Capítulo 29: Chapter 29
A ripple of shock and indignation spread through the hall as the full implications of Karthikeya's decree sank in. The landlords, their faces flushed with anger and disbelief, erupted in a cacophony of protests, their voices echoing through the grand chamber.
"This is unjust!" one of them exclaimed, his voice trembling with fury. "You cannot take away our lands, our heritage! It is ours by birthright."
"You are acting like a tyrant, a despotic ruler, not a king!" Another chimed in, his voice laced with bitterness. "You are destroying the very foundations of our society, the traditions that have held us together for centuries."
"We will not stand for this!" a third declared, his voice rising above the din. "We will fight you, tooth and nail, if you try to enforce this unjust decree."
The hall buzzed with a chorus of dissent, the landlords' voices blending into a discordant symphony of defiance. Karthikeya, seated on his throne, remained impassive, his eyes scanning the room with a steely gaze.
"Silence!" he boomed, his voice cutting through the clamor like a sharpened blade. The hall fell abruptly silent, the landlords' protests silenced by the sheer force of his presence.
Karthikeya rose from his throne, his imposing figure casting a long shadow over the chamber. "I am your king," he declared, his voice resonating with authority, "and I have spoken. Your lands, your wealth, your privileges – they are all subject to my will. And I will not tolerate your insolence."
His gaze swept across the faces of the assembled landlords, his eyes burning with determination. "You have grown fat and complacent, blinded by your wealth and power. You have forgotten your duties to your people, to your kingdom. I will not let you continue in your ways."
He raised his hand, silencing any further protests. "My reforms will be implemented, regardless of your objections. You will abide by my decrees, or you will face the consequences."
His words hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of his power and resolve. The landlords, their faces pale with fear and uncertainty, could only stare in silence as their world crumbled around them.
Karthikeya's eyes swept across the throng gathered below, his lips curling into a sardonic sneer. "Birthright, inheritance, traditions," he spat out each word like a poisonous dart, his voice dripping with scorn.
With each utterance, his aura grew heavier, pressing down upon the crowd like an invisible force. They could feel the weight of his disdain, the crushing force of his truth.
"How many of you still hold these antiquated ideals dear in your own lives?" Karthikeya challenged, his voice laced with biting sarcasm. "Don't make me laugh."
"If you believe your mere birth elevates you above the rest, then you are sorely mistaken," he declared, his eyes blazing with righteous fury. "And any inheritance or authority you or your family ever claimed is forfeit the moment you abandon the people of this land, allowing a thousands souls to perish not from the disaster but from hunger ."
Amidst the hushed whispers of the crowd, a Brahmin rose to his feet, his voice quivering as he attempted to defend himself. "Your Highness," he began, his voice barely audible above the stifling silence, "I have always strived to serve the people, doing everything in my power to alleviate their suffering."
Karthikeya's gaze pierced through the Brahmin's feeble attempt at deception. "Is that so?" he inquired, his voice laced with skepticism. "Then enlighten me, what have you done for the people, apart from amassing a wealth of supplies and exploiting the merchants with the connivance of Chola officials?"
The Brahmin's composure crumbled under the weight of Karthikeya's accusation. His voice, once filled with self-assurance, now trembled with fear. "Your Highness, this is a grave misunderstanding," he stammered, his words falling flat. "We have never engaged in such unscrupulous activities."
But the damage was done. Karthikeya's words had struck a chord, resonating with the unspoken truths that had long been festering within the hearts of the people. The Brahmin's feeble defense served only to confirm their suspicions, exposing the hypocrisy that had corroded the very foundation of their society.
As with many others within the court, the Brahmin man had also participated in the underhanded practice of selling grains in collusion with other lords. It wasn't that he was oblivious to the people's suffering; he simply chose to ignore it, just like many others did, when he saw the Buddhist sects, temples, and the Cholas providing relief food for the people.
"Let me be clear," Karthikeya declared, his voice resonating with conviction. "Brahmins are entrusted with the responsibility of enlightening and guiding the people with their knowledge. It is their knowledge that defines them as Brahmins. And a Kshatriya's duty is to safeguard the wealth and prosperity of their people. By abandoning them in their time of greatest need, you have forfeited your claim to the status of caste and nobility."
Karthikeya's eyes blazed with righteous anger as he continued, "The status, comfort, and lifestyle you enjoyed came largely from the hard work of those below you. The taxes you collected were not merely a tribute to your noble titles; they were a payment for the duty you were bound to fulfill – the duty to protect the people. And you have failed in that duty miserably."
Karthikeya's voice boomed across the hall, silencing the murmurs and whispers that had filled the air. "I have no interest in hearing your excuses about birthright, titles, status or circumstances. The last thing I need right now is more talented people. I could have easily arrested you and confiscated your wealth, but I didn't. Instead, I am offering you a final chance."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the faces of the nobles gathered before him. "So, decide where you stand. If you agree to my proposal, you will retain enough wealth to live a life of privilege, comparable to the noble families you have known. In return, you will serve as my subordinates, working alongside me to rebuild and strengthen this kingdom."
A ripple of uncertainty stirred through the crowd. Some nodded in agreement, while others exchanged hesitant glances.
"What if we reject your offer, Your Highness?" asked a man with a calm demeanor, his voice cutting through the silence.
Karthikeya's eyes narrowed, his expression hardening. "Then death is all that awaits you," he declared, his voice laced with a chilling finality.
"Now, those who stand with me, come to this side," he instructed, gesturing towards one end of the hall. "And those who do not, remain where you are."
The nobles exchanged nervous glances, the weight of Karthikeya's words hanging heavy in the air. The decision lay before them – to embrace a new era under Karthikeya's leadership or face the consequences of their defiance.
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder