Location: King's Court, Bhagyavati
There was no usual silence in Bhagyavati's royal court today. The king was seated on his throne – a mask of calm on his face, but storms of thought were rising in his eyes. In front sat the nine gems (ministers), each face filled with worry and unease. Because today's war was lost. In the battle, they had to lose the commander and half the soldiers of the kingdom. Today's war was very dreadful. Due to the commander's death, an atmosphere of concern had spread throughout the court. The commander, who is the head of the army — his death had created fear among the soldiers. Some soldiers resigned and left.
"King, if we don't appoint another commander soon, the number of soldiers will keep decreasing one by one," said one minister.
"Yes King, we need to find a new commander. Someone strong and capable of leading the army," said another minister.
The king was listening to all this. His head was filled with thoughts. But if the king himself collapses, what will happen to the kingdom?
For a high post like commander, a capable person is needed. And on top of that, the Aryat kingdom might attack again. So a commander must be found soon, the king told himself.
"You're right. So tell me, is there anyone you think is suitable to become commander?" the king asked the ministers.
There was no one in the entire Mukt kingdom who could match Commander Varahar. So the king was worried and also sad. Because he had founded the Mukt kingdom together with Varahar. They were childhood friends. On one hand, the king was grieving his friend's death, and on the other, worried for the kingdom. The king was now old. At any time, his children and the high-born clans could start fighting for the throne. He was worried about that too. None of the king's sons were fit for the throne. So disputes among the clans had already begun.
Varahar is gone... and my kingdom has started to shake. Truly, Varahar, you are great. You went to war even while sick. I am the king, yet I couldn't win the hearts of the people — and you, as commander, won them all. Without you, I feel alone. Now I don't know who is mine and who is a stranger, the king began telling himself.
The ministers were thinking. One of them stood up — his name was Kamratna.
"King, what if we organize a competition…
Whoever wins it, we make him the next commander," Kamratna said.
"Yes King, I agree with what Kamratna said," said another minister.
All the ministers agreed with Kamratna's suggestion. Every year, a competition is held where the participant is allowed to use any weapon. Whoever wins the competition gets a high rank in the army.
Through the competition, the kingdom will get a new commander, the fear in the army will reduce, and the people will be entertained too, the king told himself and smiled inwardly.
The king, lost in his thoughts, looked at Kamratna.
"Excellent..! Kamratna, I liked your idea," the king said.
Now the king's worry lessened.
"Then Kamratna, the responsibility of the competition is yours," the king said.
"Thank you King, for giving me this responsibility," Kamratna said and left.
*
In the royal court, the messenger arrived. He bowed on his knees before the king.
"Speak," the king said, his voice calm.
"King, the news has been delivered... but two new things have come to light," the messenger said.
Now what news could it be? Is it about the Aryat kingdom? the king told himself.
The king leaned forward. "Tell me."
"The first news – in the old fort, a Shudra boy injured twenty of our soldiers. He defeated them without using a sword."
There was a moment of silence in the court. The ministers began looking at each other.
"Shudra?" one minister muttered. "Without using a sword?"
"Yes King," the messenger said. "We still don't know who the boy is."
Who could this boy be? the king said to himself.
The king didn't rise, but he began turning the ring on his finger.
"The second news?"
"The leader of the Bloody Sudi gang has sent a threat letter. He said –
''The one who killed my members is hiding in your capital. If you don't hand him over to us, we will destroy your kingdom.'''
The king remained silent... but it felt as if the ground beneath his feet had shifted.
"Why is all this happening at once?" the king said, raising his voice in anger. With so much happening at once, the king's confidence in himself was fading. He didn't know what to do.
The ministers began speaking in confusion.
"King, we are already at war with the Aryat kingdom, and now this threat from Bloody Sudi. And a Shudra boy has attacked our soldiers."
"I'm very afraid. Wherever Bloody Sudi goes, only destruction follows," one minister said, trembling.
"This is definitely the work of the Aryat kingdom. They must have given false information to the Bloody Sudi gang," said another minister.
The rest of the ministers agreed. The Bloody Sudi gang is a very large group.
The king closed his eyes and began calming himself to think.
On one side Aryat, on the other Bloody Sudi's threat... On one side Aryat, on the other Bloody Sudi... On one side Aryat, on the other Bloody Sudi... These thoughts began echoing in the king's mind.
If I want to hold on to power, I'll have to act. Quickly. That Shudra boy. Yes, that boy, the king told himself.
"I want that Shudra boy," the king said.
Silence spread again in the court.
"Find him. Quickly," the king said, raising his voice.
"Yes King," the messenger said and left.
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