The Epic of Kautilya : Born To Be King

by Deepak Thomas

  Suddenly a voice screamed from their side of the battlefield, “Minds without fear...”

  The Lord Chief smiled as she recognised Angad’s voice.

  “Heads held high!” the army cheered.

  “Minds without fear...” Angad screamed again.

  “Heads held high!” the army cheered louder.

  “MINDS WITHOUT FEAR...” Angad yelled louder than ever before.

  “HEADS HELD HIGH!” the army cheered deafeningly.

  The Lord Chief smiled to herself. At least they had won the cheering contest.

  There was silence on the battlefield again.

  “Do we launch the attack?” she asked Kautilya.

  “No,” Kautilya said. “We wait for them to attack.”

  “What makes you sure they will?” the Lord Chief asked.

  “They’re wearing heavy armour,” Kautilya said. “In these humid conditions, their helmets and armour will soon become grimy with sweat. It will make the forces impatient. What’s more, the Seahawk is an impatient general.”

  They waited. The yakshi kept passing comments that made the army roar with laughter. The Lord Chief smiled when she heard some of the ridiculous things she said.

  Suddenly a conch blew and the enemy cavalry began their charge.

  “Shields!” she heard Kautilya cry.

  Kautilya beat the giant drum twice in succession. All over the battlefield, the drums began beating in the same rhythm. Immediately the front line of the apes put their shields up.

  The Lord Chief watched nervously as the horsemen covered ground rapidly.

  Suddenly all the charging horses tripped. It was a trap! The ground had been dug up the night before and disguised with soil. The horses behind the fallen leaders crashed into them and soon the whole charging cavalry was in disarray.

  “Infantry, charge!” Kautilya cried.

  She began beating her drum continuously. The other drums took up the beat and the front-line apes began charging.

  The Lord Chief could see Druma and Ādi leading the charge. With a loud roar, they attacked the fallen horsemen.

  “Brilliant,” the Lord Chief said. “Their cavalry is incapacitated. But why don’t their infantry come to their comrade’s aid?”

  “They will,” Yama said. “But they will come slowly with their shields up. The human shield wall is impenetrable.”

  The Lord Chief saw that the enemy infantry had their shields up. They began to slowly march towards the impervious ape soldiers who were still fighting the fallen horsemen.

  “Oh no,” the Lord Chief said. “Our forces have no idea what’s happening. Shouldn’t we try to warn them?”

  She turned to Kautilya who was observing in silence. So she turned to Yama.

  “Yama, shouldn’t we send forces to back up the infantry?” the Lord Chief asked.

  Immediately a new beat began to play on the drum. The ape spear-bearers began advancing towards the enemy. Meanwhile, archers took up positions.

  Suddenly the archers unleashed a flurry of arrows. They rained down on the advancing human infantry but did not seem to do much damage. The human advance continued.

  Immediately the archers launched a second round of arrows. This time, many soldiers fell.

  Meanwhile, the spear unit a reached a little distance away from the battling infantry and halted. They took up positions and then flung their spears over their fighting comrades.

  The Lord Chief followed the arc of the heavy spears. The openings in the shield wall had made the elite vulnerable. Several humans fell and this caused disarray in the formerly organised troops.

  The human line was now completely broken. The ape infantry immediately took advantage of the situation, by charging. Their numbers overwhelmed the human forces.

  Soon the spearmen led by Angad jumped into the battle, and after that it was a proper rout of the human forces.

  Suddenly conches blew on the other side. A second wave of human cavalry charged in. They split into a horn formation to circumvent the fallen cavalry, and with the Seahawk at their head, they would charge headlong into the vulnerable archers. With the attack of the new forces the defence line would finally collapse.

  A single arrow fell into the midst of the fighting infantry. Huge torrents of water washed away several of the soldiers.

  Without even blinking, Kautilya began beating the drums to signal retreat.

  The signal went through the lines. There had once been a time when the apes would not retreat under any circumstance. But the new ape army was different. They obeyed the chain of command without question.

