章 27: Taming the horse
Two days later,
It was around afternoon that Pandu led the horse into the cozy shelter of the stable. With careful attention, he secured the reins, ensuring the horse was comfortably tethered in place, allowing it to rest and rejuvenate after the journey.
Within the dim confines of the stable, the horse stood, its chestnut coat a muted sheen amidst the subdued light. Muscles subtly flexed beneath its sleek exterior, an indication of its remarkable strength and vitality. Despite the tranquil surroundings, its eyes held a glint of untamed spirit, hinting at a deeper, unspoken intensity.
This was Pithmah Bhishma's horse, given to Pandu so that he could return home quickly as prepration of Digvijaya is nearly complete.
Once secured, he immediately started walking to his room. In the path though, he was stopped by a grandma Shānti, a resident volunteer in ashram and somebody Pandu in his stay has grown accustomed to.
"So, you're back to ashram. Huh, Maharaj Pandu?"
"Yes, Grandma. I arrived just now."
"Good, good."
Only her name was Shānti, but she wasn't. Quite an ironic name. Once she started, she wouldn't stop.
Thinking that grandma wouldn't stop talking soon, he said, "Yes, I thought I should check up on Devi pritha while I had the chance."
"Anybody can see you have a thing for her and so does she. But still it's not my place say, after all, I a old woman have no say in this matter. But you are basically rushing with the relationship. You got no patience. Here have some prashad. This are made by the little boy, this morning and were used as Prasad for the puja. Seriously if I had to choose, between you, an idiot and the boy. I would gladly choose the boy."
These words from grandma were too blunt something he didn't mind. Eating the prasad handed by her.
"Ha-ha!" Pandu tried to laugh it off.
Pandu thought in mind was surprised at how good the prasad taste made by Vāsusen.
At the stable,
As part of his daily routine, a suta took the horses out for their regular training and walks. Today he was specifically order by Maharaj that from today to their last day in ashram take the horse for a walk.
"Hm! I didn't see this horse, afternoon" he remarked, noticing a magnificent chestnut-colored horse in stable. It appeared to be resting peacefully.
"Wow! What a remarkable horse. I can't wait to ride it," he exclaimed, admiring the horse's evident quality and demeanor.
Taking the reins, he led the horse out with the others.
To his surprise, the surrounding horses voluntarily cleared a path, seemingly acknowledging the chestnut's dominating presence.
The notion struck him – riding this horse would undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on others. With that in mind, he attempted to mount the horse.
Thus, the chaos ensued…
As Pandu stepped into Kunti's room, he caught sight of Kunti, tenderly singing lullaby to Karna.
The scene in front of him was a pleasant surprise, but he had grown accustomed to it. Seeing this scene, deep in Pandu's mind, a desire for his very own family took place. He did wonder in his ask Karna to take him to his parents, so he can officially adopt him. But each time though that he would ask, some work or the other knock his doors. May be its only two to three days but he has become fond of Karna and started to think of him as his own son.
"Back to ashram already? How was the journey?" inquired Pritha.
"Haa! Thanks to the river Ganga for providing this elixir," Pandu scooped some water from the bronze pot and drank it before responding. "The journey was smooth. I have meet with the one I was supposed to me and he has permitted me to stay for some more time in ashram and use his new horse, so I arrived earlier."
Back to the stable,
As a suta, proficiency in weaponry is crucial, anticipating the possibility of engaging in battle.
"Lord Bhīshma is very considerate of his subordinates especially his nephews, our majesty. It would have been remarkable if he were our king through his majesty too qualifies the sentiment." The man nodded, comprehending the sentiment.
"Indeed, but you're aware of his vow. He'll never ascend the throne. Moreover, there's a specific reason why Maharaj permitte us to take care of this horse." Another one added with a playful grin.
The man regarded him with a curious gaze. "What? Tell me," he said, his tone almost commanding yet playful rather than inquiring.
"Well, remember when I mentioned his majesty going of travels before."
"Hmm... Ah, yes, about the Digvijaya, right?" he recollected.
