Vedic Warriors Page 7

  “What if we give you three more cities to govern?”

  He then looked at Oniata and continued.

  “And what if we promote you, and make you a senator of the empire?”

  The great old legend then scanned the expressions of the chosen warriors and asked confidently.

  “Do you want all this, Great Warriors?”

  “What is the catch? I am sure you want something in return!” asked Tung.

  “You are right, Tung! I want something in return. I want an armour; an armour belonging to a god, an Avatar of Surya, popularly known as Mahayogishm.

  This armour is kept on a remote island, located at the edge of the world, called ‘Rabocin’. You will be required to board ships and lead an army to the edge of the world - An adventure to be remembered forever.

  There will be danger on the way, but then you all are valiant warriors,” expounded Shreshtaha. He then paused for few seconds, looked in to the eyes of the chosen warriors and continued.

  “During this assignment, you might also have to face and defeat the most dangerous warrior of all times; the legendary ‘Mahayogishm’. But then you, my brave men are no less. You are more potent than the so-called legends. This expedition will give you all eternal glory and your names will be remembered forever. So, tell me my dear courageous warriors, would you like to embark on this epic adventure?”

  Shreshtaha stopped and then looked at Agastya and asked him for his confirmation.

  “Agastya would you like to go?”

  “Absolutely, any adventure involving danger & peril,” laughed Agastya.

  Shreshtaha then looked quizzically at Oniata. Oniata stood up and yelled.

  “My sword is thirsty for blood! I need more trophies of human skulls!”

  “What about you, Vinashki?” asked Shreshtaha.

  “What can I say? The offer is too good to refuse!” replied Vinashki.

  “Tung?” probed Shreshtaha.

  “I am not afraid of danger! I just hope the offer stays, once we return with the armour.”

  “Absolutely! Ask anyone, and they will tell you that I don’t have a reputation of being a liar,” replied Shreshtaha.

  “Then I enrol myself as well!” responded Tung.

  “And what about you, young man?” queried Shreshtaha, looking at Nismibh.

  “What do you think my answer will be?” replied Nismibh.

  “You are dying to go on this mission!” said Shreshtaha.

  “You are absolutely right! I am dying to test my strength,” retorted Nismibh.

  That was executed smoothly; the warriors had enlisted themselves easily.

  Shreshtaha announced that the ships would sail after six days, till that time the warriors could feast on delicious food, the finest wine, and cavort with goddess like women. Shreshtaha collectively named them ‘Manuastra’, meaning human weapon.

  Shreshtaha then asked his guards to bring in Jairudh. Jairudh walked inside the room, looking visibly inebriated. Shreshtaha welcomed him politely and asked him to take a seat.

  The moment Jairudh sat down; he started hurling abuses at Shreshtaha. He hated Shreshtaha, because his mentor was his prisoner.

  The wise old man remained calm and composed; smiling back in turn and spoke.

  “Don’t worry, young man! I understand your feelings. First of all, I assure you that Nahsirk is safe and sound. He is healthy and well taken care of. The reason I have held him hostage is because of you.”

  Jairudh was shocked on hearing this revelation.

  “I need something from you. If you deliver, your mentor will be released with honour. In addition, if your mentor allows, we would also like to make you the chief commander of the chariot division of our army.”

  “What do you want?” asked Jairudh.

  “Now before we proceed, I would like to emphasize, that your mentor Nahsirk is an enemy of the state. He has been training rebels and creating disturbances in the empire,” said Shreshtaha sternly this time.

  “Not disturbances, he has only been fighting against injustice perpetuated by your soldiers and governors,” countered Jairudh.

  “What you term as fighting against injustice, is defiance for us. It is terrorism, a revolt which has to be dealt with. Now as a rule, Nahsirk should be publicly beheaded. But I, Shreshtaha, give you my word that nothing will happen to him. In return, you along with the other chosen warriors will have to go on an expedition to the island of Rabocin and get me the Armour of Surya,” said Shreshtaha.

