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A Strong Woman
71
clapped her hands; and at once the door-keeper came running; and stood before her with his head bowed in respect.
"Inform our Commander Sumukh to meet us at once".
Sumukh was the commander of the troops left behind at Ayodhya. He was a young warrior of outstanding abilities. He was a master of the arts of war besides being the very embodiment of heroism.
"May the great queen be victorious !” Sumukh came, at once, and said in a humble manner. The intoxication of youthful heroism showed itself through every limb of his.
“We have come to know from our spies that the kings of the south have been ignobly marching against Ayodhya,” Queen Simhika said in a serious manner.
"Oh Queen! You have merely heard rumours; but we have to find out how far the news is true.”
“The news I have received is undoubtedly true. Our spies have brought the news. It cannot be false. You will see that those enemy kings will reach the borders of Ayodhya within the next twenty four hours”.
Lines of worry and agitation appeared on Sumukh's forehead. “What are you thinking of, dear commander ?”
"Oh Queen! We have with us only five thousand soldiers. Can they stand against the large armies of the enemies? I am agitated over this point.”
"Dear commander ! Do not forget that we too have lakhs of soldiers. The people of Ayodhya are not inferior to any soldiers. You need not worry unnecessarily."
“But Oh Queen! Preparations have to be made in a short period of twenty four hours”.
“We have at our disposal, at least, twenty four hours. What else do we need ? In twenty four hours we can do the work of
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