It was ever dangerous to carry unpleasant news to tyrants. Akampana was
frightened by the king's rage and said, "I shall speak, if you give me
protection." He then told his tale: "Raama, son of Dasaratha, a young warrior,
lion-like in fierce valour, a hero who has already acquired fame among men, fought with
Khara and Dooshana at Panchavati and destroyed them."
The Raakshasa king hissed like a cobra and
said, "What are you talking? How did this happen? Did Indra and the divine hosts come
down to earth and fight on Raama's side?" Akampana answered: "No such
thing happened, great king. Alone did Raama stand against our whole army and its
commanders and destroyed them all, and Khara and Dooshana too were slain. |
