They searched the forest all around the spot where they found the flowers. They
noticed the marks of a Raakshasa's big feet and little foot-prints which they knew were
Seeta's.
They found some gold beads spilt from
Seeta's jewels. Raama cried again: "Look! The Raakshasa has been chasing her like a
beast of prey to tear her tender flesh!"
Then they saw several fragments of a
chariot and great clots of blood, as also royal headgear and jewels scattered on the
ground. They wondered what these things could mean.
Soon they came upon a large bow broken,
flag torn and arm our crushed. A little later they saw the dead bodies of a charioteer and
of mules. It was clear that a vehement battle had been fought on that spot. |
