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228
JÄIN RAMAYAN
"Then why delay ?” “My lord! You....”
“Yes. I am Virdev. Within three days we will be in Rajgrihi”.
Two of the five soldiers went into the room, in the choultry. In a corner on the right side of the room, a colourful stone had been fixed in the boundary-wall. They began to press the stone with their feet. Slowly, the stone moved; and in a few moments, a passage appeared there. When the soldiers had gone in the stone again covered the passage.
Shambal, approached Virdev and entreated him to make preparations for their journey. Within a short while, all got ready. The other three soldiers also joined them. They were all equipped with the necessary weapons..
One soldier of Magadha remained bound in the choultry. Before setting off, Anjali said to Shambal.
“What are we to do with this companion of yours ?”
“Leave him here. Let him face the mockery of his fate”. Virdev said showing utter indifference to him.
“No, Virdev! That will be a source of danger to us.” Anjali said interrupting him.
"Instead of that, why should we not take him with us ?” Shambal said, pausing a little. Virdev also approved of his suggestion. Shambal released him and brought him with him. Virdev took away his weapons; and honoured Shambal by giving him weapons.
Thus a caravan of seven riders of horseback and five on foot, proceeded. Shambal was in front showing the way to others. He was proceeding speedily. Virdev and Anjali followed him on horseback carefully. Behind them four were going on foot; and at the rear there were five riders following.
The journey continued through the night. The sun rose. The sky was red with the tender rays of the sun. Cool breezes
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