  “What is this Armour of Surya? And why am I so important for the expedition?” asked Jairudh.

  “The armour belongs to Surya himself and can be acquired only by conducting the ritual of Surya. Now in this known world apart from me and Taraksh, only you and Nahsirk possess knowledge of the ritual. Taraksh cannot go because of administrative responsibilities and I am too old. Your mentor would prefer sacrificing his life rather than listening to us. So, you are our last hope. You are strong, intelligent and presently, the world’s greatest archer. And you know the ritual quite well,” expounded Shreshtaha.

  “How do you know, that I know the ritual?” asked Jairudh.

  “I have my sources, Jairudh! Moreover, the person who first taught this ritual to me and your mentor is the same. It was easy to trace,” replied Shreshtaha.

  “Why do you require this armour?” asked Jairudh.

  “We need it for a purpose and as a royal subject you will be told what is necessary. But remember, we need it to end wars once and for all, to bring peace and prosperity to the empire. I will also like to state that I am a man of my words and I assure you that Nahsirk will be released once we receive the armour. Not to forget, you will be given the position of Chief Commander of the Chariot Division. But if, under any circumstances, you fail, then my wrath would be beyond your infantile imagination. Your mentor will be tortured for months and will be slowly cut to pieces and I assure you that you will not be able to do anything but watch as it unfolds.” Spoke Shreshtaha, grinding his truth; transforming from a benign old man to a tyrannical despot. The chameleon then swiftly returned to his old buoyant self and peacefully assured Jairudh.

  “But I trust your integrity, young man! You will get the armour, for your King, for your mentor, for peace.”

  “I would like to see him once,” replied Jairudh.

  “That I cannot allow! He is in a secret place, which is known only to me. Even the Emperor is not aware of his whereabouts. He is safe and will be released the moment the armour is delivered. Trust me! I have to keep my insurance alive if I want this deal to succeed. I promise that he will be released, safe and sound. You focus and prepare yourself for the expedition. You will sail six days from now. In the interim, enjoy yourself; stay in the special guest house created for the chosen warriors, indulge yourself in libidinous activities, enjoy luxuries, have fine wine, live like royalty. So, what do you say? Do we have a deal?” asked Shreshtaha.

  Jairudh reluctantly nodded in acknowledgement, as he had no other option but to comply with the old legend.

  “Excellent! My boy! You are intelligent! Trust me, you will not regret your decision!” assured Shreshtaha.

  Jairudh knew in the deepest recesses of his heart, that the old man could not be trusted. He knew that Shreshtaha was full of guile and wiliness. He knew that he had a reputation of pretending to be honest, but in reality, he could betray one at any point of time if it suited his interest.

  But the archer had no other choice.

  He knew that his days were numbered and that Shreshtaha was extremely shrewd. He slowly strolled out of the room towards the party, mulling over the whereabouts of his mentor.

  Little did he know that his mentor was imprisoned right beneath him, in the covert basement of Shreshtaha’s palace?

  As the chosen warriors mingled with each other at the royal feast; in a dark and dreary dungeon, Kakshena was unable to bear the pain he had received at the hands of Nirmay and Daksh. He broke finally and disclosed that h
e had been sent by the twins.

  The assassin hated Taraksh, since his royal forces had slaughtered his parents and wife. Kakshena was wracked with grief and had sworn revenge. The twins had funded his travel and helped him to participate in the tournament. They had also promised to look after his only remaining child. Kakshena revealed all the information he possessed after which he was executed as per the order of the Emperor.

  Meanwhile, at Xanubi, the twins received confirmation of the assassin’s capture.

  “Kakshena has failed and has been held captive! It is only a matter of time before we get the news of his execution,” said Zekrar.

  “Taraksh is no easy man to kill! What should we do? Should we train someone else?” asked Vedhas.

  “I have received information that they have tightened security at the borders. No one is allowed to enter and leave without a pass, stamped by the governor of the city. But we can still try to get someone inside their kingdom,” replied Zekrar.

