The defeated kings, Jarasandha of Magadha and Jayadratha of Sindhu, exchanged uneasy glances. They had expected that their defeat would come with consequences, but the idea of being under the rule of Anga was a bitter pill to swallow.
Jarasandha, his pride still evident, spoke with a sense of reluctance, "King of Anga, our kingdoms have been our own for generations. To submit to another's rule... it is a heavy burden to bear."
Karna, while firm in his stance, also understood the complexities of the situation. He replied with a tone of diplomacy, "I understand your concerns, but the invasion of Anga was an unprovoked act of aggression. Our primary goal is the safety and dignity of our people. However, I am open to discussions on finding a peaceful resolution."
Jayadratha, the King of Sindhu, said, "We do not wish for our people to suffer further. We are willing to explore such an option if there is a way to ensure their well-being without complete subjugation."
"And who said that I will make things difficult for people of your kingdom because of your selfish desires huh? Don't compare me to those who instigated this war."
Karna's response carried a hint of disappointment in the defeated kings' actions, but also a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution. He had no desire to see innocent civilians suffer because of their rulers' ambitions.
"I will appoint someone from Anga to govern your kingdoms on behalf of Anga," Karna continued. "They will ensure that the interests of your people are protected and that peace is maintained. In return, I ask for your help in telling your subjects about the benefits of this arrangement and the importance of lasting peace."
Jarasandha and Jayadratha exchanged glances once more, realizing that Karna's proposal, while still involving a measure of control, was a far more lenient solution than they had expected. It was an opportunity to spare their people from further suffering.
"We accept your terms, King of Anga," Jarasandha said, his tone more conciliatory. "We will cooperate in ensuring a smooth transition of governance for the well-being of our kingdoms."
Karna nodded in approval. "Very well. I will appoint capable individuals from Anga to oversee this transition. Our goal is to ensure that your people do not bear the burden of this war any longer."
With the terms agreed upon, Karna initiated the process of appointing administrators from Anga to oversee the governance of the defeated kingdoms.
These individuals would work to stabilize the regions, rebuild what had been damaged in the conflict, and ensure that the welfare of the citizens was a top priority.
As the defeated kings left the chamber with their heads no longer held in defeat but with a sense of responsibility towards their subjects, Karna knew that the path to lasting peace was a challenging one. However, he was determined to see it through, for the well-being of not only Anga but also the newly incorporated territories.
The people of Anga, upon hearing of the negotiated peace, celebrated once more. Their faith in their king had been reaffirmed, and they knew that Anga's future held the promise of unity and prosperity.
[Ding! Quest Completed]
***
[Hastinapur City, Kingdom Of Kuru]
Hastinapur City, the heart of the Kingdom of Kuru, was abuzz with news of the conflict between Anga and the alliance of Magadha and Sindhu.
Word had spread swiftly throughout the kingdom, carried by messengers and travellers who brought tales of the epic battle and the subsequent negotiations for peace.
In the grand palace of Hastinapur, King Dhritarashtra sat on his throne, a mixture of concern and curiosity etched upon his ageing face.
He was a wise and experienced ruler who understood the delicate balance of power among the kingdoms. The events in the neighbouring kingdom of Anga were of great interest and potential consequence to the Kuru Kingdom.
His trusted advisor, Vidura, approached him with a report. "My Lord, news has arrived that the King of Anga, Karna, successfully defended his kingdom against the forces of Magadha and Sindhu. It appears that he has also negotiated terms of peace with the defeated kings."
Dhritarashtra listened attentively, his sightless eyes focused on Vidura's voice. "Tell me more, Vidura. What are the details of this peace agreement, and how does it affect the balance of power in our region?"
Vidura cleared his throat before responding, "My Lord, the terms of the peace agreement involve Anga overseeing the governance of the defeated kingdoms, Magadha and Sindhu. Administrators from Anga will be appointed to ensure the well-being of the citizens and to maintain peace in the region."
Dhritarashtra contemplated this information, his mind processing the implications. "So, Anga will essentially have control over these territories, albeit indirectly. This could potentially shift the balance of power in their favour."
"Now I am asking myself, Why I give them information about war early on," he mumbled, realizing that his previous counsel to the King of Anga may have inadvertently contributed to this situation.
"Well it was Mahamahim who ordered to give this information to Anga," Vidura responded, referring to the Bhishma Pitamah, the respected elder of the Kuru dynasty, who had made the decision to inform Anga of the impending invasion by Magadha and Sindhu.
