A Warrior's Saga

Chapter 9.

"It was a great honour fighting a warrior with such exceptional skills, my lord!" The Sardar said.
"Pick up your weapon and die like a warrior." Rudra shouted.
"I cannot fight you anymore, my lord."
"Do not behave like a coward. And why are you refering me as 'lord'?"
"Because I see a divine godliness in you. Please spare my life and accept me as your slave. I would part away with my previous life and devote my whole life to you."

Rudra was confused by this gesture. Just a few moments back he got almost killed by this man and now he is pleading to become a servant. He glanced at Mahendra.
"He is trying to decieve us, don't spare him." Mahendra said.
"I am not trying to decieve you. Please let me live."

"I think we should give him a chance. Every man deserves forgiveness." Rudra said.
"Are you sure about this?"
"Absolutely." Rudra said turning towards the pleading man, "What is your name?"
"Ratanram, Clan of the Great Eagle."
Rudra and Mahendra looked at each other. They knew what the man was talking about. In those days the kshatriyas were divided into different clans, whose symbol, the warrior wore as a bracelet or got tattooed. Then Mahendra noticed the symbol of the great eagle on the wrist of Ratan.

"Are you a kshatriya?" Mahendra asked.
"A long time ago, I was. But my rivals charged me of the murder of a fellow mate and I was removed from my post and got ousted from my kingdom. The need of revenge inspired me to become a dacoit. But I have decided to forget my previous life."
"I am very sorry to hear that. I cannot accept a kshatriya as my slave. If you want I can recruit you in my army, great warrior. I have seen your skills in the battlefield. You will be of great use to us." Rudra said. He had been thinking of something which he wasn't able to communicate.