CHAPTER 30: The War Begins!

“No, Maharaj!”  Veersen denied vehemently.  “If what we heard about Aryaman regarding the bridge is true, it is evident that he is no ordinary archer.  It may be virtually impossible to defeat him in a fair war.  Let us not think about what the world would think if all of us attack him together in this battle.  What matters is how we win this war by adopting any means.”

Chandrashekar did not appear very convinced by his general’s suggestion.

At that time, Aryaman taunted him, “What happened, Maharaj?  Are you afraid to fight against me?  In that case, nothing is still too late.  You can save much humiliation by gracefully handing over Amalangar to King Ravichandran.”

These words pricked the heart of Chandrashekar and he flew into a rage.

“Your self-conceit would prove to be your undoing!  What happened to all those talks of having peaceful negotiations with Ravichandran?  This was least expected of you, Aryaman!  I felt that you were sincere in your intentions.”  Chandrashekar thundered.

“Such talks hold no essence, Maharaj!  If you have the will, fight with me!”  Aryaman challenged.

This only fueled his anger further and he gestured Veersen to declare the war.

Ravichandran wished Aryaman success, got down from his chariot, and joined Rajaveera. 

Veersen foremost formed a protective force of efficient warriors to protect the King and then ordered his men to attack Aryaman.  The war finally began!

Many warriors rained arrows at Aryaman, which hit his steel armour and fell to the ground ineffective!  This puzzled the enemy.  Despite its unproductiveness, some more arrows came Aryaman’s way and met with the same fate! 

Veersen asked his men to aim above his shoulders and even as they were about to so, Aryaman suddenly jumped from his chariot.  He stood upright on the ground and increased in height!  He now stood atleast three times more his normal height and looked like a huge mountain standing amidst the battlefield! 

Aryaman looked at the terrified men below and sounded a note of caution, “What would be your fate if you happen to come under my feet?”  He, then, took some steps forward with his giant legs that sent a terror across the enemy camp.  Many ran away fearing for their lives. 

Veersen’s appeal to not panic fell on deaf ears!  Some of those who stayed back shot arrows at his feet for the armour did not protect it.  This was against the rules of a fair war but then who was following them anyway? 

Aryaman allowed the arrows to hit his legs.  It did not appear to cause him any pain!  He just bent down, picked up the arrows and threw them to the ground!  The army was flabbergasted to see this!  They could just not figure out as to what they were up against! 

Aryaman soon regained his normal self and mounted the chariot.  He then pointed at the sky, “Look!  The snakes are angry at you!  How will you escape their fury?”

The others looked up and to their horror they found huge reptiles coming down at them from the sky in great speed with their mouths wide open.  There was utter chaos and commotion in the battlefield.  More of them ran away in terror and those who stayed back closed their eyes tight preparing themselves hard to embrace death. 

Using this moment to his advantage, Aryaman put his archery skills in display.  With shift and impeccable arrows that just came to his hand by opening his palm, he cut off the weapons of the opposition ranks barring Veersen and the others who were protecting the King.