Chapter 7:https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/130222503(page 12)
A/N: So so sorry guys. I completely forgot to update. As a recompense this chapter is a big one. And I mean big. Next update will be faster. IA. 😆
Play this music while you read the first sequence of this chapter. Trust me it will make it reading that much better. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJXw0lL5-vA 😛
Dedicated to Niki,
Ramsha, Gargi, Mac, Khushi, and Shelly. My dedicated readers and
sources of inspiration.
Also Rohini,
Medha, Krystal, Kaana and Vidhu. 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 8: The Epiphany
It was dark and cold. The night was haunted by fog. Surrounding him everywhere as he walked along the stone path. Ashok couldn't fathom why or how he came here. Or where he was going. All he knew was that he had to keep walking. A ghost of an echo was leading him on.
He walked into a clearing and saw the Palace of Patliputra. His home. Where his family resided. Where is heart resided. Instead of the familiar feelings of awe, delight or pride, he felt dread and fear, just like the night when the palace was besieged.
From the corner of his eyes, Ashok saw shadows circling him. They were moving swiftly through the fog making it difficult to see them clearly. Ashok instinctively drew his sword as a blade swung at him. Ashok blocked it and pushed it back. He felt another blade strike his back and he fell on the ground. Thankfully he was protected by his armor.
Ashok heard the blades whistling through the wind. He rolled around swiftly barely dodging the blades and kicked up to his feet as he heard the blades striking the stone ground. He saw the shadows turning and thrusting their blades towards him. Ashok raised his sword and swung it around swatting the blades away. Ashok charged forward and stabbed one of them through the stomach. The other assailant swung his sword at Ashok. Ashok ducked and withdrew his blade as he dodged another slash. Ashok reversed the grip on his sword. Ashok slid under the next slash and hacked his adversary's leg. Without missing a beat Ashok swirled around and ran his sword through the attacker's neck.
Ashok saw the bleeding bodies that lay at his feet. Before he could see their faces Ashok heard a scream. It was his mother. Ashok turned around and sprinted through the gates of the palace.
Ashok ran through the corridors which seemed never ending. The walls were twisted into a grotesque miasma. He finally reached the throne room. He saw his father battling the Mir Khurasan, Noor and Daastan at once. Dharma was behind Bindusar as he was barely blocking the blades desperately trying to shield her. Ashok saw his father swat away Mir and Dastaan's blades only to be stabbed by Noor.
Ashok let out a maniacal roar and charged towards them. Noor turned towards Ashok and raised her sword. With one swift swing Ashok slashed Noor's neck killing her instantly. Bindusar locked swords with Dastaan. Mir tried to stab Bindusar but Dharma grabbed a knife and thrust it through Mir's right eye. Mir let out a yelp and fell back holding his bleeding eye.
Dastaan pushed Bindusar back as the Samrat's wound was weighing on him. Before he could advance any further Ashok leaped up and stabbed Daastan through the chest. Ashok then turned towards Mir. His veins pulsed with his boiling blood. Mir still held his bleeding eye as he picked himself up. He then turned around and ran off. Ashok chased after him.
Ashok was chasing Mir through the corridors. But just he was about to catch him, Mir disappeared and Ashok ran into a wall. Dazed Ashok barely kept his balance. He shook his head trying to regain focus. His eyes were frantically looking for Mir. Ashok then heard a voice he thought he would never hear again.
"ASHOK!"
Acharya!
Ashok dashed off towards direction of the sound. He barely kept his balance as he recklessly sprinted through the corridors.
Ashok then saw flames bursting out of his Acharya's room.
"NO!" Ashok screamed. Not again.
Ashok sprinted towards the flaming room. But he was too late. The flames engulfed everything and Ashok collapsed on his knees as he saw the room burn. Tears barely started falling before Ashok heard another petrifying scream.
"ASHOK!"
No! Not her!
Ashok leaped out of the balcony and landed on the corridor. He ignored his creaking legs and sprinted towards Ahankara's room.
As Ashok burst into Ahankara's room he saw Sushim slowly walking towards Ahankara with a torch on his hands. Ashok leaped up and kicked Sushim squarely across the face. Sushim fell out the window into the darkness.
