Chapter 17

Under the darkening sky, Karthikeya ascended the high stage, his tall figure standing out against the backdrop of a diverse crowd, their faces etched with uncertainty, hope, and curiosity. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, magical glow over the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Karthikeya, now elevated above the gathering, exuded an aura of determination, underscoring the gravity of his position. Sensing the palpable tension, he prepared to address the concerns and anxieties of his people.

Into the silence, filled with a mix of uncertainty and bitterness, stepped an authoritative figure, his voice rising above the hushed whispers. "People of Anuradhapura," he declared, capturing everyone's attention. "Some might question my identity and worthiness, but I, Karthikeya Chola, stand before you as your new king, ready to continue the legacy of my father, Rajaraja Chola I."

With unwavering resolve, he faced the skeptical crowd, his words carrying the weight of his family's legacy. "I am not merely a ruler; I am the embodiment of honor, dedicated to your prosperity and well-being. Despite the rumors and accusations that have swirled around my brief reign that hasn't completed a full day, I assure you that truth will prevail, and lies will crumble into dust."

But amidst the lingering doubt, a strong, youthful voice, burdened by pain and hardship, pierced the air, laced with accusation and the anguish of a ravaged land. "Why should we trust you, who invaded our land, plundered our riches, and left us with nothing?" The accusation hung heavy, amplifying the suspicion in the gathering.

Undeterred, Karthikeya remained steadfast, his gaze fixed on the troubled individual attempting to vanish into the crowd. "Concerning the accusations of Chola's plundering, I urge you to consider if you possess any concrete evidence beyond mere hearsay."

Karthikeya continued seeing none objected his words "We have not plundered your riches or harmed your women," Karthikeya asserted, his voice resonating with conviction. "Our soldiers sustain themselves on supplies from the Chola empire, not through the exploitation of your labor.

As for the conquest of this land, the world revolves around the principle of survival of the fittest. Nevertheless, my father, who could have easily exploited the situation to completely subjugate your kingdom, extended an olive branch to your king, proposing that he join the Chola as a vassal kingdom. However, it was your former king's pride that ignited this conflict, plunging your kingdom into a war it could ill afford, even as it lay in ruins," Karthikeya explained, his voice imbued with both empathy and understanding.

"Have we, the Chola, caused your suffering? Your hard-earned reasourses remain untouched, the fruits of your labor still safely stored in your inside the land lord's granaries. I assure you, we have taken nothing from you."

"For those abid supporters of the previous royal family here me cloud and clear ,the grain reserves of the previous royal family were burned to ground by the very king you are still loyal to and the remainder was taken with them when they fled into the depths of the forest," Karthikeya's voice rang out, challenging the doubts that lingered within the gathering.

An old monk, his face etched with wisdom, stepped forward, his voice laced with measured skepticism. "How can we be certain that your words are genuine, unlike those of the rulers who came before you, as you so eloquently mentioned?" he inquired.

Undeterred, Karthikeya met the monk's gaze with unwavering intensity. "Do you truly have another option?" he challenged, his voice echoing through the gathering. "I have been king for a mere day, yet I stand before you, seeking a path forward. What solace did your former rulers offer in times of hardship?" His words cut through the veil of doubt, eliciting a hesitant murmur of agreement from the crowd.

"I acknowledge that the empire has failed to alleviate your suffering. As the Chola heir, I must confess that the empire too has grappled with its own trials. The past, however, is immutable. As the current King of Anuradhapuram, I am committed to rectifying the wrongs of the past. I cannot promise immediate solutions to all your woes, for I am no deity, but grant me the opportunity to prove my worth.

While I cannot offer absolute guarantees, within two days, most of you shall have ample sustenance, and no child shall endure the pangs of hunger," his resolute words resonated with the people, stirring their hearts.

As the murmurs of approval rippled through the crowd, support for Karthikeya steadily grew, the initial glimmers of trust and optimism flickering to life within their hearts.

"Long live his highness, Karthikeya!" someone cried out, igniting a surge of cheers that reverberated through the gathering. Their applause echoed through the air, a testament to their newfound faith in the leader standing before them, ready to steer their course into an uncertain future.

Acknowledging the rising fervor, Karthikeya descended from the stage, his countenance unwavering as he strode towards his waiting steed. Addressing his guards, he commanded, "Dispatch a messenger to summon the four prominent families and their allies to the court two days hence, at the tenth hour. The same applies to the various landlords, Chola officials, Brahmins, and Buddhist sects." With a decisive flick of the reins, he urged his horse into motion.

"As you command, Your Highness, but may I suggest that two guards accompany you for your safety?" one of the guards interjected, voicing his concern for the young king's well-being.

Karthikeya's words carried conviction as he rode off, fading into the distance. "Carry out my orders, soldier."

With unwavering resolve, Karthikeya spurred his horse towards his residence, his determination unwavering despite the challenges that lay ahead. As news of his ambitious directive swept through the city streets, some dismissed it as the naïve aspirations of an inexperienced prince. The harsh reality of a widespread calamity loomed over the land, casting a shadow of despair. Food shortages had crippled the empire and its kingdoms, bringing trade to a standstill and sending the prices of essential goods like meat, grains, and vegetables soaring to exorbitant levels. The situation had deteriorated to such an alarming extent that many inhabitants of the mainland could barely muster a decent meal even once every few days.

Undeterred by the daunting circumstances, Karthikeya boldly vowed not only to address the pressing food crisis but also to ensure that no child would endure the pangs of hunger. His audacious promise was met with widespread skepticism, fueling doubts among the populace. Yet, a glimmer of hope remained within the hearts of the most desperate, those who had been ravaged by hunger and were willing to give this new king a chance to prove his worth.

As these conversations swirled, an unexpected event unfolded, sending shockwaves not only through the impoverished populace but also among the influential families, leaving them apprehensive about their future and their alignment with Karthikeya's fledgling reign.

It was the information of sudden downfall of one of influential and powerful families, a house that had weathered the storms of history, amplified the prevailing sense of unease and doubt, casting a pall of caution over the major noble families and their supporters.