8/10/2019 Mahabharat Tales - Chapter 2 - A Friend's Warning

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The town of Champanagri was a quaint little place in the shadow ofHastinapurs mighty capital and its palaces. Flanked by the holy river Gangaon one side and lush pastures on another, it was home to the suta caste ofcharioteers and horse-keepers. More importantly, it was home to the family ofKarna, populary known as Radheya and now Anga-raj Karna, the Regent of

Anga.

The storm appeared to be lifting, giving way to the moon as it illuminated theworld in its gray light. The three riders took advantage of the improvedweather and the fresh mounts to speed up their pace. They had barely reachedthe towns outskirts when a familiar voice hailed them.

Hello there! Wait a moment. Wait for me!.

The three riders turned as one, bringing their steeds to a halt and dismountingto pay their respects to this middle aged man. He wore the simple clothes of acommoner with iron bands and earrings for jewels. Though he was potbellied,he had the massive arms and shoulders. It was almost a unique quality amongcharioteers in this town and the three knew that this man in particular couldoverpower even the wildest of horses into submission.

Greetings, Uncle Pratigami.

The old man raised his hands and smiled. You need not seek my bless ings,children. It does not befit the princes of Anga to bow to a charioteer. I justwanted to give you a message for your grandfather. Have you ever seen theprinces of Hastinapur ever bow to me?

The youngest of the three laughed, Then the princes of Hastinapur aremissing out on some good fortune. We may be sons of Karna, uncle, but we arealso grandsons of Adiratha, a charioteer of this very town.

Pratigami nodded his head in mocking disappointment, You and your jokesare never far behind, are they, Satyasena? Very well. He produced a tinyscroll from the folds of his robe and held it out, Will you give this to yourgrandfather for me? It is from your father.

Vrishasena threw an uneasy look but quickly pocketed the scroll in his belt.Thank you, uncle. Can you tell us what has happened? His father only sentthese messages when he himself could not come home and those were themost worrying of times as they usually meant errands for Prince Duryodhana.

8/10/2019 Mahabharat Tales - Chapter 2 - A Friend's Warning

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I cannot say, child. Even if I did know, Iwould not say. All I can say is that agreat storm is coming

Vrishketu nodded in acceptance as this two younger brothers stood alert attheir brothers words being echoed. It was well known that charioteers were

silent witnesses to their masters publiclives. Part of the job meant to keeptheir masters secrets and do their bidding silently. And being charioteer to theEvil Prince was no small task.

The three bowed to take their leave and resumed their pace home.