A Tryst with Destiny

Great update! Although all this rebellion phase is destroying our economy and integrity. I hope it ends soon so we may rebuild from our ashes. If only my character was alive, maybe he could have solved things more peacefully.

Doubtful

The newly established city of Anuradhapura was like none other. The seat of Lankan kings for centuries was a massive hill fort shaped in the form of a lion stood five hundred feet above the town below. There were markets, houses and gardens spread across sixteen hectares around the lion hill fort. In the depths of the hill fort, Niyogi, Vijayanand and the raja of Lanka, Amandagamani Abhaya, crafted their schemes. The trio leaned over a massive wooden platform shaped as the empire of Magadh.

"Puttalaka does not rule Magadh as much as his so-called Mahamatya, Kartikeya does. After Amatya Bhimdev retired, Kartikeya has taken controlled of the entire ministry. With amatya Martand in Persia, there is no other Amatya in Magadh." the raja spoke first,
"So it is Kartikeya we must fight against. But what of Amatya Martand ?" Vijayanand replied,
"We need not concern ourselves with Martand", Niyogi remarked, "He is in Persia, we have to consider only the conditions at Magadh."

Vijayanand walked around the table till he reached the North Western corner, "I would not say so Niyogi. Around the time of Samrat Hala's demise, the Kushanas had become very active around the frontier region. The army of magadh is stationed there."
"The troops are on our side. The mutiny at Pataliputra have proven where their loyalty rests."
"And the army of Magadh is most loyal of all."
"Amatya Kartikeya is handicapped without Bhimdev. Amatya Bhimdev as the minister for domestic affairs, had control of the network of spies. Amatya Kartikeya has his own network, but not in Magadh."
"His spies are based around Kanchipuram. There are some in Lanka." the raja interpolated, "And many of them, are in my service."

The raja smiled, and so did the other conspirators. "We have strength here in the far south. Untouched from Kartikeya's spies. The only navy that the empire of Magadh had has been sent in explorations to the Far East. Hardly any strength of that navy is left. Lanka however.." the raja paused for a minute and took five small model boat and placed it on the waters near Lanka. "Lanka has a large navy. Over fifty warships and a hundred and eighty transport ships."
"All this time… Lanka had built her power under our very noses." Vijayanand expressed surprise "I knew it would be wise for Samrat Hala to align with this kingdom."
"Indeed we have Arya Vijayanand. Strength I am willing to concede to you."
"We would be ever grateful Noble Raja. The whole of Bharat would be indebted to you."
"But the question is, how do we leverage our strengths ?"

Vijayanand looked keenly over the map of the empire, rubbing his chin. "Our strength is in the armed forces, and the love of the masses. Our enemy's strength is in the use of the state apparatus which they have usurped. The Kushanas would invade at any moment, I am certain. Puttalaka can't see things two steps ahead from where he stands, Kartikeya on the other hand, is aware of his enemy's strengths and weaknesses. He would seek to rob us of our greatest strength. That is where he would most certainly use the Kushanas."

Niyogi and the raja exchanged a look of disapproval, "Would Kartikeya stoop so low as to make friendship with the enemies of the empire ?"
"At this stage, nothing would surprise me. We must contemplate every possibility in order to conceive of a plan to defeat this coup. Even the worst of things."
"What do you intend to do?" asked the raja,
"The army is key to victory. We must send out a messenger to all the cities of the empire. The troops must be readied for mutiny."
"All cities except Varanasi. I would not expect the disciples of the orthodoxy to mutiny for us."
"Fair enough."
Vijayanand plotted the movement of troops across the map, "Much will depend on the strength of the army of Magadh." he looked intently at the frontier, "The coming of the Kushanas is imminent. If not tomorrow, then day after tomorrow, or the next week, Kujula Kadphises will send his horde to attack Herat. The army of Magadh must not waiver in their defense."

Niyogi and the raja looked incredulously at Vijayanand. "Arya Vijayanand, if we are to focus our strength in defending Herat, then we must postpone the mutiny of troops. Else wise, we would be too weak to fight the Kushan hordes."
"that would not be necessary. If we can mount an attack from the sea and reach Pataliputra before the Kushanas arrive, then there would be no need to stall the mutiny of troops. Both can take place together. We would see Puttalaka dethroned before the Kushanas arrive at our frontiers."
"There is only one problem with this plan." the raja said,
"And what is that ?"
The raja folded his arms and sighed, "Lanka has a navy. But we are yet to gain ground troops. Even our sailors need time for training in war. If you wish to strike now, I can offer you only three thousand archers who stand in defense of Anuradhapuram."
Vijayanand gave a look of disappointment and disapproval, "You have a fleet but not enough men to man them ! What was the sense in that ?"
"It is not sense, but compulsion arya Vijayanand. Lanka is blessed with timber, iron and the seas are rich in fishes, but we have not the manpower that Magadh has. Only in the last ten years have our people started to develop a military worthy of the name."
Niyogi observed, "It would appear then, that we are forced to make a choice. Either we fight the Kushans first, or try to take Pataliputra."
"We fight the Kushans first." was Vijayanand's curt response.

