Chapter 42
The Bait
The forest clearing was quiet except for the soft rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds. Sunlight slipped through the tall trees like golden ribbons, lighting the training ground where the Nishad warriors stood gathered.
The young boy lowered his bow slowly.
Then he looked toward the older man standing beside the visitors.
"Father."
Eklavya stepped forward and bowed his head respectfully before Hiranyadhanus. The chief placed a gentle hand on his son's shoulder.
"My son," he said warmly.
Eklavya's eyes then moved toward the strangers standing behind him.
His sharp gaze studied them one by one.
The tall white-haired warrior with the calm presence of a mountain.
The golden-armored archer standing confidently beside him.
The group of princes dressed in travel clothes yet carrying themselves like royalty.
Finally his eyes stopped on Suyodhana.
"Who are they?" Eklavya asked.
Hiranyadhanus turned slightly.
"These guests come from Hastinapur," he explained.
The boy's eyes widened slightly.
"This is Bhishma, the guardian of the Kuru dynasty."
Eklavya immediately straightened and bowed respectfully.
The chief then gestured toward the princes.
"And these are the Kuru princes."
His hand stopped at Suyodhana.
"And this is Prince Suyodhana."
For a brief moment silence filled the clearing.
Then a slow smile appeared on Eklavya's face.
He folded his hands respectfully.
"It is an honor to meet the prince whose name is spreading through the forests and mountains."
Suyodhana smiled politely.
So this is Eklavya.
Sharp eyes. Calm mind. Strong spirit.
Good.
I'll think about recruiting him later.
First… we solve this situation.
He clapped his hands once lightly.
"Greetings can come later," Suyodhana said calmly, his voice warm and steady like a gentle breeze moving through the tall trees. "First show us your preparation against Baka. We want to see how the forest folk plan to face this shadow together."
The warriors around the clearing nodded with quiet respect. Their eyes brightened a little, as if his words had lit a small spark of hope inside their tired hearts. In the soft green light filtering through the leaves above, that spark seemed to glow stronger. They began moving without another word, guiding the group deeper into the whispering woods.
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The Plan
The Nishads led them along a narrow forest path where tall trees stood like ancient guardians, their roots twisting deep into the earth like the fingers of sleeping giants. Their branches wove together high above to form a living roof of leaves that swayed softly in the breeze.
Sunlight slipped through the canopy in thin golden ribbons that danced across the mossy ground like playful spirits. Tiny glowing fireflies floated beside them like friendly lanterns guiding travelers through the forest. Soft blue mushrooms nestled among the roots of the trees glowed gently, lighting the way with quiet magic that pulsed faintly like a heartbeat of the earth itself.
The air smelled sweet with wild herbs and fresh morning dew, and the forest itself seemed to lean closer as they walked, as if it were listening carefully to every step.
Soon they reached another wide clearing that opened like a hidden stage between the trees.
This place felt different.
Not peaceful like the village.
But alive with quiet determination.
Large wooden carts stood nearby, filled with fresh fruits that glowed with juicy sweetness, golden grains tied in woven bundles, roasted meat wrapped in broad forest leaves, and baskets of forest produce that sparkled with tiny drops of dew like hidden jewels.
Warriors were sharpening spears and arrows on smooth stones. The metal edges caught soft glints of light, making the air hum faintly with the promise of battle.
Several hunters hid behind large rocks and thick tree trunks, their bodies blending perfectly with the shadows like silent guardians of the woods. Long ropes woven with forest magic were stretched carefully across the ground, hidden beneath fallen leaves and glowing moss that shimmered faintly when stepped on.
Others had climbed high into the trees with bows ready, their figures nearly invisible among the branches and vines that whispered quietly in the wind.
Hiranyadhanus explained the plan in a calm, steady voice that carried through the clearing like a father teaching his children.
"We will pretend to deliver the weekly offering."
He pointed toward the heavily loaded cart that seemed to sigh under the weight of food.
"The fruits… the grains… the meat… and the sacrifice."
Dushashan frowned slightly, his brows drawing together in thought.
"And when the demon appears?"
Eklavya answered without hesitation.
His young voice was clear and brave like the first light of dawn breaking through the leaves.
"Then we strike."
He pointed toward the hidden warriors with steady confidence.
"Archers will fire first from the trees, sending arrows like falling stars guided by the wind."
"Then the spearmen will attack from both sides, fast and strong."
"Hunters behind the rocks will trap him with strong ropes woven with forest magic and the prayers of our elders."
"We have practiced many times."
"The trees themselves will help us hide."
Karna crossed his arms while studying the setup carefully, his golden eyes sharp and thoughtful. Bhishma quietly walked around the clearing, observing everything with the wisdom of countless battles, his steps light upon the glowing moss.
Suyodhana watched silently.
His mind moved gently like a quiet stream.
Hmm.
Their preparation is a little clumsy… but not bad at all.
For forest hunters who had never fought a real demon before, the plan showed real courage and strong determination. The ropes glowed faintly with hidden spells, and the arrows hummed softly with the spirit of the woods, as if the forest itself wanted to protect its children.
Suyodhana nodded slowly.
His voice was honest and kind.
"Not bad."
The Nishad warriors smiled proudly, their shoulders lifting with renewed hope as the glowing fireflies swirled around them faster.
But then he asked calmly, his eyes soft with care.
"Who will become the bait?"
Silence spread across the clearing like a soft blanket.
The glowing mushrooms dimmed their light slightly.
Even the fireflies slowed their dance.
It was as if the whole forest was holding its breath.
