Vedic Warriors Page 3

  Agnidweep does not exist anymore. It was submerged in water due to a huge volcanic eruption wiping out the entire city and the sword got buried in the sea.

  The armour however, still exists in Rabocin; protected by the dangerous tribe of the island. This armour belongs to Surya and will neutralize the power of the Twin Brothers who are also blessed by Surya. If this armour is worn by you Taraksh, you will be able to crush the brothers with your bare hands.”

  “How do you know this? Where did you get this information?” asked Taraksh.

  Shreshtaha smiled proudly and replied, “I have my sources, Taraksh! I know everything.”

  “Then what are we waiting for, Shreshtaha?” Let’s get the armour!” said Taraksh.

  Shreshtaha paused, kept his right hand over the King’s shoulder and said.

  “Don’t get restless, Taraksh! Let me explain first! The golden armour is well protected by the tribe and by the reflective version of Yogishm, a mirror image of the Avatar of Surya, known in Rabocin as, ‘Mahayogishm’.”

  Mahayogishm possesses all the powers of Surya in human form. In physical strength, he is unbeatable. His archery skills are impeccable and he is well versed in the art of sword & hatchet fighting. He is extremely agile and is considered as the fastest combatant in the known world. He is a mystical creature and can create invisible energy spheres, with the power to temporarily paralyze people on impact. Now, in order to procure the armour, the mighty replica has to be defeated. He can only be defeated by a man possessing equal powers. Now, no one man can have all these powers. However, six different men can possess these six powers. All we have to do is find these six men with the combined power equivalent to Yogishm.”

  “And where will we find such men?” asked Taraksh.

  “I have identified a few! Give me ninety days and I will gather these six warriors for you. They will showcase their skills in the Gladiatorial Arena. The soldiers and the people also need some entertainment. In ninety days, you will have your warriors.” Replied Shreshtaha confidently.

  “Take your ninety days, and get me these warriors. Declare a festival; call all the dignitaries and warriors from across the empire. Let the common people and slaves also participate and showcase their talents. This way, we may find a few who we could use in our forces,” announced Taraksh.

  He then looked at Agastya and ordered him to reorganize the arena, “Agastya, begin renovations of the arena. I want it to be restructured in the best possible way. I want a new look. Use all the available slaves, it should be completed within the given time and it should look beautiful.”

  The King then ordered Nirmay to send invitations to dignitaries, governors and Satraps of the empire. He then commanded him to promote the tournament and to make it as large as possible.

  “I want the best women, and the best food to be available during the tournament.”

  After giving out instructions, Taraksh looked back at Shreshtaha and said, “I will accompany your chosen warrior as well! I am eager to fight this tribe and it will give the Son of Indra, a great pleasure to defeat the Avatar of the Sun God.”

  “Why do you forget my lord? You cannot cross the seas? You were cursed by Saint Bragus, the legendary head priest of Yudham, the island city you destroyed. Don’t you remember the last time you tried crossing the sea? You almost drowned,” reminded Shreshtaha, using sympathy tinged with sarcasm in his tone.

  “Yes, I do remember that wretched priest! He has turned me into a prisoner in this land,” replied Taraksh.

  “Also, you can’t leave Mahaverna! The twins will capitalize on the opportunity. Without you, they will not wait; they will attack and destroy the city. Let others do the work for you. Let them go and get you the armour, only to be used by you ultimately,” Shreshtaha concluded.

  Taraksh had always looked up to Shreshtaha; the old man had always been there for the King. He felt nothing but respect and trust for Shreshtaha. After all, it was the King’s brawn and the old man’s cunning brain that had been running the empire. The Emperor kept his right hand on the old man’s shoulder and said, “Alright Shreshtaha! As always, you have my full confidence. Organize and showcase these warriors to me. We will meet after ninety days. You have full authority to use any means to get the warriors. All the best!”

  The next day, things were set in motion. Soldiers were dispatched to different parts of the empire to identify and procure the chosen warriors. Shreshtaha supervised and shortlisted the final list of warriors.

