Dvesas
Soldiers of Madhyaprasta

Siddarth opened his eyes, as the light of the morning sun burst through the cracks of his tent.

Siddarth walked out his tent. He inhaled a deep breath and then began to stretch his muscles.

A soldier puts milk, breakfast, and a jug of water to wash his face on a small folding table specifically for Siddarth.

Siddarth washed his face while glazed over the clear water. The face looks bruised here and there. The scratches on his nose and temples looked real.

Today they will head for the fourth kingdom. Two more kingdoms should they conquer eat other small kingdoms will side with the victorious camp.

Siddarth walked into the camp, looking at the map while finishing his breakfast.

"Master there are soldiers from the Madhyaprasta kingdom who want to meet you" the soldier said hurriedly.

"If he offers an ally tell him his kingdom has resisted years of cooperation why would today appear and beg for forgiveness?" siddarth said haughtily.

Besides Indrajaya, Madhyaprasta who was the fourth kingdom refused to ally with Astapura. Their population and empire did not fill half of Astapura's territory, but the arrogance of their kings to stand alone for Siddarth seemed like an absurd joke.

"Sir, he wants to offer negotiations" the soldier said again.

"Tell him I'm married"

It is customary for small kingdoms to offer women as a form of negotiation. Such an offer was never accepted by Siddarth. The ability to conquer the kingdom equated with such a nego certainly hurt his pride as a fighter.

"bugh, brackkkk!" the soldier who delivered Siddarth's message was kicked until his body hit the breakfast table.

Siddarth immediately took the sword that was near his bed and fought against the soldier wearing Madhyaprasta's armor.

"stop, stop, stop" the sound of the blades clashing against each other.

The soldier ripped off Siddarth's sleeve. Siddarth did the same but the soldier nimbly dodged.

They returned to fight, this time Siddarth threw the rest of the karee in his bowl into the soldier's face cover.

The soldier retreated, his face turned to the side to avoid the spillage of the karee. As fast as lightning Siddarth using the tip of his sword threw out the armor of the soldier's face.

A beautiful woman, with brownish skin and obal hair that was almost touching the elbow of the woman.

"Hahahaha" Siddarth looked up at a woman who split a second ago misbehaved because Siddarth was staring at him intensely.

"Does Madhyaprasta lack male soldiers?" siddarth Eject.

"Stop your jokes. I am Jhanvi the daughter of King Madhyaprasta" Jhanvi said.

Siddarth raised both eyebrows. He praised Jhanvi's courage. Siddarth gestured for Jhanvi to follow him. Jhanvi took the cover of her face and followed Siddarth's steps leaving the messy room.

They went into another camp that Siddarth had prepared.

"Sit down!" Siddarth invited Jhanvi to sit in front of him.

Siddarth looked at Jhanvi, waiting for the woman to make her point.

"I got word from china. Hagai Khan's forces had invaded the kingdoms of East Asia. My feeling is that they're going to Southeast Asia and then Hindustan".

Jhanvi looked at Siddarth enthusiastically.

"Then?" ask Siddarth calmly.

"We are united against Hagai Khan and his army" Jhanvi said.

"You think I'm generous in forgiving you, then together against Hagai Khan. Just so you know, your army is not much. What will Astapura get after fighting Haggai? Number of dead soldiers and embellishment?" siddarth said fishing for Jhanvi.

"I represent the kingdom of Madhyaprasta will recognize the sovereignty of Astapura over our kingdom, as well as all of Hindustan after we fight against Haggai Khan" Jhanvi said standing in oath.

It didn't take long for Siddarth to agree to Jhanvi's request after seeing the girl's parsimonious face.

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