After a moment, a man stepped forward.
He looked to be around thirty years old.
His body was strong from years of hunting and climbing trees, but his hands trembled slightly, and fear hid behind his brave face like a shadow behind a leaf.
"I will become the bait," the man said quietly.
His voice was steady.
But his eyes were full of worry.
Behind him, two women suddenly began crying softly.
A young girl clung tightly to his leg, her small hands shaking, while an older woman held her shoulders with trembling hands.
"No, please," the wife whispered, tears rolling down her cheeks like morning dew.
"Not you… not our family."
The little girl buried her face in her father's leg and sobbed.
"Papa, don't go… I will be good, I promise."
The man avoided looking at them.
But the fear in his eyes was impossible to hide.
Like a storm cloud trying to stay hidden on a sunny day.
Suyodhana noticed immediately.
He's terrified.
His heart is breaking even as he tries to be strong for his family.
Before Suyodhana could speak—
Another man stepped forward from the side.
His voice was rough but full of love.
"No—let me take his place."
"I have no children."
"Only an old mother who can live without me."
His elderly mother rushed forward, grabbing his arm.
"My son, you are all I have left!" she cried, her voice breaking like dry leaves in the wind.
Then a third person—a strong young hunter with a wife and newborn baby—pushed through the crowd.
"I will go," he said, his voice cracking.
His wife ran to him, holding their tiny baby close to her chest.
"Please… our little one needs you."
"I cannot raise him alone in these woods."
The baby began to cry softly, as if sensing the sadness in the air.
More voices rose.
A brother stepped up beside his younger sibling.
"Take me instead—he is too young!"
Their mother fell to her knees between them, tears streaming down her face.
"My boys… both of you?"
"How can a mother choose?"
She hugged them both tightly, sobbing into their shoulders.
The clearing filled with quiet cries and loving arguments.
Wives held their husbands.
Children clung to fathers.
Brothers argued over who should go.
Mothers pleaded with the heavens.
The glowing fireflies swirled faster in worried circles, and the trees seemed to lean closer, their leaves rustling like soft whispers of comfort.
One old grandmother stepped forward with surprising strength.
"I am old and alone."
"Let an old woman end her days protecting the young ones."
Her grandchildren rushed to her, crying and begging her not to go.
The Nishads stood together in a wave of love and sacrifice.
No one wanted to lose anyone.
Yet everyone was ready to give everything for the village.
Tears flowed freely now, mixing with brave smiles and tight hugs.
The forest itself seemed to feel the pain.
Soft glowing vines curled gently around the families, as if trying to hold them all together.
Eklavya stepped forward with quiet courage.
"No."
His voice was calm but firm, like a small river that refused to change its path.
"He will not be the bait."
"None of them will."
He looked at the crying families with deep compassion that made the air feel warmer.
"I will become the bait."
The clearing erupted with shocked murmurs.
The glowing fireflies swirled even faster, as if surprised too.
Hiranyadhanus stepped forward immediately.
His face was full of fatherly worry.
"No."
His voice was strong and loving.
"Eklavya, you are still a child."
"Our customs are clear."
He placed a gentle hand on the first volunteer's shoulder.
"This man volunteered himself."
"No one forced him."
"We will remember his sacrifice forever and care for his family with open hearts."
Eklavya shook his head slowly.
His eyes turned toward the crying families.
"He has a wife."
"He has children."
"If he dies, we may support them with food and shelter."
"But who will give those children their father's love and laughter?"
"Who will teach them to walk in the forest with pride and joy?"
He looked at the other volunteers and their families.
"And what about the rest of you?"
"Every one of you has someone waiting at home with a heavy heart."
The chief remained silent.
His heart was clearly torn.
The feathers in his hair trembled slightly.
Eklavya continued quietly.
His young voice carried wisdom beyond his years.
"And will you be able to live with that weight for the rest of your life, Father?"
The old chief's expression softened like morning mist under gentle sunlight.
"And what about you?" he asked gently.
He pulled his son closer.
"You are my child."
"My heart."
For a moment neither spoke.
Then Hiranyadhanus pulled Eklavya into a tight, loving embrace.
The forest seemed to hold its breath.
The glowing mushrooms brightened softly.
As if sending warmth to the father and son.
Even the Nishad warriors lowered their heads in respect.
Some wiped their eyes.
Behind Suyodhana, Dushashan rubbed his eyes awkwardly.
Vikarna looked away, blinking quickly.
Dushshala wiped tears from her cheeks with the back of her hand.
Karna sighed quietly.
His golden aura glowing softer.
Even Bhishma's wise eyes softened with emotion.
The great warrior looked almost like a father himself.
Suyodhana watched the beautiful, painful scene silently.
Hmm.
Is this some kind of heartfelt drama unfolding right before my eyes?
He smiled gently inside.
Hush…
Time to step in and make things right.
He stepped forward into the center of the clearing.
The soft crunch of leaves beneath his feet made everyone look up.
The clearing fell quiet again.
The glowing mushrooms brightened slightly.
As if waiting to hear what he would say.
The fireflies swirled around him like tiny stars celebrating his courage.
"No one is becoming bait," Suyodhana said clearly.
His voice calm.
Full of quiet strength.
It seemed to push the shadows back a little.
Everyone looked at him with wide eyes.
The fireflies swirled faster.
As if cheering his words.
Suyodhana's voice remained steady and kind.
"Because I will be the bait."
The words dropped into the clearing like a gentle stone into still water.
Ripples of shock spread across every face.
To be continued…