This statement angered Jairudh, he was furious, but before he could speak, King Nasahud stood and said, “Stop it Palash. I am with Jairudh, because of him, we were able to defeat the ever- looming threat of Taraksh. Jairudh is a good human being. He deserves to be the king and trust me he will make a wonderful king and will bring peace and prosperity everywhere, I am with him. I have lost my sons, now he is my son. We should support him, we never had any interest in Mahaverna, let’s not digress now. We all have our kingdoms and we all should go back to our kingdoms and live in peace but before that we all should march to Mahaverna and attend the coronation of Jairudh - the new king of Mahaverna.”
King Nasahud still commanded the largest army and he was a wonderful orator, the entire league stood up and congratulated Jairudh. Palash hesitated a bit but then rose and congratulated Jairudh, “All the best Jairudh. I trust Nasahud’s judgment blindly, if he is on your side, I am on your side. May you rule well, King of Mahaverna”.
He then looked at Nasahud and raised another concern, “What about the armour?”
Nasahud looked at Jairudh and requested him to keep the armour with him for the time being and later hand it over to Saint Yuniop.
Once everything was set, the entire army was given four hours to rest, food and drink was given and distributed in abundance. Guards and generals were asked to be vigilant as Agastya had not surrendered and could attack.
After four hours of rest, the army started their march for Mahaverna.
Simultaneously, back at Yanecrim, Shreshtaha got the information that Taraksh had been battered to death by Nismibh. He knew that his time was over at Mahaverna. He straightaway went to Ruahmah, looked at her womb and said, “Taraksh has been killed.”
The news stunned Ruahmah; she felt sad and remained quiet.
“Jairudh has been chosen as the new king by Taraksh’s army. You might earn freedom and get your kingdom back but your son will not be spared by the new King and his allies. If you want him to live, come with me, as in your womb, you carry the true King of Mahaverna,” elucidated Shreshtaha.
Ruahmah could have declined, but surprisingly she chose to go with Shreshtaha. The old man and Ruahmah sneaked in the night along with hundred personal guards towards the docks. There they met Veer, the assistant of his late son. They boarded his ship and sailed away towards the town of Singha Parwat, previously governed by Jivraj.
Chapter XII
The New King
After a long march of a week, the alliance reached at the gates of the walled city of Mahaverna. The gates of the great city were closed and the archers took tactical positions on the walls. The remaining army of Mahaverna was all set to defend the city. They were aware of Taraksh’s demise and were also aware of Daksh allegiance to Jairudh, accepting him as the new king of Mahaverna. They also knew that it would be impossible to halt their advance but they wanted to negotiate and wanted to be sure of Jairudh’ intentions.
Jairudh asked Daksh to go inside and negotiate. Daksh departed from the group and proceeded towards the gates along with Nismibh and few others. Meanwhile the coalition army was asked to take positions in front of the gates. They were ordered to assemble siege engines, battering rams & trebuchets. Daksh held a white flag in his hand. The moment he reached the gate, an emissary, the commander of the fort ‘Shishu’ stepped out, both the parties exchanged words, gates were opened, and Daksh, Nismibh and a few others entered inside. Nothing happened for half an hour, Jairudh was a bit concerned as he thought Shresthaha to be inside. After some time, the gates were opened again and from inside came Daksh, Nismibh and Shishu along with few senators; they rode towards the alliance army, towards Jairudh.
They had also brought out an empty chariot made of gold and diamonds. It was pulled by eight white horses clad in gold. It looked like a chariot belonging to god. It had been used by Taraksh at the time of his coronation.
Shishu led the team and the moment he was close to Jairudh, he kneeled before him, others followed suit. Shishu praised Jairudh and thanked him for choosing not to destroy Mahaverna; he further congratulated Jairudh and showed his total acceptance of him as King. The senators followed him and requested him to board the ‘Chariot of Indra’ and enter the city as the new King of Mahaverna.
Jairudh was not able to see Shresthaha; he looked around and asked, “Where is Shresthaha?”
“Shresthaha left the city two days ago and is nowhere to be found. He was probably aware of his impending execution on account of depleting the wealth and army of Mahaverna,” replied Sishu.
Jairudh walked to the chariot, surveyed it and then stepped in. Daksh and Sishu both escorted Jairudh & Nismibh, while the rest of the army and the league leaders marched behind the king.
The whole army of Mahaverna now belonged to Jairudh, they all cheered for him as their new leader; they were tired of constant wars and wanted peace. The people of Mahaverna hated Taraksh, he was a cruel and an insensitive leader and they were relieved and excited to see their saviour, who looked like an angel as he was escorted inside the palace to his throne. People applauded and cheered as he rode through the streets, shouting his name, “Jairudh….Jairudh…..Jairudh……………
Soon, the would-be king reached his palace; he was given a royal welcome; a small ritual was performed by the priests. Holy water was sprinkled over him and he was requested to eat the divine fruit, he was also presented with the king’s robe made of fine silk and gold.
The mighty one was helped by his guards as he wore the royal robe, he was then asked to take the throne. Jairudh looked at the throne, turned around, looked at his people and then sat on the throne.
Jairudh felt happy, responsible and satisfied. He looked around and waved at his courtiers who responded back with cheers. His loyal friend Nismibh and his master Yuniop stood by his side. They had lost many loved ones, their families, their teacher, their friend Tung, but they had done the impossible, they had eliminated the oppressor and would together bring in a new dawn.
The king’s court cheered. The head priest then came close to Jairudh and placed the royal crown, called the ‘Crown of Indra’, on his head. Holy water was again sprinkled and he was declared the new King of Mahaverna.
In the night, the wounded and tired Jairudh retired to the King’s room, previously held by Taraksh. He sat in front of the mirror and looked at himself and smiled. He then removed his crown and kept it on the desk of the mirror…but suddenly he was taken aback, he felt as if his reflection in the mirror hadn’t moved and was still wearing the crown. He looked petrified and stood up in awe. He looked at the mirror again and his reflection spoke back to him, “Jairudh ….I am so proud of you.”
Vedic Warriors Page 18