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KARNA: Son of the Charioteer Chapter 22
The horse-drawn carriages began to glide one by one through the outer city route. Karna started to move after about twenty carriages had gone ahead of him. He knew that this competition could be either tough or easy, depending on what the drivers would do during the race. If the race was conducted fairly and cleanly, the winner would undoubtedly be Vrushali. Even he, who had won the chariot race years ago, didn't believe he could beat the girl.In a horse race, a driver must have a close relationship with the horses they control. Using horses that are familiar and understanding their habits is the main requirement for winning. Karna looked at the horses pulling his chariot—two of them were new and unfamiliar. But knowing one of the stallions among the four was enough for him to control all of them.Karna began to accelerate his chariot, but he didn't force his horses to run at their maximum speed like the other drivers did. The journey around Hastinapur was not short. If he pushed the
KARNA: Son of the Charioteer Chapter 23
Karna and Vrushali had a simple wedding following the traditions of the Suta caste, done modestly and quietly. The faces of both individuals were filled with joy. Radha cried tears of happiness.A month later, Karna visited the palace of Hastinapur to meet his friend, Duryodhana. He intended to greet him before returning to his kingdom in Anga and also to introduce his wife. Duryodhana welcomed them both, and when Karna introduced Vrushali to him, Duryodhana was surprised."I didn't know there was still a girl as beautiful as this. Which kingdom does she belong to? Which competition did you attend? Why didn't I receive an invitation?" Duryodhana asked rapidly. "Truly, her beauty is no less than Draupadi's, and I can smell the fragrance of lotus. Does it emanate from her body?"Vrushali bowed her head in embarrassment and replied, "Your praise is too kind, Prince. I am not a princess; I am just the daughter of a charioteer, and my husband won me in a competition among the charioteers.
KARNA: Son of the Charioteer Chapter 24
However, from many other pieces of information, it was said that Indraprastha was built by the gods because of the power of the Pandavas. Karna just found it hard to believe. Karna didn't know what the Pandavas were thinking by creating such a magnificent city.Certainly, Duryodhana would feel pressured by this, as they named their city 'Indraprastha,' meaning the city of Indra. Indra, the god, was the king of the gods. This also meant that the Pandavas wanted to claim themselves as rulers of all or at least rulers of the Kuru. Duryodhana would certainly feel threatened by this.Several years later, after the city was completed, Karna heard that they began to build a palace famous for its beauty and luxury. They also built a large arena for gatherings of kings.At least Karna realized one thing: after the Pandavas received half of the Kuru kingdom, they did not prosper their people but squeezed them to build the center o
KARNA: Son of the Charioteer Chapter 25
Indraprastha stands tall to spread the truth of dharma. That's what many people say. The beauty of its palace is also renowned everywhere. Although Yudhisthira's name sounds like that of a wise king following the truth, Karna as the King of Anga remains a king with the greatest sympathy and virtues.Arjuna and Bhima never agreed with that. On one occasion, Arjuna was in the palace when a poor Brahmin came to see Yudhisthira. The Brahmin asked for a considerable amount of sandalwood as firewood for his deceased wife.Yudhisthira welcomed the Brahmin warmly and immediately ordered all his people to search for sandalwood everywhere. However, they all returned saying that the available sandalwood was still wet due to consecutive rainfalls in the past few months. According to woodcutters and wood sellers, the rain might continue for several more months.Yudhisthira then promised the Brahmin that as soon as dry sandalwood was available in the market, he would personally deliver it to the Br
KARNA: Son of the Charioteer Chapter 26
