Bride of the City Volume 1 by Acharya Chatursen

Author:Acharya Chatursen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: General Fiction
Publisher: Cernunnos Books Pte. Ltd.
Published: 2021-02-13T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 39

The Escape

At that moment, a flaming arrow spewing red sparks landed on a mattress which, in an instant, burst into flames. The silk and cotton fabric and the wooden furniture were quick to catch fire. A dozen arrows followed the first, spreading the heat and the crackling of fire all over the palace. Soon, shrieks from the palace’s inmates rent the air, and the palace guards swung into action. But in the utter commotion, they were no match for the well-trained attackers who benefited from the element of surprise. The war cries of the Magadhan soldiers demoralised the guards. The defence was short-lived and feeble, and the clashing sounds of swords striking each other did not last long.

Kundani picked up Dadhivahan’s sword, blanketed herself in a cloth she had dipped in water, and strode towards the inner rooms. A figure came charging through the smoke, a bloodied sword in his hand. She smiled with relief when she recognised Somprabh.

Relief showed on Somprabh’s face as well. ‘Kundani, we meet again! All went well, but there isn’t a single moment to lose. Take the princess to the stables through the secret path, she knows the path. Shambh is waiting there with horses. Head straight for Sravasti and do not wait for me. My work is almost done, I will catch up with you.’

Kundani flew to the princess’s room. Chandrabhadra stood by her bed, awoken from her sleep, half-dressed, and looking frail and cowed. Her servants had run away, and she was confused. She ran to Kundani and hugged her. ‘Kundani, what is happening?’

‘The fort is lost, friend!’ Kundani said. ‘The enemy has entered the palace. Your father is dead. You must run and save your life.’

Chandrabhadra stood rooted. She tried to speak, but no words formed. Her grip on Kundani tightened. Kundani freed herself with an effort and rushed to the princess’s wardrobe. She helped Chandrabhadra dress and pulled her away from the room, which was filling with smoke.

‘Be brave now, my friend’, Kundani said. I don’t think the enemy has reached the secret door. Come, lead me to it. Every moment matters now. We must be quick!’

She pushed Chandrabhadra to move. Like a puppet, Chandrabhadra led Kundani behind the wardrobe, down a stairway, through a long tunnel, and finally, into the open – away from the palace. Kundani saw her tears streaming when she looked back and saw the palace in flames. Kundani knew where the stables were, and she led her towards them. They were running now. In the distance, she saw a dark figure riding a horse, and leading two others. It was Shambh, waving to them.

Kundani gave Chandrabhadra a hand, helped her mount and leapt up onto another horse. ‘Now you must sit tight, Princess, we will have to gallop hard.’

Chandrabhadra said, downcast, ‘Where shall we go?’

‘To your friends.’

‘Will your father not help us?’

‘I do not know how safe he is, Princess.’

‘But I took you from him, under my family’s protection … and now…’

Kundani patted her. ‘The shock has been too hard for you.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.