Ashok then swung his sword and cut the ropes binding Ahankara. Once freed, Ahankara threw herself at Ashok latching onto him. Ashok wrapped his free hand around her reassuringly as the breeze and the fog doused the fire of the torch that fell from Sushim's hand. The lights of the diya were flickering in a mystical ambiance.
Ashok gently stroked her hair as he looked towards the window. He took heavy breaths trying to calm himself. Ahankara pulled her head back looking into Ashok's eyes.
"I am here." Ashok whispered. Ahankara smiled resting her head on Ashok's shoulder.
Ashok then felt a blade pierce his hip. He swung his sword around and pushed Ahankara back shielding her. He saw the shadow of the assailant leap away doding his slash. Ashok raised his sword as he faced the new assailant. What he saw not only shocked him, but fueled his rage even more.
"Rajkumar Ashok!"
Ashok woke with a start. He was in his tent with the soldiers. The Senanayaks were gathered around him looking on concernedly.
"Is everything okay?" Bhim Ji asked.
"Yes." Ashok said shakily. "Yes." He was drenched in sweat. "Everyone prepare yourself. We have a lot of work to." Ashok stood up and left the tent as the soldiers looked on concernedly.
"You heard him." Bhim Ji said loudly. "Get to work."
A few hours later
Ashok pulled on his robes next to the pond. And as always, his mind was filled with thoughts and images of the yesteryear.
Ashok didn't know what to make of his dream. He has been having similar dreams for a long time now. Not even in his dreams were his family safe from the enemies of Magadh.
But this one was realistic. It was a very accurate recollection of everything that has happened till now. And that gives him reason to mull over what he saw just before he woke up.
"Rajkumar Ashok."
Ashok was used to that sarcastic tone by now. But his body tensed as the memories of that dream was still fresh.
He turned to see Senapati Sudheshan with short and portly man next to him. He was regally dressed, befitting of a Mukhya of Magadh.
"Mukhya Dhimant." Sudheshan said pointing to the man who bowed before Ashok.
"Rajkumar Ashok it is an honor to finally meet you." Ashok snapped his eyes into focus.
"Mukhya Ji." Ashok said raising his hand. "The honor is mine. I hope we weren't too late to arrive here."
"You were just in time sire." Dhimant replied gratefully. "Those savages would have killed the royal family if you didn't arrive."
The Royal Family. Ashok's thoughts strayed as Mukhya Dhimant recounted everything that happened till the Magadh Sena appeared.
Assandh palace. This was Ahankara's birthplace. Rani Niharika was the daughter of the royal family of Assandh. Rajaji Raj had lived here during the early years of Shakti Raj's reign. Shakti Raj had exiled Rajaji after he ascended the throne. Niharika and Rajaji fell in love and got married. Ahankara was born not long after that and was raised here amongst her mother's family. Rajaji Raj was recalled by his brother when Ahankara turned four years of age. In the interim years Ahankara often visited her mother's family.
Shakti Raj exiled Rajaji Raj again before he started the rebellion. And Ahankara had to return to Assandh one final time before her father finally ascended the throne.
Assandh was a beautiful city. It was known for it's knowledge and wisdom. Much like Taxilla. Ahankara had recounted to Ashok the fond memories of Assandh. And the important life lessons she learned here. Most important of all was doing the right thing even if it meant going against the ones you loved. Ashok had seen the values of the city of Assandh through Ahankara's brave actions. It is the very thing that drove Ashok to fight for her and protect her against everything.
"Dhimant Ji." Ashok said after moment. "I would like to meet your Raja."
Mukhya Dhimant bowed. Sudheshan was looking at Ashok. Ashok turned to him. He was still confused. Was it just a dream. Or an epiphany?
"Sudheshan Ji." Ashok said firmly. "We will remain here for a week. Send a message to Pitaji. Tell him we need more Ashraviu."
Sudheshan half bowed. The reluctance obvious from his body language. Ashok sighed and walked past him.
I will have to keep an eye on him from now on. Just in case.
A few hours later...
Ashok walked through the corridor of the palace of Assandh escorted by Mukhya Dhimant, Prince Narendra and Princess Nalini. Cousins of Ahankara.