  “What do you think they wanted to achieve through the games? Did they want to recruit new warriors for their army, or something else?” wondered Vedhas.

  “I think there is something more to it. Shreshtaha has shortlisted the contestants himself. His involvement in the selection makes me think there is a deeper conspiracy. Let’s try to get our spies inside and gather information. I am sure they are up to something,” replied Zekrar.

  The twins pondered in silence, but they could find no answers.

  Chapter IV

  The Expedition

  Before the expedition, secrecy and security became the foremost concern at Mahaverna, no one was allowed to enter the empire and no one was allowed to leave but for only a few known and stamped traders, the border security was tightened. Most of the league spies were caught and no information reached the league, thus leaving them undecided and inactive for the time being.

  The time for luxurious indulgence came to an end. On the designated day; the ‘Manuastra’ were escorted to the docks in the silence of the night. A small army of five thousand warriors, handpicked for the mission along with a team of twenty engineers specialized in developing siege weapons and bridges were also called in to accompany the six chosen warriors.

  Five gigantic ships, purchased for the expedition were anchored at the port. The ships were made of light wood, with bronze carvings. They had sails made of fine fabric above and had rowing facility like Greek Trireme below for faster mobility. The ships were massive with multiple compartments and could carry one thousand warriors each. Equipped with catapults and ballistae, the armada looked like lethal mean machines.

  The captain of the expedition, Jivraj and his fleet were all present at the harbour and could be seen moving here and there, performing last minute checks and adjustments. It was a sight to behold, five ships glimmering in the silver light of the moon, anchored ashore a dark and scary sea with thousands of soldiers with various weapons and cavalry marching inside the ships and many more waiting for their turn, this truly looked like a preparation for an epic battle or journey.

  The ‘Manuastra’ stood together and saw the spectacular sight in awe. Shresthaha then walked towards them and greeted the great warriors, “Welcome! Welcome! Manuastra! You are about to embark on a life changing journey to witness and live the most adventurous part of your life, the adventure which will go down in history as the greatest voyage of all times.” The old man sounded as charming and rousing as ever, he then called for Jivraj and introduced him to the chosen warriors, “I believe, you have all met Jivraj. But for those who have not been introduced, this charming fellow is the greatest sailor of our times. He will lead you to the island and has agreed to help you all in your endeavour to acquire the armour.”

  “Pranam!” Jivraj greeted the warriors. He continued, “I know that you all are great warriors, but I believe this is probably your first sea voyage to a distant land. Therefore, while on the ship, it is my sincere request to you all; please follow my instructions and my rules. I have spent years at sea and henceforth, please listen to me. I hope you are comfortable on the ship and following my instructions.”

  Before ‘Manuastra’ could reply, Shreshtaha intervened, “Jivraj, these six warriors are not just strong & skilful physically, they are just as competent mentally. They are extremely mature warriors and will not let ego or anger alter their behaviour. They know that while at sea, they have to follow you and they will follow your instructions and will not mind taking consultations from you even after the expedition.” The master politician tactfully instructed the chosen warriors to behave at sea while simultaneously praising them.

  The head priest then looked at Jivraj and continued with his oratory, “Jivraj while you are the master of the sea, Agastya is the master of the land, therefore once on the island, please follow Agastya and his instincts and actions.” He then scanned the faces of all the warriors present and reiterated the mission. “Do remember that you have a mission to accomplish, you all are the best but will be even better if you seven work together as a team rather than individuals, don’t let ego and false pride take over your emotions. Remember! Your aim is to get the armour and hand it over to me safely.”

  “Very well said!” replied Jivraj, “Then let’s proceed, ‘Manuastra’, you all will board the ship docked in the middle, I will be commanding this ship, while the others will be steered by my assistants.

  The army will be equally divided among these five ships. Each and every vessel is self-sufficient, with abundant food and water. We have the best physicians on board and the world’s best crew.

