Chapter 14: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/133484545
A/N: Dedicated to Niki, Ramsha, Gargi, Mac, Khushi, Nonie, 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 15: The Lines of Battle
Three weeks have passed since Radhagupt left Patliputra. He
was on the borders of Tosali with the Magadh army in his wake. The journey was
uneventful bar a few scuffles breaking out every now and then, the new trainees
still getting the ropes of being in the army. Radhagupt didn't expect that the
command of an army would be so natural to him. His spies had seamlessly fit
into their roles. The governors in the minor Janpads have assured Radhagupt
that nothing was amiss so he headed straight for Tosali to converge with
Rajkumar's Sushim's army.
Reports from his spies at Tosali have been worrying. The Praja
of Tosali were complaining about increased taxes and unlawful exploitation of
workers, also about their men being conscripted into armies. Samrat Bindusar
has no knowledge of these developments.
The unrest in the Tosali region affords Kalinga an
opportunity for invasion. If Kalinga invades now, chances are inhabitants of
Tosali will flock to their side.
Mahamatya.
Radhagupt thought irately. This guy is
more trouble than he is worth.
Right now Radhagupt needed to act quickly. Hopefully
Rajkumar Sushim wasn't slacking off again.
At the palace of Tosali...
Rajkumar Sushim was sprawled out on the divan. Inebriated
and exhausted. His head was hurting after a rather busy night.
Finally out of the cagey atmosphere in Patliputra, the scion
of Maurya released all his pent up frustrations. The courtiers of Tosali were
all on his payroll and the governor there had pledged to support his bid for
the throne. And thus they did all his commands. For Sushim, the last week had
was hazy rush of drunkenness and delight.
"Y-your highness." A voice said hesitantly. Sushim scowled
as a sharp pang of pain ran through his head.
"What?" he said through gritted teeth.
"We have a problem." Sushim got. He barely registered
Prantpal Mayasura through his blurry vision.
"What is it?" Sushim blinked several times trying to clear
his vision and focusing his mind. The pain in his head was unbearable.
"Your highness. Drink this." An attendant said from the side.
Sushim noticed the outstretched goblet. Sushim took it and drank the contents
in one swig. Sushim took heavy breaths as the pain subsided.
Sushim cleared his throat. "What is the problem?"
"There are reports of an enemy force gathering on our
borders." Mayasura said feebly.
"What?" Sushim shouted. Itni
Samasya kya kam tha.
"It is Kalinga." Mayasura said his hands fidgeting uncomfortably.
"Great." Sushim muttered. "Just great. Abhi yehi baki tha."
Amidst his decadent doings over the last week Sushim was reassessing all that
he had done over the past months. Getting rid of Ashok was his foremost
priority. But something was bugging his mind. Something that accursed Acharya
said before he left.
"I know what you have
been doing Rajkumar Sushim." Sushim turned around to see it was Acharya
Radhagupt. Sushim was about to enter his room. He was set to leave for Tosali.
"What?" Sushim asked
brusquely. Radhagupt stepped closer.
"You think I don't
know about the army that had gone from Tosali?" Radhagupt said menacingly.
"Don't think that you are safe just because Sudheshan is keeping his mouth shut
Rajkumar Sushim."
"I have no idea what
you are talking about." Sushim said irately. He did his utmost to hide his
nervousness.
"Listen to me."
Radhagupt snapped. "Do you have any idea about the ramifications of what you
are doing? Has your hatred for Ashok ruined your mind? Can you not see that
your greed for the throne is the very thing that will make you lose it?!"
Sushim balked. "Wha-?"
"You think Keechak
will settle being subservient to you?" Radhagupt continued. "If Ashok loses,
Keechak will go after you next! And trust me on this son. You have no idea how
quickly Keechak's influence and reputation is growing!"
Sushim heard footsteps
he turned around to see it was his mother. Emboldened Sushim turned back
towards Radhagupt ready to give a scathing reply. But he was gone.
