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74
JAIN RAMAYAN
may remain fearless and must extend your co-operation to our endeavour of safeguarding our kingdom. I will lead the soldiers and in this war which is a struggle between life and death I will myself be the leader and will set an example to others".
"May the Queen be victorious !" "Long live King Nagush !".
The war-cries of the people echoed in the skies. The queen ended her speech and her throat was choked. The leading citizens of Ayodhya vowed to stand by the queen upto their last breath. All were intoxicated with the zest for fighting against the enemies. The Queen Simhika went into the palace. There, the head of the city was waiting for her. He saluted the Queen bowing his head.
"Any other news ?”
"Oh great Queen! The enemy armies are now at a distance of about twenty four miles”.
"Have all the people who are outside the fort come in ?" “Yes, oh great Queen !" "Have you anything more to say ?”
“No! Only this. The four gates of the city have been shut. One thousand soldiers are guarding each gate; yet ....
“Your doubt is how a handful of soldiers can face a large .army. Is it not ?" Queen Simhika said with a smile on her face.
“Yes;. ..... No......”
"Do not worry; Everything will be right. We are sure to repulse the enemy armies. And yes! You have to carry out a duty. It is your duty to take care of our arsenal. When any - young man of our city comes for weapons you have to provide him with the necessary weapons”.
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