For Vijayanand, the unity and integrity of the empire was more important than the question of which prince would succeed the throne of Magadh, he had now made that abundantly clear. He walked to the window carved from the rock of the hill. "I did not want any of this. I desired peace, but the greedy and ambitious have decided to play the game of thrones against the well being of Bharat." Vijayanand took a deep sigh. "If we must chose between the unity of Bharatvarsh, or the urgency of defeating the coup, I would chose the unity of Bharatvarsh."
"Then what would you have me do Vijayanand ?" the raja asked.
Vijayanand thought for a while, then answered, "Send the first messenger to Herat, tell them they are to attack the Kushanas the moment they come with borders of Kambojadesa. They are to mobilize and attack. Tell the troops, their senapati is alive and well and shall soon join them and share in the merriment of victory."

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Over three weeks later

The horseman had never ridden as fast as he had today. "Make way! Make way!" he shouted as he rode to the lion hill fort. His clothes would say he was a messenger of Raja Abhaya, his built would show that he was in the armed forces, and his identification tablet would show that his name was Vishishtha. Most guards who stood at the palace gates would recognize the raja's favorite messenger and trusted spy, his entry was thus unobstructed.

"This is disastrous.." he muttered to himself as he raced ahead on horseback. He arrived on the gates sweating and exhausted, "I have … an urgent message for Raja Abhaya. Open the gates now !" he told the guard at the gates and the gates opened for him.

It would be ten leagues and seven hundred steps up the hill fort before he would reach the king's chamber. He clenched the rolled parchment in his hand tightly as he ran up the steps of the hill. Half an hour later, he finally arrived at the king's chamber. He stood before the raja, and the raja came to greet him, "Vishishtha ? You have arrived already ? Do you have news from Takshashila?" the excited king asked.

Vishishtha was panting, he took time to rest himself and then he revealed the dark message he brought. "Raja, read this… please."
"All is lost."

Raja Abhaya opened the scrolls and began reading the message. As he read, his eyes widened and an expression of shock came on his face. "Summon Vijayanand and Niyogi to the war room. Immediately !"

The messenger rushed to the guest chambers of the palace where Vijayanand and Niyogi were residing. At the time, the two exiles were playing a game of chausar and Niyogi was one move away from victory. "Arya Niyogi, Arya Vijayanand ! The king has summoned you to the war room, there eis urgent matter to discuss." the messenger said, a startled Niyogi and Vijayanand turned to face him. "What is it ?" Vijayanand asked, "What is so urgent ?" his expression showed equal parts fear and confusion. "Please come, the raja would explain." was all the messenger said. Niyogi and Vijayanand exchanged confused looks which belied the fear in their minds.

The war room was in a central part of the hill fort on the third level. It would be no less than a hundred steps and an hour of walking to get there. When Vijayanand and Niyogi finally arrived at the war room, they saw a tensed raja abhaya briskly walking around the wooden table map of the empire shaking his head. In his hand was a rolled scroll which he clenched tightly, "Raja, you had called us?" Vijayanand started,
"There is grave news Amatya." the raja unrolled and read out the message. "Our messenger from Takshashila has reported a massive insurrection of peasants and buddhists across the province of Matsya and Gandhar. This is what he says :

'The roads between Takshashila and Herat have been destroyed. There is insurrection across the plains of the Sindhu. All regions North and South and East of Takshashila have fallen to insurgents. The garrison troops of Takshashila have been mobilized to clamp down on the unrest, many thousands of insurgents have been slaughtered in this attack, but this has not stopped the insurgents. The city of Takshashila itself has been brought under control but the surrounding countryside remains out of bounds for travelers.
The cause of this unrest are the excessive measures by the newly appointed Nyayadheesh Krishnadev Sinharan..'
"What ?! That scoundrel ! He is back !?" Vijayanand exclaimed,
"Calm down Vijayanand, let us hear the rest of the message."

Raja Abhaya continued '…Nyayadheesh Krishnadev Sinharan, who upon being appointed so started confiscating Buddhist monasteries and arresting Buddhist Bhikkus en mass. When one such monastery was earmarked for confiscation, the disciples resisted. The brutal manner in which their resistance was crushed incensed the masses of Matsya. The peasant folk of Matsya joined with the Buddhist bhikkus in revolting against the government.
In the present environment, it is virtually impossible for me to conduct my work, as there is no way to reach Kambojadesa and the army of Magadh. Riots have broken out between populations, warrior monks from Kashi are coming in the hundreds with a desire to 'cleanse' the soil of the Buddhist 'vidharmis' . There are government spies in every corner and Nyayadheesh Sinharan is keeping a watchful eye on every citizen who comes in and out of Takshashila. The city has become a virtual prison under his command even as the countryside burns.
Though I have been unable to communicate with the garrison troops, I hear whispers of demoralization among the troops. Many troops are being executed for indiscipline and charges of mutiny, the Nyayadheesh has sought recruitment of mercenary soldiers to bolster the defenses of Takshashila. Not all is in favor of the enemy. Though there were darker whispers, men speak of the imminent coming of the Kushanas. More and more raids have been occurring on the Northern borders of Kambojadesa, and some have even cited a great horde riding South from beyond the Oxus. It is estimated they shall arrive in no less than 5 days.
It is with great risk that I write this letter and have it sent to you. I can only hope it reaches in time."



