6 Chapter 5 - The Horse (1)

Adhirath led the horse into the cozy shelter of the stable. With careful attention, he secured the reins, ensuring the horse was comfortably tethered in place, allowing it to rest and rejuvenate after the journey.

Within the dim confines of the stable, the horse stood, its chestnut coat a muted sheen amidst the subdued light. Muscles subtly flexed beneath its sleek exterior, an indication of its remarkable strength and vitality. Despite the tranquil surroundings, its eyes held a glint of untamed spirit, hinting at a deeper, unspoken intensity. 

This was Lord Bhishma's horse, given to Adhirath so that he could reach home quickly.

He immediately started walking to his home.

In the path though, he was stopped by a grandma Shānti.

"So, you're back home. Huh, Adhirath?"

"Yes, Grandma. I arrived just now."

"Good, good."

Only her name was Shānti (Peace / quiet), but she wasn't. Quite an ironic name. Once she started, she wouldn't stop.

Thinking that grandma wouldn't stop talking soon, he said, "Yes, I thought I should check up on Rādhā while I had the chance. 

"Can't believe you made Rādhā pregnant right after she had delivered one kid. You got no patience."

These words from grandma were too blunt.

"Ha-ha!" Adhirath tried to laugh it off.

"Well, that's what Rādhey is saying. Look at the new generation. Speaking against their own father." Grandma started grumbling again.

Adhirath on the other hand was surprised that those words were from originally Vāsusen.

As a father, it worried him.

"Don't worry," grandma Shānti consoled Adhirath, "So what if he badmouths you? He at least listens to his mother."

"U-uh, yeah, he sure loves his mother. Not sure if love me though."

"If you want him to love you, why are you wasting your time with him? Go! Go home. Go." Grandma shooed him away.

'Wow, she's the one saying that? Better not waste the opportunity.'

***

Campā was a city ruled by the suta. A majority of them work as charioteers.

That's why this city is also used to breed and train horses.

As part of his daily routine, a suta took the horses out for their regular training.

"Hm! I didn't see this horse yesterday," he remarked, noticing a magnificent chestnut-colored horse. It appeared to be resting peacefully.

"Wow! What a remarkable horse. I can't wait to ride it," he exclaimed, admiring the horse's evident quality and demeanor.

Taking the reins, he led the horse out with the others. 

To his surprise, the surrounding horses voluntarily cleared a path, seemingly acknowledging the chestnut's dominating presence. 

The notion struck him – riding this horse would undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on others. With that in mind, he attempted to mount the horse. 

Thus, the chaos ensued…

***

As Adhirath stepped into the house, he caught sight of his wife Rādhā, tenderly breastfeeding their child. 

The news of Rādhā being pregnant again was a pleasant surprise, but they would have to wait for many months before they could meet their new family member.

Following the naming ceremony, they decided on the name Śatruñjaya for their newborn. It held the meaning of "the one who defeats enemies."

As a suta, proficiency in weaponry is crucial, anticipating the possibility of engaging in battle.

"Back home already? How was the journey?" inquired Rādhā.

"Haa! Thanks to the river Gañgā for providing this elixir," Adhirath scooped some water from the earthen pot and drank it before responding. "The journey was smooth. Lord Bhīshma permitted me to use his new horse, so I arrived earlier."

"Lord Bhīshma is very considerate of his subordinates. I doubt anyone else would lend you their horse. It would have been remarkable if he were our king."

Adhirath nodded, comprehending the sentiment.

"Indeed, but you're aware of his vow. He'll never ascend the throne. Moreover, there's a specific reason why he permitted me to use his horse this time," Adhirath added with a playful grin.

Rādhā regarded him with a curious gaze. "What? Tell me," she said, her tone almost commanding rather than inquiring.

"Well, remember when I mentioned going to Gāndhār with Lord Bhīshma before Śatruñjaya was born?" Adhirath began.

"Hmm... Ah, yes, about Princess Gāndhāri, right?" she recollected.

"Yes, precisely. Princess Gāndhāri will soon arrive in Hastināpur for the wedding. Lord Bhīshma wants me to be there. That's why he provided his horse, to shorten the travel time," Adhirath explained.

"Ah, that's it. He just wants you back at work sooner. Why are you gloating? You are no special," Rādhā playfully teased her husband. 

Rādhā stood up and carried Śatruñjaya to the cradle made up of cloth. They weren't royalty, so they made do with what they had.

"What do you mean, I'm no special?" Adhirath's suta pride bristled at her remark. "I am charioteer of Lord Bhīshma, after all. Let me tell you, this horse is no easy horse. Nobody had managed to tame it. But Lord Bhīshma is an exception, of course. It is a very proud horse. It took me a few days before it started friendly to me. It would be a big trouble if some unknown guy tried to ride it, let me tell ya." 

Preferring not to prolong the argument, Rādhā changed the subject.

"Talking about the horse, remember to take Vāsu to see it. He's fascinated by Lord Bhīshma, especially after hearing stories from his teacher," she suggested.

"Ah, seems like he's got plenty of time for stories now. It appears he's doing well," Adhirath commented.

Children typically commence their studies around the age of 6, although some may begin earlier or a bit later. Vāsusen seemed to be an eager early learner.

"Horse won't attack him though, right?" a mother's concern immediately surfaced.

"Don't worry, the horse is harmless as a cow as long as someone doesn't try to ride it. But I've only seen Lord Bhīshma able to easily calm it once it gets spooked," Adhirath reassured.

If there was a third party present, one might comment that the last line was unnecessary.

Śatruñjaya, who was on the verge of falling asleep, began crying due to the clamor outside. A commotion had erupted.

As Rādhā endeavored to soothe the baby, Adhirath instructed her, "You stay here in the house. I'll go check it out."[A/n: Let's set a very small goal of 15 power stones. I'll release the other part if we reach that goal.]