Chapter 34

As the echoes of Karthikeya's words faded, the crowd remained hushed, their eyes fixed upon the king. His expression was grave, his demeanor resolute. In a moment that would be etched into the kingdom's history, Karthikeya delivered his verdict.

"All of you have heard their crimes clearly," he proclaimed, his voice resonating with authority. "These crimes, while seemingly insignificant in ordinary times, have taken a devastating toll on our kingdom and its people. Their actions have led to the loss of countless lives and caused untold suffering. This is their sin, and for this sin, in the name of the Chola Empire, the Kingdom of Anuradhapuram, and by my authority, I sentence them to death."

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd as Karthikeya's words struck them like a bolt of lightning. The death sentence, though severe, carried the weight of justice, a stark reminder that even the highest positions of power would not shield individuals from the consequences of their actions.

Karthikeya's decision, while met with shock and disbelief, also ignited a spark of admiration within the hearts of many. They saw in his actions a display of courage and unwavering commitment to justice, a willingness to confront corruption and uphold the law, no matter the cost.

The pronouncement of the death sentence sent shockwaves through the gathering. The nobles, initially stunned into silence, gradually regained their composure and nodded in tacit agreement. They recognized the severity of the officials' crimes and the need for justice to be served.

Karthikeya's decisive actions and his willingness to expose the wrongdoing of his own people earned him both surprise and respect from the nobles. They understood his strategy of placing the blame squarely on the corrupt officials, shielding the Chola empire from any tarnish, while also appeasing the civilians' growing discontent.

As Karthikeya ordered the officials to be brought forward, Bairavendra, his loyal bodyguard, stepped forward, offering to carry out the execution in his stead. He believed that the king should not soil his hands with the blood of such unworthy individuals.

Karthikeya, however, firmly rejected Bairavendra's offer. "No, Bairavendra," he declared with unwavering resolve. "I proclaimed their deaths, and I shall be the one to execute them."

The officials, their faces pale with fear, pleaded for mercy, their voices trembling as they begged for forgiveness. Karthikeya, however, remained unmoved. He had witnessed firsthand the suffering they had caused, the lives they had destroyed, and he knew that justice demanded their punishment.

With a heavy heart, Karthikeya drew his sword, its gleaming blade casting a chilling reflection on his determined face. 

As Karthikeya raised his sword, the crowd held its breath, their hearts pounding in anticipation. The officials, their faces pale and their eyes filled with terror, awaited their fate, their pleas for mercy falling on deaf ears.

With a swift and decisive stroke, Karthikeya executed the first official, his justice swift and unwavering. The crowd watched in awe and silent respect as the king carried out his duty, his actions a testament to his unwavering commitment to upholding the law, regardless of rank or status.

One by one, the corrupt officials met their end, their lives forfeit for their betrayal of the kingdom and its people. Karthikeya's actions sent a powerful message to all, a stark reminder that no one stood above the law, not even those who held positions of power and influence.

As the final official fell, a hush fell over the crowd, their emotions a mix of awe, admiration, and a newfound sense of hope and trust.

Karthikeya's voice, devoid of emotion, echoed through the air, "Seek forgiveness in the afterlife, if one exists, for those you have wronged in this life." He said as a swift and final stroke of his sword, he brought justice to the last of the corrupt officials.

The weight of the deed pressed heavily upon him, but Karthikeya's resolve remained unshaken. He handed his sword to Bairavendra, his trusted companion, instructing him to handle the remaining formalities. As he returned to his seat, the servants offered him cloths to wipe away the blood, but he remained unfazed, his indifference a testament to his inner strength.

The next batch of accused were brought forward, their faces etched with fear and uncertainty. They were the local nobility, complicit in the crimes of the Chola officials. Their punishment was swift and decisive, their lives forfeit for their betrayal of the kingdom.

The final group of accused arrived, their presence met with a mix of fear and a hint of satisfaction from the civilians. These were the individuals who had committed heinous acts against the people, their crimes a stark contrast to the laws that favored the nobility.

The soldiers, their voices grim, read out the charges against Agnathan and his men. The list was long and damning, including their failure to provide aid to the civilians and their collaboration with the rebels.

As the charges were laid bare, Agnathan's face contorted with a mixture of fear and resentment. He had underestimated Karthikeya, believing him to be a mere prodigal brat from the rumers. Now, he faced the consequences of his actions.

Karthikeya, his eyes filled with a mix of admiration and regret, approached Agnathan. "I have heard tales of your unwavering loyalty to your king," he acknowledged, his voice laced with sincerity. "I recognize your dedication, and I offer you a chance to prove your worth once more. Pledge your allegiance to me, and I shall grant you a second opportunity."

Agnathan, his face etched with defiance, met Karthikeya's gaze with unwavering resolve. "I will never betray my oath," he declared, his voice firm and unwavering. "I would rather face death than break my Oath ."

Karthikeya sighed, his regret palpable. "A pity," he murmured, his voice laced with genuine sorrow. "You possess great potential, Agnathan, but your stubborn loyalty blinds you to the future I envision."

With a heavy heart, Karthikeya instructed the soldiers to proceed with the judgment. Agnathan, his head held high, accepted his fate with unwavering stoicism. He was to be executed, his body receiving a dignified funeral, while his men were to be imprisoned and subjected to hard labor.

As for Agnathan's family, they were given a choice: either remain in the kingdom as ordinary citizens or depart from its borders. Karthikeya, in his compassion, sought to offer them a chance to rebuild their lives, a gesture that spoke volumes about his character.

Standing before the gathered civilians, Karthikeya addressed them with a voice filled with empathy and determination. "The past cannot be undone," he acknowledged, his gaze sweeping across the faces etched with pain and loss. "I cannot erase the suffering you have endured, but I can vow to prevent such atrocities from recurring."

With a surge of conviction, Karthikeya declared the dawn of a new era, a time of equality, justice, and prosperity. He announced a land reclamation initiative, inviting the people to reclaim their lost lands and rebuild their lives. The kingdom, he pledged, would provide all the necessary support, from cattle and tools to food and shelter.

In a society long plagued by exploitation and oppression, Karthikeya's words ignited a spark of hope. The people, weary of suffering, saw in their young king a beacon of change, a leader who would champion their rights and empower them to shape their own destinies.

Karthikeya's vision extended beyond mere land reclamation. He envisioned a kingdom where idleness was frowned upon, where everyone contributed to the collective well-being. He assured his people that work would be mandatory, but he also pledged to protect them from exploitation and ensure fair compensation for their labor.

As Karthikeya concluded his address, a wave of optimism swept through the crowd. The people, their spirits lifted, saw in their king a leader who understood their struggles and cared for their well-being.