The two ministers stood with their mouths open and a look of despair on their faces. Niyogi started rubbing his forehead. "What do we do now ?" he asked,
"I have a plan. Come to the map and I will show you." Raja Abhaya replied as he started placing model pieces on the map.
"We need to make some changes. If these riots continue, our earlier plan of sending messengers and readying the troops for mutiny won't succeed. The army of Magadh was to be our first and most important target. There is no means of arriving at Herat in time to prepare them to fight the Kushanas. Our only hope, is to topple the regime of Puttalaka in Pataliputra itself before the Kushanas can arrive. That way, we may yet be able to defend our boundaries."
Vijayanand looked incredulously at Raja Abaya squinting his eyes, "You would have us storm Pataliputra, with what strength ?"
"The army of Lanka" spoke Raja Abhaya.
"Raja Abhaya, the lankan army is not ready to face the garrison of Pataliputra. Not on its own." Amatya Niyogi remarked, "Then there is the cost of declaring war against the empire. Lanka is still nascent, her army is not strong enough to face the might of Magadh."
Raja Abhaya pointed at Kanchipuram. "Then we shall add the strength of Kanchipuram to ours. Agreed, that Lanka's armed forces may be weak and not well trained, but the spears of Kanchipuram are well trained veterans."
"And how do we gain them ?"
"I was hoping Amatya Niyogi would know how.."
Amatya Niyogi folded his hands and gazed deeply into the map. His eyes traced the boundaries of the empire to the North and into Persepolis. He placed his right hand on Persepolis and looked up at Raja Abhaya with his eyebrows raised, "Amatya Martand. He holds the key to the troops at Kanchipuram."
"I too hold some influence there Amatya. Perhaps we can win over the garrison troops to our cause ?"

Vijayanand walked up to the map with his hands folded, his eyes in an intense gaze "My mentor the former Senapati Virappalli hails from Kanchipuram. I learnt the art of war in the gurukul of Kanchipuram. I know the soldiers at Kanchipuram. They feel little love for Pataliputra, or all matters north of the Narmada. Those are the affairs of foreigner Northerners as far as they are concerned, but they love their land. The soldiers of Kanchipuram would die for Chola Nadu."
"Convincing the garrison troops would not e impossible. Puttalaka can sell off the Northern frontier to the Kushanas, what would prevent him from selling Chola Nadu ?"
"However, If we are to succeed in this endeavor, we must have the support of Amatya Martand. Else-wise his spies may thwart our plan before we can put them into motion."
Raja Abhaya rubbed his chin and thought on this point for a moment. "It would be a risky affair to send a messenger to Persia by sea considering piracy in the Western sea, but with the Northern road being severed, it may be the only way reach Persia in time." he contemplated, "I feel we should do so."

Amatya Niyogi and Vijayanand looked at one another and thought over the plan. Vijayanand looked down at the map with a frustrated expression and walked back with his hands folded. "Vijayanand, this is the only way." Niyogi reasoned. Vijayanand looked back and said "Do it."
"It is settled then I shall have a messenger at the ready. Amatya Niyogi should draft the message for Amatya Martand." Vijayanand did not feel assured by that, he said nothing and simply walked out from the war room with brisk steps.

The story will be updated next week, I'm planning on writing all the updates in finality before actually posting them. And I'll be giving a 'birthday bonus' on the 19th .

Nice

I just finished writing the beginning of the Kushan invasion. You'll like how it turned out .

Noice

For long the dynasty of Azes kings had ruled over Persia. After the war of lions, the oppressive rule of Phraates had ended and the rule of his son Tiridates had begun, but there was a catch. His rule would be guaranteed by the armies of Bharat. Under his reign, Persia was all but a colony of the empire of Magadh, Persian pride was shattered. It was but natural that most Persians would not accept this. Riots and insurrections rocked the shrunken Persian shahdom.

For near fifty years the insurrections went on without any resolution in sight, that was until today. For fifty years the rebel lords had fought against Tiridates and the suzerainty of Bharat, and failed. So it was that Amatya Martand could bring them to talk peace. On the hills west of Persepolis, Tiridates owned a vast sprawling vineyard famed for its fine tasting wines. Twenty four rebel lords congregated here.

"Pranam arya" Amatya martand greeted each nobleman as he entered the manse of the vineyard, but in response received nothing but cold bow. It was quite clear that he was not loved among Persians. After each of the twenty four rebel lords had taken their seats, half an hour passed before Tiridates entered the meeting place. The rebel lords had long lost their splendor and lived off the crumbs on the countryside. Banditry and loot was their subsistence, and their clothes bore the tattered look of bandit warlords rather than Parthan noblemen, quite a stark contrast to Tiridates who was garbed in full regal attire befitting his title of the Persian shah.

Amatya Martand presided over the meet and stood up to initiate the proceeding.
"Greetings fellow nobleman. We are gathered here today, to discuss peace."
"We won't have any peace till the foreigners are cast out of our land ! Can you do that ? Tiridates you maggot !" the lord Khorosh exclaimed out.
"We can accept Tiridates as our king, only if he is an independent king. Cast out these foreign devils !" exclaimed lord Rustom pointing towards Amatya Martand
"No peace without freedom!" exclaimed Rustom's brother, Lord Sassan
Soon other lords began to follow in chorus, "No peace without freedom!" "No peace without freedom!"
"Calm down noblemen, please calm down" Martand pleaded, but it seemed everyone ignored him, "Let Tiridates speak!" exclaimed lord Poopak,

Tiridates slowly stood up, and started to speak and Amatya Martand retreated to his seat, "Noblemen of Persia" with those first words, the hall fell silent, "We are here for peace, yet you bicker like common bandits ? Has the noble blood of Persians run dry ? yes I feel your hurt, the hurt that our people have suffered for more than five decades. The Romans took our land, but the Indians have wounded our pride ! Land can be retaken, but pride once wounded can be healed only by retribution. For many years you have rebelled, and today you come before me here, defeated. Do not lie to yourselves. You have not won an inch since you began your ill fated insurrection. I , Tiridates, the scion of the line of Azes stand before you unscathed."