"Yes, precisely. His majesty is about to begin his Digvijaya soon, so Lord Bhishma rented his trained horse for faster travel."
....
"Ah, that's it. So you back at work sooner it seems. Why are you gloating? You are no special," Pritha playfully teased her Pandu.
Pritha stood up and while Satrunjaya disturbing from his slumber. If you all are wondering who Satrunjaya is. He is none other than Karna himself. Karna didn't actually revealed his name but told Pandu and Kunti, a made up name.
"What do you mean, I'm no special?" Pandu bristled at her remark.Preferring not to prolong the argument, Pritha changed the subject.
"Talking about the horse, remember to take Satrunjaya to see it. He will be fascinated." she suggested.
"Ah, seems like he's got plenty of time. Seeing how he is sleeping well. Seriously it is very hard to make him sit in one place or stop him from looking for Katsuri herd. " Pandu commented.
Children typically commence their studies around the age of 6, although some may begin earlier or a bit later. Satrunjaya despite being 4, has alone came to hunt in wild. It concerned him.
"Horse won't attack him though, right?" a mother's concern unknown immediately surfaced.
"Don't worry, the horse is harmless as a cow as long as someone doesn't try to ride it. But I've only seen few who are able to easily calm it once it gets spooked" Pandu reassured.
If there was a third party present, one might comment that the last line was unnecessary. Making sure that Karna is properly asleep, Kunti walk up to Pandu who asked her whether she is interested in going on a walk to nearby the lake or visit the temple. Karna who was asleep quickly woke up and left to meet Gaurav.
In the given two to three days, other that hunting and making clones who secretly trained in depths of forest, Karna did his best to act as a matchmaker, a bridge between both within his limits while also help the people around with their day to day work. Kunti and Pandu within this past days have grew fond of each other. Just now he was actually pretending to asleep, so both can get some lone time other than spending time with himself.
"Get out of the way! Move! Move!" a man shouted loudly as he hurried behind the horse in an odd manner.
Evidently, the horse had thrown him to the ground with such force that he had injured his seating cushion, impairing his ability to walk and sit comfortably for some time.
However, a more pressing concern was unfolding.
"Somebody stop this horse!"
Witnessing the horse's agitation, other Sutas rushed in to assist.
However, these efforts seemed to exacerbate the chaos rather than quell it. Despite their attempts to pacify the animal, their endeavors were futile.
Several individuals endeavored to mount the horse, aiming to assert control. "Easy now, easy," they uttered in a bid to calm it.
Yet, with each rebellious neigh, the horse vehemently threw them to the ground, thwarting their efforts at control.
After numerous unsuccessful attempts, their approach turned increasingly forceful in trying to subdue the horse.
Reacting swiftly, the horse leaped over them, breaking free from their encirclement. It reared up, emitting a piercing neigh that reverberated across the ranch.
Suddenly, it bolted forward, leaping over the wooden fence and charging toward the town.
Fortunately, it veered away from the main settlement.
The Sutas gave chase, some on foot while others mounted on different horses, but the horse had already covered considerable ground.
As the horse thundered down the path, those in its trajectory swiftly leaped aside to avoid collision. Following a momentary shock, a few individuals hurried to the town, alerting others and seeking out the town's leaders.
Blinded by fear or panic, the horse continued its sprint, hurtling directly toward the forest.
"The horse seems to be heading out of town. That's a relief. Fewer people there," remarked one of the horse riders.
"Hey, look. Isn't that where the devotees usually pray?" exclaimed another, pointing in the direction the horse was headed.
"What? Quick, we need to hurry," urged another, sensing the potential danger to the devotees near the temple area.
…..
Near the edge of the forest, a group of people meditated beneath the sprawling branches of a Banyan tree.
But soon some of people hearing footsteps opened their eyes and spotted the imposing horse charging their way and let out a piercing scream, alerting the others.
Startled, most of the frightened people swiftly began scaling the trees for safety. However, there were few brave ones among them who tried to calm the horse but all their tries were in vain.
