Courting Danger

Adharva was honestly impressed by the suggestions made by Mithraos. He has heard that the legendary warrior Eloy had made the suggestion. The fact that Mithraos could just have brushed it off and proceeded with a full on war and that he did not do so, made him have some respect for the King too.

Adharva let his brothers discuss the terms. He was not worried about them disappointing him. They never would. Even when they lost parents at a young age, his brothers have brought him up without making him feel the void, with help ofcourse. Even when they taught him the lessons in being an King and a proper man. He knew he do not follow all that they taught him, but still, what he did absorb kept him sane.

He also knew that the Chief of Warriors of Mauraye was not going to be happy about this. He was on a retreat and would be on his way back now. He had not let him know because he didn't want the man to get hurt. But he knew if the chief warrior had anything to say about it, he will be here, with the wrath of a god.

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A fortnight later, the war began. It was brutal. Eloy was in the middle of it. The Kings themselves were just watching and observing.

"Who is that?" asked Adharva eyeing Eloy who was fighting fiercely bringing down men left and right.

"That is the famed Warrior Eloy," said Dhruv, the younger brother in admiration.

"I thought I asked you to stay back behind the guards," said Adharva.

"I am not a child. I want to be a warrior like Eloy. Let me observe and learn," said Dhruv

"At the expense of our soldiers?" 

At that the little one looked conflicted. But he soon got over it and looked at Adharva.

"We are at war, no matter what. This way, I can learn from the best," said 

Adharva had to admit that the warrior is the finest he has ever seen. 

He watched as the man swished the sword beautifully like he was dancing. 

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The war stopped at night. Adharva is yet to meet Mithraos. But his warrior Eloy , he left a mark. Adharva turned to see the Malvan warrior Head.

Shikhar is the head of the warriors and army and Adharva respected and loved him like his own brothers. 

"Your highness, this war will be destructive. If this goes on, both Kingdoms will destroy their own economies and will fall prey to the other Kings waiting for a sign of weakness," said Shikhar.

Adharva was silent.

"I have seen the warrior Eloy in battle now and as the head of the army, I can assure you that at the end of the war, only the warriors and the Emperors will remain," said Shikhar.

Rishi was at the door. Shikhar looked down at the ground then. Adharva snorted inside at the by play. He had been seeing it since he was ten.

"I agree with the head warrior. We would fight by your side, Adharva. But we should think about our people. I am sure King Mithraos is thinking about the same too," said Rishi.

"I also feel that I should take lead because we need the head warrior here at the palace?" said Rishi.

"Does it mean that you no longer trust in my abilities," asked Shikhar , eyes still down.

"That was not what I meant. You would be a better asset here if we loose ground. To protect the family," said Rishi.

"You underestimate Samarth then. And we both know that was not what you meant. Do you want me guard the door to the royal kitchen, your highness?" asked Shikhar.

Rishi glared at Shikhar.

"I want to see you in my chambers Shikhar. Before that try and knock some sense into this child," said Rishi and stormed out.

Shikhar looked on and then looked back at Adharva.

"He is worried," said Shikhar.

"I know," said Adharva. And he also knew that Shikhar was more worried about him than about what will happen at the war.

"We will all be fine, Apaa," said Adharva. Shikhar smiled at the moniker. Adharva was 6 when he started calling him apaa , a mix of mother, father and angel in the native tongue when he used to carry him around. 

He let go off his officious stance and came forward and ruffled his hair.

"I expect you to be very observant and decide. I was not here when you decided to wage a war or it would not have happened. Proves the theory that I can't leave you four alone for any amount of time with that foolish ministers," said Shikhar.

Adharva did not say anything. He looked down in obedience. Shikhar dropped a kiss on Adharva's head and wished him a good night and reached the door.

"If I hear about another whore ever in the palace, Adharva, I will be sure to embarrass you with all your childhood stories being circulated across the Kingdom and beyond and to your future husband," said Shikhar, looking at him warningly and in fond exasperation and left.

Adharva knew he was lucky. Even though he lost his parents, he had everything. Almost.

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Shikhar reached Rishi's quarters.

"Your highness, what did you want to talk about?" asked Shikhar.

Rishi glared at him.

"This is a dangerous war, Warrior Shikhar. You were away and there was no need to run back," said Rishi.

"One would think that an empire would need it's chief warrior now," said Shikhar.

"My kids need you," said Rishi.

"Were you looking for a sacrificial play and me being left with the kids and then patch them all back up?" sneered Shikhar.

Rishi looked down. 

"Your head is not supposed to be lowered, your highness," said Shikhar.

Rishi did not look up. 

"Would it be so bad if I wanted exactly that?" asked Rishi.

Shikhar did not say anything for a moment.

"Foolishness do not become you, my highness," said Shikhar looking down. 

Rishi almost smiled , his face still looking down. When Shikhar called him My highness was the only time he was trying to comfort him without seeming awkward. It was also the only time he acknowledges the past.

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