The Wrath of Gammon

Chapter 24

The Wrath of Gammon

Disclaimer: This story is my humble attempt to write a fanfiction of the epic Mahabharata. My intention is not to hurt anyone's sentiment.

Aum Namah Shivay!!

Major Jayant Roy, SM is a fictitious character. Any similarity with any living person is merely a coincidence.

Chapter 24

Hastinapur, Dwapar Yuga

Bhishma POV

The royal assembly hall was filled with people today. I looked at the seats filled with ministers, courtiers and princes. Even on the windows above the throne, they were filled today too. On one window, I saw Gandhari standing with Devapriya. On the other window, Kunti was standing with Draupadi. I turned my eyes beside me and saw the five Pandavas standing there. On the opposite side of me, I saw Duryodhana standing there, along with Angraaj, Ashwatthama, Dussasan and Shakuni.

I saw Vidura standing up and turned towards Dhritarashtra who just entered in the hall. He bowed his head to him and started speaking,

"Maharaja, the royal emissary of Panchal reached Hastinapur yesterday night. He is waiting outside for an audience with you."

"Send him in with due respect." Dhritarashtra spoke slowly.

A few moments later the royal emissary entered the hall. He bowed to the maharaja then took out a letter. He handed the letter to Vidura who quickly read it. Then he looked at the maharaja.

"Maharaja Drupad is claiming his innocence on the attack of Rajkumar Duryodhana. Even he was totally shocked after that hunter came to him with that news. But he is ready to accept our offer that a delegation from Hastinapur will come to Kampilya and investigate the matter. He also said that he would help in the investigation with all his power."

I was silently listening, but my eyes were fixed on Duryodhana, who was now having a silent conversation with Shakuni through his eyes. They were both planning something. Shakuni and Duryodhana were a powerful combination of both strength and cunningness.

"Tatshri?" I heard the voice of the Maharaja, "What is your opinion about the letter of Maharaja Drupad?"

"We should send our delegation there to properly investigate this attack." I said to him. I looked at the two Acharya, who were standing beside Vidura. They also gave their ascent to this matter. Then Maharaja Dhritarashtra told the emissary to take his message to Kampilya, that the delegation of Hastinapur would reach there in due time. The emissary bowed to him and walked out from the hall.

"Now, who will go to Kampilya as the delegation of Hastinapur? Duryodhana, the enemy attacked you, so, I believe you have the right to say in this matter."

I looked at him, who turned towards his father and bowed to him. In his lips, a mysterious smile was playing there. I was curious now.

"The five Pandavas should go to Kampilya as the part of the delegation. I will send the guard commander who was there with me with them. I believe that the righteous Yudhisthir, the powerful Bheem, the archer Arjun, the beautiful Nakul and the intelligent Sahdeva will properly investigate the matter and they will find the truth."

I heaved a sigh. Really, I should have imagined it right then after I saw that smirk in his lips. I looked at Vidura, who was hiding his shock. I slowly looked at the five Pandavas. Well, Yudhisthir was having his natural calm expression, but the other four was shocked.

"Are you sure, Putra?" Even Dhritarashtra was having trouble to hide his shock.

"I am absolutely sure, Maharaja."