expectations of his people, his guru, and his lineage was fantastic. I loved the way you incorporated the example of these two men before Ashok, the positive and the negative and how the choices they made in life had left them where the were in their respective lives. I applaud the valour of this character of Bindusaar that you have written. A person who competed with himself and never stopped learning from his mistakes; a person who strove for perfection and excellence. I have always loved the finer nuances you introduce in your story and characters. A brilliant update once again. Update soon.
Chapter 12:https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/131067750
A/N: Dedicated to Niki, Ramsha, Gargi, Mac, Khushi, Shailusri, Vidhya, Sri and Shelly. My dedicated readers and sources of inspiration.
Also Rohini, Medha, Krystal and Kaana. Old loyal CAS viewers who loved Chanakya niti just as much as me.
And finally my bros BB and Shyam who love Dharma and PS more than me.
Chapter 13: The Prelude to War
2 weeks later
Another tiring day was coming to an end. The last few weeks were frantic for Rudra as they prepared to depart from Taxilla. Eventful was the word that came to Rudra's mind.
The first task was to appoint a Senapati. And by popular recommendation Bhim Ji was elected. After which several war councils were immediately held to plot out the plan of action.
Scouting parties were regularly sent to Taxilla and its surrounding regions by Devrat to gather as many information as possible, as well as getting the insurgents against Keechak ready to join Rajkumar Ashok's army.
A search party from Magadh had come to take Rajkumar Siyamak back. Rajkumar Ashok managed to convince them to stay and help out with the preparations.
Rani Ahankara did not send him any further instructions. But Radhagupt contacted him a few times. He went over the plans and the possible problems they will face once they venture into Taxilla. And also Chanakya's prodigy was working on securing more reinforcements.
Acharya Radhagupt was doing his part. The rest was up to Rajkumar Ashok. And Rudra.
Rudra was near the edge of the courtyard watching Rajkumar Ashok engaging in a rather ferocious duel with his two friends. In spite their advantage Rajkumar Ashok was dominating them. Initially at least. As the duel went on the fatigue and probably the injury started acting up. Despite that Rajkumar Ashok continued much to Rudra's curiosity. He seemed adamant about sharpening his skills with the blade.
Rudra smiled. The attitude displayed by the young Prince that reminded him of himself in his early years.
The purpose of wielding a sword is pretty straightforward. Take the blade and strike the enemy before he strikes you.
Over time it evolved and the sword became the symbol of everything that a Kingdom stands for. The blade that was flashing before Rudra was one such symbol.
The art of swordfighting itself also evolved to cover the massive responsibilities that come with the sword. Rudra began training at a very early age. Swordsmanship was a second nature to Rudra. He used other weapons when necessary but the versatility of the sword in almost all situations made the sword Rudra's favorite weapon. Just like any other Yoddha of Magadh.
In his younger years he swung the sword recklessly trying to make flashy moves. Much like Rajkumar Ashok except Rudra didn't possess the impressive physical frame. Rudra had re-tooled his style as he learned from his mistakes. As responsibilities fell on his shoulders he changed his style even more. He had practiced enough to know when to defend when the pressure mounted and when the strike when the decisive moment presented itself.
The now fatigued and still recovering Rajkumar Ashok was finding that out the hard way.
Rudra walked past the attendants and stepped into the courtyard. Rajkumar Ashok stood tall before his two sparring partners who were flat on their back. Exhausted. Subhao and Vasunandan were their names if he remembered it correctly.
"Rajkumar Ashok." Rudra said drawing his sword. "Interested in fighting a real Yoddha?"
"Oi!" Subhao wheezed. "He is tired!" Subhao turned his head towards Ashok. "I think we have done enough for today."
But Ashok was interested to continue. Despite the dull pain in his chest.
"Not really." Ashok said with a smirk. He wiped the sweat on his forehead with his palm. He stood straight and got into his fighting stance. He wanted to find out how capable the Ujjaini regent was. "I have faced Ujjaini Yoddhas before. Not very impressive."
"Is that so?" Rudra smiled at the provocation. "Let me correct your perception." Rudra gripped his blade with his two hands.
Interesting. Ashok thought. Acharya Akramak used to charge at him with full strength. Rudra is taking a defensive stance. Like his father. Let's see then.
Without waiting any further Ashok lunged forward swinging at Rudra's neck. Rudra in a smooth motion blocked the blade. He twisted the blades around and in a flash Ashok's blade was knocked away from his hand. Before Ashok could do anything he found Rudra's blade inches away from his chest. Ashok merely stared at the blade. He was beaten so easily.
