Vedic Warriors

by Rituraj Sharma

  As per the instructions, the four were recalled, and the three great warriors were provided with a regiment each and were promoted as generals of the league army. They were then escorted to the capital with honour and were provided with suitable accommodation. They were asked to meet a day later to participate in the formulation of the final battle plan.

  Chapter X

  Clash of the Legends

  In the early hours of the morning inside a huge conference room at the palace, the league representatives assembled together to discuss the next course of action. Zekrar was the first to initiate the discussion.

  “There is some bad news! Forces of Taraksh will be attacking us within the next five days. The news has been confirmed by our spies. And this time his army will be bigger with better warriors and they may even defeat us.”

  The others remaining in the room looked confused at the sudden display of pessimism by the usually optimistic Zekrar. “What do you mean by this? What are you talking about?” asked Queen Samira, she then looked at the newcomers and said, “And who are they?”

  Zekrar first looked at Yuniop and introduced him to the rest of the members, “Meet the legendary Saint Yuniop, we all have heard his heroic tales ever since we were adolescents. Saint Yuniop has come from Mahaverna and has news for us. Taraksh has acquired an invulnerable weapon, ‘The Golden Armour of Surya’, this armour is not only impenetrable, it has a special power as well which works exclusively on us. The armour has the ability to neutralize our power, making us totally ineffective in front of him, which means that we will not be able to match up to the skills of Taraksh and will be defeated in a face to face combat with him.”

  The moment Zekrar finished speaking, Vedhas took over from him, “To add to this there are two more warriors that the forces of Taraksh has recruited. One of them is a mystic female warrior, named Vinashki and the second one is a master strategist, Jivraj.”

  These words made everyone silent for two seconds, but the silence was again broken by Zekrar, “They are planning one final strike on us so as to wipe us out completely, now together we have to think of something and devise a strategy to defeat and kill Taraksh. We would also like to introduce these three warriors to the council.

  Meet the master archer, the best in the universe, his name is Jairudh, he defeated Apykarych in an archery contest held at Mahaverna at the time of the tournament. The strong man over here is Nismibh, the only man beside us who was able to harm Taraksh; he wrestled with Taraksh and was able to pin him down. He is the strongest man after Taraksh and some even say he is better than him. The third one here is Tung Zapotec, the fastest warrior on earth and extremely lethal. He is also a master strategist and is well versed with numerous kinds of battle strategies and planning.”

  “So, what do you plan to do now? What do you have in mind as you seem relaxed?” asked King Palash.

  “Honestly! We are not at all relaxed. We are equally concerned but then again, we still feel that we can defeat the forces of Taraksh provided we do not indulge in a face to face combat. He has to be blocked and stopped by others. Jairudh, Maharam, Nismibh, Abhustan, Habud and Salem will lead a troop of three thousand cavalry and three thousand infantry each. Their job will be to engage and if possible kill Taraksh.

  Meanwhile, Zekrar, Kinnosh, Samud and I will engage the others and will try to wipe out the other principle warriors. Tung and Lakha will protect us in case we come face to face with Taraksh. While we will be engaged, our movements will be controlled and managed by King Nasahud and King Palash. They will observe and strategize the battle plan and will ensure blockade of free movements for the enemy and will warn us from time to time in case there is any kind of encirclement attempt by the enemy. They will use all their experience and will signal at all moments while we remain engaged,” explained Vedhas.

  After a brief silence, Zekrar took over from Vedhas, “We will meet their army at the first gate. The area three kilometres ahead of the gate provides for excellent manoeuvrability and is situated at a slight elevation with minimum tree cover. Knowing Taraksh, clad in his armour, will prefer the location as well because of its vastness and also because it happens to be the shortest and the most direct route.”

  “But why can’t we engage him on the field where we defeated him earlier, why let him come till the first gate,” asked Queen Samira.

  “Because, this is the best place to defend and fight. The walls behind can serve as an escape route in case of a retreat. Not to forget, we can set up our camp behind the walls which would obviously be safer, although we will try to set rules for no night assaults for both the parties. The wall will also be ideal because of its close proximity to food and water,” replied Zekrar.

