Vedic Warriors Page 6

  Carcus was an undefeated gladiator hailing from the western part of the empire. He had once served as a general to the army of Sanacta, the father of Ruahmah. He was as tall and as broad as Oniata and held a heavy sword. He wore a heavy armour, similar to that of his adversary.

  Both the warriors looked like giants as they walked towards each other.

  While Oniata looked relaxed and kept waving at the cheering crowd; Carcus looked more focused, slightly nervous.

  Soon they were moving in a circle, with their swords drawn at each other. As soon as they heard the signal, the two massive warriors collided.

  The power in their swords was so calamitous that the sound of the colliding swords made the arena vibrate. Carcus appeared more dominant at the outset, attacking and defending well. On several occasions, he was able to slash Oniata while Oniata’s sword was unable to even touch Carcus. But as the match continued, Carcus’ energy started depleting. His sword was extremely heavy, and he was using his full force against Oniata.

  Gradually, he started getting breathless and slowed down significantly. On the other hand, Oniata remained in perfect form. He could fight with the same vigour for several hours.

  Atikaya Oniata could see Carcus getting tired and he deliberately kept retreating, allowing Carcus to attack. He knew that Carcus would lose the match and was enjoying every moment of it.

  Carcus was exhausted but he kept lifting and swinging his sword, only to slash the air in a desperate attempt to slay his opponent.

  In the end, out of sheer exhaustion, he collapsed on his knees. His hands and body had begun trembling from extreme fatigue and he was unable to hold his sword. His head hung down on his knees, he started whispering asking incoherently for water.

  On the other hand, Oniata stood erect, smiling. He was intent on taking his time.

  He nudged Carcus on his back with the tip of his sword; toying with him, goading him. When he had enough, he casually walked behind Carcus, lifted his sword and severed his head. He then lifted the head of the dead warrior, bowed to the King, and walked out of the arena as if nothing had happened.

  The head was his trophy, this being his seventy sixth victory.

  The fifth day concluded, followed by the sixth day which again sated the spectators with many thrilling clashes and events. The seventh day was the last day of the games and people looked forward to the closing ceremony and concluding thrilling matches.

  Agastya and Nirmay, the principle organizers had planned and scheduled all the previous duals in the arena. They had handled and administered things quite magnificently and successfully managed to build endless excitement for the spectators and their emperor. But they kept something, their show stopper for the very end; they wanted the last bout to be the most electrifying and the most unforgettable one and henceforth the only woman warrior of the tournament was introduced at the very end – Vinashki.

  Vinashki was a mercenary, known for single-handedly slaughtering the entire cannibal tribe of the Natubh region; the forest area to the east of the empire. It was this feat that earned her the name Vinashki, meaning destruction.

  The announcer prepared himself for the last match of the games.

  “This event has been indeed thrilling and exciting. We have witnessed many great warriors; many who stood up to their reputation, and many who failed. But what we did not see in these battles, we will see now. Before you, I call upon the first woman warrior to contest in a tournament of Mahaverna. Please welcome - Vinakashi..!”

  The gates opened and from within emerged Vinashki riding a black horse. She looked attractive and graceful; her black and silver dress fitted her contours perfectly. Her magnetism could be easily deciphered from the hooting of the audience. The shocked excitement of the crowd was conspicuous; the arena was throbbing with lusty males with throbbing libidos. Several obscene remarks were hurled at her, after all a woman warrior was an extremely rare sight in Mahaverna.

  Vinashki seemed unruffled, as she continued to ride her horse till she reached the centre of the arena. Once at the centre, she bowed to the King and then turned her eyes to the gates. She looked anxious as she waited for her opponents. And then, the gates were unlocked.

  From within, appeared ten cavaliers riding armoured horses. Some held pikes, some carried swords, others held axes; they were all heavily shielded.