Dhritarashtra sighed, recognizing the complexities of the situation. "We must tread carefully, Vidura. While Anga is our ally, their increased influence over neighbouring kingdoms could potentially lead to challenges in the future. We must maintain a delicate balance of power."
Vidura's eyes unfocused as he recalled the tense encounter he had with Karna. Karna's bold and assertive demeanour had left a lasting impression.
He nodded slowly in agreement with King Dhritarashtra's concerns. "Indeed, my Lord. Karna's actions and ambitions are something we should keep a close eye on. While we have no reason to doubt his intentions at the moment, the shifting dynamics in the region may require us to reconsider our alliances."
King Dhritarashtra leaned back on his throne, his mind filled with thoughts of the changing political landscape. He was well aware of the importance of maintaining strong alliances, but he also recognized the need to adapt to evolving circumstances.
"Continue to monitor the situation in Anga and the newly incorporated territories closely, Vidura," he instructed his advisor. "We must be prepared to engage in diplomatic discussions with Karna to ensure that our interests and those of the Kuru Kingdom are safeguarded."
Vidura bowed respectfully. "As you command, my Lord. I will dispatch messengers to Anga to establish open lines of communication with King Karna. It is through dialogue and cooperation that we can navigate these shifting tides."
After some time Vidur left the chambers and started walking towards a certain direction with purpose in his steps. His destination was clear - The chambers of Kunti, the mother of Pandavas.
As he approached Kunti's chambers, he was greeted by her attendants, who recognized him and allowed him entry. Kunti was seated in a room adorned with tapestries and cushions, engaged in quiet contemplation.
Her eyes, filled with wisdom and experience with hints of something else something vile and evil which was hidden deep inside that only few could see, turned toward Vidura as he entered.
"Vidur," Kunti greeted him, her voice calm and measured. She was a woman of grace and beauty, but her past held secrets that few knew. "What brings you to my chambers today? I sense a weighty matter on your mind."
"That... Sister-in-law," Vidura began, choosing his words carefully. "I bring news from Anga. King Karna has not only successfully defended his kingdom against the alliance of Magadha and Sindhu but has also negotiated terms of peace with the defeated kings. Under these terms, Anga will oversee the governance of Magadha and Sindhu."
"Hmmm... It's good for us actually. Because from what I have heard Crown Prince Duryodhan was going to bring those kingdoms on his side, but Karna's actions have now prevented that from happening," Kunti remarked with a subtle smile, her mind always working to protect her own interests and those of her sons.
Vidura nodded in agreement. "Yes, indeed. This turn of events has disrupted Duryodhan's plans and may have implications for the broader political landscape. However, it also means that Anga's influence in the region has grown significantly."
"Well, Tell me about this Karna you talk about."
Vidura took a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking about Karna. "Karna is actually a son of the former charioteer of Mahamahim Bhishma," Vidura explained. "One Charioteer Adhiratha and his wife came to the palace for blessings of king and queen, And for some reason king announced Karna to be the king of Anga when he grew up. His lineage is not of noble birth, But still, nobody raised their voices against it for some reason unknown."
Kunti listened intently, her curiosity piqued by this revelation about Karna's background. She was known for her extraordinary ability to control the fate of her sons, the Pandavas, through her summoning of deities, but Karna's story was one she had never encountered before.
"An uncommon tale, indeed," Kunti mused. "A king of non-noble birth. What does he look like?"
Vidura, who had interacted with Karna personally, described his appearance to Kunti. "Karna is a person of striking presence, Sister-in-law. He has snow-white hair with glaring golden eyes like the sun itself..."
Kunti's interest was piqued further as she absorbed Vidura's description of Karna. The mention of his striking appearance and golden eyes reminded her of something, a memory that had been buried deep within her consciousness.
"Snow-white hair and golden eyes..." Kunti murmured, her thoughts racing. 'It can't be a coinciden- N-No No He must be an old man, Yes an old man..."
"W- What about his age?"
Vidura considered for a moment, trying to recall Karna's age. "He is 15 years old, Sister-in-law. A young and formidable king, despite his age."
Kunti's heart raced as she did the math in her head. Fifteen years ago, when she had invoked the boon to invoke a deity to bear a child, she had released a child into a basket on the river Ganga. That child, with snow-white hair and golden eyes.
'THAT'S HIM'