  “So, I hope we have everyone’s acknowledgement on this. We will prepare our armies and move tomorrow at the first light. Ashwin, Zigneg, Lepdicus, Trud will move right now and will take care of the resources, pavilion and logistics. All the best! Remember, we have to be prepared by tomorrow,” said Vedhas.

  Meanwhile, at Mahaverna, preparations were being made for the largest ever battle. Armies from all the states were called for this ultimate confrontation. Taraksh, Apykarych, Agastya, Jivraj, Vinashki, Oniata and Nirmay, were all preparing the best possible strategies. They all were leaning on a table, on which a replica of the battlefield and various pawns were placed.

  Taraksh was at the centre as he presided over the meeting. In spite of his atrocities, he was an excellent orator and general. He encouraged his colleagues and actively took suggestions from them, “Apykarych, what do you recommend?” asked Taraksh.

  “I guess the best approach will be a direct assault, other areas being not fit for our style of fighting. We need open spaces for our kind of combat. Our chariots will best move in open grasslands, which means a direct assault from the first gate,” recommended Apykarych.

  “You are right. So generals, do we agree on this?” asked Taraksh.

  The others acknowledged and once the attack route was finalized, they went on to discuss the battle strategies. After a long discussion, they agreed upon the following placements: -

  The entire army would be divided into seven groups. The group up front would be commanded by Apykarych, this layer was supposed to head start the battle. This unit would contain three thousand hoplites in the front three rows and four thousand swordsmen in the next four rows. Apykarych would station himself in the last row along with his regiment of hundred royal cavaliers and hundred foot soldiers.

  Behind Apykarych, three more would be stationed. Vinashki would command the left wing, which contained around seven thousand light cavaliers and few foot skirmishers. The right would be led by Oniata; this wing would comprise seven thousand heavy cavalries. The centre would be held by Jivraj, commanding a contingent of twelve thousand foot soldiers and one thousand chariot archers.

  The last layer again would be divided into three segments; Agastya would lead the left wing in his chariot commanding two thousand chariot archers and four thousand cavaliers. The right would be commanded by Nirmay who would again lead a unit of two thousand chariot archers and another four thousand cavaliers. The legendary Taraksh would lead the centre and the reserve. He would command royal hoplites, a thousand chariot archers and three thousand royal cavalry, the best in the army.

  The largest ever force was gathered and assembled by Mahaverna. All principle warriors were mounted, either on chariots or cavalry and had their own small unit of warriors comprising, cavalry and infantry. They were well merged into the main and reserve army. This style was quite prevalent at that time as the chariots and mounted units preferred attacking and escaping from the battle as per the situation. They were well assisted in this by their respective units.

  Once the strategies were set, the army started their march for the league. On the other hand, the league started with their march hoping to meet Taraksh at the first gate. The two large armies marched for the ultimate show down. Armies were called from various borders, caravans c
arrying food, water and camps were all organized. They knew the battle would last for a long time and both the parties were well prepared for it. Both the armies had their favourites who commanded units of their own.

  It took seven days for the armies of Taraksh to reach the first gate. They were expecting a warm welcome and indeed they were welcomed by the huge army of the league.

  The league army was again divided into different segments. Jairudh, Maharam and Nismibh formed the first layer; Maharam was at the centre with three thousand hoplites up in front, and three thousand cavaliers surrounding his Chariot. To his left was Jairudh and right was Nismibh with their battalion of three thousand hoplites, two thousand cavaliers and one thousand chariot archers each. Just behind them was another layer lead by Abhustan, Habud and Salem who again lead a company of three thousand swordsmen, two thousand horsemen and a thousand chariot archers each.

  These six units formed a pyramidal type of formation. Behind these two layers stood four more units commanded by Zekrar, Vedhas, Kinnosh and Samud, each leading a contingent of seven thousand hoplites, swordsmen and chariot archers.