Sushim sat on the divan recounting those words. He was
starting to come around the idea that maybe, Keechak and Amatya Rakshas weren't
trustworthy. They were sworn enemies of the Mauryan dynasty. Whatever his
hatred towards Ashok, it shouldn't blind him of the imminent danger. Even
Mahamatya had his misgivings about the Rajmata helping them. And now the
imminent Kalinga invasion.
"Also." Mayasura added. "Senapati Radhagupt is on his way
with the Magadh army." Sushim scowled. How
did that rat become a Senapati? Khalnatak that lying snake.
But Magadh was being attacked from all sides. There was no
time to waste his mind on such thoughts. He noticed his friend Indrajeet asleep
on the floor. His mouth hanging like a donkey. Sushim scowled. I need to kick his ass to wake him again.
"Prantpal Mayasura." Sushim said standing up. "Summon my
Senanayaks."
Meanwhile far way in region near Taxilla...
Rajkumar Ashok was at the hall of the fort they captured
with Senapati Bhim, Acharya Rudra and the Senanayaks except Aadarsh who had gone
for another raid. Many skirmishes were fought over the past weeks. Local rebels had pledged their support to Ashok. Supplies
were scrounged from the countryside as inhabitants flocked to Ashok's
stronghold. From the way things were developing another battle seemed imminent. Scouts and spies were reporting that an army was headed towards Ashok's stronghold.
"Rajkumar Ashok." A guard entered the room. "There is a
messenger from Taxilla. He says Sudhama sent him."
Ashok looked towards Acharya Devrat. Devrat seemed as
confused as him. Sudhama had not been contacting them for a long while now.
Devrat assumed that Keechak had Sudhama cut off from all means of
communication. And all his spies were caught. But looks like one of them
managed to escape.
"Send him in." Ashok said gruffly. A few moments later the
messenger entered. He seemed absolutely exhausted.
"Are you alright?" Devrat asked.
"Yes Acharya." The messenger wheezed through gasps.
"How did you escape?" Devrat said walking towards him.
"Lady Bhamini helped." he replied. Devrat nodded.
"So what is the message?"
The messenger took out a scroll from his belt and handed it
to Devrat. "It's a disaster Acharya." The messenger said shakily. "A disaster."
Devrat quickly unfolded the scroll and his eyes blazed over
the contents.
"What is it Acharya Devrat?" Ashok asked. Devrat just stood
there frozen.
"Lady Nazia is going to married off to the Fort Commander
Mahanand." Devrat said turning to Ashok. Ashok's eyes widened.
"What does that mean?" Saroj asked.
"Is it what I think it means?" Bhim Ji asked quietly.
"So the chief of Hindu Kush has decided to extend his
support to Keechak." Ashok said clenching his fist. That traitor.
"I don't blame him." Devrat said folding his arms. "Being a chief
of a barren mountainous range is not a prestigious post that affords luxury. He saw
an opportunity and seized it. Through this marriage Keechak has basically
offered him the throne of Taxilla if Mahanand helps him conquer Magadh."
"So what do we do?" Saroj said fiercely. "We can't just sit
around doing nothing!"
"What else does Sudhama say in the letter?" Ashok asked.
"Lady Nazia will be leaving for the Hindu Kush tomorrow.
Keechak will be escorting her personally." Devrat said after a while.
"What are we waiting for then?" Saroj asked. "Let's go and
smash his head and end this war!"
Ashok just stared at Devrat. He agreed with Saroj. Why was
Acharya Devrat hesitating?
"Sounds easier than it is." Acharya Rudra finally spoke.
Devrat and Senapati Bhim looked towards him. All three shared a knowing look.
"What do you mean?" Saroj asked.
"It is obviously a trap." Rudra smirked. "And if our scouts
are correct a large force is also heading towards us."
"If we go after Keechak." Bhim Ji said, "We will have take a
significant force with us because no doubt Keechak will be well guarded."
