A Warrior's Saga

Chapter 2.

Maharaj Vallabha and his prime minister Devaki had just entered the royal court where a special meeting for all the commanders of his massive army was to be held.
General discussions about the maintanence, security and reruitment of the army had been going on.
Suddenly the door-keeper announced: ANUMAK, THE CHIEF OF KAKATA TRIBES, WANTS TO MEET THE MAHARAJ.
"Bring him inside." Maharaj Vallabha said.

Anumak was the chieftain of the local forest tribes called Kakatas.

The chief came inside with 20 of his tribesmen.
"Come in, Anumak. What made you come and meet me? You could have sent a man of yours." Maharaj exclaimed.
The chief clenched his right fist and brought it up to his chest to perform a formal salute, but he didn't bow his head according to the standarad protocol. Anumak didn't regard himself less than a king, bowing his head before another one would mean disrespecting himself.

"Maharaj, its rather important."
"Go on..."
"As per the pact between our tribe and your kingdom, we pay you annual taxes and in return you promised safety and help for Kakatas."
"I know what the pact says, just come to the point."
"My men in the south forests are being regularly attacked my some bandits. And I fear that soon those rouges would not hesitate to attack our villages and women. I have tracked their location and need your army's help in eliminating them."
Vallabha thought for a moment if he should send his men for the Chief.
"How many bandits are their in the forests?"
"Anywhere around 150-200."
"It's a very large group. How did they manage to enter here? Anyways I will surely help you Anumak."

"Rudra and Mahendra! Take 100 of your men each and help the Chief. Prepare for your departure tommorow. Anumak, I would be pleased if you be my guest for a night."

Rudra and Mahendra came forward and saluted. Anumak nodded in agreement.
Now, I don't have to sacrifice my tribesmen for those bastards. He thought.