Chapter 6 - The Horse (2)

"Get out of the way! Move! Move!" a man shouted loudly as he hurried behind the horse in an odd manner. 

Evidently, the horse had thrown him to the ground with such force that he had injured his seating cushion, impairing his ability to walk and sit comfortably for some time.

However, a more pressing concern was unfolding. 

"Somebody stop this horse!"

Witnessing the horse's agitation, other Sutas rushed in to assist. 

However, these efforts seemed to exacerbate the chaos rather than quell it. Despite their attempts to pacify the animal, their endeavors were futile.

Several individuals endeavored to mount the horse, aiming to assert control. "Easy now, easy," they uttered in a bid to calm it. 

Yet, with each rebellious neigh, the horse vehemently threw them to the ground, thwarting their efforts at control.

After numerous unsuccessful attempts, their approach turned increasingly forceful in trying to subdue the horse.

Reacting swiftly, the horse leaped over them, breaking free from their encirclement. It reared up, emitting a piercing neigh that reverberated across the ranch.

Suddenly, it bolted forward, leaping over the wooden fence and charging toward the town.

Fortunately, it veered away from the main settlement.

The Sutas gave chase, some on foot while others mounted on different horses, but the horse had already covered considerable ground.

As the horse thundered down the path, those in its trajectory swiftly leaped aside to avoid collision. Following a momentary shock, a few individuals hurried to the town, alerting others and seeking out the town's leaders.

Blinded by fear or panic, the horse continued its sprint, hurtling directly toward the forest.

"The horse seems to be heading out of town. That's a relief. Fewer people there," remarked one of the horse riders.

"Hey, look. Isn't that where the kids usually play?" exclaimed another, pointing in the direction the horse was headed.

"What? Quick, we need to hurry," urged another, sensing the potential danger to the children's play area.

…

Near the edge of the forest, a group of children played beneath the sprawling branches of a Banyan tree. 

It seemed many were trying to hit stones to a boy who had climbed to the very top.

ne of the children spotted the imposing horse charging their way and let out a piercing scream, alerting the others.

Startled, most of the frightened kids swiftly began scaling the trees for safety. However, there were younger ones among them who lacked the skill to climb. Frozen in place, many of these youngsters erupted into tears.

Witnessing the perilous situation, the boy perched atop the tallest tree leaped down several branches. Timely and daring, just as the horse was on the verge of reaching the kids, he descended upon the horse, seizing the reins and steering it away. His quick actions narrowly averted disaster for the other children.

Yet, a new challenge emerged. The horse, agitated and unruly, began to buck wildly, attempting to dislodge him from its back.

Entwining his legs around the horse's neck to maintain his grip inadvertently fueled the horse's fervent resistance.

Concerned that the horse's agitation might endanger the children on the ground, the boy made a swift decision. He reasoned it would be prudent to lead the horse toward the safety of the forest before attempting to manage its behavior.

Evidently, the horse would let up whenever it faced the bright sun. Recognizing the opportunity, the boy adeptly steered the horse toward the forest during these brief moments of calm.

Driven by overwhelming emotions, the horse sprinted aimlessly through the forest's depths before coming to an abrupt halt amidst the shadowy embrace of the trees.

Caught off guard, the boy was flung into the air, tumbling to the ground. As he rose to his feet, he discovered the horse peering back at him through the dimness.

As he regained his footing, the boy noticed the horse fixated on him.

Clad in golden armor adorned with intricately carved earrings that radiated a divine gleam, Vāsusen's appearance captivated the horse's attention.

With a gaze akin to an arrow made of soft cotton, Vāsusen locked eyes with the horse. His stare carried a calming sensation that seemed to permeate the air.

"Easy now, Friend." Vāsu spoke in a gentle yet commanding, mature voice.

Horse seemed to be enchanted by his appearance.

Vāsusen maintained a reassuring presence, speaking in soft tones that seemed to reach the very core of the horse's soul. 

With each measured step, Vāsusen inched closer, exuding an aura of understanding and empathy. The horse's movements grew less erratic, its wild eyes gradually softening as it began to respond to Vāsusen's calming influence.

Finally, with a moment that felt suspended in time, Vāsusen extended a hand toward the horse. The majestic creature hesitated for a heartbeat before nuzzling against Vāsusen's palm, a silent acknowledgment of trust forged in the midst of chaos. 

…

Meanwhile, the other Sutas riding horses had nearly caught up just before the horse bolted into the forest. Observing the situation had diffused, they slowed their pace.

"Is everyone alright?" inquired one of the riders.

"YEEESssss!" chorused the children in response.

"But Rādhey isn't. He rode the horse into the forest when it was going to hit me," a young girl with teary eyes explained.

"Rādhey? You mean Vāsusen?" questioned one of the riders.

The young girl— Vṛśalī — nodded affirmatively.

"You there, go and inform Rādhā ji. See if Adhirath is the-"

"I'm here, alright. What is going on?" Adhirath interrupted.

Upon stepping out of the house and hearing the situation, Adhirath had a hunch that this horse belonged to Lord Bhīshma. That realization had propelled him to reach the scene as swiftly as possible. 

The Suta explained the whole situation to Adhirath.

"WHAT?? Lord Bhīshma's horse went wild and ran into forest? And Vāsu was riding it?"

"It was Lord Bhīshma's horse? No wonder…"

Adhirath was furious that situation had developed so much in a few moment he went to the house. He decided not to wait and was about to go into forest himself when…

"Look! Vāsu is back!"

There he was. Vāsusen emerged from the forest, riding the horse, stunning everyone present, especially Adhirath. 

The horse that had taken him a week to gain control over. 

The horse that gave Suta run for their gold coins. 

The horse that asserted dominance over all others.

The horse that no one but Lord Bhīshma was able to tame. 

Vāsu was effortlessly riding it, clad in his golden armor and adorned with divine earrings, embodying the aura of a true royal prince.

[A/N:

I hope you liked this chapter. The research for the novel is going well, and I'm working hard to create the timeline. Once that's done, hopefully, I will be able to write with more clear vision.

I got some amazing ideas during the research. But it will take a long time before you see them.

Anyways, tell me what you think about the chapter.]