Subhao and Vasunandan who were back on their feet. Their mouths agape. Rudra stepped back moving his blade away.
"Round two?" Rudra asked. Ashok simply picked up his sword and charged at Rudra again. Rudra raised his sword to block Ashok's strike. Rudra realized it was a feint and moved his blade to parry the slash from the side. Ashok spun around swinging the blade in a diagonal arc. Rudra parried it with a bit of difficulty. Impressive speed.
As Rudra and Ashok crossed their swords Subhao and Vasunandan watched the duel engrossed by the speed and skill on display.
"He is actually good." Subhao remarked on the silky movements of Rudra.
"He has magnificent balance." Vasunandan said quietly. He is as good as Acharya Akramak.
Ashok leaped up for an overhead strike. Rudra raised his sword to meet Ashok's. The blades met with a clang and with a violent shove Rudra pushed Ashok away.
Ashok fell back managing to land on his legs. He dropped down to his knees gasping for breath. His body was shaking.
Rudra sheathed his sword and walked up to Ashok who was finally too tired to continue.
"I think that is enough for today." Rudra said quietly.
Ashok looked up at him and nodded.
"You are an impressive fighter." Rudra said as Subhao and Vasunandan came towards them. "However you should learn to protect your body while you attack. Your swings are wild and reckless. You should adapt a more measured approach. You will learn that it protects your body better. That injury of yours won't heal anytime soon."
Ashok looked into his Rudra's eyes. He is right.
"In a pitched battle you can get away fighting with sheer speed and power. And soldiers are there to protect you. But in isolated duels, any warrior worth his salt can kill you." Rudra said to Ashok clearly making sure the Rajkumar got his words.
Rudra turned to leave.
"You are as good as she says you are." Ashok grunted as Subhao and Vasunandan helped him get to his feet. Rudra hid his smile.
"It doesn't matter how good I am Rajkumar Ashok. You need to sharpen your skills a bit more if you intend on fighting Keechak." Rudra said as he walked away.
Vasunandan rounded on Ashok.
"Are you kidding me?" Vasunandan said furiously. "You are going to face Keechak?!"
"I am just considering my options." Ashok said as he slowly walked to the divan. He sat down and sighed. "I have to be able to face him if it comes down to it."
"A few years too early for that Ashok." Subhao said quietly. "You are good. But not that good."
"Yeah I know." Ashok said thoughtfully. "But no harm in preparing for it."
"I guess so." Vasunandan said sitting next to Ashok. "But there is no need to push yourself. You still have not healed properly."
"Yeah." Ashok sighed as an attendant gave him a glass of water.
"I would like to be alone for a bit." Ashok said quietly. Vasunandan and Subhao glanced at one another. Subhao's eye caught something.
"Yeah alright." Subhao said with a grin. "Come Vasu. The damsels of Assandh are quite pretty."
"Oh is that so?" Vasunandan smirked. He patted Ashok's shoulder and walked away with Subhao.
"Ekaant." Ashok said. The attendants bowed and left.
"Those morons." Ashok grumbled to himself as he saw his friends walking away. As if Ahankara wasn't enough now they were teasing him about Nalini. He regretted telling these idiots that he thought Nalini was beautiful.
Ashok shook his head. He gathered his thoughts back to what he was pondering over.
There was no one around his age that can beat him in a swordfight. They were more skilled and more experienced but God had blessed him with a physique that negated all of his other shortcomings.
Swordsmanship was one of the many things that came naturally to Ashok. Other hand to hand weapons he also adapted with reasonable prowess . Dhanurveda however, was something he just could not get right. He practices whenever he can. However he cannot shoot the arrows with confidence. Especially in situations of combat. And it seems unlikely that he can gain enough proficiency in such a short time.
So it leaves him two options whenever he faces Keechak. Either have one of his Senanayak combat him. Or fight him in a pitched battle with soldiers. So he decided to focus on what he does best. Swordsmanship. Hopefully if it comes to down facing Keechak he will be able to hold his own.
"Lost in thoughts Rajkumar?" A familiar voice spoke.
"Yeah. Sort of." Ashok turned towards Nalini.
"You know I was watching you fight." Nalini said with a smile. "You are quite the Yoddha."
"I guess I am." Ashok smiled.
