Shakuni frowned and looked at Manvendra confused. He wondered what condition does this son of Vidur is going to impose.
The more Manvendra waited to tell his conditions, the more was Shakuni worried. Because in the time he lived in Hastinapur, one thing is for sure. You cannot underestimate Vidur or anyone related to him. And this was his son after all.
"What conditions ?" Dhritrashtra asked getting restless.
"Firstly, I do not want just the border security but entire Kingdom security with its cities and villages. And secondly I want an independent army that will only be the subject to my autonomy over them." Manvendra said.
"I agree." Dhritrashtra said before Shakuni could protest.
"Then I agree to take up the duties." Manvendra said before Shakuni could intervene.
"But Maharaj ! How can this be in Kingdom's favour ?" Shakuni asked, forcing a smile and trying to hide the panic in his voice.
"Don't worry Gandhar-raj." Manvendra said. "My morals and ethics are too high to rebel against my own kingdom without a righteous reason. I have always accepted the sovereignty of Kuru-throne." He assured.
"Sulabha-nandan, it is understandable that you want to secure the kingdom and not just the borders. But why do you ask for an independent army ?" Shakuni asked raising his brow.
"Because if the army is dependent on the king, then they shall have to wait for his orders to act. And before a king orders, he needs to discuss it with the ministers. This causes delays, which cannot be in our favour. Hence to eliminate the errors caused by the delays, I asked for an independent army." Manvendra said.
"Your concern is well thought, son. I agree to give you an independent army, consisting of the best soldiers. Tell me what type of military do you require ?" Dhritrashtra asked.
Shakuni looked at him with disbelief as the blind king was restlessly gave in to Manvendra's wishes.
"I need Ashwa-rohi. They are faster and will quickly move from one place to another." Manvendra said.
"Alright. I'll give you 500 Ashwa-rohi." Dhritrāshtra said.
"I need 1000." Manvendra said.
"Fine. I'll give you 1000 Ashwa-rohis which are in the command of Ashwasen. They are the best in entire Kuru-rashtra or even Bharatvarsh, so to speak." Dhritrashtra said.
"Thank you for your generosity Maharaj. I shall report to you every monsoon or whenever I am asked to come." Manvendra said.
"I am pleased by your determination Manvendra. Hence I give you complete right over the wealth you gain from your conquests. That shall soley belong to you and your army." Dhritrashtra said.
"Maharaj is indeed generous. Now allow me to go make the preparations." Manvendra said.
"Definitely. Bless you son." Dhritrāshtra said.
Manvendra bowed to him before he left. Dhritrashtra was elated while Shakuni sighed in despair.
"Did you have to be so generous, Maharaj ?" He asked.
"If I had not been, then that Manvendra wouldn't have accepted the offer. He would've become suspicious of us sending him away." Dhritrashtra reasoned.
"Trust me Maharaj, he is the son of Vidur, he knew what we were planning. And he played with us." Shakuni said.
"So now what ?" Dhritrāshtra asked.
"Well Maharaj, as long as he is not in the capital, he is not our concern." Shakuni said.
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𝐑𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐀 𝐁𝐇Ā𝐕𝐀
Historical FictionFirst among 11 Rudras is Manyu, the war god, wielder of thunder and Slayer of foes. He is the one who brings wealth and health. Through him Vidur and his wife Sulabha beget a son, named Manvendra, who was fierce, queller of foes, follower of Dharma...
