Read Online Govinda (The Aryavarta Chronicles) by Krishna Udayasankar - Free Book Online Page B

of fighting, armies or warfare.’
    ‘Then I’ll have to see you to your destination, safe and sound.’
    ‘I’d be honoured.’
    ‘Come,’ she said, ‘my brothers will be so happy to meet you. We knew you’d turn up, sooner or later.’
    Before Govinda could ask her what she meant, she undid Yuyudhana’s tethered horse, intending to lead the stallion towards
     the road. Govinda quickly rolled up his saddle bag and Yuyudhana’s, threw them both on to Balahak’s back and followed. He
     steppedout of the thicket and onto the main road to discover Yuyudhana in conversation with an old friend.
    The man cut a strapping figure, standing half a hand above Yuyudhana. His simplest movements contained the suggestion of restrained
     power, a mysterious mix of strength and grace as though he were both fighter and dancer. He sported his taut muscles and battle
     scars with an unassuming air, and his grey-brown eyes held a dangerously feline glint, reminiscent of a wild panther that
     watched and waited for the perfect moment to kill.
    Like Panchali, the man wore an antariya of dark grey linen and his black upper robe was wrapped as a sash, around his waist.
     A wide leather baldric went across his chest and back, leaving his sword hanging at his left hip. He wore a short string of
     tiny, intricately engraved metal beads strung together in the form a thin chain – the only piece of jewellery on his tanned
     body. Most remarkable about the man was his long hair, set into many tiny braids, all pulled back and tied together at his
     neck. It gave him his name: Shikandin.
    With a roar of affection, the man stepped forward to embrace Govinda, slapping him on the back with familiarity.
    Govinda returned the embrace with gusto, saying, ‘I can’t tell you how good it is to see you, old friend.’
    ‘As usual, we’re in time to save your stiff Yadu neck!’ Shikandin teased.
    A small cohort of well-armed, fierce-looking cavalrymen came up the road, led by a young man of regal bearing. Dismounting,
     the man pulled Govinda into a friendly grip. Every gesture of his screamed of royalty and privilege.
    ‘Yuyudhana,’ Govinda made introductions. ‘This is Dhrstyadymn, the Crown Prince of Panchala.’
    Yuyudhana politely acknowledged the other man, but said nothing. He noted that the prince was far more handsome than artists
     and minstrels visiting Dwaraka made him out to be. While it was not unusual for bards to use their talent to embellish royal
     features that were otherwise plain, Dhrstyadymn’s reputation for his statuesque looks was well merited.
    ‘The young lady here is his sister, Panchali,’ Govinda continued. ‘And Shikandin, their elder brother, you already know.’
    ‘Who doesn’t?’ Yuyudhana quipped. ‘I also know of many gorgeous women back home, from princesses to courtesans, who pine for
     his company.’
    ‘I trust you’ve personally consoled them, you rogue!’ Shikandin bantered, as the five descended into open, hearty laughter.
    ‘I’d love to catch up on all the gossip,’ Panchali said as she pulled a thick cloak off her horse and bundled herself up in
     it, ‘but the horses tend to cool down far too much standing around, and so do I …’
    ‘You woke me from my sleep, Mahamatra,’ Yuyudhana good-naturedly complained, ‘and now you want me to ride in this cold, misty
     weather. Well, since you come so well-mustered, I have no choice but to obey you.’
    ‘You have no choice but to obey if you’d rather keep your head on your neck! There’s more where those three came from,’ Panchali
     said, nodding towards the depths of the forest behind her. ‘Damn those murderers!’ she added, suddenly angry.
    Shikandin explained, ‘There’s an entire unit of these soldiers on your trail and more waiting along the way.’
    ‘How did you …?’ Yuyudhana was surprised.
    ‘I have a very reliable source inside Jarasandha’s garrison at Mathura …’
    ‘Shikandin has a knack for finding the best