"You are younger than I expected you to be." Nalini said quizzically. She was a beautiful woman with taut features. Very much like Rani Niharika. But her eyes were playful and she wore a warm smile.
"Yeah. I hear that a lot." Ashok rubbed his head chuckling.
"Handsome too." Nalini said thoughtfully. Ashok coughed as a blush crept into his face.
"Did I say that out loud?" Nalini giggled.
Prince Narendra sighed. "Ignore her. She has some bad habits." Narendra was a fair skinned youth with a lean build that was adorned by royal blue garbs. Even though he wasn't built like a warrior he towered over Ashok.
Ashok gulped and nodded.
"Hey you don't have to agree with him!" Nalini cried. Narendra shook his head. Well that's a relief. Unlike that imbecile Sushim,this one has manners.
They stood outside the King's bedroom. "Pitaji has been ill for months now." Narendra said quietly. "He didn't take the death of our aunt and uncle too well. Are you sure you want to meet him?"
Ashok nodded. "We will remain here."said Narendra. "I think it is best Rajkumar Ashok talks to Pitaji alone."
Nalini pouted. "But I wanted to spend more time with Rajkumar Ashok."
"You go back to your room!" Narendra hissed. "Seriously act your age sister! You are older than me!"
"Which is why you shouldn't be ordering me around." Nalini sticking her tongue out. Narendra sighed and grabbed her arm.
"You talk to Pitaji Rajkumar Ashok." Narendra said as he dragged his sister away.
"Oh come on." Nalini squeaked as she was dragged away. "Meet me later Rajkumar!" Nalini waved.
Ashok rolled his eyes. Good God.
"Rajkumar Ashok." Dhimant said quietly. "She has been like that since Rani Niharika's death. She was very close to her. After she found out what Rani Niharika tried to do and how she died, it affected her greatly."
Ashok nodded. He was unsure what to say. On one hand they weren't begrudging him as the son of the man who killed their aunt. But on the other hand Nalini's advances made him feel very uncomfortable.
Ashok strode into the room. It was spacious like his father's room. Except it had a fireplace to keep the room warm.
Raja Jaisal was on his bed. He was a frail and pale figure. He wore layers of clothes, Ashok assumed that were protecting him from the cold.
"So you are here. Savior of the City." A heavy voice croaked.
Savior of the City. That is the name that was given to him by the citizens of Assandh. They were chanting his name all the way to the palace. And they were chanting his name outside right now.
Ashok was unsure what to say to the Raja. He is as good as murdered his sister. But-
"They deserved it." Jaisal spoke up. Ashok was taken aback. "If you are here to apologize, save it Rajkumar Ashok."
Ashok was surprised that the man could tell why he was here.
"Do not insult our moral values Rajkumar Ashok. Dharm above family. That is what I have always taught. That is what we have always lived by."
Ashok didn't say anything. Jaisal sighed.
"How is Ahankara?"
"She is fine." Ashok said quietly. His voice heavier than he knew it could be.
"Do not feel guilty for what you did Rajkumar Ashok." Jaisal continued. "You upheld your Dharm. There is absolutely nothing to be guilty about."
Yet Ashok could feel the grief in his voice. Ashok saw this scene before. Ahankara had acted the same way when Rajaji Raj surrendered and later executed. She condemned his actions but grieved for him as he was someone she dearly loved.
"Is there anything else Rajkumar Ashok?"Raja Jaisal asked.
"I shall leave a few of my Sena here." Ashok said quietly. "Along with my heavy chariots. They won't be able to move through the mud anyway. So they will remain with you."
Raja Jaisal nodded. "It is good that the Mauryavanshi still prioritizes the safety of their Praja."
"I will depart in a few days after my troops have rested and restocked." Ashok said after a while.
"Take everything that you need Rajkumar Ashok." Jaisal sighed. "You need to defeat Keechak. We don't want to see someone like Dhana Nanda ruling over us again. Nor do the people here need to be ruled by those Yunani again."
Ashok clenched his fist.
"Come here." Jaisal croaked. "Give me your hand."
Ashok extended his arm. Jaisal's eyes widened at the three dotted scars on his palms.
"So Ahankara has chosen you."
