Chapter 409 - 377: Drona Tells How Vrishasena Got His Throne...

(A/N):

Drop a meme here that you find funny. Or reflects your mood.

-------------------------------------------------

Devara considered Karna’s words for a moment before looking towards Ashwatthama.

"And what do you think? Is this likely to remain a dispute over the Ashvamedha, or should we expect something more?"

Ashwatthama crossed his arms, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon.

"I would prepare for the latter, Maharaja. A ruler who is comfortable with disagreement can accept a challenge to his claim without turning it into a personal conflict. Vrishasena, however, is known for being particularly sensitive to anything he perceives as an insult to his authority."

"The moment he learns that his horse has been stopped and his banner cut down, he will have to consider how other kings might interpret the incident. If he allows it to pass without a response, he may fear that his reputation will suffer."

He paused before adding,

"There is also the matter of your reputation. He has heard the stories about your kingdom, your gurukul, and the people who have chosen to follow your example. I doubt he views you favourably."

"If anything, he may see this incident as an opportunity to challenge you directly and demonstrate that his authority cannot be disregarded."

Dronacharya, who had remained silent while the others spoke, finally joined the discussion.

"I agree that we should be cautious. Vrishasena inherited his throne at a very young age, and the struggles that followed shaped the ruler he eventually became."

"He spent years fighting to secure his position against powerful nobles and rival claimants. By all accounts, he emerged from those struggles determined never to allow anyone to question his authority without consequences."

Devara turned towards his kingdom’s acharya.

"You believe that his childhood has something to do with the way he rules now?"

"It may explain some of his behaviour," Dronacharya replied.

"A prince who loses his father and is forced to defend his throne while still a child may develop a deep suspicion of anyone who challenges his position. However, understanding the reasons behind his actions does not make those actions acceptable."

"If he believes that every disagreement must be answered with force, then even a minor dispute can become dangerous."

Shakuni gave a thoughtful nod.

"That is precisely why I believe we must prepare for the possibility of war. Vrishasena may initially send a messenger demanding the return of his horse and an explanation for the treatment of his banner."

"But if he considers our response insufficient, he may decide to march against us. Given his temperament and his attachment to royal prestige, I would not advise assuming that diplomacy alone will resolve the matter."

Devara looked once more at the white stallion.

He could understand why Dronacharya had stopped it.

Allowing the horse to enter Trivenivrata unchallenged would have sent a message that his kingdom accepted Vrishabhapura’s claim, and no responsible ruler could simply ignore the implications of such an act.

At the same time, he recognised that cutting down the banner had made the rejection unmistakable, leaving Vrishasena with little room to pretend that the incident had been an ordinary misunderstanding.

Still, Devara was not particularly interested in fighting a war merely to satisfy another king’s pride.

He had spent four years away from his family, and after returning home, he had hoped to devote himself to his children, his wives, and the prosperity of the kingdom he had built.

His people had enjoyed peace, his administration was functioning well, and his gurukul continued to attract students who wished to acquire knowledge without being restricted by the circumstances of their birth.

He had no desire to see that progress interrupted by a conflict that might have been avoided through a reasonable conversation.

Unfortunately, peace required the cooperation of both sides.

"If Vrishasena wishes to discuss the matter, I am willing to receive his envoy,"

Devara said at last.

"We can explain why the horse was stopped and make our position clear. I have no objection to hearing what he has to say, provided he approaches us as the ruler of an independent kingdom rather than someone expecting us to bow before him."

Shakuni inclined his head.

"That is a sensible course, Maharaja. It allows us to demonstrate that Trivenivrata is willing to communicate without compromising its sovereignty."

"However,"

Devara continued, his expression becoming firmer,

"we will not surrender our independence simply to prevent a war. Nor will I allow Vrishasena to dictate how my people should live. The policies of Trivenivrata are matters for Trivenivrata, and no neighbouring king has the right to demand that we abandon them."

Karna smiled faintly at those words, while Ashwatthama gave an approving nod.

Dronacharya, however, remained cautious.

"Then we should prepare the kingdom’s defences while leaving the door open for diplomacy. If Vrishasena comes seeking a peaceful resolution, we can address his concerns. If he comes seeking a fight, we must ensure that Trivenivrata is ready to defend itself."

"Agreed," Devara replied.