Most of the noblemen sank their heads in shame, the truth stung them deep, save those who were still irreverent. Among them was Lord Khorosh who arose to speak, "We are not here to beg for crumbs Tiridates. We are here to make an equal peace. You know our demands. Will you accede to them ?"

"First, you will address me as King, if you expect me to give you the respect of a lord. Second, If there is any king of Persia then it is I, Tiridates. As to your demands, only those which I deem reasonable."
"And what is 'reasonable' for thee .. 'my king'", Lord Rustom asked in a most derisive tone.

Tiridates was now quivering with anger, he pounded his fist on the table before him, and stood up staring angrily at Lord Rustom. "You will speak to me with respect, you bandit thug !"
"Outrage!" the lords cried out
"Noblemen please calm down" Amatya Martand pleaded once more,
"You are nothing but a miserable puppet Tiridates!" Lord Khorosh angrily flung a bangle from his hand at him missing him by a mere inch.
"I will not stand for this uncouth behavior!" Tiridates stood up and began to walk out.
"No king you must not !"
"There is nothing to be had from talking with these barbarian bandits!"
"I implore you O king, you must not leave this meet without a resolution."

Then Martand came close to Tiridates and whispered into his ears. "We must not lose sight of the plan."
"very well.." Tiridates grumbled. Reluctantly, the proud king returned and took his seat.

Tiridates looked around at the rebel lords once, "What are your demands?"
The lords turned to Lord Khorosh, he was the most steadfast and strongest of the rebel lords, and the undeclared leader of the rebels. He spoke for all the lords when he laid their demands before Tiridates. "First and foremost, we wish for the king to become sovereign, and only then will we recognize his authority. For this, we demand severing ties with the foreign usurpers who seek to rule us through their agents.
Secondly, all our titles and lands must be restored to us as they stood when King Phraates ruled."

Tiridates rubbed his knuckles and closed his eyes in contemplation. Martand waited patiently with his hands steepled under his chin looking calm and composed. Slowly a sly smile appeared on his face. Tiridates opened his eyes and turned towards Martand then to the Lords. Martand nodded twice, then Tiridates stood up and addressed the rebel lords. "On the first demand raised by Lord Khorosh. I king Tiridates, sovereign ruler of the Parthian kingdom, I give my assent. And on the second demand raised by your lordships, I king Tiridates, the sovereign of the Persians give my assent."

The king's asset had taken the rebel lords by surprise. Most of the twenty four rebel lords had only inherited the rebellion their fathers had begun, only three of the first rebels still lived, those three had become the ring leaders of the rebellion against Tiridates. Perplexed, the lords looked at themselves, not knowing what had just transpired. "You concede ? This is no trick ?" Lord Rustom asked, still disbelieving what he had just heard.

"This is no trick Lord Rustom. I concede to the demands made. I shall summon a scribe to put my seal on our pact." Tiridates replied, he turned to Amatya Martand, "I trust after the signing of this pact, Samrat Puttalaka shall honor his end of the bargain."
"It is Samrat Puttalaka's wish, that Persia be peaceful powerful and prosperous once again and stand firm as a friend to Bharat against a common foe." Amatya Martand replied,
"If this is so, and King Tiridates would accept our demands, we the rightful lords of twenty four provinces of Persia, shall lay down our arms."
"Let us then put our seal upon this pact made into writing. Summon the scribe."
The scribe entered the hall and put into writing the pact between Tiridates and the rebel lords. One by one each of the lords put their seal on to the pact and secured their peace with Tiridates.

When the formalities had ended King Tiridates offered to the lords , "My lords, let us drink to this peace. Have the drinks served for our esteemed guests."
"Much and more has been said of the wine of this vineyard my king. We would be most fortunate to taste it."
Several serving women entered the hall with wine for the guests. They wore the garb of a royal slave, veiled with flowing sheer veil covering their lower faces and flowing robes covering their arms and bodies up to their knees. They each went around the long table and served wine to the rebel lords personally. The Lord of Sistan took such a liking to the wine, he would finish two goblets in the time it would take an ordinary man to finish half. Lord Khorosh was more sober, as was Lord Rustom.


Link to video.
listen to this while reading this part

Whilst the lords enjoyed their wine, King Tiridates and Martand were conspicuous by their abstinence. Oblivious to their fate, the lords kept sipping their wine and enjoying the company of the serving women, till something ominous happened. The lord of Sistan started coughing loudly, it would seem as though nothing could stop his coughing. "Help him! call a medic!" Lord Rustom shouted,
"Quickly call the medic !"
No sooner had the Lord of Sistan's coughing began, that two other lords began to cough just as violently. The Lord of Sistan had now started to cough blood, as did the others, then Lord Rustom and finally Lord Khorosh. "Cough .. Cough… Poison! .. the wine …" he staggered his way to the table. Tiridates and Martand quietly made their way out of the hall followed by the half dozen female attendants who had been summoned to serve the poisoned wine. They left the lords to their fate and sealed the hall room from outside.