"What?" Ashok asked. Jaisal shook his head.
"Take this." Jaisal handed Ashok a pendant. "Ahankara's grandmother died last year. She wanted her to have this."
Ashok took the pendant and looked at it. It was a simple and elegant chain with a red jewel at the center. Similar to Ashok's circlet.
"Look after her." Jaisal said quietly looking into the ceiling. "You are the only one she trusts."
Ashok felt his heart well up with emotion. He didn't really know how to describe it. He clenched his fist.
"When this war is over." Ashok said quietly. "I will bring her here to visit you."
Jaisal said hoarsely. "I look forward to that day."
In Patliputra the next day
"...and Rajkumar Ashok's forces successfully fought off Keechak's raiders. He is now reinforcing the defences of the city." the messenger finished rolling the scroll.
"Aprateem!" Bindusar shouted joyfully. He pumped his fist in the air. Bindusar took off his ring and gave it to an attendant who then passed it to the messenger. The Sabha was full with the royal entourage.
The seats leading to the throne were filled with the Amatya of Magadh. Mahamatya Khalnatak stood next to Rajkumar Sushim who was containing his rage by gritting his teeth. Charumitra and Helena had plastered fake smiles on their faces. Subrasi and Dharma looked elated.
Siyamak hid a smile. Well done Bhrata.
Ahankara sat next to Siyamak barely containing her joy. Ashok had saved her family. Her birthplace. Ashok. I owe you everything I have.
"What instructions shall I give to the Rajkumar?" The messenger asked.
"Tell him to proceed as he has planned." Bindusar replied. "And if he needs reinforcements let me know immediately."
"Samrat." The messenger bowed. "The chariots are slowing us down. Rajkumar Ashok wants to leave them behind at Assandh with some soldiers to protect the city. He says he needs to replace them with more Ashraviu."
Bindusar nodded. He turned to Mahamatya Khalnatak. "Fulfill Rajkumar Ashok's request immediately Mahamatya."
Khalnatak bowed faking a smile. "Of course Samrat. Of course."
Bindusar turned to Dharma. "Our son shall bring our family unending glory."
Dharma gave Bindusar a radiant smile. Subrasri smiled as well and she grasped Dharma's hand.
"Rani Dharma." Subrasi said, "You must be so proud."
"I am." Dharma replied.
"I will fight like Bhrata Ashok one day." Drupad piped up. Dharma and Subrasi turned their smiles to Drupad.
"Of course putra." Bindusar boomed. "All my sons will lead the armies of Magadh to glory."
Sushim smiled wryly.
Siyamak gripped his chair. Yes.
"They will carry the tradition of Mauryavanshi as the upholders of peace in Magadh. Like me and Bhrata Justin-"
The throne room became quiet. Bindusar's smile faded. The color from his face drained. The joyful Samrat was suddenly crestfallen. Everyone seemed unsure what to do.
"Ekaant." Bindusar said loudly. Everyone stood up to leave. The hallway slowly emptied as Bindusar looked on blankly. The Raniya were the last to leave. Dharma grasped Subrasi's hand and held her back near the door.
"Samrat needs us right now." Dharma whispered.
"Yes-" Subrasi begun.
"You need to remain here. He will need someone to talk to." Dharma continued.
"Rani Dharma I think that it is you who should remain here." Subrasi replied.
"No. It is you who should be here." Dharma said.
"Why?" Subrasi asked.
"Because you knew Justin more than me. You understand the bond between the Samrat and his brother better than me." Dharma replied. Subrasi paused for a moment. She looked towards Drupad who was standing at the door with Siyamak.
"I will take care of Drupad." Dharma said softly. "Siyamak. Would you like to join us?
Siyamak looked mildly surprised. He looked at Drupad for a moment and then nodded. Dharma lead them away. Subrasi smiled and went back inside.
Meanwhile on the other side of the palace...
Radhagupt had just returned from the cave. He was standing on the courtyard as he saw the messenger recount the tales of Ashok's bravery to the palace guards and the students of the royal academy. Radhagupt smiled. Your reputation is growing Ashok.
"Our Vanraj is amazing isn't he?" Subhao said gleefully.
"Yep. A true warrior Prince." Vasunandan added. "I wish I could join him in battle."