  These horsemen belonged to an unconquered small tribe, known as Haribuk. They were used as hired mercenaries by Taraksh and were considered to be ferocious warriors. The cavaliers were eager to be unleashed, and waited for the signal, the sound of the ‘Shophar’.

  As soon as the signal was given, the cavaliers charged. Instead of meeting the warriors head on, Vinashki started riding away from the aggressors.

  Was it possible that she was intimidated and was retreating?

  On the contrary, this was intentional.

  Vinashki required focus and concentration to produce balls of energy; concentrated energy swirling in waves, going round and round in the shape of a sphere. It required some time to generate them.

  Vinashki’s horse was galloping fast, but she looked unperturbed. Her arms were stretched and her eyes were closed and she looked like she was murmuring or chanting.

  Suddenly, two spheres of swirling mounting energy appeared on her palms. With every second they grew larger. When the energy balls were of the right size, Vinashki twisted herself in her saddle and hurled them at the cavaliers.

  The impact knocked two horsemen down, rendering them unconscious.

  Instantly, another set of high energy spheres appeared on her palms and two others were knocked down as well.

  By this time, a spear wielding cavalier managed to get within striking distance. Vinashki quickly took out her weapon and stood up on her horse displaying surprising agility. She then somersaulted on to the opponent’s horse and poked the warrior with her weapon. This contact gave the warrior a huge voltage shock and he fell off his horse unconscious. As the man collapsed, Vinashki flew in the air and jumped back on her horse.

  Regaining her composure, she closed her eyes and started chanting mantras again. This resulted in the mystical appearance of another set of energy balls over her palms. Once again, when they were of the right size, she threw them at the remaining cavaliers charging towards her.

  The ball struck one but missed the other and went straight into the crowd, knocking out few spectators.

  The warrior, who escaped the attack showed some agility. His horse was fast and in no time, he came in close to Vinashki, swaying his weapon like lightening at her. But the mystical woman easily blocked it with her Vinasha Shastra, sending electricity coursing through his body and knocking him down as well.

  Vinashki then rode towards a fallen soldier, picked up his spear, and threw it at yet another cavalier; who could do nothing, but gawkily gaze into the face of death. After finishing off the eighth warrior, she began meditating again and the remaining cavaliers met the same fate.

  She looked exhausted by the end as she had depleted a considerable amount of her energy in generating energy spheres.

  People were enthralled into silence. A warrior so attractive, skilled and fierce had never been presented before.

  She was indeed a show stopper.

  The spectators who had received the blow from her energy balls and the fallen warriors in the arena were taken to the surgeons.

  People had begun chanting her name and from the stands Taraksh murmured.

  “Splendid! Truly splendid!”

  The games had come to a close and the people revelled and celebrated all night long.

  King’s Court, Mahaverna

  The King was discussing the results of the tournament and the consequent plan to follow with the senators.

  “The warriors are indeed impressive and it was hell of a good show. I congratulate you on your success, Shreshtaha,” Taraksh beamed.

  “So, what lies ahead?” he asked.

  “The plan is in place! We will be sailin
g after seven days. The ships are ready; food and alcohol will be deployed by tomorrow, and then after a few necessary arrangements, the chosen ones will sail,” replied Shreshtaha.

  “Who will lead the ships?” asked Taraksh.

  “It has been arranged! I have brought the sea marvel; the best in the business, the great Jivraj, for the noble task. He lives at the edge of the world, near the sea and knows everything about ocean navigation and warfare. He is a very mature warrior; the greatest voyager ever born. He will captain the ship.”

  “How do you know him?” questioned Taraksh.

  “He is a mercenary, Taraksh! He works for money. He is also an explorer and a hero to the people working in the docks. We will be using his ships and crew for the expedition.”

  “Is he trustworthy?” probed Taraksh.

  “Absolutely! His task is to take the warriors to Rabocin and bring them back safely. Everything else will be managed and controlled by Agastya,” retorted Shreshtaha.

  “I would like to meet Jivraj and Agastya tomorrow!” ordered Taraksh.