"I heard you are leaving for your Abhyan tomorrow." Nalini asked. Ashok noted the slight sadness in the princess's voice. Ashok smirked.
"Once the war is over, I will come back to visit with Rajkumari Ahankara."
Nalini's face lighted up with elation.
"I would love to see her again."
Ashok realized over the past few days that Nalini was just worried about Ahankara. Or at least he would like to think that way. He did his best to placate her concerns.
"Bhrata." Ashok turned. It was Siyamak.
"Rajkumari Nalini can you excuse us?" Ashok asked Nalini.
Nalini nodded and left.
"You are leaving tomorrow." Siyamak asked.
"Yes. You will be leaving for Magadh as well. You know what you have to do right?" Ashok asked grasping Siyamak's shoulder.
"You are in charge of protecting our family."
Siyamak smiled. "I won't let you down Bhrata."
Ashok turned towards the palace. He threw his arm over Siyamak's shoulder. Siyamak wrapped his arm around his brother's back. And just like that the two of them begun walking back to the palace. Ashok saw Vasunandan and Subhao waiting for them near the corridor.
If all goes according to plan I will be back to Patliputra soon. I will deal with all our enemies. I promise you Acharya. Your murderers will pay for their treachery.
Miles way in Taxilla
Keechak was sitting in the stone room on a wooden table. Seated across him were Seleucus Nicator and Mir Khurasan. The two men had arrived a few hours ago. Obviously they were not happy with the recent developments. Keechak making them wait didn't sooth their tempers.
Which is exactly what I wanted. Keechak thought mirthfully as he stared at the grumpy and ragged Kings before him.
"How could our grand army be beaten like that Keechak?" Mir Khurasan asked irately. Keechak just laughed. Mir and Seleucus looked at another. Angry and confused. Keechak stopped laughing and then looked towards his two allies.
"What else could we expect from a Sena of Napunsaks." Keechak said quietly.
"Careful Keechak. We can withdraw our support from you whenever we want." Seleucus said furiously. The warning made Keechak laugh even more. Empty threats.
"Do it." Keechak slammed his fist on the table. "I don't care. You need me now more than I need you. I have plenty of allies. You are not getting any younger Seleucus. And you don't have the guts to attack Magadh directly. And Mir Khurasan is a marked man. I have heard of Bindusar's declaration. If Mir Khurasan is seen anywhere near Magadh, the reward of capturing him is quite significant. No other Janpad will lend you their support to fight Bindusar. And your precious Khurasan Kingdom is fragmented. They have broken away from you. And if Bindusar decides to send Siyamak to claim the Khurasani throne you will have nothing."
Mir and Seleucus looked at one another again. This time anxiousness was etched over their faces. Both of them knew Keechak was right.
"So what do you suggest we do?" Seleucus asked.
"We wait." said another voice. Their eyes turned to the new arrival. The burly and scarred Brahmin made Seleucus smile.
"Amatya Rakshas." Seleucus said warmly. "So you escaped Chanakya's prison?"
"Thanks to your daughter." Rakshas said bowing his head. Keechak called the attendant. The attendant came forward and helped Rakshas to his seat.
"Who are you?" Mir Khurasan asked. Amatya Rakshas scowled at him. Seleucus looked at Mir incredulously while Keechak rubbed his head in frustration.
"And this moron was the Senapati of Magadh." Keechak muttered under his breath.
"Amatya Rakshash." Seleucus said quickly. "And this Mir Khurasan."
"Pleasure to make your acquaintance." Rakshash said sarcastically.
"If we are done getting acquainted to each other, can we get on with serious matters? I don't have time to waste with the likes of you." Keechak said loudly.
Mir was about to retort before Seleucus cut in.
"So we wait?"
"Yes." Keechak said thoughtfully looking at the map. "There is no point engaging the Magadh army in battle right now. They are a fresh batch of soldiers who are well trained. Their morale is high. And unlike the Napunsaks you sent." Mir Khurasan and Seleucus scowled. "They have strong leadership."
"So we will wait and let the Magadh Sena take over our hard won territories. Are you mad?" Mir asked. Keechak's glare silenced Mir.
"These are my territories." Keechak said menacingly. "I can do with them whatever I want."
"Speak clearly. What is your plan?" Seleucus asked.
"They cannot take me at my fortress." Keechak said confidently. "If I were Ashok. I would want to fight the battle on a field. So I would attack the outposts first and take over them and force my enemy to come out."
"But they will surround us! We will be cut off from our allies!" Mir protested. Keechak felt his vein pulsing.
