Chapitre 25: Chapter 25
In the hushed expanse of the court hall, Marthanda approached Karthikeya, his brow furrowed with a palpable burden of concern. The king, ever perceptive, noted Marthanda's troubled demeanor and gestured for him to unburden his heart without restraint.
"Your Majesty," Marthanda began, his voice laced with a hint of apprehension, "it is not the weight of my duties that troubles me, but a disturbing revelation unearthed during our recent patrol."
Marthanda's words faltered, caught in the grip of a profound unease. Karthikeya, sensing his lieutenant's distress, leaned forward, his gaze unwavering, offering a silent invitation to share the weight that pressed upon Marthanda's spirit.
Karthikeya's expression turned grave, his curiosity piqued by the gravity in Marthanda's tone. "Please enlighten me, Marthanda," he prompted, his voice taking on a commanding edge.
"You see, Your Highness, after I took over the men transferred by Lord Bairavendra, I had separated them into smaller teams and assigned them specific areas of the city to patrol. Their primary tasks were to maintain law and order, investigate any rumors against Your Highness, and ensure the safety of the populace."
"However, during last night's patrol, we encountered no significant problems. It was only this morning that we discovered a horrifying sight – many civilians, nobles, and merchants had been murdered in different parts of the city. Even some of the servants in Your Highness's palace were not spared from this gruesome fate."
Marthanda paused, his eyes reflecting the weight of the situation. "The killings were brutal and indiscriminate, and the perpetrators seem to have acted with impunity. We have yet to identify any suspects or motives, but the sheer scale of this tragedy has sent shockwaves through the city."
"I myself have personally visited many of the crime scenes," Marthanda reported, his voice grave and laced with concern. "The murders were swift and precise, leaving no trace of evidence. It is my belief, Your Highness, that this is the work of a well-organized and highly disciplined group. I strongly advise that we increase security measures around the palace to prevent any further attacks."
Karthikeya, however, had already reached his own conclusions about the identity of the perpetrators. Glancing down at the crowd below, their faces etched with worry and fear, he spoke with a chilling calmness that sent shivers down their spines.
"Marthanda," he began, his voice carrying a hint of menace, "there is no need to trouble yourself with the fate of those who have met their end. They were rebel spies, their treachery a threat to the stability of our kingdom. Their deaths were a necessary measure to safeguard our people and our nation."
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd as they absorbed Karthikeya's words. The king's admission shocked and unsettled them, revealing a ruthless side and his efficiency in eliminating his enemies was a testament to the power he wielded from the shadows.
Marthanda, too, was taken aback by the king's revelation. He had always admired Karthikeya for his wisdom and compassion, but now he saw a different side of the king, a side that was cold, calculating, and unforgiving.
"Yes, Your Highness," Marthanda replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "I shall see to it that the bodies are removed and the city is cleansed of any signs of this tragedy."
Karthikeya nodded curtly, his gaze sweeping across the stunned crowd. "And Marthanda," he added, his voice echoing through the hall, "ensure that the message is clear to all: any who dare to threaten the peace of our kingdom will face the same fate as those who have fallen before them."
His words hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the king's unwavering resolve to maintain order, even if it meant resorting to ruthless tactics.
"Is there anything else you wish to discuss, Marthanda?" Karthikeya inquired, his gaze unwavering as he observed Marthanda's lingering unease.
"No, Your Highness," Marthanda replied, his voice still carrying the weight of the recent events.
With a final nod, Karthikeya rose from his throne, his presence commanding the attention of the court. "If there are no further matters of importance," he declared, his voice echoing through the hall, "you may disperse and commence your duties."
His eyes scanned the crowd, settling on a young official named Vasu. "Vasu," Karthikeya addressed him directly, "you are in charge of the distribution of relief food, are you not?"
Vasu, caught off guard by the king's direct attention, nodded eagerly. "Yes, Your Highness, I am."