"And if we split our force we may not be able to defend
against the army that will be attacking us here." Rudra added.
"But if we stay here." Ashok said quietly. "Keechak will
have secured the support he needs. And we will be outnumbered and surrounded."
"Exactly." Saroj said quickly. "It is risky but we can end
this war if we capture Keechak!"
"What if we don't?" Rudra said irritably. "We have no idea
about the nature or the size of the force that will go with Keechak."
"There is a still a chance of victory!" Saroj shouted.
"Sitting here like Napunsaks will accomplish nothing! You Ujjainis and your
cowardice never fail to show itself at critical times!"
"What is that supposed to mean?" Rudra snarled advancing
towards Saroj. Ashok was lost in his thoughts as the argument around him
escalated. Bhim Ji and Devrat trying to keep Saroj and Rudra apart.
What do I do Acharya?
Meanwhile at Patliputra...
Devi Helena was with her guptchar in her room. She was sitting
comfortably on her divan, the portrait of her deceased son next to her.
"So will he do it?" Helena asked.
"He wouldn't budge but I managed to convince him in the end
Rajmata." The guptchar replied.
"Excellent." Helena said with a gleeful smile. She motioned
an attendant to come forward. The attendant handed the guptchar a pouch of
gold.
"Your Highness is too kind." The guptchar bowed.
"The rest of you know what to do." Helena said quietly.
"Ekaant."
The guptchar bowed and left. Helena stood up and turned
towards the portrait of her son. The eerie lifelike silhouette of the painting
sent a shiver down Helena's spine. For fleeting moments it felt like Justin was
looking at her. Helena pondered over the last letter Amatya Rakshas sent her.
You must keep Bindusar
at Patliputra at all costs. We will put an end to the strongest of Bindusar's
sons along with his forces. My contacts in Kalinga have managed to convince
Raja Kharavela to attack Tosali. Keechak has some loyalists there. And together
they will bring an end to Rajkumar Sushim. And Rajkumar Ashok's defeat is all
but assured now.
The moment Helena received that letter she set out to
construct an elaborate plan. Her goal to put Siyamak on the Magadh throne is
just that much closer.
"I will make your dreams come true my son." Helena said
as tears rolled down her cheeks. "Siyamak will be the one to surpass
Alexander."
On the other side of the palace...
Ahankara was walking along the garden lost in her thoughts. The
palace had become a quiet place. A long time had passed since she came to
Patliputra with no signs of any chances of going back to her homeland. This
garden had a special place in Ahankara's heart. She could hear the echoes of
her father's laughter. The last day she spent with her father before that
terrible night. Everything was so different back then. Since then it had been
one painful memory after another. Ahankara strolled past the white
lilies. She couldn't help but smile.
This garden had a special place in her heart for another
reason. Because of the few but unforgettable moments she shared with her mitra.
Her savior. Her love.
"Ahankara?" A voice called. She turned to see it was Rani
Dharma.
"Rani Dharma." Ahankara bowed.
"I think I told you not to do that." Dharma smiled.
"How are you feeling putri?"
"I am fine Rani Dharma." Ahankara smiled.
"I also thought I told you to call me Ma." Dharma said
stroking her head. Ahankara blushed as her thoughts travelled elsewhere. Did
Rani Dharma find her a suitable spouse for Ashok? Acharya Radhagupt and all of
Ashok's friends certainly did. Remembering their words made Ahankara turn beet
red. Dharma's smile widened.
"Thinking about Ashok?" she asked. Ahankara nodded.
"Me too." Dharma sighed. What is that reckless son of mine up to this time?
"Rani Dharma." Dharma and Ahankara turned to see it was
Ishwari. Radhagupt had instructed all the Guptchar to protect everyone in the
royal family. And he had left Dharma in charge of them all.
"Is something wrong Ishwari?" Dharma asked.
"I saw some guptchar of Rajmata prepping around the palace." Ishwari said quietly.
"They are definitely up to something."