  The archers began to run into the trees. The human cavalry followed them, and soon the whole battle shifted into the forest.

  “What is the meaning of this, Kautilya?” the Lord Chief asked. “Why are we retreating?”

  Kautilya smiled. “Nina’s team don’t just build trenches.”

  Kautilya nodded at Nina, who pulled out a horn and blew it.

  Suddenly giant nets fell on top of the horsemen. Those that were not caught in the net were immediately ambushed by the apes.

  “Cavalry down,” Nina announced. Kautilya smiled at the Lord Chief.

  The Lord Chief laughed. “Brilliant, general,” she said.

  Suddenly conches sounded from the side of the humans.

  “They are retreating,” Kautilya exclaimed.

  The Lord Chief saw that the Seahawk was being escorted away from the battleground by cavalry. He was being chased by Vani and her squad. They took down some of his escorts but the Seahawk managed to outrun them and escape.

  But the Seahawk’s escape did not matter.

  The Lord Chief collapsed onto her knees and wept. They had won the battle for the hills. She was nearing her goal. She would free Renuka soon.

  CHAPTER 49

  At Aryavrat

  It was Varun’s second outing as a general, and disaster had befallen him.

  After the defeat, he had not waited long before arranging a passage back to Aryavrat. All through the voyage, he was delivered news of how the apes had started taking over the plains. Kishkinda was the only outpost left in human hands. All the other towns and villages had fallen into ape control.

  A thunderstorm was raging across Aryavrat. Dark clouds floated over the crouching lioness and thunder raged. How symbolic, Varun thought as the rain poured down on him.

  At least it hid the tears of disappointment that were now flowing down his cheeks. He had been given a chance to prove his worth to his brother but he had failed.

  The storm caused large waves on the river that did not let the boat dock and Varun grew impatient. He leapt into the raging river.

  Behind him, his attendants were screaming in horror but he did not care. He swam through the rolling waves and finally reached the bank. He marched up the steps and into the royal court.

  All those who saw him quickly gave way to avoid being drenched by his wet clothes, until finally he reached the court hall – to be greeted with silence and scorn.

  At one end of the court were three pedestals. On the main throne with a golden crown on his head sat Dhanush, smiling in greeting.

  “Welcome back, Varun,” Dhanush said. “It seems you couldn’t help yourself and decided to take a dip in the holy waters.”

  Varun went down on his knees and put his head on the ground. “I am sorry, Dhanush. I am so sorry.”

  “Elders, please give us brothers some privacy,” Varun heard Dhanush say.

  There was some scrambling of feet and soon Varun realised the court was empty except for them. He sat up.

  “Look at you, Varun,” Dhanush said, “eyes swollen, running nose. Is this how you present yourself before the court? Have you no shame?”

  “All my honour is lost already, Dhanush,” Varun said. “I have suffered such
a humiliating defeat. The apes have taken over all the plains. It is only a matter of time before Kishkinda falls.”

  Dhanush breathed in. “Yes, I heard. Tell me exactly what happened. I want it in precise detail.”

  Varun recounted the battle. He related every tactic and every move as if he was reliving it.

  “Wow,” Sameer said once Varun was finished. “Yama the Undying has done miracles for the ape armies. I didn’t think these apes were capable of so much. Yama surely is a genius.”

  Dhanush did not respond for some time. Suddenly his face lit up as if something had dawned on him. Then he began to chuckle. He kept chuckling and soon he began to laugh.

  Varun stood up. “Give me a second chance, Brother. I will defeat them.”

  Dhanush shook his head. “You cannot defeat them, Varun. This isn’t a sword fight. It’s a battle of minds.”

  Dhanush turned to Hayan. “Hayan, send your men to the leader of the apes. Call them for a negotiation.”

  CHAPTER 50

  Celebration

  Kautilya had never seen a celebration like the one that was held at Vivila after the victory.

