Karna's Realization [Old Version]

19. Liberator

After a Week in the Land of Magadha where it's king was very frustrated.

"Karna has surpassed me in power. His kingdom is formidable as well. He has forcefully taken away what was once mine. Even Hastinapur has grown stronger with Karna's assistance. His policies have pushed my kingdom's economy into a wretched state," Jarasandha lamented, his agitation evident.

"Then why don't we annex Anga, Your Majesty? This is our chance. My spies have informed me that the royal family of Hastinapur is in the capital city of Pataliputra, Anga. If we capture the royal ladies of Hastinapur, we can bring Gangaputra Bhishma to his knees," suggested one of Jarasandha's courtiers.

"An intriguing idea! Let us prepare for war in secrecy. We shall strike Anga in one week," Jarasandha declared, his laughter echoing through the room.

Unbeknownst to them, a spy from Prithvi Sena overheard their conversation. Without wasting a moment, he swiftly departed Magadha, eluding capture by anyone.

The spy arrived at the palace gates of Anga, where Karna was inspecting the palace's security. Suddenly, he spotted the spy from Prithvi Sena and beckoned him to his secret hideout within Anga. The spy nodded in agreement and made his way to the designated location.

Shortly, Karna arrived at the secret hideout and learned about Jarasandha's clandestine plans. Without hesitation, he commanded his army to prepare for any form of warfare. Karna also sent a message to his father-in-law, requesting provisions and ammunition from Ayodhya for the impending battle.

He swiftly discussed the matter with his wife, Madirakshi. In response, Madirakshi promptly ordered her female army to prepare for war.

On the borders of Magadha, Karna laid traps to ensnare the soldiers. He discreetly put his military on standby, mustering their full strength in just three days, without alerting the citizens or the palace visitors.

Meanwhile, the Hastinapur family departed for their home, yearning for the familiarity of their lives and duties. Their hearts brimmed with memories of the magnificent sights they had witnessed in Anga. Thus, on the second day of war preparations, they embarked on their journey back to Hastinapur.

The visitors couldn't help but grow suspicious of Karna and Madirakshi. They wondered why the entire army of Anga stood prepared for battle at a moment's notice.

This piece of news, however, remained a secret to them as they swiftly reached Hastinapur in just two days. Karna had employed his magical prowess to enhance the speed of the Hastinapur family's chariots, making their journey remarkably swift.

Unbeknownst to Jarasandha, Karna had strategically placed traps along the route. He was well aware of how to defeat Jarasandha and was determined to end the tyrant's rule, liberating his cherished Braj Bhoomi.

All forces were poised to attack the soldiers of Magadha. The entire army of Anga, consisting of five Akshauhinis, stood steadfast in the defense of Patliputra, the city of Anga.