Duryodhana had heard about the beauty of the Indraprastha palace, which drew admiration from all the kings who had seen it. He felt restless and wanted to see the beauty of the palace for himself, rumored to be far more magnificent than the main palace in Hastinapur. It was even said that the palace was not built by humans but by gods."This is clearly just a rumor spread by the Pandavas to enhance their fame and reputation," thought Duryodhana. "It's impossible that demons or celestial architects from heaven built it for them. They are just deceivers."Accompanied by some brothers and uncles, Duryodhana accepted the Pandavas' invitation to visit and tour the Indraprastha palace. They were all amazed at the beauty of the palace. It was a shining palace full of luxury from gemstones, with all buildings neatly arranged and adorned with luxurious stone carvings, among many other beauties that were difficult to describe in words. Duryodhana was even speechless, not imagining that there co
KARNA: Son of the Charioteer Chapter 27
King Dhritarashtra remained silent, unable to make a decision. Bhisma appeared displeased by this and asked Yudhisthira, "Are you aware of the consequences?" "Yes," replied Yudhisthira. The old grandfather snorted and said nothing more. Likewise, Drona and Vidura stayed quiet. Karna looked around and remained silent. It was the right of Duryodhana and Yudhisthira to stake what they had. Outsiders like them couldn't interfere unless ensuring that both were fully aware of the risks.The dice were rolled, and Yudhisthira got the numbers 3, 4, 4 from the three dice, totaling 11. Shakuni, playing on behalf of Duryodhana, began to roll his dice. Duryodhana's heart raced; he might lose his kingdom. When the dice stopped, the first die showed a 5, the second showed a 1, and the last showed a 6, totaling 12.Yudhisthira's face turned pale, as did his four brothers. Bhima, furious, erupted and refused to accept the decision. He even threatened to go to war if Duryodhana took their kingdom.Dury
KARNA: Son of the Charioteer Chapter 28
Draupadi, witnessing the scene, felt humiliated, angry, and tried to escape without realizing her clothes were still held by Dushasana. This tore her clothes and made it seem like Dushasana wanted to strip her naked. The spectacle intensified as Draupadi struggled, and Dushasana refused to let go of her clothes, fearing she would escape.Her emotions surged within, feeling hot with anger. However, something called rules bound her. She was like a hungry tiger chained with iron shackles. She could no longer distinguish right from wrong. If Yudhisthira had not accepted this game, none of this would have happened. If Draupadi hadn't insulted Duryodhana, she might not have been involved and humiliated. Also, if Draupadi hadn't struggled, resisted, and sat calmly, things might have been different, and her clothes wouldn't have been torn open. But Draupadi kept struggling with her clothes gripped, ultimately causing harm to herself, especially when she had already lost."Stop all this," Vidu
KARNA: Son of the Charioteer Chapter 29
King Dhritarashtra couldn't see the performance, but he felt that what his son and nephews were doing had gone too far."Stop all of this," replied King Dhritarashtra. "Duryodhana, it's just a game. Return what you've won from them."Duryodhana fell silent. Karna could see anger and disbelief in Duryodhana's eyes.Duryodhana's heart ached; he didn't expect his victory over the Pandavas to be stripped away like this, especially by his own father. He also knew that his father always favored the Pandavas more than him, his own son.With his head bowed, Duryodhana turned to his father and said, "I will do as you say, Father. I will return everything to the Pandavas." He couldn't defy his father's command, as a son must obey his father.Yudhishthira smiled in relief, but not Draupadi, Bhima, and Arjuna. Draupadi, in tears, ran to Bhima and begged for revenge. Draupadi knew Bhima was the most fierce and rough. She said Dushasana had pulled her hair forcefully.At that moment, Bhima promised
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- KARNA: Son of the Charioteer
Chapter 43