  After the Lord Chief had taken over the town, the apes had swooped into the plains. Several humans had been put into prison and their weapons and horses had been seized. With the capture of the plains, the remaining humans had retreated to Kishkinda. It was a stunning victory for the rebels.

  Now all of Vivila was lit up with lamps. Bands of ape children ran amok bursting palm bombs.

  The centre of the town was filled with revelling apes dancing to the beats of their tribal music. Bonfires dotted the city and some apes were inebriated with herbal concoctions.

  “Want to try some of the human liquor we got hold of?” Kautilya heard Nina’s drunk voice. Nina plonked down next to her. “It’s way better than that white stuff the apes drink. That makes me drowsy.”

  “No, thanks,” Kautilya said. “I don’t drink.”

  “Why not?” Nina asked. “Amazing party, this one. All they need is some meat.”

  Kautilya blanched at the thought of eating meat.

  “I made chicken broth,” Kautilya heard Ādi’s voice. “There’s a bowl for you at the camp.”

  Ādi had cleaned up and was wearing a mauve silk dhoti.

  Nina hoisted herself up. She hugged Ādi, spilling some of her drink on Kautilya, then stumbled her way to their camp.

  “Are you sure she’ll make it back?” Kautilya asked, wiping the liquor off.

  “Yeah,” Ādi said, sitting down next to her. “Don’t worry, she’s a yakshi. They drink like crazy. She probably just needs to get used to drinking again. They didn’t have any in Rishyamukh. Anyway, how are you feeling? That was probably the most complete victory in ages.”

  A big explosion rocked one side of the square. Kautilya and Ādi quickly turned to see a band of ape younglings being chased by Barong, whose tail had been singed.

  Kautilya wondered whether she should ask him about the night they had visited the bear village. Would he be happy to know that she liked him too?

  “So, what are you doing to celebrate today?” Ādi asked.

  Kautilya shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m thinking of going to bed early. I found some texts and Yama let me keep them. So I’ll read them and sleep, I suppose.”

  Ādi shook his head. “What, we’re celebrating after such a long time and you’re going to sleep? I won’t let that happen. Let’s go and dance.”

  Kautilya laughed. Seeing Ādi’s impassive expression she shook her head. “I can’t dance, Ādi.”

  “Don’t make excuses.” He jumped up and pulled Kautilya onto her feet. “A warrior like you can’t dance? I don’t believe it.”

  “I really can’t,” Kautilya said.

  “Just follow my moves, all right?” Ādi said and pulled her up.

  He led her into the midst of the apes who were dancing away. As soon as Ādi and Kautilya arrived they cheered.

  “Go, go, Kautilya!” Angad screamed from the crowd.

  “Kautilya, Kautilya,” the apes began to chant.

  Kautilya shook her head. She leaned in close to Ādi and whispered, “This is embarrassing, Ādi.”

  Ādi proceeded to hold his hand up and twirled Kautilya around it. Immediately the crowd cheered.

  He took hold of both Kautilya’s hands and began to lead her in dance. Kautilya shrugged and followed Ādi. He was a beautiful dancer.

  Soon all the apes joined the dancing pair and formed a circle around them. Kautilya had never realised dancing could be so much fun.

  After some time the dance concluded with fireworks and applause.

  Ādi pulled Kautilya out of the crowd and they took a seat. “You danced well, Kautilya.”

  Kautilya raised an eyebrow. “I was born to do this.” Both of them laughed.

  “Do you have your flute?” she asked.

  Ādi nodded.

  “Play me something,” Kautilya said.

  He pulled out the flute and played an amazing tune. Kautilya was mesmerised.

  “That was so beautiful,” Kautilya said. “How are you so good?”

  Ādi blushed. “I guess I inherited some talent.”

  When Ādi was shy, he was adorable. Maybe it was that, or maybe it was the high from dancing. Or maybe it was the fact that they were alone together after a long time. “Can I tell you something, Ādi?”

  “Yeah,” Ādi said.

  She leaned in to kiss him. Their lips touched and Ādi kissed back. Kautilya’s heart raced and her mind swirled. His lips were so soft. She began to explore his mouth with her...

