Dream - A Karna SI

11. EXCURSION

Karn – 10 years old

Yudhistira – 7 years

Bhima & Duryodhana – 6 years

Arjun – 5 years

Nakula & Sahdeva – 3 years

KARN's POV

At sunrise, we began our descent. Our group, consisting of fifteen people, moved steadily through the forest. Yudhistira, Bhima, and Arjun were in the middle, with Nakula and Sahadeva being carried by Kunti and a rishi. I brought up the rear, armed with my weapons. I had chosen a medium-sized bow for its speed, as a longbow would be impractical in this forest setting. The bow lay unstrung across my back, accompanied by two quivers of arrows. I also carried a spear, slightly longer than usual.

The rishis chanted Vedic hymns as we walked, creating a soothing and divine atmosphere that calmed my nerves. I noticed Bhima and Arjun frequently drifting towards me, their curiosity evident. Despite their recent hardships, they were still at an age where the world held endless fascination.

Bhima, predictably, was the first to speak. "Why don't you have a gada (mace) with you?" he asked, while Arjun looked at me with wide eyes.

Suppressing a smile, I replied, "Because it would be impractical to use a gada in this forest, Prince Bhima."

"Why?" Bhima and Arjun now walked just ahead of me, eager for an explanation.

I decided to turn this into a teaching moment. "All right, Prince Bhima, tell me what kind of weapon a gada is."

"It's a heavy one. You can break things with it," Bhima answered promptly.

"Exactly. Now, what kind of enemies do you think we might face on this journey?"

Bhima thought for a moment. "Wild animals and rakshasas," Arjun answered shyly.

"Correct, Prince Arjun. Now, setting rakshasas aside, which animals would a gada be useful against?"

"Elephants," Bhima said excitedly.

"Buffaloes too, maybe," Arjun added.

"Do you think elephants will attack us here?" I asked.

"Well, maybe," they both pondered.

"No, elephants primarily livein plains and small plateaus. What kind of area are we traveling through?"

"These are hills," Bhima replied quickly.

"And what other animals might attack us here?"

"Tigers, leopards, jackals, and hyenas," Bhima listed confidently. "Snakes too," Arjun mumbled.

"Would a gada be effective against these animals, or are there better weapons for the job?"

Bhima seemed to forget the conversation's origin, but Arjun, ever sharp, replied, "No, archery would be better suited in this condition."

"Exactly. Remember, no weapon is universally superior. The effectiveness of a weapon depends on the situation. For instance, a spear, though cumbersome, is versatile here. It can serve as a walking staff, reach far-off branches for fruit, and counter snakes from a distance. It's quicker to use in an emergency than an arrow." I noticed Yudhistira had joined our discussion.

I continued, "A gada, while powerful, is impractical for a long, light-footed journey without a horse or chariot. Once you're very strong, you might carry it on foot for long periods. Do you think you can do that, my princes?"

"Yes! I will become strong and carry my gada everywhere," Bhima declared.

"I like archery," Arjun murmured.