Pranayavijita || Indian Historical Romance

3. Ameya's Mistake Number 16

Deogarh was on the edge of the Bharatavarsha. The desert region was a little trouble to even his dry desert-bred horse. It was only natural that most of them were primarily a fish-eating community. There wasn't much vegetation in those lands.

When Ameya reached the fort, he was welcomed by the two princes and the King.

"Welcome to Deogarh, Rajkumar. Your arrival seems to be good news to us all." The King welcomed Ameya, and Ameya respectfully accepted.

"I thank you for your welcome, Maharaj. I had arrived here on my brother's orders. My brother, Yuvraj, had instructed me to ensure the invaders were gone from this area. I was asked to drive them out of Bharatvarsha itself. That is what I am here for."

"I'm glad you supported me, Rajkumar." The King thanked him. Ameya was led into the court of Deogarh.

"I bring the message from my Emperor, Maharaj. My Emperor had dispatched my Yuvraj and me to carry on his message that he doesn't want any of the invaders to arrive in our lands of Bharatvarsha. Rajkumari Ambika Bai is a friend of my sister-in-law, the Yuvraj of Kalika Empire. Hence, that relationship invited us to provide them with military assistance. After noting that some invaders may have followed here, my brother dispatched me to this area."

"The Emperor's policy resonates with me strongly, Rajkumar. Bharatvarsha is our home. We shouldn't allow others to come in."

"My Emperor has always had a clear policy of detesting the invaders and always keeping them out of the lands."

"I'm in complete agreement with the policy, Rajkumar. We should all stick together and avert the invaders. That is the only good way to go."

Ameya was heavily experienced with people who spoke empty words. When Ameya heard the King's words, he knew everyone should be aware of this man. Ameya made a mental note to inform the Emperor and Yuvraj about this man.

"Definitely, Maharaj. The state of the places these troops have gone through is terrifying. They have no values, no morals, and no ethics. Temples, markets, civilian areas, fields, and all the places have been destroyed. I am glad that, in hindsight, my Emperor sent some food, grains, and other needed medicines for the people." Ameya sighed at the thought of those innocent people. He had been through several wars, but he hadn't ever known any destruction of civilians. As a strong ethical code, all Kshatriyas steered clear of civilian areas, whether their own or enemy territory, during the war. The invaders seemed to have deviated from every basic Kshatriya code Ameya had been instilled with.

Ameya's favorite sport has been the battlefield. He inherited the interest in the battlefield from his father. Yet he was instilled early on with the rules and codes of a Kshatriya. Every Kshatriya needed to follow them. His father instilled them heavier than any others.

"They are not caring for other people. Our Rajputana has always dealt with them. The result has been that our women hardly leave their homes." The King said.

Ameya could feel the empty words coming out of his mouth.

"I share the empathy with the women and the men here, Maharaj."

"This is my eldest son, Kunwar Tapt Singh, " the king introduced. Tapt Singh stood up and offered him a greeting. Ameya returned the respectful greeting.

"I think we can worry less with me being in these lands. I will surely take the interests of my people higher. My war skills will shine through this adversity, and everyone will know my prowess."

More empty words resounded to Ameya. The self-flattery, in particular, sent a red flag and irked him.

"Maharaj, we see Yuvraj Shakrajit's cavalry arriving with him into Deogarh. They're approaching here fast." A soldier informed the court. Ameya was surprised at that. His brother would have generally not overstepped once he gave the order to one of his brothers. Shakra was many things but not a micromanager. He would wait for their signal once he gave his brothers a job. Then, act in order.