CHAPTER 29: The One Man Army

Meanwhile, Rajaveera had tried his best to catch up with Aryaman but could not succeed.  Finally, not locating Aryaman anywhere he had to give up and returned to Ravichandran’s palace dejected.

The next day, Aryaman showed the people the bridge he had created for the benefit of their children.  Everyone found this to be unbelievable and had no words to express their gratitude to their hero.  Aryaman exhorted the parents to be cautious while letting the children climb the hill.

News reached the palace about this marvelous feat.  Both the royal rulers set out in Ravichandran’s chariot to witness it.  Atypically, the King of Pallava had never once visited this place to enquire about the people’s welfare. 

Both of them saw in awe the great work done by Aryaman.  Rajaveera applied pressure on the chain of arrows but they stood their ground like strong pillars!  When it came to climbing the hill, the King of asuras asked Ravichandran to extend his hand.  Thereby, taking hold of it, he flew towards the hill and witnessed the other bridge, which Aryaman had made for the people.

“Incredible!”  Rajaveera exclaimed in wonder.  “See the precision with which he has made this chain!  See the number of chains he has made!  It appears that he has an unending stream of arrows at his arsenal.  I am still not able to comprehend as to why these arrows stick to each other so firmly that no amount of pressure is able to dismantle them!” 

Looking at Ravichandran, the asura King stated, “There cannot be a greater archer than Aryaman!  I am sure that he can assist me in defeating the Devas!”

This statement alarmed Ravichandran.  Did it indicate that Rajaveera was no longer keen in testing Aryaman’s prowess in the ensuing battle against his adversary? His fears were allayed when the King further intoned, “I am now all the more eager to see how easily he defeats your enemy!” 

“Sure!” Ravichandran responded heaving a sigh of relief.

“Let the war begin!” Rajaveera declared.  

Meanwhile, King Chandrashekar met his neighbours and sought their help in this war.  The moment they realized that Aryaman could be a part of the war, they declined to offer any help. All of them had heard much about his prowess and did not want to take any chances.  Finally, Chandrashekar had only his military might to depend on for fighting this battle.

Two chariots raced along to the battlefield of Palighat.  In one of them was Rajaveera for whom Ravichandran had arranged a separate chariot.  In the other were the King himself alongwith Aryaman who was holding the divine bow in his hand.

Ravichandran was very excited about the outcome of the war, which he was sure to be in his favour.  Finally, he was going to fulfill the dream of his father, he felt!

Rajaveera too was eagerly awaiting this war.  He already had dreams of him ascending the throne of Indra in Devaloka! 

Aryaman silently observed their excitement.  He knew that both of them, to attain their selfish means, were using him as a pawn. 

Soon, they reached the battlefield where a huge array of army greeted them.  King Chandrashekar looked at his bearded army general, Veersen, puzzled, “What is this that I see?  Ravichandran has arrived expectedly with Aryaman and some other person.  But where is his army?”

“I too am thinking in these terms, Maharaj!”  Veersen feigned ignorance.

“Chandrashekar!”  Ravichandran addressed him.  “Aryaman would be fighting on my behalf!  If you manage to defeat him, Amlanagar is yours!”

Chandrashekar yet again looked at his general.  “How can all of us attack one person?  That would be highly unethical.  I think it would be best if I fight solo with Aryaman!”