Chapter 19 - Punishment and Promotion
It is two days since battle happened in river valley and it changed direction of wind flow started to change. The army appointed to eradicate a gangster group that emerged and grew rapidly in the principality of Ruhuna within a short time was devastatingly defeated by them within a fight a day and driven away from the margins of this country. When the news spread throughout the country, the viewpoints of common people changed completely. Not only that chiefs who not got any clear decision first in Ruhunu country decided to support this gangster group and accept their authority in their areas. When the news of the battle win spread throughout the country another piece of news made shocked in the whole country. That was the mysterious leader of this gangster group was none other than Vasambha who escaped from the hands of the king in Nagadipa. After this news came out rulers of local kingdoms like "Chandanagaama" decided full support this group. Also, nobles in Ruhuna country started to give support to Vasambha directly and many and many people favoured Vasambha's men more and more. With all these events it became all of the principality of Ruhunu country fell on Vasambha's hand like this.
When ownership of principality of Ruhunu country was facing rapid changes men in other principality of countries started to support Vasambha. Not only people specially theros in the country started to favour them and showed displeasure against the ruling of capital more and more. Whether most noble families in other principalities did not show or remarked their stance it was clear that they were not like to support the king but liked to favour this gangster group privately. Even small local rulers like Malaya king who was controlling small territories in the principality of Maya and Pihiti and also Mapa stated their support publicly to king still there was seen undercurrent that flows direction of these group when was looking at closely.
The morning court was held as usual in this environment. All courtiers expressed a gloomy mood and a scared mood. In the middle of the court, Sankha kneeled in front of the king. It was evident that he met devastating defeat this time when was looking at this person. As was being suffered this setback, he came to the royal court without changing the clothes he wore on the battle day. So, this clothing was tattered and blood marks were showed many places on the clothes while it smelled an unpleasant smell in the room.
"Your majesty. Forgive for this servant to give kind of disgrace "
"Your majesty, we should punish this man. As we heard his arrogance, taste for revenge and hasty decisions caused this defeat. If not, we may not receive at least this kind of loss. "one of minister told angrily.
"Yes, your majesty, the chief of the royal organization had warned him already. He suspected the availability of a trap already. But this person neglected all advices of him and started to pursuit rebel army. It was reason to appear this like situation. So your majesty you must not leave him. Punish him "another minister shouted.
"All of you stop your talking. All you are saying punish to this man. For what reason? Neglecting duty or working independently. So what? Now that group trying expand their rebel army. Now whole Ruhuna belong to them. It will take no time to across river and march to capital. At that time who going to defend me? You or you?" king Subha directed his finger at one by one courtiers. But all of not looked at him directly.
"I understand. All of you are afraid to meet him. But this man tried his best fight with him while he fell into a trap. I am sure he will try to fight with him next time they meet too. So why should I punish him heavily. I have to protect people who can give best service this time. So I give him promotion"
"What? Your majesty "all in the room shouted in one sound.
"What? Sankha, don't you forget. Before you departed from capital I promised if the leader of this rebel is Vasambha, I will promote you into a general. So I will fulfil that promise. Sankha from today onwards you promote into a general who protects margin"
"Your majesty, thank you for your kindness. I will surely protect your trust." Sankha said with tearful eyes.
"Now we have to take precautions. First, increase the security on every border between Ruhuna and Pihiti. Also is there no news about the family of Vasambha "
"Your majesty. There is no news" the grand secretary replied with a scared face.
"How could you know nothing about it? Isn't that your family"
"Your majesty! When we heard about their escape from Nagadipa we decided to remove that family from our clan. We tried to find them with our all afford. But it is still futile. So forgive for your courtier to become incompetent" the grand minister replied while kneeling on the ground.
"Oh! Incompetent. So I suggest you stay at home till the end of this matter." The king announced.
"Your majesty." Several ministers said with exclaimed manner.
"Court adjourned" king got away from room quickly while kept alone shocked courtiers.
Chandanagaama- Ancient local rule unit that located in Ruhuna. But there was not found clear destination while assumed that it was located in walawe river valley.
Mapa - Sub king of ancient Sri Lanka called like that. He acted as ruler of principality of Maya country before appointed as king.