Witnessing the perilous situation, a boy perched atop the tallest tree leaped down several branches. Timely and daring, just as the horse was on the verge of reaching the elderly ones, he descended upon the horse, seizing the reins and steering it away. His quick actions narrowly averted disaster for the other people.
Yet, a new challenge emerged. The horse, agitated and unruly, began to buck wildly, attempting to dislodge him from its back.
Entwining his legs around the horse's neck to maintain his grip inadvertently fueled the horse's fervent resistance.
Concerned that the horse's agitation might endanger the injured and elderly people on the ground, the boy made a swift decision. He reasoned it would be prudent to lead the horse toward the safety of the forest before attempting to manage its behavior.
Evidently, the horse would let up whenever it faced the bright sun. Recognizing the opportunity, the boy adeptly steered the horse toward the forest during these brief moments of calm.
Driven by overwhelming emotions, the horse sprinted aimlessly through the forest's depths before coming to an abrupt halt amidst the shadowy embrace of the trees.
Caught off guard, the boy was flung into the air, tumbling to the ground. As he rose to his feet, he discovered the horse peering back at him through the dimness.
As he regained his footing, the boy noticed the horse fixated on him.
Clad in golden armor adorned with intricately carved earrings that radiated a divine gleam, Vasusen's appearance captivated the horse's attention.
With a gaze akin to an arrow made of soft cotton, Vasusen locked eyes with the horse while continuing channelling his chakra to calm down the mind of horse something he remembered due to his Madara's template. His stare carried a calming sensation that seemed to permeate the air.
"Easy now, Friend." Karna spoke in a gentle yet commanding, mature voice.Horse seemed to be enchanted by his appearance. Vasusen maintained a reassuring presence, speaking in soft tones that seemed to reach the very core of the horse's soul.
With each measured step, Vasusen inched closer, exuding an aura of understanding and empathy. The horse's movements grew less erratic, its wild eyes gradually softening as it began to respond to Vasusen's calming chakra and influence.
Finally, with a moment that felt suspended in time, Vasusen extended a hand toward the horse. The majestic creature hesitated for a heartbeat before nuzzling against Vasusen's palm, a silent acknowledgment of trust forged in the midst of chaos. Gaurav who was worried and was following them from the sky swiftly sat at his brother's shoulder.
….....
Meanwhile, the other Sutas riding horses had nearly caught up just before the horse bolted into the forest. Observing the situation had diffused, they slowed their pace.
"Is everyone alright?" inquired one of the riders.
"Yessss!" chorused the people in response.
"But Satrunjaya isn't. He rode the horse into the forest when it was going to hit me," a elderly women with worried eyes explained.
"Satrunjaya? You mean that boy?" questioned one of the riders. The people around nodded affirmatively.
"You there, go and inform Pritha ji. See if Maharaj is hereb-"
"I'm here, alright. What is going on?" Pandu interrupted.
Upon stepping out of the temple and hearing the situation, Pandu had a hunch that this horse belonged to Pitamah Bhishma. That realization had propelled him to reach the scene as swiftly as possible.
The Suta explained the whole situation to Pandu.
"WHAT?? Pitamah Bhishma's horse went wild and ran into forest? And Satrunjaya was riding it?" said Pandu exposing his real identity to Kunti. Not noticing that Kunti's eyes widen with both the revelation and situation that Karna was in.
"It was Lord Bhīshma's horse? No wonder…"
Pandu was beyond furious about the situation that had developed so much in a few moment he went for a walk with Pritha. He decided not to wait and was about to go into forest himself when…
"Look! Satrunjaya is back!"
There he was. Karna emerged from the forest, riding the horse, stunning everyone present, especially Pandu and Kunti.
The horse that had taken him a week to gain control over in his early days. The horse that gave Suta run for their gold coins and can only tamed by him or Pitamah. The horse that asserted dominance over all others.
Satrunjaya was effortlessly riding it, with his wooden bow tied on his back and his brother ,the little eagle on his shoulder embodying the aura of a true royal prince.
To be continued...
(A/N: Hey guy please comment below and send me vote along with your love to keep continuing this fanfic 😁😁😁)
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