Now once more the The Tibetan Government has broken the treaty between us with no provocation on our part and what is more they have allowed our citizens, who are there for peaceful trade, to suffer abuse on Tibetan soil. Unless we conquer Tibet once more and force them to accept the coin on which the revered head of Your Majesty is embossed we will lose our honour. We are Nepalese and can't tolerate subjugation, harassment and above all we will not tolerate disrespect of our Sovereign Lord. Your Majesty"s name must reign supreme. Be it as Your Majesty pleases."
Although Somnath had already discouraged the King and Queen from going to war with Tibet, Jagat's stirring exhortation completely changed their minds. Their sons, Prince Trailokya and Narendra who had come into the room whilst Jagat was telling his story, were visibly moved by it.
"Aye then, Jagat, we must conquer Tibet," the King announced, "But how ?"
"By moving with all possible speed," Your Majesty, was Jagat's reply,"Generals Bom and Dhir must leave immediately. It is they who will command our troops and they must leave by early morning." Jagat and the two Generals rose to their feet. From the time of their ancestors this family had served in the Palace, their
brother Jung had been a subaltern there and his wife had been the Queen's lady-in-waiting. The Queen had become very fond of her and the two ladies had once jokingly promised each other that their children would marry each other when they grew up. The Queen had hinted to the King about this promise on several occasions and secretly
His Majesty was in favour of this arrangement. With the memory of this promise at the back of her mind, the queen followed His Majesty into the chamber where he was to conduct a farewell ceremony.
"Bom Bahadur, are only you two brothers going?" the Queen asked. Bom and Dhir looked towards their nephew
for approval.In the presence of the Prime Minister's son, other noblemen did not address themselves to the Royal Family members and Jagat himself came forward now with a reply.
"Majesty, according to our campaign plans, Generals Bom Bahadur will attack Lhasa by way of Kerung pass with
10,000 men while General Dhir with an equal number of troops will march on Lhasa over Khasa."
Bom Bahadur and Dhir came forward for the Royal Family blessing, the former tall and thin with streaks of grey already in his hair framing a face full of strength and determination.
The Royal Family blessed the two in turn and the Generals were just on the point of leaving when Jung Bahadur arrived so their departure was delayed whilst they stood in attendance on their elder brother.
"Any word yet about the Princess' marriage,"the King asked seeing Jung Bahadur.
"Revered Lord, I've sent word to the King of Kashi but as yet have had no reply," Jung replied.
The young crown prince Trailokya was astute and intelligent. The way his father had of easily diverting his attention to other topics when a serious discussion was being held, irritated him and he interrupted the conversation with a query of his own.
"Jung, what arrangements have you made for our defence? When all our troops are mobilised for war against Tibet this place will be vulnerable to enemy attack. Have you thought about that?"
"I have, Your Highness," Jung replied."General Bakhat is training 35,000 additional troops to reinforce our army in Tibet, if necessary, otherwise they'll be responsible for our defence."
contidd...................