Dharma frowned. Radhagupt had warned Dharma specifically to
keep an eye on the Rajmata. Dharma and Radhagupt had a long conversation before
he left. Chanakya and Radhagupt blamed the Rajmata for most of the troubles
that have plagued Magadh and Dharma the past year. Radhagupt was sure that Devi
Helena was behind Acharya Chanakya's assassination. And with most of the army
outside of Patliputra, the capital was vulnerable. There was definite chance of
Rajmata trying to do something. Radhagupt and his guptchar certainly seemed to
think so.
"Keep an eye on them for now." Dharma said uncertainly.
Rajmata Helena was as wily and cunning as they come. And Dharma was new to all
this. All these years she spent fighting for survival and it had honed her
instincts and her perceptions to brewing conspiracies. But she was unsure as to
how she should deal with them.
"I could summon some of my soldiers from Ujjain." Ahankara
offered. Ahankara was present during the conversation between Radhagupt and
Dharma.
"We should ask the Samrat first." Dharma said quietly.
"Will he allow it?" Ahankara asked.
"Don't worry." Dharma smiled. "I will convince him."
At Tosali...
Radhagupt bowed before Rajkumar Sushim.
"Samrat Bindusar sends his greetings." Radhagupt began.
"Spare me the formalities Senapati." Sushim drawled waving
his hand. "Let's get to the matter at hand."
Radhagupt smirked. "Kalinga is gathering its forces for an
all out attack."
Sushim nodded. "I have already given the order to shore up
the defenses."
"I was about to suggest something else." Radhagupt said with
a small smile. Sushim scowled. He has barely arrived and he is already
undermining my authority.
"Why don't we raid their camps and stop them from converging?"
Radhagupt continued. "That is the last thing they will expect." Despite his
misgivings Sushim's interest was piqued.
"Do you think you can do it Senapati?" Sushim asked. "Do we
have the appropriate forces to do it? Most of our raiding divisions are with
Ashok. All we have is infantry and archers." I also have my personal army but he already suspects me. I can't use
them unless absolutely necessary.
"With your permission." Radhagupt replied. "I have managed
to secure some support. Their chief is outside. Waiting to meet you."
Sushim arched his eyebrow. "Alright."
Radhagupt motioned to the attendant. The attendant bowed and
left. After a few moments Radhagupt's guest walked in.
Sushim looked up to see a burly man standing before him. A
scar ran across his right eye.
"And you are?" Sushim asked. The man's face twitched with annoyance.
"Airavat." He said gruffly.
"You look like a Khurasani." Sushim said with a scowl. "You
are a Khurasani!"
"I am. So?" Airavat asked affronted.
"Mir Khursan-" Sushim began through gritted teeth. Airavat
raised his hand.
"I have nothing to do with Mir Khurasan." Airavat said
firmly. "We are loyal to Samrat Bindusar and Mauryan family. Rajkumar Ashok can
vouch for me."
Radhagupt inwardly sighed as Sushim's hands trembled with
fury.
"Senapati Radhagupt!" Sushim roared.
"Control your temper Rajkumar Sushim." Radhagupt said
quietly. "Focus on the matter at hand. Do not let your personal feelings cloud
your judgement."
"Cloud my judgement?" Sushim said through clenched teeth.
"Wait for me outside." Radhagupt motioned to Airvat. Airvat
glared at Sushim. He nodded and then walked out of the room.
"Prantpal Mayasura." Radhagupt said quietly. "I would like
to speak with Rajkumar Sushim alone."
"Who are you to issue orders here?" Sushim roared.
"If you had read your father's letter properly Rajkumar
Sushim you will know that I am in charge of the overall operations here! I am
the Senapati! So you like everyone else answer to me!" Radhagupt said barely
controlling his anger. Sushim is as disrespectful
and disobedient as always.
"Kya matlab?!" Sushim roared.