  While another small unit of four thousand light armoured soldiers led by Tung and Lakha stood patrolling the twins and acting as reinforcements.

  The league was a formidable opponent and Taraksh knew this and therefore he had come with all preparations, he even marched in the pre-decided battle formation. He knew that this would be a difficult battle and could last for days. The moment they arrived, Taraksh’s slaves and soldiers prepared camps for food and stay. Once the settlement was established, the two armies raised white flags in order to meet and set rules and regulations for the battle. A movable yurt was installed in between the two massive forces right at the centre for parley between the leaders.

  After few seconds, battle musicians started beating drums thus marking the arrival of the almighty King Taraksh. The Great King looked invincible with the mystic golden armour fastened on his brawny frame, his golden armour shined in the sunlight as he moved on his chariot towards the negotiation camp along with Vinashki and Agastya.

  From the other side, Jairudh, Maharam and Nismibh rode towards the centre yurt. The twins stayed back as they feared Taraksh. Once they reached the spot, Taraksh and Maharam entered the camp while others remained outside. Jairudh was in a difficult situation; he stood before Vinashki and was finding it difficult to control his anger. He avoided looking at her; on the other hand, Vinashki kept on staring and smiling at Jairudh tauntingly. She seemed to be proud of her accomplishments, she couldn’t resist and directed a verbal assault on him, “Hey Jairudh, how is your mentor Nahsirk, is he alive?”

  Jairudh looked at her, his face turning red in anger, “I promise you that I will slit your throat before this battle is over, I will have my revenge,” replied Jairudh.

  Vinashki didn’t reply, she just laughed, the way she had done while killing his mentor. Jairudh was furious but was calmed by Nismibh, “Calm down Jairudh, let the battle start.”

  Inside the camp, the Prince and the King were negotiating the terms, “How is your shoulder Maharam, so you survived,” quipped Taraksh.

  “So did you,” replied Maharam.

  “I am invincible! I am God! I will always survive. Lay down the rules and regulations,” roared Taraksh.

  “Can this fight be averted?” Maharam asked.

  “Yes! There is one way, give me a duel with the twins. If they win, Mahaverna is yours, if I win you will surrender the entire league kingdom,” replied Taraksh.

  “That is unacceptable, we know about the armour,” said Maharam.

  “Then you should know that the twins will be killed and will be torn apart by me, without them your army will be totally annihilated, surrender now and you may live.”

  “No! That’s not possible. We will not surrender. Let’s not waste time. If battle is imminent, we will fight till death. Let’s discuss the rules. Rule Number one, we will not engage in any sort of battles at night,” suggested Maharam.

  “Acceptable,” replied Taraksh.

  “Rule no 2, you must let us claim our dead soldiers’ bodies and we will allow the same to you.”

  “Acceptable,” replied Taraksh.

  “Rule no 3, Duels will be considered an honourable act between warriors and therefore, should not be hindered by others.”

  “Totally acceptable,” replied Taraksh.

  “That’s it, any inputs from your side,” asked Maharam.

  “No! Let’s end it here, but yes remember, if any rules are broken from your side then nothing will be followed by us.” As Taraksh said this, he stood up and walked out of the camp; he climbed on to his chariot and rode back towards his side. Agastya and Vinashki followed him. While riding back, Vinashki turned back and looked at Jairudh and smirked at him. Maharam also moved out and the trio rode back to their side in order to engage in an epic battle.

  The sides were drawn, the rules were set. Mahaverna and the Alliance army had their best warriors in position for the ultimate battle. The armies faced each other; the whole battlefield had an atmosphere of silence, the silence before the storm. The armies waited for the signal and looked tense and then the siren was raised, the horns were blown and the armies ran towards their opponents. The steel, the metal, the men crashed massively into each other. Soon, the key warriors also entered the war, vandalizing enemies in between and looking for their mounted targets.

  Apykarych led the army well and tried to quickly crush the first layer of the league. He could see the charioteers leading the army and he knew that among them, Nismibh and Jairudh were forces to be dealt with. Therefore he kept his best and most experienced warriors to the left and right and himself pressed on Maharam. As he advanced towards the centre, Vinashki moved forward towards Jairudh and Oniata moved towards Nismibh. They intended to hammer the two from the sides.

