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248
JAIN RAMAYAN
"By the boundless grace of your excellency".
"Dear commander Virdev! What are your plans for our action ?" said Dasarath affectionately, patting on his back.
"My Lord, the Chief Minister of Magadha is ready at the main entrance of the city of Rajgrihi, with ten thousand cavalry. Five thousand chariots are ready to assist him. The Emperor of Magadha, Yashodhar has been waiting for you, with two thousand soldiers on elephants".
"Enough ?"
“No. My king! On the other side, Commander Vikramaraj, Chief Minister Somaprabha, and Virdev will unite their armies on the battle-front; and will make the enemies lick the dust. They will not rest until they have decimated the enemyarmies".
"And how many more ?"
"Forty thousand able warriors ! Twenty thousand on the battlements and twenty thousand at various fronts”.
“Is it all right ?”
“The attack will begin at about 4 in the morning. First of all, you have to commence the attack."
“Very good". “And your commands, my lord ?"
"Go. Become victorious ! Bhagwan Rishabhdev will always be with you and aid you."
Virdev looked up towards the sky. Countless stars were twinkling in the sky. The firmament looked resplendent with their light. It was almost midnight. He proceeded along a narrow path towards the north and riding his galloping horse he set off towards his destination.
Anjali and Shambal had been waiting for Virdev on the bank of the moat. Anjali stood silent, watching with fascina
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