"Prantpal Mayasura!" Radhagupt roared. Mayasura cowered and
left. "Ekaant!" Rahdagupt shouted. The attendants bowed and left. As the last
of the attendants left Radhagupt strode forward and drew out a parchment.
"Recognize this?" Radhagupt said quietly holding the
parchment before Sushim. Sushim's rage turned to anxiety as he immediately
recognized that parchment. It was an order he issued to his army to stay away
from Tosali. It had his personal seal. That
careless fool.
"We have been looking for an army that had ambushed Rajkumar
Ashok. And it seems like this letter was intended for that army. All it will
take is one order to my guptchars and I will know whose seal this is."
Radhagupt said quietly. "This Rajkumar Sushim, if it is traced to you, can be your
death sentence."
"What do you mean?" Sushim asked gruffly.
"A Prince cannot own a personal army." Radhagupt said
quietly. "It will be seen as a direct insubordination of the Samrat's
authority. And if that army aids an enemy attacking another Prince it escalates
to treason."
Sushim gulped. "You have no proof."
"I can get the proof I need." Radhagupt said menacingly. "Or
were you not listening? And furthermore Samrat has yet to learn about all the
wonderful things you did as the Prabhari Raja."
Sushim silently glared at Radhagupt. His hands fidgeting
towards his sword.
"You will listen to me. You will stop misbehaving with all
of the Samrat's subjects. You will do as you are instructed." Radhagupt said
loudly boring into Sushim's head. "Is that clear?"
Sushim clenched his teeth. His shaking hands balled into
fists. Sushim realized he was now backed into a corner. If he wanted he could
have Radhagupt executed. Although his authority in Tosali was undisputed, the
soldiers that came with Radhagupt do not answer to him. Nor does that accursed
Khurasani. And he was Ashok's friend. And Ashok was held in high favor right
now. Plus his actions as Prabhari Raja hung over his head like a death knell to
his dreams.
Sushim sighed trying to calm himself down.
"Alright." He said, his voice cracked. "Alright."
Radhagupt put the parchment into his belt and continued.
"You will apologize to Airavat. If you want people to listen to you, you will
have to treat them with the respect they deserve."
Sushim nodded, his teeth clenched.
"Alright then." Radhagupt smiled. "Let's get down to
business."
Sushim glared at Radhagupt as he called for an attendant.
At Ashok's stronghold...
"Rajkumar Ashok." Bhim Ji said. "The final decision is
yours." The argument had been settled although Saroj and Rudra continued throwing
dark and scathing glances at each other.
Ashok sat down on the chair as his mind was bogged down with
indecision. Keechak had truly backed him into a corner.
"We have no choice." Ashok said to his Senanayaks and
Senapati. "We have to stop Keechak from taking lady Nazia to the Hindu Kush
chief. At any cost."
"And what about the fort?" Devrat asked. "Plenty of people
have sought refugee here. Without our protection Keechak's army will slaughter
them all."
"They should do their part for the greater good." Rudra and
Saroj said together. They looked at one another mildly surprised.
"I thought you wanted to keep hold of the fort!" Saroj said
furiously.
"Well I changed my mind." Rudra said smoothly. Saroj gritted
his teeth.
"Enough!" Bhim Ji berated Saroj.
"Rajkumar Ashok, we might lose the support of the general
public." Devrat said quietly. "Already the people are mutinous towards Samrat
Bindusar."
"We will do both at once." Ashok said determinedly.
"So we are splitting our force?" Bhim Ji asked.
"I have faith in all of you." Ashok said standing up. "We
have to try our best. Rest is up to God. And my mother always said God is with
the righteous ones."
"It all sounds good Rajkumar Ashok." Rudra said quietly.
"But how do we accomplish that?"
"Bhim Ji?" Ashok looked towards his Senapati earnestly. What
should we do?
Senapati Bhim crossed his arms thoughtfully as he paced to
and fro. After a while he turned towards Ashok,
"The cavalry divisions cannot do much in a siege scenario.
They are more useful in the decisive moments. In defensive scenarios they are a
waste."