"Me too." Another joined in.
"Yeah. I want in on fighting those dastardly savages!"
Radhagupt's grin widened. Ashok is earning back the respect he lost over the past months.
Radhagupt heard soft footsteps drawing closer to him. He could recognize the soft twinkle of the anklet anywhere. And sure enough it was Rajmata Helena walking towards him.
Devi Helena paused. From what her Guptchar managed to gather Radhagupt has become very active as of late. He was never really more than a nuisance for Helena. Chanakya's lapdog. That's what she thought of him. With Chanakya gone, and with Amatya Rakshas by her side, it seemed like a matter of time before eliminating Ashok.
But it seems nothing has changed. Killing Ashok seems like a daunting task as ever. And as always someone was always in the way of her plans. This upstart from nowhere seems to have taken over the mantle of her sworn enemy.
She stared at Radhagupt. He looked eerily like that Chanakya in his younger years. It made Helena's blood boil. And sent a shiver up her spine.
"So the Shishya is trying to follow his Guru's footsteps?" Helena said backhandedly.
"I always try to." Radhagupt replied with a smile.
"Yes. But you seemed to be awfully over-stretched." Helena simpered. "You look very tired dear."
"Of course." Radhagupt continued smiling. "Acharya Chanakya had passed on to me a lot of responsibilities. It is a struggle to shoulder the burden of a great man."
"Yes. Of course." Helena replied. "He was a great man. Foolish. But great."
"I guess so." Radhagupt said quietly suppressing his anger.
"Have you heard the palace was infiltrated a few nights ago?" Helena asked looking at Radhagupt intently.
"Yes Rajmata." Radhagupt replied.
"What do you think?" Helena asked. "What was it about? No one was attacked. Nothing was amiss. So what do you think the infiltrators wanted?"
"I wouldn't know Rajmata." Radhagupt sighed. "Could be any reason. Our guards were not able to catch them so I do not know why they were here. And since nothing is amiss and no one was attacked, it is impossible to guess why they were here."
"Where were you the last two days?" Helena asked bluntly. Radhagupt hid a smile. So she noticed eh?
"How did you know that I wasn't in the palace?" Radhagupt asked.
"I asked a few people." Helena replied.
"Are you sure?" Radhagupt asked, "Because if you had you would know I went to do Puja for Acharya Chanakya."
Helena scowled. He is as insufferable as that old man.
"How is Siyamak?" Radhagupt asked good naturedly. "I heard he managed to galvanize the guards and ensured that the palace was protected."
Helena froze. Her hands felt clammy. Siyamak had been avoiding her since that night. And the cold manner that he spoke to her. It made her heart throb painfully.
"He is alright." Helena said thickly.
"I have a question I have been meaning to ask you for a while now," Radhagupt continued ignoring Helena's discomfort. "You never seemed to care for Siyamak before. Why the sudden concern for him?"
"What do you mean?" Helena snapped. "I always cared about him. It seems that way now because he has no one but me to care for him."
"What do you mean by that?" Radhagupt asked. "Samrat Bindusar and the Raj Parivar are always there. The thing is I never saw you specifically care for him before. If I recall correctly, on the day of Rajkumar Justin's wedding you seemed to scold him very harshly."
Helena's face became flushed. "What are you trying to say? Speak clearly kid." Radhagupt took a step towards Helena bringing up his eyes to meet Rajmata's cold gaze.
"All I am saying is Rajmata, we don't show concern for someone just out of the blue. Especially someone we considered inferior to us." Radhagupt said firmly. Helena's pupils were dilating. She shook her head and stalked away.
"We all have secrets Rajmata." Radhagupt called to Helena as she stalked away. "Some die with us. Some are passed on."
Helena froze. She turned towards Radhagupt her eyes wide. Her hands were shaking. Radhagupt walked towards her. Rajmata Helena didn't move. Radhagupt side-stepped her and walked past her.
"Just a matter of time Rajmata." Radhagupt whispered as he walked past her.
Helena clenched her fists trying to calm herself. He knows. But how?
Radhagupt walked through the corridors towards his room. He paused as Mahamatya Khalnatak stood before him. Radhagupt smiled.
