King Vikramaditya, a man of his word, was once again carrying the Betal, hanging from a peepal tree, on his shoulder through a dark, silent jungle. His sword was in his hand, his mind alert.
The Betal laughed and said, “Your Majesty, as long as you answer my questions, I will remain airborne. Listen to a new tale. But the condition remains the same—if you answer at the end, I shall fly away again.”
Vikram silently agreed, and the Betal began his story.
The Just King of Tamralipti and Satvasheel's Dream
Long ago, a beautiful city named Tamralipti thrived on the seashore. Its king, Chandrasen, was renowned for his justice, foresight, and bravery. The city prospered, but outside its walls, problems like unemployment and resource scarcity were growing. King Chandrasen was worried and sought solutions with the help of capable individuals.
In this city lived a young man named Satvasheel—courageous, loyal, and selfless. He repeatedly tried to get a job at the royal court but was always turned away by the guards.
Thirst, Fruit, and a Golden Opportunity
One day, King Chandrasen went hunting. The intense sun and dryness parched his throat, but he could find no water. Then he saw a young man standing by the roadside—Satvasheel. He immediately offered the king water and some fruit.
The king, pleased, asked, “Young man, what is your wish?”
Satvasheel replied without hesitation, “Your Majesty, I wish to serve in your court, to contribute to the welfare of the kingdom and its people.”
Impressed by his clarity and selfless spirit, the king gave him a position in the court.
The First Step Towards the Island
Over time, Satvasheel became a trusted advisor to the king. One day, Chandrasen said to him, “Unemployment is increasing outside our city. There's an island near the sea that appears lush and prosperous. It's necessary to explore its possibilities.”
Satvasheel immediately accepted this responsibility. The king provided him with a boat, crew, and necessary supplies, sending him towards the island.
Leap into the Unknown: Satvasheel's True Test
During the sea voyage, Satvasheel saw a flag floating in the waves. Without delay, he stopped his companions and jumped into the sea himself. He didn't consider that this leap could be his last.
Upon regaining consciousness, he found himself standing on the island. Lush greenery and sweet music surrounded him. A beautiful princess stood before him with her attendants. Satvasheel respectfully greeted her. The princess offered him hospitality, food, and directed him to a pool for bathing.
As soon as he set foot in the water, he found himself back in the palace of Tamralipti, before King Chandrasen. He explained the entire mystery to the king in detail. The king was astonished.
Victory and Satvasheel's Glory
King Chandrasen himself set out for the island. With a small army and his trust, he reached there. The princess and her army confronted him. But Chandrasen chose the path of dialogue, not war. The princess, showing wisdom, decided to come under the rule of Tamralipti.
After the victory, King Chandrasen announced in a public assembly, “The credit for this victory goes to Satvasheel. His fearlessness and selfless service brought us this prosperity. Therefore, I appoint him the ruler of this island and arrange his marriage to the princess.”
The Betal's Question
Having said this, the Betal fell silent. Then he said, “Your Majesty, tell me—who is the true brave one? King Chandrasen, who thoughtfully conquered the island, or Satvasheel, who leaped into the unknown?”
Vikram's Just Answer
King Vikram immediately replied, “Satvasheel is the true brave one. King Chandrasen made a well-considered decision with information, an army, and resources. But Satvasheel, without any assurance, without knowing what lay ahead—danger or death—took a step, risking his life. The one who shows courage even in uncertainty and darkness is called a true hero.”
Moral
True courage is that which makes decisions fearlessly, even in the unknown and uncertainty. To proceed with courage where the outcome is unclear is true heroism. The Betal, pleased with King Vikram's answer, laughed and, as promised, flew back to hang from the peepal tree.