"ugh … Urghhh .." Lord Rustom coughed violently spitting goblets of blood. A searing pain filled his chest as though his lungs were about to explode from within. The pain only increased as the moments went by, and all he could think within his passing breath was thoughts of betrayal. Unable to take the pain, Lord Sassan had slit his own throat and took his life before the pain could kill him. The blood that spewed out was as black as tar and just as viscous. For one hour the lords writhed in pain before darkness shrouded their sights and their voices were silenced forever. Outside the hall, Amatya Martand held the parchment which bore the seals of the rebel lord, which stood to testify of the pact of peace signed with Tiridates. He held it against the fire of a lamp, and smiled as he and Tiridates saw it burn.

It was a bright and beautiful spring day in Shahistan village. The pastures were lush and green, and the sky above a resplendent blue. A scatter of clouds framed a bright golden sun. A perfect day to play on the rolling green hills. Kanik had ventured out to the hills to play with the sheep in her family's herd, a pastime she quite enjoyed.

"Don't go too far Kanik" her mother shouted,
"Don't worry ma I will not go too far."
She scurried on to the pastures on the hill to the north of the village. For a long time, the villages in Northern Kamboja, had been at peace. The army of Magadh deterred any potential raiders from the North, who had earlier been so bold as to raid up to the gates of Magadh. Long years of peace, have made the people of the region complacent and with tumult in the mainland, the hills of Kamboja would be threatened once more.

Beyond the pastures was a rivulet running through a valley of flowers. Kanik had known of this place and made it her favorite haunt, she would often go to play in the swaying saffron flowers. it was a beautiful valley and a beautiful day. Kanik had lost track of the time as she played with her favorite pet sheep on the valley, lost in the serenity of the valley and the skies above it. So when the sound of armored horsemen came riding from the North, Kanik did not notice, despite the sound of hoofbeats and the clanking of armor.

Kanik slept on the soft bed of flowers day dreaming in paradise, when her quiet contemplation was disturbed by the shadow of a tall armored rider and the bleating of her sheep. Kanik opened her eyes to find a giant of a man seated on a warhorse wielding a sword in one hand. He was clad in black metal armor from head to toe and there was a ferocity in his eyes. She stood up frightened and took her sheep in her arms hugging it tightly. Kanik stepped back quivering at the sight of the armored warrior. Then she noticed, there were more. An entire column of armored riders trotting by followed by columns of archers dressed in the garb of Northern barbarians.

"Demons.." Kanik thought to herself, she thought of running away as fast as her legs could take her, but she was too frightened to act, and too confused. She suddenly started to remember the nightmarish stories her grandmother would narrate to her, of armored horsemen from the North who would come down on Kamboja. 'They would steal little girls and make them their slaves'.. she would say, 'they came for our diamonds and our gold. They would raid Herat and threaten to kill our children to get our diamonds'. She had been witness to the time of Kushan raids, and she spoke of the fear the Army of Magadh instilled on the Kushans, "the mere sight of elephants drove their horses mad and loosened the bowels of their men." 'but where are they now…' thought Kanik and she kept taken frightened steps backwards.

The horseman dismounted and sheathed his sword, a wicked smile on his face. He opened his helmet to reveal a hideous deformed skull that took the shape of a cone, a thick mustache hid his upper lip. "Come here little girl" the rider said in a gruff voice, gesturing Kanik to come to him, "Tell me your name." Kanik stood nervously, grasping her sheep tighter than ever. "meehhh meeehhh" it kept bleating, almost in pain, struggling to get loose of the girl's choking embrace. The rider took slow steps forward, "Don't be shy girl" he said, in that same gruff voice, "Talk to me. Tell me your name." he crouched down. "I have a little gift for you." Kanik stood still, her hands shaking, 'What do I do .. What do I do' she thought, "Mm mm my.. name kkk kkanik." she stammered to the rider.
"Kanik you say. My name is Kujula. I have come from the land beyond the Oxus and I am very thirsty." he pointed to his horde, "and so are my brothers. Do you know where I can find water?"

Kanik quivered in fear, she did not know what to do, "I must run.. I must run.. but I can't" she thought to herself, "are they … " . Kujula stared at her, his smile turned into a frown and his eyes grew angry, "Let me give you an offer.. Kanik." he said, and stood up and snatched Kanik's sheep from her hands violently "Naaaii!" she exclaimed, and started to cry,"Please please don't hurt him."
"You like this sheep don't you" Kujula said as he held the bleating sheep by his hind legs, "Then let me give you my offer." he unsheathed a dagger from a holster on his waist, and brought the knife on the sheep's neck. "I will not harm your little sheep, if you will show me the way to the nearest village, where me and my brothers can rest."
'Tell him.. tell him' said the voice in her head, 'maybe he is not Kushan, he only wants water.' 'No don't ! He will harm your parents, he will destroy your village. Don't fall for his lie.' another voice in her head said, Kanik was overcome with fear and confusion, and in that state, she surrendered to the voices in her head "My village is over the hill that way" she said pointing to the Southern pass."Now Please give him back." she pleaded in a teary voice.

Kujula held the sheep and looked at its bleating eyes, and then at the girl, he chuckled and flung the sheep at the ground where it fell with a loud thud and gave out a pain filled bleat. Kanik quickly scurried to take her sheep back in her arms showering him with kisses. "Come on men, we ride for the South" Kujula ordered as he took his steed and the column continued their ride and followed their leader. The girl did not know whom she had just met, and to what force she had left her village, but that rider was none other than Kujula Kadphises, the king of kings for the Kushans. Kanik ran away from the horde as fast as her legs could take her, in the opposite direction to where they were headed. She ran down the valley and found a rock to hide under panting for breath with her pet sheep in her hands quivering in fear, her eyes still filled with tears.

