CHAPTER 51

THE EMPEROR’S MESSENGER

Kumara Chakravarthy threw a comprehensive glance that took in every member of the assembly, at one stroke. “Well? Does my plan meet with the Council’s approval?”

Perplexed consternation was the only expression writ large on the faces of those assembled. Silence reigned, for a while.

In truth – none of those assembled had had the intention of voicing any opinion about war, or taking the offensive. All they had wanted to know was Emperor Mahendra Pallavar’s opinion on the imminent invasion and his commands, if any, upon it.

When he left for battle nine months ago on the Northern front, such had been their intention, and they had carried out a unanimous resolution that allowed the Emperor complete authority to make decisions as he chose, and promised to abide by them. It was with the same creditable impulse that they had assembled this time as well.

Except that Maamallar had chosen to overturn the whole situation by putting forth a preposterous solution – and a dangerous one too. None of them had expected to be told that they were to go to war, or prepare for the consequences. Stunned, they offered silence as their only reply.

Maamallar cast his eyes on them again, considerably surprised. “But what is it that I have said?” he asked, proud bearing evident in his stance. “Have I suggested something that brings dishonour to our clan and Empire? Why is everyone silent?”

Too late, the assembly realized what an impossible situation they were caught in, and how uncomfortable, the position of its members. Absolute quiet reigned, and it was their only answer.

“Very well – I shall take your silence as approval for my plans.” Maamallar focused his attention on Senapathi Kalippagai. “Isn’t that so, Senapathi?”


“As a servant of his Majesty, I am bound to carry out any orders Kumara Chakravarthy may place upon me,” replied the Senapathi, as he rose, in deference to his superior. “And yet – I cannot find it in my heart to agree to war. Such was not, I believe, the intention of the Emperor. Our armies have re-entered the city with great difficulty; I know, for a fact, the enormous obstacles Mahendra Pallavar faced in bringing them in.  Our Emperor is no coward; he does not, and has never feared war. I do not believe that we ought to attempt anything that countermands his wishes,” he finished heavily.

Maamallar’s face, raging with fury, was a sight to see. “Do you believe, even for a moment, that I would call my courageous father a coward? Or that he is afraid of war? I might as well cut my tongue off! My father’s war tactics are different from mine, and I’m well within my rights to propose strategies, in any situation, as I think fit. Senapathi, prepare the Pallava armies for war by dawn tomorrow!”

Senapathi Kalippagai tempered his tone with an effort. “What Kumara Chakravarthy suggests is not, I am afraid, a war tactic – but a perfect ruse to commit mass suicide. The Vathapi army boasts of five hundred thousand warriors; ours don’t number even a fifth of that –”

Maamallar intercepted him, eyes spitting sparks of anger. “Senapathi, do you know the number of Pallava warriors who fought valiantly against the Gangapadi men? Haven’t you heard yet of the valour of our ten thousand men, who vanquished fifty thousand with ease? Isn’t it courage that matters on the battlefield, and not mere numbers? Each of our men is equal to nine of the Chalukyas – doesn’t the revered Senapathi know this?”

“It is not just the fact that the Vathapi army has five hundred thousand men – they possess fifteen thousand elephants as well,” countered the Senapathi.

“Good god – what does that matter? Possibly the Senapathi isn’t aware of the strength in the hands of our brave Commander Paranjyothi – doesn’t he know the tale of how he threw his spear at a crazy elephant, and sent it careening through the streets of Kanchi? With more than a hundred thousand lions such as him in our army, what reason do we have to fear Vathapi’s pathetic elephants?”

With the argument threatening to descend into an acrimonious dispute, First Minister Saaranga Deva Battar rose, worry twisting his countenance.

Maamallar’s voice died away.

“There is something that everyone here wishes to know,” the minister began, in his calm voice. “There is still time for the Emperor to return to us, is there not? Have the warriors guarding Kanchi’s gates been informed of this circumstance? Are they in readiness to welcome him, should he arrive tonight? Have they been briefed of the present situation?”

“Indeed they have,” replied Commander Paranjyothi. “I have commanded them to old themselves in readiness at any moment, for the Emperor’s arrival. Should he choose to send a messenger, they have been prepared for that eventuality, as well –”

One of the guards posted at the mandapam entrance hurried in at this precise moment, even before the Commander could finish describing the arrangements made. “A messenger has arrived with the Emperor’s olai!” he announced. “He bears the lion insignia!”

Maamallar stared at the guard, stunned.

The rest of the assembly heaved a huge sigh of relief. A way to escape the current, precarious situation had just been shown to them by divine circumstance – and they were quick to grasp it with enthusiasm.