Raghukul: Mahabharat

Chapter 30: START

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape, the forces of GajmukhaSur approached the southwest border of Ayodhya. The Asur general, GajmukhaSur, a towering figure with a fearsome visage, led his army with ruthless efficiency. His red eyes scanned the terrain, searching for any sign of Ayodhya's defenses.

Upon reaching a vantage point overlooking the border, GajmukhaSur called forth his five most trusted scouts, fierce Asurs known for their stealth and cunning. "Go forth and survey the enemy's position," he commanded. "I want to know every detail of their defenses before we strike."

The five Asurs nodded, their expressions determined, and vanished into the shadows, moving silently through the dense forest that bordered Ayodhya. As the evening wore on, GajmukhaSur waited with growing impatience. The tension among his troops was palpable, the anticipation of battle electrifying the air.

As the first stars appeared in the night sky, the scouts returned, their faces grim. GajmukhaSur stepped forward, his eyes narrowing. "What have you found?" he demanded.

One of the scouts, a lean and scarred Asur, spoke up. "The enemy has sent an army of 2 Akshauhini sena, led by their Yuvraj Ram and Rajkumar Lakshman. Their defenses are strong, but they are not insurmountable."

GajmukhaSur's lips curled into a sinister smile. "Good. We will attack at dawn. We will force them out of their borders and into open ground where our numbers and strength will prevail."

The Asur army buzzed with anticipation as they prepared for the coming battle. Weapons were sharpened, armor was donned, and war cries filled the air. GajmukhaSur moved among his troops, his presence instilling both fear and confidence. "Tomorrow, we will show Ayodhya the might of the Asur army. Prepare yourselves for victory!"

Meanwhile, within the Ayodhya camp, Ram and Lakshman received urgent news from a swift messenger. The messenger, breathless from his journey, bowed deeply before the brothers. "Yuvraj Ram, Rajkumar Lakshman, I bring news from your sister Lavanya. Our spies have reported that GajmukhaSur, GajaSur's eldest son, is leading an army towards our southwest border. They plan to attack at dawn."

Ram's expression hardened, and he exchanged a look with Lakshman. "It seems our enemy has chosen their time," he said quietly.

Lakshman nodded, his grip tightening on the hilt of his Vaishnav Dhanush. "We must be ready. Our defenses are strong, but we must prepare our men for an aggressive assault."

Ram turned to the messenger. "What is the strength of GajmukhaSur's army?"

The messenger replied, "He leads 1.5 Akshauhini sena. However, another 5.5 Akshauhini sena is on the way as backup. They will arrive in two days."

Ram's expression grew even more serious. "Thank you for bringing this news swiftly. Return to Lavanya and tell her we are prepared for whatever comes. She must keep her network active and ensure no other surprise awaits us."

The messenger bowed once more and departed. Ram and Lakshman called a council of their most trusted commanders. As they gathered in the command tent, the air was thick with tension and resolve.

Ram spread out a detailed map of the border, pointing to the key areas of defense. "GajmukhaSur will likely attack our weakest points first. We must fortify these positions and ensure our archers are ready to rain arrows upon the enemy."

Lakshman added, "Our cavalry should be positioned here, ready to flank them. We must use the terrain to our advantage and keep their forces contained."

One of the commanders, an experienced warrior named Veerbhadra, spoke up. "Yuvraj, our men are ready. They will fight with everything they have to protect Ayodhya."