Kanik saw the endless stream of horsemen and archers march from the North crossing the rivulet and marching to the South over the route she had shown Kujula Kadphises. She clamped her hand over her mouth in fear of making a noise, and clamped another hand over her sheep to stop him from bleating. Kanik hid under that rock by the rivulet for hours. 'This must be a nightmare, no.. when I close my eyes tightly and pinch myself I will wake up.. and this whole thing will be gone..' she thought to herself, she pinched herself as hard as she could and closed her eyes very tightly, when she opened them, the last of the Kushan forces had gone. She slowly paced out from her rock shelter and started to walk towards the valley. When she saw the coast was clear she took her sheep and ran , 'it was a dream.. it was all a dream' she thought to herself, "Mamaaaa" she cried out loud, "Maaamaaaa!" she cried out again.

She ran with her pet sheep in her arms, she ran and ran till she came to the pass. The sight she saw would strike her at the core of the heart. At the distance she saw her village and her hut, flames had engulfed it all and smoke was billowing out and could be seen from the horizon. "No…" a grim thought came to her mind, "Kushans…" 'they take little girls and make them their slaves' 'they came to loot our diamonds, and held children hostage.' …'it was my fault..' she thought to herself.

Still carrying her sheep in her hands, she broke down and cried into the wool of her sheep. She ran towards the hut that had been her home. "Mamaa.." she cried out sobbing, "Mam…" her sights fell upon two charred corpses. One was female and the other was male. Both had their heads missing, she dropped her sheep to the ground and took slow steps towards the corpses. Then she saw her worst nightmare come true. Two pikes were made out of two timber logs of her hut, and upon them, the severed heads of her mother and father. 'Kujula Kadphises…' she said to herself in her mind. She turned around and took small steps seeing her pet sheep behind her bleating, 'meehhh meehhh' a most gentile and pitiable sound. 'it was my fault.. i sold out my village.. I killed my parents… it was me.' she kept saying to herself.

She walked to the sheep and looked into the eyes of her sheep. She stood still for a moment, then walked to a nearby rocked, picked it up, and smashed her sheep's head. She kept badgering the gentle creature till its head was nothing but a pile of mashed out flesh. The creature bleated as if to say 'don't kill me please' , but Kanik was merciless. She drained her tears and killed her beloved pet. blood splattered on her face, and she stood up with a blank expression.

Thus it was with blood and gore, had the Kushans announced their coming to Bharat.

King Tiridates now reigned unchallenged over Persia. He had vanquished the last of the resistance to his throne, and concretized his alliance with Bharat. There was only one other question that remained, the final term of his exchange with Sarmat Puttalaka. Tiridates waited patiently for the word of the Magadhan emperor to reach him.

He was seated on his bed in his bedchamber, brooding. He was dressed in persian robes, his head was uncrowned and his feet were bare. He did not want to feel burdened by the duties of a monarch. "Were those rebels right .. am I nothing but a puppet of the Indics ?" he muttered to himself "Persia has entrusted its future in my hands, and yet all I offer her is servitude… unless." His solemn thoughts were interrupted by knocks on the door of the bedchamber by his guard. Tiridates changed his dress into his regal attire and went to open his door. The guard stood before him.
"My king" he bowed "a messenger has come from India.
"At last." Tiridates exclaimed, relieved that the message he had been waiting for would finally come.
"Bring him before me."

After a few moments a messenger entered, he was dressed in the typical clothes of a royal messenger from Magadh, his legs were wrapped in cloth and folded at the waist and another scarf was draped across his chest and a turban was tied on his head. It was a short man who stood before Tiridates, his skin was dark brown. He bowed before Tiridates, "My king, the samrat of Bharat, Chakravartin samrat Puttalaka sends you his greetings." he began,
".. In keeping with the spirit of our alliance, Samrat Puttalaka has accepted your offer to assume responsibility for the defense of Herat. For as long as the threat of the Kushanas remains, the defense of Kambojadesa shall remain under the capable hands of Parasika. With the might of Persia combined with the might of Magadh, no foreign power shall dare challenge us and our two nations will progress and prosper."

Tiridates smiled a most content smile. He pulled out a ring from his right middle finger, and presented it to the messenger, "Your reward. For being the bearer of welcome news."
Tiridates looked to his guard, and ordered, "Summon Martand to the throne room." 'The first step to freedom for Persia' Tiridates thought to himself.
He walked to the throne room of the palace, accompanied by his guards and too his seat on the throne. He sat with his right foot on a raised pedestal and leaned on it with his right arm resting over his knee, and his left arm on his hips. Amatya Martand entered the room and stood before him.

"Amatya Martand!" Tiridates smiled, "I have good news."
"That samrat Puttalaka has acquiesced to your demand for Herat ?"
Tiridates was taken aback "So you know ?"
"My king" Martand bowed, "it is my duty to know."
Tiridates squinted his eyes and rubbed his thumb on his fingers, in his mind he harbored a myriad suspicions against Martand. 'This man knows much and more. I can't be too careful around him, I must think one step ahead of him.' he thought to himself, "Amatya Martand, if you know this, then you would know that your time here is nearing its end."
Martand closed his eyes, and bowed, "All things must pass, the summer passes to winter, and palaces to dust. All we can hope for is for men to keep their honor. I only hope, that you would keep your word as a man of honor."
Tiridates looked at Amatya Martand with an incredulous look, "As agreed, you shall be given the reward you deserve."
Amatya Martand bowed and left satisfied, "I shall be forever grateful."