"It's all about timing Mir Khurasan." Keechak said calmly. "I am going to let Ashok's army overstretch themselves. And instead of fighting the decisive battle I will take out his Sena one division at a time."
"Divide and conquer." Amatya Rakshas said quietly.
"Divide and conquer?" Mir asked.
"The strength of Ashok's army comes from their unity." Rakshas continued. "Controlling outpost requires stationing them with soldiers. And I doubt Ashok has enough men to cover all outposts."
"And meanwhile I will have secured the support of the fort commanders in Indus Caucus." Keechak said confidently. "So I will no shortage of manpower when the decisive moment comes."
"Sounds like a good plan. But can you convince the fort commanders? They are all loyal to Bindusar." Seleucus said concernedly.
"Oh I have a plan for that as well. All I have to do is convince the strongest of them. And I have something that will help me secure his loyalty for sure." Keechak said with a smile.
"What exactly is that?" Seleucus asked.
"You all of all people should know what that is Seleucus." Keechak smirked. "After all Chandragupt gave you his Sena for that Ipsus Yudh only after you agreed to it."
Seleucus's eyes widened in confusion. Keechak looked at him pointedly. Seleucus smiled as realization dawned on him. Keechak turned to Mir Khurasan.
"And you will reinforce me with proper generals this time. Shunga did well. He saved the bulk of our army. He was forced to retreat because the morons you sent were foolish enough to get killed by the Magadh Sena."
Mir Khurasan coughed looking around. "Alright." He said quietly. "Alright."
Agnibahu and Vasantsena were behind the thin wall listening to the proceedings with great interest. Vasantsena was fidgeting around barely containing her excitement.
"My brother is amazing is he not?" Vasantsena whispered. Even in her whisper, the arrogance and pride was apparent.
"Depends on who you ask." Agnibahu muttered looking at Vasantsena with disgust.
"Kya matlab?" Vasantsena asked.
"Nothing. Nothing." Agnibahu squeaked. "Mahanayak Keechak is so amazing. Woh to taan se Kaamal maan se Bemisaal Aadmi hai."
Vasantsena smiled. "That's more like it"
Vastansena turned away focusing on what Keechak was saying. Agnibahu stuck out his tongue at her. Is pagaal aurat ko to ekdin dekh lungi mai.
Elsewhere in the palace.
An elderly man stood on the balcony looking out to the setting sun. The beautiful rays illumanting the luxurious room behind him. No. That was not his room. That was his prison.
He is Sudhama. The Prantpal of Magadh. But it was only a titular role now. He had no real power. He and his daughter were at the mercy of Keechak. The only thing Sudhama had to remember the love of his life. His wife who died at childbirth. His beautiful daughter, his precious child for whom he could do nothing. He could do nothing for her as his second wife turned her life into hell. He could do nothing as his allies were removed. He could do nothing when the cruel tyrant killed Nazia's husband, his son-in-law.
Nazia was Sudhama's source of strength. While he steadily lost control over his palace and his governorate Nazia was one of the few supporters he had left. Being the daughter of the Prantpal of Taxilla Nazia was forced to mature quickly as she helped her father shoulder the massive burden. Nazia never disobeyed her father. And Nazia never hesitated to do anything that could help her father.
And for the sake of her father Nazia married an influential chief in the region. With that he had hoped that it would curb Keechak's rise to power. But it wasn't enough. Keechak had defeated and killed her husband in a decisive battle. And with that Sudhama had lost control of Taxilla. And together with his daughter he was imprisoned for treason. Sudhama looked to his daughter who lay in the bed after working in the palace all day. His wife had spared no chances to humiliate his daughter, a comeuppance for all the years of standing up against her transgressions.
Nazia lay in her bed. Her body was aching with fatigue. Her mind lost in thoughts. Magadh. It mystified her as to why her father was so loyal to the Kingdom of Magadh. They had abandoned him to face Keechak all by himself. Nazia tried her best to rally support for her father but bit by bit they lost control. Mysterious assassinations, forced resignations, one by one her father's people were replaced by Keechak's men. Vasantsena her stepmother, made sure it was. The most critical mistake her father made was appointing Dhananjay as the advisor after Acharya Devrat was accused of treason. Though her father was helpless, Nazia felt they should have investigated Dhananjay's background a bit more before he was appointed.
And when Keechak seized the throne of Taxilla she expected that Samrat Bindusar would send officials to deal with this matter.
