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On the way to the Conquest of the World
151
"Who is it?" A voice asked from within.
On hearing the voice of the court-priest, Kumbhakarna's anger shot up. He was going to say something in raging anger but Vibhishan silenced him by making a sign with his hand and then said aloud :
“We are the princes, Kumbhakarna and Vibhishan. Please open the door". On hearing the voice of Vibhishan, the courtpriest felt that the floor beneath his feet was sinking. He was greatly stupefied. “What can be the trouble ?" The court-priest muttering to himself opened the door. He said in a polite manner, "Dear Lords! What may be the cause for your coming at such a time of the night ?”
"Yes, dear sir! We had to come here on account of an urgent matter. You must consult the Alamanac and fix up an auspicious day”.
"Now? This very moment ?” "Yes, this very moment you have to fix up a day". "But what for ?"
"Can't you guess the reason when we have come to you at this time of the night" Kumkhakarna's words flowed out like a cataract.:
"Is it for setting out for making a war ?"
“Yes you are right. We need an auspicious day for the travel”.
"Very well! I will come to the court tomorrow morning after fixing up an auspicious time".
"All right. Come tomorrow and tell us," saying this the two princes returned to their palaces thinking of the plans and arrangements they had to make. Lost in those thoughts, they slept.
The very next day soon after sunrise Ravan the King of Lanka began issuing orders to the commanders and warriors
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