He turned towards the commander stationed nearby and instructed him to maintain the guards around the horse, ensure that the animal was properly cared for, and prevent any unnecessary confrontation with Vrishabhapura’s representatives.

He then ordered that the kingdom’s military commanders be informed of the situation and asked Shakuni to begin preparing a report on Vrishasena’s military strength, political alliances, and likely course of action.

The orders were carried out immediately.

As the others began discussing the practical details, Devara cast one final glance towards the river.

The waters of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswathi continued to flow peacefully, indifferent to the dispute unfolding along their banks.

Yet beyond those sacred waters, another king was preparing to answer the challenge.

Devara could only hope that Vrishasena would choose his next steps with wisdom rather than wounded pride.

But if the ruler of Vrishabhapura truly intended to bring war to Trivenivrata, then he would discover that the kingdom he sought to intimidate had no intention of surrendering either its independence or its principles.

While Devara continued discussing the situation with Dronacharya, Karna, and Ashwatthama, a familiar presence approached the border outpost, carrying a small parcel carefully wrapped in a piece of cloth.

Goddess Yami had come looking for her husband, and the moment the guards recognised her, they bowed respectfully, allowing her to pass without interruption.

She acknowledged their greetings with a gentle smile before making her way towards the section of the wall where Devara stood with his companions.

"Your Majesty, we should also consider the possibility that Vrishasena might attempt to gather support from other rulers before making his next move,"

Shakuni was saying, having joined them after sending instructions to the palace.

"If he manages to convince his allies that Trivenivrata has insulted the Ashvamedha itself, rather than merely rejecting his claim over our territory, he could use the incident to justify a larger military campaign."

"Then we shall make certain that the facts are known," Devara replied.

"I will not send my soldiers into battle simply because another king wishes to protect his pride, but neither will I allow anyone to mistake our willingness to negotiate for weakness. If Vrishasena wants an explanation, he can ask for one. If he wants war, then we will respond accordingly."

It was at this point that Devara noticed Yami approaching.

The moment his gaze settled upon his wife, the stern expression he had worn throughout the discussion softened considerably.

Yami returned his look with a smile, lifting the little parcel in her hand just enough to let him know that she had brought something for him.

Devara immediately understood that whatever she carried was probably more interesting to her than the political discussions taking place around the border.

"Acharya, Karna, Ashwatthama, Mahamantri," he said, turning towards the men beside him,

"I believe we have covered the most important matters for now. Continue with the preparations we discussed, and inform me if there are any significant developments. I shall speak with you again once we return to the palace."

Dronacharya followed his gaze towards Yami, and a faint smile appeared on his face.

He had seen enough of Devara’s behaviour around his wives to recognise when the king had decided that a discussion could wait.

After exchanging respectful greetings with Yami, he departed with Karna and Ashwatthama, while Shakuni followed them, already contemplating the next steps required to prepare the kingdom for whatever Vrishasena might decide.

Once they had left, Devara turned towards his wife.

"Now, what brings you all the way to the border with such a mysterious little package?"

he asked, his eyes narrowing playfully.

"Judging by the way you are holding it, I suspect you have brought something far more important than the affairs of two kingdoms."

Yami laughed softly as she approached him.

Rather than answering immediately, she climbed onto the broad stone wall beside him and settled down comfortably, leaving only a small space between them.

The wall overlooked the sacred rivers, and from where they sat, the waters of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswathi could be seen flowing through the landscape below.

It was a considerable height, and anyone unfamiliar with the wall might have hesitated before sitting so casually upon it.

Yami, however, appeared perfectly comfortable, while Devara merely shifted slightly to ensure that she had enough room.

Anyone watching them might have wondered whether they realised how precariously they were seated.

A careless movement in the wrong direction could send an ordinary person tumbling from the wall, but neither of them seemed particularly concerned.

"Mother sent this for me,"

Yami finally revealed, carefully unwrapping the parcel.

Inside lay a sweet, prepared with obvious care. Its surface was delicately decorated, and the rich fragrance that escaped from the wrapping immediately caught Devara’s attention.

He leaned forward slightly, his curiosity overcoming whatever thoughts he had been entertaining about Vrishasena and the impending political crisis.

"Your mother sent you sweets?"

He asked, looking at the parcel with unmistakable interest.

"Yes,"

Yami replied, smiling as she watched his eyes follow the sweet.

*******************************

(Author note:)

I hope you guys give me your opinion and idea’s.

-->

Don’t forget to review guys...