Tiridates, summoned his commander in chief, spahbod Reza. A young and ambitious man, though not yet experienced in the ways of war. His selection was more a matter of political vendetta of the new order against the old, rather than out of merit. Most considered him incompetent, but he was loyal, that was more important. He entered the throne room clad in the armored attire of a Persian spahbod, a chain mail armor covered his upper body, and his legs and arms were covered with metal pads. His chest armor bore the leonine insignia of the Parthian dynasty. "hail Tiridates, King of kings" he bowed.
"Spahbod Reza, I have a task for you. You are to raise a division of swordsmen and send them to Herat. Prepare for the defense of that city against the impending Kushan attacks." Tiridates leaned a little forward and spoke with his right index finger raised, "Ensure that your forces are more powerful than the spearmen at Herat."
"It shall be done me king." Spahbod Reza bowed,
"You may leave now."

Tiridates retired to his bedchamber after the day's affairs, content at what he had achieved. After fifty years of the war of lions, the frontiers of the Parthian empire was expanding and at the cost of its erstwhile suzerain. He contemplated over red wine from his vineyard, "I have avenged the death of my son and my wife by the death of the rebel lords, I have avenged the wounded pride of Persia herself by taking the land of our old enemies. Soon, I shall secure her independence. The name of Tiridates shall be written in gilded letters on the template of history."

He relaxed himself upon his bed, smiling contently. His hands were rested on his chest and his legs were stretched out on the bed. The newly built and renovated bedchamber was Tiridates' favorite resting place, so it was only natural that his enemies would have conspired to kill him there. Not too long after assuming the throne, the king's bedchamber was burnt down by arsonists, an act of arson which had taken his wife from him. His son, ever the brave headstrong warrior sought to avenge his mother's death, only to lose his life to a rebel lord. The new bedchamber was rebuilt with help from Indian craftsmen under the watchful eyes of Amatya Martand. Little did Tiridates know, the death trap that was built under his very bed.

No sooner did Tiridates close his eyes and entered into a state of slumber, the bed beneath started to wobble, and suddenly the right side of the bed dropped with a jerk. Within moments, Tiridates dropped to a well of iron spikes. His body was mangled beyond recognition twisted in a hideous mess among the foot long iron pikes that jutted out of the ground. The assassin who hid behind a curtain was none other than Tiridates' own bed maid.

In the meanwhile, Amatya Martand, sat cross legged in his chamber, reading a verse from Kautilya's Arthashastra. "..Or he should make him drop down, by the release of a pin, into a well of with spikes or a pit, underneath the bed or seat, where the floor is fixed by a mechanism."

This is getting intense. Can't wait to see the final outcome of this revolution. Which side will succeed?

how do you get the pictures that look as if from a first person perspective?

@Moai - its through camera flying. I just make the angle from a first person perspective. I had a lot of practice with it, I did some of my best shots for periplus of indica updates. Lots of pics of first person perspectives on cities.

"The reports are grim Samrat," Mahamatya Kartikeya said, pointing to the map of the empire on the table before him, "Kujula Kadphises' hordes have entered into Kambojadesa leaving a trail of plunder and blood. Reports speak of them moving South towards the town of Herat. At the pace they are traveling, they would reach the town within a week.

Samrat Puttalaka bit his thumb nail his eyes wide with anxiety, "They cannot be allowed inwards.. They cannot, must not . No, not at all." he spoke erratically with his head shaking with every pause. Ever since the news of the Kushan hordes entering the borders of the empire, he has been having nightmares where Kujula Kadphises flayed him alive. He could seldom sleep at night,
"What do we do Mahamatya ?" the frightened emperor asked nervously
"The situation in Takshashila continues to be tense. The militias continue to hold the pariyatra parvat cutting off the routes between Bharat and Parasika. Worse still, news has come of bandits taking moving Eastwards to the province of Kuru, taking advantage of the chaos."

Puttalaka gave a confused and frightened look and walked to and fro across the length of the table still biting his nails. "if these bandits are not stopped.. the Kushans will overrun us.. no it must not happen. It must not happen!"
Kartikeya asked, "Samrat, you now control the armed forces of Magadh, only you must decide how to tackle the enemy."
"I know that Mahamatya let me think !" The emperor continued to walk helter-skelter all the while biting his nails.
"The army of Magadh.. yes!" the emperor gave a look as if he had discovered a wondrous invention, "We call the Army of Magadh to the East. they will destroy these militias and defend Takshashila against the Kushans.."

Amatya Kartikeya gave a gratuitous smile, "Wisely done samrat" though in his mind he said 'You are a most useful idiot', he pointed to the province of Gandhar on the map, "the mere presence of the army of magadh should be a terror in the hearts of the militias."
Just then, the guard announced the coming of Mahinda, the lankan emissary. "Pranam Samrat, Pranam Mahamatya." he saluted both noblemen at the war room.
Kartikeya was surprised by the presence of Mahinda in the war room, and quite visibly displeased "Samrat, why did you have emissary Mahinda summoned to our meeting ?"
"Because Mahamatya," Puttalaka said, "He speaks for Raja Amandagamani Abhaya, and the raja of Lanka has an offer to make."
"Indeed samrat. The honorable Raja Amandagamani Abhaya has offered both the Lankan army and the navy for the aid of Magadh in its war against the Kushanas."
"And how would Lanka aid Magadh in a war that is happening thousands of leagues away ? even from the nearest sea, that too which is on the western coast of Bharat ?"
"Lanka will defend Pataliputra!" exclaimed Samrat Puttalaka, "Yes ! even if the Kushans breach Takshashila, the army of Lanka will defend Magadh."

