Stay With Me

CHAPTER 43: RAM'S TRUTH REVEALED

Several people inside the crowd protested against Ram's execution.

Guru Markhandeya and several of Paramdham's spies mingled within the crowd to check on Ram and for backup.

Yashasvini got out through her window by making a rope of shawls. She stole a horse from the stable and rode towards the open court to save Ram.

By the nick of time, before the axe reached Ram's neck, he moved his head. His hands were unchained and before Vidhurak knew it, Ram was holding a dagger against his throat.

"Any of you step forward, I'll slice your king's throat." Ram threatened.

The entire crowd gasped. Guru Markhandeya smiled.

"What do you want?" Vidhurak asked.

"I want to fight a one-on-one duel with you. If I win, Satavahana shall belong to Paramdham. If you win, you can execute me." Ram said.

Yashasvini just reached the venue and was surprised when she saw Ram holding a dagger to Vidhurak's throat.

"Okay, if that's what you want. Be ready to face defeat." Vidhurak said.

"Let's see about that." Ram said and let go of Vidhurak.

Vidhurak signaled all his soldiers to step away.

The entire crowd was eagerly anticipating the duel. People cheered for Ram and some cheered for Vidhurak.

Vidhurak was specialized in duels.

From what Ram saw the other day when Yashasvini fought him, his knack was to anticipate a move from the opponent and when they do, lock his hands on their wrists, making them drop their weapon.

But this trick only worked on small weapons like daggers. If they fought with swords, then it will be hard for Vidhurak to dismantle it from Ram's hand.

"Let's have a sword fight." Ram suggested.

Vidhurak agreed and two swords were brought for the warriors. They got down from the elevated stage to the open ground in front of the audience. Yashasvini prayed silently for Ram's victory and safety.

The duel began.

The swords clashed. Vidhurak was very quick for his age. The fight that initially was slow, picked up pace rapidly.

Vidhurak striked continuously. Ram's moves began to slow down. He missed all of Vidhurak's attacks in close calls.

I need a strategy. He's good with the sword. He is more in the offense than the defense. So if I time it correctly, I can turn around escaping the sword, hit him using my elbow, trip his leg and before he falls, disarm him.

When Vidhurak made his next offense, Ram applied exactly what he wanted to do and it worked.

Vidhurak fell to the floor disarmed and Ram held his sword to his neck.

The fight that went on for the past one hour came to an end. Everyone in the crowd rejoiced at the cruel king's defeat.

Yashasvini burst into happiness when she saw Ram win and Guru Markhandeya smiled with pride.

"I, Ramachandra, Prince of Paramdham, shall take an oath to protect Satavahana henceforth under the rule of Paramdham!"

The crowd rejoiced. Yashasvini's happiness faded. Disappointment of the truth dawned to her.

Ramachandra? Prince of Paramdham?

Tears and agony filled into Yashasvini's eyes.

Guru Markhandeya and stood next to Ram and everyone came towards him, congratulating his victory.