  “As you wish, my King! I will also meet the chosen warriors tomorrow and brief them about their roles in the expedition,” said Shreshtaha.

  “What if they refuse? That archer, Jairudh, seems to have a mind of his own. I don’t think he can be pressurized. I wish to beat him in combat personally. He humiliated my mentor and I am sure that success has gone to his head. Young men like him are a threat to our rule; they are rebellious and proud and that makes them dangerous,” responded Taraksh.

  “No one will refuse. I know all their stories. It’s a shame when one has skills and strength but no money. Fame is like a drug; they have tasted it in the arena, and now they want more of that. They will do anything for power, money and fame. As for Jairudh; he is rather desperate. We have his mentor in the dungeons and he will be compelled to enlist in exchange for Nahsirk’s release. Further almighty, he is young and eager to explore; to prove his worth. He will go!” guaranteed Shreshtaha.

  Taraksh was impressed.

  “It seems you have thought of everything! You are truly marvellous, and a true friend.”

  “I remain your humble servant and your closest ally! I am a devotee of Indra, and you are his son,” replied Shreshtaha.

  “Servant? Don’t show off your oratory skills to me, Shreshtaha! One more thing, that woman warrior, Vinashki; she is your best find. She looked beautiful and I have never tasted a female warrior before, would like you to send her to my harem.”

  Shreshtaha narrowed his eyes in exasperation and then shook his head in disagreement.

  “We need these warriors to get the armour Taraksh so that you can finish off the twins. Once this is achieved, please go ahead and do whatever you wish to do. Till that time, leave my chosen warriors alone.”

  Taraksh smiled back at Shreshtaha and comforted him by acknowledging his remark.

  “Relax Shreshtaha! No one will touch your chosen warriors. I understand your emotions and I feel and respect the same. I am just jesting with you. I know the importance of the expedition and no fun can ever be greater than ripping off the heads of the twins.”

  After the discussion concluded, Shreshtaha proceeded to his palace while Taraksh went to his harem to confer with Ruahmah. He had more than one thousand concubines but preferred being with her. Lately, the emperor had also begun discussing matters of the state with her.

  “We have shortlisted the six warriors and they will be sailing soon to Rabocin. What do you think Ruahmah? Will they get the armour?” questioned Taraksh.

  “If the legend is true, and if the armour actually exists I am sure they will get it for you,” replied Ruahmah, assuring the King.

  “Shreshtaha has never been wrong, Ruahmah!”

  “Then you will surely have the armour, my lord! Only one thing bothers me. Why do you wish to defeat everyone? You have proved yourself and the world fears you. Why don’t you just live in peace now? In my kingdom, our fathers wanted to amass things to pass it on to the next generation. But here, once you ascend to the heavens, your successor will be chosen by the senators. You have gained what most people can only dream of. I think now you should stop and should try to build a better world. Finish off the problems faced by the civilians. Make allies, rather than enemies and live a life of peace,” suggested Ruahmah.

  “Peace will only rust my vigour; I am the strongest King of the world, because I choose to be the strongest. I attack and conquer kingdoms, as this is what I am meant to do. I kill, because it makes me feel young and energetic. You will not understand, I will be wiped out the moment I will go peaceful. Moreover, I enjoy inflicting fear and terror. In fact, who doesn’t?” replied the Great King raising his eyebrows at Ruahmah, who just smiled back at the King.

  Taraksh paused for a second, looked in to Ruahmah’s eyes and continued speaking.

  “And regarding my child, if you give me a son, I assure you that he will become the King, he will be more powerful than me and will be feared even by the gods.”

  Taraksh kept discussing and interacting with Ruahmah for many more hours. He then buried his face in Ruahmah’s lap and slept.

  Ruahmah caressed his hair as the slayer of her family lay snuggling with her like a child. She hated him and yet she loved him for the care and trust he showered on her. She was treated splendidly by the King and she was carrying the probable heir to the throne of Mahaverna inside her.

