Ephemera- Of Fire and Ash

Time for truth

Guys, I am really disappointed with the response this book is getting. Especially, the previous chapter..

So I intend on making it clear- That if we can't reach the target this time within a week- I will discontinue the book. I am clear with my decision.

I don't want to do this but next chapter will be updated only after this chapter reaches 20 votes and 40 comments...

Till then, enjoy this chapter which will leave you on a cliff hanger.

Also I have some questions..

Should I get dhriti back into the plot line for more torture?

Who should rule khandavprath- Yudhishthira or Karn? 

Should I marry yuvika first or arsu?

I personally prefer karn since he is eldest but I want to include your opinions in this story, so please comment whom.

Regards,
Ira

~~~~~~~~~~

In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Ask maharaj if I can enter...." Yudhi said to the guard..

He thought of Krishna's words when they were resting, When he was alone with his cousins, Krishna said, "I will wager anything the blind king will not give you a fair inheritance. His words are warm, but his heart is cold."

When he got the permission, he entered the room and sat down.

"Yudhishtira, the Kuru kingdom is what it is today only because of your father's campaigns." A murmur of approval rose from the room.

"We hear to our sorrow that there is some dissension between yourself and our own son, the yuvaraja Duryodhana. Everyone here knows what anguish this causes me. But I have decided to make a clean end to it." Dhritarashtra said. Only yudhi, bheeshma and vidur were present, they all visibly stiffened.

"We shall discuss this in the court. That is final." Bheeshma said or rather declared.

In the court

It seems this ancient kingdom must be divided. So be it, for we shall be just. Yudhishtira, I hereby give you half the Kuru kingdom to rule. Duryodhana will have to wait for his inheritance, since I am still king in Hastinapura. From now on, all the lands of Khandavaprastha, which of old was the capital of the Kurus, Pururavas, Nahusha and Yayati's capital, shall be yours. Restore it and rule from there. Not a foot of land more or less shall there be between your kingdom and the one that remains with me. I hope this satisfies you. Tell me what you feel, you and your cousin Krishna."

Dhritarashtra turned his face to where the Pandavas sat. Krishna glanced at his cousins and a sardonic smile lit his dark face. He said nothing yet. None of the Kuru elders, all of whom obviously supported Dhritarashtra's plan, dared look at Krishna: not Bheeshma or Drona. Only Vidura did.

Yudhishtira rose from his place and crossed to the king on his throne. Taking his uncle's hand, he said, "I have always done your bidding. I see no reason to change that now. We will go gladly to Khandavaprastha."

A smile dawned on Dhritarashtra's face also. "Vidura, my brother, let no time be lost. Ah, I am a happy man today that I will see my Pandu's son become a king. A heavy burden has been lifted from my heart, let the city prepare for the coronation!"

Still avoiding Krishna's mocking eyes, Bheeshma and Drona said, "Let it be so."

Yudhishtira turned to Krishna. "Krishna won't you say something?"