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maternal grandfather, Cetaka, along with their harem and valuable possessions. When Künika came to know this, he despatched an envoy at hot haste to King Cetaka requesting him to send back Halla and Vihalla, the necklace and the elephant at once to Campā. In reply, the following message was received from Cetaka,
"The elephant and the necklace rightfully belong to Halla and Vihalla. And they have taken shelter with me. They are my protege. I cannot surrender them. If Kūņika, who is the son of Sreņika and Celană, and my own grandson, is prepared to surrender half his ki om in favour of Halla and Vihalla, then I may arrange the return of the necklace and the elephant in exchange".
A second envoy came to Cetaka with a message as follows:
''Halla and Vihalla have taken out the elephant and the necklace without my knowledge and permission, Both these things belong to the kingdom of Magadha".
Cetaka refused to abide by the request and dismissed the envoy. When the envoy came back and reported, Kūņika became furious and lost control on himself. His lips were quivering; his eyes were bloods hot; he wore three distinct lines of from on his forehead. He bade the envoy,
"Go for the third time. I am giving you my demand in writing. This note contains, 'Return the necklace and the elephant at once, or get ready for the war'. You go inside the court of Cetaka and kick at his throne. You deliver this letter to Cetaka from the tip of your sword".
The envoy started to fulfil his mission. He did all he was asked to do, Cetaka became furious at the content of the letter and the behaviour of the envoy. Said he to the envoy,
"I am ready for the war. May Kūpika come. I am waiting here to receive him".