The battle between Bhima and Duryodhana lasted so long. Duryodhana was seen desperately defending himself so that Bhima could not make a real attack.Not long after, Bhima swung his mace at a place that was not protected by Duryodhana at all. His groin. A startled Duryodhana tried to dodge, but the mace quickly struck into Duryodhana's inner thigh, shattering his flesh and thigh bone.In a mace battle, it is strictly forbidden to attack the lower body, let alone the groin. However, Bhima was driven by the desire to win and struck that area. Duryodhana's body immediately fell to the battlefield with blood flowing from his thigh.Duryodhana smiled and laughed, then he shouted, “Alright, I lost. How foolish I was to desire this kingdom when this world itself is false and temporary. Listen, Pandavas, I have been a good king to my people. I have been a formidable enemy to my foes. I have fought as an honest warrior to my last battle. I will die as a warrior and reach heaven, joining my fri
- KARNA: Son of the Charioteer
Chapter 42
“What happened?” Arjuna asked Krishna, puzzled. “Why didn’t any of my arrows reach his neck? I have aimed at him repeatedly with my arrows. It’s as if something is protecting him.”“That is Dharma,” Krishna said, gazing into the distance. “Karna continues to perform good deeds and uphold dharma, so all those virtuous acts come together to protect him from death.”“If that’s the case, what should I do to kill him?”“Wait here,” Krishna said, stopping his chariot and dismounting, walking towards Karna who was leaning helplessly against the wheel of his chariot.“The day has reached noon. It is the time when you usually worship the Sun God,” Krishna said. “Will you perform that worship this time as well?”Karna smiled, feeling his chest tight from the arrows that had pierced his lungs. “I would like to if I can.”“Then close your eyes.”As Karna followed Krishna’s command and closed his eyes, he suddenly found himself by the banks of the Ganges, right near the house of Adhiratha and Radh
- KARNA: Son of the Charioteer
Chapter 41
Yudhisthira was forced to advance Arjuna because the damage caused by yesterday's battle was truly devastating. During Bhisma's ten days of leadership, it was reported that Bhisma killed as many as 1.27 Akshouhinis of the Pandava army, Drona, during his five days of leadership, killed 1 Akshouhinis, and Karna, who had just led for one day, killed 2.37 Akshouhinis of the Pandava army."You will not be able to kill Arjuna. He, along with Yudhisthira, defends the Dharma of truth. Meanwhile, you and Duryodhana are on the side of evil, and you will soon be destroyed," said King Shalya to Karna.All this while, Karna had been bombarded with insults by King Shalya, who actually felt deceived by Duryodhana's actions. Being the brother of Madri, Pandu's wife, he was still an uncle to the Pandavas. He leaned more towards supporting the Pandavas.Karna did not want to respond to those words and remained silent. When the war drums sounded, Arjuna's chariot sped towards him, and Shalya began to mo
- KARNA: Son of the Charioteer
Chapter 40
That translates to:"Not wanting to disappoint Vrushali, that night Karna also didn't say anything to her.Karna couldn't sleep because of his restless feelings. Tomorrow, he would face Arjuna, where Krishna was the protector who could never be defeated.That night as well, a soldier from the Kauravas approached his tent and said someone had left two items for him to be given to Karna.Karna went out and found the two items to be a shining short knife and a copper pot. Both items were given to Draupadi.He took the two items and looked across to where the Pandavas' camp was, feeling an indescribable anxiety."What makes you have such a sad expression?"Karna looked towards the voice and found his wife there."You haven't slept yet?" Karna asked.Vrushali shook her head and said, "I couldn't sleep. Something makes me want to see you."Karna took a deep breath. "I also have something to tell you."Karna invited Vrushali into his tent and said, "There shouldn't be secrets between husband
- KARNA: Son of the Charioteer
Chapter 39
Then he shot at the crown hanging above Yudhishthira's head, causing the crown to be thrown away. Without a weapon in his hand and an arrow aimed at him, Karna approached him and said, "Be a good king." Karna then left Yudhishthira without harming him.Karna's chariot continued to move around the battlefield, and when he found Nakula, he shot arrows at Nakula's chariot and the horses. This forced the man to leave his chariot, and Karna passed by, saying, "Practice again."Next, Karna encountered Bhima. His fierce brother tried to attack him. Karna shot dozens of arrows that broke Bhima's bow and the mace thrown by Bhima. However, Bhima continued to chase him with his chariot until Karna had to destroy the chariot's wheels with his arrows.After his chariot was damaged, Bhima quickly left it and chased Karna on foot. Karna shot arrows that stripped Bhima of his armor, causing his brother to run bare-chested, hoping Bhima would stop chasing him. However, Bhima, consumed by anger, seemed