  Meanwhile, the gladiatorial arena was renovated at the behest of Taraksh. The youngest senator, Agastya was given the duties to supervise and manage the renovation.

  Agastya was a young man, conceited in his appearance. He carried a look of snooty royalty. The young senator was the son of a former loyal commander of Taraksh, who died in a battle trying to save the king. The emperor took his child under his patronage. He was raised and trained by the emperor himself, and therefore, carried the emperor’s arrogance and style. Agastya was ruthless and was hated by all, but Taraksh trusted him, and treated him as his son.

  Agastya wanted to give a new look to the arena. He instructed walls to be repainted, tents over the bigwig area to be replaced. The entrance and exit gates were widened; food & drinks stands were created in and around the arena. But the most important of all, was the construction of a statue of Taraksh, and a new throne for the emperor of the world.

  The new throne was made up of ivory & pure gold. The most skilful artisans were called from various parts of the empire and were assigned the task to beautifully carve the throne, using the rarest of gems. The softest fur and silk was used for the cushioning of the throne. He made sure that the fabrics used were of varied colours and patterns, so that the best combination could be used every day. He indeed wished to impress and please his King, Taraksh.

  The statue was finally completed and stood fifty feet tall. It was an exact replica of Taraksh. Agastya had it placed directly opposite the throne. The left hand of the imposing statue pointed directly at the throne at an angle of forty-five degrees while the right hand held a raised sword.

  All this was accomplished well before time. Five thousand slaves worked together day and night to achieve it. Agastya managed well and divided the work neatly using lucidity and wisdom. Fifty slave workers reported to one foreman each. These hundred foremen reported to ten architects who in turn reported to Agastya. The slaves were given sufficient food and water and ample time for relaxation so as to create an efficient workforce capable of completing the task on time. However, the lethargic ones were made an example of and were personally tortured by Agastya. The result was astonishing; the statue indeed looked like a wonder on earth.

  Nirmay on the other hand, renovated the city. He built a number of makeshift hotels, bars and restaurants. He had new brothels opened to service the increased demand during the festival. He ensured that food & grains were stored in abundance in the royal storage houses and granaries. He also ordered the construction and repair of water tanks and fountains all across the town and created a task force to prevent and control fires and riots.

  The team was able to accomplish their tasks within the stipulated time of ninety days; such was their dedication to their King and the persecution of their slaves in case of failure.

  The city was expected to be overcrowded, but all arrangements had been put in place.

  The soldiers and diplomats began pouring into the city in droves. It was time for frivolities and leisure for them, but it was trials and tribulations for the common people.

  Grains & vegetables were snatched from farmers and foragers since food was required in large quantities. Women were forced into prostitution as there was more demand from the visiting diplomats and soldiers. The beautiful city had a hidden dark secret; a rotting core that stank, while the atmosphere around was perfumed with opulence.

  Shreshtaha had not lost sight of the purpose behind the festival. He had identified his men; two of them were from the empire its
elf. One of them was Agastya, and the second was Oniata, the governor of Kadesh. The rest of the warriors were outsiders and did not belong to the warrior sect of Mahaverna.

  The warriors chosen by Shreshtaha were: -

  1) Jairudh, a farmer, an archer, a warrior.

  Jairudh was not conventionally muscular, he was not very tall either but the man had a peculiar glow on his face. He had a charismatic look and had the fierce eyes of a jaguar. This man belonged to the state of Helzer - A farmer by profession and an archer by passion. He claimed to be the best archer in the world. He had acquired archery skills from the famous teacher - Nahsirk, a friend of Apykarych; therefore, he also possessed and knew how to use some of the most lethal and divinely powered arrows.

  2) Nismibh

  Nismibh was the strongest man in the world after Taraksh. He could kill an elephant with a single blow. The antecedents of this competitor were uncertain. When he was a little child, he was found by the mystic Saint Yuniop, on the banks of the river Hanziber, in the state of Masarut. It was this saint who trained him and taught him how to channelize his strength. It was said that Saint Yuniop could see the future and had raised Nismibh for a specific purpose.

