________________
Pavananjay's Return
381
blood-shed and the death of countless innocent people," Pavananjay said this explaining his proposal clearly after noticing that King Varuna was deeply thinking about it.
Finally, Pundarik and Rajiv gave their consent to the proposal. King Varuna also gave his consent happily.
“Oh King! I am extremely happy that you have understood my real intention and purpose. Really, your intellectual incisiveness is admirable."
"But dear commander, we want to make one point clear to you,” Rajiv said perturbed.
"What is it?"
“We will not come to the camp of the King of Lanka to meet him."
"Dear prince ! You need not go to the camp of King of Lanka. The King of Lanka also need not come to meet you here. But both the parties can meet as friends in the garden which is situated to the east of the city."
"That will be all right,” Rajiv said giving his consent to it.
"Then I take my leave of you. I have to meet the King of Lanka. I have to prevail upon him also to agree to this compromise. After that, we will send you a message by Prahasit.”
After taking leave of King Varuna, Pavananjay travelled through the sky and reached his camp. It was past midnight. Deep silence prevailed all over the Rakshasa camp. But Ravan, the King of Lanka was still giving some instructions and suggestions to his friends and warriors. He had not been able to sleep. He was thinking of making proper battle-formations and supervising the battle-field carefully, so that his army might not have to face a defeat again.
Pavananjay came to Ravan's tent. He made a sign and suggested to the guard at the door to move away from there and
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
