Fire Herself; Panchali Draupadi

Chapter Thirteen: Was He Really That Stupid?

Shikhandini Present Day....... Before the Great War

Shikhandini made her way down to her grandfather's chambers. After her grandmother had passed away, he seemed to always isolate himself down there, not really wanting to speak to anyone. Anyone ....... but her. For her his arms were always open and that was one of the reasons why she still addressed him as family. 

She walked down the pass way corridor as all the guards got down on one knee to salute her. She barely gave them notice, as despite how many times she had told them not to, they never listened. At last, she found herself standing in front of the huge 10 ft golden doors, decorated with sculptures and behind them, lay the answers to her questions. 

She pushed open the doors and walked inside. She saw King Prihas standing right by the bed, his arms crossed, back faced to her. It was almost as if he was expecting her. 

"Ah my lovely grand daughter has finally decided to join me." He turned around to face her before he spoke once more. "How was your trip? Did Yuvrani Raviti give you great comfort in her palace."

Shikhandini went beside her grandfather and sat on the bed. "Of course she did Pitamaha. (grandfather). Do I even want to know, how you found out about me befriending her?"

Prihas gave a chuckle. "No you don't. But I'll have you know that this former King of Panchal has his ways. And very convincing ways when it comes to his beloved grand daughter." He laid his palm on Shikhandini's cheek. 

Shikhandini put her hand on his and talked further. "Well then King Prihas, tell me the story behind my father and Rishi Drona." 

Prihas  stiffened right away. He took his palm away imminently and asked, "That story was written long before it even happened."

Shikhandini tilted her head motioning him to continue. He turned his back on her before speaking, "well you know the story of me and the commander Bhishma of Hastinapur. The reason why you are here today."

It was Shikhandini's turn to stiffen at the mention of the great warrior. She spoke, "Of course. That story is written in my fate." She chuckled darkly before adding, "How could I forget".

"Well". Her grand father continued, "After my reign ended and I gave your father the throne. Obviously after his studies with Drona's father and himself respectively, he might have fallen into ego, or some warrior kings might say the adrenaline shock after earning power. Your father is not to blame, each king falls under that for a couple of months and you will too when you rule, Yuvrani." 

Shikhandini scoffed, "For the millionth time, I am not a Yuvrani. You as well as I know that my fate is not tied to the Panchal throne. I am meant for something else. Who will take on the throne after King Dhrupad, I do not know nor care. But that is a matter for another day. Please continue with what concerns Panchal's present not future."

"To the point." Prihas looked pleased. "Just like I taught you to be. Well then during this ego period of your father, he forgot one of his promises that he made to his old friend Drona. And when Drona came in one day asking for that promise, he refused and insulted him in front of all the commanders of Panchal. Drona took an oath that he would destroy your father's reign."

Shikhandini gasped. "King Dhrupad could not have done something so major. He is a good king."

Prihas looked knowingly."Of course he is. But dear daughter when ego takes over, nothing is left to think over. " He took a breath before continuing, "you heard from Vasudev, (King Krishna), the rest of the story. Drona went to Panchal's biggest enemy, Hastinapur and trained the 100 sons of King Dhritarastra and Queen Gandhari. You could probably take down those 100 with ease. But listen now, he also trained the 5 sons of Queen Kunti and Queen Madri. These 5 were the sons of now dead King Pandu, younger brother of Dhritarashtra. In all kingdoms it is said that these 5 sons are the heirs of the gods themselves. The 3rd son Arjun being the best archer. The 2nd son Bheem said to be blessed with the strength of 10 000 elephants. The 4th and 5th sons, Nakul and Sahadev blessed with the knowledge of the doctor gods and said to have great connections to nature. It is even whispered that Sahadev knows all knowledge of the future. And to talk about the eldest the first son, Yudhistir he is known to be the most righteous man alive. If there is one King that will not fall under ego, it will be him. You should not fear the 100 because they are not united. But fear these five because they not five but one." 

Shikhandini nodded. "Of course. I'll remember that and I am also promising you that while I am commander, Panchal will always prevail. No matter how strong these Princes may be."

Shikhandini turned to leave but a question peeped into her mind. She stopped and asked, "Grandfather. You talked about the ego period or adrenaline period of a King."

Prihas nodded. Shikhandini continued, "Did you do anything rash when you went through that period."

Prihas smiled a guilty smile before speaking, "What I did during my time, my dear grandaughter might be the reason why Hastinapur and Panchal are enemies to date." 

A/n

heyyyy guys. I'm so sorry for updating sooo late. Hope you enjoyed. Big things are coming :))))))