- KARNA: Son of the Charioteer
Chapter 38
"Karna!!!" Duryodhana exclaimed, "Starting tomorrow, lead the Kaurava army to victory. Do not disappoint me."Karna saluted deeply, "I promise, tomorrow I will bring your enemies before the god Yama. I will not let you down."That very night, after the large meeting, Karna sat until late into the night and slipped out of his camp. He walked silently to the middle of the quiet battlefield. In one place, arrows filled a lifeless body. Karna walked in silence towards the fallen great Kuru warrior lying there.Karna knelt under his feet and wept silently. His tears touched Bhisma's feet.The old man woke up and asked, "Who is there shedding tears on my feet? Their warmth stings me sharper than arrows.""It's me, Karna," Karna's voice cracked due to tears. "Truly, I did not mean to wake you. I came here only to pay my long overdue respects. It is my misfortune to not have received your attention and affection. I waited until late at night because I feared you would dislike my presence and
- KARNA: Son of the Charioteer
Chapter 37
Bhisma's fall surprised everyone, including Duryodhana."I never expected Arjuna, the revered hero, to use a woman as an archer and shoot Bhisma, who had laid down his arms!" exclaimed Duryodhana. "What kind of hero is that!"Nevertheless, Duryodhana had to accept the outcome. Although Bhisma hadn't died—because he had vowed not to die until he saw the end result of the battle—he could no longer lead the Kaurava army. He immediately called upon Drona to take command of the Kaurava forces.In the battle led by Drona, Karna was once again denied permission to join by Drona."I don't want my victory to be because of him. I don't need him," replied Drona.Karna understood the clear animosity between them, so he agreed and did not participate in the battle.Drona displayed impressive prowess, and the Pandavas could not withstand him. However, Drona still showed affection for his disciples, the Pandavas, and did not unleash his full strength against them.As a result, the battle ended with
- KARNA: Son of the Charioteer
Chapter 36
Before the day of the war, Duryodhana asked Bhisma, his grandfather, to lead the entire army. Bhisma looked at Duryodhana and said, "As the protector of the Kuru kingdom, I am willing to accept it."Bhisma accepted the position because it was his duty to protect the Kuru kingdom. The first step taken as the leader was to kick Karna out of the entire army and not allow him to participate in the war.Duryodhana, upon learning of this, immediately asked for an explanation."I find myself in disagreement with that boy. If you insist on using him, then I will not hold the position as the leader of the army," Bhisma replied.Duryodhana reluctantly accepted this, and Karna was not allowed to join the battle at all.On the day of the battle, both armies gathered at Kurukshetra. As far as the eye could see, armed soldiers stood in formation, filling the entire land.The kingdoms that supported the Pandavas were Panchala, Dwaraka, Kasi, Kekaya, Magadha, Matsya, Chedi, Pandya, Telinga, and Yadu f
- KARNA: Son of the Charioteer
Chapter 35
On a night after Krishna's return from the kingdom of Anga and his promise not to reveal Karna's true identity to the Pandavas, Karna dreamt of being visited by a knight who was very gallant and radiant."Karna," the knight smiled, "Do you know? In truth, Lord Indra has interfered greatly in worldly matters for his son, Arjuna.""I did not know," replied Karna."He once disguised himself as a scorpion to sting you while you were with your guru Parashurama, causing you to receive a curse.""...,"The knight looked at Karna's reaction and continued, "He also transformed into a large bee that stung a gentle cow to attack you in a forest. That's how you killed the cow and received a second curse."Karna fell silent, realizing the reason the cow suddenly turned wild and attacked him."Are you angry?" the knight asked. "Lord Indra has done many things to support his son, Arjuna, while your father, Lord Surya, has not helped you at all.""What has happened, let it pass," Karna said. "And you