  3) Tung Zapotec

  From the Far East borders of the empire; from the state of Ginzi, came Tung Zapotec. This warrior was again not strongly built as per the Mahaverna tradition. He was pale and thin in stature and kept short cropped hair. His choice of weapon was an extremely thin & sleek sword called, ‘Dhara’. The sword was created by mixing iron, carbon and few other secret elements, thus making it light in weight, yet strong.

  This warrior again possessed a unique ability and was considered the fastest combatant in the world.

  4) Agastya

  Agastya represented the capital. A student, and a favourite of Taraksh, he was known in Mahaverna for his cruelty. Hated by all, but loved by the King, Agastya could do anything for Taraksh. As a reward for his loyalty, Taraksh had made him a senator; in spite of the fact that he was not a priest.

  Agastya was dynamic and agile. He could fight well with any weapon, but he fought best with an axe. Unlike the other axe combatants, he fought with two small axes approximately one and a half feet long. He was ambidextrous and could use both his left and right hands together in such a way that his hands wielding the axes worked like a shredder, inflicting serious damage to the opponent.

  5) Atikaya Oniata

  Atikaya Oniata was the governor of the state of Kadesh. He had a muscular build and was extremely tall. He looked like a giant and had intimidating eyes.

  Oniata was considered as the best swordsmen in the world. He was undefeated in the seventy-five duels he had fought to prove his skills.

  6) Vinashki

  Vinashki was the only woman who had been chosen for this expedition. She was a surprising choice as women were not highly looked upon by Shreshtaha. Vinashki had short hair, sharp features and high cheekbones; she looked extremely attractive, and yet tough. Vinashki possessed mystical powers. Using her mind, she could produce spheres of swirling energy in her hands. These energy spheres once thrown at her opponents could temporarily paralyze them. Vinashki also used another strangely unique weapon; two rods, twisted one over the other. The twisted parts of the two rods started at one end and narrowed down at the other in such a way that it formed a pointed edge. She called it ‘Vinasha Shastra’. This weapon produced devastating electrical shocks upon contact to human skin.

  7) Kakshena

  Kakshena was a young man with an exceptional right arm. He was a javelin thrower and was extremely accurate. His throw had immense power and precision even when thrown over long distances. He held the record at hundred and eighteen meters and was impressive enough to convince Shreshtaha.

  Apart from these competing favourites, there was one more warrior. He was Shreshtaha’s secret weapon, ‘Jivraj’.

  Jivraj was a mature and experienced warrior. He was favoured by the gods and was bestowed with both battle skills as well as intellect. He preferred fighting with a spear and a shield and was considered the best spear wielder in the world. He was summoned by Shreshtaha, as he was a seafarer by profession and had an experienced crew capable of sailing even to the edge of the world.

  The warriors were all accommodated at a guesthouse specially designed and constructed for the contest. The house offered all facilities; women, wine and food.

  While these preparations were in full swing at Mahaverna, anxiety was palpable in Xanubi. Queen Samira specifically looked upset and indirectly blamed the twins for these new developments in the Kingdom of Taraksh.

  “I told you to attack Mahaverna! Taraksh has not attacked us and our assassins were caught long before they could reach Yanecrim. Now he has organized a tournament to choose the best warriors so that he can use them against us. He is cleverer then we thought.”

  Vedhas looked back at the Queen and replied, “Let him do that! Even with new warriors, he cannot defeat us on our lands. And moreover, he is not clever, he is a fool. He has given us a golden opportunity to kill him. We have the perfect plan to eliminate Taraksh in his own tournament. Trust me!”

  “Do it and I will trust you?” responded Queen Samira.

