As they dueled, Anangabhima's thoughts occasionally wandered to the tales of great battles and legendary heroes that had fueled his childhood dreams. He imagined himself standing on the battlefield, sword in hand, leading his troops to victory and earning the title of Sakala-Kalingadhipati, just like his illustrious ancestors. His eyes gleamed with determination as he envisioned expanding his kingdom's borders and defending it against threats from neighboring lands.
Vishnu, while equally spirited, had a different kind of fire burning within him. He often thought of the archery contests he would win, the strategies he would devise in battle, and the pride he would bring to his family. The sacred thread across his shoulder reminded him of the duties and responsibilities that came with his lineage, but it was his skill and precision with the bow that defined him in these youthful aspirations. He saw himself as a protector, his arrows striking true to defend the realm and support his friend's dreams of conquest.
As they clashed and laughed, a figure watched them from the shade of a nearby colonnade—an older, grizzled warrior named Keshava, tasked with overseeing their training. Keshava had seen many battles and trained countless warriors, and he observed the boys with a critical yet affectionate eye. His rugged face, crisscrossed with scars and deep lines, softened as he watched their youthful enthusiasm.
"They've got spirit," he muttered to himself, stroking his greying beard. "They'll make fine warriors one day."
As the practice session wore on, the boys' movements became more precise, their laughter interspersed with grunts of effort and concentration. Anangabhima's strikes grew more controlled, his muscles responding instinctively to the demands of the mock battle. Vishnu's defense tightened, his counterattacks becoming more strategic as he anticipated Anangabhima's moves.
The mock battle intensified, with each boy pushing the other to their limits. Finally, with a well-timed feint, Anangabhima managed to slip past Vishnu's guard, landing a light tap on his friend's arm. Both boys froze, their breath coming in quick gasps, before breaking into wide smiles.
"Well fought, my prince," Vishnu said, his eyes shining with camaraderie.
"And you, Vishnu," Anangabhima replied, laughing. "We make a good team."
They stood there for a moment, catching their breath, the sun now high in the sky casting a golden glow over the training yard. In that moment, they were not just boys but future leaders, bound by a friendship that would see them through the trials and triumphs that lay ahead. The palace grounds, the walls echoing their youthful laughter, seemed to whisper in anticipation of the destinies they would one day fulfill.
As Anangabhima and Vishnu caught their breath, Keshava stepped out from the shaded colonnade. His presence commanded respect—years of battles etched into the lines of his weathered face, his posture still as straight and formidable as the day he first picked up a sword.
"Well fought, lads," he said, his deep voice carrying a tone of approval. His eyes, a steely grey that had seen countless skirmishes, softened as they fell on the two boys. "But remember, a real battle isn't just about who's quicker with a sword or a bow. It's about strategy, endurance, and understanding your enemy."
Anangabhima, still holding his wooden sword, wiped his brow and grinned. "We were just having fun, Keshava. But I'll keep that in mind."
Keshava chuckled, the sound like gravel shifting. "Fun's good. Keeps the spirit alive. But there's more to learn if you want to be warriors worthy of your heritage." He beckoned them to follow him. "Come, let's not waste the rest of the morning. There's more to training than just swinging swords."
The boys sheathed their wooden weapons and followed Keshava towards a small pavilion on the edge of the training yard. It was a modest structure, open on all sides, with a thatched roof that provided some relief from the midday sun. Inside, a large map of the Ganga kingdom and its neighboring territories was spread across a wooden table, held down at the corners by heavy stones.
Keshava pointed to the map, his expression growing serious. "This, boys, is where your real education begins. Knowing the lay of the land and the friends and foes that surround you is crucial. Anangabhima, you aspire to be Sakala-Kalingadhipati, don't you?"
The young prince nodded eagerly, his eyes fixed on the map. "Yes, I want to expand our kingdom and protect it, just like my ancestors."
Keshava's gaze shifted to Vishnu, who listened with keen interest. "And you, Vishnu, you'll need to be the eyes and the mind behind the arrows. Knowing where to place your troops, where the enemy might come from, that's your battlefield."
He traced a finger along the map, pointing to various locations. "Here is Kalinganagara, our stronghold. To the west lies the territory of the Kalachuri dynasty. They've been a thorn in our side for generations, always pushing at our borders. They rely on speed and sudden strikes."
Keshava's finger moved eastward. "To the north, there's the threat from Bengal. The Muslim forces are becoming bolder under their new leaders. They've tried to push into our lands before, and they'll try again. Their tactics are different, relying on fierce cavalry and well-defended forts. We've had to repel their advances more than once."
His finger moved to the south, towards the Godavari. "Here we have the Kakatiyas. They're strong and ambitious, always looking for a chance to expand their influence. They've clashed with us over the southern territories, and it's a conflict that's far from over."
Finally, Keshava pointed to the east. "And here," he said, his voice tinged with caution, "we face the ocean. The coast brings trade and wealth, but it also brings storms and cyclones. We need to be vigilant, not just against enemies from the land but from the sea. Coastal defenses and strong fleets are essential to protect against these natural threats."
The boys leaned in, their faces serious as they absorbed the information. Anangabhima's eyes flicked over the map, tracing the borders of the kingdom and the territories beyond. Vishnu's gaze was focused, his mind already turning over strategies and plans.
Keshava continued, his voice carrying the weight of experience. "Understanding the geography isn't just about knowing where the rivers and mountains are. It's about knowing how the land can be used to your advantage. High ground for defense, rivers as barriers, forests for ambushes. And understanding your enemies—their strengths, their weaknesses, their tactics."