  The journey will be packed with adventure and perils but nothing to worry, we will reach safe and sound, and that is a promise. I have a fair idea about the destination and with my special navigation devices we should be able to reach the destination in the next twenty days or more, or less depending on the weather and fortune.”

  Jivraj then ordered his deputies, ‘Veer’ and ‘Samundra’ to get a salver containing a ‘Conch Shell’ & ‘Tilak’ (Red powder applied on the forehead as a religious marking for success & victory). He then dipped his finger in the powder and began smearing the foreheads of the travellers one by one, as a harbinger of success and victory. While he did this, Samundra began blowing the conch shell. The sound of which was often used in worship and as a signal for the initiation of battle or journey.

  Once Jivraj finished smearing the foreheads of the six warriors, Shresthaha took over and sprinkled holy water on them while roaring proudly, “For Taraksh… For Mahaverna.” After which he asked them to proceed towards the middle ship. Veer and Samundra escorted them to the ship and helped them with their compartments while their belongings were carried by slaves to the ships.

  Lot of slaves were taken for this expedition for loading and rowing, royals cooks also accompanied the soldiers, along with physicians, blacksmiths, knitters and carpenters.

  The complete process of boarding and loading took two hours to accomplish and once everything appeared sorted, the anchors were lifted and the slaves were ordered to row the boats and the ships started moving away towards an epic journey. The ‘Manuastra’ stood on the deck and looked at the fast disappearing shore as their vessel drifted away in darkness. On the other hand, Shresthaha also remained rooted to his spot until the ships became invisible to human eye.

  There was plenty of entertainment on board, food was in abundance and so was alcohol. A lot of new friendships and bonds were being forged. The principle warriors, popularly known as ‘Manuastra’ along with Jivraj and other leaders were provided with separate rooms and given the upper compartments on the deck itself. Each one of them was also assigned a slave whose job was to load and serve food and wine to the warriors. Other soldiers shared common compartments in the middle and the slaves occupied the lowest compartments and were given the minimum space.

  As time went by, Jairudh and Vinashki started to get attracted to each other; the two complimented each other frequently either by word or glance. Both of th
em were good looking and had a lot in common with plenty to talk about.

  Oniata and Nismibh became friends as well; they were both garrulous and liked bragging about themselves to each other. Agastya interacted with Oniata mainly and tried to initiate contact with Vinashki time and again.

  Jairudh was able to relate to Jivraj as well intellectually. Tung was jovial and interacted with all, he had a very relaxed outlook and loved getting involved in long discussions on widely varied topics and always made sense out of confusion.

  On the eighth day of the journey, in the evening while sitting on the deck of the ship, Oniata started behaving aggressively under the influence of alcohol. He began speaking loudly and bragging about himself, about the honour of Mahaverna and the great warriors the empire had produced. He spoke highly about Taraksh, Shresthaha and Apykarych. He then looked at Jairudh, fixed his gaze upon him and started hurling abuses at him.

  “Jairudh! You infidel! You claim to be a fierce fighter! But for me you are nothing, you humiliated and defeated our revered teacher using treachery. You know he is regarded as a father figure in our empire and you insulted our father. Who do you think you are? You think you are the best! I think you are a coward. It’s easy to hurl arrows from a safe distance. If you are a real man, come and fight with me, I see you carrying a sword in your holster. Is it a sword or is it a kitchen knife? Come show me your calibre boy! Fight with me!”

  Jairudh knew that Oniata was drunk and decided to ignore his insults, henceforth; he stood up and began moving towards his compartment but this was not fated to happen as Oniata stood up and intercepted him from behind by keeping his right hand on Jairudh’s shoulder, “Where are you running? Coward!”

  That was it, the mighty archer could not take it anymore, his reflexes took control over his senses and in a flash, he grabbed Oniata’s hand, pulled it forward and slammed him down to the ground using a martial art move.

  But Oniata was no less accomplished; he immediately jumped back on to his feet, though he faced difficulties in standing upright and swayed from side to side. The great swordsman then took out his sword and blustered at Jairudh, “I will slaughter you! You imbecile!”