Ch-55: A Glimmer of Hope

Karikalan, in a surprising turn of events, decided to override Senapati Narsimha's initial decision. He believed that Vijay, as the prince consort and his grandson-in-law, had a unique role to play in the unfolding events. His words carried the weight of a monarch's authority as he addressed Senapati Narsimha.

"Let him come, Senapati," Karikalan declared firmly. "In this crucible of war, he may learn the harsh realities of our world, and his unique perspective as the Prince Consort and a brilliant innovator could bring fresh insights to our strategy."

Karikalan's smirk, directed at Vijay, conveyed a mixture of expectation and confidence. Vijay, who had eagerly sought to contribute to the defense of his newfound homeland, couldn't help but smile with gratitude and determination.

Senapati Narsimha, who had initially intended to exclude Vijay, hesitated. He recognized the Karikalan's wisdom and understood the potential value of Vijay's presence. Reluctantly, he decided to relent, realizing that this young man's unorthodox thinking might indeed provide a new perspective in the coming conflict.

With this decision, Vijay's role in the council was solidified, and he was given the opportunity to participate in the critical discussions that would shape the kingdom's response to the impending threat. The weight of the situation hung heavy in the air, but there was a sense of unity and determination among those gathered to defend Vidya.

The war council convened urgently, with the first order of business being the dire situation at hand. The pressing issues of the blockade and the imminent threat posed by the advancing Draviraja army were brought to the forefront.

Senapati Narsimha, with his seasoned military insight, laid out the grim reality. He emphasized the vulnerability of Vidya's outskirts, comprising primarily towns and villages. The mere 500 soldiers stationed there, without the prospect of reinforcements from the Royal Capital, were no match for the incoming Draviraja army.

The war council chamber was filled with a heavy atmosphere as the stark assessment sank in. The thought of confronting the Draviraja force without adequate preparation sent shivers down their spines. The councilors understood the catastrophic consequences that could unfold if they did not act swiftly and wisely.

The unanimous sentiment in the room was one of urgency and apprehension. The safety of their people and the very survival of the Kingdom of Vidya depended on the decisions made in this chamber. It was a moment that demanded a strategic plan capable of countering the impending disaster and safeguarding their homeland.

The war room was steeped in tension as the discussion unfolded, each word hanging in the air like a heavy shroud. The council members were acutely aware of the dire circumstances that had befallen their kingdom, and the weight of their decisions pressed upon them.

Amidst the hushed murmurs and grave expressions, the consensus emerged that their only hope lay in clearing the blockade created by Raghavraj's troops and swiftly sending reinforcements to the beleaguered towns and villages on the outskirts of Vidya.

However, Senapati, a battle-hardened veteran with a pragmatic outlook, derisively dismissed the plan. His voice resonated with the weight of years spent on the battlefield as he voiced his skepticism. "This plan is a fool's errand," he asserted with a tinge of frustration. "Even if we possess knowledge of their locations, the terrain is their ally. The dense, verdant forests that envelop them provide a natural cloak, rendering our attempts to dislodge them in that wilderness an arduous and protracted endeavor. If we embark on such a mission, it could take months to root them out, and by then, Draviraja will have already conquered all of Vidya, leaving only the Royal Capital as our last bastion."

In the war room, a palpable sense of hopelessness hung heavy in the air as the dire situation continued to loom over them. The faces of the assembled council reflected their anxiety and uncertainty, their eyes darting between one another in search of answers.

Amidst this atmosphere, Vijay remained silent, his mind racing, calculating, and evaluating their limited options. He scanned the room, noticing the weary expressions and furrowed brows of those around him. The weight of the impending crisis bore down on everyone present.

And then, like a beacon of light in the darkness, a brilliant idea crystallized in Vijay's mind. His face brightened with newfound determination as he mustered the courage to break through the prevailing despair. With a voice that carried a spark of hope, he spoke up, "Do you have a substantial stock of oil or animal fat?"

His words hung in the air, drawing puzzled glances from those around the table. Karikalan, however, fixed his gaze on Vijay, his curiosity piqued. He leaned forward, his eyes searching Vijay's for answers. With a mixture of caution and intrigue, he asked, "Vijay, what is your plan? You must explain before we commit our food resources to this."

Vijay's confident smile widened, and his eyes sparkled with resolve. With a sense of purpose, he responded, "Bring me the oil. I have a plan that might just be our way out of this dire situation." The room, once shrouded in despair, was now filled with a glimmer of hope, and all eyes turned to Vijay, eager to hear his innovative solution.

Vijay's response left the council members both intrigued and perplexed. Senapati, ever the pragmatic strategist, cut to the heart of the matter with his question. "Do you really have a good plan?" he inquired, his voice tinged with skepticism. "And what will be the possible casualties?"

Vijay, however, displayed an unusual level of confidence and optimism. He chuckled softly before responding, "Nobody will die, Senapati. Just some forests, including the enemy troops, will be removed from the map of Vidya." His words hung in the air, a tantalizing promise of an unconventional solution.

The council members exchanged uncertain glances, their curiosity battling with their concerns. Still, they trusted Vijay's judgment as he had already done many miracles and quickly issued orders to fetch the necessary materials. As they prepared to put Vijay's plan into action, he added with a mischievous smile, "Also, bring many tent cloths and wood. If we are going to erase them, we shall do it with a bang."

His words ignited a spark of anticipation in the room, and the atmosphere shifted from one of despair to one of cautious hope. Vijay's audacious plan held the promise of changing the course of their dire circumstances, and the council members were now eager to see it unfold.