He didn't.
A part of Nazia wasn't surprised. Bindusar had little regard for people who were loyal to him. She remembered the day when an exiled Acharya Chanakya came to visit Taxilla.
Nazia was behind the wooden divider as her father conversed with his special guests. Nazia couldn't help but be surprised that it was Acharya Chanakya. What surprised her even more is that Acharya Chanakya has been exiled from Magadh.
"And he let you leave? Just like that?" Devrat asked furiously.
"Don't blame the Samrat." Sudhama said morosely. "Rajmata Helena has a vice grip on everything in and out of the Magadh. All evidences were against Acharya Chanakya. And it was his mother. I am not surprised that the Samrat's trust and faith on Acharya Chanakya has been shaken. Bindusar was never perceptive of the intrigue around him. Especially when his mind is clouded with emotion."
"So we just let Samrat Bindusar be around those who are trying to kill him? Who are trying to destroy everything Acharya worked to build?" Devrat asked.
Chanakya could just look out to the horizon. "For now, Bindusar can hold the Kingdom together without my help. I am sure. And with Mir Khurasan protecting him no one can harm him." Nazia heard Chanakya heaving a sigh.
Nazia realized that someone was behind her. She turned around to see a boy looking at her. Wearing the traditional garb of a Bhrahmin he barely looked a day older than her. The boy was obviously a companion of Chanakya. Nazia felt nervous. Her father had explicitly asked her to not eavesdrop on their conversations. She got up and put her hands together.
"Please don't tell my father." Nazia whispered pleadingly. The boy just stared at her. He shook his head and then said.
"Don't worry. I won't. I understand your curiosity."
Nazia smiled. "You came with Acharya Chanakya, didn't you?"
"Yes, your highness." The boy nodded. Nazia found the gentle sparkle in his eyes quite enchanting.
The two stared at one another as the setting rays of the sun shone through the small patterns of the divider.
"What is your name?" She was finally able to ask.
"Radhagupt!" Chanakya called.
"I must go now." Radhagupt whispered at her.
"Can we meet later?" Nazia asked.
"Let's see." Radhagupt said flashing her a grin before leaving.
And they did. Throughout her struggles as the daughter of Sudhama she fondly remembered the few rendezvous she shared with the student of Chanakya. His modesty, his wit, his knowledge and his humility, all of it endeared to her. There were sons of nobles from affluent kingdoms who tried to impress her. They courted her endlessly trying to win her heart. But Radhagupt had done that without even trying.
But before she could say anything he left. Without saying a word he left with his Acharya. Just like that.
She cried herself to sleep for days much to her father's bemusement. Young and foolish as she was, she could not come up with a coherent answer to her father's simple questions.
It took her a while to forget about Radhagupt. When she finally got married in her husband she found the solace of companionship she always desired. And it finally looked like that Keechak's ascendency could be curbed.
But it all ended brutally in that battle. After which Keechak ascended the throne of Taxilla. And now in the confines of the palace she started thinking about that Brahmin again. She wondered where he was now. Was he even alive. Did he even remember her?
Nazia heard her father suddenly bolting into the room. Nazia sat up. Nazia's eyes widened with surprise. It was a while since she saw her father look this happy. He was shaking with excitement. Nazia looked to his hands to see a parchment.
"Father." Nazia asked. "What is it?"
"Samrat Bindusar has sent the Magadh army. They are coming for Keechak." Sudhama said with relief. Nazia stood up and rushed to her father's side
"Keep it down." Nazia said suppressing her smile. "Are you sure?"
"Positive." Sudhama said lowering his voice. "Devrat has written this letter himself. Rajkumar Ashok is leading the Magadh Sena. He has already defeated Keechak's army twice."
Nazia felt her heart skip a beat. God was finally showing His benevolence to them. Nazia was confused about something.
"Rajkumar Ashok?" Nazia asked. "Who is he?"
"Samrat Bindusar's long lost son. Acharya Chanakya's last student." Sudhama said quietly.
"What do you mean?" Nazia asked suddenly feeling anxious. "Does that mean-?"
Sudhama solemnly nodded. "Acharya Chanakya was killed a month ago."
"What else is written there?" Nazia asked. "Not much." Sudhama said looking out to the balcony. "This is the worst and the best news I have had in months. I just hope Rajkumar Ashok gets here on time."
Nazia was desperate to know more. She had hoped vain for years that Radhagupt would return.