"Welcome back Acharya Radhagupt." Khalnatak sneered.
"A warm welcome from the Mahamatya." Radhagupt asked feigning suprise. "To what do I owe this honor?"
"Well you are the Acharya of the Rajkiya Vidyale who teaches Arthashasthra to our students. They have been missing you." Khalnatak taunted. "If the Acharya wants to spend more time mourning for Chanakya then he should resign and let someone else take over. The children in the Rajkiya Vidyale need all the time they can get from their teachers. That is just my opinion anyway." Khalnatak added offhandedly.
"I assure you." Radhagupt replied. "I am done mourning. It was just something I needed to do for Acharya Chanakya. I would do the same for you when your time comes."
Khalnatak's smile faltered. "Is that a threat?"
Radhagupt chuckled. "Not at all. What I meant was I care about you too Mahamatya. I prayed for you too you know?"
Khalnatak looked around. He cleared his throat as he saw Rani Dharma observing them from the other side. Khalnatak faked a smile.
"Rajkumar Ashok has been doing an admirable job. It seems you have taught him well."
"Yes." Radhagupt replied evenly.
"But will he succeed against Keechak?" Khalnatak asked. "I am not too sure about that. He has managed to secure some crucial support and resources. This war could be a long one. We can back Rajkumar Ashok and reinforce him as much we want. But end of the day it is up to Rajkumar Ashok. And I am not sure if he has what it takes to lead a war. Skirmish is one thing. But it takes more than aptitude with weapons to fight a war. And from the way I see things Rajkumar Ashok has little chances to succeed."
"Perhaps Mahamatya. Perhaps." Radhagupt nodded. "Chances of Ashok failing are indeed very high if I see things from your point of view." Radhagupt intentionally giving Amatya Khalnatak a sly jab. "But see it from my point of view for a moment. Ashok is a very gifted youth. He can adapt to situations very well. He is more than just some soldier who is adequately skilled with the sword. He can survive the harshest of conditions, he can outwit the most cunning of enemies and can overpower the most powerful of opponents. He has shown it through his exploits in the Maha Yoddha competition. Rajkumar Sushim can tell you all about it. And of course with the our great Mahamatya backing him how could he loose?" Radhagupt said cheerfully slapping Khalnatak's shoulder. Khalnatak coughed and looked around as Ahankara walked near them. She greeted them as she passed by. Khalnatak and Radhagupt nodded and smiled.
"And if Ashok does succeed in Taxilla," Radhagupt continued as Ahankara left, "He will gain fame all through Magadh. And it will boost his credentials with all the Amatya of Magadh. You do know what that means right?"
Khalnatak glared at Radhagupt. "Samrat Bindusar will announce the worthy successor at the right time. Victory in Taxilla means nothing."
And with that Mahamatya turned to leave.
"Mahamatya," Radhagupt called, "You do remember that the dream of Akhand Bharat started from Taxilla?" Khalnatak just stared at Radhagupt. They both knew the importance of Taxilla all too well.
"If I were you." Radhagupt said pointing at Mahamatya, "I wouldn't say that victory in Taxilla means nothing."
Radhagupt gave Khalnatak the same cold stare he gave the Rajmata.
"Acharya Chanakya maybe gone. But his dream lives on."
Khalnatak harrumphed and stalked off. Radhagupt's eyes followed the Mamatya's movements. He saw Sushim pulling him away. They were having a heated conversation as they disappeared from view.
"What are you planning Mahamatya?" Radhagupt muttered. "Ishwari."
The diminutive guptchar crept out of the pillar.
"Any recent developments that I should know?" Radhagupt asked.
"Yes Acharya." Ishwari replied. "There were reports of a large number of men travelling through Magadh. No scout can get close enough to them without getting killed. The scout that gave us this report barely survived."
Radhagupt assumed it was the Senapati Rudra and his soldiers. But they would not kill the scouts from Magadh. Not indiscriminately.
"They are not from Ujjain." Ishwari said confirming Radhagupt's suspicions. "They were coming from Tosali."
Radhagupt furrowed his eyebrows. What was going on?
"Where are they headed?"
"Towards Taxilla." Ishwari said quietly.
