Capítulo 16: Chapter 16
Under the weight of Karthikeya's gaze, Ragu's bravado crumbled. He couldn't shake off the feeling that the young ruler could see right through his facade, piercing the veil of lies he had carefully constructed.
"I feel no malaciousness or hatred from you," Karthikeya inquired, his voice devoid of anger or emotion, "so why did you attempt to assassinate me?"
"I am a rebel," Ragu declared vehemently. "I have many reasons to want to see you dead. You invaded our land, hoarded our food, and plundered our wealth, leaving us to starve."
"I know that's a lie," Karthikeya countered, his expression unwavering. "The fact that you are still alive, unlike these men, is proof of it. So let me put it this way: who compelled you to assassinate me?"
"I have no reason to lie to you," Ragu attempted to maintain his composure, but his voice trembled, betraying his inner turmoil. "I am a rebel, fighting against your oppressive rule."
"It's only been one night after I took over this kingdom, how have I oppressed you? " Karthikeya countered once again.
"That !" Ragu was utterly speechless.
Karthikeya's expression remained unwavering, his eyes piercing through Ragu's soul. "I know what you told me was a lie and The fact that you're still alive and consious, unlike them, is proof enough. So let me ask you again, who forced you to assassinate me?"
Ragu's mind raced, desperately searching for an explanation that wouldn't provoke the guards and lead to his demise. But before he could utter a word, a childish voice echoed through the tense atmosphere, shattering the silence like a crystal breaking.
"Appa!"
The poignant cry, laced with sorrow and innocence, instantly captured everyone's attention. As the guards on Karthikeya's right parted, a small girl, no more than six or seven years old, emerged from the crowd. She ran forward, oblivious to the stares of onlookers and the Chola guards surrounding her, her eyes filled with tears.
Ragu's heart sank as he watched his daughter reach him. "Why did you come here? No, how could you be here? You..." he stammered, his fear consuming him as he realized he had inadvertently implicated his daughter. He knew the lord had deceived him, but at this moment, any attempt to explain seemed futile, especially considering the identity of the young man before him, surrounded by soldiers whose loyalty he had already witnessed, proving that Karthikeya was no ordinary Chola guard.
Why did you come here?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper as he hugged the girl, who stopped crying.
The girl looked up at him with wide, tearful eyes. "I wanted to see Appa," she said simply.
Ragu's heart clenched. He knew that she didn't understand the gravity of the situation, that her innocent love for her father had led her into a dangerous place.
"You should have stayed home," he said, trying to keep his voice calm. "It's not safe here."
The girl shook her head stubbornly. "I wanted to see Appa," she repeated.
Ragu's heart swelled with love for his daughter. He knew that he had to protect her, even if it meant sacrificing himself.
"Don't worry," he said, gently stroking her hair. "Everything will be okay."
The sight of the young girl running towards her father, her innocent cries echoing through the tense atmosphere, stirred a wave of emotion within the crowd. Their hearts ached for the little girl, caught in the crossfire of this deadly game of power and deceit. Tears welled in their eyes as they witnessed the fear and desperation in Ragu's face. The crowd's grip tightened on their belongings, their emotions mirroring the turmoil and uncertainty that hung heavy in the air.
The tension in the air was palpable as Karthikeya stood amidst the poignant scene unfolding before him. Despite his outward composure, his stoic facade was being chipped away by the emotional weight of the situation. War had hardened him, making him adept at shielding himself from such encounters, but Ragu's anguish was piercing his defenses.
As he prepared to offer solace, a distant commotion caught his attention. His trusted general, Bairavendra, was approaching, his countenance etched with urgency. Disembarking from his mount, Bairavendra swiftly made his way towards Karthikeya, bowing in deference.
"My apologies for the delay, my lord," Bairavendra began, his voice laced with urgency. "The rebels assaulted the barracks, preventing me from reaching his Highness."
Karthikeya's brow furrowed in concern, the gravity of the situation not lost on him. "What are the casualty reports?" he inquired immediately.
"Your Highness need not worry," Bairavendra reassured him. "Thanks to your foresight in keeping the majority of the army ready for battle, our men were able to swiftly turn the situation in our favor. Only two soldiers were wounded and are currently being treated by Lord Achuthanandan."
"Excellent," Karthikeya acknowledged. "Reward the soldiers handsomely and provide a silver coin each to the two injured soldiers."
"Thank you, your Highness," Bairavendra replied. "I will ensure the soldiers are informed of your generosity."
His eyes darting towards the still kneeling Ragu, Bairavendra's voice dropped to a low murmur. "Our spies reported seeing this man entering the residence of Dakkhina Vihara."
"Anything else?" Karthikeya inquired.
"No, your Highness," Bairavendra continued. "We initially suspected him of being a rebel, but based on the reports, he appears to be merely a hunter. As such, we have classified him as a suspect for the time being. However, in light of the recent events, it is evident that my lack of vigilance has allowed this situation to arise."
Bairavendra bowed his head deeply, his face etched with remorse. "I am truly ashamed and willing to accept any punishment your Highness deems fit," he declared, his voice heavy with regret.
"At ease Bairavendra, even though this man tried to assassinate me, he is no rebel" Karthikeya replied.
"But those behind him should not go unpunished "Karthikeya's expression hardened as his eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in determination. He would not allow such insolence to go unpunished.
With a voice like steel, Karthikeya issued his command, "Prepare our troops for immediate deployment. We will not let the enemy stand proud anymore." Karthikeya said as he turned to Bairavendra "annailate them, leave the servent, children, and women alone kill everyone else and make them an example for the other's"
Bairavendra bowed his head in deference, his face etched with resolve. "As you command, your Highness."
With a newfound determination, Bairavendra turned to leave and soon mounted his horse, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead.
Status de energia semanal
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-- Pedra de
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