"I want you to ensure that every citizen suffering from hunger receives a full meal," Karthikeya instructed, his voice firm and unwavering. "I do not care how much of our food reserves are depleted; the plight of our people must be alleviated."
Vasu's eyes widened in surprise, taken aback by the king's unexpected generosity. "Yes, Your Highness," he replied, his voice filled with gratitude. "I will make sure your directive is carried out swiftly and efficiently."
With that, Karthikeya dismissed the court, his authoritative voice echoing through the hall. The courtiers rose and dispersed, their minds still reeling from the revelation of the king's ruthless tactics.
Karthikeya retreated to his chambers, his mind preoccupied with the recent events. He had made a bold decision, one that would undoubtedly send shockwaves through the kingdom. But he was confident in his actions, convinced that they were necessary to maintain order and protect his people.
After a brief moment of reflection, Karthikeya prepared for his journey to the farmlands. This time, he would not conceal his identity; instead, he would travel as the king, seeking to understand the plight of his people firsthand.
With three loyal guards in tow and several wooden jars for collecting samples, Karthikeya set off westward
As Karthikeya and his guards rode through the city, he observed the reactions of the people around him. While some bowed respectfully, their expressions revealed a mixture of fear, awe, and curiosity. Karthikeya understood the fear, a consequence of his recent actions to eliminate the rebel spies. However, he remained optimistic that with time, their fear would gradually subside.
Leaving the city behind, Karthikeya and his guards ventured into the countryside, As he traveled, he observed the vast expanse of farmland, its fertile soil promising a bountiful harvest fir the future before leaving the city he had taken notice the absence of young men among the refugees, but didn't much as he was busy.
As they approached their first village, Karthikeya and his guards picked up signs of human activity - smoke rising from chimneys, the distant sound of voices, and the occasional glimpse of movement in the fields afar.
"Stay alert," one of the guards instructed his companions, their hands instinctively reaching for their weapons. They were aware of the potential dangers lurking in the countryside, particularly in areas where the king's authority was not firmly established.
Moving forward, Karthikeya soon spotted a group of people working diligently in the nearest farmland. The floodwaters that had inundated the fields had receded, leaving behind a mix of washed-over mud and the remnants of the previous paddy crop submerged beneath.
Karthikeya and his guards approached the group, which consisted mainly of young men with only two elderly individuals seemingly overseeing the work. As Karthikeya drew closer, the group paused their work and gathered in front of the two elderly men, as if forming a protective barrier.
However, the elderly man standing at the back, who had a clear view of Karthikeya through the gap in the crowd, immediately smacked the head of a strong middle-aged man standing next to him. "Don't be disrespectful, Malla," he reprimanded.
The elderly man then stepped forward, pushing a path for himself as he approached Karthikeya. He bowed deeply, his hands clasped together in a gesture of respect. "My lord, no... Your Highness... this humble servant greets his Highness," he said humbly.
The elderly man, with his weathered face etched with wrinkles but still standing tall, knew who Karthikeya was. He had witnessed the assassination attempt and marveled at Karthikeya's courage and swiftness in dispatching his assailants. He also admired Karthikeya's compassion, particularly his decision to spare the lives of the father and daughter.
Moreover, the elderly man had observed the positive changes that followed Karthikeya's ascension to the throne. The Chola officials had ensured that everyone was fed, and there was no sign of the grain hoarding that had plagued the city in the past. Rumors had circulated about the king's plans to reclaim the flooded fields, provide for the orphaned children, and establish schools where they could learn to read, write, and attend gurukuls.
As Karthikeya approached the group, his eyes fell upon the elderly man, noting his lean physique and the deep-set lines etched across his face. Despite the elderly man's nervousness, Karthikeya spoke in a gentle tone, "Good day to all. Elder, please relax. There is no need to be so apprehensive."
With a warm smile, Karthikeya inquired, "I wonder if you would be so kind as to explain what you are doing here?"
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone