them, kill them, kill them…” His voice grew increasingly feeble.

He

looked around for his guards. Not one of them was to be seen. He did

spot Prabala standing in the distance watching from the entrance

of the inner quarters. He had never felt so alone. He had a sense of

reality. “Am I the mighty Kaṃsa, alone with my fears today? All my

carefully nurtured armies, assistants, and tyrants are all gone. My

wrestlers killed. Where is my Bāṇa? Where are my Kuṭil Dharmis?

Where are all those who had thrived on my largesse?”

‘Kaṃsa was trying very hard to figure out where the boys were.

He had taken out his sword; he was flailing his hands about, but

finding only air.

‘Krishṇa sensed the confusion in the mind of Kaṃsa from the

distance. He was amused to see him clashing with the air.

‘Krishṇa picked up the vaulting pole he had used against

Kuvalyapiḍa. Balarāma interjected, “What do you want to do with

him. I think we can easily arrest him. His soldiers have fled. ‘Krishṇa did not agree. “Dāu, we need
not be sentimental in

these matters. I am very clear. Our personal Dharma should never

come in the way of Rāshṭra Dharma. He declared war on us. If you

let him out alive, you will give hope to those who have earned

their fortunes under him. His Karma has already condemned him.

Look at his behaviour. He has lost the grip over his mind. He is a

confirmed scoundrel. Just put yourself in his place. Would he leave

you alive if you give him another chance? Would the Yadu Kingdom be

safer with Kaṃsa in jail or with Kaṃsa killed?”

‘Balarāma went quiet. He had no answer for Krishṇa’s reasoning.