Kartikeya grew worried, 'no.. that is not what was planned.' he thought to himself, "Samrat, if I may" he walked to the map, and pointed out, Lanka "See where Lanka is," then he pointed to Magadh, "and see where is Pataliputra." indicating the distance between the two. "Even if the lankan navy were to transport the army of Lanka to the shores of Vanga, and from there, take the army to Pataliputra, what use would we have ? Moreover, the Kushans fight on land, not sea. Their navy would be useless .."
"No! Enough! I have heard what you have to say and I have made my decision." Samrat Puttalaka raised his hand, "I have already sent the request for the army of lanka to arrive at Vanga and defend Pataliputra. Mahinda, tell him !"
"I am afraid you would be too late in reasoning with the samrat mahamatya. Ships are already boarding with thousands of troops. The Lankan fleet will set sail for Pataliputra in the morrow by my estimate. They would be here before month's end if the winds are favorable."

Kartikeya could not believe his ears, 'What has this buffoon done.. the intentions of the lankans are not to be trusted.' he thought to himself, 'I have no power over them, this will upset our plans.. but it may be too late, it is time to adapt rather than deny the obvious.' Kartikeya smiled and looked to Mahidna, "If such has already been done, then who am I to turn back the wheels of time ? I would like to express my eternal gratitude to the raja for coming to aid us in these troubled times."
"I do hope Raja Abhaya would be joining us" Samrat Puttalaka said," When he does come, I will organize a grand feast in his honor. He is after all mine own kin by ties of blood. Pataliputra would be as much his home as it is mine."
"The Raja would be most honored O noble Samrat." Mahinda bowed.
Samrat Puttalaka looked once more on the map of the empire, "Those Kushans will never have Pataliputra!"
'no' kartikeya thought, as he twirled his mustache 'they won't ..but I wonder who will..'

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


meanwhile in Sri Lanka -



The docks at Anuradhapura were bustling with activity, a hundred galleys of the lankan navy had been assembled for war and troops were boarding it by the hundreds. Swordsmen, spearmen and archers, all together ten thousand soldiers, were preparing to sail North along the Eastern sea to the capital city of Pataliputra.

Raja Amandagamani Abhaya stood overseeing the preparations. The skies above had turned a reddish gold with the setting sun, and the waters below turned red with it, and a cool wind blew from the South. Raja Abhaya stood upon a tower overlooking the docks, and contemplating, "The skies show the bloodshed to come. Ours will not be an easy struggle. I can only hope in the success of our deception." He turned to captain Gunawerdene, commander of the Lankan fleet, who stood beside him, "Are you sure you are ready for the task at hand."
Captain Gunawerdene smiled and answered, "This humble servant was ever ready to sacrifice for the greater good of Lanka."
"I am sending thousands of my own countrymen to die in a foreign land. Sometimes, I wonder.. what right to I have for this."

The soldiers continued boarding the galleys, "May I take my leave my king ? I wish to inspect the ships nd the crew." Captain Gunawerdene asked,
"You may leave, Captain." Raja Abhaya said and thought 'As must I'.
Raja Abhaya exited the tower, he would meet with the exiled ministers and finalize their bold plan.

The exiles were clad in the same modest trader's robes they wore when they came to Lanka. Outside of the Lion rock fort, the exiles would risk being exposed. Raja Abhaya had been careful to keep the exiles' identity hidden, save for a very few select group of spies and messengers, none but the Raja knew the true identity of his 'special guests'.

The exiles met the Raja in a carriage, "The time has come, your armor would be given to you in the ship itself. The men do not yet know who you are, nor of their true mission. Once we stop at Kanchipuram, we will reveal you before your people. As was our plan"
"As had been decided." Vijayanand agreed,
"Raja Abhaya, has any report come from Kanchipuram or Persia?" Niyogi asked,
"None from Persia, but some from Kanchipuram. The garrison of Kanchipuram sympathizes with our cause. Though, whether or not they would mutiny, I cannot say with certainty. Without Amatya Martand.. it is difficult."
Vijayanand bore a disapproving expression on his face, as if to say 'What is this all for, will we succeed at all..', "and if they do not mutiny?"
'Then we may all be dead..' he thought in his mind, "Then we must rely on the Lankan troops to secure our victory."

Raja Abhaya did not appreciate Vijayanand's negative attitude towards this mission, ever since the new plan had been decided, Vijayanand brooded and appeared discontent. He would often wonder the gardens in solemn contemplation. It was as if the life force in him was wearing out, and he stared death in the face. Both exiles were aged men, yet it seems old age weighed more heavily over Vijayanand. Perhaps he did not have much life left in him, perhaps he did not wish to fight on ? 'god help us if thats true.. it would be all for nothing then..'

The Raja looked out from of the carriage noticing that darkness was approaching now, "Come my friends, it is time, that you take your place. You are about to break your exile."
"At long last." Amatya Niyogi remarked.

The exiles walked up to the docks and boarded the lead vessel with captain Gunawerdene on board. As Vijayanand boarded the ship, his head hung low, and a dark aura of sorrow could be felt around him.

Love it

CaterpillarKing said:

Love it

Click to expand...

Me too!

We will have a great feast when I arrive, isn't that right KartikeyaKing?

Of course we will vile scum Raja Abhaya