A Slave who became Emperor Chapter 8

Surya Chandra and Deepak Chandra agreed . They took leave and went to the Royal grounds to start their preparations . Samyukta sighed . She knew that her siblings would never support her . It was the same since childhood . They couldn't tolerate that she was the brightest among them . She was always lonely . Tending to plants, playing with animals till Pinaka became her friend . But now, even he stopped interacting with her . She wanted to go back to her childhood days and re live the memories she had with Pinaka . Together they were the best team . They could solve riddles, took on treasure hunts together and were always interested to explore new places .

She missed having him around . She too took leave from her parents and went to her chamber . She started reading the book on laws of the land . Next morning she went to the Royal grounds to practice archery . She saw Pinaka giving lessons to the soldiers .

He was an excellent combat trainer . He was skilled in every weapon and combat technique . Samyukta always admired his wrestling . The way he could put down his opponents was truly awesome . There were times when Pinaka wrestled champions double his weight . But never did he lose . He was the best .

Samyukta was thinking if she must ask him to assist her in training . While she was standing and thinking on these lines, Pinaka came over to her . He bowed and said, 'my princess, the emperor asked me to assist you in your training' hearing this she felt happy . Her father always knew what she wanted . But she couldn't show her happiness to him . She simply nodded . They went to the horse stable first . Samyukta brought her horse Chaitanya out . Pinaka also took a good steed . They started their warm up with horse riding . Then they went on to practice archery . Samyukta never missed her target . However tricky the placement of the target, she would hit the bull's eye every time .

Following this they practised sword fighting . Pinaka helped her to better her skills as he taught her some new moves and tricks . They saw the setting sun and decided to retire for the day, agreeing to meet up again the next day for more practice . Though they were interacting, there was a knot in Samyukta's heart .

She told herself not to think about it and reached her chamber . Her personal maid helped her to take bath and dress up in night clothes . She took some food, went on to sleep . She dreamt on about her childhood . The happy times, playing with Pinaka . . running around with him . . she rolled in sleep and had a beautiful smile on her face .

Pinaka went to the slave quarters,took bath . His mother came over and gave him food . He was quiet for the whole time . His mother could tell that he was thinking about something . She did not disturb him . Once he ate his food, she asked him to take rest . He went and slept . As he slept, memories were running through his mind .

Samyukta and he were admitted to gurukul (boarding school) together . Their teacher,Sage Sandeepa was a great scholar . One day he asked both Samyukta and Pinaka to go and fetch some water . He asked them to carry a short knife with them for self defense .

Pinaka took his short knife, Samyukta also did the same . Walking through the jungle, they heard some noises . A deer was running away . A fox was trying to hunt it . The kids decided to save the deer . They took their short knives out . They balanced themselves and took a deep breath . They looked at each other and nodded . There was a noise in the bushes . 'Clang' they released their short knives . They hit the fox . It fell . The kids were so excited .

They reached Gurukul and started narrating their story to Sage Sandeepa .

He heard with a smile . However he didn't praise them . He asked for the water which they were supposed to get . Both felt miserable . They forgot everything about getting water . Their heads hung in shame . Then the holy sage said, ' we learnt two lessons from this .

1 . Never interfere with the law of the land-the forest is a land with Tyrranical laws . The weaker animal becomes the food for a stronger animal . Humans cannot interfere with animal laws .

2 . Never lose focus-losing yourself in some trivial things and forgetting the main objective will make you miserable .

Now, both of you, go and fetch some water . Both nodded and went .

Presently in slave quarters, Pinaka continued thinking and fell asleep .

They need to train harder the next day .

Chapter end