Jain Ramayana Part 2

Author(s): Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana

Page 79

Hiranyagarbh
"Oh king! When we set off with all our armies on our campaign we have to make the necessary arrangements for the safety and security of Ayodhya;-otherwise..."
“Where is the need for such an arrangement? What other fear is there? We are setting off to fight against our enemies".
“Yet how can we leave Ayodhya ur guarded ? We have to keep some troops to guard the city."
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"If so, that is all right,"
"Your Highness! It is absolutely necessary to keep such troops to defend the city so that there may be no need to regret our carelessness later."
King Nagush felt irritated by the insistence of the Chief Minister. But he could not make light of the words of the Chief Minister because he was a very shrewd person.
"All right! We shall ask our commander to keep some troops at Ayodhya to defend it if a necessity arises.”
"Your Highness! I did not give this suggestion to offend you; but I gave it as a diplomatic measure. It does not take much time for undesirable events to occur; and often, unexpected events do occur; sometimes, even friendly kings turn hostile.” The Chief Minister said making his point clear.
After sending away the Chief Minister, the King Nagush proceeded to his bed chamber. Queen Simhika had been waiting for him there.
"May the king be victorious !” Queen Simhika said welcoming the king.
"Dear Queen! I think I will have to set off towards the northern kingdoms, in a couple of months”. Nagush said hinting at the possibility of his going to the Northern Kingdoms.
Simhika said nothing. She was silent for a while. Then, she said.