Hunted Out

Birbal knew the moment he walked into the Royal presence what Emperor Akbar had in mind. He was dressed in tight clothes, ideally suited for a ride. In front of him, on the carpeted floor, lay gleaming swords and long spears with razor-sharp heads. The Emperor's eyes reminded Birbal of a killer on the prowl, of an eagle eyeing its prey, circling far above, preparing for the dive and the catch, of a lion stalking its prey.

Birbal bowed. The Emperor gave him a very casual nod. That, too, was understandable. For the Emperor's head was filled with thoughts of an exciting hunt. Oh! How deftly he would raise the spear and hurl it at a fleeing deer and bring it down! How quick he would be while aiming the spear at a tiger that came bounding, targeting him!  "Oh! For a hunt!" the Emperor sighed.  Birbal wished he would be excused from the hunting party. He hated killing, except when it was unavoidable.  Why should man go to the forest, chase animals leading their lives according to the laws of nature, corner them, kill them and exult in the act? That did not make sense.  But the Emperor had other ideas. The heads of tigers and antlers that decorated the walls of the Royal Court reminded Birbal of previous royal hunts.  Could he do something to cure the Emperor of his craving to hunt? He did not as yet have an idea on how to go about it. Nor did he know when he would get the chance to try his idea. But he knew he would soon get the idea and also a chance to try out his idea.  "Birbal, know what I plan to do?" the Emperor asked.  "I can't read minds, Shahenshah," a smile touched his lips.

"You clever rouge!" the Emperor burst into laughter.
Birbal waited.

"It is a fine sunny day. The air is cool, too. Today is ideal for hunting. What do you say?" the Emperor fixed Birbal with a glance.
"Your wishes, Shahenshah, are my commands," Birbal used honey-sweet words to keep the Emperor in good mood.

"So you come with me?"

"I do what you tell me, Alampana. What makes you happy will make me happy, too," Birbal spoke a white lie.
"I know you don't enjoy a hunt. Take delight in it, Birbal," the Emperor paused and added, "I know you are mentally alert. How quick-witted you are! But are you physically fit? I don't know. We'll know today when you come with me for the hunt," the Emperor gently patted Birbal on the back.

"Ji, Huzoor," Birbal bowed.