  “How do you think the coalition is surviving, Queen? Who is making the plans and devising war strategies, and who defeated the undefeatable Taraksh? We are the ones doing things here and we need you to just have faith in us. I still say that attacking Mahaverna would have proved to be a really bad move. We will stick to our current course of action and Queen please, for once, trust us,” answered Vedhas.

  Queen Samira looked at Vedhas and reluctantly gave her acknowledgment. The other brother Zekrar then took over and concluded the meeting.

  “Now, the next meeting will take place only after the assassination of Taraksh.”

  Meanwhile, back in Yanecrim in the chamber of the priests, Shreshtaha was having a discussion with Taraksh.

  “Almighty, the warriors have arrived at Yanecrim! The gladiatorial arena has been renovated and is ready.”

  “Excellent work Shreshtaha! Excellent work! You have completed all tasks on time. I am truly impressed!” replied Taraksh.

  “The warriors will perform tomorrow! Your presence will be required. I have the utmost confidence that you will be delighted.”

  “Obviously, I’ll be there! I am so anxious to see the chosen six that I can hardly wait!” replied Taraksh.

  Chapter III

  Wrath Of The Gladiators

  (I) The big day had arrived.

  There was a huge wave of people outside the arena. The people were waiting eagerly for the entry gates to open. The games had begun.

  Taraksh’s militia were on high alert. No metal objects were allowed inside to avoid an assassination attempt on Taraksh.

  There were some seven thousand soldiers near and inside the arena keeping strict vigilance. The people attending the tournament were all high-class people belonging primarily to the warrior & priest sect of Mahaverna.

  After all the necessary checks were made, the gates were opened and the crowd entered. It took over two hours for them to be seated. The stadium echoed with the clamour of the huge sea of spectators.

  The cheering finally ebbed as the presenter of the tournament explained the rules of the tournament. As soon as the announcement ended, the impatient crowd started screaming again.

  Half an hour later, the important officials of Mahaverna; Shreshtaha, Nirmay and the others appeared in the arena waving at the crowd. The crowd applauded enthusiastically. After formally greeting each other, the officials took their seats in the special block made just for them.

  Now the crowd waited for their emperor, Taraksh.

  Fifteen minutes later, excitement gripped the arena as the announcer hailed the arrival of the King.

  “Now, it’s time to look upon the living legend! The ruler of the land, sea and sky! The mighty ruler of this world! The son of God Indra himself! The emperor of Mahaverna! Tarakshhh
hhhhhhh!!!!!”

  The audience inside the arena stood on their feet in honour of their King. There was pin-drop silence in the arena. The silence indicated the fear and respect the people had for Taraksh the great.

  The Emperor entered with eleven bodyguards.

  Taraksh looked at the crowd with pride. His eyes then swept over the newly renovated arena and his statue. He was satisfied.

  The dignitaries; including Shreshtaha and Nirmay, bowed to the Emperor and offered him the throne to sit. Taraksh stood soaking in the ambience for a few more seconds after which he moved towards the golden throne and sat down slowly.

  There was a hushed awe in the stadium as no one dared to sit.

  Taraksh smiled slightly at the spectacle of fear he inspired in his people. He then raised his hand in the air and lowered it, ordering everyone to sit. As the order was given, everyone relaxed, although the stadium remained quiet for a few more seconds. After which a roar emanated from the crowd.

  Taraksh!!! Taraksh!!! Taraksh!!!

  The chant echoed through the stadium and these could be even heard outside the arena.

  The announcer then took charge and spoke few words in praise of the almighty Taraksh. He then requested Taraksh to address the audience and order the tournament to begin.

  Taraksh stood up and moved towards the edge of the special block like a lion. He then looked straight at the crowd and addressed them in his deep voice.

  “How are you my soldiers……my lions…… my sons…… Are you excited? Are you ready for these games?”

  The crowd roared backed in acknowledgment, “Yes”.

  “Excellent! I am excited too! Not because of these games but because of you! My sons! My lion-hearted sons of Mahaverna! I always feel excited, powerful and secure when I stand in front of you my brave ones.