The Princes of Ayodhya-The Ramayan Through Short Stories

Catch me if you can!

Vishwamitra was a scary figure indeed. He was not tall, or looming, and didn't have thick eyebrows, but he was still intimidating. People crowded around the streets to get a glimpse of him as he walked determinedly towards the gates of the palace. The guards there, instead of defending the walls, just stared at him in awe as he walked right on in.

"Interesting," muttered Vishwamitra. Hopefully, the king was not as lackadaisical with his children as he was with his choice of guards. It was good that they were awed by him, perhaps the king would be too, and give Ram to him to defeat Tadaka, a very disastrous nuisance indeed.

"Entering, the most respectable sage, Vishwamitra!" announced Sumant, now officially known as the loyal adviser. Dasharath immediately looked up from the entertaining conversation he was having with Sumitra, and straightened out his dhoti while everyone else gaped as the sage walked in.

In strode the sage, looking regal, and radiating auspiciousness, holiness, and knowledge. Dasharath bowed to him, washing his feet ceremoniously and receiving him whole-heartedly. Vishwamitra was greatly pleased by this act of reverence.

"How may we humble people help you, sage? We promise to fulfill your request." he asked, after offering him a seat. Vishwamitra smiled a small amount. Raghuvanshis were always known for their courteousness and respect, as well as their ability to fulfill a promise. However, Vishwamitra was not so sure about Dasharath's ability to fulfill this one. Dasharath's adoration for Ram knew no bounds, and was spoken highly of, both in respect and amount, in the kingdom.

"A demon named Tadaka and her two sons have been terrorizing the area near my hermitage," Vishwamitra began, and was pleased to see Dasharath looking stricken. "I need your son, Ram to help me vanquish them." Dasharath opened his mouth wide, then closed it quickly.

"What?" he breathed, and Vishwamitra sighed, having expected this reaction. "R-ram? H-he's a boy, a mere boy! He can't!" Dasharath drew himself up proudly. "I can send my entire army to help you, good sage!" Vishwamitra shook his head stubbornly, gesturing to him to sit down again.

"No, king I need Ram. He is the only one I want, I need to vanquish Tadaka and her sons, that's it!" Dasharath stumbled back for a second as Guru Vashishta widened his eyes at the forceful demand. If the king refused, his promise was broken! Raghuvansh had never broken a promise, Vashishta had sworn he would never see the day!

"I-I myself will go with you, sage but-Ram?" he sobbed. He wailed, he cried, he crossed his arms and sniffled, but Vishwamitra would not be swayed by his requests and Dasharath was bound, both in honor, family name, and love. He was in a pure dilemma.

"Ram is nineteen. He is no mere boy, Dasharath!" cried Vishwamitra, sitting up from his chair, and pulling a furious pose. "Refusing would mean breaking a promise. I did not know Raghuvanshis did that, Dasharath!"

As Vishwamitra turned away angrily, Vashishta winced and held his arm out quickly. "Please wait, sage!" he called, and Vishwamitra turned around. Sage Vashishta was well-respected, and Vishwamitra would listen to his call. Vashishta turned towards Dasharath, who stood up.

"I-I will send my son." Dasharath said breathlessly, regaining his composure. "But, sage, please let one of his brothers go with him." he begged, and Vishwamitra quickly agreed. Two was better than one, though he hoped that Ram would not call Shatrughan, mischievous and prankster, if he remembered him right.

"Ram!" he called. The dark prince ran into the hall quickly and breathlessly, looking between the sage and the king curiously, before bowing deeply. As he stood up, Vishwamitra smiled. Here was the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, the reason he needed him, the future defeater of Tadaka.