  “Kautilya,” Saira’s voice broke in.

  Ādi jumped to his feet.

  “Saira,” Ādi said, “where have you been all night?” He looked around nervously.

  Kautilya felt so guilty. She wished the earth would just swallow her up.

  “Tending to the injured folk,” Saira said. Her eyes did not leave Kautilya’s. “Yama has summoned you. A human delegation has arrived at the court.”

  Kautilya thanked Yama in her head. She said farewell to Ādi and Saira and went off to the court.

  CHAPTER 51

  Negotiation

  The assembled apes jeered as the human delegation arrived at the court.

  “Send them back!” some apes screamed.

  Kautilya sat hidden behind the Lord Chief’s throne. Suddenly the apes were silent. The Lord Chief must have disciplined them.

  “Lord Chief Indira of the Apes,” the messenger began, “I have been sent here to convey the decision of the ruling council of Bharat. We wish to negotiate terms with you.”

  Negotiate? Kautilya thought. If her father had never agreed to negotiate with the apes there was no way Dhanush would be the first. He must have some game plan.

  “What is there to negotiate?” the Lord Chief asked. “Leave our lands and let us rule.”

  “Freedom for the apes is also a possibility. I am just a messenger,” the man said. “I can only convey what has been told to me. King Dhanush of the Shyamas has asked that you meet him at the Cleaved Rock on the night of the full moon. He will arrive with his brothers and just four guards and he requests you to do the same.”

  “It’s a trap,” one ape said. “I say we send these messengers’ heads back to the human king.”

  A lot of apes huffed in agreement. Then there was silence again.

  “Tell the king that I agree to meet him,” the Lord Chief said. “I agree to come to the Cleaved Rock, but there will be no terms less than the surrender of Kishkinda and the reinstatement of ape rule over Dandaka.”

  “Yes, your Highness,” the messenger said. The delegation quickly shuffled out of the room.

  “You should not have agreed to negotiation, your Highness,” an ape said. “We should pus
h our advantage and take over Kishkinda.”

  “Laying siege to Kishkinda is not an easy task, my friend,” the Lord Chief said. “I have already lost many of my subjects to war. If there can be a peaceful resolution then that is what I want.” She paused. “Now I need to think. Please clear the court. Yama and Angad, please wait.”

  All the apes shuffled out of the courtroom.

  “Come out, Kautilya,” the Lord Chief said.

  Kautilya quickly walked out from behind the throne.

  “So what do you think?” the Lord Chief asked. “What are your brothers planning?”

  Kautilya shook her head. “I don’t know, my lord.”

  “It’s a great achievement to bring them to the table for negotiation,” the Lord Chief said. “I think we should try. I cannot see more ape blood being spilled. Plus, Renuka...”

  Kautilya knew that her brothers would try to outwit the apes. Their simple and trusting nature was not suited for negotiations. But the Lord Chief was keen on securing her daughter’s release.

  Should she tell her the truth?

  “Don’t go, your Highness,” Kautilya said. “It must be a trap.”

  The Lord Chief nodded. “Well, we will have to go and find out. Too long have I waited for Renuka to be free. This is my chance.”

  “I wish to accompany you...” Kautilya said.

  “No,” Yama said.

  “But I can help,” Kautilya said.

  The Lord Chief turned to Yama. “Why can’t she come?”

  “Her brothers cannot know she is with us,” Yama said. “They might exploit her to derail the negotiations.”

  “I can hide my identity,” Kautilya said.

  “Kautilya,” Yama said, “I will...”

  “My lord,” Kautilya said to the Lord Chief, “you need me. I understand my brothers better than anyone...” Her eyes darted to Yama and back. “Better than Yama.”

  The Lord Chief silently gauged the situation. “All right, Kautilya,” she said. “You can come.”

  Kautilya grinned. She wished she could stick her tongue out at Yama. But he was remarkably composed even though his advice was not heeded.

  As they left the courtroom Yama walked up to Kautilya.