"So what do you suggest?" Devrat asked.
"Acharya Devrat must go. Because he knows these areas and knows what lady Nazia looks like. And it is our raiding divisions should go with him. The archers
and the heavy infantry should remain here with me. Two cavalry divisions should be held back here. We might need a mobile force to take out the siege engines." Bhim Ji said standing next to Ashok. "We will do our best to hold them off long enough for you to rescue lady Nazia and come back here to flank the enemy." Bhim Ji finished looking towards Saroj.
"Sounds like a plan." Saroj said elated.
"I would like to remain here as well." Ashok begun. "My Sena
will need me here."
"I don't think that is option Rajkumar Ashok." Devrat
replied. "On the chance that we fail on both fronts you can still escape to
Patliputra. And that is possible if you go after Keechak."
"No." Ashok said adamantly. "These people came here because
they expect the Prince of Magadh to protect them. I will not abandon them
here."
Devrat was about interrupt but Ashok continued.
"Listen! We will win." Ashok said defiantly, "Acharya you
know these areas better than me. You should be the one to lead the attack
against Keechak. I am more useful here."
"As much as I hate to admit it." Rudra added. "I agree with
Rajkumar Ashok. He needs to stay here and hold the fort. Besides Acharya
Radhagupt will be sending us reinforcements. I have faith in him."
"Alright." Devrat conceded. "So are any of the Senanayaks going with me?"
"Saroj and Aadarsh." Bhim Ji replied. "Saroj because he has
little experience defending sieges. He is better at raiding. And Aadarsh
because he is the cavalry commander. If the enemy outnumbers you he can help you retreat."
"Sounds like a plan." Saroj said ignoring Rudra's snickering behind him.
"Alright." Ashok said loudly. "You will leave this evening.
Aadarsh will be returning soon. Bhim Ji will let him know what is going on. For
now get all our soldiers ready." Bhim Ji bowed and lead everyone out. Only
Saroj remained with Ashok.
"Is there anything else Saroj? You should go prepare" Ashok sighed.
"Forgive me for asking this." Saroj said quietly to Ashok.
"Why are you taking such a big risk?"
"I told you already. The people here are depending on me to
protect them." Ashok said irritably.
"Are you afraid of facing Keechak?" Saroj asked bluntly.
Ashok turned towards Saroj flabbergasted. Not for the first time he felt
angry at his young Senanayak.
"What sort of a question is that?" Ashok asked.
"There is an off chance." Saroj said quietly. "That the imminent attack is a distraction. I think you have also thought of that. So you are picking the safe option in my opinion."
Ashok turned towards Saroj. "If I wasn't tied down by responsibility of being a Prince of my people and being the Commander of the Magadh army I would be marching to Taxilla by myself and
kill Keechak with my own hands!" Ashok said heatedly.
"That sounds reckless." Saroj said disapprovingly. "That is
as bad as cowardice."
Pot calling the kettle black.
"What are you trying to say?" Ashok asked irritably. Saroj shook his head.
"Never mind." Saroj said apologetically. "Bhim Ji did say
the final decision was up to you."
Saroj then walked towards the door.
"I hope you are not a coward though." Saroj said without
looking at him. "The soldiers do look to you for inspiration. When the time
comes you will have to confront Keechak."
"Don't worry." Ashok said looking towards the window. "I
will do whatever is necessary."
Saroj then left.
Ashok stood alone in his room looking towards the balcony.
There was a part of him that feared the confrontation with Keechak. But it was
no different from the times when he fought Mir Khurasan or Dastaan. The strange
questions that his subordinates asked him were unnerving at times. But he understood it somewhat.
Ashok looked towards the landscape. He could see Aadarsh
with the raiding party returning. Dust trailing their path.
Acharya Chanakya. I
hope I can live up to your expectations. Pitaji, I hope I can protect our
people.
Chapter 16: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/135875524
Edited by babur1527 - 7 years ago
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