Free The Aryavarta Chronicles Kaurava: Book 2 by Krishna Udayasankar Page B

be, he dismissed the wistful, childish notion as quickly as it rose and strode to his customary seat.
    ‘So,’ Syoddhan began, ‘what’s this about? Looks like a matter of considerable importance! Tell me, what did you want to discuss, Jayadrath?’
    The answer came as no surprise to Syoddhan.
    ‘Govinda Shauri.’
    Govinda Shauri. The very name made Syoddhan cringe. He said nothing and tried hard to keep his temper in check.
    Jayadrath sat back, obviously enjoying the situation, though that was not because he had caused Syoddhan discomfort. He was fond of his brother-in-law: both of them were of the old, true blood. His undisguised joy, however, came from knowing that Syoddhan’s reaction signalled the beginning of many things. He continued, ‘I was one of those who held you back from vengeance for Shisupala’s death, and it was not without cause. I hold no goodwill towards Govinda Shauri, or even Dharma Yudhisthir, but it had looked to me that Dharma’s empire was to our benefit. Prosperity, peace and a placid Emperor. Of course, the fact that Govinda was neither seen nor heard of in the realm after the coronation completely justified my advice.’
    ‘Really? I would thank you for your counsel, but I suspect you have had cause to change your mind…’
    ‘Yes. Govinda is still in Aryavarta. There was a report of a fight, in an inn…’
    ‘Since when does the king of Sindhu take an interest in common brawls?’ Shakuni interrupted.
    ‘Since it coincides with what I see as the first act of tyranny by our new Emperor. Or should I say puppet Emperor? Your spies must have reported the happenings at Indr-prastha to you? Even as we speak, a scroll awaits Emperor Dharma’s seal of assent. It is an edict that will remove all taxes and tolls on Naga-made iron goods, that will supersede Takshaka’s sovereignity as ruler of his own people and interfere in their economic affairs. Takshaka will be the first to lose his authority, or even his crown. What’s to say you or I won’t be next?’
    Syoddhan studied his brother-in-law carefully, though he kept his face expressionless. ‘Is that what truly bothers you, Jayadrath? Or is your concern because you and your dear friend and ally, King Saubha of Salwa, can no longer prosper from trading in confiscated Naga weaponry, which, I suppose, King Takshaka is no longer pleased to allow…?’
    ‘On the contrary, Takshaka’s son, the late Prince Aswasena – who, you no doubt remember, also died at Govinda Shauri’s hands – previously had the foresight to enter into arrangements with myself and Saubha, which we are willing to continue. King Takshaka understands that letting the common people accumulate their own wealth is not…well, it’s not in the larger interest. If our saamantas and vassals can no longer control their commoners and slaves because that lot begins to grow more prosperous, they in turn will rise against us. Of what use is that? We can use these riches with wisdom and benevolence, for the betterment of our people, but it’s sheer folly to talk of prosperity while our coffers remain empty. We are the people, the king is the kingdom! We were chosen by the gods, it’s our destiny as kings to do what is good for the people. Unfortunately, it appears that those charged with protecting the Divine Order of things are the ones who now seek to destroy it.’
    ‘So what do you want to do, Jayadrath? Go to war? Rebel against the Emperor? For what it’s worth, Dharma is the ruler by consensus – our consensus,’ Vasusena interjected, speaking as he often did, just to remind the others of his hard-won right to do so.
As a Suta – one who was not a true-blooded Arya as Syoddhan and Jayadrath were – Vasusena had little right to address Jayadrath by name, but for the fact that he too was a king and a proven warrior.
    ‘I have no problem with Dharma or his empire,’ Jayadrath replied. ‘In fact, I began by reminding you all of the hopes I had – and still