Read Online The Guardians of the Halahala by Shatrujeet Nath - Free Book Online Page B

you.”
    â€œGood,” Vikramaditya nodded in satisfaction.
    King Harihara stood up. “I shall have three thousand of Heheya’s best soldiers and a thousand horsemen at your disposal in two days, Samrat Vikramaditya,” he volunteered.
    â€œThank you,” the samrat bowed.
    â€œI shall send you five thousand soldiers as well,” pledged Chandravardhan, before looking across to Baanahasta. “And to help guard Matsya’s border, you will have another five thousand of Vatsa’s best, along with my elite heavy cavalry brigade.”
    A turbaned young man seated lower down the table got to his feet. Well over six feet tall, he was lean and handsome, with soulful brown eyes and a small, clipped moustache. “I speak on behalf of all the five chiefs of the Anarta Federation, samrat,” he announced. “Each of us shall send three thousand troops to be shared between Avanti and Matsya.”
    â€œThe kingdoms of Sindhuvarta are much obliged to all of you, Chief Yugandhara,” replied Vikramaditya, making it a point to acknowledge all five Anarta chieftains with a bow.
    It was King Bhoomipala’s turn to rise. “I commit to send eight thousand troops and two thousand archers to Matsya,” he said. “King Baanahasta will have them under his command in a week.”
    Once the king of Kosala had resumed his seat, all eyes were directed toward Siddhasena, who sat hunched in his chair, staring weakly at the table with watery eyes. When no sound came from the old king for a while, Vikramaditya addressed him gently.
    â€œYour honor, can we expect some support from the kingdom of Magadha in the event of an attack from the Hunas and Sakas?”
    Siddhasena raised his head to the samrat and opened his mouth reluctantly. But before he could frame his reply, Shoorasena interrupted his father.
    â€œThe army of Magadha is preparing for a big campaign against the republic of Vanga. We’re afraid we won’t have enough troops to spare you.”
    As eyebrows rose in surprise around the table, Vikramaditya scrutinized Siddhasena closely. “But why are you going to war against Vanga, King Siddhasena? They are a peace-loving people.”
    â€œThey are challenging the sovereignty of Magadha,” Shoorasena again answered for his father. “Vanga is encouraging the sedition of the Kikata tribe from Magadha by supporting the Kikata rebels.”
    Before anyone else could utter a word, Vararuchi leaned forward and addressed Shoorasena. “The samrat’s questions are directed at the king of Magadha, not you,” he said, his tone simmering with hostility. “Allow the king to answer them.”
    â€œOur king is not answerable to others on affairs that pertain to the integrity of the state of Magadha.”
    This time, the speaker was a dark man seated to Siddhasena’s left. He was in his late twenties, and had truculent, beady eyes and a thick black moustache. This was Shoorasena’s younger brother Kapila, although they bore no physical resemblance to one another.
    â€œEnough!” Chandravardhan thundered, rising from his seat. Leaning his hands on the table, he stared at the brothers. “We are not here to listen to you boys talk. Vararuchi is right. Let your father speak for himself.”
    The atmosphere in the council chamber was charged as fierce stares were exchanged, but King Siddhasena raised a placatory hand before more damage could be done.
    â€œCalm down, please. Calm down,” he entreated in a quavering voice. “Pardon Shoorasena and Kapila, King Chandravardhan, for they are young.”
    The king of Vatsa snorted in disgust, but sat down out of respect for the older king. Siddhasena meanwhile glanced at his sons flanking him.
    â€œLet me speak,” he said, before turning to Vikramaditya. “Samrat, I request you to pardon my sons for their indiscretion as well. But they bear you no ill will. As proof of that, the