  The princess was perplexed by the dual nature of her feelings because just the moment she felt a surge of fondness for the King, she also relived the massacre of her family and the ruin of her kingdom. Tears came running down her cheeks as she pondered over her weird predicament.

  As Taraksh slept on Ruahmah’s lap, Shreshtaha met few unknown identities that night, dressed in black, blending into the darkness like ghosts. The unknown guests spent some time with Shreshtaha and left the premises after few hours. The great priest then finished off some official work and slept.

  The next day Shreshtaha woke up early. After doing his exercises and having his food, he opened a secret door and took the stairs leading to a basement. The basement of his palace contained a private dungeon that housed all his enemies; the people threatening his power, or belief system. The most famous among them was the great master, Nahsirk.

  Shreshtaha asked the guards to open the doors; he went inside and sat beside him rather amicably. The two frequently engaged in long discussions; one in favour of the people, and the other in favour of himself, and the King.

  Shreshtaha enjoyed his interaction with Nahsirk as both men were equals in terms of education and intellect but held completely different opinions in matters of governance and justice.

  Shreshtaha smiled at Nahsirk and said.

  “Congratulations! Your apprentice has come to town. I know, he plans to rescue you somehow, but he doesn’t realize that it’s just not possible. He will go to the island and will get the armour; helping us to take our final step towards world domination.”

  “What do you get out of all this?” replied Nahsirk.

  “Pleasure! Pleasure and power! Is there anything else in the world? Look around you, noble ascetic. You live in a jail cell below my palace; under my watch, and my control. Your life is on tenterhooks. Whereas, I am as influential as the King himself. We both possess great skills, great minds and yet I am right at the top, and you are still crawling at the bottom,” replied Shreshtaha, as he stood up and exited the cell.

  Nahsirk shook his head in disagreement, whispering as Shreshtaha stepped out of the chambers.

  “Pride is like dust, it blows away with a gust of wind.”

  Shreshtaha smiled and said, “No Nahsirk, pride is like the breath, I would be dead without it.”

  He then instructed his personal assistant to organize a grand feast at his palace and invite the chosen contestants and important dignitaries. The best of wine, food and women were to be present at the feast. Jivraj was also called to the feast.

  At the des
ignated hour, the revelry began at the priest’s palace.

  Shreshtaha, ever the perfect host, could be seen moving among the people ensuring that everyone was satisfied and comfortable. He then met the chosen contestants and ordered them to gather in the adjoining conference room. The King was not present at the party but was expected to make a grand entrance during the midnight hours.

  The chosen contestants, except for Jairudh, assembled in the conference room. Jairudh was not asked to join, as the great priest wanted to discuss matters with him in private. The archer lingered miserably at the feast; he sat alone at one end, drinking and looking flustered.

  The conference room was designed like a mini auditorium, it was spherical in shape. The seating area had circular stairs; amphitheatre style and was made up of white marble. Carpets and cushions were fixed on the stairs, marking them as seating spaces. The chosen warriors were asked to settle down and were served wine and fruits.

  Seconds later, Shreshtaha arrived along with Nirmay and his brother Daksh.

  He stood at the anterior and congratulated them for putting up a glorious show. He then introduced himself to the chosen warriors, though they already knew who he was. After introducing himself, the great orator apprised the warriors of the intended expedition.

  “Now as a reward for your wonderful display of skill & power, I offer you two hundred gold coins each. However, I have a better offer.”

  He waited for a few minutes, and then resumed speaking.

  “What if I increase the prize money? What if I offer you all two thousand gold coins each, instead of two hundred? What if I make Nismibh the governor of the gold rich city of Puruksh? What if I appoint Tung as the head of the trading capital of the empire, Nagampur? I am sure Vinashki will feel delighted to rule the port city of Hypartia; I am sure she is tired of serving as a hired mercenary.”

  Shreshtaha then paused, raised his eyebrows, and then rolled his eyes at Agastya.