Are they Keechak's men?' Radhagupt pondered. Has Keechak secured the support of the Tosali Prantpal?'
"Tell Ashok's messenger to meet me immediately." Radhagupt said bluntly trying to hide his unease.
"As you command Acharya." Ishwari nodded and left.
Radhagupt walked into his room. There was barely any time to rest. The classes were going to start.
Days later in Assandh...
Ashok was pacing around the room that Prince Narendra had given him. Quite a distance away from Nalini's room much to Ashok and Narendra's relief.
Ashok looked towards the forest through the window thinking about the monumental task haunted the roads ahead of him.
He knew he was reckless in their last battle. If it wasn't for Kulbushan's speed, arrows and spears would have gone through his body before he could even move his blade.
The maneuver he pulled that day was of high risk. It only worked because the enemy was caught off guard and were retreating. But Ashok had timed it well. He remembered Acharya Akramak doing something similar in their war games at the Rajkiya Vidyale.
But it was something that Ashok couldn't pull off again. Not against Keechak when his armies are focused and disciplined.
Ashok slammed his fist on the window sill. He still had so much to learn.
"Rajkumar Ashok." It was an attendant. "Balgovind is waiting for you outside." Ashok was forced to issue orders to summon Balgovind as the steward seem to avoid him like plague.
"Send him in." Ashok said quietly. The attendant bowed and left.
After a moment Balgovind walked in. He was avoiding Ashok's gaze and fiddling his hands.
"Ekaant." Ashok waved his hands. The attendants who were waiting by his door went outside. Ashok stood in front of Balgovind.
"Mitra. You have some explaining to do." Ashok said as gently as possible. But what happened next took Ashok completely off guard.
Balgovind fell at Ashok's feet.
"Forgive me Rajkumar. Please. Forgive me." Balgovind balwed.
"What happened Mitra?" Ashok said trying to lift Balgovind. Balgovind blubbered incoherently rubbing his nose on the ground. Ashok felt the vein in his head pulsing. He took a deep breath to calm himself down. He racked his head trying to figure out what to do.
Sometimes you need to act harshly to get the response you desire.
"Before I forgive you."Ashok said firmly. "I need to know what you did."
Balgovind stopped bawling. He looked up at Ashok placing his shaking hands together.
"I-I almost k-killed your m-mother."
"What?!" Ashok asked angrily. "What the hell are you trying to say? Is this a joke Balgovind?"
"I am not joking Rajkumar." Balgovind continued shakily. "I almost killed her."
"How?" Ashok said through clenched teeth. He was having a hard time digesting this nonsense.
"I gave some information to the people who tried to k-kill your m-mother." Ashok frowned.
"Who?" Balgovind didn't say anything. He stared at the ground fidgeting uncomfortably.
"WHO?!" Ashok roared. Balgovind mumbled something incoherently. Ashok grabbed Balgovind shoulders and lifted him up.
"Look at me!" Ashok said fiercely. "Speak to me clearly. If you are worried about them trying to hurt you, you do not need to worry. I will protect you with my life."
Balgovind took heavy breaths trying to calm himself. He then looked at Ashok and swallowed. He stuttered between the gasps. Ashok could see he was trying to speak. He relaxed his grip on Balgovind.
"Tell me their names Balgovind." Ashok said quietly. "Who were they?"
"R-Rajkumar Justin. And Rajmata H-Helena."
Ashok let Balgovind go. He felt the ground beneath him give away. Ashok lowered himself onto a chair as a frightened Balgovind looked at him warily.
It all made sense now. Everything made sense. The attack on his father a year ago. Why Rajmata Helena was coercing him to accept the blame. The Mahamari conspiracy. The Lakhsagraha siege. Rajkumar Justin killing that dwarf. Rajmata's Helena's staunch opposition to Acharya Chanakya and himself at every turn. And Chanakya's sudden death.
And the Yunani support that Keechak has. It all made sense. Ashok gripped the armrest trying to steady his shaking hands.
What have I done? Who have I left my family with?
Leave your thoughts below. Hope this update was worth the wait. Please forgive me for being so careless. Next update will be faster I promise. 😊
Chapter 9: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/130792939
Edited by babur1527 - 7 years ago
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