"Is Radhagupt with Rajkumar Ashok?" Nazia asked. Sudhama looked at his daughter.
"Radhagupt?" Sudhama asked.
"Acharya Chanakya's student!" Nazia cried.
"I am not sure." Sudhama replied.
"He is not dead is he?" Nazia asked fearfully.
"From what Devrat says here, a lot of people died alongside Chanakya." Sudhama sighed. "Rahdagupt could have been one of them."
Nazia felt throat go dry. With great effort she suppressed her tears. Sudhama didn't notice his daughter's strange reaction. He just looked at the parchment in his hands. His face contorting between hope and anxiousness.
Nazia walked away from her father. It is very much possible that Radhagupt died by his Acharya's side. And that possibility weighed heavily on her heart. A lone tear fell down her face.
I wish I could have seen him. One last time.
Back in Magadh.
Radhagupt was in his room sitting on the side of his bed.
Things were quite stable in Magadh. The security measures have been ramped up. Envoys were sent to all Janpads to ensure that they didn't join Keechak's rebellion. And former Senapati Sudheshan's trial was ongoing. But until Ashok returned Radhagupt doubted that the matter would be fully resolved.
Radhagupt carved the wooden bird with his dagger as he stared at the map of Magadh.
His messenger from Assandh had returned with positive news. Ashok was in good health. Senapati Rudra had successfully converged his Sena with the Magadh Army. Bhim Ji has been elected as the Senapati. And Acharya Devrat had also joined Ashok's side. Prantpal Sudhama was still alive. And apparently there are groups of armed resistance struggling against Keechak.
War was inevitable. He was only a young boy when Maharaj Bindusar and Keechak fought that battle. But he remembered well enough that the situation back then was beyond any negotiations or peaceful settlement.
And the current situation is the same. Keechak was not the type to accept anything less than unconditional surrender or a crushing defeat.
It won't be long before Ashok leads the Magadh Sena into the Taxilla region. Radhagupt could only hope that everything goes according to plan. And he hoped that Prantpal Sudhama and his family remained unharmed by the end of this war.
Bindusar stood on the balcony looking out to the scenery before him. He received the message from Ashok a few days ago. He was going to reach Taxilla in a week. Siyamak will depart after Ashok leaves Assandh. Bindusar felt relieved. But at the same time he felt nervous. He looked out to his glowing capital. The splendor of Patliputra always made Bindusar's heart swell with pride.
"You summoned me Pitaji?"
Bindusar turned around to see his eldest son, once his brightest prospect. The source of his pride. The past few months had changed a lot of things. Bindusar had a hard time accepting the dark traits of his son. It was unfortunate. He could not ignore his son's transgressions any longer. However the situation of Magadh was getting out of hand.
"I need you to go to Tosali." Bindusar said quietly. Sushim looked at him questioningly.
"Any particular reason Pitaji?" Sushim asked.
"I am asking you to." Bindusar said. "Do you need any more reasons?"
"No sire." Sushim replied. "I just wanted to know what exactly do I have to do there."
"There are rumors that the Prantpal of Tosali might be extending his support to Keechak." Bindusar said turning his back on Sushim. "Keechak might have some of his old allies there. I need you to go there and ensure that no other treachery takes place. Tosali is an important region and very close to Kalinga. We cannot afford to fight two fronts right now."
"Understood Pitaji." Sushim said nervously.
"You will leave tomorrow." Bindusar said looking at Sushim.
"Tomorrow?" Sushim asked.
"Tomorrow!" Bindusar repeated. Sushim bowed.
"Understood Pitaji. I will make my preparations."
"Good." Bindusar nooded. "You may go now. And tell the guards to send Drupad to me. I would like to spend some time with him."
"As you wish Maharaj." Sushim nodded and walked away.
Bindusar sighed. He hoped to see more eagerness from his son. If a Mauryan Prince hesitates to do his duties how will he ascend the throne? Charumitra and Khalnatak has been buzzing around him about how ready Sushim is to be his Uttaradhikari. But he wasn't sure. The last few months had cast a lot of doubts in his mind.
But he didn't really have time to ponder over this. Bindusar thought irately. He wished Charumitra would let him focus on the matter at hand. And that is dealing with what would be the third rebellion in a year. Something was not right. He needed to re-assess his administration.
Acharya. Pitaji. I wish you were here. I could use your guidance.
Leave your thoughts below hope you enjoyed it. 😊
Sorry for the late update. Had some work. 😆
Chapter 14: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/133484545