  Looking at this tactical manoeuvre, Abhustan and Salem moved in a semi-circle following a pincer movement and tried attacking Vinashki and Oniata from left and right respectively. But Agastya intercepted Abhustan, while Nirmay clashed with Salem, these units ventured on to a separate battle from the main battlefield. At this point Kinnosh and Samund could have encircled Agastya and Nirmay but restricted themselves as they thought it to be a tactic in order to make the twins vulnerable to attack. Therefore, they maintained their ground.

  Taraksh could be seen moving from left to right, looking for an opening, he had his eyes set on the twins and looked for a gap. He looked desperate and wanted to engage with the twins, but the twins were well protected and didn’t want to engage with Taraksh.

  **Agastya versus Abhustan**

  The fight was intense between the forces of Agastya and Abhustan and it continued for hours, making Agastya and Abhustan move closer to each other. A duel between the two looked impending.

  Abhustan was a huge man, seven feet tall and looked like a mountain. He was extremely strong, he could be seen stabbing and slicing the soldiers of Taraksh. Agastya saw this and manoeuvred his chariot towards Abhustan. Once near to his adversary, Agastya looked at Abhustan and stepped out of his chariot, he picked up his two axes and walked towards Abhustan. On the other hand, Abhustan appeared unaffected; he picked up his heavy sword and his huge shield and stepped out of his chariot to face his challenger. Agastya knew Abhustan, he had heard of his tales of valour and strength. He knew that one blow of Abhustan’s heavy sword could be a fatal strike, therefore he was extremely careful and thoroughly watchful. Agastya as always went for the first strike, then the second, then third, fourth and it went on, he was outstanding in his characteristic aggressive style.

  Abhustan was surprised with the pace, he kept on retreating backwards, protecting the attacks with his shield and as expected tried to push and punch Agastya with his shield. Agastya was expecting this, he was fast, agile and a clever warrior, he used the huge shield as a base and turned around, thus moving away from the push of Abhustan, coming in line with the massive warrior. He was now
to the right of Abhustan, slightly behind him. Agastya wasted no time and sliced Abhustan’s neck while still in motion. All this happened in fractions of seconds. Abhustan was slaughtered and Agastya emerged victorious, the alliance army had their first casualty. Agastya severed Abhustan’s head and carried it to his chariot and screamed in jubilation showing it to everyone. This was done to instil fear in Abhustan’s contingent, making them retreat. The plan indeed worked well as a lot of soldiers started retreating. A few surrendered and the rest were soon massacred.

  Agastya after finishing off Abhustan’s division charged and began hammering the forces of Jairudh.

  ***Apykarych versus Maharam***

  Meanwhile, Apykarych looked extremely ferocious in the battle and kept moving ahead at a breakneck speed with his fifty royal cavaliers, massacring thousands of soldiers with his divinely powered arrows.

  Soon, he came face to face with Maharam, who held the centre. Maharam was an ace archer but looked nervous at the sight of Apykarych who in spite of his age was an impregnable opponent. Maharam tried to take an early advantage and fired an arrow, but Apykarych blocked Maharam’ arrow with his. Maharam fired again and again but Apykarych kept blocking the incoming projectiles. Maharam possessed few divinely powered arrows as well in his arsenal and soon started using it at Apykarych. He fired a special arrow, which got converted into five in mid-air, sonic in nature that travelled at an extremely fast pace. But Apykarych had an answer for each one of his assaults. Maharam began looking increasingly nervous as the battle progressed.

  After fifteen minutes, Apykarych mediated and an arrow teleported in to his hand, it was ‘Lakshati’, the unstoppable arrow. Apykarych placed the arrow on his bow and fired a ‘Lakshati’ at Maharam. The arrow flew at lightning speed and stuck Maharam and penetrated into his heart. Maharam collapsed in no time, the alliance had one more fatality.